But some of it we can use, some of it we can't. But what I want to do is just show you a couple of things. All right, let's go back. Show you the first one like Highway 27, the top one, and then the second one, and the third one. So, I want to show you what where those
properties are cuz otherwise you would have no idea. This is just outside. You go over the railroad tracks on 80 and you come to it and there's a little road right here and it doesn't even have a sign. This is the
name of the road. Okay. We have actually have property on both sides of that road. That's probably a trailer on it. But according to the taxer, that's our property. And then the other side of the road is just empty. As you can see from
the value on that, it wasn't a lot of money. Springs at 52,000 35,000. Then further down that road, that little road that you see no name for is a big piece of property there. And that's the
third one. And look at the value on that is $475,000. So, that's a chunk of property, but how would we use it is the question. Then we go down and there's a few more properties that we're not using. And
then Avenue Del Rio. We come down to Avenue Del Rio, which is $950,000. That's that property right behind us over here. That big lot, but that's really sort of controlled by US sugar. So, we cannot use that.
So, but then we're moving down >> and I wanted to >> Where's that again? >> That's the 10acre field. >> Acre field right behind this one. I can't that right. >> Yeah, it's got a rever. It was granted by US sugar and it has a reverter clause
on it. So, if we ever wanted to not use it, he goes back. >> Well, then we can't use it for So, so then we move on. This is Port Leel. Now in Portell just so you have a
reference point the high school the middle school here's the sewage plant 14 and 15 are the two pieces of property we looked at 15 is very close to uh the sewage the water
planting that where utilities lots that piece of property first we look at some teacher house and it's a beautiful piece of property it's all treed and stuff like that. We had a local engineer draw some a house plot plans and stuff like
that, but they really wanted and because around the wells, they have to put in wells around the wells. You have to have such an area around the well that you can't have housing or anything else that that wouldn't be suitable for us. The
other piece of property 15 is about the same distance. uh talked to talked to the water plant and said, "We could work a deal on maybe that 14 if you help us dig a sewer from 15 to the water plant,
but it's over $200,000 to do that sewer." That was the estimate we got. So, we got all So, we moved on. us. What play is the one that uh I think it's to the brief just some time ago they will put some wheels or something. >> That's that's the one he's talking
about. >> That's the one we're talking about. Number four, I think it's 14. >> See up here in the corner I got a little It don't show up on the TV. >> Oh, it won't show on the TV. >> You can point at Francisco the top one.
>> Yeah. 14. [Music] >> Yeah. There you go. >> That's the best way of life. >> That's it. So anyhow, so we looked at that and we looked at the other one and stuff like that. So it just wasn't going to work. I thought worth the bell would
be a great place. Barry own the land. We could do some teacher housing. It doesn't seem to work. It just wasn't. It was too expensive. So then it's sort of complicated because there other issues here. But keep in mind 14. Now let's go on.
>> 14 is 55 acres. No, 14 is like 15 acres. >> Oh, you got a picture picture ID. You got 55 acres right here on your presentation. See, picture ID 14 is 55 acres.
>> I can't. >> Yeah. Hang on. See? Well, that was the >> That's 14. Well, the one he was referring to. No, that's what I was saying. Small to be a 55 acre.
>> So anyway, >> this is Miami Village. This is our big piece of property >> good for a school. Then we have two other pieces of property here that we own. And you saw the values on those if
we look back. uh uh 225,000 325,000. Okay. So then we look at the rain, but we'll look at those later. But Fort Lau utilities wants those properties.
>> Which ones? >> Which ones? >> Uh Whoops. >> I think he has the Rain property has 14, but it's 14 acres. >> Yeah, that's not You were doing >> Oh, yeah. how we just marketed it. >> Yeah.
>> So, anyhow, so now we're back in Vandy Phillips. These are the three properties that we own and the utility company wants two lower ones, the two purple ones plus that other one that we just saw in Portell.
So, if we go on here's we have hold this. Here is our property here. This is our property here. For example, elementary school, east side, west side, the high school. This is what I was suggesting that we
might consider for some teacher housing is right here. It's zon. So, I go to the zoning board today. It's zoned public. So, we could put teacher housing on there. We wouldn't have to reszone it and so forth. So, just keep that in mind.
Then, we go on And I was saying, well, what are other school districts doing? So, in uh Broward, they've gone with workforce housing for some of the teachers in Kier.
there. And as you can see, they are doing they're building teacher housing adjacent to a large elementary school in Kier County. In Monroe County, they're clearing property that they had and
putting in teacher housing. So, other districts are doing this. We're sort of on the front of this and we could wait, but I wanted you to know that this is not an unusual idea. when you go to teacher meetings, when you go to the school board meetings, they talk about
teacher housing. What is our biggest issues? Teacher housing. And so I want you to see that they have that is available. So now we go back to Port Leavell Utilities. You know, I'm on the water board at
Portland Utilities and we have a good relationship with Port Laval Utilities. This is just one thing that they did for us very recently in April, you know, where we got our new uh site for the welding and building and so
forth. We needed to get water and they dug a water line for us from there to uh 29 South so that we could we could have water there. So, we do have a good relationship with them. So, I just want
to keep that in mind. So then we go back. This is interesting, you know. So, you know, I'm on the water board and I like to find things and I go through the paperwork and stuff like that. And what I found was
for Banyan Village, it cost us over $10 million to run the water lines out there. So, at that time in ' 05 or '06, the interest rates were really high. So when I'm looking at it, I said why don't
we refine the uh the interest or our payments and at first you know oh no no we we'll look at we'll take this under consideration okay take so every board meeting I go and I bring this up so finally okay want to
shut up so we will look at that so what happened was they went to first bank and refinanced their views and they had seen potential savings of over in the neighborhood of
$2 million because they refinanced. It's pretty good. So, you know, didn't get any high fives, but it was good, you know. So, you got to keep that in mind.
>> What would we refinance? We're not. I'm just telling you I want you to know that I have a good relation because I'm not recommending that we give them property. I'm recommending that you have to decide what the value of the property is. We're not quite there yet, but you need to
decide. And I I my personal feeling is they want it for a whole lot less than the value is. So anyhow, but I brought these up here uh because you know we're looking at possibly doing housing. I went to uh Sun
Coast. They said, you know, we have some grants available. You may qualify for a grant from Sun Coast for teacher housing. And then I went to the first bank and Tuesday Trip who's the vice president of loans. She said, "We've
been looking at trying to support teacher outing for a long time. I assure that we can give you the best deal if you have to refine it, if you have to finance something. We'll work it out. And then other questions come up. Well, who's going to open? Do we want the
superintendent going out there with a plunger or the toilet backs up? And so he's kind of busy guy or maybe we could have a chair. But what you do is you get a property management company and they take care of it. They have all the
contacts, electric, sewer, and so forth. So, it's clean. What they would do is if they manage it, they would just rent the property, they would collect the money, and then they would write letter checks
to our bank school accounts. So, that that's important. So, moving on, things to consider. So, here's the properties that we have. The three in green are the three that
are willing are with the >> utilities that have a brain fart. Um moving on. So the other properties and if you go on here from there
the value on the three that they want is over $900,000. They came to us and they wanted to pay $350,000 for it. That's over a half a million difference in the value of the property.
Now, I know we're good neighbors and I know we do things for each other, but over a half a million dollars. >> I would like to buy it at that price, too. >> That's a substantial deal. >> Well, that's it. And the problem is we
have a we all of us have a fiduciary relationship with our constituents to make sure we're doing the best for our business. And I'm not sure that that's a that's a consideration you have. So before you move on, can you back up that
[Music] one? >> No, the one you were on this one. So board also if you'll notice on the left just in working up some different scenarios where this being a workshop we can't make any decisions but we can just talk about options and things that that may work there. Um if you have the
appetite to work with plus um we we kind of laid out some options and talking to Mr. Seike um the math that he did um showed about got about a 35 to 37% reduction in price um not the 73%
reduction price that they originally proposed. Um as a board you can decide if that's acceptable or you want to continue negotiating. So that's one. The other option too would be no matter what you decide uh you have the ability to give them a payment option payment plan if they can
spread it out. Um that was one of the concerns that they had that you know if they had to pay full price then they wouldn't be able to build the plan and do the things they need to do with the money and grant money that they had. So um uh the the reason that I would compel us to at least work with them is uh they
are pretty closely approaching the capacity of what they can support water-wise and for our community to grow and for the abandoned village area to grow. They're going to need um a water supply. So they need the property and and from government agency to government agency that that would make the most
sense for them to be able to do. Point is is that you own it and you have a judicial responsibility to make sure you do what's right with it. But I think you do have latitude to work with another government agency to do what's compatible between the two of you. And so I think that the put options there just for you to see some ideas and
obviously once once or if you instruct us to move forward then then you can give further direction of you know uh if you want to see options brought back if you want to see numbers brought back or further negotiations or what you want to see with that. >> I want to see updated appraisals on this
property. Well, it's about 20 years old. >> And we were trying to avoid that there. These are 2 years old and there may be differences, but I don't believe there's going to be a very much significant difference in the appraisal of it. >> So, I watch property sales in Henry County.
