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Good evening and welcome to the June 24th, 2025 meeting of the Marian County School Board. It's called to order at 5:38 p.m. If you're joining on us online or in the audience, we want to thank you. We had some technical difficulties before we begin, so we're getting
started a little bit late, but thank you for waiting on us. Mirroring and modeling the way our students begin each day, I ask that we observe a moment of silence at this time. Please join me. Thank you. Good evening, Miss Thrower. Would you read our board commitment statement? Certainly. We are the Marian
County School District Leadership Team. When we come together to work, we are efficient, effective, and productive. Our three most important characteristics are dedicated, transparent, and individually responsible. We will all to
work well together, we must demonstrate respect, confront reality, and be accountable. We will always put students first, and we will leave a legacy of success. Thank you, Miss Thrower. For the courtesy of those listening to the meeting, I am requesting everyone in the audience to please turn off their
electronic devices or put them on vibrate. Later in the meeting, up to 30 minutes will be provided for individuals to address the board on matters concerning the operation of the Marian County School System or the school board only. Presentations to the board are limited to 5 minutes and are televised.
If you wish to address the board regarding a regular agenda item or matters on which the board customarily takes action, you must first complete a peach form located in the lobby. If you wish to address the board regarding a public hearing or a student discipline matter, please complete a lime green
form. These forms must be fully completed and received to the board clerk clerk no matter no later than 5:40 p.m. The procedures applicable for each are on a separate sheet of paper. Good evening, Miss Martinez Young. Will you please call roll? Good evening. Dr.
Allison Campbell, District 1, here. Mrs. Lorie Conrad, District 2, here. Eric Cummings, District Three, here. Mrs. Nancy Thrower, District 4, here. Dr. Sarah James, District 5, here. Dr. Danielle Brewery, interim superintendent, here. Mr. Jeremy Power, school board attorney, here. Thank you,
Miss Martinez Young. Good evening, Dr. Brewer, who's going to share our inspiration and lead the pledge for us this evening. Thank you. Good evening. Um, area Superintendent Melissa Kard will introduce our special guest this evening. Thank you. Good evening, Chair Conrad,
board members, and interim superintendent Dr. Brewer. I have the pleasure of sharing with you Miss Root, our instructional coach at Bellev Middle School, and a few of our Bellev Middle School students who participated in the recent Roof Fest World Championship. Seven student teams traveled to Lawrence
Technological University in Detroit, Michigan to compete amongst 20 countries from around the world. We are very proud of the accomplishments that Belleview Middle School's robotics program has brought to Marian County Public Schools. At this time, I would like to introduce Mrs. route to you so that she may share
the details of this amazing event. Thank you, Superintendent Dr. Brewer and board members for having us tonight. During the last weeks of May, Belleview Middle School and seven teams, as mentioned, consisting of 14 students, myself and their robotics instructor,
Mr. Joseph Landram traveled to Lawrence Technical University to compete like as mentioned with 20 different countries from around the world. Some of those countries included Jordan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Greece, Saudi Arabia and much
more. Robo Fest was hosted by Lawrence Technical University in Southfield, Michigan. It is a festival of competitions and events with autonomous robots, encouraging students to have fun while learning STEM and computer science principles. Students can design,
construct, and program the robots using any robotics kits in programming language. Robotics helps develop essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, creativity, communication, and problem solving, and ultimately preparing our students to excel in
higher education and technological careers. With the tough cap competition this year being Belle's third year for attending this competition, we were able to bring home a third place trophy for the Sumo Sumo time trials that was won
by one of our seven teams, the RoboCats Panthers. Today, we have a few of our Belleview students that attended the Robo Fest competition. At this time, I'd like to have them stand. Thank you board members. Thank you. We're super excited. Are you
all going to start lead the pledge for us? Dr. Blue. Okay. Yes. Everybody please stand. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. You may be seated now. All right. Will you guys hang on for just a second? We'd love to come down and take a picture with you to celebrate this great
accomplishment. You guys give me board members. I Great job. Here we go. One, two, three. Couple more. And Stay there. Stay there. want to admit whose birthday it is. I
know, but he's right in the middle. Happy birthday. He's like, "Yeah, thanks. It's coming." Let's go. Thank you so much.
We spend so much time with them. They do so many great things. I know. Okay. Dr. Brewer, I believe we have some special recognitions this evening. Yes, ma'am. I'd like to introduce Kelly Brower as she's walking to the podium.
She is going to provide some information on the 24th Marian County Student Medal Media Festival and she's going to probably share with us some plans that already are in the making for the 25th year. So, Kelly Brower. Good evening,
Chair Conrad, Vice Chair Cummings, school board members, and interim superintendent Dr. Brewer. I'm here tonight to recognize the 24th annual student media festival. The awards ceremony was held on April 11th here in the auditorium. The Marian County
Student Media Festival is a starstuddied event highlighting the outstanding video production work of our students. All of the video work, all of the storyboards, everything is student created. So 100% student driven. The purpose of this
festival is to encourage students to communicate through media production. The festival also recognized the excellent work being done in our schools by student media producers. This year, over 300 entries were submitted from students in grades K through 12 at 19
different schools. Many of these Marian County entries have advanced to the state competition where we traditionally win many, many, many additional awards. For many, many years, we have gone to
state and walked away very victorious. Our Marian County students have captured more awards than any other Florida school district in the state competition. Our Marian County student media festival is completely funded by community sponsors. So we want to thank
each and every sponsor including boyalt oncology institute, the public education foundation of Marian County, Cox and Foliage Design Systems. Of course it takes volunteers to make this festival happen. This year we had more than three
dozen local industry professionals view and score entries to determine category winners. best of show winners and winners for the Terry Hartley effort in media education and Joel Hartley achievement in cinematography awards.
And we owe the top recognition to Miriam Neham, a longtime MCPS employee and media specialist who retired many years ago after founding this festival and securing an endowed sponsorship to guarantee it continues. Tonight, I also
want to thank all of our CTE teachers and the media specialists who work with our students to teach the students about video production, assist them in capturing their video footage, and to get the video submitted submitted with all of the required paperwork. It is
does require quite a bit of paperwork on time. Many of our MCPS students have gone to work in a career where the video production skills have been an essential part of their job qualification. Some work in Hollywood, some work here in Ocala, some own their own production
companies, others work for major networks and production studios. We tried to have some students and teachers here tonight to speak firsthand about their festival experiences, but summer travel schedules and other conflicts prevented that from happening.
Summertime is hard, so we apologize for that. But I lastly want to recognize that the 25th anniversary of the student media festival will be held on April 10th, 2026. Uh plans are already underway for the
upcoming celebration of the 25 years of student le digital video production here in Marian County Public Schools. We're very excited about some of the things we have planned for the 25th anniversary and of course we hope everyone will be in attendance for those awards. Thank
you so much. Thank you, Miss Brower. Thank you. I just want to say um that's a project that's near and dear to my heart. Um my son is 30. Uh he participated in kindergarten and first grade. Miss Needam was our media specialist. And so um what a great um
event. Uh it's a great process. Thank you, Mr. Christian. Um it's a lot of work to put on. um it just highlights one of the things that I love about Marian County Public Schools and it's another way that we celebrate um our students success and so thank you for
sharing with that with us this evening. Thank you guys for having me. Okay, moving on to the agenda. I recommend approval of the agenda for the June 24th, 2025 school board meeting with the materials in the board packet. Those m excuse me, it's a
superintendent's recommendation. Oh, Dr. Brewer, you don't want me to read your lines. Sorry, Dr. Brewer, please begin. Thank you. You are doing a great job. I recommend approval of the agenda for the June 24, 2025 schoolboard meeting with the materials in the board packet, those materials distributed to board members
at the meeting, and the audio recording included as part of the official record of the meeting with the exception of items D26.1, D26.2, D26.3, D26.4,
D26.5, D26.6, D26.6 7 D26.8 D26.9 D26.10 10 D26.11 D26.12 D2613
D26.14 D26.15 D2616 D26.17 D26.18 and D26.19 that have been placed under discussion
regular agenda items also items D27.1 and C22.2 two has been pulled and placed under discussion pulled agenda items. Thank you, Dr. Brewer. May I have a motion on the superintendent's recommendation? So move. Second. Thank
you, Reverend Cummings. Um, thank you, board member Thrower. All those in favor say, "I." I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. Miss Martinez Young, would you please provide the proof of publication for tonight's schoolboard meeting? Notice for the June 24th, 2024 schoolboard
meeting ran in the Ocala Gazette on June 13, 2025. The proof of publication has been attached to boards under proof of publication. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the May 13, 2025 board of directors leasing corporation
meeting? Motion to approve the minutes. Second. Thank you, board member Thrower. Uh thank you, Reverend Cummings. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. May
I have a motion to approve the minutes for the May 13, 2025 school board meeting? Move. Second. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Um, thank you, Dr. Campbell. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Hearing none. All those in favor say,
"I." I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the May 22nd, 2025 administrative briefing and work session? Motion to to approve the minutes for the work session. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Are there any additions or
corrections to the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. Board next will move on toformational items. The central wareh warehouse awarded pyramid pager company DBA
pyramid school products item number 13 through 20 in stripping bands 3 M Norton Ultral Blue 5 case and item number 61 sanitary liners waxed paper 500 count on
bid 4103 ah janitorial and sanitary paper supplies for central warehouse term contract. There has been a increase per case for item number 13 of $1.23, increasing the per case price from 28.72
to $29.95 per case. In addition, item number 61 has a per case increase of $3.62, increasing per case from $1819 to 21.81 per case.
