The schoolboard meeting will begin in one minute. Please take your seats. Again, the schoolboard meeting will begin in one minute. I don't feel Good evening. Good evening. Sorry, it sounds different
than it normally does. Welcome to the March 10th, 2026 meeting of the Marian County School Board. It is now 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.
I will now hand it over to Luke and Marasha to read our board commitment statement. 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 both. For the courtesy of those listening to the meeting, I'm requesting everyone in the audience to
turn off their electronic devices or put them on vibrate. Public comment will now be accepted during two portions of each meeting for up to 30 minutes. 30 minutes each. One for items specific to tonight's agenda held before the vote takes place and one for items on which
the school board customarily takes action held after the business portion of the meeting. Anyone wanting to speak regarding an agenda item must complete a blue form. Anyone wanting to speak regarding a non-aggenda item must complete a yellow form. Both forms are
available before each meeting and on the district website. Forms are due to the board clerk by 5:40 p.m. and can be submitted via email or in person. Public speakers will have three minutes to complete their comments and no more than 10 speakers will be scheduled in either public comment portion unless the board
votes otherwise. Good evening, Miss Martinez Young. Will you please call the role? >> Dr. Allison Campbell, District 1, >> here. >> Mrs. Lorie Conrad, District 2, >> here. >> Mr. Eric Cummings, District 3, >> here. >> Mrs. Nancy Thrower, District 4, >> here. >> Dr. Sarah James, District 5, >> here.
>> Orasha Leaf Fonte, Lake High School, >> here. >> Luke Lombardo, Westport High School, >> here. >> Attorney Powers, school board attorney, >> here. >> Thank you for that. Uh, Dr. Brewer, who will share our inspiration and lead the pledge of allegiance for us this evening? >> Hi, good evening. Miss Megan Magamal,
the executive director of the Public Education Foundation in Marian County, will come to the podium with our special guest. >> Good evening, Miss Magal. >> Good evening, Chair Dr. Sarah James, school board members, and Superintendent
Dr. Brewer. It is a privilege to stand here before you this evening to introduce Maring County's 2026 rookie teacher of the year, Miss Stephanie Stevens from Hillrest School. Yes, just a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of introducing the 2026 teacher of the
year, Miss Henry from Hillrest School. And yes, earlier in the school year, the district named principal of the year, Miss Lori Manresa, who is yet another outstanding representative from Hillrest School. In essence, Hillrest School has
claimed a historic triple crown. It's important for our board and our entire community to understand that each of these accolades are awarded by independent committees. This truly speaks to the exceptional leadership,
the dedication to excellent education and teaching and the love that our teachers and staff have for the students at Hillrest School. The selection process for rookie teacher of the year begins in September of each academic year involving nominations from the
school, then blind portfolios, interviews, and surprise classroom observations where one teacher is ultimately named Rookie of the Year, awarded a Golden Apple, and becomes a part of the prestigious Golden Apple
Academy. On behalf of the Public Education Foundation of Maring County, I am proud to welcome 2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year, Miss Stephanie Stevens, to share inspiration for the evening. Thank you, Megan. Nelson Mandela said,
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Good evening, members of the board, district leaders, colleagues, and community members. The words from this quote remind me daily why I became a teacher. I am deeply honored to stand
before you as rookie teacher of the year for our county. Teaching students with special needs has been an incredible journey. Every day I'm learning new things, how to adapt, innovate, celebrate the unique strengths of every student, and I'm reminded of the profound impact that understanding and
support can have. As a new teacher, learning alongside my students has taught me the importance of patience and flexibility and seeking support when you need it. Lessons that I hope to pass on to other new educators. Being a new teacher can feel
overwhelming. What's made the biggest difference for me this year is support. Mentors who answer my questions, colleagues who've offered me so much guidance, and administrators who encourage me to grow. This support turns uncertainty into
confidence and challenges into opportunities. In this role, I want to be able to help create that same support for other new teachers. I hope to help foster opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and open conversations where early career educators feel
confident to ask questions and confident to share ideas. Sometimes the most powerful message a new teacher can hear is simply that they're not alone. I also hope to be able to support the next generation of educators. Beyond supporting new teachers in Marian
County, I want to encourage students in our district who may be considering a career in education. By sharing our experiences and guiding them along the way, we can help cultivate future teachers who are passionate about serving their communities in the classroom. Supporting new teachers and
inspiring future educators ultimately benefits our students. When teachers feel competent and supported, students experience stronger relationships, consistent instruction, and classrooms where they can truly thrive. To the board, thank you for recognizing early
career educators and for investing in systems that allow both teachers and students to succeed. I'm proud to represent new teachers in this district, and I'm even prouder to represent the students who inspire this work for all of us every single day. In this role,
I'm committed to being a listening ear, a guiding hand, and an advocate for new teachers because every teacher deserves to feel supported, and every student deserves a confident, inspired teacher. Thank you. And if you would please join me in standing for the pledge of
allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. Thank you.
>> Thank you so much for your thoughtful remarks and Golden Apple Academy Hangout because we're going to take a picture uh in a few minutes. Okay. Uh Dr. Mr. Brewer, we have a recognition this evening as well. >> Yes, ma'am. We have um Mark Ingram, our coordinator of K12. He will come to the
podium to introduce our next special guest. >> Good evening. Thank you, Superintendent Brewer. Good evening, board members, board chair. Uh it's my privilege to introduce Carolyn Hegel, secondary math program specialist, who's going to bring up our math councils winners for
recognition. >> Good evening. Thank you, Mr. Ingram. Good evening, board chair, board members, superintendent Dr. Brewer. Thank you. Sorry, I'm kind of short.
