Closing remarks. At the conclusion of the interviews, board members will make a motion to approve the selected candidate and authorize the board chair to begin contract and negotiations. We will now begin with our first candidate. Tal talent management. Please introduce our first candidate.
Good morning board members. Um I would like to introduce our fa first candidate is Kathy Dri Bruno and I will open it up to you now Miss Leonardi to begin the questions. >> Good morning. Um could you uh pronounce your name again one more time for us
please? >> Surely my name is Kathy Dupri Bruno. >> Thank you so much. Um please go ahead and with your opening statement. >> Thank you Madam Chair. Greetings Chair Leonardi, Vice Chair Hoes, members of the school board. Uh I believe this is a
standing in for Dr. Heepburn today as well as our general counsel Batista. For more than 26 years, I have devoted my legal career to child advocacy. For nearly six years, I have served as a schoolboard attorney and the general counsel for the Lee County School
District, the eighth largest school district in the state of Florida. It is also a school district with a h 100,000 students and $2.8 billion in an operating budget and 13,000 employees. Bird County Public Schools is one of the
largest and most visible impactful district in the nation. You have all kinds of challenges and opportunities that require a general counsel who is not only strong in the legal technicalities, but one who understands governance and the statutory legal lanes
of both the school board and the superintendent. In our one-on- ones yesterday, it was clear to me that you are all dedicated to the students of Brow County. It is also clear to me that you desire continuous improvement of processes,
strengthening accountability so that you as a school board can fulfill your constitutional obligation to govern and to have oversight. As one of only 47 board certified specialists in the state of Florida in education law, I have had the
opportunity to represent the Lee County School Board and the Lee County School District and numerous high stakes and extraordinary complex legal matters while under intense public scrutiny. What I am most proud of, however, is
creating and building a legal department, a true legal team that is responsive to solutions, focused on proactive guidance, serves the school board while legally supporting the day-to-day operations with the
administration, always keeping the best interest of the school district at front and student achievement as paramount. You have a strong legal department in Broward County. They are renowned throughout the state. It would be a privilege and an
honor to lead your legal team and I stand ready for your questions. Thank you so much. Um we will go in alphabetical order um and then Dr. Holes and I will go last. So I'll maintain that um that order for the entire uh set
of interviews. So with that said, go ahead Mrs. Alhadaf. Thank you for being here today. How do you ensure compliance with state and federal school safety laws while also supporting practical district operations?
Well, one of the main things is to make sure that you stay on top of the laws. So I am constantly looking to see what is um happening, what is the new legal landscape from both the state and the federal as well as um any other executive uh decisions that are made from um Tallahassee or from um the
federal government as well. It is extremely important that um the school board is well advised and that's why I do that. I will send out uh emails whenever there's a important legal issue that comes up. I'll make sure that the board has it and make myself available
to answer any questions related to that as well as making sure that the superintendent, the administration, cabinet is aware. One of the other thing is it's not just to understand that there's a new law that has been changed, but it's also to understand its implication and its impact on the school
district. So oftent times I will also uh reach out to academic services. Here's the new law that has come out. What are we doing to make sure that we are in compliance? >> Thank you. Oh, and follow-up question. Can you name one uh Florida state school
safety law that was enacted since 2018? So, we have the um basically the margin sto Douglas um which is to make sure that we have safety officers in all of our schools, safety resource officers. There's continuous improvement on that
statute. Um, we also have Alyssa's law with regards to um, badging and making sure that there's an ability to have emergency contact if there's something that is happening. Um, there's just, you know, that law, the um, Marjorie Stoman Douglas law has been um, improved and
continuously is improved with the office of safe schools that comes down and does inspections. Um, there's just various things in that law that is very broad that we ensure that we maintain. >> Thank you so much. Thank you, Miss Bulman. Good afternoon. Thanks for being here.
Um, what my question is, what steps will you take as general counsel in Broward County to ensure that the district adopts a proactive rather than a reactive approach to risk management? >> Thank you for that question. That is
something that is very uh important to me to be proactive. I think that it's extremely especially in an organization this side. This is something that I have done in Lee County. Um, when I first started in Lee County, I remember talking to the chief of staff. You guys really seem to just react to things
instead of anticipating what can happen and taking steps to prevent. So for me again monitoring the laws before it becomes an issue, identifying it as an issue and make sure that we are um preparing for that change that is coming. Even before laws become um
approved or signed off by the governor during session, my team and I we watch to see what's coming down the pipe and we evaluate. We start having conversations with staff. Once those laws um we know that the governor is going to have them, it's going on his desk prior to July 1. we are already
meeting with staff. Here's what's going to be signed by the governor so that you guys are prepared. Um I'm very um concerned about risk management all the time. I work very closely risk with risk management not only from a liability standpoint, from a financial standpoint,
and from a legal standpoint. I want to make sure that we are always on our toes and that we're not act we're not um responding but that we are anticipating to make sure that we are fully in compliance and we are fully protected.
>> Thank you. Um and we're allowed to have a follow-up question for that >> or no. >> Um so let me reiterate um and so if you would like to ask a follow-up question, flag uh Dr. Lozano or Miss Rocklman. Um,
>> I don't need a question. I think the answer >> equitably. >> Okay, thanks. >> Um, but yeah, we are allowed one follow-up question per question. >> Okay, that Well, okay. So, I'm flagging somebody. >> Okay, so just my follow-up question for this would be, can you give us an
example of putting this into action that something that's happened maybe recently in your practice? Um well, the most recent was to um be prepared for a potential financial
and legal liability by working with our charter schools um to ensure that we have some protections and limit the potential exposure that we may have by amending their contracts.
prior to them taking specific legal action on a particular issue. That's as far as I can go on that particular matter >> and we and we talked about that in our interview. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. C. Vera. >> Thank you, Chair. Um, is it permissible
for us to deviate from the script here? >> You the only thing that I will ask is that you ask one question. >> Okay. Thank you for that. Um Kathy, it's nice to see you again. Thank you for coming in. I appreciated your time yesterday and and I certainly appreciate you
coming here uh again to address this whole board. Um as one, uh it's no secret that this district has some some problems. We're in financial peril. Uh the public doesn't trust us and perhaps rightfully so. Uh we have transparency
problems. We've got communication problems. And uh the list kind of goes on and on. Uh that being said, I did some research and a lot of the things that we struggle with here in Broward County don't exist in Lee County. In
fact, it it it seems to be uh relatively smooth smooth operation over there. So my question to you uh for the benefit of this board and for the benefit of the public is why leave county to come to Broward County? So f first to
answer um I think we need to make sure we're we're clear on the history. Lee County has had its issues. Um we're blessed now that within the last couple of years it's been very smooth. We have a new board. But I tell you when I started in 2020, there was fires all
over the place. And the favorite thing on the six o'clock news with what was going on with the school board with clips of the school board. So we've had our fires, we've had our challenges, and now we're going through a period of calm. And this it's it's cyclical in in government. Sometimes things are really
riled up. Sometimes it calms down. Why Lee County? Why leave Lee County? I I enjoy working with my board, be quite honest with you. I enjoy uh the system that we have. I've been a part of creating that calmness. I've been a part of helping with the integrity and the
ethics and the transparency in Lee County. And at some point, you want to grow. You want to continue to have professional development. And you want to continue to challenge yourself. And for somebody in my position, the next step would be going to a a district like Broward County.
>> So, you're ready to be the fireman? >> I'm I'm ready to partner with you, the board, to be the fireman and the superintendent. >> Before we go on to the next uh board member, Dr. Lozano, >> just making sure for the next two.
>> Speak up. Yeah. Oh, >> any followup? No, go ahead. No, go ahead and make your statement. >> So, just make sure for the next two candidates you ask the exact same question. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Miss Hixon. >> All right. Thank you. And good afternoon. Nice to see you again. Uh my question is, what is your vision for a high-erforming schoolboard legal office? >> So, we should always be striving for excellence. that even if we're doing a
good job, we strive to be better. We always look for our blind spots. We all looks always look for opportunities because we can always get better and we can improve. That's the way that I practice. That's what I expect from my team in Lee County, uh is to always strive. So once we get to the point that
we are not reacting, that now legal is being proactive, that we are on top of laws, that we are in compliance, then we're going to continue to move forward to what else can we do client? What else do you need? Staff, what else can we help you with? What are we missing? What
is our blind spot? What is our strengths? What is our opportunities? We just continue to grow. At some point, I think that um we'll be part of that calmness as to what has happened in Lee County. >> Thank you.
Any followup? Okay, Miss Rupert. Thank you. Good morning, Kathy. Nice to see you again. >> Good morning. >> Okay. Um, what role do you believe that general counsel should play in
influencing district culture to ensure that schools understand and consistently implement their legal obligations relating to special education law, IDA, and section 504? I
know it was long. If you want me to need to read it again for you. >> No, I I have it here. Thank you. So, the general counsel really is responsible to make sure that um the legal team is
doing their part to assist staff, excuse me, with um ensuring that we have compliance. Um this is something that plagues every district to ensure that we're providing the appropriate um special services um special education
services to students who are in need. And we have an obligation to work with staff to answer questions to make sure that staff is doing child find. For example, uh Lee County is looking at a particular program for um elementary students. Um it's it is an operational
thing. It's not it's an academic thing. However, legal was in the room and legal of course is saying, "Well, don't forget child find. Um make sure we do MTSS." So, those are the types of things to assist um staff while they're working on their programs that we are ensuring that
we're in compliance and we're not missing any of the legal loopholes, if you will. >> Thank you, Miss Thompson. >> Thank you, Chair. Um, so can you describe how your past experience equips you to advise the board proactively,
anticipating legal and policy issues before they arise in an educational environment shaped by evolving technologies, legislation, and community expectations? >> Yes, thank you for the question. So, um,
my past experience is very broad. I I've been practicing as I said um now over 26 years and I've had the pleasure of u being a u private practice. I had the pleasure of working with kids in dependency court and of course my last
role as being the schoolboard attorney the general counsel for Lee County School District. All of that has helped me get skills to be able to assist the board. In addition, I've had special training as a mediator. I have had training as a family court mediator.
I've had training as a um circuit court mediator and I have also been trained as a collaborative attorney. Those are additional skills in my tool belt um that I use often with my board. Um in addition, I have also been a um trained
as a Supreme Court arbitrator. That's also some skills that I use with my board. So I have an advantage in that I can um bring people together, find out what the real issue is and try to get it resolved and go to the core of whatever
um that issue is. So that's going to be what I bring forward to help the board be proactive. Again, always looking for what is out there. What are you going to miss? What do I need to do to make sure that my board is protected? I'll give you an example. Uh we part of my job is
to just again look at the legal landscape all the time. What is going on? Executive orders are coming from the White House. What does that mean for my staff? What does that mean for my board? I send out u memos. Board, I want you to know here's a new executive order that has come out. Staff, we need to review
to make sure that we're in compliance. Oh. Oh, we have AVID, but let's make sure that AVID is in compliance. Attorney Bruno, is AVID in compliance? Yes, we reviewed it. Oh, we have Latinos in action. Let's make sure we're in compliance. Um, attorney Bruno, well, let's get some information. What is out
there with regards to Latinos in Action? Oh, I have an email that says 8020 H. Let me see. Let me have a conversation with the CEO of Latinos in Action. Uh, I have a conversation. Now, I have to go back to my board. I have to go back to staff. I have some concerns of Title Six
violations. So before we have problems, I have already anticipated staff has worked and it never even hits my board. >> Thank you, Dr. Zean. >> Kathy, thank you for applying for this
job, coming over to visit the best coast in Florida. Appreciate you uh stopping by and u going through this process. and I really enjoyed talking to you yesterday. As I think about your job though or your prospective job, it's really at least two jobs. One, you've
got nine or so uh attorneys who work for you directly here, the internal council. Um and you you need to think um about both um how you conduct yourself as an attorney and how you conduct yourself as the head of a reasonably sized law firm.
And that law firm isn't just the nine or so folks that work here. Um, it's also the dozens of other people that are hired by Broward County to handle the hundreds and hundreds of lawsuits that we have um, uh, at any one uh, specific time.
As the prospective Broward County general counsel working for the school board of Broward County, how do you plan to manage and lead the office of general counsel, the equivalent of a reasonably sized law firm, including any management principles you'd like to share about
your hiring, retaining, and inspiring of all of those lawyers? >> Thank you for the question. Um uh supervising managing attorneys especially well seasoned attorneys is a very difficult task
very very difficult um just because by virtue of the fact that they are attorneys now um in my office I actually have an attorney who used to be a schoolboard attorney and I also have another attorney for prior to coming to
my office used to supervise other attorneys so I have extra challenges is so how do I do that? I do that by creating a culture uh creating a culture where everybody's voice is recognized is heard. We do a lot of group think. We
all get together and try to solve problems together. Um we I believe in uh collaboration and I believe that they should be respected for the jobs that they do. um and they know that they can always come to me to talk through things
with me and I also go to them to talk through things with them. So that's the first thing understanding the um the relationship that you have with your counselss. Um uh staff I enjoy working with the support staff. Uh I meet with my support staff on a regular basis.
