[Music] Good evening and welcome. The September 23rd, 2025 meeting of the Marian County School Board is called to order. 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, Dr. Campbell. Would you please read our board commitment statement? >> With pleasure, chair. Thank you. 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. To work well together, we must demonstrate respect, confront reality, and be accountable. We will
always put students first. We will leave a legacy of success. Thank you. For the courtesy of those listening to the meeting, I am requesting everyone in the audience to please turn off their electronic devices or place 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 five 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 that is 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 no later than 5:40 p.m. The procedures applicable for each are on a separate sheet. Good evening, Miss Martinez Young. Would you please call roll? >> Good evening, Madam Chair. Dr. Allison
Campbell, District 1, >> here. >> Mrs. Lorie Conrad, District 2, >> here. >> Mr. Eric Cummings, District 3. Mrs. Mrs. Nancy Thrower, District 4, >> here. >> Dr. Sarah James, District 5, >> here. >> Luke Lombardo, Westport High School, >> here. >> Julia Slaughter, Vanguard High School, >> here.
>> Mr. Ben White House, deputy superintendent >> here. >> Mr. Jeremy Power, school board attorney. >> Thank you, Miss Martinez Young. Good evening, Mr. White House. Will you share with us who's going to give the inspiration and pled this pledge this evening? >> Thank you, chair. Happy to do so. Uh
while Miss Connor is coming up to the stand, our executive director of K12 academics, we have two very special guests from Reic Coller Elementary here to share a special treat with us tonight. So, we're excited to have them. Thank you, Miss Connor. >> Thank you, Mr. White House. Good evening, board chair and school board
members. Mrs. Beck, our director for early learning, is also here, but she's without a voice, so I'm happy to step in for her. It's my pleasure to share with you this evening to introduce Miss Nicole Lambert to the podium. Miss Lambert along with her paraprofessional Terry Crawford have worked together for
21 years at Reddit Collier Elementary. Together they make great things happen for voluntary prek students every day. I'm proud to share that Miss Lambert's VPK class from the 2025 school year earned the highest performance metric
score among all participating public schools across the state of Florida. This remarkable achievement is a testament not only to Miss Lambert's dedication and skill, but also to the commitment of VPK educators throughout our district. Together, she and her pair
of professional represent the hard work and excellence of all of our VPK classrooms. Please join me in welcoming Miss Nicole Lambert. [Applause] Thank you so much, Mrs. Connor. Good
evening, Mr. White House School Board Chair and School Board members. Thank you so much for having me. For the last 21 years, I've had the privilege of working alongside my incredible par profofessional Terry Crawford at Reic Collier Elementary School and everything
we've accomplished in VPK has always been a true collaborative effort. We are so beyond proud of our former VPK students. Last year, those young scholars wrote a book entitled, "Be the star you are," which is our classroom
motto. And these students truly lived it every day. Their story celebrates courage, hope, and perseverance that even when faced with our most challenging days, we can reach for our dreams, learn from our mistakes, rise
stronger after every fall, and keep moving forward. Its message is universal. Believe in yourself, stay resilient, and keep on climbing. I'd love for you to hear their voices and listen to their story on how you can be
the star you are. And I hope their words inspire you as much as they have inspired us. Be the star you are. >> Written and illustrated by RCEVPK. >> Dedicated to all of us. There are always
be one person who might not believe in you. Let that person never be you. I'll shine with a light that's bold and
bright. and reach for my dreams with all my might. [Music] I will call with my head and with my heart because every small effort
is a powerful thought. I'll believe in my journey and I'll believe in my spark. Even when my days feel heavy
or dark. Mistakes are the stepping stones under my feet. Each one is a lesson. Each one a beat. I will dream of great mountains, oceans
and skies. I decor like the star >> that dance in my eyes. I will work through the struggle, the stumble, the fall. I know the climb is for it. I'll be
stronger through it all. I keep asking questions and learning each day. My courage, my voice
will show me the way. I won't fear the hard work that lies ahead. I want to go far and I know each step you take shapes the star
you are. I am a wonder, a dreamer, and a flame. A story of hope and promise with a beautiful name. I'll stand tall, shine proud, let
nothing get in my way. I'll be so brave and kind and I will light the way. I'll keep reaching,
keep rising. I will set the bar so far. I will always remember and say to myself, be the star you are. Let's give all our shining stars a great
big hand. And what brilliant stars they all truly are. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and one republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Well, that was a wonderful way to start our meeting. Um, at this time, Mr. White House, you have some special recognitions for us. >> Thank you, Chair. Yes, if you'll look
out in the audience, we have a lot of incredible students here that we'd like to recognize and some hardworking staff members as well. So, we'll start off this this evening with Miss Kathy Audi, our coordinator for career and technical education to recognize some of our students that made it to nationals this year. >> Thank you, Mr. White House. Good evening, board chair and school board
members. Tonight, I'm excited to recognize some of our students who competed at career and technical events this summer, all at the national and international level. So, we have FBLA, HOSA, and some Skills USA students here for you. I'm going to start with the FBLA, the Future Business Leaders of
America competition. They were in Anaheim, California this summer. From Vanguard High School, we have Michael Rebe who placed seventh in introduction to business communications competition. [Applause] And I'm not sure if he made it here
tonight, but we also have Rasheed Shaw, who competed in website design. [Applause] Perfect. Next, I'd like to recognize our students who competed at the International Health Care Professionals Competition. From Belleview High School, we have Kylie Dexter Ward, who placed
eighth in life support life support skills. [Applause] Jessica Avalos who placed fifth in speaking skills and received the Barbara James Service Award. [Applause]
Jonathan Reyes who placed eighth in CPR first aid and their adviser Miss Sarah Glisten is here with us tonight as well [Applause] representing Belleview Middle for HOSA tonight. We have Sophia L and Rashny
Vishnarra Vishnagara who placed third in the health career display competition. And we also have Sophia Rosario who placed third in prepared public speaking and their adviser Miss Huggins. [Applause]
Representing Westport High Hosa, we have Alejandra Kaban who competed in mental health promotion. [Applause] We also have some students here tonight representing Howard Middle Hosa. They are now all currently Vanguard students.
We have Isam Patel who received ninth place in health career exploration [Applause] and VJ Singh who received 10th place in extemporariness poster. [Applause] Um representing Vanguard High School
HOSA we have Aini Chuku who competed in behavioral health. [Applause] Hi Marshall who competed in respiratory therapy. And to close out the HOSA recognition
for us, we have Gabrielle Javalona who received first place at the international competition in dental. Moving on to our Skills USA students. Um they competed this summer at the national skills competition in Atlanta. From Belleview High, we have Isaac
Hilderbrand who competed in additive manufacturing. [Applause] Sharon Balisterios and Isabella Luceric who competed in robotic robotics automation technology.
Mason Sudall, Steven Kasari, and Mason Larkin who competed in automated manufacturing technology. [Applause] Lily Congleton who competed in electronics technology and their advisor Dale Tony.
And to close out our last Skills USA recognition is from Marian Technical College. We have Miss Beverly Rose who received a gold medal in job interview skills and her adviser Donald Ray. [Applause] We're so proud of all of these students
and their accomplishments. [Applause] >> Wow. I just have to say I am speech speechless. the amount and the variety of awards and accolades um that you all have achieved is just remarkable. So, if
you wouldn't mind holding on just a second, the board wants to come down and celebrate your accomplishments with you. All right. Oh, yes. Principles, will you please join us? >> And very quickly, I missed Jason Wler
who also competed at the Skills USA competition. Yeah. All the people on the back row. Everybody's gonna look this way. >> Here we go. Couple more. Look this way. Stay right where you are.
