WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=N1lmM_du88g NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: N1lmM_du88g): - 00:07:03: Invocation, Pledge, Meeting Call to Order, Public Comments - 00:10:05: Math Field Day Recognitions and Demonstration Activities - 00:18:22: Recognizing Graduating Seniors on Student Advisory Council - 00:22:29: Chairman of Student Advisory Council Speaks - 00:28:09: Superintendent Recognizes Florida Prepaid Scholarship Recipients - 00:31:54: Volunteer of the Year Finalist Recognition and Appreciation - 00:34:41: Executive Secretary Recognition and FSBA Training - 00:36:16: Quarterly Presentation of Office of Safe School Data - 00:38:10: Public Comment: Jackie Sitnar Addresses State Funding - 00:41:25: Proclamations and Consent Agenda Adoption - 00:43:10: Public Comment: Bruce Freriedman Book Challenge - 00:45:10: Public Comment: Aaron Frick Expresses Gratitude to Teachers - 00:48:15: Public Comment: Dr. Walsh Reads Constitution Piece - 00:50:50: Public Comment: CCA Update with Resolution Homework - 00:54:07: Superintendent's Update: Students, Staff, Hiring Fair, Etc. - 01:06:45: Board Member Remarks: Teacher Appreciation, Scholarships - 01:18:39: Board Member Remarks Continued: Teacher Protections Part: 1 1 00:07:03.919 --> 00:07:24.720 All right. Good evening. Um, we have no student showcase this evening. So, I'm going to have Pastor Jeremy Larson from First Baptist Middberg. You will come and lead us in the prayer and uh, pledge of allegiance. Will you pray with me? God, we love you 2 00:07:24.720 --> 00:07:41.039 and we thank you for today. Thank you for this time. Uh God, I pray today for this meeting, this board meeting that's about to take place. God, I pray for discernment. Pray for wisdom that it would go forward. God, thank you for all the teachers, the administrators that make up this great county. God, thank 3 00:07:41.039 --> 00:07:56.800 you for the students that uh God are constantly learning, are in this season of testing right now. God, we pray that um that would go well for this county. Lord, I pray for all the decisions that are being made. And God, I pray that your wisdom would uh would supersede all things. Lord, thank you for all that you 4 00:07:56.800 --> 00:08:13.840 do. Thank you for this great country, this great nation. And Lord, may you be glorified in everything that is said and done here today. It's in your name that we pray. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 5 00:08:13.840 --> 00:08:33.599 republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. At this time, I'm going to call to order the May 7th, 2026 school board meeting. Welcome citizens of Klay 6 00:08:33.599 --> 00:08:48.560 County. I want to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend tonight's school board meeting. This meeting is our opportunity as your elected representatives to collaborate openly and make decisions that will decide the future direction of our public schools 7 00:08:48.560 --> 00:09:03.760 and the education of our children here in Klay County. If you wish to address the school board on an agenda item, there will be an opportunity to speak for three minutes. Please fill out the card located at the side entry door indicating the specific item number or topic you wish to speak about and turn 8 00:09:03.760 --> 00:09:19.360 it in promptly to one of our officers. If you have items that you would like to present to the school board or superintendent, please hand them to an officer who will distribute them accordingly. Speakers who wish to address specific agenda items will be heard following the recognition and 9 00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:35.440 award portion of the meeting. Speakers wishing to address non-aggenda items will be heard following the adoption of the consent agenda. No additional cards will be accepted once the board moves to the public comment section under presentation from the audience. Your participation is welcomed and 10 00:09:35.440 --> 00:10:05.760 appreciated. Up next, we have recognitions and awards and we're going to recognize winners of the 2026 Math Field Day with uh Miss Scavinda Poor, the curriculum specialist. Perfect. 11 00:10:05.760 --> 00:10:22.800 Is this on? Yes. Okay. Um, good evening. My name is Goinda. I'm the elementary math specialist. I'm here alongside my phenomenal elementary math team. I have April Shipley, Mary Jeene Edgar, and Cheryl Radcliffe. We're here to recognize Math Field Day. 12 00:10:22.800 --> 00:10:38.399 So, thank you, Mr. Broski, and thank you, our board members, for allowing us to celebrate um elementary math field day each year. Um a special thanks to our board members who are able to attend, our current and former board members. So, this event would not be possible 13 00:10:38.399 --> 00:10:54.079 without the school-based math coaches who spend hours preparing their students. Teams of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from each school compete in four events. The quiz, the huddle, word problems, and the relay. The mugggin tournament also runs concurrent 14 00:10:54.079 --> 00:11:11.839 to the math events. And this is run by Robin Bosinger. Math Field Day is more than just a contest. It's a district-wide celebration of math. A district-wide celebration that is unique to Klay County District Schools. An event of this magnitude is made possible through 15 00:11:11.839 --> 00:11:28.160 the combined efforts of our dedicated community of educators, district leaders, and the months of preparation from our elementary math team. So before we get started, we're going to bring to you some math that students may see on math field day. So here's a typical 16 00:11:28.160 --> 00:11:44.720 question that's from one of our events, the relay event. So I'm going to give you a minute and we're just going to read through it and you can get your brains turning with some math. So, a club is hosting a bake sale to raise money. They started the day with 120 cookies. In the morning, they sell 17 00:11:44.720 --> 00:12:01.839 onethird of their cookies. At lunch, a teacher donated 15 extra cookies for the club to sell. In the afternoon, they sell 45 more cookies. At the end of the day, how many cookies did not get sold? 18 00:12:01.839 --> 00:12:19.760 Take a minute. We'll revisit this after we recognize some very important people. So, now let's move on to the awards. We're going to start with our overall winner for the Mugggin tournament. That 19 00:12:19.760 --> 00:13:12.399 is Mel McBride from Monontlair Elementary School and his coach is Jay Dean. Come on out. We will start by recognizing the third and second place winners who are not here with us tonight at the board meeting. Fourth grade third place winner 20 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:28.959 was Fleming Island Elementary. Our fourth grade second place winner was Orange Park Elementary. And we have our fourth grade first place winner with us here tonight was Patterson Elementary coached by Mrs. Steinf. Come on out, 21 00:13:28.959 --> 00:14:31.120 Patterson. moving on to fifth grade. So in fifth grade, our third place winner was Discovery Oaks Elementary. Our second place winner was Patterson Elementary. And we have our first place winner here with us today. In fifth grade, our first 22 00:14:31.120 --> 00:15:21.680 place winner was Orange Park Elementary. Come on out. Great job. Moving on to sixth grade. Our third place winner was Thunderbolt Elementary. Our second place winner was S. Brian Jennings Elementary. And our first place 23 00:15:21.680 --> 00:16:24.279 winner for sixth grade was Fleming Island Elementary and their coach, Miss Michaels. Come on out, Fleming Island. great job, Fleming Island. Okay, let's revisit some math. So, did anyone have some quick math who solved this? 24 00:16:26.399 --> 00:16:41.199 So in the morning they sell onethird of their cookies. So they would have 80 cookies that remain. Uh then they would have 95 cookies because a teacher donated 15 more. In the afternoon they sold 45 more cookies with a total of 50 25 00:16:41.199 --> 00:17:04.519 cookies remaining. Thank you again, Mr. Broski and Miss Tito as well as our school board members. Although this event takes months of preparation by our elementary math team, we must recognize our math field day coordinator, April Shipley. 