Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the June 17th regular school board meeting. I want to welcome everybody. We have a very full agenda today. So after we do our pledge, I'm going to let you
know how we're going to move along in the agenda. So if everyone would just take a moment of silence. We'll now say the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance 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. Miss falls, will you call the role? Dr. Morardi, here. Mrs. Roberts, present. Mrs. Powers, here. Mrs. Russell
here. Mrs. Pritchette here. Hey, I would like to ask for um approval of the agenda with these noted items added. 7.11 addendum to personnel
recommendations. Items updated 3.20 4.22 7.01 7.02 7.09 09 and 710. I move to approve the updated agenda.
Second approval by Dr. Mario, second by Miss Powers. All those in favor? I I ask for a motion for approval of the items of consent. I move to approve the items of consent. Second.
Approval by Dr. Mario, second by Miss Roberts. All those in favor? Hi. Hi. Okay, we are going to go out of order and I'm going to let you know how we're going to do this. First, we're going to have retirement recognitions with um
Jeff Raymond. Then, we're going to have principal and admin new hires by Superintendent Maine. Three will be Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year with Megan Shyrie. Four will be the Marvin S. Cone 39th annual high school jured art.
Five will be the one room schoolhouse in New Monrovia and six will be environmental studies council donation to the Martin County School Board. I would like to now call uh Mr. Raymond to the podium for the retirement
announcements. Thank you. Sorry about that. All right, try that again. So once again, thank you Madame Chair, members of the board, Superintendent Maine, and all in attendance today. Um tonight, I absolutely appreciate the fact that the
group who has given us all of their time, some spanning up to 41 years, um the opportunity to go first today as I know they have loved ones and family members and former teammates here to celebrate outstanding careers. Um so there will be 10, um teammates who
certainly took Mr. remains themed to heart in terms of igniting excellence throughout their career. So we will begin in the maintenance department where we will meet a gentleman who gave 34 years of service as a painter. His supervisor Brian Daruso will be here to
share a little bit about Kenneth Brown. [Applause] Good afternoon, Board Chair Pritchette, board members, Superintendent Maine. I am Brian Deruso, director of
maintenance. Ladies and gentlemen, today we gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of an extraordinary individual, Ken Brown. After 34 years of dedicated service in our paint department, Ken is is
embarking on a well-deserved retirement. Ken has been more than just a painter. He has been an artist that who transforms our offices and sports fields into vibrant spaces of inspired and uplifting.
His skill and attention to detail have not only enhanced our facilities, but have also contributed to the pride we feel in our work environment. One of Ken's most significant contributions has been the
implementation of the painting robot. A true innovation that ensures our athletic fields look their best before every game from football to lacrosse. This innovative
has set a new standard in our department and will serve as a lasting legacy of his forwardthinking approach. Beyond his technical skills, Ken Brown Ken is known and loved by all who have
had pleasure of working with him. His warmth, humor, and camaraderie will be profoundly missed in our department. As you step into the exciting new chapter, Ken, know that you will leave behind not just colleagues, but you will
leave behind family who cherish the memories we've created together. While we will miss you dearly, we wish you all the happiness in the world as you explore new adventures in your retirement. Congratulations, Ken.
You did you want to say any words? Congratulations. Did we want to do individual pictures or a group at the end or one group? Okay, so we will bring Ken back up in just a moment or two. Thank you, Brian. Next up, we move to
the land of the Martin County High School Tigers. Um, you are about to meet an extraordinary teammate who gave 26 years to the Martin County School District, their ESSE staffing specialist, Elizabeth Caria, who will be presented by assistant principal Janice
Cisac. [Applause] Good afternoon, madame chairperson, superintendent Maine, and the board. Uh, thank you for allowing us to recognize
um two amazing colleagues from Martin County High School. And the first is Lisa Cretia. So, she has been just a lifeblood in Martin County High School and in our school district. Prior to 1999, she was subbing throughout the school district, but in 1999, they
grabbed her heart and she started teaching first graders. And such a sweet story is that she did it for 12 years. And her partner that she ended at Martin County High School with, her child was one of her first students that she ever had. And she has notes and cards and
beautiful things from that time period. She taught first grade for 12 years. She earned her master's degree in educational leadership at FAU and was promoted to third grade. So to get to third grade, you just need a master's degree. And then in n in 2014, she was
encouraged to pursue leadership. And so she became an IPS coach, an intervention problem solving coach, and she switched over to Seawind Elementary School. And then in 2019, we were blessed to have her join the Tiger Country. And so with
the class of 2025, she is graduating to retirement and to all the benefits to that that you have blessed so many children over the years and we just love you and we are going to miss you very much. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you. Okay. Congratulations. Thank you.
The next gentleman that I'll call to the podium should know that people wait years to try to get a job at the Environmental Study Center. When Mr. Carr announced his resignation, Principal Gainor's inbox probably exploded. Um, I know she's deeply going
to miss this gentleman, and I will let Principal Gainor tell you the story about a 36-year career of Charles Carr from the Environmental Studies Center. Come on up here. Good afternoon, Madame Chair, Superintendent Maine, and distinguished
board members. I'm Valerie Gayner, the environmental study center coordinator, and it's a great honor to speak today about a man whose legacy at the Environmental Study Center spans for over three decades, Mr. Charlie Carr. Um, for 18 years, Charlie has been the
cornerstone of the Environmental Studies Center, a true force of nature whose passion for environmental education has shaped the lives of thousands of students. Uh, his teaching style is like no other. From puffing up puffers to making sea cucumbers squirt um all over
the across the wet lab, Charlie uh could turn an ordinary moment into an unforgettable science lesson. And science is important. I had to get that in there. Uh, the squeals of laughter from the wet lab could be heard can be heard from miles away. And that's just
the adults that are coming to be the supervisors. Um, Charlie, his energy is contagious. His ability to turn curiosity into wonder sparks a lifelong appreciation to the natural world of young hearts. Whether he's guiding students through the mangrove mamba or
letting student a student hold a sea urchent for the first time, he's showing them how our ecosystems all connect. And Charlie's made an environmental science real and meaningful for each and every student that he's come across. Charlie,
he's planted seeds of stewardship and his uh he's left his care, I'm sorry, students that have left his care are smarter, more aware, more compassionate, and connected to the world around them. He's not only an icon at the ESC, he's a
Martin County original, the baby of four of 13 cars that grew up raised, and his family's deeply rooted in this community. He went from being a Martin County student to a proud University of Florida Gator. Um then
then returning home uh for his career, five years at JD Parker, 13 at Fouy, and then he found his true home at the Environmental Studies Center. His connections run deep from fellow educators like Mrs. Green joyfully calling out Mr. Ka uh with her Boston
accent to family and community members who've come to know and love his humor, his wisdom, his trademark outfits uh that only you could pull off. Charlie, your oneliners, your dedication, and your um wildly creative teaching style
will truly be missed. But e even your more lasting impact for the generations. Oh goodness, sorry. Martin County students will cherish and protect our environment. I got this.
Okay. Because of you, there are kids out there who will become scientists, conservationists, and lifelong learners. On behalf of the ESC and all our colleagues and the entire community, thank you. We will miss you. I tried. I tried real hard.
appreciate it. Thank you. And you can see this is why we have the supervisors tell the story because it is that heartfelt that the guy from HR could never depict um as well and as heartfelt. Um but next up is another
amazing educator 38 years for those tuning in online that didn't hear that correctly. 38 years William Carroll from Murray Middle School. Tiffany Roth, principal, will tell you his story.
