WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=qNQgCCTDM1k

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: qNQgCCTDM1k):
- 00:01:55: Jacksonville, Heat sounds and meeting preparation noises
- 00:09:51: Meeting Commences: Safety protocols and pledge of allegiance
- 00:11:14: Moment of Silence for Joby Sebert and agenda approval
- 00:13:18: Vision Statement, Public Comment Rules and Consent Agenda
- 00:16:52: Retiree Congratulation and Discussion of Items H1 and GG3
- 00:19:11: Approval of Items H1, GG3, H2 and Introduction to A1
- 00:19:44: Board Discusses Data Sharing Agreement with Boys & Girls Club
- 00:25:46: More Data Security Questions and Process Implementation Discussion
- 00:29:19: Item A1 Support Contingent on Email Security Measures
- 00:31:12: Benefits of Data Sharing and Unanimous Vote For A1
- 00:33:23: Bringing Back Item H2, Discussion on Terminated Employee
- 00:34:03: Public Comment: Fairness in Termination Accountability Needed
- 00:36:53: Brief Recess Followed by Comments on Blanch Ely Investigation
- 00:39:57: Discussion and Questioning of Food Truck Donation (Item A2)
- 00:44:39: Big Brother Big Sister, Proclamation Item A4 discussion
- 00:46:52: B1 and All Magnet High Schools discussion regarding enrollment
- 00:51:26: Magnet Program Concerns and Pompo Beach as a Model
- 00:55:13: Discussion of Repurposing and Magnet Programs
- 01:00:19: Questions About Pompo Beach Magnet School Specifics
- 01:02:14: Concerns About 4-Day Weeks and Gaining Students Back
- 01:07:20: Discussion on Expanding Magnet Programs in General
- 01:10:07: Item B1 Fails, Discussion of Providing Student Wi-Fi (B2)
- 01:11:11: Public Comment: Questions on Home Internet Access Program
- 01:13:37: Public Comment: Laptop Bids and Student Internet Safety
- 01:16:13: Built-in Wifi concerns and Budget Reassessment
- 01:17:22: Public Comment: Internet is in Home's not district's responsibility
- 01:20:22: Justifying B2 and Free Mobile Hotspots for Students
- 01:25:24: T-Mobile Free Internet Service to Low-Income Families
- 01:35:24: Move Item B2, and moving for Howard F Jones Proclamation
- 01:36:18: Recognition of the Life and Memory of Dr. Howard Jones
- 01:42:38: Presenting Awards for Assistance with Hurricane Melissa Relief
- 01:45:12: Presentation to Barington Irving for Hurricane Relief efforts
- 01:49:20: Carolyn Stewart Recognition for the Hurrican Relief Efforts
- 01:52:11: Recognition for Mark D doorset who assisted Hurricane Melissa Relief
- 01:56:06: Public comment and the awards that has been given
- 01:58:13: Thoughts and Prayers to those who are suffering from the loss
- 01:59:14: General Public Speaker
- 02:03:37: Trudy Germanovich and Delevin King Share the frustration
- 02:09:31: General Counsel is Questioning and getting ready for vote
- 02:13:00: LL1 and Proclaims is ready, but time is on the essence
- 02:13:56: Everyone for Teachers to get Referendum Money
- 02:17:23: Teacher and support Staff as well
- 02:19:50: Teacher for Retention need for that money
- 02:23:14: More voices getting louder, need it
- 02:27:44: B2B and need to not look at vendors
- 02:31:51: Telling their stories, for to support teachers
- 02:35:32: Thank all of the board members for what they are doing
- 02:40:22: Again, we need you here and so important
- 02:43:54: Saying all of their voices
- 02:48:00: Need to find another way to pay and or better
- 02:50:55: For the 10 the money as well
- 02:55:05: And get them from here on that it's said and done
- 02:58:09: Thank you again Dr
- 03:04:59: More with her testimony
- 03:07:26: Again a new group of the testimonies
- 03:15:19: Everyone wants that here and for you
- 03:21:31: 1010 And here to support
- 03:27:44: That one is in charge of the people and the people
- 03:31:40: A new one coming up as well
- 03:35:27: Attorney with her and getting out the meeting is ready here
- 03:41:09: To recess the meeting for to be in another zone and safe with the team in hand
- 04:52:19: Meeting is back again, and time for to move again
- 05:55:28: Budget Ramifications and Percentage Setting Explored
- 05:57:24: Seeking Balance: Compensation, Safety, and Mental Health
- 06:05:15: Financial Realities: Enrollment Decline Impact Personnel
- 06:07:46: Calculator Demo: Live Impact of Percentage Adjustments
- 06:11:40: Analyzing Budget Scenarios for Student Safety, Mental Health
- 06:16:31: Honoring Safety Personnel Importance, Acknowledge Teacher Week
- 06:17:19: Vote: Hixon Amendment - Salary, Safety, Mental Health
- 06:19:03: Discussion: Prioritizing Personnel for Safety and Security
- 06:22:24: Dollars Versus Positions: Understanding Funding Flexibility
- 06:28:59: Clarifying Salary Allocation:  Supplemental vs. Full Funding
- 06:33:59: Public Comment: Budget Dollar Allocation, Misleading Salary
- 06:37:37: Legal Clarification: Compensation, Salary and the Ballot
- 06:50:05: Public Comment: Ballot Language and Position Clarity
- 06:57:03: Counsel: Changes to Compensation and Supplements Article
- 06:58:54: Board Further Clarifies Amended Motion and Compensation
- 07:00:24: Concluding Vote: Adopting Salary, Safety, Mental Health
- 07:01:24: Move Employees Paid by Referendum to General Fund
- 07:02:03: Public Comment: Fund Essential Employee Salaries
- 07:05:08: Questions About the Proposed Budget for Teacher Comp
- 07:08:22: Action: Add the Timeframe To Include Employees in the Fund
- 07:10:14: New Request: Raise for Employees at a 5.5%
- 07:11:15: Legal Opinion About Non-Bargaining Unit Negotiations
- 07:12:06: Public: More Pay at Upper Levels, Wait Until There is Money
- 07:16:26: Questions to the Team: About Percentages on Payroll
- 07:22:24: Failed: Motion to Support Increase To all Employees
- 07:23:04: Discus: The Referendum is Because of State
- 07:34:06: Inquiry: Providing Internet Access for Students
- 07:36:30: Website for Free Internet for Parents and Students
- 07:40:42: Public Comment: Website Access, Follow ups, Back to School
- 07:50:59: Motion: add Links to to the HomePage for Access
- 07:53:35: FSBA: Appoint New Member Rebecca Thompson
- 07:55:12:  BB Behavior Health Coalition Board to Be Reinstated
- 07:55:55: BB Behavior and General Consule Conflcits
- 08:03:02: Extend the Meeting to Include the Discussion
- 08:03:51: Board Report on Progress and Other Important items
- 08:24:55: Language and Review Meeting Called to Order
- 08:27:15: No Changes for Review: Continue with Agenda
- 08:34:56: Inquire: Regarding Funding the New Books and Tex
- 08:38:50: Follow Ups and Questions for Text and Media review
- 08:40:29: Report on SDFC and Business Small Local
- 08:40:42: General Council Report on Municpalities and Codes
- 08:46:06: Reports and Great Partnerships: Recognition of Microsoft
- 08:51:19: More Successes, Happy Teaching Week, A Happy Tale
- 08:51:50: District Action: to Make Sure that we are in Complience
- 08:52:28: Questions for General Consule on Comunication
- 08:53:17: General Public Discus: Why You Have to Act Respectful
- 08:57:47: To Help in the Schools and Support The Students
- 09:02:09: The District is in Support of Law and Safety
- 09:03:45: Questions, Reports, Recommendations for General and more
- 09:17:55: Public Speaking: Should All Be Addressed and Considered
- 09:27:03: Support To Gain Money and More Education
- 09:28:52: What is Essential that Students May be Trained With
- 09:36:03: Where does Your Legal Staff Have You Headed
- 09:42:42: Public Report: Do you Keep Verifying Everything
- 10:08:27: How much Does a Teacher Help to Prepare
- 10:15:08: Why Are We Changing The Agenda Items on You Again


Part: 1

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Jacksonville. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. I see there.

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Wo. I see. Yeah. Wo. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey.

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Welcome to today's regular schoolboard meeting. This regular meeting of the school board of Brower County, Florida is now called to order. Our primary focus is to create a safe and productive for environment for all participants. Please be reminded of the exit doors that are clearly marked for emergency exiting. While in the boardroom, refrain

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from obstructing the exit doors. All attendees must occupy a seat with the exception of media. Once the boardroom has reached its seating capacity, attendees will be directed to a designated overflow area. Upon activation of the fire alarm system, please exit the room in an orderly

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fashion and continue to exit the building and remain outside until the authority that has jurisdiction is deemed to the building safe to return. Thank you for your cooperation. Board member Rupert will now introduce her school to lead us in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Miss Rupert. Thank you, Madam Chair. This morning we

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have the fabulous Sanders Park Elementary School with um wonderful principal Kizzy Daniels. So, I'm ready for the video. >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.

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>> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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>> You may be seated. Thank you. >> Board member Hixon has requested a moment of silence. Miss Hixon. Thank you. I'd like to request a moment of silence for Joby Sebert. Joby Seabert

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was a longtime employee who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 25th, 2026. Joby worked in the ESD department for approximately 26 years and and as of July 1st, 2025, Joby served as the budget support specialist with the

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magnet and innovative programs office. Throughout her tenure, Joby was a dependable resource with institutional knowledge and attention to detail that contributed to the effective management of budgets. Job's passion and commitment were evident in the quality of her work

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and her consistent daily attendance. She is dearly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues. Please join me in a moment of silence. Thank you. Thank you for that. The superintendent released a revised agenda with certain changes for this meeting and published

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it on the school district's website. The chair finds pursuant to section 120.525 Florida statutes that good cause exists for such changes and accepts the revised agenda. May the chair have a motion and a second to close the agenda. >> Second. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Thompson. All in favor of closing the

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agenda, say I. >> I. Any oppose, say no. The agenda is now closed. May the chair have a motion and a second to approve the minutes for the following meetings. March 31st, 2026 special school board meeting. April 7th, 2026 regular school board meeting. >> So moved. Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss

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Bulman. Is there any discussion? All in favor of clo uh all in favor of approving the minutes listed say I. >> I. >> Oppose say no. The minutes are approved. As we begin to re to as we prepare to begin our regular schoolboard meeting,

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we are reminded that our vision is 100% proficiency for all students. As an A-rated school district, our vital task is to sustain this achievement. We will continue educating all students to reach their highest potential. Our theme this year is believe, empower, achieve one Broward. We will soon hear from our

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registered public speakers. We ask that decorum be maintained and civility and respect be shown during public comment. Our general counsel will assist the chair in maintaining decorum during this period. We also don't want to remind our public speakers of the rules and

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expectations regarding the agenda the agenda public comment portion of the school board meeting as well as board policy. Attorney Dupri Bruno, please explain the rules of public comment. Thank you, Madam Chair, and good morning. Public comment is governed by schoolboard policy 1020 and is intended

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to provide input on the board's duties, decisions, and the overall operation of the school district. The school board is viewpoint neutral during public comment. Per schoolboard policy 1020, you must the speakers must state their name, city of residence, and whether they are a lobbyist before beginning their remarks.

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All remarks must be directed to the board as a whole. The board will not respond to or engage with speakers during public comment, and no action will be taken unless the item is on the agenda. During the AM and PM general speaking time, public speakers will have up to three minutes to address

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non-aggenda items for a maximum total of 30 minutes allotted for public comment. During the agenda speaking time, speakers will have up to three minutes per item. A visible timer will be used and the microphone may be turned off when time expires. Speakers must limit

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their comments to matters related to schoolboard business and for agenda items must remain relevant to the specific item. Comments may not address matters that are pending in litigation, quasi judicial proceedings, active investigations, or administrative hearings. Solicitation and lobbying

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activities must comply with applicable schoolboard policy. Abusive language defined as profanity, threatening, or name calling is prohibited. In addition, clapping, hissing, booing, shouting, yelling, or other disruptions from the audience are not allowed. Speakers who

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fail to follow proper decorum in the chambers will be ruled out of order by the board chair. Failure to comply may result in the microphone being turned off or recess being called after a warning. The chair may also direct removal from the meeting or the building by law enforcement or the

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sergeant-at-arms. Madame Chair, thank you. Attorney Dupri Bruno, the board wants to hear from you and we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a respectful, orderly, and productive in meeting environment. The board identified any agenda items

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they wish to address in advance of the meeting. The following consent items have been pulled for discussion. H1 2 A1 2 4 B1 2 3 4 5 F2 01 O2 and S1. At the

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this time, may the chair have a motion and a second to pass the consent items that have not been pulled for discussion, which are moved by Dr. There's Zen and a second by Miss Bulman. I'll just read them for the record. H3, A3, F1, M1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 0.

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Are there any registered speakers on the items that have not been pulled for discussion? >> No comments. >> All in favor of approving the consent agenda items that have not been pulled for discussion say I. >> Those opposed say no. >> Items pass unanimously.

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At this time, may the chair have a motion and a second to pat on, sorry, may I have a motion in a second on items H1 and GG3? >> And the reason I want to bring those items together is that uh attorney Dupri Bruno um has members in the audience and

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GG3 was not pulled, but um it has to do with the employees. So, who is it moved by? Dr. Zean, seconded by Miss Rupert. Are there any registered speakers on the items that have uh on H1 or GG3. >> One registered speaker Marcos Rodriguez.

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You may proceed to the podium. >> Marcos Rodriguez. >> Seeing none, no further comments. >> Missen, thank you. Um, as I like to do every month, I just wanted to congratulate all of our retirees. There's actually a hundred of them on this board item that

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are both um instructional and non-instructional. So, congratulations to them. Personal privilege. Lisa Cassidy, who's been a teacher assistant for a very long time, is retiring. So, congratulations to her. And also there's a number of resignations and there are

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some always a lot of good people on there but particularly in this month there are two or three people who um have resigned that are a huge loss to the district. So I just want to wish every w everyone um good luck on their new journey. Thank you.

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>> Thank you. Any other board discussion? Dr. Zean. >> I'm sorry chair. um you pulled these early um expecting maybe for a public speaker to come and talk. If we push this through and vote now and they show up later because they didn't make it in time, that would be um potentially

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unfortunate. It may also be they just chose not to come in general. But um am I right that if we vote on A1 and GG3 now and the speaker shows up later that um they would have no impact on the case? >> Um Mr. Mr. Hill, who signed up, Mr.

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Rodriguez signed up to speak on which item? >> H1. However, none of the these two items, there were no special orders or time certain for these items. >> Thanks so much, Chair. >> Thank you. Any other board discussion on H1 or GG3?

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All in favor of H1 and GG3 say I. >> All oppose say no. Items passed unanimously. Could I get a motion and a second on item H2? >> Moved by Miss Thompson, seconded by Miss Hixon. Public comment on H2. >> No comments >> board comment. Mr. Sea

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>> satisfied. >> All any other discussion on H2. All in favor of H2 say I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. Could I get a motion and a second on A1? >> So moved. >> Moved by Dr. Zean. Second by Miss Hixon.

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Public comment. >> No comment. >> Board member comment. Mr. Ca. >> Thank you chair. Um, I want to start off by acknowledging the good work that the Boys and Girls Club does uh as good partners uh and members of the uh of the

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community. Um, that being said, as with most um data sharing agreements, my questions are often very similar. Um, so I I'd like to ask the superintendent uh in light of what we've been dealing with uh over the last couple months on

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these what um specific parent data if any is being shared under this agreement and what are the proper mechanisms and safeguards that are being put in place within this agreement to ensure that neither any parent data nor student data

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would fall into the wrong hands. >> Yes, thank you for the question. Uh Mr. Sea, this is actually optin um as far as parents uh providing pre per permission uh for the type of data that they want to provide um to the organization. As

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far as any other detail, I'll um hand it over to Dr. Fulton and u Dr. Kong. So part of the data sharing agreement with this particular entity is that students are consented into this initiative. Uh and so what we do is share the passwords uh with them which

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are via protected file. So that way students are protected uh based on this protection system that we have with the agreement. So we've had a historical agreement with them with this data sharing privacy agreement. So there shouldn't be any issues with that.

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>> Thank you for that Dr. Conan. And just to clarify, Mr. Superintendent this agreement is this the district's forum agreement that we send out to all these companies >> Dr. Co >> that is correct sir

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>> thank you >> thank you Dr. for wholeness. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. So, I am so um happy to see this coming forward. I had met with Boys and Girls Club um in

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Lauder Hill, the the leadership and staff many many months ago and I tore their facilities and I was just really um uh pleasantly surprised and delighted

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by the level of proficiency and care they have towards students. And so I am strongly supportive of this. I think this sort of um uh uh sort of collaborative relationship that we'll have in terms of ensuring that they

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receive just enough data that's adequate for them to service our students academic needs. Um many of these students that go to the Boys and Girls Clubs are kids in B County public schools and they go there after school and they get supplemental support and

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help. So I am really happy that after many months of meeting with them, I see this coming forth and I think these are the kind of partnerships in Brock County that that we should seek to have and to maintain because it will um show us as

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one community supporting our students. With that being said, um Dr. Heeper and I have a few questions. Um and again, I'm just really excited to see this coming forth. Uh, so I know that they do have to fill out an optin form. Is that

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what it's called? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, was that form, can you describe how that form was developed? Was it a a collaborative sort of effort between Boys and Girls Club and the school board of B County or is this a standard form that we've always

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used? >> Dr. Con? >> Uh, it is a collaboration form that we developed together. Uh, and we've used this form consistently throughout the years. >> Okay. So, um, Dr. Con, if you don't mind, I know that when these forms are

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filled out, they're going to be filled out by the Boys and Girls Club as they get students who come in. Correct. >> That's correct. >> Okay. So, how will we um provide or or at least have some level of oversight where we how will we

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receive the forms that um that they are filling out at Boys and Girls Club? Is it coming back to us and how are we storing these forms? >> Uh so, that's a good question. I know we roster the students based on those parents that opt in and then that

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information is sent directly to them. So, it's a it's a one-way system where the parents sign up, they ask us for the information through the parent form, and we send them the information. >> Okay. So if we send them the information because we're sharing data, can it be

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put in place where we're receiving copies of that information just as a level of student um safety for us to make sure that their records that Boys and Girls Club are doing what they're supposed to do and we have a record of it.

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>> Yes, absolutely. >> Okay. And Dr. cone upon the process to receive these as just documentation for us. Um, can you put something in place where we are receiving it from a specific email as opposed to many

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different individuals in the office just sending these forms? Can they develop a standard email uh that when you see it or your staff, you know that it's coming from the right place? And how do we make sure that parents are not sending these forms say directly to us and then

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they're sending to Boys and Girls Club. Is there a structure and a system in place where there's one email that Boys and Girls Club send these forms to us as documentation that whereby any staff working your office will will be able to check that

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particular email and and know that it's coming from a legitimate source. So, I'm going to uh have Richie Bomb, our director of research, u go a little bit into detail to assure you of the safety parameters that we put in place to make sure that that that takes place. >> Okay.

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>> Good morning. Uh Richard Bal. I'm the director of educational assessment analysis and research. So, our department handles the institutional review board and the research. Um, and we have one individual who worked closely on this agreement um, with the individual in at the Boys and Girls

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Club. And that person is the one who will receive the email of the, um, of of the consent forms, they'll check the consent forms, uh, make sure that they're filled out correctly. And then only after those forms are filled out correctly and we and we approve it is is

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when we send the data back to uh Boys and Girls Club in a secure um uh one drive um folder that only that person will have access to at the Boys and Girls Club. >> Okay. So I have a I have another question then. Um because people change

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all the time, right? Positions may may remain but that person may move on and someone else is in that position. Is it being sent to a specific person's email or is there a general email that that person access whereby upon that person leaving somebody else can then take over

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and access that same email? >> That's a great question and we hope that this person doesn't leave um our office but we understand that that could happen. Um right now it's set up that they're that they're sending this email to that person. We could we do have a

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separate email um that that is agnostic to um to just research and we could have them send it to a to a separate um email that only that more than that that person has access to and then that uh I would have access to or someone from my department would have access to.

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>> Okay. So Dr. Heburn, I I would much rather see a specific general email that is attached to this data sharing whereby it doesn't matter who's in the position. It doesn't matter who moves on that they

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will then take over to access that particular email rather than it being emailed to a specific person because things are fluid. People move on all the time but the system stay in place. So I would much rather general email that is

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uh highly secure that the person in that position access that email. Is that possible? >> Dr. Heurn. >> So I I think Dr. Hoes we can create some standard operating procedures around that because that is a great question. So we'll go back to the Boys and Girls Clubs and develop a standard operating

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procedure when a an employee is transitioning. Here is the default email that we use so we can put some tighter structures in place for that. >> Okay. So I think it should go both ways, right? Boys and Girls Club, whatever agreement we have with them, they should have a general specific email regardless

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of their staff. If they come and go, that they receive these data and that it's sent back to us to a general specific email that we receive the data regardless of staff. I don't like when something is attached to a specific staff cuz staff comes and go. But if you

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have something that's general that is secure, you can change the password anytime when staff leaves somebody else take over and it's still the same system but it's secure. >> Yes, absolutely. >> So that is possible. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. So Dr. Hburn, my support of the

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item is going to be contingent on that level of sort of security. >> Yes. Noted. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Dr. Zean. >> Thank you, Chair. Um I wanted to compliment the superintendent and uh all the people who worked on this uh Richie

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and Fabian and and the great Trey Davis. Um that team has created a gold standard uh for what this board has talked about, Miss Leonardi and I, Adam Sa, others have talked about extensively which is we believe at least individually maybe

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not as a group yet that student data is owned by the student. the parent data is owned by the parent and if the student's under 18, both are owned by the parent. But we've got to kind of keep rethinking kind of the old paradigms that software companies can come into a school

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district uh extract data and turn around and use that data in a multiple uh variety and sometimes pernicious ways. Uh that's never been right, but it is kind of the way that the internet works right now. And for us as a school district to create this gold standard,

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it's both on A1 and on uh uh A4, you know, this language. And just so that the community understands this is much more than just an opt-in. It's an opt-in with some very very tight security restrictions around the transfer of data. And it even says even though parents can opt in, they can only opt in

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for three very specific ways that the data can be used. And so Broward is really um moving fast and forward and making sure that student data, parent data, and things like that are created in a system that will offer maximum ownership and maximum protection to what

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that data can re can rightfully be used for. If you want to see opt-in parent data so you can, you know, survey parents and ask them, you know, about how things are going at night on homework related to a certain veter, that's great. That that would help uh the progress that we seek to make. It would help us achieve our strategic

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goals. taking that data though and selling it to a magazine subscription company or to a esports company so that they can send ads to our kids. That was never what we ever intended. Um, and I hope most vendors wouldn't do that, but that's certainly what happens u with

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most kind of corporate uh digital firms. So, um, I'm really tickled that we have the gold standard in Broward County. I'm tickled that the the superintendent has heard this board very clearly on these protections. Um, and I just want to say thank you uh to you guys because it makes me feel better with three kids in

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Broward County Schools that their data and my opt-in data is not going to be used in any illicit way and it's not going to be sold uh for any commercial purposes outside of what the vendor needs to do to help us reach our goals. Thank you very much, Chair. >> Thank you, Dr. Holes. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. And I would be

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remissed if I did not mention when we share this data and we take care of the safety part of it, the benefit is just phenomenal. I mean the benefit is is huge. And if you look at um Boys and Girls Club, it said the shared data will be used to strengthen and align our

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academic programming with the needs of our students. I mean that is huge. Any kind of support that we can give to student is wonderful and that's what the Boys and Girls Club do. I personally went and toured their facilities myself and I met with the leadership and I was

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impressed and I think if we can share data and have and maximize student learning outcome, Dr. Conn, this is just awesome. I mean the the the list goes on and on in terms of the benefit. Identify areas of academic need in reading and math and language. Tailor targeted

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interventions and enrichment within our programs. Monitor students progress and adjust support in real time. provide focus support to members who may be at risk for failing. Support improve graduation outcomes by identifying students at risk for failing or falling

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behind. So, this is a big deal and I'm so happy to see it in front of us today. Thank you. >> All right. Any other board discussion on A1? All in favor of A1 say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes

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unanimously. Um, I do need to bring back H2. I was informed that there was a public speaker here to speak. So, could I get a motion or a second to bring H2 back to the floor? >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on item H2.

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>> Yes, we had one registered speaker, Mr. Delvin King. >> Good morning, Delvin King, PMPO Beach. um you know I'm quite offended that I registered to speak and we just blew past this and um especially when it comes down to me speaking um I was just

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left out but neither here nor there. So I wanted to speak about the person that was terminated um hearing McNab. He was terminated for the illegal use of school facilities. He was arrested for that.

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And he shouldn't be the only one on that list for termination. There have been principles not held accountable. These people knew that these schools were being used. You can't tell me. No schoolboard employee other

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than them coaches knew that that school was being used. You had to open gates. You had to turn off alarms. You had to cut on air conditions. You can't tell me not now. principal knew. Not their admin, not their assistant principal

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didn't know. They knew and they need to be held accountable. You don't want to hold them accountable, but you want to hold the smaller people accountable. You want to hold these teachers accountable, but you don't want to hold those administrators accountable for their actions.

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So, we need these area superintendent or whatever they want to be to hold these people accountable. And if they can't do their job, what you need to do is flip them. Make North go to South, South go to Central. Flip everybody. Make them a little uncomfortable. Cuz this makes no

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sense that these coaches are the only ones being held accountable. The principles knew. You got to have a grandmaster key to open up these schools. You knew what was going on.

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You gave them the You gave some of them the okay to illegally use these schools. You gave them the okay. And for the principal at Blanchet High School the day of the graduation ceremony

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for you to you should have took that basketball coach keys that day. This man was still working, still using school, still using Hollywood Hills even after I made the complaint. He shouldn't be the only one fired today. Some other principles need to be put on

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here. There was a lot of schools uncovered. There's still some more schools to be looked into. But guess what? Some of these principles going to skate away to Texas. Skate away scotch free to Texas to go mess up Texas just like they messed up down here.

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You have no experience down here. Why? What make you think you going to go to somebody else's whole another state? But guess what? go ahead and mess it up because the superintendent, old superintendent couldn't make it here. What make you think he gonna make it there? >> Thank you. All in favor of H2 say I.

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>> All oppose say no. Uh the eyes have it. We will briefly recess the meeting. Thank you. Yeah, hey. Down down down down down down down down down. Heat. Heat.

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Hey, hey, hey. This regular school board meeting is now reconvened. Um, I apologize, Dr. Zeman. I believe you had some comments on H2. >> I have a general comment. Thanks, chair. Um to the to the superintendent. Um in

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your professional opinion, sir, did our investigation of Blanch Lee High School uh proceed without fear or favor? >> Um currently these investigations are still open. >> Yes. So this is not over. >> Well, then we can't discuss them. I appreciate that. But I appreciate also,

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you know, the um that the staff's intent of moving without fear or favor and to find, you know, wherever the facts lie is is where our investigative team lands. And I appreciate that very much. Thanks, Super. Appreciate it, chair. >> Thank you. Could I get a motion in a

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second on A2? >> So move. >> Moved by Miss Thompson, second by Dr. Zean. Uh public comment on A2. >> No comment. >> Uh board member comment, Miss Rupert. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I just wanted to thank, and I hope I say it correctly, Into it, uh, for the donation

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of a food truck to Bland High School for their three-year program and, uh, additional funds for their culinary program, which is fabulous, and it will help them purchase food and equipment as needed. So, um, just a super thank you for, um, for this organization and as

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well as, uh, our our team getting it in in a timely manner. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Hixon. Thank you. Um, I had sent in a question and I also want to say thank you. This is an exciting opportunity um, for Blanch Elely High School. So, I

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appreciate that. But I had a question I sent in and I never got an answer. So, my question is, will this only be used on campus or will it also be used in the community? >> That's a great question. Um, Dr. Fleming or I I see uh, Miss Formosa, she she has

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that information, too. Go ahead, Miss Formosa. >> Hi, Lai Formosa. Career technical adult and community education director. So, it'll be used Blanch Elie High School's teacher will be the driver of the vehicle. It'll go through safety and it'll be able to be used at community events as well, but it's part of Blanch

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Elie High School's program. >> Okay. So, my qu Thank you for that. So my question is if it goes off campus, who's responsible for the driving, which you just said it's the teacher, but the upkeep in terms of insurance and if there's an accident and just those risk

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management pieces and I'm not trying to be negative. I just want to make sure that we have all those pieces covered. >> So it goes through vehicle maintenance. So once we obtain the food truck, it'll go through our vehicle maintenance uh program and it'll be a part of our regular fleet just like we would have

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our school buses and any other district vehicle um district vehicle. Okay, awesome. But there'll be students in it, right? So what extra safety precautions or measures do we have to go through to be sure that you know students are are

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safe and covered when they're on the food truck? So, we would go through our regular process through student activities where we would have signed permission slips and ensure that all of the liability is covered under that student permission slip. >> Okay. Awesome. Thank you. I think it's a

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a great way to get um Broward County Public Schools in Blanchely out there. I think it's a great great thing. I just wanted to make sure we covered all of those questions. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Any other board discussion on A2? All in favor of A2 say I. I. All oppose

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say no. Item passes unanimously. Could I get a motion and a second on A4? >> So moved. Second. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Thompson. Public comment on A4. >> No comment. >> Uh board member comment. Miss Rupert. Thank you. Um I I pulled this because uh

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Big Brothers Big Sisters is a fantastic it's a great organization. Um I was a member as well as my husband. That is how we met. And um it was a wonderful place to be to be and uh this particular

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uh group we uh we were called bigs. I think they do the same thing and then there's littles. Um so we would do events with uh with the littles and uh it was uh amazing. We just did all sorts of stuff camping etc. and and it was a great organization and uh as a side note

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uh not only is it great for the kids but um when I mentioned this to Big Brothers Big Sisters they said there's a big amount of people who meet at Big Brothers and Sisters and actually get married. So, I thought that was an interesting uh you know, and for those of you who ask me, how did you meet your

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husband or or he's a great guy, don't look do something that's good for for everybody around you, and you'll you'll be happy with yourself and then attract whoever whatever and uh be happy. But this is such a great great organization. So happy to support it.

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>> Thank you, Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. I just wanted to thank the general counsel for getting this done. I know it's been in the works for a few years and um you know when I had a conversation with Big Brothers Big Sisters, they were starting to not be

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able to go into some of the schools due to the lack of the the contract in place. So, thank you very very much for getting that done um in a timely manner since you got here. It did take a long time to get to that. So, thank you. And thank you to Big Brothers and Big

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Sisters for being here today and for um just pouring into our students. It's important and we really value the partnership. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Any other board discussion? All in favor of A4 say I. I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes

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unanimously. Could I get a motion and a second on item B1? >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Thompson. Public comment on B1. No comment. >> Uh board member comment. Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. And you know, first I'd like

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to thank >> Sorry, Miss Hixon. Since Dr. Holas brought the item. Thank you. I'm a little off. Uh go ahead, Dr. Holness. My apologies. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Although I can go after board member Hicks unless she wants me to go ahead. Okay, no worries. So, just wanted to um I I brought this

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item because I know that as a school district um often we have been reacting to the decline in student enrollment across uh Bor County School District and you know this has been impacting many school districts in the state of

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Florida. Um, and I know that we've had efforts and and the superintendent and his team, um, you know, they've had efforts in trying to regain students. Um, I believe Dr. Heburn, you have an item coming too in terms of, uh, uh,

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capturing students who have left the district. Um but this particular item is to take it a little bit further and to see if we can win back students um who may have left the district for um

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particular rigorous type um uh you know uh school uh I mean school campuses such as um those who may have left to go to um certain specific

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uh schools that have uh rigor or extreme rigor. So this is to compete with those schools. Um I believe as a school district we can compete with schools um including Pinerest, American Heritage, all these different entities and I

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believe that if we offer more options um we'll be able to win back a lot of these students as well. So this particular item is to see if we can um somehow have more schools like the PMPO Beach High School model in Brag County

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across the district. And the hope is that by doing so um we'll be able to to start to increase enrollment as opposed to reducing enrollment. Um you know the district has experienced as I said a decline in student enrollment. Expanding

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all magnet high schools would provide additional highquality specialized academic pathways uh that responds to these these trends. This initiative is intended to help the district win back students and remain competitive with private and charter

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schools by offering more attractive and rigorous educational options. And this approach does not negate existing programs, but rather enhances current offerings and supports overall enrollment growth. And as the district

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continues the redefining of our schools process, uh future opportunities may emerge to leverage existing campuses to support these expansions. Schools identified for repurpose or consolidation could at an appropriate time be considered as

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potential sites for additional all magnet high school. So the item is to because I believe Dr. Heburn does PMPO Beach currently do they have a waiting list? >> Yes, that's correct. >> Okay. So when we expand models like PMPO

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Beach High School, we'll be able to provide opportunities across the district um where we don't have to have a waiting list where students can enroll and we can uh hopefully increase enrollment and provide that kind of environment. So parents don't have to

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choose other options that they have to pay for. they can come to B County schools and they can get that same rigor whereby those students on those campuses would be high performing. So, this is one of those items to see if we can attract um uh you know uh students to

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come back to Bar County Schools. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. And first, I want to thank Dr. wholeness for trying to think sort of outside of the box about bringing students in. But I I have a lot of

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concerns about this and and you know one we're doing Magnet High School as an offshoot of Pompo Beach and we are spending because I asked this question just on transportation up to a million dollars

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and then to add into the program and stuff another million dollars. So, I really think it would be important to see how Halllandale's all magnet shakes out before we jump into any more. But I'd like to ask um Superintendent Dr.

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Holes asked about the waiting list at Pompo. Can someone tell us how many students are on that waiting list? >> Go ahead, Dr. Wanza. >> Good morning. Valerie Wanza, chief strategy and innovation officer. Currently for next school year, there are 137 students in the weight pool.

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>> Okay. Thank you. So if we think about that, that's not even a whole class really of of students moving in. So I don't have a huge concern also in terms of adding so many of them because

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remember magnet schools have a criteria and you're going to be pushing out the boundaried students in particular schools as you know or you're going to have to figure out how to keep them in there. And I just feel like this would start us cannibalizing our own students

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in the district. Although the the push is to get students from outside to come in, I just have a concern that that's not how it would turn out. So although I appreciate the the sentiment behind it, I don't think that I could support

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expanding it until we see how works and maybe we reexamine this next year. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Rupert. Um, thank you, Miss Hixon. You you actually said exactly what I was going to share. Um, I

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have the unique opportunity to share that um, I represent PMPA Beach High School. We all do. Um, it's located in District 7 and Atlantic Tech is also a full magnet school. Um, and through the superintendent,

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is there a waiting list still for Atlantic Tech High School? >> Dr. Wansa, >> give me like 30 seconds, but I I believe they may have a weight pool as well. Um, our technical high schools are popular um, choices as well, but I I'll get the

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exact number for that as well. >> Thank you. Um I know in in years past uh Pomp Beach's weight list was up to 300 and as well as uh Atlantic Tech. So there is a market you know for that since COVID and you know everything has

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been uh changing. Um, I it's important that we put money into a program, but the one thing about Pompo at Atlantic Tech, it's not like you can get a toolbox, put everything in that toolbox, and then hand it to that school and hope that you're going to be successful. Um,

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I would prefer before we um spent any more money and opportunity for this to see how Helenale does. You know, we've worked a whole almost a year now for this liftoff for them. Um, and if it

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does wildly fabulously um, and gains students, then that's that's something that we can re-evaluate. But for now, um, as much as I I like you, I I cannot vote for this. So, um,

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I I think it would not be the best news for the district. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Thompson. >> Thank you, chair, and thank you, Dr. Holmes, for bringing this item. I would just like to say I think this is a better conversation to have within

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redefining so that we can have a strategic whole district approach but I'm not opposed to the idea especially once we see how Hollandale works out as well. Thank you. >> Thank you Dr. Zean. >> Uh chair um as we do repurposing uh

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every year in my experience uh over the last three plus years this has been an option. you know, the the staff looks at it, the community talks about it. Uh, Halllandale, it's going to be a tremendous opportunity. I think it's going to be a a raging success over time. Uh, but we have to kind of admit

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the toolbox concept is fair. You can't take a staff or you can't take a program, you can't take a textbook and some software and some desks and tables and move them from one school to the other and replicate success. It doesn't work that way. Schools are complicated uh human- centric organisms that succeed

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or fail for a thousand reasons. And uh you can't just imagine. you can you can put a magnet and make it successful. Um I believe that uh um let me just be clear about this, Dr. Heepburn, as we're going to continue to do repurposing, as

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we're forced to do uh some deeper thinking about repurposing. Will establishing magnet programs uh always be an option that we consider for future high school use? >> Yes, it's always an option. >> Yeah. Terrific. And I and I like that. To the strategic point of Miss Thompson, I think that's really important because

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given the complications and the organic nature of of education, uh, if we followed the path of this item, we'd be looking for a place to open two more magnet schools, I think, is the general intent and that's a great intent. Uh, I think we already compete very well with Pinerest and and American

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Heritage and St. Thomas and saying everywhere. Uh Broward County public schools have the best certified teachers, have the best locations, uh have uh a really unique opportunity compared to to public charters and privates in the sense that they're owned by the communities that are in their

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boundared area. And that community engenders a whole bunch of effort and energy and volunteerism and pride uh on that which they can't replicate in schools that have no boundaries. And so we have structural advantages, we have staff advantages. Uh um we don't have as much money as as the others in general,

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particularly the private schools. Um but what we do is different and in many ways uh it satisfies well in the marketplace. Dr. Holus is telling us that because 80% of people that choose uh public schools pick districtun uh public schools not uh public charter schools. So we're already

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winning in the marketplace. We have to I think think very strategically and Miss Thompson's point about where we open uh a strategic thing. Last question I have chair Dr. Heppern we have right now I think 30 traditional public uh high schools. Is that correct?

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>> Yes. >> Um as part of redistricting we have fenced high schools in the past. Would we be able to fence high schools in the future or do we have to start thinking about uh repurposing high schools as well as our elementary and middle schools? >> Yeah. So all when it comes to

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repurposing all schools are part of that initiative. We have to look at the whole entire uh trajectory um for kids coming in all the way up through high school and what that looks like. So every every school's on the table. >> Yeah. >> There's different variables that take schools off but every school's on the table in the initial part.

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>> Totally understand. And and when you've seen decline in enrollment u you know in the neighborhood of 25,000 over the past 3 years and you divide by the student load per school again there's just going to be pressure for repurposing finding great programs finding magnet programs

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that make a difference in the specific places but to my knowledge this is best done strategically through the repurposing effort. Um uh Dr. Dr. Heeper, if this item doesn't pass today, but the the the you've described repurposing and thinking of magnet

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schools as always an option that's available, that will not diminish the repurposing efforts, thinking about uh creating magnet high schools in the future, would it? >> No, that that will not. >> Terrific. Well, I I I'm excited about that. I'm I'm dying to see what happens in Hlandale. To me, that it's the right

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community, right choice, right other schools that are in that area. um that if we get the right people and the right pieces of that organism that all come together that's going to be as uh impactful as PMPO Beach is uh very close to where I live. It is PMPO Beach High School is having a huge difference in

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people's lives for people that are very very motivated that are very ambitious that have already had high levels of achievement uh PMPO options for all of our children not just for uh those that you know wake up uh running to go to school every day. They're they're served very well by PMPO Beach. will be served

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very well by Hallandale Magnet. Um, where else we find those clumps of people and we have an available school, I think we'll consider uh magnet programs in the future, but I I like thinking through this strategically, getting all the data, looking at the the district as a whole and and then making

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those choices uh once at a time. But thank you for bringing this item and I appreciate uh your interest in uh expanding and competing against any school in Brower County. Dr. Holmes, I'm with you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Alf. Yeah. So I have a question at PMPO Beach

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High School. So from my understanding there is a a carve out in PMPO Beach High School and that's the magnet program and then the rest of the school. Is there a is it the rest of the school? Are they underenrolled?

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>> No, it's a full choice school. I I'll let Dr. Wa give you the details but um if if you have any additional questions, but it is a full choice school. There is no um Go ahead, Dr. No, you're spot on. You're spot on. It's very um the only So, Pompa Beach High like uh Nova High,

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Atlantic Tech, M um McFat or Sheridan, those those are all district assignment schools. So, every child must make application for a seat in the school. Um so, they um they apply every year and the school is typically always at

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capacity with a waiting list because their admission criteria, it's not a school within a school. It's an It's an entire district assignment school. >> Okay. So, they're at capacity. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. The other benefit of Pompa Beach

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High School is that it's a 4 day week. >> 4 day week Monday through Thursday. And so, in Halllandale Magnet School, is it also going to be four days? >> Yes, >> it's going to be Yes, that's correct. It's going to be four days. >> So, that's something though I think we

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should look at is the 4 day week. I understand the magnet part, but also to do a 4 day week because you're going to reduce transportation costs, reduce utility cost, and you'll have less burnout, teacher burnout, and and higher

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morale. So, as we're having these conversations, I think it's important to look at the 4 day week. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else before Oh, go ahead, Miss Dixon. All right, >> just to speak to that, when you talk to

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students, even students at Hland I mean at Pompo, they say how difficult the four day week is and that and parents don't like it because then there's a Friday where they have to figure out what to do with their student. So not it's not for everyone just as Dr. Zean

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said pomp and beat you know that high level isn't necessarily for everyone. So I I don't mind having a discussion but I don't think that the 4 day week is really because good for everyone. So I just want to make sure we keep that in

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mind. Thank you. >> Thank you Dr. Holus. >> Thank you Madam Chair. So um you know I know that as a district we have been experiencing significant decline in

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student enrollment and I I hear the comments of the board members. I believe that we have to start thinking beyond what we normally do. I think that we have to certain steps we may be

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pleasantly surprised. I know as someone who runs a learning center and I've seen a lot of parents who come into my learning center and there is a part of the student population where they're going to choose Pinerest. They're going to choose American Heritage. They're

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going to choose these kind of schools that require a certain academic performance to to get in. We need to compete with them. We need to be able to win those students back. And I know that yes, for Pompo Beach there's a waiting

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list 130 students, but that the implication of that is not we only have 130 kids that we'll be able to put into these schools. The goal of the item is to win back students who are at these private schools, to win back students who are at Pinerest, to win back

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students who are at American Heritage. These schools where parents choose those schools for a specific reason. there's a certain academic rigor that is required to stay there and there's certain academic performance that is required to get in there. If we can offer more of

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those options, I strongly believe and I understand that many of my colleagues may not agree. I strongly believe we'll be able to gain those students over time and probably very quickly American Heritage and Pinerest would now have to be fighting to get those students back from us instead of we're fighting to get

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them because they pay a lot of money to go there. we would offer the same sort of rigor, the same sort of entrance to come into our school and parents would choose those campus. I firmly believe that the constant here is that we are

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losing students and we're losing many of them to these sort of uh private schools that offer significant academic rigor and a certain performance level to get in there. If we offer that, we may not be losing to these schools. You know, we

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are always reacting to declining enrollment. If we keep doing the same thing we're doing year after year after year, and if we're not sort of wanting to go a little bit further to take some chances and see where we land,

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then we're going to continue to experience these things. You know, um sometimes, you know, overthinking may lead to inaction. And for me, we must be able to win back these students from these private schools. Um, the purpose

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of the item was not only to address the waiting list. The real purpose of the item actually was to gain the students back from the private schools. And I believe that we'll be able to do it. And the item says uh four schools over a

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period of time up to 2030. So it's four schools in four years starting not this coming year but starting the following school year. So, I believe it's doable and I'm a bit disappointed because I

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personally believe that if we can have a Broward County school that mirrors Pinerest or American Heritage that we can win the students back and they come to us for no money where they're paying 30 $40,000 a year that we can actually

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gain these these students. So, it's an attempt to address the decline in enrollment by being a little bit innovative, by thinking outside of the box. But I understand um so I I'll but but that was the intent of the item to

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to to try to make this district uh increase enrollment and be competitive with any of these entities because we shouldn't be losing kids to private schools. We should be able to compete with them and not be reacting to them. I don't think they have our problems. I don't think they're saying I'm worried

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about losing students and people are paying so much money to go there. So why can't we put something in place that we can get them back and let them come to us? So that was the intent of the item, Madam Chair. Um but I appreciate the feedback. Thank you.

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>> Thank you, Miss Bulman. >> Thanks, Chair. Um thank you, Dr. Holes, for bringing this. And I think just in this conversation uh there's a lot of potential to explore how we can uh do what you're suggesting

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but perhaps um you know during redefining we can have a broader conversation about it because it might not be the pompo beach model that we want to explore. There's you know in other states they do uh STEM focused schools or you know

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particular topics things like that. But I think we could look at that. I And we have to also um make sure that we're not excluding I mean there's a lot of moving parts, right? Because if you start pulling top students to go to one school, then they might be taking from

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other top performing schools. So I think that there's a broader conversation to have, but I really appreciate where you're going with it and I think it's something that we definitely need to explore to be competitive. So thank you. >> Thank you. Um, and I just had a quick

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comment and a question. Um, Dr. Heburn, I believe we've discussed as a board a desire for some data on the students who are leaving, where they are going, and why? Um, have we done that analysis?

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>> Yes. Um, correct me if I'm wrong, Dr. Wansa. We sent that out earlier this spring with the enrollment um, projection. um from >> we did office >> um sorry to cut you off but um it was um attached to it was the work that the handover

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>> um research firm did and we sent that out. We we can certainly rescend it but yeah we sent it out um when we sent the projection uh memo as well as I believe it was attached to the March 24th board workshop that we um did the first update

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on redefining it but we can certainly resend it. >> Got it. Thank you. And you know, I I really appreciate this item. I think sometimes, like you said, Dr. Holes, we can get kind of uh paralysis by analysis. Um, and the way I read the

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item, it just says to directing the superintendent to explore strategies to expand these uh very popular magnet programs. Um, I think that's, you know, a necessary exercise as we go through redefining is exploring different

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avenues to expand programs that do bring students in. So, I'm happy to to support this item. Any other board discussion? All in favor of B1 say I. I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. >> No. >> Uh, I believe item fails with

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two votes uh in the approval. Dr. for wholeness and myself. Um, could I get a motion and a second on item B2? >> So, move. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on B2. >> Yes. Two registered speakers with the following individuals. Please proceed to

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the podium. Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh and Muriel Atilis. Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh. Muriel Atilis. Seeing no speakers, no more comments. >> Um, board discussion. I did just want to I I believe the item is pretty straightforward. Um, this Oh, do we have

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another public speaker coming in? Um, this item came out of the conversations I had with middle Oh, go ahead, ma'am. I can just go ahead. >> Welcome. Please begin.

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>> Good morning. Um, sorry, one moment. Just to make sure this is B2, right? Cuz Okay. Um, good morning, Muriel Theopatilis, longtime parent advocate. Um, first I want to be clear, I support making sure every student has internet

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access. Um, because in today's world, Wi-Fi is not a luxury. is necessary for learning. However, I do have concerns about how we move forward with this, especially when we keep hearing that the district is in a financial deficit. Um,

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back around 2017, there was already a partnership with Exfinity that offered lowcost internet to families. Um, it was $9.99 a month. Um, which has since increased to $14.99 per month. Um, so my

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question is before we spend new money, have we fully evaluated the programs that already exist? Um, we're about to duplicate something that families may already qualify or already have. Um, also how are we identifying um which

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students truly need this support and what accountability measures will be in place to ensure that the funds are used effectively and actually improve students outcomes. Um because at the end of the day it's not just about providing

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access, it's about making sure that the access is making a difference. So, if we're going to invest in this, we need to be sure it's targeted, measurable, and sustainable. So, two questions. How many students lack home internet

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currently? And what would be the estimated annual cost for the district? So, I just ask that we move forward with a clear plan, strong partnerships like the one with Exfinity, and again, full transparency, especially with the

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financial challenges that we're facing. Thank you. >> That concludes our registered speakers. >> Do we have anyone else? Are there any other registered speakers in >> Yes, there's two more. >> Good morning, Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh,

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Plantation, Florida. First and foremost, somebody needs to go out and realize you have once again chaos. We can't hear. You're flying through items. There's no place to sit. Thankfully, Trudy got a spot. I'm going to come in here lugging all my bags next

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time. It's a mess. Um BB2. So, just to review for those of you who were here not too long ago, the I've lost track of how many times the laptop bid got kicked back. And I bring that up

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because you may remember that one of the previous bidders who was not the winning bidder, HP, had laptops with Wi-Fi and internet built in, but they weren't HP, so we

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didn't want them. And then we put it out again and they weren't HP, so we didn't want them either. So then we got HP. But now we need an item to go get students. And for the record, I totally support students having access to internet and

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Wi-Fi at home. Mine always have. I got them laptops so that they wouldn't have to use district laptops and I have high-speed internet because I do a lot of research online and so did my kids. However, there needs to will devices with

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built-in Wi-Fi and internet be one of the things that you send them to go look for because you had it in theory but you didn't want it and that entire bid is still under investigation with the IG when you guys approved HP. So my

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expectation would be costbenefit analysis, look thinking outside the box and looking for devices that actually have everything built in that a kid would need when they go home with the device. But that should I my expectation is that that would be part of the

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discussion because yes kids need access to Wi-Fi but there are many ways to get it and one of them is to have it built into the device which was something that a previous bidder said that they would provide. So I'll be very interested to

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see how this goes. Thank you. >> Kimberly Burke, Mohorn, Margate, Florida. Just wanted to reiterate what um Dr. Walsh said, Lynch Wash said. We begged you not to approve it. I know you needed computers, but we begged you

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not to to approve it because of the built-in Wi-Fi. This is going to cost a lot of money. We know that they need it. However, I think you should really reconsider and go with the computers that already have it built

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in. It just makes sense. Um I know a lot of things, you know, don't don't add up um when it comes to, you know, whether or not you want to have the partnership with the name brand. But remember, you

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you have to do what's best for the district and the taxpayers. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other registered speakers? Okay. Um could I staff, you guys have done a really great job with the the public speaking and making sure

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that we have please let me finish my sentence and then I'll come to you. Um that we have a an ease of public speakers to coming in. I have heard complaints that people are unable to hear out outside. So, if we could just make sure that all of the registered

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speakers are captured and um are able to hear when the item is called public other registered public speakers for B2. Good morning, Anna Fusco teachers union president and a Brower County resident.

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Um, I know that we want to make sure that we give everything to our students and I agree we should we we should be able to get to them what they need. Um, but there are tons of resources out there besides Brower County Public

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Schools when it's something that's inside people's homes. Um, these are people with families. You know, you might have parents that don't understand what they're getting and be proud and not want to receive it. And then, you know, we're in a we're in a crunch time

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here with a lot of different things. Um, internet's important and I believe that, you know, um, Xfinity and other groups have given tons of, um, reasons and resources to encourage

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families to come to them directly to be able to get what they need. Um, we already put out there for everybody to pay for every student's SAT when not every student's family doesn't afford it. So, we got to stop

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doing stuff like this. I know we all have great hearts. Broward Teachers Union over the decades have donated over a half a million dollars to be BEF to make sure students can have things. We still go out to schools right now and

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donate to classrooms that we know schools could afford, but because we have particular groups that aren't budgeting well and is starving schools, I think you need to look at that. That should be your first priority. What is

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happening in our Brower County Public Schools budget? And there needs to be some more strong direction. There needs to be strong conversations. The nine of you are held accountable approving that budget. You have more say in it than you can

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imagine. Our Brower County residents, me being one, have a great say in it. Also, I think we've heard from everybody that we need to see our Brower County Public Schools budget get on track and then

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let's bring stuff like this at a later date. I'm asking this not to get move forward at all. I believe that there are internet companies out there that can take care of it. I believe that we can encourage our students and

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families to get to more public libraries, can get out to more places that they can get that free Wi-Fi. There's a lot of other encouragement we can do instead of taking it on the backs of Brower County Public Schools budget.

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Any other public registered public speakers? >> No more comments. >> Okay. Um so I'll start again. Um this item really came out of the conversations that I had with our students in my uh technology roundt over

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the last month. I met with um middle school students from all the district 3 middle schools. And something that came up over and over and over again with from the students was they were happy to have the laptops, but their laptops were useless at home um when they didn't have

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access to Wi-Fi. Um so if anyone reads the item, the item actually has no financial impact because it just is asking the superintendent to explore ways to provide Wi-Fi access. So that could be through partnerships. It could

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be through um you know partnerships through local libraries or you know through internet service providers. Other school districts do do this. Um and it's not a commitment that we will be doing this because if the cost is you know $und00 million I don't think that

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that the board would have the stomach for that. Um but if there is a a feasible way to do this, I think we should explore it because this is something that the students have expressed over and over again that you know they have these laptops but they can't use them at home when they don't

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have access to um the internet. Um and I just want to say like this comes with my overall goal to reduce the amount of time our students spend on screens. But while we do have them, you know,

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required to do work on the computer, it is important that we give them access. And again, this really is an equity piece that I heard from our students. So, I just wanted to uplift that. Um, again, there is no financial impact of this item. We really are just asking the

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superintendent to explore different ways and if they're not feasible, then they're not feasible. Um, so thank you to my colleagues for allowing me to bring this item. Um, board member comment. Mr. SA, >> thank you for that and thank you to the

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public speakers who came in and addressed this item. Um, I share some of the same sentiment as those who came in and were nice enough to share um, their feedback. This board recently approved

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um if my calculations and memory serves correct uh $115 million HP computer laptop um program or contract I should say. Uh not all of us but the majority of the board um did approve that.

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My understanding and and I heard it again today from one of the speakers was that one of the vendors that uh was competing for that bid who ultimately didn't win. And Mr. Brie Bruno, if I'm stepping out of bounds on anything I'm

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saying, please shut me up. I understand that there's a pending um IG investigation. So, if I'm crossing any lines, please feel free to interrupt me at any time. Um, one of the vendors who submitted bids and went through the process, uh,

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multiple bids because I understand there are multiple processes involving this computer contract, was offering, um, laptops that had builtin LTE cellular service, which my understanding is someone who's

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relatively ignorant with technology, but my understanding is that with that LTE cellular function, that would have uh essentially provided uh wireless internet connectivity included within

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the um in that particular product that uh was not approved. That contract was not awarded to that particular vendor and we went in a different um direction. So, uh, I'm a little concerned now when it appears that we had that opportunity

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to kill two birds with one stone and we didn't take it and now we want to come back and ask the superintendent to um explore options for at home Wi-Fi internet service for our students.

