001[Music] Hey. [Music] Now, I would like to ask board member K. Fields to please give our invitation. And I would a ask you all to please stand and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. >> Before I give my invocation, I want to uh wish Bishop Mitsy a happy birthday. Bishop Mincy is normally the one who does this, so I'm going to get him when he comes back. Let us pray. Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Oh Lord, my strength, my redeemer. Lord, we thank you for this day. We thank you for waking us up early this morning and starting us on our way. We thank you for the opportunities that you provide each and every day. Lord, we thank you for everyone
002that's assembled here in this room. We pray for them and their families. We pray for our school district. We pray for our leadership. We just thank you, God. You are so good all by yourself. And father, tonight we honor in memory Mr. Rickny. We thank you, Lord, for his service to the school district and to our community. We pray for his family and especially his granddaughters. Thank you, God, for your grace and thank you for your mercy. We ask that you would guide us tonight with wisdom and understanding. And in all that we do, remember that we do it all for our children. We ask all these things in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. >> At this time, I would like to invite Brendan Calderon to move forward uh to come forward and lead
003us in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. You may all be seated except for you, Brendan. >> I know. >> That was fantastic. Great job. Um, I've got some questions for you uh kind of so the audience get to know you. Um, and so yeah, just answer truthfully and yeah. Um, so could you uh introduce yourself and anyone you brought with you tonight? >> My name is Brendan and my mom is here and my dad is here and Miss Palmer and Miss May and Andrea. >> Excellent. So, Brendan, um, well, let's let's wave, uh, everyone he introduced. Wave up here to us. Okay,
004great job. Um, Brendan, what grade are you in? >> Third grade. At what school? >> Around Central Elementary. >> Third grade at Arbenddale Central Elementary. Excellent. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Like, do you have any hobbies or other activities that you enjoy? That's a really good question. >> Well, I I I was reading your bio and I saw that you enjoy swimming. >> I do. >> Yeah. Um and you have a certain gaming system you like to play? >> I have a lot. >> Well, in the bio it says your PlayStation 5, right? >> True, true, true, true. And there's one thing you like to collect. Can you tell us something you like to collect? Maybe >> Dinosaurs. Absolutely. Um, can you tell us maybe a little bit about your favorite
005subject in school? >> Might have something. Science. >> Yeah, science. Absolutely. Yeah. >> Um, so what do you like about science? >> We get to do um thousands of projects. >> Okay. Some hands-on learning, huh? Awesome. Um, I also heard that someone from your family works at your school. Who is that? >> My mom. >> Your mom? So, what does your mom do for the school? Do you know? >> She helps collect She collects the iPads and fixes them if they're broken. >> Excellent. And technology? Yes. Thank you so much. >> Yes, technology. >> Um, and you know, to to round out things, can you tell us what you like best about Arbenddale Central Elementary? We learn and we do we pledge and we and we do a lot of learning and activities. >> Awesome.
006So yeah, it sounds like a fun school to be at, right? Excellent. Um first I just want to say thank you for joining us tonight. We appreciate it. I hope you have a great rest of the school year and uh can we give Brendan a round of applause for being here? All right, Brendan, now it's your your time. So, if you and maybe some of your special guests can come forward and we can take a picture. >> Mama, Papa, Miss May, and Miss Palmer, please come up. >> Yeah, right here in center. Yeah, right center. >> Perfect. Excellent. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Great job, man. [Applause] Good evening. I wish to extend a warm welcome to everyone present on this fine Tuesday, September 9th. School has been in session for a
007month now. While I was visiting our district six schools this month, I loved hearing the passion of our administrators and our educators that they had for student success. It made me excited to see us continue the upward trajectory of our district after earning our B-grade for the 2024 2025 school year. The board superintendent and I are pleased that you have join us joined us as we celebrate student achievement, review information, and make policy decisions related to the effective operation of the Poke County School Board. I would like to call the September 9th, 2025 regular school board meeting to order. Board members, the first item on our agenda tonight is to accept our agenda. Superintendent Hyde, are there any revisions to the agenda printed? >> Mr. Vice Chair, members of the board, yes, sir, there are
008there are seven revisions. Item K, number four, release of the Winstone School Concurrency Mitigation Agreement. Um, an attachment was added. Item L number one, non-instructional personnel actions. An attachment was updated. Item L number two, administrative and instructional personnel actions. An attachment was added. Item P number four, renewal of group dental health insurance. Delta dental company description was updated. Item Q number two, outofstate field trips attachments were updated. Item U number two, the turnaround option plan step two documents were added. and item V number three, the 2025 20226 final budget and millage rates attachments were added. That concludes revisions for this evening, sir. >> Thank you, Superintendent Hyde. So, at this time, the chair will entertain a motion to accept the agenda for September 9th, 2025 with noted revisions. >> I hear a a motion by
