in two minutes. Please take your seats. --------- Again, the schoolboard meeting will begin in two minutes. The school board meeting will begin in one minute. Please take your seats. Again, the schoolboard meeting will begin in 1 minute.
[Music]
Good morning. The July 22nd, 2025 special school board meeting of the Marian County School Board is called to order at 11:31. The purpose of this special meeting is to receive the tenative budget for the 2025 2026 fiscal year to approve it for advertising
purposes only and schedule a public hearing on the tenative budget. Good morning, Miss Martinez Young. Would you call the role, please? Dr. Allison Campbell, District 1, here. Mrs. Lorie Conrad, District Two, here. Mr. Eric Cummings, District Three. Miss Nancy Thrower, District 4, here. Dr. Sarah James, District 5,
here. Dr. Danielle Brewer, interim superintendent, here. Mr. Jeremy Power, school board attorney, here. Thank you. Will you please stand for the pledge? I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for it stands. One nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Miss Martinez Young, would you please provide the proof of publication? The notice for the July 22nd, 2025 special board meeting ran in the Ocala
Gazette on July 11th, 2025. The proof has been attached to board ducks under proof of publication. Thank you. And at this time, I'd like to recognize our interim superintendent. Good morning, Dr. Brewer. Good morning. In accordance with Florida statutes, the board approved a budget
presentation timeline timeline on May 13, 2025. For your convenience, an additional copy of the budget presentation timeline is being provided today and is in the front pocket of your budget notebook. Thank you, Dr. Brewer.
Board, may I have a motion to receive the tenative budget, approve it for advertising purposes only, and set a public hearing for Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in this boardroom? May I have a motion? Motion to receive the tenative budget and all of the subsequent requirements.
Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Second. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Board, is there any discussion at this time? All right. At this time, I'd like to invite Miss Boston Ellis uh to the podium. I believe she has some information to uh to share with us. Good
morning, Miss Bostonellis. Good morning, Chair Conrad, board members, and interim superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer. So glad that this process has finally uh underway. It's it's been going on since uh before
January. And um I think uh we decided that this is the time of the year when the allergies come on and both I and Kayla are um experiencing that. Hopefully it's nothing to do with
this process. The tenative budget is before you with a request to approve for advertising only and this is this is based on the trim truth and millillage procedures. Um
again the process started in January and um we worked uh very diligently with uh different leaders. Uh but then when the hard work began uh around March and April uh we quickly discovered that we
had proposed expenditures that exceeded our estimated revenue and you have to remember this was our estimated revenue. Uh during that time under normal circumstances we would have a clear guide on what the
budget was going to be but this year it was delayed. So we went forward with our estimated budget which was based on on the 2425 year. So at that time we dis discovered that
our expenditures were in excess of revenue to the tune of about $64 million with the assistance of department heads uh Dr. Brewer, Mr. White House and Mrs. Morant um and the budget team, we began
the process of decreasing the general fund operating budget. Um Mr. White House can discuss or answer any questions you have about the strategy implemented, but the following is the outcome.
Salary and benefits approximately 265 units to the tune of 25.9 million were cut. Department budgets were cut 8.8 million.
Some of our operational costs were cut 4.8 8 million and then of course the committed fund balance was reduced by uh 50% to the tune of 7.5 million.
Around about this time we did get in conference uh recommendations of revenue. So at this time we had about $47 million cut from the budget. And when we started looking at not only the
conference revenue but also um fund balance that are being carried over, we had a better idea of what those numbers were. So they helped uh that helped us tremendously and that was to the tune of
17.4 million. So again we actually cut about $46.9 million in expenditures. uh we saw an increase in revenue based on the the conference report as well as fund balance uh came in a little bit
larger than what we had anticipated. So that totals about $64 million and I know that was a concern wanting to know um are there any questions? Maybe you'll
go ahead. You can go Dr. Well, I'm gonna probably ask what Dr. Campbell's going to ask, which is the way I just understood what you said is we found ourselves with more money than we thought we were going to get. Is that an appropriate assertion? the conference report did provide because we ended up
with about 1,800 additional FTEES unweighted FTEES uh which some of that belong to the family empowerment scholarship but also yes the revenue that is projected on the conference report is higher or was
higher than what we had in our estimate because our estimate was based on the 2425 year. So, what did we get back from what we had agreed to cut? Uh, when you say get back, what are we salvaging?
Well, there there was no need to go back and continue cutting at that point. Well, um, I know maybe I'm hearing the information wrong, but what I'm hearing you say is that we we found ourselves in a better position to the tune of about $18 million than we thought we were going to be. And one of the things the
board had discussed was taking those reserved funds and not touching them if we didn't need to touch them. Dr. Campbell may be able to articulate this better than I can, but no, what I'm saying is we didn't need to continue cutting because at this point we were
cutting uh vacancies. Uh we were not cutting um individuals. So the next step would have been cutting positions that had people in it. But we we did not have to do that because
the revenue that was estimated was lower than what we actually saw on the conference report. So we would have if the revenue was not higher then we would have had to continue cutting um budget.
I so if okay so I'm remembering so when we left that work session we essentially had about 12 million left to figure out what to do with and so essentially we came in a little bit higher and it all washed out is what you're saying kind of broke even we broke even based after that work session yes Kayla's not even
I'm not sure I understand what you're asking I'll let can I let Dr. Campbell so basically I think to answer your question Dr. James is the 64 million that we were short. We're now balanced. We have that 64 million, but that is
inclusive of the $7.5 million cut that we did not want that this board member specifically did not want us to do. And so, we didn't find extra money to add back to that. The 64 million to balance us includes that cut. Got it. That's the clarification I was looking
for. Thank you. Sure. Because Miss Bostonellis, what you were referring to is we were going to have to come back to the table for more cuts is what we originally anticipated, right? The the cuts would have moved from vacancies to people actually in
position. Thank you very much. Yes. So, just a couple of quick things. Um, first one on this tenative budget right now, what is the percentage that it puts us at for fund balance? Um, I mean, I know the state requires you have
to be at least three. I I'm hearing from other districts around the state that they're already dipping lower than that and asking the state for some kind of grace or what have you. Where where are we landing percentage-wise? The uh general fund operating, I believe, is a little bit over five,
which includes the $7.5 million. Sure. I I I've seen so many I'm like I just I just want to ask outright. I knew you would have that number. So that that is a little bit of a comfort to me knowing that we're certainly not in the dire position that other districts are.
It it also knowing that there's 1,800 more FTE than we were anticipating also says that Marian County is in a very unique position in the state of Florida right now that we are continuing to add. That's not always going to be the case.
Correct. And so we're going to have to get serious in the future for I'm grateful, you know, obviously the Fed what they're doing and with title dollars and I'm assuming all of that has been worked in here and the monies we know were not going to be released this
year and at least that we we believe the case is. Uh so there there's still a lot kind of floating around uh especially with federal dollars that we are still kind of in the unknown land. But I'm I'm grateful that we continue to have
students come in because that always has a dollar sign associated with it. But it also presents significant challenges as we continue to try and find seats for those students and where those students are moving to. So there there it's it's kind of that catch 22 like certainly
come one come all to Marian County when it comes to budgeting. It helps us but it also causes challenges. And so, um, I thank you to your team and I know it's been or pencils and erasers and, you know, just going back and forth and back
and forth and certainly the the title grants have not helped you at all with figuring what that's going to look like. U, but super grateful for your team that we have before us something that's balanced and then I know we have several weeks still yet to go before we reach
the finish line. Uh, but just even having something before us that's balanced today, I know took countless late nights and sleepless nights and hours well beyond what you normally would put in in a traditional 40-hour work week.
I think Mrs. Conrad said it was this is probably the the most challenging year and it's not even halfway over and and I agree with you and it we couldn't have done it by ourselves um without the help of the curriculum area. made a big difference. They were able to
inter interpret for us and make sure that the information was communicated clearly to principles and to anybody who was involved in the process. And our central office staff, they understand. You know, there are some things that we
need, but you know, they're going to postpone them or look for other funding because this is by no means uh a pretty picture. But as you stated, it's balanced. Um, I would like to add about the 1,800. Uh, they're estimating 1,200
of those belong to the family empowerment scholarship and we get a little bit under 700. So, um, that's still a challenge uh to to make sure that um you know that we're getting the
funding that belongs to the public sector. Right. Right. That that's a whole separate conversation that I'm certain we will be having when we talk legislative priorities. I know there's a lot of conversation about the students that essentially are dual enrolled right now around the state at 25,000 plus that are
dual enrolled even though that's not even a real thing to have happen with the step up for students and and with public uh school as well. Uh but I just continue to be grateful for all the work that you guys have put in. It it is balanced and we're at a five plus% general fund operating. That
is not what our friends around the state are. That's not the financial position for many many districts around the state right now. But I mean it I give it back to you because the board decided to put aside $14 million two years ago and it it
would be different. At some point we have to figure out what we do with the policy on that because we are breaking board policy in order to balance it right now. So uh that will be greater conversations for attorney powers when the time comes. Uh if we
pass this budget as it is, we probably will need to I mean with that continuing I know we're not passing we got several weeks but we probably will need to look attorney powers to rule making and the timeline on that with the exact same time frame so that that evening when we
potentially accept a budget that also has the policy change because I am not in favor of breaking board policy ever especially for the board to be the one breaking board policy. Um anyway, I I understand it's what it took to get us balanced. It it's not
still a a good position to be in because uh without that money set aside, we would not be in the situation we're in right now. So, thank you. I agree. I I would just like to to add a couple more things just about the budget
specifically. It's 1.3 billion. Um, and it includes fund balance carryover about $420 million. And between the 2425 and the 2526 budget, there is a $50 million decrease.