Once a week I meet with the support staff. I meet with my attorneys on a regular basis and then we all meet as a team. I don't believe in hierarchy in that sense. I think that my support staff is just as important and valid as the attorneys because without them we
can't do our job. So, we all work together. Um we have fun from time to time as well. I love professional development. I and if you ask them, they'll tell you. Uh I have a video that I always have them watch which is a a
five chairs video in terms of um what is impacting and what are the choices that you're going to make when you have some adversity. So I do a I love leadership and I really enjoy um having team building and having a strong team because I think that's what gives us the
best ability to have good client services. And for outside council I meet with them on a regular basis. uh most of the time it's quarterly with the outside councils. I develop good rapports with them. In addition to that, any case that
is highprofile that really will be impactful to the board. I am involved in it almost as second chair if you will. I help with discovery. We had a case that started six years ago where we had a vendor who sued the district um because
they felt there was a pretext for their um um dismissal of their contract based on comments that that vendor had made. And this is a very powerful vendor in my area. Um, we stood our ground and um,
and I was very involved in that because he sued my board individually, each individual board member individually in their individual capacity as well as in their professional capacity. Sued my CFO was in there, my director of procurement was in there. And so I took that case
very, very seriously. Went all the way up to the 11th Circuit. Uh, the school district of Lee County won every single time. All right, Dr. Holes. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, Miss Bruno, thank thank you for being here. Uh,
appreciate um you applying. Uh, so the question that I have is beyond meeting the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position, please describe the values that guide your decision making
as an attorney. Additionally, explain your understanding of the appropriate relationship between the school board and its legal council, including how you view council's obligation to the board and to the school district. >> Thank you very much for that question.
Uh I am in a leadership class right now and I've always been um very conscientious about ethics and integrity. In that leadership class, I discovered that integrity is actually one of my core values. It's something that um is extremely important and I
really am very careful with the words that I use and the actions that I take because um integrity and ethics is extremely important. I know it is for every lawyer. Uh for me, it's it's extremely important as part of who I am. So that is one thing that definitely
guides my decision- making. Um it is hard sometimes to stand up for what is right. Uh and I've had sometimes to stand up to my board basically to advise them this is not the correct course of action or there is um something that's
very concerning or listen I I send my little emails about sunshine violations but let's have a conversation. Not to say that my board does that. I I just make sure that I again being proactive and being sure that I I give the appropriate um guidance that is needed.
But I always make sure that um all of my decisions are based on integrity, ethics, and what is in the best interest of the school district and what is in the best interest of the school board. You are the governing entity of this school district and the superintendent
is the chief executive officer that works for you to be able to do the day-to-day operations on your behalf and to input your um your values and your vision for what you want for this school district. So my decision is very very
broad uh as a general counsel. I am not in a particular silo where I'm just looking at um human resources or just looking at procurement. I have the opportunity to view the entire district. So sometimes I will tell you that you know my attorney will come in and say um
this is how I see this. This is this is what's going on business services and and this is where I am. And I'll say well let's have a discussion because where I am includes what's going to happen to the board, what's going to what the public is going to say? uh what's going to happen to the superintendent, how is this going to
impact what um academic services is needed? So, I have a very very broad view and it's always to make sure that the decisions are made based on ethics, integrity, and what is in the best interest of the school district and the school board. >> Dr. Holus,
>> thank you, Mr. Brunes. I have a follow-up question. So, understanding the values that guide your decision- making as as an attorney, can you identify uh at least five current emerging or relevant issues impacting Broad County
schools that may require legal attention, including at least two issues specific to Broad County public schools and how your values will guide your decision-m should legal attention be required. So you want if you could
repeat that question for me Dr. Holes. Okay. you if you could >> right based upon your prior answer as far as the values that guide your decision-m can you identify at least five current emerging or relevant issues impacting
Broward County Public Schools at this time that may require legal attention, including at least two of these issues being specific to Broward County Public Schools and how your values will help you to guide will help guide your
decision-m if there should be legal attention required. >> So, schools of hope obviously is is a very important um issue that's impacting pretty much all school districts. I know definitely in Broad County you have over a 100red uh schools of hope applications. Um again, making sure that
we act in in what is in the best interest of the school district with regards to that and as well as make sure we understand what the law is and what we are able to do. Um that's one. The other one would be, of course, now I know that you are in the process of um
reviewing school closures. I know that you're in the process of um identifying um other ways that you can combat this huge deficit that you have. We want to just make sure that any decisions that are made are made with um the compliance
and all regulatory um requirements. When we're looking at that, um I understand also that when you are closing schools, this is something that is impactful to the community. Um the county is fortunate. We're not experienced exactly
that type of situation. However, we know what it's like to close a school. Um we are currently um in that process with um one of our schools and the town is very upset with us because we want to close a school. So, I understand that. And that leads me to to another issue that you
have. I I know that you um have some discussions with regards to your impact fees and mitigation fees and that you have um some of your municipalities that are not um very happy with you. I don't know where that's going to go, but we want to make sure that we monitor that.
Um if we need to do a chapter 164 process where there's a government alternative dispute resolution process that we need to go in there, of course, legal will be involved in that. Um I just finished one I think it was about a month ago that we um we and we're still in the process and having some
negotiations. I know that um the laws uh with regards to um parents rights are always something that we need to be mindful of and we need to make sure that we are always in
compliance with those laws. Um when this uh started in Lee County, we we had our issues. Uh there was, as a matter of fact, I think Lee County was part of uh the firestorm that began all of this because we had a uh poster in one of our student code of conducts book that
parents were not happy with. So I I understand those issues as well. And what Lee County has done and what I would hope to do here in Broward County is to make sure that every decision that we make is right on the line of the law. I don't want us to go left. I don't want
us to go right. I want us to be in compliance. And um that's what I hope to bring forward um with regards to those issues. And you wanted five. I think I have four. >> I think that's five. >> Okay. All right. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. I know you probably have more, but we're out of time.
>> Thank you. And for the last question, what is your approach to providing guidance to the board regarding legally complex and politically sensitive matters? >> Yes, that's a that's a very very good question. So, this is what I tell my
board. I I'm not the political advisor. However, I know that your world uh that is very important and I know that there's going to be some touch points from a legal standpoint that is part of your calculus. Let me know what those touch points are so I can understand and
I can try to come up with the best resolution. We will always, and I say this on the day in Lee County all the time, um the Lee County School Board will be in compliance. Um I suggest Broward County also always say we will
be in compliance. Uh it is very very important that we put students first. That's first and foremost. Um that we act with compassion but that we also follow the law. All right. Um
we will now give um Mrs. Dupri a threeminut closing. Well, thank you so much um board. It is my pleasure to be here with you today. Um I have enjoyed our conversations yesterday and I really, you know, every time I talk to boards, I always um find
a nugget that shows me that all of these individuals who are serving in these positions are there for the right reasons. And in my conversations with you yesterday, I heard that all of you are concerned about your students. you're concerned about your county and
you're concerned about transparency and you're concerned about your community. I hope I have the opportunity to serve you and perhaps some of that calmness from Lee County will transfer. I'll pack it up and try to bring it with me. Uh but it's a long road. Lee County, it took
about six years for us, maybe five years or so for us to get to where we are now. Uh when I started in Lee County, it was it was it was there were fires all over the place and it was fires with board members, fires with superintendent, uh
not getting long and then of course all of the new laws. So we've come a long way, but it's because we had a steady leadership. Our new board is excellent. Uh they provide excellent guidance. So that goes a long way to have a good board. In addition to that, um, having a
strong superintendent as well as a general counsel that understands the dynamics. I'm not a board member. I don't vote. I'm not an elected official, but what I am is somebody behind the scenes that can help you bridge the gap, understand, and help you make some sound
decisions for your district. So, it is a pleasure to be here with you. And, uh, thank you so much for the opportunity. >> Thank you so much. We really enjoyed the conversation today. We're ready for the next candidate. Hey, hey, hey.
Down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down All All right, welcome. Um, we'll start with an opening
statement. Please introduce yourself. >> Good morning. Uh, good afternoon everyone. >> Good afternoon. >> Pleasure to see everyone once again. And I'd like to start off with thanking all of you collectively and individually for
giving me the opportunity to be here today. I really appreciate it. Uh this whole process has made me reflect upon my career here in the Broward County School District. It was a few years ago,
but I was a uh high school student here about 40ome years ago. And looking back, I give a get a greater appreciation for what this school district gave me. It g really gave me some skills and the
opportunity to succeed. In fact, I remember when I was a high school student thinking of going into education. I didn't do it. I went through uh the legal career instead, but a significant mo large part of my legal
career was involve with education and I really enjoyed it. And I can think of one case that really make makes me appreciative of what schools can do. Many years ago when I was with the Department of Education, I
was involved in a complaint investigation that involved educational services for juvenile offenders in a state uh in correctional institution. So, I spent about a week literally in
jail observing these students from the moment they come into the uh institution, how they're assessed, the education they receive, and the transition they they get for hopefully
going out back into mainstream society. And it was a really good experience because it gave me such an appreciation what good schools, what good educators, what good administrators and support staff can do for these
students. So many of them were at their lowest obviously being in state confinement. These this school in particular was really doing a tremendous job. They really were. And of course, most of these students are going to get
back out into society. Hopefully, all of them succeed, many do not. But this school was really giving them the best opportunity to reintegrate into mainstream society. So, I take that
as a huge learning experience for myself, but also so appreciative of what you as the public school districts do because this is our future out there, these students. Some of them need more help than others, but that is why I'm
sitting here today. And with that, I welcome any questions. >> Thank you. First up, Mrs. Alada. Thank you for being here today. How do you ensure compliance with state and federal school safety laws while also supporting practical district
operations? Okay. Uh, I'm familiar with that because I worked on a college campus until very recently and obviously the university setting is not immune from all of the problems that we have out in the world
that have impacted unfortunately many public school systems as well. Uh, training is a huge component. university police, uh, local police, being involved with them, having a good liaison, going to all of the training. That's very
important. And I would say the other component is making sure as an attorney, you keep up with what's going on out there about uh, trends that can help improve safety.
uh working with school resource officers. I've been involved in investigations that involve involve SRO's. Uh so I'm fairly familiar with that concept. Uh there's advantages and disadvantages to having them in the uh in the school
buildings. Also, I think making sure you you understand the process of what the police can do and law enforcement to assist schools. They're not the only ones obviously. And I would say based on
my career in department of education so many times not so many times but there are students you can certainly see the warning signs and that's a opportunity to have a robust intervention with
school officials, psychologists, other support staff who can hopefully get involved to prevent those types of tragedies. >> Thank you. All right, Mrs. Bulman. >> Thank you.
Um, so my question is, what steps will you take to ensure that our district um adopts a proactive rather than a reactive um approach to risk management?
I'll get this down. Okay. Uh I think having looking at your internal controls obviously every entity has them or they should especially big entities multi-million billion dollar budget that's very important but I think you
can always fine-tune them and make sure that that internal controls are doing what they're supposed to do. Obviously, you can't catch everything because of course, unfortunately, humans are humans. Some are not as good as others,
ethical as others. So, you're always going to have situations where people may not have the best interests of the public money involved, but there are certainly ways to minimize that type of abuse. So, I think that's
very important. making sure you have solid internal controls, making sure they are implemented, and if there are necessary changes to them, being receptive to it.
>> Thank you. Um, can I ask my follow-up question? >> Go ahead. >> Okay. Um, can you give uh us an example of a time when you've taken a proactive approach instead of reactionary when there's
in regards to risk management. >> Yeah, I would say one example would be when I was with the department of education and we had some changes coming into the investigative process uh how we would receive complaints, assess them
and then investigate and resolve them. Uh new administration, presidential administration came in and uh they wanted to make some changes. So instead of waiting until all of those changes were formalized, I started working with
at the point that point I was a team leader, not the deputy chief. I was working with the team to help implement those changes and anticipating challenges and roadblocks that might
come up. so that when the new changes were formally implemented, we were in a position where we could actually be up and running. >> Great. Thank you, Mr. Civera. >> Thank you, Chair uh Thomas. It's nice to
see you again. Thank you for the for the time yesterday and for for coming in with us um again this afternoon. Um it is no secret that uh this district has its has some problems, some pretty severe problems. uh we are in uh
financial peril. Uh the b the public doesn't seem to trust uh the district. We have transparency problems, communication problems, and the and the list uh kind of goes on and on. Um you do not live in Broward. You do not live in Florida. It's my understanding you're in the in the great state of uh South
Carolina still. Correct. >> Okay. >> Correct. >> Yeah. So my question to you is why Broward County? >> Goes back to my opening statement. This is where I grew up. this my formative years were here. Uh
I like legal challenges. I like working on problems. I like helping create solutions. U I think if I could give back to the community that helped me be successful in undergraduate in law school and a legal career, that's the
least I can do. Um I obviously all of these systemic problems will take a lot of work and a lot of actors to hopefully write the ship s so to speak.
But legal is an intricral component of almost everything that happens here in one sense or the other. Not directly obviously on curriculum or something of that nature. But I think whatever I could contribute to making this place a
better educational uh entity, I'm I'm willing to do that. And it's not because I need a job. I had a job. So, it's more that I have an interest in education. And I it it's important, I think, to
give students the opportunities that I had, but so much more. technology has advanced so much since I sat in the classroom here in uh Broward County. You there was really no technology at that
point. Um, and those are great challenges that we can use in the right way to help students advance. And there's so much you can do for the student language,
second languages, uh, engineering programs, things, vocational programs, if you're spending money wisely and using it for the students. So hopefully I could could contribute to making that happen.
