001[music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Good evening. How's everybody doing? I I did look at the temperature. It's 80° out there, but we know that winter is at least fall is coming. We're going to have a little change in the air and the atmosphere in the next couple days. I don't know if you were up early early this morning. Um, but it was in the 60s, so uh quite nice. A lot of energy in the room. I really appreciate you being out uh with us this evening. I would like to call this meeting to order. I wish to extend a warm welcome to everyone here on this fine Tuesday, October 28th. Uh did you know that on this day in 1886, anybody know? No. The Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated
002on this day in 1886. So that's a lasting symbol of hope and opportunity. And I would say this that education carries that same weight, that same spirit of hope and opportunity. So the board, the superintendent and I, we're pleased that you have joined us as we celebrate student achievement. Um we're going to review information tonight. We do uh have some policy decisions to make in our public hearing as well as it relates to the effective operation of the P County School Board. And I would like to call the October 28th, 2025 school board meeting to order. So, if we can all please stand and Bishop Mincy, would you please give our invocation this evening and if you can just please remain standing for the pledge as well. And we bow our heads for a word
003of prayer. Kind father, in Jesus name, we are grateful for the gift of this wonderful day. But this is the day you made. We will rejoice. We will be glad in it. Thank you for the privilege that you've given unto us to come together tonight in this boardroom. We thank you for the board members. Thank you for superintendent. Thank you for all of the staff. Thank you for Poke County Public Schools. Thank you, oh God, for every student that comes to our schools. We ask for your continued blessings and your guidance and your protection over this district. We ask that you would be with us and encourage us in decisions that are made at this meeting and the other meetings that will continue to be a blessing to our children. We pray tonight, Lord Jesus
004Christ, that this meeting will be a fruitful meeting and that we will leave and be blessed and encouraged to continue in the fight. be with us now and bless as only you can and we will give you the glory, the honor, the praise and we will tell you thank you for all things. We ask it in your wonderful name Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Thank you Bishop Mincy Samuel if you can step forward and lead us in our pledge this evening. Feel free to Yeah. Grab that and you can pull it down. Excellent. >> Good evening. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. 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 for
005all. >> All right, you may be seated, except for our special guest tonight. So, we said that we're here to celebrate student achievement and and we want to celebrate you and the great work that you are doing as a student. >> So, so glad that you're here. If you could introduce yourself and any guests that you have with you tonight. >> My name is My name is Samuel Spalding and I'm nine from Laughman Oaks Elementary School. My dad right here is the dean is the dean of Laughman Oaks and used to be a mathematics and science teacher. And this is the assistant principal of Laughman Oaks Elementary School, Mr. Thomas. And where is she? >> There's your mom. She's waving. You see? >> And my mom who left >> [laughter] [gasps] >> I see her
006right there. She's she's definitely supporting you as well. That's awesome. So glad that y'all are here tonight. Appreciate that. Um all right, so the first question is you got a or second question rather. Tell us a little bit about your hobbies. Some things that you're interested in. >> I'm interested in fishing and I also play a sport soccer but it's really football. Ah, is that debatable? I don't think that's a debatable question. Uh, very good. So, okay. So, fishing, are you like freshwater, saltwater, what what kind of things are you fishing for? >> Really, we don't know. We just do it for fun. [laughter] >> That's awesome. All right. You're witty. This is so good. Um, all right. So, I guess I'll say football. Um, what what position? I mean, tell me tell me what
007you know about football. >> My position is attacking midfield >> and I play for Spartans U10. >> All right. Very good. Very good. And um All right. So, we'll go to subjects. Maybe your favorite subjects uh in school or subject in school. >> My favorite my favorite subjects are math and science. I love that. And and and we we heard that a little bit about your dad. That's pretty amazing. All right. Very good. Um let's see. I guess future-wise, you know, we're thinking about your future. Do you have a dream? You have this vision way out maybe next year or five years or 10 years. I don't know what you're thinking, but uh do you have this vision for the future? >> Yes, I do. My vision is to play professional soccer football actually [laughter]
008for one of the top Europe teams, Real Madrid. >> Yeah, indeed. >> And to and to get a degree in science. >> That's awesome. Yeah. So, I I didn't know who Real Madrid is. It's pretty terrible of me, but I did looking at your bio. I looked them up today. I was looking at some of their players and things like that. I mean, what are some of the colors of their their team? team. Do you have any players that you like? >> My favorite player from the team is called Killian Mbappe. >> Wow, that's awesome. That's awesome. All right. And and your name has a special meaning as well, I noticed uh in the bio. >> Yes, it's it's a name that God answers prayers for for >> Yeah. Yeah. That's rich. That stuck out
009to me. And uh seeing that your family has a connection uh to a different place, you want to share that with us as well? >> Yes. My my almost my entire family is from J is from Jamaica. >> Yeah. Yeah. Indeed. Uh the timeliness uh of you being here tonight is important. So um we we offer prayers up for Jamaica tonight and uh that's important. So thank you for being here in a big way. So, okay. So, can you last question? Can you tell us your favorite thing um about Laughman Oaks Elementary? >> We have the best staff on earth. And [laughter] [applause] >> uh I love that. >> And we have a lot of events like the fall festival, the the almost summer carnival. And >> that's awesome. in the trunk or treats. In
010the trunk or treat which is in two days. >> All right. All right. That is so important. We are so thankful that you're here. You're brilliant. You're doing great things. You've got a vision. Keep pursuing that. So that's an inspiration to us. So thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yeah. Can we give him a hand? [applause] So if you could if you could lead your family to the middle here. bring your family up and allow us to get a picture and image of this night. >> Good job. >> Yeah. Well done. >> Excellent. All right. Thank you all for joining us tonight. [applause] [applause] That's good stuff. All right, board members. Uh the first item on our agenda tonight is to accept our agenda. Superintendent Hyde, are there any revisions to the agenda as printed?
011>> Good evening, Mr. Chair, members of the board, members of committee staff. There are five adjustments to our agenda tonight. Item M number one, administrative and instructional personnel actions. An attachment was added. Item M number two, non-instructional personnel actions. An attachment was added. Item O number two, an amendment to the Invo Healthcare Associates behavior impact secondary attachment was added. Item U number four, PK County Public Schools 2026 legislative platform and attachment was added and updated. Item V number two, comprehensive high school resoning update dated in description. That concludes the amendments for this evening, sir. >> All right. Thank you, Superintendent. So, at this time, the chair will entertain a motion to accept the agenda for October 28th, 2025 with the noted revisions. I do have a motion by Mr. Keys, second >> and a second
012by Miss Fields. Um, so the motion's on the floor to accept the October 28th school board agenda as presented. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. Next up is new administrators. Superintendent Hyde, would you lead us through this one? >> Yes, sir. M Mr. Chair, members of the board, please join me in recognizing the following individuals. Ledrea Akens, head of program at Kathleen High School, is being promoted to acting principal at Bill Duncan Opportunity Center. [applause] I better say something. First, I want to thank God for allowing me to be here today. And I thank God for allowing me to have this opportunity to still be a um a educator here in Pulk County Public Schools. I want to thank my husband that's behind me
013that has put up with me since since 1999. Some of y'all pro probably weren't even born yet, but I would like to thank him for being here with me. I want to thank my daughter and her family behind me and also my family that are watching at this time. I would also like to thank Miss Tracy Collins. Um I would like to thank Mr. Bruno, Miss Clark, Miss Tailay Kendrick. I would like to also thank our um our previous board member um that was uh the Kathleen High School is Miss K um Fields. I would like to thank my former principal, Mr. Jones, that um provided me the opportunity at Kathleen High School. I would also like to thank the former deputy superintendent, uh Mr. Green. And I'll also like to thank my mentor um
014for principal ship, Mr. Williams. My goal is and my goal will always be is to serve students and those students are here at Poke County um public schools and that will continue to be my goal until I retire. And we don't know what that is that time is yet. But I would like to thank all of you [laughter] and I would like to thank the board and I would like to thank our um superintendent um Mr. hide and I really do appreciate you coming here to Poke County Public Schools. It has definitely changed um the culture here. I thank you. >> Yeah, that's good. [applause] >> Please bring your family and friends, colleagues can come down front, take a photo, please. We can take several if we need to. [snorts] Oh, there she is. I
015was looking for Yumi everywhere and I see her now in the front row. Oh my lord, there's Pat Barnes. Miss Barnes, it's a pleasure to see you. I'm going to call attention to you because you snuck in. Nice try. Um, next I have the pleasure of introducing Miss Yumi Barryian, assistant principal Mlofflin Middle School, promoted to acting principal at North Lakeland Elementary. And Miss Barryian used to work directly with Miss Barnes in our turnaround schools. She's an incredible leader, great passion, great heart. So glad to see you here tonight. >> Thank you. I just want to thank the board members, Mr. Hyde, thank you as well. Um our leadership team, uh Miss Collins, Miss Kangelos, uh my other regional, Miss Bennett, um and all the regionals, thank you for believing in me for Mr. Green
016as well in his absence. Um and so I am honored to take the helm at North Lakeland Elementary. We have a um challenge ahead of us, but we are rising to the challenge. We are charting a new path and I want to thank my some of my team that have come um here with me. Even the pink hair, it's red ribbon week. Okay. Um and so [laughter] my my family as well, my husband couldn't make it. He's working late. And my other sons are at practice, but my parents came from Jacksonville. Um and I thank them. [applause] And then also Miss Barnes, my mentor when I came to Pulk County as the senior director for school improvement. And I also see Miss Brenson as well. Um, and then my right hand, Miss Keratlo, my AP.