009board member Wyatt and a second by board member Fields. Any discussion? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. So the motion on the floor is to accept the September 9th, 2025 schoolboard agenda as presented. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. The same sign. Motion carries. The next item up is new administrators. Superintendent Hyde, would you lead us through our next item? >> It's my absolute pleasure, sir. First, we have Pam Grim, program compliance specialist for exceptional student education, promoted to director of ESC compliance. >> Good evening. >> I want to thank Mr. Hyde and the PK County Public Schools Board of Education members for this opportunity. It has been a privilege to join such a dedicated team of professionals whose top priority is supporting, educating, and advocating for
010our ESSE students. It is an honor to join this team of professionals. They have welcomed me and recognize my experience and knowledge, allowing me to contribute to the great things already happening for our ESSE students across the district. I am thankful to be working alongside accomplished leaders like Mrs. Tammy Williams, Mrs. Rebecca Ecman, and Dr. Pauly Bruno who inspire and challenge me to grow as a leader while advocating for special education students and staff. I know together we will continue to improve the ESC department while putting our students first. Thank you for your ongoing support of the imperative work we are doing each and every day to serve the diverse needs of our ESC students of P County Public Schools. >> Thank you for >> Thank you. Any colleagues or family? Certainly. >> Come on,
011Paulie. Come on. >> Any family here? Okay. Work family. Next we have Christine Harrison, act assistant principal at Anna Woodbury Elementary School, being promoted to acting principal at Anna Woodbury Elementary. >> Good evening, Superintendent Hyde, honorable members of the PK County School Board. Thank you for this for your trust and granting me the privilege of act as serving as the acting principal to the best school in pole countywana woodberry elementary fort me is a very special community and a true gem of the south over the past three years as assistant principal at louisisana woodbury I have witnessed firsthand the heart of the res the heart the resist resilience and determination of our students the dedication of our staff and the unwaving support of our community. I am honored to lead this school in the next
012chapter and building on the strong foundation already in place. I'd like to thank the leaders that have shaped my journey, mentors who have challenged me to grow and guide me through difficult decisions and celebrate every success along the way. Your investment in me has prepared me for this moment. Miss Riley, Mr. Meyers, Mrs. Weise, Miss Joyak, Mr. Mclucky, Miss Culture, and of course my regional Miss Nave. I hope to continue to make you all proud. To my family, my parents, my husband Blake, my daughter Stella, you are my anchor and my inspiration and the reminder of why my work matters. As a principal, my commitment is simple. Every student, every day, together, we will create a school where students are inspired to dream big, work hard, and know they are valued. Thank you for this
013opportunity to serve the great community of Fort me at the best elementary school, Louisis Ana Woodbury. Thank you. Congratulations, friends, family, colleagues. Congratulations again. Next we have Mr. Ronald Kaufman, assistant principal of Scott Lake Elementary School, being promoted to acting principal at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary. Good evening, honorable board members and superintendent Hyde. As I start my 27th school year with Pulk County Public Schools, I'm thankful for this opportunity to increase my impact on student achievement. This appointment to me is not just a stepping stone, but a destination. Wagner is simply amazing and is heading in the right direction thanks to the efforts of the previous administration. I plan to build on those strengths and continue the positive trajectory of the school community. For my family, my wife Heather for supporting me through this journey
014and understand that this is not an 8 to 5 job. Today is a perfect example as it's our 25th anniversary and we're here today. My son Daniel for helping volunteer all the jobs that no one really wants to do, but knows that I do my best to attend his high school events. My mom for raising me to always do what's right and give your best ef efforts in everything that you do. My sister Julie for always encouraging me and supporting me for my professional endeavors. Janet Wisda for giving me the first opportunity as a school administrator in PK County. Tangi Durham for believing in me, giving me opportunities to grow and always being that phone call away. and Beth Nave for her support in my first year as principal and for just being an amazing
015boss. Thank you for all of our other family and close friends that came tonight. And once again, I appreciate this awesome opportunity. Thank you, [Applause] board members. The only issue that comes up with Mr. Kaufman's promotion is I can no longer show my face at Scot Lake Elementary because Miss Durham is quite upset. Um, but we're very blessed to have him and his family in our district. His son is a rising golf star. He's been in the paper already and he close friend of my sons. Congratulations. Go enjoy your anniversary. Next, we have Seth Lambert, head of program, Lake Region High School, being promoted to acting principal at Fort me Middle Senior High. And he is not with us this evening. That's okay. Next, we have Lori May, assistant principal at Brigham Academy, being promoted
016to acting principal at Brighgam Academy. Congratulations, Miss May. Thank you. Good evening everybody. So I just would like to start by saying God, you know, God has blessed me in so many ways. First, he blessed me with an exceptional family. Parents that show up, you know, all kids need that even whenever we're in our 20s. So parents show up, they cheer me on, but they still set high expectations. They have taught me the value of hard work and having a positive attitude. My two daughters, they are truly gifted in so many ways, but mostly keeping me on my toes, especially now that one is a blue devil. >> I know. Go Winter Haven. Had it not been for some of the people in this room taking a chance on me, I wouldn't even be up