Um, and that predominantly is due to ESSER funds going away. We don't have that budget amount anymore. And then also we are beginning to build the schools and paying bills associated whereas last year we were just we
weren't um very far on those projects. Uh the required local effort did decrease very small 0003 but our property values have expanded another 10%. Last year it was 11%
increase. This year it's uh 10.9%. So, we got to keep our eyes on that as well. And that's all that I have unless there are additional questions. Anything? Yep. Mr.
This is a very unusual budget year to say the least. I am so grateful, as board member Campbell just shared as well, that through conservative fiscal management,
we're meeting this challenge and are in a much better position than many other districts around Florida. I my heart goes out to them because in the end, we're all trying to do the same thing. you know, educate kids the best way we
can and get them ready for the future. Um, but it is such a tribute to the foresight of this board, such a tribute to your continuing and your team's ability to manage
through the best of times and also through the worst of times. This is a very unique year uh with everything going on at the federal level, everything going on at the state
level. You know, we understood that the soup was going to be really thin. Uh but what we didn't know was that it was going to come down to the wire like this. And even with all of those challenges, we're putting forward a you're putting
forward a budget to us that covers the bases that minimizes the upheaval, but makes it very clear to all of us and all of our employees that, you know, this is a different
year. and we done in the past everything that we could when when the money was better. I think we we shared as much as we could. Um but I almost feel like I want to share a preview for everyone that's
paying attention. Uh this is a lean year and that $7 million I look forward to replenishing it. Um, thank God we didn't need to use all of it, but the fact that it was put aside for times such as
these, um, again is a tribute to this board and and the willingness to see the field as it is. The playing field is what it is and and we're playing and we're in the game. So, I'm grateful for that. Um
it comes up every year because as property values increase uh the community believes then that we have so much more money now. Can you just quickly give a refresher on what that means to the school board and maybe
not other entities? Yes. Um basically when the taxable value goes up the legislators set the required local effort. So basic they're saying if you want to get the state money you've
got to levy this amount and while it uh was 0.003 which is a very you know small decrease based on the fact that our property values increased about 10%. uh we will
see additional money in local I always say it's either the local or the state's going to pay and um so our taxpayers we will see um an increase uh based on the
fact that our property values increase the items such as capital 1.5 mil they are going to increase the dollars that are available to them the dollars that we use for construction construction and renovation. Um, also referendum
uh will increase and I believe it's about $5 million that it's going to increase and that's always good so that we can uh continue uh to do the things that we need to do for safety and we've got to offset some of the cost the
increased costs from the resource officers in safe schools. So we you will will see an increase in our property taxes uh just based on the fact that our property values have increased. But again remember if we have the save our
homes it's the lower of the CPI or 3% and the cost of living is actually lower than the 3% this year. So, you know, it's it won't be as bad as it could have been, but it will reflect an increase in
property taxes for us as taxpayers. Thank you for for sharing that. We might as well just keep putting the the cards on the table and and be honest about our challenges and and and how our money is coming in and and obviously what we're doing with it. I heard you mention a
couple times um FTE which you know full-time equivalent those are otherwise known as students correct pretty much students based on the services that they require so we can say students and they're projecting that we'll have an increase of 1,800
uh 1,200 belongs to the family empowerment scholarships the other I think it's high 600 almost 700 it is um Maring County public school so that is the projection more students
um causes more revenue. Sure. And and that's projected on the kids being basic, right? Yes. To use that term, but just regular kids. Yeah. General ed coming to us. Yeah. Our average is about 8,900.
when you include family empowerment, when you reduce it, um, uh, take out the family empowerment scholarships, we're a little bit under 8,000 per students, 7,000. So, that that's really, uh, our
our, uh, revenue per student for state and local um revenue, it's a little less than 8,000 per student. And it is an average. Some are higher, some are lower based on the program weights. You're
exactly right about that. Thanks. Because that's that's something that is hard to to understand. And and also when it comes to why we need, you know, ext why we need money to be able
to serve each and every student because some kids come in uh as a general education student, but we figure out within the first few days of school that they're in need of of more support. And
that whole process can take a while. And then when they eventually do qualify for more services, well then they get bumped up um having more money available to them for the services that they need. And I guess
my point to all this is that services are also very expensive. Yes. almost every single meeting were approving um all kinds of services, you know, physical therapy, occupational therapy, you know, deaf and heart of
hearing site, you know, behavior services, you name it. And while it seems like a lot of money on paper, when you are applying it to what that what every individual student needs,
I don't know that it truly covers what it costs. So in the magic we have to find out find other ways you know to cover those those bases. So there's just so much to it and these are topics that keep you know coming up year after year
and I just hope that as we continue to go through this process and this year that we can continue to help the community understand uh what's a pretty complicated process and and where the money is really going. Um, and it's not
coming from lottery and it's not coming from Pico and we wish it was. Um, but it's coming through incredible generosity of and awareness of the majority of the voters
that voted for our funding referendum. That has continued to be such a lifesaver. and we're getting close to time where we're going to need to talk about, you know, whether or not we're going to be asking for that again and making sure we
hit all our deadlines and make the case all over again to the to the community of of why it's so needed. So, I think that the job that you and your team do every year to help reassure the community that the fiscal management is
sound, but the need is great and development really doesn't pay for itself. You know, we we have too many kids. We needed more schools, but that's expensive. So, uh onward and forward, as they say. Thank you.
Thank you, Miss Thrower. Anything else? Did you have anything else? Okay. And and we are available for any questions if you want to come by the office or call or email and we'll do our best to get the answers um to you.
Thank you so much, Miss Boston. I do want to do a little plug. Even though it is a lean year, your insurance is going to stay the same, right? It's insurance stays the same. So, yeah, the board the board will continue to our employees and that's a blessing.
include that in um even though it's a lean year um we all continue to try to do what we can uh for our staff. I also want to do just a real quick plug for our our nonprofits that serve our schools because on lean years and
difficult times uh they fill many of the gaps for us. So I just want to say thank you to the work really that is done within the community to help to support um our students. But thank you to you and your team uh for bringing this forward. I know it's been a treacherous
process and we thank you. We've have an expanded team now. Okay. The proposed budget will be posted on the Marian County School District website on Tuesday morning, July 23rd, 2025. Please be sure to bring this
notebook with you to to each work session and budget related public hearing. There being no further business, may I have a motion to adjourn? We didn't actually vote. I think we had a motion. Did we vote on it, though? Oh, you're correct. Thank you, Dr. Campell. I um
we had a motion. I uh usually highlight this in bright yellow. So, thank you so much. Board, I need to backtrack a little bit after discussion, if you will. Um all those in favor um of setting the of accepting the tenative
budget advertising um and a public hearing on July 29th at 5:30. All those in favor say I. I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 40. Thank you board uh for chiming in there.
To clarify, it's Wednesday the 23rd, not Tuesday the 23rd. Okay. Thank you. That is my mistake. Okay. So, Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025.
Um, any other further business? Okay. May I have a motion to adjurnn? Motion. Second. All together. Thank you. All those in favor? 4. Thank you. This meeting is adjourned at 11:58.
Thank you. Part: 2
The school board meeting will begin in one minute. Please take your seats. Again, the schoolboard meeting will begin in 1 minute. [Music]
Good evening and welcome. The July 22nd, 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 at this time. Please join me.
Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Would you please read the board commitment statement? Good evening, Chair. Gladly. 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, Dr. Campbell. For the courtesy of those
listening to the meeting, I am requesting everyone in the audience to please turn off their electronic devices or put them on vibrate. Later in the meeting, up to 30 minutes will be provided for individuals to address the board on matters concerning the operation of the Marian County School System or the school board only.