017My other left hand, he's not here, Mr. Fleming. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity. I am honored um to serve. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] All right, hang on. Don't go anywhere because you mentioned other people that are here. So, let's get in the photo. You're not going to avoid it. >> [laughter] >> pink hair and all. >> You wore it. [laughter] >> Thank you. Thank you. [applause] Next we have Jennifer Blackburn, assistant principal at Laurel Elementary, being promoted to acting principal at Laurel Elementary. [snorts] I would like to start by thanking God for guiding my path. My journey actually started in Pulk County in 1982. When I walked to Miss into Mrs. Decker's kindergarten classroom at Davenport Elementary, it was there that I discovered what it takes to become an exceptional
018educator. In that classroom, I learned the value of community and the importance of caring for one another. two lessons that have guided me throughout my career and continue to shape my leadership today. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve the county that helped shape who I am today. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and for believing in me. >> Congratulations. [applause] Thank you. [applause] >> Next, we have Rachel Jones, assistant principal at Sleepy Hill Elementary, being promoted to acting principal at Sleepy Hill Elementary. >> Hi, good evening. >> Good evening. >> Um, I stand you before you today with a deep sense of gratitude, pride, and humility. Becoming a principal has been a dream of mine and to see that dream come true is truly one of the greatest honors of
019my life. So, thank you school board members for this. First and foremost, I want to thank Miss Tle Kendrick for not only believing in me, but entrusting me with this incredible responsibility. Your confidence and support means more than words can express. To my family, you've been there through it all. Thank you for your love, patience, and encouragement throughout every step of my journey. that you've celebrated the highs and you've stood with me through the challenges and I couldn't have done this without you. And to my best friend Ashley Menentry, thank you for your endless work sessions where we laugh until we cry, but we also learn and grow from each other. You've been my rock and I couldn't have gotten here without you. So, thank you. Becoming a principal isn't just a career milestone. It's
020the fulfillment of a lifelong calling to lead, to inspire, and to make a difference in the lives of students, staff, and my community. I'm excited to serve with integrity, compassion, and purpose as we build a future full of possibilities together. Thank you all for this incredible opportunity and for the trust you've placed in me. I am honored, humbled, and ready to continue the work that I've started at Sleepy Hill Elementary. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Next we have Lechaz Koffield Harris, assistant principal at Chain of Lakes Elementary, being promoted to acting principal at Churchwell Elementary. All right. Good afternoon. I stand before you today deeply honored to accept this leadership appointment. I am truly grateful for the trust and confidence that the superintendent, hey Mr. Hi, the school board and the executive leadership and
021cabinet has placed in me. I am also immensely grateful for the trust that Miss Kendrick when she looked across the landscape of leadership and said, "I choose you." I am very grateful for that. This appointment is not just a personal achievement. It is also a call to serve. It is a call to lead. And above all, it is a call to inspire all of my amazing stakeholders within the community of R. Clen Churchwell and beyond. Again, thank you all for this opportunity to lead and serve and may you all have a terrific Tuesday with purpose on purpose. I be [applause] >> That looks good. >> [laughter] [applause] >> Next we have Felicia Fletcher Young, assistant principal at Pulk Grat. Academy being promoted to acting principal at Pro Pulk Grad Academy. Sorry. >> Good evening. >>
022First, I would like to say thank God for the blessing. Um, Superintendent Hyde, the board, thank you all for the opportunity to continue to serve where my passion is the most and that's with at risk students. Although Pulk grad is small in statue, we do a great and mighty work. And so partnering with students and their families to ensure that they're graduating, that is the most rewarding. And I again I would like to thank you for the opportunity. >> Thank you. Congratulations. [applause] You see mod? I don't see her. [applause] Would you like us to get in the second photo? >> If you just turn and that way he can get in front. Beautiful. Thank you. Congratulations again. [applause] >> Just want to make sure she gets up the ramp. You're good. >> I see
023you back there, Miss Frasier. Thank you for allowing us that momentary pause. Next we have the Miss the fabulous Miss Ma Frasier, assistant principal at SORM Elementary being promoted to acting principal at Rochelle School of the Arts. [applause] >> Hello everyone and thank you thank you sir Hyde as I call him the board and everyone in their respected places. When I was 5 years old is this story time? Okay. When I was 5 years old, I knew I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was 16, I told everyone that I was going to be that teacher for the rest of my life. But I didn't know how I was going to pay for it. You see, a few years prior, I found out that I had a reading deficiency that I've had since
024I was in since I was in kindergarten, and I wasn't going to receive many scholarships. I didn't grow up in a home that had resources to help me make it. So, I joined the Army National Guard and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Now, I did struggle in college and took the state test multiple times, but I didn't give up because I knew God had a plan for me. Who knew it would be me becoming a principal out of all things? Oh my gosh. Thank you to Mrs. Pat Landress who hired me as an intern at Park Elementary in Avon Park back in 2004. and Avon Park is my second home. I taught there for five years and moved to Pulk County where I met and excelled under the direction of
025Dr. Gwen Kessle who's here today >> and Mrs. Cibil ODM Jackson and taught there for another 12 years guided by others like Dr. Ruth Rymer and Dr. Myra Bonnie Richardson. One day, not too long ago, Pulk County in the University of South Florida gave me an opportunity to gain a master's degree in ed leadership. I jumped at the chance through, or though it was one of the most beautiful and most saddest times of my life, but I propelled. As assistant principles at multiple schools, I've learned a lot. Moving to Horizons with Mrs. Amy Heisenmeer gave me hope. Working with her husband, Mr. Dartmire gave me confidence and working with Miss Janna Zoak helped me realize my true leadership capabilities. For these things and more, I thank you all. To my confidence, my mentors, my let
026me run something by you, my family who never gave up on me and listened to all of my stories throughout these years. I thank you, too. I've never dreamt of anything this glorious, but I'm honored for the recognition. I know that God isn't done with me yet, and I can't wait to see what opportunities are in store for me and the babies, littles and the bigs, that I'll lead. Thank you all so much. [applause] Can someone call Miss Jay? She's trying to hide from me. Oh, >> one more. [laughter] >> Sorry, I'm in the back of the line. Thank you. [applause] Next, we have Azour Gibson, assistant principal at Inwood Elementary, being promoted to acting principal at Philip O'Brien Elementary. not with us this evening. So, we'll bring them back at another meeting. Next, we
027have Nikki Jones, assistant principal at Barto Elementary Academy, being promoted to acting principal at Dixie Land Elementary. [applause] >> Yeah. >> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. Um, first of all, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Um, Superintendent Hyde, Chairman Dr. Allen, school board members, um, and cabinet. I would like to thank you all as well. Um, I am truly honored for this opportunity to serve as the principal at Dixie Land Elementary. Um, I appreciate your faith and confidence in me. I assure you, we are working. We are going to work hard and we're going to get the job done at Dixie Land. To my family, thank you for believing in me, supporting me through each step, all the steps of the way. It truly truly takes a village. Um
028to my colleagues, my friends, um my current and my past regionals, thank you for your support and your encouragement. Um most importantly to my new Dixie Land family. Um, thank you so much for welcoming me to Dixie Land. And one thing I want to share that I shared with my staff this week in our weekly email. No matter the title you hold, you never know who you're going to make an impact on. Every day we wake up and have the blessing to make an impact. We are changing lives one day at a time. Again, thank you all for this incredible opportunity. Good >> job. Congratulations. [applause] Come on down. Family members, colleagues, [laughter] Good job. [applause] Not with us this evening is Mr. Seth Lambert, head of program at Lake Region High School, who was
029promoted to acting principal at Fort Me's uh sen Middle Senior High School. Next, we have principal transfers. We're asking them to come to the podium if they're with us this evening. Mr. Matt Blankenship, principal at Fort Me Middle Senior High School, was transferred to be principal at Ridge Community High. He is not with us this evening. Lauren Jakis Jukakus, excuse me, principal at Floral Avenue Elementary, was transferred to principal at East Side Elementary. She is not with us this evening. Janna Joswak, principal at Sramm Elementary School, was transferred to be principal at Sand Hill Elementary and she is here with us this evening. >> Hi, >> good evening. >> Thank you. I just want to thank the superintendent and the board as well as Dr. Brooks, Miss Kendrick, Dr. Ben Henry, and Mr. Green. I
030loved my SOCUM community, but I was driving three hours a day. So now I'm eight minutes from home and I'm driving 16 minutes a day. So thank you everyone. I'm riding out into the sunset soon. So I really appreciate it and I appreciate you all. >> Congratulations, John. [applause] >> [laughter] >> Did she refuse her photo? [laughter] >> You aren't gone yet? >> All right. Next, we have Alexander McClucky, principal Lewis Anna Woodbury, now being transferred, has been transferred to be principal at Frost Proof Middle Senior. Alex, [applause] >> I'd like to I'd like to thank uh Superintendent Hyde and the board for allowing me the continued opportunity to serve this community. Uh I'd like to thank all of those regionals that have helped me along the way. Uh and all mentors that I've had
031that were not regionals. And I would like to thank my current staff and my community at Frost Proof for making this transition a wonderful um experience. Go Bulldogs. [applause] Look at that family. >> She wearing a shirt. >> [applause] >> Also not with us this evening is Christopher Miller, principal at R. Bruce Wagner, who was transferred to be principal at Malbury Middle School. Next we have Tally Miller, principal at North Lakeland Elementary School, who was recently transferred to be principal at Garden Grove Elementary. [applause] Good evening. I just want to say thank you to Superintendent Hyde and the school board for the continued opportunity to serve our students of PK County and the community of Garden Grove. It has been a great experience so far at Garden Grove and I have an awesome administrative team
032and community there to be a part of and Mr. Roberts, thank you for your support. Thank you. >> Congratulations. [applause] Yeah, because the pink hair is not going to stand out at all in the photo. >> Don't tell the other principal. [laughter] >> Congratulations, Kelly. [applause] >> Mr. Mr. Chair, members of the board, that concludes administrative appointments this evening. >> Lot lots of energy. Um, all right. So, we're moving down to our special recognitions and Superintendent Hyde, would you now lead us through this section as well? >> So, I'm going to apologize, Mr. Chair. I do not have the text for special recognition. So, I'm going to go ahead and invite Janette Crowley to the podium. Um she's here to honor and recognize those individuals who are identified as being recipients of this quarter's focused
033on excellence. >> I don't have the script. >> Mr. Keys will be joining them. I didn't have I didn't have the script for who's joining them or recognition. All I have is the pledge leader. >> Thank you for this. >> Thank you, Superintendent Hyde, school board chair, board members. The focus on excellence employee recognition campaign launched six years ago to foster the culture of recognition and motivate staff to continually strive for excellence in their roles by highlighting outstanding achievements and dedication. This initiative helps strengthen the morale and build a supportive environment throughout Pulk County Public Schools. Keeping one of the nation's 26 largest school districts running efficiently entails all 13,000 plus employees giving their very best every day. Through the campaign, we celebrate PCPS staff from various roles, ensuring their contributions aren't overlooked in our
034school 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 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 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 positively impacting their lives while upholding the students first mission. It's an honor to be here with you tonight as we recognize our administrators, professional, technical, and non-classroom teachers. I do want to give a quick shout out to our sponsors because without the sponsors, this program would not be possible. idx Brands, Mid Florida Credit Union, Public Supermarkets,
035Inc., Sign Gypsies, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Connect Ed Pulk, Chick-fil-A, Ad Morgan, Central Florida uh Development Council, Orlando Health, Dixie Southern Industrial, Inc., The Club at Eaglebrook, T-Mobile, Camp Margaritavville. [snorts] Thank you to these generous sponsors and partners who provide ongoing support to our school district, not only for this campaign, but just overall each day because of [clears throat] their inind and financial contributions. Every PCPS employee nominated through this program, not just the winners, also receive a gift as well. All right, let's find out more about our winners. Within our principal division, I'd like to recognize Teddy Brown. So, Teddy, can you come on up here, please? >> [applause] >> supposedly waving your finger. >> So, each of you have a foam finger. So, I would like you to help celebrate and
036recognize them as they come up here. So, we are the best at PCPS, this group. Okay. So, Mr. Brown is a principal at Lake Alfred Polytech Academy. And what Mr. Brown loves most about his job and his role in working for Pulk County Public Schools is he thinks the only reason he got into this profession is because he cares about kids. And I I think that's really admirable that you're in this profession for the kids because we want you to be here for the kids. He loves watching students grow from children to successful young adults and knowing that he had just a little part in the their success and journey. So we want to thank you. We want to congratulate you and we're highlighting you because you are the best of PCPS. So thank you
037for what you do each and every day. [applause] >> [applause] >> Eric Hutchinson, please come forward. [clears throat] [applause] Mr. Mr. Hutchinson is an assistant principal at Winterhaven Senior High. What Mr. Hutchinson loves most about his job with Pulk County Public Schools is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships while serving the community that he cares so deeply about. Each day he gets to support his students and staff by fostering an environment focused on academic and professional growth. Thank you so much for what you do. Congratulations, [applause] Nadia Lewis. That's okay. [applause] Miss Lewis is a principal at James E. Stevens Academy. Miss Lewis said working for Pulk County Public Schools as a principal has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career. In this role, she is able to provide students with a
038safe learning environment, academically challenging curriculum, and programs that support their social emotional needs. Being a principal allows her to foster a positive school culture where teachers and staff are excited to come to work, grow as professionals, and deliver the highest quality education for our students. Beautiful. Congratulations [applause] Mom and dad. Mom and dad are in the front row. Come up. Thank you. >> Very good. [applause] >> Peter McDougall. >> [applause] >> Peter is a principal the principal at Bellisa. What Mr. McDoug McDougall said is that every day he comes to work, he has an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the life of a student or staff member at Bellisa. It brings him the greatest joy to see the people around him being successful and being the best version of themselves. He loves the
039opportunity that Pulk County Public Schools has provided for him to make Bellisa the best place to learn and work. Congratulations. [applause] All right, family. >> [clears throat] [applause] >> Sherry's Scott, senior director in student services. [applause] Miss Scott loves the privilege of getting to support staff and administrators across the district as we work together to improve the lives of students and families. She's very lucky and grateful to have a job where she feels that she makes a difference every day. Congratulations, [applause] Lucas Wilkins, principal at Winston Academy of Engineering. >> [applause] >> Lucas loves that he gets to celebrate student success daily while supporting teachers in their craft of teaching. Cultivating a love for learning among students is his motivation and seeing the smiles it brings to our teachers and students when they feel success.