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I want to make my stance on this uh clear. I certainly support our kids having internet access from no matter what point of uh what walk of life you come from. I think in today's day and age, it's an important function. Um I am

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a fan of getting the kids off the screens and using the screens in moderation, but I do understand that it is a necessity that you have Wi-Fi internet access in this day and age. What I am not a fan of is in this current financial state that we find

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ourselves going out and paying presumably I would have to imagine seven figures to supply home internet Wi-Fi service to um our students. I would be very much in favor of u a

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partnership with a hot wire, an Xfinity, an AT&T, Universe, uh any other Wi-Fi providing uh company to step up to the plate who's desires desirous of partnering with the sixth largest school district in the country. I think that would be fant fantastic

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marketing for them and coming into an arrangement or some sort of partnership um with us in order to provide this service. I am not in favor in our current financial situation of us going out spending millions of dollars to

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provide home internet access. That being said, Mr. Superintendent, I've got some questions. Have we done the research on this as to how many students lack home internet um

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access that uh attend our uh public schools? >> Yes. Um thank you for the question Mr. Se. We we have done the research um uh early in the year we sent a survey out to the students. Out of the 185 uh,000 students that we have, 106 approximately

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took the survey and out of that 106,000 uh 3,500 indicated that they don't have internet service at home. >> What's that number again? >> 3,500. And u uh we also have partnerships as well. Um, if you go to our district

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website and you click on the students tab on the main page and you scroll down, there's a internet um, button that drops down and show all of our partnerships with Xfinity, uh, AT&T, Verizon, um, which are lowcost options.

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And then there's actually a free program with T-Mobile and Florida Lifeline if the if the students or the parents are are eligible um, for the free level of service. We have discounted services through partners um that parents can access and also free service if they're eligible.

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>> Well, wait a second. So, you're telling me that T-Mobile home internet um as a home internet provider already has an option for um presumably low-income families. >> Correct. >> To qualify for free T-Mobile home

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internet access. >> Correct. >> No. um free. T-Mobile has a free uh if the family is eligible based on the eligibility criteria, but the other ones are actually low cost. T uh Xfinity,

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uh Verizon, and AT&T are low cost. T-Mobile and a um option called Florida Lifeline are actually free if the families are are eligible if they meet the eligibility requirements for those two companies. >> Okay. So, if you are eligible,

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presumably you're living uh at or below some sort of financial threshold to be able to meet that, T-Mobile will give you free internet access. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, is this proposed plan to provide for you to explore options to

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provide internet to every BCPS student regardless of financial need? As I said, it's uh to ex to um explore um certain options and bring them back

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to the board. Um what we can do, we can uh write up something official um in a briefing memo just to let the board understands all all the options that we currently have and what we've already explored. um so that and and also the mechanisms that we inform parents and

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students um of how to actually access this these opportunities as well. >> I'm not sure that quite answers my question. What what I'm what I'm asking very specifically is if this were to be approved by this board, are you going to go out and uh research how much it would

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cost to provide free internet service to every BCPS student regardless of financial need? or are you is your research going to be targeted to providing uh the internet access to just those who would have the financial need for free internet service?

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>> My understanding and um the board can certainly clarify me is to actually do research and target the students who indicate that they don't have internet access at home which we have that information. >> Okay. So, I I would be in favor,

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although I I at this point I don't really see the need because you're telling me T-Mobile does it anyway. I I would be in favor of hearing a plan uh a plan. I'm not suggesting that I would vote for it. I obviously would need to be uh advised of the cost, but if you are looking specifically

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about researching options and perhaps more importantly partnerships, continued partnerships with internet service providers for those kids who have a financial need, for home internet. That's one thing then as opposed to just doing it for every BCPS student. I I I

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quite frankly I think if it's if if it's the former We already have that with T-Mobile. Why are we wasting time on this? Unless I'm missing something. I I I don't think it's the district's job to provide internet to certain

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families who clearly have the ability to pay for internet if they if they chose to to to do so. Right. I mean, and and based on this survey, it's only 3,500 kids. I I I'd have to read the survey. I don't know if that was cost determinative, whether these kids filled it out because they physically couldn't

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afford it or not, or maybe their parents just didn't want internet in the house. I mean, I I don't know. I'd have to look at the survey. But if we're going to do something like this, it should be focused on those kids and those families that have the specific financial need,

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not for every public school kid that we have in the district. and you're already telling me that T-Mobile does this, so why are we wasting time with this? >> Could I respond to that since I brought the item? >> I'd like to hear from the superintendent. >> It's the chair's item. I defer to the

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chair. Um, so you know, the students are very clearly unaware of these options because again, as I spoke with students at a variety of different middle schools and high schools throughout District 3,

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um, they brought this up as a barrier. And so if you read the requested action, it doesn't say every student, it says students generally. Different school districts do this in different ways. Um there is, you know, some some school districts partner with T-Mobile and they

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partner with other uh other organizations. Um this action is really just asking the superintendent to research those those different ways and bring that back to the board. um without any kind of financial commitment. But I do think

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it's important to understand that if we are going to give students work to do online, we it is important for them to be able to do that online. Um so if we're not going to explore ways to give

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them access to those materials, then um I think we need to also then pursue other ways to give the students work that are not online. Um, so you know, again, this is something that I heard over and over from students and I think

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you heard Dr. Heepburn, it was less than, it was we missed about 50,000 students, maybe about 40,000 students in that survey. That changes yeartoear. Um, and a lot of schools, school districts do this to target students who are on

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free and reduced price lunch. Um, so I think again having as much information as possible is helpful. Um, and being able to give students what they need to complete their schoolwork uh is is I don't think is a waste of time, but you

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know, we to each their own opinion. Um, but that's why I brought the item um to be able to give students access to what they need and explore the ways we can do that. >> If I may reclaim my time, um, I'm going to start with this. I agree with some of

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what you said. I think we do give kids too much online work and require them to spend too much time on the computer. That's number one. Number two, going back to my original sentiment, if there is an option already in place to have our low-income students

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and those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch to get free internet service with T-Mobile. And I'm assuming that partnership is still in place. And I'm excited to hear that. If that's already an option, this district shouldn't be exploring ways to provide

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internet to everyone in the district, especially those who have the financial ability to do it. There's a lot better use of our funds that we can do in this district, like I don't know, give our teachers more money. So if there's already a mechanism in

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place to have those lower income students get free internet access, I ask the question again, why are we wasting our time on this? >> Thank you again. I just want to uh reiterate if there are ways uh the

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students are clearly unaware of it. So >> well maybe we need to do a better job marketing the team. >> Please let me finish my sentence. >> Well, you stopped talking so I assumed you were done. >> I took ahead. Thank you. um you students are were unaware of it. That was a routine barrier that was

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brought up to me. Um so I just you know I thought it was important to explore this. Thank you. I would actually like to table this item to later in the meeting because we do have members of the audience um who are here for uh some really wonderful proclamations. Um so

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motion to table the item to later in the meeting. >> Second. >> Seconded by Dr. Zean. All in favor of tableabling the item to later in the meeting say I. >> I. I. All >> oppose say no. Item is tabled. Could I get a motion in a second on item B3? >> So move. >> Second. Moved by Dr. Zean, second by

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Miss Hixon. Public comment on or should I do public comment or should we just turn it over to the board members presenting the proclamations? Mr. Pre Bruno. >> Yes. I I would recommend that we do the proclamation and then you can have the

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public comment. Okay. Um, Miss Hixon, >> thank you. Um, first I'd like to invite Dr. Jones's wife and his colleagues and families to please come up to the well while we do the proclamation for Dr. Howard Jones.

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Good morning. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for coming. Thank you all so much for coming this morning. Um, this is a proclamation in celebration of the life and memory of Dr. Howard Jones, Hojo, the gentle giant. Whereas Dr. Howard F. Jones was

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born on March 17th, 1978 to the late Howard Jones and Mrs. Cidell Wilburn. And whereas Dr. Howard Jones is a proud product of Broward County Public Schools, having attended Nova Blanch Foreman Elementary School, Nova Middle

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School, and graduated in 1997 from St. Thomas Aquinus High School. And whereas Dr. Howard F. Jones earned a BA degree from Eastern Kentucky University, an MS degree from Nova Southeastern University, an ED degree from Nova

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Southeastern University. And whereas Dr. Howard F. Jones began his career in education as a teacher at Boyd Anderson High School in 2002, Watkins Elementary School in 2008 as an ESD specialist, and whereas Dr. Howard F. Jones went on to

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become an assistant principal in 2011 at Ramblewood Middle School, then served at Pompo Beach Middle School until two 2021. And whereas Dr. Howard F. Jones was named principal of Windgate Oaks Center

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in 2021, Whispering Pine Center in 2025. And whereas Dr. Howard F. Jones, a remarkable leader and person who proved that greatness is not measured by the words spoken, but by the strength of character shown each day. His kindness

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and loyalty touch countless lives, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations. And whereas Dr. Howard F. Jones passing on March 30th, 2026 resulted in our district losing a great leader and the world losing a remarkable

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man. And now therefore, I Deborah Hixon, countywide seat nine school board member at large, along with district 1 school board member Mara McCarthy McCarthy Balman, District 2 schoolboard member Rebecca Thompson, District Three School Board Member and chair Sierra Leonardi,

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District Four School Board Member Lori Alhadev, District Five School Board Member and Vice Chair Dr. Jeff Holes District six school board member Adam Sea Esquire District 7 schoolboard member Norah Roupert and countywide seat 8 school board member at large Dr. Alan

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Zean on behalf of the school board of Broward County Florida wish to offer our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Denise Jones, his two children and the entire Jones family. We celebrate the life of this leader who touched so many lives while

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treating others with dignity and respect. Thank you so much and Dr. Jones will be so missed by the entire Broward County District. Thank you. And thank you again so much for coming today.

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Can you please re return to the front so we can recess the meeting? >> We're going to recess the meeting for a brief photo. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Down down down down down down down down down.

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Heat. Heat. N. convened. Dr. Hoes. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. So, Madame Chair, I do have um three proclamations and it is to recognize

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individuals who have significantly uh not only contributed to students across Broward County, but they were also significantly involved in the relief uh effort uh when Melissa,

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Hurricane Melissa um damaged significant portions of the Caribbean. Uh, a lot of families in South Florida were also affected. Uh, South Florida has one of the largest uh, Caribbean-American uh, population in the United States. And

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Hurricane Melissa had hit the Caribbean uh, significantly hard, especially Jamaica. It was a category 5 hurricane. Some people lost their lives. Some people here in B County had families in the Caribbean who had also suffered not

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only significant damages but also had uh uh lost in terms of their families and friends. So the the these three proclamations is to recognize these individuals who stood out go above and beyond to support the Caribbean,

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specifically Jamaica, in um ensuring that uh the students and families there and those who suffered here uh are um were well taken care of. So, the first one I have um is a very historic and and

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awesome individual and he actually flew his plane down to Jamaica to carry hurricane relief supplies. He's a pilot. He's a historic pilot and he's none other than Mr. Barington Irving. So, if

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you could come on up. Okay. So, Mr. Barington Irving is being recognized for his extraordinary leadership, humanitarian service, and commitment to uplifting communities through action, innovation, and global responsibility, and for his profound

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contribution in support of relief efforts in the Caribbean and Jamaica. So, I just like to I won't read all of it because I do have three proclamations, but I'd like to read the main parts. Whereas Captain Barington Irving, a Guiney's world record holder

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born in Jamaica who broke historic barriers in aviation as the first black man and the youngest person to fly and the youngest person to fly solo

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around the world. has distinguished himself as a pioneering aviator, global educator and humanitarian whose leadership has expanded opportunity, inspired millions, and exemplified

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excellence grounded in purpose and service. And whereas beyond his groundbreaking achievement, Captain Irving has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to humanitarian service by leveraging his skills, resources, and influence to respond decisively when

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communities face crisis, adversity, and urgent need. And whereas this commitment was clearly demonstrated in November 2025 when Captain Irving led Mission of Hope, a humanitarian aviation initiative supporting relief efforts in Jamaica,

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directing delivery of more than 100,000 pounds of essential supplies through a coordinated airlift that included the use of his personal aircraft, a Boeing 737 cargo aircraft with flights carrying aid to key locations including Kingston

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and Montego Bay, ensuring that critical resources were placed directly into the hands of trusted local organizations and communities serving those most affected. And I had the honor of having my son as well flew with Barington Irving to

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Jamaica to help deliver hurricane supplies to the island. Uh so now therefore be it proclaimed that I district 5 school board members and before I continue I uh because of the process of the school board it requires

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that I come forward to the uh board meeting uh to get sponsors. So I would love for all board members to sponsor. So if you willing to sponsor this proclamation please raise your hand. >> Yeah. >> There we go. So um it will read

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differently Mr. Irvin when we reprint but now therefore be it proclaimed that I District 5 school board member vice chair and all of the board members of Brag County Schools uh hereby recognize and honor Captain Baron Irving for his extraordinary leadership, humanitarian

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service and commitment to uplifting communities through action, innovation and global responsibility and for his profound contributions in supporting the relief efforts from Hurricane Melissa. Thank you. Give him a round of applause.

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>> And Barington, you may stay there because we have two more. All right. So, I'm going to go ahead and read the next two and then we will uh take a group picture. All right. So the next person who assisted significantly in that hurricane relief effort is none

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other than our own Dr. Carolyn Stewart. Give Dr. Stewart a round of applause. So Dr. Stewart has dedicated more than 30 years of service as a humanitarian and education professional, demonstrating an unwavering commitment

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to uplifting communities and advancing opportunities for others. Whereas Broward County Public Schools leadership, including the superintendent of schools, chief of staff, uh, communications office called upon Dr. store to lead a district-wide hurricane

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relief drive for Jamaica, coordinating a collective effort from October 31st through December 19th to support families and communities impacted by the disaster. Whereas Dr. Stewart graciously accepted this charge and demonstrated extraordinary leadership by mobilizing a

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powerful coalition of partners including Brightar Credit Union, the Broward County Association of Students Councils, the Broward County Council of PTAs, PTSAs, the Broward Education Foundation, the Broward Principles and Assistant

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Association, the Broward Teachers Union, and Food for the Poor. Whereas through this remarkable effort, the Broward County Public Schools Community in action collected more than 50 pallets of essential supplies, including non-p perishable food, hygiene items,

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emergency supplies, water, infant necessities, school supplies, clothing, and more. along with over $5,000 in monetary donations, uh, centralization of donations and food for the poor, generously provided pickup, packaging, and shipping of all

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supplies to Jamaica free of charge. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed, and I would love for all of my board members to sponsor. So, if everyone sponsor, please raise your hand. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that I, District 5, school board member and vice chair Dr. of Holiness and the entire board hereby

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recognize and honor Dr. Carolyn Stewart for her outstanding humanitarian leadership and her unwavering dedication to strengthening communities through service. Let's give her a round of applause. Okay. And I have one more and then we'll take a group picture. So, by the way, I

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don't think Dr. Stewart you were aware of this, were you? >> Okay. And and and the next individual, he wasn't either. That's why he's still sitting down. But lastly, and he assisted in the hurricane relief effort is Mr. Mark Dorset.

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Now, whereas Mark Dorset has dedicated nearly four decades of service to BR County Public Schools, demonstrating exceptional commitment to maintaining, improving, and transforming school facilities in a manner directly uh that directly supports safe, functional, and welcoming learning environments for

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students and staff. Whereas, during humanitarian relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa impacting multiple Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Mr. Dorset and his team provided leadership and support through coordinated collaboration contributing to broader relief efforts intended to

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assist communities affected by the storm. Whereas Mr. Dorset's professional journey reflects a deep and comprehensive understanding of district operations. Beginning as a plumber, apprentice, and journeyman plumber, advancing through roles including evening uh mechanical foreman, evening

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assistant supervisor, area trades manager, acting director, interim chief facilities officer, and executive director of physical plan operations division, and culminating in his current service as task assigned chief operating officer, demonstrating sustained leadership over districtwide facilities,

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m maintenance, and operations at every stage of his career. Whereas under Mr. Dorset's leadership, schools across the district have experienced significant and sustained enhancement to facilities and campus environments, resulting in visible improvements that have elevated

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school pride, safety, and functionality, including campus beautifification initiatives, ex exterior painting projects, improved grounds and site conditions, uh the addition of covered walkways to protect students and staff, and critical upgrades to building systems that support reliable daily

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school operations. And again I'll ask my colleagues if everyone will uh sponsor please raise your hand. Great. So we're now therefore be proclaimed that I District 5 school board member and vice chair Dr. Jeff Holness and the rest of the board hereby recognize and commend

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Mark D. doorset for his distinguished service, exceptional leadership and lasting impact as on school facilities through our Brow County schools and for his continued dedication to creating safe, functional and welcoming environments that support student

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learning and staff success. Give him a round of applause. Madam Madam Chair, if we could break for a group photo, that would be good. >> So, we will recess briefly for the photo and then we will go to public speakers and board discussion. Heat. Heat.

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Down here. I'd like to go to public speakers for item B3. Registered public speakers for B3. >> One registered speaker, Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh. Lynch Walsh Plantation, Florida. Uh when

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I saw the resolution related to Mr. Dorset, I immediately said, "Oh, Mark's retiring a second time. So, I just like to congratulate him on his second retirement because that's what that read like." Thank you. >> That concludes the register of speakers.

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>> Thank you. Board member comment. I have uh Miss Rupert. I'm supporting this item. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Hixon. >> Oh, just thank you to everyone that came out today. And you know, we we are a

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district that will remain dedicated to upholding and lifting Dr. Jones's name. He was a great leader. He served the most vulnerable students in our district and he did that with such compassion and

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pride and it's just something that we will always remember him by. So thank you for his family for coming out today. >> Thank you. And Dr. Hoes, anything else? >> Thank you, Madam Chair. We're on the internet item, correct? >> No, we're on B3 still. The proclamations. >> Oh, I'm so sorry. No, I'm good. Thank you.

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>> Any other board discussion on the proclamations? Item B3. All in favor of B3 say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. >> All right. Um just for the record, I

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know we do have a time certain for the referendum at 10:30, but we also need to go to general public speakers. Um so we're going to go to the general public speakers and then we'll move to our time certain. Um so I'll read all five names out. uh if you could please the if

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you're the named speaker please approach the microphone and then if you als if you heard your name um please line up as directed by staff behind the podium um Brian Schaefer Wixs Trudy Dramanovich Tracy Somerville Delvin King and Natalie

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Lynch Walsh so if you heard your name please approach the microphone Welcome. >> Thank you. Good morning, chair, school board members, superintendent, and district leadership. My name is Brian Schaefer Wixs. I'm a Broward County

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parent, Fort Lauderdale resident, educator, former assistant principal, and principal. Today, I'm here first as a father. My children are with me because there is still still no meaningful access plan. They are not

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here to speak. That burden is mine. Today is the sixth school day my children remain without meaningful access to education. I have repeatedly requested records, interimm instruction, makeup services, safety planning, and a

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substantive district level response. And as of this meeting, I have school board members not listening. I still do not have that response. That is about accountability, student safety, safety, special education, and the difference

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between physical access and meaningful access. A building being open does not equal meaningful access. A meeting notice does not equal a plan. A point of

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contact does not equal resolution. One major concern involves my son, Langston, who is with me today. My son did not do anything that justified what happened to him. This began as a friendto friend teasing between fifth

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graders involving a crush. The district's own threat management documents indicate that this was low-level with no intent, no plan, no access to weapons, and no need for full threat management review. Yet law law

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enforcement still came to my home. So, I'm asking, if there was no actual threat, no intent, no plan, and no access, why did this escalate to police? I received a voicemail saying that my

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children were fine and asking me to call back. My children were then kept after dismissal while the school waited for a response. Later, law enforcement came to my home. I still do not have a complete explanation, complete records, the law

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enforcement referral basis, or a meaningful plan explaining how I am supposed to trust this system with my children's return. There are also unresolved concerns involving Lexington special education evaluations, IE

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issues, services, placement, records, implementation, and parent participation. In January, I requested an IEP meeting for Lexington. Instead, the school held a parent conference, then revised the IEP afterward. Nearly 4

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months later, I still have not had the IEP meeting I requested. I have tried to cooperate. I returned form C, provided availability, requested a neutral location, and proposed reports. >> Thank you so much.

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>> I just want to say my children are not case numbers. They are human beings and I'm asking this district to take very seriously what has happened to my children. I apologize going over time. I hope that today starting now that you

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guys take this issue seriously. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Next speaker. >> Thank you. Next speaker, we have Trudy Germanovich, Tracy Somerville, Delvin King, Natalie Lynch Walsh.

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>> Uh my name is Dr. for Trudy Jamanovich. And I have uh to go over a few things for the this is you usually the last schoolboard meeting that anybody listens to public speakers, not you, but the

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public because it's the the year is almost over. And unfortunately, I have to point out some things that are not too going too well. Um, all over Florida, we've had

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a legislature that has defunded public education over and over and over in different ways. And it's not just Broward that's getting this.

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However, there are other counties that are doing a better job at finding money. Lee County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Denise Carlin, announced a series of major budget realignments Wednesday,

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revealing that the district has cut or reallocated 26.5 million at the administrative level to prioritize classroom funding.

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And she said that's where everyone should make the cuts. The cuts could should not be at the school board or the school level. Nothing touches the school level. That's

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how you should write in this new referendum. You don't write, "Oh, we've got some administrators that are above D or S or B or whatever level that nobody knows what that is." Don't put that in

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there. You need to put in for the public that we are going to fund these teachers. Please think about this. This is the the next part that's coming up is the most important part for you to be able to to

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keep any teachers that really want to teach, but they have to go get another job because they can't afford to. They can't afford to buy a house. They can't afford to do a lot of things.

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But you can't just continue to blame Tallahassee. It's happening all over the state. You need to do your job and your job is to make that referendum pass. So I think that's the most important thing we

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should think about today. Thank you Delvin King Pomp Beach. So this process with public speaking is quite frustrating. I just don't understand why I got to talk to you guys standing way over here.

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I feel like I'm we're separate from the district. To be honest, the policy it needs to be fixed where your staff is back here working cuz they ain't doing nothing to be honest. But only computers, they comfortable. We got to face all this foolishness in the hallway. We got to sit all the way

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behind all these polls and things like y'all celebrities. You a taxpayer. You live in the county just like we do. And I feel like I should stand right in front of in the middle and be able to look at you face to face, eye to eye, and say what I need

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to say. Why do I got to be all the way back here? Why do they have to turn around to look at me? This makes no sense. Are we are we a do you care about the taxpayer and the general public or you don't? At this point, we all might as well be virtual.

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There's no need for us to come. your staff all over here in the back over there. We should be sitting down. Why do we got to sit in the hallway all over in the BF room? Why? Why do we Why do this general public we can't be a part of in the city of Pompo? We don't When we come up at the city commission

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meeting, I look at the commissioners dead in their eyes in the middle. Why I got to be back here? It makes no sense. Now, what I had to speak on the little bit of time I got, hold these principles accountable. Hold these people

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accountable. I've called the department, the office of facility planning and real estate. The office that caused the most confusion in this district, the nastiest people in this district. They don't pick up the phone. You already suspended one of the uh one of the people, Rachel

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Dailyaly. Her job needs to be go if you do working on the orchard. Go ahead and ex her job out. Just exit out. We can save a little money on that. Her brother was fired this morning. Go on ahead and put her on the next agenda. These are the people that are in control

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of leasing out facilities. They knew the facilities was being leased out. You know why? Cuz h his sister was over the department. His sister is the one that got y'all in that that financial foolishness with Handy her office.

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remember all of that come out of her office and she came on to the city of Pompo getting ready to do something with Dave Thomas East. Every contract that she had her hands on need to be looked over. But again, we got a superintendent that don't hold people accountable just like you don't hold your principles

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accountable. You knew they was using them facilities. They should have been removed day one. Every principal that school was used, the principal is the head of the school. They responsible. They should have been removed day one and they still working today and going to take off to Texas. Thank you.

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>> Thank you. And happy birthday, Mr. King. Next public speaker, >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. Everything Delvin said. So, one of my favorite movies is the

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movie Tombstone. And in Tombstone, never once did you see Wyatt Herp tell Doc Holiday, "We don't need you. You guys are neck deep in Johnny Ringo's band of cowboys, and you don't want to

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accept help." Imagine how the movie would have turned out if Wyatt Herp sat there and told Doc Holliday, "Yeah, I think I can beat him. Go watch the movie." Um, so you have a broken PECARD system

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that somehow landed on the backs of secretaries. Why? It kind of looks to me like we want to protect the chief of staff cuz you could have blamed the system. There's multiple bullet points in the chief of staff's job description, which

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I sent you an email already on this and have not gotten a response to, but there's at least three bullet points that let you know who's in charge of making sure that ads, flyers, the whole nine yards, anything coming out of the district and the board office conforms

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to policy and procedure. If only you had those policies and procedures. And then the pecard policy multiple times says, "Thou shalt not give your card to anybody for any reason." Okay. Well, then by virtue of doing

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their jobs, are your secretaries forced to not forced to violate policy as are you because you gave them the card? Or will we never solve the mystery of how uh the district 3 card ended up with the district 3 secretary? Because on paper it looks like she stole it. Just saying.

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Um, next up, remember the MGT contract that had to be approved on March 31st? Had to. It got my Spidey senses all tingling. I'm like, "Oo, he must have exceeded his spend authority."

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Oh, it gets better because what just landed in my inbox is the original scope which was for 150,000 which if memory serves maybe I'm confused but I think your superintendent can only spend 50,000 and during the meeting he made it

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sound like the two things had very little to do with each other. The initial scope of work was for 150 and then there are emails where MGT is agreeing to split it into two purchase orders. Is that a problem for your

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superintendent and chief of staff? It should be, but maybe Madam's chair is more interested in protecting the chief of staff and superintendent instead of secretaries and the public. I don't know. Um, I will be back on F2 to speak about public records and the fund

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balance. Thank you. Thank you. Next public speaker, we have uh Tracy Somerville. If Tracy Somerville is in the audience, please approach. >> Okay. Um we will now go to our time certain for LL1. So, could I get a

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motion in a second on LL1? moved by Miss Rupert, >> second by Miss Thompson. Public comment on LL1. So again, I'd just like to remind everyone um you uh please when I call your name, please approach the

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microphone. Please follow the directives of staff. Um please let's keep decorum. You know, it's important for every voice to be heard um and to be done so in a in a respectful way. So, I'll read five names at a time. When you hear your name, please approach the the

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microphone. Dorothy Davis, Carolyn Brown, Kesia Glover, Moren McHugh, and Brian Schaefer Wixs. So, if you've heard your name, you can approach the mic.

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And if you could just if everyone could please just state their name for the record. Good morning, U board chair, board members, superintendent. My name is Dorothy Davis and I represent the confidential office employee association

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which is known as COPA. Today I'm speaking for all confidential employees of the district. And I want you to know that COPA is united with the unions and the other non-UN groups

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on the issue of the referendum in terms of who receives them and how they should be allotted. We strongly believe that all approved jobs in the district contributes to the

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success of students in the classroom. The confidential employees have been receiving the referendum uh dollars for quite a while. And these funds have become uh an additional source of income

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um that these employees rely upon to help with the rising costs of living and to supply and provide for their basic uh needs. To take the referendum dollars away at

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this time would indeed incre uh would de reduce rather their take-home pay and create a hardship for employees in during this time when everything is rising. Uh the cost of everything is

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rising from food to um fuel to just living in general. It's rising for all employees, not just any one particular group. We are asking that the superintendent

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and the board review the letter that was sent in unity with all of the labor groups of April 27th. And we are asking that you will allow employees who currently receive the

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funds to continue to do so. In addition, we're asking probably for an increase of the percentage as as it was outlined in the letter. Uh noting that there are some exceptions there.

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We recognize that the unions have the right to negotiate further. Uh but the meeting and confer groups urge you to partner with all the labor groups to create a best outcome for all employees.

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Uh yes, we want to be transparent and accountable to voters and taxpayers, but we urge you to remember that your employees are also voters and taxpayers, too. And we would like you to consider

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all employees of the district important to the successful um continuation of an aid district for Broward County. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, Morin McHugh, 36-year veteran teacher

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from McNab Elementary. Want you to know I support the referendum. I support a 90 90% 10% split on that. 90% for teachers, parents, and support staff of school-based personnel. 10% for those positions that should have

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been budgeted. bought by this board. Anyways, the issue here isn't just about funding. I mean, let's be honest. It's about trust. Trust that this board damaged with their teachers as well as taxpayers. You're asking voters in Broward to approve another tax under the

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promise that it will support teachers, staff, and students. The reality is we've seen referendum dollars go to high paid administrative positions that are far far removed from the classroom and quite frankly already making too much

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money while the people working directly with students are being asked to do more with far less. Now at the very same time this district is discussing layoffs hundreds of them many impacting the very employees who actually support children

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daily. That contradiction is impossible to ignore. You can't ask the public for more money while cutting the foundation from under your schools. Voters expect money to stay as close to the students as possible. That means teachers, Paris, and staff, not expanding layers of

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administration, wasting funds on new laptops. Come on. Unneeded contractors and the rest of the other wasteful items that nobody has the time to list. Let's get the referendum passed. 9010. Prove to the public this board learned from

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their past mistakes. Put guard rails in place. Keep money where it belongs. That's at the schools. To the public right now, your message is cuts to classrooms, but protections for the top administration and a request for

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more money. You need a new message. We need the referendum funds to function and for the teachers and those staff to teach by the beach. Please don't mess this up for us. Please don't mess this

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up for us. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker. >> All right. Um Carolyn Brown. The ref referendum should be used as taxpayers intended as a supplement for teacher and staff retention to those who directly

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impact our students. Keep in mind that outside entities are watching closely. Rising inflation is already straining teachers and staff and further impact from the failure of the next generation referendum passing would be cat

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catastrophic even for this district. I urge you to weigh these allocation choices with the utmost care. My recommendation 2010. Thank you. And before the ne

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before the next speaker, I'll read some additional names. So before the next speaker begins, I'd like to read some additional names to approach the mic. Beth Rosenthal, Mary Carr, Terry Price, William Coin, and Melanie Berkin.

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Welcome. >> Good morning, school board members. My name is Kesha Chambers Glover. Um, I'm a veteran teacher who has spent years in the district working with students every day. You're discussing a tax referendum today that ask our community to invest

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in public education again because they trust that the money will go to teachers, students, safety and security and mental health staff. But right now, that trust is shaky. An internal audit showed that some of the highest paid employees outside the classroom received

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funds that were meant for teachers. Here's something to think about. A fellow teacher that worked with me underwent brain surgery and was on medical leave recovering. Upon her return to work, payroll informed her

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that she had been overpaid and required her to repay the excess funds. She followed the payment plan set by payroll to return the money. Where's the accountability? Um,

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why is accountability enforced in some cases but not in others? Now, you're deciding what percentage of these new referendum dollars will go towards salaries. This is where clarity matters. Say exactly where the money will go and

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ensure it goes there. Employees outside the classroom who received those funds should also be placed on a payment plan to repay the money that was taken to help restore public trust. Broward teachers, security staff, safety and

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mental health staff and students need this referendum because our salaries are among the lowest in the country and the cost of living continues to increase. The message must be simple and consistent. These funds are for teacher

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security, students safety, and mental health staff. We also need to write our wrongs by ensuring that any misallocated funds are returned and that the community's trust is restored through transparent and fair actions.

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People are watching. Thank you. Next speaker. Good morning. My name is Beth Rosenol and I'm from Coral Springs Middle School. Our school has been earned an A rating for the past two years. Is

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looking forward for achieving our third conse consecutive A. Our enrollment and performance numbers are up. However, I'm deeply concerned about the recent

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recent staffing freeze, layoff terminations, and school closures with Broward County Public Schools. These actions are harmful impact on our staffing and student success, especially

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for students with special needs. The loss of the ESC specialists, paraprofessional, support staff, janitorial staff and school resource officers has left many positions frozen

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or will left very positions frozen. As a result, remaining staff are required to do more leading to burned out. That's the reason for the absences. This situation affects all not only

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staff but the well-being of our special students and the student performance. I urge the board firsthand understanding by shadowing school staff for a full day

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or an entire week across the different roles and areas. Thank you for looking at me and paying attention what I'm saying. I also request accountability and transparency regarding voter appro

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approved referendum funds, particularly concerns with about whether funds were improperly allocated allocated to upper management and and board members when overpayments occurred to the same

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accountability measures apply as they are for the lower level staff. Historical referendum funds have gone directly to schools and teachers. This is the first time such concern has risen

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since the referendum was established, raising serious questions about the new board members and current practices. Very concerning. Hello all. My name is William Coin. 26 years with the district. I work on your

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generators. I'm auto truck mechanic. Also, Chief Stewart. I'm here on behalf of everyone who's an employee here. But specifically, I'm here to tell you about how we're extending so much money

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towards the vendors. Here is a perfect example. I've got Ramblewood Middle School. The generator has been down for five years. Five years. This generator's been down. Inside district po, we could have fixed

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it right away, but you had the vendors taking care of this. This is insane. What's happening now is is as you keep limiting the positions in maintenance and you keep lowering it, that means we

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have to go to more vendors. So you're you're actually causing a domino effect in the system. So there's going to be a point where there will be no maintenance. If anyone recalls, and the public knows this, who saved the public

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during Wilma was Brow County School District, the maintenance department. That's who's David. Mark Dorisette, my leader. God bless you, Mark. Darthothy Davis, I love you. Exactly what you set up on the post here is I agree. There's a lot of

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people here with history and knowledge of what's going on. But now you're also terminating two apprentices. Mark is a perfect example of being apprentice and see where he's gone. If it wasn't for the school system myself, I wouldn't be

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here. I've got a master automotive, master truck, mass school bus. I built homes. I don't even have to work here anymore financially. I don't I'm a I'm a I'm a chief stewart. I don't get paid for it. I do this all

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my my my heart. If the public doesn't realize that as you keep lowering the maintenance, you keep going to vendors. The vendors right now, you have a generator running right now and the generator isn't proper. It

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just got serviced by a vendor in March. There's no pressure on the pressure gauges. Now, I have to find out where I've got a pressure problem or a water pump problem. If the power goes out right now, I cannot tell you whether it's going to be able to supply power for this meeting.

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I don't know what's going on, but you really need to come down in in the inside here and find out what's going on because all this money is going to vendors. >> It's it's it's really alarming. Where are you going to get this skill set? And especially when you're laying

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off apprentices, where are these children going to be able to advance such as Mark, such as myself? These children, these young adults need a vocational experience. If they do not

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have that, we're not gonna Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker. >> Uh my name is Mary Carr. I am a teacher for 26 years. And it's precarious times for all of us. We're all very um unsure

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about what's going to happen with our district. So, here is uh what I have to say. I'm here today to speak on behalf of the school counselors and the support staff who serve alongside them who we serve alongside them at our schools.

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Every day they are asked to fulfill multiple roles. They are mental health professionals conducting risk and threat assessments. They are academic counselors monitoring student progress throughout the year. Not only for their own case loads, but often for others as

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well. In many cases, they are the only counselors in the building supporting every student while also serving the needs of the entire staff. They are part of a collaborative team implementing behavior interventions,

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providing counseling in individual and small group and large group settings, and connecting with families to critical resources both within the district and beyond. But beyond all of that, they are steady

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presence. They have a steady presence uh that students rely on and teachers they are the heart of the school. They listen, they guide, they empower the students to advocate for themselves as

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they navigate the challenges both in and out of the classroom. like my own daughter. When decisions are made that impact their roles, it's important to recognize what may not always be visible. The

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workload, the emotional weight, the responsibility that they carry each day. To continue doing this work effectively, they need support, resources, and recognition that reflect the full scope

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of their responsibilities. When you support them, you directly support the well-being and success of every student they serve. As you consider the decisions tied to the referendum, I urge you to ensure

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that school counselors and support staff are meaningfully in meaningfully included in these resources that are allocated. Without intentional support, the gap between expectations and sustainability will continue to grow. So I ask you

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please, can you support the collaborative union recommendation which is 90% allocation towards salary increases, 5% for safety and five for mental health, please. Thank you.

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Thank you. Next speaker. >> Good afternoon. My name is Melanie Berkin. I'm from Davy, Florida, and I'm a school social worker. Um, and I've been a school social worker in Broward schools since 1999, before some of you guys were born, I'm sure.

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Um, good afternoon, chair, and members of the board, and happy mental health awareness month. Uh, I'm here speaking on behalf of or in support of the collaborative union recommended allocation um for the referendum of 90% for

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employee compensation, 5% for mental health, and 5% for safety and security. Of course, I'm here thinking in my head, I'd rather give um maybe 50% for mental health. I know how important it is for the community. Um, but obviously we need

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to ensure that we all can continue to work here in Broward schools for as long as I have and for the people following me to be able to survive based on the compensation um that the referendum really does help

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supplement. Um, I would also like to comment on the positions that were brought up at the um I think it was April 21st workshop. Um, when you were discussing

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the budget reductions, um, school social workers and other mental health professionals were labeled as central area positions appropriate for cuts. Yet, in the context of the referendum, these exact same positions are now being

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described as school-based and essential to secure voter funding. We are school-based. That's was the argument that I came with on uh April 21st. I just do find it really, really, really interesting how the same exact positions

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can be described both ways at the same time, which can which really feels misleading and which is what has been eroding the the public trust in the district. Unfortunately, mental health and safety and security

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are so important. So, let's call us what we are all the time. We are all essential. We are all most of us are school-based. So, please don't categorize us to meet your needs at the time that it is needed for to meet your

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needs. Um, school social workers and other mental health professionals are a critical part part of prevention, early intervention, and crisis deescalation. We support schools before situations escalate into emergencies, which is essential to sustaining safe school

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environments. Safety responds after escalation. Mental health works before it happens. So during mental health awareness month, it is difficult to understand why prevention and early intervention are

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capped at a lower percentage while reactive measures are not. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Next um before the next speaker, I'll read the following names. Um Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Donna Sacko, Nya Gerard, Trudy Germanovich, and

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Kimberly Mohorn. Hello. Thank you for all you do. My name is Terry Lopez Price. I am a career educator. I've been in this county for I'm not going to say it, but yes, I will. 40 years. Um, I love Broward. I love Hollywood. I love Dana Beach. Those

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are my towns. I've been teaching here. I came from LA to Dade and I was told that if I moved to Broward, I'd get an extra $1,000 and a laptop and that was in the year 2000. So, I remember making the hard decision to leave a school that I

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loved to come over here for an extra $1,000 and a laptop. So, money matters. It matters a lot. We are one of the most expensive places to live. And yet Florida is the last

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place in in in terms of teacher pay. So whatever you need to do to make sure this referendum gets through, please do it. I'm supporting the 9010 95 and 5. And I think that all of the people who are sitting out here today and in the

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classrooms working with kids would appreciate that you put your money where your mouth is and actually give the money to the people who touch the students. We, the Broward Teachers Union, were the ones who stood behind the referendum. We knocked on doors. We

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funded a campaign. And we have been a little disturbed by things that have happened lately. So, this is your chance to improve the situation for all those people who give their hearts and souls to the kids in Broward County. And let's make sure that it's more than $1,000.

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And then people will be coming back to our district. Do the right thing. I'm asking you please. Our teachers give everything they have and they deserve they deserve. Thank you. Oh, and it's not just teachers. It's teacher assistants and our technical people. all

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the BTU bargaining members that work with kids. >> Thank you. Next speaker, >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation Florida. Again, so I'm not going to go against all of the unions and meet and confer. If that's the breakdown they

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want, then that's the breakdown you should be approving. However, uh we all don't trust you. And by you, we mean um the people that did all the shenanigans to make sure they got money that the voters never approved. Um the wasteful

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spending and all of that. I'm against this being discussed today and the org chart being discussed next week because there should be two scenarios. if the referendum passes and if it doesn't pass and that would impact the org chart because everyone keeps saying there are

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entire departments that are being now funded through the referendum instead of being put on the org chart. So they should both be getting discussed at the same time. If you want us to trust you expedite the 2022 audit, I I I imagine

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Mr. Maggley is going to throw something at me, but that just has to happen because if this is going to be on the ballot for November, the 2018 audit I pushed for as a member of the audit committee, we put this into the audit plan. It has to be

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squeaky clean or pristine like Anna likes to say. There cannot be anything that we don't already know lurking in that 2022 referendum. So, cross your fingers. So, the executive summary had some language. I don't trust executive

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summaries. I don't know that I ever did, but I especially haven't since the handy executive summary, nor should you. So, there was something about some language in there that there's only certain things that the um mental health assistance allocation will pay for, but

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they did include a link cuz often staff will give you a link or they'll give you a schedule that's too small to read cuz they know no one's going to go there. But of course I did. So first I pulled the mental health application and I hate how they write these narratives but and

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then also the mental health appropriation. So yes, that matched how much they had to spend. But it's all the nickels and dimes that it's being spent on because they were trying to tell you that you can't spend it on this, can't spend it on that, but apparently here are some things you can spend it on. You

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can spend it on travel expenses for mental health conferences, trainings, meetings, events out of county and in county because that's 30 and 20,000 respectively. You can spend it on printing and promotional materials. We still print stuff. Operational office

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supplies, therapeutic materials, so on and so forth. There's a charter school allocation. There's zero for school counselors and school psychologists. I'm assuming that's because they're in the general fund or hopefully not because they're all in the referendum. school social workers. There's the other

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licensed mental health. So, I I don't know if you guys look at this, but you should. And I would like this to be audited because I don't trust that the money's been spent the way that the district has said it is because of ESSER was not spent the way the district said

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it would be. Thank you. Next speaker. >> Good morning. >> My name is Donna Sackle. I'm from Oakland Park, Florida. I'm here to talk about the referendum and the importance of the referendum money in education. The purpose of our referendum was to aid

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in boosting teacher salaries because our district narrative has never changed. The budget line item for teachers drifted into a black hole, no pun intended, with Star Wars Day yesterday. Although I do wonder if it's the first line item addressed in the budget

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because it is an easy one to fill. The number zero check. Let's move on. This money is the only increase and doesn't excuse me and doesn't cover the cost of living and general inflation that we are

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experiencing. The majority in our profession are females. As you're familiar with, are you familiar with pink tax? Because according to hermmoney.com, in our lifetime, it costs $300,000 more to be a woman than it does a man.

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Women have expenses that men don't have. Tampons. When was the last time you bought them? The joys of spending 12,000, sorry, $1,200 um annually just on tampons. Let's not forget the panty liners and pads that go

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on top of it. So, another thousand just because, well, you're a woman and having the magic of giving birth. Society has not evolved. In fact, we are regressing. The referendum means children can go to dance classes. Families go on vacation.

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People can afford to buy a home, build equity, and better their lives. Unfortunately, due to our misappropriation of the past referendum and our budget, the public struggles with trusting the board for supporting our teachers. The continual

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mismanagement of funds at the district level is a chronic disease without a cure. Every year, it's the same and falls on the backs of those most vulnerable. Your front line, we are the least paid.

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Your front line is fed up. Tired of being taken advantage of. Paying for supplies from our paychecks. 20 minute lunches because you need five minutes to bring the kids there. Five minutes back. Plus, you have to get a bathroom break in. Supervisory duty, less than an hour

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a day to plan for high outcomes, grade parent conferences, colleague collaboration. I don't need to go on. There's so much more. But that money was to help the district support enhance teacher pay. But then why? Because you stopped our

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steps. Yet the money intended for teachers went to pay for people's salaries, enhance the salaries of upper management who are not in the arm length of child. I propose 90% to teachers, 5% security,

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5% mental health. referendum pay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Next speaker. >> Good morning. My name is Carolyn Flanigan. I work at South Plantation High School. I've worked in this district for over 30 years. This is my

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wife, Neifer Gerard, who's also worked in this district for over 30 years. So, between the two of us, we've been in this district for 60 years. We have given everything to this district. Our hearts, our soul, our blood, our youth.

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Um, and the passing of the referendum has kept the wolf at the door. If you do not pass the referendum as a 9010 split, the wolf will come into our door and we will be completely decimated as will

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most of the teachers in this district. The bonuses, the supplements that went to administrators that make over $250,000 a year may not have been deemed illegal, but it was certainly immoral and

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unethical. Please do the right thing this time and make sure that teachers and staff at schools that can barely afford to live in this district have enough money simply to pay our bills. As was said

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previously, and I don't want to reiterate what was already said so eloquently by te by the speakers that came before us, on average Broward teachers make $54,000 a year. We are barely making it in the

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nation. The average teacher salary is $74,000 a year, but we live in one of the highest cost of living districts in the country. Do what's right. Again, it was

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not deemed illegal what happened, but it was certainly unethical and immoral. do the right thing and honor the voters's intentions. Their intentions are for that money to go to teachers and staff, not people who

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are already paid over $250,000 a year. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker. >> Good morning, Nya Gerard 33309. Listen, I don't want to repeat what

523
02:46:06.560 --> 02:46:24.080
everybody has already said because you already know it. You respect us. We're wonderful. We're great. We made this in a district. Yay. We did all these wonderful things when you come into our classrooms to tell us where to stand and how long we can sit, etc., etc. Call the

524
02:46:24.080 --> 02:46:41.520
front so we can go to the bathroom. Like, we know all of this. We don't need I don't need to go over it, but I do need you to recognize. not just say you recognize, but actually recognize that we are the ground. We're in the trenches. Um, when I say we, I'm talking

525
02:46:41.520 --> 02:46:56.800
about the people who have contact with students, the people who makes things happen so so our students can give us the progress that we're looking for. Um, 9010, let it happen. Oh, wait, that was the

526
02:46:56.800 --> 02:47:14.640
rhyme. 9010, let it happen. Um, I just really want to reach out to all of you who I don't have a problem with, you know, knocking on doors for you when you want to run for reelection or when you want to run for first election. I just

527
02:47:14.640 --> 02:47:30.880
don't want you to forget about me when you're there. You know, it's like uh Marcia Brady, it doesn't matter what it took to get here. I'm here. I don't want that. I want you to remember what you stood for and what I believed that you would continue to stand for and make it

528
02:47:30.880 --> 02:47:47.359
happen for us. 9010, we're really gunning for it. Oh, I shouldn't have used that word. Um, but I want you to understand that, you know, it's a thing and it should happen. Don't just say all of the things you always say and then

529
02:47:47.359 --> 02:48:04.960
push push push and we move move. Put rigor in what you're saying and let it happen. Thank you. And before the next speaker, I'll call the next five names. Elizabeth Hagen, Cindy Berdick, Alan Jablanowitz,

530
02:48:04.960 --> 02:48:29.600
Relle Saur. My name is Dr. Trudy Germanovich. I'm going to read to you, sorry to have to do this, but a portion that um needs to be taken out and rewarded because this is this will not fly if if you put

531
02:48:29.600 --> 02:48:46.800
something like this in there. For this purpose, the first part's okay. For this purpose, a school-based position refers to a role assigned to a school site that supports students daily, including teachers, school-based administrators, student support staff,

532
02:48:46.800 --> 02:49:01.760
and school safety personnel. This definition also includes frontline employees who provide direct services that support students and school operations such as bus drivers, custodians, food service workers. You

533
02:49:01.760 --> 02:49:18.080
could add more. That's okay. Then positions that are primarily based in the district office roles are generally not included. Generally, as part of the development of the proposed funding

534
02:49:18.080 --> 02:49:34.240
framework, eligibility parameters for referendum funded employee compensation also have been identified specifically individuals individuals with ESMAD directors, E executive directors, S, chiefs, and T

535
02:49:34.240 --> 02:49:49.760
super deputy superintendent salary bands as well as contracted employees whose con compensation is comparable to these bands. Okay, you get the gist of it. Nobody understands what that says. Instead of this confusing language, put

536
02:49:49.760 --> 02:50:05.200
a cap on who gets this referendum money if they are not directly touching a student at least daily or maybe weekly.

537
02:50:05.200 --> 02:50:21.760
just makes that kind of a a statement so that the public knows you're not going to have the same kind of quote mistake that we had before. I believe that more referendum money

538
02:50:21.760 --> 02:50:38.880
should be allocated for salaries. Therefore, I believe that scenario C should be the choice for the district. 90 salary um 10 for safety and or for mental health and safety and security 9010 make it happen. I like that. Thank

539
02:50:38.880 --> 02:50:55.680
you. >> Thank you. Next speaker um Kimberly Burke Mohorn. Um I want to start with saying that um I support public education. I support the

540
02:50:55.680 --> 02:51:15.359
teachers. However, I don't um think that the board does a great job or the school board of Brower County does a great job with funding. Um there's no trust when it comes to this referendum. And if

541
02:51:15.359 --> 02:51:33.279
it's 9010, I mean, if it's 9010, then let it be 9010. However, it has to get passed. and the trust is not there for it to get passed because you don't do what you're

542
02:51:33.279 --> 02:51:50.000
supposed to do with the money. And as a taxpayer and many that I've spoken with, we want the teachers to get what they need. We want everybody to get what they need, but we need to put them first when we

543
02:51:50.000 --> 02:52:06.880
say we're going to put them first and make sure that your budget allows it to be there. And let it be a supplement possibly, but not a whole dependent on this referendum. And that's what you're

544
02:52:06.880 --> 02:52:25.319
doing. You're depending on them, the taxpayers to pay their own budget. Not only are their taxpayers, they got to pay it double cuz now they're they pay the taxes and then they have the referendum.

545
02:52:25.600 --> 02:52:42.319
You have to do better. It's not I know that a lot of people are thinking about the extra 12 13,000 that they get and that's wonderful. I want them to have it. But also, you got to think about if they

546
02:52:42.319 --> 02:53:00.560
own a house, how much of that money they're actually going to go into their accounts. So, you need to do better. Make it work in your budget. They should be the first to be on that

547
02:53:00.560 --> 02:53:22.080
line item for for your budget. Thank you. Hello. Uh, Elizabeth Hagen from Plantation, Florida, proud Broward County graduate and paraprofessional and the daughter of a Broward County teacher

548
02:53:22.080 --> 02:53:40.240
for almost 30 years. I support the 955. If we lived in a perfect world, I wouldn't have to stand here to tell you how to vote on this matter because schoolbased staff would receive the highest percentage because we are the ones who impact and interact with children. Unfortunately, we don't live

549
02:53:40.240 --> 02:53:55.600
in a perfect world. I see many of you on the news claiming we are an a district. But let's not forget that you didn't get the A district. School B state schoolbased staff did that on a daily basis. From administration who make their schools run smoothly to support

550
02:53:55.600 --> 02:54:12.720
staff who support staff and students to social workers and guidance counselors who support students and staff uh students with their mental and emotional wellbeing to campus monitors who keep our schools secure and make sure kids know they are protected and seen and heard. To office staff who help staff

551
02:54:12.720 --> 02:54:29.040
and students when they come to the office to teachers who encourage and support students on the daily through whatever they are going through. To the paras and behavior techs who support the ven the vulnerable students during not just a crisis but success as well. To the cafeteria staff who greet students

552
02:54:29.040 --> 02:54:44.720
with breakfast and lunch to fill their stomach so they can learn. To c to the custodian staff who keep the schools clean and functional for both staff and students. The bus drivers and attendants who make sure children arrive to and from school safely and securely and to

553
02:54:44.720 --> 02:55:05.920
events. That is the true meaning of one Broward. Thank you for listening and your time. >> Dr. Cindy Berdick, Pompo Beach. Um, we learned here today that clapping is out of order and will get you kicked out. And I agree with you. It's not

554
02:55:05.920 --> 02:55:22.240
appropriate. Okay. But what happens when you guys mismanage the money? What happens when certain people get rewarded $12,000 and they weren't supposed to get it? Absolutely nothing. But folks, do

555
02:55:22.240 --> 02:55:38.800
not clap. Okay? Because it'll get you kicked out or scolded or something. Okay? I canvased during the election when we when we were working on this referendum and I I canvased in Pompo Beach. Every single person I talked to,

556
02:55:38.800 --> 02:55:54.000
whether they were on one side or the other, said they support teachers. They supported the referendum and they wanted the money to go to school-based staff, not for those with caviar dreams and champagne wishes. It was for school

557
02:55:54.000 --> 02:56:12.880
staff, but it didn't go there. And a funny thing is I heard well you know if we even asked these people back for the 12,000 and gave it to the teachers it wouldn't be that much money anyway. That's when you're thinking that's the thinking of people who make $250,000.

558
02:56:12.880 --> 02:56:30.240
Okay. I'm sitting here going see these sparkly sketchers. These have to last me three more years. Okay. I don't know how many times I can put them in the wash before my sparkle dies. Okay. I'm not somebody who would turn

559
02:56:30.240 --> 02:56:46.160
down another $50 in my paycheck. That's a new pair of sketchers. Okay? So, think about it. When you're distributing this money, those people here, your schoolbased staff, your security secretaries, custodians,

560
02:56:46.160 --> 02:57:01.760
we're not rolling in the dough. Okay? So, please 9010. It's only fair. And I get it. I'm sure many of you are under a lot of pressure and a lot of people coming your way about how to spend this money. Let some

561
02:57:01.760 --> 02:57:19.760
of us help you. I am a solo income single parent of two. I can work a budget. If you want transparency, let some of us in. How much? Let us know how much money is collected. How will it be distributed? What happens to the

562
02:57:19.760 --> 02:57:34.880
interest and what happens to the surplus? If you allow maybe some of us in the public to watch it, maybe we can get more public support, but you keep it hidden and secret. The public wants to support school-based

563
02:57:34.880 --> 02:57:53.600
staff. The public doesn't trust you. So, do something to earn that trust. Stop playing with our lives. Work with integrity for the betterment of the schools and all students. Thank you.

564
02:57:53.600 --> 02:58:09.520
>> Thank you. And before the next speaker, I'll read the next five names. Dina Lanero, Michelle Bansanti, Tracy Chandler, Robert Kazelle, and Sherry Leanne Green. >> Okay. Good morning all. My name is Alan

565
02:58:09.520 --> 02:58:24.960
Jablanowitz. I'm a 36-year teacher in Brower County School System. Um I I have to talk about the referendum. Um, I'm concerned. Uh, you there's rhetorical questions.

566
02:58:24.960 --> 02:58:39.760
Rhetorical, do you know how many employees who receive the referendum depend on this to survive? Do you know how expensive it is to live

567
02:58:39.760 --> 02:58:55.120
and work in Broward County? Do you know how many employees, myself included, who have two and three jobs on top of our teaching job during the day

568
02:58:55.120 --> 02:59:11.920
to pay our bills and rent and mortgages. It's serious. And when the referendum, the voters wanted it for us. And when I say us, I mean the teachers,

569
02:59:11.920 --> 02:59:28.399
the ESPs, the technical support professionals because they know that we're underpaid. We're number 50th in the nation. That is a shame. It really is. I have to be honest with you. And we are the what

570
02:59:28.399 --> 02:59:43.279
sixth largest even though it's shrinking every year. Um, I really want you all to think about this very seriously. My school is an A school for two years now, Maplewood

571
02:59:43.279 --> 02:59:59.439
Elementary, and we're struggling. We're going to get the third year. And, you know, it gets to a point of where we do it because we love our kids, we work hard, and it doesn't stop.

572
02:59:59.439 --> 03:00:16.399
And yet there's no reward. Every year we're told there's no money. There's no money. There's no money. And there's always we're always going to impass. We're always struggling. I'm a BTU steward. I'm on the BTU executive

573
03:00:16.399 --> 03:00:32.720
board. Let me explain. I hear it from everybody. This is not something that is coming out of Allen's mouth. This is something that's coming out of my people. They come to me, Allan, what are we going to do? Every year is the same thing, the

574
03:00:32.720 --> 03:00:49.760
same thing, the same thing. And it's a struggle. You know, referendum money is for the rank and file for the people that impact the children directly. That's what it's for. Okay? 9010 955.