26 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:51.200 So, we'll have my entire math team come out um up here and we'll take Finally, we mentioned that Elementary Math Field Day is so unique to Klay County. So, we wanted to showcase the amazing things that we are doing. So, we actually have a website that has been created that highlights Elementary Math 27 00:17:51.200 --> 00:18:07.520 Field Day. It has all of the winners from all of the grade levels. Um, so the QR code is right here, onecllay.net backmath field day. And then we're also highlighted here on this back students highlights wall. So as you're coming in and out of the schoolboard meeting, be 28 00:18:07.520 --> 00:18:22.160 sure to take a glance um at some of the amazing things that are on the students highlights wall. Thank you guys. Thank you. All right. Up next, we have Miss Kelly Watt, chief of staff, and the recognition of graduating seniors on the 29 00:18:22.160 --> 00:18:55.039 Superintendent Student Advisory Council. All right. Good evening, chair, members of the board, and Superintendent Broki. It is a privilege to introduce a group of young leaders who represent the very heart of our mission, the Superintendent Student Advisory Council. This council 30 00:18:55.039 --> 00:19:11.520 was established with a vital purpose to bridge the gap between district leadership and the classroom. We operate on the fundamental belief that student voice and ownership are essential to our success and that when students are empowered to take a seat at the table, 31 00:19:11.520 --> 00:19:27.600 our entire educational community is strengthened. Throughout the year, these 35 students have served as thoughtful representatives, providing honest feedback and engaging in meaningful conversations about the student experience in Klay County. To ensure we 32 00:19:27.600 --> 00:19:43.679 hear the full story, the council was intentionally designed to reflect a broad range of perspectives. By selecting members from every high school and every grade level, we created a balance of backgrounds and interest that made our conversations richer and our 33 00:19:43.679 --> 00:19:59.679 insights sharper. We believe that when students are given ownership, they rise to the occasion. This group has done exactly that, demonstrating leadership, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to their schools. 34 00:19:59.679 --> 00:20:16.960 I want to extend a sincere thank you to Superintendent Broski for his commitment to empowering student leaders across our district. Students, I would like to introduce you to our 12 seniors on our council. The council is open to high school students 35 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:34.840 and junior high students. Um, and we have uh 12 graduating members of the council who are here tonight to receive their honor cord that they will wear with pride at graduation. So, come on in. 36 00:20:41.600 --> 00:21:10.559 Okay. All right. Superintendent Broski, would you like to join me down here to help present the honor cords? All right, we have Evan Davies from Orange Park High. Rena Finnegan from Ridge View High. 37 00:21:10.559 --> 00:21:29.200 Gloria Gilmore, Keystone Heights High. Savannah Holy, Fleming Island High. Lauren Montz, Middberg High. Hannah Owen, Ridge View High. 38 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:46.799 Dia Patel, Oakley Pie. Haley Patel, Oakley Pie. Ria Patel, Ridge View High. Leah Sabbert, Fleming Island High. 39 00:21:46.799 --> 00:22:02.640 Chloe Tony, Middberg High. and Crystal Jane Torres, Orange Park, Flint Island. Thank you all so much. And before, well, let's have Taylor White come up 40 00:22:02.640 --> 00:22:29.280 here. Before we get a photo, I'd like to introduce you to our chair of the Superintendent Student Advisory Council. And this is Taylor White. And he'd like to just share a few words. Good evening, Mr. Superintendent, Madame Chairwoman, members of the board, and 41 00:22:29.280 --> 00:22:45.679 citizens of Klay County. I have the high privilege and distinct honor of my own to stand before you as the elected representative of the students of Klay County and chairman of the Superintendent Student Advisory Council. This year, I was elected with a clear mandate not just to represent students, but to ensure meaningful dialogue 42 00:22:45.679 --> 00:23:00.000 between those who make the decisions and those directly impacted by them. From the very beginning, the council's goal was simple. Eradicate any idea that student voice is secondary, symbolic, or an afterthought. And this district has done just that. This year, we started 43 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:16.400 off strong. We engaged in discussions surrounding the district's transition to a new but not so unfamiliar student information systems or we know as focus. a change that impacts every student and every family. And while systems and software may seem technical, what we 44 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:33.200 emphasize as a council was simple. Communication matters, clarity matters, and the user experience must be efficient, combatible, and friendly to all that use it. We also confronted one of the most powerful influence in students lives today, the digital world. We spoke 45 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:49.440 candly about the negative effects of social media, self-worth, identity, comparison, and pressure and having the impact it can have on confidence, focus, and overall well-being. Beyond that, we recognize something deeper. The dig we recognize a part of 46 00:23:49.440 --> 00:24:05.120 this was mental health, not just as a statistic, but as a reality with a big understanding that is very difficult to understand how demoralized people are. Every circumstance will never be the same because as people, we are able to see constantly how many people need 47 00:24:05.120 --> 00:24:21.520 encouragement and how easy it is to provide it if you're careful. I am so incredibly proud of this council and the work we have accomplished not just in what we've said but in what we've started because real progress begins with conversation but it is sustained through action and trust. The 48 00:24:21.520 --> 00:24:37.840 idea that student voice is secondary is nothing but from further but the truth. I have been encouraged, sustained, and inspired by one of the most collaborative groups I've ever been a part of. A group that simply brought forth effort, contributed to dialogue, and had real conversations with real 49 00:24:37.840 --> 00:24:54.480 truth. And if I can offer something to the students who want to get involved, let it be this. This message is a reminder that no matter what challenges life sends your way, and there will be big ones, never ever count yourself out. Trust in the process as his counsel has. 50 00:24:54.480 --> 00:25:10.400 While the future is uncertain, we will be challenged. Your perseverance, your confidence, and in time, through meaningful dialogue, success will emerge. Respect invites respect. Grit inspires grit. When a council such as the self has used its 51 00:25:10.400 --> 00:25:26.080 platform to promote positive information, we all win. An objective reality is the most secure environment for growth. Relish the opportunity to collaborate, lead with purpose, speak with conviction, and keep your head up. It is with profound gratitude that I 52 00:25:26.080 --> 00:25:42.240 report to the citizens of Klay County that Klay County District Schools continues to remain committed to fostering an environment where every student feels valued, heard, and empowered to succeed, not just academically, but as people. And it is with extreme excitement that I announce 53 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:58.960 here today the district's first official public relationship between the student body and the school board of Klay County, where at every schoolboard meeting, you will be able to hear from the students perspective. Thank you, Mr. Superintendent Broski and Madam Chief of Staff, Mrs. Kelly Watt, for your continued mission to enhance 54 00:25:58.960 --> 00:26:14.000 the student experience, for your continued leadership, lasting support, utmost professionalism, and profound commitment to bettering students future. And while he is not here, thank you to my vice chair, Sean St. Villis, for his lasting determination and assistance, 55 00:26:14.000 --> 00:27:37.279 not only to myself, but to his peers. Thank you to the members of the board, Mr. Superintendent Broski and the council for your lasting determination, dedication, and commitment. Thank you. Thank you. And I think this is exactly 56 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:53.279 