>> Oh, presentation. >> I don't know. >> And I would disagree with that. I think that these are undervalued. Um I think the whole portfolio that we have listed is undervalued. >> Okay. um based on what people are paying
for it now. And when we sell that property, like right now it is, you know, it's first of all, the sales on real estate are down down real low right now and
that drives your prices down. But I um I think based on comparable sales that you will find that you these are actually valued higher than what we have listed. A 2-year appraisal. You take a a 2-year
appraisal to a bank on something like you want to buy, they're going to be like, "No, we need something um something recent." And then, you know, I know I understand wanting to be a good neighbor and a good partner, but if we have a budget shortfall, is Plus going to come in there and be like, "Oh, here's the money. We want to be a good
neighbor. We want to help you." Um, they're not. And I think as fighter agents of um for, you know, in our positions that we have the responsibility, the highest, and the best price on these because we're literally taking it out of our real estate portfolio for this.
your point is that you would like to see an updated >> I need updated appraisals on >> and obviously I guess to my point we have options and those are your options and so if you if that's one of the things out of this is all I'm going to ask for is direction so the direction is as a board we want to see a new appraisal or whatever I'm happy to do
that so we we can't can't as this obviously workshop do that but we did reserve some spot in the regular agenda for you to give me some direction and I'll be happy to follow whatever it is the board's wishes are on that >> and for example to so just a recent
transaction. Let's look at those top three right there. The 27 property and that 212nd Street. So that is like 12.224 acres. Okay. And if you add all of those
up, it's $562,500. right down the road was a 10 acre parcel that was sold on US 27. 10 acres for $800,000. That's a big difference. So that's why I think that we need those appraisals >> talking about on 27 versus off 27
>> that still has 27 access. >> Yeah. But I mean you're when you're highway highway frontage and and business I know this because they redid some zoning and stuff like that. When you have 27 on the main and right off of
the property values change tremendously. >> Those addresses 2021 West US 27 in 2004 was >> you've got frontage >> but not much. There's frontage there, but you have you have access. >> I'm not agreeing with the appraisal. But
u point is it it should be in the neighborhood even if it doesn't go up of almost a million half dollars on this. Plus you roll in what you've got from uh plus you could be at $2 million
$2 million. You can put it in some fund or you can look at some future housing. I did talk to builders about this. and stuff like that. You know, a teacher now when they move here, if they didn't grow up here, they paying rent, they probably
got student loans. They're never going to be able to buy a house in our county. What's the cheapest house now? $200,000. >> Our properties, I think, are highly overrated. >> But they got a bank. >> I really do. I think they're highly overpriced right now in the county. But
well, my point is again, highly overrated or not, do we want to consider some key drugs? >> Can you can you back up the >> color? No, sir. The one where we showed No,
sir. Keep going. One more. One more. One more. One more. One more. That. No. One more. One more. Okay. Now, one more. Keep one more. Sorry. One more. There.
That's it. Down. That one there. All. So, one more. That's the one. That's the one. And so, on the bottom of this one, and this is where again, I just want to keep reinforcing that we're not we're here to discuss and have an open frank
conversation. And so and in the board meeting if y'all want to take the action or direct action then you know then we can deal with it there. But in the bottom left um we just wanted to propose some scenarios that the money could be used for. Um this being capital
properties that the financial benefit of it would be also need to be used in capital. Um the the housing is something that we have been working on for north of about 7 years trying to make something happen. Um it is a very very very difficult um not easy, not a single
answer, not a very clear path for us to do that. I'm not saying it can't be done. I don't think we should give up on doing that. Um but it is just not today. I'm not positive that that's the right thing that we should do with it. We do know that when we build this as we build this new high school at the end of it,
we're going to have a very large payback that we're going to have to give back to the special facilities as a result of that. So there's going to be several million dollars in capital that we could use to do that with. And then thirdly, in the Bandon Village area next to the 52 acre piece, there is just shy 15
acres that's adjacent to that property. That would make an excellent addition if we are going to build a school there. And that's the whole purpose of keeping that property. And so it could be that we use some of the money to purchase property with as well as others. My point I would like to make is is that I
think today it's very early to determine what we would do with the proceeds of the money. There's going to be a long road between now and obtaining the money. But these are very good plausible scenarios of what the money could be used for that would give us dividends uh back into our school system. But what we
don't know is what our scenario is going to be like when this money does come in handy. Maybe teacher housing is an absolute priority and and has has again risen to the top and we have some money to buy down and do that with. I think that's you know I think that what I would recommend is that we do it in baby
steps. Move forward with liquidating the property that we can in whatever fashion format we all see feasible and then once we get the money in hand then let's revisit now we got this much money. Let's look at where we are today. No matter if it's a year from now, six months from now, or two years from now,
and then let's make the decision on where the money goes, understanding it's got to be something capital, right? Because even the even the options we have, there may be something totally different surface that's a much larger capital project need than what we even see there.
>> So, I'm sorry, Mus, you had something. >> So, we're looking at like close to 15 acres out in Banyan Village. It's owned by Henry County. Correct. Is Port label a part of Henry County or are they their own little is I mean like is there a potential for
a land swap? >> Yeah. No, it's it's not all about the laws. It's not county yet. Yeah. I I I went down that road. Yeah. That's a good that was a good thought. But no, they do not want to start trading. >> Okay. So my next question is if we liquidate these properties now when the
market's low and regardless of our feelings about if the the uh values are over inflated right now, our jobs are to get the best and highest bids and um contracts on these properties regardless of the way we feel about it personally.
And so I'm thinking like if we don't have anything right now determined, what are what's going to be the the effect of inflation? So we we sell the portfolio, we've got two $2 million plus or minus, and what does inflation do to
$2 million? How I mean, does it does it eat eat into that? So we end up like behind. And so, you know, that's just, you know, the superintendent and I talked about this earlier today and he he likes the idea of like incremental and it makes sense, but in the same respect, I want
to know what do we think is worth, right? You know, are anticipate what are why why would we liquidate it right now? Like what's the purpose the holistic view of that? because for liquidation for the the um the the sake of
liquidation of this, you know, I do feel like inflation is going to continue to eat it up, eat the money, eat the value of the dollar up on this one. And so, you know, right now, if we hold that, you know, keep that in our portfolio until we have something
absolutely determined like this is a need, this is what we're we want to do, you know, we we have a chance for a possible upswing in the market. We have um I can't imagine it's Florida, you know,
God ain't making any more land. This everybody's flocking. They they want to be here as you can tell on the roads. And um and so I just think that you you have the potential to grow your value in that until you have a project plan
before you try to liquidate that. I mean, but if you wanted to sell some of that to immediately pick up on that, just what we need to pick up that 15 acres in Banyan Village because I mean, you see, you're packed out all the way to the county line. I don't know which
way I'm pointing here. I'm directionally challenged. Sorry. But you're packed out all the way to the county line on the low bell side. Clison is packed out all the way to the Palm Beach County line. And so there there's nowhere to go but grow in like grow down 80 and 27. And so
I just I definitely think that picking up property adjacent to what we've already got in Banyan Villains that's the next logical step and I would be willing to look at liquidating something to be able to pick that up and put it in the portfolio. But as far as like you
know pie in the like not knowing what we would be liquidating for um don't we aren't we already budgeting for fund our funds for the special facilities payback? >> We are that's coming out of revenues that we could then use otherwise.
Yeah. >> And then so and I'm going to speak on on teacher housing and um you know I Dr. Eggly used to always say um a good old Egglyism. He said you know you'll never stab somebody in the back. You may punch
him for verbally like jokingly punch him in the throat, but you you know you always I I I want to always be transparent about where I am on teacher housing and um you know we listen I appreciate you putting that information together too. Um when we listened to the
presentation on teacher housing because it's not something new like Trick Tuesday said she's a part of the task force. We've sat and we've talked about these things for many many years. The there's a lot of challenges there and the and the counties that we're seeing making moves on these are call your
Sarasota, Broward, Miami Day, and Monroe counties. These are counties with incredible tax bases. These are counties like when you know when we go to pass our taxes tonight, we are like we have to levy so much because we're taking so
much from other these are the counties that like give us part of their taxes as a part of the FEFP. We are I just don't think that in that financial space to play play with the big boys. >> You know what I'm saying? like I think they're they're a totally different tax
bracket than than we are. Um when we think about teacher housing um in the proposed site behind central what first strikes me is what sides our
growth on and right now it's in label. It's it's it's the growth there and does that selection the site selection best serve the needs and the growth that we have today. Um, I'm going to go back to appraisals
before we put price tags on them. I would hate to underell anything. And then, you know, back to the teacher housing. I read that little article that he posted. Call your county. Call your county with their mansions and fifth street and all this stuff. They're talking about putting modular housing.
I don't know if you guys how y'all feeling about your insurance bills, your home insurance, but mine's giving me heart palpitations. And um the article says these homes will be designated for use by school district teachers and staff, but could
potentially be used for other essential workers such as first responders, firefighters, and nurses. And it also says it mostly is for mostly attracting younger couples or people coming to town from other states and offering them the opportunity to move into a community
with other teachers. And we saw remember when they when the government when the state gave us money for teacher raises and it was like for the base salary. and remember how that flew all over those established teachers
who have been here, who have been in the trenches, who have just been producing for us year after year. And I feel like this is going to have that same kind of impact because we literally can't build a 500 unit place. And um
and then when we're putting the I I'm a huge believer in it's it's better to retain and it's more cost effective to retain than recruit. And if we're making these investments, which our would be considered an employee benefit would have to be negotiated through the union
for newcomers as opposed to the people who have been here and like in the trenches and doing the work for us for years, the ones who have been loyal to us and loyal to the students. Um, that's that's kind of a hard pill, too. And then you start thinking about like recurring costs on teacher housing. You're going to have insurance,
maintenance, legal, increased legal. You're going to have you're inevitably going to have evictions. um liability. And then like in that article mentioned, you know, they were still looking at if you have something on a campus that close to a campus, how does that impact
them being able to have adult beverages or have guns or you know that kind of stuff in their their teacher housing. And then and if you think about the sub like the subsidization of that and the
value of that subsidy do is it is it fair to the people who have been here in Henry County the staff who have been here in Henry County who have paid their rents or they've paid their mortgages they've paid their taxes. They've done all of this to go in and subsidize new
people. And do we have the money to give that value of that subsidy to every employee in Henry County who has um who who lives in Henry County? Because how is that fair? It's not like I think that this would be like another
issue for our established teachers that and and staff and anybody that it would just kind of be a slap in the face. So, um, see if I have any more notes. >> It's a good idea, but you got to live
within like you got to live within your means here. You know what I'm saying? And then you don't want to alienate who you have. >> But you also for the sake of you got to start somewhere. >> Well, you know, >> is it fair and equitable?