Presentations to the board are limited to 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 located in the lobby. If you wish to address the board regarding a public
hearing or 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. The procedures applicable for each are on a separate sheet. Good evening, Miss Martinez Young. Would
you call roll, please? Good evening, Madam Chair. Dr. Allison Campbell, District 1, here. Mrs. Lori Conrad, District 2, here. Mr. Eric Cummings, District Three, here. Mrs. Nancy Thrower, District 4, here. Dr. Sarah James, District 5, here. Dr. Danielle Brewer, interim superintendent, here.
Mr. Jeremy Power, school board attorney, here. Thank you, Miss Martinez Young. Dr. Brewer, good evening. Who's going to share our inspiration and lead the pledge for us this evening? Thank you. We have Mr. Mark Ingram, our coordinator of K12 academics, will come
introduce our special guest. And I do see um the special guest principal, Miss Susette Parker, is here in attendance as well. Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Good evening, board chair and school board members. It is a privilege to be here tonight to
recognize an exceptional student, Elias Havalona, for his participation in one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the country, the Scripps National Spelling Bee this May. He's got the shirt for it. Held annually just outside Washington DC. The Scris National Spelling Bee brings together
hundreds of top young spellers from across the country. These students earn their place on the national stage by winning highly competitive local, county, and regional spelling bees. The competition is known not only for its difficulty, but for its emphasis on vocabulary, literacy, and academic excellence. It is broadcast nationally
and watched by millions, making it a true showcase of scholastic achievement. Elias, an incoming eighth grader at Howard Middle School, is already distinguishing himself academically through advanced studies courses and as a member of the school choir. His journey to the national stage began with
a win at the Howard Middle School spelling bee, followed by a strong second play place finish on this stage at the Maring County Spelling Bee, where he competed against Ava Mai of Liberty Middle School. He then advanced to the region 2 spelling be where he earned his spot in the national competition by outperforming students from across the
state. At the national level, Elias tied for 100th place, an impressive feat considering the caliber of competition. He successfully completed vocabulary challenge and confidently spelled the word ptotheica. No small task in front of a national audience. He was
ultimately eliminated in the written portion of round three, but his performance was a testament to his hard work, intelligence, and composure under pressure. Please join me in congratulating Elias Havalona for his outstanding achievement. We're incredibly proud of him and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next. And
now to lead us in the pledge, Elias Havalona. Will everyone ste please stand for the pledge? Pledge 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. Okay, Elias, will you hold right there? We'd like to come grab a picture with you. Hey, you guys.
[Applause] Dr. Brewer, we also have some special recognitions this evening. That's the rowdy group that was here before we started our meeting. Well, it's it's always fun to celebrate and so we have quite a few recognitions
this evening. Mr. White House um will come to the podium and be able to share the recognitions. Thank you, Dr. Burr. Good evening, Chair Conrad. Board members, we are very proud of the academic success that we saw this school year as we continue our progress.
Not only did our district grade improve to a B, but the vast majority of our schools improved or maintained their school grade. Tonight, we'd like to recognize our schools that maintained an Agrade or improved a full letter grade from the prior school year. Representing Joining us tonight are the principles
who led each school last year representing the hard work and dedication of every employee who contributed to that success. So, as I call their names, if you all would come forward to be recognized, we have Dr. NH Jones, Mr. Rob Hensel,
principal, maintained their Agrade. 8th Street Elementary, Mr. Ryan Bennett, maintained their Agrade. Aa a Colon, our one of our charters here tonight. Principal Vanessa Baxley maintained their Agrade. [Applause]
Madison Street Academy, Dr. John Curley maintained their Agrade and Ward Highlands Elementary, Miss Tresa Buck maintained their Agrade as well. Now for our schools that showed improvement for Belleview Middle School,
principal Dr. Dion Garry improved to an Agrade this past school year. [Applause] Oyola Middle School principal Renee Johnson improved to an Agrade. O Cali Charter Middle Principal Elias
Post improved twoletter grades to an Agrade this school year. Ocala Springs Elementary Principal Megan Parks improved to a B-grade this school year. Shady Hill Elementary principal Dr. Anna Street Mallister improved to a B-grade
this school year. [Applause] Liberty Middle School principal Bo Williams improved to a B-grade this school year. Belleview High School principal Heather Guest improved to a B-grade this school
year. Vanguard High School Principal Colleen Wade improved to a B-grade this school year. O' Cali Charter High, Miss Principal Elizabeth Brown improved to a C-grade this school year.
And our last school, charter school, Macintosh Elementary, Principal David Freedellander. They also improved twoletter grades from an F to a C grade this past school year. So again, congratulations to our principles. They represent all the hard work that their staff and students put
in this school year, and we're so proud of them. Thank you, Mr. White House. and we'd like to come down and grab a quick picture with you and celebrate a year's worth of hard work um working day in and day out uh to show student um growth on
your campuses. So, we want to come celebrate with you. I'm coming. Hold on. [Applause] Oh goodness. All right.
Everybody, two, three, John here. I just thought it'd be nice if they all of them showed up. That's awesome. In the summertime. Speaking of time. Yes.
We don't have a very big agenda. Middle school miracle. Well, that was a fun and exciting um list of recognitions. We don't get to do that very often. Okay, moving on to our donations. We have $1,000 to Denellan Elementary
School from the Maran Soil and Water Conser Conservation District board to recognize Karen Bird for winning environmental educator of the year. Funds will be used at the discretion to purchase items for her indooroutdoor classroom and or to attend educational
training conferences, webinars, or seminars to enhance teaching skills, Dr. Brewer. I'll turn it over to you. Thank you. I recommend approval of the agenda for the July 22nd, 2025 schoolboard meeting with the materials
in the board packet, those materials distributed to board members at the meeting, and the audio recording included as part of the official record of the meeting with the exception of items D17.1, D17.2, D17.3,
D17.4, D17.5, D17.6, 6, D17.7, D17.8, and D17.9 that have been placed under discussion regular agenda items.
Thank you, Dr. Brewer. May I have a motion on the superintendent's recommendation? Recommendation for approval. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5. Miss Martinez Young,
please provide the proof of publication for tonight's school board meeting. The notice for the July 22nd, 2025 schoolboard meeting ran in the Ocala Gazette on July 11th, 2025. The proof of publication has been attached in board docs under proof of publication. Thank you. May I have a motion to
approve the minutes for the June 10th, 2025 school board meeting? So move. Thank you. Second. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed?
Motion passes 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the June 16th, 2025 special school board meeting? Motion to approve the June 16th minutes. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Second. Second. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes?
Seeing 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 June 16th, 2025 special school board meeting early re-entry requests? May I have a motion?
Motion to approve. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any I'm sorry, there is discussion. It's actually, just for the record, the date
was actually June 19th, I believe. I'm sorry. Okay, I'm just looking at the agenda. The agenda item 7.3 says June 19th, but was it on June 16th? I'm I'm just wanting to make sure we have it correct for the record. 16th.
June 19th. It was a Thursday and it would have been a special board meeting. Okay. I believe it's actually June 19th. That's what it says. I'm looking. I know the the script says the 16th, but again, just trying to get
I have the 19th also. Okay. So, making a correction. Um, do I need to do an amended motion or I can just correct the motion? Attorney Powers. You can you can just correct the motion. Okay. Board, this is for June 19th, 2025
for the special school board meeting early re-entry request. Can I have a motion? Motion to approve, Dr. Campbell. and then second comments. Okay, thank you Dr. Campbell for catching that. Um, are there any additions or corrections to the minutes other than the date? Okay,
seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 50. Good evening, Attorney Powers. Can you please explain the rules governing persons who would wish to address the board? Yes, ma'am. Madam, uh, the uh I'm sorry.
Public speaker forms were due to the school board's clerk no later than 5:40 p.m. Madame Clerk, do we have any speakers uh for tonight's meeting? No, sir. Okay. Hearing none, then we will proceed to item 9.1. Great. All right. Moving on toformational items. The school district
used a construction management delivery method, including a guaranteed maximum price to perform construction work on this project. 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 the funds to the owner
via the duct deductive change order. This purchase will allow the district to save approximately $653,115 in sales tax. The superintendent or designate has signed and approved the change order. Per board policy 6345, the
superintendent or designate is authorized to approve and execute any construction contract change order that will be binding upon the exe executive by the superintendent or designate. The superintendent or design shall report each change order she approves to
the board at the board meeting that follows her approval. The superintendent or designate approval, excuse me, the superintendent or designate approval of the change order shall be entered into the official minutes of the board meeting. Item 9.1,
compensation amendment number three to the construction manager contract guaranteed maximum price for buildings 1 through 4, interior finishes, building 6 through 10 and courtyards related to construction of new high school CCC. Change order number four, amendment
number three, project 24-105. Item 9.2, guaranteed maximum guaranteed maximum price for Oyola Middle School building improvement building one, change order number two, work authorization number 10, project 25-115.