040Congratulations [applause] Okay. All right. We do not have Mary Fischer with us tonight, but I'm going to go ahead and read her information and her school. So, Mary Fischer is a food service manager at RW Blake Academy. Want to make sure I'm looking in the crowd to make sure I didn't miss Mary. Okay. Um, the thing that Mary loves most about her job is building a bond with the children. She loves that they are comfortable around her and get excited about sharing the things in their life with her. She loves being able to brighten a child's day when they're having a bad day. Sometimes it only takes a simple smile or a good morning to make them smile. She loves the freedom of having ownership over her position. She loves that she's able to have
041fun with the kids with all of the events that PK County Public Schools puts on for the students. Congratulations to Mary Fischer. [applause] Kirk, I have Kirk Hansen. Kirk. Yep. You're good. [laughter] Kirk Hansen, digital learning coordinator in instructional business technology. Kirk said as a former classroom teacher and now a digital learning coordinator with instructional technology, what he loves the most about working for Pulk County Public Schools is the opportunity to continue making a meaningful impact on students of all ages. He's proud to support educators in using learning applications and facilitating district-wide staff trainings alongside some of the most dedicated colleagues on one of the most hardest working teams in the district. Congratulations. [applause] [laughter] Kelly O'Neal. Come on, Kelly. Kelly is a school nurse at Union Academy. [applause] What Kelly loves most about working
042for Pulk County Public Schools as a nurse is being able to care for each student as a whole. Not just their physical health, but their emotional and social needs, too. She is blessed to work with administration, educators, and other staff who work tirelessly every day to foster an environment where students grow and develop. Congratulations, [applause] What? >> Okay, >> hang on. Her parents are here. [laughter] [clears throat] Congratulations. [applause] Ombberto Rodriguez. [applause] Mr. Rodriguez is senior coordinator of instruction and curriculum and instruction. What he loves most about his job is that every day he works in conjunction with administrators, coaches, faculty, and other instructional staff to ensure that every student has the opportunity to be successful after high school. In addition, he loves how diverse his job is, and he has the privilege of supporting
043teachers in the classroom, creating and facilitating professional development, building standard-based lessons, dissecting and analyzing data, amongst others. Thank you for what you do. [applause] Kristen Smith, library media specialist at Chain of Lakes Elementary. [applause] Kristen loves her job as media specialists because she gets to connect with all the students at her school. Each day she gets to have discussions with her students about their interests, what they're reading, and more. The best part about working for Pulk County Public Schools is having supportive colleagues and administration. We appreciate you. [applause] >> Yes, absolutely. Susan Stewart. [applause] Susan is a teacher resource specialist at East Area Adult. What she loves most about her job is seeing our students achieve their dream of earning a high school diploma. It's inspiring to watch their confidence grow as they overcome challenges
044and reach their goals. She also finds great joy in helping our English language learners gain the skills they need to communicate and succeed in their new community. >> Thank you very much. >> Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Daniel, >> I feel like I have to explain now to the whole world why I'm viewing when not waving. >> Congratulations to each of our winners. In the coming weeks, PK County Public Schools will be spotlighting you on our social media channels as we continue to put the focus on you. In closing, I want to empower all of us just to continue being amazing leaders. pay it forward and other and nominate additional PCPS employees during the school year. The nomination window for our second group is currently open and will close on November 3rd. We'll be recognizing employees
045within the positions of transportation, school nutrition, and PAR educators. That concludes my presentation. [applause] Are all of our winners here? >> No. Okay. >> We already have the group photo from the event. >> Too much. >> Next, it's my pleasure to introduce Miss Beth Nave, regional assistant superintendent, who's here to make some special announcements about our finalists and the selection of our principal and assistant principal of the year. Good evening, Chairman Allen, Honorable Board Members, and Superintendent Hyde. On behalf of the Division of Schools, Chief of Schools Tracy Collins, and the regional assistant superintendent, it is our privilege to recognize the principles and assistant principles of the year from each region. Following the regional recognitions, Superintendent Hyde will announce the overall district winners for principal and assistant principal of the year. Each regional assistant superintendent
046selected a leader based on student achievement, school climate and culture, and their demonstration and support of district initiatives as instructional leaders. Finalists were announced before their peers during the September principal and assistant principal meetings. As part of the selection process, finalists completed a written assignment responding to two essay questions focused on school data and culture. These submissions were carefully reviewed and one finalist from each group was recommended to Mrs. Collins and Superintendent Hyde for final approval. The district winners will go on to represent Pulk County Public Schools in the Florida Department of Education's principal and assistant principal of the year recognitions. It is a true honor to publicly celebrate these exceptional and dedicated leaders and to announce our winners. Pulk County Public Schools is proud to have each of you leading and representing this remarkable
047profession. We would also like to thank Mr. Jason Giri and his team for creating our banners and our winners will also be recognized and have the opportunity to speak at the Inspire Awards on November 7th. So, at this time, we will begin with our assistant principles. As I call your name, please come forward to receive your trophy and your best of PCPs challenge coin and remain standing up front. Representing the Northwest region, Leandra Cessums, Lake Gibson Middle. [applause] from the Northeast region. Rebecca Pierce from Lake Marian Creek Middle [applause] from the Central Region. Jessica Gavin from Garden Grove Elementary. [applause] >> [applause] >> from the South region, Miss Jennifer Martinez from Lakeland Highlands Middle. [applause] Congratulations from the high school region, Miss Nikki Jordan from Winter Haven High School. [applause] And from our transformation region,
048Miss Megan Long from Kathleen Elementary, [applause] >> Mr. Hyde, at this time, will you please announce the winner for the assistant principal of the year? >> It would be my pleasure. At this time, it's my pleasure to announce that our our winner for assistant principal of the year is Miss Leandra Sessums from Lake Gibson Middle School. [cheering] [applause] Miss Cessums is part of the fabric of Lake Gibson Middle. She spent years working as a math teacher and coach before rising to assistant principal in 2019 and that kind of experience has definitely paid off. In the wake of the co pandemic, Lake Gibson students were struggling to get back on track. Miss Cessums began leading weekly professional development sessions with the school's math and science teachers which led to new strategies in the classroom that got
049results. She also brought back after school tutoring sessions and even arranged transportation so students could get much needed extra help. Lake Gibson is steadily making progress towards a B-grade. Over the years, Miss Cessum has also been instrumental in developing successful efforts to increase student engagement, improve attendance, and increase positive behaviors. Lastly, she says it's important that everyone feels seen and valued, receives praise, and knows that they are capable of success regardless of their background. Congratulations again. >> Congratulations. [applause] You'll get in the middle. [clears throat] >> [laughter] >> Miss Holland speaks and we will [applause] >> [laughter] >> Oh my god. All right, now we get to hear about our principal finalist of the year from the Northwest region, Lucas Wilkins from Winston Academy of Engineering. [applause] from the Northeast region. Miss Cindy Braighten from
050Davenport School of the Arts [applause] from the Central Region. Michael Sears from JWT School of the Arts. [applause] That's a tough >> from the South region. Miss Michelle Townley, Willow Oak School. However, she's not able to be here due to a family and staff event on her campus tonight. So, but we thank her [applause] from our high schools region. Ryan Van Lake Gibson High. [applause and cheering] This is a tough one. >> From our transformation schools, Miss Rhonda Carter from Westwood Middle. [applause] >> All right. At this time, Mr. Hyde, will you please announce the winner for the principal of the year? >> It is my pleasure. What people don't realize is how competitive our school board members are when it comes to things like this. So, I've had to hide the names the entire
051night from Miss Miller who keeps trying to look over here to see if it's one of her principles. Um, but it's my pleasure. This is a great group, by the way. So is our assistant principal group. What amazing leaders there. So, you should take a lot of pride in the fact that you were nominated and you were finalists. So, at this time though, we have to have one final name, one final person selected and that is Miss Rhonda Carter. >> [applause] [applause] >> In the summer of 2023, she was presented with an opportunity to lead Westwood Middle as she set her height her sights on raising student academic performance. By the end of the 2324 school year, Westwood had improved to a C-grade with students seeing gains in nearly every academic category. Last year, the
052school fell just one point short of a B-grade. Miss Carter works hard to build a positive school culture and listen to the needs of her staff and has made significant difference in the recruitment and retention efforts there. She's also placed an emphasis on student experiences at Westwood by implementing new incentives and events that encourage positive behaviors. Student attendance has climbed and suspensions are significantly down. She explains Westwood's approach. We are building a school culture that celebrates effort, encourages growth, and creates a joy in learning. Congratulations, Miss Carter. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Hine. Did Miller step out? Did Lisa step out? Did Lisa step out? We're on pause. >> You don't have Miss Miller. You don't have >> corn. Dr. Allen, now's your chance to tell a few more jokes. [laughter] >> And
053thankfully, lastly, we have an amazing presentation. We were thrilled to have Poke Education Foundation, Miss Tracy Porter, senior director, with us this evening, as well as several of her executive board members and one of my co fellow colleague board members, Mr. Matt Mucci, who's here on behalf of AT&T for a special presentation. Miss Border, >> thank you, Superintendent Hyde. I'm going to immediately turn it over to our vice chair of the foundation, Jillian Smith, to do the presentation. [applause] >> Thank you, Tracy. Good afternoon, school board members, Superintendent Hyde, distinguished guests. I'm honored to be here representing the Pulk Education Foundation board. Pulk County is fortunate to have so many individuals, organizations, and businesses who care passionately about education and its power to transform lives and transform our community. The time, talent, and resources invested
054in student success undoubtedly make a difference. and Pulk Education Foundation is proud to be a contributor to this student success. Today, we are here to recognize the valuable contributions of Matt Mucci and his employer AT&T. Through Matt's service and generosity, countless lives have been uplifted. Matt serves in leadership roles in several nonprofits countywide and we are lucky that he is going into his ninth year serving on our foundation board now at the helm as the board chair. Of note, this past year, he has been a rock for the organization, playing in a very important role in the transition with the retirement of longtime foundation executive director Susan Copeland, the selection of Tracy Porter as her successor, Susan's passing, and crossing the million-doll threshold of awarding more than $1 million in scholarships this past year, and
055unveiling a new logo that complements the district's logo and represents PCPS, PEF, and the community coming together to to support students, teachers, and schools. The heart of our organization. AT&T's mission is to connect people to greater possibilities through innovative technology and exceptional service, enabling them to thrive in a digital world. They have definitely achieved that mission here in Pulk County. Their generosity has connected students to greater possibilities through their contributions over the years that total more than $140,000 to Pulk County Public Schools. Today, we are here to recognize AT&T's recent contribution to the Pulk Education Foundation of $30,000 that will allow us to help bridge the digital divide through gifting computers and digital literacy courses to graduating seniors in need as they pursue their higher education. Matt, I truly admire your servant leader heart. Thank
056you. Thank you for all you have done to make Pulk County a great place to live, work, play, and learn. We're extremely grateful to both you and AT&T. I'd like to call you up to present this beautiful big check. >> All right. Thank you, Jillian. Um, you know, it really warms my heart that um the district and the foundation continue to work together and that is not possible without leadership and that comes from Superintendent Hyde. It comes from this board and it comes from Poke Education Foundation, his leadership team, our board um and all of our volunteers, all of our board members. So, u thank you all for continuing to work together at AT&T over the past several years. We've made it a priority to, as Jillian said, um, connect to digital divide. And what
057that really means is is that there are plenty of students all over our county, all over our state, all over our country who don't have access to the internet because of where they live. And that is just unacceptable. So AT&T has made it a priority to not only expand our network, but to enhance our network. And so now that we've done that, especially here in Pulk County in our rural areas, uh, but now we need to equip those students with the tools that they need to further succeed. So it is my honor to present this check for $30,000 to Pulk Education Foundation and Tracy Porter. [applause] [cough] >> [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> WOOHOO. [applause] MR. CHAIR, that concludes special recognitions for this evening. If I could real quick, I just want to make
058a comment as um serving as a board representative on Pulk Education Foundation and to comment on Matt and his leadership. I've only been there a short while. Um you always have something insightful to say. You lead with conviction and courage. You always, it seems like add to the meeting. Um, and so thank you for your service as someone that um, lives and operates in the corporate world. Thank you to AT&T because I know that they have to sacrifice you to be able to serve as well. So, thank you so much. This is a big deal. Um, so thank you for your continued commitment. Nine years, 9 years is a long time. Um, and we appreciate you and I just wanted you to know that. Thank you, sir. >> Indeed. All right. [applause] Thank you, Mr.
059Keys. Um, so you know, if we look around today, we've seen a lot of uh kids, a lot of students in our boardroom. Um, and then from there, we've seen a lot of families. We've honored families tonight in a big way. And then a bunch of leaders. Um, and that's that's pretty impressive and that's what we envision for our students as well. So great leaders amongst us for sure. Uh, board members, we are now moving down to our public comment section. Uh typically we have three opportunities to uh bring comments before the board. Uh the first one is for items on the agenda. Secondly during our public hearing and we do have a public hearing tonight and then thirdly uh towards the end of the meeting. So currently we did not have any um cards
060for agenda item. So board members we're going to now move down on our agenda to the approval of our minutes. We need to approve three sets of minutes. The first set of minutes is for the September 23rd, 2025 work session meeting. The chair will now entertain a motion to accept those meeting minutes as written. >> So move. >> All right. So Mr. Keys has made the motion and Miss Fields has seconded. Any discussion? Seeing none, I'd like to call for a vote. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. We are now moving to the second set of minutes and that's for the September 30th, 2025 special board meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept those meeting minutes as written. >> Miss Fields has made the
061motion. >> Second. >> And Mr. Keys has seconded. Any discussion? Board members. >> Seeing none, I'll call for a vote at this time. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. We are now down to the third set of minutes and that's for the October 14th, work session meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept those meeting minutes. >> So move. >> Mr. Keys made the motion >> and Miss Fields has seconded. Any discussion board members on that third set of minutes? Seeing none, I'll call for a vote at this time. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed. And that motion carries. The next item is approval of today's consent agenda. The chair will now entertain a motion to accept the October 28th
062consent agenda as printed. >> All right. So, Miss Fields has made the motion. >> Second. >> And Miss Miller has seconded. Any discussion on our consent agenda? That's before you board members. All right. Seeing none, I'll call for a vote. Those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. We are now down to our action agenda for tonight and that starts with U1 entitled school improvement plans. Uh the purpose of the school improvement plan is to document goal, strategies, and action steps uh that aim to improve the quality of education students receive. Um the suggested action is to approve school improvement plans. So the chair will now entertain a motion on this item. >> All right. Miss Fields has made the motion. >> Second. >> And Mr. Keys
063has seconded. Any discussion on U1? Seeing none, I'll call for a vote. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. We were down to U2 entitled 2026 Head Start Continuation Grant. And uh the Head Start admin grant application for the fiscal year of 2026 uh is funded by the agency for children and families uh via the office of Head Start and is funded to serve 942 children in the district. Um so the suggested action is to improve the um the apply for the Head Start continuation grant for the upcoming year. I'll take a motion. >> So move. >> All right. Mr. Keys has made a motion and Miss Miller has seconded. Any discussion board members on this uh significant grant that serves um a great uh portion of
064our students? Seeing none, I'll call for a vote. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed. And that motion carries. We are down to U3 entitled the Schools of McKill Academy charter renewal. This came before the board during the September 23rd work session. Uh the suggested action is to approve the schools of male academy charter renewal for 15 years. Uh the chair will now entertain a motion for this item. >> So moved. >> Mr. Keys has made the motion. >> And Miss Fields has seconded. Any discussion on this one? Thank you. Miss Miller, you are recognized. I just want to remind the public there's lots of conversation in our work session for these items and today um the head of McKill Academy was here to talk about this and I want to
065thank him again for his words of collaboration and working with families in the community. Um so I look forward to seeing the opening of this school as it's remodeled. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Miller. Uh any other items for discussion? Seeing none, I'll call for a vote on this. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. We are down to U4 entitled the PCPS 2026 legislative platform. The suggested action is to approve the legislative platform for this year. The chair will now accept the motion on this one. >> All right. Miss Miller has made the motion. Second >> and Mr. Keys has second it. >> Any discussion? Miss Miller, you're recognized. >> Just want to um again thank the staff who spent time to help update this.