>> You know what the big dogs There's always >> Yep. You know what the big dogs are doing. So you can run with the big dogs or you can sit on the porch. >> But the big dogs got big purses. The big dogs don't have to get any tax dollars. >> Better opportunity than right now. You got to start down the path if you're
going to make it to the >> This is like so close. So close to the schools. The water and sewer is already there. I talked to them in zoning. As long as it's future housing and it could be for others, firemen and stuff like that, they got no issues with that and I
met with them today. If that's the road we want to go. If that's not, it's a decision of the board. And when do you want it? One thing about it, we we would never change anything if we don't attempt to try it and look at it and
study it out >> and and at least give it a fair share. >> But in all fairness with >> in all in all fairness, we have been looking at this for many years. The education task force has been looking at this and what what you're not hearing on
these bigger counties is not only are they using limited tax dollars on that, they've got private investors in it. >> You said educated task force looking at this board has not been really looked at ourselves. >> Well, I'm >> so there's a difference. >> Well, I mean I agree. I think the board
should look at it, but I'm going to be upfront with saying and I want to be on the record for saying that I think that there's a tremendous amount of pitfalls into this and we are not, you know, Collier County, Sarasota County, Broward, Miami, Dane, Monroe, when they need to build a school, they don't get
they don't have to go beg the state for money. We do. And we're begging for money to build schools. So now we want to use resources to build housing for a handful of people when we have 8 what 840 instructional staff. Am I am I close
somewhere around there? 840. So how many people are you not doing for to do for a handful of people who the highest turnover in our county is from the zero to three and this is who you're courting here? >> So if I make Mr. Ch. Yes. Some really
good conversation. Austin I love the conversation. some good points because we use this in really good points that you bring out points that we have talked about now we've talked about it with the union we've talked about it and it's not that it's that we shouldn't talk about it >> but I would just ask the board to go
back to the fact that this conversation we've got time a lot of time really to trunch through you know what what is the best investment to make the first step in my mind is is we need to decide not during this meeting but to move forward with um what steps you all would like to
see me take with the existing inventory of the properties. And so again, I would lean on my recommendation during the board meeting will be um that we move forward if y'all want to see an updated appraisal and then um and some other clarifications on the balance of the
properties and then and then again that's going to take a lot of time for all that to happen. That gives you time to to continue the thought process and come up with the pros and cons or private investors or whatever that may be. But I don't think we have to find that answer tonight. tonight
ranch is going to be, you know, what direction do you want to take with the existing inventory? >> Yeah. >> And and to speak to that property in Cluison, the 12.2 acres >> that was um that's been in the city of Clison has annexed property and that's
right there in a plan unit development, too. So, I do think that value has increased. >> All right. I'm sorry. Meow. >> Good discussion. Thank you. You're welcome. >> All right. Anybody want to take a Our
father, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, deliver us
evil, thine kingdom, and power and glory forever. Amen. [Music] To the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Music] Welcome. Appreciate you being here. So, Mr. Superintendent, we will uh move on here.
Looks like we have recognition with the FFA state office. Just so happens we have a few FFA members here with us this evening. Um there is uh some awesome things happening in Hendry County Schools. As you well know, we have um the academic unbelievable growth that we've had this past year and that is uh
due to a ton of good reasons and and most of those good reasons are sitting in front of us sitting in front of you wearing blue and gold corduroy jackets. Um I believe that uh we're going to work backwards. I think I think the FA is going to give us a quick presentation of who they are, what they've got going on, and what's happening. And then we're
going to introduce the distinguished, special, wonderful, unbelievable guests that they have brought with them this evening. Um, my understanding is that Miss Brieza is going to come speak, but she's going to bring part of her team with her. And Brieza, please forgive me. I'm going to say your last name, but I
know I'm going to mess it up. Fora >> Forteza, I'm sorry. So, the FFA president, Miss Brieza Forza, is going to come up and give us a little presentation and talk to us a moment and u and then we will introduce the second
special guest she has here. need one. >> She's got a good voice. She's loud. >> Now, I might say that, you know, and and uh you all know that we have some unbelievably brilliant students. I've always said that our students in Henry
County are just as bright as students anywhere in this country. Now, what you may not know, they're also just as beautiful as any student in this country. And to to exemplify that, you may or may not know that Miss Brieza is Miss Team USA Latina.
>> I see it right here. >> FFA has the gamut covered. They've got all kind of representation, brilliant people, and beautiful people. So, we're we're good to go. Go ahead. >> Thank you, Mr. Swindle. I'm going to give my team a second to introduce themselves, but I My name is Brieza Cortez, and I serve as inclusive FA
president. My name is Carl Sea and I currently serve as Clusen FA vice president and I also have the honor of holding the position of district 11 secretary. >> Good evening. My name is Emily Sanchez and I currently serve as student advisor for the FFA. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Zan
Brathweight and I proudly serve as a secretary for the closen FFA as well as being a board of directors member for the junior college association. >> Good evening everyone. I'm Enrique Fuentes and I'm honored to serve as this year's GLen FFA's treasurer.
>> Good evening. My name is Alex. I proudly serve as a reporter for the CL FA chapter. >> Good evening. My name is Wita Velasquez and I proudly serve as our chapter. >> Okay. Now, these beautiful faces standing in front of you have been an amazing job this year at directing our
chapter. But this past year has been nothing short of remarkable, and I cannot be more excited to take to kick off this year of growth, leadership, and success with every single one in here. Last school year, our chapter achieved some pretty enormous milestones, including state two state winning teams,
and that is a pretty amazing accomplishment in the world of FFA. Here are just a few of our highlights. Our agriculture communications team placed second in the state. Our agriculture education competitor placed fourth in the state. Food science sixth in the state. Our meat judging team fourth in
the state. Ornamental horiculture marketing division state champions which include Emily and I. Or ornamental horiculture production division state champions Carlos and Madison. Parliamentary procedure competed at the state contest in June. And then tractor driving placed second in the state. But
our success did not just stop there. And we are so proud that we have Shan Felton here with us, our newly elected area 6 state vice president. Now, this isn't the only thing that happened while at state convention. Carlos Rivero was also elected our area our district 11 secretary. And to top it all off, our
chapter was also recognized for the second time as a three-star national chapter and we received a premier chapter award. And none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication of our members, our guidance of our adviserss, and the unwavering support of our community.
Together, we've shown Clen we've shown what FFA is capable of. And I know that this is only the beginning for our chapter. Thank you for your support and believing in us and helping us continue to grow. And here's to another outstanding year. Thank you guys so much for your time and listening to us.
>> That's awesome. >> Y'all will come this way and turn around. Let's get the board to stand up behind you. Let's get one big group picture. >> Get over here with them. I don't know why they're making the vice president of America. [Music]
Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. [Music] >> I don't think I have today. All right. Awesome. Good job.
[Music] And I want to give you a I want to give you a couple more facts and we're going to pick at Trent a little bit and get him to talk to us as well. So, all 67 counties have an aggra science program of some type, shape, form in this in
this great state. Um they go all the way from the far out in the panhandle all the way down to Monroe County where they have aquaculture and marine sciences and things like that. And here we sit in the heart of agriculture, the bread basket, the winter bread basket of the nation between us and Palm Beach County. Um our
CLA chapter is incredibly unique. They have an unbelievable land laboratory, probably one of the largest, most productive full-scale aggracience programs um in the nation. And these students at UC handle the management of that. They do the chores. They learn skills that uh that are highly useful um
in the aggra science world today. The leadership side of the FFA is what is absolutely been captivating to me for a very very long time. And so to rise through the leadership of that takes an unbelievable person in in as we speak
today, there are 65,492 FFA members in the state of Florida. They are represented at the state convention and they assemble there and you have the opportunity to compete in different things and run for offices. This year Trenton Felton last year Rayland Penny Alago won and she was a
state officer. This year um Trenton ran and he was elected state officer. It's very rare to be one of six or seven. How many of y'all are there? >> There's seven. >> Seven officers from around the state. Two years in a row FA has had one back to back. It's rare to have one. It's
incredibly rare for Cleon to have one back to back. So, I'm so proud of Trenton um and the work that he has done, the way he represents and the way you see all these students that represent our chapter. They represent Henry County and our school system around the state is unbelievable. I'm so proud of the work that they do. I
firsthand know what it's like from a student standpoint, an a teacher standpoint, and now an administration standpoint. And I couldn't I tell you, we've got one of the finest aggra science education programs in the nation sitting in front of us. I'm so so proud of what they do. Um, sometimes we think
about, you know, what does it mean to be a state officer? You know, what what types of things are expected of the products that come out of our school system? And I asked Trenton, just just take a minute, Trenton, and tell us give us an idea of what you do as a state officer. >> Yes, sir. So, basically what what first
I'm going to say is a thank you because we often think about the way that who is always imparting inside of our lives, who is always allowing us to get to the levels of success that we are. It all comes back to home. I love to say that home is where the heart is and I believe that this is where my heart is
essentially. And so with that being said, I like to say thank you to not only Hendry County School Board, but also to the schools in FA chapter for always allowing me to push beyond the level success of success that I can get here today. There's always so many people always in your corner. And one of
my teammates always says is give it to God. And God has given me some amazing people who are always in my corner and allowing me to get to the level of success that I am today. But to introduce myself officially, my name is Trent Felton and I am the Florida at Bay
Area 6 state vice president. And so that means I cover I cover about the timobee all the way down to the Miami date area. So I think I have one of if not the um largest areas inside of the state of
Florida. And so that includes as urban as Miami date area to as rural as the Hendry County area. And so there's so much opportunity when it comes to being a state officer because it all comes down to being able to advocate, educate, and to connect with so many incredible
FFA members in our town in in our status association as a whole. Like Mr. Swindle said, there is over 65,000 FFA members. And so that allows us to garner a lot of unique perspectives about what FFA is, overall how operations can vary differently and overall what students as
a whole can impart into each and every single one of us. But to talk a little bit um not just about our members but overall what my year can look like. Um we have I hit the ground running this summer and that allowed me to meet our national facilitator who was from Oregon. And so with that that gave me a
lot of skills to equip me with not only being able to facilitate but also when it comes to connecting and team dynamics as a whole. This allowed me to go into the state officer summit inside of Washington DC which allowed me to connect on a more national level of who um other state officers are but also
allowed me to see more globally how we can advocate and educate from a national scale. I got to meet with different legislators such as Representative Pat Kamik but also Senator Rick Scott. And so being able to advocate for not only agriculture but FFA is a unique opportunity that many don't really
necessarily get. Going from that point, we got to do our checkpoint one, which is another level of training that our FSSE officers get. And then going from there, just recently this weekend, I actually got to facilitate to over 400 different members at our chapter president's conference. I see two
familiar faces from that actually. And so what chapter presence conference is being able to connect with over 400 different students to allow for them to garner leadership skills and overall continue to give back which can also be disseminated back into their individual
chapters. Now going forward what my year entails is quite a few things. In a couple weeks I'll be going to um I'll be going to actually the panhandle in a sense which I'll be able to do chap chapter officer leadership training also known as pole conference. And so I get
to do that. This workshop I'll be doing 16 different times to over thousands of students most likely. And so this allows me to um connect with overall more of those members and overall see a different side of agriculture. But going forward you don't really need to get to know the nitty-gritty of what my year
looks like. But um in January I'll have the opportunity to travel to Spain and the international seminar for state officers also known as ILSSO. And so this same trip, you'll see a lot more cultural awareness, but overall a more in-depth understanding of how agriculture looks different everywhere.
