ing the way our students begin each day. I ask that we observe a moment of silence at this time. Please join me. 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 individuality response. 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 to our student board representatives. 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. Public comment will now be accepted during two portions of each meeting for up to 30 minutes for
each portion. The first will take place prior to the board vote and will be specific to the night's agenda. The second will be for items on which the school board customarily takes action and will occur after the board completes the business portion of the meeting. Anyone wanting to speak regarding an
agenda item must complete a blue form. Anyone wanting to speak regarding a non-aggenda item must complete a yellow form. Both forms are available before each meeting and on the district website. Forms are due to the board clerk by 5:40 p.m. and can be submitted via email or in person. Public speakers
will have three minutes to complete their comments and no more than 10 speakers will be scheduled in either public comment portion unless the board votes otherwise. Good evening, Miss Martinez Young. Will you please call the role? >> Dr. Allison Campbell, District 1, >> here. >> Mrs. Lorie Conrad, District 2.
>> Mr. Eric Cummings, District Three, >> here. >> Mrs. Nancy Thrower, District 4, >> here. >> Dr. Sarah James, District 5, >> here. >> Sherea Hussein, Denellan High School, >> here. >> Isaac Smith, North Marian High School. >> Attorney Powers, school board attorney, >> here. >> Dr. Danielle Brewer, superintendent
>> here. >> Thank you, Miss Martinez Young. Dr. Brewer, who will share our inspiration and lead the pledge of allegiance for us this evening? >> Thank you. Good evening. Dr. Chad Frasier will come forward to um introduce our special guest this evening. One second, Mr. Frasier.
>> Oh, looks like you're on now. [clears throat] >> Nope. >> Oh, >> maybe. >> Sounds good, Dr. Frasier. Thank you. >> Good evening, Chair Dr. James, board members, and Superintendent Dr. Brewer. It is my honor to introduce Cadet
Bradley Hitchcock of the Forest High School JOTC program who will deliver the inspiration and lead us in the pledge of allegiance under the guidance of Major George Clark. The color guard for tonight's presentation includes the cadetses uh Kate Baxley, Nar Ramirez,
Joshua Vonander, and John Bucher. Thank you. Good evening parents and faculty of Maring County Public Schools. It is truly an honor to stand before you and share my experience being a student here in Maring County. I'm currently enrolled at Forest High School. I'm a member of the college and career advanced placement program. I'm the wing
commander of our AFJRTC unit. I'm also the drum major of the Forest High School marching band and I'm a licensed pilot. Most days, my morning consists of getting up at around 5:30 in the morning, going to the gym, heading to school, an hour early for band, and occasionally leaving at the 3M bell, only to go straight to Circle K for an
energy drink. But for myself and my friends, our day is usually not over at 3 p.m. My friends joining me today, Cullen Briggs and Landon Drady, can attest to this. Cullen is a team captain for the FHS lacrosse team. Landon is a team captain for the men's weightlifting team. This year is
very special to Forest High School because it is rare to see three individuals receive appointments to a prestigious military academy all from one school. However, when you step back and look at Marian County in its entirety, you will find that excellence is not found in one grade level or school. Last year, Sanjay Caric, a
senior from Vanguard High School, received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. The year prior, Caleb Lombardo also received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Currently, Caleb Lombardo is one of the highest ranking cadetses in his graduating class, and he's helped me with my application to the academy as
well. What stands out now to me now as a senior is the legacy of mentorship which exists within this county. This legacy can be found dating back to my middle school years at Howard. The then principal, Mr. Rebert, took me under his wing, always checking on me, making sure I was getting the help I needed with my
classes, and always offering fist bumps on the way to lunch block. He's in the audience, so I'm sure he can remember this. What I saw then as simple gestures of kindness were really developing me to see my teachers and administrators as family. Ironically, Mr. Rember graduated from Howard Middle School with me when
he too went to um Forest High School my freshman year. As my freshman and sophomore year went on, the fist bumps I'd get in the hallways turned into, "Yo, what's up, Mr. Rember? How's it going?" Looking back, I realized those moments um made me feel like school was a safe place for me. By creating an
environment at school that felt like family to me, I wanted to spend more time at school, investing myself in clubs and applying for leadership opportunities within the programs I was already in. My band director, Mr. Jones, although he does not know it, is the reason that I stayed in band to begin with, despite
the fact that I'm the drum major now. At one point, I actually wanted to quit band. Sophomore year, my schedule began to thicken. I was already in smaller leadership roles in JROTC and marching band. I was taking on three college level classes and I was a part of countless community service events after school. When you're 15 and you feel like school is becoming a burden to you, it's
easy to want to push away your responsibilities. So, I told myself the best thing for me was probably to quit ban. But before I could, I thought of the countless times Mr. Jones had opened his office for students to come after school. He opened it for students to come ask for advice, vent, cry, laugh, and just tell stories. In doing so, he
gave me a sense of recognition in the challenges I face dayto-day and offered new perspectives on how to handle those challenges. What's remarkable what is remarkable to me about that is it wasn't just Mr. Jones at Forest who did this. These guys as well as myself um have had many teachers that have gave us the
strength to keep pushing ourselves. My AP US history teacher, Mrs. Crawford, also pushed me to be a better version of myself. When I came to class upset a few weeks ago, she was the one who gave me a hug. Like Mr. Jones, she opens up her class to kids who when they need a mentor figure in their life. She will make you
feel like you were understood. And to a teenager trying to figure out life that's priceless. [snorts] From these mentors I'm so blessed to have had in my life, I've learned how to find the strength to push forward and dream big. I want to close out my message by thanking the countless teachers and administrators of MCPS that
have served as the foundation for me not to limit myself. Because of the mentorship and guidance which many of you have to offer, I'm inspired to lead my successors to strive for even greater things than I will. Permit me to speak for Landon and Cullen by saying that our success stories are made much more possible by the dedication that you have
for your students. Thank you. If I could ask everybody to please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Please repeat after me. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. >> Thank you. We really appreciate your testimony and if you guys will hang out, we'll come down and take a picture with you all once we get done with recognitions. But we are um incredibly
grateful for your leadership on your campus and your testimony for what the leaders in Marian County on our campuses as teachers and administrators have done to support your educational journey. Uh it means a lot and it really speaks to I know board member Thorougher I'm sure will say this is later as well but it speaks to what our referendum is able to
do um with prioritizing career and technical education and really the reasons why kids are showing up like band right and that's the reason you're still showing up. So we really appreciate your testimony this uh evening. Dr. Dr. Brewer, I think we have a few other recognitions. >> We do. We're excited to um recognize
three different groups this evening. Um and each group we're going to recognize and then we'll come down for one final picture. So, just know that we're going to begin with um Mr. Donnie Tucker. He's our coordinator of um athletics. He and
Dr. Chad Frasier will provide the introduction for our incredibly special students. >> Thank you, Dr. Uh we would like to introduce three outstanding Forest High School JROTTC uh
participants and Bradley has already alluded quite a bit to what we're recognizing them for. Um, but they are Cadet Bradley Hitchcock who will attend the United States Air Force Academy, Cadet Cullen Briggs, who will attend the
United States Naval Academy, and Cadet Landon Drawy, who will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. [applause] Congratulations, gentlemen. What an honor. >> And I appreciate the recognition for the
last two years um recognizing Caleb and Sanjay. So, thank you for including those in your statement this evening. Um all right. At this time, we'd like to I'd like to introduce Mr. Rios Welsh. He is the chief financial officer. He has a special recognition to provide this
evening. >> Good evening, board chair, board members, and audience. Uh I'm I'm Mr. Rio Welsh, chief financial officer for Marian County Public Schools. And this evening, I want to recognize uh part of the business services team. As many of
you guys know or maybe some of the audience don't know, uh the business services uh department overall has many different tentacles and areas of responsibility. The least of which is not budget and finance which includes accounting, budgeting uh which really is
the lifeblood and heartbeat of the organization in terms of being able to provide the funding um and the financial wherewithal and outlook to keep the district's wheels turning at all times. With that, um, I want to recognize, um,
some of our key budget staff. Uh, the first is, and I will make an introduction, by the way, to the board formerly, uh, for our new budget director, Miss Michelle Markham, uh, who is standing here. Please stand up. Giovan,
Giovanni Dea, Thomas Dyke, Will Mary Feliciano, and Sherry Simmons. Uh, they'll be joining us. um in just a short short moment. Um I we wanted to recognize them and I think the board really wanted to recognize this group because this year
in particular we've had to really rise to the occasion um not only in the in the face of uh turning tides from the state legislature in terms of what's going on with the state budget. uh but the board's prerogative uh to really push for sitebased budgeting which has
been a monumental task to undertake in one year and to roll out for the full district after having just a one-year pilot. And so this is going to allow us as a district to hopefully make better decisions uh and to really have more
accountability at the school level and department level across the entire district. And so we want to thank them and we recognize them this evening for your hard work, dedication and we really really appreciate it. I would be remiss if I didn't mention uh the other members
of the budget team and all of the staff in financial services which includes uh Miss Stephanie Crowder and all the folks that work on the accounting side of the house which is really key. Thank you so much. >> Absolutely. Thank you all for your work.