[Applause] Good evening, Superintendent Maine, Madame Chair, and members of the board. That is an absolutely tough act to follow from Miss Val Gainner. Um, but nevertheless, he deserves the same. So,
Coach Carol, overall 38 years in Martin County School District, which is something to be celebrated. when we factor in his coaching and all of the other um things that he's engaged in, he hits that 40 years. Of the 38, 33
have been at Murray Middle School. And he is notably um one of the icons or legends that have been around campus. He recently most told us that he knew that it was finally time to retire when he started to see grandchildren of the families that he served in that
community come through. He has been a consistent face for many years around campus um with the students and the parents and my own husband had him as a PE teacher when he went to school there. Um he has had the opportunity to see the
students that come back and then serve and work in a different capacity in Martin County School District which is something to be said as well. So, we thank him for his time, his dedication, and I know that he is looking forward to all of his new adventures, and we are
excited, but he is leaving a hole um there at the Murray Middle School. So, thank you, Coach Carol. Thank you, Coach Carol. And congratulations. Next up, we will transition to the Vikings of Jensen Beach Elementary
School. A teammate of 35 years, Mary Conrad, has served Jensen Beach Elementary. You'll get to hear her story by assistant principal Jamie Law. [Applause]
Good afternoon, Madame Chair, Superintendent Maine, and board members. I'm Jimmy Law, assistant principal at Jin Speech Elementary. And today, I have the distinct privilege of introducing someone's whose life and career have beautifully interwoven within the story of Jensen Beach Elementary. This is
Marian Conrad. She is joined today here by her husband Sherman, her daughter Kristen, her daughter Kayla. sends her love from her travels and of course we honor the memory of Kyle who is always in our hearts. A couple of her grandchildren, Owen and Haley are here as well. And I like to
joke that Maryanne came with the school because as many of you know her journey with Jensen Beach Elementary started as a third grade student opening the original campus. She then years later returned to what we now affectionately refer to as the old
building. And not as a student this time, but as a third grade teacher. And now after 35 years of inspiring, teaching, and leading, she's retiring from that same role, coming full circle in the most remarkable way. Throughout her career, she's wore many hats.
cheerleading coach, writing teacher, and a key part of the project child program, an innovative state-of-the-art looping and center station based where she caught across multiple grade levels. Her traditions of her classroom have become
JBE traditions from your wiggling your boogie knees at the end of the year and our Thanksgiving program complete with h studentmade muffins for their families. She has made learning joyful, memorable, and meaningful. She's also shared her
talents over the years at Warfield Elementary, Hopetown Elementary, and Jensen Beach Community Church, leaving a lasting legacy across many schools in our district. Though she is retiring, I've made it clear anytime we have to cut a cake, she's coming back. No one cuts and serves a cake like Maryannne.
Thank you for 35 years of heart, laughter, tradition, and unwavering dedication. You've shaped lives, lifted spirits, and left an indelible mark on all of us. We look forward to you serving in your new role as grandma. And you have fully embodied what we mean by
once a Viking, always a Viking. [Applause] Thank you very much. Thank you. All right, thank you. Next up is our teammate who has the most number of
years tonight being recognized, which is 41 years from Martin County High School, Rebecca Herring, where her story will be told by once again assistant principal Janice Zizac. [Applause]
Good afternoon, Madame Chair, members of the board, and Superintendent Maine. It is my honor and privilege to recognize Rebecca Herring for 41 years of serving our kids, and it served their kids and their kids and their kids because she taught home economics. She was one of the first teachers to get those live
baby dolls that you bring home and you have to keep them alive. We still have them in the district. Um, and she kept them alive. She kept all the batteries in and it's been quite a journey. So, she started with us in 1984 and she was at South Fork High School
for 12 years teaching home economics, which was sewing and family living. In 1996, she moved to Martin County High School and continued that journey. And for a few years, when Jensen Beach High School opened, she would go up there, teach family and consumer science, which
is what what Homeck is now. and she would teach that up there and then hurry back to Martin County High School so that she could teach the kids there. So, she's been a part of all three of our comprehensive high schools. So, I I know that she really wears the tiger badge proudest because she's been with us the
longest and as she continued, she grew in her own education and she became our intensive reading teacher at Martin County High School for the last 17 years. There are so I cannot count how many graduates would not have made it across the stage had Miss Herring not been a part of their life. And one of
her passions is sewing. And she is the most phenomenal sewer. And she that's what she's going to do. She's going to spend time with her grandbaby and she's going to be sewing. And I can't wait to see the quilt that she's going to make. But it will not be as phenomenal as the quilt of the children's lives that she
has touched over the years. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside of you and we wish you nothing but the best in your continued journey. Thank you. Next up, we move to Pinewood Elementary for a teammate who has served many schools in the Martin County School
District over a span of 40 years. Her principal could not be here today, but there's no way that we could let this event go without hearing from her principal and having someone tell her story. So, I I do invite Miss Patty Morris to stand by me at the podium.
[Applause] Oh, yep. And assistant principal Porter is going to have a couple words and then we will go to the video. Thank you. Surprise. Good afternoon. Yes, surprise. I have had the pleasure of working with
Patty for the last two years. Her passion, dedication, and unwavering love for our students is evident in everything she does. As you can tell by the many people here supporting her today, many of our students. Patty has served at the high school,
middle school, and elementary levels and coach many sports including soccer, cheerleading, and track. She was just telling me she has worked with every single other person that has been up at this podium this evening. Many people know her as the famous elf on a shelf.
Uh this last year we have been able to celebrate Patty's retirement era and words cannot possibly express how much her positive presence will be missed. And I know Miss Deutsch left a video for us to share. If we just look to the sound booth, it somehow comes on. There we go.
Just found Oh, well, I did it, so that's happening. That was my job. Just look there. I'm sure she's gonna love that. Good afternoon, Superintendent Maine and esteemed school board members. Today, we gather not just to celebrate a
milestone, but to honor a legacy, 40 years of unwavering service, dedication, and heart. Our beloved Patty is retiring. And while we're sad to see her go, we are filled with immense gratitude for the mark she has left on our school
and community. For four decades, she has been the very definition of commitment. Arriving early, staying late, always showing up for our students, our staff, and our families. Patty's love for education has always been about people.
It is about seeing every student's potential, even when they couldn't yet see it in themselves. Patty's compassion has been a guiding light, especially in challenging times. Whether it was a student in need of encouragement, a
teacher needing support, or a parent needing reassurance, she was there with a kind word, a listening ear, and a heart full of empathy. Patty, you have not only built a career, but a community. You've touched countless
lives and inspired us all to lead with love, patience, and purpose. Though you may be retiring, your impact will live on in the halls of the Pinewood, the hearts and the futures you've helped shape. Thank you for everything. We wish
you all the joy and rest you so richly deserve. Congratulations, [Applause] He pushed me back.
You know, I'm shy and I don't like this kind of stuff. But I I you know, don't even know what to say. Thank you so much. Um, I came here in 1985 at age 22 and the Martin County school system basically raised
me. Um, it's it's been an amazing journey. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Um, the people that I've met on this journey, the students that I've met, I've been to weddings, um, baby showers, um, and I hope it continues.
I'm waiting to be somebody's flower girl. I'm sure that's going to happen soon someday. But um just thank you for letting me be a part of Martin County Schools and thank you for letting me be the crazy nut that I am and just
accepting me for who I am and letting me go and never questioning anything I wanted to do. Um I love this county and um this isn't goodbye because you know I'll be back. So thank you And for those who may not have seen
recently, I think it was last week, one of the local news stations did a great package on uh the legacy of Patty Morris. So, we move on to the land of the Sharks for a teammate who's given 31 years to the Martin County School District. Her
principal, Mr. Chris Forte, will tell us all about the amazing Elizabeth Nasser. [Applause] Good afternoon, Madame Chair, school board, and superintendent Maine. My name
is Chris Forte, the very proud principal of Hidden Oaks Middle School, and I have the very pleasure of talking today about Miss Elizabeth Nasser. After 31 remarkable years of dedicated service in the Martin County School District, we celebrate the retirement of a truly exceptional educator, Miss Nasser. Only
knowing her for one year at Hidden Oaks Middle School, you can tell her journey has been one of unwavering commitment, boundless positivity, and a deep love for teaching and community. At Hidden Oaks Middle School, Miss Nasser has been more than just a teacher. She's been a cornerstone of our
school family. From the moment she steps foot onto campus every single day, her radiant energy and can do attitude uplifts the students, staff, and the entire community. Her classroom has always been a place of inspiration, learning, growth, where students feel
seen, heard, and empowered. Miss Nasser's colleagues have described her as a problem solver, a team player, and somebody who consistently goes above and beyond. Whether she was volunteering for school initiatives, bringing in guest speakers to enrich students experiences,
or stepping in to help wherever needed, she did it all with grace and enthusiasm. Her willingness to do whatever was best for the school has left a lasting legacy at Hidden Oaks Middle School. As she embarks on this new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude for her years of passion and
dedication. Miss Nasser, you will truly be missed at Hidden Oaks Middle School, but you have left a legacy that will last forever. Congratulations. Next up from Jensen Beach High School, an exceptional educator for over 30 years in the Martin County School
District. to tell her story. Principal Lori Vogel will introduce you to Shelley Ponti. [Applause] Sorry, I'm a little short. Good evening,
Madam Chair, members of the school board, Superintendent Maine. It is my honor tonight to introduce to you or tell the story of Mrs. Ponti. She was hired by the Martin County School District in 1984 as a first grade teacher at Warfield Elementary. She
enjoyed her time there and then transferred to Palm City Elementary where she continued to teach first grade until 2018. Miss Ponty then transferred to Anderson Middle School where she worked as a varian exceptionalities and reading
teacher. In 2025, we were lucky enough to get Mrs. Ponty to come to Jensen Beach High School to teach in our full-time ESSE unit. She has been an amazing member of our Falcon family and served our children in that unit like no
none other. So, we will definitely miss her next year. We hope that she'll come visit often. And um as always, we hope that she soarses in retirement and enjoys every minute of her time away from us. But don't stay gone too long.