Thank you, Miss Hixon. >> Thank you, and nice to see you again. It was a pleasure speaking with you yesterday. My question is, what is your vision for a high-erforming schoolboard legal office?
>> Customer service is very important. Uh, I've always believed in that. You need to be timely, courteous, and accurate. Uh, hopefully you achieve that. all of the time. That's the goal. If not, you if if there's areas of improvement,
you're receptive to those observations and you make changes. Uh my job, as I mentioned, I probably in some of the interviews yesterday, is to get the board to where they want to go legally. Uh and usually most legal contexts,
there's not a right or wrong answer. In most situations, yes or no, black or white, there are variations. So, I think if I can give the board all of the options, including the one I think is best, but I defer to you as the
policym body ultimately is the best way to go. And if I can help implement that, that's the role of a good GC and and office in general. >> Right. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Miss Rupert. >> Thank you. Good morning. I'm all over the place. Um, what role do you believe the general counsel should play in influencing district culture to ensure
that schools understand and consistently implement their legal obligations relating to special education law, IDA, and section 504? I know that's a mouthful. Do you need me to repeat it again? Okay.
>> No, I do not because that's uh part and parcel of what I did with the Department of Education for over a decade. Uh I did scores you dozens of uh technical assistance presentations to schools, universities,
vocational colleges, you name it about their obligations under the and not just special education but uh other uh title six as well um sex discrimination things of that nature. But I I firmly believe
so many most the overwhelming majority of staff, educators, administrators want to do the right thing in that context, but sometimes they may not have the full information they need or sometimes they even get inaccurate information. And I
think it is very very helpful. At least that was one of the my favorite parts of my job was to go out to these school districts, do your presentation, the PowerPoint, the whole bit, and explain what were legal requirements were. And
they're not as ownorous or complicated as sometimes the perception is. So, I've always found that gratifying and helpful because I would get PE to staff come up to me, "Oh my gosh, that was so helpful. I didn't know or that that was exactly
what I wanted to hear." And as I said, it it works both ways. Not only for what they need to do, but sometimes there's misapprehensions out there. Oh, I have to do No, you don't. That whatever you heard was inaccurate.
So I think if you do that that's a uh great way of uh facilitating compliance. Also having a uh not maybe not a hotline but an opportunity for staff to
communicate maybe not directly with the general counsel but people on the staff about legal problems knowing that you can get helpful information. It's not like calling the IRS for tax advice. You know, who wants to do that? But where
you you're not going to get uh criticized that that the person on the other end is going to help you solve the problem you have. And of that when my years at the Department of Ed education,
at least my regional office, we did a lot of that. And I think it really helped advance what you're concerned about. Thank you, Miss Thompson. >> Can you pro can you describe how your past experience equips you to advise the
board proactively, anticipating legal and policy issues before they arise in an educational environment shaped by evolving technologies, legislation, and community expectations? as the JC general attorney uh general
counsel. I think a key component of that is being yourself well informed not only on legal developments and of course you can get legal updates every day and I used to do that
but also try to remain cognizant of what is going on in the community as much as you can and as I I think I mentioned some of the interviews uh when I was at the a training center up in Colombia I used to get subscription to major
newspapers just to see what the trends were because almost everything that's going on here is not unique to Broward County. Of course, you have some issues unique to this area, but there are trends in other parts of the country
that can be very helpful, potential solutions and issues, things of that nature. So, that's very important. And uh another nice thing or I think very helpful thing goes back to the previous question about technical assistance and
open communication with your schools and administrators having good communication with them. Uh be it informal or going on-site visits to the schools or uh talking to other senior administrators.
That's so helpful because you get information from them that you you wouldn't otherwise have. So, uh, I can't think of one when I I've done scores of on-site investigations as well. I I
can't think of one where I didn't learn something new or got some very helpful information from teachers, administrators, advocacy organizations, parents, things of that nature. So that would be very helpful as well.
>> Dr. Zean, >> Tom, thank you for being here today and uh showing interest in our uh school board general counsel position. This position can in at least in one way be broken down into two different jobs. one
is legal counsel uh providing support to the school board and to senior staff and second kind of the manager of a law firm and that law firm both has nine internal attorneys and it has dozens of external or cadre attorneys that help us with the
hundreds of cases that we have as the Broward County perspective Broward County General Counsel. How do you plan to manage and lead the office of general counsel, the equivalent of a reasonably sized law firm, including the management principles, if you don't mind sharing those, that you plan to use to
lead the legal teams in hiring, retaining, and inspiring the workforce? >> It's very important to be collaborative and an active listener and appreciate what each individual can bring to the
organ organization to advance the cause. quality legal service to all of you. Uh so there's various techniques uh especially as a newcomer from the outside it would be important to meet
each individual get an understanding of what he or she does uh challenges they think that are in the office things that work things that they think should be improved because it it really is
critical. Uh, I was reading about another re uh grocery store chain about how a uh owner wasn't receptive to the ideas of one of the managers at their store. He was more interested in playing golf.
And guess what? That manager left, no surprise, and was the founder of Publix. And I think everyone knows about Publix down the street. So, you know, here is someone who could have greatly advanced whatever grocery chain that uh I forget
the man's name was working for. Instead, he didn't get a very receptive audience and went out on his own. And apparently, he had some pretty good ideas. Uh so, never never discount what people
have to offer. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not. But think critically and receptively to everything you hear and then be selective about what you change. I'm not one who just wants to change things for the take sake of
changing things and putting my fingerprint on that. Oh, see what I've done. I want to make things better. And that probably would be a incremental approach. Thank you, Dr. Holes. >> Thank you, Madame Chair.
Um, give me one second here. Okay. Okay. So, uh, thank you so much for joining us. Uh, appreciate your presence. Um so my question is beyond meeting the minimum and preferred
qualifications for this position please describe the values that guide your decision making. Additionally explain your understanding of the appropriate relationship between the school board
and its legal council including how you view council's obligation to the board and to the school district. My job is to give the board as my client, so client the best legal advice
I can in all situations. And sometimes that probably means giving advice that may not be exactly what the board in general wants to hear or particular members. But that's the way as a an
attorney you need to approach every legal issue you get. You you you you and most most of the times there's more than one potential answer and right answer. Some might be better than others and I
will always give my recommendation that I think would work better but ultimately as at the board as long if it's not unethical or illegal you the policym board uh group make the
final decision. So that's really the whole impetus of what I I want to do. I'm I always like legal challenges. That's what I thrive on. And I like interesting, novel, complex issues, like doing the legal research, like figuring
out uh what to do. And so many times that involves other components, you know, curriculum, budgeting, transportation, facilities management, you name it. And that's that's nice because you learn about so many other things. I also did a
few years in healthcare law. amazing what you learn from doctors and nurses and um psychologists about how those institutions work and they're not much different than schools that you know the principles the same you assess
the problem you treat it and then you uh discharge or the student graduates moves on. So all of that interaction leads to quality results if you're thorough, if you're analytical, and you keep the best
interest of the school district in mind, and you're always cognizant of what the that the policym entity is in front of me and I just give the best legal advice I can to help you in that regard.
>> Madam Chair, go ahead. Okay. So, I have a follow-up question. Um, based on the values uh in your prior comments that guide you in decision making, identify at least five current, emerging,
or relevant issues impacting Broward County School District that may require legal attention, having at least two of those issues specific to Broward County Public Schools. and tell us the values that would guide
you in decision making as it pertains to those issues. So five issues five issues. Okay. uh one challenge I think is the use of uh artificial intelligence in the instructional
process what role it should play and uh I don't think no everyone has to acknowledge it's going to play a role it's just ubiquitous it's out there but we have to find the correct role and the role that
fosters creativity and it student advancement and achievement. Um let me just run through all five. And then uh of course you have the perennial problem or issue with charter schools or uh more
generally just the uh proliferation of alternative educational opportunities which in many ways is great. I think I'm all for competition and trying to get the best results for our constituents,
the students, but there are a lot of challenges there fiscally and uh uh oversight, that type of thing. Safety for schools is always important. Uh you know, these
tragedies in the schools happen way too often. mentioned a few minutes ago, there are interventions, strategies that I think help uh I don't think you can ever fully prevent uh these types of things, but I think there needs to be
robust use of what is available to try to prevent those issues from occurring. curriculum. Uh that one obviously there's some legal implications, but uh that that's more the bal wick for
educators, but of course um that's always something textbooks, things of that nature, always something that you have to be cognizant of because there are potentially some free speech issues. Oh, and inequity.
>> Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. >> Thank you. What is your approach to providing guidance to the board regarding legally complex and politically sensitive matters? Uh lengthy and complex.
I I I I don't know if the board's receptive to legal memos. Those are always very very helpful. uh it's you you you know it it it varies on the
context because of course it depends on the familiarity of the board with whatever issue I'm discussing. So obviously if it's something that the board's currently dealing with, you probably don't need as
much background information or analysis from me. you may more want more of a discussion on possible approaches or avenues to take as opposed to what we've discussed previously, you know,
about merging trends, things of that nature. that may be something where it's more heavily legal oriented or a uh tutorial session that where the general counsel is saying look this is what I think is going to come down you know the
next six months or next year or whatever period of time and where you may give one want to give some more background information or the potential pitfalls in what could happen. So, I think it would depend on the situation.
Um, I I'm certainly willing to give court cases if people want to read that. I I wouldn't highly recommend it unless you're doing it when you uh suffer from insomnia. But otherwise, uh I I have no problems, you know,
distilling that information and trying to make it digestible for whatever real issue you want to have addressed. Okay, go ahead with your closing statement. >> That's everyone. Okay. All right. Well,
thank you so much everyone. Uh I don't have much to add uh other than once again, it's been an honor to be here. I really appreciate all of the time yesterday and today and it has been a
learning experience for me. So, I consider this part of those on-site visits, investigations I did for years that it it's something I take away as well to help me in my future endeavors,
whether that's here or somewhere else so that I can always my whole goal is always to give my client the best representation possible. Even though sometimes it's not the information the client wants to hear, but that you you
don't take any job, especially a job like this or uh any legal representation to be popular. You do it because you want to help people. And that's really why I got into the field of uh the law
in general. But I think it's why I stayed in government service longer than I had initially anticipated. Uh I thought it would be just be a get you couple years of experience and then you go to a
private firm or u some other entity and uh take off from there. I think it was the fact that with the government you you really can concentrate more on the true problems, the legal issues, and
what you can do to help advance whatever cause you're working on. And of course, there's a huge need for private legal counsel out there. Trust me, you know, we say we have too many lawyers out there. there are so many people who
don't get adequate legal representation. It's it's stunning. So, uh and in many cases, government entities or the school systems or other safety nets are the only way these folks get help. And it I
I found that very very satisfying through my legal career that I could do that, help solve problems. And uh unfortunately they didn't give me money but um they did in a way through tax dollars and that and that's fine because
uh you know when you have a uh single mom coming to your office of uh civil rights because she was discriminated against because she was pregnant. No private attorney's probably going to take that. but we were able to get her
relief and that to me that really makes it all worthwhile. So that's why I went the government route. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. We really enjoyed the conversation. We're ready for our next candidate.
Beacon, we need another minute. My apologies. Heat. Heat. down. Mh. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. All right, on to our final candidate. Um, please go ahead and share your
opening statement. Good morning. >> Good morning. My name is Kathleen Jacques Adams and I have strong ties to Broward County. I went to North Andrews Gardens Elementary School, Rickard's
Middle School, and Northeast High School. And what I learned from those schools together with the learning from my parents at home, I learned very important skills. Skills of respecting each other. Skills of
work ethic, working hard, working smart, not taking anything for granted. I learned about excellence and I strive to do that every day. I have devoted 29 years of my life to
serving the public through public agencies such as Department of Environmental Protection, who protects the public from people dumping hazardous wastes and hazardous substances. That's where I learned my litigation skills,
being able to collect money from those persons who did not do right by the environment and people because those types of crimes affected people as well. I continued my education in litigation by working for South Florida Water
Management District, another public entity who is responsible for ensuring that the water flows in our respective cities, towns are at the right level so that we can be safe. And then finally,
most importantly to me is I started working for school districts. I have been working for school districts as both a litigator and as well as transactional um matters uh for 20 years. I first worked for the school
district of Palm Beach County doing litigation in the areas of construction. Um we had all of our work inhouse. So I was the sole litigator there and to whatever extent I did not have capacity
I hired out. Then in June 8th of 2015 I came to work for the school district of Broward County where I did both litigation and mostly transactional work. I have a deep love for the issues
that are presented to the school board um in terms of um children in terms of issues that parents bring. I have a deep understanding and knowledge of all of
the issues that affect children um in the school district. We have with regards to um with regards to excellence. Oh, please excuse me. >> You can finish your sentence.
