Okay, we'll rise for the pledge to the flag nationisible. Okay, Miss Falls, would you call the role, please? >> Mrs. Russell, >> here. >> Mrs. Pritchette, >> here. >> Dr. Morardi, >> here. >> Mrs. Powers,
>> here. And let the record reflect that um board member Lee Roberts is not present today. >> Okay. Now, we have um board member information share. I know there's nothing on the agenda, but I know Amy, you had something that you wanted to share.
>> Yeah, I just wanted to very briefly um we went to FSBA uh conference this past week and we had our general board meeting and I was sent the minutes from it and I just kind of want to briefly go over them mostly for
the board's knowledge, but the public can get a feel for some of the things that we discuss. Um, our policy committee passed amendments for vacancy in the executive office position. If a vacancy occurs in the vice president or
treasurer position between the third and fourth quarterly board of directors meeting, the position shall remain unfilled with the corresponding duties to be assumed by the executive committee. And that and that passed. Um, the long range planning committee at
large members shall serve uh staggered one-year terms. It was voted on during the general uh membership meeting and it actually uh was voted down so that did not occur. And the long range planning
committee approved draft of recommended strategies that will be used to support the goals in the 26 to31 strategic plan. A copy of the approved list of goals and strategies are contained herein. I won't go into them. And then the uh board of
directors approved recommendation for no dues increase for the 2627 year. This item was approved at the general membership meeting and the advocacy committee put together an emergency platform item related to the schools of
hope and it was presented per policy 2025 which passed unanimously. And that's it. >> Perfect. Thank you. Okay. Now we will move on to public comment. Citizen input is vital to the improvement of our
district. Most times your remarks may be listened to without comment from the board members or superintendent. This does not mean they are heard with any less intensity or concern. Where appropriate, the superintendent and staff will investigate your comments and report back to you and the board with an
answer. We thank you for taking the time and having the concern to make our district better. Your presentation to the board should not exceed three minutes. Letters or statements from others not present can be given to our clerk who will be sure that each schoolboard member and the
superintendent receive a copy. To keep our record straight and authentic, our policy does not permit you to read the statements of others into the record. Okay. Our first speaker is Chris Clling followed by Thomas Sawyer.
hear me? There we go. There we go. Hello, my name is Chris Clling and I want to speak out in strong favor for the transformation of the historic high school into an arts campus. I hope to rent studio space in the art
campus that will be not only a b benefit to the artists who need it, but a huge benefit to the community by renovating and updating a vacant historic building and providing a place to hold workshops,
events, and opening receptions. I am aware that important funding from state grants and the National Endowment for the Arts have been obtained along with contributions from numerous private donors eager to make help make
this vision a reality. It will become a destination in Steuart. Personally, I have nearly five decades of experience as a working artist and have had a business license since the
early 90s. I show nationally with prestigious art organizations, participate locally in exhibitions, and with my family. I owned Cling Gallery here in Stewart for several years. I
have extensive experience in the business of art. Make no mistake, art is a business that must be sustainable. We produce art as well as marketed. And
part of that marketing is showing the artwork in opening receptions and events where it is an expected and longstanding cultural tradition to serve wine and refreshments.
The purpose is to create a sophisticated festive atmosphere and attract visitors. It encourages people to linger, view the art, and provides an opportunity for conversation, which is
vital to make a connection and hopefully a sale, which in turn becomes income to be able to continue. If you do not serve wine, of course, with the appropriate safeguards, people
will stop coming. As a gallery owner and an artist with experience, I know this. In closing, I hope you will support the lease and the creation of this art campus.
Become part of the vision, the renovation and building of this future which will be a credit to you and will be a benefit to the whole community in the years to come. Thank you.
Thank you, Thomas Sawyer, followed by Nancy Tur. >> Good afternoon. Um, my name is Tom Sawyer, so it fits right in with school board stuff, right? Um, I've been in Stewart since 1986 and I'm with the law firm Gunster Yokeley and Stewart that
was founded a hundred years ago in West Palm Beach. So, we like Martin County have been around for a while now. I haven't been here for a hundred years, but as I said, I got here in ' 86. And during the um from then until now, I've
had eight years in government service. I worked for D and then South Florida Water Management District. And that's a segue into how hard these grants are to get, which the Martin Arts have
achieved. I mean, this NEA grant from a federal bureau is impressive to say the least. It's very competitive and it shows the the commitment of this community to to support the arts. Um,
all things in life come with guard rails, or at least they should. And there are Florida statutes regarding certain things that can and cannot be done on school property. And you know, I know you have your own lawyers and I want you to look to them, not me, to
tell you what those guard rails are. But there are guard rails that this uh Martin Arts has as a nonprofit or you have as um the owner of this property that um they're important and these guardrails are things that you can look
to to support this uh this endeavor. Um, I was on the founding board of the Friends of the Lyric and I like civic things like this and when Nancy approached me to serve on the board, I said, "I'll do you one better. I will
work for you pro bono and I'm willing to do that and serve my time or commit my time toward this particular endeavor." And I really, really think it's something that we ought to look at seriously and approve. So, if when I um Nancy, you're up next.
So, when I call the next person, if you could be ready, I would appreciate it. We so we can um move this along. Um so, Nancy and then followed by Mary Shaw. Gonna take this off for the so you can understand me, but I am suffering with a
very uh upper respiratory issue. Um Nancy Turl. Um, good afternoon board members and staff. Um, I would just like to comment about our long relationship with Martin County Schools, which is central to our Martin Arts mission, which is to inspire passion and
participation in the arts. For nearly 40 years, programs like the high school jured art show have connected us deeply with students, teachers, and families. This art campus is our opportunity to expand that legacy and create something truly transformative for the next
generation. My feeling is that our comments tonight about the intent to lease may be moot. At no point have we hidden our intent to include limited alcohol service, not a commercial bar, but a standard and necessary component of a financially viable performing arts campus. Somewhere along the way, maybe
through staff changes and the leadership transitions through other entities making a similar request, the understanding that we thought was the foundation of our agreement has been lost. I stand here representing the many donors, partners, and volunteers who have invested not only their dollars,
but their hopes, their energy, and belief in this vision based on the terms and conversations that were originally outlined in 2022 and 2023. This isn't about me and what I want. I am just here to state that we have acted in good faith and is required by the intent to
least asking to move forward or moving ahead with the lease. And if that's not possible, then we are asking you to share with the community what the plans for the property and the buildings are. Over this time, we have come to know their stories and believe there is historic significance that should not be
lost. We are ready, ready to invest, ready to collaborate, ready to bring this historic school back to life for the benefit of students in our community. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your thoughtful consideration.
>> Mary Shaw, followed by Kelly Coleman. Kelly Coleman is up after Miss Shaw. >> Good afternoon. I'm Mary Shaw and I started with Martin Arts back in 1987 when the um business development board
asked for an arts council in this community. They did that knowing that a vibrant community that attracted good people needed to have a good cultural atmosphere. And when we first started, our first
partnership was with the Martin County schools. Uh we brought artists and residents to the schools. We started the high school jured art show. Um we had field trips. I know field trips are a thing of the past, but we had field
trips to uh the Lyric Theater even before it was the Lyric Theater and to um what was then the symphony orchestras that Wilmington Trust used to bring into the Highife Fontton. Uh we took a whole
Fontton full of students up there. Uh so we have a a long history with the Martin County School Board. I believe that in order to continue the growth of the arts in this community, we need a um focus
and we need a place where the artist can practice and people can gather and organizations can have an office and keep their things at not in their basement. And this is just a natural growth of the arts in this community.