575
03:00:49.760 --> 03:01:05.520
I'm for that, you know, but the majority has to go to because they depend on it. We want to be fair. I wish the board would be fair when they're doing their budget and we don't

576
03:01:05.520 --> 03:01:21.760
come in last place. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker. >> Good morning everyone. Rochelle Sofur, Coconut Creek. And if this school board didn't look like my students with most eyes on their phones, I wouldn't know I was at school and not at a board

577
03:01:21.760 --> 03:01:36.560
meeting. Just going to be honest because we do have a code about not being on your phones, right? Just making sure. Okay. Glad that all eyes are on me now. Welcome to my classroom. If this school board was a sports team, you'd make the best soccer team in the world because

578
03:01:36.560 --> 03:01:51.120
the amount of backpedaling that we've seen over the last few months is unreal. You guys get your heads out of the clouds. Get it on right. Some of us have lost significant amounts of money. I've lost $12,000

579
03:01:51.120 --> 03:02:08.800
from the loss of the extra periods. While I'm not a standard instructional classroom teacher, I am a speech and language pathologist. I am critical to the success of my kids with speech and language eligibilities. I work every period of every day and I

580
03:02:08.800 --> 03:02:24.560
am no longer paid my extra period. On paper, I have a planning. In reality, I'm servicing the kids because their needs come before my own. And that's how it should be in this school district. Teachers needs should come before district needs. We are the backbone.

581
03:02:24.560 --> 03:02:39.920
Those on the ground with their feet in a school should have the best amount of love given to them in the form of money. Punt pass return. Not this school district. Punt pass fumble over and over

582
03:02:39.920 --> 03:02:57.200
and over again. Let me reiterate. I lost $12,000. This district does not trust you anymore. The public does not trust you anymore. Heck, I work for you. I don't trust you anymore. My family doesn't trust you anymore. You

583
03:02:57.200 --> 03:03:12.000
guys have to get it right. Stop fumbling the ball. In our classes, we expect our kids to do their research, show proof of their work, show their evidence, revise, rewrite, and return a finalized perfect product. Why can't you?

584
03:03:12.000 --> 03:03:27.439
Why can't you? If we lose this referendum, I'm losing another $12,000. That'll make $24,000 in about three years. So, you'll lose a great SLP who happens to be the lead zone SLP of three districts,

585
03:03:27.439 --> 03:03:43.279
over 120 SLPs, a highly effective SLP who does her job with fidelity, who makes up for those who don't. When you have these due process cases, I do my job with fidelity. Do yours with fidelity. Get it right because you're

586
03:03:43.279 --> 03:03:58.880
not going to be just losing an SLP. I'll go across the board. I'll make a run. I'll be Taco Bell. I'll make a run for Palm Beach County. But you'll also lose three more kids. One of which whose IEP is still not being upheld in your schools. And we've already talked about that. You're not paying your teachers enough. So, they're not paying

587
03:03:58.880 --> 03:04:20.560
attention. The schools are way above. They're missing critical things in a kid's IEP. Get it right now. You have an opportunity. >> Thank you. Next speaker. >> Good afternoon. I'm Michelle Bonsanti. I am an ESSE specialist at Hollywood

588
03:04:20.560 --> 03:04:36.240
Central Prep. I've been with the district 24 years, 22 years in middle school and then I was offered a position. I always said I really respected my principal and when she became a principal, I said yes, I would

589
03:04:36.240 --> 03:04:52.720
go there. Little did I know what I would be walking into. I had a beach bag and a and a beach chair in my car cuz I thought I was going to make it to the beach. And then when I saw what a disaster and I was going into a school that was an F school for ESC and I've

590
03:04:52.720 --> 03:05:09.600
always been an A and I have to give a shout out. I know when we do the organization chart I could not have done the turnaround at that school without Stephanie Acasta and her compliance people Julie Goodman Petra Maria um

591
03:05:09.600 --> 03:05:26.479
Ashley Scott with SSS. I mean, so please when you are doing the reorganization chart, I I would hope that maybe somebody would come out and work with an ESC specialist. It's the hardest job I

592
03:05:26.479 --> 03:05:42.960
believe that in this county because you are a teacher and yet you have administrative duties. My I feel sick if I can't get the budget in 100%. Because that means that when the principal is in the budget hearing meeting, she might

593
03:05:42.960 --> 03:05:59.920
have lost a h 100,000 or 200,000 at the last FTE. My compliance person said, "Michelle, we got four prek kids. It's $80,000. Can you figure out what it is we need to do?" And I got it. We figured it out. We

594
03:05:59.920 --> 03:06:16.640
uploaded the documents and then we made 100%. If I don't get the referendum money, I will have to sell my home and move because with the referendum money, every two weeks I bring home $2,200 pay,

595
03:06:16.640 --> 03:06:32.560
take-home pay, and my mortgage went up by $700 because the homeowners insurance went from $3,000 to 7,000. I love what I do. This is a post divorce career. I was a senior vice president with Primica

596
03:06:32.560 --> 03:06:48.960
Financial Services going all over the country speaking to people on how to invest and how to retire with dignity and teaching financial services. So when I took this job at least I knew the skills of living beneath my means. But

597
03:06:48.960 --> 03:07:04.960
now everyone said why did you work during chemo? I started chemo last year right now and I just finished a week ago and um you know so I have a really high benchmark when people tell me they have a cold and they can't come to work. I'm

598
03:07:04.960 --> 03:07:21.880
like I was coming to work but I could not afford to stay home. I'm a single income earnner. So please put the money there and and make a cadre of people Thank you. I appreciate it.

599
03:07:26.880 --> 03:07:42.240
Uh, good morning. My name is Dina Lanero. I'm a music teacher and union steward at Silver Palms Elementary in Peenrook Pines for 15 years. Um, I help my students a lot with visualizing and and getting our goals right before we get on stage. And I have a rehearsal this afternoon that I have to get back

600
03:07:42.240 --> 03:07:58.720
to. So, I'll make this quick. But um imagine then if you will visualize a district that is fully able to support its teachers and students at 100% of what is needed where goals are not only set but met through thoughtful budgeting

601
03:07:58.720 --> 03:08:16.560
and serious ongoing examination of priorities and resources which I feel which is what we're trying to do here today. I'm here today to implore the board, urge the board to seriously consider approving a stronger percentage for referendum funding to be allocated to teachers at 90%.

602
03:08:16.560 --> 03:08:33.439
I like I like many educators am not fully versed in the complexities, red tape, and decision-making processes involved in district budgeting. What we are and what I am, however, is deeply committed to this district and to the students we serve. But commitment alone

603
03:08:33.439 --> 03:08:48.640
cannot sustain a workforce facing rising living costs, increasing demands, and salaries that continue to lag behind the realities of our profession. If we truly want to strengthen our schools and improve retention and attract

604
03:08:48.640 --> 03:09:05.200
highquality educators and keep them, we must invest more directly in the people at the center of student success, teachers. The referendum was intended to support our schools and improve student achievement. And yet, a lot of trust has been lost.

605
03:09:05.200 --> 03:09:21.680
A stronger investment though in teacher salaries is not separate from that mission. It is essential to it. Stable classrooms begin with stable educators. My story is not unique in this profession. The energy and dedication I bring to my students is not reflected in

606
03:09:21.680 --> 03:09:37.439
my compensation. And like many educators, I find myself needing to consider additional work, tutoring, door dashing, Uber Eats, whatever I can to make ends meet. That reality inevitably takes away from the

607
03:09:37.439 --> 03:09:53.600
time and energy I can give to my students. Unfortunately, this is an opportunity for you all to demonstrate that this district does not only value its teachers in words, but is willing to prioritize them in action. I respectfully ask you to closely

608
03:09:53.600 --> 03:10:09.600
examine this percentage decision and consider the message we send when those doing the daily work of educating our children continue to fall behind. It reflects on our district and it helps explain why we continue to lose talented educators and students.

609
03:10:09.600 --> 03:10:27.120
Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker. Good morning. Sherry Leanne Green, uh, for Fort Lauderdale resident, um, teacher, BTU steward, Pompa Beach High School, and former parent as well. Um, thank you to the board for bringing

610
03:10:27.120 --> 03:10:42.000
forward this November referendum to once again ask voters to help supplement our salaries. I also urge you to seriously consider the employee recommendations on allocations as proposed by Anna Fusco 9010. I do support placing this referendum on the ballot, but I stand here today with

611
03:10:42.000 --> 03:10:57.840
a real concern. First, many voters have lost trust in Broward School's ability to manage funds both responsibly and sustainably. That trust has been shaken by our current financial situation. So, I have to ask, how are you going to rebuild it? How will you clearly and

612
03:10:57.840 --> 03:11:14.080
honestly communicate to the community that these funds are desperately needed to continue to supplement our salaries? How will you ensure that they can trust the funds will be used responsibly at this time? Because without this trust, this res referendum is very much at risk. For many of us, these funds no

613
03:11:14.080 --> 03:11:30.960
longer are extra. They are what allow us to live. At the cost of as the cost of living rises and we brace for higher insurance premiums, the financial pressure is becoming overwhelming. We are not just worried, we're scared. The board knew these funds were temporary. And yet, here we are facing

614
03:11:30.960 --> 03:11:46.880
the very real possibility of steep pay cuts with no clear plan in action. That uncertainty is not just frustrating, it's frightening and unconscionable. For example, as a 34-year veteran teacher, I personally stand to lose hundreds of dollars a paycheck. That is not a small

615
03:11:46.880 --> 03:12:01.760
adjustment. That is the difference between stability and hardship. It is the difference between being able to pay my bills or not. And while my loss may be larger than some, the fear is shared across the district. We have dedicated our lives to this profession. In fact,

616
03:12:01.760 --> 03:12:16.560
as I stood back here and as I'm standing here today, I was grading papers as I was waiting in line. Um, we are asking you for reassurance for planning of what is going to happen if this doesn't pass. Have we do we have a plan

617
03:12:16.560 --> 03:12:38.960
B. Please do not just focus on getting this referendum on the ballot. Show us that no matter what happens in November, you have a real plan to protect the people who keep this district running every single day. Thank you. Good morning, Tracy Chandler, Plantation, Florida.

618
03:12:38.960 --> 03:12:54.960
We know voters are disillusioned with Brower County Schools. They no longer trust you with their tax dollars. We know this because we feel the same way. We lost trust over two decades ago when our salary steps were removed. Since then, every step that we try to take

619
03:12:54.960 --> 03:13:13.040
forward leaves us more than two steps behind. Two, who am I fooling? The only two we identify with is that we are second in the nation for teacher pay from the bottom. The only state worse than Florida in is Mississippi. And they

620
03:13:13.040 --> 03:13:27.920
are ranked bottom in the nation for cost of living. Over 70% of teachers in Florida have a second job. Think about that for a second. And that's with the referendum money the taxpayers have been

621
03:13:27.920 --> 03:13:45.439
so kind to offer us. That taxpayers have been so kind to offer us has made beggars of us all. The teachers who are molding the minds in the heads of the future cannot afford the roof over their own heads. The teachers who feed the intellectual

622
03:13:45.439 --> 03:14:02.479
curiosity of our youth cannot afford to put quality food on their own tables. The teachers who make daily sacrifices out of love for their students have to resort to begging the public to sacrifice a couple of hundred dollars a year so that teachers can simply afford

623
03:14:02.479 --> 03:14:18.800
to stay float. We're begging for a life raft during the unnatural disaster that BCPS has carelessly imposed upon us. Those are there are those who believe uh it isn't their job to bail us out and

624
03:14:18.800 --> 03:14:35.840
they're right. But Broward has no problem wronging teachers every year fattening their paychecks on the backs of teachers. Their answer to budget to the budget crisis they created is to fire more teachers, increase the number of students per class, give teachers a

625
03:14:35.840 --> 03:14:52.319
0% raise. all to make sure that you keep your six figure salary. Raise your hand if you figure that's fair. Trust me, if we had a fairy godmother, we wouldn't have to beg for help.

626
03:14:52.319 --> 03:15:09.120
Instead, we have people pulling the strings who think they are the godfather, taking from the poor to fatten their egos, vilifying teachers as if we aren't ranked nationally in the top 25% because of our hard work. make it make sense. I sadly assure you

627
03:15:09.120 --> 03:15:25.760
without this referendum, teachers will be forced to leave the profession. Right now, homeschooling is an option for parents. Imagine a time when it will be the only option. And it is as it is. There are over 5,000 vacancies across

628
03:15:25.760 --> 03:15:44.640
the state. Thank you. >> Thank you. Before the next speaker, I'll read the next five names. Vincent Newman, Ruth Martinez, Tom Hanberg, and uh Maria Podesta. >> Good morning.

629
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>> Good morning. Robert Kosell, Oakland Park. Um, I have been a teacher in Florida for over 20 years and I have seen many changes in this district. Unfortunately, many of these changes have been at the expense of the

630
03:16:00.000 --> 03:16:16.960
teachers. So this 9010 referendum proposal is a chance for the district to take a step in a positive direction in supporting teachers. Most teachers work one, two, or even three extra jobs to make ends meet. These teachers continue to get up every

631
03:16:16.960 --> 03:16:34.000
day and go to school to help their students and do what they love. Losing this referendum money would be a huge financial burden for teachers who rely on this money to meet simple daily expenses. Given the financial situation of our district with no money for raises, this

632
03:16:34.000 --> 03:16:49.200
referendum money is extremely important to teachers. Please approve the 9010 referendum proposal in favor of teachers as a symbol of good faith that our district still cares about its teachers. Thank you.

633
03:16:49.200 --> 03:17:14.239
>> Thank you. Next speaker. Hi, my name is Vincent Newman. I'm a teacher in Hollywood and I just want to thank the Broward County voters for voting for the referendum the last time and I'm hoping that if they're listening, they would

634
03:17:14.239 --> 03:17:29.760
still consider doing it again. Florida PE teachers, as you everyone that spoke before me, are the lowest paid in the nation. Our governors have been attacking and defunding uh our schools since Jeb Bush and

635
03:17:29.760 --> 03:17:46.160
continues with having to share state money with charter schools. And unlike their counterparts in charter schools, Florida public school teachers have to meet many more standards for their students to be eligible for a diploma

636
03:17:46.160 --> 03:18:03.840
and example reading and math testing requirements. I suggest that you continue to support the idea of the referendum and hopefully again if the listeners uh our voters that are listeners would also support us

637
03:18:03.840 --> 03:18:25.040
in the future. Thank you. >> Hi again Maria Podesta. I was here last time. Happy Cinco de Mayo. Happy teacher appreciation. Happy staff appreciation. We are an aid district because of us. Because of us. Pay us.

638
03:18:25.040 --> 03:18:41.760
We I I I'm going to talk about the teacher effect. So we talk about retaining teachers and retaining students. It starts with us. If we don't have to have two or three jobs, we can give our 100% to our students, which is what we do anyway. So the teacher effect

639
03:18:41.760 --> 03:18:58.479
on future earnings. Research consistently shows that high quality teaching is the single most important factor for student success. Think about those words hopefully because I see some of you very bored up there and all I know is that I don't even know what I'm going to do if I

640
03:18:58.479 --> 03:19:15.439
don't get this money. I've been teaching for 34 years. I What is our plan B? There's so many smart people in this room that can help us with this budget. I also feel kind of weird being all the way back here, too. Thank you for giving us the three minutes this time.

641
03:19:15.439 --> 03:19:31.920
I I don't Everybody's already said everything, so I'm not going to just waste time, but do the right thing. If you want the kids to come to our schools, you have to pay us so we can have those sparkly sneakers that the kids will love seeing on us so that we

642
03:19:31.920 --> 03:19:50.720
can provide those goodie bags. I mean, I spend so much money every week on food. Food. But I can't write that off. It's not allowed. Don't clap. Please do the right thing. Please. I I I need to be in my classroom, but instead

643
03:19:50.720 --> 03:20:07.680
I'm here. I got a test in a couple weeks to keep that A. You know, I made a mistake the other day. I had an emergency, medical emergency, one of my students, and I pressed that button, that Senjex button. I pressed it too many times. I'm sorry. I know you all probably know what my

644
03:20:07.680 --> 03:20:24.479
name is because I pressed that button eight times. I I was so scared that kid had uh it was a glow stick that bursted in his eye and I pressed that eight times. Do you know how many meetings and apologies I had to give? I was shaking. My first priority was that kid. But I

645
03:20:24.479 --> 03:20:40.000
was admonished. We need more training now because I pressed that button. So I apologize to my school who's going to have to have a training because I pressed that button four more times than I should. I'm wondering about that cost of that sentex thing. I'm wondering

646
03:20:40.000 --> 03:20:54.880
about all of these costs like the computers, the laptops. Why didn't we go with that? It would have solved like two issues in one. I'm not a smart person, but I can see why we don't trust you. I want to trust you. I want the public to

647
03:20:54.880 --> 03:21:11.399
say my the Brower County teachers, the school teachers are amazing because we really are. We do so much with so little. We're such amazing people. So, happy teacher appreciation. If nobody tells you, I'm telling you. Thank you for your time.

648
03:21:13.520 --> 03:21:31.600
>> Hello, I'm Tom Hamburg. I'm from Sunrise. I'm a teacher. So, I'm not going to say anything that hasn't already been said better. Hopefully, through repetition, it will become more profound. The real question here is whether this referendum is going to pass at all. We

649
03:21:31.600 --> 03:21:46.239
need to take steps to make sure that this referendum's language is as precise and as appealing to the voters as we possibly can. You know that like trust is a currency and we know that you guys are broke.

650
03:21:46.239 --> 03:22:02.960
The last referendum, just two misplaced words and staff and perhaps some ill intent were allowed to change this gift that the voters are giving us into a trough. We can't let that happen again. We need to make sure that the language of this

651
03:22:02.960 --> 03:22:20.720
bill of this referendum is extraordinarily precise and extraord and targets exactly the people that the voters want to fund. These are the people that they know that teach their kids. Uh we want them we want the voters

652
03:22:20.720 --> 03:22:37.680
to think about you know coach Dunbar, Miss Hermo, uh Miss Grayson when they vote for this. We don't want them to think about anyone else. We don't want them to think about and staff or uh like yeah like it's

653
03:22:37.680 --> 03:22:56.000
pretty telling to see that the idea of this even this small amount of money getting to these people has created such a profound feeling of disgust. people are recoiling from the idea and we did make sure that that does not happen and

654
03:22:56.000 --> 03:23:16.640
it is communicated very clearly that that cannot happen under any circumstances with the most clear precise language possible. Thank you very much. Good afternoon. Uh my name is Ruth Martinez. I live in Tamarak and I work at Coconut Creek High School. I have 21

655
03:23:16.640 --> 03:23:33.200
years of service with the Broward County Public School Board and the referendum dollars were abs are absolutely necessary for all the school-based employees because of poor budgeting and planning by the school board. In 21 years as an educator, I have never had a signed contract before the school year

656
03:23:33.200 --> 03:23:49.920
started. In 21 years, the school board has never budgeted for employee raises. We have always had to fight for every nickel and every dime. The referendum dollars should only be used for school board for school-based staff. It was appalling to see our highest paid

657
03:23:49.920 --> 03:24:05.840
administrators receiving thousands of dollars when the rank and file employees are working two and three jobs to make ends meet. I fully support a 9010 split as encouraged by other members of the school board, I'm sorry, of the of of the staff to uh school-based employees

658
03:24:05.840 --> 03:24:23.279
and 10% to be split between safety and security and um mental health. I also have two adult children who work for Broward County Public Schools in non-instructional support positions. Even with the Even with the referendum dollars, they make less than $32,000

659
03:24:23.279 --> 03:24:41.319
annually, which is $13,000 less than the $45,000 poverty threshold in Broward County. Recently, they applied for the Habitat Broward home ownership program, and they were denied because they didn't meet the minimum income threshold.

660
03:24:41.600 --> 03:24:58.080
Referendum money is the will of the people to support the people who work with their children directly. Thank you. >> Thank you, ma'am. Just for the record, I didn't capture your name. Could you just restate your name, please? >> Sure. It's Ruth Martinez. >> Thank you so much. And I'll call up the

661
03:24:58.080 --> 03:25:29.439
next five speakers. Uh, Melinda, Melenna Mendes, Carolyn Harvey, Dennis Water, Anna Fusco, Liliana Ruido. I'll read the next five names. Jason Hail, Anthony Tobacco, Kenny Mchu, Lisa

662
03:25:29.439 --> 03:25:54.160
Jükin. Welcome, Lilianao. Uh, BTU. Well, I'm kind of very concerned as I was hearing everybody speaking and I heard over and over and over how the employees and the community don't trust this board. I will

663
03:25:54.160 --> 03:26:10.560
be very alarmed to be seated there having people here saying that you kind of don't care about them. So I was one of the people who knock on every door asking the community and you name it

664
03:26:10.560 --> 03:26:26.880
parents, father, mother, son, grandparents, everyone who open the door say you know what of course I will do anything for the teachers because I know how much and how far teachers go for

665
03:26:26.880 --> 03:26:43.040
their students. So it's it's very concerning that we have to stand up here reminding you that we are the force in front of the classroom. We are the force that push the instructional level. We

666
03:26:43.040 --> 03:27:01.040
are the force that educate the future of tomorrow. We are the voice. We are here asking you for respect. One of the things that you should consider is if you know and you heard everybody here

667
03:27:01.040 --> 03:27:19.200
speaking about how disheartening it is for them to be here asking you to support the 910 split and we don't hear that all of you all of you when I say the nine of you should vote yes I'm

668
03:27:19.200 --> 03:27:35.920
telling you this They're already disheartened. They're already upset. They don't believe in you. They don't trust you. Okay. So, also, what makes you think that you have the right to make a decision after

669
03:27:35.920 --> 03:27:52.160
people out there, the community said, "We are supporting the referendum because we care for our teachers." So, my question to you is, do you care? Do you care? You really do care? I'm asking you. So because the reality is every

670
03:27:52.160 --> 03:28:08.080
time we come here and every time we negotiate and ask for salary raise you never have anything for the teachers you never have money you never you never have the right explanation on how you

671
03:28:08.080 --> 03:28:26.399
got to this point. So my advice to you is think very very closely when you vote today because I'm going to tell you this the 9010 should go and will go and you are the

672
03:28:26.399 --> 03:28:48.239
voice and everybody's watching you all of us. So show respect and dignity. >> Thank you. Next speaker. Good afternoon. My name is Dennis Waters from Sunrise. I spent this is my second career. I'm retired and came back after

673
03:28:48.239 --> 03:29:03.520
Margaret Stone Douglas for a call of duty. Um I stand here before you for the 9010 split. I agree. But I also stand in here and listen, I've managed over 20 years multi-million dollar budgets just

674
03:29:03.520 --> 03:29:19.120
like you are yourselves. So whenever you are balancing that budget and you're looking at that budget, there's irony in it. We just got through speaking about computers with internet and theirs and how we need to

675
03:29:19.120 --> 03:29:36.560
make sure our children are braced. These same children that you are speaking of are holding $800 and $900 cell phones in their hands that have internet anytime they want it. But we're going to worry about if it had a 800 this computer is

676
03:29:36.560 --> 03:29:51.760
got an internet access excess. You're talking about you just wrote off hundreds of dollars worth of food that these kids went out and we had to throw away the food because they touched a tray. But these are the same children

677
03:29:51.760 --> 03:30:08.399
that are door dashing after school their food to their and their parents are have no problem in paying that. But you have sit here and look at the the teachers this other support staff who

678
03:30:08.399 --> 03:30:26.080
are the backbones that get them there and question if there should be a 9010 split. The children should come first. But let's have some reality of that. The reality is is that most of the kids are

679
03:30:26.080 --> 03:30:44.960
carrying better equipment than your teachers are teaching them. They're wearing around $300 headsets and beats and eating reduced lunch. You have you have teachers who are

680
03:30:44.960 --> 03:31:01.760
Ubering to work because their cars cannot are not able to be fixed because they don't have the funds to fix them. But there are students who are driving 2026 F-150 pickups with lift kicks and lights

681
03:31:01.760 --> 03:31:18.720
underneath them. Where's the equity? So when you open your eyes and you look around, look around deeply. Stop looking at what's in front of you and look at what's behind you and beside you.

682
03:31:18.720 --> 03:31:46.160
Because when we are a district, it only comes with a employees because without the A employees coming to work, you have no district. Thank you. Next speaker, Carolyn Harvey,

683
03:31:46.160 --> 03:32:03.200
BTU Stewart, executive board member, citizen of Lauder Hill. I bring you greetings. 34 years ago when the school board member Ben would say, "Our district is

684
03:32:03.200 --> 03:32:21.760
fantastic." Well, it's not so fantastic right now. I stand here today for the students who cannot stand here for themselves. our special needs students, our nonverbal students, the ones who are too often

685
03:32:21.760 --> 03:32:37.040
unseen, unheard. These are the students who rely on one one staff member, one advocate, one person, one board member. If I may have your attention, please

686
03:32:37.040 --> 03:32:53.439
will fight for them when their parents feel overwhelmed and don't know where to turn. I thank you for looking at me. I appreciate you. Okay. For them, education is not just academics.

687
03:32:53.439 --> 03:33:09.760
It is communication, independence and dignity. So I ask you, I ask you, is there unity in your community? 9010. We need it in our salaries.

688
03:33:09.760 --> 03:33:25.520
Do we truly come together for every student? For a Broward future, we must ask. I'm a mother of two amazing adults who were educated by Broward schools. My son is a

689
03:33:25.520 --> 03:33:43.359
lieutenant in the Army. My daughter is an educator who wanted to teach in Broward but had to move to another county. And I love my children. I love to go near them. But I love Broward. Broward has a legacy. I love Broward.

690
03:33:43.359 --> 03:33:58.560
9010. 9010. We're built different in our bodies, our hearts, our soul. 9010. Stand up. Speak up. We must value our students. 9010. We are the reasons. They are the

691
03:33:58.560 --> 03:34:16.319
reasons. Our purpose behind every decision is the students. We wouldn't be here without students. One heart, one mind, one Broward. >> Thank you. Next speaker, please.

692
03:34:16.319 --> 03:34:33.359
Please state your name for the record. Uh >> Jason Hail. Afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. With regard to the referendum, we have already lost so much in maintenance and being an HVAC journeyman in the maintenance department and an apprenticeship instructor and an on the

693
03:34:33.359 --> 03:34:48.880
apprenticeship committee. Um we're losing students. We are supposed to be an education facility, but we are getting rid of students. That does not make much sense to me. So, how much do we truly care about the

694
03:34:48.880 --> 03:35:04.399
education of our students and our community? We cannot get people from the outside to want to work here cuz we do not pay enough. So, we train our own trades people. Losing a referendum is going to be a blow to all of maintenance

695
03:35:04.399 --> 03:35:27.359
teachers and their families. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you very much. Next speaker, please state your name for the record. >> Hi. Uh, good afternoon, Madame Chair and board members. Mr.

696
03:35:27.359 --> 03:35:42.000
Pardon me, >> please state your name for the >> My name is Lisa Urkin. I'm here today representing the Federation of Public Employees. Um, I can tell you that I agree with what Jason's saying. I also sit on the apprenticeship committee which is a joint venture between the federation of public employees and the

697
03:35:42.000 --> 03:35:58.319
school district for many many years. We've put out some great apprentices, journeymen, and employees for the school district. When we talk about the referendum, it's important to note that we are the actual community that you're

698
03:35:58.319 --> 03:36:13.840
selling the referendum to. We live in the community. We are engaged in the community and we are the community. It's so funny when sometimes we are seen as outsiders within our own county like

699
03:36:13.840 --> 03:36:29.600
we've been beamed in from outer space and that we're not connected to anything when in fact we're some of the most connected people out in the community. So when you're talking to us about trust and so forth and maybe it's offensive to the superintendent or staff regarding

700
03:36:29.600 --> 03:36:46.560
the comments on trust. Well, just remember you are marketing to us and we are watching and we are observing. You know, we can see in the referendum the trend of placing positions off the general fund and putting them on this

701
03:36:46.560 --> 03:37:03.200
referendum. It's a very bad precedence to set. It's a very bad way of hiring employees or keeping employees. How many of these employees are aware, particularly the security personnel? There's a large number of them that are moved over into the referendum. How many

702
03:37:03.200 --> 03:37:18.800
know that they have been and are temporary employees based on a temporary funding that has to go out to bid? How many know that? Would they have come here knowing they were going to be on the referendum?

703
03:37:18.800 --> 03:37:35.680
I don't know if they if they would have, you know, I don't agree nor we do we agree that they should be there. Security personnel should be in the general fund. If you really care about security, that's where they should be. Not only that, we talked about the

704
03:37:35.680 --> 03:37:50.800
vendors. Last time we met, we talked about how these filters can be put in and have for many years by our custodial group very effectively and very efficiently. Unlike may have been mentioned, there may have been some snafuss. They're very competent. Yet, we're going to vendor that out and not

705
03:37:50.800 --> 03:38:09.520
look at the expense that costs for that. I have to speak out on behalf of the non-instructional personnel because they are fundamentally very important to how schools function and how this county functions and this district functions. And they do impact students.

706
03:38:09.520 --> 03:38:26.160
They all impact students. Whether it's the clerical, the custodian, the food service person, they all impact students. We're not secondass citizens and lowhanging fruit. Please consider them with this referendum.

707
03:38:26.160 --> 03:38:50.000
>> Thank you. >> Good afternoon, chair and school board members. My name is Anthony Tobacco and I'm a middle school band teacher here in Broward County for over 16 years. I actually started with Broward County Public Schools in 2002 as a custodian,

708
03:38:50.000 --> 03:39:05.439
working that position while earning my degree in music education. I've dedicated my entire professional career to this district. I'm here today to support placing the referendum on the November ballot, but

709
03:39:05.439 --> 03:39:21.439
also to advocate for how those funds are used. After over 16 years in this district as a teacher, I barely make more than a firstear teacher. That's not sustainable.

710
03:39:21.439 --> 03:39:36.080
It sends a message that experience is not being meaningfully valued. Like many veteran educators, I've had to go above and beyond just to keep up financially. I teach private piano lessons, take on

711
03:39:36.080 --> 03:39:51.520
handyman work on top of my full-time responsibilities just to make ends meet. And even within my role, the work goes far beyond the school day. I spend countless hours preparing my students

712
03:39:51.520 --> 03:40:08.800
for performances, concerts, music programs, and MPA, music performance assessment. I also accompany my students on the piano for so ensemble MPA, just to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed.

713
03:40:08.800 --> 03:40:26.000
This level of education, this level of dedication is not unique to me. Across Brower County Public Schools, educators and school employees are putting in the same level of effort every day because we believe in our

714
03:40:26.000 --> 03:40:43.279
students and in this district. We want to retain if if we want to retain experienced educators, the people who build programs, mentor students, and create stability in our schools, we have to prioritize them.

715
03:40:43.279 --> 03:40:59.760
That's why I'm asking for a clear commitment to a 9010 split with 90% of the referendum funds going directly towards supplementing salaries. This is about fairness. It's about retention and it's about protecting the

716
03:40:59.760 --> 03:41:18.640
quality of education for our students. Please let the voters decide and ensure that when they do, the outcome truly supports the people doing this work every day. I've given this district my entire career, starting as a custodian and over

717
03:41:18.640 --> 03:41:35.680
16 years in the classroom. That should mean something. Right now, it doesn't enough. Thank you. >> Thank you. And before the next speaker, I'll read the next five names. Yanori Gail, Luis Machado, Lisa Maxwell, Eva

718
03:41:35.680 --> 03:41:54.720
Nthol, Danielle Wesley. Good afternoon board members, County Menchu, Plantation, Florida. South Florida is one of the most expensive places to live in the nation. Teacher pay ranks 50th.

719
03:41:54.720 --> 03:42:10.479
Six of you sitting up there were teachers. You remember the struggle when you were in the classroom. It's real. You know the pay is low. You know you need to direct the district to budget better.

720
03:42:10.479 --> 03:42:25.439
Teachers are going to go to Palm Beach Dade. We must have a 9010 split. That is if we're going to keep keep them here. It's about the students, right? I mean,

721
03:42:25.439 --> 03:42:42.800
that's what admin always says when they need to squeeze more out of the teachers. Don't you want to keep them? Don't you want to keep this an eight district this time? Then, let's make it about the

722
03:42:42.800 --> 03:43:05.840
teachers. Thank you. Hello, Luis Machado Margate. Um, I'm an elementary school um, teacher. I teach music and um, I'm here in support of the referendum money. One

723
03:43:05.840 --> 03:43:21.120
thing that I would like to say is that um, people talk about the trust that has been lost. I know personally friends and I've talked to them about um the referendum money and what it does for

724
03:43:21.120 --> 03:43:37.439
all of us for our salaries and I've been told by them that they probably would not vote for it in the next election because they can see how the money is not

725
03:43:37.439 --> 03:43:52.319
managed correctly, how the money doesn't go to the people who actually need it. Um, this is not helping and I'm really worried about it and I think a lot of our my colleagues and people who work in Brower County are also worried about

726
03:43:52.319 --> 03:44:08.640
that. This is a serious thing. Uh, we are at the lowest in salaries in the country. That is that is terrible. Why do we even need a a supplement a

727
03:44:08.640 --> 03:44:24.960
referendum money for our salaries? That is absurd. I can't I cannot comprehend why that is the case. Um teachers should not be treated like that. Public schools are one of the best

728
03:44:24.960 --> 03:44:42.239
things that this country has produced. It's a great equalizer. It allows all children, all students to get access to the same education regardless of who they are without having to have money to pay for a um a private school.

729
03:44:42.880 --> 03:44:58.720
And all we see right now is a concerted effort and very well directed at completely destroying this best thing that our country has. And I find that unacceptable. One small thing that you all can do is

730
03:44:58.720 --> 03:45:15.040
restore the trust of our voters so that they will vote for this at least. And I and I would hope that we don't depend on a referendum forever to fund our salaries because we should be paid. There's money, you know, there's money.

731
03:45:15.040 --> 03:45:32.239
Our government spends tons of money on things we don't need all the time. We see it right now. So, I trust that you will do the right thing. uh and we hope for a 9010 split

732
03:45:32.239 --> 03:45:51.439
with most of the money going for salaries for teachers and the people who have direct contact with our students. Thank you. >> Thank you. And uh just as a note, we have um I just want to say for the

733
03:45:51.439 --> 03:46:07.359
record that we do have an attorney client scheduled uh for 12:30. We will be delaying that. We'll be pushing that back so we can complete the public speakers. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, board members, superintendent. Um, my name is Lisa

734
03:46:07.359 --> 03:46:24.080
Maxwell. I'm here today representing the school principles and assistant principles in Broward County. I also want to thank the voters uh and the taxpayers who have supported our teachers and employees for the last eight years. It's been tremendous

735
03:46:24.080 --> 03:46:41.840
support and we pray that support will continue because it is vital for public education for this referendum to pass. Trust every principal and assistant principal in this district trusts this board. Uh

736
03:46:41.840 --> 03:46:57.680
we trust the board. We may have differences with the administration, but we trust this board. And we trust that today you're going to support what all the employee groups have done and come together as far as a

737
03:46:57.680 --> 03:47:13.199
recommendation. This is vital. They're signaling to you, all the employees, that they need help. So I don't think it's a matter of trust. I think it's a matter of a request.

738
03:47:13.199 --> 03:47:30.960
And 9010 is is the request. I'm here today to ask you to take a further consideration for meet and confer groups. Now, I can't speak for the unions and I won't try. They do a wonderful job on their own, but the meet

739
03:47:30.960 --> 03:47:47.359
and confer groups, people have not had a raise in two and a half years. Not for two and a half years. And it's unlikely they're going to get one this year or maybe even the next. And that's unsustainable. So, even with the existing referendum

740
03:47:47.359 --> 03:48:04.319
dollars, we're asking for an increase for the coming referendum for those that are at 5.5 to 10% for all the meet and confer groups. Now, I understand there's some legal complications with collective bargaining and talking from the deis,

741
03:48:04.319 --> 03:48:20.960
but that's not true for meet and confer. You can do that today and I would ask you to do that today. I've never seen such a mass exodus of principles out of this district right now. If you want to retain your best and

742
03:48:20.960 --> 03:48:37.199
your brightest and you want to have a great pool of assistant principles who can move up, then you need to do this. So, I'm asking that this item be further amended to include us. All the meet and confer groups you can do this for today

743
03:48:37.199 --> 03:48:53.199
who are currently at 5.5 to increase them to 10. That would send a very strong signal and it would also set up further advancement for the EPS and the BTU collective bargaining unit which I don't speak for. But I appreciate what

744
03:48:53.199 --> 03:49:14.640
this board does and I appreciate what you're doing today. This is a monumental decision. It really truly is. So we'll get out and support it and we just need your support today. Thank you. Good afternoon. My name is Danielle

745
03:49:14.640 --> 03:49:31.920
Wesley. I'm 21 years um in this district teaching. I'm speaking on behalf of the referendum, which I do support. Um, but I just want to speak on behalf of my colleagues and and all the employees

746
03:49:31.920 --> 03:49:48.479
that I know that when we don't get the referendum money, the check is so disheartening and saddening and a little scary um when it's not in there. When you see what Oh my gosh, the difference is is

747
03:49:48.479 --> 03:50:05.040
it's unimaginable. We have people in the district who, like everybody said, has two and three jobs, myself included, just to make ends meet. I'm not doing it to spend on a vacation or anything special. I'm just trying to

748
03:50:05.040 --> 03:50:20.960
live in this county. We are, as everybody said, at the bottom, which is amazing because our cost of living is so high. How do you expect to retain these quality teachers if they can't live and they're stressed from teaching like not making ends meet? they're stressed, so

749
03:50:20.960 --> 03:50:38.160
that's going to impact their performance in the classroom, which is going to impact our student achievement. We should be able to have the confidence to know that our salaries are going to provide for us so that we can go into the classrooms ready without that on our

750
03:50:38.160 --> 03:50:54.080
minds and be our best for our colleagues and our students so that we can keep that A rating that we have helped you guys earn. We need this referendum because the cost of insurance like just through you guys

751
03:50:54.080 --> 03:51:11.120
I can't do it. I've had to walk away. I've had to make those tough choices. I came here after I went to my classroom because my students had testing. I'm so dedicated like all of the other staff. I was like, "Okay, this is really

752
03:51:11.120 --> 03:51:27.520
important. I have to be here for my kids." And then I came here. You have employees that are so committed and dedicated with the little pay that we get. And the sub that I had is from Massachusetts. He was a teacher and administrator. And he's like, I cannot

753
03:51:27.520 --> 03:51:44.560
believe how low the salary is here. I cannot believe how little teachers make. And I've heard that in Massachusetts, in New York, in Texas and other places. But we come every day regardless of that. And we give like we are getting those six figure salaries. That's how we work.

754
03:51:44.560 --> 03:52:00.560
So when we come here, we're asking you to show us that you have faith in what we do and we'll continue to do what we do with that 9010 split. We need it. It's it's I don't even see how it's a question because we don't have what we

755
03:52:00.560 --> 03:52:19.680
need just to sustain. I buy things for my kids and I will not be able to do that and provide for them without that support from the referendum. Thank you. Good afternoon. My name is Yanori Gail.

756
03:52:19.680 --> 03:52:35.680
I am the dual language teacher at Watkins Elementary in Penrook Park, Florida. I stand here today to speak to for the thousands of educators who are the heartbeat of Broward County. When our community voted for the referendum, they voted to invest in the future. And

757
03:52:35.680 --> 03:52:52.399
that future starts with the people in the classroom. Right now, we have teachers working two or three or even three jobs just to keep the roof over their heads. That's me. That isn't a budgetary challenge. It is a crisis of

758
03:52:52.399 --> 03:53:08.399
dignity. We cannot expect teachers to give 100% to our children when they're exhausted from a second job from a retail store or driving ride shares until midnight just to pay their rents. We're calling for a 9010 split

759
03:53:08.399 --> 03:53:22.399
distribution of the referendum funds. By committing 90% of these funds directly to teacher compensation, you're not just paying staff. You are stabilizing our schools, preventing mass exodus of talent and

760
03:53:22.399 --> 03:53:40.080
ensuring a a rate school, sorry, and led by teachers who don't live below poverty level. Dr. Heburn to balance this budget. Don't do it on the back of those with mostly financially vulnerable. Who are the reasons

761
03:53:40.080 --> 03:53:56.319
why you guys have a job? Freeze the upper management and the superintendent salary for 10 years plus like you did the teachers. Use the referendum in the way that it was intended. Cut costs with curriculum vendors and stop buying duplication. How many sets of manip

762
03:53:56.319 --> 03:54:13.520
manipulatives do we need? In Europe, people work so they can live. Let us live like in Europe. We need this. Support the referendum 910 and a better quality of lives. Our teachers have shown up for Broward County Public Schools children. It's time that the

763
03:54:13.520 --> 03:54:30.640
district shows up for their teachers. Thank you. >> Thank you. Before the next public speaker, I want to read the last five names that I have. Um, Michael William, Felicia Alvarez, Bobette Tanas, Zyra

764
03:54:30.640 --> 03:54:49.760
Climbs Lentes, and Pete Tenum. Madame Chair, board members, Zyra Climbs Lunches, Deerfield Beach. And I want to say shame, shame, shame, shame. I agree with whatever the BTU would

765
03:54:49.760 --> 03:55:07.040
like, but you guys put teacher salary on the backs of me. Fear, obligation, and guilt fog. That's what you have us in this position. Please understand, it's not a

766
03:55:07.040 --> 03:55:24.800
personal attack when people say we don't trust you, but the shadiness is just too much. It's too much. I've never seen anything like it. I've come here time again and again. It's It's off-putting.

767
03:55:24.800 --> 03:55:41.680
Even I used to come to this boardroom and I have to say, and may he rest in peace, Mr. Nder would never treat people like this. And he wasn't an easy man to deal with, but never ever with this and this like stand over here, you're over

768
03:55:41.680 --> 03:55:56.239
there nonsense. And I know there's people in this building that remember that. It's embarrassing. Teachers should be paid and then whatever else you want to ask the taxpayers for, ask us. We could support you, collaborate with you. You

769
03:55:56.239 --> 03:56:12.399
have advisory people. People will do it. But to have teachers, if you don't have teachers, you're not going to have students. Like, I don't want I don't even understand why a gentleman just said that. Doesn't make any sense. They're all standing up here begging. If you

770
03:56:12.399 --> 03:56:27.920
don't have them, you will not have students. So, stop being complicit. Public education. When my parents came to this country, that was one of the reasons why they came. If you wanted to have a good education

771
03:56:27.920 --> 03:56:45.279
in another country, you had to go to a private school, not public. Now, we're like them. the public schools. I mean, what you're offering AP psych who really these teachers are

772
03:56:45.279 --> 03:57:00.880
busting their tushies and they're begging for 12 grand a year that they also pay taxes on. They're paying for their own raise. Shame on all of you. Shame, shame, shame, shame, and

773
03:57:00.880 --> 03:57:21.600
shame. Thank you. Hello, Felicia Alvarez, Coral Springs, Florida. And to piggyback right away, if you don't feed the teachers, they will eat the students. If I am not well taken care of, I'm worried about what's going on at home. My lessons are not as creative. My assignments are graded a

774
03:57:21.600 --> 03:57:39.040
little more rig rigorously. It is it's it's difficult. And again, I just want to say this is a terrible way to communicate. This should be a conversation, not just me talking at you and and some of you listening. It should be an actual dialogue. Um, I had a lot to say. A lot of it was said. I don't

775
03:57:39.040 --> 03:57:54.800
want to pretend like you don't understand teachers are underpaid and that we don't need more money. My question to you is, what are you doing in Tallahassee to get us more money? You have the money you have to work with, but what are you doing to get us more? What are you doing to ensure that we are innovative so that we do have students

776
03:57:54.800 --> 03:58:10.800
coming so our budget does increase so we can get those raises we're asking for? I'm in the classroom. I'm creating lesson plans and I'm printing papers and I'm grading assignments. I'm also title one, so I'm uploading documents and re-uploading documents and re-uploading documents until it's finally approved. I

777
03:58:10.800 --> 03:58:27.279
do tier I mentor teachers. I have five different preps. I don't have time to go to Tallahassee and beg for money. You do. That's what I thought. When you asked to be elected, you said we support teachers. We want teachers to get raises. But what have you done and what

778
03:58:27.279 --> 03:58:46.800
are you doing since then to make sure we do besides just balance the budget you have and you know that it's not there. Get us more money please. Um before the next speaker I'll just read the names of the individuals that I

779
03:58:46.800 --> 03:59:01.840
have called up but have not approached the mic. Melinda Menddees, Carolyn Harvey, Eva Rothel, and Anna Fusco. Oh, Carolyn Harvey came. Sorry, my apologies. So, Melinda Mendes, Eva

780
03:59:01.840 --> 03:59:19.760
Rothel, Anna Fusco. Um, go ahead. >> Okay. Good afternoon, board chair, board members. My name is Pete Tingum. I live in Plantation and I represent ESMA. I think it's a very rare time when you

781
03:59:19.760 --> 03:59:35.359
can get every single employee union and meet and confer group to send you a statement about how they want to have these funds distributed. I know teachers and all people who are receiving referendum dollars are going to receive

782
03:59:35.359 --> 03:59:50.239
a much smaller check this month because it ends after the 20 payments. So they recognize how much the referendum means. I support the letter sent by all of the employee groups and

783
03:59:50.239 --> 04:00:07.439
which I hope you will go forward with. I want to point out a couple things. One is several years ago when both Palm Beach and Miami Dade said we might lose this charter school

784
04:00:07.439 --> 04:00:23.439
position and they didn't set aside funds to cover that cost if they lost the lawsuit. All of you remember this? And by not foreseeing that to happen, it

785
04:00:23.439 --> 04:00:38.399
costs the district significant hardship trying to repay that money they owed the charter schools. Those are the types of future decisions that I hope this board will try to avoid. Another thing I'd like to say about that

786
04:00:38.399 --> 04:00:55.120
is a rising tide lifts all boats. And if we have unity within all of the employee groups, I recommend the 9010 955 split be used in the way the letter was sent to you in April.

787
04:00:55.120 --> 04:01:12.199
And I guess as a kind of a closing remark, I'd like to just say many of you are familiar with Project Hail Mary. I think you need to look for a solution like Project Hail Mary. Thank you.

788
04:01:15.199 --> 04:01:30.880
Hi, Anna Fuscobar, teachers union president. Um, I'm gonna kind of wrap it up because all the speakers have spoke or they're not willing to speak. You see all of the groups have showed up. COPA was here. ASMA just got off the stage.

789
04:01:30.880 --> 04:01:46.239
BPA, BTU, Phobi, we've all spoke. You got my email. My email was clear. 100% of the groups together and the BPA,

790
04:01:46.239 --> 04:02:03.920
all of us talk. We all show up to the insurance committee meetings. We're all united. We are more united than we were united during COVID. And that was a bad time. Things have gotten so bad that we're all

791
04:02:03.920 --> 04:02:19.520
over the place. I need those nine of you up there, the leaders and the superintendent to pull it together. I know every single one of you in a different capacity. And I do trust every one of you. I like

792
04:02:19.520 --> 04:02:35.920
every one of you and community. Don't mistake because I banter or I get loud or argumentative that I don't care and respect for the leader that sits before us that have been elected. It's a hard job. They get pulled in 50,000 different ways. And hell, just getting pulled by

793
04:02:35.920 --> 04:02:52.640
Anna Fusco has got to make you guys go all se certain ways. So I argue with my husband, my son, my same exact way. Doesn't mean I don't love them. There's no mistake. I trust every one of you. You all have a

794
04:02:52.640 --> 04:03:08.239
different personality and a different way that you lead. But more than ever right now, I need the nine of you to come together collectively and do not ignore 100% of the employees in this district have come together that are trusting every

795
04:03:08.239 --> 04:03:24.160
one of their leaders to get them what not only that they deserve what they need. You heard from so many people and I wish I could bring out more but it is testing time and where would they rather be in their schools making sure that their students

796
04:03:24.160 --> 04:03:39.760
succeed. And let me make this clear. They don't give a damn about this dang A. They care about their kids succeeding. People care about an A for whatever reason. We care about our students. You saw how quick we reacted when this gentleman with his two children were

797
04:03:39.760 --> 04:03:56.640
here. It was it was a a teacher instinctual reaction. Do you need help? That is where we are. I need the nine of you to understand how 9010 is so important. And you need to direct your superintendent to direct that budget group. That no funding should come from

798
04:03:56.640 --> 04:04:13.199
that referendum to pay for salaries. I learned that people's salaries are funded. If the referendum ends, you lose all these employees. That can't happen. You have a 5 something billion dollar budget. It can be done and found. You need to make that happen and need to

799
04:04:13.199 --> 04:04:29.600
stick with 9010. We are counting on you. I trust you. And we'll make sure the community understands that, too. Thank you. Thank you. I'll just make one last call for the individuals uh who were called up. Michael William, Baba Tanasi,

800
04:04:29.600 --> 04:04:53.880
Molina Mendes, and Eva Rothl. >> All right, we will go ahead and recess the schoolboard meeting for our attorney client session. But before we recess, we do have to read something into the record and then we will come back to this item after our attorney client.

801
04:04:59.920 --> 04:05:15.439
So board members, I am advised that the general counsel would like to request an attorney client session. At this time, I am requesting all persons not scheduled to attend the attorney client session please exit the room at this time. General counsel. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to request that the school board convene an

802
04:05:15.439 --> 04:05:33.760
attorney. So please, if the audience could maintain decorum, if you want to have a conversation, please step outside so we can read the necessary statements into the record. I would like to request school board convene in attorney client session in

803
04:05:33.760 --> 04:05:49.439
order to discuss litigation pending before the circuit court of the 17th judicial circuit in and for Broward County, Florida in the following matter. OHL Building Inc. also known as OHL Building Inc. versus the School Board of Broward County,

804
04:05:49.439 --> 04:06:06.720
Florida. the school board of Broward County, Florida versus Ziscoich LLC and Ziscoich LLC versus Nutting Engineers of Florida collectively under the case number case- 222-00

805
04:06:06.720 --> 04:06:22.960
8804. A certified court reporter will record the entire session. The following individuals will attend the attorney Klein session. School board members chair Sarah Leonardi, vice chair Dr. Jeff Holes, Lorie Al-Hadf Morat McCarthy

806
04:06:22.960 --> 04:06:40.960
Bowman, Adam Sea, Deborah Hixon, Norah Rupert, Rebecca Thompson, Dr. Alan Zean, Dr. Howard Heper, superintendent of schools, Oscar Sodto of the law firm of the Sodto Law Group, Thomas Cooney, assistant general counsel, and myself,

807
04:06:40.960 --> 04:06:56.640
Kathy Dupri Bruno, general counsel. In anticipation of this request, the attorney client session was properly advertised for today, May 5th, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. in accordance with section 286.011 subsection 8 of the Florida statutes.

808
04:06:56.640 --> 04:07:11.760
The purpose of the attorney client session is to discuss settlement negotiations andor strategy relative to the pending litigation. A certified court reporter will record the session and only those persons noted in the advertisement will be permitted to attend.

809
04:07:11.760 --> 04:07:27.439
At this time, the school board of Brower County, Florida, will recess the regular schoolboard meeting for an attorney client session. The attorney client session will be held in the 10th floor conference room at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center, 600 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33301.

810
04:07:27.439 --> 04:09:40.199
The attorney client session will take approximately 45 minutes. At the conclusion of the business of the attorney client session, the regular school board meeting will reconvene. Thank you. Okay. Heat. Heat.

811
04:10:54.160 --> 04:17:36.120
Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, think about dinner. Lou, do you feel

812
04:18:23.040 --> 04:19:49.560
Hey, hey, hey. I see there. I see there. Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Yeah.

813
04:21:16.239 --> 04:25:33.319
Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Down. Down. Down. Yeah. Happy birthday. Down.

814
04:27:44.640 --> 04:38:13.879
Okay. Down down down down down down down down down down down down down Down. Gotcha. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Yeah. Oh,

815
04:38:15.279 --> 04:41:06.440
I see there. Woah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Hey.

816
04:41:09.520 --> 04:43:22.360
Heat up here. How about coming up? Oh, heat. Heat. Heat. N.

817
04:43:54.798 --> 04:47:58.120
Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

818
04:48:14.878 --> 04:52:19.760
Down down down down down down down. Hey. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. This school board meeting is now reconvened. Um, so we took public comment on LL1. We will now go to board

819
04:52:19.760 --> 04:52:47.520
member discussion. Um, Dr. Zean. Oh, it's not here. Uh, Miss Thompson. Oh, Dr. Zemon's approaching his seat. >> I will concede to Dr. Zean. Chair. Thank you very much. Um there's a

820
04:52:47.520 --> 04:53:04.320
couple things that I maybe wanted to um share about this particular item. Uh if it's helpful uh to other people, then that's great. But I I'm trying to um uh figure out um you know, kind of

821
04:53:04.320 --> 04:53:20.080
what are the underlying issues in in this topic. We heard a lot today from the public, which I think is wonderful, but there's really two kind of separable topics here. One which is absolutely essential to this board because this represents 17% of our operating funds is

822
04:53:20.080 --> 04:53:37.200
what is the language that voters are going to vote for because without this it doesn't matter what the second answer is because that's how you allocate the money if you don't win the referendum. Um why am I nervous about the referendum? Uh I'm nervous for the same reason we need the referendum which is

823
04:53:37.200 --> 04:53:54.240
people are feeling the pinch. Gas prices are up. There's this skirmish going on in the Middle East. There's a lot of uncertainty about kind of institutions in the United States and there's also a decline in confidence in government and so it is potential uh even for Broward

824
04:53:54.240 --> 04:54:11.280
County to vote down a referendum. We saw one in the southwest uh corner last year where there was a concerted effort to get a referendum passed and it failed. And so I think topic number one that we need to think about as a board is what would the public support? And uh to me

825
04:54:11.280 --> 04:54:25.840
that's really important. Then the second question is if it does pass, how do we achieve our strategic goals with this money? Um this is $1.2 billion. Let me just stop chair for a second and make sure I'm correct. Mr. Superintendent, if I add up four years of money from this

826
04:54:25.840 --> 04:54:41.280
referendum, is it roughly $1.2 billion? >> Yes, you're correct. >> It's a massive amount of money. And Dr. Heepburn, does it come with any restrictions on how we spend it other than uh spend it within the ballot language we we got approved by county commission? >> That's correct. >> Right. So unlike state money which comes

827
04:54:41.280 --> 04:54:58.718
categorical and we got to report fund balances and we got to um follow all of the rules. Unlike federal money which comes very specific, you know, you're going to spend it on on title one or title two, three and four. Um these are funds, a lot of funds and we can spend it uh any way the board uh decides.