Um, this concludes theformational items for today's meeting. Good evening, Attorney Powers. Can you please explain the rules governing persons who wish to address the board this evening? Good evening. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Do we have any speakers tonight
who've requested? Madam clerk, Miss Martinez Young, do we have any speakers tonight? Just one off air. One off air. Okay, we'll address the off air portion later and uh we can proceed to item 9.1. Okay. Thank you. All right, Dr. Brewer. Now
it's my turn. May I have a motion to approve consent agenda items C10.1 through C23.1 with the exceptions of items D26.1, D26.2, D26.3, D26.4,
D26.5, D26.6, D26.7, D26.8, D26.9, D26.10, 10 D26.11 D26.12 D26.13 D26.14 D26.15 D26.16
D26.17 D2618 and D26.19 that have been pulled and placed under discussion regular agenda items. Also items D27.1 and C22.2 that have been pulled and placed under
discussion pulled agenda items. May I have a motion? So move. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Uh, thank you, Dr. Campbell. All those in favor say, "I." I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. Before addressing expulsion matters, I
wish to acknowledge that the board members have received the alternative placement list for students through May 28th, 2025. Miss Martinez Young, are there any parents who have submitted a timely request to speak on their child's disciplinary matter? Yes, Madam Chair. One off air. Okay. Thank you. May I have
a motion to approve the expulsion of student JD25-303E JD25-310 [Music] JD25-311 JD25-313E JD25-314
JD25-315 JD25-316 JD25-317 JD25-318 JD25-323 3 JD25-324 JD25-325
for the remainder of the 2425 school year and the entire 2526 school year. May I have a motion? Motion to approve. Um, thank you, Dr. James. May I have a second? Second.
Thank you, Dr. Campbell. All those in favor say I. I. And first inquire. The one that is a off air. One off air. Is that included within this ones that we're voting on now? Yes, sir. Let's pull that separately and address it off air. They did not complete the
necessary documentation to dispute the consequences or the um facts of the case. I understand they don't need to dispute the consequences, but we still need to address it separately. We don't know what's going to come up. So, let's uh can you please state which item that is?
JD number. Yeah, JD number. It will take me a few minutes. Yes, ma'am. I don't I I would prefer the board not vote on that item unless and until it's been addressed though the board may choose not to respond. I think the board needs to still if there's someone to speak on that item, it's
appropriate for the board to have heard it prior to voting on it. It'll be JD25322E. Okay. So, the motion will regard everything except for JD. It's not in this motion. Okay. It's not in this motion. Correct. Okay. Um, what what is
the number again, Doc Dr. B? JD 25 322E. Okay. So, the motion remains undisturbed. Yes. As stated, there's been a motion and a second. Yes, we have a motion by Dr. James, a second by Dr. Campbell and that student number is not included in that. Okay. All those in
favor say I. I. Any opposed? Mot motion passes. 5-0. Attorney Powers, would it be best when I make this motion to leave just leave that student number out for this next item? Okay. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the expulsion of student JD25-309,
JD25-321 with off-campus virtual learning for the remainder of the 2024 2025 and the entire 2025 2026 school year. May I have a motion? Motion to approve. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Second. Second. Thank you, Dr. James.
All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5. May I have a motion to approve the modification of expulsion duration for JD25-015? This is to modify the expulsion duration
for student JD25-015. Motion to approve. Oh, there's I have Sorry, Dr. Campbell. I have a whole um thing I have to read here. I apologize. I did pause there. Um student JD25-015 was previously expelled by the MCPS school board for the remainder of the
2024 2025 school year. and the first quarter of the 2025 2026 school year based on reciprocity of an approved expulsion from Hillsboro County Public Schools. Upon further review of the students file, it was discovered that the original Hillsboro County expulsion
duration was for the remainder of the 2023 2024 school year and the entire 24 2024 2025 school year with an eligibility to return to base school date on August of 2025. Motion to approve. Thank you, Dr. Campbell.
Second. Thank you, board member Thrower. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. We'll now move on to discussion regular agenda items. May I have a motion to approve the second amendment with Cambridge
Assessment International Education. May I have a motion? Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Thank you, board member Thrower. Dr. Brewer, you have some information you'd like to share with us regarding this item? Yes, ma'am. Um, Miss Connor will provide remarks tonight in response to the request to
approve the second amendment with Cambridge Assessment International Education. Thank you. Good evening, Chair Conrad, board members, and interim superintendent, Dr. Brewer. The second amendment between Marian County Public Schools and Cambridge Assessment International Education increases the
total contract amount to $7.5 million over three years with a maximum of 2.5 million per year ending June 30th, 2028. There are a couple key highlights that I would like to point out. Um, I want to clarify that these funds are earned by
students who have passed exams and earned diplomas. This expands the Cambridge program support at seven high schools and six elementary and middle schools, enhancing access to college credit and rigorous academic coursework. Students can also
qualify for Bright Future scholarships through ACE diploma and community service. And it includes an updated data sharing agreement aligned with technology requirements in increased cyber liability insurance. This investment directly benefits students
and staff while maintaining responsible fiscal planning by leveraging performance-based funding. That concludes my summary statement. Thank you, Miss Connor. Board, I'll open it up for Oh, Dr. B, do you have anything else you wanted to add? Okay, board, I open it up for any discussion.
Okay. All right. Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the grant application Perkins v secondary? So move. Thank you, Reverend Cummings.
Second. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Um, Dr. Brewer, you have some information regarding this item for us. Yes, ma'am. Miss Kathy Audio will provide a recap of how the Perkins v secondary grant is utilized in Marian County Public Schools. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening, Chair Conrad, Vice Chair
Cummings, school board members, and Superintendent Dr. Brewer. The Carl D. Perkins grant is an annual entitlement grant in which for the 2526 school year we will be receiving $819,95. Um this grant is used annually to fund specific things. One of those some of
those items are travel and substitute expenditures for our teachers traveling with students to competitions such as HOSA and FFA competitions. We also use funding in this grant for teacher trainings and professional development. We use it to upgrade equipment in our CTE programs and for consumable items
such as in our culinary programs. We also fund one CTE instructional support unit through this grant. This position oversees all of our college program articulations as well as new teacher support. Um, some of the equipment upgrades we're planning to make this school year through this grant is
replacing all of the hospital beds and mannequins in some of our health programs, new tractors and mowers for some of our agriculture programs, automotive equipment such as tire changers for Vanguard High School, and EKG simulators for all of our electroc cardioraph technician programs. This
grant allows us to keep our CTE programs up to date every year. Great. Thank you, board. Any um concerns or discussion? Oh, Miss Trower, it's not a concern. Uh, thank you and good evening. It's it's just a question um on the effective
agenda, the effect of the action. It states that uh parents will be informed of the options supported through the grant, which is great, and will be encouraged to assist their children in making informed decisions about course offerings. And I know this is important, and I was just wondering how that parent
notification would occur. Yeah, so we do a few different things through this. Um, we always have our CTE website up to date. Um, we also do, um, annual postings for both non-discrimination and what course offerings are out of all of the high schools and all of the middle schools annually. And we publish a
newspaper as well for that. Um, as part of the Perkins grant, we also do a mailing to all students who have qualified for articulated credits. So that goes um, mailed to the home of the students as well. And we also used this grant to support um the creation of the
new high school catalog that will hopefully be ready soon. Awesome. That that's that's great because it it's just such a so many wonderful opportunities for students and just making sure that the parents know about it is everything. Thank you. Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you, Miss
Thrower. Anyone else? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. Thank you, Miss Audi, for being with us this evening. May I have a motion to approve the second amendment with Skyward Incorporated?