Thank you, Mr. Welsh. At this time, we have quite a few people that Miss Jennifer Beck will recognize. She is our director of early learning. So, welcome, Miss Beck. >> Good evening, uh, board chair Dr. James,
our board members, and Dr. Brewer. I am honored to join the early learning coalition in Marian County in recognizing 20 voluntary pre kindergarten programs that have earned the designation of excellence for the
2425 school year. This is the highest distinction a VPK provider can achieve and it really stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our VPK teachers and their paraprofessionals who serve our four and
five year olds each day. It is truly an honor to serve alongside of these outstanding educators and I am incredibly proud of our staff and students for earning this recognition. We are pleased that several of our VPK pair of professionals are here tonight
to share in this celebration and we extend our appreciation to all of our VPK support staff for the v vital role that they serve in these classrooms. At this time, it is my honor to introduce Miss Latricia Sims. She is the chief
executive officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Marian County. She along with Elizabeth Theiola from the ELC will recognize the current principles of our 20 elementary schools and they will be
recognizing the teachers who served in those VPK classrooms for the 25 242 school year. At this time I'd like to introduce Miss Sims. >> Good evening. >> Good evening board chair Dr. James,
board members, and superintendent Brewer. Um, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be here tonight. On behalf of the Early Learning Coalition and the Division of Early Learning, we are honored to recognize these VPK sites, teachers, and paras within this
district. In recognition of this achievement, the Division of Early Learning has provided each site with a letter and certificate to formally acknowledge their success. This accomplishment speaks not only to the dedication of these educators, but also
to the district's commitment to early learning as a critical foundation for long-term academic success. Your leadership and support of highquality early education is making a measurable difference for children and families
across Marian County. So, at this time, we would like to recognize the following schools. We have Anthony Elementary and the principal is Mrs. Gay Street and the teacher is Mrs. Amy Merritt.
Next we have Belleview Elementary. The principal is Mrs. Victoria Thompson and the PAR is Mrs. Tamrell Tidwell. We have Belleview Santos. The confirmed principal is Mrs. Kim White.
Teacher, Mrs. Amy Peterson, and Para is Mrs. Leticia Bell. Next is College Park. Principal is Mrs. Brandy Hamilton. Next we have 8th Street Elementary. The principal is Mr. Ryan Bennett and the
teacher is Mrs. Jennifer Adah Halt. Next we have Emerald Shores. The principal is Mrs. Kim Finnwald. in Emerald. Okay. Emerald Shores, they actually have they received two, one for the school
year and one for the summer. And the those teachers were um Mrs. Brittany Vez and Mrs. Chelsea Wagner. I'm sorry. Next, we have Fezden. Principal is Mrs. Stacy Newman's. And the teacher is Mrs. Odalis Olette.
[applause] Next is Fort McCoy. The principal is Mrs. Carol Sales. The teacher is Mrs. Summer Wigton. And the PA is Mrs. Amy Shaw. Oh, both of their parents are with them. I'm sorry.
>> Next, [applause] we have Harborview Elementary. The principal is Mrs. Jennifer Polard. Teacher is Mrs. Sheila Wellaven and the pair is Mrs. Parkland. We have Madison Street Academy. The principal is Mrs. Heather Lira and
teacher Mrs. Patricia Joiner. Next we have Maplewood Elementary. The principal is Mrs. Chrissy Carter. Teacher is Mrs. Amanda Henderson. And the parah is Mrs. Sarah McQuary. [applause] Next we have Okala Springs. Principal is
Mrs. Megan Parks and the teachers Mrs. Kathleen Matias. Next we have Reic. The principal is Mr. Donald Manning and the um teacher is Mrs. Nicole Lambert. [applause] Next we have Romeo. The principal is
Mrs. Jennifer Hool if please forgive me if I got it wrong. And the teacher is Mrs. Dora Romero. Next we have Saddlewood. The principal is Mrs. Vicky Mhaney and the teacher is Miss Elena Benedict.
[applause] Next we have South Ocala. The principal is Mrs. Rebecca Miller and the teacher is Mrs. Ariana Gonzalez. Next we have Stanton Weirsdale. The principal is Mrs. Cindy Brody. The teacher is Mrs. June Bullard. And the
parah is Mrs. Barbara Swope. [applause] Next we have Sunrise. The principal is Mrs. Kathy Bis teacher is Mrs. Lakesha Deont and the parah is Mrs. Sharita Parish Pope. Next we have Ward Highlands. Principal
is Mrs. Teresa Buck and the teacher is Mrs. Carrie Bayard. [applause] And lastly, we have Wina Park. The principal is Mrs. Victoria Hunt and the teacher is Mrs. Sherry Matt. So again, we extend our sincere
congratulations and appreciation to each of these outstanding schools. Congratulations to each of you and thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to excellence in early learning. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> What a tremendous job from all of you
and we appreciate the the partnership from the Early Learning Coalition uh and allowing us to have all of these wonderful voluntary pre kindergarten sites. Um, we will come down and take a picture. I'm going to let Mr. Christian take over because this is a very large group. And you can tell us what you'd
like to do, Mr. Christian. [laughter] She's a college and like Rebecca Miller AP. >> Okay. Two, three. Couple more. Stay. >> You might as well stay down there. They gota take two more pictures. They got the other people. So,
Of [laughter] course we do. I like steps. You love Hey, square up this way. Everybody turn this direction. There you go. There you go. That's much better. Here we go. One,
two, three. Couple more and good to go. Thank you. You really are ready to get all the pictures. >> [laughter] >> We're ready. Take one step forward. One, two, three. Here we go. Andbody
else. >> Good job. >> [laughter] >> Now's the time. All right. You're dead. [laughter] >> There's like six people.
different time. >> It was a different time. >> Well, congratulations to all of those recognitions. Um, such amazing things happening throughout Marian County Public Schools. We are so grateful. We will move on to the recognition of
donations. We had $1,500 to Stanton Wearsdale Elementary School for from Puck Puggy Chapter NSD, Inc. to be used to purchase books for the book vending machine. $1,200 to Lake High School from the American Legion Auxiliary to be used to
support the JROTC program, uniform cleaning, and graduation supplies. $4,6601 to Lakewear High School from Lakewear softball booster to be used to support the fast pitch softball program. $25,000
to Marion Technical College for VITA's health care to be used at the instructor's discretion for the following programs. 19,000 to the health science program, 2,000 to mental health technician program, 2,000 to the professional nursing program, and 2,000 to the radiology technology program.