[Applause] Our final teammate who's going to head on to future endeavors spent 34 years in the Martin County School District currently as an extended day manager at Crystal
Lake Elementary School. her principal could not be here today, but I would like to ask Cynthia Reynolds, who's already up here. We're going to um cue the booth and you're going to get to hear a message from Brenda Watkins. Congratulations, Cindy. I'm sorry I
can't be there to celebrate and be with you, but I am welcome that I had the opportunity to share in your retirement recognition. I met Cindy 13 years ago. She was the extended day manager and I was the new principal at Crystal Lake Elementary.
During the years that followed, Cindy and I worked very closely together for the better of the extended day program at CLLE. Having been at multiple schools myself and a parent of children who attended and also worked at extended day, I felt I could relate on how the
program has grown and ways that we can accommodate our students of all types, including students with disabilities. Cindy and I communicated daily, sharing ideas, behavior plans, strategies, and possible resources, especially during
the pandemic when we all needed to work together to provide afterchool care for our parents who were going back to work. Cindy would research ways to help working families who could not afford child care, as well as providing additional academic resources to
struggling students. I'm going to miss you, Cindy. I am so happy that you're at this point in your life and please don't be a stranger. In a moment, we'll ask all of our retirees to come up for a group photo. But um to the board, I thank you for
keeping this tradition alive. As educators, you don't always get to hear these words of the impact that you make on a community, on teammates, on children, and families. So, for our 10 who got to hear it tonight, I'm grateful that this tradition lives on. And um for
those who are still out there working um young in your career, like these are the moments. I heard the words legend, icon, legacy. Um thank you for all that you do. And um to our retirees, we wish you the best of luck in your next chapter. So, a group photo at this time. Um if
that would be appropriate, we'll just come up to the front um and I guess bring your plaques. Yes. All the retirees should come up and then if they want to get a picture with their families, yeah, they might be able to go over into the corner or out in the lobby so they can get their families and them
as well. All right. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Um, some people It's too late for it now because they're
retired. So, That's why we ask [Applause] Congratulations again to all the retirees and their families. Enjoy the next steps in your life.
Now, I'd like to ask Superintendent Maine if he would um take the floor and announce our new hires for the district. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um at this time, I do have several administrators that I
am recommend uh recommending to the board for approval tonight. Uh, first on the list is principal Elizabeth Atkinson, being recommended as the new principal of Bessie Creek Elementary School. Miss Atkinson brings more than 18 years of experience in education to
her new role, most recently serving as the assistant principal at Palm City Elementary. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Florida State University, a master's in reading education from the University of Georgia, and Miss Atkinson also holds a master's degree in educational
leadership from the University of West Florida with endorsements in reading, Esau, and youth mental health. We are extremely excited to have you join our administrative ranks as a principal and to have you at Bessie. So, Principal Atkinson, if you please stand and be
recognized. Congratulations. And she is joined this evening by her husband and I think her little guys that I see sitting back there. You can wave. So, thank you for being here for mom and for spouse. We know it's uh it's not easy to give of the time, sacrifice the
time that they're with us. So, we appreciate that. And next up on the list is uh Mr. David Schaefer being recommended as the new principal of Port Solerno Elementary School. Is David in the audience here? in the back back there. There we go.
A trusted leader in school community, he has served as the assistant principal since 2017, playing a key role in raising the school's grade from a D to a B in just two instructional years. Mr. Schaefer holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of
North Florida and is certified in educational leadership, elementary education, and has principal uh leadership at all levels. He holds endorsements in reading and Esau and was honored as the district's assistant principal of the year for 2425. Congratulations, David. We know you are
going to do a wonderful job. Next on the list is Miss Mercedes Thirsten. Miss Mercedes, I saw her here. There we go. Mercedes is being recommended as the administrator of Spectrum Academy with nearly 25 years of experience. She served as the dean of
students at Spectrum and previously held multiple roles at South Fork High School, including dean, literacy coach, and English and reading teacher. Miss Thirstston holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Stson University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic
University, and she is known for her student centered leadership, community partnerships, and dedication to academic and behavioral growth growth. And I think one of the things that I am most excited about as well as the team is you put students first at the heart of every
decision that you make and you always have a smile on your face. So we are extremely excited to have you leading the helm at Spectrum. Next is Miss Stephanie Dvau being recommended as the new assistant principal of Hope Sound Elementary. Congratulations.
A dedicated member of the Hope Sound community for more than 15 years, Miss Dvau has served in roles such as science coach, STEM coordinator, and fifth grade lead teacher. Her instructional leadership helped the school achieve the top science proficiency rating amongst
all Title One schools last year. Known for her energy, innovation, and strong ties to the community, Miss Dvau brings a deep commitment to student success and engagement throughout her entire in her in your new role. So, congratulations. Thank you. And I know that Principal
Elliott is extremely excited to have you by her side. And Miss Deborah Riley being recommended as our new director of student services. I believe I saw There we are. Miss Riley, congratulations. Not new to the district, with 29 years
of experience in public education, she has served in multiple roles as an ES ESC instructional coach, principal, assistant principal, reading coach, and teacher. Miss Riley holds a master's degree in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University along with a bachelor's degree in elementary and
special education from Florida Southern College. She is certified in school administration, elementary education, holds endorsements in reading and Esau, and her strong instructional background and deep commitment to student support make her an ideal fit for the impact that she will have on district
leadership throughout. And I will say since you have been with us at the district office and your role as instructional coach over ESSE, you have supported and helped multiple principles and assistant principles throughout the district to make sure that we are moving the needle with students with disabilities. So, we're honored to have
you in this role. Thank you. And last, but certainly not least, Miss Angela Gilbride being recommended as the new principal for prek programs. She's there. Wave, Angie. With over 20 years of experience in title one schools, she served as a
kindergarten and third grade teacher, literacy coach, and most most recently as the longtime assistant principal at Warfield Elementary. Miss Gilbride holds an educational specialist degree in ed leadership, a master's degree in reading and literacy from Walden University along with a bachelor's degree in early
childhood education from the University of Central Florida. A certified class prek observer and former Florida assistant principal of the year finalist. She brings a strong commitment to early learning and family engagement. And we know that you will bring the energy that is much deserved in the
world of early literacy and early learning. So congratulations. Thank you. We want to thank you all for joining us and saying yes. We will now move on to Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year. I would like to call up Megan Shyrie from the Boys and
Girls Club. [Applause] Good afternoon. I am Megan Shy, the director of marketing and external affairs for your Boys and Girls Club in Martin County. The Boys and Girls Club of Martin County's annual Youth of the
Year event recognizes the incredible achievements of some of its most distinct and inspiring members. Youth of the year candidates are celebrated for their academic discipline, spirit of good citizenship, record of volunteerism, commitment to healthy
choices and avoiding vaping, drugs, and other dangerous patterns. exhibiting leadership and support to their peers and pursuing education, training, and career paths that will contribute to a better world. We are thankful for the nearly 1,000 children at the five clubs
that we serve daily and the more than 7,000 children impacted annually through our programs. We are proud of the youth's efforts and celebrate their achievements. It should be noted to earn the mere consideration for youth of the year, the candidates must make
extraordinary efforts consistently, comprehensively, and with an unquestionably clear commitment to excellence. Local winners advanced to compete in regional and state levels of the program where our youth of the year placed fourth in the state of Florida in the
top four of the state of Florida. I am proud to introduce to you Mildred Castillo. Hello, my name is Mildred Castillo and I'm here to share with my story with you guys. Throughout my time on this earth, I learned the further you travel down the road of life, the richer a journey
becomes with wisdom, strength, and growth. One of the biggest challenges I encountered in my life was when my dad tragically passed away after getting deported. It was a very hard time for my family. My mom had to support my two brothers and I playing both parental roles. Despite the hardships, she always
stayed strong for us, pushing forward with that bright smile on her face. Although, when she made the big decision to move from Jupiter to Hope Sound, I was devastated. It felt as if we were finally figuring things out. And now we're leaving our home. But this is where the Boys and Girls Club became my
second home. I've been going to my club since fifth grade, and let me tell you, it changed, but for the better. My club environment changes lives, gives people a new beginning, and a helping hand when needed. Hi, my name is Mildred Castillo and this is the story of how my club inspired me to be great. As I mentioned
previously, my club really is a special place. They always choose the right people to work there. They're also kind and people you can always go to. I remember not long ago, I was a shy person. I never talk. I just go to the club, sit on my phone, and that's it. I was always afraid of what people may
think of me, whether it was how I looked or how I dressed. So, I found it easier to stay in my own bubble. However, the staff would motivate me to participate in fun, engaging activities, to find myself, make new friends. Even though I didn't make it easy for them, they never gave up on me. Some say that the Boys
and Girls Club is just a place where kids go while their parents work. But it's much more than that. My club provides opportunities to go beyond a simple daycare. For instance, my mom is a single mother raising three kids. So, money was tight. I fear not going to college and didn't want to put that burden on my mother. However, in sixth
grade, I earned my very first scholarship through my club, covering four years of college. This meant the world to me and my family. I thank the club for making me realize my true potential. Great futures start here. Is a phrase I've often heard throughout my club. I am living proof that the Boys and Girls
Club wants to ensure this happens. At 14, my club provided me with my very first work experience at the Boys and Girls Club culinary team. I joined over a year ago, and let me tell you, it has been the greatest experience yet. I met new people, gained new skills, all while earning a paycheck, which means I can go
on more shopping days. But it also means I can help my mom financially in ways I couldn't have before. There are so many different paths I could have taken. Some may be better than others, but some could have been a real catastrophe for me. But the path I chose, the path that led me to the Boys and Girls Club has placed me
down a brighter path towards my dreams and aspirations. I know if I ever got knocked down, I can count on my club to pick me right back up. It's a place that saved me. my second home, my Boys and Girls Club. Thank you. Thank you. Would you Would you like to
get a picture? [Applause] The next presentation is the Marvin S. Con 39th annual high school juried art. Uh, unfortunately Nancy Tur could not be here today, but in her place is Susie
Hutcherson, whose granddaughter was one of the participating students whose work was selected by Superintendent Maine for the award. Thank you, Susie. You just stole my whole story. I apologize. That's what she told me to say. I know.