Look up on the stage. >> Look up this direction. >> We can see faces. >> And here we go. >> Great. Thank you. >> Yep. Face out, please. [Applause]
Just keeping on [Applause] It's also hot in here. >> Three more times. >> Those are not the easiest steps either. [Music]
Madam chair. >> Yes, sir. What's that? >> Mti. Um, Mr. White House is ready. He's um We've got >> something else and then MTI. MTS next after that. >> All right. Next up, if we can have Miss
Swanisha Morant, our executive director of human resources, come forward. We are going to recognize some of our staff that pulled off a monumental task over the last few months. >> Thank you and good evening, Deputy Superintendent White House, Chair
Conrad, and board members. Tonight I am excited to celebrate some of our outstanding human resources team members. Before I begin though, I would like to take a brief moment of personal privilege to date thank Dr. Brewer and Mr. White House for their support in
allowing and encouraging us to recognize our operations staff for the vital work that they do to ensure every student success. We are truly one team, one mission. In 2023, Florida statute 1012.315
was amended to state that beginning in 2025, the Agency for Healthcare Administration or AA shall determine the eligibility of employees. While the transition to the clearing house brought many important benefits such as greater efficiency, the ability for multiple
agencies to share background checked information, and real time updates on criminal records. It was not without its challenges. The human resources department, specifically our professional practices and employment services depart divisions had to quickly
ensure had to act quickly, excuse me, to ensure the new process was in place within just weeks for new hires. At the same time, many current employees with approaching expiration dates needed to be refing on a very short timeline.
Thanks to the dedication of these two divisions under the leadership of Mr. Brent Carson and Mr. Chris Carile. The district met the stateisssued deadline for new hires and successfully re refringered more than 1,400 current employees in
less than two months. To minimize disruption, staff traveled to school sites to complete the process. The remaining 5,000 current employees are scheduled to be refing by the end of this fiscal year. I am deeply grateful
to this team for coming together to complete this critical um work all while continuing to deliver the professionalism and customer service that our employees and applicants expect. At this time, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Brent Carson, director
of professional practices, and Mr. Chris Carile, supervisor of employment services to recognize the team members who made this transition a success. Good evening board. I do have the pleasure of introducing the folks from the professional practices department
that made the work happen as far as our current employees. Um they printed over 1,400 people and as of now we've been out to more than 20 different schools to capture the other 5,000 people. So we are well on our way. So I would like to introduce these folks and I will start
with our clerk typist Jamaa Curtis. [Applause] Our clerk specialist, Shayla Higgins, [Applause] our confidential secretary, Laura Halcom,
[Applause] our special investigator, Dr. Gwen Lindsay [Applause] and our special investigator Tyson Collins. Now, while I I will invite Mr. Carile.
Good evening. I have the honor working with an incredible team in ESD. Uh several of them are here tonight. Terresa Brady, personnel specialist, uh, personnel specialist. Lorie Burton,
[Applause] personnel specialist. Annabelle Garcia, [Applause] personnel specialist. Hannah Estuski, Assistant Records Manager, Cheryl McCall, [Applause] Clerk Specialist, Patrick Menavar,
Campos, [Applause] Clerk Specialist Sharon Santini, and a quick note about Miss Santini. She was a clerk specialist with us over the summer helping with this roll out, but she is now an art teacher at Liberty
Middle School. >> Really excited. >> And confidential secretary, Christine Ventura, [Applause] and our director of employee relations,
Dana Gary. [Applause] So these are this really represents some of our staff because all of our employment services division, all of our professional practices and everyone else
in human resources definitely contributed to this work. So we just wanted to give another thank you for the work that is done with the team and by the team behind the scenes to ensure that every student succeeds. We are truly one team, one mission.
[Applause] Morant, I just um if your team would turn around and face it this way for just a second. Um I just feel this is a really special moment. Um one, I love one team, one mission, and that you all are coordinated in blue. I can I can
feel the vibe. um we don't always get the opportunity as a as board members to recognize the people that are doing the daytoday work. And so I just want to tell you thank you. Um I'm listening to those numbers. I know that's a
challenge. I've been in your office. I'm like, "Oh, that's a lot a lot of work that you all have done, you've completed, and that you still have to go." So thank you for the work that you do, and we'd like to come down and celebrate with you. like it that way
back. Let me take you out of the bathroom. >> Uh, let's see. Here. Let's just do this. We'll just make it easy. Everybody face this direction. [Applause] Thank you. Okay, our next recognition this evening,
um, as you all know on our consent agenda tonight, we have the renaming of Maran Technical Institute. And so we would like to take this opportunity to recognize that team. So I'll ask Mr. Chad Frasier, our area superintendent for region two over Maran Technical Institute to come forward, please.
>> Thank you, Mr. White House. Good evening, board chair and board members. It is my honor to introduce the naming committee for Marian Technical Institute. This group has worked diligently to bring forward recommendation for the school's renaming and I want to thank them for their time
and thoughtful service. The committee members are as follows. Ronald Jones. [Applause] >> Marlene Lopes. >> Katherine Hall. >> Come on down. >> Come on down.
>> Eric Howard. >> Laura Wright. Dana Marcato, [Applause] Ajan Mills, Sabrina Thrower, Edward Nonz, and James Pew.
[Applause] We are grateful for their commitment and the important work they have done to ensure this process reflects the values of our schools and our community. Okay, Mr. Jones, we're so excited about
your your team spirit, too. So, um, you already have a logo, you've got shirts, there's signs in the audience. We're just so excited um about this new
step um in Bridgeway, educating our our young people with um that need some extra love and care and and we are thankful that you all have stepped into that space to do it. So, with that, we'd like to come down and celebrate this
with you. So, hold on just one minute. >> Yeah, he's getting Everybody take three steps to your left. Get you away from that TV screen. together. I really got it. Great job.
[Applause] Okay, chair. This is our last one of the evening and this is a very special one that we would like to recognize some amazing teachers from Shady Hill that stepped up when when the need was there. And so we'd like to ask Miss Kard, our area superintendent for region 3 to
please come up and introduce our guests. >> Thank you, Mr. White House. Good evening, board chair and school board members. Tonight, we have the privilege of honoring the fast and swift response time of two amazing teachers and their amazing health clinic assistant at Shady Hill Elementary School. I would like to
thank each of them for going above and beyond and putting the needs of their students above all else. I would now like to introduce Dr. Streer McAllister, principal at Shady Hill to share about the heroic actions of these incredible educators. Thank you.
First of all, I'd like to say as the principal of Shady Hill Elementary, I am super proud of these individuals. Um, one team we are definitely that. And I would now like to introduce you to that team. Miss Esther Rodriguez, first grade teacher.
[Applause] Miss Francis Lopez, first grade teacher. [Applause] and Miss Maraca Johnson, our health clinic assistant. [Applause]
On September 12th, there was an incident in the classroom nearing the end of the day and these ladies stepped into bravery. They reacted quickly to ensure that this student was safe and sound. And her mother and the student are here
tonight, Mrs. Rodriguez and she submitted a letter to um board member Thrower and so right now she'd like to come and read that letter for everyone to hear. Miss Rodriguez and Miss Anelise.
Good evening board members. First and foremost, I want to thank God for his protection over my daughter during the recent incident. Just like Dr. Mallister said on September 12th, I received a phone call that my daughter was choking and they had to perform the Heimlick
maneuver on her. And I just thank God that she is here with the quick action of this staff. I also want to express my deepest gratitudes to the teacher, staff, and the nurse who acted so quickly and courageously. Because of their immediate response, my daughter is
alive and well today. So often we hear and see stories of terrible things happening in schools across the country. Tragy tragedies, excuse me, that break our heart and leave parents living in fear. But tonight I stand before you grateful that in the midst of what could have been a tragedy, we witnessed
something different. We witnessed compassion, training, bravery, and love for our children. As a parent, I cannot put into words the depth of appreciation. These individuals stepped in without hesitation and their actions turned a frightening moment into a powerful reminder of what is good and
strong in our schools. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for valuing the safety of our children and for showing us that heroes are right here among us. [Applause] And I'd also like to introduce my
assistant principal, Miss Maria Cabales. Without her, I could not do what I do every day. Miss Cabales, come on up, please. So, we we do have our own hometown heroes right with us here today. And so I too am just really grateful for your
quick thinking staff um and this positive outcome. And so we want to come down and celebrate that with you just and and thank you all uh for the work that you do um and the children that you put first each and every day. So thank
you. That's okay. Here we go. One, two, three, couple more, right? pictures. It all Everybody Okay. Thank you, Mr. White House, for
those uh special recognitions. We now we have a little bit more good good news to share. We're moving on to the recognition of donations. $2,000 to mission bus brigade bus brigade from Marian County tax collector employee fund to support mission bus
brigade is providing school supplies to students in need in Marian County. So, thank you there. $1,100 to the families in transition program from
Hazim Mubaka Patel to assist in providing school supplies to students in need in Marian County and I apologize because I believe I had I struggled with that name. $1,840 to North Marian High School from OneB
Blood Incorporated to support North Marian High School's Hero One Blood scholarship program. $1,500 to Belleview Middle School from Reed Orthodontics to support Belleview Middle School's robotic club or class.