828
04:54:58.718 --> 04:55:14.798
So, if we're following some discussions we've had on this board for the last three or four meetings, we want to check the data, check the research, and figure out what matters. And it turns out that if you go to the handover study that we talked about, Dr. Heepburn, if you go to some recent polls in Broward County, um

829
04:55:14.798 --> 04:55:30.320
if you look uh at the body of evidence related to decisions related to school choice, um students and parents make decisions based on what they know. and what they know is their school, their teacher, their guidance counselor, their principal, their AP, their SLPs, their

830
04:55:30.320 --> 04:55:46.798
academic coaches. If you ask them who their director, regional superintendent or a staff member in central office was, I doubt many students or parents could give you that answer. So, they're going to use the information they know to make a decision about their boundary school, a choice school, magnet school, or a

831
04:55:46.798 --> 04:56:02.638
private uh or charter, you know, kind of our competition. So, um, how do we use these funds, assuming it passes so that it achieves our strategic goal? That's where I got to the 100%. And I've talked about it. Uh, we got some, uh, uh,

832
04:56:02.638 --> 04:56:17.920
acceptance of that but from other board members because if you thought about it just in pure terms about I want to win the game. I want to have the most enrollment. I want kids going to our traditional schools, you'd spend 100 money 100% of that money on school-based educators.

833
04:56:17.920 --> 04:56:34.320
Now uh the superintendent has put together a recommendation of 80%. Uh the the the collective uh public speakers came today uh behind a 9010. Um I will tell you that there's really a good second choice, but it's not the 9010

834
04:56:34.320 --> 04:56:49.360
that we've been told about. It's a it's a 9010 where that 10% that's $30 million is used to continue to pay people who are getting the referendum now but are not school-based educators. It's interesting that that costs the same

835
04:56:49.360 --> 04:57:04.958
amount of money as the 10% that we heard about today uh being set aside for mental health and safety. But if in fact we continue to give the same dollar amount to people that are not school-based educators in a 90% model that's a little different than the one

836
04:57:04.958 --> 04:57:21.360
we heard about, we'd still be paying for mental health and safety and security. There's a lot of money that goes out either to full-time positions or to uh supplements to non-school-based educators who deal directly with safety uh security and mental health. There's

837
04:57:21.360 --> 04:57:38.718
also an opportunity under that model to use future enhancements to general fund either through budget reductions or the state or the federal government or local dollars coming through more than expected to fund mental health and safety and security as well. 10% is $30 million. Uh we have found a lot more

838
04:57:38.718 --> 04:57:55.360
than that. Uh and we can find more uh to fund that out of the general fund. So, I just want to be clear that if we're not going to do the 100%, which I think is theoretically the best answer for Broward County Schools, it will win back the most students to put that money where the decision is made. You know, you want to spend money where you make

839
04:57:55.360 --> 04:58:12.240
money. We'd put 100% in school-based educators. If we don't, uh, I hope that we can do a 9010. That's a good second best plan because I think it would be very powerful to be able to go to everyone that works here and say you're either going to get what we've already been given you or if you're a

840
04:58:12.240 --> 04:58:27.600
school-based educator, you're going to get more. Now, I need to know to tell you what the CFO's office told me and and told you all in when I asked a question last week. I said if in fact we keep the money flowing to the pool of people, it's 12,000 people who are not

841
04:58:27.600 --> 04:58:44.958
school-based educators, PO, uh, transportation, uh, food nutrition services, central office staff, if they keep getting the same amount that we give them now in the referendum, and then we give the rest of the money, because we're about to get 300 million a year, significantly more than what we got in the past four years,

842
04:58:44.958 --> 04:59:00.080
how much would people get? It's $18,000 a year. We just heard a number 18,000 this morning. It's the difference that National Education Association says is the difference between average teacher salary in the United States and teacher

843
04:59:00.080 --> 04:59:17.920
salaries in Florida is 18,000. So if in fact we do the modified 90% because my 100% P might not get five votes. I'm fine with that. But if we don't get five votes of that, I think the 9010 where we spend that 10% already on the people that are supporting our school-based

844
04:59:17.920 --> 04:59:33.440
educators and the 90% on school-based educators, we're still coming very close to our strategic optimal. Um, and we get to go to folks who right now, Dr. Heepern, is the max supplement to any educator in Broward County $12,000 right now?

845
04:59:33.440 --> 04:59:48.560
>> Yes, that's correct. So, I like that one is it eliminates the gap between the Florida average and the national average in one fell swoop for four years. And by the way, if you're interested in in what happens in years 2 through four, it goes to 19 to 20 and then to 21,000 in the

846
04:59:48.560 --> 05:00:05.360
fourth year. Um, I'm not going to talk Dr. uh uh general counsel, Miss Dewe Bruno. I'm still fighting with that. I'll get it soon, but I'm not perfect yet. M Bruno has asked us not to talk about and I'm not. All I'm using is the number that the CFO's office gave that

847
05:00:05.360 --> 05:00:20.480
if you take the pot of money and divide by the number of employees, non-school-based educators can keep their current amount of dollars that they get. And school-based educators can get an $18,000 per person bonus to be negotiated later. I'm not going to get

848
05:00:20.480 --> 05:00:35.120
into that. That's between the negotiators and our negotiators. But the amount of money they'd have per person, per schoolbased educator, eliminates the gap between the national average and the state average for Broward County where it's very expensive. It is the number

849
05:00:35.120 --> 05:00:52.160
one county in the United States when you compare income to rent or housing. Number one in the nation. We're the most expensive when you look at our incomes compared to how much we have to pay for rent. It's a very expensive place given how much uh we we make here in income.

850
05:00:52.160 --> 05:01:07.440
This would change the lives of our educators. 18,000 a year guaranteed for four years, rising to 19 to 20 to 21 is a huge gap. We still have money left over to pay for mental health and safety and security because we're doing that now. Uh but I would view that as a much

851
05:01:07.440 --> 05:01:23.840
better uh second best plan than the 90 with some some you know fence that's categorical around mental health and safety and security. I think we need to fund mental health and security to the extent that we need it and we need it. They are un you cannot undo those things. We need to do that. Uh but

852
05:01:23.840 --> 05:01:40.560
that's $30 million. We can find that. I'd like to spend the 270 million on school-based educators if in fact uh we don't get concurrence from the board to spend all 300 million uh on it under the 100% plan. So chair, thank you very much for your time. >> Thank you, Miss Thompson.

853
05:01:40.560 --> 05:01:55.920
>> Thank you, chair. Um, so I think I made this comment before and when we had more people in the audience and I'm sure people are still listening, but do we currently without a referendum get enough funding from the

854
05:01:55.920 --> 05:02:12.000
state to base our budget on teacher salaries to fully fund all of the things that we need as a school system? >> Um, that's uh negative. That's no. >> Thank you. And the majority of counties in the state of Florida go out for

855
05:02:12.000 --> 05:02:29.280
referendums or other tax um tax initiatives in order to fund teachers because we don't get enough. And someone in the audience said, "Well, you're saying we don't get enough funding. What are you guys doing?" So, I want to explain.

856
05:02:29.280 --> 05:02:44.638
We are nine people. We are also in the minority of the state legislature. The most of us are. And so if we go out and we do, we sent our chair this year. We've sent students who I would argue are the best advocates

857
05:02:44.638 --> 05:02:59.600
for public education and prior years we've all gone to advocate. If we don't have the same energy that we had today, talking to the board, talking to Tallahassee, this issue isn't going to get better. There will be more schools

858
05:02:59.600 --> 05:03:16.638
closing. There will be more layoffs. There will be more destruction of public education which I think all of us are going to are here because we love because we protect because our kids are in this system. So we can talk about

859
05:03:16.638 --> 05:03:31.680
ways to allocate this. We can talk about ways we can improve our system because I'm not saying that things shouldn't have gone differently in different items. But if we don't get on the same board to advocate to Tallahassee,

860
05:03:31.680 --> 05:03:49.520
this is a lose-lose situation. So, I think just reminding the general public, reminding my colleagues that we need to be advocating for higher funding. We need to be advocating for transparency and taxpayer vouchers, which from their own audit has lost $270 million that

861
05:03:49.520 --> 05:04:05.440
they know of. So, with that being said, I have um a request for a followup about what the rules are uh to general counsel about what the rules are for schoolboard members and advocating for the referendum because we know that the

862
05:04:05.440 --> 05:04:21.680
district is not able to other than education, but I think schoolboard members need to know what they can and cannot do. If we could get a memo on that so we can start planning because I, for one, will be knocking doors for this referendum. Um

863
05:04:21.680 --> 05:04:37.520
so then based on the breakdown I have some questions and before that is it clear from this document that the money will not go to the highest paid administrators as it was in the past. >> That's correct. Um my recommendation is

864
05:04:37.520 --> 05:04:55.200
um pay grade E and and above that the dollars do not go to. >> Thank you. and refresh my memory. The moment that the board found out that it was going to the highest paid administrators, did our chair bring an item? >> I added a additional letter D and above.

865
05:04:55.200 --> 05:05:11.600
>> Oh, important letter. So, when it became clear to the board that that was going to the highest paid administrators, did we take swift action? Did our chair introduce an item to fix it? >> Yes, that's correct. >> Thank you. Um,

866
05:05:11.600 --> 05:05:28.320
in in our marketing of educating the public on this initiative, are we allowed to say give that distinction distinction to educate the public that it will only it will not be going to the highest paid administrators? >> Yes, that's correct.

867
05:05:28.320 --> 05:05:43.200
>> And did the board ever receive that port the school board members? Were we ever a part of that referendum dollars that got misallocated? >> No. Thank you. Um, so I see that you're

868
05:05:43.200 --> 05:05:59.600
and I heard the public saying the 955. I had advocated for AD1010 because I believe we do need to put more investment in mental health, but I kind of want to walk through this proposal and what might be the ramifications if

869
05:05:59.600 --> 05:06:15.920
we go with 901010 and not your recommendation of at least 80 13.5 for safety and then 6.5 for mental health. So if we were to switch to 955, I see that at least for safety and

870
05:06:15.920 --> 05:06:31.200
security, there are hundreds of positions funded through that 169 at least. So what will happen to those positions if we reduce the 13.5 to 5%.

871
05:06:31.200 --> 05:06:46.480
>> Yeah. So um great question. So there's a portion of dollars that we get from the state and a portion that's paid out of general fund. Um, if we were to go with the increased amount of 90% we we would have to all of this is personnel costs. This isn't items or things. These are

872
05:06:46.480 --> 05:07:01.920
all personnel costs. We would have to reduce personnel. >> And for the mental health allocation, I see that there are several school counselors, school social workers that are funded. If we reduce the

873
05:07:01.920 --> 05:07:17.520
6.5 that you're recommending to five, what will happen to those employees? we will have to reduce personnel. This is all personnel expenses. >> So I'm going to put that more plainly. >> So what I'm hearing is if we went to 955, we would have to increase the

874
05:07:17.520 --> 05:07:33.360
numbers of layoffs that we are doing in the area of safety and security and mental health. >> That's correct. >> So then my question is with the language of at least 80%. If there was a shift in Tallahassee, we suddenly got 100% of our

875
05:07:33.360 --> 05:07:49.520
safety funded, are we able to increase the compensation percentage with the way you have recommended it? >> Yes, you because we have uh for mental health and also safety and security security up to so we can make

876
05:07:49.520 --> 05:08:06.080
adjustments once we find cost savings in the future. Thank you for that clarity because I think it is important to know that there is some flexibility in the at least 80% and then the up to 13.5 and up to 6.5. So I had a question about surplus of

877
05:08:06.080 --> 05:08:22.958
funds. If for some reason the referendum brings in more money than anticipated, what happens with that extra surplus >> that we will bring that back to the board and the board would make a decision about the additional surplus. Could we give direction today if there's

878
05:08:22.958 --> 05:08:38.400
additional surplus that it goes to compensation? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yes, you could. Um I'll defer to the GC, but I'm assuming you could. >> Okay. >> And then um

879
05:08:38.400 --> 05:08:54.480
we had a speaker talk about the percentages for meat and confer. Is that something we can talk about today? >> Yes. I would stay away from anything that could be a potential topic at in bargaining. So even though it's meet and confirm, what happens with the other

880
05:08:54.480 --> 05:09:09.920
units could impact. >> Okay. Um those are my questions for now. I would like to hear from my colleagues before I state the percentages, but I do think it's really important that we

881
05:09:09.920 --> 05:09:26.040
focus on the ramifications that can happen if we change from our superintendent's recommendation. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Rupert. >> Thank you. Um, I have an amendment. You guys will take one and pass it around.

882
05:09:29.200 --> 05:09:47.280
And I appreciate my colleagues who spoke before me. Very thoughtful and um I appreciate that. I'm sure everybody does as well. My motion would be I move to adopt scenario C with allocation for salaries

883
05:09:47.280 --> 05:10:04.160
290% 5% safety and 5% mental health and that the board is fully apprised of the negotiations of the 90% allocation during the union negotiations. I move that the superintendent review the employees listed in this item whose

884
05:10:04.160 --> 05:10:20.798
salaries are paid for by the referendum so they can be moved to the general fund. Those two statements uh the attorney worked with me on that language so it's appropriate. Um I additionally had a comment I want to make which is to

885
05:10:20.798 --> 05:10:37.760
increase all employees currently being paid the 5.5 to 10% for the meet and confer groups from the legal advice I received outside the district um that we are allowed to um from the day talk

886
05:10:37.760 --> 05:10:53.440
about meet and confer groups but not our union brothers and sisters. So that is my amendment which should be um the first two that I mentioned and I'm up for a conversation or a friendly amendment or whatever if anybody wanted

887
05:10:53.440 --> 05:11:09.600
to uh kind of take a bite at the apple to increase all employees currently being paid 5.5 to the 10% for that meet and confer groups. >> Mr. Preo >> Mr. Ribert, are you making a formal motion? Your first motion, my understanding is to move to adopt scenario C.

888
05:11:09.600 --> 05:11:26.280
>> Yes. >> Okay. So next, Madam Chair, if there's a second. >> Is there a second? >> There's a second. >> Motion made by Mr. Rupert, seconded by Mr. Sea. Public comment on the motion. >> Comment.

889
05:11:41.360 --> 05:12:02.240
Melanie Berkin, school social worker. I wasn't supposed to say that part. Melanie Burkin, Davy, Florida. I support the motion and I thank you for it. I rise in support of the motion, but I I also want to say that the 5.5% the original 5.5%

890
05:12:02.240 --> 05:12:18.958
was awarded to meet and confer in this exact setting on an item related to the referendum. So, I know you can do it today. So, thank you. We appreciate the uh amendment. Lisa Urkin with the Federation of Public

891
05:12:18.958 --> 05:12:38.718
Employees. We support this amendment and we appreciate you understanding the importance of moving these employees off of temporary funding and on to permanent general revenue funding. Thank you Broward Teachers Union. You guys are on the right track. Thank you, school board

892
05:12:38.718 --> 05:12:55.680
member Nora for that motion and sea for second. I hope you guys all rise in favor with it unanimously. We can get this going. We don't um it it's something that is needed for all employees in the Ber County Public Schools. And I think that that would

893
05:12:55.680 --> 05:13:11.120
definitely help get you guys on a better track of getting some direction on getting the budget balanced. We know that um just talking amongst the the employees that were here today speaking and talking in in their communities,

894
05:13:11.120 --> 05:13:26.080
they know that the communities love Bar County Public Schools and they know the communities love all educators. And people get mad sometimes I slip and just say teachers, but everybody knows I think they're different type of teacher in every which way. Whether you're a classroom teacher, a speech pathologist,

895
05:13:26.080 --> 05:13:44.320
a counselor, um a brace advisor, uh ESP, a pair, everybody's an educator in their own way. So, I hope you guys all rise in 100%. Nine of you support. >> Uh my name is Dr. Trudy Germanovich. Um,

896
05:13:44.320 --> 05:14:00.718
I agree with the motion except that I still believe that you need to have some kind of a cap on that and the cap could be that no one receives more than any teacher gets. So if the teachers say

897
05:14:00.718 --> 05:14:23.280
each got $18,000, then no one would get a raise that was higher than the 18,000. So that's Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. I support the motion, the first part. The second part, I I got issues

898
05:14:23.280 --> 05:14:40.240
with giving ESMAP 10% because I have never seen a job study that confirms the positions that are underfunded versus overpaid. If we saw that, then we could equalize rather than a flat 10%. Um, and I support what Dr. Germanovich keeps

899
05:14:40.240 --> 05:14:56.080
saying about a cap and the cap could be that you only earn supplement on the first h 100,000 because listening to everybody that's ever come in here 100red grand seems to be their breaking point. Nobody is thinking and this is

900
05:14:56.080 --> 05:15:11.920
from the standpoint of do you want this thing to pass? Do you want people to say I don't like it but I'm going to do it. 100 grand is the tipping point and all you would have to do is limit the supplement to the first 100,000

901
05:15:11.920 --> 05:15:31.680
regardless of who we're talking about. And I think we're safe on teachers. I I haven't heard of teacher base rate being over 100 grand. >> Hi, Carolyn Harvey BTU Stewart Lauder Hill. I would like to say I

902
05:15:31.680 --> 05:15:48.958
support this motion. I thank you for showing that unity is not just a word, it's action. Thank you for your unity in that and I appreciate you so much. And I also want to say I thank you for knowing that we have to invest in our people

903
05:15:48.958 --> 05:16:10.400
because our students are very important in our community. I appreciate you. Thank you so much. >> Terry Lopez Price, vice president of the Broward Teachers Union. Thank you. Representative um Rupert for the motion. Thank you Adam for the second. Um yes

904
05:16:10.400 --> 05:16:26.000
9010 we know um the other particulars I'm sure you guys will discuss but we do need to get this done and we need to tell our teachers and the other people who work with students that we care about them. And this is coming from a

905
05:16:26.000 --> 05:16:44.240
mother who raised two kids through this school system and was always happy to be a Broward parent and a Broward teacher. So, thank you. >> Zyra climbs lunches. Deerfield Beach. Thank you so much, Miss Rupert. We love

906
05:16:44.240 --> 05:17:00.400
you. Um, just remember though that um, we still have to vote on this. So, be careful how much you plan because unless you all do something you've never done, it's DOA. Just remember that there's a

907
05:17:00.400 --> 05:17:16.718
lot of people in the community that support teachers, but we're also not crazy. If people don't trust you with their money, don't put us against teachers. Don't do that because it's gonna end up really bad for everyone, especially the children. Thank you so

908
05:17:16.718 --> 05:17:35.600
much. >> Anyone else from the audience? Board member discussion. Miss Hixon. Thank you. And just want to address something before I say what I want to say about the motion. Two, well, two

909
05:17:35.600 --> 05:17:51.840
things. Um, general counsel are can we can only do one motion at a time, correct? So, we're only talking right now about the first motion that Miss >> That's the only motion on the floor. >> Okay, perfect. I just want to be clear. Um, someone mentioned about the funding

910
05:17:51.840 --> 05:18:07.920
and and that we shouldn't have to ask the the public for additional taxes to pay additional money. I want to remind everyone everything that happens here in Broward County Public Schools is on taxpayers. I mean, we're a publicfunded

911
05:18:07.920 --> 05:18:25.200
entity, so we we appreciate the additional taxes to be able to give teachers or employees supplements. And remember that that whole point of that was because we do not get funded by the state appropriately and we knew we

912
05:18:25.200 --> 05:18:41.040
wanted to have a way to fund people who were being underfunded. So, I just want to mention a couple things. in 2025. I know that the legislature likes to tell us that they raised our the raised the funds. I think it was $143 that they

913
05:18:41.040 --> 05:18:56.480
increased per student. Um, and on paper that really sounds like progress, but when you look at what it actually costs to educate a student in Broward County, the picture changes. Our real cost is closer to $10,800

914
05:18:56.480 --> 05:19:13.040
to $10,900 per student, but the state with the additional money gave us $9,100. That means that we're already operating at about $1,700 to $2,000 gap per student. So when people say, "What are we doing with the money?" The bigger

915
05:19:13.040 --> 05:19:29.840
point is we are not being funded for what it cost us. And then if you add on to that the large population of ESSE students that costs like $16,000 per student to fund, you see there's a huge gap. So that $143 per student that

916
05:19:29.840 --> 05:19:44.798
we got additional from the state is really 1% against what our actual costs are. So I think it's really important to put that into a little bit of context. Um, so we would love to we we pay we

917
05:19:44.798 --> 05:20:00.718
spend 80% of our budget on employee salaries and benefits. That only leaves 20% for electricity, for maintenance, for transportation. So, I just want to put that in some context. Um, I was a

918
05:20:00.718 --> 05:20:17.120
teacher for a long time. I got the referendum one year, $500. That's all I got as a 27year teacher. Um, and that's partly why I ran because I wanted to make sure that there was equity for teachers across the board um, in what was being given through the referendum.

919
05:20:17.120 --> 05:20:32.240
So, I'm really happy to see we're in a place where there's a large a better um, equity in in what our our educators get. I brought up n 9010. I actually said 901010 the last time we talked

920
05:20:32.240 --> 05:20:48.718
about this. So, I completely agree. I don't know that we have to say five5. Like I said before, I it doesn't matter to me how the 10% gets split up. It really depends on how how we need the money. But I I support this. I supported

921
05:20:48.718 --> 05:21:04.718
it before. It was what I said last week when we were here. So I do support the motion, the first motion. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Sea. Thank you, chair. >> Uh, first and foremost, I want to thank all the speakers who came out and took

922
05:21:04.718 --> 05:21:20.718
time out of their day to come and speak and let your voices be heard. I'm glad you were able to uh utilize this platform and speak for your entire three minutes. I want to thank Miss Rer for the motion. Uh, as well, uh, I also want to take some time to

923
05:21:20.718 --> 05:21:36.560
remind everybody that that last year this district made a a pretty horrendous mistake. We took hundreds of thousands of dollars that was meant for our great teachers and school-based staff. And what did we do with it? We gave it to a bunch of folks in this

924
05:21:36.560 --> 05:21:51.920
very room and in this building who had no right to that money. Every voter who voted for this referendum in 2022 thought that they were voting to give teachers and our school-based staffs

925
05:21:51.920 --> 05:22:10.878
that money, not the six-f figureure club at KCW. What this district did, quite frankly, was egregious. And I'm glad we're able to take certain certain corrective action, but the reality is it should have never gotten

926
05:22:10.878 --> 05:22:27.760
to this point. And in addition to screwing over our teachers, we also broke trust with the public, which is a big concern to me, especially with this coming back on the ballot come November. This is why, as

927
05:22:27.760 --> 05:22:43.920
those who pay attention remember, I called for an independent investigation to see how this debacle happened. Apparently, there was not an appetite on this board for that. So, how do we fix this? How do we restore trust with the public

928
05:22:43.920 --> 05:23:00.958
and with our teachers? Well, here's the good news. We have an opportunity to do that now, thanks to Miss Rupert's motion. And it's not lost on me that this happens to be teacher appreciation week. So in addition to saying thank you to

929
05:23:00.958 --> 05:23:17.200
all of our great teachers who make Broward County an A-rated school district for two years running, I might add, we now have an opportunity to put those words into action and begin the long journey back to restoring trust

930
05:23:17.200 --> 05:23:32.878
with our teachers and with the public at large. So, let's get to work and let's take the first step. I'm in support of the 9010 because I want to restore trust again. I'm sick and tired of my teachers

931
05:23:32.878 --> 05:23:50.160
telling me that they have to work two to three jobs to pay rent or put food on the table. We need to take care of our teachers. We need to take care of our school-based staff. If we don't do right by them,

932
05:23:50.160 --> 05:24:05.280
they're going to leave. And I'm afraid that if they go, our students and that A- rating that we like to brag about all the time are going to go with them. We have an opportunity to get back on

933
05:24:05.280 --> 05:24:23.600
track. I am supportive of the motion and I'm encouraging my colleagues to adopt my position as well. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Thompson. >> Thank you, chair. I just wanted because we talk a lot about trust, right? And so

934
05:24:23.600 --> 05:24:40.480
that means we all have to be on the same page about what happened. So two years ago, so prior to Mr. Sea, Miss Bowman, and myself being on the board, there was a board discussion where my predecessor said, "Do we and similar to what was said in the audience that all employees

935
05:24:40.480 --> 05:24:56.560
should have a piece of this referendum. All means all. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm quoting my predecessor pro whatever >> predecessor >> predecessor. Thank you. All means all. So, there was certain ramifications to that which when the board chair realized

936
05:24:56.560 --> 05:25:13.600
that brought a swift item to handle it. Could I get the could someone remind me of the reasons that we didn't go out for a private law firm to investigate this matter? Would you like me to do that?

937
05:25:13.600 --> 05:25:29.120
>> Yes, please. >> Um, because we also referred it to the IG and we also did uh we directed our auditor to do a review as well. So, there were two in there was two investigations, one internal, one external being done by the IG. Thank

938
05:25:29.120 --> 05:25:45.600
you. Because I think when we talk about restoring trust, that means again we all have to be on the same page on the facts. The facts of the matter is we had an internal audit of what happened. We also ask the OIG to audit it. So why would we go out and spend thousands of

939
05:25:45.600 --> 05:26:05.680
dollars on a law firm when we have the OIG we contract with and our auditor? And so again, I think I would like my colleagues to also commit within the bounds that we are able to to not just talk about the referendum being

940
05:26:05.680 --> 05:26:20.958
important to pass on the deis, but actually commit to knocking doors and making sure the public understands the importance of this. And I also want to remind people that the majority of the public

941
05:26:20.958 --> 05:26:37.920
isn't watching this board. What they are watching is when their kids they drop their kids off and their kids feel safe and going into their classrooms. They are talking to the teachers about what issues their children might be having. They're talking to the school counselor about having a friendship group for their kid because their kid is not great

942
05:26:37.920 --> 05:26:54.560
at making friends. Like that is who is going to get the referendum passed. That is what builds public trust. And so if we com continue to beat down our school system, then that is going to be the narrative and it won't pass. But right now, I have full confidence it's going

943
05:26:54.560 --> 05:27:09.360
to pass because of what's happening in our schools, because of how Broward values education. But we can't continue to beat down our own system from this day. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Bulman.

944
05:27:09.360 --> 05:27:24.558
>> Thank you, Miss Thompson. And I appreciate um both Miss Thompson and Miss Hixon uh framing a larger challenge that we have here with funding in general for our public schools and

945
05:27:24.558 --> 05:27:39.760
the way that it they are supported in the state. And I you believe that everybody that's sitting up here right now wants to see the absolute best outcomes for the students of Broward County. I know that I personally have three children that are attending

946
05:27:39.760 --> 05:27:55.200
schools currently in Brower County public schools and one that just graduated from one who's doing very well as a result of the education that he got in Brower County Public Schools. And I am spending all of my time trying to

947
05:27:55.200 --> 05:28:10.320
support this system to make sure that it's healthy and moving in the right direction. Uh, so I hope that everybody else is on the same page with that as we move forward. And I, you know, I really appreciate everyone coming out to speak

948
05:28:10.320 --> 05:28:25.760
today. I think it um is very clear where our priority needs to be. Um, you know, I I'm sitting up here right now because of the of the teachers that have supported my kids over the years. And

949
05:28:25.760 --> 05:28:44.000
so, um, I absolutely support teachers being paid more. It's a travesty that we're that we're not able to do that with the funding that we get, um, from the state and really the way that the state of Florida is um, compared to

950
05:28:44.000 --> 05:29:00.798
other states. It's not people are not having the same experience as an educator when you're in a different state. I am from Michigan originally. This is not the situation that my peers are. All three of my college roommates are educators and they are not in this

951
05:29:00.798 --> 05:29:17.120
situation right now. So just to look at the big picture, there's a lot of factors going on and we do have to be together on this because we all want the same outcome which is for people to be making enough money to live to be able to stay in Broward County for our

952
05:29:17.120 --> 05:29:34.718
schools to thrive and for the people of Broward County to understand that this is the best choice. We have the best teachers. We have the best people working in our system. And so, um, I just, so I appreciate you guys bringing the the facts and the data to the table.

953
05:29:34.718 --> 05:29:51.680
Um, I don't have a clear understanding of, uh, you know, the way that the extra the other 10% should be allocated. And so, um, I support the 90% with the 10%. I would like to hear from the

954
05:29:51.680 --> 05:30:07.120
superintendent how he thinks that that should be allocated. And I also was am wondering how we are what the strategy would be and how reasonable it is to move people back into the general fund that are currently

955
05:30:07.120 --> 05:30:25.280
being um funded on referendum dollars alone. >> You look like you were going to say something. Okay. All right. Just making sure. >> He's a lot. >> Um so now uh great great um question, Miss Bowman. Um the first question I

956
05:30:25.280 --> 05:30:42.520
would ask because this is part of increasing that to 90% and then you have that 10%. Um Beacon if you can pull up the um document that was um posted and go to page nine

957
05:30:45.760 --> 05:31:02.160
has the page number in the upper leftand corner not on the bottom. >> Dr. Heiner, can we just pause for a second? Mr. Dup pre Bruno can uh we just talked about the different so just just to make sure because we want to

958
05:31:02.160 --> 05:31:17.840
have a clean conversation for the record. So the only thing um that's on the table right now is just the adoption of scenario C 90% 5% safety and 5% mental health. At some point I would imagine that Miss Cooper is going to make another motion that will deal with

959
05:31:17.840 --> 05:31:36.400
the general fund. So, I just want to make sure we're we're clear with the the lanes of the conversation. >> Gotcha. >> Yes. I just wanted to um show the board and the public the impact. Um as I said before, um Miss Thompson alluded to this with her questions is that we will have

960
05:31:36.400 --> 05:31:52.718
to make some personnel shifts um downsizing personnel because you have personnel that is that is uh funded um out of the out of the referendum to provide certain levels levels of service. Um and so um as far as the that

961
05:31:52.718 --> 05:32:08.080
10% uh the question would be what is most important to the board? Is it safety and security or is it mental health? Um right now um I'm waiting on Beacon to pull that up. I

962
05:32:08.080 --> 05:32:25.280
think the >> I guess it's coming right now. Uh on that page that they're going to show a 90 uh 555 split the um pretty much the shortfall in funding for safety and security would be about 24.7 mil and

963
05:32:25.280 --> 05:32:42.400
mental health about 3.8 mil. Uh for safety for safety and security um since those are lower paid positions my assumption um uh Dr. Lozano correct me if I'm wrong is probably about 50,000 um uh salary infringe for our our security monitors.

964
05:32:42.400 --> 05:32:58.320
>> Correct. >> Yes. So that'll be about uh for that 24.7 mil that's about 500 security positions and I'm estimating about 75 um salary and fringe for the mental health personnel because they're most of those are in uh you know under the

965
05:32:58.320 --> 05:33:15.120
instructional realm. Uh that'll be about 50 positions. you can make adjustments by uh funding um putting more of the the percentage on the mental health side or shifting more of that percentage from the mental health to the security side. But there's going to be impact impacts

966
05:33:15.120 --> 05:33:30.240
to personnel. Security is the most difficult um for us to um take out of general because we already we already fund so much out of general when it comes to safety and security. Uh we get about 20 million from our state

967
05:33:30.240 --> 05:33:44.240
categorical all allocation and we get and we spend about 39 million from our actual general fund to support um safety and security. The rest is out of out of referendum which is approximately 39

968
05:33:44.240 --> 05:34:01.120
million um for mental health. um about uh 12 million, call it 13 million is funded out of our uh state allocation for mental health and then uh support from Broward County um agreement of about $2 million and the rest is out of

969
05:34:01.120 --> 05:34:18.480
referendum. So there'll be some shifts um depending on what's most important to the board, but nonetheless employees will be impacted where we have to downsize to to make that work, especially in the first year. Um and so just a reminder that based on estimates

970
05:34:18.480 --> 05:34:35.360
and projection the uh uh revenue from referendum will go up each year. Um there could be a possibility of sticking with the 80 uh 20 this year and then next year uh have enough money to do the 90 uh 555

971
05:34:35.360 --> 05:34:50.718
split and additional things as the revenue increases every year. What I wouldn't suggest to the board like we did u a couple of years ago is do a three-year agreement. I would suggest a one year so you can actually come back see the additional revenue increase and

972
05:34:50.718 --> 05:35:07.600
make additional decisions of how you can divvy out the additional dollars for compensation. But uh just that was just the graphic is the scenario C is what um the proposal is that's on um that the board is discussing right now the 90 um 10 which is 55 split between security and mental

973
05:35:07.600 --> 05:35:24.558
health. Um and that's the um the shortfall that we would have to u cover. Go ahead. Oh, I'm not the chair. Go ahead. Back to you, chair. >> Um, Miss Bulman has the floor. >> Oh, thank you. Um to follow up with that, so

974
05:35:24.558 --> 05:35:40.638
technically then what we decide here today could only could potentially only be for one year or but but I you know I I guess the question with that is how that is

975
05:35:40.638 --> 05:35:57.600
perceived publicly and you know I think the our primary purpose here is to get this referendum passed. I think everybody wants that. So, how you know the the best way to do that to um

976
05:35:57.600 --> 05:36:13.280
to make sure our bases are covered? I don't know that, you know, having that flexibility necessarily is going to help us to pass the reference. I'd like to hear from my colleagues to see what their opinion is about that potential thing, but I didn't know about that until right now. So, thank you.

977
05:36:13.280 --> 05:36:28.480
>> Yes. >> Thank you, >> Miss Hixon. Now, you wanted to make an amendment. >> Yes. I'd like to um make an amendment to Mrs. Rupert's motion. So, I'd like it to read or I move to change it to say I

978
05:36:28.480 --> 05:36:44.958
move to adopt scenario C with allocation for salaries no less than 90% and up to 10% to be divided by safety and mental health. and that the board is fully apprised of the negotiations of the 90% allocation during the union

979
05:36:44.958 --> 05:37:01.760
negotiations. >> Could you repeat that first part one more time, please? >> So, I move to adopt scenario C with allocation for salaries no less than 90% and up to 10% to be divided by safety

980
05:37:01.760 --> 05:37:19.920
and mental health. >> Mr. Supre Bruno, for an amendment, does there need to be a second to the amendment? Yes. >> I'll second that. And then do we need to take public comment on the amendment? >> Yes. Public comment on the amendment.

981
05:37:19.920 --> 05:37:36.400
>> Miss Rupert. >> Uh to to Miss Hixon, would you also were you relieving the negotiations of the 90%? >> Oh, yeah. I wasn't changing that. Yeah. Just I just because always reads up to and all of that. So, I think we just

982
05:37:36.400 --> 05:37:54.958
need to clean it up a little. >> I got it. Thank you. >> Am I speaking? Okay. Melanie Berkin, um, Davy, Florida. I I wasn't 100% clear on the um motion. Is it 50% divide? I mean, let

983
05:37:54.958 --> 05:38:11.680
me sorry, 10% to be divided equally between mental health and safety and security or >> just 10% within mental health and safety. however it needs to be. >> So it could be >> divided could be eight and 10 >> 9% safety and security 1% mental health

984
05:38:11.680 --> 05:38:28.320
that that would be the concern. So that would be my concern with that portion of the a with the would be that who decides which is more important and whether it's mental health which is prevention or

985
05:38:28.320 --> 05:38:45.600
safety and security which you know is also important but we know where I stand with mental health. So, but thank you. >> My name is Dr. Trudy Germanovich. Um, I would um go along with what you're

986
05:38:45.600 --> 05:39:01.920
proposing. However, I think the ability to find money could be found for the missing money to hire these people back could be found in the general fund just

987
05:39:01.920 --> 05:39:20.160
like it was in Lee County where they cut $63 million. Thank you very much. >> Uh Tracy Chandler, Plantation, Florida. Excuse my teacher voice. Um, thank you, Miss Ribert, uh, for the motion. Thank

988
05:39:20.160 --> 05:39:36.000
you for the amendment to the emotion. Um, I am concerned about my newer, younger colleagues who aren't whole, who are working those two and three jobs. So, I appreciate the um, conversation

989
05:39:36.000 --> 05:39:53.520
about con keeping the 90%. I am concerned about how that 10% will be divided among safety and security. Um, we are short security. I know in my school and we are tasked to yell at kids, get kids in the classroom,

990
05:39:53.520 --> 05:40:10.798
intervene with fights or whatever. And it is a huge problem. If the referendum doesn't pass, god forbid, then how are we going to fund them? So, we need to find another way to fund some of these things that we are placing on um this

991
05:40:10.798 --> 05:40:29.600
referendum. Thank you. I want to support Mrs. Hixon's motion. Uh I think both Mrs. Hixon and Mrs. Rubert's motions are excellent. Um I would just encourage the board to ensure that this is for the full four years. A

992
05:40:29.600 --> 05:40:51.360
one-year decision is a not probably a good idea. I think we need to roll out a full package for the voters. And uh I appreciate your consideration. Thank you. Carolyn Harvey, Broward Teacher Union Stewart, Lauder

993
05:40:51.360 --> 05:41:07.120
Hill. I just want to thank you so much for keeping it 9010. Very important to me. I appreciate you so much for our community. Again, unity is a action word and I appreciate that. And I also would like to say that where there's safety,

994
05:41:07.120 --> 05:41:27.600
there's learning. I appreciate that. And also when you're mentally able, you're able to learn. So please continue to consider that. Thank you so much. >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. In theory, I support the

995
05:41:27.600 --> 05:41:43.040
amendment. Um to have more flexibility tends to be a good thing. Uh in theory, if you focus on mental health, you would need less safety. um prevention, you know, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Uh

996
05:41:43.040 --> 05:41:59.520
but this is where you're the problem with doing this today and the org chart next week at a workshop instead of the two together comes in. Do you do it for a year? Do you do it for four years? There are pros and cons for each. Um, it

997
05:41:59.520 --> 05:42:14.000
would be nice to have it locked in, but at the same time, if you subsequently discover something after today and you're like, crap, but we voted for it to be four years. Um, you don't know what changes could be made to the org chart. You're talking about pulling

998
05:42:14.000 --> 05:42:32.718
people into the or into the general fund and off the referendum. So, uh, I support it in theory. Um, and I'll leave it at that. bar teachers union president Anna Fusco you think I know where I stand I support

999
05:42:32.718 --> 05:42:50.240
it you have to direct that superintendent and the staff to be to make sure the money's in the general fund this will also drive you to make a better decision and the right decisions for the ORC chart again the ORC chart is in your

1000
05:42:50.240 --> 05:43:07.360
hands to approve so I believe by supporting this amendment and locking in for four years, you're going to lock in employees that know that they can have some relief so they could stay in Brower County Public Schools. I can tell you right now, if

1001
05:43:07.360 --> 05:43:23.200
you can't lock in this 9010 and get a strong grasp on that or chart, you're going to have a mass exodus with a lot of employees more than just your educators because they can surely go over to Palm Beach and Dade that has it

1002
05:43:23.200 --> 05:43:43.440
together that locks in their budget with raises and solid referendum. Hi. Uh, this is Lisa Jüken with the Federation of Public Employees. We do support this amendment. I do have a major concerns about putting the cart

1003
05:43:43.440 --> 05:43:58.958
before the horse. That's a foolish thing. I do believe this should have been brought over to uh the ORC chart meeting as well to be workshopped. I don't like scare tactics and threats as far as layoffs and so forth. It's a shell game. A lot of it's a shell game.

1004
05:43:58.958 --> 05:44:15.520
You know, we need to look at the top and the middle, but we're what we're doing is we're saying we're going to get rid of the boots on the ground. Our security personnel are in jeopardy. Well, they already are. They're on the referendum as positions. I vehemently oppose that. They should not be hanging out there if we really care about security and safety

1005
05:44:15.520 --> 05:44:30.320
in temporary positions on a referendum. It sells well, doesn't it? It would sell way quicker than having these guys out there with their positions on a referendum, wouldn't it? No one would vote for them to get any extra money. So, we're going to hold them out there

1006
05:44:30.320 --> 05:44:51.360
as PR. It's not not not good. Thank you. Any other public speakers? Right. Board discussion on the amendment. Miss Hixon. Thank you. I just wanted to explain a little bit why I wanted to put up to 10% to be divided

1007
05:44:51.360 --> 05:45:07.840
between safety and mental health because if it's four years then some years you may need more money in safety and more years in mental health. So I that's why I'd like to keep the 10% flexible so that in years where you need

1008
05:45:07.840 --> 05:45:23.440
more in safety and then years you need more in mental health, you have the flexibility. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Bulman. >> Um, I have I have a question. The referendum would not start until the

1009
05:45:23.440 --> 05:45:40.400
20 27 28 year. So, we're agree we're working on an ORC chart that's for next year. >> Correct. >> So, really the what happens on our org chart for next year really >> doesn't apply to the referendum. >> Okay. I just wanted to make that clear.

1010
05:45:40.400 --> 05:45:57.360
>> Thank you, Dr. Zean, >> um would you like comments on just on the amendment now and then we'll come back to the item. Um >> you know the amendment gives us more flexibility. It allows us to uh do things. I'm

1011
05:45:57.360 --> 05:46:14.160
curious though um within the amendment what positions are in the 90%. So I had talked about a 90% that's for school-based educators only. I'd actually first uh blush was 100% for school-based educators. Second was 90 and I would pay everybody's current

1012
05:46:14.160 --> 05:46:30.320
referendum uh bonus uh for the other 10%. So I was really clear about what the denominator is. What's the denominator with this item amended the way it is? For the 90% who goes who gets to place a claim on the 90% of the revenue?

1013
05:46:30.320 --> 05:46:47.760
>> I guess that question's for me. Um it would be this >> almost I I think maybe it rer first. Miss Rupert, but I I think we would both agree it's whoever is getting the referendum now. >> Um, okay. So, it's an all y'all. It's

1014
05:46:47.760 --> 05:47:05.040
it's like, you know, all means all kind of group. >> But that's what we're doing now. >> I'm sorry. But what we're doing below play Vandy is everybody. So, your idea is to take the 90% with this 10% amendment and give it to

1015
05:47:05.040 --> 05:47:20.878
everybody that is currently getting the referendum funds as a as a bonus to their job. >> Yes. Because I we still I would still like to see mental health and safety as part of the referendum with the 10%. >> And to Miss Bruno to Bruno's point, none

1016
05:47:20.878 --> 05:47:38.000
of this presupposes which of the all y'all are going to get how much money because that's all got to have to be negotiated. Um and so what we're doing compared to the current referendum is moving from 75% at least 75% which to to Dr. Hepper it's become 80% now right

1017
05:47:38.000 --> 05:47:54.000
going into the last year of the referendum. >> So we're we are spending 80 but our policy um it was at least 75% for supplements. We're going from 75% by policy 80% by practice to 90% by policy under this

1018
05:47:54.000 --> 05:48:10.718
item with your amendment. 10% set aside for mental health. I want to be really clear about one thing though. We I I think there's there needs to be a little bit more appreciation of the budget than what we've done right now. This budget does not require you to fire

1019
05:48:10.718 --> 05:48:27.760
500 campus monitors. It doesn't require you to fire 50 mental health professionals. It requires you to find $28.5 million in the budget. So there's a big difference between, you know, looking at this chart and jumping. And I just want to be clear, Dr. Heeper,

1020
05:48:27.760 --> 05:48:43.520
if you can, maybe to your CFO. Am I right? This is about finding 28.5 million. It doesn't presuppose which positions we would undo. Is that fair? >> That's fair. >> Okay. So, so, but there's been information about like 500 here, 50 there. The implication being these

1021
05:48:43.520 --> 05:48:58.798
positions would go away. That's not how budgets work. you go find $28.5 million reductions, your thousand positions that you're going to pitch next week, how much does that save us? >> Um, about 50 to depends on the on the

1022
05:48:58.798 --> 05:49:15.280
actual salary. It could be up to 60, but it could most likely around 50 >> 50 to 60. I don't want to hold you to that number and it's not really related, but my point was that's 50 to$60 million of savings by undoing some positions. the mental health and safety and security shortfall or or the difference

1023
05:49:15.280 --> 05:49:32.320
from current practice to going to 90% is 28.5 million. Uh it presupposes some reductions in staff, some cost efficiencies in contracts. There's a million things to do. >> Um I just want us to understand that when we make decisions, I think it's better to think about the money we have

1024
05:49:32.320 --> 05:49:48.240
to save and then we can go back and take the lowest priority dollars and pull those out in order to fund mental health and safety. entire party. >> Yeah. I also want to add, Dr. Seaman, um we do expect be it a state projection or or our additional projection based on trends that we've seen in the second

1025
05:49:48.240 --> 05:50:04.798
semester that we're going to have a shortfall due to declining enrollment again next year. Right. So, I've been I've been so there there's potentially 80 to$100 million shortfall that we still have to plug that hole for the additional um year. So, you know, um your theory is right. we have to find 28

1026
05:50:04.798 --> 05:50:21.600
um million, but uh as Miss Hixon mentioned before, 80% of our budget is personnel. Yep. >> So um there has to be some balancing. >> I just don't want I just want anyone on this board and the public to think that by making a decision that that affects specific positions. It it adds to the mountain of debt we have to work our way

1027
05:50:21.600 --> 05:50:37.200
out of. If we start 80 million in debt because of declining enrollment, >> um we still then would have to find another 28 if in fact we wanted to hire all those u safety, security, and mental health people back. All right. So, that's clear on the amendment. I I don't think anybody ought to be against it,

1028
05:50:37.200 --> 05:50:52.480
Miss Hick. And anything that gives us more flexibility uh is going to be good. The only issue I have is does it change uh our ability to get the referendum passed? And so, Dr. He do we know what

1029
05:50:52.480 --> 05:51:10.400
this policy that we decide today, what key words that voters in Broward County or in large urban districts in Florida finds influences them positively to vote for a referendum or a sales tax uh uh increase like this for public education.

1030
05:51:10.400 --> 05:51:26.000
Do we know what people in Florida urban districts want to pay for? I'll ask uh Mr. Sullivan because he has some key words uh that we've leveraged in the ballot language. Um and it's more of talking about how are you going to

1031
05:51:26.000 --> 05:51:42.878
spend the money on what we have on the ballot language, mental health, safety and security. Those two things are very important um to the populace right now with the things that have been going on in the country for the past eight or so years. Um and plus also um providing additional supplements to educators so they can actually afford to live.

1032
05:51:42.878 --> 05:51:58.958
>> So let me say it back to you. If if we say to the public, we're going to pay um in the ballot language, we're going to pay for supplements, mental health, safety, and security. Correct. And and a broad denominator. We say it's for staff, schoolbased staff, and others. Right. >> That's a good thing.

1033
05:51:58.958 --> 05:52:14.798
>> And this amendment that Miss Hixon's put together doesn't change that because we're still talking about correct. It's just putting a broader number >> and it's saying, look, 90% of this is going to go to pay to people who work for the district >> and 10% is going to go to safety and security. that doesn't diminish the

1034
05:52:14.798 --> 05:52:31.360
popularity you think of of people voting for this. Great. I think more flexibility is better than less. So I I think this amendment in general is adding to the original item that Mr. Trooper brought. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Alada. >> Thank you.

1035
05:52:31.360 --> 05:52:48.080
So my first question to Dr. Hepern for the $28.5 million is it and I know it's not I'm not going to use the word easy. It's not easy either way, but to find it in the if we put 10% of compensation in

1036
05:52:48.080 --> 05:53:05.040
the general fund to find it that way or doing it through this referendum. >> It's not easy. It it it's not easy to find a penny right now. So, um and so you're saying if it's easier to find it in the general fund or or easier to do

1037
05:53:05.040 --> 05:53:20.718
it out of the referendum. >> Correct. like we made made a motion to put comp 10% of the compensation to come from general fund. >> So, uh I'm going to say it's going to be easier out of the referendum because that is guaranteed local effort, right?

1038
05:53:20.718 --> 05:53:36.958
Based on the voters, um there's uncertainty due to variables that impact enrollment, right? So, uh we often have good projections, but there's always some form of of a surprise that we have to fill an additional hole um throughout the year, not just at the beginning of the I know everybody's concerned about

1039
05:53:36.958 --> 05:53:51.760
enrollment at the beginning of the year, but there's certain survey windows where we have to pay back money so to speak when um uh enrollment continues to decline um throughout the year. But I will always say it's easier uh with referendum because that's a guaranteed

1040
05:53:51.760 --> 05:54:08.718
local effort if the voters actually vote for them. >> And the 500 security positions, are we talking school resource officers? >> No, this this would be um unarmed security. We we're required by law to have armed security.

1041
05:54:08.718 --> 05:54:24.240
>> Okay. So it won't touch esos or guardians. >> Nope. >> And then the So so potentially if we make this and vote on this, we'll lose potentially 75 mental health positions and 500 security positions.

1042
05:54:24.240 --> 05:54:40.798
>> So potentially 50. Um you know, of course we know that's important to the public and the board. So we, you know, we will work hard to make sure we prioritize ensure we have those services. um the safety and security the chief and his team are already going through specific criteria for staffing

1043
05:54:40.798 --> 05:54:56.160
adjustments anyway. So that that number uh will be adjusted this summer um in in the um in the immediate u probably next couple weeks um as far as what that staffing will look like for school. So that number is going to decline a bit um

1044
05:54:56.160 --> 05:55:12.558
anyway. Um and so and as Miss Bulman asked the question about does this apply for next year? Now, next year we will be working on how do we actually um impact uh a decline in positions to support if

1045
05:55:12.558 --> 05:55:28.558
the board moves forward with 90%. So, we have a year to actually plan how that impact would look overall. We're going to have a decline this year for sure for safety and security because we're working on a specific criteria to push out um for the upcoming school year. Um but the overall we will have a year

1046
05:55:28.558 --> 05:55:43.440
before it actually impacts us with the 2728 school year which is what would be the first year of this specific referendum dollars. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Thompson. >> Thank you, chair. And I I just think

1047
05:55:43.440 --> 05:56:01.840
it's disingenuous to say we can just easily find $28 million that it's just a a matter of finding this money. I think our CFO has performed some miracles and has done some things to make the budget work for now. But if we don't truly

1048
05:56:01.840 --> 05:56:17.680
understand the ramifications of changing these percentages and vote, I'm not, like I said, I have not said what percentage I support, but if we're going into it just being like, "Oh, don't worry because a miracle is going to happen. We're going to find

1049
05:56:17.680 --> 05:56:34.240
$128 million. We're going to fully fund mental health. We're going to fully fund safety and security. We're going to have brand new facilities. We're not living in reality of where the state of public education right now. We're not living in the reality of our funding.

1050
05:56:34.240 --> 05:56:50.638
So that's fine. 90. I would prefer to have set percentages for mental health and safety security because what I see happening is that there's a bigger deficit for safety and security. So why wouldn't the superintendent wanting to protect that do 9% for safety security,

1051
05:56:50.638 --> 05:57:07.040
1% for mental health? I can see that as something that's happening and in my mind we need to fund mental health as well. But to not talk through and be honest with our constituents and with employee

1052
05:57:07.040 --> 05:57:24.878
groups about what could happen if this changes is not right. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other discussion on the amendment? Dr. Holes on the amendment. >> Yes. Uh thank you, Madam Chair. So, um

1053
05:57:24.878 --> 05:57:40.638
on the amendment, I know that initially we started off in the prior referendum it was 75%. Uh the superintendent proposed 80, what member Hixon up to 90%. So um I believe

1054
05:57:40.638 --> 05:57:58.160
we're trying to seek the right balance and in doing so we're trying to give uh teachers instructional staff the maximum we can while maintaining a balance where we are um securing uh funding for safety

1055
05:57:58.160 --> 05:58:14.638
and mental health of our students. So Dr. Hepern I just want to understand this clearly and I know um that you've mentioned um 500 security positions 50 mental health and so on and so forth. Dr. Zeman spoke of it in terms of um

1056
05:58:14.638 --> 05:58:32.878
finding the dollars to fund these um should we move ahead with the 1090. So this is $28 million and board member Thompson spoke about you know we can't it just doesn't drop from the sky right. So explain to us the challenge. And by

1057
05:58:32.878 --> 05:58:48.958
the way, I want to say to to the audience and to the teachers that spoke. You know, I appreciate all the input and I was a teacher myself. My sister is still a current teacher for B County Public Schools. So I understand I wish I could give 100%. But at the same time, I

1058
05:58:48.958 --> 05:59:04.878
think we also have to make sure that we're acting in a responsible way to ensure that our kids are safe and that we're taking care of their mental health. So, Dr. Heburn, this we we are continually in a financial uh bind,

1059
05:59:04.878 --> 05:59:20.480
financial constraints. Uh we continue to lose students over the years. Um so, the $28 million, how challenging would this be to find $28 million in light of

1060
05:59:20.480 --> 05:59:37.040
continuing student decline that we are expected to to see? No, it's as I said before, it's it's it's hard. It's a challenge. Um especially, you know, we're not talking about losing thousand 2,000 students like most large urban

1061
05:59:37.040 --> 05:59:53.680
centers um are, you know, used to losing. Now we're losing, you know, 7 to 10,000 students a year, which is a a large amount of revenue that we do not receive. Um and so it is a challenge. So, as we get those numbers, we're not only just planning for right now trying

1062
05:59:53.680 --> 06:00:09.520
to fill our budget shortfall. But we're also planning for next year. How are we going to fill that budget shortfall because we have the projections. All right. So, and our uh as mentioned before, the largest expense for any school district is personnel expense.