what we were missing um years of our school board as a student perspective. I know that they get to emphasize um behind the scenes, but I think that it's important um to have them here emphasizing in front of um those who who 57 00:27:53.279 --> 00:28:09.520 impact them uh and decision making. So, thank you, Mr. White, for your leadership and um I'm excited to to see what we have moving forward. Thank you, sir. All right. Mr. Uh, Superintendent David Broski is going to come up and recognize the recipients of 58 00:28:09.520 --> 00:28:25.440 Superintendent's Florida prepaid scholarships. >> You know, sometimes you get to do some cool things as superintendent. It only happens during May because most of the time it's not cool all year long, but today I get to like celebrate some cool things because we're at the end of the school year. So, I would just say I'd be 59 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:40.399 remiss if I didn't say that math field day is my favorite academic event of the entire year. Where else do you have 500 students doing math on a Saturday, parents filling the gym, doing the wave, and the whole all the excitement there 60 00:28:40.399 --> 00:28:56.720 is uh is fantastic. And then seeing those students there, if I was a younger man, I would take bets is is the fact that I'd be working for one of those people at some point in my lifetime, but I'm too old for that to happen, right? That is a sharp group of people that are 61 00:28:56.720 --> 00:29:13.520 uh incredible. Some of them been on the council for four or five years. the name Patel. I think you you saw the whole the whole clan uh involved uh from from Ridge View and around the county. So, thank you so much. One of the other cool things I get to do is I get to give out 62 00:29:13.520 --> 00:29:31.120 a scholarship through our um partnership with Florida Prepaid. Uh we give out two scholarships a year to a deserving senior. The very first one is not here this evening, but he's Mark Sumpter from um Orange Park High School. Uh Mark's a 63 00:29:31.120 --> 00:29:48.159 great student, active volunteer. Uh one of the things I always heard from people just cares about other students. Uh and so willing to give of himself and his time, you know, not shabby 4.27. I even Mr. Broski didn't have that in in high 64 00:29:48.159 --> 00:30:02.159 school. I hate to say that, but that was not a thing for me back then and I grew into it. Uh intern as a Senate page attending UCF to pursue marketing. So here in his place certainly can't replace him but we do have the principal 65 00:30:02.159 --> 00:30:41.840 here Mr. driving gun. You come forward. All right. Our next recipient from Middberg High. Let me just say this individual uh hates to have attention called to her and so I I find it kind of ironic that she has so much attention called to her just because she's so 66 00:30:41.840 --> 00:30:57.120 talented, right? And so take that for for what it's worth. I get to I got to meet mom and dad the other day. Um you know and the pride of the family just shined right through. So without further ado, Khloe Tony, volunteers at Ronald 67 00:30:57.120 --> 00:31:11.919 McDonald House, Tiny Heroes Foundation, 4.8 8 GPA. That's that's that's not shabby. Just say that. Uh president of Beta Club attending UF to pursue premed. She's going places. Chloe Tony, come on 68 00:31:11.919 --> 00:32:03.120 up. All right. Next on the agenda, we have a finalist in in our midst for um volunteer of the year at the state level. Okay. Pretty pretty high honors. I know last uh last month we talked about 69 00:32:03.120 --> 00:32:19.200 volunteerism and there's no way a school system do all that it does without the involvement of our community, of our parents, and everybody else that makes schools great in Klay County. I know our um family and communication uh and 70 00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:34.960 community engagement folks worked and they showed you the gold star schools as well as the silver star schools. But, you know, I think when you have an individual recognized by the state, you need to bring that individual uh forward. So, a little bit about her. 71 00:32:34.960 --> 00:32:52.240 Tammy Miller is a highly dedicated volunteer at Fleming Island Elementary School and a finalist for the entire state of Florida for volunteer of the year. More than 700 volunteer hours in the past year alone. She's president of the PFA there. Uh she has strength 72 00:32:52.240 --> 00:33:09.039 strengthened family engagement, coordinated and supported volunteers and helped foster a welcoming, positive and connected school culture there at Fleming Island Elementary. She also leads the PBIS program there uh making it vibrant student centered space that 73 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:25.919 celebrates and reinforces positive behavior among students. She consistently brings vision and organization to major school events, including the glow dance, the Halloween carnival, and the purple up military ball. One of my one of my personal favorites, creating meaningful 74 00:33:25.919 --> 00:33:41.279 opportunities for families to connect, and for students to feel valued, seen, and celebrated. Through her commitment, innovative thinking, and supportive spirit, Tammy has made a lasting impact on the school climate, student 75 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:57.399 motivation, and overall sense of community at Fleming Island Elementary School. Please join me in recognizing Tammy Miller, finalist for Florida State Volunteer of the Year Award. Congratulations, Tammy. Come on up. 76 00:34:13.520 --> 00:34:27.839 and I'll just add while you're getting a photo, Fleming Island Elementary does a great job with their PFA and a great example um that I think us as board members want to see completely across the district at every school. So, thanks 77 00:34:27.839 --> 00:34:49.119 for doing an amazing job there. >> Madam Chair, if I could, I've got one other thing that's not on the agenda this evening, but I'd like to recognize the very own executive secretary to the board who's completed her training. You know, Miss Bonnie Nora was a tough individual to to follow, to say the 78 00:34:49.119 --> 00:35:05.280 least. And within a short amount of time, she recognized, man, I better go and complete my FSBA training and become a certified support professional. She's done that. She They sent us the certificate. How long ago, Kelly? About two months, and we've been holding it for this for this special occasion. So, 79 00:35:05.280 --> 00:35:22.400 without further ado, at board, I'd like to recognize publicly in front of you, Misty Massie, for completing certified professional certificate here from the state of Florida. Thank you. >> Board members, she's our board secretary as well. I think it's appropriate we all 80 00:35:22.400 --> 00:36:16.320 get a photo with her. I think it's also important to say we haven't missed a beat. So, you've you've done very well. Thank you. All right. Up next, uh we have presentation from Mr. Dr. Matt Boyak, director of safety and security for our 81 00:36:16.320 --> 00:36:31.680 quarterly presentation of office of safe school data. >> Superintendent, honorable schoolboard members, and members of the Klay County community. In accordance with section 101.21213C, Florida statutes, I am presenting the quarterly report from the Office of Safe 82 00:36:31.680 --> 00:36:47.520 Schools. This statute requires us to identify the number and percentage of schools, including charters, inspected or reinspected during the quarter and the percentage of those found to have no school safety requirement deficiencies. For the third quarter of the 2526 school year, three of our campuses were 83 00:36:47.520 --> 00:37:03.599 inspected or reinspected, representing approximately 7% of our district schools. One of these schools was found to have no school safety requirement deficiencies. While the statute requires us to look at these individual quarters, our year-to- date performance paints a broader picture of Klay Countyy's 84 00:37:03.599 --> 00:37:20.640 dedication to safety. Year-to- date, we have undergone 12 inspections, and 10 of those schools passed with zero deficiencies on the very first visit, which is an 83% initial success rate. Regarding the two schools where a deficiency was noted, I'm happy to report that both have already passed their reinspections. This means that 85 00:37:20.640 --> 00:37:36.320 100% of the schools inspected