Teachers, families, and students. I'm honored to recognize our outstanding middle school math mathematicians from this year's Math Counts Competition. First, I'd like to introduce Amber Gartner, the coordinator of the Flores chapter of Math Counts from Florida
Engineering Society. Good evening, board members. Um, I'm Amber Gardner. I'm representing the Florida Engineering Society. I am the Math Counts Chair for our local forest chapter. Um I just want to thank the board and um the students for their
participation. This was a great competition this year. The math or organization is really to encourage young students to look for jobs and careers in math, science, and engineering. Um the Florida Engineering
Society sponsors this competition on a local level and then the National Society of Professional Engineers sponsors it at national level. I want to say that this was the highest participation that I've seen in years. I've been running this program for about 10 years here in Maring County. We had
83 students participating from nine schools. Our local competition was held February 21st at Oyola Middle School. And we will be sending um team members from two schools and also one individual to our state competition which will be
held on March 20th at Embry Riddle um University. Um this is the second year that we've held this state competition at Embry Riddle. I think it's a really good opportunity for the students to also see a real campus. Um there's some opportun this year to also do a campus
tour. Um so again, bridging that gap between our K12 students and looking towards the next generation of future leaders in our community and through the state. Um so with that, I just want to say congratulations and thank you for that support. And um Carolyn is going to
announce our winners for this year. Thank you, Amber. Students, when you hear your name, please come forward. Our cipher round winner was North Marian Middle School. Our students who participated were Amber Lachley,
Alexander Spangler, Andrew Massingel, Samantha Ramirez, Guillian. Our first place team was Howard Middle School. Students on that team were Sam Arub, Elijah Jones, Kenisha Patel, Ayon
Puani. Our second place team was Oyola Middle School. Students on that team included Jake Appleman, Luca Menavar, Dalton Pendleton, and Eli Stechman. And our top three overall individual
winners, third place is Elijah Jones from Howard Middle School. Second place we have Alexander Spangler from North Mary Middle School. And first place we have Sam Arcoup from Howard Middle School.
A huge thank you to all teachers and coaches who supported these students, to Kimley Horn and Amber Gartner for organizing the events, and to the Florida Engineering Society for their continued sponsorship of math counts across Florida. Families, thank you for
encouraging your students to stretch, solve, and persevere. Congratulations to all our honores. We wish our state qualifiers the very best on March 20th. Thank you. >> We we will come down and take a picture, but we want to go out of our way to make
sure we congratulate you. Math was not my strongest subject by any means. So, I am always extra appreciative of young minds who can do really good math because um your brain works differently than mine in the world. It takes all types. So, having a brain that loves
math is so very important. we will come down and take a picture with you all and we want to encourage the principles and teachers who are here as part of these programs to come join us for a picture. >> Um Dr. James, >> we have another recognition. >> Oh, sorry. >> You want to do one at a time?
>> Um yeah. Yes. I'm sorry. I forgot spelling B. Yes. >> Students, if you return to your seats, we'll come back up for a second for pictures. >> That's on me. Sorry. Yes, we have one more spelling bee. So, it's also my privilege to introduce Rebecca Samuran Kelly uh to talk about
and recognize our winners of the Marian County Spelling Bee. >> Thank you, Mr. Ingram. Thank you, Superintendent Dr. Brewer. Good evening, board chair and school board members. Under the leadership of Melissa Connor, secondary curriculum organized the annual Marian County Spelling Bee at
Bridgeway Academy on February 17th. Students who qualified for the county spelling bee were first selected via class spelling bees or quizzes to qualify for their schoolwide bees. Two winners from each schoolwide bee represented their schools at the Marian
County Spelling Bee to complete compete for the district championship. The bee was sponsored by the GFWC's women's club of Ocala who provided the judges and prizes for the winners and the little women juniors of Okala provided snacks for the contestants. Head judge Carol
Cameron is a content area specialist in the district and Dr. Brewer was in attendance to greet the crowd and present our ribbons to the winners and our own Kevin Christian served as the word caller and moderator. The 25th annual event ended after nine
rounds and the winning word was obo. Um Elias Javalona, an eighth grader at Howard Middle School, walked away as the county's champion. And Elias also qualified online and competed in the regional spelling bee this month. Maria Asoro, an eighth grader from
Blessed Trinity Catholic, was this year's runner up. Um, and Marian County also has a second student who qualified online and who competed at the regional level. Allison Workheiser, an eighth grader at Fort McCoy School. Wonderful. Well, congratulations to both
of you. You guys did amazing. I'm also not good at spelling, so since I'm ratting myself out tonight, um, wonderful job. I want to know how you spell obo. How do you spell it? Oh, I'm not gonna it. >> That's what I would have thought. Okay.
I I if I had it right in my head, so now I feel better about it. Um Okay. Well, we're going to come down and take a picture with you and then we will take a picture with our other winners and then um the public edition folks. We're restocked. Sure.
Kind of bunched up. One, two, three. Couple more. Sorry. No way. Right. >> But I need a couple of people in the front. You know it. I'll tell you one way or the other.
>> Yes. First the middle. Good. Thank you. >> At the end, >> I just want to say hello. Five. >> Two rows, please. That's >> Yep. I think that will work.
Here we go. And one, two, three. Hands at your side. Here we go. And one more. >> And good. Thank you. So much easier when I just sat here. >> That clears things out, doesn't it?
>> I want to know how we all miss that. Well, those were all wonderful recognitions. Uh, and it's really always so wonderful to start our meetings uh with a recognition of all of the learning that's happening throughout our campuses, elementary through high
school. Uh, and really just give honor to the teachers and educators and support staff that are helping get that across the finish line every single day. Uh, we will now move into the business portion of the meeting. I recommend approval of the agenda for
the March 10th, 2026 school board meeting. >> May I have a motion on the superintendent's recommendation? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by me board member Thrower and a second by board member Conrad. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes. 5-0. Miss Martinez
Young, please provide the proof of publication for tonight's school board meeting. >> The notice for the March 10th, 2026 board meeting was placed on the district website on March 7th, 2026. Thank you, Miss Martinez Young. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the February 10th, 2026 school board
meeting? >> So move second. >> Um um a motion by board member Conrad and a second by board member Cummings. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. >> I.