So move. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Thank you, board member Thrower. Dr. Brewer, you have some information on this item for us. Yes, Mr. Ben Venui will share an update or really an overview of Skyward and the purpose of Skyward and the explain the request to
approve the Second Amendment. Uh, good evening, Board Chair Conrad, Dr. Brewer, sorry, Superintendent Dr. Brewer and board members. The technology and information division is requesting permission to renew the agreement with Skyward for a total of 735,000. Skyward provides the district with
business and student management suites. It is currently the district's best solution for these tools as it offers an integrated platform that manages our student information system and our enterprise resource planning system. This integration ensures that our HR,
finance, payroll, student records, and scheduling operate within one single system. As a result, we experience fewer errors, enhanced data accuracy, and streamlined operations across all departments. Skyward is designed to
efficiently manage high user volumes and substantial data sets. We do not encounter the slowdowns or instabilities associated with less sophisticated platforms. Additionally, the customization options are extensive. We can adjust dashboards, workflows, and
reports to align to our district specific requirements without relying on third heavily on thirdparty solutions. Role-based access is also enables us to manage visibility which is crucial for privacy and operational efficiency.
Skyward remains proactive regarding state reporting and compliance. We observe their prompt their promptness or with responses to legislative changes which conserves our time and minimizes errors in reporting. The support and
training provided for by Skyward are also exceptional. Ultimately there are noi systems sorry while no systems come cheap Skyward demonstrates long-term cost effectiveness. uh being an all-in-one solution allows us to avoid any additional expenses
associated with integrating multiple systems. Thank you, Mr. Benoodi. Board, any questions or discussion? Yes, Dr. Campbell. It's not necessarily a question as much as it is just kind of a statement and a thought. I I know that
Skyward does a lot of great things, but there's also the way we had it originally designed also causes us some challenges with um how how close are we to coming up with additional strategies to get us to uh
hyper efficiency? I and I'm speaking specifically like business office functions and and things like that. How um we continue to have to use Excel spreadsheets and all in in finance and and and there are reports I know that other districts are able to
generate and have th those kinds of I I think you're catching on to my train of I am. Um I came from a large district originally. Thank you. Um it was a very large district. There are larger systems that are out there, but
they're very, very costly systems. So, we would have to do some investigation and we can. It's just understanding that there is a large cost to those kinds of systems that have those types of functionalities. For example, I I don't
want to say a specific tool. Miami Dade's tool was a very large tool and that cost upwards of $80 million to deploy. So we've we've got to keep those things in mind, but we can look at possible solutions. Where are there
situations that staff needs better augmentation? We have a a staff that can do create applications and reports. So maybe there's other ways that we can augment those to better improve our processes. Thank you. Right. Thank you,
Mr. Benman. Anyone else? Okay. All right. Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. Thank you, Mr. Benudi. May I have a motion to approve the special data share agreement with NHM
Education Company? Motion to approve. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Uh, thank you, Reverend Cummings. Dr. Brewer, you have some information regarding this item. Yes. I'm going to ask um Mrs. Deborah RLE to come to the podium. she will provide remarks um in
regards to the HMH special data share agreement. Yes. Good evening. Good evening. The special data share agreement with HMH Education will allow our district to purchase resources and professional learning for schools such
as Read 180 and Math 180. Read 180 is our primary reading intervention program for grades four and five ELA and grades 6 through 9 ELA. Designed to support a multi-tered system of supports framework, read 180 integrates adaptive
technology, scaffolded support, and evidence-based instructional practices aligned with the science of reading. Math 180 is the primary math intervention for grades 6 through nine, six through 8, designed to build algebra readiness and accelerate progress toward
grade level proficiency. It supports an MTSS framework by combining personalized software with teacher-led instruction using researchbased strategies tailored to the needs of striving students. This purchase includes digital licenses,
student and teacher books, and teacher training totaling $799,798.95, leaving approximately 200,000 for schools who wish to purchase from this vendor as well. Thank you, Miss RLE. Board, any um questions, comments?
Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5-0. Thank you, Miss RLE. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreements with occupational therapists. So move. Second. Thank you, Reverend
Cummings. Thank you, Dr. James. Dr. Brewer, you have some information you'd like to share with us? Yes, I have asked Miss um Williams Jones to provide a summary of all of the six next items um in one presentation and then I we do
realize that you have to vote individually, but if you would allow her to provide a summary of all six while she's at the podium, we'd appreciate it. Right. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening, Chair Conrad, Superintendent Dr. Brewer, and board members. The items that I'm going to
cover for you are items D26.5 through D26.10 and these are related services agency contracts. So, the first one is the contract agreement uh with 14
independent occupational therapist contracts at a cost of 1,226,350.25. The second item is the independent interpreter contracts with five agencies at a cost of $371,581.50.
The third item is the independent contract with Oasis Occupational Therapy LLC at a cost of $59,745. The next item is an independent agreement with Talk of the Town Therapy
at a cost of 525,6925. The next item is a contract with the Stepping Stones Group at a cost of $365,96925. And the final item is a co a contract with Florida Visually Impaired and Blind
Services at a cost of $439,212. The approval of these contracts supports the students with disabilities in their ability to participate in the general education curriculum, meet their annual educational goals, and take part in extracurricular and non-academic
activities. Thank you very much for any um comments, questions, concerns. Yes, Miss Thrower. I'll just say, you know, thank you for coming forward uh the last couple of years and just sharing these are typical expenses because we need to serve each
and every student to the best of our ability. But the tag is is high. You know, just quick math, close to $3 million. And so, as I continue to get asked, why is public education becoming more and more expensive? Well, we have a lot of priorities and mandates and things that are the right thing to do.
So, even though we don't discuss them very much because we're familiar with them, thank you for taking the time to to share so the community is more aware. Thank you. Okay. I too just would like to say thank you. Um again, just reiterating what
board member Thrower said. We those of us in education know that these services are provided on a regular basis. um you know daily for some some students and so just want to thank you uh for your work in this area and providing an overview for everyone. Thank you.
Okay, any further comment? All right, seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreements with sign language interpreter? Wh hold on
just one second. Okay, that's correct. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreements with sign language interpreters? So move. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Thank you, board member Thrower. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I.
I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreement with Oasis OT LLC? May I have a motion? Motion to approve. Second. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Is there any discussion?
Seeing none, all those in favor say, "I." I. Motion passes 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreement with Talk of the Town Speech Therapy LLC. May I have a motion? Motion to approve. Second. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Thank you, board
member Thrower. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreement with the Stepping Stones Group LLC? May I have a motion? Motion to approve. Thank you, Miss
Thrower. Second. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Any discussion? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreement with
Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services LLC? Move. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Any discussion? All those in favor say, "I." I. I. Motion passes 5. May I have a motion to approve the K K
through 12 district comprehensive evidence-based reading plan. Motion to approve. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Second. Dr. Campbell, was that you? Yes. All right. Thank you. Um, a second by Dr. Campbell. Dr. Brewer, you have some information you'd like to share with us
regarding this item? Yes. U Miss RLE is returning to the podium. She will share an overview of our K12 reading plan. Right. Thank you. Hello again, Miss Rita. Hello. Each year, school districts across Florida must develop a comprehensive evidence-based reading plan that
outlines the components of the district's comprehensive system of reading instruction. The plan serves as a detailed roadmap describing how district and school level leadership, professional development, assessments, and curriculum all work together to
improve student achievement in English language arts based on the best standards. This plan includes strategies and expectations across all grade levels and schools and is shared with all stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, and families.