Um, I also know that historic preservation is an important part of any community. I grew up in Virginia, so I think you can understand my uh commitment to historic preservation. Um, and that school is worth preserving. So,
I thank you uh for your consideration of this. Uh I think from what I've read about how it will be used and even the uh openings that might involve alcohol that we can find a way to do that without Jeopardy. Thank you for your
consideration. >> So Kelly Coleman followed by Joanne Gallagher. >> Good afternoon madam chair, members of the school board and superintendent Michael Maine. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today and publicly introduce myself as the
president of MCEA. I want to extend my gratitude to those who have already met with me and I truly look forward to getting to know the rest of you. These early conversations have already reminded me of why Martin County is such a special place. When Matt Theobal resigned, I'll
be honest, stepping into this role was not something I ever imagined would be part of my story. But after serving as vice president and after spending so many years fighting for the voices of educators, I knew it was time to step forward. Not for a title, not for recognition, but because I love this
district. And I have believed deeply in what it can become. For 25 years, Martin County has been my home. I taught countless students whose faces I still remember, family whose stories have shaped me, and colleagues who have become lifelong friends. I've learned
that success, real lasting success, comes from relationships we build and the trust we earn. That belief has guided me every day in the classroom, and it will guide me in this new role as well. When I look around at our neighboring districts, I see examples of
strong, respectful relationships between district leadership and their educators. And it inspires me because I know I truly know that Martin County can have that, too. We have everything we need. The talent, the passion, the community support, and most importantly, the
heart. What we need now is a renewed commitment to work together. My goal as MCA president is simple but ambitious, to help rebuild a culture where teachers feel valued, heard, and supported, where collaboration replaces conflict, and
where we rewrite the narrative into one that reflects the pride we all feel for this district. We will start by completing this year's contract with honesty, transparency, and with shared belief that we are all here for the same purpose, our students. We will do this to retain the exceptional
educators who have given so much and to inspire others to join us. I know Martin County. I know its challenges. I know its gifts. This district is A-rated for a reason, and I am committed to working with each of you to elevate it to um it
further. Thank you for your time, your partnership, and your willingness to build something stronger together. >> Thank you, Kelly. Joanne Gallagher, followed by Nina Nicoloi. Good afternoon.
My name is Joanne Gallagher and I am in favor of the Steuart High School project and I have had the honor of serving as the president of Florida Arts and Dance Company, a 501c3 cultural arts organization that is that
has served the youth of Martin County since 1996. For nearly three decades, our mission has remained the same to build strong, confident youth through the power of dance. We do this by providing nurturing
instruction to all students regardless of ability to pay their background or special needs. We are especially proud of our dance into health partnership with the school district which brings movement, joy, and confidence to the ESC students each week. I am here today
because we believe deeply that the Steuart High School project will be the perfect home for FADC and will strengthen Martin County's cultural landscape, expand FADC's access for students, and provide a safe, vibrant
home for creative expression, and really be our new home. Our long-term agreement allows FADC to unlock major philanthropic gifts and pursue multi-year grants. Longevity doesn't just strengthen our business plan. It
protects decades of opportunities for local youth. Second, we respectfully ask the board to allow the serving of alcohol during non-school hours for qualified events and performances. It's critical to the financial viability of
the project. Event rentals and community gatherings are our primary revenue stream. Without this amenity, the ability to generate sustainable operational income is significantly reduced. We recognize the issue requires
thoughtful consideration and we appreciate the board's willingness to evaluate the unique structure and purpose of the project. Florida Arts and Dance Company has been a trusted community partner for nearly 30 years. We believe this project and our new home
has the power to expand more dancers to have access, strengthen arts education, create new revenue opportunities, and th serve thousands of students for generations to come. We are committed. Our donors are committed. And today, we
are asking for your partnership so we can continue building a future where every child in Martin County has access to the arts, to dance, to belong, and to the belief that they are capable of extraordinary things. I thank you so
much for your time, your service, and your continued support of the arts and our youth. Thank you. Thank you, Nina Nicoloi, followed by Jennifer Sky. >> Good afternoon. My name is Nina Nicoloi.
I am a member of the board of the Martin Arts Foundation and I'm a donor as well to this Stewart High School project and I'm a resident of Stewart. In part, I live in Stewart because of the arts community that I saw when I first came
to town to visit family and I want to work to support that to continue to have that grow here. I care deeply about this plan to convert the high school. It is the reason I joined the board because I wanted to give my time and my money to
making this a reality. We have a unique opportunity within this community to create something that's truly special and something that will benefit everyone. It will really help support arts education and it is critical. I know
that when I was growing up, the arts were essential to me. It is part of how we learn. It is part of how we learn to think creatively and think critically as well. It is not something that is nice to have within the school system. It
also helps the culture of a community and it certainly will help the business environment here. It will bring people to this area. So, I'm asking you to support this. I'm asking you to help make sure that we can come to a lease
agreement that works as well as the ability to sell alcohol. One of the things that's critical is that this entity must be able to support itself. While grants are essential and donors are essential, we also must have
a working business model. And that model is going to be rooted in part on you've heard the importance of kind of being able to sell alcohol at some of these functions. People expect it, they look forward to it. Again, I think that we
can do it responsibly and it has been done in other communities in Florida in school districts and school related properties. So, um, finally, I would say I also care deeply about historic preservation. It's a beautiful building
in a beautiful location. It has been vacant for far too long, and this really is a wonderful way to preserve that building for the community. So again, thank you for the opportunity to stand in front of you and voice my opinion.
Thank you for your willingness to work with us and thank you for your serious consideration. >> Okay. Uh Jennifer Sky followed by Barbara Busy. Sorry if I mispronounced that. >> Good afternoon. Uh my name is Jennifer
Sky. I'm a fifth generation Floridaian. I went to high school in Martin County. I was born in Martin Memorial. My father was born in Mart Memorial, uh, which is now Cleveland Clinic. My grandmother
went to the Martin County High School that we're considering to turn into an arts center, um, which is very important to our community. I have been a lifelong artist. I was an actress for many years in Hollywood and I've returned home here
to be a fine art photographer and once again become part of this vibrant, beautiful community that we live in. Um I am part of the Martin Artist Guild and I am newly part of the gallery committee at Martin Arts. The work that we're
doing here is essential to creating a base of joy and happiness for children and for adults alike. What art does for the brain is it opens avenues that can lead to really anywhere
you don't even understand know what you are going to capture or feel when you take art when you're part of art or when you view art. Maybe that'll lead you into a new business idea. And on top of that, art is entrepreneurial and it's
also part of capitalism. We all want in this room would like to be successful while we do this a beautiful work of ours. And part of that is a solid foundation in our community. And part of
that is able is our venue opportunities. Our galleries come with the sophistication. The amount of talent in this room alone, I mean, is incredible. We are so lucky to have this talented group of artists tapped here. And we're
just asking you to support us the way that we want to support this community and continue to grow not our not just our tourism and the art tourism, but the youth of tomorrow. Um, additionally, I think part of the,
as Chris said, part of the gallery and viewing and the art uh, getting together as artists is everybody likes to have a drink in their hand and celebrate the creation that we had. Same goes for weddings. This is going to be a
beautiful wedding venue, this beautiful historic location. And I'll just wrap up very quickly. In New York City, they did a whole thing with turning um old, very old school buildings into
museums. Once called PS1, and it is so vibrant and beautiful and so exciting to not only go in there, but to see art and to learn about it. Thank you so much for the consideration of this business model and this historic conversion.