Totaling $32,3601 in donations. We will move into the business portion of the meeting. Dr. Brewer. >> Thank you. I recommend approval of the agenda for the March 24th, 2026 school
board meeting. May I have a motion on the superintendent's recommendation? >> Second. >> A motion by board member Cummings and a second by board member Campbell. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes 40. Miss Martinez Jean, can you please provide the proof of
publication for tonight's school board meeting? >> Notice for the March 24th, 2026 schoolboard meeting was placed on the district website on March 17th, 2026. >> Thank you. Moving into our uh previous minutes. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the February 19th, 2026
administrative briefing and work session? >> Motion to approve the minutes. >> Second. >> A motion by board member Thrower and a second by board member Campbell. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Motion passes 40. May I have a motion
to approve the minutes from the February 24th, 2026 school board meeting? >> Motion to approve the minutes. >> Second. A motion by board member Campbell and a second by board member Thrower. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Hearing none, all those in favor say I.
I. Motion passes 40. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the February 24th, 2026 board of directors leasing corporation meeting. >> Motion to approve the minutes. >> Second. >> A motion by board member Campbell and a second by board member Thrower. Are there any additions or corrections to
the minutes? >> Hearing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Motion passes 40. Moving into ourformational items. The school district uses a construction management delivery method, including a guaranteed maximum price, GMP, to
perform construction work on projects. The superintendent or designate has signed and approved the following change orders. Per board policy 6345, the superintendent or designate is authorized to approve and execute any construction change order that will increase the construction contract by 25,000 or less or that will decrease the
construction contract amount provided the approval shall be in his or her best judgment and in the best interest of the board. Such change orders shall be binding upon execution by the superintendent. The superintendent shall report each change order that he or she approved to the board at the board meeting that follows his or her approval. The superintendent's approval
of the change orders will be entered into the official minutes of the board meeting. Items 8.1 through 8.4 are regarding owner direct purchases. To allow the district to purchase materials through owner direct purchase, also known as ODP, the process which saves money on sales tax, the construction
manager needs to return the sales tax savings to the owner via these deductive change orders. Item 8.1 is construction amendment number one to the construction manager contract guaranteed maximum price GMP related to construction of cooler freezer edition at the thermal parker center. Change order number one
amendment number one project 25-111. The cost of this change order is a deductive amount of $99,835.19 for owner direct purchase. This action could save the district approximately $5,721.80 in sales tax. Item 8.2 Two is
compensation amendment number one to the construction manager contract guaranteed maximum price GMP related to construction of cooler freezer edition at Denellan Middle School change order number one amendment number one project 25-112. The cost of this change order is a
deductive amount of $137,833.74 for owner direct purchase. This action could save the school district approximately $7,87266 in sales tax. Item 8.3 con is a compensation amendment number one to the construction manager contract guaranteed maximum price GMP related to
construction of cooler freezer edition at Howard Academy. Change order number one amendment number one project 25-113. The cost of the change order is a deductive amount of $378,58645 for the owner direct purchase. This action could save the district
approximately $21,500.16 in sales tax. Item 8.4 Four is a guaranteed maximum price GMP for Ociola Middle School building two doors and walls. Change order number one, work authorization number two, project 25-117. The cost of this change order is a
deductive amount of 318,711.32 cents for owners direct purchase. This action could save the district approximately $18,32328 in sales tax. Items 8.5 through 8.7 are regarding unused funds. There were unused funds on the following projects.
Since the projects were delivered using a construction management delivery with a GMP format, unused dollars, regardless of the item, are returned to the owner, the unspent monies will be returned to the owner via change orders, which will close the financial books on these projects. 8.5 is construction of a new aviation and diesel auto mechanic
program building at Maran Technical College, MTC. Change order number five, work authorization number 13, project 24-110. This is a deductive change order in the amount of $978 of unused funds. $9.78.
Sorry. Uh get item 8.6 guaranteed maximum price GMP for the College Park Elementary School sign replacement change order number one work authorization number one project 26-102. It's a deductive change order of $17,41327
of unused funds. Item 8.7 is a guaranteed maximum price GMP for the districtwide security fence, gate, hardware, and sidewalk change order number one, work authorization number 19, project 23-131. Deductive change order is $134.38
of unused funds. Item 8.8 is regarding an additive change order. This additive change order will reconcile the project and will close the financial books on this project. Item 8.8 Eight is a guaranteed maximum price GMP to install the canopy extension at the new central warehouse change order number three work
authorization number six project 20-102. Uh the additive amount is $346. This concludes theformational items. Miss Martinez Jang, do we have any speakers this evening? >> No, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Miss Martinez Young. I want to welcome Attorney Powers to the
meeting and we may hear from him later in board comments. We will move on to our consent agenda items. May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda items? >> Second. >> Motion by board member Cummings and a second by board member Campbell. All those in favor say I.
>> I. Motion passes 40. Moving into student disciplinary matters. Before addressing expulsion matters, I would like to acknowledge the board members have received the alternative placement list for students through February 20th, 2026. Miss Martinez Young, are there any parents who've submitted a timely request to speak on their child's
disciplinary matter? >> No, Madam Chair. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the expulsion of student JD26-137E, JD26-138E, JD26-144, JD26-148E,
JD26-150, JD26-151, JD26-153, JD26-157, JD26-158, JD26-159 for the remainder of the 2025 2020 26
school year and the first, second, and third quarters of the 2026 2027 school year with services. >> Motion by board member Cummings and a second by board member Campbell. All those in favor say I. >> I. Motion passes 40. Moving on to
discussion items. Um these are our discussion regular agenda items. May I have a motion to approve the proposed central office staffing plan for the 2026 2027 fiscal year? Motion to approve. >> Motion by board member Thrower.
>> Second. >> Second by board member Cummings. Dr. Brewer, do you have additional items and or information you'd like to share regarding this item? >> Yes, ma'am. would I am I'm going to read some information that's included on an attachment that is included in board
docs for the community to hear and to follow along with if they would like to do so. This is the attachment that references the financial snapshot. The total increase between the 2526 adopted budget total salary and benefits plan
and the 2627 preliminary total salary and benefits staffing plan is 2.8 8 million as shown in the first table. This amount includes salary and benefits associated with board approved amendments to the central office staffing plan during the 2526 school
year, including additional departmental positions and upgrades, plus baseline raises for represented and unrepresentative groups payrades. This amount also includes new positions to support South Marin High School, which
represents 37% or 1.047 million out of the 2.808 million increase. As indicated by the attached tables, the 4.862 862 million change from 25 to 2627 reflects an early
projection of a potential salary and benefits increase for all staff across both represented and non-represented groups and paygrades. This projection may change as we continue working to balance the budget while implementing sitebased budgeting. This estimate also
includes the impact of projected salary increases on all new positions and staffing changes proposed in the 2627 staffing plan. The remaining tables provide a detailed breakout of the new South Maran High School positions. Other new one-time position upgrades and
positions added during this fiscal year. Please note position upgrades amounts represent a range, not necessarily the final amount each employee will receive. The advanced supplement amount is an estimate and could come in higher based on utilization.