I know. It's okay. Say it again. Okay, I will. Don't worry. Well, good afternoon, Madam Chair, school board members, Superintendent Maine, and my friend Tony. Um, first I just would take a point of uh personal privilege to thank you all. I have two daughters who
graduated from Martin County High School. Both have master's degrees. One teaches at Clark and the other's an accountant. So, if I die tomorrow, they'll be sad, but they'll be okay. I have a grandson who graduated from Martin last year and is at Florida Atlantic Honors College and a
granddaughter who is still as you said a sophomore at and she's at Clark at this point. So that's that's from me a thank you personally. Uh Martin Arts is a nonprofit organization. We invest in our students and our community with a variety of programs and projects. We
work to grow the arts community and there is simply no better place to start but than by nurturing the potential of our students. Martin Arts is uh pleased to be hosting the 39th Marvin S. Conn Awards High School jured art show which
comes to an end this weekend. I actually had the pleasure of knowing Marvin Conn. It's a little different but a really neat neat man and I know he would be really proud to know this project had come to such heights. We're grateful to each principal and our superintendent of
schools, Mr. Maine, for supporting arts, their art teachers and students. We are fortunate to live in a community that has so far kept arts education as part of the student experience. And as we go through these days, we are so hoping that we will all be able to continue to
keep arts in the forefront. The skills developed through arts education transfer to every other area of life and school. Creativity, concentration, self-expression, and risk-taking are all attributes an arts st student gains from their involvement. And and over the
nearly 40 years, we see former students paying it forward with their involvement in the arts, including our own senior programs manager, Jennifer Hearn, who is right here. She was a participant when she attended South Fork High School. Several students are here today, and in
just a minute, I will ask them to come forward if they want to say a word or two to you. But first, here are some of the numbers. We had 22 students from Martin County High School, 15 from South Fork High School, 14 from Jensen Beach High School, eight from Clark Advanced
Learning, and 12 from the Pine School for a total of 71 students. 11 students received purchase awards. And this is where I'll tell you the quick story of my granddaughter, Parker. Parker was encouraged by the art teacher
to submit her work. She absolutely had no idea she'd be recognized in any way. She kind of it was like we almost said to her, you know, don't be so down on yourself. We wouldn't ask you to submit if you didn't have some talent. Yes, sure, she says. So, when it was
introduced that Superintendent Maine had purchased her piece, she was the happiest I have ever seen her. She just glowed with pride. So, thank you for being a part of her life. You have no idea how much it means. In addition, 10 students received honorable mention
awards and 15 received a first, second, or third place award in their category, painting, photography, and so forth. There's a great fish there. If you go, make sure you see the fish. And finally, one student received our best of show, Braden Thomas from the Pine from the Pine School for the Distinguished Ram.
It's worth seeing. The awards include cash stipens and Martin Arts through sponsorships uh supports to have all of the artwork professionally framed. So, we give our congratulations to all participating students. It's an honor to be selected by your uh by your teachers
to participate. It's even more fun to win something. The show runs through this Saturday, June 21st, at the Courthouse Cultural Center. The hours through the end of the show are 10 in the morning till 4 in the afternoon, including Saturday. I can't encourage you strongly enough if you haven't gone.
I've seen I think I saw some of you there that night, but if you haven't gone, please make the opportunity to do so. And I think we have at least one student present and I'm hoping that she'll come forward. And if there are any others, please come forward and maybe tell the board what your artwork
was and what it meant to you. Come on. And what school you go to? I know this song. Okay, go right up. Introduce yourself, school, and what you did. Okay. My name is Morgan Gearhart, and I made a charcoal drawing. And my teacher
told me that she was kind of just like encouraging me to submit my artwork, and I wasn't really sure, just like how Parker was. and when I when I submitted it and the whole show um I got an award and it's just like really um awesome to
me just to have that opportunity. So I just want to thank everybody and especially my art teacher for this. Hello. My name is Silus Landerfeld. I also go to South Fork and I did an acrylic painting that won second for the painting category of it. I also did not
want to like submit mine. whatsoever. But my art teacher, well, I had two art teachers this year because I switched and my old art teacher was like constantly on me about how I need to do the online work for it and everything. And overall, I was just like really glad that I did. So, thank you.
Hi, I'm Ella Smith and I got uh gold for photography for my static photo. Uh I did it because my art teacher also forced me so and I'm very thankful for her for that. and she's also encouraged me to do other clubs and stuff. So, I
mean, shout out to her, Miss Irvin. [Applause] Oh, please. It'll just take a second. I'll stand right beside you. You know, I can talk to you all day.
Those of you who know me know that. But what we just saw is what this is all about and what we hope to continue for many, many years. Forcing these poor children to submit outstanding artwork and be recognized. Seriously, they are
incredible, incredible kids. And we thank you for the help you give us. And we really look forward to um to being here again next year to say thank you and recognize our students. Thank you. Yes. soon. Oh, I just wanted to say that
my teachers too were Mrs. Conrad, who's retiring this year, and she's been at South Fork for a really long time, and Miss Hart, who is like our only art teacher right now at South Fork, and she's really cool, too. So, thank you. Come on up for a picture, please. Okay, let's do You want to talk? Oh, no, no,
I'm good. Okay, let's do a photo. Okay, come on with me. Walk this way. Yes, ma'am. Kirsty doesn't bite. I promise. She takes great photos. Congratulations to all the students. So, I'm going to take a little veer
here. We have one public comment and I don't want any of the other presentations to get interrupted because it's five o'clock that we have to do this. So, I'm going to call Alexandra Cohen to the podium. Hello, ladies and gentlemen. You are
seeing me again about the same issue I spoke about last month um with Dr. Miller in regards to the connection of High Point neighborhood to South Park High School. Um I forwarded you the recent um development in the whole situation. Uh PY is really digging their
feet in and saying they will not build it. They will only sponsor it. And unfortunat well well fortunately for them unfortunately for us parents uh they have a right to do so because the agreement signed with Martin County um development states that they only have
to and I quote pursue connection coordination of the connection with Martin County school board. So they don't have to build it. They will pay for it but I know um with Dr. Miller and u some other you know representatives on the school board and the county.