1063
06:00:09.520 --> 06:00:24.240
That's why we have to make the hard decisions about downsizing personnel. We've made some hard decisions also about downsizing schools because we just our schools are are underenrolled and trying to consolidate to make sure you know the um the capacity usage is comparable to how much we're spending on

1064
06:00:24.240 --> 06:00:40.000
on operating in the school. So yes, it's a hard decision, very hard. >> Okay. So I know that you mentioned the 500 security positions are not armed security. Uh can you walk me through the importance of these unarmed security

1065
06:00:40.000 --> 06:00:56.480
personnel in our schools? um and you know the how important their role is in keeping our kids safe. >> Yep, they they are important. Um they play a critical role in uh an additional set of eyes as they're most of them are are called campus monitors or or

1066
06:00:56.480 --> 06:01:11.680
security monitors. Um being able to monitor the the interior, exterior of the campuses, the gates, uh being able to communicate with our principles and leadership teams just to alert them of any of any issues. being able to, especially for high schools, being able

1067
06:01:11.680 --> 06:01:27.360
to man our um weapons detection system um in the morning too and we also leverage them for afternoon and evening services for certain meetings. >> Okay. And would you say reduction in the number of the security uh unarmed

1068
06:01:27.360 --> 06:01:45.360
security personnel? Is that is that a possibility that we can look at or would that compromise the safety of our schools? So, we're looking at that right now um to really adjust staffing based on the needs of the school. Um but with this, this is will be an additional um

1069
06:01:45.360 --> 06:02:01.920
reduction. Um so, we're talking curtain wrong, Chief Gregory probably got about 1,200 um security monitors that include security specialists. So, this would roughly um cut that number in half. So we're we're talking about more for us

1070
06:02:01.920 --> 06:02:15.920
based on a specific criteria of probably about a reduction of about 15 to to 20% um based on certain criteria. So this would be almost 50% um think. >> Okay. And would that increase the risk

1071
06:02:15.920 --> 06:02:33.040
of our students in terms of um um you know situations that may occur that we don't have adequate staffing to ensure their safety. Um, I would say it's it's a huge adjustment for this system. Um, I come from systems that have less um um

1072
06:02:33.040 --> 06:02:49.440
security specialists and and u security monitors. That would be a huge shift for this district because we're so used to having a certain amount of security personnel on campus, unarmed security more specifically. Um, so you know, one of the one of the uh models I often uh use I haven't used in a while is that

1073
06:02:49.440 --> 06:03:06.320
we're all safety, right? Everybody's part of that. the the custodian, the teacher, the principal, everybody will have to um engage um in being actively on duty to help ensure that the campus is well

1074
06:03:06.320 --> 06:03:21.280
monitored and supervised. >> Understand? So, for the mental health portion where you you talk about 50 mental health positions, um is it 75 or is it 50? I hear 50. 50 at an average of 75,000 um for fringe

1075
06:03:21.280 --> 06:03:37.360
and um salary. >> Okay. So So Dr. Heburn, can you tell me what kind of mental health would be I believe you said $3 million um can you go over the mental health positions that would possibly be

1076
06:03:37.360 --> 06:03:54.480
impacted and that you would have to find additional funding of $3 million for? >> Yep. Um, so I know there's a list of various um, uh, mental health personnel that provide uh, different levels of service, direct or indirect. Um, so the team and I will have to go back and and

1077
06:03:54.480 --> 06:04:10.160
see what the impacts are and and make sure we prioritize, right? U prioritize um, um, budgeting some of that as well because that is important. We think one of the speakers talked about being more proactive and that's the case when it comes to mental health providers is helping us be more proactive and address

1078
06:04:10.160 --> 06:04:26.480
student concerns before they manifest into something larger. >> Okay. So, Dr. Ed, let me just ask a frank question because as a board member, you know, I have a responsibility to make sure that our school district is safe, that we have the appropriate mental health services,

1079
06:04:26.480 --> 06:04:42.480
and that teachers are properly paid. Right. and and and that is my responsibility to try to to make decisions uh that we achieve these things. So if the 9010 goes through today and I want you to be frank with the public and with me,

1080
06:04:42.480 --> 06:04:59.040
>> how does this what reaction do you have to this? What challenge does this create for you? Be quite frank with all of us because I I understand and I hear all the unions and I and I understand what the unions um uh are advocating and what they uh would like to see. Um, but I

1081
06:04:59.040 --> 06:05:15.840
also understand as a board member having uh the um position of making a decision that could be impactful. So I want to know for sure if this goes through what reaction do you have? What what

1082
06:05:15.840 --> 06:05:33.120
will it mean for you and your staff going forward and for this school district and our students? >> No, absolutely. Uh and I'm going to give you a frank answer, but I want to preface it with this. We've lost $350 million over a 10ear span. uh for the upcoming school year that that'll be probably up to $450 million. This is

1083
06:05:33.120 --> 06:05:47.680
because of decline of enrollment. That's our main source of revenue. We have to make hard decisions. 80% of our budget is personnel cost. Hence why we have to downsize because it hasn't happened. Um we can't continue to provide the same level of services 10 years ago when we

1084
06:05:47.680 --> 06:06:04.878
have almost 50,000 students less today. Point blank. uh with this when we take away um when we shift dollars to other places for other things something is going to suffer as a result there will be impacts to personnel. um how

1085
06:06:04.878 --> 06:06:20.320
impactful that is. I can't answer that question right now because we have to go in do a deep dive analysis as we budget for the upcoming school year with the expectations that we're losing additional students. But it's it it will I I I don't want to leave the board thinking that oh everybody's going to be

1086
06:06:20.320 --> 06:06:36.558
back uh for 2020 2728. It's going to impact personnel because that's the majority of our expenses when it comes it's it's 100% of our expenses for for referendum. So it's going to impact personnel. >> So I understand that and my concern is

1087
06:06:36.558 --> 06:06:56.798
um how will that then impact students and student learning outcome and safety and mental health? It will this trickle down to having significant impact on our students. >> Teachers are are impact our students directly. I would say the services that

1088
06:06:56.798 --> 06:07:12.240
you as you see them today for safety and security will look different um in 2728. Um we have great technology, right? We got a lot of um enhancements when it comes to safety and security. It's going to

1089
06:07:12.240 --> 06:07:28.080
look different and not so dependent on a lot of people um that we're used to having. So I'll leave it. So, so let me ask you another question. Um, because I am having a hard time uh in deciding the

1090
06:07:28.080 --> 06:07:46.240
direction as a board member to go. If if we started off at 75, you propose 80 at 80, if it goes to 85%, would you still have these concerns that you have? >> Great question. We have a live calculator. If I can get Beacon to pull

1091
06:07:46.240 --> 06:08:05.120
that up and you can actually plug those numbers in and make those adjustments and see how it impacts um these categories. >> Let's do it. >> Are we having technical difficulties over there? Okay, give us >> Yeah, you should give us like two

1092
06:08:05.120 --> 06:10:57.360
minutes to hold this. Miss Fusco, if you need to take a phone call, Please step outside. >> Recess. >> We're not on recess. We're waiting on staff. Mr. The Sullivan and Beacon team, do we need to recess or or are you guys um

1093
06:10:57.360 --> 06:11:23.760
okay back there? >> Mr. Rupert, um off topic for a second, I um I forgot to uh announce that it is um National Speech, Language, and Hearing Month. So, I want to appreciate it since we were saying that to uh all the other

1094
06:11:23.760 --> 06:11:40.638
groups. So, um we appreciate you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All righty. Um so, Dr. Hoes, you were proposing that 85%. You want to take a look at how that impacts it? >> Correct. I I would like to see the impact of 85 on the concerns of safety

1095
06:11:40.638 --> 06:12:04.718
that you've mentioned. What would you want the split to be for mental health and uh safety? >> So that's 85% compensation% >> and >> and right now we have it 7 and 1/2 and 7

1096
06:12:04.718 --> 06:12:22.080
and a half split. Um but you'll see the deficit with that is >> so health is in in the green meaning um there's a a surplus in the in the 70 and a half% for safety there's a deficit of if you can shrink that

1097
06:12:22.080 --> 06:12:44.000
>> 17.8 Okay. >> What? Um, >> Joe, can you do um Hold on just a sec. >> Are we at the 85? >> Can you do um 5% for safety? I mean 5%

1098
06:12:44.000 --> 06:13:07.760
for mental health and the and the rest for safety and see what that looks like. about 10. >> Okay. So, Dr. Heburn, based upon this um

1099
06:13:07.760 --> 06:13:23.840
how will how will this impact you moving forward? Does this create less of a challenge? >> Just a sec. Got to hold us. It does in the sense of dollar amounts because you're going from a deficit of 28 to a deficit of

1100
06:13:23.840 --> 06:13:42.638
>> uh 14. So you're cutting the deficit in half. >> Okay. So this would now be 14 million instead of 28 >> about. Yes. >> Okay. John, may I ask for one additional adjustment? >> Of course.

1101
06:13:42.638 --> 06:14:00.840
>> Okay. Can we move to 87% for teachers and see where that lands us? >> Uh we'll do safety then at um >> third. No uh seven. >> Yep. >> I mean eight. Sorry.

1102
06:14:01.680 --> 06:14:36.000
>> No, just leave it on. So deficit would be 20 million versus uh 28. Okay. So um Dr. Heburn, if we have 8515 or 8713, will either one of those

1103
06:14:36.000 --> 06:14:53.520
um be able to would we be able to um proceed with either one of those for you to find 14 million or 20 million in the budget? >> Um you know, we to be honest with you, uh 87% uh we have a year before 2728.

1104
06:14:53.520 --> 06:15:10.878
Um, so we would just have to work hard at um identifying cost savings um adjusting personnel um as we have to anyway um for the during the next school during the next school year. So I'm comfortable with 87%.

1105
06:15:10.878 --> 06:15:26.958
>> Okay. So, I'm going to um look at how this um particular motion plays out, but I am supportive of 8713. Uh only because and and this is not to um have anything against our teachers

1106
06:15:26.958 --> 06:15:43.040
proposal. Uh this is for me as a board member to try to make the most responsible decision. That way we are we are taking care of this district in terms of students safety and mental health as well as maximizing uh as much dollars as we can to go

1107
06:15:43.040 --> 06:15:59.280
toward teachers and like I said I understand the teachers plight. My sister is a teacher in Bal County schools. I fully understand it but at the same time I think we have to make a decision that we create a balance where we are maintaining equilibrium in terms

1108
06:15:59.280 --> 06:16:14.958
of students safety, students mental well-being as well as maximizing the amount of funds we can pay towards teachers. So I would be comfortable with the 8713 moving forward and the superintendent indicates that he will try to work with

1109
06:16:14.958 --> 06:16:31.600
that. I I I think the 9010 um just add more uh concerns for me and and so I um I will see how this plays out, but I'll support 8713. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Miss Hixon, on the amendment.

1110
06:16:31.600 --> 06:16:47.120
>> Thank you. Yeah, just in in terms of the conversation about safety and first I want to say happy teacher appreciation week. I forgot to say that the first time. Um I I just want to be clear that safety is very important and those

1111
06:16:47.120 --> 06:17:03.360
position of safety monitors mean more to me than anyone will ever know. On February 14th of 2018, two security monitors lost their life trying to save students. So if we try to minimize what the role of they of them are, I want you to know that that is not what I'm doing

1112
06:17:03.360 --> 06:17:20.400
up here today. It is important. I will have that conversation in the next motion because I do think it needs to be baked into the budget and not a temporary position because I know the value of that. So, I just wanted to be clear on that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else on the motion and

1113
06:17:20.400 --> 06:17:37.360
the amendment? >> All in favor of Miss Hixon's amendment say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. >> No. >> Roll call, please. >> I I'm I'm sorry. Can you repeat it because we've we've talked quite a bit. So the motion is I move to the the

1114
06:17:37.360 --> 06:17:54.080
amendment to the motion is I move to adopt scenario C with allocation for salaries no less than 90% and up to 10% to be divided between safety and mental health and that the board is

1115
06:17:54.080 --> 06:18:11.600
fully apprised of the negotiations of the 90% allocation during the union negotiations. Welcome. >> So, so the actual through the chair, so the actual amendment are the words no less than 90% and then and up to 10% to be divided

1116
06:18:11.600 --> 06:18:28.718
between safety and mental health. That's the amendment. The original language was allocations for salaries to 90% 5% safety and 5% mental health. So now the amendment says up to 90% and

1117
06:18:28.718 --> 06:18:46.638
then Okay. Roll call. >> Roll call, please. >> Yes, ma'am. School board members. Ahv, >> no. >> Bowman, >> no. >> Sea, >> Hixon, >> yes. >> Honest, >> no. >> Leonardi,

1118
06:18:46.638 --> 06:19:03.360
>> yes. >> Rupert, >> yes. >> Thompson, >> Zean, >> yes. >> Passes 54. So, we're now back to Miss Rupert's

1119
06:19:03.360 --> 06:19:25.920
motion um as amended. Mrs. Alhadaf, >> what is her what is the motion? >> What we just read? So, as amended, I move to adopt scenario C with the allocation for salaries no less than 90% with 10% to be divided between safety

1120
06:19:25.920 --> 06:19:43.120
and mental health. And the board is fully apprised of the negotiation negotiations of the 98% allocation during the union negotiations. >> Just voted on that that we voted on the amendment. >> We're now on Miss Rupert's motion

1121
06:19:43.120 --> 06:19:57.600
>> with the amendment >> as amended. >> Ah, okay. Could uh Dr. He gives some examples of things that we are currently doing now in security that we will not

1122
06:19:57.600 --> 06:20:13.600
be doing because of uh if we lose the funding for safety and security. >> Yeah. So um the referendum is totally supporting personnel. So it's actual people. Um and so what you would see differently is u different staffing

1123
06:20:13.600 --> 06:20:32.160
allocation for unarmed security at schools. We currently we spend about $98 mill million total. Um $20 million from state allocated funds for security. Um 60 million I'm sorry um

1124
06:20:32.160 --> 06:20:48.558
20 million from state allocation. Uh 39 million from referendum and uh 39 million from general fund. >> Right. But I mean like specific examples like for example we have a blue shirt at the gate. Now the gate's going to be locked and there'll be a sign that says

1125
06:20:48.558 --> 06:21:02.718
to call the >> You may see some You may see some of that at some especially our smaller elementary schools. >> Yes, you may see some of that. So you will see some changes in protocol. Um >> will we have to do away with our wanding

1126
06:21:02.718 --> 06:21:19.200
program especially at high schools with sports? >> No. Um no th those will still continue. It's just uh we we'll have to make staffing adjustments, but the the key things that um we've prioritized such as u weapons detection systems, wanding,

1127
06:21:19.200 --> 06:21:34.878
those type of essential things will continue. >> Will our ratio of number of mental health counselors to students now be a a higher ratio? So, we're going to prioritize that um team go back to the drawing board and um as we plan out for

1128
06:21:34.878 --> 06:21:50.080
the 2728 school year, we're making sure that we're prioritizing mental health services. >> You didn't answer the question. >> Yes. >> Well, >> will the ratio be increased so there'll be less mental health counselors available per student?

1129
06:21:50.080 --> 06:22:07.120
>> Uh my objective is I'm going to say no. that my objective is to make sure we maintain. So, let me preface this with the answer with the answer. We're continuing to decline in enrollment. So, the ratio, we have less students. So, the ratio technically should stay the

1130
06:22:07.120 --> 06:22:24.718
same even when we actually um downsize staffing >> because we have less students. If that answers their questions. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> On the motion, Dr. Azan. >> Thank you so much, Chair. Um, I just want to get practical about this. Um,

1131
06:22:24.718 --> 06:22:40.000
this item, uh, this this motion, uh, says we have to spend at least 90% of the $300 million we're going to get per year on salaries. It doesn't distinguish, uh, which people would get how much. All that would be

1132
06:22:40.000 --> 06:22:55.840
negotiated. Um, but it gives us a lot of of latitude to, I think, do what's going to help us pass the the the referendum. People like the fact that we're spending a lot of the money this in this particular motion 90% of it uh toward

1133
06:22:55.840 --> 06:23:12.878
that it's up 10% Dr. Heepern from what you have said uh that we're spending right now uh out of the supplement but the supplement is also a lot more money so Mr. Dr. Heburn, how much money will we collect in 2627 versus 2728 in the

1134
06:23:12.878 --> 06:23:28.718
referendum? >> We'll collect 42 million more. >> That's a little different than the number I have. Are you sure >> for correct me if I'm wrong, Miss Johnson? Um the difference between you said 2526 to 2627

1135
06:23:28.718 --> 06:23:44.718
>> between what we're collecting right now 2526 versus 2728. So two years from now we're going to when we collect the new re we're in 2526. So in 2728 what's the difference between those two numbers of what we get in revenue to brower county schools. >> M Johnson you have that number. I have

1136
06:23:44.718 --> 06:24:03.840
the the number for 2627 to 2728. And the reason I'm asking is right now we continue to pay off the settlement with charter schools. That goes away at the end of next year and uh property values are going up considerably and so there is there's a big steep and I just want the board to think about this

1137
06:24:03.840 --> 06:24:21.680
because we're talking about dollars not positions. So how much more money are we collecting from the referendum uh from 2526 to 2728? 52 million is what I have >> for BCPS year.

1138
06:24:21.680 --> 06:24:37.840
>> Are are you talking about the current referendum versus the new referendum or year one and year two of the new referendum? >> 252 26 referendum revenue versus >> referendum. It's a very important question because the board needs to know how much extra money we're collecting too. Not just not just that you know. So

1139
06:24:37.840 --> 06:24:54.080
for BCPS share once you back out was what shared with charter schools and the tax collector for the 27 28 years 282 million. >> Yep. What is it this year though >> for 2526 is 231 million.

1140
06:24:54.080 --> 06:25:08.558
>> Okay. So 51 million more. >> Yep. >> So that's a big number. >> Yeah. >> Guess how much uh other things that we have for adjustments. We're in the middle of of uh doing uh other things that might be significant cost reductions, some of them on the tune of

1141
06:25:08.558 --> 06:25:25.120
another $50 million. Right? In fact, we have two things that we're discussing uh outside of this meeting that uh equal a lot of money. The money is what matters, not the positions. This is not a cut to mental health. It is not a cut to safety and security. Partly because we're

1142
06:25:25.120 --> 06:25:42.080
collecting another $50 million starting in 2728. So that's a lot more than the 28, right? It actually gives us more than the 30 million that I proposed with the 100% of the money going to school bells to educators because we're getting $50 million of additional revenue in

1143
06:25:42.080 --> 06:25:58.320
2728. So the money really matters because with money you can buy positions all day long. So I think that that's important to consider. Here's this the issue I have. If I knock on a door next week, I can't do that next week. We're not done yet. Referendum is coming out. I'm walking around the summer. I'm

1144
06:25:58.320 --> 06:26:13.840
knocking on doors and I say, "Look, uh, neighbor, I'm from the school board, so I can't tell you how to vote, but I can tell you what the impact of this referendum is going to be. Under this proposal, we say we're going to spend 90% on salaries and 10% on mental health and safety and security."

1145
06:26:13.840 --> 06:26:31.600
Under a different one, we say if you take this money and spend it uh on school-based educators, the average educator is going to get $18,000 in your school. That's the difference between the all y'all denominator, which is what we're

1146
06:26:31.600 --> 06:26:46.718
thinking about right now, and a school-based educator plan for that same 90%. We could also say under the 90%, everyone that's getting the referendum now is going to continue to get the amount of money that they get right now. Nobody is going to be harmed under the

1147
06:26:46.718 --> 06:27:03.600
plan. And we could still give $18,000 per school-based educator. >> Okay. >> We're not saying that we're not going to do that in this proposal. Am I right, Dr. Heern, if if we pass this motion, could we still do what I said through negotiations uh to school-based educators?

1148
06:27:03.600 --> 06:27:20.000
>> All things are possible through negotiation. >> So, it does give us a lot of latitude. The messaging is different though. Instead of saying we can give your local educators an $18,000 bonus on average, we get to go out and say district salaries will go up with 90% of this money. So, if you think that's a

1149
06:27:20.000 --> 06:27:35.760
different message, think about whether we want to like be very specific about the denominator. Uh, I prefer the specific message. I love telling them in your school, Dr. Holes, in your neighborhood, $18,000 per student, and nobody's being harmed. Everyone's going to get the same amount of money other

1150
06:27:35.760 --> 06:27:51.200
than school-based educators than they got before. So, no one's getting less. But we can then take the balance of that money and give the average school-based educator $18,000. I just think that that sells better. Um, it doesn't preclude us from doing that uh with this motion, but

1151
06:27:51.200 --> 06:28:05.760
it would be then something we have to negotiate and set uh uh limits on how much of these funds go to school-based staff versus how much go to uh the rest of the staff. And right now, by the way, just so you know, that's half and half. We have 12,200 employees that'll be school-based

1152
06:28:05.760 --> 06:28:22.320
educators in 2728 and 12,200 non-school-based educators. So, uh, that's that's how, uh, our staff is split, uh, if we keep the ratios, uh, the way they are now. So, I'm okay with this motion because we're going from 80% to 90 on on what matters the most, which

1153
06:28:22.320 --> 06:28:38.240
is, you know, salaries. But now we're kicking the can to negotiating with unions and having to figure out if they'll agree with us on school-based educators. I would prefer for the policy to be school-based educators. So, we're actually spending money where we make money because people want to spend money

1154
06:28:38.240 --> 06:28:59.920
on their school, not on their district. >> Thank you, Miss Bulman. >> Thanks, chair. I' I'd just like a little clarification on what we're doing right now. Um, so the original motion that Miss Roupert had had at 90% 5% and 5%

1155
06:28:59.920 --> 06:29:16.400
split. Miss Hixon um has split it to 9010 with no specific allocation between the two. How are we deciding what that allocation will be?

1156
06:29:16.400 --> 06:29:31.840
Because that that was the confusion that I had in the last vote that I when would that happen and who decides that if we're not deciding that here? >> The board will decide that um in time because we have a whole year. Um so the probably within the middle of the year,

1157
06:29:31.840 --> 06:29:47.200
we'll be able to bring something to the board u lots of data um about uh the impact and u how it would look monetarily of how we support safety, security, and how we support um mental health and what the referendum dollars would support.

1158
06:29:47.200 --> 06:30:04.400
>> So, and I and I'm appreciate Dr. Zeman's um sales pitches and spinning those around. Uh I but that kind of brings up a point on the wording of this motion right now because it just says for salaries but 100% of the referendum

1159
06:30:04.400 --> 06:30:22.558
money goes to salaries. >> Repeat that Miss B. I'm sorry. >> The other five like the safety and the mental health that doesn't go to salaries. >> No, that doesn't go to that. >> So 90% goes to salaries. any salary because it's it's very vague right now

1160
06:30:22.558 --> 06:30:39.040
the way that it's written. So I'm just wondering why >> 90% goes to supplemental compensation. >> Okay. >> Um so but as far as um the safety and security um and mental health that actually uh allows us to supplement

1161
06:30:39.040 --> 06:30:56.400
services by hiring additional personnel. So, for instance, we have um we pay for um um SRO's, right? About $24 million contract. We have uh all the security monitors and specialists that you see on campuses when you visit schools. Um with

1162
06:30:56.400 --> 06:31:12.638
the state allocation in the general budget, we wouldn't be able to provide the the unarmed security that you see at school and the abundance that you see. So, >> right. So the so the question is is this specific enough if 90% is going to salaries 5% to safety and 5 or you know

1163
06:31:12.638 --> 06:31:28.878
we're not breaking it up but do we need to make it more specific about whose salary is going to >> uh I would say allow us to go and do research work with our budget um you know what I'm saying >> and come back to the board in a workshop >> because this is school I think what we

1164
06:31:28.878 --> 06:31:46.240
want it to be is the schoolbased employee salaries >> for the 90% for the 90%. Well, it doesn't say that in this motion. So, I just want to make sure that that's abundantly clear if we passing this. >> I would lean to the GC on that one. I don't know if that's uh negotiation um

1165
06:31:46.240 --> 06:32:02.558
as far as being specific if it's schoolbased, if it's schoolbased and frontline workers. Um >> so, based on the discussion, and I'll have to pull up the actual language from the referendum, but I do believe it's going to be teachers and school-based employees.

1166
06:32:02.558 --> 06:32:20.400
Well, let me pull up the let me pull up the language. >> Are you done, Miss Bullman? >> Yeah. I mean, pending the pending the answer because I just I don't want us to get into a position where all of a sudden we've opened Pandora's box and we didn't do our job here today, which was

1167
06:32:20.400 --> 06:32:36.400
to make sure that we're paying the right people. >> Miss, >> thank you. I I get what Miss Mrs. Bowman is saying. So it says, I move to adopt scenario C with allocation for salaries

1168
06:32:36.400 --> 06:32:52.638
and the the new amendment says no less than 90%. That probably should say with allocation for additional compensation, not salaries because it says salaries which indicates we're paying for people's salary.

1169
06:32:52.638 --> 06:33:06.000
>> So um Miss Bowman, did you want to make an amendment? >> Yes. Thank you, Miss Hickid, for your word. Um, can I amend that? >> Yes. Thanks, Mr. P. Um, so I would move

1170
06:33:06.000 --> 06:33:23.360
to amend the motion to um say I move to adopt scenario C with allocation for what was it? >> Additional compensation. Additional compensation to 90%.

1171
06:33:23.360 --> 06:33:59.600
>> No less than 90%. >> No less than 90%. Yes. Sorry. >> Second. Motion made by Miss Bulman. and seconded by me. Public comment on the amendment. No public comment on the amendment. >> I said public comment. Yes. If you would like to deliver public

1172
06:33:59.600 --> 06:34:19.200
comment on the amendment, please approach the mic. >> My name is My name is Dr. Trudy Jamanovich. And I'm confused, but I think what you're saying is that um you want to take the word salary out

1173
06:34:19.200 --> 06:34:37.840
because it implies that it might be somebody's whole salary and and instead you're putting supplement. Is that the word you're using? >> Additional compensation. >> Additional compensation. Okay. So, uh that to me is clearer than before. So, I

1174
06:34:37.840 --> 06:34:58.320
agree with it. Thank you. >> Hi, Lisa Jüken, Federation of Public Employees. I agree with the amendment. Uh, obviously support it. My only question is, uh, even if it is a question, maybe it's a statement. Uh, no more no less than 90%.

1175
06:34:58.320 --> 06:35:19.600
I don't want it to be any more than 90% either. Why wouldn't it just be 90%? Board member discussion. >> Well, here you go. Wait, no. I get a minute. Anna Fusco teachers union. Here we go. Starting to pit the groups

1176
06:35:19.600 --> 06:35:37.440
against each other. I mean, first of all, I think you need to explain to the community if we're sitting here confused and frustrated that this is what's happening. Imagine what the community is feeling cuz we're Facebook liveing you. When I get out of here, whatever is

1177
06:35:37.440 --> 06:35:53.200
done, I don't know what I'm going to Facebook live and get out to the community. So, I needed clear what's happening because there was a motion on the floor. There was a second, it was voted on 54. So, clarify what's that happened there. What's happening now? And none of the referendum dollars

1178
06:35:53.200 --> 06:36:09.120
should be used for paying someone getting hired salary. That's deceitful. people have continuing contracts. If the referendum dollars don't happen, what's happening then? That's why I keep saying get the budget set to where it

1179
06:36:09.120 --> 06:36:30.718
has to come out of the budget. And all the referendum dollars is to supplement. That's what the first referendum was. The second was it was misused because of Jud. >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. Admittedly, I went and grabbed

1180
06:36:30.718 --> 06:36:46.160
coffee and when I came back, it sounded like you were redoing the um Mrs. Rupert's motion. So, color me also confused. I do get that you want to say I would prefer the word supplements because I think that's the word that was used last time. Although additional

1181
06:36:46.160 --> 06:37:02.320
compensation that to me is a little vague, too, but it's definitely better. Both of them are better than salaries because that's what you want to limit it to. Um but and to Anna's point, if we're confused in here and we're the ones that people ask questions of before they vote

1182
06:37:02.320 --> 06:37:17.840
for something, um then you're going to have a problem. Which is why I Yeah. Um this should have been a workshop. Th this discussion should have been a workshop and you're demonstrating why it should have been a workshop. Just like

1183
06:37:17.840 --> 06:37:33.878
thankfully the ORC chart will be a workshop. But if if this takes much longer, I'm going to start slashing things out of the positions that are being funded by the referendum because that safety technology group is a question mark. >> Next speaker.

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06:37:37.600 --> 06:37:54.638
>> All right. Board member discussion on the amendment. M attorney Bruno. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. So, first um with regards to the language of the ballot, the question is this. This is what will be before the voters. To enhance school safety and mental health

1185
06:37:54.638 --> 06:38:11.600
services, recruit and retain highly qualified teachers and essential employees, improve student achievement, and support critical school operation. Shall the school board of Broward County continue to levy a one mill advalorum

1186
06:38:11.600 --> 06:38:27.440
property tax from January 1, 2027 through December 31st, 2030 to fund school safety personnel, mental health services, increase compensation for teachers, and

1187
06:38:27.440 --> 06:38:50.160
schoolbased and support staff for public and charter schools. That is the ballot question. I don't I don't know, Mr. Superintendent, if we can you want to put that on the screen. Did >> the ballot >> the ballot question. >> Um,

1188
06:38:50.160 --> 06:39:06.160
>> and then while you do that, let me just explain from a parliamentary procedure where we are and what is pending. So the original motion by Miss Rupert was amended by Miss Hixon.

1189
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The board then voted on that amendment and the amendment was to replace 90% 5% safety and 5% mental health in the original motion to no less than 90% and

1190
06:39:22.558 --> 06:39:40.400
up to 10% to be divided between safety and mental health. The board then voted just on that language which is what is required just on that change in the language and that vote pass 54. So the current motion that is on the floor, I

1191
06:39:40.400 --> 06:39:55.920
move to adopt scenario C with allocation for salaries no less than 90% and up to 10% to be divided between safety and mental health and that the board is fully apprised of the negotiations of

1192
06:39:55.920 --> 06:40:12.558
the 90% allocation during the union negotiations. Thereafter, Miss Bowman made a an amendment to that motion to remove the word salaries and replace it with additional compensation. So, right now,

1193
06:40:12.558 --> 06:40:27.360
where the board is is to vote on that amendment replacing salary with additional compensation. >> Thank you, Dr. Zean. I'm just curious, chair, would that allow us to um continue the current practice of paying

1194
06:40:27.360 --> 06:40:44.400
for physicians should that be something that the board wants to do in the future? Is is additional compensation a term that's consistent with actually paying for positions or just paying for supplements to existing positions? >> I don't know if that's a question for

1195
06:40:44.400 --> 06:41:01.360
Miss Attorney Bruno Duprio or Dr. Hepper. Dr. Hepper. All right, you're going to have to ask that again. Dr. Zema lost your loss here in the >> So, Miss Bulman has proposed instead of salaries, we use the term additional compensation. >> Additional compensation to me assume

1196
06:41:01.360 --> 06:41:17.280
sounds to me as and I don't want to fool the public here, but I think to the public too would it sound like we have positions and these are supplements. They're additional compensation, not core salaries, right? But this is so the positions right now that we're funding which are hundreds of positions we're

1197
06:41:17.280 --> 06:41:31.760
funding with the current supplement. could no longer do that practice under what I believe this language to imply which is additional compensation would be to people who are already being paid and and in some sense it would obiate the need for the next motion because

1198
06:41:31.760 --> 06:41:48.400
instead of saying move people onto the general fund you could only give additional compensation to people that are on you know uh I mean you could do it if you have a philanthropic donor or you have federal funds or you have state funds or local funds that and it's funded this could be the additional compensation

1199
06:41:48.400 --> 06:42:02.478
So, I'm I'm thinking that this this change is actually more than more than just a word change. This means that we wouldn't be able to apply referendum funds to fund a whole position only to fund additional

1200
06:42:02.478 --> 06:42:18.160
compensation as in a supplement. And that violates the ballot language, I think, Miss Dewei Bruno, because you just read a language that said um we could fund school safety personnel. I think that conflicts with additional compensation

1201
06:42:18.160 --> 06:42:34.958
>> and increased compensation for teachers. Go ahead, uh, Dr. Lozano. >> The additional compensation is for the 90%, not the 10% for mental health and safety. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Uh, Dr. Lozano, I just want to make sure we know

1202
06:42:34.958 --> 06:42:51.120
what we're voting on because that means that 90% of the funds could not fund a position. Only the 10% could fund position. So we're now at 30 million >> rather than 300 million. >> Now that's a restriction on the school board. If you guys vote for this, you're

1203
06:42:51.120 --> 06:43:08.400
restricting us from making decisions about 270 million that down the road we may want to fund positions with. So just recognize we're taking an authority away from ourselves if we vote for this new language. There's potentially other language we could use that would not restrict us, but for 270 million with

1204
06:43:08.400 --> 06:43:24.958
the proposed language in the in the amendment, we could not fund a position. We can only fund positions in safety and mental health with the 30 million. >> Kurt, if I'm wrong, that that is that's how the current language is. Correct. >> Correct. We don't fund positions out of

1205
06:43:24.958 --> 06:43:38.878
the compensation. >> I'm with you. But um if if if there wasn't the word additional, if it was just compensation, we'd have the flexibility from 27 to 31 to extend those funds in an extremist situation. And I think there's a good chance we end

1206
06:43:38.878 --> 06:43:56.320
up in extremist. Uh 27 to 31, we could use that referendum money to actually fund positions that we think are essential. >> I get what you're saying. >> And Mr. DePe Bruno, could you put the language back up? Because when we say essential staff, is that bonuses to essential staff or is that essential staff physicians beyond mental health

1207
06:43:56.320 --> 06:44:20.400
and safety and security? We say essential employees. So, we're going to recruit um and retain highly qualified teachers and essential employees. Does that language imply that we're hiring positions outside of mental

1208
06:44:20.400 --> 06:44:39.840
health or could uh hire positions outside mental health and safety? >> Increase. Okay. So, let me to fund school safety personnel, mental health services, increase compensation for teachers and schoolbased and support staff for public and charter schools.

1209
06:44:39.840 --> 06:44:56.000
So, Dr. Zean, the question is again, please >> um does the first two lines, you know, when it ends with essential employees, does that uh ballot language suggest that we could hire essential employees whole positions or just augment their

1210
06:44:56.000 --> 06:45:12.240
salaries? >> Because of the fact that it says recruit and retain highly qualified teachers and essential employees, I think it gives some latitude to the board. uh the board is not um so long as it's some type of

1211
06:45:12.240 --> 06:45:27.360
increase in compensation, be it a supplement or be it an actual salary, I think it gives you some latitude. >> Terrific. And so to the maker of the motion, if you drop the word additional, we'd still have all the latitude that is in that ballot language. And again, I'm I'm not sure that this board would ever

1212
06:45:27.360 --> 06:45:44.478
vote to do that. But um if you say additional compensation, you are tying the hands on the 270 million to only be supplements to existing positions. So, >> thank you, Miss Bulman. >> Thank you, chair. Sorry. So, if we drop additional and we just use compensation

1213
06:45:44.478 --> 06:46:00.160
instead of salaries, do you think that gets the job done? >> You could you could do that or you could make it even broader for yourselves and say salaries or compensation? >> Salaries or >> or salaries or supplements? >> Supplements. That way, it gives you the

1214
06:46:00.160 --> 06:46:22.638
most flexibility. Um >> well actually general counsel has it because I only added I >> So Miss Bulman all she did was changed from salaries to additional compensation. That's all the amendments. >> We're dropping additional we're just

1215
06:46:22.638 --> 06:46:38.160
dropping a compensation. But >> so to be clear now >> I'm confused about this though in general and what the spirit of the of what we're trying to do here is today if we're

1216
06:46:38.160 --> 06:46:54.400
>> if the five if the 10% for mental health and safety is are we funding salaries with that? >> Yes. >> Okay. That was not clear when I asked the question the first time. Is the purpose of the 90% to provide supplements or are we also going to

1217
06:46:54.400 --> 06:47:13.040
fully hire and look to hire teachers and other positions out of the other 90%. >> I mean what >> supplements? >> Yeah, it's been the other 10%. >> Yeah. No, the other n the full 90%

1218
06:47:13.040 --> 06:47:28.240
are that that's traditionally been supplements to Right. So we wouldn't be doing anything that we haven't been doing already except decreasing the mental health and safety which we've already done and um

1219
06:47:28.240 --> 06:47:46.878
and we can fund salaries out of that. So I I think additional supplements or additional compensation is >> So what how do you want your amendment to read? You want to replace salaries with compensation? >> Just compensation.

1220
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>> Yeah. >> Miss Hixon. >> No, I'm good. >> Miss Dri Bruno, >> we'll treat that as a substitute mo motion because we have a motion on the floor. So, you just want to replace um salaries with just compensation in general.

1221
06:48:03.440 --> 06:48:19.760
>> Do you think that that protects us properly or do you think that it should say it should be additional? It could be addition. It could be supplements. What what gets us legally to the best outcome so that we're protecting the intent of this exercise?

1222
06:48:19.760 --> 06:48:36.240
>> So through the chair um Dr. Hepper, I don't know if you want to ask Dr. Lozano this question, but pursuant to the CBA, compensation would be inclusive of salary and supplements. Just want to make sure no definition for CBA. >> If you put that in the language, we

1223
06:48:36.240 --> 06:48:52.718
would have to negotiate that. No, my my question is if we use the word compensation pursuant to the CBA, I just want to make sure, will that be all-encompassing of any type of payment that's going to an employee? Be it a salary, be it a supplement. That's my question.

1224
06:48:52.718 --> 06:49:11.920
>> I would say yes, because you compensate a base salary or a supplement. >> Thank you. >> So, is this a So, let me be clear. Uh, Mr. pre- Bruno Miss Bulman has an a had an amendment on the floor to change

1225
06:49:11.920 --> 06:49:27.920
salaries to additional compensation. Now you're saying it's going to be a substitute motion instead of an amendment. Refresh my recollection. Was there a second on her amendment motion? Yes. Okay. So, at this point um we could do a substitute motion for the um salaries to compensation or we can do

1226
06:49:27.920 --> 06:49:43.760
the formal process where the board decides to withdraw the amendment. But I suggest we do it the simpler way and Miss Bowman just substitute salary for compensation if unless there's an objection from the board. >> Okay. >> I would like to substitute

1227
06:49:43.760 --> 06:50:05.120
compensation for salary. >> Do we need to take public comment on that? >> Public comment on the substitute motion. >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. We're now demonstrating why you do not do not do ballot language first

1228
06:50:05.120 --> 06:50:22.000
and then decide who you're giving it to. I don't like coming here and telling you I told you so, but I did try to get you to stop from doing No, I don't actually, but this is like ridiculous. So, anyway, also the wording is recruit and retain,

1229
06:50:22.000 --> 06:50:38.000
not pay them. So when you recruit, you might recruit them because they're like, "Hey, we're getting a supplement for x however many dollars and that would also keep them, but it does not mean that we're suddenly going to see teachers getting their salaries paid by the

1230
06:50:38.000 --> 06:50:54.878
referendum. So don't try going down that road because that's what they're all objecting to is putting people that should have permanent positions on a referendum. But again, sta minimum standard for when you do this type of thing. Decide who you're giving it to

1231
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and then write the ballot language. And it comes with the org chart. Natalie, I I strongly object to this because I believe that the way I would see it when I hear about how you're going to to implement this is the board

1232
06:51:21.920 --> 06:51:36.558
has the choice. We can change our mind. We're not just giving a supplement. We're going to compensate the teacher for her salary. So, I I would not go down that road because I think that the

1233
06:51:36.558 --> 06:52:02.638
public will be even more confused. >> Zyra uh climbs lunches Deerfield Beach. Um I just want to know if you guys want the referendum to pass. That's all I want to know because if you guys wanted to pass just the conversation here and it's nothing

1234
06:52:02.638 --> 06:52:18.478
personal really. It isn't. It It's just shady shady shady sounding all the time. And I'm just saying it as somebody who's been watching board meetings since like I don't I don't even know what year whenever they started. Um, and I know it

1235
06:52:18.478 --> 06:52:37.558
seems annoying to you to hear it, but it's we we have to have the rep referendum passed. It has to pass. Like, that's where we are. And the way you're going about it, it's not going to happen. Okay. Thanks.

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>> Please do not support uh this amendment. >> Please state your name for the record. >> Lisa Maxwell. I'm hoping that you do not support this amendment. We just discovered that 360 employees are rioting on this referendum. Their

1237
06:52:56.798 --> 06:53:14.558
salaries are rioting on the referendum. That's a temporary salary over four years, making this now an open possibility for any employee in the district to be moved over and paid for out of a temporary fund is not a good

1238
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idea. So, if that's if maybe I misunderstood, but but that's what it sounds like to me. Compensation opens it up for salaries for other employees. So, if that's not what's intended, please clarify that for the record. Thank you.

1239
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>> Thank you. Next speaker. >> Hello, Lisa Jüken. Federation of Public Employees. Ah, they came after us. Now they're coming after you. >> Okay. All right. I'll tell I'll tell you

1240
06:53:46.240 --> 06:54:03.280
once again, I would not want to accept a job that was based upon a referendum. Nope. >> That is a temporary job. That is temporary employment. And I understand about the finances. Put other people out

1241
06:54:03.280 --> 06:54:19.520
there. Sell stuff. That's whatever. That's a shell game. But the point is, do these people get hired knowing this? Nope. that they're on temporary positions. Is that fair? Is that transparent that these people and security personnel who

1242
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were hired under this? I know the managers were originally hired under a grant. But now my taxpayers paying for this. My dollars are paying for this and it's a lie. People are being lied to. Employees deserve better than that. Our security people deserve better than

1243
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that. >> Next speaker. >> So real fast, Anna Fusco. Listen, I understand where you guys are coming from and again, it's we cannot keep listening and I can't accept and I hope you don't accept it that you cannot

1244
06:54:52.080 --> 06:55:09.440
hire people saying you're on a temporary salary. That's not what Brower County Public School is. I do not care. The community does not care about your financial problem. what they want to hear. Clear as a bell. What's your plan

1245
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to bring kids back? What's your plan to get out of the problem? Stop talking in circles and we cannot please do not agree that we're going to be giving salaries on the referendum that I just learned about. By the way, I had no idea

1246
06:55:26.320 --> 06:55:41.200
this is what you guys were doing. both referendum ballot language clearly was intended to give to the word supplement salaries, not pay people salaries and then you're out of a job if it's gone.

1247
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>> Okay, board member Bulman. >> Thank you, Vice Chair. Um the purpose of my amendment is to close any loophole that's would allow that to happen where you're being paid on the referendum and not being paid the salary properly. So

1248
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that is the purpose to take the the word that was originally introduced with salaries and to change it to compensation so that we're not funding the salaries so that we don't have the issues that we've had in the past where the language was open to greater

1249
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interpretation and then we've had some problems. So I am trying to close the loophole, not create a bigger problem and to get ahead of any confusion that we might have in the future. The process here with the with nine people requires

1250
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us to talk about it and with the public and everyone else. So, there's going to be a conversation about it and it's not meant to be confusing or that we don't know what we're doing, but everybody's coming with a different perspective and we're talking it out so that we can get the best um outcome and make sure that

1251
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our employees are protected and we don't have the problems that we've had in the past. So, that is the purpose of this of me changing the word. >> General Counsel, >> thank you. I just want to make sure there's a couple things clear for the record. Uh, number one, the ballot question language did not change by this

1252
06:57:03.200 --> 06:57:19.440
discussion. The ballot question language still says that the referendum is to fund school safety personnel, mental health services, increase compensation for teachers, and schoolbased and support staff. That is what the language

1253
06:57:19.440 --> 06:57:33.920
says. That is what the funds must be used for. So the change that was made by Miss Bulman was to change the word salaries to a broader term which is compensation pursuant to article 19 of

1254
06:57:33.920 --> 06:57:50.558
the BTU/EP CBA includes supplements and stipens. So it's actually she included supplements and stipens by her amendment. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you, General Counsel. Um, board member Rupert and

1255
06:57:50.558 --> 06:58:06.638
then board member Bulman. >> No, I'm ready. I'm ready to vote. I'm good. >> Okay. Board member Bulman, >> I I just um wanted to ask our HR um do you think that compensation is adequate for this or do you think

1256
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additional compensation is needed to be abundantly clear? >> Go ahead, Dr. Lozano. So again, if you use the word additional, it's on top of an employees base salary because it's an additional supplement or payment above

1257
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their base salary. If you just use the word compensation, that's broad and can be interpreted to include a base salary or other any type of compensation. So I'm going to take away my whatever the last thing was that we did

1258
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the substitute and go with the original amendment that additional compensation. >> So it's abundantly clear that this is the purpose of the exercise supplements and additional compensation over base salary. That is the purpose of this exercise for everyone that's receiving it. Thank you.

1259
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>> Okay. So any further board discussion on the original Okay. Those in favor of u board member Bulman's um amended amend amended motion, please say I. >> Chair chair, >> have her repeat what she's asking this

1260
06:59:11.680 --> 06:59:28.478
board to vote on. Please for the benefit of the board and the public. >> Okay. I believe she had restated that, but go ahead. Board member Bulman. >> I'm going to ask uh our general counsel because she has it all written down with the with Miss Hixon's original amendment. >> And then for the record, just make sure it's clean. Uh, Miss Bowman did

1261
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substitute again. It went back to the original, which is additional compensation. I'm sure there's no objection by the board for that. So, she's changing the word salaries, changing that to additional compensation. >> Okay. So, those in favor of board member

1262
06:59:44.878 --> 07:00:03.280
Bulman's um amended motion say I. >> Those opposed say nay. Okay. The eyes have it. And do we general counsel go back to um the item? So now we go back to the motion as amend as amended. The motion is I move to adopt scenario C

1263
07:00:03.280 --> 07:00:17.680
with allocation for additional compensation no less than 90% and up to 10% to be divided between safety and mental health and that the board is fully apprised of the negotiations of

1264
07:00:17.680 --> 07:00:35.280
the 90% allocation >> miss >> correct during union negotiations. Miss Thompson, >> I would like to call a question. >> All in favor of calling a question, say I. >> I. >> All oppose, say no.

1265
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>> Roll call, please. >> Roll call to call the question. School board members, Bowman, >> yes. >> Sea, >> Hixon, >> yes. >> Honus, >> yes. >> Leonardi, >> yes. >> Rupert, >> yes.

1266
07:00:50.080 --> 07:01:05.920
>> Thompson, >> was that yes? >> She said yes. >> Sorry. Zean, >> I think that was a no. >> Ah, >> no. >> 63. >> Uh, passes with a super majority 63.

1267
07:01:05.920 --> 07:01:24.798
>> All right. All in favor of the motion as amended say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. >> Motion passes unanimously as amended. All right, we are back to LL1 as the item.

1268
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Uh, >> oh, that's right. That's right. Thank you, Miss Rubert. >> Thank you. Um, I move that the superintendent review the employees listed in this item whose salaries are paid for by the referendum so they can be moved to the general fund.

1269
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>> Motion made by Miss Rupert, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on the motion. >> Dr. Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. Yes, I support the motion and would go one further. If in reviewing them you find that they're not essential

1270
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and you figure out that nobody knows what they're doing, then you can probably just cut them all together and then they won't be clogging up the general fund. Um because you shouldn't be fear-mongering and telling people they're not going to have um guards at the gate and all these other things that

1271
07:02:19.840 --> 07:02:36.638
you should have at a school when there are people on the referendum list that we could happily cut and not miss. But I support the motion to review it and hope that you will also save some additional funds by reviewing them. Thank you.

1272
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>> That's the point. Lisa Urick, Federation of Public Employees. You've heard from me. Um, I support this motion. It seems like I heard you're going to cut some of these security folks anyway. Quite a few of them. So, that should lessen your load. Unfortunately,

1273
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that's a new information that I think everybody should be aware of. But, uh, this is not good practice to, uh, bring people on here to work for the school district under referendum money that is temporary.

1274
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It's just really bad labor practice. And if it was me and I was in these positions, I would have four years of being uncomfortable about what's going to happen at the end. And it affects the morale of the employees as well when

1275
07:03:26.160 --> 07:03:44.958
they find out. And again, I don't think very many know that they're even on there, which is a whole issue unto itself about, you know, being transparent with the people that you employ. Thanks, Lisa Maxwell, we are in support of the

1276
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motion. I also wanted to remind Mrs. Rupert, she had a another motion on the 5.5, so hopefully that'll come back as well. Thank you. >> Hannah Fusco Brower, teaching president. I support the motion. I've always stood

1277
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a grounds of cut take away from cutting positions. I really wish Dr. Holes would take that off of thousand thousand thousand. It's not going to work. I'm telling you right now, it's not going to work. You're going to feel it next school year if you keep on this road. You have to dive deep into cutting these

1278
07:04:19.440 --> 07:04:34.798
extra people that are not hired in Broward County Public Schools. These extra programs that are unnecessary, you've got to dive deep in the office of academics that are programs in there that are unnecessary. You got to keep people. We're already skeletons in our

1279
07:04:34.798 --> 07:04:51.760
schools. I'm telling you, mark my words, you're going to see it next year if you keep on that path. I really would like you to back off of that and dive deep into that budget. I know it can be done. You have a $5 point something billion dollar budget. You cannot tell me that you cannot find the money. I will not

1280
07:04:51.760 --> 07:05:08.558
believe it. The community will not believe it. It can be done. You have to make it happen. You have to direct it. I've not heard one of you direct it. >> Thank you. Any other public comment, >> Miss um Miss Leonard? Just if I can um get some clarification for Miss Rupert, are we are we talking about uh in

1281
07:05:08.558 --> 07:05:25.280
preparation for the the um fiscal year 28 2728 school year which this referendum that we're talking about would apply for? Okay. Just want clarification. Thank you. >> All right. Board member comment. Miss Hixon. >> Um thank you. I I have a couple of

1282
07:05:25.280 --> 07:05:41.360
questions and this has come up a number of times. So to the superintendent, do the employees who are on the list of being their their positions that are being paid through the referendum, are they aware of that? Do they know that

1283
07:05:41.360 --> 07:05:55.920
their jobs are contingent on the referendum? >> Dr. Lozano? >> No. >> Okay. So I also agree that that's a problem because technically when you have a grant and you know you only have a grant for a certain amount of time those employees are aware right that

1284
07:05:55.920 --> 07:06:12.558
they are on a grant and that their job is technically temporary. >> Is that correct superintendent? >> Correct. I I know since we've been here or I've been here, we've ensured that um for new positions and also this year for all of our grant position to notify

1285
07:06:12.558 --> 07:06:29.120
folks that those jobs um they're only in existence due to the grant if the grant sunsets those positions go away. >> Thank you. So I I think would be important to let the employees know. Well, I guess they know now because there's a list. um yeah after watching

1286
07:06:29.120 --> 07:06:45.760
but I think that would be important moving forward if it ends up we don't get them all on the general fund whoever is um on the referendum for their position and think it's important for them to know because technically they are a temporary employee because you

1287
07:06:45.760 --> 07:07:02.558
just don't know we hope we we always hope that the taxpayers are going to continue to be generous and understanding of the situation we're in but you just never especially in the times we're in. So, I think it would be really important to make sure moving

1288
07:07:02.558 --> 07:07:19.920
forward if there are any um salaries or positions that get funded by the referendum that we make sure we let them know ahead of time. But I especially mental health and safety, those are ones that shouldn't be on a temporary referendum. They should be

1289
07:07:19.920 --> 07:07:35.200
baked into the the general fund. And you know as we talk about losing students safe the the security people and mental health are tied to the students. So I would think just as we um have to reduce teachers every year when there's not

1290
07:07:35.200 --> 07:07:51.200
enough students to have all the classes in there we should also be looking at how how those pieces move which you already mentioned we're looking at the allocations um moving forward instead of just keeping that. So, I think there's a

1291
07:07:51.200 --> 07:08:06.478
way to shape it where it will fit on the general fund and then we know for sure we have those positions and that we're not waiting on a referendum. So, I appreciate Miss Mrs. Rupert bringing this motion forward. >> Thank you, Dr. Zean.

1292
07:08:06.478 --> 07:08:22.878
>> To the um general counsel, um saying something verbally in a meeting doesn't make it part of an item. And so, I'm curious, should we add by school year 2728 to this motion just to make it clear in the record? I would add it. >> Thanks. I make a motion that we add the

1293
07:08:22.878 --> 07:08:39.240
words after general fund by school year 2728. >> Second. >> Is that an amendment? >> Yes, it is. >> Uh amendment made by Dr. Zean, seconded by Miss Rupert. Public comment on the amendment.

1294
07:08:50.638 --> 07:09:10.478
Can you repeat the whole amended amendment? >> I move the superintendent review the employees listed in this item whose salaries are paid for by the rafter item so they can move to the general fund by 2728. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Support. >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation,

1295
07:09:10.478 --> 07:09:26.160
Florida. Do you mean so the people can move to the general fund by 2728 or he should do the review by 2728? Because those two things are different. If you intend for them to be able to get moved by 2728, then he needs to be doing it like tomorrow. Otherwise, I support the

1296
07:09:26.160 --> 07:09:43.440
motion. Thank you. >> Any other public comment on the amendment? >> All right. Board member comment on the amendment. All in favor of the amendment say I. I. >> All oppose say no. Amendment passes

1297
07:09:43.440 --> 07:09:58.718
unanimously. We're back to uh Mr. Rupert's motion as amended. Miss Hixon, >> you're done. Dr. Zean, >> thank you so much, Chair. Um I'm going to offer one more amendment um to Miss

1298
07:09:58.718 --> 07:10:14.878
Rupert's uh excuse me, uh uh Miss Deu Bruno. Can I amend this amendment or do I need a substitute to the amendment? So, the amendment has already passed. Now, you're offering a second amendment. >> Oh, terrific. So, we're back to the item. Thanks so much. Appreciate your

1299
07:10:14.878 --> 07:10:34.000
help. Um, yeah, I'm actually good. Thank you. >> Anyone else on the motion as amended? All in favor of Miss Rubert's motion as amended, say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Motion passes unanimously as amended. All right, we

1300
07:10:34.000 --> 07:10:52.080
are back to or Miss Roupert, do you have any other motions you would like to make back to the item? >> Yes. Um, I move that the superintendent I'm sorry, I move that the district increase all

1301
07:10:52.080 --> 07:11:15.440
employees currently being paid 5.5% to 10% for the meet and confer groups. Is there a second? Second >> motion made by Mr. Rupert, seconded by Mr. Sea. Public comment on the motion. >> I think Mr. Prio.

1302
07:11:15.440 --> 07:11:32.638
>> Yeah, I think you have to, this is just um providing some legal counsel. Um from a strategic standpoint, we have to be very careful with those allocations at this time. I can understand the position that this is not uh a bargaining unit.

1303
07:11:32.638 --> 07:11:49.120
So we are not going to be in negotiations per se. However, the influence of what is what happens with those non-bargaining units can impact the negotiations. So my legal recommendation is to wait until such

1304
07:11:49.120 --> 07:12:06.160
time as we know where we are with the union and then we can come back and address the non-bargaining units. or the meet and confer units. >> Public comment on the motion. >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation,

1305
07:12:06.160 --> 07:12:21.360
Florida. I unfortunately do not support this motion because we do not know I well actually I can say that principles here seem to be paid a little less than Palm Beach. However, unless you get this

1306
07:12:21.360 --> 07:12:37.840
should be a minimum standard for when your decisions are only as good as the recommendations being made and you need data and you need explanations. So, without a study showing you a comparison between all of those meet and confer

1307
07:12:37.840 --> 07:12:55.120
group salaries and there are people I definitely know are underpaid, but then there are people that may be overpaid or they may have a position you don't even need. That's that's how you're going to cut some jobs. So, you need a comparative study to show you before you

1308
07:12:55.120 --> 07:13:16.558
go giving everybody 10%. So, I appreciate the sentiment, but I cannot support this until I see more data. And you guys should be asking for it, too. >> Uh, my name is Dr. Trudy Germanovich. My name is Dr. Trudy Germanovich. One

1309
07:13:16.558 --> 07:13:31.200
second, Dr. German restart her time. Thank you. >> That's okay. Thank you. Um, we are at a another crossroads where you're giving upper level people more

1310
07:13:31.200 --> 07:13:48.520
money and it it doesn't look good. So, I I didn't like the the you know, the proposal to begin with, but then when the attorney said, "Why don't we wait and see if we have money?" I think that's a great idea. So, thank you very much.

1311
07:13:51.200 --> 07:14:07.600
>> Thank you. Please support this motion on behalf of not just school-based administrators, but campus monitors, secretaries, and everybody else in the meet and confer contingent who we are like the red-headed stepchildren. We have to wait, wait, wait. We're going to

1312
07:14:07.600 --> 07:14:23.600
have to come back here and do this. I mean, I'm asking you to send a message particularly to your principles and assistant principles today that they are valued and that the fact that they haven't had a raise for the last two and a half years and aren't going to anytime

1313
07:14:23.600 --> 07:14:40.718
soon, that you're sending a message that says we value and support you. That's what this does today. There is plenty of money to do this. So, please send this message today. Thank you.