Board, this concludes theformational items for today's meeting. May I have a motion to approve consent agenda items C11.1 through C16.3 with the except exception of items D17.1,
D17.2, D17.3, D17.4, D17.5, D17.6, D17.7, D17.8, and D17.9 that have been placed under discussion
regular agenda items. May I have a motion? Motion to approve the consent agenda. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Second. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5.
Moving on to uh discussion regular agenda items. May I have a motion to approve the special data share agreement with Renaissance Learning Incorporated? So move. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Thank you, board member Thrower. Dr. Brewer, you have some information on this item? Yes, ma'am. We have uh Mrs.
Deborah Reedle. She's the director of elementary curriculum. She will provide brief remarks on the Renaissance agreement. Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Good evening, Chair Conrad and board members. This agreement with Renaissance Learning will allow us to purchase the STAR reading
assessment as well as STAR CBM or curriculum based measures. The results of the STAR reading assessment help teachers understand a student's readiness for reading and identify students who may need additional support. STAR curriculum based measures will allow us to progress monitor
students throughout the year, allowing teachers to provide targeted instruction instruction based on learner specific needs. Our purchases total $124,948.35, leaving $325,5165 for schools wishing to purchase
resources such as Accelerated Reader, Near Pod, or Flowabulary. As you know, Accelerated Reader is a program that motivates students to read, take engaging quizzes, and improve their literacy skills. Nearpod is an interactive platform that allows
teachers to create lessons using interactive slides, videos, and activities. Vocabulary is a digital program that offers students an opportunity for multiple exposures to academic and subjectspecific vocabulary
through interactive games and quizzes. Thank you, Miss RLE. Board, any comments or questions, concerns? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes
5-0. Thank you, Miss RLE. That was fairly easy. May I have a motion to approve the independent contract contractor agreement with Cardinal Language Services LLC? So move. Thank you, Rean Cummings. Second.
Thank you, Miss Thrower. Dr. Brewer, you have some information on this item? Yes, ma'am. We have Mrs. um Williams Jones with us this evening. She's the director of our ESC department, exceptional student education, and she will provide brief remarks on the next four items. Um and and we understand
that you need to vote individually on them, but she will provide remarks at one time. Thank you. Good evening, interim superintendent, Dr. Brewer, Chair Conrad, and board members. Tonight, there are four
independent contracts for review. There is an interpreter contract with Cardinal Language Services, an interpreter contract with Hernandez Interpreting LLC, an interpreter contract with New Day Language Services LLC, and a speech
language therapy contract with Invo Healthcare Associates. The total cost of these four contracts is $288,699.75. Thank you very much board. Any questions, concerns, or comments on this item?
Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreement with Inbo Healthcare Associates LLC? May I
have a motion? So move. Thank you, Rean Cummings. Who was that? That Okay. Sorry, I I couldn't tell. Um, thank you, Dr. Campbell. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed?
Motion passes 5. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreement with Hernandez Interpreting LLC? May I have a motion? Motion to approve. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Second. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say,
"I." I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreement with New Day Language Services LLC? May I have a motion? Motion to
Thank you, Miss Thrower. Second. Second by Dr. James. Thank you. Thank you. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5. Thank you very much. May I have a motion to
utilize Omnia Partners contract RFP25-01, award of contract R2501 for athletic physical education supplies and team uniforms. May I have a motion? Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second.
Thank you, Miss Thrower. Dr. Brewer, you have some information on this item. Yes, ma'am. We have um Mr. Donnie Tucker is here this evening to share information about this item. Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Uh good evening, board chair, board members. Uh the
reason for this item here is because so we currently purchase things through athletics. um the warehouse purchasings off the Omnia contract and currently that amount is $175,000 that we have to spend from year to year. Um we're asking
for an increase. The dollar amount total now would be a million51,000. Um and this is due to the facility improvements that we're about to do um that were approved earlier in the year based on the presentation that we did
back in uh I believe it was March. Um, and so this is to purchase things like bleachers for our baseball and softball fields, scoreboards, um, things of that nature. So that's the reason for this this item. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Board, any
comments or concerns on this item? No, I just see I see smiling faces, Mr. Tucker. I do concerns. I do want to thank I do want to thank the taxpayers positive for this opportunity. Did you have something you wanted to share? What Mr. Tucker was about to say? Go ahead, Mr. Yeah, that I I do want to
thank the taxpayers of Marian County because um appro and the voters for approving this half cent sales tax because this is where the funding um for this current project comes from. Right. Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. All right. All those in favor say
I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. May I have a motion to renew bid 4009 GM, carpet and vinyl flooring supply and installation. May I have a motion? Motion to approve.
Thank you, Miss Thrower. Second. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Dr. Brewer, you have some information for us on this item. She's already at the podium. Usher is here. Yes. Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Good evening, Chair Conrad. Board members, this item
is for $1.2 $2 million to purchase flooring for the various buildings throughout the district. Um it also includes the flooring for Denellan High School which is estimated at 800,000 and the contract is for one year until um
July 2026. Um thank you Miss Usher board. Any questions, concerns? Yeah. I just So, are we replacing all of the floor at Denalan High School? According to our maintenance director, yes, it includes the vinyl and the
carpet. Okay. So, we're replacing all. So, I'm pausing because the board has had at length discussion about what we're doing with the sales tax dollars and the Denellan community. And I don't think we
came to a conclusion on what we're doing. We kind of left the discussion as that was not something for the next few years, but we needed to have greater discussion in the community about what this looks like. Understanding regardless, I think collectively we all
came to a pretty solid agreement that we have to do something at Denalan High School, but my understanding is the structure at Denalan High School is less than ideal. So, the something would probably require significant improvements to the facility which would not salvage the floor. So,
I'm my pause is coming from spending $800,000 on floor at a facility that we may very well be doing something with. Thank you, Dr. James. We thought about that before putting Dellan High School on. We have all the schools um um
prioritized and Dellan is the next one. If we do anything at Dellan High, we have to get money first to do Belleview, which will take two or three years. And to get the amount of money, the 150 million to do the Nelan High, it will be at least four or five years. And it's
really needed to be done right now and for the 800,000. So, but if it's something you all are directing, the board directs me to put that money somewhere else, I'll be happy to do that. But right now, next high school in line is Denellan High School to be done.
And the if we do anything at Dellan High, it won't be until for some time before we do that. Do we want it to remain the way it is for the next five, six years? It depends on the board. And I would argue our way of work is that everything takes four or five years.