this year have successfully met or exceeded the state's rigorous safety requirements. This high level of compliance is a direct result of the commitment shown by our school leaders, teachers, and support staff. Their daily v vigilance ensures our campuses remain secure 86 00:37:36.320 --> 00:37:52.400 environments for learning. Finally, I want to thank the school board and superintendent for your leadership. Your support allows Klay County to go beyond the letter of the law to support the safety of every student and staff member. Thank you and please stay safe. 87 00:37:52.400 --> 00:38:10.079 >> Thank you, Mr. Boyak. Uh this is last call for all comment cards and then at this time we are going to do presentation from the audience for specific um agenda items and those two are Miss Jackie Sitnar and Miss Nicole 88 00:38:10.079 --> 00:38:29.359 Meldrum. So if you will go ahead and come to the U mic and line up. Make sure you state your name and your address. Miss Nicole, you can go ahead and line up behind my sittar. ready? >> Uh, we're going to wait for the timer 89 00:38:29.359 --> 00:38:52.200 and then you can >> Hello. Can you hear me? My name is Jackie Snar. My address is on file. I live in Clay County since 1992. >> Oh, hold on. We're We're having some technical difficulties over here. 90 00:39:01.520 --> 00:39:32.960 Are you ready or no? No. No. Okay. You want to be fair. Maybe. Here we go. Go right ahead. >> Good evening. My name is Jackie Snar. My address is on file. I live in Klay County since 1992. I'm a proud product 91 00:39:32.960 --> 00:39:48.240 of public schools and education is in my blood. My mother was a public school teacher and a counselor. I am here to urge this board to take bold public stand regarding state funding. Florida legislators return to Tallahassee on May 92 00:39:48.240 --> 00:40:04.079 12th with conference committees meetings through May 15th. We have a narrow window to demand a budget that puts students first. An increase that does not keep pace with inflation is is reality a cut. During the April 93 00:40:04.079 --> 00:40:19.440 workshop, it was stated that Klay County is not feeling the budget impact seen elsewhere. Respectively, this is misleading. Less than 12 months ago, we experienced a large reduction in force and cuts across schools and departments. 94 00:40:19.440 --> 00:40:36.400 Our educators and students are feeling these cuts every day. Furthermore, county has lost 30 million to vouchers. Many of these students never attended a public school yet often returned midterm midyear because of private settings 95 00:40:36.400 --> 00:40:51.920 could not meet their needs, leaving them further behind. I support Superintendent Braskki Boldness in addressing the unfairness of these vouchers and ask the board to join him. Please publicly demand that state 96 00:40:51.920 --> 00:41:08.160 lawmakers prioritize adequate funding for neighborhood schools, protect funds for ES services, and call for true accountability for voucher spending. Klay County students cannot afford another year of underfunding and 97 00:41:08.160 --> 00:41:25.280 misplaced priorities. Thank you. Miss Nicole, are you present? All right, we're going to move on. Uh, we have no human resource special action tonight. 98 00:41:25.280 --> 00:41:41.760 Um, we have a proclamation 26-18 to establish May as National Speech Language Language Hearing Month and May 18th as 2026 as speech language pathologist appreciation day. Do you want to say something? I feel like you 99 00:41:41.760 --> 00:41:56.640 you wanted to say something. >> Yes. Uh many of you know my wife is a speech path. I just like to say thank you. I see I see every night on the couch as we look at IEPs. I see the work that's done. So, thank you to our speech paths. 100 00:41:56.640 --> 00:42:13.480 >> I felt like you might want to proclamation number 26-9 to establish May as mental health awareness month. And we are going to adopt the consent agenda. Um 101 00:42:14.240 --> 00:42:31.200 um all in favor or can I get a motion to adopt the consent agenda? Sorry. >> Move approval. >> I have a motion from Miss Hansen. Can I get a second? Miss I'm looking at Miss Hansen. I am I do this all the time. Miss Miss Gilhousen. 102 00:42:31.200 --> 00:42:46.560 >> Can I get a second? Mr. Alvo, any discussion? >> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. 5. I'm looking dead at her when like I'm 103 00:42:46.560 --> 00:43:10.240 waiting for her to. Sorry. And then up next. Oh, hold on one second. Misty, can you Okay. Thank you. All right. We will move on from presentations from the audience. Up on deck is or up first is Bruce Freriedman. 104 00:43:10.240 --> 00:43:32.640 On deck is Miss um Erin Frick. Please state your name um and your address. Good evening, Bruce Freriedman. Address is on file. You should know it by heart. I'm bringing you one book challenge tonight. It's called How Not to 105 00:43:32.640 --> 00:43:49.359 Disappear by Claire Furnus. The special thing about this book, it's actually well written for adults. There has to be some kind of discernment among you, among your staff, your librarians. 106 00:43:49.359 --> 00:44:05.040 There was one Klay County employee who was working behind the scenes to help clean up the mess. She's been reassigned, laid off. I'm not sure how the budget cuts affected it, but she's out. So there's me and there's your rubric and there's a whole bunch of people that won't look at it, won't pick 107 00:44:05.040 --> 00:44:20.400 up any of the books on the shelves in all 43 of your libraries. Those sweet innocent math experts we waved at and clap for and all the grown-ups here that represent the the alser zone between you and the kids. 108 00:44:20.400 --> 00:44:37.440 They're smart enough to know better. All of you have known for years, some less than a year. This particular book would probably have slipped through the cracks even though it's filled with profanity because it's in a high school and you don't have rules about that just yet. 109 00:44:37.440 --> 00:44:53.760 But it mentions threesomes and it mentions sex with lots of people and it mentions drug crazed orgies. That ought to be enough to get it disqualified. But I had to find it after four years of finding similar garbage every month. Why 110 00:44:53.760 --> 00:45:10.480 aren't you people cleaning up your own mess? That's the question I leave you with. I do not expect an answer. Have a great night. >> Erin Frick, Miss Sharon Walsh, after her. 111 00:45:10.480 --> 00:45:25.440 >> Hello, Superintendent Broski and the Klay County School Board. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. My name is Aaron Frick. My address is on file and I'm a parent of two boys, one at Oakleaf Elementary and one at Oakleaf Junior 112 00:45:25.440 --> 00:45:43.359 High. I'm here as a volunteer of Defense of Democracy and Clay Families for Strong Public Schools with a heart full of gratitude for an extraordinary teacher in our district. While I won't name them publicly to respect their privacy, they know who they are and I 113 00:45:43.359 --> 00:45:58.640 hope they can feel the depth of my appreciation today. As a parent, you entrust your most precious gifts, your children, to the care and guidance of educators. For my child, this particular teacher has been more than just an instructor. They have been an 114 00:45:58.640 --> 00:46:16.560 inspiration, a mentor, and a true partner in their growth this year. For this, I'll be eternally grateful. My experience with this exceptional teacher has also reinforced a profound truth. Our public school system is the bedrock of our democracy. This brings me 115 00:46:16.560 --> 00:46:32.400 to the crucial point. Teachers are not just employees. They are the architects of our future. They pour their hearts and souls into their work, often going above and beyond the call of duty. So today, alongside my 116 00:46:32.400 --> 00:46:48.079 personal thanks to this remarkable teacher, I want to express my deep appreciation for all the teachers in our district. Thank you. thanking them for their tireless dedication, your unwavering passion, and their profound commitment to our children. You deserve 117 00:46:48.079 --> 00:47:05.599 so much more than words. Recently, the federal budget for fiscal year 2027 was released and it's not looking good for public schools. Klay County is at risk of losing another $4 million. This could mean massive reductions in summer after school 118 00:47:05.599 --> 00:47:21.119 programs, arts and technical classes, teacher recruitment, training, and mental health services. In addition, as you heard earlier, next week, the Florida legislature goes into session next week to prepare a state budget. They need to hear from us. Our 119 00:47:21.119 --> 00:47:35.920 lawmakers need to hear from us more than ever about our district's needs and the lack of accountability for the vouchers in our state. Superintendent Broski, I applaud you for going on the record for the unfairness of the universal vouchers 120 00:47:35.920 --> 00:47:52.160 and ask that the board does the same. We cannot go another year. We can stop these cuts if we speak up. We know public pressure works. Your voice matters. Our voices matter. So, will you speak up? Will you speak up 121 00:47:52.160 --> 00:48:09.000 for our students? Let's show our teachers this week that our support is more than just bluster. Let's put our power to good use. Let's rise to the occasion and speak up for public education. Thank you, Miss Walsh. 