066I'm looking forward to the retreat over the summer so we can have some written procedures to make sure that we have this ready in time for next session um and talk about what all we can include. But I appreciate the quick amendment made so we can get it passed and on our way to Tallahassee with a platform. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Miller. And Miss Fields, you're recognized. >> Thank you. I was just going to suggest that we read it into the record what the change is. >> All right. Thank you, Miss Fields. >> You have it up. >> I do. I have it here. Uh the amendments were under the funding section two. Uh we broke out the uh the categories a bit but it reads this way. Support FL DOE recommended increases in
067mental health and transportation categoricals. And then number three, um we are asking to support an increase in the ESSE guaranteed categorical to meet the increasing needs of ESE students and the the uh demands of IDEA. Uh along with that, we struck number five uh as an appropriation element uh to strike it from the funding but to roll it into the appropriation. Those were the amendments that were brought before us during work session today. [snorts] >> Thank you for reading that. Yes indeed. Thank you, Miss Fields, for drawing attention to that. All right, seeing no other comments, I'll call for a vote now at this time. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. We are down to U5 entitled top two plans updated. Uh this came before us
068earlier today uh as a step two um with the updated revisions. So the chair will now entertain a motion at this time. Miss Fields has made the motion on this item. I need a second. >> Second. >> All right. Uh, tie goes Miss Miller. Uh, any discussion? Board members on U5. Seeing none, I'll call for a vote at this time. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. All right. Next, we will now go into our public hearing. Uh, I will now open the public hearing. The first order of business is any comments on public hearing agenda items. Um, we we have not received any comment cards on the public hearing items tonight. We do have two items to bring before you board members. Uh, the first one
069is V1. This is the public hearing for policy updates. This item came before us during the previous work session and a previous u public hearing on September 9th, I believe. Um we can vote on all of the listed policies through one single motion. Uh unless a board member wishes to call for an individual vote on a specific policy. In that case, the individual uh policy can then be removed and placed as a separate action item. So, the board may also choose to retain a specific policy for action at a future board meeting. Uh, at this time, I would like to read for the record the policy number and names presented. All right. So the list that's before you as far as policies would be bylaw 01 0 definitions bylaw 0124 standards of ethical conduct bylaw
0701 131 legislative and policym bylaw 0131.1 technical corrections bylaw 0143.1 and that's residents areas Bylaw 0164, notice of meetings. Bylaw 0165 meetings. Bylaw 0165.2 regular meetings. And then bylaw 0165.3 special and emergency meetings. And [snorts] then lastly, bylaw 0166 exempt meetings. Again, we've gone through work session and uh public hearing on these items. Board members, I'll I'll take a recommended motion on these policies. >> Motion to approve the policy updates in their entirety as read. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Keys. We got the motion and a second by Miss Miller. Any discussion on these policies? Seeing none, board members, I'll call for a vote. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. Next up is the comprehensive high school reszoning. Uh this is our first reading on
071this. No action is actually required by the board at this time. You'll see that this will come back to us on the November 18th uh meeting. I would like to uh give the superintendent an opportunity to address this one and update us on where we're at with that. Superintendent, you are recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the board. Um there were some amendments to the zoning boundaries. So, for example, for Winter Haven and Lake Region high schools, the boundary that was initially proposed was modified based off feedback and concerns about proximity to a school. So, the southern edge of Lake Lulu South, it's a it's essentially on the map, if you go back and look at your original maps, it's a peninsula. Those are being reszoned to Lake Region. Um, that puts them
072all within the twomile radius of the school. It makes a lot more sense. and we're only talking about a total of about 47 to 53 students depending on metriculation. So does a great deal to balance out both schools and their zones and boundaries. So that's the only update there. Um Mr. Chair, you had requested specifically some data regarding Lakeland High School in particular and the influx of students they may see each year over those subsequent years as students opt to go ahead and attend there and as students who are currently attending there may opt to remain there. We'll provide those numbers to the board um within the next 24 hours. Okay. Before the board votes on this. >> All right. >> Yes, sir. >> Very good. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, Superintendent,
073board members. Um any other discussion on this item before we move on. It has been a rigorous process uh very thorough and I really appreciate the access that's been afforded to our community to speak on this and we we will continue to listen um as we head towards our November 18th voting uh meeting. All right, I will now close out the public hearing and we'll move back to our regular meeting. Superintendent, uh, you are next on the agenda. >> Yes, sir. So, super superintendent report. I got a few items I want to make sure we highlight. I I want to congratulate all of the participants and this amazing staff, including Miss Cummings, um, for last Friday's all county chorus event. If you were unable to attend, um, you really missed a fabulous event. And there
074were moments where our students were performing that you just got goosebumps. It's just amazing the talent our kids have. and our guest cor our um our guest that came in and led the high school chorus did an amazing job. Truly inspirational. You could tell he connected with our kids. 110 students I believe from various high schools including some of our private parochial schools were all in attendance and participated. But I I will tell you for me in particular and and I it's like picking your favorite kid. Um, I will tell you that there were two young men who sang solos from Harris Harrison School of the Arts that were just absolutely amazing. >> Um, and they got a standing ovation. So, kudos to Beth and the amazing team that they put together. They did some
075pretty special things throughout the night, including audience participation. So, really special. Um, so if you get a chance, do not miss out on the marching band MPA, which is coming this Saturday, November 1st, at Dennis Stadium. Also want to remind everybody that next Friday, November 7th, is the Inspire Awards. Very excited to be hosting that event again. Um, and to be able to recognize and honor our teacher of the year, our educator, and our support staff of the year. But as you know, there's a special recognition that we've added this year, the Susan Copeland Award. Um, we made that application available to everyone. There were a total of 16 submissions. Top four finalists were selected. We have some special recognition for them, but they will each receive a $500 award um donated by a by
076an anonymous sponsor each year for the next several years. And and it's really called the Susan Copeland uh community service award. So the application itself asked them to focus on what do you do within your community um to extend beyond the classroom, beyond the school doors. So I want to commend them. Also want to congratulate our 3D classes. We've been hosting and attending, all of you have been attending as well our 3D events at both Tener High School and at Lake Region High Schools uh last week um in particular um at Lake Region. very impressed by the students who presented on a the case study that we actually had for them was one of that Pulk County Public Schools sponsored >> and it asked them how do we help increase student participation or enrollment at
077Travis and Ridge and they came up with some pretty exceptional responses and several takeaways that we had that now we're actually going to implement and then we're going to go back to the school and celebrate that with them because they came based off off their feedback. the next case studies that are being addressed this week. Um, and each of you should have an invite for the remainder of the week. I think we have at least two more this week at Tenerock and and Lake Region. This is the public's case study. So, the whole point behind 3D is students and and private sponsors each pay to have a problem that they're dealing with get addressed by our students. So, it's a mini version of Shark Tank basically is the best way to describe it for the
078general public. And the kids do a fabulous job. Um, one of the things I pointed this out to Mr. keys cuz he was at uh an event with me recently when we had a student presenting and there was a young lady who absolutely became she actually was the dominant speaker amongst her group. Um because you know students get shy when they stand up in front of their peers in particular but this young lady was definitely the dominant voice in the room and I explained to him you have to understand where she came from. Last year she had such fear to present that she started to lose her breath. we had to get her some assistance and this year she stood up there with such courage and conviction and she was able to do that and
079and we took the time to congratulate her because that kind of growth is exactly what we want for our students. So very impressed by them. Lastly, um had the opportunity this Saturday to attend several events. Uh we had the 40th anniversary for the Red Ribbon Run. I want to say thanks to all of our schools and their teams and PTO's PTAs and parents who brought their kids out. That's a fun activity. Um great. Again, we al always see Mid Florida Credit Union at these events as well. Thanks to the P County Sheriff's Office and Publix for sponsoring the event, but it's it's an honor to be there for their 40th anniversary. And then this year was the first year, I think the inaugural year um of the Wingtoberfest. Um so I got to judge that.
080Any of you are welcome to do that next year. Um trying to judge and and eat 30 wings is not it's a difficult task even for a big guy like me. So, you're welcome to attend mystead next year, but it was a lot of fun. Great fundraiser. Uh, thank you to Tracy and the amazing team um who really are there to raise funds to support our most fragile kids within the community. Um, so thank you to that and that's that's my summary of of activities and and things that I want commendations I wanted to provide. Last thing I have is a superintendent's official report. The next work sess work session and board meeting will be held on November 18th, 2025. The work session will begin at 12:30 p.m. and the board meeting will begin at