And then this goes into more so at the end of my year, which will be me facilitating the um Florida FFA state convention. I believe the 98th. So the 98th Florida FA state convention allows me to finally end off my year with the day while showcasing the highs and successes of each and every single one
of our efforts. State office is a unique opportunity because it allows for us to continue to advocate, educate and overall be the life that the agriculture industry needs. Not many students get this opportunity and overall I am so excited. This year Florida's theme is to push
beyond to push beyond the successes to push beyond the strike to push beyond all aspects of what we think is the expected and we're at the Florida Association are so excited to push beyond the measures that we are here today. Thank you.
If you couldn't tell, he gets his speaking skills from Uncle Phil. Definitely, he got speaking from Uncle Phil. I can tell. Trenton has always pushed beyond. I've known him I've known him for several years, man. He's always been impressive and uh and as if you couldn't tell, uh
the FFA develops leadership skills in these young adults. That that is just remarkable. So, so proud of Trent and all of our FFA members. Keep up the good work postfal [Music] when you run for commissioner of a Florida's commissioner of agriculture
one day. I would just like to say that I would like to volunteer on your campaign and I will >> thank you all very much. You're welcome to stay if y'all want for the next 3 hours of meeting but you don't have to. Now I I will I would like to wrap it up I would like to wrap it up with this
>> in all good classrooms. It comes down to having a good teacher. We have some unbelievable great aggra science teachers in in Hendry County. Clon is blessed to have some of the best in the business right now. Uh Miss Justice, Miss Tyler, Mr. Yos, and Miss Goff
happen to all be sitting there together and all four of them share the common thread of aggra science education. And we just I want you to know how blessed we are to have the ones we have right here. And so they they are second to none. And and I'm proud to proud to be their colleague and to work with them every day. So thank you group for what
you do. Thank you. Y'all are welcome to stay. We'll pause for a moment. If y'all want to If y'all want to go, you're welcome to. If you want to stay, you're welcome to. It's totally up to you guys. Thank you so much. Thank you.
We'll move on. Mr. Superintendent, do we have any citizen comment this evening? >> We have none at this time. >> Having no citizen comment, we will move on to the consent agenda. Does any board member have anything they would like to pull from the consent agenda?
>> Uh, Mr. Chairman, >> yes, >> I would like to pull item N, approval of administrative instructional support salary schedules. >> Actually, can I help you with that one? We're I want to pull that one for some corrections that need to be made. So, I
know you had other reasons for pulling it, but I've got to make some corrections on it. >> All just pull it all together. >> Pull on the whole thing. >> Okay. >> And we'll bring it back at the next board meeting. My apologies. >> All right. But I still have questions on several um or comments on several different items. Would that be
appropriate to do that at this time if other members do not have something to >> You've got some some questions or you just have some comments on >> I have some questions. >> Um if you have questions, I think we probably need to pull it, don't we? >> Well, it's just clarification stuff. If it's simple, we can do that.
>> Yeah, they are like simple clarifications. >> Okay. All right. Um, on item B, personnel recommendations, I was looking at the out of field report. Um, I think we've got like 53 teachers without reading endorsements.
Um, that has, you know, we have a 49% ELA achievement and a 55% ELA gains. Uh, I know that Esau has typically been, you know, that's area that you see on the out of field report a lot. I know
that that is like requires a lot of time for them to get that. What about this reading endorsement and what are we doing to strongly encourage that endorsement to get wrapped up?
>> Well, they are notified yearly um that it needs to be taken care of. Do we have a time frame where they must get it completed? No. So they can be the state doesn't even have a timeline on it. >> Five years. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. >> And many of those many of the people on here that have that the reading on there, they're they're young. They're they're not our veterans obviously. And so, um, part of them though, most of them that have it nowadays, it's built
into their their program, but then we have a whole other set that are going different routes to get their certification that is not included. And so, it's a big lift. >> Okay? Because I mean, that's a quite a hefty percentage of our people are not
reading endorsed when, you know, >> well, and not every one of them have to be, right? >> So, why would they be reported as out of field? I mean, let's say it. >> Oh, yes. I'm sorry. Yes. >> And so, so I mean, I'm just looking at >> Yes. Yeah.
>> the elementary, if they teach tier three, they have to have it. >> And so, you know, that's I I try not to get wild about everything, but reading proficiency is is that area. That's that mountain I wanted I'm willing to to to die on on that one. So, um I would love
to see efforts made to encourage those reading endorsements to get wrapped up. Yes, ma'am. >> Um my second issue is on item H for presence speech learning. Um it says that we're going to be paying
$85,000 more because we had four onsite on-site providers not return to their positions. Was that because they didn't want to return or because we were cost cutting? because they didn't return. Well, two of them, one of them was not filled from
last year and then the other three have not chosen not to return or I've chosen to quit early. >> Not a fan of, you know, I've been beating that drum since the day it rolled into town. So, I just wanted to ask that one. Um,
[Music] is there I don't know if I need to pull this one. [Music] So, okay. No, I'm just going to bring it up here because I do need clarification on this. So, for our item Q, approval to
award insurance companies for ancillary benefits. I'm looking went through and looked at the RFP. um looked at all the documentation on that. We're looking at the scope of coverage.
Um and it, you know, I just keep seeing it being stated over and over again for all the the different areas, dental group, group life, AD, D and D, voluntary, group life, and AD and D and group voluntary short and long-term disabilities that we were looking for.
Um, coverage and benefits shall be identical or reasonably comparable to current benefits. Would we not want to see if we could have gotten better? We are. We technically really are. So, the companies were chosen based
on being comparable, but some of the some of the comparisons obviously are like more providers. So, we did get upgrades to that. Um the dental is the only one that we're still working on the option plan and so that's the only
outlier. So we're still working on that to improve that plan which I believe we've done a great job doing that. Um but the other ones they're comparable obviously because I had the same thing. I'm like why do we want the same company? What data do we have? Um but there are some specifics about the
companies that we chose that are different and the biggest one is providers. A lot of times they have to travel 45 45 minutes to an hour away to find a decent provider. So Metife especially for the dental and vision
have more local um providers. >> Okay. I mean that that is a a definite plus. Um you know I you also hear me say up here frequently that I want our insurance and our benefits packets to be
in a something that's attractive. Like I want to I mean I'm I'm competitive at anything I do, but I want to always have the best package, always have the most money because I want every single person to know that and to come to Henry County for that.
>> Okay. So actually we have um Glenn is here as well as Julie both with our Eentria and he can probably help answer that. Essentiary is our contract effectuator for our health insurance company and uh they are our wonderful
partners in making these things happen. >> Same company as Darren >> Darren. No. >> Okay. All right. >> We we work together. Yeah. So we work together. >> Please let him know our rep. I'm just kidding. >> Yes. So your questions are very uh good
and uh your concerns are as well. uh when we when we release the RFP, we are asking for like plans or better. Uh that's a key word for the the the proposers to come back with richer
benefits. Now, I I actually worked many years ago with Florida Blue. I've answered so many governmental bids. So, I I've gone through I've been on both sides. I guess I've seen the sausage being made, you know, at the carriers. So, you know,
in a competitive market, they do want to be one of the finalists. So, a lot of times the the carriers will not go too far out because we know a lot of times the committee is just focused on rates.