$1,500 to Belleview Middle School from Contractor Supply of Central Florida Incorporated to support Belleview Middle School's robotics club. Thank you um for all of those generous donations donations. Mr. White House, I turn it over to you.
>> Thank you, Chair. I recommend approval of the agenda for the September 23rd, 2025 school board 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 D27.1, D27.2 and D27.3 that have been placed under discussion regular agenda items and items C23.1 and C23.4 that have been completely withdrawn from the agenda.
Also C23.6 has been pulled and placed under discussion pulled agenda items. >> Thank you. May I have a motion on the superintendent's recommendation? >> So move. >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. >> That was Dr. James. >> Oh, second, too.
>> Yes. Sorry. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. Miss Martinez, would you please provide the proof of publication? The >> notice for the September 23rd, 2025 schoolboard meeting ran in the Ocala Gazette on September 12th, 2025. The
proof of publication has been attached in board docks under proof of publication. >> Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the August 12th, 2025 school board meeting? >> Motion to approve the minutes. Second. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. 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 August 14th, 2025 administrative briefing and work session? We have a motion.
>> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. 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 August 21st, 2025 administrative briefing and work session? >> Motion to approve the minutes. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell >> second. >> Uh, thank you. Thank you, Dr. James. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor say, "I." >> I.
>> Any opposed? >> Motion passes. 5. Good evening, Attorney Powers. Will you please explain the rules governing persons who wish to address the school board this evening? >> Good evening. Yes, and thank you. In compliance with section 286.0114 0114 of
Florida statutes. The school board has adopted uniform procedures for public speakers who wish to speak at this evening's meeting, either regarding one of today's agenda items or a matter relating to the operations of the school district. These procedures will ensure the public has a reasonable opportunity
to be heard on school board and school district matters. A written summary of these procedures is available from the table in the lobby. Public speaker forms are also located on the same table. The completed forms were due to the school board's clerk no later than 5:40 p.m.
This evening, speakers will be called prior to the business portion of the school board's meeting in the order of receipt by the school board clerk. Before you begin speaking, please state your full name for the record and spell your last name. Each speaker will have five minutes. However, if there are more than five persons who wish to speak, the
board may seek to consensus to limit each speaker's time to three minutes. When the speaker has one minute remaining, the speaker will receive a visual notice to complete his or her comments. Speakers may not yield their time to other people. Speakers and meeting attendees are expected to
conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Therefore, verbal attacks and profanity are strictly prohibited. The board is here to listen to your comments only. You may be directed to an administrative staff member following the conclusion of your comments for further assistance to address your
concerns. If there are matters dealing with student discipline, including expulsions, they'll be scheduled at the conclusion of the televised portion of the meeting. Parents may address the board regarding a disciplinary matter at that time. To ensure student privacy, please, only a parent or guardian may
use a student's first or last name. Identifying references to other students or their families are also prohibited. A speaker's speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the school district. Thank you for your attention to this board's
requirements. Madam Chair, that concludes my explanatory remarks. >> Thank you, Attorney Powers. Miss Martinez Young, do we have any speakers this evening? >> Yes, Madam Chair. We have two speakers. Kai Avery Jones Montalo Hello.
Good evening. Good evening everybody. Hi, I'm Kai. I'm 11 years old and I'm a cousin member. My last name spelled is M O N T A L V O.
And I want to start off with how Cut Different has helped me and the community. Cut different Different has helped with so many things like trash litter, picking up litter and helping the community in so many ways. It has not
only helped the community but me and my brothers. It has not only helped me with my benefits. It has helped me with my benefits. Um it would well I'mma skip that but um
>> it's okay. Take your time. >> Oh, cut different has helped me with my benefit benefits academically and socially. It has helped me to speak and be confident with my words. Cad different
has helped me to you know get my quietness out of my head because I always been quiet in some point of time. public speaking wasn't really my thing, but now I'm just speaking now. I just
want to be honest. I love cut different because it helps the community in so many ways possible. It has helped me in the community by it has helped me with it has helped our community with confidence,
braveness, and physical strength. I just want to say thank you to good cut different because it is really important to my life, my structure and the ways it has helped me. I just want to say thank you to cut different for helping me and
my brothers. Miss Gloria Montavo. Good evening. I'm Gloria Montalvo. That's my son, Kai. I'm a parent of a Cut Different mentee. We've been a part of the program for two years now. I'm also proud to serve this county as a 911
dispatcher. Um, I just heard about this meeting a few days ago and I thought it was important for us to show up and support a program that has impacted my life and many others in a pos in such a positive way. Um,
it's helped with structure. First off, I want to say that like I said, I've been dispatching for nine years. I've seen a lot of issues with our youth. Um, I've taken countless emergency calls. If you live in this county, then you know we've experienced some tragedies at high schools and the
tragedy the active shooter situation we had at the mall last year and the um around Christmas time. It touched my heart and it was apparent that uh it was just a negative experience in the city that I felt I felt really I took
personally. Um to see a community to come together, to see an organization step into these schools and step into the lives of the parents and adults and children that make up our society has been a very positive experience. It's something that I always thought in the
back of my head we needed. It was very apparent in 2020 during COVID that our students needed some guidance and um help with their identity. when they all went home and started doing virtual schooling, it was very apparent. I don't
think many of them were aware that we could see things they would type and erase, but we saw it and we did a very good job at um meeting them where they needed help. And it's it's takes a village and I think the more the
marrier. Um, I'm all for an organization that's going to meet you where you're at and meet these children where they're at and get in their head and teach them how to step into their identity. Um, and not fall into the curios curiosities or
misidentification or just misinformation. Um, this program helps with the way they articulate themselves, the way they process their emotions, the innovations of AI. um the universities that we're surrounded by and all their programs
that they have to offer. Um so yeah, I just wanted to say thank you to that program. Thank you to you all for hearing us out and I wanted to show support. That's all. >> Thank you. [Applause]
>> Okay. At this time, we'll have a public hearing uh for the student progression plan revisions. May I have a motion to adopt the 2025 2026 student progression plan revisions? >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. James.
>> Mr. White House. >> Thank you, Chair. The 2025 2026 student progression plan revisions will reflect the changes in legislation in order to be in compliance with section 10008.25, 25 Florida statutes and board policy 5410 to clarify language concerning
student progression in Marian County. >> Thank you. I declare a public hearing. Is there anyone present who wishes to address the 2025 2026 student progression plan revisions? Okay, seeing none, board, is there any discussion?
Okay, let's go ahead and call the vote. Um, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion passes. 50-0. Thank you. Moving on toformational items. Central
Warehouse awarded Pyramid Paper Company DBA Pyramid School Products of Tampa, Florida on bid 4102H. classroom supplies for central warehouse term contract due to tariff and manufacturing price increase.
The central warehouse awarded inro packing corporation of Montgomery, New York as the primary vendor on bid 4108F healthc care supplies for central warehouse term contract. Inner Boro Packaging Corporation informed central
warehouse staff of a manufacturer and tariff increase on August 7th, 2025. The secondary awarded vendor for these items in United Sales USA South LLC of Coral Springs, Florida, Florida, which also has a manufacturer and tariff increase.