0815:00 p.m. The meetings will be held at the district office located at 1915 South Floral Avenue here in Barto. Thank you, sir. >> All right. Thank you, Superintendent. We are going to now move to our attorney's report. Mr. Green, you are recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have uh two items this evening. The first is to request authority to advertise a public hearing to be held on December 9th, 2025 during the regularly scheduled board meeting for policy updates presented during three different sessions, September 23rd, October 14th, and October 28th, school board work sessions for rule development. The text of all the proposed rules scheduled for the public hearing will be available at the time the notice is published. Uh, at this time, I'd like to run through uh the policy numbers. um that uh
082were previously presented. So uh the policies presented at September 23rd work session. I'll give the number and the title. So 6110 grant fund 6111 internal controls. 6112 cash management of grants. 6114 cost principles spending federal funds. 6234 use of discretionary lottery funds. 6325 procurement federal grants funds 7240 site acquisition 7310 disposition of surplus property 7450 property inventory 7540.02 02 web content apps and services 7544 use of social media policies presented at the October 14th work session policy 8405 school safety and security 8406 reports of suspicious activity and potential threats to schools 8407 safe school officers 8420 emergency management emergency preparedness and emergency response agencies 84 8431 preparedness for toxic hazard and asbestous hazard t toxic hazards. 8452 automatic external defibrillators. 8462 student abuse abandonment and neglect. 8470 community notification of registered sexual predators, sex offenders.
0838475 criminal background screening for contractor access. 8,500 school nutrition program 8531 free and reduced price meals 8540 vending machines 8550 competitive food sales 9140 citizens advisory committees 9200 volunteers 9800 charter schools last but not least the policies presented at the October 28th work session this evening sorry this morning um 2120 school improve Improvement 2125 School Advisory Councils for School Improvement and Accountability 2128 District Advisory Council 2260 Non-discrimination Equity and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity 2280 Physical Education 2340 Field and Other District Sponsored Trips 2410 School Health Services 2417 Comprehensive Health Education 2420 21 Career and Technical Education 2423 School to Work Program 2430.01 Community Volunteers 2431 Interolastic Athletics 2431.06 06 Name, image, and likeness in athletics. 2455 Dropout Prevention and Academic Intervention Programs. 2800 Educational Services for Students in Department of Juvenile Justice Education Programs.
0845136 Wireless Communication Devices. 5200 Attendance 5223 Absences for Religious Instruction. 5410.01 01 promotion, acceleration, placement, and retention 5460. Graduation requirements credits from other schools 5500 student conduct 5514 use of bicycles 5600 student discipline 5780 student parent rights and last but not least 6661 instructional materials allocation. >> All right. Uh board members, y'all have been busy. There a lot of policies um that we've read and evaluates evaluated. You've heard the recommended motion by our attorney. Uh the chair welcomes a motion now. >> All right. Miss Fields has made the motion. >> Second >> and Mr. Keys has seconded. Any discussion on those policies and the authority to advertise? All right, I'll call for a vote. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. Mr. Green, you are recognized. >>
085Thank you. My second report, it won't be as verbose as the first. Uh the second is a request for consideration of the revised and updated agreement for assistant school board attorney and general legal services for an increase in the hourly rate of the contracted assistant schoolboard attorney from $150 per hour to $200 per hour. Attached is the in the materials is the current agreement approved by the board on February 19th, 2013. So, as a bit of background, um the firm of Boswell and Dunlap has served as the assistant school board attorney when the general counsel is unable to serve in whatever capacity. Um since 2013, they've been billing at the rate of $150. When Mr. bridges retired, uh there was an interim uh agreement, a CSA, and they were billing at the $200 rate. So,
086the purpose of this agreement is for this specific assistant school board attorney matters where I'll be out. Um they this agreement covers that period at that same rate. All right. The chair the chair welcomes a motion at this time. >> So move. >> Mr. Keys has made the motion and Miss Fields has seconded. Any discussion board members on this item? And this revision and update. Seeing none, I'll call for a vote. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? And that motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Green. Next up on our agenda is the auditor's report. Uh we do not have an audit report tonight. However, since our last meeting, uh you've received the Malberry High School financial review follow-up, the extended contract hours review, and the annual purchasing card audit. Uh if
087you have any questions or followup, um connect with the superintendent or our auditor. Uh we are now moving on to board me uh members report and I think I'll go in numeric order. So that's going to start with Mr. Keys. You are recognized. Thank you Dr. Allen. Um very productive month. U various things going on in the community. Enjoyed uh with Mrs. Miller attending the new teacher um [clears throat] reception. uh well attended and it's uh exciting to see the energy of all the teachers not only new teachers but come teachers coming into our district and their excitement to um serve the students and focus on student achievement um also as Mr. Hide or superintendent shared earlier attended the 3D culminating event at Lake Region and to see those students get up on stage and
088present in front of their peers. It wasn't only just the classes, the 3D, the other students presenting, but a large portion of that grade level were in there. Um, and and to see the difference in how they've come along in their speaking and to have that courage to stand up there, that was uh truly remarkable. And then I think it is a special one has been to many of those events before. Seeing a case study that is a issue that's P County Public Schools is having and to see the students address that was was special. Um then also attended the uh fall production at Harrison School of the Arts, Kiss Me Kate. Absolutely fabulous job by the students there. Always enjoy attending those plays and it was um quite the performance. Um long performance. My
089youngest one was with us, both of my daughters and uh she made it through about the first 15 minutes. But uh but we had a fabulous time there and attended that. And then uh finally the Pulk Education Foundation quarterly meeting. Just uh really um enjoy the opportunity to serve in that capacity and the amazing work that we're doing with Pulk Education Foundation supporting both the students and um the educators in our district. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Keys. Moving to District Five. Miss Fields, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Dr. Allen. I just have a couple of things. Um I think all of us had an opportunity to participate in prize patrol and uh district 5 was I think next to the last to uh celebrate and recognize um the finalist for the
090two categories of the teacher of the year and [snorts] the school related employee of the year. And I I just want to read the bio of both of them. The finalist for the teacher of the year hails from Rochelle School of the Arts and she is the school counselor. Her name is Dr. Hiba. I think I got that right. and she brings a sharp mind and wealth of knowledge to her role as counselor for Rochelle School of the Arts. She's a published researcher who always looks for the best methods to make sure that the students feel safe and help them succeed. She has a gift for connecting with students and parents regularly seek out her guidance. Her expertise with student behavior and academic performance has added to the positive culture at Rochelle School of the
091Arts. Beyond her work as a counselor, she plays a critical role in schoolwide testing coordination, assists with parent teacher conferences, and is a regular presence on lunch duty. Fluid in Arabic, she uses her language skills to improve communication and advocacy for speaking families in our district. More importantly, she makes students and families feel heard and valued. and the Rochelle staff say that she is a passionate counselor and trusted leader making her a true gem for the school. And then the related school related employee of the year for district 5 finalist is Angelica Ortiz. She's the school nutrition manager for Winston Academy of Engineering. And the description of her work there is amazing. They said that you might think that she is the captain of the cafeteria at Winston Academy. As school nutrition manager, she's regarded
092for her leadership and training abilities, which have helped to provide highly qualified staff for Winston and many other Poke County public schools. She also has a knack for efficiency, taking steps to to make sure that meal preparation and service is 100% while reducing food waste. In addition, she always takes time to communicate with families about meal options and dietary restrictions so they know their child's health is a priority. I think one of the things that most impressed me is when she was introduced, her comment was that she wants to make sure that no child goes unfed and that it excites her to know that when they leave the cafeteria that they are happy inside and out. So, uh and she's very well respected by her her peers. So, as Superintendent High said a few minutes
093ago, we will find out uh who is going to be the teacher of the year and the school related employee of the year next Saturday. So, that's exciting. Uh in addition to that, I was able to uh go to the uh groundbreaking for the gym at Southwest Middle along with Superintendent Hyde and some of the staff. And uh we had quite a few people from the uh legislative uh body that was there and city commissioner. >> What did I say? >> Southwest. >> Okay. >> Oh, I'm giving Southwest another one. Okay. Excuse me. I don't know why I have Southwest on my mind today. Okay. Lakeland Highlands. Uh but we had a chance to do that last week and it was a great u event and a great opportunity and the kids and the staff.
