Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the regular July 15th school board meeting of the Martin County School District. I would like to introduce Pastor Jeff Bennett, First United Methodist Church of Stewart to give our invocation.
every good and perfect gift. We thank you for the marvelous gift of education. Uh a gift in which we are invited to participate to make it be all that it can be. So Lord, we pray your blessing upon all those who make education
possible. We are so thankful for our teachers, our administrators, our support staff. Lord, we are so thankful for our school board and for our superintendent and for all those who work together to make this gift of
education be what it is. Lord, we're thankful for uh the families of our students and of course the students themselves, children and youth who are precious in your sight and our sight as well. Lord bless us in our time together
uh that we may do our very best by them. All this we pray. Amen. Amen. We'll now say the pledge of allegiance. Thank you. To the flag of the United States of America
to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Miss Falls, will you call the role? Dr. Morardi, here. Mrs. Roberts. Mrs. Powers here.
Mrs. Russell here. Mrs. Pritchette here. Okay. I would like a motion to approve the agenda and addendum. I move approval of the agenda with 7.03,
10.01, 16.01, 16.02, 2 and 18.12 added 13.12 and 18.11 updated 5.02 and 11.02 removed and 3.21 move to
action only second. All those in favor I Miss P's motion Miss Russell second and unanimous. Thank you.
May I have a motion to approve the items of consent with 3.21 moved to action? So moved. Second. Miss Powers motion. Miss Russell.
Second. All those in favor? I I unanimous. Thank you. And we are going to do a board member discussion. Parents Day proclamation.
Miss Roberts. Oh, I I apologize. Before we do that, I have it written down and I skipped right over it. I would like Superintendent Maine to make a few intro announcements of of staff. Thank you. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you,
members of the board. I do have some uh admin staff recommendations that I'm making to the board this evening. So, I would like to introduce those uh the following individuals. First up is going to be Miss Maria Adele Sumner. Uh if you'll please stand, Miss Sumar. She is
being recommended as the new principal of Warfield Elementary with more than 20 years of experience in education and most recently serving 11 of those years as assistant principal at Belglade Elementary in Palm Beach where she helped lead gains in academic
achievement, ESC student outcomes and community engagement. Miss Sumner is known for her focus on literacy and math achievement and building relationships with students, families, and staff. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary ed and a master's degree in educational
leadership and holds certifications in ed leadership, elementary K6 and Esau endorsements. So congratulations for being recommended. Uh we welcome you this evening here and I know that your family is here as well. So thank you for being here with her. Yes,
you have a fan club in the back from Warfield. All right, next up is actually uh Dr. Alicia Ramshiron being recommended as one of our new assistant principles of student services at Martin County High School. She brings more than 20 years of
educational experience, strong focus on curriculum, instruction, and systems that drive student success. Most recently, she has served as an assistant principal at Whitnull High School in South Carolina. Uh Dr. Ramshiron led efforts in datadriven instructional
planning, assessment, coordination, and staff development. She holds a doctorate of education in educational leadership from South Carolina State University along with advanced degrees in ed leadership and curriculum and instruction. Welcome to Martin County
and welcome aboard. Thank you, Sydney Harden. Welcome. Miss Sydney is being recommended as the new assistant principal of Palm City Elementary. Most recently having served as a single school culture coordinator in Palm Beach County at Simol Trails Elementary, where
she led datadriven professional development, supported teacher growth, and enhanced family engagement. A former third grade teacher and team leader, Miss Harden helped drive a dramatic increase in math proficiency from just 8% to a little under 50% at during her
third grade tenure. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois uh University Edwardsville and a master's degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University. We are proud to have you and honored that you're here this evening. Welcome,
Miss Danielle Frell. being recommended as the new assistant principal of Martin County High School for assessment and accountability. A dedicated educator and leader with more than 20 years of experience, Miss Frell has served in various roles since joining our Martin County School District in 2013,
including teacher, instructional coach, coordinator of innovation and choice. She led the district-wide implementation of AVID systems across 11 schools and develop professional learning for over,200 staff members. Miss Frell holds a master's degree in education, an MBA,
and a bachelor's degree in business administration. She's certified in educational leadership and holds endorsements in reading, Esau, and multiple other instructional leadership uh programs. So, congratulations, Danielle. We wish you the very best. You're going to be a fantastic Tiger.
Miss Aaron Albano being recommended as the new assistant principal at Warfield Elementary with 16 years of experience in Title One and has served in roles including teacher, math coach, and most recently as an ESSE specialist in St. Lucy County at St. Lucy West K8 School.
Miss Albano is known for her instructional leadership, collaborative approach, and dedication to improving outcomes for all learners. She's previously led schoolwide math initiatives and family engagement events at Weatherbe Elementary and has a strong background in ESSE compliance and
support. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University along with certifications in ed leadership, elementary ed, ESSE, and Esau. Welcome aboard. The Warfield family is extremely excited to have you.
And last, but certainly not least, Miss Alsa Gonzalez, being recommended as the new assistant principal of Port Solerno Elementary, a bilingual educator with more than 20 years of experience. She has served in both school and district leadership positions, uh most recently
serving to improve student achievement and family engagement here at the district office. Um as a district prevention intervention program specialist. We'll say that three more times. previously supported Port Solerno as an administrator on assignment and her
leadership led to a 22point increase in ELLL proficiency and measurable gains on the fast performance assessment. She holds a master's degree in educational supervision from UN Liberty University and a bachelor's degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages
from Hob Sound Bible College. Miss Gonzalez is certified in educational leadership and Esau K12. Congratulations. Welcome to the Port Serno family and we know you'll do a great job. That concludes our admin recommendations.
Thank you and and welcome. I'm I know the board here is thrilled to have all of you here and thank you for what you're going to be doing. Appreciate it. [Applause]
Parents Day Proclamation. Christa Lee Roberts. Yes. And welcome to our A-rated district. We're glad to have you. We're a we're a um I had this before and I thought we were going to do it later in the fall. Did you want to do it as a
Well, today is the designated day apparently for uh parents day, but the reason I thought it would be better moved to October was so that the parents would actually be we would be back in school. But this is
actually parent recognition day nationally. I believe that is what Yeah. So we can honor them today as well, but I would like to bring forward a proclamation for October.