We've been talking about Belleview Santos not having a playground for five years. So, I mean, this way of work takes years, but making a million dollar investment into a facility that we're going to probably demolish seems
but we don't know at this Well, we don't know. You're totally right. We will demolish it. We have been having those meetings and the assessment on maintenance and infrastructure and you asked that we bring that back to you and we have been working on that with Dellan Middle and Dellan High and I
don't know um at this point what you all will decide but if for some reason you think 800,000 is throwing it away at this time because we don't know what we'll do with the Nell and High we have a whole list of prioritized flooring that we can put it to. We have a number
of schools waiting for that money, but based on our prioritization, that was the next high school. I understand that. And I guess just to summarize my thoughts, I'm not I'm not an advocate for spending money in a place that we know we're going to have
to do something with. And we have we've had very adamant conversations that whether it's Denella Middle High, just Denell and High, whatever, that facility needs significant work. And so to put that much money into a facility that we may may very well have to essentially
pull it up seems very fiscally irresponsible in my opinion. And I would rather prioritize spending that money on flooring at other schools that are going to be longstanding far after four four or five years from now. If that is the board directive, we will not do it. But we were thinking about
doing a feasibility study for those two schools and talking to the maintenance. Certainly Danell and Middle will need to be redone. But we're thinking with Dan Ellen High, we don't know if it will just be an envelope improvement just making sure the walls are all sorted up
and doing and doing a feasibility study there to see if it will cost more to fix that school up or to build it new. But that is something I will bring back to you to decide if what we will do with that school. But um Dr. James, certainly we have a lot of schools to use this
money. We put this 1.2 two million in every year and we used it throughout the year. I just think having that information about a feasibility study and what this looks like is probably important before we make an $800,000 decision. And that's just my two cents on it. So, it's a no
for me because we need to understand the impact it's going to have in the community and what what it's going to look like in the coming years because it's a significant investment that could be spent on a variet. I mean, we are we are really trying to maximize our dollars right now and so we could spend
that money in other places where they're going to be have more longevity. Is that the board directive? Then I'll tell my maintenance director not to do that. Yes, Mr. Roer was next. Okay. Uh I I completely hear and respect Dr. James thought processes here and and
I I tend to agree with them. However, understanding the timelines and what you've said to us, Miss Usher, as far as I mean, we're talking at least 5 to seven years before we do anything with that property. And we don't fully know
what anything will be. I I just pulled our daily attendance report that shows the fish and actually I hadn't looked at it from this perspective. Dunel and High is actually our largest overage of any of our schools. They have more they're
at 140% capacity, which is the largest. So to realize that they have way more traffic, foot traffic on the flooring as is than any of our other schools in that in the capacity that
they're in. And knowing that Dan Ellen is in need of this, I don't know that I could feasibly say you're you're not allowed to get new flooring for the next seven years until we come up with another plan. I I I respect the the
chart that we've seen and and who's on the timeline and who needs it when. Um I also respect the fact that this school is significantly overcrowded now. our new high school may impact that and will help that, but that foot traffic that's
been on it is that 140% capacity. And so I could see why that would have significant wear and tear and have a need for the flooring. Now I I would love to hear from other board members and and their perspectives. Thrower,
thank you. Um, I'm thinking that this project landed high on the list for a reason. It may be many reasons. So, what was the rationale for prioritizing Denellan High School to replace this
flooring? I do have a list from a maintenance director and several high schools have been redone. So, this is um where he would go in every year and update them. So, this was next in line. So based on his criteria, age, use, condition, he
had he has done several other high schools. This isn't the first one. This is the first time we're calling out the high school because I'm trying to give more information. Usually we just say for the schools and then he goes to his list. So he has done several high
schools already. We don't have that many, but this one was next in line. Thank you. And and I heard you say age, use, and condition. Condition. Yes. And um my hesitation would only be if we're going
to replace the the the flooring, what is it that is making it dangerous now? Is it just or not dangerous? Um that's too harsh of a word. Making it more in need. Is it just because it's worn or are we talking about trip hazards? We talking
about mildew, mold? You know, we live in the terrarium called Florida. Um but I would just want to make sure that if there's any leakages that that would be mitigated before laying I agree and definitely we would do the leakage first
because that is a health issue but in this case it's more of a tripping hazard the continuous maintenance the aesthetics of it and just how it looks the wear and tear of it so it's not any um mole issue with it.
Okay. Right. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Thanks. Well, I I this is okay. While I do hear what Dr. James is saying, I disagree um completely because um we don't know when
Dellan High School is going to ever get any construction out there, period. It could we said three, five years. It could be 10 years. We It's been on the list for a long time. So to not do this would be wrong because we keep putting different things off with the
anticipation that there's going to be the finances, there's going to be opportunity to do this in the future. I don't see it happening in the near future with a new with a new school out out there. And there is an aesthetic uh component to this. There is a a safety
component to this. There is a component to this where the community feels like we've left them out several times on different things. So, I I I'm I'm ready to move forward on getting this this floor done at this school because those kids, you're talking about five groups of kids that going to come through, five
grades going to come through possibly and they still have a raggedy floor. No, we can't do that. We need to go ahead and get that taken care of. Thank you. Um I think these are just hard hard conversations to to have as we move forward. We don't have enough money
to make all the repairs that need to be made. I know I have come I came to Miss Russia recently. Um the flooring in many of our schools is just so poor. Um and and being in the classroom through COVID
did not do us any favors. You know the the children eating every day breakfast and lunch on top of those carpets in the classroom. Um it's just a challenge that we face. But Miss Usher, I ask you to
bring recommendations forward. What you think as you look at the whole district um what is needed most and so I trust your recommendation and I'll be voting yes um to move this forward. Any other comments? Yes, Mr. Just say my concern was just making sure
that whatever could be mitigated, you know, would be mitigated and and you provided that assurance and that was what I expected to hear because you are a professional and we we count on you that there's so much need everywhere. When I had my tour of Ocula Middle
School, honestly, I was shocked at, you know, how bad the carpet was, uh what was left of it. So, we're we're we're doing the best we can and making sure the ones that need it the most get it. So, it sounds to me
like it's Denella's turn, Denelan's turn. So, somewhat reluctantly, I'm going to vote yes. I'm I'm reluctant because I just wish that every school could get everything it needed a whole heck of a lot sooner. So, that's concludes my comments. Thank
you. I agree. Thank you, board. Anything further? Okay. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Nay. Motion passes. 41. Um at this time, oh, I'm going to turn
it over to um Dr. Brewer and Attorney Powers for the update on this central warehouse property. Thank you, board. Um, as you know, I I did email each of you regarding the fact that uh the sale of central warehouse property did not proceed to closing on
July 11th and that that necessitates a discussion with the board as to next steps. I do have attorney McGraw here who has been doing quite a bit of work to um assess the situation and determine what our next uh potential steps are and
offer um some potential solutions to the board for your consideration this evening. Ultimately, the board um will be in a position to make uh a decision whether to um proceed forward with closing or to um uh to relist the
property or to retain the property. But um I believe that uh Mr. McGra and Miss Scales will be able to provide you with quite a bit of additional information that'll help to make that decision a little easier for you. Thank you, Attorney Powers.
Good evening, Conrad. How are you? I'm good. How are you? Good. Thank you for being here with us this evening. It's been a long process. It has. As you're aware, we were set to close on this on June 30th. Prior to that June
30th date, the buyer came to us and stated that they would be unwilling to make that date as they had failed to get a survey. They requested an extension of July 11th, which the board generously granted them. They failed again to meet
that date. They then requested that they could get the survey and the money over to us no later than today. I am happy to report that the money is in our escrow account
as of yesterday and they have signed the closing documents and they are completely ready, willing, and able to close on the warehouse property right now. If the school board decides to move forward, then that's fantastic. They
will receive the um $2 million minus their broker fee um and any closing costs. If you decide not to move forward with the sale, I want you to understand that the $100,000 deposit, 50% of that will go to the brokers under their
broker agreement. So, I just want you to be aware of that contingency if you vote not to move forward with the sale because technically as of right now, the buyers are out of contract. Okay. Okay. Thank you very much.
Mr. Customer guard, you have anything else you want to add? One of the other things that I would add is that on the escrow deposit, in order to release the escro deposit, we would need an agreement of the parties or a court order. And so that would be another hiccup in how that gets
distributed or when it gets distributed. U me and Alex feel strongly that it's the school board's money. Um and it would not go anywhere else except the school board in the event the school board decides to not move forward with the contract and the closing. Um, and we send back the net amount less than
$100,000 to be held. But I did want you to know that it would also it would take some additional legal leg to get that deposit into your hands. All right. Thank you very much, board. I'll open up to see um how everybody feels where you stand. Um yes, Mr.
Also, I want to encourage if any board member has additional questions that's uh I know that Miss Scales and Mr. Mr. McGraw and I have have batted around a bunch of questions amongst ourselves over the last week or two. So any additional questions, please feel free to ask and and and he'll be able to
answer them to the best of his ability given the circumstances. Thank you, Attorney Powers. Uh Miss Thrower, thank you. And and you spoke of the uh brokers commission and that along with the uh closing cost. What would be our net proceeds that we'll get out of this sale? The net coming to the board would
be $1,910,580. Thank you, Mr. Was that your only question? Yes. Okay. Anything else? Um, I I think we should close. That's my recommendation. I think we're in a position where we will not find ourselves getting $1.9 million out the door for this property in any other
situation. This timeline has been less than ideal. I think that in out government makes things really hard. That's like everyone knows that about government and in the private sector. This is how this deal would have gone from a commercial real estate
standpoint. The ball goes back and forth. It takes it takes longer than it's supposed to. Um, and as long as you get it across the finish line and everybody walks away happy, that's the end goal. And so this has looked unique because we are a governing body. But I think in the scope of traditional
commercial real estate, this is pretty standard. And I feel very adamant that walking away with $1.9 plus million dollars in cash is is the best possible scenario for the school board. And as I've said before, I feel strongly that this needs to be earmarked for the data
center so that we can then offline another property. So that is how I feel about this and I just pray that two board members agree with me so that we can get this across the finish line. Thank you, Dr. James. Dr. Campbell, you want to weigh in? Uh, I believe I'm going to agree with
Dr. James on this one. And my reasoning is because we already have cash in hand essentially. If we were still waiting agent, this has certainly not gone in the way that any one of us anticipated it would
go. And it I am never in favor of extension after extension after extension because once you have your word, you have your word. Uh but again, cash in hand is a motivation that I wasn't anticipating this evening and so I'll vote in favor.
