001All right. Call the school board meeting to order and we will have the uh invocation led by Miss Pickkins and the invocation by Miss Gillyard. Please stand. 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 all. >> Let us pray. Father, in the name of your son, Jesus, we pause right now to say thank you. Thank you for your blessings. the fact God that we live in a country where we are free to worship, we're free, God, to educate all of our children. God, we say thank you, Father. We pray your blessings be upon the family, God, of the young man that lost his life. God, we pray blessings upon all of his friends,
002everyone that was impacted, God. Father, we thank you for this opportunity to serve as stewards for this school district. God, help us to be good stewards, to be watchful and mindful, God, of all things and of everything. God, we pray your blessings upon our teachers, our administrators, God, all of those that make our school run, custodial, bus drivers, all of them, God, are important to the running of this school district, God. Now, bless us that every decision we make, God, will be made from the heart and that we, oh God, will just do our very best to do due diligence, God, and serve in this capacity. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. >> Amen. [clears throat] >> All right, board. We don't have any presentation, so we'll move right into public
003comment. And our first speaker is Mr. Timothy Hotailing. Tim, come on up and be recognized, please. Good afternoon, Tim Hotelling 105 Riverside Way, San Mateo. I've uh given you all quite a little bit of documents and and messages and I hope you've had the opportunity to read them and consider them. Um, where I'm coming from is the >> [clears throat] >> u auditors came in. They did part of the job. I mean the cars, they only did half of them which means the other half is ready to be looked at. There are many issues and I just sort of jumping in and and covering all the stuff that the auditors uncovered is a little bit like the Dutch boy sticking his thumb in the D. >> Excuse me. >> It doesn't really fix the systems
004that allowed these circumstances to fester and occur. I mean, like inventorying the property for 5 years. It's a state law. Um, I would hope that you'd identify whose job description had it and how it fell from a systemic point of view, not necessarily a p personnel point of view. >> [sighs] >> Um there the there I I looked at the uh [clears throat] your organizational chart trying to figure out who who was in charge of these sort of things and I looked at other organizational charts and they don't really compare. I couldn't figure out who would be the logical person to uh have said,"Well, why the heck don't you in this day of age have a a booklet in every car that says this is the mileage and this is where I went and this
005is why I went?" I mean, 40 years ago I was doing that. Um, again, that comes back to systemic rather than than than individuals. And, uh, you all want to do better. I know. But in order to do better, you have to have somebody that [gasps] understands how other people do better and compares it to what we have going on here. And as I've been arguing, that's the great virtue of a trained and knowledgeable inspector general. They come in, they identify best practices, they have knowledge. That's their job. if you get trained and and whatever that that uh identifies the best practices and where people have gone hiccup elsewhere and then compare it to the way your your schools are going and saying the two of them don't match. This is what we got to
006do to bring ourselves forward. This is this is about improvement. This is not, you know, how there there are so many of the How could it be that? Yes. How could it be that we ended up with 12 findings and there were 470 other audits, 73 other audits of 43 districts and their average findings was four point four between four and five. We exceed and excel number one in the state in having things that they found that needed fixed and they only reported they couldn't even identify do an audit on the cars because of the lack of the the data and and again to I just I just like to see it improve and it can and and it can only improve when you have when you have uh a a sterile look at what
007went on and what's going on and what other people do and this is how we fix it >> cuz >> in summarizing your recommendations for the district to look at hiring inspector general >> my my summary is having helped the watch badger the the clerk of the court that just set up one of them uh to get a person it's a lot of certifications and a lot of time you need it need a office of inspector general [snorts] for the school district answerable to the board. But before that, uh, you need to bring somebody in probably on contract that has those skills and can take a look at the the findings and talk to the auditors because I'm I'm sure the auditors have insight of other areas that need to be looked at. and you
008can quietly, very quietly sort out the things that are rough and you guys don't get exposed to all of the stuff in the news. It's a good inspector general does his work skillfully. He's reliable. He's he's trustworthy. You can have anonymous stuff and he does it quietly and he saves you guys from public press that you don't need. That's >> Thank you, Tim. Appreciate your comments. Our next speaker is see Miss uh Sherry Sims. Uh please come up and give your name and address and you are recognized. Hi, it's been a long time since I've spoken in public, so I'm semi-retired. I keep telling myself. My name is Sherry Sims and I live at 415 Pearl Street in Melrose, Florida. And I'm here today as a concerned resident of Melrose. I know you guys work
009very hard. I have the utmost respect for each and every one of you and all the things you do for our children. But on this matter, I'm going to differ on an opinion. And for me to speak up, it must be dear to my heart. um you're about to destroy um one of our our historical buildings to to bring us a new building for the the school. the destruction of the Mediterranean Revival historic schoolhouse built 80 years ago that sits on the corner of 26 and 21 in Melrose. I really truly believe is an unwise decision. This is an anchor in our community. I have had people tell me that they have moved to the community because of the charm of that building that they brought the folks to Melrose and now we're I've seen