Item 10.2, 2 price increase for bid 4108 MF healthc care supplies for central warehouse term contract. All right, with that we will move on to the consent agenda agenda. May I have a motion to approve consent agenda items C12.1
through C24.1 with the exception of items D27.1, D27.2 and D27.3 that have been placed under discussion. regular agenda items and items C23.1 and C23.4
have been completely withdrawn from the agenda. Also, C23.6 has been pulled and placed under discussion pulled agenda items. May I have a motion? >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. James. All those in favor
say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion passes 5-0. Moving on to student disciplinary matters. Before addressing expulsion matters, I wish to acknowledge that board members have received the alternative placement list for students
through August 20th, 2025. Miss Martinez Young, do are there any parents who have submitted a timely request to speak on their child's disciplinary matter? >> No, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the expulsion of student JD26-00004E
for the remainder of the 2025 2026 school year and for the first quarter of the 2026 2027 school year. May I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Dr. James. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell.
>> All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. May I have a motion to approve the expulsion of student JD26-006E with off-campus virtual learning for the remainder of the 2025 2026 school year
and the first quarter of the 2026 2027 school year. May I have a motion? >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. 50.
Uh, moving on to discussion, regular agenda items. May I have a motion to approve the grant award Marian County Hospital District? >> Motion to approve the award. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Mr. White House, you have some information to share with us regarding
this item. >> Yes, chair. Thank you. I'll ask Miss Connor, executive director of K12 academics, to provide some brief remarks. >> Thank you, Mr. White House. Good evening again, board chair and board members. Tonight, we request your approval of the $561,000
grant award from the Marian County Hospital District to support the continued work of the fitness and nutrition in schools team, lovingly known as fans. Through fans, the Marian County Hospital District has built a strong and impactful partnership with Marian County Public Schools. By
increasing PE engagement, promoting healthier snacking, and introducing school gardens, this program is teaching students the importance of caring for their bodies. I'd like to share a few highlights from the work of the fans team made possible by this partnership.
With 18 hydroponic fans green houses in our secondary schools, Fan works directly with food and nutrition services and our agriculture teachers. Students are now exposed to healthy, colorful, fresh produce by their own classmates. This collaboration has raised awareness of healthy eating by
putting fresh vegetables directly into students hands at lunchtime and has strengthened our shared farm-toschool initiative. Last year was an incredible year for us. Every secondary school contributed harvesting over 9,000 pounds of produce with more than 4,000 pounds
served directly in those school cafeterias. Additionally, raised beds are or will be by the end of this week up and running in all of our 33 elementary schools where students participate in hands-on nutrition education through planting projects.
Through PE fans has provided resources to enhance those classes and support active movement with heart rate monitors. Teachers can track and compare physical activity while students monitor their own progress as well. This not only improves students health but also
equips PE teachers with tools to design and implement effective activities. 618 students participated in fans clubs last school year. This involves monthly peer-driven wellness initiatives on our middle and high school campuses. In
addition, the mayor's fitness challenge included 27,970 of our students who participated. Our health educators continue to provide valuable lessons on the dangers of vaping and smoking through the too good
for drugs curriculum. Last year, fifth grade participation increased from 1,313 students to 2562 students and 8th grade participation increased from 2941 students to 3,556
students. Supportive enforcement cases moved from 205 students to 233 students. We're proud of these achievements and the momentum they create for the future. Jessica Cole, the vice president of community health programs from the Marian County Hospital District. She's
here with us tonight and she will also join our food services department at the November 6th work session to share additional successes and continued plans for this initiative. We're grateful for the ongoing partnership with the Marian County Hospital District and look forward to continuing this work to
benefit our students. Thank you, Miss M Miss Connor. I'll open it up to the board for any conversation. >> Yes, Dr. Campbell. >> Thank you. And thank you, Miss Connor, for presenting the information. I remember a day whenever uh this item actually was just in the consent agenda,
and I remember it being very important to us as board members that we start highlighting the amazing work that is being done with the money and resources coming from the Marian County Hospital District. And that award has continued to increase year-over-year and we
continue to see wonderful results. Our students are benefiting for sure their fitness and their nutrition, all the things that you just mentioned. It was uh amazing all of the results. And so I'm grateful to the board again that this is not a part of the consent agenda, but we give it the credit that
it is due every year and we vote on it individually. So, thank you again to the hospital district, the staff, and the board who continues to choose Marian County Public Schools as an awardee because all that you do really is helping our students succeed. So, thank you.
>> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Mr. Dr. >> There's not much left to say on that one. Board member Campbell covered it all, but it's great to have you here, Miss Cole, and and great to have the continued partnership that we continue to amplify because if we don't tell our
story, then someone else certainly will. So, I we all feel it's very important to amplify the great things that are happening in our schools and the partnerships that we're so blessed to have. So, thank you again. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. Dr. James, >> I was going to say ditto. I'm grateful that we have community partners through
all facets of our community doing all different types of work willing to give their time, their money, um, and just really prioritize our students throughout Maring County Public Schools. >> Thank you, Mr. Mar Lombardu. >> Yes. I just wanted to say thank you for coming to represent this amazing
program. I think that fitness and nutrition are very crucial in the development of kids of all ages and I think that its implementation is very important. I have been involved in fans since middle school and just being that being a big part of my life talking
about fitness and nutrition. I think that it's super important. And I just had a question if do you know any information on how this could possibly work in conjunction with the hope programs that are or classes that are already implemented in schools because I
was just curious because I know that at Westport it is a club but I was just wondering if it was also going to be implemented in the hope classes that are already implemented in high schools. >> Yeah and the fans team works directly with the PE teachers which would include those hope teachers. So, we are fusing
in different partnerships already and I'm certain more to come. >> Thank you. >> Great. Anything else? Okay. I too just want to say thank you um for the vast array of things that this gift um gives
to our students. Just not the awareness of health and the opportunity to try new things, but the physical activity, but also um you mentioned vaping and and the awareness of that. So just really grateful. Thank you for this partnership. Um we are just lucky to be
a part of your mission. So thank you so much. Any further comment? We'll call a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. 5. Thank you so much, Miss Connor.
May I have a motion to approve the stand agreement with Girls on the Rise LLC? May I have a motion? Thank you, Reverend Cummings. >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. Mr. White House, you have some information to share on this item. >> Thank you, Chair. I will ask Mr. Remird,
who's our area superintendent for region one, to provide some brief comments on both D27.2 and D27.3, which are similar items. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Mr. White House. Good evening, board chair Conrad and school
board members. Um the agreement with Girls on the Rise will serve a total of 45 female students in grades 3 through 12 at Fezitin Elementary, Legacy Elementary, and Bridgeway Academy. Through that program and collaboration
and communication among students, school staff, families, and mentors will foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The program is expected to improve academic performance, attendance, and social emotional skills while also reducing disciplinary
infractions. The agreement with cut different will provide school-based empowerment service to 75 male students in grades 3 through 8 at Fezedan Elementary, Legacy Elementary, Lakeware Middle School, and Oak Oakrest Elementary during the 2526 school year.
Approval of this agreement is expect to result in a reduction of student discipline infractions, improved student attendance, increased academic engagement, and promotion of overall student success. The PR principles have identified um
both these parties as being um able to assist with what we're looking at in our threeprong approach this year as our goals with our schools to address early warning system. um data, particularly behavior, improving the attendance, and
then making sure that our students are able to be ready to receive the high quality teaching and learning and instruction that they receive in their classrooms. All students that are mentored will be monitored for each site on the data dashboard so that a comprehensive view
of student progress that includes grades, attendance, behavior, and testing results can be easily found and pulled for review at any time. These two organizations will have their own tracking mechanisms as well. They both have metrics that they want to use for goal setting this year for the reduction
of discipline referrals and improvement of their students attendance as well as students showing growth on state assessments and local assessments. Title One funding will be used by one school to pay for um this agreement if
approved. And the unified school improvement grant funding um will be used for all other schools to fund these services. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Rambert. Board, I open it up for discussion.