So, if they do propose something a lot richer, the rates go up significantly. So in this bid, one thing that that I'm really proud of, I think this will be very very wellreceived uh on the MetLife vision. Uh they quoted
uh like exam every 12 months, lens every 12 and frames every 12 months because typically it's uh 12 12 24 you get frames every 24 months. So I think the employees will will be very very happy uh with with that addition. Um, also,
uh, on the on the short-term and long-term disability over time, if you don't change carriers or if you don't go out to bid, um, it's almost like the plans get stagnant, for lack of better terms. So, the enrollment
sometimes goes down if it's voluntary and then also on voluntary life. So, um I think we've got really really good programs through the standard uh on short-term and long-term uh that'll open up initial open enrollment period that
people that has not been able to get that coverage before can uh particularly on short-term and then long-term does have a 3-month look back, 12-month look forward. So, we're we're working through that. And then >> that's huge. That that's that's a huge benefit to um where now we're going to
be able to have employees that are going to be able to take that without having to worry about the pre-existing. >> Yeah. Right. And and disability a lot of times is kind of overlooked because obviously health insurance is number
one. Um, and this is probably PHI, personal health information, but I always tell the employees when I'm in front of them, I had a stroke when I was 27. So, my my uh for my family, my priorities, number one, health insurance. I got to have health
insurance. Number two, long-term disability. So, everywhere I've worked, I've only had three jobs over the time. But, uh, when I've changed jobs, my first question is, "Do you have long-term disability?" because I've just gotta gotta have that. Hadn't had any
issues since 27. I'm almost 60 now. So, but but that's important and I do tell those stories to to try to get people to think about, you know, doing enrollment. Uh we've got some really good things coming up on the dental. Uh so, we're just ironing out a few things there, but
we should have that up pretty pretty quickly. >> Is there going to be improved coverage like as far as the benefits? Okay. So, what we're looking at is a higher out-of pocket um uh expense through the year, a maximum, and then also covering
implants. Um >> cuz I have a kid who literally knocked his front teeth out. So, I was looking at the implant thing and I was like, >> "Yeah, it's it's expensive." >> Orthodontics. That's the other one. >> Yes.
>> And no insurance, no dental plan is going to cover implants the way like a health plan would. if you break an arm or or things like that, but uh it does give employees access to implants uh and some coverage because and I'm not a
doctor, but from what they tell me is if you do have a tooth pull the it's better health to have that replaced with an implant because it it uh the bone structure. Yeah. Yeah. So, having that
available is going to be huge. Uh, one thing that we battle with dental everywhere, uh, we go now seems like, is um, uh, there's just not a lot of dentists in anybody's network. Now, the only place that's a little bit different is like West Palm down in Miami. They
actually, and this is hard to believe, but HMO dental plans are popular there. So, if I sell a group down there, a lot of times it's a HMO dental. We don't ever mention HMO dental here or central Florida or in North Florida because it's
kind of a a no no but down there there's so many dentists there's competition and competition uh helps on on the prices for the employees too. But I think um I think overall uh I
think the committee was happy with what we received and then again we've just got a few things to to button up on the hand. >> Okay. I appreciate your >> Thank you for the insight. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> And that's it for my consent agenda.
>> Okay. So, we have a recommendation. >> Yes, sir. I recommend your uh favorable approval of the consent agenda as presented minus item N. >> So, move.
>> Second. Motion by Miss Nelson, seconded by Reverend Brown. Do we have any further discussion? And no discussion. All in favor say I. I. Motion carries. [Music] Moving on
to action items. Item 4 A. It looks like we have a final budget hearing. So we will open this uh this budget hearing
and uh [Music] watch out. >> All right. We'll open the budget hearing and then I guess the chief financial officer will present uh for us
[Music] evening. >> We have a roll back. I'm going to introduce the milit rates. I'll go through the roll back rate, the uh the new rates, and then the total budget.
Will you before you get started will you explain that the millages that we are being asked to levy are nonvoted? >> They are nonvoted. Yes. >> So can you I want you to explain that to
>> okay >> to the board and then also for the benefit of the public. >> My pleasure. >> Thank you. the every year the state will provide us with millage rates in in order to participate recommended millage rates in order that are required to participate
in the Florida educational finance program which makes up for approximately 90% of the funding that we receive. Um they we do have the option and capability to levy additional taxes. Um, Henry County has, to my knowledge,
never, Hendrick County School District has never levied optional taxes in addition to what has been required and we do not have additional optional levy taxes for this fiscal year. >> Are the are the middle dates the same in every district?
>> They're not. And y'all understand why? >> Yeah. based on socioeconomics and >> well it it's a backwards formulaic process because they want the equal amount of funding per student in every school system across the state and so they work backwards starting out with
what they want it to be and then they look at property values taxable values and then so the millillage fluctuates up and down to arrive at the ending number per student pupil um in in said per county so that's why it may be different from here from glaze to cure to Sarasota
>> so even though I want everybody Everybody watching, to be clear, even though what we're being asked to levy tonight exceeds the roll back rate by 4.38%, we do not have an option in
not supporting these because that comes down from the state. If we want to put um we have to levy this in order to access the what the majority the 90% of the $273 million um budget. So this is from
Tallahassee. This is not from the dis. >> You are correct. >> Thank you. >> So we're not really wanting to raise your taxes but the state is making us do it. Any other questions regarding mill rates?
>> We do have a roll back. The state roll back rate is 2.9275. Uh the local roll back rates 2.1944 and there is a an increase of 4.38%. Which gives us our new millage rates. uh
general general operating millage levy uh which includes any prior period adjustment which for this particular fiscal year there is no prior period adjustment and that's 3.098. The basic discretionary mill levy for general operating is 748 and then the
basic discretionary mill levy capital outlay 1.5 which brings us to a grand total for the final budget of 5.346%. mills. Uh for the final budget, we have a grand total of 271,311,428
[Music] and that's distributed between our general fund of $147.3. I'm going to do rough estimates here. Mr. Small will read the exact totals. Um fund two of 750,000 capital projects,
fund three at 83.8 8 million special revenue of 23.7 million and internal service fund which consists of our selfure medical funds and our self dental fund of 15.600.
[Music] >> Thank you sir. >> Thank you. >> Okay. We appreciate that. So at this time, do we have any public comment on the millillage, the taxes, or the final
budget? This is your opportunity to speak. Seeing none, we will uh move on. We will close to public comment on this final budget. And Mr. Superintendent, do we have your
recommendation for the military, sir? >> Uh yes, sir, Mr. Chairman. Uh first uh I announced that the taxing authority is the district school board of Henry County. The state roll back rate is 2.9275 mills. The local roll back rate is
2.1944 mills. The total roll back rate increase is 4.38%. I recommend the following millage levies for general operating millage levy including prior year adjustment of 3.098
098 MS. Basic discretionary millage levy for general operating is 0.048 ms. Basic discretionary millage levy for capital outlay is 1.5 ms for a total millage levy for the final budget of 5.346
mills. Okay. So we need a motion and a vote. [Music] >> So Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mr. Chamberdike. Do we have any discussion
on this? Hearing no discussion. All in favor? >> All opposed. Motion carries. [Music] Im apologize. >> All good. We're next anyway.
>> Right. You're good. >> Okay. I recommend the approval of the 202526 final budget in the following amounts. Fund one, general, $147,325,621. Fund two, depth service, $748,918.
Fund three, capital projects of $83,861,827. [Music] Fund four, special revenues, $23,744,972 [Music] and fund 7.
Yep. Uh internal services 15,630,90 for a total budget of $271,311,428. >> So moved. >> Second again. >> Yeah, you have to. >> All right. So Mrs. Nelson or Mrs. and seconded by Reverend Brown. Okay. All in
favor say I. I. >> All opposed. Motion carries. That's twice. Good job. I have a question. A long time ago they said that uh the lottery was going to give education uh some money. We still getting money from lottery.
>> So the uh one of the main funders of public education is the lottery money. >> Yes sir. uh back in the late 80s early 90s when they began all the public funding education for public education was all tax dollars. When they started the
lottery back then they basically supplanted or replaced the money with lottery money and so the the bulk of the funding that we get is lottery money is some sales tax monies from the different caveats around the state as well. >> Okay. The pocket by the big so I thought
we get a little raise or something. >> Yeah. Right. Well, uh, to that point 5 years ago, um, when I was elected superintendent, our budget that year was $112 million. So, if you look, uh, I don't know that in a 5year period prior to that, you
know, had we gone and what much as we have in the past 5 years, and this is no co money, the special facilities money is in here, but the rest of that is just, you know, inflationary growth, cost of doing business and running school systems. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. We'll be close this budget
hearing and move on. So we have action item 4B, permission to advertise proposed policy revisions. Mr. Superintendent, do we have appro? >> Yes, sir. These are more revisions to
our policy book and so I recommend your approval of action on 4B as presented. >> Second motion by Mr. Sam, seconded by Mrs. Houston. Do we have any conversation? Hearing none. All in favor say I. I.
>> All oppose. Motion carries. Action item 4 C. Mr. Superintendent, we have recommendations. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman and board, I know you're very well aware that the Hespa organization is a non-eing um portion of our of our district. These folks serve
an incredibly vital role. And uh and I always say um if you don't believe so, let's try it without the custodians and the bus drivers for a good month and let's see how things go. and uh we know that it just wouldn't go well. Um we're we're incredibly um proud and and honored to have the HESPA um at the
table with us again this year through the bargaining process. And uh we again we um uh agreed on a 4% average raise. Um and it it's tough to say that because they're not necessarily salary, but if they're hourly, uh it was calculated in
what would 4% look like on an hour type raise. So, everyone pretty much got the same percentage raise as what did the other bargaining unit as well. And so, we were honored to be able to give a raise in a in a in a state right now where most of the rural districts are struggling to give any. Um, we were able
to do a 4% raise to show our people how much we appreciate them. So, with that, unless you have any questions, I recommend approval of action item 4C, HSPA annual agreement. >> So, move second by Mr. Sam by Mrs. Nelson. We have any discussion? >> Um, Mr. Superintendent. Yes, ma'am.
>> I know that unions were supposed to be certified. They had to have a certain amount a percentage of uh participation is HESPA has they met that certification level. >> Yeah. Um I believe they met that and
then what happened was don't >> they did for last year and re they have to reertify every year. So we're in the process of doing both >> HCA now and ESPA this year. But I but I believe they made it they made it very um I don't know if I want
to say easy but they made it to where if they didn't have a certain amount of members then they had to vote but it was only out of the people who voted you know had to agree to do it. And so it's it's >> so it's an annual process. >> It it is but I don't think uh I don't think it's a pathway for them to leave.