010the plans and they're beautiful but they're not the building. It does not contain the heart or soul. The manner in which the decision was made is concerning to me. Not I don't know how the advertising went down. I have talked with Miss Lundy. She has been very kind and very professional. I have to give her kudos. But many people in the community were unaware of these decisions. I personally was blindsided. You know, of course, I'm not on social media and maybe that's perhaps where you reach most of the population. I'm here to implore you, even if I'm the only one, not to destroy this building. Um, [sighs and gasps] it's a piece of Melrose historical heritage and there are many people who are hearts are going to be broken if that building leaves us. I'm
011sure that there's a way that we can find another way to provide for our children which are of utmost importance and I understand the work that you do and I see the progress and the professionalism in Putnham County. I've been here a while and I am totally impressed with the work that you have done. But to look at that building and see if there's another way that we can either restore it or repurpose it, work with a not forprofit. We definitely need afterchool enrichment for our children. That would make a wonderful arts and music center for those children to take those lessons. We are a very artistic and musical place and I thank you very much for your help. Miss Sims, you're you're you're talking about the the the wing, the student wing, uh >>
012the main building that house the >> building one building one. I I didn't look at the map to see. I understand that the the gym has been spared for now. >> Right. So, >> and we appreciate that. >> Believe it or not, 80 years ago this June, my mother graduated from high school at Melrose. The youngest of 11. All >> well, nine of her brothers and sisters graduate from Melrose. I did a lot of questioning our uh maintenance and uh uh building director, Mr. Woods, about it. That building is just not salvageable. And and unfortunately, the cost benefit ratio. >> I heard about that from the state of Florida, >> right? Astronomical. And I don't think the DOE um would you know we do have to follow their guidelines and they have certain criteria and
013unfortunately that building doesn't meet any of those and I understand your your dilemma with that because it kind of breaks my heart too. I'm glad they're leaving the gym because my mother played basketball also. >> Um but we we have tried and superintendent you correct me if I'm you know to >> I I trust Mr. Dr. Sar has done as much as we can, but um I can tell you they have done an exhaustive uh study and analysis of all the buildings before they made the decision to move forward and into and to what had to come down and what could stay. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, there there could have been other options available had more of us known about this this this procedure and what you were planning to do. we might have been able
014to offer you some offer some options uh put it in with a not forprofit and let them uh bring uh community >> we did have I'm sorry I didn't mean to cut you off we did have a um a community meeting >> I I' I've heard that >> where we invited everybody to come and we went over all the building plans >> we also had a representative from Melrose on the bond oversight committee >> and would that be Amy Stanley >> it would be and we also So I remember at that particular time as a school superintendent, we rebuilt totally that old gym which was scheduled to be torn down. >> I remember that >> too much community support. We we were able to put probably more money than we should have in the old
015gym at the time. But the building you're talking about is the building that's from the corner of 21 and and uh >> it's one of the last pieces of that particular uh architecture. And >> we came this close to losing about 30 kids in a classroom when a ceiling fell through. Yes. >> In that old building and fortunately we had moved them out of that room into a different classroom. But if they'd have been there they'd have been crushed and killed >> in that school. So, it's it is old and it needs a lot of work and I'm sorry. >> I understand that it does. >> Haven't heard that sooner. >> And and I'm I'm sorry I hadn't heard the plans to move forward. I could have brought you some folks that could have maybe
016gave you another solution. Um unfortunately because there is the feeling and there are other schools in jeopardy that I I don't tend to stand up and speak. I tend to be the uh the nonpartial person in Melrose. But when I see something that I believe is wrong, I have to speak my truth and I have to speak it loud and clear so that perhaps maybe another community will not suffer these. I understand there are several schools that are being destroyed across the state of Florida at any given day. old architecture because everybody wants to move into the future and not honor the past. >> I have some comments. >> Okay, >> M. I I and I completely understand where you're coming from and one of the biggest uh reasons I ended up running for this
017position was because of the initial um the initial plan had been to close down Melrose and move Doc Willa and that's part of what got me involved from the beginning. Um, >> I heard that >> I'm I'm one of those that moved to Melrose in large part because of the school. So, and my both of my children went there and it's it is it's very very integral part of Melrose and I've said that before from this chair. >> Um, and I definitely did not want to see it um completely torn down and and and rebuilt. They are leaving um, you know, they're leaving certain wings and definitely the the gym. I've had a lot of conversations with the the construction guys and >> I'm sure they're wonderful people >> and well and as Mr. Larry