>> With regards to excellence, I'm also board certified. And in board certification, it takes into account all areas that are involved with school districts. It takes into account construction which build buildings for children. It takes into account labor
and employment which involves employees which teach children. It involves transactional work contracts that procure programs for children. It has taught me so much so that I can
be able to further help the school board in understanding the legal issues that may be presented to them. >> Thank you so much, Mrs. Alhadaf. >> Thank you. How do you ensure compliance with state and federal school safety
laws while also supporting practical district operations? So, first and foremost, the important thing is to have knowledge of the law and that is something that not only myself but other um experts in my office
do know. Whatever the issue is, there's always a law associated with that. whether it be a um federal um statute, a federal code of regulations, uh Florida statute, um Florida um um uh administrative code, um uh a rule,
whatever those rules are, we know them and we understand how staff should how staff should utilize that law to make good business decisions. Our role is very specific. We need to understand
the law. We need to articulate the law to the board so that the board may be able to make good business decisions and by extension to the staff because we primarily work with the staff. We also give that advice to staff so that they
may be able to make good business decisions and bring those decisions to the board for their consideration and approval. >> Thank you, Miss Bowman. >> Thank you. It's great to see you. >> Hi. Nice to see you as well. >> Um so my question is what steps will you
take um as general counsel to ensure that our district adopts a proactive rather than a reactionary approach to risk management. >> Sure. So the the first thing is you always make an assessment of what is
going on within the office. So that's the first thing that I will do make an assessment of every aspect of the office. Um secondly, it's always important to give in to know what the issues are. We keep track of not only the legislative um issues that are going
on, the new laws that are coming out, the new laws that are being proposed, but also we keep track of what's going on in the news. And so in doing that, you get an idea of what is going on and what you need to be prepared for. So in being prepared you must always because
it's it's going to be the same thing um for for everything you always need to understand what the law is disseminate that law to the appropriate people whether it be to staff or to board. Um there are there are certain um pieces of
information certain laws that need to be disseminated on a daily basis, a weekly basis, a monthly basis, a quarterly basis depending upon what that issue is that information needs to be disseminated to the right people whether it be staff or whether it be to the
board. So I would like to also get to know each of the board members to understand how they um would like to communicate so that I can be be able to disseminate that information to um the individual board members in in whatever style you would like. Um it could even
be verbal. So understanding issues means staying on top of the issues. Um we have um we're we're very fortunate in that we have a Florida school board association that um we keep track of information and so do they. So our sister um our sister
districts um we keep in communication with each other and so understanding the issues um is is pretty easy for us and and the the key is to ensure that we communicate that law to you. Um figure
out what your questions are, answer those. um be creative up to the line and not over the line of what the law um um allows um for a solution to whatever that situation is. And then um hopefully
we can reach some sort of solution that um everybody's happy with. >> Thank you. And can I do my followup vision? Okay. I was advised that I had to flag down.
Um so uh can you give us an example of uh something that you've uh encountered recently where you had to take pro where you took proactive steps rather than waiting to be reactive to a potential
issue? >> Sure. um from a transactional um um perspective um we have a lot of contracts and so um a lot of times in order to be able to move forward with
those um contracts you need a template. Our office has created a template for people for departments to go ahead and populate so that we could move forward with procuring whatever commodity or service that um the school district
needs. And so um sometimes there are uh special commodities um and they need a special template. Um I create a special template for that particular procurement or
purchase. Um this is a group effort. Um um nothing in our office is done in a silo. We always um confer with each other. So these um templates are vetted um among all of the attorneys to ensure that it's in compliance with the law
because that's what is important and then the uh the departmental staff is um um fills in the what they need which is the scope the cost and the payment for that. So
>> thank you. Thank you Mr. Sea. Thank you, chair. Um, if I may, I don't want to ask the same question because I don't think it's applicable to this particular candidate. May I go back to the my original
question on the sheet? Um, I would like to just ask staff for their guidance on this because um because of the interview process and all of that, whether or not we can change the questions if that's
fair and equal per the interview process. >> I think to keep things standard, I would stay to the question you asked the prior candidates. Um, >> and you can use this as a followup.
>> Okay. I I don't know really how to phrase this because she's already here. And my question is, why do you want to come here when she's already here? Uh, I let me let me let me give it a shot. Thank you. Uh, first off, Micham, good to see you again. Uh, it was nice meeting you
yesterday. I appreciated the time. Certainly appreciate the time uh again this morning. Um my question is as follows. Uh we know that the challenges that this uh that this district has faced uh over the the
last few years uh we're in financial trouble. We have trust issues with the public. Uh transparency problems, communications problems. Um the list kind of goes kind of goes on and on. Um, I had asked the other candidates who were not residents
of Broward County why they would want to come to Broward County to deal with this. So, I'm going to put a little bit of a different spin on it for you. Why do you want the general, knowing what you know about this district, why do you want the general um council position and
and I guess for um a lack of better terms, why do you want to stay with us in light of everything that's going on? So the way that I make my decisions in my life is I proceed with my values.
I proceed with what I feel is good in my heart to do and based upon the upbringing that I received from my late parents Lucen and Andre Jacques. They tell me always to follow my heart.
I started to work for school districts for a reason because I believe in the underlying principle of educating children. Education is what saved me. Education is what brought me
absolute satisfaction in my life. Having the opportunity to go to elementary school, middle school, high school, college, law school, absolutely stellar and I would be
absolutely proud to participate in ensuring that other children get that same experience. It's not only, you know, just frills of aspirations and desires. There's hard
work in ensuring that that takes place. I did not just graduate law school and it was easy and it was all paid for and you know it was sparkles. I had to work hard working at the school district. Not
going to lie, it is hard. It is hard work to ensure that every aspect of ensuring that a child is educated is done. But I have the absolute skill to do that. I have honed my skills in
litigation. And when you're in litigation, you need to understand what the facts are, what the issues are, what the holes are, so that you can be able to win that case. That's the same here. We have issues.
We've got to identify those issues. We've got to brainstorm with each other together to solve those issues. And they're not just simple issues. They're issues that relate to teachers. There are issues that relates to disciplining
teachers, disciplining students, educating students, housing students. There are so many different areas that need to happen and take place in order for that
child to be educated. I have the skills in a lot of different areas. Not only litigation, litigation of procurement matters, litigation of co-consel with Miss Batista, labor
matters, transactional issues, what does it take to understand the what's necessary from different departments to procure the right things
to bolster programs for children, construction issues. So, they're difficult, but I've never shrunk from anything that was difficult. >> Thank you, Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. And um thank you for coming
today and for applying for the position. >> Thank you. >> Uh my question is, what is your vision for a high-erforming schoolboard legal office? >> So, I want to go back to excellence. Excellence in everything that we do. um
focusing on every aspect of every issue that we need to handle and ensuring that we have the right person for the job, the right tools for the job. That is very important. um
in going through um and evaluating um we need to understand what the issues are from staff as well. our client and I want to be extremely clear. I think I was yesterday that I understand that our client is the school board
and we do everything to understand the law to protect the school board but by extension we interface with staff for a majority of the time. So we need to establish relationships with staff so that they can trust us to come to us
with those issues early so that we can be able to brainstorm and solve those issues. It's very hard to to solve an issue when the thing that goes wrong has already happened. In order for staff to trust us
to come with those issues early, you know, we need to have a relationship and we need to have trust. Um, in my area where I work, I've had that, you know, um, we're beginning talks early with
regards to safety issues way early. There are aspects of safety that are so vast and so deep. There's so many contracts that are necessary to put in place to ensure the safety of students.
That has already begun. I already have meetings with the superintendent, his staff to ensure that those specific details are taken care of. So in in terms of being proactive, being
proactive takes communication, relationships, transparency with each other, transparency with the public. And in order to do that, we need to impart and share our legal knowledge
with staff so that they can be able to take that legal knowledge and do what they do best, which is make business decisions that they bring forth to the school board for their consideration. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Rupert.
>> Thank you. Good morning. Good morning >> or afternoon, sorry. Um, what role do you believe the general counsel should play in influencing district culture to ensure that schools understand and consistently implement their legal
obligations relating to special education law uh like IDEIDA and section 504? I know that was a lot of words. Do you want me to read it again? >> Yes, please. >> Okay, thank you. Uh what role do you believe the general counsel should play
in influencing district culture to ensure that schools understand and consistently implement their legal obligations relating to special education law IDA and 504. Okay.
So simply put, the office of general counsel takes on a leadership role and they take on a leadership role specifically as it relates to the law. The school principles, they already know what to do. You hired them to be
principles of their schools. They know their craft. Everyone when they're making decisions, if there's an aspect of that decision that they don't understand, they lean to a person with expertise to be able to answer those questions. So if they are
beyond their realm of expertise, i.e. the law, we take on that role of leadership to answer the questions that they need. They may not need answers to all questions. After all, you selected them as principles. they have the absolute
skill and knowledge to go ahead and handle um their school. However, there are certain questions that they may have that are outside their realm of expertise and they need to look to us. Um we need to establish a relationship with them so that they trust us to ask
us those questions in advance so that we can be able to answer them and so that they may be able to continue going um about their day handling their business. Now, um, IDA 504, those are very
specific, very, um, unique, um, areas of law that not everybody knows. Our office not only has attorneys that know that law, but um, in um, studying for the, uh, board certification, I needed to
know that law as well. Um not only that with regards to certain commodities or services that are purchased for um the programs for um um children um with um disabilities that factors into some of
those contracts as well, inter agency agreements um different commodities and services that are purchased. So we have that knowledge um and and not only that, the knowledge of the the law, the the federal law, the codes, the you know the
statutes to be able to answer whatever question they do not understand. I'm a firm believer in training and so our office um has already taken on a role of training um um principles and and APS.
um we know what the issues are because we know what is being litigated and so we take those issues and we turn it into training and turn it back around and ensure every single principal knows and understands that. So there are principles coming in every day. Well,
let me not say that but there are principles coming in and there are new principles coming in. So everybody can use periodic training in understanding and refreshing on what um the law is concerning children with disabilities.
We only have one shot with um these children. >> Thank you, Miss Thompson. Can you describe how your past experience equips you to advise the board proactively, anticipating legal and policy issues
before they arise in an educational environment shaped by evolving technologies, legislation, and community expectations. So, my first experience with uh technology was taking a
class at Northeast High School in the sixth grade. I wish somebody would have taught me about stocks and bonds back then, but I I knew back then that technology was extremely important.
And so that has always been a part of my education. Um, always been a part of what I do. Um, to help me automate um, things that I need to know and learn in my life even at that young age.
My past experience involves a lot of preparation when things go wrong. analyzing what went wrong in this situation. Why were we sued? Why do we have to sued? Is
our policy clear? Was our solicitation clear? Was our contract clear? Whose fault is this? Is it our fault? Is it their fault? How is it their fault? How is it our fault? Those are all things that you look at, minimal things
that you look at when you're preparing for a litigation case, when things do go wrong, when communications do break down. That's a very hard lesson to learn is to learn what went wrong in litigation. But with
30 years of experience in litigation as well as transactional, I've got that hindsight with me right now. I know why things go wrong. I know why people do things that are not right because of the circumstance and I can
take that knowledge and apply it on a daily basis. I do now, you know, when whenever I look at a contract, it's important that it's clear, it's concise, it has everything that it needs to
articulate what we're procuring. If you are procuring something for $20 million, you need to be clear and concise. If it's not okay to receive that commodity the day before the last day of the expiration date of the contract, then you need to put a deadline in the
contract to ensure that you receive your commodity, your services timely, correctly. Those are things that quite frankly you don't need to learn from litigation. But there's nothing like being in a courtroom for 20 days to
teach you that you need to be precise. You need to be um articulate. You need to be clear. There's nothing like somebody accusing the school board, the school um the the whatever the whoever the agency is um accusing them of
something and then discovering that we did not have the policies and procedures in place to ensure that things are done right. So in short, I've got a lot of experience with regards to transactional and litigation work, and I will bring all of that to
bear on ensuring that we are proactive in preventing those types of um um missteps or miscommunications because you're not necessarily wrong if you're sued. Miscommunications going forward.