>> I. Motion passes. 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the February 19th, 2026 special school board meeting expulsions? >> Second. >> Motion by board member Cummings and a second by board member Conrad. Are there any additions or corrections to the meeting? >> A hearing none. All those in favor say
I. >> I. I. >> Motion passes 5-0. The school district uses a construction management delivery method, including a guaranteed maximum price, GMP, to perform construction work on projects. In order to allow the district to purchase materials through the owner direct purchase process to
save sales tax, the construction manager needs to return funds to the owner via deductive change orders. The superintendent or design has signed and approved the following change orders. Per board policy 6345, the superintendent or designate is authorized to approve and execute any
construction change order that will increase the construction contract by 25,000 or less or that will decrease the construction contract amount provided that that approval shall be in his or her best interest and in the interest of the board. Such change orders shall be
binding upon execution by the superintendent and the superintendent shall report each change order that he or she approved to the board at the meeting that follows his or her approval. The superintendent's approval of the change orders will be entered into the official minutes of the board meeting. Starting with 7.1, the
amendment number one to the construction management contract guaranteed maximum price for construction of new middle school DD Lakewear Middle School. Change order number two, amendment number one, project 24-130. The cost of this change order is a
deductive amount of 15,675,000 for owner's direct purchase. And this action will save the school district approximately $940,500 in sales tax. Item 7.2, Two, compensation amendment number four to the construction management contract
guaranteed maximum price GMP for buildings 1 through four remaining interior finishes buildings 6 through 11 and courtyards and sports fields related to the construction of new high school CCC now known as South Maran High School. Change order number six,
amendment number four, project 24-105. The cost of this change order is a deductive amount of $1,500,000 for owner direct purchase. And this action will save the district approximately $85,259 in sales tax.
7.3 guaranteed maximum price GMP for East Marian Elementary School interior wall installation change order number one work authorization number two project 25-114. The cost of this change order is a deductive amount of $593,675
for owner's direct purchase. And this action will save the district approximately $33,675 in sales tax. The school's district uses a construction management delivery method, including a guaranteed maximum price GMP to perform construction work
on projects. And there were unused funds on the following projects. Since the projects were delivered using a construction management delivery with a GMP format, unused dollars, regardless of the item, are returned to the owner. The unspent monies will be returned to the owner via a change order which will
close the financial books on these projects. The superintendent or designate has assigned and approved these change orders. Per board policy 6345. The superintendent or designate is authorized to approve and execute any construction contract change order that will increase the construction contract
by $25,000 or less or that will decrease the construction contract amount provided that that approval shall be in his or her judgment in the best interest of the board. Such change orders shall be binding upon execution by the superintendent or designate and the superintendent or designate shall report each change order that he or she
approved to the board at the board meeting that follows his or her approval. The superintendent or designates approval of the change order shall be entered into the official minutes of the board meeting. Item 7.4 is the guaranteed maximum price GMP for construction of a security fencing system at Emerald Chores Elementary
School. Change order number one, work authorization number 17, project 23-131. Deductive change order is $27,26943 of unused funds. 7.5 guaranteed maximum price GMP for the
construction of a security fencing system at Reddit Collier Elementary School. Change order number one, work authorization number 16, project 23-131. This deductive change order is $26,71.40. 40 cents of unused funds. Item 7.6,
guaranteed maximum price GMP for the Maran Technical Institute, now known as Bridgeway Academy Security Fencing. Change order number two, work authorization number 18, project 23-132. The deductive change order is $6695 in unused funds. That will conclude
ourformational items. Miss Martinez Young, do we have any speakers this evening? >> Yes, Madam Chair. We have two non-related agenda item speakers. All right, we will save those for the end of the meeting then. Uh, and we will hear from attorney powers later with the rules regarding
public comment. We will move on to our consent agenda item 9.1. May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda items? >> Second. >> Sorry, Dr. Kimmel, were you saying something? >> I said second. He said so moved and I
said second. >> Okay, got it. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes 5-0. Moving on to student disciplinary matters. Before addressing expulsion matters, I'd like to acknowledge that the board members have received the alternative placement list for students through February 3rd,
2026. Miss Martinez Jung, 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 JD261-127E, JD26-128,
JD26-129, JD26-130E, JD26-135, JD26-136, JD26-139E, JD26-140E, JD26-141,
and JD26-1 JD26-143 for the remainder of the 2526 6 school year and the first, second, and third quarters of the 2026, 2022 school year with services. >> Motion to approve the expulsions.
>> Motion by board member Campbell. >> Second. >> Second by board member Conrad. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes. 5-0. We have a motion to approve the expulsion of student JD26-133 and JD26-134 with off-campus virtual learning for the
remainder of the 2025 2026 school year and the first, second, and third quarters of the 2026 2027 school year with services. So >> second >> motion by board member Cummings and a second by board member Conrad. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes. 5-0. Now we will move
on to our discussion regular agenda items starting with uh item 19.1. May I have a motion to approve the amendment to the central office staffing plan for the 2025 2026 school year. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by board member Thrower. >> Second by board member Conrad. Dr.
Brewer, can you provide some more information um on this item? >> Yes, ma'am. Our executive director of human resources, Miss Wantisha Morant, will provide remarks. And this again is the 2526 amendment to the central office staffing plan.
>> Good evening, Miss Mar. >> Evening. Thank you, Dr. Brewer, board chair Dr. James, and board members. We are recommending approval of agenda item D19.1, amendment to the central office staffing plan, adding four bus aids to the transportation department. These
positions are needed to meet the needs of the department and the district. The positions will be funded with district funds. Attached to the agenda item, you will also see the summitive reports of positions at the school and central office level that have been added since July 1st, 2025.