So, Barbara, followed by Lori Darville. Um, hi everybody. Thanks for having us and giving us the opportunity to speak before you. Um, so personally and from the heart, I'd just like to say that I'm
a 30-year yearround resident here in Stewart, former business owner um of 20 years, had a flower shop, did the wedding flowers for um a couple of the people here in this in this room. Um
I've been involved with Martin Arts and more recently and more actively the U. Martin Artisans Guild. I was on their board for seven years. I'm their gallery director, one of the four gallery directors at our palm room in Harbor Bay
um Plaza. So, I know a little bit about the local arts community and I know how important it is to make people feel welcome at openings. And you know, it's not about promoting alcohol. It's about
promoting the um the friendships, the socializations, making feel making people that walk through the doors feel a little bit more comfortable. Um it's unfortunate that it's a hitch in
the giddy app of the whole plan for this um project, this great project moving forward. Um it's unfortunate that there's a misunderstanding somewhere. Um I'm in support of this um project. I
think it's a timely fills a timely need for um local artists certainly that are in need of um studio space outside of their home, you know, rather than working on the in the garage or on their
kitchen table for all the different arts organizations. the uh performing arts certainly like actors, actresses, the musicians, the the vocal groups. Um I think that the arts provide um kind of
nourishment to a community that's really difficult to convey yet it's um vital and essential. Um, I know that when I travel to other cities, one of the reasons I go and visit new new towns is,
you know, natural beauty is probably first on the list. And then the other thing is what do they have to offer in terms of the arts? Do they have a a local art scene? Do they have galleries? And for me, it's a big plus. It's a big
attraction. Um and then you know if the Bright Line indeed ends up you know working out here in Stewart it will be another reason that people will want to come to Stewart and um you know find the
arts here. Um anyway um please consider moving forward with this project. I think it's vital. I think it's important and thank you for your time. Miss Darville followed by Jennifer Powers.
>> My name is Laura K. Darville and my first name was Laur Whitaker. I was born in Stewart. I graduated from Stewart High School and my father actually who was an artist lived here a hundred years. So I have a lot of roots in
Stewart. I was absolutely thrilled when I heard about turning my high school into an arts center. I was a mathematics teacher at Steuart or at Martin County High School. And in my teaching of
mathematics, I sometimes found students that were not very interested in math, but they loved art. Art is a way of for some students of pursuing an education. It's a way to stay in school. So, it's very important.
As a teacher of mathematics, I had no uh means to pursue anything artistic. I didn't think I was artistic. I now make jewelry and sometimes can actually say yes, I'm a jewelry artist. But I'd like
to speak for some of the generation of my age that also, especially if they are in a condominium or some other area, they want a place to not only maybe
pursue art, but also to view art. And I think it's just very important for everyone. There is no better building, no better campus than this for an art center. And I don't know of anything else I can think of that I would want it
to become. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Okay, Jennifer is next, followed by Jane Baldbridge. >> Good afternoon. Excuse me. Good afternoon. My name is Jennifer Powers and I serve as the vice chair of Martin Arts. I'm here today because I believe
deeply in the power of the arts and in the essential role our schools and community play in nurturing that power. But I also want to acknowledge the board's responsibility, ensuring student safety, protecting community standards, and safeguarding district resources.
That responsibility is one that we take very seriously. The arts are all around us. They show up in the architecture of our buildings, the creativity that animates our restaurants and parks, the landscaping and design that give our community its character, and in the problem solving and innovation skills
our students carry into every aspect of their lives. Yet, despite this presence, our community lacks a dedicated space where people can learn, create, and be inspired through the arts. Martin Arts is prepared to fill that gap, and we
hope to do it with your partnership. We are asking the board to consider a lease agreement that would allow us to transform one of the district's properties into a vibrant arts and cultural center, a safe, accessible, and inspiring space for exhibitions, performances, workshops, educational
programs, and community gatherings. It would be a place where creativity is nurtured from childhood through adulthood. I would also uh want to speak directly about the need for controlled alcohol service at cultural events. For arts organizations, offering wine and beer at evening receptions, gallery
openings, and so forth is essential for sustainability. These events drive attendance, community engagement, and donor support. Many of our key donors expect these gatherings as part of their philanthropic involvement. Without them, sustaining the center and keeping
programs affordable would be much more difficult. At the same time, we commit fully to responsibility. Martin Arts will not serve alcohol during school hours or school related functions. Service would be strictly limited to evening or weekend cultural program with
proper licensing, training staff, and strong safety protocols. This culture, this structure is proven to work in cultural centers nationwide. It protects students, supports donors, and ensures the center is financially sustainable. This cultural center would be more than
a building. It would be a destination, a place where residents can visit, shop, learn, and be entertained. It would strengthen our creativity, our creative economy, enhance community pride, and provide a home for artistic expression that currently does not exist in our county. I've seen firsthand the impact
in the arts in I have seen firsthand impact of the arts in our schools. Both of my daughters grew up here and both continue to use the skills they developed in the classroom. One designs uh spaces for homes and businesses works um which her work blends creativity and practicality. The other applies creative
thinking to her environmental science studies where imagination is essential for problem solving in real world problems. These are just two examples of how arts education fostes vers versatile, capable and inspired adults. Imagine a space that extends the impact
to thousand more students. A space where creativity sparked in our classrooms has grown to has room to grow. A space that strengthens the bond between our schools and our community. We believe this cultural center can and should be that space. By structuring it carefully and
responsibly, we can honor the district's priorities while ensuring the center thrives financially, programmatically, and safely. Thank you for your time and your commitment to our students and our community. Martin Arts looks forward to partnering with you to make this vision a reality.
Thank you uh Jane Baldridge followed by Peter Mel. Thank you all for hearing us today on this very important subject of the high school art center. I am Jane Lton Baldridge, a professional practicing
artist of five decades. I'm sometimes asked if I use magic to create my artwork. I do not use magic. I use practice, hard work, and experimentation over and over again. Dancers, musicians, and visual artists all need a place to
practice their art. I have been keen on the artist studio spaces in the plan since I first heard about the project. So much so that I probably was a bit of a nuisance to Nancy for a while, asking when's it going to be ready.
The magic that can manifest when you have an incubator space for creatives is larger than the sum of those creating. A central creative space for making and practicing art is a gift to a community, especially one the size of Steuart.