In addition, Miss Wanttonia Morant, our executive director of human resources, is available for any questions you may have. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Uh board, I open it up for discussion. Dr. Campbell. >> Thank you, Chair. As this item stands
right now, I have two predominant concerns. uh and they have been expressed previously in the work session as well. So one of those concerns uh continues to be around the position currently known as senior executive director
of facility senior executive director in the facilities department and moving that position to chief of facilities and operations. With that position title change, it also comes with a salary increase with duties actually removed
from the position. So the position will receive a salary increase and a title change with lessened responsibilities and that continues to be an issue for me and as it stands right now from the financial implication of that and that
alone I I will be voting against this item. However, the other concern that I have also stems from the position upgrades that we are giving to several employees or employee titles, I should say. Uh roughly 8 to$10,000 salary
increases as those positions change titles. I'm not disagreeing with the increase in the change and and the title change. What I would then request of the board because this overall financial picture includes potential salary
increases after that in the non-represented categories where historically we have approved between two and 3% in those non-represented categories. Also, I would recommend if
we vote to approve the central office staffing plan with these position upgrades that we would also vote to say those positions would then be frozen from those salary increases as we give
2% raises for at least two years. um whatever you equate an 8 to10,000 increase overnight with no added responsibilities essentially just honoring and recognizing the existing work that's being done. I believe that
that is a significant enough increase that another 2% the next year or another 2% just a few months later is not what this board member will support. So that's why I will currently be voting against this as it stands. >> Thank you Dr. Dr. Campbell. And I just
want to go on record to say we haven't um set any level of raises. We've just nearly begun the negotiations and we haven't made a commitment as a board um to even be able that, you know, we're still waiting on financial outlook. So, I don't want to um anyone in the
community to believe that the 2% number is is where raises will fall one way or the other. Um and just kind of make sure we're on record with that. Are there any other comments from the board? Board member Thrower. >> Thank you. And um some of this is going
to be hard to say just because, you know, I've been in the district a really long time and I see and have myself, you know, been part of a lot of work and a lot of work outside
of typical working hours and a lot of um angst over how the kids are doing, how our employees are doing how the district is doing. I wish that we had as
much money to pay everyone what they're truly actually worth. And I think that that's one area where we continue to lose against the private sector. I mean, we can point to transportation. You know, uh there's a lot easier jobs you
can get that pay more with a CDL. And yet at the same time, you know, right now we're facing some some real headwinds. So my first in, you know, in our budget and I think that our
employees in the trenches are starting to understand that. Um, so it does make it hard to approve any increases for anybody right at this
time. It also is not helpful that this year again the the one job that our legislature has is to pass a budget and we went through this last year. So we are playing with a lot of variables
right now um and trying to quantify them as much as possible and doing the best job we can. But I'll ask a specific question. um we paid a lot of money for a salary study that took a lot of time. So one of
my questions is for these incredibly dedicated high level employees is the reason why we're looking at increasing also to be more in line with the this recommendations of the salary study and in in addition to acknowledging the tremendous dedicated
work. That's my first question. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you for that. Miss Morant, can you come forward and speak to the salary study in detail? Yes. Good afternoon. Um, Chair James, Dr. Brewer, all board members. And yes, you're right. Um, Mrs. thrower. A
portion of um or a partial reason that we're recognizing or wanting to recommend the increases does tie back to our salary study that we know we did a few years ago and we had commitment from the board to move forward with that. But things changed and we pushed it back a year, then we pushed it back another
year. And so, as we've been sharing, making small deposits to be able to try to become in the the range of being competitive of of what the salary study said, but then also, as Dr. James has shared and and Dr. Campbell, also recognizing the work that is already
being done and making it more in line with the duties that the the folks are doing. >> Thank you for that. and um our first year teachers I know you know we're pretty competitive with that but we have a lot of area other areas where by our
own admission you know we're not there yet and it's hard for me to justify a yes vote when I know that we are looking at some very serious times going forward I I
think if if we're truly one team one mission then we need to be careful about walking our talk. So those are my concerns with this as presented. >> Thank you board member Thrower. Um
Reverend Cummings, did you have anything to add? Okay. Um and and I will just add I think that a complexity here is that the placement um Miss Usher was hired under our former superintendent and was
placed um with the job duties and assignments um as well as the salary schedule and job description from our former superintendent. Is that correct, Miss Mar? And so um now having a new permanent superintendent, a shift in
acknowledgement of duties and shifting in the organizational chart creates some changes. Um I I personally feel very confident that the few individuals who are receiving increases in pay, it is only in reflection of the work that they've been doing and this is simply um
acknowledging and recognizing the work that's already happening. um and really a misplacement on our part from an organizational and leadership level of where they should have been. I have always said that when an individual is expected to pick up the phone 247, they
should be placed at a director level or higher. Um and and the individuals that we're talking about are answering the phone at 2 am when the power goes out out of Cal Springs or um when a when a bus driver um is is unavailable and in
dealing with transportation at the early hours of the morning and the late hours of the night. And so I I do believe that these small adjustments are reflective of work that is already being done and it's simply a correction in in I think our side of the house and from an organizational level. Um, I definitely
appreciate the budget restrictions and I think we're going to continue to have to have conversations as a board about what raises look like in the coming years. Um, but those are conversations for later times and not necessarily for right now. Um, those are so those are my
comments regarding this. >> Board member Thar, >> thank you for the the conversation. Um because if we're looking at folks that are answering the phone at 2 am as a as a barometer, we may want to dig a little deeper. Um because we might be able to
save money by putting some hourly employees on on salary. You know, I'm I'm thinking of I hope I have the title right. Um, and maybe I won't even point that out, but I will just say that there are other folks
that aren't making nearly the money that have to be available. Let's just say when a bus driver calls out, let's just say when a bus aid calls out, it who is getting that phone call and what's what is their pay look like and are they
hourly or salary? Are we spending money on overtime when we should have them on salary and then therefore the expectation is to be available? Yeah, I understand the intent and this is what makes it so hard because again I would get out the fattest wallet I have and
gladly write a check but but with what we're facing the optics of it I just can't do it. I just can't do it. And so that's why I think I think that we need to go back
and take a really good look again if that's our measuring stick who those who everyone is and until we can do it maybe for all maybe not do it for any at least until we have a darn budget.
That's the other part of this. if the budget if we already knew, you know, if session ended with what it was supposed to end with, I might be sitting here with a with a different pitch. So, >> Madam Chair, >> yes. >> So, so what we're hearing is um and I
want to thank um Miss Mor and her team and Mr. White House and everybody for what you're presenting for us. Um it just sounds like to me what I'm hearing that this just may not be the right time to move forward with the staffing plan
um as presented. Um I I don't want to negate any of the work that you guys put in or what everyone does on a daily basis. Um I'm not in that position. I'm not the one that's doing the work per se because I understand your jobs
are vitally important. But again, I I I have to agree with N Miss Thor is the optics and is the timing right right now. That's more of anything because we're we're talking about some tight tightening of the belt for the entire
district and we got to make sure that we we do it top to bottom. >> Um Dr. Ber, would you or Miss Marant be able to elaborate on our timeline for hiring and and when this needs to be approved by so that we can um execute the rest of the things that need to occur throughout the district from a
from a staffing perspective? So, as far as timeline, as you as you all know, as you've been briefed, and that's been shared with the um with staff that a lot of the positions and the changes are domino effect for other
positions on the school side. So, we would be pausing a lot of movement or undoing some movement um if we aren't moving forward. And some of that is us being able to hire for spec and it seems and this is just what I'm hearing that a
lot is um a lot of conversation is around the upgrades but as you can recall and as uh Dr. Bur shared the bulk are positions that are supporting South Marian. So when we have positions that are approved we're able to post for them even though they're going to be
effective July 1, we can get that work ahead done ahead of time. So that's some of the biggest part. It's not just the upgrades um that I think we're right under $100,000 that is incorporated in this. It's the
other positions as as well. Um so that I don't know if I answered your question. >> And if I can if I can just ask the board um what I what I know from staff is that the goal is to get this done tonight so that we can move forward. So to ask the
board um is the is the heartburn specifically around the upgrades >> that that's where I sit chair and I would be fine to offer an amended motion to approve the central office staffing plan less the upgrades. >> So um and I would like so we have a
motion and a second on the floor. So we need to >> I'll just officially second it >> what >> I'll second the amended motion. >> Yes. So I um question would be then Miss Marant um can we move forward with an amended motion that gets everything
rolling and we will come back and revisit upgrades um potentially once we've had an opportunity to discuss money a little bit further and the board seems to feel more comfortable having that conversation. >> From a HR perspective, I have no problem. But as far as parliamentary procedures, as long as attorney powers
is is good with the way they've amended it, but for us, we're fine. That's what I mean is just for you all from an HR perspective. Is that something that we'll be able to get the keep keep the ball rolling um and keep the work moving forward and we can continue the conversation about upgrades >> from an HR perspective? Yes.