017here. So, thank you to Mr. Pimton, Mrs. Boland, Miss Sloan, Mr. Roberts, and of course, Mr. Hyde for putting your trust in me. And thank you for sending examples of leadership every day. Thank you to the board members especially for being true examples of what it means to be dedicated to the students of P County, my kids included. It's it's glaringly obvious. Our kids deserve the best and you deliver that. So, thank you. I'm especially blessed whenever it comes to Brighgam. I got to watch my daughters grow up there and now I have the opportunity to create a positive and productive learning environment for so many more Brigham Bears. Those bears, they are the reason we are a center of excellence. So when it come to accepting the role as the acting principal at Brigham
018Academy, it was the easiest yes in my life. So thank you so very much. [Applause] >> Come on. >> I believe it was family and co. >> Yes. Congratulations again. >> Thank you. Next we have Eric Atherson, assistant principal at Frost Proof. Ben Hill Griffin, being promoted to acting principal at Floral Avenue. Unfortunately, he's not able to be with us this evening. Next, we have Celeste Stewart, principal on assignment, professional development, being promoted to director of preschool programs. Good evening, Mr. co-chair, Mr. Hyde, and board members. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the director of early childhood programs in PK County Public Schools. What many may not know is that preschool education is actually where I began. It's where my heart has always been. My bachelor's degree is in child development, not in
019education. And my very first job was in a preschool classroom. So, in many ways, this role feels like going home. This is not just a job, but a passion. And how much better could it get being an administrator and being able to impact the most our youngest scholars in Pulk County as we shape the beginning of their educational future. Though only those closest to me knew my love for prek, Dr. Allen knew of my passion thanks to hurricane shelter duty, um, which administrators know and love, um, which somehow always circled back to preschool. And then we would have conversations at principal meetings. I could um I thought this job would find me later on in life. I thought I would always end my career there. Um but this job found me much sooner and I
020couldn't be more excited. I have to thank those that have impacted me in my journey in Pulk County Public Schools. I've been shaped by an incredible lineup of leaders, each one leaving a lasting mark. Starting with Brenda Johnson, who hired me without a teaching degree and has walked beside me every step of the way, including tonight. She will always be the boss, but I am blessed to now call her my friend. April Campbell, she shaped my leadership and refined all of those skills. Michelle Townley taught me the power of grace, mercy, and flexibility. Victor Duncan showed me the power of kindness during COVID. and Beth Nave stood by me through some of t life's toughest moments. Thank you, Miss Nave. Um, Dr. Ben Henry stretched my thinking and Jennifer Rouse showed me the true meaning
021of servant leadership. She is truly grace under fire. And finally, I want to thank my family and friends, especially my mom, who is here tonight, and my nanny, who is watching from a higher view. I would never be the person I am today without their influence and unwavering support. To my Pulk County family who've cheered me on every step of the way, thank you for believing in me. Those four people back there, including Namita and Megan, are truly the extended family that I never had. I'm honored to be here, and I'm excited to serve our youngest learners with the same heart that brought me into education in the first place. Thank you. >> Congratulations. [Applause] [Music] congratulations again. [Music] >> Board members, the remaining two administrators to be recognized this evening, we have Taran Hardy,
022acting principal at Dixie Land Elementary, who was transferred to principal at Sramm Elementary. Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. >> I'm deeply honored and humbled to make this transition as sug as a principal at Sum Elementary. I want to sincerely thank the board and superintendent Hyde for placing your trust in me to lead the school. Your confidence in my vision and leadership means the world to me and I am committed to working collaboratively with the staff, students, and families to build on the strong foundation that already exists. I look forward to the work ahead and serving this community with integrity, compassion, and dedication. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their support. My husband Eric, my son, Corbin, and my daughter Kinley. with their support, encouragement and love throughout this
023entire journey. Their belief in me has been constant source of strength and I could not reach this milestone without them. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity. >> Congratulations. I don't see Mlucky is here. >> I don't see the last recognition here in the audience, but maybe he's listening outside. Lastly, we have Alex Mclucky, principal at Annal Lewis Woodbury, being transferred to principal at Frostroof Middle Senior. and I'm getting the nod that says he's not with us this evening. So, we'll bring him back at a future date. Thank you, board members. Mr. Vice Chair, that concludes administrators for this evening. >> The next item up is our special recognitions. Superintendent Hyde, would you lead us through our special recognitions? Board member Wyatt, would you uh join the floor uh the floor here? Um >> at
024this time, I'd like to recognize Miss Tracy Collins. [Music] Hello. Uh, thank you, Mr. Sharpless and board members, Mr. Hyde for letting me have a few moments on today's agenda. Um, it's a little bit different than what we anticipated. We wanted to recognize in person three people from our athletics world. only one has been able to join us tonight, but I do feel like it's important that I share that our recent um accolades and accomplishments of something that I think we all know and love and can be very proud of. But before I start to read a little bit about their bios, I I did want to say this and it really comes from the heart. Um, none of these people that I'm going to speak on briefly tonight do these things for personal gain.