I'll work with with you on that. Um and in October we'll do a like a national another parent recognition kind of proclamation if you will. Okay. So do we want to do this one? We can absolutely do it. Sure. Okay. So, I'll I'll read it to the
This is Parents Day proclamation. Whereas effective parents provide foundation, support, wisdom, and unconditional love while helping their children bu build character, learn responsibility, and reach their full potential. And whereas parents are vital to strong families, and to thrive in
communities. And whereas effective parenting reaches beyond the home as part of a community effort to help shape future generations. And whereas in 1994, the United States Congress established the fourth Sunday of July as National
Parents Day to honor and recognize the vital role of parents rearing children and the importance of effective parenting. And whereas the Martin County School Board encourages parents to do their best for their own children, children in their care, and children throughout our communities to ensure
that all have the support and encouragement they need. Now therefore, the Martin County School Board hereby proclaims July 27, 2025 as National Parents Day in Martin County, Florida, and urges all citizens to express express their love, respect, and
appreciation to our parents in our community. Thank you. So, we need to vote to do this, correct? So, I move acceptance of this proclamation. Second motion by Miss Roberts, second by Miss Powers. All
those in favor? I I motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Thank you. Hey, we now have Mr. Jeff Raymond with a retirement recognition, Superintendent Maine, and all in
attendance tonight. It's kind of coming full circle as we start the journey of our new administrators. But now we will shift the light onto a fine teammate who gave 34 years to our transportation department. And u my little note was
just that it all begins with a smile. Bus drivers have the opportunity to shape the day for all of our children. Arnette Graham's been doing that successfully for 34 years. Here to share her story are two of her supervisors,
Chara Blanco and Samaritan Daniels. And Arnette, if you would come up for the presentation as well. Thank you. Good afternoon, Madame Chair, board members, and Superintendent Maine. My name is Shauna Blanco and I am here this evening alongside Samaritan Daniels.
Together we serve as operations manager to the transportation department. We are honored to be here tonight to recognize and celebrate one of our own, Arnett Graham, for her remarkable service to the Martin County School District. For 34 years, Arnett has been a dedicated employee. Sorry, excuse me. Serving with
unwavering commitment. Throughout her tenure, Arnett has been a cornerstone of the transportation department. Her work has gone far beyond the daily responsibilities of her role. She has been a trusted presence for students, a reassuring voice for families, and a
dependable colleague to her peers. Her dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students has left a lasting impact on countless lives. Thank you, Arnette, for everything you have given to our district. Wishing you joy, relaxation, and all the adventures
you've been dreaming of. Enjoy it. It is so welld deserved. Thank you. Arnette want to speak or would you like to say a few words, Arnette? I just want to say thank you and I'm
going to everybody, especially the kids. And maybe I'll come back and 34 years. Amazing. You got to give her 34 years. That's amazing. Thank you. Sorry.
Thank you. Wonderful. Oops. We're going to take a short little break so we can get pictures with the new uh hires if if that's okay. You want do that now? Yeah. Yeah. Up here is fine. I'm up here. Yes.
Want to go down? um let's see district presentations. I do have one question I'd like to um refer to Mark Serest before Derek does his presentation. Can you give an update of
the pool? Everyone wants to know. So, uh, I'm Mark Secrets, director of facilities and planning. Um, good afternoon, madam chair, school board members, superintendent Maine. I am pleased to give you an update. Um, when we do these updates every month, it's act usually at the beginning of each
month, so things can progress in a in a 15-day period. So, as of today, 7:15, the electrical items are complete. That part of the um work is complete. The non-elect electrical items are in progress, but they are scheduled to be complete between the 22nd and the 25th
of July. I know we originally spoke we were we were hitting that August 1 deadline of trying to get everything complete. Um, just so everybody understands, once it's complete on the 25th, we do have to go back through our annual inspection by the health department. At that point, I have no
control of what they will say or not say, but we'll have to go back through that process. But the contractor will be done by the 25th, between the 22nd and 25th. And those items are the non-elect electrical items and then the items you just approved tonight which are general maintenance items and then the
replacement of the filter system. So that's going to happen in the next two weeks. Okay. So maybe in the August workshop you might if you have any more information to share with us I'll ask you for it. Okay. And just to bring everybody up to speed, the pool is currently running even though we don't
have the current, we're using the old filter system, but the pool is running and they're repainting and reccocking and everything's going to happen here in the next two weeks. Okay. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Mr. Derek Low with our district update.
Yes. Good evening everyone, Madam Chair, members of the board, Superintendent Maine. My name is Derek Lowe and I'm the coordinator of public information. As always, it's a pleasure to bring you the month's district update. As you are well aware, we are now in the back to school season. Uh so that is mainly the
focus of our update today. Uh first up, the Florida Department of Education or sorry, Florida Department of Health, excuse me, is offering back to school immunizations for children and adults who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by Medicaid. Services are
offered at the Steuart office located off Willoughby Boulevard Monday through Friday by appointment. A DH680 form, which is required for school entry, can be obtained from private providers or through the Department of Health for just a $10 fee. Families are encouraged
to schedule appointments early to ensure that students are ready for a safe and healthy school year. The Martin County School District has launched Teacher Lists, a free and convenient online tool that simplifies back- toschool shopping for our families
and for our students. Through the platform, parents can now access classroom specific supply list and then choose their preferred online retailer such as Amazon, Walmart, or Target to purchase all or some of the needed items with just a few clicks. Teachers List is
easy to use. It saves time and eliminates all of the guesswork while making sure that students are fully prepared for the start of the school year. To access teacher list, you can visit our district website, martinschools.org. We also launched our back to school website just yesterday. Uh, and that
contains all of the relevant back to school information that our families need to know, such as start time, supply list, uh, bell schedules, curriculum nights, and orientation events as well. Beginning August 1st, a families can stretch their dollars even further
thanks to Florida's back- toschool sales tax holiday. During the month of August, many school-related items, including supplies, clothing, and computers, are all exempt from sales tax. When combined with the convenience of teacher list, preparing for the new school year is now
more affordable and less of hassle than ever before. Registration for extended day for the upcoming school year opened on July 14th and will remain open until July 25th. All district students attending one of
the district's 12 elementary schools are eligible to enroll. Students must enroll in an extended day program at the school in which they currently attend. VPK students must be four years old on or before September 1st to participate. Registration can be completed online
through the focus parent portal, which is located again on the district's website. Tuition is just $55 per week. That concludes this month's district update. Until August, when we return to school, you can find us wherever you scroll. We're on all social media platforms.