With that, I turn it back over to you, Dr. Burr. >> Thank you, Miss Mar. Board, is there any further discussion on this item? >> All right, hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes 5. Thank you, Miss Mar.
Moving on to 19.2. May I have a motion to utilize Omnia Partners contract R25042 for audiovisisual solutions and services? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by board member Conrad. >> Second. >> Second by board member Thrower. Dr.
Brewer, I believe you have some um someone coming forward to provide more information on this item. >> Yes. And our director of technology, Mr. Ben Venudi, will provide remarks for this and also be available for questions. This contract will ensure that a large variety of audiovisisual equipment um can be purchased at a
competitive price. >> Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Good evening, Mr. Benudi. >> Good evening, board chair James. Um superintendent Dr. for Brewer and board members. The technology department requests permission to utilize Omnia Partners contract R2250402
with audiovisisual solution services which replaces the previously board approved Omnia Partners contract R201202 expiring on March 31st 2026. This contract to provide access to audiovisisual equipment solutions and
related services as needed throughout the district. The estimated annual cost for required resources is approximately 500,000 and the contract term runs from October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2028. Approval will allow the
district to continue to utilize this contract to the current term and any extensions and ex sorry any extension periods and will specifically support the purchase of audiovisisual equipment for all schools insurance ensuring consistency efficiency and timely
delivery of instructional and presentation technology across district facilities. >> Thank you Mr. Benudi. Uh board I open it up for further discussion. Hearing none, I will call for a vote. All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> I. Motion passes 5-0. Thank you, Mr. Benoodi. Item 19.3. May I have a motion to approve the resolution number 26-04, the 1m advalorum tax. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by board member Conrad. >> Second.
>> Second by board member Thrower. Dr. Brewer, um I believe we're going to have attorney powers provide some additional remarks on this. Do you have anything you'd like to add about the ad forum tax train? >> Nothing more to add. We've discussed it in work session and the language will now go from here tomorrow morning taken
over to the Marian County um to the Marian County Board of County Commissioners. From there, it will go to Mr. Wesley Wilcox and be placed on there provided the board approves the language tonight. >> Wonderful. Well, board, I'll open it up for further discussion.
>> Any remarks? Four years went by fast. >> Four years goes by very fast. It sure does. Um and and for transparency for the community, um the only thing that was essentially changed was the removal of the um words class size and the addition of early learning. Um so we
essentially substituted early learning for class size to to be more aligned um and continue to be focused with the work of the board and and the focus of the organization. All right. Any further comments? All right. Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I.
>> Motion passes 5-0. Thank you, board. Um, we're going to move on to meeting reminders. There is a forward focus, a way of work workshop April 24th at 9:30 a.m. Uh, >> March, >> oh, sorry, March 24th. Yes. Also,
there's a special admin administrative briefing and work session scheduled for March 31st, uh, 2026 at 9:00 am. And then we will have an regularly scheduled administrative briefing and work session April 2nd uh 2026 at 9:00 am and then a schoolboard meeting April 14th at 5:30m.
Miss Martinez Young, do we now have um speakers related to the work of the organization? >> Non-related items. >> Yes. >> Two. >> Two. All right. Attorney um Powers, will you please provide the rules governing
this public comment? >> Yes, ma'am. I shall. In compliance with section 286.0114 of Florida statutes, the school board has adopted uniform meeting 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 agenda this evening's agenda item speakers will be called prior to the business portion of the schoolboard
meeting in the order received by the school board clerk. For items not listed on the agenda, speakers will be called at the end of the business meeting. Before you begin speaking, please state your full name for the record and spell your last name. Each speaker will have
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's 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 will be scheduled at the conclusion of the televised portion of this meeting. Parents may address the board regarding discipline matter at that time. To ensure student privacy,
only a parent or guardian may use a student's first or last name. Identifying references to other students are also prohibited. A speaker's speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the school district. Thank you for
attention to the board's requirements. Madam Chair, that concludes my explanatory remarks. >> Thank you, Attorney Powers. Miss Martina Jean, can you call the first speaker? >> Aaron Damodi. >> Dora Hill. >> Good evening, Miss Hill. >> Good evening. I am here. My name is Dora
Hill. H I L L. And I'm here on behalf of my granddaughter, Casey. I would like to first read you her statement per her words. She is a student at Westport High School.
My name is Casey and for the past year at Westport High School, I have been bullied and fatshamed, trapped, hit as of what I have to say. You all have not done your jobs because your staff allowed me to be trapped in bathrooms
and stay there because the bullies were outside my stall waiting to jump on me. And not only but your staff has allowed me to be fat shamed and they have done nothing about the fact that I have been told the students would come to my home
and kill me, my grandmother, my my animals and so forth. They have not done anything of the fact that these students have locked have looked up my address to find me and that is not just an issue I go through but also many other students. I would like
to bring awareness to how many teens kill themselves over bullying. That would be every year 12 to 30% of our students the students are killing themselves over this bullying in schools
and outside. As far as I feel, I have been feeling a lot of anxiety of not being safe at this school or any school and I shouldn't feel this way. I should have a safe learning environment.