Nor do I want them um to leave. You know they we work very well with both of our unions. They're a very vital part of what we do. that represent our employees and I I want the employees voices to be heard by us by you and by everyone um as we do our jobs and the the people that interact with our students are the
important ones and and so I want to make sure we have been there. >> That was just a question. Sure. >> I didn't know if it was like every 3 years or whatever. Okay. Right. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Any further discussion? We have a motion move. Second.
>> All right. Dropping a motion like you dropping that gavl, sir. >> Any other discussion? Hearing no discussion. All in favor? I >> All right. We'll move on to action item 4D. Mr. Superintendent, do we have a
recommendation? >> Uh yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, um obviously stemming from the the workshop that we had starting at 5:00. Um, this is the point in time where if you have a certain direction you would want me to take or things you would want me to do moving forward, I'm happy to take note
and do those. Whatever y'all vote and push uh in that direction, I'm happy to do it. Um, again, um, my recommendation to you would be let's do it in steps. First step would be liquidate the properties that are excess that we know are excess, we can't use, and then that gives us time um, uh, to flesh the true
need and what the true need would be um, for that uh, for the proceeds of those. We know that we have some need now, right? But my point is is we don't know that that's going to be the the highest and best use of proceeds in two years from now or whatever that time frame is. So my recommendation to you would be to
direct me the steps you would like to see happen to position the excess properties that we can liquidate to get them liquidated. >> Can we look at cuz you said you were interested in picking up that piece of property that was adjacent to the acreage that we have
in Banyan Village. >> I'm interested. I can't tell. I've not spoke with anyone in the county, so I'm not even sure they're interested, but I don't know. >> Well, can we look at that first? If we're going to like take incremental steps, look at that first and see how much if they would be willing to and how
much they would want to let that go for. >> You have anything they'd be interested in trade >> or if there's Yeah. a land swap. if there's something there that they're interested in doing there and see how they're valuing that property and then find out like that baseline there. And
then my suggestion would be um guide a decision on reappraising based on what Henry Countyy's want for that piece of property. I think that that would be like a a good measurement to
see where they're like. >> Would you like to see an appraisal? Go ahead and and and on the others of the balance of ours regardless as along with that. um 100% want to see an appraisal eventually, but I'd like if we're going
to do it incrementally like so we know this is not going to be a a a speed train on this one is to see if they're interested in that and if they are what their pricing looks like on getting that or if they're willing to do a swap and then come back and say, "All right,
based on this, we feel like there's a need for reappraisal." >> Okay. You just want to see what they what they value it at or do you want an appraisal on it? >> Um, well, I don't want to appraise something that they don't want to give us or sell us. You know what I'm saying? >> The answer may be no.
>> Yeah, they answer maybe no. I hope it's not no. >> What's the cost of an appraisal? >> Yeah. What? >> I think we paid um it was in a couple thousand bills, right? About 12. It may have been north of 10,000. >> That's why I was trying to avoid doing it again because I'm cheap.
the the appraisal was in the high 10,000 8 to 10 6 8 10 grand or something is what we paid for the appraisal best I can remember >> but but it was for a lot it was for all >> not each property all together and that's and that's why I didn't want to do it again cuz I'm being cheap and didn't want to pay for it but the point
is they could have changed and probably have and I'm okay with that if that's what the board direction is >> said if we're going to liquidate I want the highest dollar for it >> what if we did this if we decided to have appraisals done what if we picked three properties have them appraised and whatever they increase or decrease by,
we can do the math on the others. >> Well, there's only about honestly there's only about three that you're going to sell. I think if you look at the ones you're going to sell, there's only three or four total >> on the list cuz the rest of them are either going to >> give it a true value. I mean, really, >> it wouldn't be that much if we're going to get those three cuz it's only three
or four. And so, it would be just, you know, just have them do those three and be done with it. I think in my mind the other, right, I wouldn't worry about the ones with plus. I wouldn't worry about the ones that you can't sell are not going to sell anyway. Right. >> So that that really narrows it down to only a small >> You want to look at you know there
there's intricacies to each community Mr. Baswin like Clison is landlocked. So anything in or close to Clon is that's why you have a premium value because there's not available land. It's recently been annexed into like the city. You've got for you've got sewer
connections to that property. So that's that increases it and that's probably different than some of the stuff you have in Label. you have much more available land in Label and so I think you know we have to look at the nuances of the properties and the communities in which they're located and so individual
>> um appraisals on that are are most prudent. >> So just to be clear I will absolutely get with the county and find out what they value their property or they willing to sell it or trade it. Right. Can I go ahead then and get um uh
appraisals on the the balance of the property that we have that we want to liquidate? I can >> go ahead and do that. I'm in >> favor. Okay. >> All right. And I guess my last question then would be um what would y'all like to see happen moving forward with plus?
So there was proposed >> market value. >> Okay. >> Like we're no like they're not going to come and save us if there's a budget. We're not we we have not gotten any discount property from anybody and they have they're their own entity and I
think that they need to pay market value on it. >> I think market value might be a little steep, but they're working with us and helping us out. I mean I I could see I don't think 37% is the whatever that was. It was 30 some odd percent of the discount. I think that's still a little steep yet myself, but I don't know the
market value is is going to be the number because all they're going to do is turn around and say, "Well, that's fine. When you have a water break or you need something, it's value. It's market value. Pay what everybody else is pay. So, you don't want to work with us. We're not working with you." >> Well, we did pay market value. I don't
think we got a discount on that um that bill that was listed in the presentation. Well, but the point margin >> well, but they and that was out of their that wasn't even in plus. They came out of their brought their crews, their materials, their equipment out of their area and did that for us. And there has
been at least Mr. B helped me remember at least two massive main breaks on our property that they mobilized their equipment, their people, made the repairs, and didn't send any bills at all. So, >> but what's the value of that? >> I I don't know. Obviously, we didn't get a bill or anything for it, but you know,
I I think the point is the partnership that we work with them, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Yes, sir. >> We work very well together with them. We use their equipment. They have borrowed our equipment before >> and so we work hand in hand with Portell Utilities.
>> Uh we have they're on call. Uh we if they call us, we help them out. >> Yeah. So I mean it's a we you rub each other's back a lot >> and ultimately and ultimately they their ability to grow is dependent upon water
>> and um and and ultimately that would help us right I mean as as they can increase water supply as they can can start releasing more property to be built that would in turn put more students in in our schools and so I understand both sides >> I just want to know what the value of
like ask them for these two major like what you're quoting here your two major water breaks that they've come in on our property that were our infrastructure that they were fixing like what if what would your bill have been what's the value of that and let's see what kind of
you know I think help us gauge what kind of reduction percentage that they would expect from us >> you got to you got to think if they went outside of their normal scope They sent people that they were after
hours emergency type for >> put put a number on it. >> So >> I think that's a hard thing to do. >> That's that's a hard that's a hard thing to do. >> No, I would say okay, pretend like it's not the Henry County School District. Pretend like it's um Mr. Baswin's industries over here and you're going
over there and you don't have this governmental relationship to what does it cost to go over there and do it for them? What would you build them? >> They would have to build they would have to tell us what that >> Exactly. That's what I'm saying. Like that's what I would like to know is what's the value of the favors that
you're doing and it helps us like cuz like you said like 37% you know makes me sweat >> and then so I I'm not completely opposed cuz I do see the value of them having that land and increasing that well
capacity but help us gauge how much you know is is 10% is 15% you you know, >> right? >> I'm I'm just trying to I I I need numbers. Like that's how my my poor brain works. Like I need something
completely objective and not subjective to see just to try. It's not going to be perfect, but to get a range of what we would consider, >> but you're you're you're only the only value that you have is past. You still got to think future.
So, I mean, who knows how big of a break we may have down the line that they're willing to come in and help us with. So, >> how many? >> Yeah. Or how many? I mean, we may have 10 or 15 other emergencies in in the future that we just you just don't know. So, you've got to you've got to add that
value in there, too. So, that's what the other part that makes it so very difficult to do. >> So, um does Mr. Bon have the um authority to engage with me right now on questions? engagement.
>> Step on up. Um, so what is sorry what is like you talk about the the relationship back and forth that we're helping each other. Um, you know, we've heard about what they've
done for us. What are we doing for them? How have we helped them? How have we been? >> In the past, we have we has a couple trenchers and they have used our trenchers in the past. uh smaller equipment. They have larger equipment that we are able to use and that's what
they brought onto our school campuses to get where we need to be. Uh we have loan them some of our smaller equipments like our bobcats to them. I'm like 99% sure so I this is all true. Um we have loan our bobcats to them so they can use it
in smaller different areas. So we just we we work well together. use each other's tools with the boss's permission like me and Mr. >> Okay. So, it sounds like we're helping each other out here. So maybe
the most prudent way to go about is having that piece of property that plus is interested in reappraised and [Music] thinking about taking into consideration because I
don't feel like I'm getting the support here on putting a a dollar amount on what we're contributing to each other's success here. But going back and looking at based on a reappraisal >> what kind of reduction we may consider.