Thank you, Derek. Superintendent Maine. Oh, okay. Roberts has a question for you. Um Derek, you said that extended day registration is open from the 14th to the 25th. It opened on the 14th and will remain
open through the 25th of this month. Correct. What happens after the 25th? It closes. I would have to defer to the extended day department on that one. I mean, school starts on August 11th, correct? So,
um, maybe if the superintendent can find out, I don't want to be giving the public information that makes them think that if they don't sign up by August 25th, they can't be an extended day if that's not necessarily true. July 25th, but yes, that that's not necessarily true. We'll get an answer for you and report back.
Thank you. Thank you, Superintendent Maine. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, members of the board, uh, first want to start off by thanking Mr. Serest and your team for um having the pool uh a little bit
ahead of schedule and we really appreciate that moving it along. I know this time of year it can be difficult with the weather delays and things like that. Um but I appreciate your steadfast leadership and making sure that that's executed and and ready to go. So appreciate the updates. Also want to
wish a very happy birthday to Kirsty Germaine. She was around here somewhere. It's her birthday today. So uh wish her a happy birthday if you haven't already done so. I'd also like to thank uh Doc, she's in the booth back there. Also like to thank Dr. Miller uh for her leadership both on the operations side
of the house and also um attending Martin County High School every day uh to make sure that things are running smoothly and operating efficiently as they prepare for the 2526 school year uh in the absence of a principal. So, thank you for pulling double duty right now.
Uh we do have interviews on Monday and hope that uh we will have a very viable candidate come Monday afternoon. So, thank you, ma'am. Um, and without further ado, I want to celebrate we lost our audience, but uh for those of you that are who are watching online, uh, yes, we are in a district. It's kind of
hard to not uh know that it is all over the internet. It is all plastered all over our social media sites and anywhere that we can advertise that we are incredibly proud to have received this rating from the Florida Department of Education. This distinction reinforces
what so many of us already know about Martin County, and that is that this is home to one of the top performing school districts in the entire state and the premier choice definitely on the Treasure Coast for students to attend. This wasn't about just the grade. It was
about a commitment from our teachers, our students, and all of our staff, our administrators, and our families. Everyone pulled together to make this happen. It's a reflection of the high expectations that we set and the deep belief that we have uh that every
student deserves the very best education. Uh I want to commend several schools that jumped entire letter grades, notably Crystal Lake Elementary that went from a B to an A grade. Jensen Beach High School that went from a B to
an A. Uh Warfield Elementary that moved from a D to a C. Indiantown High School moving from a D to an A. Murray Middle School from a C to a B. Anderson Middle School from a C to a B. And Indiantown Middle School from a C to a B. We are
currently appealing South Fork High School, Martin County High School, and Stewart Middle School, which were only one point and half a point away from reaching their A. Uh our documentation and data shows that they should have reached that. So, we are filling out the
appeals process to the DOE, but nevertheless extremely excited and grateful for all the hard work that happened at each of those schools. We are very proud to announce that currently Martin County High School has no C middle schools. All of our middle
schools are either a B or an A as well of all as well as all of our high schools. That is uh a huge improvement over previous years. I want the public and the families to know that no matter where you attend secondary schools in Martin County, you are going to receive
the very best education. Across nearly every subject area, our students posted significant gains, not only exceeding state averages, but also outperforming every neighboring school district on the Treasure Coast. We earned the highest proficiency rates in
algebra, geometry, and writing in our region compared to St. Lucy, Indian River, and Palm Beach counties. We came out ahead in key subjects in math, civics, US history, and science. Statewide, we outpaced Florida averages in both math, algebra, geometry,
biology, and writing. 67% of our algebra students scored proficient compared to the state average of 60%. In biology, our students achieved a remarkable 75% proficient, a rate that was a 7-point gain over last year. And the growth is
happening across the board. In one year alone, grades 6 through 8 math rose from 57% to 63%. Algebra jumped 10 percentage points and ELA scores continue to improve. Although in ELA, we have much
work to do. The team is aware of that and we are going to continue pushing uh in the area of of ELA. These results tell a story and next year I'm making a commitment that through all the hard work that we will continue to do, we are to have no C schools in Martin County.
It is not acceptable that we still have elementary schools that are the C rating. We will continue to push. We will continue to work and commit to the community that we will make that happen. But I want you to know that out of 67 districts, only six moved to a letter
grades. And out of those six, uh, which includes St. Lucy, Duval, Monroe, Valuchia, and Lake. Martin County scored the highest number of points of those six districts. So, extremely proud. Thank you to our teachers. Thank you to our staff. Thank you to our
administrators and all of the families who supported uh the hard work last school year. And I'm pleased to also share that our district has been awarded $500,000 in state funding to support the ongoing rebuilding of Murray Middle School following the devastated impact of
Hurricane Milton. As many of you know, Murray was one of the hardest hit uh areas in our community when the storm made landfall last October. Several buildings were severely damaged, including spaces that were home to our vibrant music program and performing arts. Uh thanks to the leadership and
advocacy of Representative Toby Overdorf and Senator Gail Herald and with support of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida legislature and our board, this funding will supplement the 1.7 million we've already received through insurance, bringing us closer to covering the full
costs of rebuilding. Our school board has approved a complete reconstruction of building 9, 10, and 18. These spaces previously housed our band, chorus, and other critical programs. And we look forward to rebuilding those classrooms so that those programs once again can
have a dedicated space on campus. Uh Murray Middle School is a very special place in our district and it is a school with a strong sense of community and pride. Um, and in one year, the fir the brand new principal, uh, Tiffany Roth
and her team were able to bring them from a C to a B, uh, points away from that A. And we know that with the new buildings, the new energy and leadership that is on that campus, they will make it happen this year. That's why I've chosen Murray Middle School to be the first school that I attend uh, when we
are welcoming back students in August for my press conference. So, at this time, that concludes my superintendent's update. Thank you, Superintendent Miss Powers. Um, Superintendent Maine, can we get an update on Murray Middle School and where we are with the insurance company? Um,
kind of overall financially if there was additional funds that we needed that are not covered by insurance. Kind of where we are with all of that. I think it's going to be really important as we all meet with our uh local delegation in preparation for the upcoming um
committee weeks that will be coming up and also the session which will start in January this year. So we just need to have that information if we're going to have an ask. Okay. Thank you. We will now go to uh board member discussion.