that comes from a 15-year-old child and it should not be happening. I know this. I've been there and I have been this past week recording all the phone calls that I have been having with people. So, I'm going to let you know a
couple things. The bullying, the fat shaming, and so forth. She's covered the threats from the students. I did speak to the officers there at the school, and I spoke to the sheriff's department, which nobody got back with us. That's a problem. I have every concern as many other people. You don't know what kids
are going to do anymore. You just don't. Thank God they haven't come to our home. However, then I have spoke to Mr. McCarter on numerous occasions and um I recently have a recording where the
child said that her sisters were going to get my granddaughter. I've tried to get in touch with this gentleman for three days. I waited. No, nothing. Nothing. I was lied to by him. I was told on the day that this one boy has
continued to bully my granddaughter and others per Mr. McCarter. It's not just my my granddaughter. I'm standing up for all students. >> Miss Hill, um your time is expired, but Dr. Brewer, do you have someone that can discuss this matter with a remorse? >> Yes. Thank you, Chair. Um I'd like to
ask Mrs. Kiner. She's the area superintendent for Westport High School to speak with you um in the lobby. >> I'll be back for the rest of the next meeting. >> Thank you. >> Is there any other public comment? >> No, Madam Chair. The first one was the
email. I guess she didn't show. >> Oh, okay. Good to know. All right. Well, then we will move into board committee reports, comments, and concerns. We'll start for with Miss Martinez Young. >> Nothing, Madam Chair. Thank you. >> All right. attorney powers >> only to inform the board that I will be
making contact with each of you this week to discuss some um matters with social media um and some potential litigation issues with you individually um and uh after that I will intend to provide some materials to you so that's
that's about all >> right thank you attorney powers um we will start with our student board members Marasha Um, I have nothing. >> Okay. And Luke, >> I just want to say that this week I've had the opportunity to see firsthand all the work that the district does to
ensure to the best of their ability the successes of our students and staff here in Marian County. That culture that I witnessed trickles down as well to the way our teachers treat and work with our students. The individual work done with each student, no matter their academic needs, can be clearly seen day in and
day out. That said, congratulations to all the outstanding Golden Apple recipients from Hillrest and all staff at schools that work to support students with special needs and make sure that they have the same educational opportunities all students deserve. As we approach spring break, teachers are
working hard to work with students and make sure no stone gets eternred when it comes to student success. We appreciate you and I would also like to give one more thank you to the board for providing the students in our district the opportunity to have a voice. I'm truly grateful for every opportunity you have given me and all of our students to
be involved on such a great level. Also, good luck to all those taking the SAT at Westport tomorrow. You're going to do great and to students at all other schools taking standardized tests this week. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Dr. Ber. >> Thank you. Well, I'll I'll start with um
letting you all know that Luke Lombardo served as our student representative for our handover research strategic planning. In the last two days, we had 30 people participate and that was Luke was representing the students, but we had teachers, we had principles, plus
our district staff and it was a wonderful um two days filled with lots of thoughts and true care and concern for Marian County Public School. So, we are about 75% finished with a plan and
we will provide the board the um a draft plan on April the 2nd. So, we look forward to that. Um but thank you, Luke, for um joining us and being such a a true partner in that work. He he is engaged in every bit. So, we're just so
grateful. Um, I also want to comment on our rookie teacher of the year, Miss Stevens, the work that she plans on doing this year with her peer mentors and really working with others in our district. We're excited to see where that work will take all of our um,
rookie teachers. We also had a very productive SPAR community meeting last night and I thank you to the board members that were able to be in attendance and engaged with the community. We had wonderful feedback provided. We had good questions and
again concern for where we are going and the reality of the what we have to what we're looking at um needing to do for the operational costs for Marian County Public Schools and to balance enrollment. So, it was a really productive evening and I'm appreciative
to all those all those that came. I want to um just remind the community that couldn't be there last night and can't um come to the next two how to go to the district website to provide feedback. So if parents or if any community member would like to give feedback, you go to
the district website. Then you access the parent section and then click on parents, then click on student enrollment and then reszoning and then there's a north end um tab that you will click and you will be able to provide
comments. Mr. A heirs has already as of last night already had about 30 more feedback comments and so please know community that we are reading those comments and um they matter so please continue to do so. We do have two more community meetings taking place. We had
the Reddit Collier um committee meeting taking place on um looks like I don't have that date. March 25th, 5:30 and then Dr. James I might have you check that one. And then Anthony
Elementary um also starting at 5:30 >> the 20th >> 22nd >> the 25th for Reic Collier and the 26th for Anthony. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. And then my last two comments for you is um we have a teacher work day
this Friday, but it also re it's our final day of our third quarter. So it's hard to believe, but when students return from spring break on Monday, March 23rd, we will begin our fourth quarter. And that also means we have 29
days before our progress monitoring three window. So students, finish strong and enjoy your spring break. and everyone please stay safe. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Brewer. And just as a point um um to help, I wanted to also
share Mr. Ays um reminded us last night, there's a helpful button on the homepage called student enrollment. So, you don't actually have to click on parents. You can just click on the student enrollment button and that button will take you to the page where the link is. You just click on resoning and then the link is
right there. So, little shortcut. Um board member Thrower. >> Thank you. And um while we're on the topic of of SPAR, it really was um it exemplified citizen participation is what I would say. Uh the the questions,
the the dialogue, the the respect uh the concern that was shared uh was was all done in in such a way that that's how true problem solving occurs. And so I just wanted to share my respect and admiration for the folks on on the north
side. The conversation is is definitely going to to continue. U it's certainly my hope that we'll come away with a really strong vision for the the not just the short term but but the medium and long term um for that area and
continues to stick in my head. Same as board member Cummings. I think you know we uh want to measure twice so we only have to cut once. Um the next thing I'll share is that it's always distressing, you know, when a
speaker comes forward to share that their student is um experiencing difficulty and it makes it extra hard when it's the first time you've heard it, you know, and and not everything makes it um to the school board, but I
feel confident that uh the grandmother's concerns um for her granddaughter are are going to be addressed and that, you know, we take it very seriously. Um, that's why we have student board members up here. You know, part of the reason is to really help us take the pulse of of
what's going on in our schools and and I know that each and every student is just as important as any other one. So, look forward to there being some positive resolution um for that grandma and I'm confident that there will be. Um,
I also wanted to uh share a couple of pretty cool things. You know, uh, Hill Crrest is really on a roll. We had the Olympics recently and landing a quad is a pretty big deal. So, we we have the triple crown with the principal of the year and the teacher of the year and the
rookie teacher of the year. And I'm only going to use this one board member Campbell. Um, we they also had another perfect audit. So, now they've landed a quad. And so hats off to Christina Slater. She had big shoes to fill when uh school
secretary at Hillrest, Peggy Rich, retired. She had been there for a long time and just had a string after string of perfect audits, which are really not that easy to do. Um I was really impressed that a little school like Hillrest had 210 checks written and 27
fundraisers that they had conducted. And then I looked at Westport High School. So, I'll let board member Campbell share that or or some other board member. But my goodness, there is a lot of business that is being conducted um in our schools and being conducted accurately
and we'll just say perfectly. I wanted to give a shout out to Vanguard High School. Uh their their wind instruments players earned all superior ratings. That's a pretty big deal. You know, a lot of people think of Vanguard as being the football school, but evidently
there's a lot of other superior talent u around there. So, just wanted to share uh that compliment. And then I'll finish with we are uh getting very close to spring break, just a few more days. So, everyone needs to keep their head in the
game. And uh next week, I hope that everyone is able to take a little bit of time and enjoy everything that you love to do. Uh the weather's looking like it's going to be good. So uh be blessed, have fun, and remember to come back. That's all I have. Thanks.