Having art in the community makes residents happier and the children brighter as many have spoken to already tonight. It takes more than magic, hope, and prayers to survive as an artist. And it takes more than magic to keep an art
center open. Lots of hard work is great, but without a plan for support, the dream will be short-lived. The idea that such a gift to the community could be self- sustaining through events is a great plan. But it requires modifying the vision for
the property so that it can be used as an event venue for sustainability. So please do not think we creatives make everything with our magic and hard work. It requires a solid plan and follow through. I hope that Martin Art's vision
for the high school arts center and all the work that has come already to make this vision a reality will be able to mature to fruition and give the tools to make it successful. Thank you Pete Mel
followed by Ted Estali. Hey guys, how are you? It's great to see you. In the month of December, I used to own two UPS stores. So, in the month of December, I always wear crazy Christmas stuff. I've sold the UPS stores, but I still have the outfits, so I'm wearing them. So, you're welcome. Um, one of the
reasons why I'm here is because of this space and the arts. Um, I thought it was insanely important for my children at very young ages to get involved with the arts. Dominic was visionary. Gia went to Starruck because a lot of people forget
that that's really cathartic work and you get to do that in your off time if mathematics isn't it. So I wanted to foster that in youth just automatically because I found that it worked for me. What I want to do is just do a little bit of reading uh from my phone, which I
normally don't do, but studies show that participation in extracurricular community-based art pro um art, music, theater, and visual art is associated to academic performance and graduation rates, especially for students in lower income backgrounds.
Recent literature review concluded that students engaged in extracurricular arts show stronger social and emotional skills, self-regulation, collaboration, and emotional regulation. Community-based and afterchool art
programs are linked to better long-term youth well-being, better social and emotional health, increased sense of purpose and belonging, and a lower r and there's a lower risk of behavioral problems. For at risk youth and lower income
students in particular, arts is exposure to an out of school environment that is positive and it makes them feel like there might be some things to learn outside of school, not just inside those four walls. The evidence suggests that participation
outside of regular school hours promotes social and emotional skills, helps students build engagement and self-esteem, and generally is a better academic performance retention, and it lowers that dropout rate. US Department of Education, Wallace Foundation, National
Education of Statistics. There's also a book I read every once in a while that says, "Wine gladdens the human heart." It also says something about enjoying food and drink. And there is somewhere in there there was a a wedding that
didn't have any wine and he helped out. Being able and responsible with the tools that are giving as an adult helps us tell children how to do it, too. Don't punish the leaders that want to inspire by not letting us show how it
can be done right. That's not the right choice. And I hope to see you at the barn Rock of Ages in January, which I'll be in. >> Thank you, Pete. Ted Salty, followed by Lucy Crush
Bars. I apologize. >> You got mine perfectly right. Thank you, Mark. >> Yes, you're good. You're good to go. Sorry, Tim. >> No, no problem. Uh, this is why I didn't write a threeminut speech because of all these people that went before me, in particular, Pete Mela. Thanks for putting me after him. Um, I have no hat.
Uh, so my name is Ted Stalie and I'm here representing the Economic Council of Martin County. And I just wanted to tell you, let people know kind of the history. The first major accomplishment that the economic council had after they were created in 1985 was the creation of
the Arts Council, now Martin Arts. Our organization saw a need for arts and culture in this community that was completely missing at the time and has evolved tremendously and you can see all the people here today to demonstrate that in later years after the arts council
got going there was a vision created for an arts and culture campus. It was led by Peter Cummings and this so this is not a new idea. This has been a very long-standing idea since the the late 80s. And when the school board moved into this wonderful new facility, it
gave the opportunity to to use the Steuart High School as the foundation for that vision. And so Martin Arts has been working diligently to raise the money for the steps they've
taken thus far. They've been working in good faith under the intent to lease. And I'm really here today to urge you to move forward to negotiate the actual lease to move to allow them to move forward. I know the alcohol issue has
become an issue. I'm also aware that there are paths forward uh to resolve that issue. There are other organizations that have done it throughout the state. There are ways you can craft very narrow policies for performing arts facilities. uh Martin Arts has the ability to get a performing
arts liquor license very similar to what the lyric has which is only for that purpose so there isn't a conflict with other organizations that you may or may not want to allow to serve alcohol on premise so I think there is a path forward I just I will just close by
saying that I am a very active participant in helping your uh CTE program and I constantly talk about steam rather than stem and I truly believe it. I've been working with manufacturers for 30 years and those
that use the left side of their brain, that artistic side, are better performance uh performers in manufacturing. It's very difficult to work on a CNC machine in the room next door with spam if you can't have that vision of what's going to come out of
that piece of material. And if you don't understand X Y and Z axis and you only do that by accessing that creative side of your mind and that's why this arts uh programs are so important and I really believe that this facility this new arts
and culture campus will truly push this whole effort forward in our community. So thank you for your consideration. >> Lucy followed by Allison Kaiser. >> Good afternoon. My name is Lucy Keshavars. I appreciate the opportunity
to speak to all of you today. I am an artist that lives in northern Palm Beach County. I count myself extremely fortunate to have worked with the residents of Old Palm City, Martin Arts, and Martin County staff from 2015
through 2024 to fundra, engage the community, design, and construct the ecoart storm water project by the name of Ripple as a drop of water becomes a river, which is
located in Old Palm City. I say that I am fortunate for many reasons and especially because due to the Ripple project, I had the opportunity to spend time here. The city of Stewart and Martin County have the charm that feels like home to
me. As a native Fidian with a bloodline that goes back to the original Spanish families of St. Augustine, I have a heightened sensitivity to the past, present, and future. In addition, I grew up in Titusville, Florida. During the
start of the space program, I reveled in the modern technology and the science surrounding me while being able to see the last little bit of multigenerational small town charm that remained.
My factual and logical side wants to take a deep dive into the amazing and collaborative process that has taken place since 2017 between Martin Arts and the school district. How the lease will
be a revenue generator for the school district. How the arts campus will expand the economic benefits of downtown businesses. How the arts campus will save a historic building. how the research indicates the great and many
benefits the arts provide. Dot dot dot. While I am sure you know all of the above mentioned benefits are true, what I ask you to lean into are the huge benefits the project will provide will provide to our children.