Wait, I missed that all together. Um, where am I? Yeah, we have um board member information share, Miss Roberts. Um, sure. Before we do that, I had one question about 1512, the use of
facilities report. There were three um listed on there that were in progress. So, I just wanted to be to understand whether they have their insurance in order, whether they have made their payments. What does in process mean to us? It's usually one of those or all
those issues where they're getting their insurance process or they're in the process of making payment, but I can I can get an update for you. Okay. I'm just concerned that if somebody's using the facilities without the insurance in place. Um I think that's a we typically don't let them do that
without the it's usually a payment issue when it comes when it says it's in process. Okay. Right. Thank you. Um moving on to the board member information share. I have two items that I'm sharing with my fellow board members. One is an article that came out
in the American Thinker, which is comparing New York education systems with Florida education systems. I don't know if you caught it when it came out, but I thought it was of interest and I thought um we could at least put it there so the public could see it and we could all see it if we wanted to see it.
The second item that I put on there were the school grades for 2425. I um reduced the information down so that you can see our schools better instead of having to look all the way through it. Also, I gave you the grade
overview that shows the components that are used to make up the grade. And then you can see all the categories that um show that. So, I know that I'd gotten a few questions from people in the public as to how those things looked and how it looked from school to school. So, I thought since I was looking at it anyway, I would go ahead and compile it
and share it. So, that's all I had. Mrs. Roberts, just so that you're aware, um, Madame Chair has requested, uh, to me to have staff put on for the August workshop, a school grade and district grade calculation component presentation. Uh, so our assessment and
accountability team is putting that together and we'll do an entire workshop presentation to the board and community on how school grades uh, and district grades are calculated. Oh, okay. Good. Thanks. Thank you, Mr. Roberts. Hey. Um, we're a little early. Do we
have any public comment? Okay. If not, we are going to move on to actiononly items beginning with one that was moved to action from consent 3.21 renewal talk of the town therapy. Miss
Roberts. Right. I moved this to action because the cover sheet didn't match the contract. So, when we're approving it, I didn't know whether we were approving the 140 um per year per contractor like it says in the cover sheet or if you
were requesting approval for the 160 that's in the contract. Good evening, board chair, members of the board, and superintendent Maine. I apologize in advance. It was actually a clerical error. It should be 140,000 what the coverage she says. So, if it's okay with the board and you approve it
140,000, the agency is aware that it is 140,000 and we will have it updated um for Miss Falls to have Mr. Main sign it with the proper number. It's 140,000 with a cover she says. Okay. So, I move approval of 3.21 at the
dollar amount of 140 per contractor. Second per employee. Miss Roberts uh motion Dr. Mario second. All those in favor? I I motion carries unanimously. Okay,
moving on to um 8.02 schools opening and closing times. May I have a motion? Motion to approve 18.02. Second. Motion by Miss Russell, second by Miss Powers. All those in favor?
I. Motion carries unanimously. 1803. Approval to accept Domino's Pizza proposal pursuant to Florida statute 28F with a five. Jeffrey Carver. Move approval. Have a motion by Miss Powers, second by
Miss Roberts. All those in favor? I I. Motion carries unanimously. 18.04 4 requisitions to be approved for purchase orders over $100,000. May I have a motion? I move approval. And in the future, can
we be sure that in the description it includes the um when the board actually approved the item to begin with? I know it does in a couple of them, but not in the whole list. Second. Thank you. Motion by Miss Roberts, second by Dr.
Marardi. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 18.05 K through 12 uniform assessment calendar for school year 202526. May I have a motion? So moved. Second.
Motion by Miss Power, second by Dr. Mario. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 18.06 Renewal School Resource Program contract with Martin County Sheriff's Office. May I have a motion?
motion to approve 18.06. I'll second with discussion. Okay, please. So, I just had a few things that I think that I don't and I don't know. I guess it would be up to our attorney if this needs to be added, but one of the things
that we've struggled with throughout this process with you know um as we renew and we had initially such a a dramatic increase um is really honing in on what our expenses are and what's associated with
that with the contract. So I'm just asking for procedures for documenting the number of hours that SRO's are working. I would like to have a procedure for approving
um overtime outside. So, and how how much time that involves so that we when we come back and look at um because right now the way we pay our SRO's is they're paid for 12 months their full
salary and we haven't been being charged overtime because they don't work in the two months. I really think it would be to our advantage to track how much actual overtime that they are working. Um and But I also think that
there the principal should be approving that overtime so that if it's a school related event like a high school football game or whatever it is that the su the principal knows that a
um the SRO is working hours in addition to what their normal workday would be. Um and then also if we're hire if we're paying for additional um SRO's that or not SRO's additional
deputies that are not assoc too so that we're keeping track of it better internally and that there's some sort of approval process happening. Um um and then also I know one of the other issues that came up was um you know
communicating um when an SRO will will be absent and who's subbing or how are we paying that if we're paying the actual person who's absent the actual SRO um are we paying a higher rate for the
sub if they're working um if that outside of the normal duties of the SRO, if that sub is actually working overtime. Um I also think that we're going to have to look at if we
because I know last year I think there were six there six five or six positions that remain unfilled all year. So, I'd like to have a conversation on, you know, what are our options for
filling that as opposed to paying if it's going to be overtime. Um, maybe it is that we especially I think it would be okay in our elementary schools to use other approved um resources that we
could use as opposed to paying overtime to maybe a deputy that isn't um is working outside of what they normally would. And I also would like us to clarify the responsibility who's
responsible for school crossing guards. That that issue has come up several times. Um I have done a little bit of research and I looked at some legal opinions, but I think that we need to probably get um clarification. Um the legal opinion I
looked at is seems to place the responsibility on the sheriff's department or whoever whatever law enforcement agency has jurisdiction on the roads and um law enforcement side in the community. So if if there's a
school crossing guard in the city of Stewart, they're responsible for that, not the sheriff's department. So, whoever has jurisdiction, but I don't know about the dollars. We need to clarify that because that keeps coming up and I would really if we need to get
our own attorney or if we need to ask for a legal opinion from the state attorneys or um Oh my gosh, why am I drawing a blank? No, the one in Tallahassee. I'm drawing a blank right now, but we just ask for a
legal opinion on that if we need to. Um, that's all I have for read this second. Okay. So, who made the motion? Miss. So, did you want to say something? She does. Go ahead.