Everybody's trying to push it to the other side and um school is starting in seven weeks and I don't know how my child will get to Southwork either like I mentioned before either he will jump the fence or he will have to walk along Pratt with me and Bulldog way to get to
to high school in seven weeks. So I don't know what can be done at this point since the school is starting in such a short time. Um I tried to push with um cult and I forwarded that email to you and they're really digging their feet up and ba basing it on their um
their agreement signed with the Martin County growth development. Um it seems to me like whoever negotiated the agreement you know pultimate on their side sure that they don't have to do it and I don't know if it wasn't caught in the legal language but um there is nothing I can do from a parent
perspective and I had other parents in the community contact them as well and they will not budge when it comes to building they will still pay for it but they will not be doing development on u Martin County School District um property so um at this point I don't
know how much can be done in seven weeks or in general because I I'm really worrying how my child will get to school walking right with me to selfwork. Thank you. Okay, I'd now like to call Dr. Tracy
Miller and Mark Cowles. And also, do you want Mr. Jones and and and Commissioner Herd as well? would you mind going up to the podium? Thank you and welcome. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair, Mr. Superintendent, members of
the board. Tracy Miller, deputy superintendent, and as you mentioned, I'm here with some people who've become good friends over the last little time. We are here to continue this celebration this evening of all that is good here in the Martin County School District, the
partnerships and the stories. And so tonight, you're going to hear a little bit more about the stories. There are stories out there that need to be told and we have been working collaborative collaboratively as you know to make sure those stories are told.
Else good afternoon madam chair, members of the board, Superintendent Maine, Martin County. Uh we're going to start with a quick video county native and my family was among one of the first to settle in an area called New Monrovia near Port Solerno.
My grandfather migrated here from the Bahamas in the early 1900s and generations of my family have grown up here in Martin County. My father as well as my aunts, uncles, and cousins attended the school you see here behind me. The Solerno colored school built in
1930 isn't a remarkable structure. As you can see, it's a basic 25x30 foot one room woodframe schoolhouse. But what it lacks in structure, it makes up for in its stature in the new Monrovia community. The building itself, believed
to be the only surviving one room schoolhouse on the Treasure Coast, may be small in scale and simple in design, but it's the history and the stories told from within these walls that had such an impact on those who were educated here that make it truly
remarkable. All right, full admission I was stressing about that video because I didn't want to have to call up Derek, uh, my colleague and friend over there, Derek Low, he's far too good-looking to be standing next to, especially on camera. Uh, that was Carrie Anderson, uh, a
Martin County School District product, proud Bulldog, South Fork High School. uh noting that we have this tremendous piece of history 5 miles from here I think is the exact distance 4.9 uh the new Monrovia one room schoolhouse and thanks to the dedication and
collaboration of many some are here tonight we are thrilled that we're going to be able to bring the stories of this historic 25 by 30 foot landmark to life uh through this effort we're going to honor the legacy of those who walk through its doors and the lessons that shaped them this year is to have all of
our fourth grade students here in the Martin County School District have the opportunity to step back in time and experience what a typical day was like for students who learn there. At the heart of the experience is the story of Mrs. Costella Williams, an extraordinary and beloved educator. Our fourth graders
will learn about students such as Marian McKenna Carpenter, Dr. David L. Anderson, Robert George Murray, and many others whose lives were shaped by the school's enduring values of discipline, faith, and community. Uh earlier this month I was talking to somebody on the
um state's African-American education task force and I was telling him about our schoolhouse here in Martin County. He was inspired and impressed and he wanted me to speak at the conference and I said, "Well, next year Mr. Lloyd Jones is going to come up there and speak." He doesn't know that yet. Surprise. There
you go. So, uh so if you get an email or a phone call, just just please accept it. Um put you on the spot there. So, thank you to Mr. Jones, the Martin County Black Heritage Initiative, our county commissioners, especially Sarah Herd, who's here tonight, and our community superintendent school board
for supporting this meaningful restoration and educational opportunity. Because of your efforts, our students will connect with a proud and powerful chapter of Martin Countyy's history, this small but mighty educational institution that's going to continue to provide a place for our students to
learn. At this time, I'm going to turn over to Sarah Herd. Thank you. Thank you very much. Good afternoon board members. Uh thank you for allowing me to speak with you this afternoon. I urge you to enthusiastically support any shared use facilities agreements that we
have so that we can once again utilize this building. We had a wonderful uh standing room only uh plaque dedication on May 17th uh to honor this structure. Um, I'm probably not supposed to have favorites, but this certainly is my
favorite historic facility in Martin County. Uh, it's really important. It opened in um 1931 uh because uh African-American students were denied access to public educations. So, this provided education for our
African-American students for over for three decades. Then the facility was underutilized for the next four decades and it was destroyed by hurricanes uh Francis and Jean in 2004. uh both the um school board consultants
and Martin County consultants who appraised it said that it was not restorable but uh we enthusiastically undertook its restoration and we did it with his it its historic uh importance in mind and now it's a it's a wonderful
facility and just like the environmental studies center I want every public school student who passes through Martin County to be able to experience this wonderful historic facility. So, thank you. And this is Lloyd Jones.
Welcome, Lloyd. Good afternoon. I I am Lloyd Jones. I I'm a Martin County native and a graduate of Martin of the 1972 Martin County High School senior class. Can I get one, everybody? No. All right.
You know, that was the first year I think we won our state championship in basketball. So, uh we we car we carry that history with us. Okay. I'm sorry. Okay. Um to our honorable uh school
board members, good afternoon again. And to superintendent man, good afternoon, sir. Madame Chair, on behalf of the Martin County Black Heritage Initiatives Board of Directors and our volunteers who are here in the audience today, and uh they
may not be speaking, but they may choose to speak later on. I I leave it up to them. Uh I want to thank the board for giving us the opportunity to request approval for a memorandum of understanding to support a living
history program at the schoolhouse. As students of historic preservations, we have learned the best practice to secure our historic buildings is for us to use them wisely, meaning we use them with guarded respect
and sustained able use. The living history program we observe in Palm Beach County will give us the opportunity to rededicate the schoolhouse into a place where Martin County public school students, private school, chartered, and homeschool
students can have an educational experience in the same one room schoolhouse as former school board members, Mrs. Marian Carpenter and Dr. David Anderson. The Martin County Board of County Commissioners, have you already heard,
has already made the leap. Now, we're asking you to help us make the enduring footprint. In closing, I just want to say the Red Schoolhouse staff when they visited us a few weeks a few months ago, they were impressed when they visited our
schoolhouse. They commended the authentic setting the schoolhouse offers and its direct connection with the longest serving schoolboard member in Florida's history. This assessment made it clear to us that our schoolhouse is an ideal location for
a living history program. Our vision is for the living history program to develop into an active social learning project for persons of all ages to visit the schoolhouse to expand their knowledge. but our state and local
history. A quote I used a few weeks ago still resonates in my mind. A rising tide lifts all boats. Your approval of the memorandum of understanding will allow district staff
to work together with us to introduce an intelligent and an enduring living legacy for our children and their grandchildren to appreciate the one room schoolhouse. Our end goal is to plant the same seed in our children's minds
that Mrs. Costella Williams harvested. Better students, the brightest, the best educators and leaders on the Treasure Coast. Thank you. Thank you. See, I made a good choice volunteering him to speak tonight. Thank you very
much. Thank you. We now are calling Valerie Gainor to the podium to talk about the donation to the Martin County School Board from the Environmental Center. Good afternoon. I'm back. I promise that
I will keep it together this time. It's an honor to be here today and I'm alongside uh the co-presidents of the environmental studies council, Kaia Mayfield and Carrie Paulus and I we'd like to do a check pre presentation and they really were a hard act to follow
because they have it in my heart because immersive education uh working at the environmental studies center is definitely the most the the deepest knowledge that the kids can get when they're immersed in it. They they come home with it every day and then it becomes part of their life. So, um I'm
going to uh give it to uh Kaia and she is going to talk to you about the council. Hi there. Um good evening, Madame Chair, Superintendent Maine, and members of the board. Um yes, as Valerie said, I'm Kai Mayfield, and this is Carrie Pimus, and we are excited to be the two new
co-presidents of the Environmental Studies Council this year. For those of you that don't know, the council is a separate not for-profit that supports, enhances, and protects the programs and services of the environmental studies center, which is a community treasure that is run by the school district. Um, we are very happy to be here today
presenting a check to cover the cost of one of the teacher salaries at the ESC. That's one of the ways we help support the center. Um, we also want to say thank you to the school district, the board, the staff for supporting the center and recognizing the importance and value of it. Um, we're looking forward to a fantastic year ahead and as
we like to say, ESC is the place to be. So, thank you. Thank you so much. Can we do a picture? Absolutely. Thank you. I'm gonna go all the way back up to
Board member discussion. Does anyone have anything to share? Superintendent name? I wanted to ask a question regarding the presentation of the Solerno schoolhouse.