018said too, I mean and I've been in that building and I have memories myself there, but um there's a lot of safety issues. Um and there's and and it is a shame. It is a shame that you didn't know um that you know what the plan was. Uh but and the district did put it out uh quite >> I understand that they did I'm I'm sure that the district did follow all the sunshine state laws. I do not believe any of you would ever do anything other. I just believe that for some reason there was a large percentage of people I've talked to that should have been aware but weren't aware that this was going down and that's what disturbs me. So in that context, but also that we want to make sure that an
019example is set so that other um communities don't have to suffer this with our our growth and our population and the pattern of destroying the old buildings. We're seeing it all over. >> They probably I was just I was just going to say Mrs. Sims and there is a possibility that that definitely they can get a a beautiful shot of that school and have it mounted somewhere in and that could serve as memorabilia for even though it's not the actual place you have the the picture there cuz it's it no way that they could save it because of safety issues. >> Yeah. >> Yes, ma'am. Well, that's what I was I was thinking is is that if you had if we had known then then we could have came to you with an alternative and
020that alternative wasn't pres opportunity wasn't presented and it is a it is a situation that is possibly part of Melrose at this time because we are not a community as we used to be where we all shared information. we have that we still have this division among us that we're some of us are working very diligently to um undo and put us back to where we used to be. So, uh I appreciate the offer of this photo and I will also be touring with the alumni. Thank you, Miss Lundy. And I'm bringing a photographer as well because I am very concerned about maintaining the history. >> Thank you. We appreciate your comments. >> Thank you. >> All right, board. Um, we now will move into the consent agenda. Um, and I, Mr. Pickkins, I will
021start with you again. >> I have nothing to pull, >> Mr. Buckles. >> I would like to uh ask the superintendent one more time. Are we looking at this personnel um construction manager thing today? Is it? >> No, we're not going to bring it to you today. We We are continuing advertising because of the uh holiday season. So, we're >> I just want to make sure it wasn't covered up in here because I've got some >> We should have some information by the next meeting. I'm good. >> On the agenda though, the the there's just a technical amendment to the to the job description. Correct. That's what Miss Whitehurst had said, and it's just bring it, you know, one that >> I don't have a problem with the technical amendment, but I would like to
022whenever we go to do that to talk about it. >> Okay. Thank you. U Mr. Gillyard [clears throat] >> taken care of. Thank you, sir. >> Wagner, >> all my questions were answered. Thank you. >> Mine, too. Uh, chair will entertain a motion on the consent agenda. >> I'll make a motion, Mr. Chairman, that we approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. >> All right. I have a motion and a second. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously. All right. We will now move into out of regular session into emergency session to take up item I1 um the approval under the emergency session to um take immediate attention um what am I doing here? approval to pay our approval to pay that's on the uh for the custodian
023and yeah under the memorandum we >> and I do want to say in addition the funeral has been moved uh to January 17th >> 17th right >> Mr. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion that we approve to pay for the funeral >> of that >> cost of that uh whatever >> custodian >> we turn into in that situation at PLA. >> Right. And the costs are for the custodian to help with the setup and the correct the cleanup and then the three um resource officers. Yes, sir. >> All right. I have a motion. >> Did I have a second? >> Second. >> Yes. >> All right. Second by Miss Pickkins. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I >> motion carries unanimously. We will now move back into our regular um
024meeting and u you have anything or >> Yeah. Um are you going to new business? >> Yes, sir. On on K1 update on on our district vehicle. >> Yeah, Miss Wahherst could not be here today, so I'm going to fill in for her the update on the uh district vehicle um procedures. Uh first of all, the decals are currently being placed on all vehicles and uh should be close to being finished. So that is that is in the workings. Uh we're also we are having all authorized drivers and those assigned vehicles complete new forms. We should be able to have the list for approval for the assigned vehicles at the next board meeting. And then u Mr. Helms, our uh purchasing director is working has worked on the GPS information and I'll give it to
025you to determine the cost estimate and the next steps for procurement. And uh actually have that in front of me right now. And the total cost and you can do the math and it's for a three-year contract. The total cost is $85,45.37 take away $3,500 and change in sales tax. So right about 82,000 81 and a half >> and and so our newer vehicles that have the GPS available and it's not really GPS but the tracking of the um what do you call it OnStar that we couldn't use that and it would be cheaper or >> Brian you come up and uh I know you've done some research on that and these are for the white fleet way right yeah [cough] >> so [clears throat] so the basis of it's pretty simple it's something you
026just hook into so that the computer sees it. Um, but the OnStar stuff that's like separate. That would be what you have like in your own personal vehicle. But those vehicles you just plug it in. Um, it sets up. Um, it's and so you can track it from here and everywhere in the county or wherever that vehicle goes, GPS track, speed, all those things that go with that. It's also this company is actually the same that the BOCC and PLA uses too. They both use that same. So that's why um >> and Brian I think you told me that >> I mean >> the cost of this is primary way or the soft software >> it's a software yeah the equipment is actually free so [laughter] it is but you pay for that yearly uh