>> Yes. >> I just wanted to say thank you for coming to represent something that is so important. I had not heard about the cut different programs and the other program the girls on the rise program prior to this and I think that these are two very important programs. I had actually done
some research and looked at the cut different website and something that it recognizes is the three E and they are energy, effort and empower and it also recognize the importance of guidance, attention, motivation and education and I think that this is something that
Marian County has done a great job to recognize and to really focus on with their students especially looking at the guidance, attention, motivation and education parts of it because I think that the most important thing and the most crucial thing that you can do for
the development of a child is to really focus and put as much attention on them as you can because if you are not doing that then the child will not feel seen and will not try to persevere and as much as what they're doing. So I really do think that what these programs are
bringing forward is crucial to the success of students and especially the student that came and spoke to the board. It was really awesome because just being able to see a student so young and to come up and articulate his thoughts and what he had received from
this program. I think it was really amazing and I just wanted to recognize that and to say thank you to everyone involved in this. >> All right. Thank you very much. Anything else further from the board? Yes, Dr. James. Uh, I just want to highlight the work that we're doing with not just
these two organizations, but organizations across the district that are coming in partnership with Marian County Public Schools to help every student succeed, the work looks different with different organizations. Uh, and what I know is that ultimately if we can meet every child where they are and help grow them where they are.
And to go off the um kind of theme of this morning at Winding Oaks Elementary where we were having the dedication, help them plant roots and spread their roots exactly where they are and grow and flourish. I think our goal will be met. And so how we get there looks different for different types of students. And these two organizations
represent a um type of student that looks and works differently than other students. And meeting them where they are and helping them grow and succeed to me meets our vision and mission of Maring County Public Schools. >> Thank you, Dr. James. Anything further? >> Yes, Miss Thrower.
>> I'm always happy to vote yes on these programs, and it's because I've seen it for myself. um you know, being out in the community and being in church, you know, with kids and and being at community events where I've had the
pleasure of being uh met and greeted and and seated uh by members of Girls on the Rise. Um hearing the testimony of students um in Cut Different. Uh I'm a big fan of your uh social media pages
and I I love the fact that our students are getting the opportunity for the exposure trips especially because if you don't get a chance to see it, feel it, hear it, touch it, then it it has really no relevance. So I am very
supportive of these programs. Another thing I know is that as an adult, when you're really passionate about kids, that's where you put your energy. You put your energy directly into the kids. And it is so nice to have an organization that has things like data dashboards and and that can partner with
you to make sure that all of the bases are covered on the organizational side. You know, we all bring strengths to these partnerships. And what I have witnessed over the last few years is the evolution um and the sophistication of these programs, how we put how you put
them together and how we support you in doing that. So I'm ready to vote. >> Okay. And I will just say ditto to what my f fellow board members um have said, one of my favorite things um about cut different particularly is the reach that
it enables these students to have. the students that you mentor um not just from helping get them to school, helping them with their academics, um helping them with their with their speaking ability that um Jamie is incredible. I
wish I had you as my mentor as a young person. Um just phenomenal things. And I also love the extracurricular piece that other board members have um mentioned, not not just your um field trips, but
also some of them are show showing up with you early, very early in the morning uh to join the run club downtown. And so I too very much appreciate your social media presence um help share the message and and the work that your teams are doing every day. So
thank you for that. Um, we appreciate you. Um, I am thankful for this partnership. Is there anything else from the board? Reverend Cummings. >> Testing. Um, Madam Chair, I do want to thank both of these organizations. Um, all of you have said some great things
about Girls on the Rise and Cut Different. I I want to thank them for a different reason. um growing up in that community and seeing that they recognized that there was a need that there was a gap that there was something that was missing and uh to realize that
um somebody had to step up and do something different. So I want to thank both cut different and girls on the rise for for being that that um having that mindset to want to change something and not just keep talking about it but to actually put some um leg work behind it.
Uh we are seeing truly um a difference in in what they're doing in the community. That young man that got up and spoke tonight, uh he was real good when he got off the paper. Gilmore, he was real good when he got off the paper and um Pastor Gilmore, you know, that's
what we like to do. We like to get off the paper >> and he he did it. So um I'm commending him tonight for that. So keep doing what y'all doing. Um, I know oftent times it can be frustrating when you're doing good work and but know that when you're
doing good work, you're gonna have obstacles. So, keep going over the obstacles and keep doing the good work. So, thank y'all. >> Any other comments from the board? >> Okay, seeing none, we will call the vote. All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> Any opposed? >> Nay. >> Motion passes 41. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the standard agreement with Cut Different Incorporated. May I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings and Miss Thrower. Is there any further
discussion? >> Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Nay. >> Motion passes for one. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the MCPS
facilities master plan fiscal year 26 2026 through 2030? May I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Dr. James. >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. Dr. James, you've pulled this item. Would you like to have some additional conversation? Yeah, just briefly specifically, and we
talked about this in the work session, looking at the athletics PDF that's uploaded, uh, it gives grand totals for the work being done across the entire school district. Um, this board member wanted to make sure we put into record that we are equitably distributing these
resources, making sure that all schools are getting storage buildings, bleachers, school uh, scoreboards and shot clocks, concrete for buildings and bleachers, power for gyms and metal buildings, tennis, pickup court additions and resurfacing, and then a rubberized track at Westport High School with those other resources being
equitably distributed to meet to get them all to the same starting place. Um, and it's not exactly specified here. It does say that, you know, they're all going to get it, but I would like at some point in the future, seeing as we're doing most of this work internally, we're not the board's not going to see a lot of um documents come our way because we're handling it
internally. And so I would love to see um a a slightly deeper dig into just how much we're spending at each high school because they all have different needs. Some high schools have tennis courts already and some have no tennis courts at all. And so just to understand how much we're truly spending of this $2
million at each site, I think would be um something that I would request as a board member and I certainly wanted to make sure we put it into record tonight. >> Thank you, Dr. James. Any further discussion on this item? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I.
>> I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5-0. Thank you, board. We'll now move on to meeting reminders. Tomorrow, September 24th, is an early release day. Students, please go to school. We want to see you on Wednesday on those early release
days. There is a school capital outlay or tax oversight committee meeting scheduled for September 24th, 2025 at 400 pm here at MTI. This year's legislative delegation meeting is scheduled for October 1st at 11:30 at the Klein Center board. I believe Miss
Martinez Young has sent out an extra message um if so we can let her know if we will be there early for to attend lunch. So if you'll just make sure and respond to that, I'd appreciate it. The next admin administrative briefing and work session is scheduled for October
2nd, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. On the same evening, October 2nd at 6:00 p.m. there will be a centennial celebration for Oyola Middle School. And with that, we'll now move into board comments. Miss Martinez Young. >> No, Madam Chair. Thank you. >> Thank you. Attorney Powers.