Thank you. Um, in light of that, also adding on to your discussion, Mrs. Powers, I see on page two, it talks about the schools to be staffed with SRO's, and that totals a number of 25. Yet on exhibit A there's a total of 27
that's listed on listed there. So my confusion is first of all is it 25 or is it 27 and if we're paying so our payments are based on a monthly basis but for example
as Mrs. P points out if you have a school that has no one for a month or is using something else to do that one pulling for one from somebody else to go do that school for a month and we don't have whether the number is 25 or whether
the number is 27. Do we reduce the amount of the $379,000 by an amount or do we pay the $379 regardless of how many people they are short? So to to make sure that I'm following
you correctly, those are uh what I believe to be the two floater positions to fill in for vacancies. uh I will seek clarification on whether we are paying for those two floaters regardless of whether they are being used or not. Right. So So I would think that if he's
saying total law enforcement personnel assigned will include the 27 deputies, right? That if you're assigning 27 deputies, if two of them are floaters, I've designated a space for those two floaters to be right.
If those two floaters are not assigned to our schools and we're really not even using them and we have a shortage of two somewhere then we're pushing into 5 to 10% 10 to 20% of what our total staffing
piece is supposed to be. So it would make sense that you wouldn't be paying the full 379. I mean, and I think that needs to be, you know, I mean, I I think that it's 379 based on the number of hours that we're actually getting. And if all of a
sudden we aren't getting those, I think we need to be I think it goes back to Mrs. P's request for there to be a log of the number of hours that they are are working and how many hours we are being charged for. So those are those are certainly procedures
that we can put in place and the clarification from the sheriff's office on what they are what is included in that building. Right. Okay. Thank you. And because it wasn't listed on the itemized list, right? Um and and I agree with you. Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, if we can get that or
if if finance can look at that on some regular basis and see that, oh, by the way, if we get a quarterly report or a semiannual report that shows we're short this amount of time, are we planning on making up that time? Are we planning on because it is a fixed price of what
we're paying on a monthly basis, there is no methodology with which to reconcile that, which I think is an issue. Well, and just to just really quickly to
because I know Dr. Morardi wants to speak, but to your point, I think we're going to have to really um we're going to have to create something like a time sheet of some sort that is that our principal, the principal or whoever the principal designates at the school is
going to have to keep track of because it's a kind of an odd situation because they're not employed by the school district, but their responsibility is to be on the campus during school hours at minimum. um during school hours. So, we
need to um I just I think it I think it that requirement needs to be in the contract um that they're required to do that as part of their job. I I don't know that we want to not have that.
Yeah. So, um so personally, I'm not going to vote for approval of this at this time. I know that it doesn't put our schools at risk. The old contract continues on until we have a contract, but I think those things need to be answered um and need
to be included as part of the contract before I would feel comfortable voting for it. Go ahead. Yeah, I would agree with Miss Miss Powers and Miss Roberts. Uh I think those clarifications are very important. The other thing I I I have to bring up, and I know this is probably going to be very unpopular because we love our
SRO's, but when it came time for negotiation, this was not really there's not a whole lot of wiggle room in here. There's there's 31 that we're paying for and as a schoolboard member, this is a huge expense for the district and there's no
pivot to anything else. It's basically this or nothing. So I think at some point we have to look at other options just to see if anything else is available for cost cutting measures. Do we really need all of these people at all of these places or could we
investigate maybe having one less here, one less there alternative options because we went through quite a negotiation with this and this is a three-year contract if approved and I don't want to go through that again to be honest with you. We need to have
other options to have some leverage. Otherwise, we're basically this is what we're going to have to pay and it's a huge expense. And I think we have to really look at that regardless of how much we think that it's a great
value for our schools. Thanks. So, I would I would agree with you. I think that there are some um options that I know I have been thinking about like how can we especially in our elementary schools. Um how can we maybe
have a zone where we have one SRO that covers multiple schools but we also have a person on the campus a safe school officer on the campus. Um what does that look like? But there's so many questions I have about that. If we went to a
company that provided a service like that, what's the training? What's I know there is standard training that they get. Would our would our sheriff be willing to do that training? Um where would they go? What would they do? What's their experience? So many questions. What's the pool of um
employees that we would want to the standard that we would accept in Martin County? Is there an adequate pool of employees that would be that would want a job like that? So I think there's a lot of questions. I don't think that you obviously I think we should spend the next year and I don't know how we can
word that but I think we need to spend the next year exploring um what options would look like and I think that we should do that in partnership with the sheriff and the sheriff's department um how we can manage our expenses but also
not um minimize the level of service that our children, our teachers, our constituents have come to um act. I don't think we have I don't think we have enough secondary
to carry it. So we have to vote on that. Okay. Um Right. Don't we have to vote on that? We have to revote on rescending. So you can make a motion to amend
basically. So a motion to resend or to postpone. So we need a fir a motion and a second on that. Right. Right. So Miss Russell has made a motion to resend to amend. Do I have a second?