027contract to be able to track it and do all those things. So it would be a continuing cost that would happen. >> You had a question? >> Yes ma'am. >> Um I I think you had said but that was for how long? >> Three years. Yeah. So it's 20 >> vehicles. >> Uh I think it's it's on that actual code. I think it'sund I'm sorry 80 vehicles and there's like 10 that are like bigger vehicles so it takes a little more different. I sent them actually the specs of all the vehicles themselves and the VIN numbers and all that good stuff. So it's a pretty accurate quote. Um we might get in there and some of them might like the F350s are a little different so it takes a little different >> not want to
028under or overreact. How many school districts have you come in contact with or have you explored that that use these these GPS devices? >> Bigger districts, almost all of them use. >> Almost all the bigger districts, rural districts, you don't see it. >> Not as much. Just because they'd only their fleet could be 10 cars. I mean, you know, it's all relative in what that that board wants to do. >> Still money. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> Could we also phase it and do it in phases? >> So, it is phased. So, that 86 isn't the upfront cost. It's over three years. So, it's 20 and change per year um that it costs and it has that broken down there and has a contract and all that. So, it's it's broken down per year
029in there. So, >> and there's no age limit on the vehicle. It it works on all of them. It >> it's Yes, ma'am. So, most of our fleet uh so early late 90s they quit. I mean, you can plug in just about everything. And that's why some of the older vehicles are going to have to have a different I call it a dongle that you can plug in to do that. But, >> but they do all that. They and our maintenance can, you know, Yes, >> ma'am. Well, so it's it's around 20,000 a year. It's a threeyear. So, a three-year contract. >> Mhm. >> So, in year four, it's going to be $20,000 or probably goes up. >> It could go up if you need adjustments, if you add it to the fleet, all that
030would come into factor um in regards to that. And it could go lower. So, if some of the vehicles, you know, if all 80 aren't running, right, we wouldn't put it on a vehicle that's not being used. But [clears throat] you guys approved some of those being gone. So I did every vehicle we have in stock. So >> um and Oh, so that would include that's not just like what district personnel drive. That would be what I used to drive as a coach. >> Yeah, white fleet. Yeah, it would be only the white fleet. So that doesn't include like the buses or the, you know, all of that has its they already are tracked in that realm. >> Okay. >> To my knowledge, they are. our our vans that we use those attract >> No,
031ma'am. No, ma'am. They would be a part of that. >> Okay. All right. >> Yeah. >> I just My only concern is is [snorts] that we we take our time and we act and we don't react. I still think because of some audit findings, I think there's been a propensity for people to react and because it looks so bad. And I don't know if what Mr. Ho said, I I don't know if in these other districts that people called and tried to single out certain things. I'm not sure what may have occurred, but I don't I I don't know. I mean, this process when you get an employes's name tied up in it, it creates a whole different level of I mean, this this process is going to have to work work its way out
032through uh the different state agencies and uh I've just been through some much of this stuff. I just don't know that. I just don't want to I don't want to overreact to one situation that may or may not be as factual as it appears to be. So, I just we'll wait and see how that pans out. But, uh I just that's all I have to say. I I'll >> Okay. >> Any other questions for me? >> Any good questions? >> All right. And then I do want to say this this is not has not been budgeted. It's not in our budget. for this year. So, this is something that we'd have to wait till next year. Yeah. I mean, we'd have to Am I correct on that? >> It's not this year. >> So, then
033we got to find it. >> Well, two things. Um, number one, I I personally think it's it's um good from a a safety standpoint for the our our staff that are driving the vehicles, you know, um for some reason or whatever that that something happened that we'd have an exact GPS location to to be able to get help to them. Um and then you know we could uh we could see where where we are after February when our our final count for our uh FEFP comes out and see you know budgetary budget wise where we stand. >> You know I'm not um I mean I don't think this needs to be done tomorrow. Uh but you know I do think it needs to be implemented. I I would like to see us get started this
034year if if in fact we we can find the money to do it, but not but pending the situation we're in now, I'd say we just don't take any action until we we have that that information. >> Yeah, >> I think it's a good idea, Phil. I agree with you on that. >> Yes, >> it's a it's certainly nice to know where our people are if they get in a bad spot. >> Okay, so Superintendent, we don't need to take any action then. Correct? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Just an update. >> All right. >> Can I could I make one other? So, in the interim before we do make a decision on that, >> are we now logging? >> I mean, every vehicle I ever drove that was school board owned. Um, >> when
035I was a coach and even when we went on a conference, >> there's a log. >> I didn't mention that, but we do have logs in each vehicle. >> Okay. And you'll log weekly miles and and what your what that mileage is for >> and someone in who who's responsible for like just tracking that. Would it be is it someone in finance or transport? >> I don't know if it's going transportation. >> Yeah, my understanding is um the HR and I'm hearing from Miss White now. >> Okay. Okay. >> That they are implementing the logs and all part of the new procedure. So all that will go back to HR. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Very good. >> Okay. Board. Uh we will now move to reports and uh Miss Wagner,