1314
07:14:43.760 --> 07:15:00.798
Anna Fusco, teacher union president. Um, I know this is unusual. We have uh groups that everybody wants to say um may make too much, may may not make enough, but we know that there are tons of people that work um with salaries

1315
07:15:00.798 --> 07:15:18.240
that are truly truly worker bees. And we have groups in the meet and confer pieces that don't make enough salary for the the type of jobs that they do and they're at their employers beck and call. Um it's seems like there's going

1316
07:15:18.240 --> 07:15:33.440
to be plenty of money and I want you guys to ask some more questions. Maybe there might be some conversation right now of what the actual dollar amount would be. And if it were to come to this 10%, is it going to

1317
07:15:33.440 --> 07:15:48.478
hold back on everyone else? I don't believe it will. I believe there is plenty of money and there are groups out there unlike the Broward Teachers Union educators have not received raises in years. >> Thank you. >> As nobody's getting one this year,

1318
07:15:48.478 --> 07:16:09.600
though. Hi, Lisa with the Federation of Public Employees. Uh, we do support this and uh, I want to thank you for that last vote. Thanks, Zyra Clims, Lanchchester, or Phil Beach. I just want to ask one question. Do you

1319
07:16:09.600 --> 07:16:26.478
guys want this referendum to pass? That's all I want to know. Because if you do, we got to go the other way. Thanks. >> Thank you. Any other public speakers or member discussion? Miss Hixon.

1320
07:16:26.478 --> 07:16:42.638
>> Thank you. Just a quick question to the superintendent. Um before I say my other part, um did did we give raises to our employees last year and the year before? >> Yes, that's correct. >> It it wasn't a big one. I I say but

1321
07:16:42.638 --> 07:16:58.878
everyone in the district rece. Um, I think it was last year was four 4%. >> Was it that high? It was that high a couple of years ago. >> Hey, please have to qu them in the audience. >> Miss Johnson, what was it? Three 3% 4%.

1322
07:16:58.878 --> 07:17:14.958
>> It wasn't four. >> It was two something. >> It was 4% that we negotiated at the table, but different bargain unions had different negotiations. So, I can say that, but 4% in general was given at the table.

1323
07:17:14.958 --> 07:17:30.638
So every single employee in the district received an average of 4%. Is that correct? Because I don't think that's accurate. >> Could we please have decorum in the audience? >> Okay. Regardless, um that there was some

1324
07:17:30.638 --> 07:17:47.840
there was some increase and again never enough. So I'm not trying to say that it was enough money. I just want to be clear that in the LA this will be if we're not able which it looks like we're on that path of giving raises this year. This will be the first time in a few

1325
07:17:47.840 --> 07:18:02.160
years that that has happened because it did happen in 2019 that um we didn't get raises but I think we've we've tried to give some money um every single year. So, I have a huge concern as I've mentioned a number of

1326
07:18:02.160 --> 07:18:17.280
times about percentages because we keep hearing from people about the transparency. We have made it very clear that we don't want to see anyone getting more of the referendum money than our educators, our teachers in the

1327
07:18:17.280 --> 07:18:34.558
classroom. Um, so the concern would be if we just set a blanket 10% for principles and let's say they make $120,000 a year, that's $12,000. There are some teachers that don't get that amount based on a chart that they're that we

1328
07:18:34.558 --> 07:18:50.558
have. So I would rather see it be a chart just like teachers have at this point. So that is very transparent. we know exactly what we're spending and we don't find ourselves in the same place where we were where we weren't sure that there were people getting money. So my

1329
07:18:50.558 --> 07:19:06.798
preference is to list all the positions know exactly how much money those positions are getting or at least a range of those for those positions so that it's very clear to us. It's very clear to the public. You know, we talk about public trust. Percentages don't do

1330
07:19:06.798 --> 07:19:23.680
that. And people will say it's equitable, but it's not equitable because 10% for a principal is not equal or equitable to 10% to an ESP or even a first or second year teacher or a bus driver or cafeteria worker. So, I just

1331
07:19:23.680 --> 07:19:39.040
um I have an issue with the percentage part and I know we'll talk about equity, but that to me is not equitable. And that's how we landed in in the oops that we had because we just made a lot of assumptions based on making a flat

1332
07:19:39.040 --> 07:19:55.280
percentage. And I just don't find that to be very transparent. So I appreciate uh what Miss Rupert's trying to do and I think there's still a way to give them an increase. I just don't believe in a fat in a flat percentage rate. So thank you. >> Thank you Dr. Aziman.

1333
07:19:55.280 --> 07:20:09.520
>> Thank you chair. Um following our general counsel's advice which I think is quite wise. Let me just ask the superintendent a question. Have we in our budget for 2728 um have we allocated any of those funds

1334
07:20:09.520 --> 07:20:25.840
yet for compensation uh uh 14 months ahead of that school year? >> For budget year 2728. >> Yes, sir. >> No. >> Right. So, so this is I just think out of order like just timing wise like one

1335
07:20:25.840 --> 07:20:42.558
I love our school leaders. They have the hardest jobs amongst I mean we have a lot of really hard jobs in education but school leader jobs are hugely difficult and they contribute in in ways that I think are just uh miraculous and and really really important to our system. Um but all in due course and we're just

1336
07:20:42.558 --> 07:20:57.680
not there yet. Again we also have to protect about extreme budget situations and whenever we allocate funds in 27 28 14 months ahead of time we are putting ourselves in a little bit of a budget uh corner. So, I don't think we should uh

1337
07:20:57.680 --> 07:21:17.280
do this, but I do want uh all of our school leaders to know how much they are contributing to all of our schools and education in Brower County. >> Thank you, Mr. Sea. >> To our general counsel, um I'd like a very clear and concise answer if you'd

1338
07:21:17.280 --> 07:21:35.760
be so kind to this question. Are we in within our parameters to have this this vote without violating any collective bargaining anything with any of these groups? Because I I sense some hesitancy uh before, but um I would like your

1339
07:21:35.760 --> 07:21:52.718
professional legal opinion as to whether or not this is appropriate for this board to vote on at this time to change the percentages. >> Meet and confer is just that. It's meet and confer. It's not bargaining. But you are in the process of working towards negotiations with your bargaining units,

1340
07:21:52.718 --> 07:22:11.280
BTU, etc. So again, I I keep my same legal recommendation that you should finish with the bargaining units and then you can go ahead and and do your meet and confer. >> Thank you. Any other board member discussion?

1341
07:22:11.280 --> 07:22:30.440
All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. All oppose say no. No. >> Roll call, please. >> Roll call on the motion. School board member Sea. >> Hixon Hoes.

1342
07:22:31.360 --> 07:22:46.000
>> Leonardi. >> No. >> Rupert. >> Thompson. >> Zean. >> No. >> Aladev. >> Yes. >> Bowman. No

1343
07:22:46.000 --> 07:23:04.240
>> fails. >> 25. >> Thank you, Miss Rupert. >> Thank you. Um, Dr. Hoess. Oh, he's not here. Miss Hixon, we're on the item now just generally.

1344
07:23:04.240 --> 07:23:21.200
Um, so well I we mostly said everything, but I well I have a question because the motion, what are we actually voting on now? Because Mrs. Rupert made a motion and we passed the 9010. So when we come

1345
07:23:21.200 --> 07:23:37.200
back now to the item, is there something we're actually voting on now? Is that the superintendence? Because I think we already voted on that. So, I'm a little confused about where we are right now. >> You could help with that. >> The item as amended.

1346
07:23:37.200 --> 07:23:52.320
>> So, just the item as amended. Okay, perfect. Um, and again, you know, appreciate everyone that came out to speak. Um, >> we have to keep, I think, in mind that the whole point of the referendum isn't

1347
07:23:52.320 --> 07:24:09.520
because someone earned it or deserved it or the idea that we're pitting people against each other. The referendum was because we know we do not have the funds because of state funding to give our employees the the increases we would

1348
07:24:09.520 --> 07:24:26.718
like to give them. And if we keep the discussion in that context, it isn't about that. It's about looking at who are the lowest paid people in this district and how do we help give them equity in that space. That's what the referendum is about. I think we value I

1349
07:24:26.718 --> 07:24:43.920
know I do every single employee in here whether they're at the top or you know they're they're the custodians, the bus drivers, the cafeteria workers, teachers in the classroom, teachers assistants, um everyone who's sitting in the room today in this building, everybody plays

1350
07:24:43.920 --> 07:24:59.040
a part in here. It isn't about value in that sense. So we I really think it's important that we change the narrative on that. I do hope it passes. I think we also have to change the narrative about we misused the funds for the referendum

1351
07:24:59.040 --> 07:25:14.240
up to this point. There was a huge mistake that has been corrected and we need to move as as the BTU president has said a number of times, move on from it. It has been corrected. The more you keep reminding people that there was a

1352
07:25:14.240 --> 07:25:29.040
mistake and not adding to that that it was corrected, then you're you're just keeping that narrative going. It's really important that we are all in this together and we want it to pass because we know we want to have funds to be able

1353
07:25:29.040 --> 07:25:47.080
to give the people who are the not at the higher level of pay the pay we know that they deserve or that they've earned. So, um I also had a question which just escapes me. Um so about

1354
07:25:47.200 --> 07:26:02.478
I can't remember what it was. It was for general counsel but um oh yeah I remember now. Um general counsel can you also speak to the fact because we had a number of people come and speak today why it is that we cannot um ask for the

1355
07:26:02.478 --> 07:26:18.878
funds that were were given to higher level staff. Why it is that we can't ask for them to pay that back because it was a mistake really that we made as a board. Not that not that they were overpaid technically.

1356
07:26:18.878 --> 07:26:35.760
Could you could you speak to that? >> So my this was a little bit before my time, but my understanding is that you sent this out to outside counsel and they issued a complete report. I'd have to pull that report out just to refresh my recollection as to what they say what they said. Um but generally speaking,

1357
07:26:35.760 --> 07:26:50.478
when you provide something contractually, there's a property interest and an expectation. It's very difficult. You do expose yourself legally to that. But I can um fully answer that question once I review that report again. Miss Sixon, >> thank you. Yes, because I just wanted to

1358
07:26:50.478 --> 07:27:06.478
point out it's different than when someone was overpaid. They weren't necessarily overpaid. It was a mistake we made as a board. We owned it. We changed it. And that's not happening now. But it wasn't it wasn't that they

1359
07:27:06.478 --> 07:27:23.200
were overpaid. We agreed and we voted on giving them that money. Whether we understood we were doing that or not is is besides the point right now. We realized it the chair brought an item and we fixed that. So moving forward that won't happen again. I think that's

1360
07:27:23.200 --> 07:27:39.200
the message that needs to be really clear to the public was that that's why it it isn't that we can ask for that money back where someone who had been overpaid has the has the you know request of paying the money back. I know it's not a

1361
07:27:39.200 --> 07:27:55.600
popular thing to be saying right now and um but I just want to be sure that we're working on facts. So, thank you so much and I look forward to voting on the item. >> Thank you. Um Dr. Zeman, I'll come. We haven't gone to everyone yet, so I just

1362
07:27:55.600 --> 07:28:11.360
want to make sure we get to everyone. Mr. Civera, >> at this point, I was going to call the question, but I see Dr. Zeman has his hand questions. That's all. Okay. So, >> Miss Bulman, you're on the list on

1363
07:28:11.360 --> 07:28:28.000
>> just you're on the list who signed up to speak for LL1. >> Oh, I I've done all my speaking. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Uh Dr. Zean, >> thanks much chair. Um with this decision that we make today, are we fixing our policy for four years or because it's a schoolboard policy, we can go back and amend in other years if we do get in

1364
07:28:28.000 --> 07:28:43.760
budget extremists? >> Dr. Heburn. >> I'll defer to um to Miss Bruno, Miss Dupri Bruno. >> The board hasn't put any limit on the motion that it's passed, but you certainly can if you wish to.

1365
07:28:43.760 --> 07:28:58.878
>> No, ma'am. I I appreciate the flexibility. Second question is um there's nothing that we've identified today as a board for who is getting this money. What we've done is that 90% of the money will go to um additional

1366
07:28:58.878 --> 07:29:14.878
compensation for the people identified in the ballot language and 10% will be split between safety, security and mental health. But in no way have we said which people in safety or mental health or which people in other occupational categories will get any

1367
07:29:14.878 --> 07:29:30.320
amounts of money. All of that subject to uh negotiation with unions and eventually decisions about meet and confer groups. Is that fair >> through the chair? Yes, sir. >> Terrific. I just want to make it clear there's big decision when we fixed the ballot language, big decision when the county commission approved it a couple

1368
07:29:30.320 --> 07:29:46.398
weeks ago, and now a big policy that we've set and by not, you know, being specific about it for four years in the case of really really radical, we lose even more than 10,000 students per year, uh we'd have the ability to go in and uh do different things uh in the future by

1369
07:29:46.398 --> 07:30:01.440
just changing our own policy. Thank you, chair. >> Thank you. And then I just had some quick comments and I think something need to be clarified. Um on page five of the document online um it says the proposed funding

1370
07:30:01.440 --> 07:30:17.360
framework uh hold on so it's like the middle paragraph for this purpose a school-based position refers to a role assigned to a school site that supports students daily including teachers school-based administrators student support staff and

1371
07:30:17.360 --> 07:30:35.040
school safety personnel. This definition includes frontline employees who provide direct services that support students in school operations such as bus drivers, custodians, and food service workers. Positions that are primarily based in district office roles are generally not included as a part of the development of

1372
07:30:35.040 --> 07:30:51.120
the proposed funding framework. Eligibility parameters for referendum funded employee compensation has have also been identified specifically bless you. specifically individuals within the ESAB D, E, S, and T salary bands, as

1373
07:30:51.120 --> 07:31:07.520
well as contracted employees whose compensation is comparable to these bands pursuant to contractual agreements are not eligible to receive referendum funded supplements. So, I just want us to be clear about what we're voting on today. Um, it is my understanding and I

1374
07:31:07.520 --> 07:31:23.760
just want to be very clear that we are accepting the superintendent's proposal to exclude as MAB D and above salary bands. Um, Dr. Hepern, is that your understanding? >> Yes, that's correct. >> Miss Dupri Bruno, is that your understanding?

1375
07:31:23.760 --> 07:31:39.360
>> Yes, that's correct. Okay. Um, I'm glad we can be absolutely clear on that. >> Chair through the soup, can I add something? >> Yes. Um, I just wanted to also make clear that the contractual employees are referring to general counsel's employees.

1376
07:31:39.360 --> 07:31:56.320
>> Okay. >> So, sorry, sorry, let me back up. So, you said the contractual so those employees would be excluded, correct? >> Yes, ma'am. >> And and through the chair, it's in their contract and anyone who's here will be um added, an amendment will be added.

1377
07:31:56.320 --> 07:32:12.878
>> Thank you. Um, just a few housekeeping pieces. Um, I do request that a messaging package be handed out to our principles and administrators. Um, I know we have to be very careful about how we communicate about this. I know

1378
07:32:12.878 --> 07:32:28.160
that they received um some communications package when we did the bond, which I know again was a different um a different uh legislative environment that we were operating in. But in order for our principles, who are some of our most important communicators

1379
07:32:28.160 --> 07:32:44.958
and trusted communicators in the district, um they do need a messaging package. Uh so can we expect that to happen? >> Uh yes, ma'am. We're just waiting for the intended allocation that will be part of the toolkit for uh board members, principles, other stakeholders who uh want to participate in the

1380
07:32:44.958 --> 07:33:01.600
awareness campaign. Uh we have a disclaimer um you know that this is our would be our second renewal. So uh we've done it before. um specifically saying in the talking points that every uh information provided by a district employee is forformational purposes and that we're not taking a position whether

1381
07:33:01.600 --> 07:33:18.080
to vote yes or no. >> Okay. Um when can we expect that to go out to our principles? >> Well, we want to time it right because uh unlike last time, this is a general election, not the primary. Um so sometimes the messaging is a a little different in terms of the timing. Uh we definitely want to have it before the

1382
07:33:18.080 --> 07:33:34.558
opening of schools because we do want to maximize uh that exposure when principles have uh air time with uh with parents within their school communities. >> Okay. So we can expect that to go out uh by August 1. >> Absolutely. >> Um Dr. Heper, can you provide a follow-up to the board when that has

1383
07:33:34.558 --> 07:33:50.878
been Thank you. Um okay, those are all my comments. Dr. Hoes, thank you for joining us again. Did you have anything to add? >> No, I'm good, Madam Chair. Thank you. >> All right. Anyone else? Any other board discussion on this item as amended?

1384
07:33:50.878 --> 07:34:06.718
All in favor of LL1 as amended, say I. >> I. >> All oppose, say no. Item passes unanimously. >> Good job. >> All right. Could I get a motion in a second to bring B2 back to the floor? >> So, does that count?

1385
07:34:06.718 --> 07:34:22.398
>> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Um, Miss Hixon, I have you on this item? >> Yes. Thank you. Um, oh, did we No public comment? >> We already That's right. That's right. I'm sorry. Um, so I just have a a

1386
07:34:22.398 --> 07:34:37.120
question and I appreciate you bringing it up because students had asked about it which kind of brings up a a bigger question because I believe I I asked didn't we do this already because I know Dr. Hoiss had brought an item similar to

1387
07:34:37.120 --> 07:34:54.160
this in uh 2025. So on the response I got from did we do this already is on June 23rd 2025 the information systems division received five responses for requests for information through the procurement and warehousing team and the

1388
07:34:54.160 --> 07:35:13.680
vendors who responded were Comcastar uh Jati Jati I guess that's how you say that CDWG jati and T-Mobile which all had plans that were for um for a minimal amount of

1389
07:35:13.680 --> 07:35:29.360
money. Some of them said requires an agreement with the district. Um and they had different things. So to the superintendent um Dr. Falton, um can you tell us what ever happened with this information and how did we relay the

1390
07:35:29.360 --> 07:35:45.680
information to our students? Because it sounds like we already did reach out to get information. So that that's what this item's asking, but we did it a year ago. So would that information still be the same now? Like how

1391
07:35:45.680 --> 07:36:00.638
how do the students not know about this if it's something we spent this much energy getting information on? So I know we did explore um some opportunities to see whether we can um bring some gaps where there were in terms of not having

1392
07:36:00.638 --> 07:36:18.080
access to Wi-Fi and some of the mun municipalities that we work with where was getting some more information for example library access. I know there was like um Starbucks as well too. And when you mentioned it and when the B2 item came out, one of the opportunities that

1393
07:36:18.080 --> 07:36:33.840
we found was making sure we got information to our students because that seems to be the gap, meaning the students were not aware. So that is an opportunity that we have to do better with that. >> Okay. Thank you. So my question then is these five vendors that we received

1394
07:36:33.840 --> 07:36:49.360
information from, are all of the the things that are on here still relevant? and where it says requires an agreement with the district. Did we reach out and make these agreements or did we just receive information and the board needs

1395
07:36:49.360 --> 07:37:06.478
to act on some of this so that we can make sure we move forward and and are able to provide that access where and I appreciate um chair Leonardi mentioning it wasn't about asking the district to pay for internet, it was finding access

1396
07:37:06.478 --> 07:37:23.200
for students. Um, so how how do we move forward with the information that we received in 2025 because it seems like maybe we didn't finish that action. >> Mr. Davis, >> good afternoon. Trey Davis, chief

1397
07:37:23.200 --> 07:37:39.920
information officer. Um, the information that we acquired uh five a year ago from the five vendors through uh working with procurement um was uh discovery, right? If there were no agreements, what you what you saw there was referencing the

1398
07:37:39.920 --> 07:37:57.520
need to have an agreement should we want to uh continue uh in any sort of volume purchase on behalf of our students. It's not meant to be accessible individually by students as you would if you went up to the student section internet access

1399
07:37:57.520 --> 07:38:13.840
where the actual uh no cost to lowcost options are there for families. So it's basically organizational versus individual uh that's accessible on that student section. So it was a discovery only. No further movement at that time.

1400
07:38:13.840 --> 07:38:29.040
>> Okay. Thank you. That was important to note because I don't remember I mean I'm guessing we got this information but this was about so this information that is in the followup was is if if the district was going to provide internet

1401
07:38:29.040 --> 07:38:43.920
this would be the cost to the district. Is that what you're saying? That is correct. If if the district were to want to equitably provide internet access to um all students for example, these are the vendors that we might look towards

1402
07:38:43.920 --> 07:39:01.440
or to right to establish a volume purchase agreement with them uh versus what families can do today and going directly to the internet access section of the student site at an individual family or student level. >> Okay. So on the website today is

1403
07:39:01.440 --> 07:39:16.958
information where if I'm I'm a mom and I want I don't have internet access at my home and I want to get internet access. I could click on that link and find either lowcost or free because the T-Mobile one is free. Obviously I would

1404
07:39:16.958 --> 07:39:32.718
pick that one. Um is that that correct? >> That is correct. There there are a number of options again no cost to low cost from Florida lifeline to the T-Mobile 10 million project to to Verizon's Ford AT&T options um and other

1405
07:39:32.718 --> 07:39:48.000
even other T-Mobile options that range from again no cost to uh to lowcost options that family could access and the information is actually there under that particular section. It's the internet access section underneath the students link. >> Okay. Thank you. So

1406
07:39:48.000 --> 07:40:05.680
>> you're welcome. It seems to me that the action that's being asked for in this item has already been done. So, I'd like to make um a substitute motion. And I would and I'm doing this in my head. So, I would like to to move I move to direct

1407
07:40:05.680 --> 07:40:23.120
the superintendent to send out through a parent link all of the information about how they can access internet at low or no cost. That's already accessible on our

1408
07:40:23.120 --> 07:40:42.240
website. I didn't really word that the way I wanted to, but you get the gist of what I'm trying to say. >> Second. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Hixon, seconded by Mr. Vera, public comment on the motion. >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. Um, I support the motion. Um,

1409
07:40:42.240 --> 07:40:59.600
it is it would it's not amusing really. It's kind of sad that you're now doing things twice because you don't have a system to monitor followup. Your superintendent is supposed to produce a follow-up log, but I think this happened before the follow-up log. um not that

1410
07:40:59.600 --> 07:41:14.958
the log is functioning the way it ought to. So I appreciate that they would send it out, but then you have to have a way to monitor so that you know that there's been some impact. So they would send it to the parents and then you need to

1411
07:41:14.958 --> 07:41:32.478
measure whether there's been an a use of any of these formats like then you survey the students and the parents to see if there's an increase in internet access because that's part of I think the back to school forms. There has to be a way to measure whether these things

1412
07:41:32.478 --> 07:41:49.120
are having an impact. Not just telling him to do stuff but then you have to monitor whether he's done it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other public comment? or member discussion on the motion. I would just ask um instead of the parent link coming from the district, I think

1413
07:41:49.120 --> 07:42:04.558
it's more effective when it's coming from the schools. Um so, you know, I I don't think the motion needs to be amended. Um but I think, you know, having our principles send our schools send the parent link out is uh parents are more receptive to that. Miss

1414
07:42:04.558 --> 07:42:19.440
Thompson. >> Uh thank you, Chair, and thank you, Mrs. Hickon. That's kind of the vein I was going to say in my other comments. Um, I appreciate Miss Leon already bringing this item because I think there's definitely a information gap happening

1415
07:42:19.440 --> 07:42:34.638
in our schools right now. Um, and I would also encourage um, school social for the beginning of next school year for staff to have school social workers read that form and so whoever indicates that they don't have internet at home

1416
07:42:34.638 --> 07:42:51.680
that they do a direct outreach to them. um that way they can because these to apply for all these free or lowcost services is actually kind of complicated um because I've done it before. Um so having that personal handoff I think would be helpful and then the students

1417
07:42:51.680 --> 07:43:08.638
would have that information firsthand. >> Thank you Dr. Hoes. >> Thank you Madam Chair. So, Madam Chair, for clarification, because the the motion by board member Hixon is seemingly somewhat different, which appears to be bringing awareness to our

1418
07:43:08.638 --> 07:43:25.920
families and students of um options for getting lowcost or no cost internet um for those who need it. I is that motion, if you could clarify, is that significantly different from the motion that you originally had?

1419
07:43:25.920 --> 07:43:42.320
I would say the the action is different, but the spirit is the same. It's getting kids access to uh something that they need. >> Okay. So, Madame Chair, should board member Hixon's motion pass, would it satisfy the intent of your motion that

1420
07:43:42.320 --> 07:43:58.160
you originally had? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. So, um um Dr. Fulton the current availability of internet options for students which would include low cost and no cost. Um

1421
07:43:58.160 --> 07:44:14.718
that I believe Mr. Davis mentioned that has already been in place in terms of those options. It's just that we haven't provided enough awareness to students. So that's what we're proceeding with. >> So it it's almost a year old. So I think

1422
07:44:14.718 --> 07:44:30.320
it may be more prudent for us to do another analysis. So the information we provide is more current. It may not change, >> but at least allow us a time to do something now and then maybe in addition to the parent link. Um create some literature that's attached to our

1423
07:44:30.320 --> 07:44:45.120
newsletters as well that we can provide to our schools. So that can go home as well. Um and but I I I only want to say the information went out June 23rd, which was last year, and it's coming up to be a year. So perhaps we have

1424
07:44:45.120 --> 07:45:02.878
additional information that we can add to it. Maybe some of it has changed, maybe some of it has not, but I would rather do a current analysis first. >> Okay. So Dr. Fulton, can you reiterate the kind of information that went out a year ago? Um, so the public and I can

1425
07:45:02.878 --> 07:45:18.320
better understand what the parents receive and then that would lead to further questions for me. >> No, information did not go out a year ago. We did an analysis a year ago to identify what lowcost or no cost options that were out there. >> Okay. And so did we identify what the

1426
07:45:18.320 --> 07:45:37.520
low cost and no cost options were? >> Yes. >> And none of this was communicated to families or students by any means? >> Not not as of yet. >> Okay. So what did we do with what did we do with the information from a year ago? >> So currently as I'm looking here, we do have it actually on our district

1427
07:45:37.520 --> 07:45:53.280
website. perhaps some more promotion >> to let our parents know that it is there. But addition, I'm hearing that we want a parent link to go out that would be more school specific, but I would like to also add some literature attached to newsletters as well too. >> Okay. So, any of those options or zero

1428
07:45:53.280 --> 07:46:08.478
cost um that you're aware of? I know they're low cost. Do we have any zero cost? Because I've heard zero cost. >> Um Mr. Davis, >> there there are a couple of options up there. One's the T-Mobile 10 million program, which if for qualifying

1429
07:46:08.478 --> 07:46:26.080
families uh is zero cost. There's also Florida lifeline uh program as well. Again, a qualifying family could receive that at no cost. >> Okay. But was that part of the information we received a year ago regarding zero cost? >> No, that's that's different. That's the

1430
07:46:26.080 --> 07:46:42.320
five vendors uh that were that we through procurement uh gained from an RFI on who could provide internet access for us. again at an organizational level to our students, not the individual families contacting like T-Mobile 10 million. So, there are different

1431
07:46:42.320 --> 07:46:58.320
vendors. Some there is some overlap. Some of those vendors are on that list, but not all. >> Okay. Um, and Dr. Fulton, just another question. the efforts we had a year ago, did it include any kind of a survey to students and families so we can better

1432
07:46:58.320 --> 07:47:15.440
determine the volume of students who may need um some sort of a uh support for no cost internet. >> Go ahead, Mr. Davis. >> So, I I know the superintendent mentioned uh about the 106,000 students earlier. Uh and I think it's important

1433
07:47:15.440 --> 07:47:30.798
to note that that that survey was launched beginning of the year. So, for example, like when you're doing start of school forms and all all of that is promoted, but it's important to note that it's it's an open and open survey, right? It didn't just happen at the start of school. It continues and is

1434
07:47:30.798 --> 07:47:47.840
accessible today. So, the number is actually decreased from just under 4% to around 3%. And that's the 106,06 students completed the survey out of our 184,000 plus students with the 3,57 stating they had no internet at home. So

1435
07:47:47.840 --> 07:48:03.360
roughly 3%. >> So 3% of that 100 plus thousand. Correct. >> Right. That's correct. >> Which would would be a good sample of our population that might need that. And did we have any kind of determination as to what the cost would be with 3% of our

1436
07:48:03.360 --> 07:48:20.320
district population >> not having internet? So, if if we were to use our our AT&T agreement, for example, where we have a device, a SIPA filter, and the service is included, um that's $17 a month. If you do the math on the $3,57

1437
07:48:20.320 --> 07:48:37.600
uh students, you get $59,619 per month or annualized $715,428. That's for the 3% that I just mentioned of students, the 357. To put it into perspective here too though, if depending on how you were to

1438
07:48:37.600 --> 07:48:54.958
deploy out that that option to people, if that were to go to 10%, it goes to $3.75 million. So, it escalates quite quickly depending on what the number is and who you roll it out to or who qualifies for it. But currently based on the 3% uh that's the cost right now

1439
07:48:54.958 --> 07:49:10.240
annually through our AT&T agreement that we have. Same provider that also does our cellular services like with phones and all is the $715,428. That's snapshot right now. >> Thank you. And madam chair I appreciate you bringing this item. I think it's out

1440
07:49:10.240 --> 07:49:24.878
of great intent to support our students and I appreciate the the substitute motion. Thank you board member Hixon. >> Thank you Miss Hixon. Thank you. Um, I also just wanted to ask the superintendent, can we since is there a

1441
07:49:24.878 --> 07:49:43.200
way to have I have to wait so she's paying attention. Okay. Is there a way since there's something now already on our website to have all the schools add like put it direct them to ours so that we could

1442
07:49:43.200 --> 07:50:00.000
they could start now. They don't have to wait until we put out a parent link or whatever. >> You mean on the individual schools? >> On the school's website if they district. >> Yeah. For access, you know, for access to lowcost or no cost internet. Click

1443
07:50:00.000 --> 07:50:16.000
here and it would direct them to what we already have. >> I'm not the techie, but I believe we can do that. Correct, Mr. Davis? >> Yes, we could work with uh application services on that to make it a common across uh different school sites. >> Okay. So that would be included in what

1444
07:50:16.000 --> 07:50:33.680
my action is here. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Sea. >> Call the question. >> All in favor of calling the question say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. >> Oh no. I didn't get to speak. >> Um I will also say no, but

1445
07:50:33.680 --> 07:50:46.718
>> no. >> Okay. >> All right. Um I believe the the call to question fails with uh Mrs. Alhadf, Dr. Zean, Dr. Holes, and myself voting no.

1446
07:50:46.718 --> 07:51:03.360
Um, Mr. Seiver, are Miss Rupert? >> Okay. All right. Mr. Se, you still have the floor. Would you like to do anything else? >> Mrs. Alhad. >> Thank you. So, part of the problem is that our student online services and

1447
07:51:03.360 --> 07:51:20.320
safety that lists all the access, mobile, and online services is buried in our website. So, I'd like to make a substitute motion to add a direct link to the homepage of our Broward School's website. >> Second

1448
07:51:20.320 --> 07:51:41.360
public comment on the substitute motion. >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. I support the motion. If you have to start clicking, there are a lot of things that are way too many clicks in. So, it should be on the homepage. Absolutely. Miss Hixon,

1449
07:51:41.360 --> 07:51:57.040
>> I don't disagree with that, but I don't I don't want that to be in place of what? Because you're you made a substitute motion. So, we're not going to send it out to anybody. We're just going to put it on our homepage. I'd rather do both. So, I don't know how to

1450
07:51:57.040 --> 07:52:11.200
if you want >> make an amendment, >> add that. Yeah. Rather than a substitute. >> Okay. So, we're voting on an amendment to Miss Hixon's motion uh to add adding the the piece about the website.

1451
07:52:11.200 --> 07:52:28.958
Okay. Any other board comment on that? All right. All in favor of the amendment to the motion say I. >> I. I. >> All oppose say no. Amendment passes unanimously. We are back to the motion. I believe Dr. Zean, you were on the list to speak.

1452
07:52:28.958 --> 07:52:43.920
>> Just wanted to thank you for bringing this. this is uh difficult to think about the 3%. I mean, we we uh we're here for the 100% and when the 3% doesn't have this money, um you know, we got to do everything we can to get them to one of those free services. So, thank

1453
07:52:43.920 --> 07:53:01.040
you for bringing this chair. >> Thank you. And Miss Thompson, you were also on the list. I know you've spoken already, but uh I was just going to add that at the public library, you can if you have a card, you can actually get a home hotspot. Um you can check one out. So, if we could add that resource to the

1454
07:53:01.040 --> 07:53:17.840
page. >> Thank you. Um, all in favor of or any other board discussion? All in favor of the motion uh as amended say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Motion passes unanimously as amended. That disposes of

1455
07:53:17.840 --> 07:53:35.920
the item as well, I believe. Okay. Could I get a motion and a second on item B4, please? >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Uh public comment on B4. >> No, ma'am. >> Board member comment. Uh Miss Rupert. >> Yes. Um since we have term limits now,

1456
07:53:35.920 --> 07:53:51.200
some of us, you know, are um are getting termed out and and our new board members um have really only two terms to actually build their leadership skills uh around the state where we need advocacy. So, um I wanted to since this

1457
07:53:51.200 --> 07:54:07.840
came up um which is it's like a strange um timing of the vote, but um I know that Miss Thompson has uh uh shared an interest in wanting to um you know maybe take more of a leadership um position

1458
07:54:07.840 --> 07:54:24.000
and opportunity at FSBA. So, I would um like to relinquish mine and put it out there for anybody who wants to. I'm just saying Rebecca shared it with me. So, >> okay. Um, Miss Thompson, are you signing up to do

1459
07:54:24.000 --> 07:54:39.680
that? >> Yes. >> Okay. Any other board comment on that? Do we need to take any action on the item or is it just to I mean, do we have to amend anything, Miss Rupert? >> I'm looking actually John brought this

1460
07:54:39.680 --> 07:54:57.120
item. So, I think it just has to get back to the um FSBA. So, I'll I'll get with John and um Ellen and they'll kind of maneuver it with you. >> I move we appoint Rebecca Thompson to that role. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Uh public comment on the motion. Board

1461
07:54:57.120 --> 07:55:12.718
member discussion on the motion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Motion passes unanimously. All in favor of item B4 say I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. Could I get a motion to second on B5? >> So moved.

1462
07:55:12.718 --> 07:55:27.600
>> Moved by Dr. There's even second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on B5. >> No comment. >> Board member comment. I have Miss Thompson. >> Uh thank you, Chair. So I um am really excited to see this appointment being

1463
07:55:27.600 --> 07:55:43.600
put back on our agenda. Uh when I first got elected, I talked to Commissioner Rich about this coalition and also been working with Lois Wexler to make sure that there is a board appointee to this coalition. I think especially as we

1464
07:55:43.600 --> 07:56:00.798
are going to have to explore different ways to approach mental health, it's really important that we have a voice on this. Um, and I would be interested in this position if there's no other interest. >> I move to appoint Miss Thompson to the

1465
07:56:00.798 --> 07:56:20.638
BB Brower Behavioral Health Coalition Board of Directors. Second by Miss Bulman. Public comment on the motion. I'll >> um I support you having a voice on there seeing as you give them 103,000 uh last year from the mental health

1466
07:56:20.638 --> 07:56:38.398
assistant allocation. So you should have a voice for that amount of money. >> Thank you, Miss Hixon. Thank you. our our general counsel isn't here, but I just was I mean, I'm glad to see it on here, but I I sat on that board and then was told it was a

1467
07:56:38.398 --> 07:56:53.600
conflict of interest and had to step down. I had to turn in my resignation um on that board because I was told by our general counsel that I couldn't sit on it. So, I'm glad to see it came back. I kind of wanted to ask why. I don't mind

1468
07:56:53.600 --> 07:57:10.558
that um Miss Thompson wants to be on it. I'm glad someone will be. Um, but I kind of wanted an explanation as to why just a few months ago I had to to resign from it and now it's back on and someone else gets to join. So, um, but she's not

1469
07:57:10.558 --> 07:57:27.520
here. So, all right. Well, I actually I mean I had some questions so we can wait for the general counsel to come back. Um, related to the Brower Behavioral Health. Well, I want Yeah, let's There we go. Um so madame general counsel Miss Hixon

1470
07:57:27.520 --> 07:57:44.718
had mentioned that she was told by our previous general counsel that she had to resign from the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition as it was a conflict of interest and now it's back it's back to us as an item to have an appointment to the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition. So she's just wanting some clarity

1471
07:57:44.718 --> 07:57:59.920
around that. >> Yeah. And I'll explain. So there was an item because we do give money to the BBHC. So I wrote in that I had to recuse myself which started this whole tumbling of how I wasn't supposed to be on there and it was a conflict of interest and I

1472
07:57:59.920 --> 07:58:15.680
had to resign. So I did that um and then I saw the item come up and again I appreciate that it's there. I think it's valuable that we have someone on there um especially when they hit some some pitfalls on things, but I I just

1473
07:58:15.680 --> 07:58:36.080
wondered how in just those few months it changed. >> I I cannot answer in terms of the analysis made by prior counsel. Um I would like to look into this. I'm not quite sure I understand the conflict yet. So, I need to look into this and

1474
07:58:36.080 --> 07:58:52.878
then I can give you some guidance. >> I appreciate it. Again, I'm fine with Miss Thompson wanting to be on there. It wasn't about that I had to resign. It was just kind of seemed weird that these all fell in line like that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Zean. >> May we lay this uh I move we lay this on

1475
07:58:52.878 --> 07:59:08.638
the table till the next uh school board meeting on the 19th of of May. >> Is there a second? so that we get an answer from our general counsel on whether we can actually fill this position. >> So my understanding is general counsel

1476
07:59:08.638 --> 07:59:24.160
has been working with their general counsel and then everything has been approved and contracts signed. >> There's anou >> and there thank you there's anou >> so I don't feel like there's a need to lay it on the table and also we're

1477
07:59:24.160 --> 07:59:40.798
missing me meetings. So, so I I will say that it's correct that we have been working with the general counsel for Broward Behavioral Health um coalition. This is the first that I'm hearing of a potential conflict in an analysis that was made by prior council. So, that I need to vet because I just don't have

1478
07:59:40.798 --> 07:59:57.760
that information. I don't know. I >> I'm going to leave the motion out there because I think it's better to be safe than sorry. It's a two-e delay. Uh I don't want another self-inflicted wound where we appoint somebody and then have to undo it because a previous uh general counsel position said it was a conflict. It just I don't feel like taking that

1479
07:59:57.760 --> 08:00:16.320
risk. >> Okay. >> All right. Seeing no second, um I I would like to just ask or sorry, Dr. Zean, you you still have the floor. Do you have any questions or comments? Okay. Um, I would like to ask a question

1480
08:00:16.320 --> 08:00:32.080
related to the Brower Behavioral Health Coalition. Um, it was my understanding that BBHC uh reached out to us about providing ambulance transportation for students who are Baker acted um as

1481
08:00:32.080 --> 08:00:48.160
as opposed to being transported in police cars. um and that we initiated a pilot program that involved um some schools. Could Dr. Heeper, do you have anyone able to speak to that pilot program?

1482
08:00:48.160 --> 08:01:04.240
>> Miss Hollingsworth, >> good afternoon. Simone Hollingsworth, chief student services, that is accurate, Miss Leonardi. We do have a pilot program um with them. It started off with I think it was about 16 schools and I can do a followup so that everybody has the information and we have expanded. I believe we're into 53

1483
08:01:04.240 --> 08:01:20.240
schools and continuing um to expand that. It started with BSO and other municipalities are getting on board with that to have a less traumatic experience when we do have to um engage with the Baker Act. >> Okay. I Yeah, I would like a detailed follow-up on that because I my

1484
08:01:20.240 --> 08:01:34.558
understanding was a little bit different about the number of schools and which schools were participating. So, I would very much like a followup on that. >> No problem. It did start with a small number and then we've increased it, but certainly we can get that for you. >> Thank you. Um, Miss Dupree Bruno, do you

1485
08:01:34.558 --> 08:01:51.760
have any further responses to Dr. Zemon's line of questioning? >> So, so the agreement does talk a little bit about some of the um the statutes that's applicable, but I do want some additional time to um review this a little bit more in depth, please.

1486
08:01:51.760 --> 08:02:12.958
>> Okay. Um, I'd like to make a motion to table this item to later in the meeting. >> Motion made by Miss Leonard, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on the motion to postpone this till later in the meeting. >> Dr. Zean's suggestion to table it to the

1487
08:02:12.958 --> 08:02:29.200
next meeting. This is not like the place is on fire or anything and if you don't go through with it tonight, you have your hands full. I think you have a a hearing in a few minutes and the rest of this agenda. When is poor Miss Brun Dri Bruno supposed to go look at this? So,

1488
08:02:29.200 --> 08:02:45.760
next meeting. I don't support the motion. I support tableabling it. And by the way, I misspoke. It's two million that you give to them. >> Any other public comment on the motion to table the item? All in favor of tableabling the item say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no.

1489
08:02:45.760 --> 08:03:02.558
>> U. Motion to table passes unanimously. Um I so just so everyone has a concept of the timing, we do need to take a vote to extend the meeting, but we also have a public hearing at 5:00 pm. So at 5:00 p.m. we will or just before 5:00 p.m. we'll recess the regular schoolboard

1490
08:03:02.558 --> 08:03:18.320
meeting, go to the public hearing. Um do that and then come back to the regular schoolboard meeting. But I'd like to make a motion to extend the regular schoolboard meeting by two hours. Uh seconded by Miss Rouper. Public com. Well, we don't do we we don't do public

1491
08:03:18.320 --> 08:03:34.798
com. Okay. Uh all in favor of t of extending the meeting by two hours, say I. >> All oppose, say no. >> No. >> Roll call. >> School board members Hixon. >> Ponis. >> Yes. >> Leonardi. >> Yes. >> Rupert.

1492
08:03:34.798 --> 08:03:51.520
>> Yes. >> Thompson. >> Zean, no. >> Ah, >> no. >> Bowman. Sea >> those are always >> 54. We'll be here two more hours. >> Okay. >> All right. Could I get a motion in a

1493
08:03:51.520 --> 08:04:07.200
second on item F2? >> So move. >> Second. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Rupert. Public comment on F2. >> One registered speaker, Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh. >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh. And you still have me for O14, whatever hour you get

1494
08:04:07.200 --> 08:04:23.120
to that. Um, so on F2, which is about the budget reports, lo and behold, your end projected ending fund balance for assigned unassigned hasn't changed at all since last month or maybe the month before. It's still at 3.08

1495
08:04:23.120 --> 08:04:40.478
by some magic. Um, the magic being the numbers have already been done and we're just tinkering each month. So understand that I have done a public records request. I have notified the state. You know, the state loves you guys and is

1496
08:04:40.478 --> 08:04:57.200
looking for any excuse to come for you. So, please direct your superintendent to direct his staff. If there's no shenanigans and understand that I can I get that they're sending me gobblelygook. They're sending me stuff

1497
08:04:57.200 --> 08:05:11.840
that tells me this is where we started and this is where we ended and this is the difference. Okay. But I want to be able to audit what she's doing and I can't do that without the schedule. So as you're looking at the budget report

1498
08:05:11.840 --> 08:05:29.360
that's not a PDF, it's a PDF online, but it started its life as an Excel spreadsheet. And Excel spreadsheets tend to be linked and they have these things called formulas in them so that I could work backwards from there and be able to follow the mathematical calculations. I

1499
08:05:29.360 --> 08:05:46.000
can't do that when you send a PDF and I can't do it when you send me random things. And I think they're creating documents at this point to send to me, but don't give the state an excuse to come for you over non-compliance with public

1500
08:05:46.000 --> 08:06:04.000
records law. Tell these people to release the documents. Stop wasting my time because it's a form of abuse what I go through to get public records requests. I have to ask and ask and it is not the clerk specs in public records. It is the

1501
08:06:04.000 --> 08:06:20.398
custodians whenever it's something I have to get from it. I just got records but they only had to go through it. That came immediately. The CFO meaning the chief financial officer and also whoever is hanging on to staffing records and MGT

1502
08:06:20.398 --> 08:06:37.200
those reports are not complying with public records law. So I cannot make sense uh monthtomonth of how the fund balance the ending projected ending fund balance is being calculated and I should be able to if there are no shenanigans

1503
08:06:37.200 --> 08:06:53.760
just cough it up. These are the reasons people don't trust the district. It should be clear I should have been buried in Excel spreadsheets but I'm not. I have a few stray spreadsheets. So look at the reports and understand I do not even

1504
08:06:53.760 --> 08:07:10.558
have the ones you're looking at as the budget reports. Why? What is the problem? I have an active imagination. So my imagination tells me I'm right and she's cooking the budget. >> Thank you. Any other public comment on

1505
08:07:10.558 --> 08:07:25.360
the item? Uh board member discussion. Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. Yes, I have a a question and it's it's for a specific reason and I did send it in already um but I want to ask it in public. So on page it has page

1506
08:07:25.360 --> 08:07:43.040
under general funds only in the budget um for March salaries as you can see from adopted budget September 9th um the budgeted salary increased by quite a few dollars and then it

1507
08:07:43.040 --> 08:07:58.000
continued to increase from February to March. So, I'd like to ask um the CFO through the superintendent, why is our budgeted salary increasing so quickly?

1508
08:07:58.000 --> 08:08:14.080
>> Go ahead, Mr. Johnson. >> Do the chair and superintendent. Ramenire Johnson, chief financial officer. I'm reviewing that now. I'm looking at overall salaries. As I had the conversation with you, Miss Hixon, I noticed that myself. So, I brought it to

1509
08:08:14.080 --> 08:08:29.280
your attention that these salaries are burning and there's other wages that I don't have control over that um we're put uh the superintendent send out a memo to hold off on overtime and everything else. So, we're working and

1510
08:08:29.280 --> 08:08:45.840
looking and I'm doing a detailed research. We just closed April. So, I'm doing a new projection of what are we going to end up if we're going to end up in 3%. >> Thank you. and and that's my concern was very concerned when we had the conversation. So my question is there

1511
08:08:45.840 --> 08:09:01.920
are some overtimes because basically what you're saying is we we have a lot of overtime. That's where the salaries it's not necessarily that we hired all these new positions. It's that a large portion of this increase comes from overtime.

1512
08:09:01.920 --> 08:09:17.920
>> Well, there's not just overtime. We give stipens at various times of the year that I don't have control over the payroll when they enter in the system. There's no way we could track that until they enter into the system. So, we pay them out as they enter in. So, those

1513
08:09:17.920 --> 08:09:34.160
have an impact overall on my financials, >> right? And that's kind of my point to superintendent. A couple of things. Um, first of all, do we there's times when we know we're going to have overtime like graduation time. Is that baked into

1514
08:09:34.160 --> 08:09:50.558
the budget already or is that going to be additional salary spending that wasn't accounted for in the original budget? >> No. So, it's not uh so-called baked in the budget. O overtime isn't baked in the budget. Um right. So, um one of the things we do, we monitor, we have a

1515
08:09:50.558 --> 08:10:05.760
dashboard that we monitor and we as we look at um the burn and we talk to the CFO to see where our burn is like we just did. We just sent out a memo. We talked to uh the departments that have the most impact. Transportation, uh some

1516
08:10:05.760 --> 08:10:21.680
of PO, some of some of security are the largest impact when it comes to overtime. But some of the the things that like Miss Johnson mentioned, you have other wages. You have uh some positions where a person may be doing things twice. Like for instance, a tech

1517
08:10:21.680 --> 08:10:38.478
a tech school instructor for spec very specific um role. It may let me just use an example. It may be a welder. that welder may be teaching a class in the afternoon and also teaching a class in the evening because you can't find additional welders and that garers a certain amount of increased wages

1518
08:10:38.478 --> 08:10:55.040
because it's over the normal amount of time that they were actually work. So you have those nuances too. >> So but those are things that we know like we can project that ahead of time. So why is it that we didn't include it in the budget already so that we didn't get caught?

1519
08:10:55.040 --> 08:11:10.160
>> So we're below where we are with overtime last year. were like 36% less overtime than last. >> And that was my other question because we did give a directive to reduce overtime by 40%. So we haven't received an update. So if you could send us a followup on that because it was supposed

1520
08:11:10.160 --> 08:11:28.558
to be by January of 2026. Um, and the other question I have kind of tied to that, maybe not exactly, but um, we also gave a directive about um, looking at job descriptions and identifying things

1521
08:11:28.558 --> 08:11:46.000
that we're giving supplements for but are in someone's job description. And I didn't see any of those job descriptions come back to us when we had the org chart. And that was also supposed to be in January of 2026. and we're in May of 2026. So, when are we going to be able

1522
08:11:46.000 --> 08:12:01.840
to see those? >> Yeah. So, I can have Dr. Lozano give you an update, but it's it's more of a complex situation than just changing the job description. Um, and so he can walk walk. >> It wasn't about changing it. It was bringing forward to us the job description, looking at supplements and

1523
08:12:01.840 --> 08:12:17.920
seeing if they fell into someone's job description. So, you could eliminate the the supplements. >> And he'll walk you through what what they've been doing. >> Yeah. So, we just finished um under the direction of director Henchel, she met with a group of principles, assistant

1524
08:12:17.920 --> 08:12:34.558
principles, departments, and they are finalizing their report right now to prepare to present to to me and our labor relations team so we could look it over and present it to the board. >> Okay. and and the consultants that we

1525
08:12:34.558 --> 08:12:51.520
hired, did they have any role in trying to see where overlap happens? >> Um, not in that type of detail with job descriptions and in um in duties. Not not in that detail. That's something that um um Dr. Lozano's team is working on with the principles and other

1526
08:12:51.520 --> 08:13:07.680
impacted groups. >> Okay. I I look forward to seeing that because I am very concerned based on, you know, our conversation. It seems like there's a very good chance we drop under 3% because we can't control what we don't know until after it happens. So

1527
08:13:07.680 --> 08:13:25.200
my last question is what are we doing now to make sure that >> we are are we requiring people to have pre-authorization before overtime happens because there's no way Yes. the CFO will know until a bill comes in and

1528
08:13:25.200 --> 08:13:40.160
at that point we're going to be under 3%. >> No. Yes. Um there's always uh pre-authorization is just controlling the burn which we've done a good job in in doing. We've down 36%. Uh but again we have a every dime that we save is plugging the shortfall from loss of

1529
08:13:40.160 --> 08:13:57.760
students from this current year and also we have a lot of people hence the the downsizing of staff. We have more staff than our budget can actually um support and so hence uh some of the strategies to move into the next school year. Yes. >> So, just to be clear, if I'm a principal

1530
08:13:57.760 --> 08:14:14.798
at high school A and I want to put in overtime for Susie, I can't just put in overtime for Susie. I'm going to have to get pre-authorization from who? >> The regional office. >> And how does the regional office get that information to this? Like, how do

1531
08:14:14.798 --> 08:14:30.320
they say yes without checking with her first? How do they know that that's okay? the regional office goes through the ask and see if it's if um it can be supported and they make a decision on a on a yes or a no. But the majority of the overtime isn't come coming from

1532
08:14:30.320 --> 08:14:45.920
schools. The majority of our overtime comes from operations. >> And so who do they have to get? >> Yes. They have they from their uh ultimate supervisor and up the chain which they actually monitor >> comes from the budget office. A yes or no. >> Correct. They have their own budget

1533
08:14:45.920 --> 08:15:01.760
people too in those offices. Yep. because I I I just think it's really important. We got in this because we had bills left over and all of a sudden we had it was like a balloon mortgage payment and I really am very very concerned that that's what's going to happen here.

1534
08:15:01.760 --> 08:15:17.760
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. And just for the record, we are running a little bit late to start our public hearing, but I do want to dispose of this item before we get to that. Dr. Zean, >> I'll be quick uh chair in the interest of time, but to my countywide partners, uh point over there,

1535
08:15:17.760 --> 08:15:34.558
um there's there's a real risk of going under 3%. And um I want to make sure that we're doing all the things that we can uh to not get there. Um

1536
08:15:34.558 --> 08:15:50.958
uh to Miss Hicksman's point too though, there's um I believe like a really need for internal controls on salaries that extend beyond uh what we do right now. So Mr. Superintendent, in your scenario, you said a principal calls a regional

1537
08:15:50.958 --> 08:16:07.600
superintendent. Does a regional superintendent have a budget for total compensation that they manage to >> as far as total comp for total compensation of overtime? total compensation. I'm I'm looking for budget controls. So, we we got in big trouble last year because we went over budget

1538
08:16:07.600 --> 08:16:25.040
limits by $75 million in one year. >> That added to the $80 million we had to find because of uh declined enrollment. That's a lot of money. And so, we we talked about this and we said there would be no budget overages this year, >> but the budget documents and the burn

1539
08:16:25.040 --> 08:16:41.120
>> show that it's very likely we're gonna have budget overages on on payroll, not just on overtime. And so I want to know who in your system is accountable to meet the budget allocation they've been given for personnel costs. >> Yep. Everybody everybody is um

1540
08:16:41.120 --> 08:16:57.040
accountable for that. But the last year's um that amount of money of of overages because of an alloc an allocation of funds that shouldn't have been allocated inside of our funds for district use. so that it wasn't

1541
08:16:57.040 --> 08:17:15.600
because of um the lack of controls uh for overtime at the school level or at the PO level or at the transportation level. So, you know, we're monitoring the burn. We've been monitoring that through through a dashboard. Um we have constant communication and monitoring to

1542
08:17:15.600 --> 08:17:33.040
put the brakes on on the burn to slow it down in some instances with transportation. you can't slow it down as tremendously as we want because of the shortage that they have and they have people that are doubling back and and working additional hours. Um and they actually have a good um pulse on

1543
08:17:33.040 --> 08:17:48.000
when they spike and when they're low. >> If you had to make a choice between going under 3% and stopping bus traffic right now, what would you do, Mr. Superintendent? >> We can't stop bus traffic. >> We can't go under 3%. I don't know why uh I don't know why

1544
08:17:48.000 --> 08:18:04.958
this is confusing to people. Um 3% is an absolute statutory limit on our fund balance. We may not go under 3%. We may not under no circumstances invite the state to come to Broward County and and take over our financial controls.

1545
08:18:04.958 --> 08:18:20.638
That's what the law says they can do at 3%. So this is a year old problem about not having financial internal controls on our personnel, which is a bulk of our operating costs. And if everyone's

1546
08:18:20.638 --> 08:18:37.360
responsible, no one's responsible because nobody's going to going to sit on the front row or the second row. They're going to come after the board for not insisting that we have internal controls. That's our responsibility and we're at great risk of going under

1547
08:18:37.360 --> 08:18:51.840
3%. So I would have a different answer about the buses. I would stop the buses. I would stop overtime. I would do whatever I had to do, but I would never go under 3%. And the board's got to wake up to this. Do you guys want to be on the board? I'll introduce you to the

1548
08:18:51.840 --> 08:19:09.440
Department of Education on July 1st. We cannot go under 3%. This is a real legitimate crisis. Um, so I just am going to alert folks to this. I hope in two weeks we have like a a real crisis response to this and that we're serious

1549
08:19:09.440 --> 08:19:26.798
about it. uh because uh when you get into the details of the burn, when you look at at these reports, and this is just through March, but we're already a month and a half, a month and a week past that, if if there hasn't been crisis response to this, then we really are at risk of going under 3%. And and

1550
08:19:26.798 --> 08:19:43.680
and um let me just ask you formally, Mr. Superintendent, in in two weeks, can we have a response about internal controls on salaries so that we know who's accountable for overspending money that is salary money so we know who to hold

1551
08:19:43.680 --> 08:19:59.280
accountable on June 30th? >> Yep. Absolutely. >> Okay. Thank you. Because this is uh something I I lay up at night worrying about and it's going to land on the board table, not going to land on the superintendent. It's not going to land on on the CFO. uh that's not, you know, their responsibility isn't to make the

1552
08:19:59.280 --> 08:20:16.080
authority decisions about how to do these things, but uh I'm very worried that we're on a on a train wreck. Uh and I don't want our train wreck ending in Tallahassee. That's just not why I joined this board. Um so I'm I'm curious what the detailed projection is in two weeks, Mr. Superintendent, and what what

1553
08:20:16.080 --> 08:20:33.360
actions you've taken starting tomorrow to make sure we do not fall under 3%. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Any other board discussion? Miss Thompson? I would just like to um encourage my colleagues to bring that vigor of not falling under 3% to our org chart conversation and all of the other

1554
08:20:33.360 --> 08:20:50.160
hard conversations we've been having because it's not just the superintendent's responsibility. It's ours to vote on what he's recommending to stay above 3%. Thank you. >> Any other board member discussion? >> Right. All in favor of F2 say I.