>> Okay. >> So I just don't want to give it away because I know at the end of the day we're if we have a I said it 15 times already. We have a budget shortfall. They're not going to come in to save the day for us. And and I can ask uh and I can ask their leadership to to revisit you know what what would it said you
know repair you know cost and just kind of put a number to it and and uh we can look at what a if they were running a line if they would have took their crew and ran the water line what would they have charged Joe Q business not us and if I think that's what you're asking is what are they giving us a 10% break or a
37% >> break and I want to see what our discount plan is okay I I'll I'll ask for those things and intend to have them at the uh what month October meeting. You have a you have more. Okay. You had your hand that
>> in the time that I have with that helped us out multiple times more than with help, >> right? Three instances right now. I think since I've been there, we've helped out too. So, I mean, it's but in the past. >> Yeah. Relationships are strong. >> It goes both ways.
relationships are strong and that's hard to beat when you've got, you know, you can lean on them and you know that that that that is good to do, you know. So, >> and we have a strong relationship with between the county and the city and the correct. >> They help each other all the time all the time. I mean, I don't think they
ever hesitate to help each other out. And so, I mean, it's got to be a a factor. I don't know. You put a dollar figure on that. I mean, yeah, we want to do them a favor. We're not trying to give something away. I'm against them us giving it away. And on that board, I
feel that on that board, they're saying, "Well, we need a water. We need more wells and this is going to cost us." We know. And then they were saying, "Well, we're going to have to charge more for our customers." I'm saying, "You don't charge more for your customers. You put an impact fee on the new customers that
are going to use that material, and that's how you regain your money. You don't That's what we did. We put an impact fee on it. Nobody wanted to do that, but we did it. And now we have money from it. And that's what I think they need to do is if they see growth
coming, they impact the people that are going to benefit from it. Not from everybody in the county or everybody in the the unit, the water unit. >> It's just hard to value a relationship with a company that is working with you
and you build that kind of working relationship. I've got other companies that in my personal business that we work hand in hand with. We help each other out, you know, and there's a lot of value there. It's really hard to say what it is, you know, what the what that
actual dollar amount would be. Um, until you end up damaging that relationship and now all of a sudden, you know, you realize how valuable it really was to you. So, I just think we need to to to tread lightly with that. I agree 100%.
We don't want to give it away, but I don't think we need to >> uh just say cut and dry. I know you're pay face value what it is right here. Our relationship doesn't mean that much to me. Well, so I think the private sector is a little different from
governmental in the that you have, you know, you know who you're like it's it is a personal because it is individual to individual but like with plus you could have a change in directorship, you have a change of board members and then
you have that option of that changing anyway and what is agreeable to the leadership of that organization. now can change 5 years down the road. >> Well, I mean change that is inevitable
in every cycle of life. That's one thing that's going to be constantly changing. >> Well, I don't know exactly how to get there, but what I do know is that we need to really just take our fighter responsibilities in incredibly
um and serious on that and then try, you know, try to figure out like what the friends and family discount is. But I don't think it's 37%. >> I agree. >> And so I mean I don't have a number in mind, but I'm trying to get to something that feels doesn't make me get my blood pressure up.
>> We'll let the superintendent come home for >> be happy to. >> All right. So do you want to change your recommendation to us? >> No, your recommendation. So, so my
recommendation was to move forward with the option of liquidating the excess properties that we have. My direction from the board was check on the 14.8 28 acres first see if the county um how they value would they sell it or would they trade it get the appraisal on the balance of our properties that we can
sell go ahead we're going to put that in motion and then work with plus to come up with um what what did they charge us versus what were the value of that was so that we can gauge you know what what kind of discounts family friends discounts and mist put it they've been giving us all of them just to kind of
put some >> percentages to percentages >> sure >> all right sir we have a vote Man, you're over there like the bird gavvel tonight. Okay. Second by Mr. Sam. Second by Mus. Do we have
any further discussion? >> I think that's a good call hearing. No further discussion. All in favor say I. >> I. All motion carries. Thank you, Mr. and board. That was a lot of good discussion. So,
>> we've come a long way. I'm just going to say that. I'm proud of us. Approve those later. >> We will move on to getting away with other disc. >> I already have that. >> Move on to item 4E, the approval of the annual financial report. Mr.
Superintendent, do we have your recommendations? >> Yes, sir. The the AFR. Number one, let me apologize to you for um various reasons, mainly driven by the state of Florida. Um we did not get the data that we needed um in a timely manner to complete the AFR. they were still
receiving and it was because typically we use the fourth calc and Mr. Adams don't let me mess this up. The data and the numbers from the fourth calc is what is used to drive the AFR and give us the AFR numbers. We are yet to receive the fourth C from the state of Florida and may or may not receive a fourth cap from
the state of Florida. However, the AFR still do. And so, um that that was why as I talked to Mr. Adams today and digging into why, you know, cuz we received it late on Friday afternoon, uh the final version of it. And I and I did ask for you to approve it tonight. I
know that was short notice. Um essentially as you want to look or as you look through the AFR, what you're going to see obviously is is how those financial pieces tie back to the budget. And what you will find is that they do tie accurately number one and number two. They describe an incredibly healthy
uh financial situation that Hendry County Schools is in. Probably one of the healthiest in the state of Florida at this moment in time. Um and we're very proud of that. Um uh so that but I wanted to make sure you understood you know that the AFR typically have way more time um to look at that and my
apologies for that. Um there is a due date on it and for us to get it to the state on the said due date uh that's why we put it on the agenda for tonight. Um if and if you have any questions or or if there's any reason you want to continue resume looking at it you let me know that. Otherwise um I would ask you
to approve the AFR as presented. >> So move second by Mr. understand by Miss Nelson. Do we have any discussion? >> I just want to go on the record saying that I'm disappointed with the state for
putting these due dates on us when um they're not giving us the information that we need to do it in a in a timely manner. Um, I I'll be honest with you. I'm the AFR is a little bit over my um
area of expertise and in the past I have always been able to get people to help me sit down and look at that. I know that, you know, probably everybody here remembers when we had that AFR and I was grilling the then CFO about it because
it was incorrect. And that wasn't because I just figured that out on my own. It's because I was able to reach out and get somebody to help me on that. And um and so I'm going to take a leap of faith cuz I haven't had that opportunity getting this on a Monday to be able to
schedule that help to sit down and um look over that. So I'm taking a leap of faith which is not my style at all and going to support the superintendent's recommendation. But I just think that's wild that the here's the state requiring stuff and not giving us the information
to be able to do it at a time. [Music] >> It's my complaining. [Music] >> Thank you. I've also seen and heard by you, Mr. Basin.
>> Any other discussion? All in favor? >> I. All opposed. Motion carries. We'll move on to old business. Do we have some new uh LHS updates? Uh yes, sir. Mr. B um is obviously our point person for the
county with regard to the new construction and he has some information to share with you with regarding the construction and kickoff of the uh new high school. >> All right. Um as you all know that we're at the end of our bidding process. We will have our bid opening on Friday at
10:00 at Oak over at Riverdale. Um it's supposed to be a very exciting time, but not so much. We have about over 175 biders that were interested in this project right now. Um we'll see how many people have stepped up and wanted to be a part of it. Um
uh they after our final uh bidding process is done and all the bids are open on Friday, Oak will vet all the content of the bids to make sure everything is uh you know it goes along with our plans and what we asked them for and so we're not going to get any numbers tomorrow. We're just going to
find out who bid on the projects. Um and then the tedious process will be on oath to go through all the bids and that's the content. Uh we're just finalizing some permits right now on campus. We were on campus on Monday finalizing some permits. Uh it's been a
three four week process of RFIs for questions about the the bids and the plans and everything. So it's been it's been the fun process so far and that's where we are. So we're bidding open on Friday. Any questions, comments or concerns?
>> Thank you. How fun is the bid opening supposed to be on like a scale of 1 to 10? And can we come if it's like seven or five? >> Okay, Lane, we're not there. >> We'll let you do it. >> Opening envelopes and looking at paper
fun. I want to go and I'm not showing up for a point. >> I mean, that's what they sign on. They put it in a roof and they take >> and they something else. >> Yeah. Have fun. Hence the thank you. >> I'll be there at 10:00.
>> So once all of the bids are open and O does their vetting, do they have an idea of how long what time frame it's going to take them to vet everything. >> They will be putting their foot on the throttle the whole time. They have already opened their weekends up and I
think they're going to be 24/7 until the process is vetted. and they will uh and the term they're using is critical path which is where the school's going to sit and so they're going to prioritize you know the the civil work you know then the foundation work and so those
companies that first get started we can wait exactly and then they can continue working >> they can worry about who's going who's going to finish school after a little down the line >> do we have a breaking date yet
>> we do not we're we're waiting to get uh I want to make sure that we have people working there. We could have set a date, but I don't want to go back to an open field. >> So, I want machinery work and I want them being moved. I want >> I agree to Miss Nelson's birthday, so y'all better get it together. >> Well, yeah, I have to like reduce that
because I'm not going to be here. >> So, I could do Friday morning, but whatever that is, but I'll be gone Friday, Saturdays, Sundays. Got it. >> So, we're going to have machines for each one of us to sit in. Maybe on scout, maybe horses.
[Music] All right. >> All right. Very good. Well, that uh keep us updated and keep pushing them. But we're excited to get this thing going. >> Yes, sir.
>> So, very good. Very good. Okay. Well, if there's nothing else on that, we will uh move on. Madam Attorney, do you have any updates for us this evening? I'm here. I've been quiet. Um I don't have any updates necessarily, but I've
attended the workshop earlier today. I've heard a lot of discussion about the surplus property disposition as well as affordable housing. Can you guys hear me? Okay. >> Yes. Yes. >> Very well. Perfect. Perfect. So, I just wanted to
make a couple of things um clear for record. the obligation when selling surplus property is to make sure it's in the best interest of the public. So, you all discussed different options and I think you're aware of that. I just wanted to tell you what the official
standard was. Um, and as as far as affordable housing, we've spoken a lot about this before. I did hear some of my hesitations regarding it. I know that other districts are doing it. It was discussed tonight how those districts,
you know, call your Sarasota, Miami date. The housing market looks a lot different than what we have in Hindi and a lot of other districts are similarly hesitant to um go down that path. If we do want to do that, I highly recommend
that we get proper experts on board, including the right real estate attorneys and um people who have navigated this in the past with other districts because it will be a big undertaking. And Miss Muen kind of touched on some of my concerns. I won't
speed in that divorce, but I just wanted to let you all know I was here and listening and wanted to give you my um preliminary council on that issue. >> But other than that, nothing else for me. >> Thank you.