122 00:48:15.920 --> 00:48:32.480 >> Good evening, board. My name is Dr. Walsh. My address is on file. Tonight, I'm going to read to you from a piece from the Florida Constitution, the 1968 revision, and an article that was written after the great teacher walk out. The education of children is a 123 00:48:32.480 --> 00:48:48.559 fundamental value of the people of the state of Florida. It is therefore a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of all children residing within its borders. Adequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, 124 00:48:48.559 --> 00:49:05.760 safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allow students obtain a highquality education and for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of institutions of higher learning and other public education programs that the needs of the people 125 00:49:05.760 --> 00:49:23.040 may require. I'm going to say right here that Klay County is doing what they can, that we are definitely a high quality free public system and we need your support to continue that way. I am asking you, the school board, to draft and approve a 126 00:49:23.040 --> 00:49:39.599 resolution that will guide your actions to fully support and advocate for Florida's public schools. I'm giving you a little bit of a sample of what that resolution could sound like. Klay County District School Board urges the legislature to increase public 127 00:49:39.599 --> 00:49:55.760 school funding by investing $1,000 more per student and protect academic freedom in Florida's colleges and universities. We must also return decision making and flexibility to local school districts and the educators and parents who 128 00:49:55.760 --> 00:50:12.480 directly serve those students in our neighborhood community schools. We encourage the legislator to support sustainable solutions like multi-year contracts for teachers, reducing the cost of teacher certification test. Come on, guys. It's $150 every time you walk 129 00:50:12.480 --> 00:50:34.200 in the door for one of those tests. That's insane. And bringing accountability and transparency to Florida's charter and voucher systems. Thank you for your time, >> Miss Kidwell. CCA update. 130 00:50:50.480 --> 00:51:06.559 I brought you homework. Members of the school board, superintendent, parents, educators, and community members who might be watching, everyone in educational leadership should be here for one purpose, to support educators and students. Your 131 00:51:06.559 --> 00:51:22.319 elected position is a sacred duty that requires courage, integrity, and a willingness to speak truth to power when public schools are being weakened. Real leadership means listening to educators, working with stakeholders, and boldly 132 00:51:22.319 --> 00:51:38.640 advocating for the needs of teachers and students. Every educator, parent, and community member should reflect on the words of the Florida Constitution. It guarantees every child a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high 133 00:51:38.640 --> 00:51:55.920 quality system of free public schools. But Florida is failing to meet that promise. Florida's universal voucher system has created a parallel education system funded by taxpayers but not held to the same standards as public schools. 134 00:51:55.920 --> 00:52:10.960 Public schools must meet strict accountability, transparency, testing, oversight. Voucher funded charter and private schools do not have these requirements. That is not uniformity. Public schools deserve a level playing 135 00:52:10.960 --> 00:52:26.240 field. This week, the Florida Education Association, local educator unions, and parent groups filed suit against the state of Florida and the Department of Education. We argued that the state has failed to uphold its constitutional 136 00:52:26.240 --> 00:52:44.240 obligation to provide a uniform, highquality public education system. Consider that nearly $5 billion dollar each year is being diverted from neighborhood public schools and redirected to less regulated private and voucher systems. And understand that 70% 137 00:52:44.240 --> 00:53:00.079 of voucher money goes to students that have never been to a public school. At the same time, Florida ranks 50th in average teacher pay for three straight years and 41st in per student funding. Yet, the state continues pulling 138 00:53:00.079 --> 00:53:16.559 resources from public schools while expecting districts, teachers, and students to do more with less. Public schools are the foundation of our democracy. I'm asking this board to be bold, speak publicly, forcefully in support of fully funding public 139 00:53:16.559 --> 00:53:32.960 education, stand with educators and parents, and make sure the constitutional promise is is kept for every student of Florida. This is how you can show real teacher appreciation. Please look at the resolution that I'm 140 00:53:32.960 --> 00:53:49.280 going to leave to you for homework and consider adopting, discussing, and adopting it. Revise it all you want, but I think a bold stand is important and then act on it. We're counting on you. Our children are counting on you and Klay County Public Schools needs you to 141 00:53:49.280 --> 00:54:07.200 be there for us. Thank you. here. All right, we're gonna go to Superintendent David Broski for his update. >> All right, I got about 47 slides, so I hope you guys are are ready to uh 142 00:54:07.200 --> 00:54:36.960 No, not really. Okay, tonight I got for you super students staff appreciation one one clay cares that's something new the district hiring fair state science fair recognition reminder about kindergarten and plus the upcoming stuff I try to 143 00:54:36.960 --> 00:54:52.720 make it as fast I possibly can and give it general information of what's happening within the district first of all uh great students out there I think it's important to realize that Sometimes, you know, people don't realize 80% of students never never once 144 00:54:52.720 --> 00:55:08.480 get a referral ever in their school career. So, I think sometimes there's a misconception students are misbehaving or that kind of thing. Uh, most students are doing what they supposed to do. Uh, statistically speaking, Landon's a great example of that. Landon's from S. Brian 145 00:55:08.480 --> 00:55:22.640 Jennings Elementary. He's on safety patrol. Demonstrates incredible leadership. Every person that I ran across there said, "Hey, do you know Landon?" Yeah, I know Landon. Every adult on that campus knows who Landon is because he's a leader and he's a great 146 00:55:22.640 --> 00:55:39.040 example for SPJ students. Then you have uh Sophia from Lakeside and McKenzie from Orange Park High. Both equally great um uh students. Sophia is a a a great athlete at Lakeside Jr. and and 147 00:55:39.040 --> 00:55:55.040 performs in many athletic um events. McKenzie is also avonal. She actually started a a boxing club on campus. It's kind of interesting. And as a district, a dedicated leader to everybody within the Raider the Raider group. So 148 00:55:55.040 --> 00:56:10.400 fantastic. For staff appreciation, we're I would certainly be remiss if I didn't thank all the teachers out there. Teacher appreciation week has gotten kind of weird lately because some schools celebrated last week because of testing and so there's kind of this uh 149 00:56:10.400 --> 00:56:25.440 uh disc coordination there. There's no doubt teacher a great teacher makes such a difference in the lives of a young person. In fact, it's the greatest determinant from a from from a u scientific perspective as to the student