To be surrounded by history important enough to save and use. To experience many arts disciplines in one place is extraordinary. And to experience all the above in a
multigenerational charming and safe place supports healthy minds and good citizenship. While I realize that serving of alcohol has become a roadblock for some on the
board, I ask you to reconsider by looking at the examples where it is working and the contract language Nancy has provided over the years. This is an important step so that history can be saved and the arts can
benefit our children and community. Thank you. >> Thank you, Alison Kaiser. followed by Nick Caposzie. >> Good evening and thank you for giving us this opportunity to come talk to you about all the potential that the arts
campus at the Martin High School presents to us. I'm Allison Kaiser. I am the executive director for the Atlantic Classical Orchestra and we perform uh in both Vero Beach and Stewart. We're a substantial arts organization. Uh we
employ over 60 musicians each year. Um and we've been a substantial contributor to the economic uh development and prosperity of both areas where we perform. When when I arrived here, I'm this is my
I'm I'm just about into my first year um with the acco, but when I arrived here, one of my first meetings was with Nancy Terrell. And one of the first things that she told me about was this project whereby the high school was going to
become a new arts campus. That is incredibly exciting to me and to our organization. We hope to be one of the new tenants in that facility and hope to be able to bring a brand new flourishing
arts education program with us in addition to our regular largecale concerts. Over 90% of our musicians are resident to the area between uh Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County. Um and we
have a very substantial um employment uh payroll with with this large musician corps that we engage and so many of them are looking for other opportunities outside of their performances with uh
orchestras up and down the area to to be able to give back to the community and to ensure that music education is something that's very strong. I was so heartened to hear the comments about um steam um and about uh how the arts are
going to impact education in this area. Prior to coming here to the Treasure Coast, I've been involved in arts building projects uh including the New World Symphony's new campus in Miami Beach, the Broward Performing Arts Center Authority, building the Broward
Performing Arts Center, and the Kentucky Center for the Arts in Kentucky, which is uh my which is where I grew up. In all of these areas, I have seen how the region, the the immediate downtown area,
and the communities flourish because of creating a hub where all of this energy can come together from all of the art forms where great collaboration can happen and new ideas can for new projects and and new learning
opportunities can flourish. So, I hope that you all will consider not just the immediate benefits of arts education and more activity, but how it will become a placemaking project that will create a
much stronger and and more um creative and electrifying uh opportunity for Stuart. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Neil Caposi, followed by J. Paul Moore. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My
name is Neil Kaposi and I have served on the board of Martin Arts Foundation for a number of years and I currently serve on the committee to develop the high school project. I was part of the committee that created the business plan as well as the function plan of the
facility. And from our experience of traveling around the state to various other states talking to arts organizations, it's very important that there be a component where we can serve alcohol. I know it's a sticking point
for the board, but I hope you'll reconsider. I would also like to take a minute before I close. Anyone in the audience who is in favor of this project, please raise your hand. Anyone opposed, raise your hand.
Thank you. >> So Jay Paul J Paul Moore and our last speaker is Linda Raymore. >> I'm J. Paul Moore. I am a local real estate broker with England Vulkers. Our building is right across High School
Avenue. Is that it? From the school. So my window looks out at the decrepit old high school. I want to ask a question. What's happening down on Ocean Boulevard at the old high school? Once an ancient
star. We need this to happen in our community. We have musicians. We have artists. Okay, maybe I'm not one of them, but but this needs to happen to develop our
community. I work with individuals and families that are moving into Martin County. I know a lot of people don't like that as well, but one of the key elements that we have in Stewart and in
Martin County is a a prevalence of arts and people are attracted to that. It makes our community better and it bring it attracts the right kind of people to our community as well. So, I just
encourage you to find the guard rails, define what needs to occur for uh this exception to take place uh for Martin Arts and really for our county. Thank you so much,
>> Linda Raymore. It's our final speaker. >> Well, obviously from that last polling, you know that I'm in favor of this 100%. My name is Linda Remore. Um, I actually was involved with uh the economic
council and establishing the art council. We called it the art council then. It's now Martin Arts back in the 80s. Um, I took a brief time off, had my child and got involved with the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony. And for 17 years,
I was the executive director of the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony. and I hope you had the opportunity to hear them. It was very professional. Um I am trying not to make this long and I didn't intend to speak but the one thing
that I did we had performances at the Lyric Theater. We had performances at the EC campus theater in West Palm. We had performances up in Vero anytime. And we we made an effort to only go to um at
least three professional venues at the time because we wanted our students, many and most of who came from Martin County, um to have the experience of what it was like to play in a real orchestra and and to go through
everything that um a real professional musician would go through. So, it was a great opportunity for these students. A lot of them now have wonderful careers, families, children, and it's wonderful to see them. And it's also wonderful to
see that they're still playing their instruments, many of them. My own daughter teaches music theory now at at a university. So, it's it's really important um that the the children of the community have this opportunity.
Now, go back to the venues. One of the first things that I was asked at these venues if if this was available in the first place, the venue would say, "Can we serve alcoholic beverages at your concerts?" And my reaction was
absolutely because we were trying to provide a professional experience for these kids. And it was important that they learned how to behave, understand how other people behaved at concerts and and
performances in general. So from that, I think there is no problem whatsoever as far as any impression that children may have because alcoholic beverages are served. I will say this quite often
people did not have anything other than a Coke or or glass of water but often people had a glass of wine and it's a social event and the social thing is there and extremely important now when everybody's
on social media and not meeting each other in person and this is a way to bring them into a personal situation. The arts I'm back now doing um my art which I forewent while I was doing the
youth symphony because I was also working full-time but I'm I'm a visual artist now and I have been working consistently for the last six years since we retired my husband and I and um
currently have an exhibit at the um Martin Arts right now in the gallery. So, it is very important that this facility be built. I don't have a studio space. I use my patio for my studio
space and I think many other people do. And it would also be nice to have some extra gallery space, a place where a few students who are fantastic musicians can go to have small concerts. So, yes,
please go about this. do it because it's been a long time. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, I have one more speaker, Kathy Spurgeon. I'm not going to sing. My name is Kathy Spurgeon. Good
afternoon to Mr. Maine and the members of the board. I've spent an inordinate amount of time and years rehabilitating for reuse one of your former school houses, the original Hobound Elementary School in the Zeus Park neighborhood of
Hob Sound, now known as the Apollo School. I'm here, however, not as president of the Apollo School Foundation, but as an alumna of the historic school, Steuart High School. Um, I did a little bit of research and I
think I gra when I graduated, I don't think most of you were born yet. So, you got to trust me. I'm interested in and supportive of the rehab and reuse of the beautiful iconic building on East Ocean Boulevard. Kudos to Martin Arts for
taking on this form for formidable task and thank you to the school district for realizing the value and merits of preserving the site's buildings. I'm here with two asks. Having access to the full terms of the proposed lease between
the school board and Martin Arts is critical to moving forward and generating funding. And the second ask is that the board consider an arrangement that allows alcohol to be sold at fundraisers and events during
non-school hours. Perhaps unfortunately, alcohol service is inherent to events such as weddings and receptions as well as fundraisers and other events. How well I know it's fundamental to the long-term financial viability of this
project. Thank you for your consideration. >> Thank you. Okay, that con that concludes public comment. We will now go on to the discussion items which on first on the agenda is the arts uh council and um I
think we have some key things that we will be talking about. One is um serving alcohol. The other is holding the property um indefinitely and then you know potentially other options that might exist. So I know um Mr. Harmon.
I was on the phone. Our attorney, >> good afternoon. >> Hello. >> Yes, I'm here. Do you hear me? Okay, >> we can't hear. We can't hear him. I can barely hear him.