The reading funding included in the Florida Education Finance Program or FEFP base funding is intended to provide comprehensive reading instruction to students in grades preK through grade 12. Thank you, Miss RLE. Board, any
comments, questions? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. Thank you, Miss RLE. May I have a motion to approve the general insur insurance package for July 1st, 2025
through June 30th, 2026? May have Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Thank you, Dr. James. Um, Dr. Brewer, you have some information for us regarding this item. Yes, Miss Boston Ellis is here to provide additional information, but this is content that
you did um that was presented at our last work session, but Miss Boston Ellis is here to provide additional information if needed. All right. Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Hello, Miss Boston Ellis. How are you doing? Well, thank you. Uh, Chair Conrad, board members,
and interim superintendent, Dr. Brewer. Uh, as as, uh, Dr. Brewer stated, MCPS is self-funded for general insurance. Our total insured value is over $1.3 billion.
The general insurance package is basically the premiums that we will pay for the year 2025 through uh June 2026. provide coverage for property terrorism, boiler and machinery, auto, general
liability, excess workers compensation, schoolboard errors and omissions, fiduciary and cyber liability, active asalent and crime. As Dr. Brew stated a very detailed
review of our coverages were provided by our consultants Ben Fu and company and based on their analysis recommended premiums are as follows. For property 2.3 million this is a decrease of
188,000 over the prior year. for casualty 717,000. This is an increase of about 44,000 over the prior year. So the net premium is a decrease of 145,000
for property and casualty. In addition, they recommended that the loss fund replenishment should be about 1.1 million, which is an increase of about 347,000 over the prior year. And this is to meet
the actuary funding requirements. So in summary, the total estimated premium is 4.1 million that it includes the loss fund and this is an increase over the prior year which was 3.9 million of
about 23,000. They also recommended that we engage an appraisal company for a complete replacement cost appraisal of our property portfolio which will uh the
timing is great because we are building two new schools. So it is an appropriate time to do that appraisal and we'll begin working on that once this is approved by the board. Right. Thank you Miss Boston Ellis. Board you have any questions or concerns? Yes, Dr. James,
my my only question or concern would be the cost of getting an appraisal for all of our property. Um it's a appraisal is not inexpensive and we have a lot of property uh a lot of buildings. So um I think as we're looking at numbers and
costs of things as this board member would want to understand the financial implications for having an appraisal for all of the things we own um before we just moved forward. Uh I think we need to at least understand that. Absolutely. Um this will be handled uh just like
most of the other things we do. Um if it's over the threshold of 50,000 it would be brought to you to vote and also we would uh provide uh where that recommendation comes from because I believe Mr. F said that we we hadn't done it in a long time and it was this
is an appropriate time to do that. But we will bring that to you in terms of I don't disagree. it's an appropriate time. I think we just need to understand the the cost and you know, are we going to appraise everything, even things that we're very underutilizing or not utilizing at all. Um, and so
understanding that we have property that and buildings that are sitting vacant. So, you know, are we needing to have a gra a grasp on all of that? So, those are just the questions I'll have as we move forward. We'll do we'll we'll get on that. Thank you, Dr. James. Yes, Miss
Thrower. Thank you. And uh I look forward to the comprehensive review and also uh a recommendation as to how often um this should be done. It it caught my attention when Mr. F shared that this hadn't been done in in many many years. And to me it's something that that we
want to keep up with and the board needs to be kept a breast of and with all that uh property and uh to appraise uh by the time we really get going on this, the two new schools will likely be open but a third one close behind. So, we might as well get that one in there, too,
depending on the timing of of how quickly this is able to be accomplished. So, thank you. We'll bring back additional information before we move forward. Right. Yes, Dr. Campbell. You don't have to answer anything for me, Miss Bostonellis, but thank you. I wanted to first say thank you for your
leadership on this and you are the reason you are per one of the primary reasons that we are in a self-insured scenario which saves this district hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars a year. So super grateful um for your leadership helping us get there. I
too am looking forward to appraisals. You know, it's one of the things I understand there's a cost to that, but when you are self-insured, you don't actually know how much you need unless there is a tragedy. And we all found that whenever the tech services building
did catch fire in the middle of the night. Um, so that was several years ago obviously, but it took us all off guard and it wasn't something we had an appraisal on. It wasn't We didn't know how much we needed to be insured for that specific building. It's just good
business sense to understand what we have and what we need to have in our reserve fund potentially. I'm using that term reserve fund. You know what the extra fund is that we tried to have. Uh but what we need to have not just in our self- insurance fund but also on hand
should there be something else that happens. And so uh certainly insurance is for a purpose and we understand that in some cases you always have to have insurance. car insurance and and all those kinds of things, you you really have to have insurance. But in this
particular scenario, whenever we're the ones footing the bill, I would feel very comfortable in knowing exactly how much we need to have in the event of a situation that we are all unexpecting, not expecting. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Anything else? Okay, seeing
none, um all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5. Thank you, Miss Pastineellis. May I have a motion to approve the agreement with Davies Claims North America Incorporated? Motion to approve. Thank you, Miss Thrower.
Second. Thank you, Dr. James. Dr. Brewer, you have some information for us. Miss Boston didn't go far. She's going to share some information on this agreement. It's this is under the umbrella of risk management. Um, by approving this
agreement, the district will continue to have a third-party claims administrator services to manage the district selfinsured exposure and associated claims. And again, it includes all the
general, auto, uh, employment liability, workers comp, property errors and omissions, boilers and machinery. And this is done in accordance with Florida statute. The riskmanagement department
requests permission to approve this third-party claims administrator, Davy Claims North America, and we know him as John Eastern. This agreement would begin July 1, 2025
through June 30, 2028 with an option to renew for two one-year renewal periods. The total amount of the full term of 5 years would not exceed $1.3 million.
The services for the initial three years 250,000 for year 1, two 255 for year 2, 265 for year three, not to exceed a total of 770,000.
And the cost of the first option renewal will be approximately 276,000 and the second optional year will be 284,000. The total for the full term, as I stated earlier, would be about 1.3 million. And
this is our thirdparty administrator, and they handle all of those uh items that I um spoke of previously. Thank you, Miss Boston. Anything else?
Comments, concerns? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. May I have a motion to approve the agreement for DACA Accident and Health Insurance LLC?
Motion to approve. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Second. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Dr. Brewer. Yes. Thank you. Um, I've asked Donnie Tucker, the coordinator of athletics and activities, to actually um highlight the benefits of
this agreement um for our student athletes this evening. Hello, Mr. Tucker. Good evening, Chair Conrad, board members, interim superintendent, Dr. Brewer. Um so this this agreement with DOCA um it's that's the provider
for this this particular um insurance policy and it covers all of our student athletes and included in this is also a an all student policy that covers all of our students prek through 12 um during the school day. It covers them in PE,
um, recess, lunchtime, um, and there's also a part in here that covers JOTC students, uh, the participating in specific events during the school day, um, on campus. Um, so the the total amount for the activities, the
extracurricular activities and the athletics part is $264,100. And then the all student policy um that that was created two years ago in 2023. Um and it is at a cost of $60,751
which equates to uh $1.37 per student um that we have based on 44,344 students in Marian County. So, this is a a great benefit to all of our student athletes and all of our students in in
Marian County. Um, in addition to the all student policy, uh, parents also have an an option to purchase a 24-hour coverage in addition to that. So, this is a great a great deal that at what I
consider kind of a small amount considering the things that it covers. Um, and it and it covers all of our students. So that's it. All right. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Board, do you have any questions or concerns? Okay. Seeing none, all those in favor
say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. May I have a motion to approve the bid 4124 AH milk and milk products for furs food service term contract? Motion to approve. Second. Thank you, Miss
Thrower. Thank you, Dr. James. Yes, Miss Ramona Belchure is here. She will actually provide information on the next two items. Great. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening, Madame Chair Conrad, Vice Chair Cummings, board members, and Dr. Brewer.