Will we um start the process to have you how how is that going to uh transpire? Yes. So, it's already already in the works. We wanted to give them an opportunity to present to you all as a whole so that you understand what's going to be coming before you. It's a wonderful opportunity. It'll be coming
before the board very soon and you all have the opportunity to vote. All right. Thank you. Madam Chair, can I just make one comment? I just want to thank um Dr. Miller and u Mr. cows for your commitment to this project. When we
first started talking about this, um gosh, it seems like years ago. Um they all got equally as excited as my dear friend Lloyd Jones and I got excited and the little red schoolhouse down in Palm Palm Beach County kind of became the
model of what we would like to happen at the schoolhouse. So, I'm really excited and I I can't tell you how much I appreciate the investment that you've made and the enthusiasm that you have shown to this project and to the community. So, thank you.
Ditto, Dr. Mario. Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I wanted to change gears and bring up a different uh topic for discussion if that's okay. Um, summertime, kids are out of school and
often come into my office. uh for for chiropractic adjustments. As a lot of you know, one of the most the number one complaint I get from a lot of kids, especially middle school and into high school, is about the weight of their backpacks and the effect
it has on their spine. And I even had a girl come in yesterday that told me that her backpack was so heavy that she fell down the stairs. um at uh so I wanted to bring this up because um I think it's an issue that you know I need
to know a little bit more about as a newer school board member um and maybe we could work to make it better. This is a digital age and so that kids are not having giant backpacks injuring themselves causing back injuries,
scoliosis, things like that that uh uh I wonder if there's any way we could uh improve on that. So I just want to bring that to everyone's attention and see if there was any interest in maybe a workshop or further discussion on this. Thank you.
So, I think it's a great idea to to get the feedback from principles and what's happening at schools. I know that this has come up in the past and a lot of times it's like it's it's a personal choice for students to carry as many books as they do. Some kids just want to
have their books with them in class and at school. So there was there's multiple reasons why their backpack would would be so heavy, but I'm I'm happy to hear from principles on what's happening at schools and if there are suggestions on ways to eliminate that, I would like to
hear from them for sure. Did you want to say something? Um, yeah. So realizing that we need three people to do something. I'm also interested in that. Um so maybe if the superintendent could get the information from the principles and then bring that back to
us, I'd appreciate it. Thank you. Okay. Um I see Carter on here for budget information. Rael, thank you. Good afternoon, Madame Chair, members of the board, Superintendent Maine,
colleagues, and community members. My name is Raquel Queen, and I serve as director of accounting. There are three attachments for today's presentation. The 2020 the 2425 FEFP third calculations. This report
from the state is dated March 3rd, 2025 and is the most recent report. It summarizes the FTE and funding for all districts in the state. The Martin County School District is number 43 on the pages that break out numbers.
You also have an attachment for the tenative capital ad. A final capital ad will be approved at the upcoming trim meeting. This corresponds to the capital budget and the five-year capital plan. The capital budget takes cares of
vehicles, technologies, and buildings. The five-year capital plan will be discussed at a later date. The third attachment attachment is the primary focus of this presentation. This is our operating budget labeled
budget workshop number four. There are five items that I will be presenting today. Item one, page three. You have seen this before. It illustrates where we are in the 2526
budget process. Item two, page four. This is the estimated un unweighted FTE. This presentation includes columns from the House and the Senate. Because in the final budget was not signed until last
night. We are now in the waiting period for the governor's approval. This shows our estimate estimate for unweighted FTE without charter charter students decreasing by 1.3%
from 16,62 to 15,853. The difference in the House and the Senate numbers reflect the counting methods. Please note that the 15,853 is prior to our choice numbers.
We potentially have 232 new choice unweighted FTE. This would in increase this number to six 16,85 meaning that we are estimating the same number as last year.
Item three, page five and six. This is the general fund summary pages. Page five shows the projected state and local revenue. Then subtract the charter school share. The revenue is slightly down, but keep
in mind this is based on the lower FTE number before a choice. Page six subtracts the TSIA teacher salary increase allocation. This is the state designated amount for
teacher raises. While the TSIA money has increased, the revenue after TSIA has decreased. Page seven is a summary of the superintendent's costsaving measures for 2526.
The total is 5,522,649. Savings come from allocation, corrections, department, program, budget reduction, reorganization, and other actions. Item four, pages eight and nine. This is a millage referendum summary. The
referendum authorizes up to.5 mills. Last year, we set the millage rate millage from the referendum at 0.425 mills. On page eight, you see the projected income with 425 mills collected,
including the estimated role for 2425 estimated proceed of 16.3 million. That number is after charter school distribution in highlighted in yellow. On pages eight and nine, you see the
proposed expenses. These are broken down into five approved categories. Safety and security includes the entire SRO cost gap. That's the increase from last year. The safety and security total
is 2.4 million and it's in bold. Mental health programs total 1.2 million. The manager of Medicaid is now self-supporting and in the general fund. Supporting and retaining staff is next.
These numbers come from agreed upon with bargaining units. The total is 11.91,965,496. Employee training and primarily paid from the general fund. The total here is 10,000.
Academic initiatives 764,279. This includes expansion of the IB program and additional textbook money. Fundation is being replaced with grant-f funded pilot program. The overall total of estimated cost is
16.3 million highlighted in yellow. This equals a total of estimated revenue on page eight. Item five, page 10. This is a summary of the next step. You see that you see that the public hearing are set for August
the 5th and September the 9th. The board will receive a tenative budget book on July 29th. Thank you for allowing me to make this presentation. If you have any question, please contact
Superintendent Maine or Mr. Morrison. Thank you. Thank you, Raquel. You're welcome. District update. Eric Low. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, Superintendent Maine. My name is Derek Low. I serve as the coordinator of public information and community
relations. It's an honor to stand before you again to once again to deliver the monthly district update. Uh starting things off, we want to let our families know that the Martin County School District uh food and nutrition services department is once again offering free
meals to children aged 18 and under during the summer months while our schools are out of session. There are no income restrictions and children do not need their student IDs to receive meals. A full list of locations and times available that students can visit these
sites to pick up meals can be found on our district website, martinschools.org, or and all locations will be closed on Friday, July 4th. Most of them will continue serving meals thereafter until August 1st. Moving on, one of the most cherished
traditions each year in our district involves our seniors from each of our three comprehensive high schools. Before graduation, these students are granted the opportunity to return to where their educational journey began, their elementary school. Dressed in their caps and gowns, graduates walk the halls
while being cheered on by elementary students and former teachers, reminding them of just how far they've come. I'd now like to show you how this special tradition unfolded this year at both Jensen Beach Elementary and Citrus Grove Elementary. Hi, I'm Madison Waller from South Fork
High School and I'm the class of 2025. I came back to walk and see all my old teachers and all the new kids that are the future of today. And it's really bittersweet to come see all of my old teachers and realizing that I'm officially graduating high school.