025None of them do it because they want to be in the l limelight, but they always end up there because they're that good. They do everything they do day in and day out. And I've had the very good fortune of being a high school principal and working closely with the three of these people. I don't think you really understand the hours and the dedication. um that these people put in along on a after a long week on a Friday, most of us go home and put our feet up and by 11 o'clock we're out at 11:00 they're still out because they're out there supporting our student athletes. So, it's very easy for us to take for granted in Pulk County that it is a premier district when it comes to athletics that our students just
026happen to win multiple titles and awards that we host so many different numerous events around the state and do it so well that Barto High School is, it pains me to say, the home of champions. Um, but none of these accomplish accomplishments that we have done as a district would be possible without the three people that I'm going to mention today. So, I know uh Coach McGriff from Barto High School could not be with us tonight for he had a um a conflict, but again, I it's a timely recognition I want to share with you. So, if you will just allow me, I'd like to read about Coach Terrence McGriff. Coach Terrence McGriff has 26 years of coaching experience. 24 of those he has served as the head coach at Barto High School. And he
027has built an extraordinary legacy. His achievements include 13 district titles, six regional titles, and of course, three state titles. He's been named the Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year three times. He has been named the Lakeland Ledger Coach of the Year five times. and he has been the Florida Athletic Coaches Association District Coach of the Year a remarkable 13 times. In 2023, he was inducted into the Pulk County Sports Hall of Fame. But most recently, Coach McGriff was honored as the Southeast Regional Coach of the Year, selected as one of eight national semi-finalist for the National Boys Basketball Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. So, one of eight across the nation. While he's not here, I would like for you to join me in congratulating and recognizing Coach
028McGriff. [Applause] Coach Talbett, um the head of our athletics, um department, couldn't be with us, but if you will allow me, I'd like to recognize him. For the past 22 years, Dan has served at both the school and district level. In 2016, he was selected to su succeed our longtime county AD, Don Bridges, many of you remember. Since then, Dan has become a respected leader in athletics, not just locally, not across just our state, but nationally. While his list of accomplishment is far too extensive tonight for me to recognize, I'd like to share with you some of his most recent accolades. In 2025, he was named the Dr. Clarence Noah Athletic Administrator of the Year. In 2025, he was presented by the National Federation of State High School Associations as one of the most prestigious
029awards in high school athletics and performing arts. And most recently, along with coach McGriff, he was named as a national athletic director of the year, one of eight semi- finalists across the nation. Please join me in appreciating and recognizing Coach Talbet. And then, as we all know, there's always a good woman behind every good man. And so, with us tonight, I'm excited. Uh, Courtney Windmaker. Courtney has served as the with PK County Public Schools for 19 years in various roles. She's been a teacher, a coach, an athletic director, and now she serves as the senior coordinator of athletics. She works tirelessly to oversee all of our middle school sports and support coach Talbot, which is a lot um in maintaining our reputation as a stellar program. Her dedication to our community, our students, our coaches,
030and the professional organizations have recently earned her the prestigious Bernie Little Sports Executive of the Year. And I couldn't be more happy to have her as part of our team and work with her. So, if you would please join me in welcoming and congratulating Courtney Windmaker. [Applause] picture. >> Does she want to say anything? >> She said you're not required to let her talk. >> So, while we take these photos, board members, I don't think that there's a whole lot that I need to share with you, right? But I'll take the opportunity to share with our community. These individuals do an absolutely amazing job. Mr. Talbot is one of the strongest advocates for Pulk County that I know. Um he works tirelessly to make sure that we continue to have state and regional championships played
031here in PK County which which does an amazing provides amazing opportunity to our athletes and our students but also infuses additional dollars into the economy here locally. Mr. Talbot is truly recognized amongst his peers as just one of the top and one of the most he's one of the finest athletic directors that I've ever had the opportunity to work with. Dan's a problem solver. He's innovative. Courtney's done a great job. She really does balance Mr. Talbot out quite considerably. Um and with Mr. Talbot, respectfully, when you think about the size of a school district and the number of athletic programs we have and the prolific nature in which we have all of these great um programs in P County, to have one person doing that is quite impressive. And so Courtney was definitely long overdue
032and has done a lot to help support him and has really grown in the role herself. And I do see her, she is very much the quiet individual at every event that I go to, but she's never sitting down. She's always moving, always supporting our students and our schools, supporting our visitors and our guests. And for that, I want to say thank you personally here publicly, but also recognize Mr. McGriff and Mr. Talbot as well for all of their contributions. Mr. McGriff is a legend here in BTO. Um, and so that will continue, but thrilled that we had the opportunity. Unfortunately, um, some of them could not be here, but we will definitely take the opportunity to bring them back so they can get their accolades in person. So, thank you board members. Administrator >>
033who? >> So board members, if I may have liberty to come back and bring an administrator up. So we have Eric Orson, assistant principal of Frost Proof Bedhill Griffin, was promoted to acting principal at Floral Avenue, and he's here with his family, it looks like. Good evening, Chairman Allen, honorable board members, and superintendent. My apologies for my tardiness. I'm right down the road at Floral Avenue, and as you can tell by the parking lot we have out in front of us, we had rainy day dismissal. I figured it's probably good to not show up looking like a wet dog in front of the board today. So, I apologize for my tardiness. >> Okay, >> but that being said, um, thank you and again, what an honor to be standing in front of you right now.