>> How about now? Is this any better? >> Oh, that's better. Carrie, could you please introduce yourself? >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Good afternoon everybody and I've I've listened to all the comments. Uh my name is Terry Harmon. I am an attorney in Tallahassee, Florida with Sniffen and Spellelman and
I have represented the school board uh and Superintendent Maine in various matters for for a number of years now. So good afternoon to to everybody in attendance, the board as well as superintendent. >> Thank you, Terry. And can you um I know
that you have an opinion on the use of alcohol. I know we've had this conversation about other entities as well and um if you could share that please. >> Yeah. Yes, I'm happy to do that. I know this is something that um has come up in
the past. I believe it was the beginning of the year and and a little bit into the summer. Uh, and so I think it'd be good if I kind of share just some some reminders of some of the things that were I would say concerns that were
addressed previously. Uh, so that the board can kind of refresh its its recollection of those items. I'll say I've and I've read the intent to lease agreement as well as the two amendments to it. Just a couple of things to point out and first it's not the actual lease
as we all know. That's the the purpose of that is part of what we're discussing today. But a couple of notes that I put on the that I I saw from the intent to lease was one of the purposes of the intent to lease is to offer educational opportunities and to enhance educational
opportunities for Martin County students. Uh so it's not strictly a separate private entity operating a private purpose. The intent to lease does indicate that part of the plan of operation will include educational
events for Martin County students at the property. Um the arts foundation also in the intent to lease is required to abide by all local laws, policies and rules. And so with that, that includes the board's
policies. And that's the first area where I mentioned in the past uh and trying to be consistent with previous issues where we run into just a little bit of a hiccup. And that's because of our board policies 9160 uh which is public participation at
school events and or public attendance at school events and our policy 5330. Now, policy 5330 falls within, as you all know, members of the board, the the student uh drugrevention policy, but there's
language in that policy that establishes a drug-free zone. and and the term drug, just so the board is aware, in the policy itself includes alcoholic beverages. But in that policy 5530, the board's the
board's language is that there is a drug-free zone within 1,000 ft of any facility used by the district for educational purposes. I'm not a surveyor. I am I defer to the real property experts out there. I
simply used Google Maps to just get a rough idea of taking the corner of the current building um where the arts foundation will go and running a straight line to some sections of Steuart Middle School and it's within
3400 ft. So that's one initial concern. Again, that is a student policy, but you do have a policy that does establish that zone. The other one which I think is a little bit more uh applicable is policy 9160
which is your public attendance at school events. And while this board policy um appears to relate to when school events are being done by the district, there is still language in there that says, and
I'll paraphrase, no alcoholic beverage may be possessed, consumed, or distributed at any function occurring on district premises. And as I understand the lease agreement or proposed lease agreement, this is
property that will be leased away potentially by the school board for a number of years. It will not be a school board building. It will not be run by the school board, but it is still school property. Um, if it is leased, the board is still the real property owner of it.
It is on the same parcel as Steuart Middle School. So, you've got some policy issues in there. I I will not tell you I will not tell you that there is an absolute prohibition on it. There is nothing in Florida law that absolutely prohibits a
school board from engaging in this type of activity, but there are a number of, as I mentioned before, I use the term hiccups. I would rather change that to the concerns. It's close proximity to the middle school. you've got a couple of policies
that depending on how those are interpreted may may need to be addressed. And then one of the biggest issues um is kind of the unknown for me is I if the intent to leave speaks to there being opportunities and ed educational opportunities for Martin
County students if this building is going to have student learning occurring or classrooms or performances that may bring up some of our other drug-free workplace type policies that do prohibit alcoholic substances being
in the workplace. place. That was one of the issues that we had previously when we were talking about another organization wanting to have a similar arrangement. If you recall in that circumstance, there were, I believe, three classrooms
in that building that were dedicated for student learning. That was a concern. I I can't really opine on what the city of Stewart will say. Their municipal code has some 500 foot regulations. One of the public speakers earlier uh was
correct. The the city can give waivers. They can give permits. That is up to the city, not up to the school board. Uh as well as the county if the county has any um any regulations in place. Those would be between the applicant and the city or
the county. One note that I would say is if we are still the we being the board is still the owner of the property on which the arts foundation is located and there is going to be alcohol served and an application needs to be submitted.
The board would likely have to be a co-licant on that. And so all that being said, again not saying there's an absolute bar, but there are a number of things that raise some red flags along the way.
And if any board member of course any questions about anything I just said or if I need to expand I'm happy to do so to help help illustrate the point a little bit more. >> Thank you Terry. I will um ask the board if you have any questions for uh Mr. Harmon
this point. >> No. Okay. Um, so Terry, just hang on just in case um anything comes up because I think we need to talk about um other issues with just so the public
knows we are not voting on anything tonight. This is just a discussion with the board. Um we are getting all the facts and the information and um if there is something to vote on it will come to us at a regular meeting. Um so
the intent to lease or a in the future a lease um would come before the board at a regular school board meeting um and our next meeting is next week but is this point is not on the agenda. Correct. So um it will be advertised and
you'll know about it before it comes before us uh to vote on anything. Um are there any other questions or comments from the board that you might have that Mr. Harmon can answer or the superintendent about the intent to
lease. >> Hi Terry, it's Amy Pritchette. >> Hi Miss Pritchette. >> Hi. Can you distinguish between intent to lease and lease agreement? >> Yeah. Yeah. As I read it, um the intent
to lease is it's it's memorializing some of the terms about what the parties want to do. This was executed back in 2022. And the idea there was look, this is and I'm going to use this very informally, although I know you all are sitting in a very formal session. It it's an
agreement to agree to something in the future. So, the intent to lease still contemplates that there's an actual lease agreement and per the second amendment to it. There needs to be an absolute written lease agreement presented to the board by the end of the
year. And that lease agreement needs to be mutually agreed to by both parties. And so, I don't view the the intent to lease itself is not a lease. It's essentially an agreement to agree on something in the future. So, a lease agreement must come by the
end of this year. >> Yeah. As I again as I read through everything, my understanding is that yeah, that second it's titled and it's on the agenda, the second amendment to intent to lease was an extension of the
deadline for the arts foundation to deliver its intent to proceed to the board by the end of December. So, I'm not sure again I don't know if that's been done or no if if that intent
to proceed has been submitted by by December 31st, but there is a full-blown lease agreement that will need to be drafted and agreed to by the parties before anything is um enforceable.