>> Thank you, board member Thrower. Reverend Cummings. >> Good evening. Um very quick meeting tonight. We're moving kind of fast. A couple a few things few things I do to u appreciate the Golden Apple teachers that came out tonight and
um our rookie teacher of the year. Um truly um they do great work week in week out and um you can't you just can't not uh put the value on the things that they do on a on a daily basis. Um I too want
to acknowledge um and Dr. Cam I'm not going to steal it. >> Go ahead. acknowledge that we got we had seven perfect audits. I'm just going to acknowledge the ones out of district three as um Miss Torres already did the one for that with Hillrest, but Dr. N
Jones and Westport both had uh perfect audits um and they're in district three. So, congratulations to all of them that had the perfect audits. That is a tremendous u feat to have a a perfect audit and many of them had them for more than one year. So, um we are excited
about that. Um second thing is the the spar community meeting from last night was very um very informative. Um it was there was a great number of people there. I I want there to be more people
there because I want the community to be informed about what's really going on and I don't want it to be that uh they see us as an adversary but as teammates that we're trying to make the best decision for our community and for our school. So, um I look forward to the other community meets that's going to
take place in the very near future with uh Spar and uh with uh Anthony and Reic. Is it Reic? Re >> Anthony and Reic. So, we look forward to those. It was it was also um as board member Thor said, disheartening to hear
the comments concerning the bullying and very unfortunate because we continue to talk about uh how um bullying is not tolerated and and we never know what's the state of a kid's mind or students mind um when they're getting these types
of uh challenges. Uh so we need to make sure that um we encourage the parents to please come forth and let us let us know the guardians or whoever let us know the friends if there's that kind type of thing is going on because um
things happen and things go ary real fast. So, we want to make sure that um we we're notifying the right people, doing the right procedures, doing the things that we can do to prevent any any type of u terrible situation from
happening. So, please please community if if you notice these things are going on with your kids or or kids in general, please please let us know. Um one of my final things, this is my final comment. And I'm going to try and stay
focused in my comment, this comment, because it's not um one that everyone wants to hear. But I'mma I'm going to stick I'm going to stick to my notes. So, I want to take this moment to address a
matter that has weighed on the hearts of several members of our school district family. Um I've already talked to superintendent about this and staff. Recently, on the last day of Black History Month, a wreath was displayed outside the door of one of our district
offices. The wreath was made of cotton, plants, burlap, and rope. Several employees reached out to me privately to express their concern and their pain regarding how the display was perceived. For many people, cotton and rope are
not, let me say that again, are not neutral symbols. In the history of our nation, cotton is tied to the painful legacy of slavery and forced labor. While the rope, particularly when displayed in certain ways, can evoke the horrific history of lynching and racial
terror that African-Americans endured for generations. When these symbols appear together, especially during Black History Month, it can send a message that is deeply troubling to those who know that history. I want to be clear, very clear
tonight. This is not about publicly shaming or singing out any individual. That's not my purpose. My responsibility as a member of this board and as someone who cares deeply about every employee and student in this district is to acknowledge when something has caused
hurt and to use the moment as an opportunity for learning and understanding. Many of our staff felt that the display was offensive and insensitive. They were not angry voices seeking punishment. Rather, they were concerned voices asking to be heard. They simply
wanted their feelings acknowledged and their history respected. Marian County Public Schools is a district filled with dedicated professionals from every background who work tirelessly tirelessly for the success of our children. The overwhelming majority of the people who serve in this district represent the
very best of who we are. People who believe in dignity, respect, and unity. That reef does not represent the character or the values of this district. Moments like this remind us that awareness matters. What may seem
harmless, decorative, acute to one person can carry deep historical meaning for another. That's why conversations like these are important. They help us to grow. They help us to become more mindful of one another. And they help us
to build a stronger culture of respect. My intention in raising this tonight is not to divide us, but to strengthen us. When we acknowledge the past, listen to one another, and commit ourselves to doing better, we move closer to the kind of school system, the kind of community,
the kind of county, the kind of country, the kind of country that our children deserve. We want Marian County Public Schools to be a place where every employee feels respected, every student feels valued, and every family knows they belong.
So please let this moment serve not as a point of conflict but as an opportunity for enlightenment, understanding, and reconciliation. Because when we learn from one another and move forward together, this district becomes even better than it was before. And with
that, I'll say have a safe spring break. >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Dr. Campbell, >> thank you. Um so I this evening during the consent agenda I can I only talk about the one from district 1. I it has
been a historical presence u for me to mention perfect audits. Uh but there was a per perfect audit at South Ocala. It's the third year running that is the district one school but there were a couple in your districts as well. So maybe you're going to share those.