034Um, I'm in my 20th year as an educator. I grew up in Pope County schools. I know what an honor and a privilege it is to serve and I am excited about this opportunity right down the road at Floral Avenue. Um, before I get into my thank yous, the one thing that I would like to say is growing up in Poke County and especially in small communities like Barto, I grew up in Frost Proof Lake Wales area, is that we're family in these small communities. And the one thing that I'm truly hoping to bring to Floral Avenue and bring here to Barto is that family atmosphere, that sense of community, and making everyone realize that we're all in this together, no matter what challenges we may occur this year. And I'm very excited to exhibit
035that in my leadership and through my opportunity there at Floral Avenue. But last and not least, I'd like to say a few thank yous. Uh first of all, thank you to my parents who were also educators. My father, Dr. Roth was a vice president Warner Southern for many years and my mother served as an educator here in the Pope County school system at both JW Academy and Frost Proof Junior Senior. I also want to say thank you to Mr. John Hill, Mr. Ty Bruno, and Miss Beth Nave who throughout my career had mentored me at some point. All three of them have had a tremendous impact on who I am as a leader and who I am as an educator. And last but not least, getting back to that family theme, I want to thank
036my family. Right now, my parents aren't here today because they're taking my oldest daughter to her travel soccer practice. And then my other family, as you can see, is here with me. And that's what we do as family, right? We support one another. We help each other get through challenges. We help each other accomplish our goals. And so, I just want to say thank you to my family again. It's an honor. and I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to come back up here and speak. Thank you again. >> Congratulations. [Applause] >> Come on, Ty. Come on, Beth. >> He called you out. >> He'll take one with his family now. He can take one with everybody. [Music] Mr. Vice Chair, members of the board, that concludes recognitions for this evening and administrative appointments. Congratulations
037again, sir. Thank you, Superintendent Hyde. Uh, and also thank you to to all those who took the time out of their schedule today to join us. Uh, next is uh public comments for items on the agenda to be voted upon as adopted at the start of the meeting. Uh, we currently have uh no one signed up for those. So, we will continue um on to our approval of the minutes. Board members. Uh now we need to approve uh two sets of minutes. The first set is for the August 12th, 2025 work session meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the August 12th, 2025 work session meeting minutes as written. >> Board member Fields uh made the motion and board member Wyatt seconded. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say
038I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Pass. Do I have a uh Sorry. The second set of minutes is for the August 12th, 2025 school board meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the August 12th, 2025 school board meeting minutes as written. Do I have a motion? >> Board member Wyatt made the motion. Seconded by uh board member Miller. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. Those in favor say I. >> All oppose say nay. Motion carries. The next item is approval of today's consent agenda. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the September 9th, 2025 consent agenda as printed. Do I have a motion? Second is u board member Fields made the motion. Board member Wyatt seconded. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, I
039would like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion carries unanimously. Now we're down to our action agenda. Our first item on the action agenda is U1 entitled uh turnaround option plan step one. The suggested item action is to approve the turnaround option plan step one. The chair will accept a motion. >> It's been moved by board member Wyatt. Do I hear a second? >> Seconded by board member Fields. Are there any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor of approving the motion say I. I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion carries. The next item is U2 entitled turnaround option plan step two. The suggested action is to approve the turnaround
040option plan step two. The chair will entertain a motion. It's been move. Sorry. It's been moved by board member Fields. Do I hear a second? >> Seconded by board member Wyatt. Any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor say I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion carries. Next, we will go into a go into a public hearing. I now open the public hearing. The first order of business is any comments on the public hearing agenda items. We have not received any comment cards for our U public uh hearing as well. The so that makes the first item V1 the 2025 2026 code of student conduct. The suggested action is to approve the 2025 2026 code of student conduct. The chair will accept a
041motion at this time. >> It's been moved by board member Wyatt. Do I hear a second? >> Seconded by board member Fields. Any discussion? Fellow board members? >> Board member Miller, you're recognized. >> Thank you. I just want to say there was a lot of discussion with this um as we do every year after the committee meets to make changes to the code of conduct. Um and I think I appreciate the staff keeping us up to date on those. Um I just want the public to know that in work session we had a lot of discussion last time on this. Um but it's going to be approved tonight to go out. So I just wanted to recognize staff. Thank you. >> Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, I would like to call for a
042vote. Those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All oppose, same sign. The motion carries. Next is V2, public hearing for policy updates. This item before the board. Uh, this item came before the board during a previous work session and a previous public hearing on July 29th. I would like to read for uh for the record the policy number and name of each of our uh our policies. Policy 1210, standards of ethical conduct. Policy 2215, program instruction. Policy 2370, educational options. Policy 2370.01, virtual instruction. Policy 2371, hope scholarships. Policy 2440, summer program. Policy 2455, dropout prevention and academic intervention programs. Policy 2460, exceptional student education. Policy 2520, selection and adoption of instructional materials and equipment. Policy 2521, instructional materials program. Policy 2522, challenges to adoption or use of instructional library or reading list