>> Okay. So, we have a motion and a second for an amended motion >> for clarity. The amended motion is that we're moving forward with the uh budget or staffing plan for South Marian, not the upgrades. >> Yes, I can read it into the record. So
um well there's a lot in the central office staffing plan besides South Marian. So so what I will do is I will um read um we will have an amended motion to approve the proposed central office staffing plan for the 2627 fiscal
year minus the position upgrades um for CF uh the chief facilities officer and the supervisors moving to directors. >> Is that a >> are there other components? I mean, I just want to make sure that you have
clarity as to exactly >> about $100,000. >> 97 >> $97,000. So, that's what we're talking about. >> I just want to confirm that that's what we're talking about. >> So, it for simplicity minus the upgrades to any minus the proposed upgrades to
any current position right now. It was never my intention to [clears throat] not move forward. Yes, we have a high school to open for God's sake. So, yes. >> Okay. Can I just so to please to clarify? I know we keep saying it, but I just want to be crystal clear. Approve.
The recommend the motion so far is to approve the central office staffing plan as presented with the exception of the upgrades to the positions. Correct. Okay.
>> There there is one upgrade that I think is a part of that. I I maybe Dr. Brewer wants to there is one upgrade for sure that had to do with Marian virtual that was definitely warranted >> but that's not on the central office staffing plan. >> Thank you. Thank you for that clarification.
I just find it. Oh, I know. That's what I'm looking >> I just want to ask um the board for consideration of >> a discussion with approving the central office staffing plan with the supervisors to director upgrades with and not including the chief facilities
or you you don't want any upgrades. Okay. I believe what I hear the the board the majority of the board sharing is they want to put a pause on basically any increase in salary until um we have a better financial outlook.
>> Chair. >> Yes. >> Just for clarity, I want every upgrade that we can possibly afford, you know, but I just don't see that right now. You know, there's a difference between not wanting to do it and wanting to do it, but not feeling like it's fiscally wise or prudent right at this time.
I don't think none of us, any of us want to keep anybody down, but I think just being fiscally responsible, this is just a move that we need to do right now. >> Right now. Not right now. >> Right now. >> And I would also really love to see a re
a more comprehensive review of again if the the measuring stick is pretty much 247 availability or way outside of your work hours, I believe that needs to be researched. Miss Miss Morant, can you speak to overtime for our those employees?
>> What what's the specific question? How over Do you guys need clarity on how overtime works or >> if you're in a salaried position? >> If you're in a salaried position that you're exempt from overtime, correct? But if you're hourly, you are paid overtime, which is time and a half. And one thing that our district does, we do
more than what the law requires. The law requires that if you work more than 40 hours in a work week, then after that you're entitled to overtime. However, if you log more than 40 hours, anything above that, you are paid at time and a half, >> right? And again, you know, there could
be some opportunity for cost savings there and or um again, I've been in this district a long time and it's not always uh something that is encouraged to um
put in for the actual hours just because it is what it is sometimes. >> I hope that's not the case because that's illegal if someone works more than 40 hours. So I hope they are [laughter] that would give us in more trouble. >> They are too. And what we're >> seeing a lot of overtime uh expectation
and then it might be again more fiscally responsible to just turn those into salary positions. I don't know. But this is how deep we're having to go because of the positions you know because the heavens that we're facing. Now, I want to say too, just because we keep saying
it, when we're looking at FLSA and overtime, uh, we can't just make someone's salary so we can avoid paying overtime. There are other rules and parameters that come with that. So, I just don't want if we ever go that route, people thinking we're doing it to try to save money. So, there are
different federal laws that, you know, requires a closer look with that. >> For sure. For [clears throat] sure. Thank you. And I didn't mean to go far in into the mud. Um, but at the same time, if we're really going to be taking a a deep look at, you know, what people
are actually doing, then let's make sure we do that for everybody, just like we did the salary study, because everybody's certainly going to be affected by, well, every decision that we make, especially decisions that, you know, we're already looking at having to make moving forward. So, I didn't mean
to go all off into the weeds. >> All right. So, we have a an amended motion on the table. Miss Martina Jang, are you comfortable with the amended motion language? All right. And we have a second. So, that was amended motion by Dr. Campbell with a second by board member Thrower. Board, are we ready to call for a vote?
>> All right. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes 40. May I have a motion to approve the attorney client agreement uh engagement agreement for social media school district litigation? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by board member Campbell. >> Second.
>> Second by board member Thrower. Attorney Powers, can you provide some additional information regarding this item? >> Yes, ma'am. As general counsel for the Maring County School Board, one of my roles is to advise on potential litigation, uh to review and uh retain outside counsel and to uh monitor the
progress of that litigation. A number of cases nationwide have consolidated into multi-dist litigation status regarding damages related to student overuse of social media, the actions of large social media companies to maximize user
interaction time. Uh specifically, there's a product which we've all seen challenges, Tik Tok challenges, things like that. um the doom scrolling the products cause everything from lack of sleep to truency issues. Um it's been alleged that
they're all hallmarks of addiction and behavioral difficulties. Um those fall into a class uh of under federal law of public nuisance claims. A federal judge assigned to review has certified this class these classes for multi-dist
litigation essentially similar to class action. Um this means that the cases will be distributed among the federal courts uh in various states but considered in a larger group in addition to their individual merits. So rulings
as to some will apply to all. Um over 40 districts in Florida have already joined this litigation. Uh there are a number of cases already selected for first progression to trial. Those are called the Bellweather cases. The ones that will first go to trial. Ours is not u
one. In fact, I am not certain that there is a Florida case which is a bellweather case. Uh findings in these cases will guide the remaining litigation and settlement options. There is a modest amount of staff time required for reporting data. It's
estimated to be around 10 to 15 hours of staff time essentially in the nature of a public records request for some of our student discipline data and mental health and wellness data. um with of course PII removed personally identifiable information
there's um it's possible though unlikely that additional discovery may be required over time uh a deposition something like that there is no significant financial risk to the district um but um the outcome like
tobacco opioid and the jewel litigation could result in regulatory changes to social media uh creation of supportive student resources andor financial recovery. With the permission of the board, I I would like to engage the services of the firm of Wagstaff and
Cartmill. They're one of three firms of a national coalition who are moving forward with this multi-dist litigation. And if uh I believe I've briefed each of the board members individually on this, but if there are any other questions, I stand ready to try to answer those to the best of my ability.