[Music] Okay. We'll move on to more business then. Mr. Superintendent, do you have any like >> um just a really quick update. um started the school year. Uh we're we're
well on our way to a to a very good school year. We had a very very incredibly smooth start. We're already into the minutia of a of a typical school year. Um with typical things that happen. Um uh nothing so far that has been an incredible outlier that you know has been newsworthy. Thank God, right?
Um today, I shouldn't say as today, but as of last Friday, we had 7,482 students. That's about 178 students down from where we were year to date. Um, so we're working really hard. Um, calling the schools are calling students that we
had registered that are not there. And um, basically they're they've moved away. They've moved back to Miami. They moved to Lauderdale and things like that. And so um, uh, our homeschool numbers were pretty steady. They've not risen, you know, and so we figured a bunch of them went to home school, but they did not. And so that that number
stayed the same. If anything, it decreased a little bit. So anyway, I just kind of kind of give you the state of the state of where we were with regard to enrollment. And I think you all do y'all still getting the weekly reports on that or Okay, so y'all see that so you know, but I like comparing year to dates to kind of gauge where we are with that. Um, I appreciate your
latitude and listening to us on the properties um and what direction we're going to go there. I'm anxious to see how that goes and as Miss Tanner said, do what's in the best interest of the school board and our students number one and then of of the public as well. So uh I appreciate your um willingness to be open-minded on what we're doing there. I
do want to revisit real quick with you. I don't want to ask uh action tonight, but I want to revisit and propose something tonight to give you time to think about it. And that would be uh sitting straight behind us is the big white two-story building that we have back there. I know that thing serves as a monument if you will, but with regard
you with regard to what's best for us and our school system where we are today, once again, I would recommend that we uh demolish it and um and at the temporary use for parking until we are able to do something different there with a building. We can't utilize or
leverage any special facilities or PICO funding until we finish up our obligations with Lavel High School. But if that building was gone and we were able to use that space for parking when it was available, then we would have a site that we could build. Um ultimately, u Miss G had a wonderful idea of of
creating a new workforce development building there uh with training rooms, with classrooms, um and and types of things that would suit suit her purposes as well as district purposes. I think that would be a great use of the property, but it all has to start by by removing that building. Uh the building
today, um uh it was infested with termites last year, a year before last, and two years ago, and so we had to have it treated. We're always worried that they're going to come back and then spread this way. That's not good. Um time to time we go there, and there's a door in Jimmy, so we know good Lord only
knows what's going on in there. From time to time, we come there and the lights are on. Um so I don't want it to create a hazardous situation. um and and and some of the spots in there in the flooring getting a little dangerous and things like that. Um roughly uh it may be crowded three or four years ago now,
we looked at doing something with that building and then it was going to cost us approximately $2 million to rehab it back to the useful to a useful spot again. And I just struggle with putting two now telling what it would cost today, but let's just say $2 million in
a 70-year-old building I think is uh is going to be a really stretch for me to to support, you know, for my position. So, I do believe, you know, as as as painful as it may be to lose an icon in building, I really recommend that we just demolish it, use that facility for parking for the time being, and then be
poised to move when the time is right. Um, I believe the the quote that we received two years ago that we looked at it was about $50,000. Um, if you're okay with it, I will ask Mr. B to update that so we can have an accurate figure and I'll bring that back to you in November
as well. Um, but I just didn't want to spring it on y'all at one time and ask you to to approve it. So, I've given you the information. If you want to look at it, see, ask information or whatever, please do so. And then, uh, again, I just like to have the latitude to move forward with doing doing something with that.
>> Okay. >> I'd like to bid on tearing it down. >> Okay. Yep. He'll get uh we'll we'll update that. Yeah. I want to go ahead and you know I was very opinionated about the the plans for that uh building
last time and um it's being from close and living in this neighborhood and I I do understand that the it is somewhat of an iconic building but I agree 100% that it needs to go. It's a
brick porous brick building. It's ate up with mold. I don't think, you know, and whenever you look at rehabbing something like that, it always costs more to rehab than it would be to tear it down and build something new. And um I think this building is so well preserved and this
red brick building really is the most iconic part of the the property that that it would be um probably well received because can you imagine like living in the neighborhood around it when you Lord knows what's going on in in the building. And so I think that
would I I like your suggestion a lot and would you know why you you hate to see a an old place go. You know it's onward and upward and we've got to have facilities here to meet the needs of our our current situation, our current students. So I can support your recommendation.
>> I'll bring I'll bring back an official uh recommendation for action. Thanks. >> Okay. Anything else? >> That's all for me. Thank you. >> All right. Well, I just want to say that the uh the new
board sign that we've got sitting up there look mighty nice. You know, I think that was a great idea. I know Mr. Sham, I pushed a lot more of that and I think that that really really looks good and gets out what's going on in the district.
>> You know, you're just on top, right? >> Maybe not. But I sat there today in the parking lot at the middle school. I watched the sign turn. Hey, school. Here we go. I mean, I just thought it looked so great. I was so glad to see you. I just sat there. I want to watch the whole thing.
>> Well, when you're retired, you have more time. So, it went too long, but I do. >> And you know what? >> Go ahead. Go ahead. >> That was my thing was the So, I go Yeah, you finish. >> So, I do have a question, Mr. Buen. I
know we were getting a new mower. I do believe Kingfield. Is that right? Did we get that mower yet? And >> got it this summer. >> I know that it looks like they rebuilt the building that they used to keep the mowers and stuff in right there on
>> put size on top of the the roof that we're or put size on where the roof was. Yes. >> Yes. Yeah. >> We had doors ordered. The people had the raw doors. They came and put them in two weeks ago and they measured the door openings and they measured a foot too
long on both sides. >> So we are a little bit further behind on doors to close that in right now. >> Is that where the mower's going to going to be housed at once on whoever dried it in did a phenomenal job because last Friday I sat down there and watched the
rain pour around and we didn't get wet at all. So you guys did a phenomenal job of giving that building in. So uh I just want to let you know that makes crew >> they did a phenomenal job. So tell the clos maintenance crew, my hats off to
them. Yes, sir. >> Great job. Thank you. They kept us a bunch of people dry down there. >> The doors break. All right. >> So, thank you. That was it. >> Good job. Carry on, sir. Anything else?
One other quick thing, of course. So, we talking about good relationships with the county and so forth. the park board with the West uh Henry County Park Board. We bought a uh GPS for doing
lines in football fields and now they've taken it to Label High School and instead of taking a whole day to do the the uh lines for the football games and stuff like that, the computer does it or the and it just has to be operated. They
put in the coordinates and it does all the meaning by itself. Does all the lines. So it we're talking about relationships. So and so it char they charge us. >> No, we just have to buy our own buy
anyway. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> So they see Well, they were going to test it out. That That's what they were doing. Testing. >> You're not close enough. >> City close. Yeah, >> it looks good, too. We do the same thing over here >> uh with the city of Leel and their
athletics and that's our that's how KY's done also. It's pretty cool to watch. >> Yeah, >> it's amazing. >> I went to the billboard. I sat out there for about 10 minutes and watched them do the launch field trips. >> How what was the cost on that?
>> Oh, I don't know. It was thousands of dollars. I don't think there >> I think it would be worth it. Well, when you figured out the time to get these two guys and pop the lines and they have to run them. Now it's all done. You just you sit there and watch it. Really? >> Okay. Well, field trip. We're going to go watch that.
>> That's right. >> Watch the sign. >> I like how you guys party. >> We have a good time. >> Just real quick, a little plug for Label Rotary and an invitation to all of you. I know it's in label, but we have our first spaghetti dinner Thursday in
Patriots. You'd like to come invite them $7. All you can eat. >> When is this? This Thursday. Okay. >> All right. Reverend Brown. No, sir. Just join the meeting. All right. All right. Well done.
>> I told him in our break if you wouldn't give me a hard time, it wouldn't it wasn't a good meeting. So, I had a very sweet little student from Florida Southwestern um in a government class reach out to me and their project was to find an issue in the community and to
try to to provide solutions and um to the issue that they identified. And so this young lady brought to me um the issue of sidewalks around Label Middle School and she
brought forth a statute and I'm just like bumbling over with pride for the skit. Um brought forth a statute that I wanted to take on and pass it down that opened my eyes, got me doing a little work. And the statute says that like each um school board can request the
county or municipal governments to construct and maintain sidewalks or bicycle trails within a 2-m radius of each school or educational facility within the jurisdiction of local government. So it would be like um if you saw a need for sidewalks in a school
in Label or in the municipality of Kiston, you can make that request to the city of Kiston or within the the county area. you can make that request to Hendry County and um if they cannot do it then they have to let you know within
a certain time frame but putting them on notice that um that this is a request that you think is for the like the safety of those students it admifies the school district from liability if something were to happen and so I think
that I wanted to to share that statute I've shared it with Miss Tanner before and look at that um I I've identified some places, but of course I'm not like a safety expert. I've just thought like areas I thought would be around Clson Middle School, A Bell Middle School, the
early learning center and and Central Elementary and um but possibly for the future like for to review this and ask the superintendent to um have somebody go and like make an assessment of that so we can get letters out to the county
to at least like alleviate and identify liability and identify the school district. Um, and then also what it would do is a lot of I know like the city of Cleon got a bunch of grants for sidewalks and then so when you you put this in front of them, it
bumps up your request in their queue for how they' be able to spend that grant money. And the county gets the money grant sidewalk grants. Um, the city does too. The cities do too. So, I thought that that would be something that would encourage the placement of these sidewalks and and and and areas that
will benefit our students as well as kind of buffer us from any kind of liability if something were to happen and they didn't have any sidewalks in place. And that's it. >> That's it.
>> Yeah, that's it. >> All right. >> Well, thanks everybody for coming. This meeting is