043materials. Policy 2700, academically high-erforming school districts. Policy 3130, appointment, transfer, and promotion of instructional staff. Policy 5130, withdrawal from school. Policy 5410, student progression. Policy 5410.01, promotion, acceleration, placement, and retention. Policy 5780, student parent rights. Policy 6322, construction contracting. Policy 6330, acquisition of professional architectural, engineering, landscape architectural or land surveying services. Policy 6661, instructional materials allocation. And policy 7440.03 small unmanned aircraft systems. Do I hear a motion to accept the follow all all the following uh policies? I hear a motion by board member Fields, seconded by board member Wyatt. Is there any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. Those in favor signify by saying I. All those opposed say nay. The motion carries unanimously. Next is V3 2025 2026 final budget and millillage rates. I'll now take
044a motion to adopt the required local effort of 3.042 mills. >> So moved. >> Moved by board member Wyatt. Do I hear a second? >> Seconded by board member Miller. Any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, I will call for a vote. All those in favor say I. I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion carries unanimously. I'll now take a motion to adopt the discretionary operating millage of 7480 mills. Second. >> It's been moved by board member Fields, seconded by board member Wyatt. Any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor say I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion carries unanimously. I'll now take a motion to adopt the local capital improvement or capital outlay millage of 1.5 mills. >> It's been moved
045by board member Fields, seconded by board member Wyatt. Do I hear any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion carries unanimously. Board members, I'll take a motion to approve resolution 2025 2026-03 determining revenues and millage levied. Do I have a motion? It's been been moved by board member Miller, seconded by board member Wyatt. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. All those opposed, same sign. Motion carries unanimously. Board members, I'll take a motion to approve resolution 2025 2026-04 adopting the 2025 2026 final budget and mill rates. Do I have a motion? >> It's been moved by board member
046Fields, seconded by board member Wyatt. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, I'd like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> All those opposed, same sign. Motion carries unanimously. At this time, we will close the this public hearing on September 9th, 2026. The next item on our agenda is our superintendent report. Superintendent Hyde, do you have a report for us this evening? only if you promise not to scare me with a gavvel. It's getting a workout tonight. Good evening. The next work session will be held on September 23rd, 2025. The work session will begin at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the district office located at 1915 South Floral Avenue in BTO. Um, as far as the rest of the superintendent report, um, just want to say
047congratulations to the individuals we we recognize this evening. Um, also want to say congratulations to our teachers of the year nominees and our employee of the year nominees. I'll leave to each of you to recognize anyone from your specific regions, but it's a great testament to be recognized in this capacity because it's not a self-promoted application. It's something that they're nominated by their peers and and I make a point of saying that every time we we meet them and congratulate them because that's a huge testament to the work that they do each day. even when they don't realize that people are watching, they still are committed to our students and our community. Um, so we're excited about that. So, Mr. Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, with that, I will conclude the superintendent's report. >> Thank you,
048Superintendent Hyde. Next, we'll move to our attorney's report. Mr. Green, you are recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to request authority to advertise a public hearing to be held on October 28th, 2025 during the regularly scheduled board meeting for policy updates presented during the September 9th, 2025 school board work session 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. For the record, those items presented during today's work session included bylaws section 01000 definitions bylaws section 0124 standards of ethical conduct bylaws section 0131 legislative policym bylaw section 0131.1 technical corrections bylaw section 0143.1 residence areas bylaw Law section 0164, notice of meetings. Bylaw section 0165, meetings bylaws section 0165.2, regular meetings. Bylaw section 0165.3, special and emergency meetings.
049And last but not least, bylaw section 0166, exempt meetings. That's all. >> Thank you, Mr. Green. The recommended motion is to approve to advertise a public hearing to solicit public input on October 28th, 2025 regarding policy updates presented at the September 9th, 2025 school board work session. You've heard the recommended motion. The chair welcomes a motion at this time. >> The move by board member Wyatt, seconded by board member Fields. Any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> All those opposed say nay. The motion carries unanimously. We do not have an auditor's report tonight. So we will now uh come to the part of the evening where we have our board members report. Tonight we will go in reverse
050district order starting with district 7, Lisa Miller. >> Thank you, chair. Um, co-chair. I thanks for warning me earlier that I would get to go first. I think we're setting a record for the fastest board meeting I've attended in six years. Um, and that's not a bad thing. Um, I want to remind the public that a lot of this discussion happens during the work session. U many of these topics are discussed in multiple occasions before they make it to the board meeting where we do a lot of approvals. Um but I want to appre I appreciate you all being in the audience. I want to recognize Jud Judge Davis and his wife Ivonne for joining us this evening. Um we have their son Chad that works for us and I'm glad that they came along
051on this rainy evening to see what this is all about. I also want to say happy birthday. She's not here because it's her birthday but Major Jill Seymour who takes care of us and in charge of all of our safe schools. Um, it is her birthday today, so if you see her out, make sure that you remind her that she's getting older like the rest of us. Um, I want to congratulate Lake Gibson Middle. We opened the new gym and they had their first game where they won the girls team SE 19 to7. I won't name the other middle school because it was a pretty good beating. Um, but we're excited for Lake Gibson Middle and all the work that's going on there. Um, I want to congratulate and thank Rick Jeff who is at