>> Thank you, Attorney Powers, and for um transparency to the public. If this is approved tonight, any further discussion regarding this item will be in a shade session or an executive session. Uh if the board, is there any further comments on this item? All right. Hearing none, all those in
favor say I. >> I. Motion passes 40. May I have a motion to renew bid 3975 MF OEM heavy truck and bus parts term contract. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion by board member Thrower and a
second by board member Campbell. Dr. Mr. Brewer, do you have information you'd like to share regarding this item? >> Yes, chair. Um, Mr. Rios Welsh will provide comments on the next two items for us this evening. >> Okay. Good evening. I'm going to give some comments on [clears throat] uh item
26.3. This is a renewal bid for heavy truck and bus parks. This is a term contract. This is up to $500,000. Um, this is pretty standard. Um, we do need to have the ability to order um parts for all of our vehicles, including
our buses, and this is going to enable us to continue to do that through the period of April 30th, 2027. Uh, it is an up to amount, not necessarily that we will spend all $500,000, but does enable us to continue to procure those
particular parts to keep our uh vehicles and fleet on the road. Are there any questions related to that item? >> Thank you, Mr. Ry Walsh. Uh board, while we have him, is there any questions about 26.3? >> All right. Uh if you want to expand on
26.4, and then we'll take them as separate action items. >> Yes, ma'am. Uh 26.4, this is to utilize two separate contracts, uh the TIPS contract and the state of Florida alternative contract. Um, this is really related to our ability to continue to
purchase all of the furniturees and fixtures and equipment that is needed for uh not only uh South New South Maran High School, but also um East Marian Elementary School and Alyola Middle School projects. Um, this amount is $3.2 $2 million, which I know uh can cause a
lot of angst, but again, this is uh capital funds um and is an up to amount. Not necessarily we would spend every uh dime there, but we do need to have the continued ability uh to make sure that when that school opens and those projects um near completion that we have
all of the equipment and furniture that is necessary for them to be fully operational on day one. This action will run through December uh 1st of 2028. All >> right. Thank you, Mr. Rio Walsh. Board, we'll start with item um 26.3.
Uh we have a motion in a second. Is there any further discussion on this item? >> All right. Hearing uh hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. Motion passes 40. May I have a motion to utilize TIPS contract 230301 in the state of Florida alternate
contract 561-2000-24-NY-acs to purchase miscellaneous furniture for South Marian High School, East Maran Elementary, and Ocula Middle School. >> Motion by board member Cummings. >> Second. >> Second by board member Campbell. Is there any further discussion on this item? >> Board member Thor.
>> Yeah, I guess we need desks. Yes, we need desks and lots of other stuff for South Marian High. Um I believe today uh in the public ed foundation just as a sidebar Dr. Brewer shared we have like over 1,800 students sign sealed delivered to show up to South Marian and that's before the ones who
think they're going to make it the drive to their current school um aren't able to do that in August. So there's going to be a lot of kids at South Marian High School. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And any further discussion board? All right, hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. Motion passes 40.
>> Madam chair. >> Yes. >> I did have one other uh item that was not formally pulled as part of the discussion, but I did want to make just a few brief comments. It's on the consent agenda. Um and it is related to the um uh no no kid hungry grant
application. This is item 17.1. Um just a few brief remarks there um to make sure that the community uh and the board is clear. um this particular grant which we're happy that we is the first time we've actually applied for this grant and received it. It's $85,000
uh which will enable the district uh to really um go out into the community and really push hard for our students to make sure that they're eating uh healthy breakfast through various uh types of equipment that we usually don't have. Um
these are things like um we have these kiosk, we have these graband go type situations and we really want to be able to encourage our students to be able to do that and Marian County uh is one of the the leaders in terms of not only participation in our free school lunch
program, but we offer so many uh different types of healthy food to our students every day. And I just wanted to make sure that we are emphasizing that and really glad to report that we're looking for other resources and this is part of our efforts to make sure that we
can continue uh to push our students to make sure that they're eating and they have healthy options every day that they attend our schools. >> Thank you, Mr. Rio Welsh. All right. Well, we will move on to reading uh not reading reminders, although that's
important, too. Meeting reminders. The next administrative briefing and work session is scheduled for April 2nd, 2026 at 9:00 am. Part two of the code of conduct was previously advertised but will not be needed. Therefore, it's removed from the April 2nd work session agenda. There is no welfare discipline
disputes for April 2nd. So, board, we will report at 9:00 a.m. There is a school board meeting scheduled for April 14th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. and an administrative briefing and work session for April 16th, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. There's also an IICRO meeting for
referendum oversight on April 16th at 400 pm. Miss Martinez Jang, do we have any speakers this evening for off air um off air items? >> No, Madam Chair. >> All right, awesome. Thank you for that. Um, we will move into board committee reports. Miss Martinez Jung, do you have
anything for board committee reports or concerns? >> No, Madam Chair. >> All right, attorney Powers. >> Nothing further from legal. Thank you. >> All right, Dr. Brewer. >> Hey, thank you. Well, welcome back to everyone. Today's day two from a wonderful spring break um holiday. We know we are in full force for quarter 4
and we are ready to go. I do I don't want to share the schools yet, but we do have some exciting attendance recognitions that are taking place. Um, so we will you you may have that in mind already. Yep. Okay. So that's exciting.