036I will start with you. >> Well, um first I'd like to wish everybody a happy new year. >> Same to you, ma'am. >> We made it through to the beginning of January. um as and I I was going to speak a little bit about uh the Melrose School. I've had I've seen a lot of um online presence about [clears throat] about the the the temporary fencing um and people not knowing what's going on. They're seeing the playground equipment changed because they did quite a bit of um stuff over the the break while the children were not there that they could get done. Um and they came at I think the last meeting or meeting before and discussed some of that. Um so just I was going to answer some of those questions that have been
037popping up on social media that no the entire school is not being demolished. Um the know that the students are not getting relocated off campus and that's one of the reasons they are going about it the way they are is so that the children don't have to be um >> yeah displaced. I mean, they're going to have, I think, some um portables at some point while they're doing certain wings. >> Actually, if I can correct you, we are not going to do portables. We actually have revamped building six, which is over next to the gym. So, we're we're not going to have to pay for portables. We're actually putting those students from building one into building six. >> Oh, great. Great. >> They should have started there today. >> Awesome. And I saw all the
038kids out there on the It's It was kind of strange. They've got the playground equipment on the baseball fields at the moment. But um and and hats off to um to Miss Lundy. I I've seen her online as well working hard to avoid this is a lot of change for parents and and the teachers. So, I've seen the the maps that she's posted and instructions and tips on how to avoid just massive traffic jams, which is going to be kind of difficult uh on State Road 26. We don't have that uh the 21 side to where we can go in. Um and it's very nice. By the way, I remember you, Holly, speaking about some of the changes going on in your area, and I wasn't familiar enough with the area to to visualize it,
039and now it feels good to be able to talk about an area I I do know. But Miss Lundy's just done a wonderful job getting the information out there to the parents. I really appreciated that. uh she had a video on on Facebook and she posted maps and I'm hopeful that the parents do see that because it'll make a big difference when you when you get there to pick your children up it you can't get there too early because it just backs everyone up. Um so I was really uh appreciative of that and then um and and Dr. Cerny, I appreciate the continuing information. Um and Mr. Tim, I'm I I've heard I've heard you speak and I have read what I could. I didn't get it till I think late last night. I got
040an email. Um I do read what people send me. Um and [snorts] I appreciate, you know, whether we can agree on something, whether we do not. Um, I definitely am about moving forward avoiding I've said this before, avoiding um bad optics and I think transparency is the best way to do it. Um, and for anyone that's wondering because I've had this asked this week, maybe we maybe we're not talking enough about it at our board meetings. I don't know. But we have not, in my opinion, we have not swept this aside. There are things going on. They are continuing to go on and um questions are continuing to be asked. So, I just I I had a couple of comments made to me as though the board isn't isn't doing anything, and I just want
041to reassure people we are. um and the district is and I encourage um the transparency and I'm appreciative of it that we're getting so far. And you know, just last thing, prayers to the family um of our student from this this weekend. Um nobody wants to hear this kind of news and it's just devastating to a community and you know, uh words are inadequate on that. I just I'm I'm happy there's so much support it it appears for the family. Um and that's all I'll >> Okay. Thank you, Miss Gillyard. >> Okay. Um just want to take a moment of silence if we can please in honor of one of our longtime teachers, Miss Alice Rouse, uh that transitioned. Um a phenomenal teacher. I worked with her at Kelly Smith for years. uh so did
042the superintendent work with her and from my understanding up until last year she was still working in our school district and so we certainly want her family to know that our hearts go out to them and they have our condolences. So if we could just take just a short moment of silence we would appreciate it. And thank you. And just again as as Mrs. Wagner said in regards to wishing everyone a happy new year, I do that as well. Uh I did get an opportunity after coming from the hospital just I had a little time. So I rode by Palaka a the school out on Horseman Club Road and I'm telling you it's a while. I I I just wish that the gates were not locked. I I would have liked to have gone in
043closer just to see. And I want to ask is there any way possible that we could possibly get a visit as a board like we went out a while back when they were still in in in the building and constructing mode that >> Yes, sir. We can we can advertise and people can join us. >> Our tour guide. >> Okay. [clears throat and cough] >> She I'm I'm serious about that. But if we could get that done, I just it it >> it's phenomenal. And I love the fact they already have the marquee going and they have the little panther up there on it. It's it's just great. >> Could you work that out? Thank Thank you. >> Thank you so much. And um again, I I echo what Mrs. Wagner said in regards to
044to the family uh of the young man that transitioned uh over the break and and what this district is doing to show our support. Uh you know, I don't know of many other districts that may be doing what we're doing, but uh he is he was our student. And so to the district, uh we did get the text from from uh Mrs. France and and and I appreciate that we had always mentioned keeping us in the loop when thing even though I had heard it about it, you know, but then again, you can't all always rely on the street committee. So, I appreciate you sharing what the done, [clears throat] sir. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Ber. >> I reiterate what Miss Gillard said. I you lose one student, you've lost We We sat in