052our PT Collegiate High School. We have a great relationship with our local charters, especially the collegiate schools, and I got to visit his school and talk to the students there about opportunities and I was really impressed with a lot of the students that are graduating from that program. District 7 is home to the Ryan Van of Lake Gibson High School and if you know um Ryan, you know why he was named regional principal of the year. So, we're excited for Mr. Van and want to celebrate his accomplish accomplishments. I want to thank Miss Lloyd who gave a 14 bags of yarn to the crochet club at Lake Gibson. And if you have yarn or anything sitting around your house that you want to donate, please reach out. Our community leaison will find a home for
053it. I was surprised to learn we have crochet clubs, but I was very excited for the students who are learning that craft I that I have never taken the time to uh to learn. I want to thank Mon'nique Tubs. We set a record at Florida Southern with our college and career fair. I think they moved 1400 kids through that. um gymnasium and they had the opportunity to meet with employers. They met with the military academyy's representatives to learn about scholarships and they met with lots of college and universities from around the country. So that was a great event that Mo'Nique and her team were able to put on for kids. I want to remind students that if you're a high school student in PK County and you have your student ID, you ride for free
054on our buses. Citrus Connection provides the Colts program. You just have to provide your you just have to show them your student ID and you can ride for free after school to work or to meet friends or to school activities. I want make sure our students know about those opportunities. And the superintendent mentioned our teachers of the year and our and school employees of the year. And in district 7, Miss Mack, who spent many years at State Farm with my parents, decided to start teaching and has made a huge impact. And she's been a teacher for a very long time. Um, but she was recognized and it was fun to see how her students reacted to that surprise for her. And then Miss Eugenia Bendana who was a PAR educator at Wendow Watson who chose
055to go back to school as an adult to get her degree. She teaches our students who speak Spanish and just their faces alone and their excitement kind of showed you what she meant to them. So, it was exciting to be there for that. Those are my favorite days, the prize patrol. I feel like that um that is a highlight of the year. So, I appreciate being involved in that. I'm going to wrap it up and make this the record meeting. But no, I appreciate it. There's a lot going on at the beginning of the year and so if you're not on our social media, I suggest parents and students follow that because it does give a lot of the events happening that will be helpful for students and parents. Thank you. >> Thank you, board
056member Miller. Next, we'll go to District 5, Miss Kay Fields. >> Thank you, um, Vice Chair. I just have a couple of things. Um, my prize patrol is on Friday, so I don't know anything yet, but I'm sure it's going to be an exciting uh morning. Um, it's a great opportunity to recognize and to celebrate all the wonderful works that our employees do in the uh school district. And I wanted to just remind everybody that the health strategy committee uh has been having some great meetings. uh some of the items that you voted on tonight generated from that committee and we're working extremely hard and um I want to thank Superintendent Hyde for making sure that we had we've had the right people at the uh table to ensure that our insurance needs for employees
057are being met. So that's a good thing. And then uh in my prayer I uh acknowledge the passing of Mr. Rick Ny. And I just think that we need to honor his uh his life and the work that he did in the school district and in the community. And some of us got a chance to attend his celebration of life. And I think the most touching part for me was hearing from his granddaughters, how much they love their granddad and all the things that he did with them, things that I didn't even know that Mr. Noty was involved in as it relates to uh things outside of the school district. So, I want to uh uh express my condolences to his family and uh we are hoping and praying that they will be able to
058move forward and just remember all of the great things uh that they had as it relates to his life and his legacy. And then I want to wish Bishop Mincy a happy birthday. Bishop Mincy comes faithfully to all of our work sessions. He comes to our board member board meetings and he also usually does the uh the prayer. So, we want to thank him for his service to our community and to our school district. And we want to wish him a great uh birthday. And my understanding is that he's out having dinner probably right about now. Uh so, happy birthday, Bishop Mincy. And that ends my report. >> Thank you, board member Fields. Now, we're to district 4. Board member Wyatt. >> Thank you. Yes, we had the great opportunity to celebrate prize patrols in
059District 4 a couple weeks ago. Um, we got to visit Lake Region and Ridge, well, East Area Adult at Ridge Technical College, um, which both are new to District 4 in the past couple years. So, I was excited to to get to recognize some of the new district 4 schools and their staff. Um, seeing the excitement not only from the teachers and um school related employee who I think were both I'm not sure which was more surprised um but the students that were there to support them um that were so excited to see their teacher and their um their mentor recognized was was very inspiring. Um we also had since our last meeting the suare for students um which was a great success in um the right that was since yes since our last board
060meeting um a great success at the I can't think of what it's called Lake Mary center um raising money for Renaissance um man hearing some of our principles speak about their schools in Renaissance I think um everybody just wants to go hang out at McGloth land. Now, um we have learned that they have a party on their Renaissance days. Um so, if you're looking or engaged to support looking to get engaged in supporting those events, um we are excited to help you connect and how to do that. Um I know several of us also attended the Pulk Vision annual meeting. Um we got to hear who the new inside PCPS classes, um which is very exciting. It is now in its third third year, fourth year. Um, and Superintendent Hyde got to introduce them following
061his walk up song, which I will leave that to your imagination because it, um, I think was inspiring for all of us of we I'm not not sure about it. Um, but we've had some great celebrations as all have mentioned. Um, Junior Achievement had our kickoff for the new discovery center that's coming. We had some incredible students talk about both Bistown and Finance Park. Um I think I was probably most inspired by a young man from Tenrock that's in our 3D program, Amari. Um he has decided that he wants to go into to start his own fashion company. Um he came up to us at the end of the event and was looking at the sponsor wall of everybody that sponsored a storefront and all of the different things. He said, "My name's going to