This bid approval request has a significant price tag of over $3 million, highlighting the substantial amount of milk required to provide nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinners to our students. The average cost for milk for these three meals per student
is 81. To put this into perspective, the average expenditure per day exceeds over $15,000. The approval of this bid is crucial for ensuring that our students receive the necessary nutrition throughout the day.
For the food service large equipment, this aims to enhance our kitchens by providing essential new equipment designed to meet the growing meal demands for our students. This investment will allow us to efficiently prepare and serve nutritious meals, ensuring that we can accommodate
larger quantities while maintaining quality and food safety standards. By upgrading our kitchen equipment, we also will improve our overall service delivery and operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to a better dining experience for our students. Next
year we do have several projects including the installation of new serving lines at Belleview High School, A Street, Fort King, Lake High, Oakrest, Ocala Springs, and South Ocala. Additionally, many schools require the
replacement of outdated equipment such as combi ovens, convection ovens, reaching coolers, and freezers. Our plan will focus on replacing equipment that is 20 years or older. The approval of the large equipment bid is vital for enhancing our kitchen facilities,
ensuring that we can effectively meet the mans the demands of our students. Thank you very much, Miss Belchure. Any um questions or concerns from the board? Okay. All right. Seeing none, all those
in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5. May I have a motion to approve the bid 4125 ah food service large equipment term contract. May I have a motion? Motion to approve. Thank you. Thank you Miss Thrower. Thank you Dr.
Campbell. Is there any discussion regarding this item? Seeing none. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the memorandum of understanding for current identified
tier 2 comprehensive support and improvement schools between Marian County Public Schools and Marian Education Association for 2025 2026 school year. Motion to approve. Second. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Thank you, Dr. James. Dr.
Brewer, our executive director of our human resources, Miss Morant, is here to provide an overview of theou um this evening. Thank you and good evening, Dr. Brewer, Chair Conrad, and board members. Item um this item is the
memorandum of understanding for our current identified tier 2 comprehensive support and improvement schools, which is Oakrest Elementary. and theou is between Marian County Public Schools and the Marian Education Association for the
2025 2026 school year. Thisou will um allow instructional staff that are identified at this school to receive an additional supplement up to 50 $15,000 for those that are highly effective with a three-year aggregate state VAM and
7500 for those that receive effective with three-year aggregate state VAM. $5,000 for highly effective three-year aggregate student achievement ratings or local um score and 2500 for those receiving effective.
Any questions or additional information you would like me to share? All right, board. Okay, seeing none. Thank you, Miss Mor. Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5.
May I have a motion to approve the 2025 2026 schoolbased staffing ratios? So move. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Thank you, Dr. James. Dr. Brewer. Yes. As you recall, um we have asked we have asked the board for
approval to reduce or or to adjust our school level staffing ratios based on the need um from budget for budget cuts. You last approved this plan in January. So this is a revised plan to address our budget cuts and Miss Mar is here to
provide additional information. So as discussed during the work session, we are requesting to update our school-based staffing ratios for the 2526 school year. You'll see updates notated through um with our ESC
department or staffing guidelines. Also an elementary, middle, and high school with a diff an increase in the um schoolbased ratios. So K through K through 3 increasing to 1 to 20, 4 and 5
1- 24, 6 through 8 1- 24, 9 to 10, 1 to 27, and then also um changing the ESA pair of professional guidelines and the bands that we will have 1 to 15 for students in the same native language.
There any additional questions or any questions or additional information that you Thank you, Mr. Board. Dr. James, I'll just say briefly, I think that this was a step that is going to put us in a position where we won't
be in a position like other districts are in laying off a significant level of our workforce. And so this is not the ideal next step, but I think it was the best way for us to approach um the budget deficit that many public school
districts across the state are facing while still preserving the workforce that we have on our school sites. My goal as a board member would be to get in a position where we can get back to the standard class size ratios next school year. Um, and I will be willing
and able to problem solve and be a brain to go towards trying to find a way financially to get us back to that. Um, and reallocating some units. Um, I am looking forward to a scenario where we have all of our students in front of certified educators and we do not have
uh vacancies on our campuses or very few there. It's going to be a first in quite some time. uh while there are more students in classrooms, I do think the research supports that a few more students in a classroom is still better than in being in front of a non-certified educator or a substitute.
And so I'm grateful for that and I I think that we're I'm proud of the work that we've done to do the best we can with the cards that we've been dealt and I look forward to problem solving how we can make improvements for next year. May May I add something? Sure. Um just
because you mentioned it. So, we went through the instructional placements and I think we have two or three more like little off ones and then um same thing with the non-instructional and so we were able to transfer all of the folks that we had to move around they were
absorbed in vacancies for both instructional and non-instructional and then to the point that you made um right now the majority of our schools are not sitting with they don't have any vacant positions in those basic units. So, just wanted to tag on um to what you what you
were saying or sharing. Yes. Right. Thank you. And I'm grateful for that. I think that I think we could have we could have addressed this um with our with our executive leadership a variety of ways. We're watching it occur a variety of ways across the state. Even our neighboring districts are handling
this differently. And I think that this was this has been the best way to handle this for us and in our community. Uh, and I I'm hopeful that we'll continue to see improvements, not only for student achievement. I understand more students
will be in classes, but I do believe that overall students will have access to higher quality learning this way. Um, and we'll see how we can get those ratios back down next year. Thank you, Dr. James. Uh, thank you for the extra input, Miss Morant. Um, Miss Thrower,
thank you. and and I know the community appreciates um what board member James just shared. And I also look very much forward to uh working our way completely through this and and getting back to a
lower uh ratio. Um, one of my reasons for that is because we do have our funding referendum and and one of the the goals for that, uh, as stated in the ballot language was to help, you know, with meet the class size amendment over
the years. The requirements of that amendment have changed. According to my understanding, you know, it used to be uh, classroom by classroom, then it went to schoolwide, and there used to be fines associated with not meeting class size. I believe
those have been repealed. Um, so there's been some pretty significant changes through the years. Uh and that being said, you know, we are in a statewide uh budget uh you know, challenge right now,
but I hope that as a board we can keep this on the the front burner and as soon as we get a little bit more stable and solid on where we really are with our funding that we can look at con continuing to use the funding referendum
dollars for one of those intentions. And there are several. This is just one of them. Um, but I also understand that that referendum is is finite. You know, it's every four years and and thank goodness to all of the voters, including the voters sitting up here, that it has
has passed three times in a row. But that's not a given. But it just kind of goes to to show us as a community that there is a lot of needs and not enough money um for everything we're trying to do to help each and every child succeed. So, I'm going to be, you know, voting
yes on this because it's the best way to navigate through for now, but I look forward to uh brighter days ahead. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Anyone else? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor
say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5. Thank you, Miss Morant. May I have a motion to approve professional services selection recommendation for architectural design services for continuing contracts fiscal year 2025 to 2026.
May I have a motion? Motion to approve. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. James. Um, thank you, Reverend Cummings. Dr. Brewer, I'll turn it to you. Yes, we um we do not need to make remarks on this item, but we did pull this item in
case any board member had any questions. Miss Usher is available to answer if there were any questions. All right. Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Board. Any questions or concerns on this item, comments? Okay, that's what we thought. All right, that's what we were hoping
for. All right, thank you so much. Um, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5. Um, moving on to discussion pulled agenda items. May I have a motion to approve the annual pre-qualification of contractors, general and building
contractors for 2025 2026? May I have a motion? Thank you, Reverend Cummings. I have a second. Second. Thank you, Dr. James. Dr. Campbell, I see that you've pulled this item. Would you like to have further discussion? Yes, ma'am. You're
recusing myself from this vote. Okay. Any other discussion? Okay. Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? No. Oh, okay. One
oppose. So, we have a three. I'm sorry. Is that an abstension? No, that was that was board member Thrower. That was an A from you. Okay. Thank you. Okay. So, we have a three, a one, one. So, three for approval, one for recusal, and
one denial. Okay. Do we need any more information on that? That's it. Okay. Thank you. Okay. May I have a motion to approve the guaranteed maximum price for the playground shade structure replacement at Hillrest School project 21-116?