success. Followed by the 150 00:56:25.440 --> 00:56:43.280 principal is number two on the list of high yield types of strategies. We're lucky to have some great teachers in Klay County uh that do a great job each and every day. There's no doubt teaching has become harder and harder as time has gone on. Uh I recog that I feel that we 151 00:56:43.280 --> 00:56:59.359 try to pro provide support for teachers in the classroom. If I can create, if I can plant money trees, I would do that because teachers deserve more money uh for the things they they do for our students. And I, you know, I hope all the teachers out there that are 152 00:56:59.359 --> 00:57:14.720 listening realize that you have an impact. Even if you don't know that you've had an impact, the impact shows up later on. uh you know trust me on this I've had many experiences where people have come up to me and said hey you're you were my teacher you know many 153 00:57:14.720 --> 00:57:31.040 years ago and they remember and I think oh my I didn't realize I had such uh such power and such impact on people and so to everybody out there just remember you know how you treat people matters matters no matter what job you have but it especially matters if you're a 154 00:57:31.040 --> 00:57:48.079 teacher and the things you do for our young people are admirable we should always look to elevate the teaching profession uh to to greater to greater um prominence within our community. And so I I thank a sincere thanks from the 155 00:57:48.079 --> 00:58:04.319 superintendent to all all teachers out there in Klay County. Uh bus drivers, man, if you can't get them there, you can't teach them, right? We've got some great bus drivers doing a great job. So thankful for the recognition last week 156 00:58:04.319 --> 00:58:21.680 of our bus drivers and our monitors. Uh, it's a really tough job. I I've always said this. I feel like I can do any job in Klay County schools, but be a bus driver. I just can't do it because one, I wouldn't want to drive something that large. Then I'm responsible for the kids 157 00:58:21.680 --> 00:58:35.760 behind me and I'm looking through a little tiny mirror as I'm going down the road. Think about it. I I feel like I'm not qualified to do that job, but uh most others within the system, I could probably do it. So, big shout out to the 158 00:58:35.760 --> 00:58:52.559 bus drivers. They do uh amazing work. Our our lunch heroes, again, towards the end of the year, we're celebrating a lot of groups. Our our cafeteria ladies are amazing, amazing people. They work so hard uh to produce a quality product for 159 00:58:52.559 --> 00:59:09.920 for our students. I think we serve about uh what is it like five five million meals a year. So, and I will I will brag publicly about this. You know, people don't hesitate to send me emails when they're not happy with things, right? If you got 40,000 people, that's a lot of 160 00:59:09.920 --> 00:59:26.799 people that have access to your email. Uh, so I get a lot of emails. In six years as superintendent, now don't all email me tonight, right? In six years as superintendent, the number of times that I was contacted about dissatisfaction 161 00:59:26.799 --> 00:59:43.280 with food services is three. And one happened recently. I don't know what the math is on that, but that's pretty darn good. When you're serving five million meals a year times six years, and I've had three people that that reached my 162 00:59:43.280 --> 00:59:59.119 inbox, uh, that's pretty good success rate there. So, I'm very proud of the people within food and nutrition services. One Clay Cares is a is a is an idea because what happens I do get positive emails when people say, "Hey, I just want to 163 00:59:59.119 --> 01:00:15.520 tell you about this teacher or I just want to tell you about what the bus driver did or I just want to tell you, you know, uh the custodian that that opened the door for the child as in parent pickup or helped the child drop the stuff and all those sorts of things." You know, if you have something 164 01:00:15.520 --> 01:00:32.799 like that, if you went to our website, you would see the onecllaycares.net. this a way to give a public shout out to those individuals because I always feel guilty because it might reach my inbox but then it's like how do we get it so that everybody can recognize the uh the 165 01:00:32.799 --> 01:00:48.799 person that has gone above and beyond for our students and staff. So one clay cares if you have somebody that you rec want to recognize that's a way that we can recognize them publicly for the work that they do. the district hiring fair. I tell you what, it's it's one of my 166 01:00:48.799 --> 01:01:04.079 favorite events because everybody's excited. So, picture this. All principles are there. They all have tables. They all try to outdo one another. By the way, they all try to poach the best people that walk in the door. It gets very competitive. And uh 167 01:01:04.079 --> 01:01:20.000 Martin Afuck I call the poacher. He's out there looking for looking for people. And so, um it was a great event. you know, the positions about 350 people came through the door, so it was packed event, people looking for jobs within 168 01:01:20.000 --> 01:01:36.880 Klay County. It's kind of strange. I heard one of the speakers talk about the impact of the budget, budget changes, and all that. There's no doubt that when you remove money from the budget, it's going to have effects. What we tried to do was to shift the positions to the positions that would be least impactful 169 01:01:36.880 --> 01:01:53.839 because you have to when it comes to budget reductions. And so you're looking about 350 attended. Uh whenever somebody, you know, was was uh about to be employed, we would ring the bell, kind of a celebration. They would be taking pictures. I tell you what, the 170 01:01:53.839 --> 01:02:11.280 lady from News Channel 4, Ariel, she was there. She was like, "My goodness, this is I'd want to work here." I said, "What's your degree in?" I almost gave her a job on the spot last night. So So it was just a great atmosphere. The the folks in HR, thank you so much. what you 171 01:02:11.280 --> 01:02:27.520 do. I mean, it's um you know, HR is a blessing uh in in many regards and so thank you for what you guys do. How about the science fair? One of the things that we noticed is last year in May, I think we had like 300 people in 172 01:02:27.520 --> 01:02:42.960 this room. It's not really designed for 300 people. So, we're looking for a way to celebrate students without having everybody physically crammed into one room. So, just want to brag on some of our science students up there. we had a science fair award. So we actually had 173 01:02:42.960 --> 01:02:58.720 an awards presentation for students but then some students went on the states which happened after that. So you can see there uh Brenda Finnegan who's on the superintendent's advisory council. I just love the Irish name there. Uh then you see Miss Evangelista from from uh 174 01:02:58.720 --> 01:03:15.520 Clay High School, Josh Chun, Josh Gonzalez, Gavend Dean. try to read what some of those um projects were and as adults I I felt uh wholly inadequate to explain their science fair project. These are brilliant kids that are going 175 01:03:15.520 --> 01:03:31.039 places. Uh you know just as a general comment the number of engineers in America in comparison to the rest of the world has shrunk over years. This is this is dangerous for national security. So encouraging students to be involved 176 01:03:31.039 --> 01:03:48.000 in the sciences, to be involved in engineering is so important. Uh you saw Ria Patel who was also here this evening, Amarie Rollins, uh Gavin Dean, just a great group of students. Uh again, many many thanks. The same with 177 01:03:48.000 --> 01:04:03.520 band. Last year, I think we had three bands. There was like a hundred people in this room. It was kind of hard to get everybody in here, but I didn't want to go without recognizing the bands. First place in the state was Fleming Island uh High School for indoor percussion. 178 01:04:03.520 --> 01:04:18.799 Oakleaf High School was a close second and very tough competition between those two bands. Uh and their Wintergard plays second in the state. That is outstanding. Both Alexander Buck and and David as well as Chad and Kayla, they do 179 01:04:18.799 --> 01:04:34.240 a great job with the bands. You know, students should be involved in something other than the academic day. I know it's hard when people hear me say that, but really school is not only learning the skills you need to be successful, but it's also an experience. 