062be the biggest one up there and I'm going to have the the title sponsorship in 10 years. Give me 10 years to get my company started and I'm coming back and investing." Um, so we actually have it on video. He him committing to that. He shook on it. He was very excited about it. But just to see and I very vividly remember judging their UPS competition their first year when I swore I would never judge again because you break kids hearts. They've worked so hard and when they you don't select their project. Um, but man, how far he has come and truly recognizes um the opportunities that he's had through 3D enough that he says he's going to come back and be our title sponsor in 10 years. So, that was um a pretty cool
063moment, but I will follow Miss Miller's lead and seed my comments there so that we can we can move to Mr. Sharpless. >> Thank you, board member Wyatt. Um, so I'll give my comments tonight. uh you know with the theme of the night uh I'm very proud to announce the district 6 uh teacher of the year and school related employee of the year I was able to go to their um prize patrol Amanda Pope Amanda Pope sorry gifted teacher from Dundy Elementary Academy very excited it was it was a great um uh celebration there uh students were there um you know that's it's a special place for me because that's where I started elementary school and that's also where I was tested into gifted as well to see their gifted teacher um recognized and this
064was actually her third time being a district finalist uh or no third time as the school teacher uh of the year. Um was really impressive at three different schools. Um and then we went down to uh Fort Me Middle Senior High um to to the other Amanda. So he had Amanda Pope at Dundy Elementary. The other Amanda uh was Amanda Crutchfield at uh that the attendance secretary at Fort Me Middle Senior High School. Again, another really special one for me because that's where I started my teaching career was at Fort Me Middle Senior High. Um and I can tell you personally, uh when I go to visit that school, every time I walk through the front door, Miss Crutchfield's there with a smile on her face, welcoming you, um and does a great job as
065a tenant secretary down there. Um to echo uh board member Wyatt's comments, I also attended the SAR for students uh supporting the Renaissance program. I'm going to take a little bit of a brag here. Both principles that were there speaking are both district 6 principles. We had principal Kiora Kioroa, sorry, from Palmetto Elementary and then also Dr. Leatherwood from McGofflin Academy of Excellence. And I can truly tell the Renaissance program is making a difference um in our district. It's something that I'm very excited for and uh thank you to Superintendent Hyde for bringing that program here. Um another event that's not on our school calendar that that I attended um that I I just want to make a little public um awareness of. So I went to the Holly Brewer adaptive rodeo sponsorship dinner um
066you know where a fundraiser event that uh was to raise funds to help the Holly Brewer adaptive rodeo. And that's a vet events happening on October 18th. Mark your calendars. Um and uh I'll have more details at our next work session because it'll be before October 18th. But I I want to tell you it's for students with unique abilities uh to be able to have a experience. They have they're paired up with a buddy that buddies with them all day long. Helps them with all the events um to go through uh various different things uh you know horse show uh all sorts of stuff. Uh but it's really great to see those students thriving. Um you know and if and there is an event where students that may not be able to compete in other
067events uh like that have an opportunity. And it was really birthed out of the uh the desire of two um two moms that had uh students with had daughters with um unique abilities. And so, um, yeah, it's a really special event and and I'll have more details next time with about it. And, uh, I want to conclude my report today. Um, uh, I'm also going to touch on a note that board member Fields uh, discussed. We have a picture down here of the disas of, um, my fellow my friend and fellow uh, board member uh, Rick Noli. Uh we came on this board together in November of 22 as as uh brand new board members. Um and he passed away on August 20th. Uh as I reflect on Rick's life and his service to Pulk
068County Public Schools, I'm reminded of how he could bring levity to any serious situation. He'd always make us laugh. Um I'm also reminded of how much he cared for our students and our staff. He had a special heart for teachers having being being a a career teacher himself. He would bring his fellow board members donuts every meeting. There's always a and he knew I like the croissant donuts so he'd always make sure to have some in there. Um he he always asked me how I was doing and he was genuine about it. There was no fakeness there. Um he was genuine. He always asked me how I was doing. I can tell you in our board member workroom where our cubicles are, um, we shared prayers during challenging times. We also shared laughter during our
069lighter times. And I'm going to remember Rick's legacy of service and his love for the field of education when I think of Rick Noli. So, with that, I'm going to conclude my board report tonight. The next item on our agenda is public comments addressing items not on the agenda tonight. We have a we had three opportunities uh for the public for you to speak. No cards were filled out prior to our meeting, so no one has comments. So, um >> yes, >> I'm sorry. I had to speak. >> I'm sorry. >> I had forgotten one recognition and we can definitely bring this back, but I'd like to recognize Mr. Erns Peters. Um, so he worked for Ledger, was a photographer here for 42 years. I will tell you that I I am constantly impressed by
070his presence at all of our activities and events, and he's there to capture the best of our school district and our students. And so after 42 years, I'd very much like to recognize him and say thank you um for his service and commitment to the school district. So Mr. Chair, that concludes my vice chair, that concludes my comments. >> Thank you, Superintendent. Board members, the next order of business is adjournment. >> No, we we can't we have to sign up ahead of time. I'm sorry. late >> cuz you all started at 5:01 and I got here I had to pick up my grandson from school to get them home and I got here late. I got here at 5:45. But what I have to say is very important and it's a safety issue. >> We
071can have staff meet with you and have a discussion. >> I've tried to call Mr. I get to his office. >> Ma'am, I'm sorry you sir in the end. >> Yep. We have staff right there. Mr. Bruno's coming your way. >> Y ma'am disappointed then. I'm sorry. That's our policy. Um, next order of business is adjournment. There's being no further business. The me this meeting of the Poke County School Board is now adjourned.