>> Okay. Well I'll share them all and then you guys can give them a shout out too. So, Emerald Shores also had a perfect audit. Fezendon and Reic Collier also had perfect audits and the aforementioned Dr. NH Jones, Hillrest and Westport High Schools. So, kudos to all the folks who had the perfect audits
that were in our consent agenda. Also, during our consent agenda this evening, we have renewed the contract for attorney powers for uh through 2029. So, thank you for your good work to the school board and the dedication that you have to keeping us in order and in line.
And so, uh I I remembered in 2023 when we renewed that contract and saying, "Okay, whoever is the chair, three years from now, we're going to have this again come up." So, uh just grateful for your your work and your support of us, attorney powers. the comments by the grandmother this
evening. I'm grateful that we do have area superintendent and staff that are in the audience during each meeting that can go and address concerns immediately rather than that be something that that has to continue to linger in the atmosphere. Certainly, we want the
student health and their mental health to be in. We want all students to feel safe at school and and if that is not the culture and the atmosphere that that student is feeling then we need to do everything we can to address it and I am assured that we are doing that. So um
thank you to the team. I I know that often we don't recognize you all for sitting here all the time but just know your presence is valued because you just never know when you might be needed and tonight was one of those nights. I I wanted to also give a quick shout out to
the math counts teams and uh first of all to Amber Gartner and Kimley Horn for setting that up and sponsoring that. She's done it for a dozen years or however many she said. She is our traffic traffic engineer extraordinaire. So anytime you ever have traffic
engineering concerns, Amber Gartner is the one she is the guru in Marian County as far as I'm concerned. Uh but she also does a great job helping to coordinate math counts. Having nine schools participate this year was spectacular. Hopefully the 10th middle school will
come on next year and it will be just a unanimous support from all of our middle schools. Uh obviously Mr. Lachley is a Golden Apple teacher from North Marian High and he helped those students do so well in the cipher round. Miss Buck Halter from Oyola. She's been doing that
for several years and was my students plural. Both of my boys who did math counts. She was their coach. And I know she she wants to win that trophy so bad. man. Miss Pamela Ernest from Howard Middle School. She told me two weeks ago, I think I saw her. Um,
and she said that she has her trophy from 2006, which was the time that she started coaching whenever her child was in the math counts team. And she did it. Math wasn't even her strong suit. That wasn't even something. And she she was
doing it because they needed a volunteer coach. And she has 20 years of trophies for Howard Middle School's math counts teams. So, she said next year might be her last year, but I don't I'm not going to hold her to that because she's such a a spectacular leader within that community. Uh, the last two things I
wanted to mention were actually events that happened yesterday. So, I had the opportunity to join the students at North Marian High School as in their presentation of Drive for Life where they recognized and honored and
remembered those that have passed on due to careless driving accidents and they mentioned it was a wonderful presentation. The gym at North Marian is the size that in order to have a student assembly they
have to have more than one. So, I attended the very first one, but they can't fit their entire student body in one location at any given time. So, I attended the first one and then knew there was going to be a repeat of it happening later. Uh, but they have been doing it, I believe, for 16 years. I
think that's correct, if I'm not mistaken. And it was a group of students that had started it. And interestingly enough, the student that helped start it is now also a staff member at North Marian. So, she was able to share her
personal story yesterday. Her sister, who's a recent graduate of North Marian High, also was able to share her personal story. Another alum came and shared a personal story. And it was just a a time of remembrance. It was somber but yet purposeful in talking about
distracted driving, driving drowsy, driving drunk, and driving drugged. and how all the students in the room gave the pledge and verbally gave a pledge uh for that drive for life that they will not drive in those ways so that they
will hopefully be protected. And finally, last night while the spar meeting was going on, I unfortunately was unable to participate because months ago I had committed to be one of the judges for the Belleview High School capstone projects. And that's always a
highlight. I I don't like it when they schedule it when the Monday and then the Tuesday is a schoolboard meeting night because I can only commit to one night. But it is always a highlight every year. I say every year that I wish all of our high schools did it because it really
does get students focused on a potential career path where they have to investigate. They have to research and determine professions that they might be interested in. Take it so far as learning if that profession is in high demand. what this potential salary range
is, what the potential education is that they would need, and they have to shadow someone in that profession to learn exactly the ins and outs of it. So, I saw everything from a student who wants to be a horse trainer who had a horse there that we went out and was were able
to see um to students who wanted to be an athletic trainer. That was the first one to the last one. an athletic trainer who had shadowed the athletic trainer at Belleview High School and actually had a demonstration of herself uh wrapping an Achilles injury for a student. So, it it
really was amazing to see that just the depth and breadth. We did have a student who said he did his whole presentation on being a banker and then when you get to the final question, is this the profession for you? He said no. Okay, great. And so why and we had another student who did a whole presentation on
being a daycare owner actually uh being an early childhood operator and she went through the whole presentation and she said no because she got to shadow and and work with kids and all of that and and so what better time to figure that out than going through all the steps of
actually getting into that profession and then realizing you didn't want to do it. So, I think Belleview capstone projects are are just one of the the best things that we do in this district and would love for other high schools to pick that up. Maybe South Marian as they kick off, maybe they could do it because I think Belleview has been doing it ever
since they started. And in fact, um, Father Don Curran and Kathy last night were recognized because they have been judging the Capstone projects for 25 years. So, it was a wonderful thing. I'm sorry that I was not at the Spar community meeting last night, but I
intend to participate in the north side community meetings and certainly have been receiving emails and phone calls and speaking to to community members about it. Um because the decision has been made to not proceed for next school
year. Uh I think that a lot of those emails have stopped, but that doesn't mean that the communication needs to stop. So certainly continue to reach out to us so we know the thoughts and so it can be a two-way dialogue so we can engage with our community in understanding what we have on the
forefront. So thank you so much and have a wonderful safe spring break. I start my spring break at the consortium of state school state school boards associations KOSPA national conference in Louisville. I fly there on Thursday
and then that's where my family plans to join me for just a little bit. So everybody enjoy spring break. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Board member Conrad. >> Thank you, Chair. Um I just have a a few brief remarks. Um piggybacking on a lot of things that have already been shared.