Make a motion to withdraw. Can I second that? The second agrees. Let's withdraw. That's fine. So withdraw then. We don't have to vote. So okay.
Okay. I know if you know. Go ahead. I was just going to say that if you don't have the two floaters, for example, if the two floaters aren't there, that's almost 10%
that's pushing to that's six seven. It's 7% of what your assigned SRO's are. So, as soon as you do that, we shouldn't be paying the full amount. If the full amount is for this staffing level, it shouldn't be anywhere close to that as
soon as we're not getting the people. Thanks. Okay, thank you. So now we are at 18.07. This is new service order with Panorama 2526. May I have a motion?
So moved. Second. I have a motion by Miss Powers, a second by Dr. Morardi. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 18.08 mental health assistant allocation plan
per FL DOE. I have a motion. Move to approve 18.08. I I second that. And I also request that the second um document which I know that this is primarily the the document that goes to the state. But we have a second
document that's in there that's our internal document that we outline and list all of the services that are provided for mental health in Martin County to give a comprehensive view. But um the copy that I got needs to be cleaned up. It kind of breaks at weird
point. So that could be done. Thank you. So I have a motion by Dr. Mority, a second by Miss Roberts. All those in favor? I I motion carries unanimously. 18.09 renewal 2526 provider agreement for the
school readiness early learning coalition extended day program. May I have a motion? So, Madam Chair, I will be abstaining since I'm employed by the Early Learning Coalition. Okay. May I have a motion? I'll move to approve 18.09.
Second. A motion by Dr. Mariardi, a second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I I unanimous with Miss Powers abstaining. 18.10 renewal statewide voluntary pre
kindergarten provider contract. Again, Madam Chair, I will be abstaining due to my employment with the Early Learning Coalition. May I have a motion? Move to approve 18.10. Second. Have a motion by Dr. Marriotti,
a second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Unanimous with Miss Powers abstaining. Okay. I'm going to skip to 18 first uh 2025 2026 bus routes. May I
have a motion? Move to approve 1812. Second. I have a motion by Dr. Mari, a second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. Okay. I have 18.11,
the superintendent's evaluation. Is there anyone who'd like to say anything regarding the evaluation, Miss Roberts? Um, so my first comment is I I would assume that as we accept the evaluation, and I thank all of my um my
colleagues for putting their thoughts down as well. um do we need to designate that he is highly effective so that there is clarity that goes to finance and there isn't any question whether it's effective highly effective and we have that matrix if so I would um I
would include that in a motion um my second thing is I know that we're right in the middle of his contract period Mr. Maine's contract runs from 23 to 27 um and my preference is that we when we're in the middle of that period of
time that we go ahead and do a four-year contract renewal so that we have some clarity and we're not pushing it so that a year from now he would have a year left on his contract. But I think that gives us a position where we can know that we have clarity of who we have in
the position. It's kind of like extending the two years that we have remaining from this point to a four-year period. Um and we could continue. we won't be here. But if that practice was continued, you would never be in a position where you're one year out.
You're like the last year of the contract, etc. Because obviously the contract has provisions in it for cause or for getting out of the contract anyway. But I think it just sends a message that committed. I don't know if anybody else has any feelings about that.
Yes. As as do I. Go ahead, Miss Russell. Um, well, I agree with both um the metric and I'd like to see I don't know what number you guys are looking for, but I'd like to see a 2.5 and above being considered highly effective. Um, and
then maybe a 2.0 to 2.4 being effective. Um, I don't know what your thoughts are, but and then also the contract vitally important that we have that lock down. He has had tremendous grades. I mean, yes, what he's done within the last two
years. I think we're an A. Yes, we are. I think that needs to be recognized and honored and we do need to solidify that contract. Well, I'm happy to um speak to Mr. Maine about a contract extension and I also agree with the matrix because I think
it doesn't give enough merit. You're at a 2.9. It doesn't give enough merit that it's kind of like being one point from an A. you're highly effect you're a highly effective superintendent and the matrix doesn't allow for that to
be uh shown. So I am to uh I am in agreement with pretty much everything that has been said so far. Does anyone else want to say anything before you? Do you want to say anything? Um I agree with what you're saying about
the matrix. I'd probably disagree on the contract extension when it's two years out. Not because he's not doing a great job. Um I just think it's a little premature. That would just be my opinion on it. Um so I I do agree on the um on the
matrix as well. I think that it's um it's kind of hard and I I saw I was when I was reviewing everyone else's I didn't go with like oh a 2.5. It's like it's either a three, a two or a one. So my scores may seem a little bit lower
because I didn't do it I didn't do half points. I did you're either exceeding or you're satisfactory or well there were no ones so it didn't matter. But um so I think we need to be consistent on how evaluating as well. Like we need to go
into it with all of us with the same kind of concept. Like, okay, can we do parts of the points? Um because when you add it all up, it, you know, it kind of skews it if we're not all grading the same way, if we don't have all have the
same grading scale. Um, but I kind of I agree with Brian on the contract extension. I think it I I would have no problem looking at it next year. um and you know up to a three-year contract. I think it's only fair that's we give our
teachers that type of contract. We need to have more than you know a year or two that we need we really need the data to back that up. And I think it's I want to be cognizant that we're not putting
future boards in a position where because we you know we have elections every two years. I just I I feel like it's you need to hold off on that. Um I'd be good at year three as well.