[Music] I'm Henry Deepbuck. I'm graduating from Jensen Beach High School. You know, I saw my all teachers from fifth grade, kindergarten. It was a good time to see them. Um, brand new school, but you know, still same experience with the teachers and stuff. So, this is very important cuz this is where I started from. Uh, this is the first school I
went to, Martin County. And, um, it's just been amazing experience for me from when I was a kid. [Music] Oh, I started crying. I was crying halfway down the hallway. I was like, "Oh my god." cuz there's some little ones I know and I've watched them grow up from when they were baby babies and
seeing them in school and it's it's a really um humbling moment to see where I was when I was their age and now this is where I am today. It's just crazy cuz you know I was a little I was a little kid tiny little you know boy and now I'm I'm huge now. So it's just crazy. My big
advice was is you may struggle but you got to fight through it. So you just have to push through. You might not like something you learn about, but eventually it'll be worth it at the end. [Music]
Moving on, in this month's episode of the All-In Martin podcast, we're taking you out of the studio for the very first time and into the field at the Environmental Studies Center. Be sure to watch or listen as we sit down with the ESC coordinator, Miss Valerie Gainner, who you heard from several times
tonight, and we discuss this year's summer camp at the Hidden Gem of Martin County, where hands-on science meets salt, air, and pure fun. You'll also hear from two former students who have since returned to the ESC to now serve as camp counselors about why this
experience sticks with our students. Episode 7 is now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast, and can also be found on the district's website. That will conclude this month's district update. Until next time, uh, in addition to Apple's podcast, Spotify, and
YouTube, you can find us on Instagram, uh, Twitter, and Facebook. Thank you. Thank you, Derek. Superintendent Update. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I just want to give a special thanks to Director Raquel uh,
Queen for stepping in to cover Carter. That's not easy to do. Carter had an unexpected ailment and uh, she was tag you're it. Uh, but she got up there with poise, confidence, professionalism. It's never easy to get behind that podium. So, we appreciate you and the grit uh,
that you have and your eagerness to learn and grow as a director. So, great job. Since our last board meeting, more than 1300 seniors from our three comprehensive high schools have walked across the stage and graduated. Each of them is carrying stories of resiliency
and achievement. There is no greater reward than watching our students graduate, not just with a diploma, but the confidence, skills, and mindset to forge their own path forward. As the class of 25 turns the page to a new chapter, they leave behind a legacy of
academic success. and I would love for you to take an opportunity to watch a recap of this year's ceremonies. Four years ago, we stepped foot onto this campus, anticipating what the future would look like. Martin County High School was truly not ready for the
class of 2025. Over the last four years, you have met challenges head on, adapted to an a changing world, and emerged stronger, wiser, and determined than ever before. This year's celebration is extra special because the class of 2025
is the inaugural class to graduate in our brand new athletic facility. This is not just a celebration of academic milestones. It is a celebration of the spirit that you've shown along the way. You have shown that community is not just where you come from, it's what you
build. My time at South Fork has made one thing crystal clear. There's a place here for everyone. Whatever it may have been, this school has offered each of us the chance to be a part of something that feels uniquely ours. We are now able to remember our beginnings and see the future with a new perspective.
That's what today is. It's our full circle moment. As we look ahead, I want to remind our graduates that your journey is just beginning. You are stepping into a world that needs your passion, your ideas, and most of all, your resilience. Every day certainly has
not been rainbows and sunshine. Some were hard, some were really, really hard. But you learned that no matter what the future holds, you are strong. You are resilient. And you are capable of achieving anything that you set your mind to. After tonight, we will all have
finished high school. We have been given the tools to go out in the world and specialize in anything we choose. No matter what, our curiosity will continue to flourish. None of us reaches this point without having true supporters behind us. Our parents, guardians,
teachers, mentors, and loved ones that are in the room today. On behalf of the entire Martin County School District and the board members beside me, I thank you for your encouragement, sacrifices, and support. I know that each of you sitting in front of me today will find your own
inner voice and use it as you move forward throughout your life and find your path in your journey. Each of us has potential to do something extraordinary to leave a meaningful and lasting impact on the world around us. We may not know what the future holds, but we do know this that we are ready.
And the words of Dr. Seuss, be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. I recently received inspiration from an unlikely source. A message written on my Cali coffee lid. The message read, "Head head up, heart
open." Let this simple phrase remind us all to continue to be confident, not arrogant. As you leave the gym tonight, hold your head up high and be proud of the work you've done. Taylor says, "The scary news is you're on your own now. But the cool news is you're on your own
now." Yes, moving on from what we've always known is scary, but it's also exciting. We have the opportunity to step into our independence and make our own impact on the world. Make noise, make change, and above all, make it fun because that's what we do best. Class of 2025, we came in wild. We grew into
something incredible. And now we're living legendary. Congratulations graduates. You showed up. You did the work. And you believed in yourself. [Music]
We wish all our seniors the very best. They're going to go on and make us proud. Leading with innovation and embracing artificial intelligence, the Martin County School District's professional learning team recently hosted a celebration recognizing an inaugural cohort of AI teacher leader
ambassadors. These educators spent the school year exploring and implementing emergent emerging education related artificial intelligence tools to enhance classroom teaching and student engagement. From Microsoft Copilot and Canva to Diffit and School AI, teachers
highlighted the platforms that help make learning more personalized, efficient, and creative for students across all grade levels and subject areas. The AI Teacher Leader Ambassador Program is just one of the ways the Martin County School District is educating all students for success by preparing them
for their future. By giving teachers access to innovative tools that support creativity, problem solving, and personalized learning, we're helping students build the skills and confidence they'll need to thrive in a world where technology is always changing. Uh we are
going to recognize these educators at an August board meeting, but until then, we'd like for you to just quickly watch the recap of their celebration. I know what you're thinking. Is this just another tech pitch? But uh to that, I say absolutely not. Well, it kind of
was for Microsoft C-Pilot, but this was for an AI battle royale where Martin County School District's AI teacher leader ambassadors showed off the new tools transforming their teaching. So, we're super excited tonight. This is a culmination celebration of all the hard work that you've done this year through
all the AI that you've been able to work with with your students. From Canva and Co-Pilot to Diffit and School AI, teachers made their case for how these tools made learning more personalized, efficient, and creative. I use it every day. It's my jam. It's my world. I teach
marketing for eighth graders, and everything they do is in Canva. They present it to the class. they share with me. When you need that quiz, when the students are standing at the door, you can quickly go to co-pilot and if you are good at typing in prompts, which
we've all discussed, uh you can quickly come up with quality work. We're talking about diffit cuz it's teacher tested, learner approved. In the Martin County School District, we aren't just experimenting with AI. We're embracing it and leading the charge. And this
celebration is proof of that work. There are districts that are very, very afraid across the country for to embrace AI. Um, and that's not where we're at in Martin County. AI is not going away. This has to be embraced. We have to move
in this direction. And I want Martin County to be on the forefront. For these educators, AI isn't just a trend. It's a powerful tool they're using to transform teaching and learning. And it's not just teachers who benefit. Students do, too. We are all winners.
in Martin County for many reasons, but this time because we have this at our fingertips and are encouraged to look to the future. That concludes my superintendent's update. Thank you.
Okay, board member information share. I I had one comment about 1509 in the reports, charterish school financial reports, right? Um I noticed when I looked at those reports that Indiantown High School's fund balance at the beginning
of the year on July 2024 was 659,000 and in April it was down to 372. So if um somebody can check into that and see what their projection is for next year and where we sit with that. Thank you.
Board member information share anyone. Okay. Moving right along to action only. Um 18.01 school board travel none. 18.02 appointment of advocacy committee
representative and alternate for FSBA. Is there anyone who is interested in participating as the advocacy representative? Okay. That kind of explain what that entails so that everybody knows. Sure. Sure. It um it's a monthly meeting and
it's virtual and um I can provide the uh the contact if you're interested. Um, I did it for the past two years and basically it's you're on Zoom for about half an hour to 45 minutes and they go
over the different areas that people are interested in advocating for as a district, as a state, and going to the federal level to to see if we can get support there. You would like to do that. What time
does it start? What time are the meetings? Um, so it changes. I did not get the new one last year. They were at like two 2 o'clock in the afternoon. I can get a specific time for you, though. That's okay. Cuz I don't really
know the new they um they just turned over who the new appointments are going to be for all of these committees. So, the new advocacy chair is going to send out uh
information and I will send that to you if you're interested. You can change your mind if you if if it isn't and um I also need an alternate. Okay. I do know if you just uh Yes, it's okay. But I can give you that
information if you just bear with me a minute. Um, give me one second. Let's see. Advocacy is the last slide. So, Terry Baronburgg,
Indian River is the chair and Jason, she's from Indian River and Jason Catalano from Walton County. Okay. Do I have an interest in an alternate which would the alternate
would just have to hop on if the uh so in this case if Jen could not hop on the alternate could hop on. You want to do that? Okay. So, do I need to make a motion for that? because I've never I make a motion that
um uh Jen Russell be the appointment to the advocacy committee and the alternate is Miss Roberts. Second. So that motion by Miss Power, second by Dr. Morardi. All those in favor? I I Okay. Uh so
let's see. I want to write that down. I will be sending that. Do you send it or do I send it? you'll send it to um FSBA and then that will generate you will get emails let you know when they start and
and the all the little tidbits that go with it. Okay, thank you. So 18.03 RFQ Murray Middle School building replacement project. Can I get a motion?
Motion to approve. Okay. Uh motion made by Miss Russell, seconded by Miss uh Roberts. All those in favor? I thank you. 18.04 PSAC award recommendation of Martin
County School District to Harvard Jolly. Move approval of 18.04. Uh motion by Miss Power, second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries. 18.05 uh
2025 recurring vendor list. Move approval of 18.05. Second. Motion by Miss Power, second by Dr. Marardi. All those in favor? I. Motion carries.