1555
08:20:50.160 --> 08:24:55.040
>> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. We will now recess this regular school board meeting uh to convene the public hearing. Data. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Down

1556
08:24:55.040 --> 08:26:14.958
down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down down. Welcome to today's school board public hearing. This public hearing of the school board of Broward County, Florida for public comment on the world languages K12 instructional and digital materials recommended for adoption in

1557
08:26:14.958 --> 08:26:32.478
2026 2027 is now called to order. To ensure a safe and productive environment, please note the clearly marked emergency exits. Do not block exit doors and all attendees must be seated except for media. Once the room reaches capacity, attendees will be directed to the overflow area. If the fire alarm sounds, exit exit the room

1558
08:26:32.478 --> 08:26:48.638
calmly, continue outside the building, and remain there until the authorities give clearance to return. Thank you for your cooperation. All please rise for the pledge of allegiance to the flag. I pledge algiance >> to the flag of the United States of

1559
08:26:48.638 --> 08:27:15.920
America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Are there any changes to the agenda? Dr. Hburn. >> No changes to the agenda.

1560
08:27:15.920 --> 08:27:31.600
>> May the chair have a motion and a second to close the agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Dr. Zeman. Second by Miss Rer. All in favor of closing the agenda say I. >> I. >> Those opposed say no. >> Uh passes unanimously. May I the chair have a motion and a

1561
08:27:31.600 --> 08:27:46.398
second to move the items to the floor? >> So move. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. We will now proceed with the agenda. Today's public hearing will operate in accordance with Florida statutes 10006.28 one6.28

1562
08:27:46.398 --> 08:28:02.718
in parentheses 3 and 106.40. The purpose of this hearing is to keep the public and school board fully informed as to whether the district is using sound policies and practices that meet the needs of students and warrant public confidence in the district's operation. State

1563
08:28:02.718 --> 08:28:22.318
statute requires that the public be given the opportunity to provide input to the adoption of the instructional and digital materials. Are there any public speakers? >> No regular speakers. >> Dr. Hepper will now give a brief overview of the instructional and digital materials recommended for

1564
08:28:22.318 --> 08:28:39.840
adoption in 2026 2027. >> Thank you chair. Madam Chair, good evening. I'm I'm pleased to submit the instructional and digital materials plan recommended for the K through2 world languages adoption in 2026 2027 for the school board's consideration and

1565
08:28:39.840 --> 08:28:57.440
adoption. Florida statute 106.40 requires public access to the recommended instructional and digital materials and a school board hearing to receive public comment. Bart County Public Schools has the duty and responsibility to provide instructional and digital materials to support

1566
08:28:57.440 --> 08:29:12.558
instruction. The material selected must be aligned with the academic standards and reflect the most current information. Each year, based on the state's adoption cycle, district staff and teachers review instructional and digital materials for design designated subjects and select the best suited

1567
08:29:12.558 --> 08:29:27.760
materials for use. The subject area reviewed rotates each year, allowing the district to supply students and teachers with current materials. The selected adopted materials are generally used for five years. For the 2026 2027 school year, the designated subject area for

1568
08:29:27.760 --> 08:29:44.318
review was world languages for K through 12. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, digital content plays an increasingly important role in teaching and learning. This is true of instructional and digital materials as well. Each recommended title includes digital components and interactive

1569
08:29:44.318 --> 08:30:00.398
features to support student engagement and instructional delivery. Now, district staff from uh innovate in innovative learning will provide a brief presentation of the recommended instructional and digital material for the K through2 world languages adoption for the 2026 2027 school year. Following

1570
08:30:00.398 --> 08:30:26.160
the presentation, staff will be available to answer any questions. Turn to staff. >> Thank you. Good evening. Dr. Wilson, director of innovative learning. Okay. This evening we will be going through

1571
08:30:26.160 --> 08:30:41.120
the public hearing for the instructional materials and world languages adoption. Again the rationale for this particular engagement is to ensure that we are in compliance with state statute as it relates to the selection of our process for public uh for materials for our

1572
08:30:41.120 --> 08:30:58.958
students. In addition, we are re showing you the recommended selections from our instructional review committee as they think that these are the tools that are adequate and most aligned for our students according to Florida State statute 7

1573
08:30:58.958 --> 08:31:14.240
uh04. We do have adequate instructional materials defined making sure that we have a submiss a sufficient amount of materials and site licenses for our students. This definition was expanded in the last couple of years where this

1574
08:31:14.240 --> 08:31:30.638
could look like bound or unbound kit package hardbacked or softbacked materials along with electronic content and consum consumables. This allows us to have flexibility with purchasing to ensure that we are being as fiscally uh

1575
08:31:30.638 --> 08:31:46.558
lean as possible and our selection process. Additionally, to ensure that we have a transparent process to ensure that all of the feedback from our committee uh is uh viewable and also accessible, we use

1576
08:31:46.558 --> 08:32:03.040
the ed credible tool. Uh this is an electronic system that allows us to glean all of the professional indepth shifts within our materials. Also, it gives us the opportunity to make sure that we are reviewing the high quality

1577
08:32:03.040 --> 08:32:19.840
content aligned to state standards and also making sure we are in alignment with IT technical requirements. Again, this is also in accordance with state statute to have a clear and transparent process for instructional materials.

1578
08:32:19.840 --> 08:32:34.798
Additionally, the department of innovative learning uh will place all district order for schools based on the current enrollment. We make sure that we go back and work with our uh aligned departments to ensure that we have numbers that are not inflated and that

1579
08:32:34.798 --> 08:32:52.000
we do order uh for the cases of damaged or lost materials, but there is not anything that is purchased in excess. Again, uh based on board approval, uh the world uh language order can then be placed in the state queue for processing

1580
08:32:52.000 --> 08:33:09.280
after the 31-day protest period. You will see on the next slide all of the uh items by category that we will be purchasing for this year and the cost of the adoption along with the vendor. Again, we have worked uh very closely

1581
08:33:09.280 --> 08:33:25.440
with our um appropriate departments that manage world languages and their subject matter experts to ensure that we are selecting number one the highest quality of materials. Number two, making sure that they are statutoily aligned. And then of course, in addition, that we are

1582
08:33:25.440 --> 08:33:45.520
not uh being fiscally in irresponsible in these lean times so that we are in compliance with uh Florida statute 704. Again, as you see uh through the remainder of the slide deck, all of the other upper level uh instruction

1583
08:33:45.520 --> 08:34:00.878
materials that we will be using for world languages, which will be inclusive of our ACE and IB uh courses. Again, uh these are the most uh sound prices that we were able to uh have in conjunction

1584
08:34:00.878 --> 08:34:16.638
with our vendors and also making sure we were fulfilling all of the needs of our students with an emphasis on pricing for digital content so that we are not um being over excessive and making sure that we are going into our digital age

1585
08:34:16.638 --> 08:34:35.200
with uh with our materials. And that would be the conclusion of the review of our instructional materials for world languages. Please note that in the appendices we can uh also have access to all of the materials in detail

1586
08:34:35.200 --> 08:34:53.080
by clicking on the appendix uh items to actually have an in-depth review of the materials and reviewing those uh page by page. Thank you. >> Thank you. We'll go to board discussion. Any board discussion on this item?

1587
08:34:56.080 --> 08:35:12.398
Miss Bowman, >> thank you for all your hard work doing this and putting this together. Um, I I had one question. We are required to purchase textbooks periodically. Um, are is do we receive funding for this or is

1588
08:35:12.398 --> 08:35:29.840
this um how does that work? Um in the through the chair um in the past we did have state categoricals for instructional materials which is no longer the case right now. So we have to basically work in conjunction with the CFO to make sure that we are budgeting

1589
08:35:29.840 --> 08:35:46.398
for instructional materials based on the current enrollment. Uh so that's something that we work in collaboration with the CEO, the department that is up for um their adoption cycle to ensure that we have that planned in the budget. But we're required to adopt new tech.

1590
08:35:46.398 --> 08:36:03.040
>> That is correct. Every five years being funded specifically for this, but we're being required to >> Yeah. Every five years. >> Okay. >> Thank you. And thank you. I really appreciate the presentation. >> Thank you. >> Dr. Zean. >> Um, chair, do you know if this is paid out of uh just to confirm, this is paid

1591
08:36:03.040 --> 08:36:18.558
out of our general fund, out of operating funds? >> That's correct. And uh are any of these contracts executing so that those operational funds that are being used are school year 2526 funds? Are we buying these books with this year's money? >> No. >> No. >> No, we are not.

1592
08:36:18.558 --> 08:36:37.280
>> Thank you. >> You any other board member discussion? All right. All in favor of item one say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. The scheduled order of business for this public hearing of the school board of Brower County, Florida has been completed. Seeing no

1593
08:36:37.280 --> 08:40:29.520
objections, I will now adjourn this public hearing. Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Right. This regular school board meeting is now reconvened. Could I get a motion and a second on 01? Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on 01.

1594
08:40:29.520 --> 08:40:53.520
>> One registered speaker, Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh. She cares about SDFC. >> Oh, Dr. Natalie Lynchwash, Plantation, Florida. Just another reminder as far as the summary of progress report. Um, a few years ago, I did some number

1595
08:40:53.520 --> 08:41:10.000
crunching to compare who the subs were that were MWBE versus their actual utilization. That should be coming forward every month. the promises versus what's actually happening. Again, a monitoring function. So, just a

1596
08:41:10.000 --> 08:41:25.520
reminder, every time I look at this report, that is lacking. There's a lot of fanfare about outreach, this and the other, but it comes to nothing if you cannot show that you're utilizing the MWBE subs. And I am speaking primarily

1597
08:41:25.520 --> 08:41:44.000
from a facility standpoint. That does not get reported. I am the last person that reported it to you and it was like at 12%. And and nowhere near 100%. So again, a reminder, it's a monitoring function. >> All right. Thank you, >> Madam Chair. I'm sorry. We have to

1598
08:41:44.000 --> 08:44:26.000
recess for technical difficulties. >> We'll recess again. Are you happy? All right, this regular school board meeting is now reconvened again. Um, we did

1599
08:44:26.000 --> 08:44:41.040
public comment public comment on 01 board member comment. I have Dr. Hoes. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. So, um, Dr. Dr. Heburn, I I just want to continue to encourage increase in participation of our certified small local businesses. Uh

1600
08:44:41.040 --> 08:44:58.478
looking at quarter three um uh as opposed to quarter 2. In quarter 2, I remember and it's here 8.03% participation. In quarter 3, it's 8.29% of certified small local businesses participation. So I just want to

1601
08:44:58.478 --> 08:45:15.200
encourage you, Dr. Heburn to continue the efforts to increase our participation of certified small local businesses uh for B County schools. And I also would be remiss if I did not um thank u Michael Mr. Michael Scott and Mr. John White for inviting me to

1602
08:45:15.200 --> 08:45:29.680
matchmaker event. I thought it was great and um I was able to see a lot more of what you do. So thank you so much for that invitation as well. Thank you madam chair. >> Thank you. Any other board discussion? Dr. Zeman. Just a quick question to the

1603
08:45:29.680 --> 08:45:47.760
general counsel. Um, any uh laws that passed this year that would require us to look hard at our policy 3330? >> I'll have to double check that, Dr. Zean, off the top of my head. I have to research that a bit. >> I appreciate that. There are several that passed that got a lot of publicity

1604
08:45:47.760 --> 08:46:03.958
that um seemed like we should probably look at it and see if it needs to come back to the board. Um, but if you could u if you don't mind, if you could report back to the board whenever it's convenient. uh on that. Um I just want to make sure we stay compliant with the law.

1605
08:46:06.638 --> 08:46:22.958
>> Any other board discussion? All in favor of 01 say I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. Could I get a motion and a second on O2? Oh, can actually without objection, can we pull O2 and O15 together since they are companion? Well,

1606
08:46:22.958 --> 08:46:40.160
no, O2, sorry. O2 and 012 together. Moved by Dr. Zeman, second by Miss Rupert. Public comment on O2 or O12. >> No, ma'am. >> Uh board member comment, Miss Pullman. >> Thank you, chair. Um I pulled this. I just wanted to recognize the great work

1607
08:46:40.160 --> 08:46:58.000
of uh Trey Davis and his team for, you know, when we were at the community involvement awards last week, uh there was quite a presentation. The the Microsoft reps were there. Um and so his work has gone beyond just procuring us

1608
08:46:58.000 --> 08:47:13.840
software and hardware, but really doing some great um making some great partnerships that are really benefiting our district and our kids in ways that we are only I'm only learning about now, like beginning to understand. So, thank you so much for all of your work on this

1609
08:47:13.840 --> 08:47:30.240
and I look forward to the fruits of your labor going forward. >> Thank you, Miss Rupert. Uh, the superintendent answered my question. It was about funding. Thanks. >> Got it. Um, Miss Hixon, I have you on O2.

1610
08:47:30.240 --> 08:47:45.520
>> Yeah, I actually got my question answered, but I want to say thank you to Mr. Davis. Um, based on the answer that I received, he worked out a huge discount in this particular item that's here, even though it's a large number. Um, and so I appreciate the hard work

1611
08:47:45.520 --> 08:48:02.000
you did in getting this contract through. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Thompson. I just want to echo my colleagues thanks of Mr. Davis and his team for the discounts you were able to work on this and for the benefit you're bringing to the district.

1612
08:48:02.000 --> 08:48:18.398
>> Thank you, Mr. Davis. Any other board discussion on O2 or O12? >> All in favor of those items say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Items passed unanimously. Could I get a motion and a second on S1? >> So move.

1613
08:48:18.398 --> 08:48:32.798
>> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on S1. >> No, ma'am. >> Board member discussion. Miss Bulman. Thanks, chair. Um, just really quickly, I had the uh privilege of touring

1614
08:48:32.798 --> 08:48:49.200
Sheridan Tech uh technical college two weeks ago and I was able to see firsthand the um addition of the Ford >> vehicles. So, um, this is an addition to Chevy, Mazda.

1615
08:48:49.200 --> 08:49:03.840
Trying to think of the other ones that they had. I can't remember off the top of my head, but it's quite a production that they have there. It's amazing. And so, um, we're very lucky to, um, also have Ford as the southern, um, on the southern part of the state. My family

1616
08:49:03.840 --> 08:49:20.000
was always a Ford family. So, appreciate the work that went into putting this together. Thanks. >> Thank you, Miss Rupert. >> Um, thank you. My uh my question was answered by um our general counsel, but um I do want to um crow a little bit

1617
08:49:20.000 --> 08:49:39.760
because u my oldest son graduated from the Ford program and at Sheridan. So um great great great program, great skills. So thank you. >> Awesome, Mr. Dup Bruno. >> Okay. Um all in favor of S1 say I. >> I.

1618
08:49:39.760 --> 08:49:56.878
>> All oppose say no. item passes unanimously. Miss Dupri Bruno. >> Yeah, I just wanted to go back to O um-1. Sorry, Dr. Zean, I was not looking at the agenda item when you made the comment. Um there is a law that has passed. It's for municipalities and counties. However, there may be some

1619
08:49:56.878 --> 08:50:11.680
impact to school districts. So, that's something that I'm still vetting and will provide guidance to the board. >> I appreciate exactly what I was referring to. Thanks. >> Thank you. Um now I will go to Dr. Heburn for his superintendent report. >> Yes. Um, thank you, Madam Chair. I know

1620
08:50:11.680 --> 08:50:27.680
we had a a um beacon. I'm going to queue you up in a minute, so give you a little time to get ready. Know we had a lot of um time certain items that um got in the way of me giving the report earlier this morning. But first of all, uh extending our sincere appreciation um to all of

1621
08:50:27.680 --> 08:50:43.680
our teachers. It is teacher appreciation week and today is actually teacher appreciation day. Um and thanks for all the hard work that you do for our students and creating those quality learning opportunities. Um you know oftent times uh many of us on the day of uh used to be teachers um and some of us

1622
08:50:43.680 --> 08:51:00.318
still are teachers naturally and and including myself and you know often our students as they get older and u pretty much grow up and and go through their careers and you bump into them in the grocery store or even when you're on vacation and and they uh point you out and they say, "Man, you changed my life.

1623
08:51:00.318 --> 08:51:15.440
You remember me, miss? You remember me, mister?" Um and so those are the those those are those moments that remind you of your why. uh when it comes to education, you know, uh the impact on one child is is so great. It changes their trajectory, changes a community,

1624
08:51:15.440 --> 08:51:30.798
um and changes their outlook on life. Um so for that, we can, you know, extend our appreciation for our teachers 365 days a year. So, thanks for what you do. Um so, with that said, Beacon, if you can roll the tape for the highlights of

1625
08:51:30.798 --> 08:54:25.200
the last month. do it. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. together

1626
08:54:25.200 --> 08:54:52.718
and we can come together. And that's it for my report. Let's make sure we finish off the year strong. >> Thank you, Dr. Huffburn. This will be the part of the meeting where we will consider all the open agenda items. The following open items have been

1627
08:54:52.718 --> 08:55:10.080
identified for discussion. FF1 3 JJ1 LL1 which we've already disposed of MM1 2 4 6 12 14 and 15. At this time may the chair have a motion and a second to pass

1628
08:55:10.080 --> 08:55:23.760
the open items that have not been pulled for discussion. FF2, GG one, two, JJ 2, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, MM1 through

1629
08:55:23.760 --> 08:55:41.280
12. O3 58, 10, 11, 13, 17, and 18. >> Second. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, seconded by Miss Rert, Miss Bulman. >> Um, we pulled MM11. >> Oh, you did?

1630
08:55:41.280 --> 08:55:56.240
>> Um, yeah. Oh, wait. Sorry. Did I say MM1? So, yes, I I misspoke. So, MM1 through 10 and then MM12. Mm1. We have not

1631
08:55:56.240 --> 08:56:16.360
We've disposed of O2. Yes. All right. Move motion made by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Rupert. Are there any registered speakers on the items not pulled for discussion? >> One registered speaker Rosen. Sorry, Beth Rosenthal for MM1.

1632
08:56:17.200 --> 08:56:36.000
Beth Rosenthal. >> Okay. All in favor of approving the open agenda items that have not been pulled for discussion say I. >> I. >> Those opposed say no. Items pass unanimously. At this time, may I have a motion and a second on item FF1? >> Second.

1633
08:56:36.000 --> 08:56:52.680
>> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Ruper. Public comment on FF1. >> No comment. Miss Hixon, thank you. As I like to do every month, want to thank our grants team. So, this month is actually a really big number for grants. It's 22,241,128484.

1634
08:56:56.798 --> 08:57:13.600
Um 20 million of that goes to Head Start, which is a phenomenal program. Um a million about 1.4 4 million went to school hardening and there's 420,000 that goes for VPK summer. So, thank you for all the hard work that goes into

1635
08:57:13.600 --> 08:57:29.920
especially the Head Start grant program. That is a huge um federal grant that we know helps our students to be prepared to go into kindergarten. So, thank you to everyone who puts all the hard work into the grants. Thank you. Any other board member discussion?

1636
08:57:29.920 --> 08:57:47.680
All in favor of FF1 say I. I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. Could I get a motion and a second on FF3? >> So moved. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Rouper. Public comment on FF3. >> Uh, no, ma'am. The next public comment would be O14. >> Okay. Um, board member discussion. Dr.

1637
08:57:47.680 --> 08:58:01.680
Zemen. >> Thank you very much, Chair. The program that is in this item is a wonderful couple programs. It's a million- dollar grant almost just over $900,000. The goals of this uh program include improved attendance, improved behavior,

1638
08:58:01.680 --> 08:58:18.958
and improved academic performance. I just would like to ask the superintendent to capture some data on those three things. Right now, we're um collecting data on participation and things like that, which I find is wonderful. But given that we're getting almost a million dollars um and going

1639
08:58:18.958 --> 08:58:35.280
after a population that's, you know, appropriate for these kinds of programs, I'd love to get a midyear and an endyear report on uh attendance, behavior, and academic performance, which is the intended goals of this program. >> Thank you, Dr. Zmen. That's noted. >> Thank you, P. That's all I have. Chair,

1640
08:58:35.280 --> 08:58:51.840
>> thank you, Miss Thompson. I was just going to give a shout out to the partnership. I think this is a really good program again especially as we are looking at reduction in in this kind of staffing. Um so good job BEF and our staff. >> Thank you. Any other board member

1641
08:58:51.840 --> 08:59:06.798
discussion? Miss Rupert, >> right? >> This is uh FF3. Oh, sorry. >> Um any other board member discussion? All in favor of FF3 say I. I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. Could I get a motion, a

1642
08:59:06.798 --> 08:59:21.680
second on JJ1? Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public no public comment. Dr. Zean, >> thank you so much, Chair. I'm calling uh this item up really because of the JJ items. You know, this one has a 556 day

1643
08:59:21.680 --> 08:59:39.360
delay. Item four, 72 delay day delay. Five 336 day delay. I'm curious, Dr. Dr. Heepern, is there a point where we're going to get to projects um where we can display one that's done the complete scope on time and on budget? And if you

1644
08:59:39.360 --> 08:59:56.638
could just tell me how long we have to wash through these projects that have been around forever. Um because it it the the delay in these projects and getting to 100% completion. Um it just seems, you know, like we should be at

1645
08:59:56.638 --> 09:00:13.600
that point 6 months ago. But is there a point where we we look at the projects we have and we can get them into a point where we feel good about spending the money to get these projects done on time for our >> Yeah. So we we have over a 100 projects and I know um many of them um have

1646
09:00:13.600 --> 09:00:29.840
already started a while ago and has already experienced delays for various for various reasons. My hopes as we start putting new projects on deck that they that they were scoped out appropriately with all the information, especially with the facilities condition assessment information that we do have

1647
09:00:29.840 --> 09:00:45.440
so we can scope them out appropriately so we won't have to deal with these type of issues. A lot of uh unforeseen um things, a lot of uh um uh items that weren't properly scoped out appropriately. As we move in the future and we're cleaning up things from the past, but as we move in the future, my

1648
09:00:45.440 --> 09:01:01.840
hopes is with the better assessments of our facilities is going to equate to better project scopes and therefore equate to on time on budget um on scope projects. those hundred projects though, do you have a time period where they're

1649
09:01:01.840 --> 09:01:18.318
going to going to be past the point where we have to go through these items with 500 and,000 day delays to getting >> no specific timeline, but I'll bring that back to the team. I meet with uh uh a common facilities team every two weeks. So, we'll um go discuss all of that, see what um type of strategy we

1650
09:01:18.318 --> 09:01:34.958
can build it, go through and see what we can identify so we can get a get ahead and probably bring it more in bulk to the board so we don't have to bring it in. >> I love the I love the bulk idea. if there was a rebaselining of those hundred projects that was to kind of take in the previous errors of past administrations and we said okay

1651
09:01:34.958 --> 09:01:53.920
>> we're going to take these hundred here's the new deadline for those so that >> the community sees that we've got now uh a baseline that we're actually going to manage to um I think that that would um satisfy the community quite a bit >> thank you any other board member comment

1652
09:01:53.920 --> 09:02:10.478
all in favor of JJ1 Say I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. Could I get a motion a second on MM11? >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Bulman. Mr. Sea. >> Thank you, Chair. Just want to

1653
09:02:10.478 --> 09:02:26.318
acknowledge um my appreciation for this program for the Rocks program um and our great law enforcement uh men and women who take advantage of it and keep these campuses throughout the county safe. So, I am um happy to see that this is still

1654
09:02:26.318 --> 09:02:41.360
an ongoing thing and is being taken advantage of by our law enforcement professionals and uh 100% in favor uh of this motion. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Pulman. >> Thanks, Chair. Um I wanted to thank Dr.

1655
09:02:41.360 --> 09:02:57.360
Wanza and her team for doing this very quickly. This was brought to my attention by the um leader the union leader of the uh Hollywood Police Department and uh Dr. Wz got this turned around and legal and everybody else in

1656
09:02:57.360 --> 09:03:14.160
probably four weeks to get it on the agenda. So I, you know, I really appreciate you guys doing that, recognizing how important that the offices officers are for the safety of our kids and the value that they bring on when uh when they're off duty living

1657
09:03:14.160 --> 09:03:29.440
on our campuses. So thank you. >> Thank you. Any other board discussion? All in favor of MM11 say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. >> Could I get a motion to second on O1? >> So moved.

1658
09:03:29.440 --> 09:03:45.520
>> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public uh no or so sorry I forgot which one was the next public comment that we 014. Okay. No public comment on O1. Board member discussion. Miss Rupert. >> The superintendent gave me the answer

1659
09:03:45.520 --> 09:04:01.760
for O1 and O2. So thank you. you. Um I I pulled a few of these software items today because I remain increasingly concerned about the money that we're spending on this. Um and it

1660
09:04:01.760 --> 09:04:19.360
feels like, you know, every month, well, it doesn't feel like every month we are asked to approve new um new items for software that, you know, I've heard anecdotally from students they may or may not be using. Um, so I just wanted

1661
09:04:19.360 --> 09:04:36.958
to flag that. So this item is for our ELELLL students. We did receive a follow-up on this. Um, I want to point out that last month we approved an item O6 for Mura Learning, which is for dual language, which is obviously different from an item or software for our ELLL

1662
09:04:36.958 --> 09:04:54.040
students. But this item is for 647 $640,000. the items that I pulled today. So O124 and six total 1 point1,968,697

1663
09:04:55.600 --> 09:05:13.120
of software for teachers and students. So that's almost $2 million today just on software for teachers and students. Um, so you know, I'm wondering, you know, we're we're being asked today now to approve more software for dual

1664
09:05:13.120 --> 09:05:27.440
language, EOLL, and then uh CTE and career career pathways and workforce education. Um, which I'll get to in the following items. But I'm wondering, I know that like with the ORC chart changes, you know, departments were

1665
09:05:27.440 --> 09:05:45.440
directed to reduce uh positions by 10%. Um, I know schools have gotten a directive that they need to reduce budgets by 10%. I'm wondering if we've done that same kind of reduction on the software that we're purchasing. >> Um, the answer is yes. I know last year

1666
09:05:45.440 --> 09:06:02.478
and even this year Dr. Con and his team have gone through um and uh reviewed all software, made decisions of what to purge or what not to renew uh for certain software. And some uh most of these correct me if I'm wrong, they're not new. they're just um renewing a a

1667
09:06:02.478 --> 09:06:18.800
contract renewal or contract extension. Um and then this uh some of them are paid for by by grants and and not out of so we're conscientious about what pays what is pay being paid for out of general versus what's being paid for out of grant. >> So I I appreciate that you um that a review was done last year. I'm wondering

1668
09:06:18.800 --> 09:06:35.122
is that review on like do you have um when when is when is that review scheduled again? Uh actually um this month um we're going through budgets again and um the defense around what we need and and why. >> Okay. Um I'm wondering if you could

1669
09:06:35.122 --> 09:06:51.200
provide us with a follow-up then of software that we have purged that we decided was duplicative um I guess over the last year. Um, I do I know that you did provide us uh with a financial document that that did, you know, demonstrate several million dollars of

1670
09:06:51.200 --> 09:07:08.640
savings on on software, but I would I would really like to know which programs we've purged. Um, and then I guess if you could provide the board an update on um the review that you're doing this month as well, that would be helpful. Um, any other board member comment, Miss

1671
09:07:08.640 --> 09:07:25.200
Rupert? Um, on that same vein, um, I know this sounds simple, but we should be asking our teachers what programs that they they actually use that they find are effective and how much learning

1672
09:07:25.200 --> 09:07:41.278
gains they're getting or not gaining. Um, I think it's very interesting to go into a Starbucks and you over hear groups of teachers and some of them are like, "Here we go again. Don't like this program. you know, I wish I had I didn't have to do this because I know that I

1673
09:07:41.278 --> 09:07:58.558
could do it better myself, you know. So, we need to actually focus in on what we're doing, listening to our teachers and our students because spending millions of dollars on this when we all know that the number one uh reason that we are an a district is the

1674
09:07:58.558 --> 09:08:14.238
instructors in the classroom and the school personnel. So, um I would love that that would be part of the process for you. uh Dr. Heeper is that what what are the teachers utilizing? What can they do without and especially for the

1675
09:08:14.238 --> 09:08:30.000
students? I think that would be um a companion to what Miss Leonard is saying. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. And to add to that because I also asked question um and we received the followup on O1 and O2 and the answer

1676
09:08:30.000 --> 09:08:46.558
part of the answer was that um it was required I don't know if it was statutoily or had to do with grants but anyway it was something that required us to have this software. So in the followup that we get, could it also be indicated that it's something we're

1677
09:08:46.558 --> 09:09:02.320
required and like what requires us to have it? Because I know on the org chart there were things that were through a grant that we were getting ready to cut out and then that would have been an issue with the grant that we had. So I think the more information that we can

1678
09:09:02.320 --> 09:09:18.718
have the better. Thank you. >> Yeah. And I mean to Miss Rupert's point, like the followup and and some of the items do include data on teacher and student usage, but like I continue to say, you know, when I was in the classroom, I was directed that I had to

1679
09:09:18.718 --> 09:09:35.278
use certain software um certain programs because people at the district were paying for it. So it wasn't like I found it helpful and this was, you know, six years ago now. Um, so I I can entertain the idea that things have changed,

1680
09:09:35.278 --> 09:09:50.718
right? But I I do want us to be very strategic and mindful that just because people are using it, it doesn't mean that they want to use it. Um and again like we just in the roundts that I had with the middle school students two

1681
09:09:50.718 --> 09:10:07.438
weeks ago um they were saying about certain programs not not the one that that's before us right now but they were saying yeah like my teacher is giving this because they feel like they have to not because they they think it's you know valuable. Um, so I just, you know,

1682
09:10:07.438 --> 09:10:24.878
I think I'm trying to work my head around a solution to this issue. Um, and make sure that we're not replacing teaching with, you know, screen time. Um, but yeah, I just I pulled some of these items to to flag some of that. Any other

1683
09:10:24.878 --> 09:10:40.640
board discussion? >> All right. All in favor of O1 say I. >> All oppose say no. >> No. Item passes with one dissenting vote. Mr. Seivera, can I get a motion, a second on O2? >> Move.

1684
09:10:40.640 --> 09:10:56.878
>> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment. Oh, no. Public comment. Board member comment. Um, I I had a question about this. I'm wondering if staff could please explain um among the teachers, because I know this is a teacher facing tool. It's

1685
09:10:56.878 --> 09:11:13.438
something that I used among the different grade levels and subjects and uh courses. Um who is the primary user for this program elevation? >> Good afternoon. Vicki Sadala, director

1686
09:11:13.438 --> 09:11:30.398
for bilingual Esau. So with elevations, there's two components. There's the elevation platform and the elevation strategies. the platform, the main user is the ESOL contact at the school because that is where we keep all of our monitoring of our L's, our ELLL plans, demographics, everything that's state

1687
09:11:30.398 --> 09:11:46.718
required through our state approved ELLL plan. So basically compliance is on the platform. Um, and the main user is the ESOL contact, although we do have dashboards at the be at when you first log on that has a lot of demographics, a lot of data. So principles also have

1688
09:11:46.718 --> 09:12:01.520
access if at any given point in time they're monitoring their compliance or they want to know how many L's are in their school language breakdown all that information is kept there. The strategies component is open to every single teacher including staff at the

1689
09:12:01.520 --> 09:12:17.122
district level. So we work closely with all my colleagues in academics um math, science, social studies, elementary, secondary learning to ensure that that staff knows the um the purpose and how they can use elevation strategies when they deliver their own professional

1690
09:12:17.122 --> 09:12:32.238
learning for their specific content area. So that one is for everyone. Any teacher can go in there. Uh bilingual pair of professionals also that we fund at the schools have access to go in there pull strategies. Uh the beauty of it is since they work in conjunction

1691
09:12:32.238 --> 09:12:48.320
when you log into strategies everything you need to know about that English language learner for example their um scores on WEDA access what their language proficiency level is it breaks it down for the teacher by um the the domains listening speaking reading and

1692
09:12:48.320 --> 09:13:04.718
writing. So, if a teacher is doing a lesson in science and knows he or she has um students at the beginning stages of language acquisition, they can go in there, look up those students, group them together, and the platform will give them specific strategies on how to make those lessons comprehensible for

1693
09:13:04.718 --> 09:13:22.078
the L's. So, it's in there also by themes, by Florida standards. So, there's multiple ways teachers can use it, but that one is open to everyone. >> Okay. I have a few questions about just the logistics of all that. Um and perhaps the usefulness of of this for

1694
09:13:22.078 --> 09:13:40.000
you know our our core content teachers when um someone is pursuing either a temporary teaching certificate or a you know a 5-year teaching certificate. Do they not have to take courses on um teaching ESOL? So some teachers are

1695
09:13:40.000 --> 09:13:55.200
required to do an ESOL endorsement which is their five courses. Depending what uh what students or what courses they teach as teachers, math, science, social studies, art, PE, music, there is some level of training they're required to take at the state. Yes. >> Okay. So would they not learn those

1696
09:13:55.200 --> 09:14:11.918
strategies in those courses? >> They will. And some of those teachers may have taken those courses 20 years ago. Right. So this is very current and like I shared it is um intertwined with the platform. So teachers have any data they need about that ELLL right at their

1697
09:14:11.918 --> 09:14:28.960
fingertips. Current data around the students right at their fingertips. Um and I want to add too that you know we allow charter schools because this is purchased through our title three grants the strategies our charter uh teachers also have access to go in there and see the strategies and to support. when

1698
09:14:28.960 --> 09:14:44.878
someone goes to renew their certificate, do they not uh have access to to taking those courses around ELLL strategies? >> So, the endorsement, you don't it's bankable points. And I don't I don't want to go too much of certification because I don't want to step out of my

1699
09:14:44.878 --> 09:14:59.360
boundaries. But when you do the endorsement, it is bankable points. Once you complete that, you never have to take those courses again. >> Yeah, I know. I know. Um Okay. And could could these strategies

1700
09:14:59.360 --> 09:15:15.278
not be taught or or discussed in our PLC's? >> And they are they are and we again show teachers the elevation strategies how to go in there and um pull the strategies based on the ELLs that they have in their classroom.

1701
09:15:15.278 --> 09:15:31.840
>> Okay. And then one last question. Is the students ELLL status only in elevation or is it housed elsewhere? Like if I'm a teacher and I'm going into my grade book or going into whatever database it is that we use now, um how

1702
09:15:31.840 --> 09:15:49.520
else like if it's not if it's if they don't know about elevation or they is there somewhere else they can find out if their their students are EL? >> So in focus in focus they can find their language classification but that's all they're going to get there. They're not going to get any strategies. They're not going to get any other specific on how

1703
09:15:49.520 --> 09:16:06.238
to make that content comprehensible. Mhm. Um, and would you say that teachers as a best practice would know which of their students were ELLs just like they would know about if a student uh has an IEP or a 504 plan?

1704
09:16:06.238 --> 09:16:21.680
>> That is the goal. I just, you know, again, I'm on this thing about like are we using a program to replace like real human interactions and and professional development.

1705
09:16:21.680 --> 09:16:39.278
>> So, it is a supplemental, right? We do a lot of professional learning within my department. We even write the content for those BBU courses that the teachers that require Esau training have to take. My department writes the content. We make sure to put in there all the latest research um through our academic plan um

1706
09:16:39.278 --> 09:16:53.840
out of our teaching and learning department. We had a whole focus on five keys to elevating ESAW this year. So we do a lot of professional learning when it comes to ELLs in our schools supporting our teachers um in addition

1707
09:16:53.840 --> 09:17:11.758
to everything else they receive. So this is a supplemental resource for teachers to go into and pull some of those resources. >> Right. And so I guess my point is, you know, this is $874,497. Um, we are doing a lot of this work in

1708
09:17:11.758 --> 09:17:27.520
our schools. Um, I understand that there is a compliance piece. I'll just say like as an English teacher, I was told I think like at the beginning of the year, make sure you log into Elevation and like log some stuff and then I was done with it for the year. And maybe that was >> an issue six years ago. That is no

1709
09:17:27.520 --> 09:17:42.718
longer an issue. Like I can I can also entertain that idea. But um I just I'm really struggling with the amount of money we're spending on these programs >> for that are for for mere like

1710
09:17:42.718 --> 09:17:58.878
compliance reasons, right? >> So may I add that for the compliance piece, we're actually working with the IT department and we are using this year to transition everything that's compliance to focus. So when this comes for the next uh amendment, if it comes forward, there will not be an elevation

1711
09:17:58.878 --> 09:18:15.758
platform because that will now all be in focus. So that um will help with some of that funding and then the strategies will be the discussion that we will have if we want to continue with strategies or if that's something we can also eventually phase out. >> Okay. Any other board discussion on this item? Dr. Zean,

1712
09:18:15.758 --> 09:18:31.278
>> can we do focus now? >> Dr. Heburn, >> we're in the trans. We're building it now. We we paid for focus. It's it's up. We we've had it for years. >> Yes. >> Why are we phasing now? Let's do it now. >> So, we are working on it now, but it's not that simple. We want to make sure

1713
09:18:31.278 --> 09:18:47.360
that all the um pieces work because a lot of that gets reported to the state, too, right? So, um compliance has multiple pieces. And so, we are working with focus. We're working on it. So, if you're asking, can it be ready for the 2627

1714
09:18:47.360 --> 09:19:03.520
school year? >> I'm not comfortable with saying it is yet. >> Okay. >> Chair, how much is this? $87. >> 84 $874,497 >> for both components. >> And does focus have this capability?

1715
09:19:03.520 --> 09:19:18.880
>> The focus does have the capability. >> I think we found it. I think we found >> But it wouldn't be for the whole So the 800 something is for both uh pieces, right? for strategies and platform. They're two separate platforms that we're purchasing for the 800.

1716
09:19:18.880 --> 09:19:34.560
>> I don't have my glasses on. >> 74,494,000 >> and and focus can do one of those two things. >> One. >> Which one can it not do? >> The strategies. >> Strategies >> which I mean my argument is like in teacher education. Yeah.

1717
09:19:34.560 --> 09:19:51.916
>> Sorry. >> Yeah. But I um uh I mean in some sense uh is we have another schoolboard meeting in two weeks. It might be useful to do a quick drill and see what we could do because $847,000 is a lot of money. And so um

1718
09:19:51.916 --> 09:20:08.720
>> if I can ask u Miss Saladala what what's the percent of this for grant out of grant funds? >> D800. >> Yes. >> So part of it is grants. All of strategies is grants. a portion of um the platform is grants and the rest is

1719
09:20:08.720 --> 09:20:25.200
either my the bilingual ESA general department general funds and some funds from it. There's a mix of funding for this one. It comes from three different funding sources. >> You know the percent for grant? >> I do not off the top of my head. Sir,

1720
09:20:25.200 --> 09:20:41.040
>> is there any uh impact, Mr. Superintendent, if we push this back two weeks and and get a little bit more granular on this? >> Not for the start of the school year. >> Yeah. I' I'd like to propose that we just postpone this for two weeks, chair, um, and bring it back. And again, it may be we still have to move forward and there's grants, funding, and things like

1721
09:20:41.040 --> 09:20:56.560
that. But it may also be we can do the grants for the strategy and not need to do the other part, and that would save, you know, half of these funds. Anything we can do between now and the end of the year, not to spend money. And anything we could do to make sure we reinforce the role of a teacher uh, as a human being and a leader, you know, to do

1722
09:20:56.560 --> 09:21:13.436
this, I think is worthwhile. So, I'm going to propose that we just postpone this for two weeks until we can get some more answers. Second um public comment on the motion to postpone this to May 19th >> and correct me if I'm wrong. This is for fiscal year the next fiscal year,

1723
09:21:13.436 --> 09:21:28.720
correct? >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah, we need money then too. >> All right. Board member discussion on postponing. All in favor of postponing this item to May 19th say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. Uh motion to postpone

1724
09:21:28.720 --> 09:21:46.320
passes unanimously. Could I get a motion in a second on item 004? >> Chair, I just want to make sure what to bring back um as far as discussion with this item. The followup is um the feasibility of transitioning the compliance part to um focus quicker.

1725
09:21:46.320 --> 09:22:02.240
>> The idea is a business case for not using general funds uh for this capability, but to keep using the grant funds for the strategy, but could we transition the effort to focus faster? >> Faster. >> Thank you, sir. Can I get a motion on O4? >> So move.

1726
09:22:02.240 --> 09:22:19.840
>> U moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on O4. Nope. Board member comment. So again, um so this item for career pathways is $70,200. Um I requested a follow-up that I handed

1727
09:22:19.840 --> 09:22:36.480
out to everyone. I just want us to be aware that we spend $3.3 million just on CTE software. Um, and so I guess my question is, have we done an analysis on Well, no. I mean,

1728
09:22:36.480 --> 09:22:54.000
have we looked at this specific matrix in the followup to see if any of this is duplicative? because I do see you know that we're spending um so we have like the business and entrepreneurial experiences curriculum program that supports entrepreneurship

1729
09:22:54.000 --> 09:23:11.040
and then network for teaching entrepreneurship they both support entreprene entrepreneurship programs different grades but I'm wondering like it just feels like such a hodgepodge of programs have we done an analysis of this

1730
09:23:11.040 --> 09:23:29.360
particular set of programs that we are that we purchase. >> Um yes, the answer is yes and um uh Miss Formosa can come up and provide some details. The the issue with CTE programs is there are so many and they're very uh unique. Um and so there is very rarely

1731
09:23:29.360 --> 09:23:46.000
uh one software package that addresses a large cluster of CTE programs. So, um I wish there was a company out there that that uh gave you a one-stop shop for many of these programs, but um there's not a lot. There's very unique and very specific. And so, that's why u for CTE

1732
09:23:46.000 --> 09:24:01.040
and and most of that is purchased out of the funds that they actually earned um for the industry certifications and the cape funds and things like that to actually pay um um for it. So, it's um to support the uh programs, but it's because they're so unique, they need

1733
09:24:01.040 --> 09:24:18.160
different um sets of software package. And Mr. Morse, if I missed anything, add it. >> Well, and so I just want to be a little bit more specific on the business and entrepreneurial experiences program curriculum program. That one only supports entrepreneurship

1734
09:24:18.160 --> 09:24:35.436
for grades 7, 8, 11, and 12. Like, but then the network for teaching entrepreneurship supports grades 6, 9, and 10. Like, I'm confused about why >> stay on the line. I'm confused about why each software

1735
09:24:35.436 --> 09:24:52.080
only supports those very specific grade. It seems like strange that you know the first one would only support 78 they would skip 9 10 go to 11 and 12. So those two vendors actually work together and have developed different uh

1736
09:24:52.080 --> 09:25:07.360
platforms different curriculum for different grade levels. We do support uh 50 different CTE pathways and 100% is paid through either cape funds or grant funding. >> Okay. And help me understand like the

1737
09:25:07.360 --> 09:25:23.840
CEV multimedia which supports culinary arts and then we're also paying for National Restaurant Association solutions for culinary arts. >> Yes. So that supports actually two different industry certifications. So CEV uh supports food safety and science

1738
09:25:23.840 --> 09:25:41.520
whereas uh national restaurant supports serve safe and both are uh recognized by industry. >> Okay. And that that brings me to another issue that that was raised to me recently. Um Dr. Hepper, you mentioned like the cape funds. Uh does the

1739
09:25:41.520 --> 09:25:57.680
district take a portion of those funds or do those all go back to the schools? that it goes back to the programs um that earn it to support the growth of the programs. >> All of it. >> Um I'm pretty sure all of it. I don't I don't know if um that's part of the 10%

1740
09:25:57.680 --> 09:26:14.320
or 20% holdback for cape funds. I know accelerated acceleration funds when it comes to a a um API, there's a holdback, but I'm not sure about CAPE. All funds, all accelerated funds and all those funds is

1741
09:26:14.320 --> 09:26:31.040
allocated based on a pool of money that goes to the state, right? They got a pool and they allocated by the number of students throughout the districts, right? Through all those district that's qualified, they don't increase because they got a cap on it. It's based on the number then they allocated based on FTE

1742
09:26:31.040 --> 09:26:47.520
per per each district. So it's no really no chance opportunity to really grow the funds unless someone is losing students in those categorical funding. >> But are we holding back 20% of those funds from schools?

1743
09:26:47.520 --> 09:27:03.200
>> No. The problem is that we have allocated a budget based on the resources we receive, right? and we've been allocating out of the general fund based on um board directions and you

1744
09:27:03.200 --> 09:27:18.320
know administrative directions through our fund balance. So we have not held back any of those funds and that's the problem. Those funds are not they allocated to support the students but at the same times if this district has a

1745
09:27:18.320 --> 09:27:34.000
habit they're not categorical funds that you have to really reallocate the next year. They not carry over for the next year >> and we've been carrying them over every year and that's why we're in the position, one of the reasons why we're

1746
09:27:34.000 --> 09:27:51.680
in the position we're in now. >> Any other board discussion on O4? >> All in favor of O4 say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. No. Item passes with one dissenting vote from me. Um, could I get a motion in a second on O6?

1747
09:27:51.680 --> 09:28:07.360
>> So move. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. No public comment, board member comment. I will I think I've made my point here. So, um, any other board member discussion? Miss. Okay. Um,

1748
09:28:07.360 --> 09:28:23.756
all in favor of O6 say I. >> All oppose say no. No. >> No. >> Item passes with two dissenting votes. Dr. Zean and Miss Leonardi. Um, could I get a motion and second on O4? >> So move. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on 04.

1749
09:28:23.756 --> 09:28:42.960
>> Two registered speakers, Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh and Zara Lynches. >> Dr. Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. This item is probably the easiest no you'll have all day because there is just nothing that makes any

1750
09:28:42.960 --> 09:28:58.400
kind of sense about this item. First of all, these functions that they're proposing to perform for 150k can all be found in your chief of staff/chief of communications um job description. So

1751
09:28:58.400 --> 09:29:14.080
somewhere within that job description and that department, you should be able to find people that can do the same thing. So that's one no. Then how it says that it's in the budget and 150k for two months, but then next year is

1752
09:29:14.080 --> 09:29:30.800
eight months. So based on my experience with Broward schools, here's what'll happen. They will blow through the 150 176 students this year and then next year come back for more money because there's the math isn't mathing here. And

1753
09:29:30.800 --> 09:29:45.596
then finally, this is a piggyback from Houston. The last piggyback you had from Houston was the needs assessment from 2014. Now, the first question that one should ask if you're preparing a board item

1754
09:29:45.596 --> 09:30:00.480
that's a piggyback is demonstrate to the board that there was a return on investment for the original contract. So, I thought, of course, they've done this. And I went to look to see the increase in enrollment in Houston Independent School District. You know

1755
09:30:00.480 --> 09:30:16.720
what? It's continued to decline with this with this company there, which suggests to me as a reasonable person that it's not effective what they're doing. There's no return on investment. Every penny counts with this budget.

1756
09:30:16.720 --> 09:30:33.040
150,000 could be spent on people since you're having to cut people or something that directly impacts kids. You can get this done a different way. This is not financially responsible even though it's only 150 right now. It's just not it

1757
09:30:33.040 --> 09:30:55.840
doesn't make any sense to spend 150k on something you can do inhouse um or done differently. >> Thank you. Next speaker lentious Deerfield Beach. I don't think you should spend any money to try to get children back. I don't

1758
09:30:55.840 --> 09:31:12.080
think you could get them back this way. I think the best way to get students back is behavior. The same kind of behavior teachers expect in the classroom. You know, people have expectations of you all. And I think that's the only way to do it. I

1759
09:31:12.080 --> 09:31:28.560
know it's hard to hear and I know nobody wants to hear these narratives, but until there's accountability, in Spanish, we don't use that word other than in accounting. We use the word responsibility. until people take responsibility. Um, I don't think you should even worry

1760
09:31:28.560 --> 09:31:47.680
about where the kids are. Worry about the kids you have because they may go. >> Thanks. >> That concludes our version of speakers. >> Board member discussion, Miss Bulman. >> Thanks, chair. Um, I was wondering is

1761
09:31:47.680 --> 09:32:05.680
there any kind of guaranteed return on this investment that we're getting with this contract? >> If they if they don't um get the students and stay for a certain amount of time, they don't get paid. So, there's no out-of- pocket cost to um the

1762
09:32:05.680 --> 09:32:21.276
district initially until they actually find a student and the student stays for and uh Mr. Sullivan can give you the specific amount of time that they have to register and be in our system before they actually get a portion of the uh FT

1763
09:32:21.276 --> 09:32:37.040
which is I think $850. So there is no payment from Broward County Public Schools um in the initial. We're not paying $150,000 upfront. You don't get >> that's the cap of what they would >> correct. That's the cap that we're saying that you would receive from us up front. >> Is there a limit to how many students

1764
09:32:37.040 --> 09:32:51.040
they can bring in? >> Go ahead, Miss Sullivan. >> Uh yes, it's a 100. The cap is 150. Um I'm sorry, the cap is 150,000 and we pay them $850 U dollars per student that

1765
09:32:51.040 --> 09:33:08.880
they recruit. Um so that would equate to 176 students. But again, as the superintendent said, if they're not successful, they don't get paid. Also, we wanted to ensure that um you know, the students were there for the FT count. Um so if they're not for they're registered, don't stay for that October

1766
09:33:08.880 --> 09:33:25.436
count, they don't get paid. they must um not only register but be in our system when we do the October count. >> And how does that if we're paying $850 a student um how does that kind of affect our bottom line because then we have to educate the students.

1767
09:33:25.436 --> 09:33:41.840
>> So we get about $9,000 um plus or minus uh per student. Um so we're paying a very small percentage of that uh to help with um student enrollment. >> And is it a onetime payment? >> Onetime payment. Okay. >> And again, they only get paid if the if

1768
09:33:41.840 --> 09:33:57.916
they're successful. If they bring nobody, they get nothing. >> And how are we tracking who brought how how are they proving that it was their efforts that brought the student versus? >> So, they got to give us the name of the students that they're registering and then of course we would match it with

1769
09:33:57.916 --> 09:34:12.720
our uh student registration. >> But do they have to demonstrate some kind of like advertising effort or >> Yeah. So, they're going to use a multitude of ways to to do it. So, we'll provide them with some of the um withdrawal contact list. They'll reach

1770
09:34:12.720 --> 09:34:29.040
out to new families in the area and also they'll do some uh door-to-door knocking and some phone calls as well. >> Okay. >> But again, they're motivated because if they don't register the student, they don't get paid. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Mr. Caesar is not on the

1771
09:34:29.040 --> 09:34:44.640
deis. So, I'll go to Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. That was one of my questions and just wanted to point out that this there's no prepayment. They only get paid if someone comes. The other question is, you know, is this a company? How did they come recommended?

1772
09:34:44.640 --> 09:35:01.360
Are have they done it before? Have they been successful? Could you give us a little background on why this company was selected? >> Uh through superintendent. Yes. So they've they worked through they've worked in several uh districts including in the state of Florida and the uh the

1773
09:35:01.360 --> 09:35:17.120
piggyback in Houston made the most sense in terms of what we were uh looking to do and also we negotiated a lower rate um as well uh negotiating with them and again uh if they're not successful they don't get paid so we we feel comfortable

1774
09:35:17.120 --> 09:35:32.160
uh utilizing a different method as we deal with loss of enrollment if it doesn't work out doesn't cost us a scent. And I appreciate that. You know, we've talked about different ways and thinking outside the box, but can is it possible for you to tell us, you know, what

1775
09:35:32.160 --> 09:35:48.240
districts they were in and what their success rate was or how many students they brought back? That would be great information to have. You don't have to do it today if you don't have it. >> I can name some districts if you like. >> Uh they've worked in uh Miami date schools. They've worked in Hillsboro,

1776
09:35:48.240 --> 09:36:03.360
Denver schools, Memphis schools, uh Detroit schools. Um, and there's a variety of uh other school districts as well. It's actually page 41 of the agreement. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And I've been informed that

1777
09:36:03.360 --> 09:36:21.360
Mr. Seiver is online. Mr. Seivera. >> Thank you, Chair. Uh, I'm not supporting this. I think we have enough people within this district that can do this in-house and we should not have to spend money on uh outsourcing this to any company. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Holes.

1778
09:36:21.360 --> 09:36:36.240
Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, board member Hixon's response um was satisfying for me. Thank you. >> Okay, Miss Rupert. Um, thank you. Um, I'm not going to be supporting this, but it's actually an interesting story. Um,

1779
09:36:36.240 --> 09:36:52.880
I received several letters from social workers and their particular conversation was about this item and they reminded me that during COVID, social workers were given the names and phone numbers and contact information

1780
09:36:52.880 --> 09:37:09.120
for our students that were at that school and they knocked on doors and they made phone calls to actually reenroll the students. and um these social workers said that it's part of their job. So my my question is

1781
09:37:09.120 --> 09:37:26.160
why don't we let our social workers do their jobs? Um because we're all ambassadors and um I said I had no idea that that would be I mean it makes sense that social workers would from a school from a neighborhood and if kids are missing I get that. Um,

1782
09:37:26.160 --> 09:37:43.360
so just for that reason, um, I think we have better ways to to do this. It'll be nice to, um, support our social workers by keeping them. And, um, I I think that's kind of where I'm going to stand. So, thank you.

1783
09:37:43.360 --> 09:37:59.436
>> Thank you, Miss Thompson. >> Thank you. So, I was actually going to bring that up. So, as a school social worker, we do do home visits um to do like attendance checks and kind of see where people are at. But this is a very different >> type of programming. If staff could walk us through how this might be different

1784
09:37:59.436 --> 09:38:17.520
than like a home visit or kind of reenrollment with absenteeism. >> I'll start it. Um Mr. Sullivan, then you can um finish it. Yes, absolutely. And and when we talk about our social workers, they're doing a myriad of tasks to support our schools. And we've kind of also put a fence around to ensure

1785
09:38:17.520 --> 09:38:32.320
that they're supporting mental health services um as well as, you know, the attendance, home checks, making sure our our kids um well-being um is being supported so they can actually perform in our school centers. Um so this is like I said, this is different. This is

1786
09:38:32.320 --> 09:38:48.800
something about going out uh recruiting kids that have uh disconnected from us uh for whatever various reasons or taking advantage of different options um around the district and also assisting with recruiting as as well. Um and you know a lot of school districts are are

1787
09:38:48.800 --> 09:39:03.916
leveraging these opportunities now to add to their repertoire of gaining students back. um we just can't depend on one or two strategies, whatever additional strategies that's at zero cost to the district initially upfront. Um and I see

1788
09:39:03.916 --> 09:39:19.200
it as a small investment in gaining back a large amount of FTE that could potentially be in our district for years to come. Um so Mr. Sullivan, if you can if you got any additional information you want to provide. >> Uh no sir, I think you answered it.