045here earlier talking about other students we've lost over the years and it adds up to dozens. And u every scenario you can think of and our hearts and prayers go out to the family and um once again, you know, we've we're dealing with this and it is that is what we do. We we deal with children every day and people in families who have real problems and real life situations. U sometimes that include having to go tell parents their child died on a field trip or you know talk with FBI agents over a child who's been murdered and you can't find the body. So I mean if you've been through enough of this you you learn that it is serious business and it's just heartbreaking. I'd like to mention Melrose. I've appreciate the kind lady
046coming and giving her comments. I've for 30 plus years I've never done anything at Melrose that somebody hasn't came in and had a concern about destroying the historic old school and whatnot. And I know Phil's family, the tires were all out there in Melrose and around Keystone. And I had relatives out that way as well. And it's it is a beautiful place and a beautiful campus, but we did good just to hold on to the gym. And I I'm optimistic that that they'll have a structure there that can withstand hurricanes for the residents and and bad storms and not have to worry about the ceilings falling in and the kids standing there watching the the aftermath being drugged out of the school like I've seen before. So, uh, and and last, once again, I'm going
047to just mention that I've heard enough, um, about audits that I' I've been through enough of them for enough years that, >> you know, just because you see an audit finding doesn't mean that that's really the way it is. Once it's properly vetted and investigated, sometimes they change. Um, and doesn't doesn't mean it will this time, but I just think that it's um, you know, we we're going to have if we have another audit next year, we're going to have we're going to have more findings. You don't um, you don't have audits that you don't have audit findings. And it's and then when we get to dealing with people that we love and care about or know or have spent decades here working, it makes it even harder on u people in the community to
048to kind of digest what goes out on social media and uh there's no way to stop that. This is the new world we live in and u I don't always like what I see but I mean it is certainly sometimes it comes in handy when you need to let people know of really bad situations. So u just remember that just because you have an audit doesn't mean everything on the audit was was uh something horrible. And I don't know what other districts I'm, you know, go through, but I'm sure they've experienced the same things I've experienced over many years of dealing with this and u I'm sure there'll be another audit coming up in the next year. So Rick gets to sit in all those in Tallahassee when they come up, but in the ones
049that come here. But that's it. I >> Thank you. Um, Miss Pick. Um, I uh first I'd like to start with thanking all of our principles at all the different schools um for their cute little jokes at Christmas and wishing their students um a merry Christmas or wishing everyone a merry Christmas from their um from their schools. Uh my family kind of got tired of me texting every time I saw one I put the little thing up there. They got some of them. I think one child googled it to get the answer, but um it was cute, it was fun, and it was a feel-good for the um school district. I'd also like to thank the Palaca Daily News for doing the all county um volleyball and all county cross country for the males and
050females. A special congratulations to Parker Bournestein for being named player of the year for volleyball. Um I had the opportunity to coach quite a few girls and um she's special. She's some somebody we're she's she was only in ninth grade this year. She's special. She's somebody to watch. Um that's a lot of pressure on her. Uh so I think she can handle it though. Um also I agree with Miss Wagner. Um, questions are still being asked and I do appreciate the the emails from um, Tim Hoe because it makes you think and it makes you ask questions and um, so I appreciate somebody that wants to be involved in the school district and help the school district. Um, and then lastly, I would like to just uh, give uh, Principal Tim Adams a happy birthday
051shout out. >> That's it. >> All right. Thank you. Um, I just have a few things. I I want to uh reiterate um Miss Gillard's comments about Alice Rouse. Uh Lee and I, her husband worked together for uh four years. I my four years at the water management district. He was there I think for about 30 and then Alice taught um my oldest daughter Caroline at Kelly Smith. Okay. >> And um been friends with them for years. It's it's a tremendous loss. and she was such an inspirational teacher and and and reading coach and just did an amazing job. Her funeral also is um the 17th. No, the 17th. No, it's the 10th this Saturday. 10th. >> Yeah. >> Um the legislative session starts in a week next week. >> Um uh there's a number
052of bills filed. The one that that I'm, you know, following most closely is the um legislation um that was filed in the Senate, I guess yesterday, that's going to uh hopefully rectify the voucher and the the opportunity scholarship money and that um you know, there'll be more of a checks and balances so that you know, we don't have 70 kids in our in our desk that that are getting the vouchers, >> spent the money. Um it's it's a huge job and and and the auditor general audited DOE and said they needed to come up with a completely separate uh program and entity to run this to run the the scholarship program and which I agree because it it is a monumental job. I mean we're talking about millions and millions of dollars. I I I