I'm not going to agree with that. I I want to see uh a contract extension. That's my So, do we do we take a vote on this? What do we do? Well, we're going to need a contract to
extend first. Um, so that's going to need to come to us as a contract, right, Mr. George? Yes. It would need to be agended and and all can vote on Okay. So, in order to get to that place,
we have to go into talks on a contract. Is that correct? or do we just I'm not So if it sounds like majority of you all would like to extend the contract. So I would
recommend that you have a discussion with Superintendent Maine. Okay. If he's open to it, then it's a fairly simple bringing it to the next agenda. Okay. If there's other discussions, you can talk to me and we can figure out how to
move. All right. So, do we need to vote to have the to direct the chair to do those negotiations or are we just doing it based on So, you all have had your discussion here. I don't think you need to vote on it. It's not something that's been
agenda. So, I think the chair has heard your comments and we'll bring it back. Okay. Okay. So we'll bring it back to the would it be the August regular meeting
or beyond? What what is the how how does that work? If you and the superintendent have a fairly easy discussion, then I would expect you would bring it back at the August meeting. Okay. All right. We'll do that. Thank
you. So go ahead, M. Robertson. So, are you entertaining a motion now to accept the evaluation and to designate a matrix of 2.0 to 2.5 to be effective and 2.5 and above to be highly effective?
That's number one. Is that Yeah, that that that would definitely we're going to change the evaluation tool or we're just going to um add it to the evaluation tool or Well, I don't think it says in I mean I
think it doesn't say one way or the other, but I think perhaps after the the last final number where all the domains are added together, um if we vote that a 2.0 to 2.5 is considered effective, a 2.5 and above is considered highly effective.
And at the same time, I would also include in that motion that we vote that we we score in round numbers or whether we Well, and I that's a I think we score in round numbers. We're not going to get 2.5 to 3.0 or 1.5 to two.
Yes, you are. Yeah, you will. Yeah, you will. I didn't I scored in whole numbers and my my overall was 2.9 or whatever it was. It was right. Should that be now or should we just make a motion to accept the
evaluation and we can work on the wording for the new matrix etc. moving forward? Would that be a better solution? Because I think we want to see it and talk about it when it comes out as opposed to voting on it now.
That's fine. But if we're going to do that, I would vote that we accept I would move that we accept the superintendent's evaluation and designate him as highly effective. Okay. I just so that he has second that just so he has that in the thing so that it's clear for finance what he gets for his
Okay. So, Miss Roberts made the motion. Miss Powers second that um the evaluation be accepted highly effective. Yes. Can we can we can I comment? Yeah, sure. So, um Mr. Mine, I just want to thank
you for um the past year and all the work that you have put in and your leadership over the last year. I know it's been um a huge task. I know you have a lot of things that you're in and your evaluation that you're responsible for, but I think that you rightfully
um prioritized um our individual schools, but most importantly our students and it's reflected in the results. And I know that you have a team behind you. It's amazing seeing and I think we had two examples tonight um
with Mr. Serest in the pool and the Southwork High School pedestrian crossing and Dr. Miller taking on the responsibility at um Martin County High School. how you motivate your staff and they're all willing to step up and and
um do whatever they need to do so that the whole district is successful and I really believe that's um your leadership because no one is complaining and you have you motivate people and that's I think one of your biggest strengths and
so I thank you and we are an a district um because of your leadership but also because of the amazing amazing staff that we have um teachers, our students, our parents um that are all dedicated to
success. So, thank you very much. Are we going to change this for next year is what you guys are saying just to sum up. So, what we're going to do is we've we've accepted the evaluation with um that he is highly effective. I will have conversations with Mr.
remain regarding the contract and we will develop a matrix that everyone gets to look at before we uh approve it. It won't just be done right because basically he need he would have needed to have an absolutely perfect score to exceed expectations
according to this which is physically impossible. So it just I think it's just the the document was poorly constructed. So that I would look forward to improvements there so that uh our highly effective uh superintendent can get a deserving
grade. So thank you everyone. Okay. So the motion was made by Miss Roberts. It was seconded by Miss Powers. All those in favor I uh motion carries unanimously.
Madam Chair, when you bring the um matrix back for the evaluation tool, I'm assuming at that time we'll also have the recommended domain sevens for the next year. That correct? I would um make a a plea right now to
work with um Jen Dazzo on helping us accomplish that if you would be so kind to help us. And madam chair and I domain seven are are some goals specifically. If there are individual board members
that have things that you would like for me to work on for next school year, if you'll please during our one-on- ones or email uh those to me because I'd like to incorporate those into domain 7 in addition to I will bring forward um my
areas that we will continue to work on in domain seven for August approval. So that that those are the uh domain seven items that you'll be ranking me on for 2526. Uh but I do think that it's um very important that I create domain seven
priorities around board input uh on what you would individually like me to work on as well as district goals that we still need to to work on. And I think that that's probably a discussion if you present what you're looking at. It would be a discussion
that the board needs to have with you. Not just a here's my domain sevens with what we randomly thought should be in there, but it should be a discussion so that we know from a strategic planning point of view as to what our direction
is and what our focus is for the next year. Thank you. So just to be clear, we're getting we're coming back with the the tool, the evaluation tool and the contract. Correct. Okay. Yes.
Great. Okay. Public number 20 public hearing of schoolboard policy. Do we have anyone from the audience that wants to say anything about any of these policies? Seeing none.
over each one. Okay. 20.01 1122 3122 4122 non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. Move to approve 20.01.
Second. A motion by Dr. Mario, second by Miss Powers. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.02 2 which is 1122.01 3122.01
4122.01 prohibition against disability discrimination in employment. Move approval of 20.02. Second have a motion by Miss Russell a second by Miss Powers. All those in favor I. Motion carries unanimously.
20.0362 0362 3362 4362 anti-harassment move approval of 20.03 second I have a motion by Miss Powers a second by Miss Russell all those in favor I
motion carries unanimously 20.04 04 2260 non-discrimination and access to equal opportunity employment opportunity I apologize employment opportunity move approval of 20.04
second I have a motion by Miss Powers a second by Miss Russell all those in favor I motion carries unanimously 20.05 2260.01 01 section 504 ADA prohibition
against discrimination based on disability. Move approval of 20.05. Second. Motion by Miss Power, second by Dr. Mario. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.065136
wireless communication devices. This is a new policy. Discussion. Sure. So, the Florida legislature uh expanded its restrictions on cell phone use prohibiting prohibiting elementary and
middle school students from using cell phones during the entire school day bell to bell. I'm just wondering if this policy is in line with that new uh law that came down. Our policy is stricter. Are we stricter than that?