094uh are very excited and they had their jazz band that played and they were amazing. They were awesome and I think they need to engage themselves in some uh activities in the community. They can make some some dollars. I would say they're just that good. And then the last thing is that we uh I think many of us uh some of us rather met with the divine nine group uh in uh in this uh this this past month and I was very impressed with the representation and they just want to learn more about what we're doing uh as a school district as a board and want to find ways that they can uh join and become partners with us. So, I'm I'm excited about what's going to happen as it relates to that group. So,
095and that ends my report. >> Thank you, Miss Fields. >> And Miss Miller is now up. You are recognized. >> Thank you, Dr. Allen. Um, I'll be quick. I appreciate that we have a lot of guests this evening and this has been a very long meeting. Um, but we like to celebrate our staff and all the amazing things they do. We had um a presentation at Lakeland High School with the tax collector Joe Tedar and the winner of the first but annual kids tag art that involves a new piece of art going on your tax bill. So when you get your tax bill, you'll have a piece of art from Hope. Hope won a $2,500 scholarship. The name of her piece was Between Bite and Bait. So it's a great piece. You'll see on your
096envelope um when you get it. the teacher, Miss Jones of Lakeland High School, also won $500 that day. So, it was a day to celebrate art in our community again. And I want to say congratulations to the FFA float. And now the FFA kids from Auburnale High School, we had our Blood Hound Bash, which is a old school parade from the high school down to the park. And the kids and the kids get to decorate a float. And this year the FFA really showed up and um did a great job on Rio uh which was their theme of the birds and all the things you would find. Um so congratulations to them and that's the end of my report. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Miss Miller. Uh I've got just a couple items
097here as well. I just want to say thanks to Miss Fields for uh stepping in for the Lakeland Highlands Middle School Gymnasium uh ribbon cutting. Principal Monaceelli uh and and their staff and students. They're extremely excited uh about their new gymnasium. Pretty exciting time for sure within Lakeland. Um want to say congrats to District 1 Inspire Awards uh finalist um at George Jenkins. That would be um listen to this name, Rad Bolt. I mean, what a name, Rad Bolt. uh who leads their um their band um there at George Jenkins. Incredible job that he's doing and you can just sense uh his passion and his energy and that's just and really a very strong disciplinary uh as it relates to leading their band. An incredible band there at George Jenkins. Uh and then Miss Cordiero
098who's the Esau para educator at Crystal Lake Elementary. And uh as noted, we're just looking forward to celebrating the overall winners on November 7th at the RP funding center. So hopefully you all make it out there. Um I wanted to say yeah, thanks to Joe Tedar, our tax collector, for another initiative and supporting the arts in Pulk County. Uh they launched the kids tax art as Miss Miller mentioned. Uh what stood out to me? Well, first of all, Hope um Hock did a phenomenal job in speaking about her work um as a as an artist and the technique that she put into it and the handwork um and then scanning it and digitizing it and just doing some mixed media work around her work uh and talking about the the meaning of it was pretty
099incredible. Um yes, she her work is being distributed to 400,000 households around PK County uh which is incredible. So, um I was looking at the statistics on art museums around the United States and what their annual some of our top art museums and their annual um visitors and that data like her art in this one mailing is going to be comparable to an annual uh visitor base of some of our best museums in the United States which is pretty incredible. Um, and then lastly, I want to say thanks to President Martin and Provos Tedar uh at Florida Southern College uh and their initiative and in joining hands with us and starting the teacher academy at Lakeland High School. That's pretty incredible opportunity to train the future uh educators. Florida Southern's been a great place to
100train so many of our educators. I I reflect back and know that my great-g grandandmother who spent 30 years as a Pulk County educator uh received her graduate degree from Florida Southern years and years ago. Um and Florida Southern has been a mainstay within our community and training educators. And the fact that their brand is now present on our campus and these students can earn at least or all almost up to five uh college courses during their time at Lakeland High is pretty phenomenal. Pretty exciting time um for that new initiative there. Uh, so that's all I have tonight and we will now transition to our public comments. [snorts] So 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
101must fill out a speaker card in the lobby prior to the meeting. Um, 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. Please note that although the board encourages community participation, no immediate action will be taken on items presented during this public comment portion of the meeting. Um, if follow-up board action is required, then the matter may be placed on the agenda at a subsequent meeting in accordance with the schoolboard policy. So, I have a list of individuals who have signed up to speak. So, could you please come forward when I call your name, state your name and address for the record, and you will have three minutes to speak. First off, we have Jenny
102Stafford and then Katherine Jackson. So, there is a red line there for uh Kathleen Jackson. So, Jenny Stafford, you are first. All right, Miss Stafford, you are recognized. Yep. for this one. >> Thank you. >> I'm gonna sign. >> You're recognized. Yes. So, I just want to share a little bit of a Bible verse from Leviticus 19:14 from you for you. Um, do not insult uh the deaf or cause the blind to stumble. You must fear God for I am the Lord. I am profoundly deaf myself. I've received my education here in Pulk County since I was two. Uh, in 17 I was in a third cluster of deaf schools. and uh OP OJP Southwest Junior High and Lakeland High School. My transportation on Pulk County School bus to was uh each morning was 1
103hour twice a day. When I was six and I was in first grade, I had an ASL interpreter with me. I was mainstreamed and continued all the way to my senior year. Uh uh and then I was a co- captain of the swim team. Good. Okay. Okay. >> Okay. And I graduated from Lakeland High School. It was a I appreciated the wonderful support that I was given. Um and all my needs were here in P County and for providing I was uh had a notetaker, the deaf and heart of hearing teacher. I had no conflict with anything. I was able to go to college for deaf education. Uh, I had ASL students. Um, I graduated and became a teacher and I taught ASL and hearing ASL hearing students. I succeeded in school because I worked
104hard on my academics and I had some sport support of sign language interpreters and the deaf and heart of hearing teachers who taught me how to reach my goals and attend college. In high school, I overcame those obstacles that some general education teachers did not believe that I could pass in their honor classes. And that's the truth. How I did become successful as a how did I become successful as a deaf a deaf adult? I became independent and learned how to advocate for my rights. I applied for jobs on my own except for my maternity leave and my and for one month or for a one three-month period. I have always been employed and I have never applied for SSI or SSDI to support myself and I can do anything that a hearing person can
105do except here. At this moment, I recall a Bible verse that I've shared. Uh each child in PK County deserves to be heard no matter how qualified their signing skills are. The heart to give to express from now for for this year for 2025. Please provide an improved and appropriate resources and services to each deaf and heart heart of hearing student in Pole County with improved technology and resources for deaf awareness that I did not have when I was a child here in P County. The school board has taken away >> Thank you, Miss Stafford. Thank you. So, Kathleen Jackson is up next and then Diana Kbble, Diana Kbble. Kathleen Jackson, you are recognized. >> Hi, my name is Kathleen Stworth Jackson and I am your proverbial deaf education expert. When the new administration came
106on board, a question was posed to employees and the community at large. That question was, "What does a 21st century Pulk County graduate look like?" When I heard this question, I immediately thought, "What you're really asking is, what does resiliency look like?" I'm an action researcher by trade. So, in looking at resiliency research through a deaf lens, Dr. Peter Hower states that the characteristics of resiliency are actually major components of a h person's basic human health. So my question to the board and the community is are deaf and heart of hearing children graduating from Pulk County resilient? Do they represent that 21st century graduate that we all envision? I came to Pulk after 25 years at the national and state levels to get back into the classroom to do the real work of teaching. After
107my 8-year tenure at Lakeland High School and working diligently with the DHH classroom assessments, the data is clear. Pulk County is not growing and graduating resilient deaf and heart of hearing students. And that's not because the potential is not there. And not and it's definitely not because there is any perceived disability. The current framework being applied to the education of deaf children in this district is disproportionately flawed and it does not align with best practices in educating deaf children. We find these truths evident in pathological views of deafness, outdated educational practices, and blatant disregard for valuing deaf children in their community. Therefore, I call upon the school board to open a complete investigation on the practices being applied in the deaf education department and the decisions being made. Decisions that are further disabling deaf and
108heart of hearing children and those decisions that are preventing deaf children from growing into contributing members of our community. During this investigation, I call that you act on the following included but not limited to. One, IEP compliance with a focus on individual children's needs that include best practices designed for deaf children, appropriately completed communication plans that also represent DHH state learning standards. Two, an audit into CBM progress monitoring data and ensuring that researchbased tools designed for DHH learners focus on language and literacy development are represented and utilized to develop appropriate IEPs. Three, a probe into design reform of cluster site schools and securing certified and highly qualified staff at all grade levels and holding those accountable for academic achievement. Four, a probe into the instructional framework currently being implemented with DHH students that result in
109a call for massive reform beginning with the people currently making harmful decisions. Five, pursuing and implementing alternative technologies specifically designed for signing deaf children with a special investigation on the usability of video remote interpreting, VRI cloud services, and collaborating with other nearby districts where certified ASL interpreters are more aptly available and reduce cost. Will you help us share our vision? Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you, Mr. Jackson. Uh Diana Kbble is up and then Jamie Freeland is on deck. Diana Cobble. >> Oh, uh, Jamie Freeland. >> My name is Diana Cobble. I'm a college professor of American Sign Language and a board member of the Deaf and Heart of Hearing Youth Advocate Coalition of Pulk County. I want to share a story that reflects a quiet but heartbreaking reality. A foster