>> Yes, ma'am. Um, I reached out to the superintendent regarding some dates for our policy update. We need two work sessions. Um, those two work sessions typically have asked us to try to have a
full day open. Um, but that's difficult to achieve. I have six dates available um in October and I can either submit them all to you separately via email and
we can try to I can try to coordinate or I can give you the dates now and and I mean I'm going to read them off to you anyway. But uh question as to whether or not you wish to do it later or commit to those dates now. The dates are Tuesday,
October 14th from 8 to 4:30. Wednesday the 15th of October from 9 to 1. Monday, October 20th from 1 to 5. Tuesday, October 28th from 12:30 to
4:30. Wednesday, October 29th from 8 o'lock to 11:30. and Friday, October 31st from 8:30 to 2. Now, as you're writing those dates down, you will probably notice that nearly every one of those dates has something else on it as well, board meetings or
other things. So, those are the times that would fit within that time frame. Um, I would suggest that since October 31st is definitely open and is a full day that we or sorry, it's 8:30 to 2 that we try to all hit that one if
possible. If not, um, you'll let me know. >> Okay. Um, board member Thor, did you have a comment you wanted to share? only that it's worked pretty well from other entities when we've gotten I think they call it a doodle poll or something and
it it just helps stay organized and make sure that at least the majority of us are going to be able to attend. >> I think that's wise too. >> Yep. I vote for an email. >> Okay. Me, too. >> Would like a deadline of Friday or whatever. I mean, we can be we can have
Yep. >> Okay. Great. >> Thank you. >> All right. You're welcome. Is that all you have for us today? I believe that that's all I have for now. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you so much. All right. Um, Mr. White House. >> Thank you, Chair. Uh, would like to say
welcome to our student representatives. They've served with us before, so we won't read their bio again, but welcome to Luke Lombardo, Miss Julie Slaughter. We're really excited to have you guys engaging with us and you really bring a very good dynamic to this board. So, thank you for participating. >> Thank you. >> Uh, we got to spend this morning at a Winding Oaks Elementary for a dedication
ceremony. Um, Miss Tracy Crawford, the principal, did a fantastic job. Um, and the students there were were a wonderful touch. I'm I'm glad that we were able to wait and and really see that building alive with students. Um, and a reminder that next week, next Tuesday at 8:30, we'll have the dedication for Ross
Prairie Elementary as well. And we're excited to uh go view that school as well. Um, starting tomorrow, we have our Ocala film derby kicking off. So, if you get a chance to bounce around, we've got lots of activity happening over the next few days. This is a great opportunity for our students that are interested in film production to be able to engage in
this challenge and engage in workshops. Um so on Wednesday they have the opening reception. Thursday we have some workshops and keynote speakers for the students. Friday is the actual derby day downtown. So if you get a chance to bounce downtown and see the students in action will be great. And then of course Sunday we're going to do the screening
of all those films um that afternoon. So hope to see you all there. And then finally, this Friday, our leadership MCPS group is coming back together again. They're going to be visiting North Baron High School and Spar Elementary all day. Um, so we're really excited to be able to engage with
the community in this way and and showcase some of our schools as we help them learn more about what we do here in the school system. So, thank you. >> Thank you very much. And thank you, Mr. White House, for joining us this evening. >> Pleasure. >> Okay, Mr. Lombardo.
I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to serve here again. I think that today was different than my first time serving. For the fact that I think that everything that was brought forward today really emphasized the mission of
Marian County and what we have to offer. And I think that if I could just emphasize some words that are in the mission. The first word is together. And I really think that everyone that was recognized today really had that spirit as we recognized. They had shirts, they had posters, they were really together.
And I think that what Dr. James had emphasized before, the idea that there is so much to offer and opportunities that create diverse pathways for all students that really focus on what those students have to offer individually. And
the last part is personal excellence. And I think that that really emphasizes everything that we stand for as a county and what you all stand for as a school board. And I think that really everyone that came forward today focused on that
personal excellence and focusing on the needs of individual students and just really acting together as a unit. And I just wanted to say thank you again for the opportunity and for the ability to represent my school and this county.
Thank you so much because we are very lucky. We feel very lucky to have you um giving your time for for our meeting. So, thank you for coming and for pro providing very impactful input. So, thank you very much, Miss Slaughter. >> I just wanted to thank you guys for the
opportunity to be here. It's an honor to represent Vanguard. I just have one thing that I want to mention regarding uh teachers transferring schools. I feel like it's unfair to both students and teachers that teachers aren't allowed to tell students that they're transferring schools until right before they leave, which is usually their last day on
campus. And students who are sick or absent that day aren't able to like say goodbye to their teachers. And I'm bringing this up because recently my math teacher, who's one of my favorite teachers, ended up leaving um my school for a higher position in another school. And this was happening for weeks, but was only able to tell us on our last day
with her. Um, and because our last day with her was on a Thursday, my classmates and I were able to kind of figure things out and get gifts for her to make her last day special. So, we went on Friday and gave her gifts at the end of the school day. But kids who had her last on Friday were unable to do this and kind of were just like shocked
with the news that she was leaving and didn't really get a chance to give her a proper goodbye. And I just feel like students should be told that teacher is leaving them like at least a week in advance so that they have they can make good use of their last few days with the teacher and kind of make that special and give them gifts or letters or
whatever they want to do to kind of make the teacher's last few days at that school special. >> Thank you so much. We appreciate your input on that on that item. >> Dr. Campbell, thank you. Thank you to our student board representatives. I I love you guys
being here and and just like watching you grow up like all the things I see the moms out there and all the shout out to the moms in the audience. Um so thank you again for your comments and Julia that's actually a pretty good recommendation. I don't know how we work
that out but I I think that that's something we can explore Mr. White House and Dr. Burr when she's here. So however we can work work that out. Um I I do have a few things this evening chair. Uh first of all in the consent agenda this evening we had a perfect audit College
Park Elementary School and I want to say a happy retirement to the secretary Christine Boyceelli uh who had multiple years of perfect audits and then retired this summer but this was a perfect audit for College Park for last year. So it would have
still been um her audit year. So, uh, just shout out to that and College Park. Kudos to them for a perfect audit. Earlier this evening, we also voted on the mentoring contracts. And while I chose not to speak during the votes, as I have spoken a lot of times on these
issues through the years, I wanted to explain my nay votes. First of all, this was the first time that Girls on the Rise is going to be introduced into our district for pay. And the field trips and morning run clubs that were mentioned are actually not what we pay
for or what we voted on tonight. Last week, I received a call from one of our retired administrators who asked me about the academic progress these students had been making who were a part of these paid for mentorship programs. He explained when he was a principal,
every decision he made to spend money had to be backed up with academic data because after all, that's how teachers and schools are graded on academics. So that's why we all received data from Mr. White House last evening and again this
today, actually just before the meeting. And frankly, when I made the request, I didn't know what the data was going to show and I hoped it would have been better. However, with less than half of the students participating in the one mentorship program that we've been paying for for several years, less than
half of them are improving their academic scores to proficiency. Less than half are proficient. I cannot justify the dollar amounts we've been allocating to the program. Therefore, that's why I voted nay. Don't get me wrong, mentorship is incredibly
valuable. Several of us here on this board participate in Take Stock in Children and myself included, we serve as mentors. Dads on Duty continues to progress. The Rock program continues to provide resources and people in our schools. Dare to be great at Howard
Academy continues to impact young girls lives and the skip mentoring programs continue to see positive results in our schools. All currently at no direct cost to the district. I know mentorship works, but to my
knowledge, no other district in the state pays for mentorship services, and the majority of the students who have been mentored through these programs are not reaching proficiency or significant learning gains within a year. I will continue to vote no on paying for these
services. Another item we voted on this evening was the job description change from director of community and government relations to director of strategic partnerships. Dr. Brewer and I had multiple conversations about this because I continue to believe a staff person needs to be a liaison with other
government officials and offices. However, all of those requirements have now been removed from the staff level, putting the primary responsibility on us as elected leaders. While we can continue to do that for the district, if we want to continue to make impacts on
the state and even national level, we may need to rethink that strategy. to that vein. Last week we had a wonderful meeting with Representative Yavvon Hayes Henson and this week we have a meeting scheduled with Representative JJ Gro. Next week, as Chair Conrad has already
mentioned, it will be the legislative delegation meeting and I continue to thank our schoolboard members and everyone's continued engagement with our legislators. Today, I reached out to our federal leaders for some help on an issue we're having with construction, and I'm
hopeful they will be able to assist. I made those contacts through the FSBA federal lobbyist who is also working to set up a meeting for me with a congressman's office about a federal earmark potentially for 2027. I believe it's not too early to start building those partnerships and conversations.