May I have a motion? Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Thank you, Dr. James. Miss Thrower, I see that you've um pulled this item. Would you like to have further discussion? Yes. Yes. I look forward to getting more information on this. Um, first of all, the it was certainly the price tag that caught my
attention initially and then also I'd just like to get some more information and overview of the timeline and also um any necessary plans for reinstalling or replacing if needed the expensive um therapy equipment that is located on
this. Uh it is it's truly not a playground, but I'll hand it over to Miss All right. Good evening, Miss Asher. I thought you escaped, but you didn't get to escape. So, welcome. Good evening, um, Madame Chair, board members. Yes, it is the
GMP, the guaranteed maximum price for the shade structure at Hillrest. This structure was destroyed in 2024 by Hurricane Helen Helen. Um, it is the shade structure that goes over the growth motor and sensory stimulation
area. We got a GMP of 30 um 323,000 but we continue to work with the contractor to find ways to decrease this amount we can do in sales tax savings um in trying to through design and already
I've been talking to the contractor today and I will we um and the plan is to give us a credit back of 50,000 by using the same foundation footings the canopy might have to be a bit larger but it will allow us to save like 50,000
and we will continue to look at ways to improve it. For more technical detail, if anybody needs the contractor representative is here um tonight, Mr. Howard. Um the timeline is to have this project ready for the school year and so
it's a quick project. It's kind of rushed. The contractor in the interim is putting up a tarp for us because the principal informed us that she has summer school going on. So, they're working on putting in something temporary for us to accommodate the students while we work on this very
important project to get it done. We will submit for hurricane reimbursement, Mr. McFaden, but I do not know what will be the result, but we will try to get back some money. Thank you. Right. Thank you, Miss Usher. Anything else? Board
member Thrower. I don't think so. And and thank you to everyone who got a tarp. Well, I don't even want to call it tarp, but some shading up quickly at the beginning of summer school and a recent storm kind of shredded that. So, it just goes to show how important it is, you
know, to to have the the the right equipment and um then pray hard that we don't have another really bad hurricane. But, uh thank you for for bringing that forward. We have a lot of expenses and and not a lot of money, but for something like this, we still want to be
mindful of the expense while providing uh what kids require from their individual education plans. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, Reverend Cummings. Um Miss Usher, thank you for um including in your report that this was um due to a hurricane and that we
would be submitting for that. Uh, we don't know when we'll get the money, if we'll get the money, because we've applied for funds from hurricane situations, and I want the community to know it's not an overnight process. Sometimes it takes years, and I do mean
years to get those funds refunded back to us. So, it's a tossup if we get it or not. But, thank you for putting that in there. Great. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Any other comments? Okay. Thank you, Miss Asher. um board. All those in favor say I. I.
I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. Mo. Moving on to um committee reports and concerns. The next school board meeting is scheduled for July 8th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. There is a school capital outlay certex oversight committee meeting
scheduled for July 9th, 2025 at 400 p.m. The next administrative briefing and work session is scheduled for July 17th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. There is an independent citizens referendum oversight committee meeting scheduled
for July 17th, 2025 at 4 p.m. With that, we'll move on to board comments. Um, Dr. Brewer. Yes. Thank you. I would like to let everyone know that we anticipate school grades being released
in the next few days. We have to have those by the end of the day, Monday, um, June 30th. So, we do anticipate being able to share that information with you all soon. We also I want to let the community know that our district office
will be closed next Thursday and Friday due to the holiday, but we will be open Monday through Wednesday of next week. And I'd like to recognize two um people that I know Mr. Christian has already shared some media releases, but I'd like to congratulate Dr. Campbell. who was
sworn in as the president-elect of the Florida School Board Association last week and will be and will assume presidency the next July. So, we are proud that she will represent Marian County Public Schools. Also, I'd like to
recognize um our public education foundation executive director Megan Magamal was recognized as the inaugural winner of a unbridled spirit award. and how the how the director explained it today. We were in a meeting and she shared that this is for someone that
continues to put on a great face and continues to do the hard work even when the foundation might be dealing with struggles or challenges with budget cuts or any other funding concerns. So, we're proud that she represents us as the
public education foundation. That's all my comments, Chair Conrad. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Miss Martinez Young. No, Madam Chair. Thank you. Thank you, Attorney Powers. Yes, ma'am. Um, I need to seek the board's guidance on something. We have received uh additional information regarding the
sale of the warehouse. Um, I wanted to give you a review of where we have been in this process. Uh, the history begins back in November 7th when we had a work session. Uh, then November 12th, we have a board meeting. November 21st, we had another special board meeting on the
topic. Um, December 10th, we had another board meeting. And throughout all of these, we were discussing our plans and discussing also how to list it and how we would move forward. On March 25th, uh we had a board meeting uh in which we
accepted uh an offer from one Remington the buyer for 2024 or sorry for 2.4 million. Um at that time they also requested a due diligence extension to May 28th.
Uh then we had a meeting on May 27th, a board meeting uh in which there was a second amendment given an attempt to renegotiate from 2.4 down to 2 million. Uh then because of very delayed time and
not enough public notice, we had a June 10th meeting. Uh June 10th, we had a board meeting in which we discussed it and came up with a third amendment to discuss and extend to June 30th. So we accepted the uh reduced offer uh on
advice of councel and outside council um and discussion of the board and at that point extended it through to June 30th. We have received uh communication from the attorney for one roommington who indicates now that um they failed to
order a survey and as a result um they will not be able to close on the 30th. they instead requested they get another 30 days for to complete their due diligence period. I indicated this was unacceptable, that the board had already been through enough um and that we wish
to move forward. Um I specifically within our amendments had included provisions including a hard um deposit which meant that uh they would be on the hook for $100,000 uh deposit uh if they did not close on the 30th as promised.
that is incorporated within the third amendment. They have now requested a fourth amendment because of the survey and have asked that if we can't do it for um the 30th that they be extended a fourth amendment which would allow it to close on July 11th. They have a surveyor
they are actively working on to complete the due diligence that they need in order to finalize what they need for registration of the documents with the uh with the tax collector. So um they would now request that we extend not for
another 30 days but we extend for 11 days beyond the planned closing on the 30th which was Friday. They were going to engage in the in the um uh sorry they were going to close on Friday. 30th would be Sunday or Monday. So they would
like for 11 days beyond that to complete. Now, given the fact that this has gone through so many iterations, I've been through this up, down, left, and right. The board has right along with me. Um, I believed it was appropriate not for me to make that decision to that, well, another 11 days
isn't going to hurt anything. Uh, or frankly, at this point, given the way things are, I can't really tell what the plans may be because each time we've g been given a little bit different information. Um, not casting aspersions on anyone. simply want to say that I
can't predict what actually happens for the next couple of weeks. When we get to the 11th, if there's a survey, what happens then? All I can tell you is that because of our herd our our hard deposit at this point, we're covered as to
$100,000. If uh the deposit if they don't close at the time we say um then that's that's a deposit that that we get. Now we also of course have the competing interest that we want the closure of the property to happen. We
want that to be something that is smooth and it is not been a exactly smooth process from here. What I can say is that our options are these. We can assure the buyer that we are ready, willing, and able to close on June 30th. We can present them with the
signed copies of the closing documents that have already been executed. If they fail to close on June 30th, they'd be in default of the contract. And at that point, the school board could either sign a fourth amendment, which would extend out to a July 11th closing.
Um, that would require that the board give um cons give consensus for Miss Conrad to sign that fourth amendment as discussed. Then we wouldn't have to place it on a board meeting agenda if we did it that way. Um, otherwise, we can
demand the cure buyer cure their defect by closing under the terms. Uh we can also simply reject the offer and say at that point if they don't close under those terms then you know we take the deposit and and we retain the property relist later you know review our
decisions as to how we do that. Um it is difficult to give the board a consistent um evaluation of what my recommendation would be because each time these things have happened there's been a little bit different information that I'm not privy to as to where they are in the process.