Reverend Cummings. Wow. I'm very transparent. Well, I'm not pleased with this process at all. I'm not I I don't feel it at all. I don't like how um they asked for extension after extension. Um but the ultimate
goal was to sell the property. Um I just think in the future this process has to be reviewed and done a little bit differently and this board has to take in consideration um how we're doing business as a government entity. Um yes in in the public sector, yeah, you
expect all that back and forth, but we're not the public sector. So we need to make sure that we handle this a little bit differently in the future. But I will vote yes. Okay. Um, yes. Sorry. Thank you. Uh, my follow-up comment is,
uh, we being a government entity still managed to have our meetings when we said we were going to have them, make decisions on the dates that we said we were going to do it, and followed through on everything that we were asked to do. Thank you for your expertise and your wherewithal. Same attorney powers.
That's the level of quality of business that I expect from myself as a board member and in my own private business. So, I agree 100% on closing this deal finally. Um, but no, there's there's not a free pass because this is how it
happens in commercial real estate. Uh, to me it was just I was embarrassed for them uh a couple of times. I'll just say that. So, I'm ready to vote. Very well. Um, very well said, Miss
Soer. Um, attorney powers, we need a vote on this or consensus. Yes, there would need to be a motion essentially based on what the board's expressed. The motion would be to proceed to closing on the sale of central warehouse property. I believe that Mr. McGra has indicated they've already signed the closing documents and
anticipation that we may say yes. And if so, um, then Miss Conrad, provided she's willing, would be able to sign the documents tonight. Uh, is that correct? And then we would be closed essentially as of close of this meeting. So So let me ask a question. There's
nothing else after she signs tonight. No. Okay. Listen, I'm not I'm not dummy. I want clarity. I want this stuff out there because y'all saying no. Like I'm like it's like it's but we No, I' I'd direct that question to Mr. McGraw. There there's nothing uh once we sign those closing documents. There is
no remaining other than release of the escrow uh you releasing the escrow to the to the board. Correct. That's correct. So, we have an agreement. It's there's an escro agreement. We did we worked extremely hard with with the other side to get this to the finish line of where it's at today. And I am very grateful to the other side that they have done what they
said they were going to do finally. Um I as well am not pleased with how they handled it along the way, but we're here. Um to answer that question, we would sign today and it would be closed. I just checked my email to make sure there were no type of revocations in my email or anything like that. Um we are
good to go. They've signed their documents. We are going to sign ours today with your board approval and then we will be dispersing the funds to you first thing tomorrow. And Mr. McGra, the documents to be signed, did did you make a change to the one Remington Florida or one Remington Ocala LLC?
It is. So, the buyer did request that it be changed to one Remington Ocala Roman numeral 2 LLC and that's special purpose entity and had no objection to it. All items remain the same and so they did complete an assignment and other than that particular change,
no other items uh altered in the agreement from before. That's correct. Okay, sounds like we're ready to go. May I have a motion to proceed with the closing of the warehouse property? Motion to approve. All right, thank you, Dr. James, and a
second by Miss Thrower. Any further discussion? All those in favor? All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5. Mr. McGra and Miss Gales, I just miss
seeing you. We've been able to see you so frequently on this process. So, thank you again for uh being here this evening. Chair Pers, uh do you want to sign now or do you want to wait till the end of the meeting? Can we We're almost to the end of our meeting. Would you mind holding on just a few minutes and we'll finish up?
That' be that'd be great. All right. Thank you so much. And I would just like to take a moment to thank outside counsel, both Miss Scales and Mr. McGra. Um, we've had a long process here. You've done a lot of work and we've been uh very appreciative for what you've put in. And um I I I thank
you very much for your time and and for your expertise. And I wanted to add flexibility, Alex. You were very flexible in in getting together and the four amendments that we we had to get together and work on. I thank you for being so flexible. Yeah. the the last three beard hairs I
had that weren't gray went gray during this process. So, you know, you you definitely I appreciate all your work. Okay. Board, may I have a motion to approve the scheduling of a public hearing on August 26, 2025 for the 2025
2026 student code of conduct? May I have a motion? Motion to approve. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Second. Anyone? We have to do it. We have to do it. Second. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Dr. Brewer, you have some information on
this regarding the ite. Yes. Um I've asked for this item to be um put under discussion because we know um and Dr. Curley is here. He's going to b provide um a few remarks on this topic. But we do realize this was as I shared in our work session previously
last week, but this was an error on our staff's part and um and that's the reason that we had to add it to this agenda to schedule the public hearing. But Dr. Curley is at the podium now. Thank you, Dr. Curley. Thank you, Dr. Brewer, board chair Conrad, board members. Um just as she
laid out, it was an error on our part, but we are finally across the finish line and we just need to get to that um public hearing on the 26th. We have communicated this very clearly to all principles so they are very aware of how we are handling it going forward and with technology for the acknowledgements
that we discussed before. So if you have any questions and I can provide any clarity on it from this point forward. Thank you Mr. Curly board. Any questions or comments concerns you'd like to ask at this time? Dr. Campbell I have a question. It's more or less a
comment. un understandably this is not at all where we want to be and I know that you know that you're taking the brunt of this and have just taken on this role recently. So u we're in an unfortunate situation. I made the motion because it has to happen like we we have to have this and it has to go through rulemaking. It's policy. We don't have a
choice in the matter. So that's why I made the motion and why we have to vote on this tonight. We really don't have a choice. though, if I could vote against it, I would because I'm I'm so disappointed in how this has all played
out. I I heard the AP meeting and the principal meeting and where some of this was being rolled out. So, I understand the work that you all are doing to let them know what we have will be the 2526 code of student conduct, but we also understand any incidents that happen in the first couple of weeks of school are
still kind of in that gray area. And I'm hoping we get those resolved and maybe all of our kids will just be terrific. Students, at the sound of my voice, please don't do anything that would violate the code of student conduct in the first two weeks and we won't have any issues. U but that that's where I am board. I'm I am not pleased at all with
how we got here, but this isn't a choice. We we kind of have to do this. Anything else? Ditto. Okay. All right. Seeing nothing further, all those in favor say I. I.
Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. Thank you, Mr. Curley. Thank you. All right, moving on to board committee reports and concerns. On Tuesday, July 29th, there is a public hearing for the tenative budget
scheduled at for 5:30 p.m. There is a special school board meeting scheduled for August 7th at 700 a.m. An administrative briefing and work session is scheduled for August 7th at 9:00 a.m. The first day of school is Monday,
August 11th, 2025, coming up quick. And I believe Wameita Park started today. So, um they had a great uh a great kickoff yesterday. Um, the next school board meeting is scheduled for August 12th at 5:30 p.m. And there's a special
administrative bing briefing and work session scheduled for August 14th at 900 a.m. Uh, do we have any comments, Miss Martinez Young? No, Madam Chair. Thank you, Attorney Powers. I have none. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Brewer.
Yes, I have a few things to share. Um, as you already stated, Wyoming Park Elementary students started today. Um it is a they do have a staggered start. So students began today to Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
Um but yesterday a few of the board members were able to join me there for the back to school bash and Miss Hunt and her team did a a wonderful job celebrating the families and the students and it was so exciting to see the students find their names on the rosters and go to their classrooms. So
it is an exciting um start for them. I want to also provide some locations for the community give back event that's taking place this Saturday. There are and so families if you have not registered for the event please do so. There are still some um spots available
but there are multiple locations. So if you don't mind I'm going to share those with everyone. um one lo that we'll start with the main location which is at the college of central Florida, the heart of Florida Health Center, Belleview High School, Lake High School, Liberty Middle School, Danellen Middle
School, Friends Recycling Center. Um and that that those are the locations. So, make sure families, if you haven't registered, please do so. Um I have three other announcements to make. The second naming survey for the new high school CCC went live today and will
expire on August the 4th. So, please take a look at the survey and um choose make your selection. We have a great beginnings event for our new teachers on July 29th and 30th. And that's a great
way for new teachers to hear from our um central office staff and receive all of the curriculum resources um that they will need for the school year. And this morning, thank you um to Dr. Campbell and Mrs. Conrad um for joining me at the
C Belleview on the Rise. It was a nice event and I appreciated their um their invitation and I was happy to be able to provide information about our schools for the 2526 school year. So those are my comments for this evening.