180 01:04:34.240 --> 01:04:49.920 And I I would just think that all of you as adults know that the experiences you remember about school were probably not learning. It's probably all the other stuff that school brings, whether you were in band or athletics, whatever you did. or maybe it was just new friends 181 01:04:49.920 --> 01:05:06.559 that you found. It's a it's an experience unlike any other choice that people have available. Uh certainly Quake County Public Schools does a great job with that. Kindergarten, if you're sitting out there, parents, you're saying, "When is 182 01:05:06.559 --> 01:05:23.440 kindergarten registration?" Now. Uh now is the time. Please register so that we can we can properly uh staff the kindergarten classes. Kindergarten's become harder to predict and far as numbers go. Birth rates have declined, 183 01:05:23.440 --> 01:05:38.319 people having less children. So, it becomes really important that we know the information so that we can staff and give your child a great experience. When it comes to other stuff, the athletic award show on on Monday, that's 184 01:05:38.319 --> 01:05:54.240 fantastic. The fine arts gala and the fine arts show. Uh I had to put the national language uh pathologist day on there Sue that's for you graduation graduations are starting here and 185 01:05:54.240 --> 01:06:11.520 graduation season's on the 16th for Bridge View the rest of us on the 22nd of course Memorial Day last day school I know we're all focused on the end but really students are taking state assessments right now it's very important for students to the best that they can uh so any parents out there 186 01:06:11.520 --> 01:06:27.359 please please put your student in the best condition by having sleep, encouraging them, having them eat uh properly before coming to school. That would be awesome. We use that information and that data to make sure they're placed in the proper 187 01:06:27.359 --> 01:06:43.960 proper learning environment next year is based on how they did uh this year, especially on the state assessments. And so I'm looking forward to reporting how we did uh at a future board meeting. Thank you so much. I appreciate 188 01:06:45.359 --> 01:07:03.200 Superintendent board attorney remarks. All right, we're going to do board member remarks. Gilson, would you like to go first? >> I'll keep it short and sweet. I just want to wish everybody happy teacher appreciation week. Um teachers have had a profound impact um here in Klay County 189 01:07:03.200 --> 01:07:19.200 on my life as a public school graduate here. Um and same for my three children. They're all in school here, too. And um I hear stories every of the heroics that you guys um pull out and the hoops that you jump through and I know it's testing 190 01:07:19.200 --> 01:07:34.480 season and everybody's counting down the days. So, I'm just wishing you all um a strong finish and a restful summer and I'm really looking forward to graduation. It's like the highlight of the year for me. So, I'm excited for that. Um at the end of this month, 191 01:07:34.480 --> 01:07:56.079 >> Mr. Al, >> I want to share I had the pleasure of working with Klay County Education Foundation to award two scholarships uh to two outstanding students from my district, District 2. It was very rewarding the experience to support 192 01:07:56.079 --> 01:08:12.640 these talented individuals as they pursue their education. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Klay County Education Foundation for their assistance through this process. Their support made it possible for me to able to to be able to recognize and encourage 193 01:08:12.640 --> 01:08:27.359 these two students in their academic journey. I recognized I was a little kind of uh concerned because until two months ago I had not applicants for my scholarships, but then uh the last month we got like 194 01:08:27.359 --> 01:08:45.080 40 applicants and uh I just wish I could have done more. But at least these two students that I help with these scholarships, I'm going to have a you know a better future. Thank you, >> Miss Clark. 195 01:08:46.239 --> 01:09:03.440 I wanted to start out by I know we did the bus appreciation bus driver appreciation week but there were so many people vendors individuals many that didn't want anyone to know that they had donated. It was just I think it was a 196 01:09:03.440 --> 01:09:18.719 wonderful week of appreciation and I hope that each year we can do this and grow it even more. Um, also I would like to introduce for the board to entertain at 197 01:09:18.719 --> 01:09:34.400 one of our workshops have a proclamation regarding human trafficking. I know January is National Human Trafficking Month, but uh this is something that's not going away and it's getting worse and there are very few people that seem 198 01:09:34.400 --> 01:09:50.319 to fully understand it. And I think we are we've got to do everything we can to to teach our children that it's no longer about stranger danger, but it's about tricky persons and it's about 199 01:09:50.319 --> 01:10:08.400 the unsafe behaviors that they pull in order to entice our children and at a very early age. So, we've really got to do everything possible since we're in this social media world and and uh it's 200 01:10:08.400 --> 01:10:25.920 just, you know, you delve into it and it's just unbelievable the ways that this is happening. So, anyway, if we can just entertain that proclamation knowing that this district is going to do everything possible. Uh we're coming up on the summer and 201 01:10:25.920 --> 01:10:41.600 I've always been an advocate for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and last summer we had to stop because we ran out of funds and I hope that that's not the case. We obviously want our children to be reading ready by 202 01:10:41.600 --> 01:10:57.600 kindergarten. And I know when I spoke to Representative Sam Garrison last time, he said that he could come up with those funds. basically the words he used. So Sam, we need you to bring home the bacon. So 203 01:10:57.600 --> 01:11:12.800 whatever can be done, we want the opportunity not just in our two zip codes that we're in currently, but we'd like it in all the zip codes. Every child that wants that opportunity and every parent to hopefully read every day 204 01:11:12.800 --> 01:11:30.400 20 minutes a day to that child make a huge difference. So, um I think a couple people had come up and stated that they needed us to advocate regarding the voucher program. And honestly, I think a lot of us are, but maybe we don't go to 205 01:11:30.400 --> 01:11:46.000 the same meetings. I've actually stolen slides from the superintendent to share information. And I think people are appalled to learn, citizens are appalled to learn that money is now going or has been going last couple years to private 206 01:11:46.000 --> 01:12:03.280 schools. So it's important that we educate everyone and it's not just this board that needs to reach out to the state. And I don't understand why Florida being so large is like 47 out of 50 in funding. That makes no sense to 207 01:12:03.280 --> 01:12:21.040 me. But we are trying to educate. We need everybody to reach out to your representatives and your senators here in the state and do what you can to uh because we are not on a level playing field. Competition's great, but we are not on a level playing field. So, thank 208 01:12:21.040 --> 01:12:41.280 you. >> Sorry. Go ahead, Miss G or Miss Hansen. You see this? What is wrong with me tonight? >> I was asking the same thing. I want to first start out by saying today is National Day of Prayer. 209 01:12:41.280 --> 01:12:58.480 And today I want to thank Morning Star Church for inviting us. And I was able to pray with uh Miss Skipper about our country, our teachers, our students, our schools, our police officers, 210 01:12:58.480 --> 01:13:14.080 everything about our country. That's great. I know sometimes we get down about things. You know, being 50th in the the nation and teacher pay is something to get down about, but we also have a lot of blessings. And so, I was really really honored to 211 01:13:14.080 --> 01:13:31.600 be able to share that time this morning. And then after that, almost caught every green light down to the trade school brunch where we got to celebrate seniors in all kinds of trades, welding, electrical, HVAC. Um, we're graduating 212 01:13:31.600 --> 01:13:46.640 kids that will be the future leaders in the areas that we will need them most. And it's a really proud moment. And I had a really really hard flashback to the 1960s this week when I heard about the uh Presidential Fitness Award 213 01:13:46.640 --> 01:14:02.880 coming back. And I just want to say I know some people, oh, it's not good kids that get their feelings hurt or whatever, but back in I think it was 1969, I'm going to age myself a little bit. Um, I passed the entire presidential fitness award. There was 214 01:14:02.880 --> 01:14:19.440 this one part and the part was you had to throw a softball 50 feet. Well, my father worked three jobs, came from a lower income family, four kids before my mom was 22. And my father never had time to teach me how to throw a a softball. 