I can tell you it's very disappointing that we get to the point where we're literally about to close after we've extended this a number of times and run into the fact that a survey wasn't ordered despite the fact that we've extended due diligence. However, is it worth another 11 days to just make it
all done? It may well be. So, um those are factors that I believe I don't want to invade the province of the board to make that decision. So, I wanted to bring it to your attention. If the board chooses to allow that to give consensus for us to sign that fourth amendment,
I'll do so. I'll have it executed and we'll be done with it before the board meets again. Uh, on the other hand, uh, if the board chooses to um say that they're just want to retain the deposit and force them to close on the 30th, then I will so order that.
But I needed to have the board at least have some discussion about it. Um I don't want to come down hard in one direction or the other, but I do believe that uh we've I've made my point quite known to the attorney for the for one Remington
that this needs to have it it shouldn't have gotten where it is and that we weren't going to give another 30-day extension. Realistically, they indicate they can do it uh by the 11th. I can't promise you that we get there and we don't have
another request because that's already happened twice. But that's the history and I just want to give the board the opportunity uh during my comment period to discuss. I would obviously have made it a agenda item and brought it up, but there was very little notice that I had
for this. So, right. Thank you. Um board go ahead, Dr. James. I just have a clarifying question. Legally, can they close without a survey? Yes, they can. However, it makes things more difficult for them because without the survey, they can't record the document at the same time that they're that they're
doing it. So, it would be unwise of them to do so. And I would, if I were their attorney, I would say that's not a good thing to do. You really need to hurry up on the survey as quickly as you can. That may be exactly why we are where we are. Uh, a survey should have been
ordered. the due diligence period was certainly long enough. Somebody dropped the ball. Um that being said, in working with a business partner, I do wish to try to accommodate those factors. It's just we've had a number of accommodations and we also have had a
we've even accommodated a a significant drop in the in the offer. So, okay. Yeah. So, to to close my comments, um, in reflecting back, the second highest offer we have ever gotten on
this was 1.4 from a local person, and we rejected that because it was not within the appraisal range, which was our reason publicly. And so, at this point, I think I I do believe we should give them the 11 days and get this across the
finish line because we are not going to get better than this. that was evident by the offers we received. And um I I it's incredibly frustrating. I totally agree. I think maybe we've picked up some lessons learned collectively as we enter into other property sales, but I
um don't want to throw the baby out with a bathwater just yet, and I would like to personally um give them the 11 days. That's their time to do the survey uh and and we get it done. So those are my comments. Thank you, Dr. James. Dr. Camel,
where do you stand? Um, so I I'm standing in the position of grace a bit and and here's the justification in my thought process. I I was just about to see if this is their first dealing in the state of
Florida. So they that's what I was just about to pull up and and see. Uh, I understand there are in in the conversation we just had last Thursday about potential development occurring from Texas to Florida. We know there are differences in laws there and and all of
those things. And so I I I want to offer a little bit of grace if this is their first business venture in the state of Florida coming out of New York. There could be some thoughts on that. Also, this may be the first time they've ever purchased a piece of government land. And so I could see the value in having a
survey because all of a sudden you're going to the tax collector's roles because you're a business entity as opposed to it always being government. So I I see all of those reasons. I don't like it and and I think that we can chalk it up to lessons learned of of
things that we need to ensure on our side if we do have an out of town purchaser of anything in the future almost that we have a checklist that we're like by the way do you guys know what you're doing on all of these
things. Uh and I that would just it's kind of overkill but we've seen the challenges that we're experiencing with this particular sale. I'm grateful that we do have $100,000 that is non-refundable. So, we know that we're at least uh that they're on the hook for
something. 11 days is 11 days. We do have a Independence Day holiday in the middle of all of that. And so, uh the week of June 30th is already a challenging week. So, I can respect that getting something done in a very short
period of time when someone dropped the ball. uh doing it during the holiday week is a presenting even more of a challenge. So that's my rationale for saying grace for another 11 days, but after that no more.
I I July 11th will be the end of the straw for board member Campbell. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Board member Thrower. Um yeah, Fisher Cup bait is where I'm at.
And if we're going to agree to extend this out another 11 days, then I would like to see something in writing that says that they will have that completed, there will be no further negotiation on price. And if they don't close, then
they're out there 100 grand. And like I've said from the beginning, you know, that building is probably about as depreciated as it's going to get without it just falling inwards. And the land ain't going anywhere. So, those are my thoughts. Thank you, Reverend Cummings.
My my initial um thoughts were that this is a a company that does this for business and that they this is not their first rodeo. Um and that um they know the procedures, the the things needed to
purchase property, whether it's in Florida, Texas, or wherever. It came out of New York. and um a little bit of research on that company. This is not definitely not their first purchase of land. Um I do think um it's a learning lesson for us as a board that do we do we need to
put some um something together, a trans a checklist or something so that we are not the ones that are continuing to to um accommodate these types of situations. I um I can understand I I
don't even want to call it grace. I don't even call it grace. That's too kind to call it grace to be honest with you. Um we're just giving them the 11 days. And um but I this board member from this seat would not be willing to go to a fifth amendment or a sixth
amendment. um if they're not ready to um I can't say what I want to say because there's there's there's there's a there's a saying that that that says you either do what you need to do or get off the pot. I think y'all understand that very well and they need to do what they
need to do or get off the pot. So, um that's where I'm at with this so we can get to the to the 11th and I I am in agreeance. I stand right where the rest our fellow board members are. um feel very frustrated and we've worked very hard to get to this point. Um but 11
more days. We'll give you 11 more days. And I think we need to um give the chair the uh leeway to do what she needs to do. Oh, I I thought he was going to say a bonus for going down there 14 times. No, ma'am. The the leeway to do what she needs to do without bringing it back to
us. Right. And uh and I will say that I don't think there needs to be language indicating that we're not going to that we've already I've put language in there already indicating that the $100,000 um deposit is is non-refundable that
they're aware of that. It's already in escrow. I mean uh our outside council has that and is retaining it. Um at that point if they don't close by that date, whatever happens come heck or high water, they're they're stuck. So, um that's the date that they that that
we've um gotten. We've drafted a um just in anticipation drafted a fourth amendment that extends it for that 11-day duration and then from there if if it doesn't happen then then it's rejected essentially at that
point we're done. Okay. Yes. Board member Thrower. Thank you. Then I think the reason the only reason why we've hung in there this long is because it was a really good offer. Well, that offer then got less good. And
and my concern is is that if we don't make it very clear that this is the end and that's it. So is that something we need to put in writing that we will agree to
the July 11th closing date? But it's I'll make it clear. I'll make it clear to council for one Remington um that and I'll make it clear through through uh John and Alex as well that these are there's not going to be an additional negotiation. Um however, if they come
back and say, "Well, we found something on the survey. We want to alter the price." I will tell them that's not that is an extremely unlikely occurrence and I don't want to bring it back to the board. But I will make sure that I reflect to the board to reflect to my client whatever it is that they might
say. But they I will make very sure that they are aware that this is the grace that's being extended and that is simply to close. That's all. Thank you. And and here is my thought because I dabble in real estate. A survey basic
come on. We extended the due diligence period by a lot. That's all. Well, and if I can, Chair, what I uh Attorney Paris, what I hear the board, I think, all agreeing to is this is our best and final. We're done.
Don't bring it back to us. We're either going to close by the 11th or we're going to get $100,000 and we're going to button it up. And so, I guess chair I'm taking the liberty is the whole board in consensus that this is our best and final and we're ready to close the chapter because I can agree to that. I hear I hear Miss Thrower saying that. I
hear Reverend Cummings saying that. So I think certainty gives me the plausibility of not having to bring it back to you. Correct. So I think that's what I hear you looking for. I can say that this is our best and final. Maybe the only way I would agree. Absolutely. I I could save this for another time,
but I just find it interesting and the research I'm doing. This isn't their first time they've asked a governmental entity for an extension, right? Um they continue to do this in New York even. I I can't see that they've done it in Florida. I can't see that they've had purchases in the state, but this kind of
seems to be modus operendi. So, I think that we Yeah, this is our best and final. Give it till July 11th and done deal. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Attorney Powers, anything else you need to share with us? If there is, I it has escaped my mind at the moment.