Um but I want to start the last time we met we just were kicking off for the Charlie Dixon Elementary choir and so was able to sneak in there. It was a little late, Dr. Brewer. But um I just want to give a shout out to all of our
music teachers. Um you know, you get in there at 6:30 in the evening, they've taught school all day. Uh Miss Huau is organizing everybody and getting 800 800 students on the stage to sing and perform. And it really um it is moving.
It's moving to see all of those students participate um together uh in creating music. So, I just want to say I really appreciate all the time and effort that goes into creating that experience for all of those children. Uh it really was
fantastic. Um I also want to share the Spar community meeting I thought was one of the best meetings um that we've ever had. Uh there were a few people that were not happy to see me and that was okay. Um but the conversation was really
productive. Um we talked about our challenges. We talked about where where we need to go and what we need to accomplish. And and to me that that was honest conversation. It was problem solving. And so I just want to say a thank you to Mr. White House. He did an
excellent job of leading us last night. And also Mr. Ays. Um, you know, it it is challenging conversation and um people are very emotional about these decisions because they're passionate about where their children go to school and that's a really wonderful problem um
that we have to tackle uh you know to accommodate everyone. But but I love that I I love that families are passionate and happy uh where their children are going. Um but the team did a really great job of sharing information and then by the by the
conclusion of the meeting the group um of community members was they were helping solve problems you know by the time which was my ask as a board member. So it was just really again thankful for the team. Ben thank you for your work. Um and Stephen you too thank you. It was a great presentation. And along those
same lines the last two days we've been in strategic planning. They've been two long days. Um but Dr. Brewer, I want to thank you for your commitment and your investment to the process because it's not an easy ask. We have, I believe you said 30, at least 30 members, but we had
student board members. Um, we had somebody from each group, which is really hard uh because everybody's busy and everybody has a lot to do, but everybody has been in the room in a part of conversation uh for the last two days. And so, super productive. Um, I'm
excited about that presentation coming forth April 2nd. And so, just again, thank you to the team and your commitment um for your vision, you know, where we're headed and what what we want to accomplish. So, I'm excited about that. Board, I want to invite you. Um,
the spring bowling fling by the public ed found Foundation is Thursday afternoon. Um, you don't have to stay for the whole whole time, but we'd love to have you stop in uh and say hello. it it really is a a great celebration before everybody heads off to spring
break. So, I'd love to see you there. Um and lastly, um chair, I wanted to let you know that I will not be here Tuesday the 24th um for our board meeting. I have another commitment that night that I cannot um reschedule. >> Okay.
>> And lastly, I want to wish uh everybody a fun but also safe spring break. Please please have fun and take care. and we look forward to seeing you um at the beginning of the last nine weeks. Thank you, Chair. >> Thank you, board member Conrad. And uh I
will be brief tonight because I feel like pretty much everything has been covered. Um I I do want to give compliments to the community participation in SPAR and I'm sure what will be duplicated in um Anthony and
Reic productive healthy discourse that's solutionbased was I would say the theme of the night and so um it's always wonderful to be a part of productive discourse that has a common goal of finding a solution to a problem with the
realization that not everyone everyone's going to be happy and so we're going to have some productive conversation but it's important to note you know when we have community meetings uh our staff not just Mr. White House and Mr. heirs. But um as I was calling Vanna White, Miss
Thomas was there facilitating public comment. Miss Usher um was there with our new planner. Um his name is escaping me. >> Xavier >> Xavier was there um from the facilities team. Um Mr. Rimbert was there, the supervisor
for the North End. We also had principles from um Spar Elementary and their administrative staff there as well. And so really a wide array of individuals um present to be able to speak to um just what's going on, how we
can make it work, how we can be a thought p partner. Um and so thank you to the entire team for your commitment uh and your continued commitment because I'm sure you're going to show up at the next ones. So we're appreciative of you and your willingness to be um work well
beyond your traditional eight hour day. So, we're grateful for your commitment to Marian County Public Schools. Um, lots of great work happening. Spring break is coming up. Uh, and then we're in the fourth quarter and that is that is the final the final trek to the
finish line. Um, the years go by faster and faster every single year and it's hard to believe um that you know three years ago we were approving attorney powers's contract and as Dr. Campbell said, now we're here again to do it again and that was in the consent agenda tonight. Um, time just goes by so fast
and it is so fleeting. And so we all know that once we get into fourth quarter, specifically May, every single day has something in May. Um, with the culmination being graduations. And so there is so much to happen in the next two and a half months as we get into
Memorial Day weekend and the conclusion of our school year. And so students, um, stay focused on what the goal is. Whether you're in second grade or you're a senior in high school, stay focused on what the goal is. Um, come to school, be on time, get across the finish line,
seniors, because we are so close. Uh, and I know that our school staffs, as you said, SAT school day is tomorrow. There is still so many opportunities to figure out how to cross the finish line as a senior. Um, and I know our teams are working actively with those students who still have um, metrics to meet to
help them make sure that they're getting there. So, if you are a student who is in need of figuring out how to get across the finish line in May, I know for sure there is a guidance counselor or an assistant principal on your staff who is more than willing to sit with you and help you problem solve. Um, and and
I'm grateful for a team that is always working towards making every student a graduate. So, I will conclude my comments there for this evening. Uh, and there being no for their business, may I have um, Miss Martinez Jong, is there any speakers for off air comments related to student discipline? >> No, Madam Chair. Thank you. There being
no further business, uh, may I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion by board member Conrad and a second by board member Campbell. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes 5-0. IO during this meeting at 6:44 p.m.