053have high hopes that that will move quickly through the through the process and um be um hopefully um signed into law and take effect um July 1st. Um you know the second part of the the what I've been reading is um you know uh funding for mental health which we've talked about here and which we we desperately need and and have a significant demand and it's continuing to increase and as was explained by um I want to call her Miss Traxxler but that's not that's her maiden name David >> Sims. >> Yeah, Miss Sims um that >> Simmons I guess. >> Simmons I'm sorry. Yes. our our lead mental health um uh specialist here in the district, you know, and something that um the board attorney and I had a kind of a dissertation. We
054we we sometimes, you know, talk about want to check on one thing and and it leads to other conversations and and he and I philosophizing about, you know, uh what what needs to change and how [laughter] we need to do it from the st in a positive way, mostly from the legislature and and that type of thing. But I I do think that um we've got to stay on track with our discipline and our no tolerance um uh policy and that that somehow someway and I know it's not necessarily our responsibility but we've got to incorporate early, you know, kindergarten, first grade, second grade in our students, you know, right and wrong discipline because many of them aren't getting it at home at all. And you know, they come to school and and um unfortunately
055it it plays out in in our in our school system and as they move through to higher grades, you know, it it gets exasperated and unfortunately leads to um you know, expulsions and different things. I just I I know that um a lot of what our teachers and administrators and counselors have to deal with are things that a lot of districts, you know, don't have to deal with from the standpoint the magnitude and the numbers. And uh I just think that we we that needs to be something that maybe over the next, you know, four or five months that we can think about, maybe even do a workshop on and and see how, you know, what can happen. Um you know, and it it it really doesn't have anything to do with what occurred this
056past weekend with the shooting. I'm understand that, you know, now they think it was accidental, but you know, both those kids, the one that got shot and the one that was playing with a gun or doing something with a gun were, you know, our high school students. And so, um, I don't know what the answer is. You know, I'm not a a psychologist or, um, and I'm certainly not, you know, an educator from the standpoint of, but I see what they're dealing with. And uh I think that we've we've got to somehow um work to prioritize that as we continue to uh to work work with our kids. Um, and then the last thing is, um, you know, the school construction. I saw where at Kelly Smith today when I went to pick up my
057granddaughter, uh they're already starting some preliminary environmental work and and um and so we're that that's on track and um you know due to the holidays um the superintendent said they're going to extend [clears throat] the the uh application process for the building construction um manager and that you know and I've talked to uh some of my friends uh one of them particular from the that graduated from University of Florida's program, the Rinker School for Construction, and they have a huge alumni following. And so, she's going to get the ad out to uh to them and and and and see if we can But it it's going to be tough because, you know, these people are out there making huge salaries. I mean when you know you're managing a construction of a brand new uh
05814story Hilton hotel in Naples, Florida and that those I mean those are you just think about the construction projects that are going on around the state and you see them as you travel there's a huge demand for those people. So um and uh I do think that the superintendent um and the staff have you know some alternatives but we'll we'll see how this goes and and then move forward from there. So that's all I have. Um, >> Phil, excuse excuse me one one. We >> we've got Josh Alexander here and Walton Pelisir here from the county commission. Maybe Josh could give us a brief update on this trailer that they've they're buying for the sheriff's office to to school zones and stuff. Is >> before we go to uh Josh, come on up and and
059and uh I read it in the paper and and actually Walton had told me about it earlier and uh thank you guys for coming and being here in our meeting. But Josh, give us an update on their >> trailer. Well, this is the first time I've ever gotten to speak to you guys. Um, but I appreciate you calling me up. Rick and I actually got to present it to the sheriff's office the other day. Um, we as commissioners had received numerous complaints regarding speeding through the school zones and unmarked school zones. Uh, especially the um, I think it's the charter school right there by the credit union. But, you know, to to make changes in and, you know, to make changes in the speed zones and the signage, um, it it takes traffic studies, it
060takes FDOT approval, it takes this, it takes that, and, um, I needed action quicker. So, um, just coincidentally, Jared Higotham reached out to me and asked me if I could use some of my my discretionary funds for a certain item, and I said, "No, I'm I'm not in the enforcement business. I'm in the safety business and you know how can I help the kids and then you know I talked to them and I was like this is a great idea because this can be enacted quickly. I don't have to ask anybody's permission and it can potentially save lives. So I talked to Rick. I talked to Travis. I talked to Gator. Um and we all thought it was a great idea and believe it or not it's not an expensive option. We can dispatch it
061as needed. And the added caveat is we can trace who came through there, who was speeding, we can record license plates. >> Um because a lot after talking to Gator, um typically the calls that they get, well, somebody's speeding through a neighborhood or somebody's doing this, um you couldn't document it. Now we have the means to document that it is justified. And from an efficiency standpoint, you can dispatch a deputy to the areas that's needed. But first you have documentation that it is necessary because just like everybody else, the county, the schools, we have limited resources and it's always a juggling act of where do you send those people. Now you've got physical data justifying um the need. So it it it's great and um you know I was catching some flack about spending tax