And I also believe it's not too early to start talking about the potential for repurposing the current Lake Middle School campus into an early learning academy on the south side of the county. Perhaps we schedule a work session about it if there's consensus from the board,
but it would be helpful to know how much we might need to do that type of renovation on that campus. I'm not sure if the board is in consensus on that thought, but our data shows the need. if we planned early for a state appropriation request for 2027, a
federal earmark request for 2027, as well as began working toward private donation fundraising, I believe that could become a reality without much impact to our existing capital budget projects. Speaking of private donations in capital, after having more time to
process the impacts of not having a track and field facility at Booster Stadium, I believe that needs to be a greater part of our conversation there. During our work session, I quickly dismissed the prospect and I'm certain I'm not certain that I was correct in
that approach at the time. I've now shifted my perspectives on it and I believe for booster to be the best possible revenue generating facility. We need to consider what all will set it apart and set that site apart from anything else in our county and that
includes an exemplary track and field accommodations. A couple of other things, the FSBA advocacy committee meetings have now been scheduled for the third Friday of the month at 9:30 in the morning. While I participated in that conversation yesterday, I am not our board's chosen
representative or the alternate. So, if that time doesn't work on the calendar, please ensure that someone from Marian County can be there because there will be votes happening in that meeting. Also, with the FSBA joint conference coming in December and two board members no longer being in FSBA, I didn't know
about the board's full participation this year, but please know it's going to be a wonderful conference with dynamic speakers and presentations. Finally, as I wrap up my comments today, we had a wonderful start to the morning at Winding Oaks Elementary School dedication. It was truly a beautiful and
inspiring event as we heard students offer a joyful noise and honor the foundation and roots embedded deep for the success of that school. It also made me reflect on the event that happened in Arizona this weekend, memorializing and
honoring Charlie Kirk's legacy. Putting all politics aside, though the engagement in politics was a part of the story, the entire event livereamed on national news sites across this country was focused on the Lord Jesus and
Charlie's love of Jesus Christ and his desire for more people to know him. I heard our vice president say he had not spoken so much about the Lord in his entire public servant life as he has since the death of Charlie Kirk. I heard
a Democratic political commentator, Van Jones, on CNN say how much he had always disagreed with Charlie Kirk, but realized the day before his death, Charlie had actually reached out to him on X to see if they could schedule a sitdown for a conversation as two
professional, passionate people should. I read one young lady's account on X who does not practice Christianity, but she said she was in awe of the true celebration of life and no fear of death. the fear her religion professes.
The spirit was present and Jesus was honored and glorified on Sunday. I say all of this to say it's time for us Bible believing faithfilled Christian-elected leaders to stand in support of student-led movements to celebrate faith and healthy debate. From
this school board seat, I support students pursuing starting Turning Point USA clubs and Jesus clubs on campuses if they want to. In addition to what we already have, I also support our students and staff's support and declarations in wearing bread on October
14th in remembrance of a life well-lived who was killed for his words. October 14th is also a schoolboard meeting day. So, I intend to wear red in support myself. Finally, when I consider the role God has placed me in and that he's actually
placed all of us in, because as Romans 13 explains, all authority comes from God and those placed in authority have been instituted by God to be there. As I close with this parting thought, after all the things I've mentioned, I'm standing firm on Matthew 6:33. Seek
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell, excuse me, Dr. James. >> Thank you. Uh, good evening. Uh, I will
be rather brief. I want to, uh, again recognize the work of VPK at Reddit Collier. There are parents who drive very far to get, uh, to VPK at Reddit Collier and participate in that program. Um, we I have some family members who
were able to go through that program themselves and all speak so highly of the work that's done there. And so, I want to make sure we give recognition and praise there. Um, speaking of the north end, it is also homecoming week this week. So, leadership Ocala is going to have a full experience as they visit
North Marion High School on Friday because if you have been on a high school campus on a Friday of homecoming week, you know, it is a show. So, I am excited for leadership Ocala to be able to and MCPS to be able to come and see
the full experience of a Friday high school homecoming. and we should encourage them to stick around for the homecoming game and what my daughters like to call the princesses that will happen during halftime. So, it's always a highlight. Uh, and finally, I I will just touch on, you know, I continue to
have a greater focus. Data is so important and I I am a huge advocate for having data informed decisions. And I think it's going to be incredibly important as a district as we continue to expand our efforts uh in really digging into data that we get whole sets
of data. Look at the whole picture and then look at that qualitative data as well as quantitative because sometimes there are things that are captured that are not a data set but we're looking at a whole human. We're looking at a whole child's experience. We're looking at some of our surveys that have qualitative data and really digging into
truly what is the meat and potatoes of what we're trying to capture. Uh, and I look forward to us being able to continue to have data informed decisions. Finally, uh, I will echo um, Dr. Campbell's remarks about Booster Stadium. The conversations obviously, as they always do, have continued far past
the public meeting, not between the board members, but between the community and us, each individually, I would imagine. Uh, and I I did make the recommendation in the board meeting uh, or work session for us to have a second session already in the hopper. And, uh, one of the things that I've mentioned to
Mr. Tucker is when we get that second work session, that plan that's brought forward. I want to I want to see a solution where we encompass all of the components that are required to host an FHSAA track meet. I don't think we should have a track that is really amazing that can't host a track meet and
doesn't have all the components. And so I I want the team to continue to problem solve. U Miss Slaughter and I were talking before the meeting and uh I'm going to have faith that we can make it all happen. Uh, I'm going to have faith that we can keep CDL. We can have a stadium that meets all of the
expectations uh and serves and then also has an opportunity to serve our community in a variety of facets. So, I'm going to maintain that faith and we'll kind of see how the cookie crumbles, but I am excited for the further discussion uh and how we can trim the price down, engage the
community, fund raise, and really figure out how we can make it happen for the community uh as we work together as kind of masterminds. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. James. Reverend Cummings. >> Good evening, Madam Chair, board members. Um, I'm I'm grateful to hear
about the uh continued conversations that we started last week on uh Booster Stadium. I think some folk may have heard bits and pieces or sound bites of our conversation and felt that it was a done deal, that everything was set in
stone when uh they may have missed the important part that we said we wanted further conversations concerning Booster Stadium and what it could possibly look like and what it could possibly be. Um uh we did not walk away from the table
last week with anything written in stone. So, uh, just for the community's sake, uh, there will be further conversations, uh, concerning whether we have a track, whether we don't have a track, whether the CDL program stays there, whatever. There's going to be conversation. I ask that, um, those
parties that have an interest in uh, what happens at Booster Stadium, that they come to those work sessions, and that they give their input um, not after the fact, but give their input uh, while we're having the conversations. I do
believe that um this community is is giving enough, gracious enough that we can work through anything and we could possibly work out all the things that this community may need. It may not be a 10,000 seat stadium as we said last
week, but um I think we can I think we can make things happen because this community uh knows the needs it has. Um, we would love to see I think I won't say we, I'll say I would love to see um the track. I would love to see the CDL
program continue. It may not have may not be there. It may be somewhere else, but whatever it is, we'll work it out. I believe that this board has the willingness to work it out. So, um, that conversation will continue. I I want to, uh, applaud the the video that we
started the meeting off with with those those young stars. Um to me they're they're the stars of tonight. Uh they're the ones that made this meeting uh for me really good to hear those young BPK kids. Um whether they were reading it or
whether they were recited from memory, they did an excellent job. And I I I I wish they were all here on tonight, those kids, because those were the ones I would have loved to have taken a picture with on tonight, those kids, because it was um the video was great.
Um, I was like, uh, this is this is where we want to have all of our young kids. This is where we want them to be, um, confident enough that they can read something or say something and and put it together. I I think I thank all of
those that are working with those kids to do that. And that just shows the abilities um that that children have. Um, someone once said, never underestimate the power of a child's mind. These kids are brilliant. When
given the opportunity, when put in the right um environments and given the right spaces, they can do great great things. So, I'm I'm I'm grateful to that. And it just kind of I'm going to piggyback and close with this. It just lines up with what we saw this morning.
Um we were all at um Winding O Elementary for the dedication ceremony. Um, and it was moving um for me because I I saw kids that may traditionally may
not have stepped out of their comfort zone do something that they were uh confident in doing. Um, from the from the um safety patrols that were on the program to the the young kids that read
their uh letter to us. That was that was brilliant to the to the student course. They were um they were awesome. They were awesome. Um and so I want to commend
Miss Crawford and the entire Winding Oats family um for what they did and what they're doing on a daily basis and making sure our kids are ready for moving on and doing the next thing. Um,
and to uh our mascot at Winding O's Thunder Strike. Um, I'm not a horse person. >> Yep. Come on, >> Mr. Mr. You know, uh, I I got on that horse before with you all a couple times. Moses was my man. Moses right
speed for me. Uh so so I'm hoping that the next time we do the uh Black Stallion project they don't surprise me with a horse named Thunder Strike because me and Thunder Strike will not be together. So but uh but uh it was truly a great morning and I just want to
commend our student board members. You guys come to the table um and you bring a wealth of information from a different perspective. Um our eyes are older. It's been a long time since we were in high school. A very, very long time. Except
>> for Dr. James, >> the rest of us. Yeah. >> It's been a long time. A long time since we've been in high school. So you So things have completely changed. Um the table is high school is not like it was when we were in school. And so I thank
you for bringing that fresh perspective and because I can remember when I was in high school, I saw things differently than the adults that I dealt with on a daily basis and my perspective mattered then. So your perspective does matter and thank you for bringing that to the to the support table. Thank you guys.