>> Thank you, Dr. Zean. >> Thanks so much, Chair. As you know, uh, Miss Jacqu Adams, there are like, um, critical elements of this job of the of the general counsel job that have to do with providing legal advice. And then
there's other responsibilities about leading the internal office of nine and then leading the cadre attorneys that we hire for the hundreds of cases that we have uh, outstanding in Broward County. What management principles would you apply to the management of the nine and
the management of the external council in particular um as you think about hiring, retaining and inspiring those workforces? >> Sure. So in order to understand what is going on in an office, you need to get
information data from everyone in your office. information on what what transactions are transpiring, information on on what litigation is transpiring. You need to understand the
totality of that so that you can be able to manage that. Is this litigation case going okay? Are they spending too much? Are they spending too little time? Is everything going okay? is that the right person to complete that task for us
whatever it is internally it's very great because we have um attorneys that are experts in their area uh experts and they've been doing this for a very long time uh so um and a lot of them um or at
least one of them in particular has board certification um and I I wanted to stop and say how important that is because in Florida there are over 114,000 attorneys. There are 27
different areas of you know education uh different exper um different aboard certifications and from that um is the education certification and from that there are only 47
um attorneys in the entire state of Florida that have that certification and three of them are in our office. the the attorneys in our office know what they're doing. I work side by side with them. Nobody
tells them to come in. Nobody tells them to leave. A lot of times we're here at 8:00 at night ensuring that we are doing what we are supposed to do. Nobody needs to tell us what we need to do. These attorneys handle
what they are supposed to be doing. Whether it is contracts or whether it is um um litigation um whether it is uh employment they handle what they are supposed to do. We get together on a weekly basis so that we can be able to
confer with each other ask each other questions because there are commonalities with all of what we are doing. So in labor and employment there are collaborative agreements. Those are agreements. You know in construction there are agreements. So there are commonalities along every single um area
of law within education. We we we we collaborate and that's beautiful. So I need to understand what each person is doing. So there will be some sort of reporting criteria to help me to understand. So, it's not enough to
talk with each other. I need some sort of reporting to understand what is going on on a weekly basis. And that would be the same with outside um cadre um council to be able to understand what they're doing, look at their bills, ensuring that the block billing doesn't
contain things that are not appropriate so that we're not improperly built. Um ensuring that there are results from their efforts. That's the same across the board. So, it's a lot of evaluation, a lot of reporting, uh, a lot of understanding the issues and then
disseminating that back to the board. >> Thank you, Dr. Holes. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, thank you, Miss Jax, Adam for Adams for coming in. We appreciate it. Um the question that I
have for you is beyond meeting the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position. Please describe the values that guide your decision-making as an attorney. Additionally, explain your understanding of the appropriate
relationship between the school board and its legal council, including how you view council's obligation to the board and to the school district. So, I think anybody who has worked with me understands that I
value excellence. I value getting things right. I value complying with the law because that is the only way that you can be on the right side of any issue. People may not like what the law is, but
they have to respect it if you articulate it to them. You are clear. You're transparent. you have rationale and reasons. People are smart. Even a children are smart. Um yesterday I gave an example of a child who said that that
person is kind. I'm like how do you know that person's kind? She has kind eyes. 5 years old. People are smart and adults are smart. They understand the issues. They're upset. But if you're
transparent, you articulate what the law is. You give them the rationale. They may not like it and some people may not even listen to you. But certain people, they will understand that you have no choice but to do what is right. That's
how I guide myself on a daily basis. I ensure that I'm always on the right side of whatever it is I'm doing. I make sure that everything is done to the best of my ability and in accordance with the
law. I'll be creative now. Um, I always want to there's always a people pleasing aspect to everyone. So, I always want to give people what they want, but always within the confines of the law. So, if the law has some sort of flexibility,
um, then I will do everything in my power to problem solve to get that solution. Now, I am very clear in my role of who the client is. Within the Florida statutes, there is a
definition of who the board is. The board can sue, be sue, enter into contracts. The board makes the decision. Our role is to support the board and by extension we support all staff so that
they may be able to have the law um and make their good business decisions that they can bring forth to the school board. There are times that there may be conflicts. We we let staff know very clearly,
you know, who our allegiance is to. Um, and that quite frankly has never been a problem in in in my practice, in my 20-year practice with school districts. Staff always wants to do the right thing. They um, at least the ones that I
interact with, they always are striving to ensure that they have good programs for students, that they build good buildings um, for students. They always strive to do the right thing. So, I haven't had an issue personally with regards to there being any type of
conflict, but it is clear that our interactions are mostly with staff. We give them the law that they require to do to make the good business decisions that they make on a daily basis and then we bring items to the board for your
consideration. >> Go ahead, Dr. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. So, um I have a follow-up question. Um based on the values you um mentioned in the prior question,
identify at least five current emerging or relevant issues impacting Broad County Public Schools that may require legal attention, including at least two of those issues specific to Broad County
Public Schools and how your values uh help to guide you in decision-m process. that could potentially have legal ramifications in these issues. So first and foremost the role of the board
is to educate children. So there are a lot of emerging issues that are happening and in handling each and every one of those issues I hear statements from the board. They're always saying when are we going to get
back the to the issues of educating children? There are a lot of things that need to be done to handle that separate and apart from those emerging issues and staff is handling those items on a daily
basis on a monthly basis bringing them to you to try to address educating children which is our charge. Um things happen on a daily basis to uh make that happen and whatever staff needs in terms
of legalities, reviewing of contracts, talking about issues because we also handle advice issues. It's not it's not all litigation and contracts on a daily basis. Staff may have questions. We answer them so that they may be able to
move forward with their first charge which is which is education. The emerging issue, one of the emerging issues is declining enrollment. We spent a considerable amount of time trying to ensure that
advertisement goes out advertising all the excellent programs that each of the schools have. um ensure that we are you know just any issues with regards to um
declining enrollment from crafting the policy concerning the um uh with regards to um sorry just one moment ensuring that once schools are closed down. You know,
>> Madam Chair, I I know um her her time is up, but if you don't mind, you've you've given us one issue without expounding on on additional issues. Can you name four more? >> Yes, absolutely. So also collocation um
which is an issue that has emerged um construction in our schools >> um the land that we have additional land um that we have do we want to sell the
land that we have um and I think I think that's I think that's it so each of those issues have um policies that are involved with um addressing them. Um um with regards to closing of schools or changing
boundaries, there's policies. With regards to selling lands, there are policies. Um our role is to ensure that um whatever business decision the school board makes that they're in line with their policies. So, um these are very difficult issues. Um but
our role is very simple is to ensure that we support the board to be able to make good business decisions. Thank you. Um, what is your approach to providing guidance to the board regarding legally complex and politically sensitive
matters? >> So the one thing with um the office of general counsels is we do not get involved with politics. However, it is clear that politics has a play in a lot
of issues and so we need to understand what those politics are. We need to be able to understand what questions each individual board member may have with those issues. I need to get to know each board member to understand how do you
like information? Because if I give you charts and graphs and you don't like charts and graphs, you won't look at the any information that I give you. So, I need to understand um the board, understand what your particular um
issues or goals are to be able to provide you with the law on those issues just in case you wanted to present something with your colleagues for um decision and then provide it to you as often as is necessary. There are things
that are happening that are that need to be updated on a daily basis, you know, because of whatever the the matter is occurring. There are things that you may need um information on in terms of long on a weekly basis, monthly, quarterly,
whatever is needed in terms of answering your questions is what I will deliver. So our office is already used to providing you with memorandums and once you have a question any one particular board member we not only give that one board member the answer we give all the
board members that same answer and that may elicit additional questions and so you know my role would be to ensure that I am available that I listen to your questions answer
them if there are alternative things that you would like to do. Let's discuss that. See if that's within the confines of the law and then um think of creative ways to get you what you want and then you discuss it with your colleagues and make a decision on whatever that matter
is. But in terms of the politics, uh we don't opine on it except to know that it exists and how it may factor into any legalities and then provide you with legal advice. Thank you. Would you like to give a
closing statement? So, I'd like to emphasize that I stay here with the school district of Broward County because I love the issues and I hope that the way that I operate on a daily basis
reflects that. I love making sure that things are right, things are correct, that when staff presents things to the board that all their eyes are dotted, their tees are dotted, and there's no question with regards to what is being presented to you so that it's clear and
concise. I love the underlying issue of educating children. It's wonderful. It's a noble issue. Everyone has a child in their life that they love that a child in their
neighborhood that they love, a young adult that they love watching grow. That doesn't happen just with hopes and dreams. It happens with work. It happens with people with absolute expertise
just pouring into that child. I love to be a part of that. I know that it's hard. I know that sometimes people misunderstand what it is each and every one of you do. But all I can do is tell the truth. All I can do is disseminate the law. All I
can do is support you. And I would like that opportunity to do so. I will put the full leverage of all of my experience to make that happen. >> Thank you so much. We really enjoy this conversation. Yeah. All right. Um, I
believe staff will escort Miss Jack Adams out and then I'd like for us to move to board discussion. So, if anyone would like to start first, >> go ahead, Dr. Zean. >> Thanks, Chair. Um,
I I know um there's lots of ways to do this. Um but one of the ways might be to um uh think through whether or not you know there's kind of equal qualifications of all the candidates. Um
there is one candidate in in my u assessment who is missing experience ever working for a school board. Um, and my my sense is is that the other two candidates having extensive experience working in school boards would be a
better fit for Broward County at this time. So, chair, would it make sense to move forward by suggesting at this point that we drop one of the three or would it be better just to do discussions and do votes at the end or how do you want to proceed? >> Would you like to make a motion?
>> I would. Yes. I'd like to move um an excellent lawyer and an excellent candidate for lots of other other work, Tom Falenberg, who I was very interested Yeah. >> in bringing here. Um >> the more I met with him, the more I was impressed with his legal skills and his
career and things like that, but I don't think he's a good fit for Broward County simply because he's never worked for a school board. And I think, you know, my own view is that's a five plus year experience to like just figure out. And I can tell you having done it for the last three years, I'm still learning things on a daily basis. Okay.
>> Um and so my motion would be to continue considering Miss Jacqu Adams and Miss Depo Bruno uh for uh the general counsel job, but to >> Tom Falenberg from consideration. >> All right, we have a motion and a second. Do I need to move to public
comment or do I need I mean obviously there's no one there but I >> I don't believe there's public comment in this process but >> Okay. Um okay there's a motion and a second board discussion on the motion. All in favor of the motion say I.
>> I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Motion passes unanimously. And the motion was seconded by Miss Rupert I believe. All right. Any other Dr. Holes. Thank you, Madam Chair. So, now that we're down to uh two
candidates, um uh I will make uh a few comments. Um I think we have major issues in B County as all of us know requiring toprated relevant experience. Um we
really um in my opinion, we we must get this right. Um and uh we must be able to choose a candidate that can address all of the issues and has the expertise, the knowledge um that is very uh wide
reaching in order to uh address these issues. Now I do appreciate both of the candidates and I think they they both did well. Um one thing that I can see in common is that both of them are board certified among the the 47 that we have
in the state. Um, and I also see that Miss uh Jax Adams uh has uh uh extensive experience as well uh um as far as um uh transactional and litigation work. um uh
you know she did express in her um comments the importance of teamwork and and so did um Miss uh Kathy Bruno uh and also the value of excellence uh was expressed by Miss Jax Adams um and
getting things done right, complying with the law and so on and so forth. Um, as far as Miss Kathy Bruno, I was um very impressed with her wide range of experience when ask about the five important issues in my question as far
as uh uh uh Browards County Schools and being specific to Broward County schools being able to name them. I believe Miss Kathy Bruno uh uh was able to give some um to give an uh relevant um issues that
we are facing including the schools of hope schools closure, budget deficit. Uh and she even went as far as talk about the the recent concerns we had with the impact fees, the mitigation fees. Um so she seems to be although not a broad
county um uh person uh is wellversed on the issues impacting broad county schools and I was very impressed. Um I was also impressed with her experience um in Lee County being five years as general counsel. Lee County is similar to our county here in some ways. Um they
do have uh about 100,000 students. They do have a reasonable uh diversity in their student population. the student population is approximately 42% Hispanics, 30% whites, 20% blacks. So it's pretty diverse. Um so I believe
that um that experience will be relevant here as well. Um uh so with what I have observed um with uh Miss Bruno um I am going to uh I just believe with her
wealth of experience that she would be an asset to this district and I would support Miss Bruno being our legal counsel for B County schools. >> Think you would would you like to make a motion or >> um Yes. So, I'd like to make a motion that Kathy Bruno uh um be the legal
counselor for B County School District. >> Second moved by Dr. Hoes, seconded by Miss Hixon. Any public comment on the motion? >> No, ma'am. >> All right. Um board discussion. Mrs. Alhadaf, >> could I just add to that to also have
Chair Leonardi lead negotiations as soon as possible? Um do we need to ask for the seconder to second that? >> No. Sorry. So um you can you can wait to do
that um once the vote is uh in the affirmative. Um make another motion where you're asking um to give authority to the chair to negotiate the contract with whoever um you know assuming that there is a a positive vote. So, I would
do it in two steps. >> Okay. Any other board discussion? Mrs. Alive, were you done? Okay. Miss Rupert, I wanted to make one general comment before we voted, which was um these two
attorneys that came here today really were topnotch. Absolutely top-notch. and um they both could be um a a uh general counsel um and and have
experienced that. But I think it asks for really one thing which is do we want to go with what we've had for a while because it's it's um we know that they there's going to be uh much less of a
moving forward and learning on the on the ground or do we want somebody um you know either that is fresh eyes or do we want to keep somebody who's been here and done the same job. Um, that's a tough one, but it would actually help us
to say either or which one is it depends on what the board wants to do. Do you want fresh eyes or do you want relevant experience at our district? That's that is the the theation right now.
Comments would be your peep shrated, but you don't have to. >> Go ahead, Miss Bulman. >> Thank you, chair. Um, I I was very impressed with both of these candidates. I think that both of them have a breath of
experience, knowledge that was demonstrated yesterday when we were speaking with them. That was demonstrated today as they were answering their questions. Their resumes are both very impressive. Um, I love that Miss Bruno did dependency family
law has that background. All of the mediation. And I love that Miss Jack Adams has extensive litigation experience and um you know has worked in different government entities. She's not just a school board person. She has a
lot of other experience and I think something that is very fortunate for us and with no disrespect to Mr. Cra, but these two women as attorneys bring a certain amount of passion and empathy that I think is very important for um
being a a school board general counsel when your goal and your mission is to educate children. Um so I think that we're not going to go wrong either way. The only thing that would sway me one way or the other is that there, you
know, we might benefit at this time from having an outside perspective. Um, but I don't I don't think we're going to go wrong either way with this with the candidates that we have before us. Thank you, >> Dr. Zean.