215 01:14:19.440 --> 01:14:36.080 And I spent the entire next year throwing things. not at houses, nothing like that, but I threw whatever I could throw to learn how to do it. I just to this day cannot believe how that inspired a 216 01:14:36.080 --> 01:14:52.880 lifetime of physical activity, a lifetime of being a third base shorts stop throwing bullets to first base. So, I'm I want to encourage us in the state of Florida to participate 217 01:14:52.880 --> 01:15:10.080 fullheartedly in the Presidential Fitness Award and give these awards out because honestly, I did nothing but learn how to throw a softball and it changed my entire athletic life. And so, it's just something to consider. Uh, 218 01:15:10.080 --> 01:15:25.600 when it comes back to school, my husband and I were trying to talk about like Miss Housing and Miss Skipper like you know so much little younger than I am. Maybe they didn't even have the Presidential Fitness Award. I don't know. I don't know what years had it or what didn't. But I was grateful that 219 01:15:25.600 --> 01:15:42.560 it's coming back for kids because anybody can win it honestly if they put their mind to it. And the last thing that kind of weighs heavy on my heart. One problem about being a retired teacher is that, you know, some people say, um, you know, you're running for 220 01:15:42.560 --> 01:15:58.800 school board, just have your friends donate or something to you. And, and when I have to look at them and tell them that all my friends, most of my family are teachers, I kind of laugh when people think that the people I hung around with for 20 years, have that kind of money. It's like, you know, I I would 221 01:15:58.800 --> 01:16:15.679 never ask. And the other thing about knowing so many teachers is I actually know what they see. They tell me what they hear. They're not always kind about it, but I'm always willing to listen. And it really breaks my heart to see so much. 222 01:16:15.679 --> 01:16:32.719 Um I had one friend call me and said she got a phone call from someone and this is what she told me. She said that the phone call said if if um that the union didn't get 350 people, their protections that they currently have would be gone. 223 01:16:32.719 --> 01:16:48.480 And I'm here to tell you in the last four years almost since I've been on this board, we have spent zero seconds talking about how to destroy a teacher. Zero seconds about how we should get rid of planning. Zero seconds about how there should be no bathroom breaks and 224 01:16:48.480 --> 01:17:03.760 they should give up their lunch to eat with teachers. It went on to say they're forced to have meetings, come into meetings on their days off u without language admin can do whatever they want. But I'm just telling you there's a 225 01:17:03.760 --> 01:17:19.920 millions of people working for companies in the state of Florida and this company loves our employees. As Mr. Broski says, we're in the people business. And in the people business, particularly in a teacher crisis, 226 01:17:19.920 --> 01:17:35.199 it would be insane for someone to think that members of this board or members of this district or admin or the superintendent would sit around thinking of ways that we can hurt teachers. So, I am just telling you now 227 01:17:35.199 --> 01:17:51.440 that this board has always been, matter of fact, since I've been on the board, we've come up with about $21 million for teacher salaries since I started in 22. And I'm proud of that. But I'm also proud of the fact that 228 01:17:51.440 --> 01:18:08.960 behind closed doors with politicians, with people who listen, when you speak, we're talking about our teachers and how our teachers need to be paid better. And it never leaves the forefront of my thought. And it's always the first thing 229 01:18:08.960 --> 01:18:25.679 out of my mouth if someone wants to start on teachers only work 10 months. Believe me, I am the greatest defender of teachers that I can be. And I want the teachers to know that this board feels the same way. And we will always fight and 230 01:18:25.679 --> 01:18:40.880 continue fighting for not only our teachers, for our staff. And that's all I have, Miss Gipper. Thank you. And I just want to add too, there are some things that um we are trying to we can't control everything. We're not the legislature and we're not 231 01:18:40.880 --> 01:18:57.360 the the state house. They control the purse. That's basic civics. Even our governor can only um veto and approve, right? So, what's given to us, we we as a board decide based off of hearing from teachers and and negotiations 232 01:18:57.360 --> 01:19:14.239 uh what fits best. But there are some things that we are trying to do. I personally have sat and spoke to several teachers um listened to several people outside of the box thinking because that's where we're at at this point. The 233 01:19:14.239 --> 01:19:31.679 one mill is an example of those things. But there is also policy change that I want to emphasize that we have approved. And actually, one of the two of the things that I personally championed, one, teachers can uh have their own um 234 01:19:31.679 --> 01:19:46.880 what are those camps if they want to. There is a process you have to go through, but they're able to keep their own money during the summer. That's one thing that I personally advocated for. Um it's, you know, the great thing about our our workshops and our Yes, Mr. 235 01:19:46.880 --> 01:20:03.199 Proski, is this not true? One thing about our workshops and our board meetings, they're all recorded. So it is a thing facility usage. There's that and then we also brought back um our booster clubs which will start next year. There's other things that we have done 236 01:20:03.199 --> 01:20:19.600 through policy um and working along the district to help out our teachers. So um there are a lot of things that we have done and thank God for recordings. That's that's all I'm going to say about that. Um to dispute some mistruths on that. I also want to bring it back to 237 01:20:19.600 --> 01:20:35.199 the National Day of Prayer. It's a great way to start your morning if you don't do it anyway. But I also want to thank Morning Star for always inviting us um knowing that your community leaders and your elected officials are joining together and praying over Klay County, praying over 238 01:20:35.199 --> 01:20:50.400 our country, praying over um our children, our our safety. Um it's it's reassuring to know that we're all on the same page u when it comes to that. And I think prayer is what we need now most more than anything with the chaos in 239 01:20:50.400 --> 01:21:07.679 this world. And also I want to wish all of the teachers happy teacher appreciation week. And um I have my little ones each day at their school. They have a different theme um every day. And they are getting excited helping put that theme together whether it's making cards or getting their gift 240 01:21:07.679 --> 01:21:22.560 together um and and spoiling their teachers. They're loving every minute of it. Um they absolutely love their teachers. I love their teachers. Um they have done a phenomenal job with my girls this year. So, thank you teachers. Thank 241 01:21:22.560 --> 01:21:38.800 you bus drivers, our um um cafeteria staff. All of you are the backbones of this district. You feed our kids. You get them to school safely and you teach them and protect them. Um and I can't thank you enough for that. And 242 01:21:38.800 --> 01:21:55.120 uh congratulations to all the seniors who are about to set out on a on a journey on a path that you may be expecting or not expecting. So um and congratulations parents. Um love your moms too. It's 243 01:21:55.120 --> 01:22:00.920 it's uh Mother's Day weekend. This meeting is ajourned.