062dollars on this and you know at the end of the day I don't care. >> I can't believe that. >> Yeah. At the end of the day I really don't care if it saves one life. >> Yeah. one kid gets it prevents him from getting injured, I'd [snorts] buy 10 of them. >> Yeah. >> So, there's nothing that has a higher value to me than the children's safety and our community safety >> and I thought it was a great spin. >> We're the same way. >> Win. Actually, Rick and I had it out there at uh Palaka High the other day. We had some good pictures with it and um >> the majority of the response was positive. Um, you're always going to have a detractor here and there, but um, you know, we were
063put in place by a majority of the people to make the right decisions. And, you know, Mr. Buckle said it from the get-go. You're not going to please everybody all the time, but if you can please the majority of the people most of the time, then you're doing your job. >> Thank you, Josh. Appreciate it. >> Yes sir. Hey, one quick question while I'm up here. Uh, listen to Miss Sims testimony. was very passionate and um [clears throat] I don't know how far we are along in the in the process there at Melrose. Is there a window that potentially exists to reach out to the Melrose Historical Society about potentially giving them the opportunity to move that building or donate it to them? >> I don't think it could structurally could be moved. >> I
064didn't know if it was a subfloor construction or how it was built or if it was >> We We'll certainly ask. I mean, we can ask, but I don't I don't think structurally it's >> Yeah. Well, I just once you lose history, it's gone forever. >> So, I just wanted to ask that question because I'm a big history buff and I think a lot of us up here >> would hate to lose that piece of history if there is an opportunity for it to be saved. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. Thank you guys. >> Thank you, Walton. >> We'll move to uh Mr. Holmes. >> Oh, nothing. All right, superintendent. >> Thank you. Um I sent a video out yesterday that I recorded sent it out to all the employees. I don't know if
065y'all received it or not, but um just did a short video, just kind of a welcome back video from the holidays. And um I also addressed, you know, the the audit and you know, I said to our employees and I'll say to you that as as a superintendent, I I accept 100% responsibility for the audit and all the all the things that happened. And I just want to say to you and say to the public, we have things in place and we are working on putting things in place. so we can correct that. And as a matter of fact, we we have to report that to the state. We just don't tell them we're going to do better. We actually have to demonstrate to them that we are doing better. So, you know, for anyone
066that has questions about that, that is definitely being addressed. And I've had some questions about I mentioned to you before um about the mileage situation. There is an outside entity doing an investigation and I should be um prepared to share the findings with you on that at the next meeting. is right now it's not available but I would try to do that at the next meeting. Um you know the the death of the student was has happened too much and um what's really sad is this is um two two young men from our football team like aa junior senior high school in addition to the young lady that was a cheerleader. So uh you know that is definitely having a a big impact on the football team. We do have mental health personnel there today
067you know addressing that and I've actually gotten a report back. So, you know, we we are trying to just be there to help those students process that. Matter of fact, I just got a text from U. Miss Oyster. She sent me a copy of the last essay that this young man wrote and uh that's pretty touching. So, really puts it in perspective. >> On a positive note, I do want to mention that we are very soon going to be doing the product of Putinham again. It's that time of the year and so we'll be putting out information about nominations and all that. and uh Felicia is handling all that. So, we'll give you more information when that happens. Phil, I think you've already mentioned about our exe executive director of construction management and again, we've
068extended that just due to the holidays. So, hopefully we'll come back at the next board meeting with some more information on that. Want to remind families that uh continually that attendance is extremely important and especially starting off the new year. So, we've got to have those kids in the seats. If we're going to if we're going to teach them and they learn, they need to be in school. So, we just encourage all families to work on that with us. If you will check your calendar, we do have the educational foundation gala >> that's coming up and that's going to be on January 23rd and it is online. So, if you want to go on there, you can, you know, get all the information about a table or seat or whatever you want to do. The
069employee of the year ceremony will be on January the 20th. >> January 20th. >> And I believe that will be at Pla Junior Senior High School. Is that right, Susan? >> Not at Grace Fellowship. Yeah, that's where we've been having. Excuse me. >> Yeah, it's been there for the last couple years. >> Six o'clock >> at Grace >> Grace Fellowship. >> Right. Where we've had it, >> right? And just want to mention this. Want to thank our chamber. Everybody see a copy of that? >> Very nice. >> Destination public uh Putinham that just came out. Real nice article here on page >> about um our our school district and also the college. So if you get a chance um they they had a nice write up on that. >> So I think that's everything I
070have. Thank you. >> All right. Anything else to come before the board? >> Oh, let me let me mention one more thing. >> Also on January 20th, we have um executive session. Susan will be sending out those invites to you. That's at 2:45 and that's where u Travis Weaver will be um sharing information about our safety audit >> January 20th. That'll be prior to the next board meeting. >> Meeting. Okay. >> All right. Board. Any any anything else? All right. If not, we will stand adjourned.