Thank you Dr. Brewer. Dr. Campbell. Thank you. I have just a couple of comments as well. First off, Miss Boston Ellis, you're going to have $1.9 million to add to that capital revenue for our tenative budget that we received just a few hours ago. So I'm excited for that. that'll that'll help us a little bit. We'll see where we can move some funds
around uh for other projects. But I too agree that earmarking that for the data center is what this board member would recommend and we've already heard another board member say that as well. If we get con consensus on that, then maybe that'll help us move forward with that project. As Dr. Brewer already said, today is the first day of school
in District 1. I was grateful to attend yesterday's Wamina Park back to school bash. It was terrific. Thank you to those community partners that were there. The free haircuts that were happening, backpacks, the photo booth that their staff set up was so fun and
great. I I shared it out on um X today. Kids were excited, parents were excited. It was it was just a really great time. Uh but also knowing that today was the first day of school in in district one anyway. And in uh tandem with the
conversation we had in Thursday's work session, it led me to consider the following ask. I've already shared this with Dr. Brewer, but if the board agrees, I I think this might be some data that we could collect from the first day of school for all of our schools, and we probably can since it's
a stagger start on kindergarten, I think this will be relatively easy. ask for tracking numbers on kindergarteners on their first days to see how many kindergarteners arrive to us who don't know their names, who don't know where they are or why
they're there, and who aren't toilet trained. And there may be other questions that board members want to add to that, but I think that would be helpful data for us to track on this year's kindergarten class because our community obviously
continues to support the work we do in amazing ways with the referendum and the sales tax and all these amazing community partners, but sometimes I think it would be helpful for them to truly understand how amazing the work is that we do. And so once we have that
data, depending on what it says, we could then see how much of a community conversation we might need to have about really what the kindergarten readiness looks like in some of our schools, in some of the areas of our community or even just in all of our schools. So if board if you agree with that, feel free
to mention it in your board comments. Um, and if you had another data point that you think that we could add, but I I just think those three things specifically would tell a really big picture of that. We've already mentioned the Belleview on the rise today with the Belleview High state of the schools. Uh
a part of that well state of the schools at Belleview High. Uh Dr. Brewer rolled out the perspective plan for the new Belleview Elementary that would start after the move of the Lake Middle School students into new middle school DD. So we're talking several years down the line, 2027ish,
uh where we might be able to start working on that Belleview Elementary project. But it did also heighten as we were just having conversation about the Denellan High School flooring. We have purposefully delayed several capital
projects at Lakewear Middle School understanding that Lakewear Middle School would be getting a replacement. So I know the plan is to move more than 600 littles to that campus in the while we're building the new
Belleview Elementary on their campus. But I'm super interested in understanding that plan and how that will work. So I know there's more to come on that. We're really in the preliminary stages. But there's there's a lot of work that needs to be done on
that Lake Middle campus and when we're putting littles there there are things on that campus that might have to be retrofit just for littles. So I'm interested in knowing how much money we need to invest there. I see Miss Usher shaking her head. So I know again that's more to come. But the conversation we
just had about Dunell and High School has heightened that in my mind um today. Uh also just wanted to do another quick reminder that we'll be talking on August 7th about our legislative priorities. So please come with thoughts for what that's going to look like and how we can
narrow down exactly what our five to six top priorities are and we can come to consensus on those because we need to on that date. Also confirmation that re representative Judson Sap will be attending the first day of school at Fort McCoy. Principal Sales is asking
for an arrival time of 700 am and I want to be sure that we do have representation with him either from I know Principal Sales and her team will be there but either from the district or one of us so we can talk about that uh and and maybe even on the August 7th
meeting but please check your calendars and see uh what you if if any one of us or Dr. Brewer, if you can check with your team who could be there with him because I I want to make sure that we have representation there and and it's someone from the district or one of us.
And just finally, the last two reminders that I will not physically be present during next week's special school board meeting, which is the public hearing for the budget on July 29th. If I'm needed telephonically, I certainly can participate that way. I want to make sure that there are at least three of you here. So, please let me know if
you're not going to be. I need to make some specific arrangements about that. And finally, I had already indicated that I will not be physically present for the September 9th schoolboard meeting either, which ironically is also the second budget public hearing. Uh, but I will do my best to participate
telephonically that day if needed, but I will physically be in Washington DC. And I know I mentioned in the work session that I would be participating in COSPA federal advocacy, but I realize people might not have any idea what that is. So, COSPA was founded in uh 2022
and it is the consortium of state school boards association or COSPA and it is a nonprofit excuse me nonpartisan not nonprofit nonpartisan national alliance made up of 25 state associations. Most
of those predominantly are in the south, but there was a breakaway from the National School Boards Association in 2022 for many many reasons. But 25 state schoolboards associations chose at that time to break away and create the
consortium of state schoolboards associations which is COSPA. And that federal aggregy conference will be happening in Washington DC in September. So that's where I will be representing not only Marian County but also the state of Florida uh with our state,
excuse me, with our federal delegates in DC at that conference. And as you all know, as I was just speaking with Miss Martinez Young, because of my role as the president-elect within the Florida Schoolboards Association, any of my travel professional development
conferences that I am doing on behalf of the Florida Schoolboards Association is at no cost to Marian County Public Schools. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Cample. Miss Thrower, thank you. Um, I'm going to be very brief because I know we are waiting on
our guests. um to and and share to sign paperwork. So, uh I don't want to create any more delays, but that was really great information. Thank you, Bo Member Campbell, for sharing that, especially about the federal advocacy. Uh that couldn't be better timed. Um it's
definitely been a struggle uh with the budget. Um there's just been so many uncertainties. The budget is always a struggle except for some windfall years that we've had very off and on. ARA comes to mind many years ago during the
great recession and then getting um the uh COVID, you know, recovery dollars. Obviously, that was a huge infusion. Um but like any other dollar, it eventually gets spent. Um hopefully we see a return and I'm looking forward to seeing the
the playing field begin to level out a little bit so that we can become more certain of whatever we're getting. you know, if it's going to be a whole lot less, so be it. But just let us know. Let us know so that so that we can plan
as best we can on behalf of our our kids, our families, and and our community. Um, you raised an interesting uh point about kindergarten readiness. It certainly is on our radar
and I'm definitely willing to to continue to mull over what you said. I think that data is really important, especially with our youngest learners. I would like to get some information on how many of our kindergarteners actually
showed up the first day of school. I'd like to get some information on overall, you know, how many students registered the day school started or maybe through the week because missing the first day of school, uh, you know, there's been times where I've advocated for some kids
that probably deserve to miss the first day of school, but it it just puts them further behind, you know, and it's so important to start off the year right and set the tone. and our hardworking teachers, staff, everybody is doing all
they can to be to be happily ready for the very first day of school. So information like that, uh, Mr. Christian, he comes out with the what went right and and that's something that the community has has come to look forward to. I know I do. But those are
the kind that's the kind of real in the trenches information that is going to help guide us in our advocacy. uh as well. So, thank you for bringing that up. The only other thing I'll I'll bring up tonight is I continue to be so impressed by the progress of our schools
um in civics. I think we're above the state average. Uh when I look at the turnout of voting in Marian County, I think maybe the adults could benefit from the curriculum that we're teaching. It's really, really important. Everyone
has a lot of opinions right now, including myself, about what should be happening in Marian County, but if you don't use the levers that we've been blessed with with the freedom that we have to good use, then it's all just
natter. So, uh, congratulations again to all of the schools that that continue, um, to make progress and in if not in every area, then in so in so many areas. uh it's it's doesn't go unnoticed. And
the last thing is um I know I said that was the last thing but I just had to comment on it. My very last thing is uh I was glad that we did settle on a superintendent search firm. I I think that to do our due diligence uh for the
community, we needed to make that decision. Uh we went with Hazard Young ata and Associates uh very well known um for superintendent searches K12 consulting K12 jobs you know that's that's been who they are and what they
do so we will uh as Dr. Brewer, as as you said, you know, you you welcome competition and I I I just think that we're doing a great service to to the community to be very open, transparent, and and and bring it. So, I was glad to
have that decision behind us. And that's all I have for tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Thrower, Dr. James. Thank you. Um lots of good comments already tonight. I'll just touch on a few things. Um it's important to note the kindergarten readiness questions Dr. Campbell shared are not reflective on
the fast assessment at all. So in VPK you give a fast assessment for only early literacy essentially. Uh and it doesn't ask them any of those questions. So it kind of and uh Cher Conrad will probably chuckle at this but it it's almost going back to flickers right. So
when we used to do flickers that those kinds of skills were a little bit more reflective in the flickers assessment. And so um there was it was obviously incredibly timeconuming but there were positives to it and it helped capture
other information. Um I com I'm not in complete disagreement with doing some kind of informal assessment. I I think kinder teachers have a lot on their plate the first few weeks of school and so capturing that data um is going to be
a lot. But I do think that there there is an under understanding an underwhelming understanding of just how unprepared children are to enter kindergarten. They are so unprepared. Uh and not because they haven't been in daycare or preschool, but because at
home their parents are not empowering them to do things. I can't tell you how many children I come across who are four and five years old and can't get dressed independently. They can't button their they can't button their pants. They can't zip up their pants. They can't pull up their pants. Um, and so, and it's not because they lack skill, but because they've lacked opportunity to
practice. So, um, an entire community effort to talk about what it looks like to prepare your 5-year-old to enter school is more than welcomed by me for sure. Um, uh, I was just hopeful that we could potentially get a, um, and maybe
it's coming. We historically have gotten maybe like a quarterly update on facility projects and I don't know how long it's been since we got a last one, but Miss Usher has been with us for about three or four months now. And so I don't know if that was a former facility director's
um initiative, but I saw some pictures of high school CCC on social media. And so I would love if we could get some footage of what high school CCC is looking like uh and an update on that progress. And then in addition maybe just a quick capture of as we are less
than you know three weeks away from the start of school where we are with OciOla Middle School and the two elementary schools and just ensuring that everything is buttoned up and we'll be ready to welcome teachers back in seven or eight days and then students. So, if we could possibly just get an email to
kind of capture all of our projects that are moving that could impact student arrival, that would be wonderful. I am very grateful that we were able to come to a conclusion on the warehouse tonight. Um, I I feel very strongly
again that we should focus on making sure that we're able to get this data center done. not only from an infrastructure standpoint do we need to address it, but it also would allow us to theoretically create another revenue source by selling, if I dare say, another property. So, um, I would
welcome the opportunity for the board to have a discussion about that at some point so we can try and all get on the same page about that. Uh, Wamina Park was wonderful yesterday and today was their first day. Uh, I think it's amazing to see what a community can do when we all come together.