So, I think uh I I don't have anything else right now. Thank you very much. All right. Thank you, Dr. James. Thank you. Um, just real quick, I don't have much. Um, I had brought up regarding our FSBA membership, specifically my my membership in that professional organization at in my comments on
Thursday, I believe. Um, so I just wanted to kind of summarize where we were as a board and what my request was. I didn't know if there was anything else formal needed from me. Um, I got an updated invoice from Miss Martinez, uh, Young with my name removed. So, I just
wanted to make sure there was nothing else needed from me from the board. Um, and other than that, I'm good to go. No com no further comments. All right. Thank you, Dr. James. Reverend Cummings. No comments tonight. All right. Thank you. Uh, board member Thrower. Thank
you. Um, yes, just a couple of things. Um, first of all, I believe this is our last meeting before we celebrate Independence Day. So hopefully everyone is really going to have a joyful time uh celebrating uh a very important holiday and I look forward to doing the same. Um
tonight on the consent agenda, I believe it was 11.3 uh we voted and approved a project lead the way which is uh CTE career and technical education. It's something very near and dear to my heart. I love seeing the the downreach into middle and even into elementary
school. This particular $150,000 item is to really help that bridge from middle to high school. So, I could not be more excited for the continuing emphasis on career and technical education. You know, the two are not mutually exclusive. You're not either collegebound or trade school bound.
There's so many ways to blend those if if a student and family chooses to and not have it uh break your own personal bank. So, I was just really excited to to see that on there. Um, we did have a presentation this week from at our work
session from Upward Communities. I think that it's always important when there's an opportunity with uh to look at opport look at ways to stabilize our workforce. You know, uh 17% turnover was quoted. Um, I think that the community really
needs uh more information on how this is would potentially be structured and what our lack of financial involvement in this and lack of being a landlord um really is because certainly as as I
think we all said at the work session, if we could just increase everybody's pay 20%. You know, that would have been done a long time ago. So this is looking for creative ways in the times that we are in with the challenges to public education to try to provide
opportunities for employees to make it more affordable literally to remain working in public education no matter what. You know, this isn't just for teachers. Um, so I just think that as we move forward with this, if we decide to ultimately it's going to be important to
really explain to the community uh what it means and and what it doesn't mean. And I was serious. I fully intend to be uh visiting Hayes County, Texas on my own dime in the future and watching the development of that and getting a chance to, you know, be boots on the ground and
see it. It's an interest of mine anyway. It's a Texas is a big state. It's like a country. So, it's further from my sister in Dallas than I thought, but that's okay. It's a car drive away. Um, I was also glad to see the Marian Charter School uh contract renewed. They've been
such a great partner of ours uh through the years. So, congratulations um to them. And uh as far as the uh FSBA membership goes, uh after a conversation with Andrea Msina, the
Is she present? Yes. CEO. I knew it wasn't president. That's going to be you um CEO that I was reflecting back that we have had board members in the past that haven't participated and and we've been able to adjust the cost accordingly. So I continue to think that
it's uh valuable and I think this board has done a great job adjusting uh you know some of us have just driven down for the day if some of us have stayed longer because they're in leadership positions. Uh, so I feel really good about the return on investment that FSBA
gives us and that's all I have. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Dr. Campbell, thank you. Uh, I wanted to start this evening by saying thoughts and prayers are with the North Marian students family um who tragically lost his life over the weekend. Um, that just
makes me want to say students, please be careful. Please be careful in the summer. Um there was another student uh that wasn't a Marian County public school student, but another student in Central Florida that also lost their life um recently. And there's there's
just a lot of opportunity for um accidents to happen. And so just please be careful especially as we head into the holiday weekend this next week uh celebrating Independence Day. Also wanted to note uh tonight in the
consent agenda we also approved a special data share agreement with United Way of Marian County for their reading pals program. Thank you, Jan, for being in the audience this evening. Uh, as I've I've seen you. Reading pals program is a fabulous program operating in our elementary schools through volunteers
through the United Way. And um just super grateful for the u the opportunities that they have to be in our classrooms, but also for the impact it has on literacy for our youngest learners. So, thank you and thank you board for approving that this evening.
Um, the last two items I have and chair, it's probably on your list because I talked about it on Thursday, but we do need to uh choose an advocacy liaison representative for the Florida Schoolboards Association. Um, so it will have to be out of the members of FSBA
certainly. Um, and then also the certified schoolboard member status is only eligible for members of FSBA. So, I know you just received that, but um potentially that since you indicated you're no longer going to be a member, I I think that'll be something that um you
won't be able to to carry on with you. Uh but the last thing that I wanted to also mention is uh July 8th meeting. I will be participating telephonically. So, I'll make sure I work with Mr. Christian and his team on that particular board meeting date. Um but I
intend to be here, but not be here. So wanted to make that public notice available. So that concludes my comments. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Um board, we'll start with um going into Dr. Campbell's comments. We do need a representative
for the advoc advocacy um committee. So I that would have to be Reverend Cummings or board member Thrower. And we'll have to have a member and an alternate. One of you be the member and one of you be the alternate. So um I I don't know. So, I open that up for um
any discussion or Okay. Um board member Cummings, what would be your fancy? I think it's probably the the two of us, although Chair Conrad are, what's your thought? Um on the advocacy committee? Yes. Um, I think you two have got to
weigh in on what position you want to take so we can we can submit that because it is due by uh let's see the end of the month because you kick off in the beginning of August correct that committee starts in the beginning of August right I wasn't sure if you were
you know I know you have your hands full being I do yes um and I I am also going to take just a year's leave um from FSBA while we're while we're doing some budget that was in discussion last Thursday. Um I do think it's valuable.
Um I just think as we're each department is cutting. I I think it's my responsibility to do some cutting too. So um I just I need to make sure we've got that covered if you all are able to do it. Reverend Cummings nodded his head. So would you like to serve on the advocate?
That's fine. Okay. Reverend Cummings and you will be the alternate. Yes. Okay. Dr. Campbell, we're all set on that. All right. Thank you, board. That was fairly easy. Um I most of my fellow board members have covered a lot of what I wanted to um just mention this evening.
So I'll just hit the few that are left. One I want to say a thank you ahead of time. Our warehouse team is doing some moving tomorrow and so it's a lot of work and it's hot outside. So I just want to say thank you um to the warehouse team as they do some movement
tomorrow getting everybody where they need to be in their new placement. And so just wanted to give them a shout out um for for that. Um I also wanted to do a a plug for the public ed foundation. Um we did have a strategic planning session um this morning and they too as
Dr. Brewer mentioned are facing some uh funding challenges. So, if you um are interested in doing a payroll deduction, um I know that uh all of you know we're talking about how well and how much the
public edition serves um not just the students of Marian counties, but the the staff uh and the district as a whole. So, if that's something that you've thought about and just haven't signed up to do it, I just wanted to provide a little encouragement. Um I I really
value the the work that they do um each and every day uh for for our district. So just a plug for that. Um Dr. Brewer, I was just wondering in the near future if we could get a summer school update. I think it's going to be
winding up soon. Yes. So how? Yes, we have one scheduled um at the beginning of August. Perfect. All right. Thank you very much. Um and then I did want to say uh we were able to celebrate a graduation at Acceleration Academy. Um
and it was really special and again it reminded I know I said it earlier today. Um we serve every student and we do our best to serve every student. Um and it was a great reminder of the challenges.
um the a young lady gave a speech uh opening up um the beginning of graduation and she reminded me personally that there are challenges our students face that as an adult I have not had to face and so just really
grateful for the work that is done. I believe we had 32 or 34 graduates um at the acceleration academy. just um wanted to say thank you um for the work because we were there to celebrate um and be part of the ceremony, but the work that
happens every day is hard. You know, working to help all of those kids um get what they need to to succeed. And then lastly, uh last the end of last week, we participated in a um internet expansion celebration um with Spectrum and it it
was great. We're super excited. Uh, you know, we were talking about how much school has changed since particularly I was in school. And so, you know, if the internet's down or you don't have a good connection, how that really hinders the work that goes on every day um at school. And so, we're just really to
glad to be included and be a part um of that celebration because it is impactful for our students um in our schools and our teachers, everyone. So, just really glad to be um included in that board. With that, um, that concludes my
comments and if there's no further business, we will go into recess at 7:20 for an off-air item. Thank you. [Music]