>> Thank you, Chair. Um, to Miss Rupert's point, um, I'm going to speak in favor of Miss Bruno, but one of the reasons I am is if we hire Miss Bruno, we have Miss Bruno and Miss Jack Adams. And to me, that's u, if you're on
the fence, like exactly on the fence, that's great to get two really, really great lawyers working together. And both of them have this style that you can get the sense that they're going to work very, very well together and they're going to do great things. Uh the chair of Lee County School Board called me
though and he went on and on about working with Miss Bruno and about her depth, her energy, her commitment uh to to students. Um and he talked a lot about diffusing the drama in Lee County
for the last 5 years. And she was integral to that. She was not just a a lawyer doing the technical work of uh of lawyering and even managing other lawyers uh internal and external. Um she was a leader, you know, who helped the
school board diffuse drama and to kind of keep things on a steady uh path. Uh I don't agree with the characterization that has come from this table about how we got to this point, but I will always applaud eliminating drama and anywhere
we can. um she is uh a parliamentarian already which is a great distinction. I expect I would appreciate kind of a different uh perspective. I think Lee County is interesting. Uh 70% of their schools are in the bottom 5% of the
nation's title one schools and they're a B-rated district. And and to me, you know, from kind of a data and analytics perspective, that's pretty impressive. when you have 70% of your schools are in the bottom 5% of title one schools in the nation and yet
you figured out how to get some academic performance at this level. Uh I I applaud that. Uh the the grade in the end is only one thing. I also think the big distinction here is she has five years as a general counsel. I don't want to hire someone that hasn't been a general counsel at a medium-sized
district. Um and she clearly has that. Uh but Mr. uh person's uh advocacy for her. Uh just to spend so much time with me talking about very individual cases and and a five-year experience in Lee County is terrific. Um so I'm I'm uh
very feel very blessed that we have Katherine Jacqu Adams on our staff. Um and I um trust that if we go with Miss Bruno uh that those two will work uh very very well together. Thank you, Chair. >> Thank you, Miss Hixon.
>> Thank you. And I will just briefly echo what my colleagues have said. I I think we had two great candidates. We we had three good candidates. We had two outstanding candidates that really fit our district. So it will be difficult um
you know to pick one over the other. But in looking at just the skill set that they have and can bring to the district, I agree that having someone who has navigated school boards with seven people on it
and and just understanding the dynamics of what it's like to be a to to maneuver um having so many bosses at one time. I really um look forward to having mi Miss Bruno come and and join us and you know
I just want Miss Jock Adams to know that we I personally think she did a fantastic job in the interview process and that it you know was really hard decision to come to but I appreciate all of them coming and wanting to be part of
our team. >> Thank you Dr. Holus and then Miss Rupert. Thank you, Madam Chair. So, um I want to concur as well with some of the other board members. Um this was quite a difficult decision. Um these are both
wonderful uh um attorneys with significant experience. Um it was hard to to to measure as far as um you know, who the lead candidate uh was throughout the process, but after putting it all
together and as Dr. Zean mentioned um you know Mr. Uh mi miss uh Bruno has five years general counsel experience already. Um she was able to easily identify five key issues that is
impacting that are impacting our county. And uh one thing that stood out for me she mentioned that um Lee County won all of the cases it appears. Uh, and I think that was very impressive and um that Lee
County had many challenges before and they they were able to resolve those issues and create a a sense of calm uh in in that county. So, I I when I look at both of these candidates, they were both great and I want to thank them both and I want to thank Miss Jax Adams too
for her her her um excellence um in in the interview. Um, but looking at both of them, I I I believe Miss Bruno kind of edged out a little bit more and so that's why I made that choice. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Rupert. There there was one question that I
didn't get to ask um Miss Jacques Adams and I think it's pertinent to the conversation. We're thinking that Miss Jacques Adams is going to stay here and that's we don't know the answer. I wanted to
ask her when we sat down for my interview, but I thought it would freak her out just asking that question. So, I didn't ask. But if we're voting with the assumption that we're going to have fantastic and fantastic as part of the team, not that we don't have other
fantastic people with them, it's it's kind of a I thought I'd throw it out there because we have no idea. Um I I don't know if Miss Batista would know that answer or don't want to share it. Okay. Um, but I didn't ask it and I It's important. It's
important to know. Just saying. >> Thank you, Miss Thompson. Thank you, chair. Um, I I agree with my colleagues that there are two very strong candidates before us. Um, and both have really
strong backgrounds and reasons to pick them. I would actually lean towards Miss Jack Adams. I believe we're also having several lawyers retire at the end. Is that correct? So, at the end of this
year or shortly. Um, so having that background knowledge of kind of the different internal issues that the district has been facing I think is important. I also echo echo Miss Rupert's comments that I don't think
that should be your decision making um process is that well if we don't choose her she's going to stay because we don't know that that's happening and I just think her her background um the way that she has covered in recent
meetings especially in a closed door that obviously I won't go into I think she handled really well Um but that would be my vote. >> Any other board discussion on the motion?
All right. So again, the motion is to um hire Mrs. Kathy Dupri Bruno uh for our general counsel position. All in favor of the mo. >> Isn't it to to >> Oh, okay. All right. So, we're going to
do a second one. All right. Thank you. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. >> No. >> One opposing vote. Um motion passes with one opposing vote from Miss Thompson.
Uh Dr. uh Mrs. Alhedaf. Thank you. I move to give authority to Chair Leonardi to lead negotiations on December 17th. >> Second. >> Any public comment on the motion? No, ma'am.
>> Board discussion. Mr. Seivera. >> Thank you, chair. I would like to know what that um process entails. Um with certainly all all due respect to the chair, and I think you're certainly capable of doing this. Um contract
negotiations can be uh tricky. Um I I wasn't here through the last process when Miss Batista was going through this, but um I I I would feel more comfortable if the legal committee was involved in this. Uh and also when I say
legal committee, I mean the the three of us um and also our legal uh department. Uh, I don't think this is fair putting this on the shoulders of of of one individual, especially when we're dealing with um, you know, various
facets of the of the law and and again, Miss Leonardi is very capable, but she's not a lawyer. Uh, so I would just have some uh some issues with this just falling squarely on on her shoulders. Unless I'm missing something with the negotiation process, um, I I would feel
a lot more comfortable if the legal committee was involved. Dr. Zeman, >> thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I actually >> I apologize for one second. Maybe this this may help. Matisa, can you actually explain what would go into that? >> Sure, be happy to um through the share.
Go ahead. So the um the process is that um traditionally we have authorized the chair to do the negotiations with um either general counsel or superintendent
um you know the successful candidate. That person is also represented by council and the chair is also represented by council at those meetings which the meetings also have to be advertised and they are conducted in the
public. Um there is nothing prohibiting the board from choosing more than one person to represent the board in the negotiations in addition to the chair if that's the will of the board. Uh but that um that has not been the process in the past. >> Sarah, do you feel comfortable doing
this by yourself? >> I feel comfortable. Yes. Um but if my colleagues disagree, then that is I will carry out the will of the board. >> Are you done with your comments? >> Yes. >> Dr. Zean, >> thank you so much. Um
uh I'm actually more comfortable with a non-awyer negotiating than a lawyer because the the legal part of this is pretty straightforward. This is an employment contract and you're going to negotiate four or five things. Um and more than just the tradition of doing it
by the chair because I think there's some instances where we may ask for some technical expertise for people like we did, you know, with screening uh resumeumés. Um, and I think that that's a real strength of this board is we have a lot of people with very diverse experiences and strengths. Um, but um,
it would be uh, uh, important, I think, to for the board to provide, you know, their thoughts going into this. Is that uh, chair, could could we spend a few minutes talking after we finish this motion about just kind of ideas we have about the negotiations? >> Yeah, I think it would be appropriate to
make motions about that after this. Yeah. >> Terrific. Well, I fully support this motion. And I want to thank Miss Aly for bringing it. >> Madam Chair, um the um only thing I would say is that I have requested um Walter Harvey um to represent the board
in the negotiations and he has agreed he's he's spoken to um his chair and he's agreed to to do that. But I believe the 17th is a Wednesday, which is a board day for Miami date. So I'm pretty sure he would not be available on that day and I think that's what the motion
entails. >> Thank you. Sorry, Dr. Zean, were you done with your comments? >> Yes, I was. Thank you. >> Um, Dr. Lozano, >> it seems the candidate and Mr. Harvey um will both be available in person on Friday, December 19th, if that's a date
we want to consider. >> Okay. Um, do we need to determine that date today? We do not. But I was just making aware the availability of the >> I think the only value in doing it today is if you couldn't make that date. We might want to pick someone else because
somebody because apparently the candidate and their attorney can make it. >> Yeah. I mean, no one asked me my availability that day, but >> you >> I will make myself available as needed. Um Okay. >> Awesome. Miss Bulman, I
>> I support the motion as amended to the date since our chair is available. I think you know to Mr. Cera, we kind of are learning because we're new. So, you know, sometimes you think that something should happen because but we don't know how it's always done. So, I think that's
just what's happening here. But I think um our chair will do a great job with council. >> Miss Hixon, >> thank you. And I don't know if this is the right time to ask that question, but if you're able to to do it on December
19th, how soon would um Miss Bruno be able to start? And the reason I'm asking that is because maybe it would avoid us having to um task assign somebody. >> So, can I respond to that? >> Yes, please. Um, I had spoken with staff
about the and you can all see that there's a piece about um, a task assignment in the script. Um, but we had talked about someone bringing a board item to discuss the a task assignment on the 16th, so next week. Um, so we can
determine that. So we can work out with Miss Bruno um, when she would be able to start and determine if there was a task assignment necessary. Dr. Lozano. >> Thank you, Dr. Lozano. Chief human resources officer. Um yes. So that would
allow us to seek out internal candidates who are willing to take the task assignment and then bring options for outside counsel to discuss on Tuesday if that becomes a need. The board will have
that option on Tuesday. So, the reason I'm asking is because I'd like to avoid having to do a task assignment at all. And I would hate to put all of that work into it and then not need to have it. Is it possible to
wait until they negotiate and see when the start date would be and then then decide if we need a task assignment or not? I just there's a lot of extra work there that if it's not going to be needed, I would rather not stress
everyone out that way. >> I'm going to defer to general counsel if a task assignment can begin before board approval. Uh well, from my understanding of the timeline, um and I don't, you know, I
haven't had any conversations with Miss Bruno as to when her um availability is to start, how many days she needs to provide to her current employer for uh for them, you know, under her contract. I'm sure she has some provisions in there. So uh but I would say it would be
very difficult to have uh a new you know to have negotiations which you know even if they are on the 19th or the 18th um whether they will be completed on that day number one so they may carry over to the week after um or or further you know
we don't know um so I think that a task assignment or an interim um general counsel it would be appropriate Are you done? >> I'm still going to say my preference is not to have an interim general counsel. >> Okay. Dr. Holes.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. So, if indeed we need to have an interim um and I I don't know the answer to this question. Um I think we would be very happy to have Miss Jax Adams as the interim to to continue until we are able to go through
the negotiation process if she's so um willing to do that. So, I don't know if the board agrees um but I think that would be um a good course of action. >> Okay. Um Miss Batista, could you speak to the motion um and any advice you have on the motion?
>> Yes. So, um the motion um I think it would be u better to have no date on the motion because we don't have everybody's um schedules. We don't know how many times the the uh negotiations may take place in in more than one day. Um so
just to leave it open and and just um grant the authority to the chair to negotiate on behalf of the board and to um have those particulars then decide it when the staff has had an opportunity to uh find out all the dates that everybody's available.
>> Madame Chair, >> Dr. Honus. So, Madam Chair, since we're not setting a date and Miss Batista is leaving on the 9th, um Miss Jax Adams, I believe, is in the building, um and we don't have a date, which means we
could go beyond the 9th or we could be done by the 9th. Uh would it be um Miss Batista, would it be uh are we able to appoint an interim at this point if the board so choose? Um, it's just my opinion, but we'll get the opinion of
the board. Should Miss Jax Adams be interested? Should that we have to ne negotiate beyond the 9th to take on the interim role because you're leaving. So, we don't leave that open. >> Um, yes, if the board uh wishes to make that appointment, um, that that could be
something that you consider today. >> Okay. I just want us to stay on the motion. Um, and I I don't know that if if Miss Aladaf is willing to amend the motion, but um to to take the date out. So, I just wanted to stay on the motion of um authorizing the chair to negotiate.
>> Yes, I can agree to take the date out. >> Okay. All right. Any other comments on the motion? Miss Rupert, >> can we repeat the motion again? I move to give authority to chair Leonardi to lead negotiations.
>> Oh, well that's simple enough. Thank you, Miss Hixon. Okay, >> all right. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Motion passes unanimously. Dr. Lozano.
>> So, it was brought to my attention that Miss Dupo Bruno's contract requires a 60-day notice. So, we will most likely need to have an interim general counsel. >> Thank you, >> Madam Chair. >> Go ahead, Dr. Holes.
>> I'd like to make a motion for Miss Jax Adams, if she so accepts, to be the interim general counsel until we complete negotiations with Miss Bruno. >> Is there a second? I would like a second before we comment further.
>> No one would like to second that. >> I'll second it so we can discuss it. the you know >> so moved by Dr. seconded by Miss Bulman Dr. Lozano >> Miss Joad Adams is willing to serve as interim general counsel >> any other comments on the motion Dr.