110mother once told me the little boy in her care came home from his first day of kindergarten in tears. He kept showing this gesture. That's the sign for I don't know. At school, he couldn't understand his teachers or his classmates, and they couldn't understand him. You see, he's deaf. Despite being bright and eager to learn, he had been deprived of language, surrounded by moving mouths and flashcards with pictures. He had been denied the tools to truly communicate. That's what language deprivation looks like. A child being left out, not because of ability, but because of inaccessibility. Neural connections for language form rapidly from birth to age two. Between ages three and five, children can still gain native fluency if given rich exposure. But by age seven, the critical period passes and the brain's ability to acquire
111language naturally begins to close. Without without consistent visual language access during that window, a deaf child brain misses the input it needs to build a strong foundation for all future learning. When deaf and heart of hearing students grow up without full language access, the effects last a lifetime in academics, literacy, social and emotional growth, and even independence. But when they're given access through families who learn to sign, teachers who provide direct instruction in their first or heart language, native deaf role models, and inclusive classrooms, they thrive. Pulk County's mission is students first. without signing teachers, qualified language role models, and IEPs that are driven by each child's language needs rather than limited resources, deaf students are in danger of finishing last. I respectfully urge the board to review the structure and leadership of the current
112deaf and heart of hearing program. While ESC directors and managers bring strong expertise and expect in in exceptional education, deaf students have unique linguistic and cultural needs that require specialized deaf education leadership with authority in district decisionmaking. Structuring a successful deaf education program requires more than staffing teachers or providing interpreters. It means building a system that ensures language access, communication equity, and cultural inclusion beginning in early childhood. It is essential that our decision makers listen to experts in deaf education both within and outside of this county to create a program that truly serves these students. We're ready to partner with you. Thank for Thank you for your commitment to putting students first. >> Thank you, Miss Cobble. Jamie Freeland is up and then on deck we have Joan Sleven. First of all, I'd like to
113thank you uh you all by being here. Being on the school board is not an easy task, especially with limited time and resources and working to meet an ever growing demand to make PK County a successful and competitive place to raise ch raise and teach children. I can only imagine that your days have become long and eyes have become weary. Thank you for allowing us to speak and maybe shed some light on why we are here. My wife sitting there is currently uh the president of the deaf and heart of hearing youth advocate coalition here in Pulk County. I serve as the vice president. I would like to read a short message on behalf of my wife and then myself. My wife's message. I am a byproduct of the DHH program in PK County schools.
114I was mainstream in hearing classes with an interpreter. And many of my classes were honor classes throughout junior, high, and high school. I went on to obtain two degrees and have a successful 26-year in counting working career. And none of this would have happened without the education I received through my interpreters. They were my lifelines. In light of Chris's situation, he needs the same kind of access I had in order to be able to succeed academically, to be equivalent to his hearing peers. He also needs to be around other deaf students to meet social needs. He deserves to have his ed education where he can flourish with certified interpreters and or a certified teacher who knows how to teach deaf students in their language which is ASL. My message I am a kota. I am
115a child of deaf adults. Both my parents are deaf. My dad has been legally blind for most of my childhood. He is now completely blind. I grew up signing ASL as my native language. And at four years old, I began learning English. After many years of speech therapy and being difficult speech to speak in front of all of you, I apologize. U wonderful public school teachers. I became a teacher myself. I've been teaching on and off since 1999 here in Lakeland. The only times I did not teach in the classroom was when I was in trainups on active duty. I did three combat deployments, two in Afghanistan, one in Iraq. I currently teach math to students with dyslexia and I see that they struggle in learning to read and write. This truly impacts their life
116in a profound way and that's what students who can hear. I cannot imagine how it must be for students who cannot. My father has a first grade reading level. My mom was around sixth grade. I have seen firsthand their struggles to find and maintain decent jobs. Children like Chris need access to their language so they can use it to learn English so they can become successful and not become a statistic. Students first. >> Thank you, Mr. Freeland. Joan is up now and Ava Hines is on deck. Good evening. Who are the deaf and heart of hearing youth advocacy coalition of Poke County, otherwise known as DHA? We come from a variety of backgrounds. Some of us are hearing, some are deaf, some are heart of hearing, some of us are fluent in ASL. Some of
117us don't know sign language at all. We are members of the deaf community, DHH teachers, ASL instructors, ASL interpreters, students of ASL, students who are deaf or heart of hearing, codas, and parents of DHH students. Our mission statement is to support deaf and heart of hearing youth in Poke County through services and activities that address their linguistic, social, and emotional needs to help prepare them for independence and for the future. We are a resource that can work with the Poke County School Board to address concerns which have been festering for years with some people being unaware of the issues. How do you teach a language which is auditory like English to a child who cannot hear or who has gaps in their hearing? A deaf or heart of hearing child does not learn the same
118way a hearing child does. Exposure to a visual language is crucial for primary language development. We start talking to a hearing child from the moment they are born. It doesn't matter that they cannot understand us yet. We are giving them exposure to the language. They are constantly being exposed to conversations around them as well as radio and television. This is called incidental learning. Did you know that 80 to 90% of language is acquired through incidental learning? DHH students do not get incidental learning of English like their hearing peers do. The result is called the Swiss cheese effect. This quote describes the language skills of the DHH students who has unpredictable knowledge gaps in the academic and language concepts. Depending on the source, the crucial language learning years are from birth to around six years of
119age. That is why our young DHH students, especially those who are profoundly deaf, need to have qualified ASL interpreters in classrooms. This gives the DHH students the vital exposure to their visual language and facilitates communication between the DHH students, their teachers, other staff members, and the hear their hearing peers. Yes, qualified credentialed ASL interpreters are hard to come by. I am well aware of that because I am one of them. That's another conversation. want to know more about how a deaf person learns about their community and deaf culture about their robust and living language which has over 200 years of history in the United States then talk to a person who is deaf don't know American sign language that's okay I'll be happy to interpret for you thank you >> thank you Miss Joan Ava
120Hines is up and then on deck we have Carrie Lynn Moore Before you start my timer, do you mind making sure the interpreter is visible in the camera? Because I have had deaf and heart of hearing people watching online tonight, texting me all night telling me that they cannot see. Do you mind making sure the interpreter is completely visible, face, body, hands, everything, please? Thank you so much. When students are provided with language, they thrive. What you probably forgot is that Pulk County has past deaf and heart of hearing students who are very successful. Some even have master's degrees and PhDs. Why? Because they were given access to their natural language. Many of those students were not provided that access be because Pulk County Public Schools was unable to provide proper accommodations. Those students instead
121left and attended Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, a school where they are accepted and embraced, not excluded and oppressed. Some current K12 students have had to leave for the same reason. Currently that I know of, there are at least six former Pulk deaf and heart of hearing students in college to earn their bachelor's degrees. Most of them are out of state or out of town, but I know at least one of them is here tonight to speak to you. Earlier tonight, you said you wanted to celebrate student achievement and foster student growth. Why not celebrate and uplift your deaf and heart of hearing students the same way you do for your hearing students? Pulk County Public Schools claims to focus on excellence and students first. But from our perspective, the Pulk County Public
122Schools truly focuses on exclusion and deaf and heart of hearing students are the very last priority. Earlier tonight, you asked a hearing student about his future plans, his name, his family, his culture, his favorite sport. You even gave him verbal encouragement. I challenge you. Show your deaf and heart of hearing students that you care about them. Talk to them. Ask them questions. The same questions you asked that young boy tonight. They have dreams, hopes, and aspirations. But they are often made to feel that they are not worthy of your attention simply because they cannot hear. One such student is Chris. He is being deprived of a future. He is being deprived of the human rights of language and communication. Pulk County Public Schools is failing him. Little changes like having interpreters available and clearly visible
123are all that's needed to allow your deaf and heart of hearing students to achieve just as much success as your hearing students. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Hines. We have Carolyn Moore up and then Gabrielle Ortiz. Is this good? Can you hear me? >> I've noticed a lot of the deaf children, it's very important from the age three and up for them to have to be able to learn and study and make those connections the hearing kids can make so automatically. But with the deaf kids, they're just left alone and they focus on the hearing kids to teach them. They have no language. But the deaf kids are left alone. The interpreter has to come to them and interpret to them to make sure they can develop equally and have access to education the
124same as the hearing kids. My own grandson is too. He tries we try to enroll him in school here and he got denied an interpreter for because he's three years old because it's important that he he didn't have access to the educa same education as the hearing kids and my daughter decided to move so that he could go to another school that would provide him an interpreter and it's wonderful to see how much he has flourished and having equal access to these resources I can see the difference between him at three years old and having to teach him more to develop his language and then an interpreter who paid attention and really made him work and pay attention and learn and to have that language development. He wasn't able to be distracted by everybody else.