Yes. Motion to approve. So moved. Second. Motion by Miss Power. Second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.075136.01 technology resources and other
electronic electronic equipment. This is a new policy. Move to approve. Go ahead. Motion by Dr. Marott Arti, second by Miss Powers. All those in favor? I.
Motion carries unanimously. 20.08517 anti-harassment. Move approval of 20.08. Second. Motion by Miss Power, second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I.
Motion carries unanimously. 20.09551. 09 5517.01 bullying and harassment. Move approval of 20.09. Second motion by Miss Russell, second by Miss
Powers. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.105517.02 Non-discrimination and prohibition of harassment. This policy is rescended. Move approval of 20.10. Second.
Motion by Miss Russell, second by Miss Powers. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.11 5517.02 sexual violence. This is a new policy.
Move approval of 20.11. Motion by Miss Powers, second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.125517.03 dating violence and abuse. This is a new policy.
Move approval of 20.12. Second. Have a motion by Miss Powers, a second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? Motion carries unanimously. 20.135722 school sponsored publications and
productions. Move approval of 20.13. Second. Motion by Miss Powers, second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I 20.148415
weather related emergency response and compensation. Move approval of 20.14. Second. Motion by Miss Russell, second by Miss Powers. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.158950.
Non-discrimination and equal opportunity. Equal employment opportunity. This policy is a resend. Move approval of 20.15. Second. Motion by Miss Power, second by Miss
Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.168952 section 504 ADA prohibition against disability discrimination and employment. This is a resin policy.
Move approval of 20.16. Motion I'm sorry. Motion by Miss Powers, second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.17 8960 non-discrimination and prohibition
of harassment. This policy is a resin policy. Move approval of 20.17. Second motion by Miss Powers, second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. 20.18
8965 discrimination harassment complaint procedure. This policy is a resin policy. Move approval of 20.18. Second motion by Miss Russell, second by Miss
Powers. All those in favor? I I motion carries unanimously. Because we are past 5:00, is there anyone who would like to speak from the public? Seeing none, we are now open to the
board. Does anybody want to say anything? Go ahead. Yeah, I want to share a personal story here. Um because uh we're around children and I had an issue with my seven-year-old daughter and maybe it
might bring some light to this uh to this community. Has anyone ever heard of magnetic beads? These tiny magnetic beads that kids play with. So, they are minuscule, but they have the strongest, most powerful
magnets you can imagine. I had um did not purchase these things, but my son traded with another kid. Um and my seven-year-old ended up with these tiny beads, and they're they're kind of like a fidget toy where you work
them in your hand, and it's like a you ever see those fidget spinners? It's similar to that. My seven-year-old is sitting on the couch watching TV, eating chips, and happens to pick these up and is playing with them in her other hand, eating chips and puts the beads in her mouth
and swallows them. I had never even heard of these things, but apparently by swallowing these things, it is a emergency situation that we ended up in St. Mary's Hospital um with an emergency procedure that thankfully the doctors
were able to go down her throat and scoop out 41 magnetic beads, tiny little beads, and get them out because seven children have already lost their lives and thousands of kids have been hospitalized for this thing. So if you
have any of these magnetic beads where you see them, throw the throw them away because these things should be recalled. They are very dangerous and they it can be very easily ingested by little ones and would cause an emergency situation
because what happens is is these beads break apart and then remagnetize and perforate your intestines and cause an emergency situation. So, I just wanted to put that out to our community in case you're unaware of this and hopefully that saves you a trip to the ER and
hopefully saves lives. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else? Roberts. Um, so I had a couple things. I wanted to thank the um risk and benefits people for the smooth um implementation and and
conversion to our new insurance people. So I appreciate that. And the second thing is there's two events coming up that I didn't know of the board or if anybody was interested in. One is on Wednesday, July 23rd at 10:30 at the Blake Library. It's from the grade level
reading campaign, Martin Reeds, being presented by the children's services council. Um, so there's that one and then there's another event on all of these require registration ahead of time. And then for my board, fellow board members, on Tuesday, July 29th, Helios Education Foundation, which is
that group that does um education things for Arizona and for Florida, is doing a webinar from 12:00 noon until 1:00 on Tuesday, July 29th about scholarship providers and scholarship um funding. So, if anybody's interested in any of
those, I can send you the information. in the Martin Reeds um viewing of Yes, that's the one on the 23rd. Yeah. Um just a reminder that uh the Indian Town Kuanas is having a back to school
event at the YMCA in Indiantown on the 17th 16th of uh August. Um it'll be a really fun event. So hopefully the school district will be represented there. Um, and again, congratulations to
everyone on our Agrade. I know we still have a lot of work to do. There's a lot of work to be done over the next year, but um, I want the administrators, the superintendent, and our teachers and our families to know that I know 100% of
this board supports um, all the efforts to um, continue the improvements that were made this year and to be even better next year. And congratulations to everyone for all of the amazing work you all did. I hope you're having a great
summer and it feels like school is quickly appro uh closing in on this. So enjoy the rest of your summer. I will I will uh ditto what Miss Power said. I have one thing to just say. It's
a hot topic issue. I've been approached by parents as well as I believe we all got an email regarding dress code and not being implemented in all of the schools specifically
the length of the shorts on the girls. They are not wearing appropriate shorts and they are not being um caught. I want to use the right word. There are no there is nothing that's being done. And
when the parents are notified, they say, "Well, it's in your dress code. They just have to cover the the the buttocks." And they're not covering the buttocks, but they're right there. And I was sent a picture and it was elementary
school and it was not covering and it wasn't appropriate at an elementary school or any school. And I'm imploring our principles to please follow through with the dress
code in the interim and maybe we need to reook at the policy with regard to the shorts because they are not following the dress code. So, I just wanted I wanted to bring that to everybody's attention um because school is starting
very shortly and we we really need the administrators to to come to come through and that the parents understand that if their shorts aren't appropriate, they're not going to be allowed to wear them in school. Thank you. And with
that, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you everyone.