>> Thank you, Reverend Cummings, Miss Thrower. >> Thank you. And and boy, I sure hope I don't miss anything because there was a lot going on tonight. Um, a few things kept popping into my mind and and the first one is and I just wrote this down based on what board member Cummings or
Vice Chair Cummings was just saying that you know some things do change um but a lot of things stay the same and one of the things that stays the most the same in my mind is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And there
are those of us that have a very strong um and vocal outward faith. And there are those of us that have a more of a quiet inward faith. But in the end, it's how it's our words, our deeds, our actions, how we treat each other that
that makes the difference. And I am really proud of our school district every day. U but today was tonight was especially poignant. um the mom that had reached out to me from Shady Hill, Miss Okasio, and and sharing about the
choking incident that she had with her daughter and that, you know, people didn't think about, oh, should I should I? They just did. And those are my kind of people. Um Mr. Carter at principal at
Fort King. There was a little bit of a ruckus there the other day, but I got to tell you that um it got handled. It was witnessed by community members. Um so complimentary and just pulling it all
back together and how our district staff just jumped right in to help. And you know, things are going to happen. Strange things are going to happen, but but it's it's what you do next that makes all the difference. And the next
day, right back at 92% or better attendance, uh the train was right back on the track. So, you know, when you have an organization of this size with so many different competing uh things, um
you got to keep it simple, I think. And that's what kept resonating to me tonight. That from our youngest kids, you can learn so much from a small child about what's really important and how
much more alike we are than we are than we are different. Um that to me is something that I continue to carry as a motivation um to continue to do this this great work uh that is
such an honor um and we will always walk away from here thinking well was there something a stone that was left unturned and that's how I'm feeling about booster you know we we open the conversation Vanguard is
in my district uh since touring Vanguard very thoroughly almost a year ago. I thought to myself, what a gem this property is. There is so much that could be done here, but there's never been the coordinated effort there. Money is is
always um been an issue, but when you learn the history of of how we came to own Booster, the intention was always um for it to be a community venue. And I can't help but think that the grants
that we received uh for the CDL program would continue to be very well spent if there were giant buses full of kids driving over them for all of these different events. It would be good to have some strong pavement. And I as I
reflected back on that work session, fortunately uh Mr. Small and I go way back have been work colleagues for a long time and his door is always open to all of us. us. I mean, he's just that kind of person. And so, I went down and it was a twofer. I had a chance to tour Marian Technical College, see the new
aviation program and welding and just all the incredible career and technical education opportunities that we're offering now, and had a conversation, you know, a little bit more about the the possibilities for Booster, the opportunities, the potential uh barriers
because there's always going to be those. And I have to say that I walked away just feeling so grateful that it wasn't a beginning and an end conversation at our work session the other day. That was just for openers. So I am excited for the continued
conversation. And I continue to be very certain that this community is very united in a very large scale to see some great things happening um at that space that it was always intended
to be. And yes, we have to keep our mind on our money and our money on our mind, but we're also very committed to providing opportunities for all students. So, I welcome the the continued conversation. I welcome the continued emails of community support. I
welcome what it's going to look like to have a true capital campaign uh to bring this to life. And I have no doubts that that we're going to be able um excuse me to get this done. Um, speaking of that, you know, in the end, whether it's a
direct cost to taxpayers or an indirect cost to taxpayers, we are all still taxpayers and we are all still paying taxes and spending money to try to offer as many opportunities so that
no matter who the student is, they have their best shot at getting the education that they need, want, and deserve. so that when they walk out of here, the investment that we made is going to pay off in the community and not in the prison system.
So, I am open to supporting as many innovative, passionate, rolled up the sleeves, handson side by side with kids as the community is willing to bring to us to support. Um
I do also want to say that the data that I was provided with um regarding the cut different program and it's very true that girls on the rise for the first time will be financially supported by us but they have been partnering with us
already and you know data can tell one story and it can also tell another story and it was hard for me to determine with the data that was shared with me. Well, what was this these kids' baselines? You know, if if
we did our grading on a true grading scale, you know, 90 to 100 is an A, I don't think there'd be one district in Florida that was an A district. And if a kid is already at a level one, a very low level one, and completely disengaged and causing trouble behaviorally,
uh the fact that they have made the progress as I saw it is pretty commendable. Um I would rather put the investment in while the pool is shallow rather than much later when the kids are already over
their head and so much harder to reach. There's never going to be a right answer. I I think that in the end, it's all about doing unto others as we would have them to do unto you. So, that concludes my comments for tonight. Thank you.
>> All right. Thank you, Miss Thrower and board. I just have a few items um to say and then a few things to share. Um it's it's been a while, but um something that's important to me is to recognize our staff. And so as I look out in the
audience, all the recognitions um have been complete and we have a small group of people here with us and I just want to thank them because we've been at many activities and many events over the last couple of weeks and you all always show
up and so I just want to thank you. I I feel like you work 247. and I don't know when you sleep and I just um want to commend you on your dedication to making sure that our students have what they need and our staff have what they need.
So, thank you for your commitment to Marian County Public Schools. I also want to offer um Mr. White House mentioned the film derby. If you haven't been, it's a really great um experience coming from Dr. NH Jones. We at one time
had a very large digital video productions program. Um, and even with my littles, my first and second graders, we were making movies and productions. It was a great great experience. And one of my favorite things about being a
board member is seeing all the wonderful and great things that our students do and the vast opportunities that they have um for experiences. And so, uh, I just encourage you if you have a minute to stop, stop in. It really is, um, a
great event to see the amazing things that our middle school and high schoolers can do, um, with digital productions. I do want to thank Miss Crawford for um, the program, the dedication program that she invited us
to to be a part of um, this morning. it it really was a wonderful experience and what a great opportunity for the students at that school under her leadership um and the support of this district. Just really looking forward to seeing the great things that come out of
that school. So, thank you again, Miss Crawford, uh for a wonderful way to start the morning. Um just wanted to remind you um board members that to complete attorney powers evaluation is due at the end of the
month. So just a quick reminder on that. I also wanted to share with you um that I spoke with Dr. Adams from HYA and our super superintendent search and we are planning to have our first presentation
um for the work session on October 2nd and so that will be about an hour. Um it will be first thing at 9:00 and they plan to be here in person and so we've been going back and forth. I wasn't sure we were going to get all everything we needed for our publication date, but we
did. And so, Miss Martinez Young and I will be getting together to make sure that's posted um in a timely fashion and look forward to that conversation. Um I wanted to also share this goes along really with um the supporting of
our our staff, our great our great team. Our first town hall uh went very well um when we were we were at Lakewear Middle. Is it last week? The days are running together. It was last week. Um we had a good turnout, great conversation. I just
look forward uh to the next one and I really just am renewed this evening. um the one team, one mission um that we've recently adopted really has brought a lot of camaraderie
um to our school staff. And so the morale is so important um as our teams go to work each and every day because the work is hard. you know, we we were able to hear and see from several of our teams, our district teams um this
evening, but the same challenges our our principles and assistant principles face each and every day um as they go and show up to school. Um so anyway, just want to thank everyone and acknowledge that I personally enjoy all of the team
spirit um the camaraderie. um let's get this done together. And so I'm just looking forward what is to come. And so with that, if there is no further business, may I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second.
>> Thank you. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 5-0. And this meeting is adjourned at 7:24. Thank you, board.