Eman, >> thanks, Chair. I I um appreciate all the sentiment about this. It's a it's a it's an excellent idea. Um I just don't think it's necessary right now. I think that we have time uh to think about options and to uh bring things back to my
knowledge. How many schoolboard meetings do we have between now and January 9th? Chair >> one. >> And that would be next Tuesday. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I would just prefer to wait until then to to decide what to do. Thank you. >> Any other board comment? Mr. Sea, >> what's gonna happen between now and next
Tuesday? Nothing. I know the answer to the question. Um, let's let's get this out of the way. I I at least with the vote, excuse me. Uh, at least with the vote because I'm hearing 60 days, so assuming she tells them, you know, Monday, right?
I mean, we're still now into February. I mean, it's it's clear when Miss Batista is leaving, um, we need to account for this. And apparently, according to Dr. Zano, we have somebody who's um expressed a willingness and a desire to to to sort to sit in that role. So, uh I
I don't see the sense in in dragging this on uh any longer with at least for purposes. We'll have to vote, but I think we should get this on record now. >> All right. Dr. Lesano, then Miss Bulman, then Dr. Holes. >> Miss Batista, do we need to enter into negotiation with Miss Jack Adams for the
interim council? >> Yes, >> you you would. I All right, Miss Bulman. >> Um, I support this motion. I'm very grateful for the grace that Miss Jock Adams has given us that she's willing to serve in this position. I think that'll
be excellent for the district. Um, and you know, we can go to negotiations. We could find an impact. You know, you might not be able to make negotiations. I don't think that if I was the employee that I'd be giving my notice until I had my negotiations under control. So,
you're looking at quite a bit of time that we will need someone to serve in this capacity. Um, and so I support the motion. I appreciate you bringing it. And again, I would just thank Miss Jack Adams for being a consmate professional
and being willing to serve us as she is. >> Miss Batista. >> Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um so it's customary for the candidates to give notice after they have been approved their contract has been approved by the
other board. So if you don't have another board meeting uh in January um you know until January or late January that will probably be the date that the contract with Miss Bruno is approved. And so um you will need someone um she
will give notice at that point and then you will need a couple of months. So I'm thinking that you will need an interim until March. >> Um I have Dr. Holess Mix and then you Miss Alhida. >> Okay. Um so Madame Chair um I guess Miss
Batista just answered my question. We don't have besides Tuesday, we don't have another board meeting until the um after the 9th. Um um so just um I just wanted to ask that question. So I'm good. >> Uh Miss Hixon, >> thank you. And just in the spirit of
equity, do we know if there's anyone else in house that was interested in being task assigned? Because I know that that's the concern. >> At the time when we asked for volunteers, she was the only individual who stepped. >> Perfect. I just want to make sure we're
taking everybody into account. So, thank you. >> Dr. Lozano, did you have anything else to add? >> Our chief of staff can talk us through potential dates or process to get an interim appointed before January 9th. >> So, the week of the 6th, there's no
board meetings. Then we have a workshop on the 13th. So, you could do a special either before or after uh that workshop. Those are your options. And before the 21st, >> our board meeting is January 21st. >> Thank you, Mrs. Alhadaf. Okay, I have a
couple thoughts going on. One other way possibly if Miss Batista would stay on for a few more months. >> Miss Batista, >> did you hear a second? >> Thank you for the kind request. I am
unfortunately not available after the >> Okay. Um my other concern is uh that we're going to this wait so long for us to have a board meeting to vote on this.
Is there any way to do this in December? >> I will make myself available for any negotiations. >> I guess a question for Miss Batista. Um the 48 hours would that allow for negotiations to begin on Monday?
Saturday, Sunday. No. >> Um, I guess the other thing that we could consider is doing a special school board meeting the 19th. Um, is there five of us at least available to be here in person? Then
maybe you can call in if you're not. We would be voting to appro this is presuming that um that the contract negotiations happen on >> the 18th >> the 18th and our successful uh special school board meeting for the 19th. We
would need as Mrs. Alhadf said at least five of us available. >> Um so I don't know if anyone has any thoughts or concerns or objections. December 19th. >> All right. I'm counting. One, two,
three, four, five, six of us are available. Um, so, uh, I don't know if we need to >> for the interum or for the permanent. >> Um, I Well, I think Mrs. Alhadf, you were speaking to to voting on Mrs. Dri
Bruno's contract. Yes. Because we can bring the contract for the interim on the Well, no. We can't bring the contract for the interm on the 16th, can we? >> Because we have to that has to be negotiated too. >> Can you do both in the same day?
>> Well, and the negotiations both in the same day. >> So, that would be presuming presuming that the negotiations take place the 18th and they are both successful. If they are not, we can always cancel the special school board meeting, right? >> Let's do it.
>> Yeah. The candidate is unavailable on the 18th. >> Okay. >> How about the 16th? You, the chair, you would have to step out of the board meeting. Yeah. >> Um, but you could >> technically do that. Could you have two
simultaneously publicly announced meetings? I don't think so. >> I guess that's up to the general counsel, >> Miss Batista. >> Um, you can um, you know, I mean, you're taking away from one of the duties that
you have as a board member, too. >> Well, it's great that we have an excellent vice chair. >> That's true, >> Miss Bulman. So can I'm confused about why this is such a rush.
>> So I I believe the concern is that Miss Dupri Bruno's uh notice would begin the day that we vote on the contract. So if we don't uh vote on the contract this month, we won't be the 60 days won't
start until January 21st is our next regular school board meeting. We, as Mr. Sullivan said, we could schedule a special before that. Yeah. >> Okay. Um, well, then I guess you know, whatever we can do to hasten the process next week if that's possible. I mean, the only, you know, it always gets into
contract negotiation that you may not reach an agreement the first time you meet and there's back and forth. So, I guess the quicker we start it, but I still think it might be, you know, we'll have to be prepared for the fact that it's going to take longer than we would like.
Miss Thompson, >> have we discussed with her her available start date because she will be moving from Lee County here with a family? But I understand, but if she's not even available to start till later, then
there isn't that rush. >> Dr. Lozano, >> we have not we have not engaged in those specific conversations at this time. >> Mr. Ca. >> Chair, may may I inquire for Miss Batista how long it took during her
contract negotiations when she last went through this? Because I I think we're being way overly optimistic if we think we're going to negotiate an interim general counsel's contract with our future general counsel's contract in one day. Um, unless this is a way easier process than I'm envisioning. In my
mind, this is going to go on for weeks. Uh, maybe not. So, >> Miss Batisa, when you went through this, it was it was a day's worth of negotiations. >> No, actually, it was many months uh because there were several different um
shares that negotiated the contract uh over a period of time. So, it it was it was uh approximately two months I want to say, you know, not not obviously negotiating. There were like three sessions, I believe. >> Thank you. uh negotiation sessions of a
couple of hours each. >> Okay. So, this this was a this was a a multi-pronged negotiation. This wasn't you guys met on a Tuesday and by Wednesday you were signing documents. >> No, I mean normally um I would say that um you know mine was unusual because of
the change in the chairs in the middle of the negotiations. However, um I am going to also share with you that you you know we need time to put the contract together. So, it's not just going in and agreeing to, you know, a
bunch of provisions. Somebody has to actually write them out. They have to read them. They have to sign them. Uh, get them notorized, whatever the process is. So, it's it's more than just a, you know, 48 hour kind of a process as I'm sure you're aware.
>> Okay. And and I'm not sure I necessarily want to go down this rabbit hole, but for Miss Cartright, how long it was Cartray was the last one before? >> No. >> Who was who before? >> Had several. Latada I I did the last one with the And how long did that take? It was a couple last. >> No, no. I'm talking about with Well,
respectfully, lawyers tend to overthink things sometimes. With our last general counsel before you, who was our last general counsel before you, >> Miss Mrick? >> Barbara Mrick. >> I How long did that one take for my colleagues who've been around that long? >> Forever. >> None of us. No, >> it's not relevant.
>> Well, there seems to be this opinion that this is going to be like a quick snappy thing and and and I and I disagree. I think this is going to be a prolonged uh procedure. I'm hopeful that we can get this done as soon as possible, but we're talking about contract negotiations on an 18th and voting on something on the 19th. That's
completely unrealistic. It's unrealistic. It's not going to happen. So, uh I mean, we should start looking about trying to get these negotiations done as quickly as possible, but trying to navigate board meetings, right? It's it's we're wasting time talking about this. We we really are.
>> Would you like to call the question then? Well, I believe Dr. Hoes's motion is still Are we still at your motion? >> No, it's all >> and we're on Dr. Ho. >> Are we on with Dr. Hoes's motion? >> Motion. Okay. Okay. Can we can we address that first?
>> I have several people on the list to speak. >> Okay. >> Dr. Zean, >> thanks so much. Um I think it's going to be great to do this. Chair, between the 9th of January, to Miss Bulman's point, and the 21st of our next regularly scheduled regular school board meeting,
could we task assign somebody to be the general counsel for those 12 days? >> Miss Batista? >> Yes, you can. >> So, I think Miss Bowman's point then is really important. Why are we rushing? like uh it'd be great to do this in
regular order and look like, you know, a board that's moving through, you know, a good thoughtful process to get to where we want to go. Um so I I think uh I just I'm not sure why we're trying to jam all this stuff together. And to Mr. Sea's
point, if we negotiate with our general counsel candidate and it does go expeditiously, we would kind of know what to do next in terms of task assigned and interim uh thereafter. So, uh, I' I'd prefer to just try and get our next general counsel done, brought
to the board, and then, um, and then figure out what to do with the task assigned and inter. >> Mrs. Alhida. >> Okay. So, I think that it is vitally important that we try to execute the
contract for general counsel as quickly as possible. So, Miss Deoy Bruno is available to do negotiations on teams on the 17th and then if all goes well, we can then vote at the board meeting on
the 19th. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Dr. Lozano. If you're utilizing um Wednesday to do the negotiations, is that Wednesday? Then I do not believe that um Mr. um
Walter Harvey will be available >> because that is date county board meeting. >> So you we would have to find some representation for the board. Okay. >> Can Miss Batista can do we have reput
representation for the board >> for the Miami date board? >> No. Brower County Public Schools. I mean, we have a lot of lawyers. >> I think the candidates's lawyer is not available because he's the schoolboard uh rep to the Miami date. >> No, he would be he's our lawyer. Miss
Batista, would you like to respond to Mrs. Aladf's? So I felt that um it would be appropriate for some outside lawyer um you know and Mr. Harvey has done it before and he is not charging us
anything for the representation. >> Um so uh it would be um it would be more appropriate to wait for him to be able to be available. >> But why can't one of our 25 lawyers do it? Well, again, I think it would be a
conflict if those lawyers are going to be working for Miss Bruno. >> Gotcha. >> Okay, Miss Rupert, >> I don't even know where we are with the uh the dates. Um, >> yeah. All right. We're not really
deliberate. We're just deliberating Dr. Holes's motion. Miss Hixon. >> So my my question, although maybe not necessary now, is to Miss Batista, would a day be enough to have time to write
that contract as you just mentioned and turn it around. So, you know, that's we want to make sure it's right. All right. >> So, I I again I I feel the there's a couple of things. I I worry that the other board, Lee County, is going to
really want to keep her and maybe up some stakes for her and make her decide maybe she doesn't want to move. So, I don't want to give a lot of leeway in that respect. Um, but I also want to make sure we don't we're not rushing our
general counsel's office to do something that's not it's just not feasible to do. So, thank you, >> Miss Rupert. >> Thank you. And that was um that was my point um up at FSBA with uh several of
the um the the current um school board members begged to not have us pick their attorney. They loved her that much. So that thought process of um you know they could sweeten they could
sweeten the pot. I you know I I don't know. I can't be responsible for that. It's going to be whatever it's going to be. But I think that is a concern and it's a valid concern um to think about. I don't know if that'll make it happen anymore, but um yeah, she's she's very
well loved there. >> Okay. And then just so we're staying to the motion um which is to appoint Miss Jack Adams as interim general counsel. Miss Bulman, >> that's the motion. I got it lost like a
lot there. Um well, I support that motion and um you know, I think these are all valid concerns, but we're negotiating with a um with a potential employee who is ultimately going to make her own decision about whether or not
we're offering her what she wants and whether she wants to come. So, I would rather do this well than rushed. And then you could end up having the exact same outcome. you rush it and she still has a better offer from Lee County and decides to stay. So, I mean, I think
that we need to do what's best for us and make sure we have a good contract, good time for to ne negotiate and all those things. And I support the motion to appoint Miss Jack Adams to be the interim. >> Any other comments what we're talking about? >> Thank you. Any other comments on the
motion? >> Madam Chair, >> Dr. Holes. >> Right. So, um, I guess my concern really is that on January 9th, we have someone taking Miss Batista's place. Regardless of how long Miss Bruno's contract takes, on January 9th, we need someone here. So, uh, even though Miss Bruno's
contract is priority, I think appointing an interim uh, as soon as we can. So, when January 9th roll around, we have someone in place uh, regardless of the time frame for a contract with Miss Bruno. So, I think that is priority in my opinion. uh regardless of how long it
takes to to get Miss Bruna on board. January 9th, we need to have someone. >> Any other comments on the motion? >> All in favor of the motion to appoint Miss Jack Adams as interim general counsel say I. >> I. I. >> All oppose say no.