>> Thank you. Any other questions from board members in general? Um, I just, and I don't know who to address this to, either the superintendent or maybe Nancy might be able to muster an answer through her
illness, but I would just like to know where are we at financially on the project because I mean, I love what I'm hearing and you came and presented and I mean, it's a phenomenal project. I mean, I I I you know, I I can't be a bigger
fan of this thing, but maybe you could share where we're at on the process of of raising money and where uh how far along we are. That would be helpful. Thanks. >> Be ha be happy to. Um and first of all,
Tyson and Mr. Waters and I and our attorneys have been working. We've had a draft lease agreement. It was required that we have a draft prepared by to start negotiating and we have one on paper which we thought today was sort of part of the um we asked for this meeting
back in November was to start to work on those terms so that we could execute a lease per the time frame of December 31st. Um the financial uh side of things is we have raised over a half million dollars both in cash and in kind that
has paid for all the planning work that has been done to get us to this stage. Our intent is to go forward with some lead gifts this um season that would allow us to start construction on phase one, which are the two 1950s classroom
buildings out in front um hopefully by the end of next year, if not the beginning of the following year. But without these terms in place, the donors are also extremely hesitant to offer their commitment. It's kind of like being an investor in any other kind of commercial project. You
know, until they know what the terms are, they don't know if they can say yes or no. >> Okay. >> But we have significant amount of interest. >> Okay. And the second question is for you. Um it's about the alcohol. And as someone who goes to a lot of local
events, I totally see the the validity of it and and why it's important. Um and I've advocated for that for other groups that have come before here. But if after hearing Mr. Harmon's uh description, it seems like it's going to be a tall
order. I mean, you'd have to change policy. You have students there there. I mean, that seems like a insurmountable climb at this point. So, could you continue this project without alcohol and still be successful, do you think,
or is that the deal breaker there? >> I I really believe it is a deal breaker. I mean when we started talking about this in 22 23 and had the conversations there was not a single conversation ever that said we know this is going to be a challenge you know we need to figure out
a way to make the alcohol component of this work so it has been part of the conversation from the beginning I know that there have been transitions in leadership staffing all of that um but somewhere that critical piece of our
business plan for the project got lost by the wayside. It is a deal breakaker in fact. >> Gotcha. >> But we're also open to compromise and trying to figure out a way where we could both win and still have the project move forward. >> Gotcha. And thank you for being here. Obviously, you're under the weather. Um
I I just want to say this is uh you know, it's a tremendous project. As someone who has a daughter at Starruck and I understand the need for the arts and um you know, I I just I see the challenges here. So, it it's it definitely tears me both ways because I
think this would be an incredible thing for our community. Um, but there's obviously some challenges both with the alcohol and financially uh to get this done. So, um that's just my two cents on it. Thanks, >> Madam Chair. You had said that there
were options that we could discuss. >> Well, I just I want to make a couple of points. So we actually started this conversation not in 2022 but probably in I was trying to go back and look at notes that maybe it was 2018 or 19 that
we began this conversation. I know majority of the people here were not here at that time but um you know I I'll tell you some of my concerns. The alcohol is a concern. I not I'm not sure that we can get over that hurdle um from
a school perspective and the proximity to Steuart Middle School, but it's also the length of time that we're holding a school district asset. Um we are still taking care of that building. We are still um supporting it, paying the
electric bill. Um I know that there was a pipe that burst that we had to fix. Um it's not something and holding the property for that amount of time is concerning. Um and
in the six years, six, seven years that we have been that this project has been talked about and the fact that only $500,000 has been raised is concerning that it's going to be that much longer. Um and as everyone knows, as a school
district, our enrollment has decreased significantly. um we are down significantly. We have properties that I feel and we'll have these discussions in the future that we need to look at probably selling
because we're not utilizing them but we're we're tasked with taking care of them which is a financial burden and it impacts what we can offer students as well. So, I think we have a lot of issues to talk about as a board before
we commit to um a 50-year lease. Um, which is with really no um we also I I get it. The donors need some clarity on the lease, but so do we as
the property owner. We need some asurances that you're going to be able to raise 20 to30 million for this project because that's the cost of the project. So we while I understand
both sides, I was born and raised here in Martin County. In fact, my mom attended Steuart High School and I want that building to be there for our community. But we also have a fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers and to
the students and teachers and our staff in the school district. So, um I think we have a lot to talk about. Um, one of the things I did meet with Nancy and one of the things I recommended was selling the property and I know we had
the same issue with um on the property with um the Boys and Girls Club as well and that offer has been made to them as well to consider purchasing the property. We I have Dr. Miller and her team are in the process of pulling up. I
think it was back in 2018 when we started this discussion. We had we had some um appraisals, surveys. I know all of that would have to be updated, but I would like for the board to consider that that we um direct
our staff to really look at what the property is worth because we we do again have a fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers. But I think that we make that offer. It could it takes us as
a school district out of the equation and they then it would just be really the city of Stewart and and the county if there are any barriers um that could exist for serving alcohol and it kind of takes us out of that. So that's just
some ideas that I personally had. >> I agree with that. I feel like that's the best scenario. I don't think that any of us want to put a damper on this project. I think we all love this project and to see that come to fruition and what it
could do and offer for our kids and our community. I think it's wonderful. But I it does come down to some legality issues and also making sure that we're being wise with taxpayer dollar. If you take us out of the equation, just like Mrs. power said and offer this where
this is completely on them now. It would be theirs. They could do whatever they needed to do. I think that that would be the wisest decision for all of us. Miss Pitchette. So, I'm I'm in a tough spot here. I'm on
I'm an exeicio um advisor for the arts council and I love what you're doing and I love that this is happening but I have to worry about number one changing policy number
two setting precedent so that the next person who comes in and wants to do this we then have to allow it. That is where I find myself in all of this. That
we want what's best for our students and we want to give them a positive message. We want the arts to continue. We want the arts to thrive. But I really like the idea of the of Martin Arts just taking over the property by by buying
it. And then the school can still partner and still be in involved, but we don't have to change our policies and we don't have to go against the recommendation of our attorney and we
don't have to worry that we are are doing anything that could harm the students. So, I agree with with my board that this is a wonderful project, but there's a lot of uh mountains to climb in order for us
to allow it. And it does set up what I call a precedent for the next then the Boys and Girls Club may come back and they're going to say, "Well," and we've already been through that. So the student the student safety and health
and well-being is the first and foremost concern of mine and changing our policy would, I believe, put that in jeopardy. Thank you. Any other comments from the board? >> Um, I just would like to get consensus
from the board if you would like for Dr. Miller and her team to pursue having the appraisals updated on the value of the property, what that looks like. um surveys, that type of thing, because I know I can't recall if
the survey of the because it's all of that the the um the high school, our Steuart Middle School campus, and then also the Boys and Girls Club were all part of one main piece of property, and it was all contiguous. And now that
we have leased to the Boys and Girls Club, I can't recall if there was a survey done or if the survey for the whole campus has been updated, excuse me, with the construction work that we've done at Steuart Middle. So, whatever we need to do, if the board
agrees with that, that we kind of look at that. I've asked for the information already. I know they're in the process of compiling it. um what we did way back in like 2018. Obviously things have changed quite significantly. Um but
we can update that information and then have that conversation with the arts council and the uh Boys and Girls Club. >> Yeah, I'd be good with that. I mean, but the intent is to sell the property to the arts council. Is that
>> Well, I think that that >> at least first >> that's an for sure. >> Okay. >> And um I think the same same um proposal was made you know we have kind of had those discussions with the Boys and
Girls Club too like did they if they would like to purchase a property again it kind of takes us out of it. So, just so the public's clear, the idea is to rather than having all this red tape with us owning the property, if someone else was able to own it like you guys,
then you could serve alcohol and have your own rules. Is that is that the understanding? >> That's how we kind of get around a lot of the alcohol type things. they would still have to um abide by the ordinances
of the city which is I I can't remember if it's 500 ft within 500 ft of a school is I don't know we don't know how how that would be granted or not but
that's something I think that needs to be investigated if that's the path that by the c arts council if they decided Hey, we want we're we're going to purchase the property. Would the city of Stewart grant that variance? I don't know.