125By the time he was five, he was ready for kindergarten the same as his hearing peers. >> The interpreter made sure that he looked and paid attention. It was an easier process. He wasn't set aside and cast cast away and left to just play on his own. >> By the time he was five years old, the interpreter would be signing and he would be telling he would have to look. He would be so behind. But when he started language, now I can see the language deprivation that affects the other children and the loss of education and they have no future anywhere in that situation. For me, I work I've worked for a long time advocating for the students here. I've been here for a very long time doing this and now they removed me and
126changed my role. So now I'm out working with the deaf kids. It's extremely frustrating to see where I am and they pulled me out and it's not right. It's completely heartbreaking to me to see the struggle and want to advocate and support and being told no, I can't. I They stole my motivation. They stole my reason for working here. I've always advocated for education. I know how important it is as a deaf person. I know how important it is for them to see me that I am a successful deaf person and that they can be as well to grow and to succeed in life and they look at me and see pride of what they can do. You can get a job. You don't have to be put down. >> Thank you, Miss Moore. Gabrielle
127Ortiz. And then we have Sherry Spner. Hello, my name is Jabri. I'm a second year in college and I am deaf. Every day of my life is shaped by the education I receive growing up in P County and education that is now being taken away from others. I speak three language Spanish, English and American sign language. I learned both English and sign language at Southwest Middle School in Lakeland from a certified teacher in death education. My closer friend came from the community we built in our death ed classroom. Every class I attend today has an interpreter, something I would not be able to use or appreciate without that foundation. When I see death student deny the opportunity I had, I see them be led to believe that failure come from being deaf. But really it
128is because they don't get the basic support they need. And in pork that support is no longer guaranteed anymore. The quality of death education program in P County get worse each year. Because those student are still there while school way to act. There is a 7 years old sitting lost in a class where they cannot learn or talk and 11 years old wondering what when they will be back with their friend who understand their story and their culture. Every day become another day of learning lost. You could say I was lucky lucky to have co implant caring teacher trainer and interpreter. But a child should not be a child should not need luck to get a good education of fair achievement. P county school must give every child the opportunity to go and feel welcome
129at school. We are heartbroken to see deaf student being left behind in low grade not enough interpreter and the loss of the classroom that help us succeed before a deaf child imposed should not should have the opportunity to succeed as a hearing child. It should not be rare or a story of luck. It should be normal. Thank you. >> Thank you. Sherry Spner. And then on deck we have Kim Bodner. Sorry I'm short. Uh good evening. My name is Sheri Spagner and I'm speaking to you today from a unique perspective is I'm a parent of two deaf daughters. They're now adults and I'm also a retired educational sign language interpreter and I'm an emotional wreck. So anyway, my message to this board is to let you know that deaf can with the right tools, deaf
130can be successful. I'm going to tell you about three young ladies who who have [clears throat] proven that. Uh two of which are my daughters, but um I'm just going to give you a real highlight here. Uh the first one, we'll name Jay. She graduated high school. She got her uh bachelor's degree in education. She got a master's degree in counseling, a second master's degree in data analysis. currently works for a major corporation as a UX designer and an advocate for accessibility and she earns more than probably everybody in this room. The second one uh is R. She graduated uh from high school has a bachelor's degree in American Sign Language. She has a master's degree in sign language education and she's currently a tender a tener tenur professor at the college level. Um she
131earns an excellent salary and is independent. The third graduated from high school, got a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's in science, a PhD in educational neuroscience, and currently works as a research scientist studying how deaf children's uh brains develop visually uh differently when they use visual language versus a sign language. So, what do all three of these girls have in common? They all went to Pulk County Public Schools back in the day when the program was excellent. back in the day when they had early intervention that came to the families and helped them. Back in the day where they had a dedicated preschool environment for deaf only. Back in a day where the DHH teachers had a resource room and the DHH teachers were in control of how the students learned. And also uh
132back in the day when the administration of at of that school embraced the deaf child and embraced what their capabilities are and what they could do and they respected the teachers opinions and let the teachers decide what was best for that child. Currently the lack of program that PK County Public Schools has does not provide these essentials. Denying an elementary DHH resource classroom with a teacher who understands how deaf children think. denying access to academics through qualified interpreters in a mainstream class. And at a minimum, these are things that a deaf child needs. The young ladies mentioned above would not be able to be where they are today and have made these goals in their life and had become independent, productive members of society without the Pulk County DHH education. Let's give these tools to
133the kids that are in this generation now so that they can have a future because the decisions that are being made on their behalf right now are their future and you can destroy their future by not allowing them full access. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Sherry. We have Kim Bodner that's up and then Stephanie Yokum is on deck. >> Hi, my name is Kim Bodner. I'm a middle school teacher at Southwest Middle. I've been there for seven years. I tried to prepare a speech, but I'm just all over the place, so I'm just going to wing it. Um, there's only two of us left in Pulk County. There's one at the high school and myself at the middle school. I'm not sure if what I say is going to move you any differently or
134if I'm just going to echo what others have already said before me. I wanted to talk to you from a teachers perspective of the deaf and heart of hearing and as an interpreter's perspective. This program was being established 40 years ago, close to 40 years ago. And from my understanding, it was a thriving program. Students were graduating. They were able to read and write and do math. They had successful careers. Um, I've been here seven years as mentioned and I'm not seeing that now. These kids are coming up from elementary school and they are not able to read or write or math or do anything independently. They're severely lacking on skills of that of their peers. Mainly this is because of the lack of language access that they may have. And now I'm hear I'm
135hearing that they're being told they're not they're not allowed to have interpreters anymore because they can hear enough. They have a coclear. They have hearing aids. That's not that does not justify not having an interpreter for their for their access to language. Um so let me go back to my point here. Um so uh let's see. So, when I first started at PK County School 7 years ago, um I noticed right away that there was a huge crack in this system. It was broken and I tried feverishly to try to fix it just like any other new teacher that comes in says, "I'm going to fix this problem." And I was met with resistance again and again. Over [snorts] the years, this program has been chipped away at and the crack is growing wider and
136wider. The um these kids are being enrolled on day one and they're being pushed through the system as fast as they can without giving them the services they need or require to be successful in life. Their language is different, their culture is different, the way they learn is different, their identity is different. It takes specialized people that have the knowledge and the um sorry and the ability to not only communicate with these special kids by working with them and helping them to learn academically but be yes to have that specialized skill to work with them and communicate with them and help them succeed. Um our elementary schools that are not our students that are not receiving interpreter services right now um like I said they're entering middle school. Oh, sorry. Okay. Thank you. >> Miss
137Yoken's up. And then we have Barbara Shell. Uh Shaburn Lee Shel. Good evening, board members. Uh my name is Stephanie Yokam. I'm the president of the Pulk Education Association. Uh and last night we had our fourth bargaining session. Um, I would love to be here tonight celebrating a tenative agreement, but yet here we are with no tenant of agreement and a 1% wage counter for all staff from your management team. Um, what you are getting to you tonight is our uh counter proposal from no uh sorry from October 1st. um when we had agreed to look at the different hiring numbers and the management team and the union team agreed to different numbers than what we had agreed to on August 26, but we acquies that you did hire about 400 more people. So, we
138recalculated our offer um based on what you see before you um between the salary increase that we received last year that proposed cost $25.1 million with benefits. uh the same salary schedule with different people on it. Um it is costing you just under nine. You're saving $9 million on the same salary agreement that we ratified last spring. And so we readjusted our counter to 2 and a.5% which is well within what you can afford even with no new money from the state. And we do are asking together that we advocate very aggressively that this state fund public education because we cannot continue to go down this path of a less than a 1% increase on the base student allocation and think that we can fund all the things that we actually need to fund. So
139we need to partner together on that legislative platform because they are killing public schools intentionally. But I digress. So the offer of 1% is unacceptable. That is for a Paris $17 a month before taxes. $17 a month. So what we're looking at here is the district, your management team is only wanting to put $1.7 million of their own money into this pot and include the $3.4 million of the state increase allocation for teachers that only some teachers qualify for. And so what we are proposing with a 2 and a half% raise would cost you $12,791,784. That's with benefits. And you're only $6.1 million away from being able to fund that. That's half of a percent of your fund balance. And we're not even asking for that because you are saving $ 8.8 million on the
140salary increases that we had already ratified last year. And so that minus the, you know, 1.7 and the 1.5 with some of the other fringe offers, minus the TSIA, this is well within your budget to make this happen. A 2 and a half% raise is well within your means. It's well within the budget that you've already passed and it is about what we're seeing across Central Florida. Some more, some less. Do the right thing. Miss >> Yokum, Miss Shoel, and then we have Beverly Stokum. Good evening members of the school board. My name is Barbara Shoel and I come before you tonight as a concerned community member and as a coordinator for the pastor's prayer fellowship of Winter Haven. I care deeply about our schools, our teachers, and most of all our children. This is
141the first school board meeting since the incident that has shaken many of us in this community. A kindergarten teacher at Floral Avenue Mel Elementary sang this so-called birthday song to a six-year-old black boy. And I will not sing the whole song. Happy birthday to you. You belong in a And almost everybody in here knows the finish of that song. This child was devastated. He didn't feel celebrated. He felt humiliated. He told his parents he didn't want to go back to school. Now, imagine being a six-year-old child and already feeling that school is a place of shame instead of joy. I understand that some have said that this teacher might sing that same version of the song to every child in her class, regardless of race. But let's be clear, that does not make this right.
142Mocking a child in front of their peers is never acceptable. It is demeaning and it cuts deeply into a child's sense of worth and belonging. What makes this situation even more troubling is that the teacher recorded the song and sent it to the vid to the uh child's mother. That act not only confirmed that the incident took place, but it also demonstrated a troubling lack of judgment and sensitivity. Since the story became public, we've learned that the teacher received only a written reprimand. She remains in her position. While I do not question the year her years of service or deny that she may be loved by her students, I must say this longevity does not erase responsibility. The longer one has served, the higher the standard should be because experience should bring wisdom, compassion, and
143care. At the very least, this teacher should have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation. that would have protected both the teachers true uh due process and the children's emotional safety. This is not about punishment for punishment's sake. It is about accountability, fairness, and healing. It is about ensuring that every child, regardless of race or background, is treated with dignity and respect. This board now has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership. >> Thank you, Miss >> and Beverly Stokum. The only notes I have are this 60page copy of the original Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act idea. These are the laws that we're supposed to follow. I am a retired Pulk County School Board sign language interpreter. I interpreted for 30 years for Pulk County School Board. During
144that time, I struggled through pea to get fair wages for sign language interpreters. We were paid as paraprofessionals. We are professionals. Thank you. I believe sign language interpreters are still under the umbrella of pair of professionals if I'm not mistaken. Did it change? That changed, thank goodness. Um, I was successful with the help of many other people at getting like an $8,000 a year raise for most of the interpreters, which was still not quite commensurate with the wages that other counties in our area or that community interpreters earn. But that was a great step in the right direction. I'm not sure they've ever gotten another raise since then. Maybe they have. Um, I had the honor and privilege of interpreting for some of the students you heard about that are successes today. And we were
145promised that we would have a paygrade for certified interpreters. There was none. No one was going to they'd say, "Oh, well, when we get one, we'll we'll create that pay grade." Well, no one's going to apply without the pay grade. So, I thought, well, by golly, I'm going to run up roll up my sleeves and get in there and work and become certified. And by golly, I did. Two years after I became certified, there was finally a certified interpreter paygrade in place. So, I'm grateful for that. And I I'm so grateful for where Pole County was years ago. We need to get back there. We need to care about the students. Give them a chance. I learned math in the crib. I remember figuring out how to count because I was hearing. I heard everything.
146I had input. Deaf kids don't have that. They need sign language. They need language models. They need interpreters. and defed teachers with ASL experience. Thank you. Thank you for hearing us out. Thank you so much for the care. I know you want to put students first. Please, please have the heart for deaf students. >> Thank you, Miss Stokum. Board members, next order of business is adjournment. There being no further business, this meeting of the PK County School Board is now adjourned. Thank you.