18.06 6 approval of educational technology requisitions over $50,000. Second motion by Miss Russell, second by Dr. Marardi. All those in favor? I. Motion carries. 18.07
requisitions to be approved for purchase orders over $100,000. Second. Motion by Miss Russell. Second by Dr. Mari. All those in favor? I. Motion carries. 18.08. District comprehensive evidence-based
reading plan. Move approval at the dollar amount of 756,000. Second. Does your motion include the amount? Yes, it does because the cover sheet is different than what the total is in the interior. Yes.
I second. Okay. Motion by Miss Roberts, second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? 18.09 Keying Project for Martin County High School, South Fork and Jensen Beach.
Move approval of 18.09. Second. Motion by Miss Powers, second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries. Okay. first review of schoolboard policy and I get a motion to
uh I believe to publish this to to approve the advertisement for 19.01 to 19.18. You do are there any public comment? Are there any public comment regarding these
first review schoolboard policies? Seeing none. Motion by Miss Russell, second by second. That all came at the same time. Second. Second by Miss Powers. All those in favor? I.
Thank you. Okay. Now we're moving on to public hearing of schoolboard policy 20.01. Equal access for non-district sponsored student clubs and activities. Move to
approve 20.01. Second motion by Dr. Mari. Second by Miss Russell. I'm sorry. You need to open it to the public. Oh, I I so sorry. Is there anyone from the public who would like to speak on the public
hearing of schoolboard policy 20.01 to 20.11? Seeing none, that was a motion by Dr. Mario, a second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I I 20.02
funding for promotion, public relations, and hospitality. This is a new policy. Move to approve 20.02. Second. Motion by Dr. Mari, second by Miss Powers. All those in favor? I. Motion carries.
20.03 business office. This policy is being rescended. Second motion by Miss Powers, second no motion by Miss Roberts, second by Miss Powers
encompassing three recentions 20.03, 20.04 and 20.05. All those in favor? I I motion carries 20.06 school day. This is a new policy.
Move approval of 20.06. Second. Motion by Miss Powers. Second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries. 20.07 public records.
Move approval of 20.07. Second. Motion by Miss Russell. Second by Miss Powers. All those in favor? I uh do want to do 20.08 and 20.09
resend policies. Can I get a motion for both of them? I move approval. Second for the resention of 20.08 and 20.09. Okay. Motion by Miss Power, second by Dr. Morardi. All those in favor? I.
Motion carries. 20.10 reports of suspicious activity and potent potential threats to schools. I move approval of 20.10. Second. Motion by Miss Powers, second by
Miss Russell. All those in favor? I. Motion carries. 20.11. School safety and security. Move approval of 20.11. Second motion by Miss Powers, second by Miss Russell. All those in favor? I.
Motion carries. Open to the board. Does anyone have anything? Um, I'll start out with a final congratulations to all of our graduates. I enjoyed watching that piece from uh Mr. Low and the superintendent.
And um as a new board member who went through this process for the first time, I wanted to send a special thank you to the principles of all the schools and administrators for making the school board feel incredibly welcome. Um it's truly a great honor to attend these
graduations and watch uh the celebration with our students and it's truly something that I'm going to cherish and can't wait for next year to attend them all again. So, thank you, Roberts. Um, thank you. I just wanted to mention
that Children's Services Council is doing a strategic plan meeting tomorrow from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. If anyone's interested in that, that is open to the public. Good. Thank you. Congratulations to all the um retirees. I wish, you know, I
wish them well. It was made me feel really old when I some of them were teachers when I was in high school. I'm like at South Fork, one of them was a new teacher at South Fork when I was a student. Makes me feel just a couple of updates. Uh we have
been told that school grades will be released prior to June 30th. So any any day now. We're waiting on pins and needles. We'll get that out to you as soon as possible. Martin County High School principal uh interviews are happening tomorrow. There's been over 17 applicants. Uh so the team will begin
interviews and then Warfield principal interviews will be held on Friday and there's been roughly 15 applicants for that position. So we hope to bring forward a couple of recommendations there. Thank you. Um I mimic Dr. Morardi's sentiments. the the
graduations are the highlight of the year truly along with all the presentations, the plays, the concerts, but the culmination of all of it is the graduations and all of the schools made us feel very welcome and and I
appreciate that. Um, Dr. Miller, just quickly, the woman that spoke about the issue with the do you want to get in touch with her or is this an ongoing conversation? I don't want to make any
assumptions, but I have seen the emails back and forth as all of us have and I'm just wondering if you have any update that you can provide. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, I've been in touch with Mrs. Cohen frequently. I call her just to
give her updates as we have them from the developer. We did get the new information yesterday. That was kind of as she put it. They the developer said like we're out is um the way I would interpret that in terms of the developer
that was the first we had heard that they were not going to be really supporting what apparently had been part of their agreement with the county when this neighborhood was planned and approved. So we uh Mr. secretist. The
first that we had been contacted was in the fall to take a look at some recommendations. We had our safety officer uh Mr. Marcoo looking at the recommendations and so county staff our
staff from facilities safety and security and also with uh our attorney with us met and made recommendations which I believe the board saw the drawings of where the recommended crosswalk would go and again that is not
something we don't provide crosswalks for all the neighborhoods that would come into or near our schools so we are happy to partner with those who would like to put those in for students who are in part of neighborhoods that are near our schools. We are definitely
willing to work together and to partner and that is where we are at this point. We have been in conversations with the county continually. Mr. Serrist meets with them, speaks with them quite often and I have been communicating with Mrs.
Cohen and that's the the latest update that we have right now. Do you I'm sorry. Go ahead. Do you feel that there will be some some at least minimal solution at the start of school? Because
I think that is the the worry of of these families that nothing will be done by the time school starts. And I would like to think that we could do something. That's might be a hard question to
answer, but what will these students do if nothing is done by the time school opens? Maybe we can get an update at the next workshop and Okay. Well, and I just want to add that the location of those homes and the walking conditions meet
the standards by statute for a student to walk along the road. So, you know, our hands become kind of tied, okay, in what we what we should be doing because once we start doing that, we're going to do it for every school. And the same with busing. So, these um the students
that live in that neighborhood are within two miles and they are not the hazardous walking conditions apply only up to sixth grade. Um but just in addition to and I will talk to Dr. Miller and Mr. Serest after, but I did
reach out to um some of the county commissioners and they feel very confident that we will reach a resolution. So, I would like to give them an opportunity to get involved just because we didn't we were not part of
the language that was in the PUD. So, and when you read it, it's very um I mean it's like they will try to come up with an agreement, but I think we've been trying to resolve it in good faith
and in the end the developer PY has promised the residents of that community something and now they need to deliver on it. And I think that it's their responsibility. I'm just saying this from my personal opinion. Um, but I do
want to give the county an opportunity to work with the developer because this was their language and hopefully we can come to a resolution. Otherwise, I think our hands are tied as the school district in what we should do because it will then set a precedent for other
communities. We don't want to have be in the business of building crosswalks. We're not that's not what we do. That's not our role um in the community. So, I think that we have to be extremely careful and the
same with busing students because um um a parent doesn't like the route or whatever, you know, and it is it's a I would be nervous to have my child walking on Pratt Whitney Road at, you know, 7:30 in the morning. Um, but I
think we have to be very careful and very thoughtful. But I would like to give the county and the county commission, their staff time to try to resolve this because I think it's really in their court. Okay. This is this is all new to me and it's an education and a learning
curve. Well, this is new. So, this is a pre this is very much appreciated how it it it sounded. I'm just going to say her words that she wrote and talked about were that they're saying we're done. So
I didn't know what our responsibility is and you're telling me it isn't our responsibility. It's the county to work out with PY. So I appreciate all of it and and hopefully they will come to a resolution. Thank you. And that's it.
You have go ahead. I just want to add uh Dr. Miller, if you could bring an update of why PY is taking that stance would be I'm just very curious because they should be the ones in my eyes making that crosswalk and we've worked with them and then to all of a sudden just
say we're out but we'll pay for it is is an odd stance from a builder. So, uh if you could gather any information on why they've taken that new posture in this whole thing, uh I think the residents of that community deserve to know that as
well. and uh I applaud you for working with them and Mr. Seress for working with them as much as you have to to try to come to uh you know some kind of a reasonable conclusion to that. So thank you. Well and I just want to add too that the county and the school district
have been working together. PY has not. So I think the power lies with the county to make sure that they're enforcing the PUD. So really we don't have any power in the conversation. It's really the county Anyone else?
Meeting is adjourned.