haircuts and pictures. And as I walked through uh Wyomina yesterday, I was reminded of a project that I had tried to start last year with Lake Middle Lake High School's construction academy. Uh and so I called Mr. Jacobs and we
reignited the flame. And so we've there was a flood in Wyoming Park's C um library a couple years back. And so those bookshelves are in pretty bad condition. So we Miss Hunt and I had had a conversation about it last school year and then it just never came to fruition. So we've now connected all the right
people. So hopefully the construction academy can work on a book some bookshelves for Wina Park. Um which is that's what I love about this job is just the ability to connect the right people and make awareness because we have some really amazing things happening on our campus and Mr. Jacobs, you know, is like yeah, we can do that.
That sounds like a wonderful project for our students. And so, um, that's that's just what I love about being able to visit schools and we see things that not every everyone else is able to see because we visit so many sites. So, with that, I will close and, um, I look forward to our next opportunity to get
together. Thank you, Dr. James Revan Cummings. Good evening. Um, just three brief comments. Um, number one, the 29th I will not be here, but I will appear telephonically for our meeting on the 29th. Um, I know Dr. Campbell has
already expressed that she wouldn't be here and may have to be here telephonically well as well. I think we'll have a quorum and still be able to continue the business that we need to take care of. Um I want to start by saying um thank you to our community, to
our our county, the citizens, uh everyone, the businesses, because uh there are so many so many great events that are taking place around the county. Uh Dr. very you mentioned some of them as far as back to school events. Um it's
some have already started some this past weekend and others that are going to continue to go forth. But it shows that we have a generous community that wants to make sure that these kids get to school with the things that they need uh to be successful. So I do want to thank our our community for that. Um there's
no in my in my mind there's not a reason for any kid not to show up on school day one with the the supplies that they need because they're out there. They're out there and um they just need to register or do what they need to do get with whatever entity um entity any any
organization churches whatever to get those things so that they can be successful for day one. And I always want I want to do want to thank one in particular the Marian County Children's Alliance and and Friends Recycling, Mr. Loreno, because they have been doing this for a while
and they make sure that uh those that need to get it get it and um it's it's a community effort. So that's that goes back to that village mentality that everybody's trying to make sure these children have what they need to get that they need to be successful day one. Not
two or three days down the road, not two or three weeks, but day one. And then my third and final comment is on Thursday, this Thursday. Another opportunity for um our students in the city of Goklla. The city of
Goklla is uh doing a city path training academy. That's this Thursday, July 24th, from 9 to 1 at Lily and Bryant uh Community Center. This this um event is being sponsored by the city, and it's it's
is to help kids that may not want to go to college, but looking for a six-f figureure job. Um it's teaching them how to be linemen and the electrical things. So, there's a flyer that's out there. Um, I want to encourage those young people that are still kind of looking
for different things that they may want to do um, outside of high school that may not they may not want to go to college. They may want to go to a vocational. Well, the city is offering this this training session, this introduction session for these kids um, who may be interested in that field. So,
I want to encourage them to um, attend. Again, go to the city website. There's a flyer out there. Go to my Facebook page. just fly out there and um we just want to encourage them to uh uh partake of those things, those resources, those opportunities that are out there. Uh
it's a great that's a great great field that a lot of people don't even look at because they're afraid of electricity. So, so why not learn it? Um and it's very lucrative. So, very lucrative. So, um that concludes my comments. We are a few days away from school. Let's get
ready. Get ready. Get ready. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Um, I'm going to start with the the school readiness piece. Um, I am very interested in that as I reflect. Um, when I was working with that age group, you couldn't start preschool actually,
not kindergarten, but you couldn't start preschool unless you were potty trained. And so, um, thinking about for also, do we still do stagger start? So, we have this class comes in thirds. Um, you know, collecting this type of data
doesn't really have to be complicated. It really could be a check sheet because the teacher at the end of the day can quickly mark, you know, who check off, who can go to the restroom, who can and they'll know, right? Oh, we, you know, you'll know by lunchtime who can go to the bathroom. Um
anyway, I am I am interested in in that conversation because developmentally as we've moved the mark what ex what's expected of our children especially in elementary school um some of these very basic skills we're not tracking. And I
know I I know I'm dating myself, but you know, back in the day, that first kindergarten report card that that I worked on, half of that was social skills, you know, and balance and those those physical components of managing
their own body. Um, so anyway, I I think I think there's value um in knowing that and continuing to share our story um and the challenges some of the challenges that we ha have in getting children prepared to come to school um because I
think it's a a big part of the battle. They're, you know, they're behind from the beginning. So I I'm fully in for for working or helping whatever if you know um you're interested in doing that. So, just want to say yes, I think there's value in that. Um, I do want to say
thank you to Dr. Brewer um for her presentation at the Belleview on the Rise this morning. We were I was actually at a meeting and this came up in conversation. Dr. Brewer, you and your team jumped in very quickly um to take on that presentation this morning.
Uh didn't have a lot of time for preparation and gathering information, but you you did a great job. It was so nice that so many of your team members were there and I felt it was very well received by the community. Um they loved
being able to just visit and ask questions um at the end of the meeting. So I just you know it it's a tough time back to school. There's so many things going on, but thank you to you and your team for um getting out there and participating in that event. I think I just think it's so important um for the
visibility and the story of what's happening in in Marian County Public Schools. So, thank you for that. I did want to say um last Thursday uh went down to see the teacher of the year um presentation or program with the state
and Sarah, we got to s celebrate Sarah Jacobs. It was just a lovely event to celebrate educators across the state and things that they're doing. So, I just wanted to uh give Sarah a shout out um on that. And then finally, again, kind
of going along with the rest of what uh my fellow board members have said is the kickoff at Wimina Park was really amazing yesterday. Um the community partners that showed up just like board members said for haircuts, resources, all of the things.
Um it was a really great site. um our students do have a lot of support. The community is in support um of helping every student succeed um in matching us with our mission. So just really grateful for that. Um the staff put a lot of work in. I Dr. Campbell mentioned
the photo wall which was really fantastic. I took a picture of it too because somebody uh at Wamina Park Elementary put a lot of work into some really great first day of school pictures um for their students. So, um
just a lot to celebrate. Looking forward um to kicking off the the next school year and board. That's all I have um for this evening. Uh Mr. Throwers, go ahead. I was going to say give me the finger, but that didn't sound right. Because we were talking about the data
center uh prioritization discussion and I was just wondering if we could add that to the next work session and start getting that on the front burner. Sure, we'll do. Okay. If everyone else provides their consensus.
Just wanted to make sure that I that you know I do too. Okay. That's good. Y I think I think working on Great for us too. Correct. Yes. Yes. Dr. Brewer. I'm going to ask if Dr. Campbell can share the the questions for the criteria
for the kindergarten checklist and um so we can work to compile that to provide to the teachers. So thank you. and we'll add the um data center to the next work session topics. Okay. My first question would be did they show
up the first day of school? Are they in attendance? Yeah. Like our show was that correct? Correct. All right. Board, there be no no further business. May I have a motion to adjurnn? Second.
Thank you, Dr. James. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. All those in favor say I. I. Motion passes. 50. This meeting is adjourned at 6:53. Thank you very much, board. I I forgot to share