Motion passes unanimously. Are there any other board members who would like to speak or make motions? Um I believe Mrs. Alhadef would like to at some point. Dr. Zean. >> Yeah. Um I just want to kind of express the kind of a lot of community reaction
we've gotten to um our contracts with general counsel uh and other direct reports um as it relates to um terminations and uh payouts to people for how long they've been. Um I get a
lot of feedback from people about um our contracts seeming to the community to be very generous about severance um uh uh to him. It's a maybe an anacronistic part of a of a government employees uh contract because now government
employees that are called superintendent and general counsels make a make a significant amount of money. Um, and to fold in 20 weeks of severance without a significant amount of of time in my view of what the community wants, uh, that doesn't make sense. So, I'm just going
to share what I've heard back from the community with you, chair, because you're going to have to negotiate this. Uh, but I've gotten a lot of feedback about our, um, contracts just being uh, far more generous than the private sector would ever be. Um, and the community doesn't understand it,
particularly at a time of a $94 million shortfall. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Alhadaf and then Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. So, Walter Harvey is available on the 17th via Teams between 8 a.m. to 10:45 before his school board
meeting. So, yeah. So, I think uh we should do the negotiations via teams and have the school board meeting on the 19th to approve.
>> Would you like to make a motion? >> So, I move to have negotiations via teams on December 17th starting at 8 a.m. and finishing by 10:45. >> Second. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mrs. Aladd, seconded by Dr. Zean. Any public comment on the
motion? Uh before I ask about board discussion, Miss Batista, is that um allowable to have the negotiations via teams? >> Yes, you can have the negotiations via teams
>> if if I may. Um the only thing she would have to figure out is how to usually caucus at some point, but I guess they could arrange to do that via >> team. I mean, there's no issue with like that. It's a publicly noticed meeting.
>> You you um um as long as I mean, you could be here um and then the public could attend and you could be via Teams. Um as long as you allow for, you know, public particip they can attend. >> Got it. Okay. Board discussion on the
motion. Miss Hixon, >> thank you. I'm I'm fine with rushing the the negotiation part, but again, and I'm I appreciate that it wasn't in the motion that you made. I don't know that bringing it to the 19th is is something
that we can realistically do. So, I I appreciate doing that early, but Miss Batista had already said that a day is not going to be long enough for them to write that contract. >> Mr. Cera, >> uh first off, chair, are are you I assume you're available at 8 a.m. that
day? >> Yes. Okay. Uh second, uh Miss Batisa, do you think an two hours and 15 minutes is going to be adequate for something like this? >> It's two hours and 45 minutes, but >> So it could be depending on um
>> So same question with the extra 30 minutes. >> Yes. Uh I I understand. So two hours and 45 minutes. So, um I mean it could be, you know, I I I there is no harm in in trying um and to see if if that's sufficient. Um and you know, even even
setting up the the uh board meeting for the 19th and if it's it doesn't, you know, it cannot be made to um to work out until the 19th, you can always cancel the meeting, right? Or at least you're you're trying, right, to get it done.
Okay. >> Any other board discussion on the motion? All in favor of the motion say I. I. All oppose say no. The motion passes unanimously. Any other board discussion or comment? Dr. Zean, >> you need a motion to have the school board meeting on the 19th. Chair.
>> Miss Batista or Mr. Sullivan? >> I move that we um uh at some point on the 19th meet um uh that we schedule a meeting for the 19th. >> Second. >> Motion made by Dr. Zean. Seconded by Vince Rupert. Public comment on the motion.
Board member comment. I'd like to first go to Mr. Sullivan. >> If you guys can just let staff know what time you want us to advertise that meeting, that'll be helpful. >> Yeah, the the motion was intentionally not about a time and the chair can work with you on a time. >> Mr. Sea,
>> I'd love the 12:00 start time today. If that's a possibility, I would be in favor of the meeting on the 19th starting at 12. Miss Hixon, >> Miss Batista, can you speak to the idea if you negotiate on the 17th, how likely is it that we are going to have a solid
contract ready to vote on on the 19th? >> Um, I would say it's not likely. Not only that, you will not have any time to review the contract because most likely it will be uploaded on the 19th in the morning.
>> Thank you. Is there is it possible to do it early in January as opposed to trying to rush it for the 19th because staff does work during the Christmas break. So they could work on it in maybe that first week of January because um not all
of us are going to Tallahassee. I don't know if it was that week anyway. >> So that's different. But maybe we come back. I forget what day we come back in January >> 6th. >> Would you like to make a substitute motion?
>> Yes. I'd like to I'd like to make a motion to have a special school board meeting on Tuesday, January 16 January 6th um to bring the the contract back for us to vote on. >> Second. Seconded by Mr. Seivera. Public
comment on the motion. Board member comment on the motion. Dr. Holes. >> Madame Chair, it's likely um that I will not be available on the six. So um I don't know how many board members are available, but I'm just making it known that I likely won't be available on the six.
>> Okay. Any other comment on the motion, Mrs. Alhadaf? >> So again, I think it is really paramount that we try to expedite this as quickly as possible. If we don't, we're talking
about what is it? Three, four weeks before we actually approve this. And I just think too many things can happen within that period of time. I I believe in our how many lawyers do we have in
the 20 25 nine >> nine our nine lawyers can get this contract done >> let's see >> Miss Thompson
>> my preference would be to wait till January I'm also confused about the process for the interim cuz Batista you leave on the 9th and shouldn't we negotiate first with our interim and and prioritize that because we are about to
lose our lawyer. Um and then we can end January because we can make a special once that contract is approved and have that meeting in a in a couple of days. Um but I'm not available on the 19th.
>> Any other board comment on the motion to schedule a special school meeting on January 6th? Madame Chair, >> Dr. Hornes, >> uh, >> Miss Batista, uh, if the if in fact a meeting was scheduled on the 19th for like 5:00 p.m. in the in the evening,
would you be able to get the contract done in time for that? >> Again, you know, that's not up to me. Um, it has to be something that the um, Miss Bruno has, I'm sure she will have a lawyer. they have to agree to the
provisions that you know the offers that are made uh at the at the meeting on the the 17th. Um you know Mr. Harvey I mean we help him with the contract obviously through the clerical process. He doesn't
have to like type it up himself but he also has to review the contract. He has to find the time to be able to do that. So I I would say that on a normal process that would not be sufficient time to just have it from the
>> understand but if it were to be held on the 19th would would you say having the additional time at a later in the day meeting as 4 or 5 versus 12 in the day or 8 in the morning would would >> I mean would be beneficial. >> Any additional time would be helpful
would be helpful. I I would just say that um I know in the past uh the board has desired to look at the contract in advance. You're not going to be able to have that ability. You're going to have to look at it during the meeting because
it's not going to be available prior to that. >> Okay, >> Miss Hixon. And does Miss Dupri Bruno Bruno have to also review that contract before it comes before we negotiate it?
So, there's just a lot of moving parts. I understand wanting to do it early and I don't even mind moving up a a school board. I mean, I don't know what it would look like, but I know there are days people are working during the winter break time. Moving it up further
in December. I don't mind only because I'm going to be here. I don't know what everyone else is doing, but I don't there is not this rush. I think the the bigger rush is again to get the instrument in place. Um I want to do it
quickly, but I don't want to do it in a way that doesn't meet the expectations that are normal for a contract. And and in addition, if I may, Madam Chair, um the um you know, not only, you know,
traditionally, I'm just going to say it that way, the board has changed provisions on the day that you approve the contract. So just because you give authority to the chair, uh whatever was negotiated at that meeting is is usually at least one or two provisions are
changed during that meeting. So that means that um Mr. Duo Bruno would have to be available and her lawyer would have to be available on the 19th um to be able to attend at least via teams um to be able to have a say if something is
changed in the contract. >> Um and and to that point, I think that kind of makes the other points about the the timing a little bit moot because historically we have gone back and forth on the deis about the contract. It's approved. these changes are approved in
real time. Um, so I I I just don't I understand that we want to do things right and historically this is what's happened. So, um I think I'm less concerned about having enough lead time
um between the negotiations and a board meeting uh because those things happen immediately on the deis. Um so that's that's my comment. Is there any other board discussion on this
motion? So, as a substitute motion to schedule a special schoolboard meeting on the 6th of January, 2025 uh to to approve the contract the 26th of January
>> 20 Oh, so sorry. 2026. Thank you. >> Um, okay. So, January 6, 2026 to approve the contract. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. >> No. >> Roll call. >> Roll call. motion. School board members
av >> no >> Bowman. >> Can I ask a point of clarification? >> This is to move it from the 19th. >> There was It was a substitute motion. So there was never an approval of the 19th.
>> And when does school start? The 5th. >> Monday the sixth. >> The sixth. Oh jeez, guys. Why this day? Um I Yes. I I'm sorry. Was that a yes? >> Yes.
>> Yes. Okay. Sa >> with reservations. >> Hixon. >> Yes. >> Madam Chair, I'm so sorry. Whose motion was this again? Who made the motion? >> Miss Hixon's motion. >> Yes. Okay. I just
>> Leonardi. >> No. >> Rupert. >> No. >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Zean, >> no. passes 54. >> Any other board discussion or motions to be made? >> Madam Chair,
>> Dr. Holus and Dr. Zan, >> just want to confirm um the motion for the the negotiation for the interim um when will that take place? I I just want to >> I don't believe we've made that determination yet. >> So So we do have to do that today.
Wouldn't that be correct, >> Miss Batista? Well, it it would be helpful if you've found the date um to do the negotiations, but at the very least, even if you don't do that, you don't need to actually find the date. What you do need to do is authorize the chair to enter into negotiations
um to uh for the interim contract. >> So, do we need a motion to do that? Um Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion to authorize um the chair to go into negotiations with uh Miss Jax Adams. Okay. Um
Motion B made by Dr. Holes, seconded by Miss Hixon. Public comment on the motion. >> No, ma'am. >> Board discussion on the motion. Miss Hixon, >> just say if possible, then maybe we could do both of the contracts on the sixth.
>> Okay. Any other board discussion on the motion to authorize the chair? Yes, Dr. H. Um, are we able to find out if if uh Miss Adams is available on the 6 >> for the special school board meeting?
>> She she could have plans to be absent. I don't know. I just want to make sure. Uh, >> we can reschedule if she can't. >> Okay, >> we're checking. >> Yep. >> The motion was simply to authorize the chair to uh enter into negotiations with Miss Jack Adams. Any other board comment
on the motion? All in favor of the motion say I. I. >> All oppose say no. Motion passes unanimously. Dr. Zean. >> Thank you. Um are we toward the end? I don't hear any other motions coming. Um
I I just want to kind of make a comment, Miss Fulton. Dr. Fulton, you know, there are um staff preparations for a negotiation like this. Um I would have u hoped that we would have known more about the next steps after deciding
today. We had a schoolboard meeting planned today with one agenda item to hire a general counsel. The steps after that are self-evident. We need to negotiate. We need to have dates. We need to know people's availability. We didn't know that today. And I'd like I just would like the staff to be prepared for next steps, too. Not just the agenda
item, but for whatever we can forecast um after those agenda items. All right, Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. I meant to say this when Dr. Zean was speaking earlier. Um I know that in the superintendent contract we
have some staggered dates for when if something were to happen what that payout would look like. So just in the negotiations I would think that would be a good model to use to his point that um and really any contract moving forward
it it makes sense. >> Thank you. Any other board comment, discussion, motions. Um before we uh vote on the item, I would love for Miss Dupri Bruno to come
in to make some comments. Is she available? >> Okay, >> I'll recess the meeting for two minutes while we wait. Hey, hey, hey. I'm not
Thank you. Hey, hey, hey. Um, congratulations, Miss Dri Bruno. Uh, would you like to Oh, we're going to do it again. >> We'd love to hear some remarks. >> Wow, this is um this is amazing. So, I
want to thank each and every one of you uh very much for this opportunity. It's really an opportunity of a lifetime because we do not have uh these chances to be able to lead a district of this size and this magnitude every day. So, thank you to Miss Batista who opened up
the opportunity and um I look forward to really working with each of you um each board member and seeing what I can do, what my part can be to continue on with your mission to make this district A+ great. Make sure that our students are
taken care of. make sure that the board gets what they need to be able to do uh their job to make sure that the legal staff does what it needs to do with collaboration, respect, and accountability um so that we can do our part in the mission of this um of this
board and this district. So, thank you so much um and I look forward to the next steps in the process. Thank you so much and thank you for considering us and congratulations.
All right. Um any other comments on the item? Okay. Um all of those in favor of approving item one say I. I. >> I. All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously.
As amended. >> As amended. Thank you for that reminder, Mrs. Alhadaf. Um, do we need to select a date for negotiations now or is that something that can be done after the meeting? After the meeting is what Miss Batista
is saying. Okay. Um, Miss Batista's last day is January 9th, 2026. Um, I do want to thank Miss Batista, but we have a much longer elaborate uh celebration planned for her later. Um, so I did I
did want to acknowledge that. Um, this scheduled order of business for the special school board meeting of Brower of the School Board of Brower County, Florida has been completed. Seeing no obligation, I now adjourn the meeting.