And um I also want to recognize or just ask the community for some mentors. This morning at the public education foundation board they announced that there are 55 new take stock and children recipients. And so that means we need 55
more mentors. So share the word community. If you're interested in having lunch with a wonderful student twice a month, please go to the public education foundation website and um complete the survey. So, we can't wait to have you work with our young
students. Um I want to share on the April 2nd work session agenda that Dr. James just reminded us about we have um the strategic plan overview and so we are very much looking forward to the board's feedback on that strategic plan
and um Miss Morant will will introduce our summer school staffing plan. And it's hard to believe it's already here, but it's time. And we will we will have a conversation. Um we'll bring you a proposal for the 26 27 school start and
stop times. Well, we will look at um some possible revisions for our buses. Um and then one final topic that that morning will be our world language textbook adoption. And last but not least, we have two more north side
community meetings. So, I want to encourage the community to please come to those meetings um just to hear the overview, provide your input, and if you're not able to attend, please go to our district website and provide input through our website. But we have the Reddit Collier Elementary community
meeting taking place on March 25th, tomorrow at 5:30, and then at Anthony Elementary on March 26 at 5:30. That's all my comments. Chair, >> thank you very much. Um I will pass it over to our board members. Um, Shrea,
you want to start? >> Um, hi. Hello. I just wanted to say that, um, coming back from break, I know it's super hard as a senior right now. Um, I know everybody's tired, but I just want to say to all my seniors that, um,
we got this and that we only have like two more months left. So, please show up, please pass those tests so you guys can walk the stage and all your family and friends can be super proud of you guys. Um, along with that, I just wanted to say also, I know senior year is like,
uh, there's so much talk about how it should be freeing and how it should be so easy and breeze by. Um, there is also so much that goes along with it. I just want to talk about mental health for my seniors. Um, there is somebody that is
always willing to talk. uh whether it's a teacher or a counselor or a parent, I just want to say that um there's always going to want to be somebody to talk to you. >> Good. >> Thank you. Thank you for sharing. And um
I will give it over to Isaac. >> Thank you, board and chair. And I would like to start by saying we had our drive for life this past week and it was really fun. It was really cool to see. Um thank you Dr. Campbell and Dr. James
for coming out to support also with other esteemed members of the community. Um we had fire department. We had a lot of um people come out and help and come out and support us which is really cool to see. And I know for North Marion it
is a unique experience that our school is the only one that does it. And I know it's very important for the people at my school, myself included. Um, and the people that have lost loved ones to um, traffic incidents and things of that nature. Um, sadly, I do want to mention
that one of my my fellow students, Jennis Garcia, passed away in a motor accident um, last week. And it's it's hard to see because we um you know go to school with these people every day and we see them they're you know when
they're happy they're sad and when they're going through things and so um seeing a fellow student lose a life to a motor accident so close to that event um it was heartbreaking and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Garcia family and I ask that board and um audience and
everyone watching that we would just um understand that you when we're in a vehicle, whether it be, you know, on the interstate, in a ATV, whatever it is, we're driving, you know, a weapon, and it's very important that
us as humans take responsibility for what we're doing, and it's very important that we um understand that we need to be safe on the road in whatever we do. So, thank you for that, guys. >> Thank you for those very heartfelt comments. It's very appreciative, both
of you. Uh, board member Thrower, >> thank you. Um, yes, you know, when we uh had our last school board meeting before we left for spring break, you know, we always say have a great spring break. You know, rest up, be safe, and and and
come back and come home. And too many times that's not the way it works out, you know, for every single person that we pray for and and wish well. So, um, makes it hard, but so thank you, you
know, for sharing that. Um, and we continue to do all we can as a district to support kids and make sure that this recurring theme of mental health and and knowing that there are so many caring, compassionate
adults. It's one of the best things that has come, one of the many best things that's come out of having student board members is that you guys have had a chance to see for yourselves how much we all really care and can carry that back to your schools and be mindful and and
encourage um your friends and acquaintances, you know, to avail themselves um when they think they need it. Uh because there is somebody. There's always somebody. So again, thank you for that. Um, I am excited to uh celebrate as we all are who's going to
get the attendance banners again and I know that will be revealed soon. I attended Bridgeway Academyy's attendance meeting today and they're a unique school because they're an alternative school with unique challenges. But in addition to uh working on their
attendance, they have reduced the number of discipline referrals. Now, these these aren't kids that should have gotten one and didn't. Um the this is legit. They've reduced their referrals by a thousand referrals so far >> this year. And I think any of us that
are on this campus at any given time during the day have noticed the the peacefulness and just the the calmness across the whole campus. you know, there's some excellent things happening and the conversation today in the attendance meeting was around, well, how
can we identify or how can we identify and and and incentivize um regular school attendance like we're doing, you know, with with behavior. So, they're all over it and um including looking at trying to reduce the average number of days between once it's broken
to the family and the student that hey, you know, you're not going to your base school for a little while before they actually show up at at Bridgeway or somewhere. Um and families, you know, to just say you're putting your kid in homeschool, that doesn't cut it. You you actually have to register them and have
them, you know, engaging in curriculum. And what we want to reduce is the number of days that these kids are quote unquote sight unseen because when a kid is a sight unseen, who knows what they're doing? And and so I just wanted to give a hats off to Bridgeway for
their tremendous and acceleratingly good work. Um they're already putting some ideas and plans in place that they'll do a trial run the end of this year and then hopefully fully implement uh next year. So that's pretty cool. Um, it was great to see I think it was 20 uh VPK
excellence sites recognized because we all know that if we get it right the first time, you know, get the kids reading and get them engaged in school and enjoying school that that uh saves a lot of souls in in the long run and a lot of money too. Um, we are starting to
get very excited for the annual uh black stallion reading project. fourth graders. Every school that participates, every fourth grader will be getting their very own book. Uh and then we're working very hard to make sure that all the schools that are participating also
get a visit from a horse. And that's pretty cool. And over this weekend, um Ocala Breeder Sales was kind enough to donate their uh venue so that the Ocala Horse Alliance could do an event called
The Horses Are Coming. And maybe some of you saw it on Facebook, but if you look up uh the Ocala Horse Alliance, the Black Silent Reading Project, you'll see a bunch of really great pictures of of kids uh having the opportunity to learn more about horses and interact with
them. And there was one especially sweet picture. I I think it might have even made it onto the Marian County Public Schools website or Facebook page. If it didn't, I'll share it. But it was a kid maybe three feet tall, maybe even a little shorter, and a big old Budweiser type Clydesdale, you know, with their
head down and and just basically nose tonose. And it was the sweetest picture. So, there's a lot of embedded uh learning that that occurs with anything that a student happens to be interested in, they're going to want to learn more about it. If it's basketball or
astronomy, you name it. And since we're the quote unquote horse capital of the world, it's pretty good for kids to have the opportunity to be a little up close and and personal with some new equin friends. So, that's always uplifting, especially for someone like me. And I'm
just glad to be back. And and I know that we're going to be facing, as we always do, challenges um in the coming days, but if we keep pulling together and keep honoring each other, we'll make it like we always do. So, those are my comments for tonight. >> Thank you, board member Thor. Reverend Cummings,
>> even everybody. Um, I do want to thank our student board members. They always come with um some insightful comments and I I thank both of our board members tonight. The mental health piece as well
as the safety piece is necessary and it's great to hear the young people talking about those pieces. Um, we do know that there's some some some tragic things happened over spring break and our condolences to those families for those things as well. Um, we we I think
all of us said it prior to us leaving for spring break that we we want everybody to come back and wanted u them to exercise extreme safety in whatever they were going to do. And um, unfortunately things happened. So, we want to be praying for those families
and and I I just want to encourage this this senior class to keep keep talking about safety, keep talking about doing the right thing, keep talking about um uh uh celebrating responsibly and all those things because um this is not the
end of your this is the beginning. This is a new chapter you're heading towards. So, um we are back from spring break. We're in the fourth quarter now. Um we got testing coming up very very soon. Uh we praying that everybody is preparing
for that. Our our staff, our students, um parents, and knowing that testing is coming forward and and we got to finish strong. We need to finish strong. Seems like this this school term has has went by extremely fast. So I want to um
encourage our kids to not slack, not um not take a break, but to press harder now. this is the time to not take your foot off the gas. It's the time that you press a little bit harder and um press on a little bit farther. Um the other thing is and I I had made a point that I
would start saying this every board meeting because I don't I I hate it when we get to the end and then people say I didn't know this. So um graduations are going to be different. Um things have changed. Um, no longer can a kid walk
across the stage if they have not satisfied the requirements to walk across the stage. So, as as a board member, I think it's my responsibility to say this so that parents don't get blindsided or feel that they're blindsided if their child can't walk because they haven't done the things
necessary for them to walk. So, I I uh we need to make sure that we're saying it every board meeting. um if they have not um there's no longer a certificate of completion. There's no longer that that ability to to allow your child to walk across the stage and if they have
not done everything they're supposed to do to walk across that stage. So parents, please don't wait till two weeks um out from graduation to find out the status of your your your senior. Um, I that's that would have to be a hurting
feeling for a parent and for uh grandparents or whomever to know that you've gotten this far and you're expecting something to happen and it doesn't happen because um you didn't know that all the information. So, I want to encourage
them to uh get with their counselors, get with those teachers, the senior advisors and know the status now. and if there's things that can be done to to change the status um let's get it done but um just don't wait till the end. So
those are my comments for today. >> Thank you Reverend Cummings, Dr. Campbell. >> Thank you. Timely messages all around. And uh Reverend Cummings, that that's a a powerful reminder and but also u want to express families, if you do find out
that your student is not eligible for graduation and not going to be able to walk in May, please know that that does not mean it's the end. There are still we have a robust summer graduation that has become a wonderful part of what
we're doing. So even if students don't meet all the requirements for May, they still have hope that they can walk across this stage actually with their cap and gown and have an official graduation, shake our hands and all the things. The pomp and circumstance still
exists. Um but thank you for that reminder. I think that's very powerful that families need to be paying attention to your seniors and their grades and their completion of tests. Uh this evening we approved some perfect audits board. We had perfect audits for Belleview High School, Hammock Bowen
Elementary, Marian Oaks Elementary, Bridgeway Academy that the community somewhat still knows as Marian Technical Institute. Um, and North Marian Middle and then Ward Highlands has had three years of perfect audits. So, thank you to those teams and the hard work that they have put in to ensure those perfect
audits because it certainly ensures that the finance team can get better accurate uh records and results whenever those audits are done well at the school level. Also wanting to um mention that mentorship is such a powerful part of
what I've been doing the last several years. I'm very grateful that I said yes to be a take stock and children mentor three years ago. My student is a junior and it doesn't have to just be twice a month. Uh we meet weekly as often as we
can, but she is busy and I am busy and often we we can't meet every week, but um it doesn't always have to be lunchtime either. And and depending on what your student is involved in, I've gone to her bowling tournaments. I've gone to her weightlifting tournaments
and those count as well as your meetings because you're spending time and supporting your your mentee. So, uh I encourage anyone that hasn't ever considered mentorship, please do so. It's valuable to the student for sure because it fulfills the requirement that
they have to have in order to receive that scholarship, but trust me, it is more rewarding for you than you will ever ever really even understand. Um, and also to our student board representatives, I I will wrap up with this. Over the break, I had the
opportunity, as I expressed before, to start my spring break in Louisville, Kentucky at the Consortium of State School Boards, State School Boards Association, KOSPA, the COSPA National Conference in Louisville. And one of the sessions that
I attended was on student board representatives. And there's actually a national school board member association and uh went to hear from them and I can say we're doing things really well in our districts and we are really far
ahead of several others around the nation who are doing the way we do it and I am grateful for the voice that continues to be present here. Not only does it show that we as a board value our students and their student
perspectives, but hearing from them specifically always gives us those reminders of what they're seeing in the hallways every day. And sometimes sitting up here, we're farther removed than we should be from what they're seeing and hearing and feeling. And so, thank you for your valuable perspective.