1789
09:39:19.200 --> 09:39:36.400
So I would just like to say like we are if we have one social worker per school like that would make sense to reenroll the people who are leaving to a point but we also want them to focus on mental health. I would also like them to be able to run groups like there's other things that school social workers can do

1790
09:39:36.400 --> 09:39:53.596
and this company is actually skilled and has a proven record. So one of the groups they're in is in Orange County. They last year managed to recruit almost 2,000 new students which brought in almost $2 million of revenue to Orange County that we're also getting a better

1791
09:39:53.596 --> 09:40:09.756
deal because their contract is $935 per student and we're 8 something. So >> 850 >> $850. So we're good negotiations team. So, I think it's not a risk because we don't pay them if it's not successful,

1792
09:40:09.756 --> 09:40:24.560
but we need to be utilizing every tactic we can to get kids back into our doors. They are able to pull different data than we would have in our school system. We also don't have contacts for people who have never touched Broward County

1793
09:40:24.560 --> 09:40:40.480
schools. So, this is our St. Thomas, this is our um micro schools. like they're able to find what those students need and then connect them with a Broward school that can offer them all they have now and more. So, I think it

1794
09:40:40.480 --> 09:40:57.040
would be irresponsible and a very low risk. It would be irresponsible to not pass it and it's a very low risk that could have a high reward. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Zean. And there's very few opportunities to spend a dollar and

1795
09:40:57.040 --> 09:41:13.120
get $10. And that's what this is. To Miss Thompson's point, the savings in Orange County was $18 million. That's the additional revenue they got there from the 2,000 students. And they had a little bit higher price, but still you're paying a dollar to get $10. In a

1796
09:41:13.120 --> 09:41:29.360
lot of cases, the marginal students in a school actually don't cost anything because you got a teacher with 20 students and a cap of 24. So the first four students really have no additional marginal cost but they do give you four times uh you know the FTE level. So this is a really great uh idea. This company

1797
09:41:29.360 --> 09:41:45.520
has worked at over 100 districts. I mean this is not you know a fly by night company. I'm really impressed that you got them down to $850. I wish I was that good of a negotiator, Mr. Sullivan. I'm uh very very uh proud of you. I just want to make one motion though because $150,000

1798
09:41:45.520 --> 09:42:02.160
uh gets us to 176 students. Right. And that's that's a nice start, but Brower County is a big place and I want them to have big goals. So, I'm going to make a motion to put a cap on this at $1.5 million. Um, that would generate how many students, John? 1760.

1799
09:42:02.160 --> 09:42:26.560
>> Sounds about right, sir. >> And if we got 1760 students that would generate 15.8 8 million. I like those numbers. Uh I just don't see why there's a cap. I understand that, you know, they don't get paid until we've had them long enough, you

1800
09:42:26.560 --> 09:42:44.756
know, so that we're hitting the uh the state FTE counts, but I'm going to make a motion to extend this cap to 1.5 million, not $150,000. >> Second. >> Motion made by Dr. Zean, seconded by Dr. Holes. Public comment on the motion.

1801
09:42:46.400 --> 09:43:02.960
>> Dr. for Natalie Lynch Walsh, Plantation, Florida. So, I'm going to make a prediction. I get that they don't get paid unless the students stay past the FTE count, but given the 14 plus years experience I have with this district, the devil is always in the details.

1802
09:43:02.960 --> 09:43:18.800
They're going to find a way to get paid regardless of whether the kids are here or not. This is BCPS and I have not seen very many bits of evidence of monitoring, tracking, verifying. That's one of the biggest

1803
09:43:18.800 --> 09:43:33.916
weaknesses this district has. So, the idea that they would not get paid is is a real concern. I mean, it's better than them getting paid upfront, but the idea that if you a then audit this that they're not going to find that there are

1804
09:43:33.916 --> 09:43:49.040
kids that they got paid for that were gone. I'm going to predict that that's what's going to happen. I don't have an objection to you upping the number, but you have to monitor this or else you will be paying for kids that they did

1805
09:43:49.040 --> 09:44:07.200
not actually bring you or keep. Thank you. Any other public speakers on the motion? Board member discussion on the motion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. >> No. >> Motion passes with one. uh with two

1806
09:44:07.200 --> 09:44:22.800
dissenting votes from Miss Rupert and Mr. Sea. All right. Any other board discussion on the item? >> Chair, do the superintendent if I can add something really quick. So for the so our social workers, you know, they do

1807
09:44:22.800 --> 09:44:38.400
amazing jobs. Uh as it relates to this item, social workers are really contacting students that are part of our system, not students who are not part of our system. So, um that's where um this entity can help us because they're really have a different reach than our

1808
09:44:38.400 --> 09:44:53.916
social workers will do will have because again they're they're looking for students who are don't have a relationship with BCPS. >> Don't we do that now? >> Miss Rupert, >> don't we do that now? >> Uh to my knowledge, our social workers

1809
09:44:53.916 --> 09:45:10.160
aren't contacting uh students who are not part of BCPS. So, they're more reaching out to students who have attendance issues or maybe they were, you know, the first day of school, but they didn't come back a few days. So, our social workers are reaching out to make sure they're coming to school, but to my knowledge, I don't think our

1810
09:45:10.160 --> 09:45:25.436
social workers are contacting new students and to recruit them outside of BCPS. >> So, you're telling me that we don't actively try to get kids from St. Thomas, Pinerest, uh, etc. North, whatever it's called,

1811
09:45:25.436 --> 09:45:42.080
North Broward Prep. So, we've done um targeted ads in social media, but that's not our social workers. >> No, no, no. I I'm just going with the the train of thought that you said that we don't go after those that we haven't had here. >> I'm saying social workers. >> Then I asked, "What about us?"

1812
09:45:42.080 --> 09:45:57.436
>> And you're correct, Miss U. Rupert. We we do targeted ads and things like that, but um as I as I said before, this is this is uh one more strategy uh in our toolbox um to help um bring more students back to the district.

1813
09:45:57.436 --> 09:46:15.120
>> Interesting. Okay. Thank you. Any other board member discussion? All in favor of O14 say I. >> All oppose say no. >> No. >> No. >> Item passes with two dissenting votes. Miss Ruper as amended. Thank you. Mo

1814
09:46:15.120 --> 09:46:31.200
item passes as amended with two dissenting votes from Miss Rouper and Mr. Seivera. Could I get a motion in a second on O4? O15, sorry. >> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Public comment on O15. >> No, ma'am. >> Um,

1815
09:46:31.200 --> 09:46:46.640
I just had a quick question about this item. At every single round table that I've had with middle school and high school students, the students have brought up issues with Wi-Fi connectivity reliability. So, I'm

1816
09:46:46.640 --> 09:47:06.000
wondering um if this item will be helping expand the the reliability of the Wi-Fi. >> Go ahead, Mr. Davis. I don't want to steal uh uh Jason Greenberg's thunder back there, but uh but I will tell you that yeah, we are we

1817
09:47:06.000 --> 09:47:22.640
are building in that additional resiliency bandwidth also for defensive purposes uh relative to uh you know external threats. But uh what we find and and we're going to visit the three schools that you went to. What we find is that it's often devices like let's

1818
09:47:22.640 --> 09:47:38.560
say it's a particular firmware on a device that's not connecting correctly and getting the maximum bandwidth is usually not did the the actual access point. So it's there's multiple variables there. Not to get too too technical there, but um so but we we will definitely check out the schools

1819
09:47:38.560 --> 09:47:54.480
that you went through, but yes, it will increase. Yes. >> Thank you. And I'll email you that list right now. Okay, thank you. >> Um, and thank you. I I just, you know, this was a a continual issue uh for our students. So, I'm happy to hear that this will be improving the their

1820
09:47:54.480 --> 09:48:09.756
experience in our schools. Any other board discussion on O5. >> All in favor of O5 say I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes unanimously. Could I get a motion and a second on item B5? >> So, moved.

1821
09:48:09.756 --> 09:48:27.120
>> Moved by Dr. Zean, second by Miss Hixon. Um, we have we already did public comment. Miss Dupri Bruno. >> Thank you very much, Madam Chair. So, I've had an opportunity to review the memorandum that was issued December of 2025 by um the OGC office. I also had an

1822
09:48:27.120 --> 09:48:42.960
opportunity to speak to my team and did my own research. Uh, at this point, the U memorandum actually solved the problem that we had. The original concern was um because of the conflict provisions from

1823
09:48:42.960 --> 09:48:59.436
chapter 112 whether or not somebody could stand or sit in a board of directors position when you are receiving donations and there's some type of financial um interchange between the agency. Um the cure there's a

1824
09:48:59.436 --> 09:49:14.800
question as to whether or not that is that is even a conflict because the person is not getting compensated. However, the OGC office did recommend a cure as well, which was to create a unity interest between SBBC and the

1825
09:49:14.800 --> 09:49:31.276
nonprofit organization because there are some uh commission on commission on ethics opinions that would allow and cure whatever that conflict may be. So, that's exactly what transpired. uh the BBHC created an actual position on their

1826
09:49:31.276 --> 09:49:48.240
board that needs to be filled by a local government entity and they've invited the SBBC to sit in that position and of course the person who will be sitting in that position will not be compensated and this creates a unity interest and cures the conflict. So I'm okay with

1827
09:49:48.240 --> 09:50:04.400
moving forward with that particular memorandum. >> All right. Any other board discussion on B5? Dr. Zean, >> um, you were on that board, Miss Hixon, and there has been a cure to it. Did you want to continue on that board, or are

1828
09:50:04.400 --> 09:50:20.000
you happy to let our great social >> I'm happy to let Miss Thompson take position, but thank you. >> Thank you. >> Right. Any other board discussion? All in favor of B5 as amended say I. >> All oppose say no. Item passes

1829
09:50:20.000 --> 09:50:35.120
unanimously. Miss Dri Bruno, >> but we still need to have the formal appointment by the board. >> I believe Dr. even made a motion. >> Oh, you did. Okay, perfect. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Okay, thank you. >> All right, >> chair. I have something at the end of the meeting whenever you get there.

1830
09:50:35.120 --> 09:50:50.480
>> So, I was going to ask it at this time. Do any of my colleagues have any update or student excesses to bring forth. Miss Bulman did ask uh first Dr. Zeman. So, Miss Bulman and I'll add you to the list, Dr. Zean. >> Thanks, sir. I have a motion um that I

1831
09:50:50.480 --> 09:51:19.480
wanted to >> I can't hear you. >> I have a motion. Okay, Miss Dupri Bruno, >> she told me it was okay. >> It's a live meeting. She do whatever she wants. >> Second this motion. >> I'm in favor. >> Yeah.

1832
09:51:22.880 --> 09:51:37.520
And this is not uh a motion that through the chair that is an agenda item. This is more of a procedural administrative item. >> Okay, Miss Bulman. >> Okay. Um I I'll just read my motion. Um

1833
09:51:37.520 --> 09:51:55.276
so I move to convert the school board workshop that's scheduled for May 11th, 2026 to discuss the 20 26 27 organizational chart to a special school board meeting. So a final vote can be taken on the organizational chart on

1834
09:51:55.276 --> 09:52:10.160
that day to avoid further delay in making um principal assignments and to meet personnel and community notification deadlines. >> Second. >> Okay. >> Motion made by Miss Bulman, seconded by Miss Thompson. Do we need to take public

1835
09:52:10.160 --> 09:52:28.480
comment on the motion? Any public comment on the motion? >> Seeing none, board member discussion. >> Dr. Zean. Um, and I'm just curious about um the the the ask here. It seems to me you're asking for sufficient time to have a special schoolboard meeting on

1836
09:52:28.480 --> 09:52:44.880
the 11th and we would um was this the single item for the workshop the orchart? >> Yes. >> And so you're I'm sorry. So you're converting it um and it would still start at 10:00 then on the 11th you're not interested in changing the time, >> right? This would just avoid us having to extend

1837
09:52:44.880 --> 09:53:00.720
>> brilliant >> the district's planning for another week and put us. do it. >> Um, Miss Rupert, um, Miss De, I'm sorry, Bruno. Um, how would

1838
09:53:00.720 --> 09:53:17.916
this affect people's uh people having the opportunity to share and work through uh conversations and the board because we do have much more leeway in a workshop. Um, I would actually prefer if it was a workshop with a special schoolboard meeting right then and there

1839
09:53:17.916 --> 09:53:33.360
after we get done discussing it. Um, because otherwise I think it curtails some of the public um, input that they would not be afforded if it is just a a schoolboard meeting. >> They can't talk as much during a

1840
09:53:33.360 --> 09:53:49.756
schoolboard meeting as they can during a workshop. They have a little bit more leeway. >> I I I'm not I'm not sure I follow. It's going to be so in my experience, I' i've had this in the past where there may be an item that really needs to be flushed out by the board and have some

1841
09:53:49.756 --> 09:54:05.040
conversation and staff comes in and does a presentation, but because there needs to be a vote, it's an actual meeting versus a workshop. So, the public still has an opportunity to make public comment during a a meeting, that's not going to change. So, explain to me, Miss

1842
09:54:05.040 --> 09:54:22.320
Rupert, the concern because maybe I I'm missing something. I I feel constrained and I feel that there would be a time constraint. Um people are are preparing now for a workshop and they're you know doing all their stuff. They're getting together and then here we are at the end

1843
09:54:22.320 --> 09:54:38.400
of a meeting and there's no public in in the audience and that we have this and no way am I saying that was inappropriate or not the right thing to do with for my colleague. Absolutely 100% yes. Um, but I don't think the public really is getting an opportunity

1844
09:54:38.400 --> 09:54:53.360
to even weigh in on this. So, it would be my preference that it's a workshop with a time certain and then we go to a special schoolboard meeting. That would be me. So, um, you know, I don't I don't need to herang everybody. That's just my

1845
09:54:53.360 --> 09:55:10.000
preference. Okay. Miss Thompson. >> Um, I'm in support of moving this. I had a lot of concerns especially in my district where we are closing schools about the principal assignments and that's what my community wants is kind of all these things resolved. Um I think

1846
09:55:10.000 --> 09:55:25.800
because people already knew we were going to discuss the workshop the org chart at the workshop they should be prepared to make public comments. Um and so I'm fine with the format as is. >> Miss Bowman, was there anything you wanted to add?

1847
09:55:26.240 --> 09:55:42.320
>> Is there any I mean I kind of skipped over you at the beginning. I apologize. >> Oh, no, no, that's fine. I mean that, you know, the purpose of this is so that we can as a district continue to function the way we're supposed to because we technically should have um passed the or chart last week. And so

1848
09:55:42.320 --> 09:55:58.560
this will put us back on track so that we're not um so that right so that they can identify the principles and everyone can make their preparations for next year. >> Thank you, Miss Hixon. Um, I I appreciate the sentiment, but I don't

1849
09:55:58.560 --> 09:56:14.480
agree. I had asked before for a workshop because this is so big and we're going to this we're going to say this and move that and this around and no one's going to have an any idea what it is that we're passing because the superintendent

1850
09:56:14.480 --> 09:56:29.680
traditionally h gets all the feedback from the workshop and then brings it to us in a completed form for us to vote on it at a at a next meeting. And I just I think this is going to be more chaotic

1851
09:56:29.680 --> 09:56:46.720
because how will we know what it really we were confused from the last workshop which was why we asked to have another workshop and I just don't know that we would be sure that we were capturing everything if we didn't see it in the org chart format

1852
09:56:46.720 --> 09:57:04.000
before we went to to voting again. So I I I don't agree but I had a question about the principal assignments and stuff. How how was the org chart going to affect that? That shouldn't the org chart shouldn't have anything to do with the principal assignment.

1853
09:57:04.000 --> 09:57:19.756
>> It does. A lot of positions are pred we have uh principal openings. Uh we have um certain shifts that'll be made. So a lot of the steps are predicated on on um next steps for principles and other roles. >> Okay. Well, thank you for explaining

1854
09:57:19.756 --> 09:57:35.596
>> and not to mention my my largest concern is that we had intentionally pushed this back or a earlier start in April for uh to afford our impacted employees time to transition and every week um you know impacts the amount of time they have for

1855
09:57:35.596 --> 09:57:51.200
an appropriate transition be it if it's going to be in a another district position a school position or working with career source for uh for outside of the district. Well, so I have a a question then because we're meeting on the 12th, right? And that is that just a workshop or is there a special school board

1856
09:57:51.200 --> 09:58:07.840
>> workshop? >> No, May 12th workshop. >> The next day >> the 12th is a workshop. >> Could we just instead of doing Could we add a special schoolboard meeting at the end of that to vote on it so we would be able to >> The reason that we broke it up into two

1857
09:58:07.840 --> 09:58:23.916
days is because there was so much on the agenda for the 12th. >> Oh, that's true. Okay. I just have a concern about making all of these things on the deis and not seeing a final product before we make a vote. And so I I don't know if there's a way to

1858
09:58:23.916 --> 09:58:43.040
reconcile that. Um maybe what Miss Roupert said makes sense to have a workshop, take an hour break so that staff could create a full org chart so we could see it in its finality and then do a a vote then. It makes sense, but I

1859
09:58:43.040 --> 09:58:58.960
I have a lot of concerns about just knowing what we're actually voting on. Thank you. >> Thank you. I know Mr. Seivera is on the line. >> We have no one on the the line's open, but they're not on the line. >> Okay. Mrs. Alhidef is not either. >> No, ma'am.

1860
09:58:58.960 --> 09:59:15.756
>> Okay. Um Dr. Hness doc >> I was just going to add that we had the workshop and the board gave feedback and input and we made those changes on the org chart. So um just want to throw that out there that what we brought back um

1861
09:59:15.756 --> 09:59:32.480
was the changes that were suggested from the board which was highlighted in yellow on the actual org chart. So we've kind of gone through a iteration of of changes based on board feedback. >> Okay. Um Dr. Mr. Heburn, what time was the the meeting for the 11th was

1862
09:59:32.480 --> 09:59:48.800
scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to what time? >> Mr. Sullivan, >> we had no end time. >> You don't have an end time. >> No, it was the only item. So, >> okay. So, I kind of understand board member Rupert's request and I I think we

1863
09:59:48.800 --> 10:00:04.160
could achieve the same thing, right? If we keep it as a workshop, uh we could do an hour break and then come back and vote. Um, you know, I think that would be the the smoothest way to do it. So,

1864
10:00:04.160 --> 10:00:20.480
um, Dr. Heburn, would that would that be possible? >> I'm not sure about the logistics in in a hour amount of time. >> I would actually ask general counsel because I don't know how you would you're saying formulate a board item and then post it the day of before you vote. I don't think you could do that in

1865
10:00:20.480 --> 10:00:41.120
Sunshine. >> Okay. So, >> but I'll defer to general counsel. >> General counsel. If you're doing a special meeting, you definitely have to post within 48 hours. So, you you could definitely do that, General Council. But I was saying if

1866
10:00:41.120 --> 10:00:56.800
they did a if they did a workshop, if they scheduled a workshop on Monday morning, for example, um for the org chart, they make changes, then we had a special at 2:00 in the afternoon, we wouldn't have 48 hours to post it to meet the deadline. So, I don't know how

1867
10:00:56.800 --> 10:01:13.436
you do a workshop and a special with the workshop item being the item for consideration the same day in a special. >> So, the the only thing that's on this workshop is the reorganization. Correct. >> Mhm. >> Okay. So, you could do a workshop from

1868
10:01:13.436 --> 10:01:30.960
like 10 to 1 and then at 2:00 have your special meeting and then your agenda item. You would still post 48 hours in advance which is your workshop. you and you may not have the actual document yet, but it's the notice and the agenda

1869
10:01:30.960 --> 10:01:46.320
like that this is public notice that this is going to be the workshop. I'm sorry. This is going to be a meeting to vote on the reorg even though you may not have that document prepared until the workshop. >> That's that's one way to do it. Um I'm

1870
10:01:46.320 --> 10:02:02.960
still I I do understand what M Hixon is saying in terms of having something we don't know. You can also just um take a break during the special meeting as well and have that document come back for further discussion because this is the only thing you have is is just the the

1871
10:02:02.960 --> 10:02:17.680
reorg that's all you're going to be talking about. So either way I think can accomplish what uh Miss Bowman is trying to accomplish and we'll take into consideration Miss Rupert and Miss Hixon's comments. >> Okay, Madame Chair. Okay. So, I think my

1872
10:02:17.680 --> 10:02:34.800
concern is that we we sort of um advertised this already as a workshop. So, we're now changing it to a special school board meeting. Um we can achieve the same thing without necessarily um make these changes that would seem to

1873
10:02:34.800 --> 10:02:51.756
not be um as um sort of, you know, accommodating to the public in some form or way. So, I I just think, you know, it's best to be in good grace with the public because we've already had it as a workshop and then schedule the special

1874
10:02:51.756 --> 10:03:08.080
schoolboard meeting as an added item uh and give the 48 hour notice. I I I think that would give some grace to the public. That's just my opinion. >> Before we go to round two, I'd like to give some comments. Um I appreciate the

1875
10:03:08.080 --> 10:03:25.040
the spirit of this. I supported just going to or taking a final vote um as it was. Um I I do have to push back on the idea that a workshop allows for more public comment because in a special

1876
10:03:25.040 --> 10:03:40.560
school board meeting or a schoolboard meeting, the public can comment on every single motion that's made, every single amendment. So there's actually much more extensive public comment in a special schoolboard meeting. Um, I don't support the idea idea of doing a workshop and

1877
10:03:40.560 --> 10:03:58.480
then a special in the same day. Um, I will tell you right now I will not be limiting public comment um, minutes. So, you can imagine how lengthy that's going to be if we have two um, basically two meetings. And I I will just say like

1878
10:03:58.480 --> 10:04:13.680
every year the ORC chart comes to us for a vote and motions and changes are made on the deis every year. Um and we don't we don't do we don't break it up like this. Um so I I think that doing you

1879
10:04:13.680 --> 10:04:29.200
know a recess makes sense to to because I I understand wanting to see the finished product and I think that's actually a really good idea. Um, so I I support doing a recess, but I do think it should be a special in its entirety. And I'll just say too, like it's very

1880
10:04:29.200 --> 10:04:45.756
difficult to gather consensus in a workshop on something as like detailed and minute as the org chart. And I think the the utility of a special meeting where you're act like everyone's able to vote and it's very clear-cut um and

1881
10:04:45.756 --> 10:05:02.400
everyone's able to make their their motions and proposals. It's very clear-cut. I think it lends itself to the detail um that that the org chart has. So that's you know I I appreciate the motion. Miss Rupert,

1882
10:05:02.400 --> 10:05:17.916
>> I just had a question about when did we pass the org chart last year. Okay. I thought you went >> Sorry, I thought you went at the beginning. >> Go ahead, Miss Sullivan. >> I believe it was sometime in in uh late May. I have to look at the exact date,

1883
10:05:17.916 --> 10:05:33.756
but I'll just remind the board that the reason why the superintendent is trying to get it approved earlier this year is because the large impacted employees, we haven't had this uh level of impacted employees before, but I'll pull up the exact date. I believe it was in May,

1884
10:05:33.756 --> 10:05:48.080
>> right? And and I I do know that we got it a little earlier than we normally do, but we're ending we would be ending at the same time that we normally do as well. So, um I I'm not in I I've already said my piece. I'm not

1885
10:05:48.080 --> 10:06:06.160
going to herang anybody. Um, so >> Dr. Zimman, thank you for your patience with me. I thought you spoke at the beginning. Go ahead, >> Dr. Heard, we asked you to find a thousand positions. Are you bringing us a thousand positions? >> Yes. >> Um, and in my knowledge and going back and looking at the video, we are actually very close to being done last

1886
10:06:06.160 --> 10:06:21.360
time. >> Yeah, >> we were we were at the 1 inch line and we froze. Um, and and so I don't want to squeeze a one-hour meeting into a six-hour block of time. We don't have, at least if people shared what their views was at

1887
10:06:21.360 --> 10:06:36.640
the end of the ORC chart, there were small items, handful of positions. In a regular schoolboard meeting, excuse me, a special schoolboard meeting, we're going to be able to say what we think about it, vote, and and then move on, which is really important. Uh, to Miss Leonard's point. Um, but we we are very

1888
10:06:36.640 --> 10:06:51.596
close and given the fact that you're bringing us a thousand positions, I think this board, um, you know, is going to have to respect, you know, that you did exactly what we told you to do. Um, I think it's also important to share with people right now that this is a

1889
10:06:51.596 --> 10:07:07.916
much bigger cut than anyone else of us up here thought it was. When you take bus drivers and PO and FNS out of this equation, Dr. Hepern, how many administrators are left in your staff? Um when you so you got about 6,100 employees, you take out the groups that

1890
10:07:07.916 --> 10:07:22.960
you just mentioned, it leaves about 3,000, >> right? We asked him to cut onethird and so if he comes back with a thousand position is able to do that, which fences all the all the money makers that we have in the school. Um it's it's going to be an amazing thing to see. Dr.

1891
10:07:22.960 --> 10:07:39.436
Hemer, when will that be available for us to see? >> Um should be available hopefully no later than Thursday or or Friday for the for the org chart to be posted. Could you commit to Thursday close of business? >> Um, yes, we commit to Thursday close business. >> That gives the public still Friday the weekend and and then we're meeting on

1892
10:07:39.436 --> 10:07:54.240
Monday. I I love this idea, Miss Bulman. This is this is consistent with what amount of work we have left over. And it's very hospitable to all the thousands of people thousand plus all the people that are going to be doing the internal churn because every time an organization goes through this kind of

1893
10:07:54.240 --> 10:08:11.040
change, some people just get off the bus because they're like, look, if you know, Jeff and Miss Leonardi are leaving, I'm leaving. you know, and so they they and now you got more openings and people are kind of doing the big churn and the to get to the their to the right position for the next year and I just feel like

1894
10:08:11.040 --> 10:08:27.040
we need to give them the grace and the and the generosity from us to have that time to get it done. Does that trump the public not coming? Yeah, public can come on Monday, but I believe that when we see this proposal, uh, given that it does exactly what we told him to do, and

1895
10:08:27.040 --> 10:08:43.200
he's the CEO of our corporation, it's going to be it's going to be tough to say, hey, if you're willing to gut your staff by a third, uh, that this isn't going to get a lot of um, deference from the board. I'm predicting a quick uh, bring up, you know, debate vote and and

1896
10:08:43.200 --> 10:08:59.276
get done on on Monday the 11th, and I really look forward to that, not squeezing a one hour worth of work into a 5-h hour meeting. So, I'm really in favor of this. I think it's a brilliant motion. I appreciate you bringing it, Miss Bolton. >> Missixson, >> thank you. Um, I didn't see what we were

1897
10:08:59.276 --> 10:09:15.916
doing last week as being close to the end. We never even got to talking about the org chart. We spent all of our time talking about the job descriptions. Um, and which is why we then ended up asking for a special I mean for a workshop. So,

1898
10:09:15.916 --> 10:09:31.040
um, you know, there were a couple of things that were directives to the superintendent from the board that didn't happen on the org chart, and I think that those require some discussions, and I think people had motions to bring on the org chart that

1899
10:09:31.040 --> 10:09:46.880
we never got to. Um, so, but my bigger concern is that as Mrs. Rupert mentioned, we said it was going to be a workshop. There's no one here to tell us what the public might think of it. We

1900
10:09:46.880 --> 10:10:02.400
get we get slammed all the time for changing things without a without people knowing what's happening. And I I just have a real concern about about switching it right now. So I I just

1901
10:10:02.400 --> 10:10:22.480
don't think I can support it. >> All right. Any other comment? Miss Rupert? Um, John, would you share the answer? >> Uh, June 10th is when it passed last year. >> And we're supposed to pass it by the 19th. I mean, the the idea is to have a

1902
10:10:22.480 --> 10:10:40.080
workshop on the 11th and then a meeting on the 19th. Is that correct? So, we're still >> uh right now it's scheduled for the 11th as a workshop and then the 19th uh for final vote in a special. >> Miss Bullman. Um, not to beat a dead horse, but as as

1903
10:10:40.080 --> 10:10:56.960
was mentioned, we are uh cutting a lot of positions and closing a lot of schools. So, there is a different uh urgency this year to pass the orchar earlier than there was last year. Um, and I also think and what I was going to

1904
10:10:56.960 --> 10:11:13.756
say last week, but we kind of went sideways, uh, is that while it's our responsibility to approve the org chart, it is our CEO, Dr. Heburn's orchard and as he mentioned uh well you know if we

1905
10:11:13.756 --> 10:11:30.400
change it to after we've changed it to a certain extent it's no longer his organ or chart and then we don't have a way to hold him accountable to what it is that we're doing here. So, I think that um this shouldn't be very long on Monday

1906
10:11:30.400 --> 10:11:47.436
and I think that it would be a great service to our employees if we can hasten this process instead of elongating it. Thank you. And I'll I'll just to to speak to the concern about um making this decision when you know at

1907
10:11:47.436 --> 10:12:04.080
the end of meeting it was advertised that we are having a conversation about that the org chart on the 11th. Correct. >> Uh yes ma'am. >> Right. So whether or not it's a workshop or a special schoolboard meeting at a special school meeting where people have

1908
10:12:04.080 --> 10:12:20.800
much more opportunity to to give public comment um it nothing is changing. We are having a conversation about the org chart chart on May 11th. So it's not like we are cancelling that and we're voting on the org chart right now. We are still having that conversation. It's

1909
10:12:20.800 --> 10:12:35.360
just going to be in a different format that actually expands opportunity for public participation. Madame Chair, I just have a question. So, if we have a special school board meeting, what will be your time limit for speakers? >> I'm not going to have any time limit.

1910
10:12:35.360 --> 10:12:52.000
The the public and certain board members have made it clear that they don't want it to be limited. >> Okay. So, they can speak however long they >> Yep. Okay. >> Three minutes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. The three minutes that are are >> three minutes that are in policy. Yeah. Okay. >> And then, Madam Chair, if I may, through

1911
10:12:52.000 --> 10:13:09.360
the soup. So, I was a little confused with the org chart last year. So the main org chart passed in May 13th and then there was an amendment to it on uh June 6th. I'm sorry, June 10th. So the original org chart May 13, 2025, then there was

1912
10:13:09.360 --> 10:13:26.160
an amendment to it in uh June 10th. >> All right. Any other board discussion? All in favor of Miss Bulman's motion say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. >> No. >> Roll call. >> Roll call on the uh motion. Uh Dr. Hoes. Yes,

1913
10:13:26.160 --> 10:13:41.520
>> Leonardi. >> Yes, >> Rupert. >> No >> Thompson. >> Dr. Zean, >> yes. >> Ah, is not on the line. Bowman, >> yes.

1914
10:13:41.520 --> 10:13:57.680
>> Sea, >> not on the line. Hixon, >> no. >> Uh, passes 52. All right. We can we just make sure that we very publicly advertise the

1915
10:13:57.680 --> 10:14:13.436
change so we put it on our website and >> Yes, ma'am. We'll have a popup on our website uh for the next few days and we'll also push out um a parent link uh email >> and let our advisories know, let our labor groups know.

1916
10:14:13.436 --> 10:14:28.080
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. >> And our colleagues that aren't here. >> And our colleagues that are not here, Mr. Puno. And it's very very helpful if you have motions to draft those motions ahead of time because it really does help with the discussion. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Aziman.

1917
10:14:28.080 --> 10:14:44.240
>> Thanks so much, chair. I want to suggest that um we we add just a little tiny thing to our workload. Um on June 16th, it we're over 28 days away from reviewing uh policy 1020. uh we've got to think hard about the

1918
10:14:44.240 --> 10:15:01.276
public perception of this board and and how we run meetings. And so I'd propose that we bring that back on June 16th and then uh for a workshop and bring it to a schoolboard meeting on the 23rd and make sure that everything we have in our uh conduct for holding a meeting is

1919
10:15:01.276 --> 10:15:16.560
respectful of the public uh but also respectful of the limited amount of time they have to participate. Um, and so that we might be able to make some changes to actually improve our performance as a board. >> There any objection to that? >> Can I clear this with the GC? By the

1920
10:15:16.560 --> 10:15:33.276
way, make sure it's legal. >> Okay. >> Thank you for your help, Mr. Depri Bruno. >> Staff, do you have your direction? >> Okay. Um, Miss Thompson, thank you. I have some successes, but I have a question. on our workshop on the

1921
10:15:33.276 --> 10:15:49.360
12th, the times are missing and I was wondering why the times are missing and I have several concerns about that. >> Mr. Supri Bruno, >> repeat the question. I'm sorry. >> So on our workshop agenda, there's no longer times.

1922
10:15:49.360 --> 10:16:04.880
>> Well, so yeah, on the workshop for the agenda where we used to allocate times, >> it's my recommendation that we do not put times. We did have times for LL1 today because that is a a very large uh topic and we want to make sure that the public is there. But whenever you put

1923
10:16:04.880 --> 10:16:20.400
times in, you're going to be uh responsible for that time because you're noticing the public that you're starting whatever that is at that time. So best practice and in my experience normally agendas do not have time certain. So I

1924
10:16:20.400 --> 10:16:36.320
have concerns about how that limits our public comment and our public interactions in our workshops which we were just saying is when people can come and speak because if there's an for example redefining is on that agenda. So if I want to come talk about redefining

1925
10:16:36.320 --> 10:16:51.520
do I show up at 9:00 do I show up at 3 when do I show up? So my experience has been when a meeting is properly noticed, the public comes at the time that the meeting is noticed and they are there for the meeting to be able to talk about whatever agenda item is there. Um I have

1926
10:16:51.520 --> 10:17:08.400
not I have not had the experience of specific times for particular issues for the public to come in and I did send um an email on this particular topic um that kind of explains why there's some legal risk to doing that. So I read the

1927
10:17:08.400 --> 10:17:24.800
email but I disagree. I think it limits public comment and I would like to hear from my colleagues. Um and also if this is the direction we are going in if we are able to then time certain workshop topics because again we have things that community members come in to speak about

1928
10:17:24.800 --> 10:17:40.800
especially about closing schools and you can't have them sit here for 12 hours. >> So this kind of gives me an idea and I'm wondering since Dr. even said we're going to bring back 1020. If there's something that we can Well, time certain

1929
10:17:40.800 --> 10:17:56.080
I think are from from my perspective for a workshop item especially like you know a heavy workshop it's very hard to tell how long we're going to speak on something and and how much longer like you know some topics we go over some

1930
10:17:56.080 --> 10:18:13.200
topics we're running quickly. Um, but I'm wondering if, and this will come back to us when we we address 1020, if we just have a set time for public comment for our workshops as opposed to h like I don't know, that's a

1931
10:18:13.200 --> 10:18:29.596
conversation for another day. Um, but I do understand and I I respect the general counsel's, you know, legal advice around putting putting the times. I also understand that it creates some some confusion initially uh for the

1932
10:18:29.596 --> 10:18:44.960
public, but anyone else want to to provide feedback around advertising? >> I just I know that um you know there's an opportunity for us to gain valuable feedback from the community and there's a way to structure our meetings so that

1933
10:18:44.960 --> 10:19:01.916
we get that we get it and then we could do our work. Um, and so I I feel like we have the opportunity with Roberts to kind of limit the time for some items. Maybe that causes us to give a little bit shorter speeches and to get to points and things like that or even to skip speaking. Uh, if all we're going to

1934
10:19:01.916 --> 10:19:18.240
do is report how we're going to vote. Um, but um, there there's an opportunity, I think, to engage the public in a better way. Uh, both those that are here and those that are not here, because we still have lots of people for big meetings that sit at home or sit in their office and they watch what we're doing. Um, and I just want to

1935
10:19:18.240 --> 10:19:35.276
think a little bit about how do we make great decisions and how do we respect them uh so that we hear from them and then also have time ourselves to to do the work that we need to do. >> Dr. Holiness, >> Madame Chair, I was wondering I I know we we've had time certain before and

1936
10:19:35.276 --> 10:19:50.640
general counsel does not recommend that, but um are we able to have for certain items, especially really important items instead of a time certain a time range? Um I I don't know if that has been done before. Um because sometimes time

1937
10:19:50.640 --> 10:20:08.240
certain very difficult right so if we have a policy change where we have a time range that this item will be discussed you know between 10 and 12 that kind of a thing is that is that something that's typical >> through the chair. So, if I may, um,

1938
10:20:08.240 --> 10:20:25.756
since 10:20 is going to be something for discussion, if I may ponder this a little bit and do a little research to see how some of my other larger districts are conducting their meetings um, and based on what my experience has been and come back with the with the um, recommendation to the board. It I will

1939
10:20:25.756 --> 10:20:41.200
say it's it is very unusual the way that you have your public comments from the different districts across the state. It is very unusual. Orange, um, Palm Beach, Lee, um, um, uh, Duval, they they don't

1940
10:20:41.200 --> 10:20:57.520
have it this way. It's it's unusual. So, let me, let me process that a little bit. And I understand what the board is asking for. You want to have as much opportunity for your public to come in and speak and give you their thoughts. That is that's you have to do that. That's law. Um, but let's see what we

1941
10:20:57.520 --> 10:21:13.520
can do to streamline this a little bit and I will make a recommendation. There's one thing I do want to make a little correction on. I just looked at the 16th and the 23rd of June. I won't be able to do rule making because it's not two weeks. However, I will come back

1942
10:21:13.520 --> 10:21:28.880
to the board with the proper 28 day u calendar for 1020. >> Okay. Madam chair, may I also um I don't know if we've done this before, but Dr. Heburn, are you able to bring back um what the practices are as far as public speaking for the top 10 largest school

1943
10:21:28.880 --> 10:21:43.276
districts in the state of Florida? Yes, we'll uh have Mr. Sullivan's office collect as much data as they can. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. And I'll just mention we went through that exercise um when we changed

1944
10:21:43.276 --> 10:21:59.520
1020 and my colleagues didn't agree with um the suggestions that we brought because they were based on meeting with other districts and trying to do it all at one time and and you guys didn't want to do that. So, I'll just throw that out

1945
10:21:59.520 --> 10:22:15.436
there. But I two things. First of all, I think it's really important that we do not make our workshops so jam-packed, especially when you have a big item like redefining or and on top of that, I

1946
10:22:15.436 --> 10:22:30.800
would say since we can't time certain, if redefining could at least be first, then they would know they would be first on the agenda, first thing to go, you know, to to be able to talk about so they wouldn't have to stay through all those other pieces because often

1947
10:22:30.800 --> 10:22:48.080
as the chair, you think something's going to go through easy and all of a sudden it goes sideways and you're 3 hours into the conversation and it makes it very difficult. And I will also say it was mentioned to red, you know, to to limit our time, but we have a clock and

1948
10:22:48.080 --> 10:23:04.960
there is a limit to time for schoolboard members and when the buzzer goes off, it's an evil look that that clock gets and people get mad because you've cut them off when they're trying to talk. So, um I I think they're all great ideas. I just think we we tried them and

1949
10:23:04.960 --> 10:23:21.200
they they don't work in practice here, but I would suggest for um the workshop that maybe we at least put the redefining first. So, we know that's going to be very heavy on public input and then do the other items afterwards.

1950
10:23:21.200 --> 10:23:37.596
>> I just I do want to flag we have our committee reports that day and they're usually first. Um, so are you suggest are is your proposal that we put the redefining before the committee reports? >> I I think it's important that we do we do that. So I I know it won't be

1951
10:23:37.596 --> 10:23:53.756
popular, but redefining doesn't happen all the time. We do have input from our committee so that it could be second with the indication that we give enough time for what we think redefining is going to take because oftentimes we don't.

1952
10:23:53.756 --> 10:24:09.200
>> Okay. Miss Thompson, >> could we just go back because we in practice have had time limits. So could we just until we have this 1020 come back maintain the times that we have

1953
10:24:09.200 --> 10:24:25.360
because >> with regard what what times are >> keep workshop time slots until we have another meeting to process 1020 because that's how we've been running the workshops since I've known the board exists.

1954
10:24:25.360 --> 10:24:42.080
>> I mean that's up to that's the will of the board. I I would like my personal uh feeling is that we should you know adhere to advice from general counsel but if the board does not want to go that way I'm you know we will we will go a different way.

1955
10:24:42.080 --> 10:24:59.040
Dr. Hoes just go around and and give your input. Do you want to put add times to the agenda or you want to uh move in the different direction our general counsel suggested? Um, I I do like the idea of putting items that are priority or that we

1956
10:24:59.040 --> 10:25:15.680
believe will garner a lot of public input first. I'm not sure if if I want to be on record to say I'm going against the general counsel. Um, but I think we should put items that are high priority like redefining as the first thing on the agenda. I I'm certainly not I don't

1957
10:25:15.680 --> 10:25:30.960
have an input on the time certain. >> Okay, Miss Hixon. Oh, I I like that. Maybe we could put approximate because we know we're never going to be exactly on time because we just don't know how many people are coming to talk. Redefining could be two hours of public

1958
10:25:30.960 --> 10:25:48.160
comment before we ever get to the to the item. It's, you know, hard to know. So, I like to give some kind of time frame. Um, but I I understand what you're saying, but I also agree with Miss Thompson. We have done it and practice

1959
10:25:48.160 --> 10:26:04.080
all of this time. I would hate to change it when there's redefining and the um advisories on an agenda when they're looking for those times on there and maybe have that discussion in the 1020.

1960
10:26:04.080 --> 10:26:21.040
We're also missing a few colleagues. So, I would rather have that conversation when we're all here. So, I I agree with Miss Thompson. Let's continue the way we're doing it now and then when we have the conversation about 1020 we can change it. >> Miss Bulman.

1961
10:26:21.040 --> 10:26:39.520
>> Yeah, I agree with that. I don't have a strong opinion about this right now. There's >> Miss Rupert. >> Okay. So, uh I think with only one and a half objections, um we w the board would like to add

1962
10:26:39.520 --> 10:26:57.040
times back to the workshop agendas. Um was there consensus around wanting to put redefining before committee reports? Does anyone object to putting redefining before committee reports? No. Okay. So, are is it too late to move that agenda around or we can put add

1963
10:26:57.040 --> 10:27:13.916
redefining? Okay. And um I guess staff will use uh your best predictive powers to determine how long redefining will each topic will take. >> Um I think right now we have it for two hours.

1964
10:27:13.916 --> 10:27:28.560
>> Okay. >> Missen, >> can we also make sure staff reaches out to the committee chairs to let them know that they'll be later in the agenda? >> Yeah, we always send them a reminder email. So we'll just include that.

1965
10:27:28.560 --> 10:27:44.560
Miss Dtonson and I have some su s whatever successes. >> Um I'm sorry madam ch sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry. Um we could do three hours if the board wanted to for redefining. >> I think that would be wise. >> Okay. So we do three hours first and

1966
10:27:44.560 --> 10:28:03.520
then the committee reports for two hours and that would be eight hour day. >> Okay. >> Miss Bulman. >> Dr. Wanza, do you think it's going to take us three hours on this round of redefining? >> Dr. Heburn, you have the I I think two

1967
10:28:03.520 --> 10:28:19.200
will be fine. >> Honestly, I think two I don't think there's nothing controversial here um that garers um a lot of public input. Um the public input, the lengthy meetings usually come in the fall when we start the school >> before we go out to the to do our rounds

1968
10:28:19.200 --> 10:28:35.520
of community conversation. Are we announcing names that we're going to be looking at of any school or clusters or >> uh we're we're continuing our review to see what's the best strategy before the end of this school year >> because I think if we're announcing

1969
10:28:35.520 --> 10:28:51.200
names, there's going to be a lot of people. If we are discussing the process of moving forward and how the if the board wants to do this, >> it'll be more on process. Um but if the board wants us to name names um we can

1970
10:28:51.200 --> 10:29:09.680
utilize that process to identify uh uh >> schools um for this round or we can wait till midsummer >> um to identify schools based on that process. >> I'm will take staff's direction. I just

1971
10:29:09.680 --> 10:29:25.436
think it's going to be a longer meeting if you're saying Apple Middle School and a shorter meeting if you're saying this is going to be our process. This is our meetings. This is like the timeline of it. >> Gotcha. Noted. >> Miss Rubert.

1972
10:29:25.436 --> 10:29:41.040
>> Totally forgot what I was going to ask. I'll get back to you. >> Miss Hixon, >> just a quick question on the redefining meeting that we're having. Are we also discussing like some of the magnet changes? some of the things a lot of updates. >> So that's why

1973
10:29:41.040 --> 10:29:56.240
>> there may be you know people that come that want to advocate for something or you know want to know. So that's why I think it might have more public input. >> Are we okay with three hours? >> Yes. >> Okay. Miss Thompson

1974
10:29:56.240 --> 10:30:12.640
>> the successes. Okay. Um so Cherish Samuel who's Myar from Myiramar High School got reward recognized at the community involvement award. she had over 200 2,300 service hours. Um, we

1975
10:30:12.640 --> 10:30:27.520
also have a group of students going to rally to tally for new Floridaidians. So, it's really exciting to see them involved in that process. Um, Pines's Collegiate Academyy's cheerleaders won the at the middle school cheer showdown

1976
10:30:27.520 --> 10:30:43.200
for best jumps and most entertaining routine, which considering they only have sixth grade is pretty impressive. Um, Walter C. Young's NextGen Knights drone team won first place. And then also, if any of my colleagues are

1977
10:30:43.200 --> 10:30:58.480
available, I'm doing a beautifification project at Hawk Bluff from 2:30 to 5 on Thursday. We are going to be moving shrubs. So, if you feel muscular, you should come out. That's it. Thank you, Miss Hixon. >> Thank you. A couple of um successes and

1978
10:30:58.480 --> 10:31:14.800
again, I want to say happy teacher appreciation week. Um, last night, Mr. Sea and I had the pleasure of attending the Weston University. It's an eight-month program where students learn about local government. Um they also get a trip to Washington DC. So last night

1979
10:31:14.800 --> 10:31:29.916
was the culmination of the program and celebrating them. So Cypress Bay and Western High School were the two high schools that were public schools that participated. Um also from Cypress Bay High School, I'm not going to say this

1980
10:31:29.916 --> 10:31:46.480
right, but I'll try. Zou Zoo um was a National Merit Motorola Sol S solution scholarship recipient which is pretty exciting for that. And also at the community awards um of event that we had

1981
10:31:46.480 --> 10:32:02.800
there the superintendent started a new initiative this year with a maybe a little push from a board member um to get our district staff to volunteer in our schools since we asked people outside to volunteer. So this year to date, there were nearly 900 school

1982
10:32:02.800 --> 10:32:20.000
visits completed by more than 630 employees and Maria Baragon Cassido from the mental health services department was recognized as the one Broward employee champion and one Broward Department of Distinction Award was

1983
10:32:20.000 --> 10:32:36.080
given to the mental health services department for all of the volunteer time. So they're not going in to evaluate, they're just going in and saying, "How can I help?" So, I hope the program continues to grow and I appreciate the superintendent for starting this initiative this year. Thank you.

1984
10:32:36.080 --> 10:32:52.560
>> Thank you, Miss Bulman. >> Thanks. Um I was very cheered to see so many people from District 1 getting community involvement awards uh last week which was a great event. So, um, a student at Hollywood Hills High School,

1985
10:32:52.560 --> 10:33:09.436
actually two students, one, uh, Christopher White won the peer mentoring award and a second student, uh, Mia Rose Suarez won the youth volunteer of the year award. And Rachel Silver, who's just awesome, won a volunteer award as

1986
10:33:09.436 --> 10:33:23.840
well. They're all, she's an employee, but the other two are students at Hollywood Hills High School. And then Mayor Joyce Davis, who is the mayor of Dana Beach, won the secondary school mentor of the year. And one of our constituents and Debbie's neighbor, Tom

1987
10:33:23.840 --> 10:33:41.436
Blander, is the um the chair of Safe Schools South Florida, and they won the uh mentor program of the year award. So very proud to see District One so well represented. >> Awesome. Thank you, Miss Thompson. >> Thank you for calling on me again. Um, I

1988
10:33:41.436 --> 10:33:57.120
just got word that Sarasota was able to sue their tax collector over the funds and I and they have returned the funds. So, I'm wondering if we have any update on on our progress or our potential and

1989
10:33:57.120 --> 10:34:11.680
I know I'm just telling the general counsel now. So, not necessarily about what our legal options are, but I do think that's something to explore. And I think there was a memo, but from staff if there's any Tallahassee updates around that because it seems to be an

1990
10:34:11.680 --> 10:34:29.520
across the state of Florida issue >> through the superintendent. Uh yes. So, a special session is starting next week. uh two items that we're tracking closely is uh this issue which has become uh a concern for leadership due to not only

1991
10:34:29.520 --> 10:34:45.360
our district but other districts the one you mentioned as well I know manity as well. So there might be some legislative change uh during that special session. Uh so we can update on that um legis on the legislative side and our uh contract lobbyists are are working on this issue

1992
10:34:45.360 --> 10:35:02.720
while special session uh commences next week. Well, that's exciting. And if we could get a legal update on that as well, I think any avenue to reclaim the over $5 million would be >> 5.5, sorry, would be swell. Thank you.

1993
10:35:02.720 --> 10:35:19.200
>> Thank you for bringing that up. Um, anyone else before I go? Um, I just want to wish everyone a happy teacher appreciation week. Um, we heard over and over again today uh that we are an a school district because of the people

1994
10:35:19.200 --> 10:35:34.880
who are working in our schools with our students. And I think everyone up here and in this room uh knows that to be true. And our teachers, they work incredibly hard. They sacrifice a lot. Um, and I know that instead of an

1995
10:35:34.880 --> 10:35:51.040
appreciation week, they would love a pay increase. Um, so that's something that we are always working towards as a board. Um, I do also want to acknowledge it's nurses appreciation week. So, someone decided to put teacher appreciation week and nurse appreciation week at the the same week. I think it

1996
10:35:51.040 --> 10:36:09.436
was probably a man. Um, but just want to wish all of our nurses a happy nurse appreciation week and then wishing all of our mothers uh in this room and throughout the district a happy Mother's Day in advance. Um, it's a a big week uh for

1997
10:36:09.436 --> 10:36:26.320
for a lot of special people. Um, and I just wanted to touch on a logistical um, thing that I I've been thinking about a lot that came up today. Um, I know other municipalities do this and we have some version of this with our follow-up log that the superintendent keeps and then

1998
10:36:26.320 --> 10:36:42.800
sends out to us. Um, but I'm wondering if uh, we could request a priority log um, from the superintendent. Um, there be there are a few things like Miss Hixon brought up the overtime reductions, the job descriptions, coming

1999
10:36:42.800 --> 10:36:58.400
back and doing the analysis on the supplements and the job descriptions. I think for us, it's hard to keep track of like all of the things that we're asking for action on. So, is I I'm distinguishing this from the the follow-up log because the follow-up the follow-ups are really just a request for

2000
10:36:58.400 --> 10:37:14.400
information, but this would be, you know, kind of a a log that the board could review every, you know, two weeks. um about what the status is on for instance what we asked for today about the communication on um you know internet free or reducedpriced uh

2001
10:37:14.400 --> 10:37:31.276
internet access um and then you know the the piece about the overtime reductions that Miss Hicken said were due in Jan January 2026. So I'm wondering um I know Dr. Heppern you keep pretty detailed notes on on the things that we request. Um, I'm wondering about the feasibility

2002
10:37:31.276 --> 10:37:48.000
of doing a a pri priority log and if there would be any board objection to that, Dr. Heburn. >> No. Um, go ahead, Mr. Sullivan, please. >> Uh, yeah, I just wanted to say that the superintendent has really been pushing staff to come up with a central location

2003
10:37:48.000 --> 10:38:03.916
for memos, follow-ups, uh, for the board to make it easier to track some of these things. And we hope that will be, uh, implemented here in the next couple weeks. Um, so I think that will also be helpful for the board to go to one location and the soup has been pushing staff to do that for a couple months

2004
10:38:03.916 --> 10:38:19.360
now, but it's taken some time. Once it's implemented, I think it will be very helpful uh tool for the for the board. >> When can we expect that to be done? >> I'm going to say before the um next school year for sure, but as soon as possible. I know the soup wants it done yesterday. Um

2005
10:38:19.360 --> 10:38:35.596
>> it was supposed to be yesterday. We we'll get it to you um as soon as we can, but it's going to be a one-stop shop um of information, board briefings, uh the the request for information type follow-ups, any um uh data monitoring asks just to make sure there's a

2006
10:38:35.596 --> 10:38:50.880
one-stop shop because we don't have that currently. And so, you know, many of you uh call and ask for certain follow-ups or forward certain emails and things like that. So just trying to make it as comprehensive as possible and you don't have to go to multiple place places or send multiple emails to get information that you um requested.

2007
10:38:50.880 --> 10:39:06.080
>> Yeah. I guess I'm wondering so like I I'll give a very specific example that happened recently like we had asked for proactive communication to be sent out about BPK to families that um are not currently in the school system. That

2008
10:39:06.080 --> 10:39:21.756
went out like I got a targeted Instagram ad. That was awesome. But the only reason I knew that happened was because I got that that ad, right? Um, so I'm wondering if if so this dashboard that you're talking about, will it contain that as well? Like the you know, we

2009
10:39:21.756 --> 10:39:38.400
today we asked for communication about free internet like would that dashboard contain that? >> Yeah, we can make sure that includes the the proof uh >> deliverables >> the deliverables that we've uh we sent it out because right now it is very hard to track. We send you guys get thousands

2010
10:39:38.400 --> 10:39:55.276
of emails from your constituents, from us. Um, so that's why the soup wants a one-stop shop where you guys can see that, track it. Um, one location, it makes it easier for for you guys to see it and to hold us accountable as well. >> Okay, Miss Hixon, >> thank you. And I just based on the point

2011
10:39:55.276 --> 10:40:12.080
that Mrs. Leon alreadyard said is I would suggest that there's a way to flag maybe it's I like to color code things so red when it's past due because the concern is as as Mrs. Lean already said in so in September of 2025 we as a board

2012
10:40:12.080 --> 10:40:27.680
I made motions and we as a board passed them and all of the answers were supposed to come back by January 2026. Well, it's May and I'm just like, "Oh, yeah. We haven't heard that yet because there's a thousand other things just like you all have a thousand other

2013
10:40:27.680 --> 10:40:45.040
things." So, if there's a way to like make it flash and and say this is past due, we need to make sure we have action and and follow up. I think that would also be really helpful because if you're just having a scrolling list, it would be really hard to to follow along. So,

2014
10:40:45.040 --> 10:41:01.200
just some way to flag when they become overdue. All right. Anyone else? All right. The uh scheduled ordered business of this school board meeting of this the regular school board meeting of

2015
10:41:01.200 --> 10:41:45.880
the school board of Brower County, Florida has been completed. Seeing no objection, I now adjourn the meeting. Down.