And I appreciate that they're seniors that we have up here. We we uniquely chose that specifically. we would always hear from that senior voice. And so hearing exactly where they are and then seeing Colen tonight, he's one of our student board representatives and acknowledging not one, not two, but
three military academy appointments is just speaking immensely to what our ROC programs are doing and how terrific, terrific the work that's being done in Marian County Public Schools. Um, I'm sure there'll be other times that I might share additional things that I learned at the Cosmo National
Conference. I've already shared a few with Dr. Brewer that we're going to potentially bring back and and work on here in the district. But anytime we can receive professional development like that as well and our employees can receive professional development, it just further enhances the work that
we're doing here in the district. So that that concludes my comments. Thank you, Chair. >> Thank you, Dr. Kimell. Board member Thrower. >> You know, when it comes to perfect audits, we want to be perfect. So did I miss one? >> I know I heard that Ward Highlands for three the three years in a row. Yes. Did we also say Hammet Bowen?
>> Yes. >> For I said Hamtt Bowen, but I didn't say for three years. Was there for three years? >> Yes. >> I missed that. Okay. >> Hammet Bowen. Thank you. >> Thank you for providing that correction. Board member Farah. >> They work hard for it. And >> yes, that's true. Thank you.
>> Um and so lots of things have already been shared. Board, I will start my comments. I started this morning at the public education foundation. Um, we got a lot of save the dates and um, I'm not going to share them publicly because I think some of the dates are still a bit of a secret, but I did have Dr. Brewer
and I have discussed making sure that all of these dates land on our calendars. A lot of them were not on my calendar yet. And so between um, Dr. Brewer's office and Miss Martinez Young, we're going to make sure that they all land on the board's calendars so that we um, can work to have a presence. Um it
was mentioned um the McKenzie's Moment um golf tournament is coming up. they are looking for um it is now on a Friday and a Saturday and due to its falling on a Friday Saturday opposed to Sunday Monday. Um it is harder for the public
ed foundation to support with staff and so um if any board member would like to spend some of their time on Saturday supporting um the golf tournament which direct um a big portion of what they raise goes to the public education foundation and goes directly to support
safe schools initiatives uh throughout Maring County public schools. So board, if you uh have time, it would be um April 18th. So that Saturday, feel free to reach out to Miss Magamal and she can connect you with the right people to be able to offer your time uh to
support the initiative uh for the golf tournament at the um it is at Golden Ocala, so it's in town. Uh so many dates that I will make sure that Dr. Brewer gets on your calendar. We also have lots of things happening this week as well. Tomorrow morning we're at uh Forom
Forest grand opening. So board if you can be there in the morning. That's at 9:30. There's lots of stuff happening every single day throughout Marian County Public Schools. Uh and we are entering into uh what I what I always call kind of the crazy season. So April gears up
and then by May 1st it turns into a full steam ahead to get to graduation. And there seems to be something every single day. The media festival is coming up. Mr. Christian reminded us I believe that's April 10th. So um board if that's not already on our calendar it will be coming to our calendar but the media
festival is April 10th uh which is held right here and it is always quite a show. Uh so many big things are coming our way and uh and as a board we will always spend um our time and treasure sharing the responsibility making sure we show up to as many things as we can.
We really appreciate and support the work of the district. Uh I I shared um with someone yesterday while I know that what we have going on in the district feels heavy and at times um there's a lot of things that we're doing that can feel very impactful to
the individual work of schools or school campuses. Overall, the things that are happening in our district from a financial outlook as well as operationally is so much lighter than what is happening to our neighbors to the north and our neighbors to the south uh throughout the state of Florida. We
um there are districts that are being essentially forced to close schools due to their finances. You know, instead of making proactive decisions and conversations about closing schools or trying to be more financially responsible, they've put themselves in positions where they have to make decisions this year. um and and you know
they are losing students to private school and charter school and we just are having a very unique challenge here in Maring County where our student enrollment continues to go up and so um navigating these waters is a challenge and there are difficult conversations ahead especially when the legislature
doesn't seem to get it together to give us what we need to be able to make our challenging uh decisions but I'm grateful for a team led by Dr. brewer that's continuing to um bring uncomfortable things to the board and let us have uncomfortable conversations productively so that we can find
solutions that will work for the majority of Maring County public schools. Um I will be at both community meetings Wednesday and Thursday at Reic and Anthony. I look forward to the continued conversations about what we're doing on the north end um regarding consolidation and utilization of our
campuses. Um, and I look forward to um another productive week and weeks ahead as we get into testing. I believe Dr. Brewer said uh as of tomorrow morning, we're 27 days to the first day of testing for third grade and 26 days for Wamina Park. Right. Okay. So, uh testing
is on the horizon. Um and while we wish that wasn't the reality, that is the reality. Uh the metric for the district and for schools is based on one test that happens at the end of the year. And so that is our goalpost. We are working
towards really productively every single day. Students showing up to school, which I appreciate you mentioning attendance, students continuing to show up to school, be present, and be prepared, ready for a wonderful learning uh day is very important, especially in this last 30 days. So with that, I will
wrap up my comments. And there being no further business. Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Martina Young. Do we have any um I already asked you the offer. I'm sorry. Uh, do we have any further? Uh, there no further business. I'll have a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Motion by board member Campbell and a second by board member Thrower. All
those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes 40. Mot uh board meeting will be adjourned at 706. Thank you.