So, what do you guys think? Should we move forward or updating? >> I would like you to direct Dr. Miller to start the process of getting um the value of the property. That's a great idea. I mean, I think
we're going to need to have it regardless of the outcome. Whatever happens, we are I know we've talked with the superintendent about multiple properties that the school district owns that are not being utilized
um that we look at look at all those properties in general. And that all is going to come back to the school board in 2026, not just this property specifically, but there's a couple of others. There's I know there's one out
in Indiantown that the village of Indiantown is interested in. So that we're not utilizing. So we just need to have those conversations as a group and I think this will be part of that package. >> Madam Chair, I was just going to thank you for the clarification. If we uh
direct Dr. Miller to move forward with that. Can we go ahead and ask that the appraisals be done of all of the available properties so that when that comes forward, we're not we're not seeking separate approval for that. We can get started on all of it. >> Yeah. And I I really think that we
should focus on the ones that people are interested in first. Um the one being the village of Indiantown and then obviously the arts council and possibly we should reach out to the Boys and Girls Club as well to see if that's something that they're interested in and
then take an inventory of what else we have out there um that we could possibly liquidate. All right. Thank you, Mr. Harmon for um being here
today. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. And if if I could on my my part um parting piece, just to clarify, I didn't want to misspeak on something. The the December 31st deadline that I referenced, this goes to a question that Miss Pritchette asked, too. That's the deadline for the
notice of intent. the intent to lease does specify that subsequent to that there's a 30-day window if there was a lease to be proposed to be negotiated. So, just a wanted to make that clear, but other than that, thank you very much for for
allowing me to be on. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Uh seeing no additional comments from the board, we're going to move on to item 5.02. um topics for the February 17th joint
meeting with the city, county, and the village of Indian Town >> is now exiting. >> Um do you all have any specific topics that you would like to be covered during that meeting presentations or otherwise?
Superintendent Maine, do you have anything specific that you would like to >> That would be a good meeting to give a a year-end wrap-up. Um, I think kind of some of the things closing out 2025 and uh items that we're working on for 2026
going into the end of the year. And then typically we would give if the board did not have any other topics that they want to discuss, we would give an update on facilities at that time. the timing may align well with some of the topics that we're discussing this evening anyways on
on what properties are underutilized and what potentially you all are thinking of doing with those properties. >> Yeah. And I also um I was I think I shared with you I just saw that there was a new development application that went in for the that
the big larger development that's out by South Fork High School. the the four-way stop at South Fork High School, Bridge Road in Pratt Whitney. Um, and that could potentially impact um our enrollment at the No, Crystal Lake. So,
I just want to be I would like an update from the county where that is, how that's maybe we can get some sort of um information on where they are in the process. I know that I heard that it was I know the signs are up again and um you
know how are we planning? What would it look like? What's the student generation? Our own staff I know could probably get that information based on our student generation rate. But what we're finding though is that when we talk about student generation and the
rate that we've used it is not we are not generating the number of students that have been in the past. It feels like you know there are many factors for decreased enrollment including birth rate um age of the families that are
buying the homes or that can afford the homes in Martin County to be honest. Um, so they're not as much impact as have been in past years. So maybe we need to look at that as well because I think that's going to be but I think Citrus or
I keep saying Citrus Grove, Crystal Lake, we need to make that consideration as we talk about other issues with uh K8 conversions and all the things that we've been talking about and enrollment at our schools. so we can kind of collectively have all
that information. >> I have something too, Madam Chair. >> Sure. Of course. >> Um, and I would like to bring up at that meeting, um, possibly putting in a school zone at Citrus Grove Elementary. Um, I've brought this up to the county
and have not seen any action yet, but the parents and staff at Citrus Grove in my district are very concerned about the cars just whizzing by uh out in front of there and thinks that it would be an obvious place for a school zone. So, with having the county there, uh, I
would like to bouch that subject to see where they're at in that process. >> Yeah, and I think that you bring up a good point. Um, we also need to find out what are the rules for creating a school zone. Are there um, you know, are there
kids crossing the road? Do we have a controlled area? Is there a crosswalk? There's many things that go into creating a school zone. So, let's find out what that is and then we can be armed with all that information. Yeah. >> To present to the county. >> Yeah. because they are there are people
crossing the road there and the the the SRO at the school literally has to park his car with the flashers on in front of the school to hopefully slow down traffic because people see the flashers and then say, "Oh, we should slow down." But it's that bad of a problem because people are just whizzing by there
because there's no school zone. So, it's definitely a safety issue there. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Is there benefit to talking about schools of hope at the joint meeting.
I didn't know because it it's becoming a a little bit of a shatter. What is it? What's it about? What are we doing about it? Um it's just a suggestion. It I just didn't know if it was it's too uh too
iffy at this point and we're not really affected. I we to to date we have not received any applications for schools of hope. Um and I think there's there's movement there and until we kind of see how things
settle out I I am open to uh whatever direction the board would like to give us uh certainly open to that but I just personally uh do not feel right now would be the time to bring that topic up until we have strong concrete
Yeah. And I think there's some um there's some um an appetite for making some corrections and some changes to correct what I don't think was the full intent of what schools of hope were
going to be. So I think there is some appetite in the legislature and maybe we will need some support if we have uh other elected officials um supporting the new but I don't know um I I obviously if
anybody asks I think we can explain what it is and what the position of our board is moving forward. All right, we're moving on to schoolboard policies. Um, does anybody
have questions? I know we can go through each one. If you have any questions about 6.01, which encompasses policy 1121.01, 3121.01,
and 4121.01 background screening and employment history checks. No questions or comments on that. Okay, perfect. Um, item 6.02, which is policies
1213, 3213, 4213, student supervision and welfare. Um, Miss Roberts um submitted a comment on this and it says item F in 1213 speaks to an administrator shall notify
the parent of the of the student if there is a change in the students services or monitoring related to the students mental, emotional or physical health or well-being. in accordance with the bill of parents bill of rights notify might not be appropriate language
by bypassing the need for parental consent. So I do think that we need to if we I believe she is correct that it needs to be will shall um notify the parent and we will obtain parental
consent. Okay. All right. 6.03 is policy 3139, educator misconduct. Any questions or comments? Okay. 6.04
policy 5136 wireless communication devices. Any comments? Uh 6.05 um policy 5223 absences for religious instruction.
Miss Roberts submitted item A new which is new language states the signed written request shall include the following. A a statement attesting that the religious instruction is not provided at a time that conflicts with a
student's attendance at school. She believes the correct language should be religious instruction is provided at a time that con that conflicts with the students attendance at school. If the instruction
isn't con isn't conflicting with attendance, then this policy isn't needed. So, so if a and I I agree. Um, so if a student is absent for a
religious reason that conflicts with their attendance in school, then they would get they would be excused. Correct. We just need to work on that language on how we need to I'm not sure that it should say
>> in in the original Neiola language it was that way in the new update. Niola has changed it. So we may be able to shift back to the original language to clean that up. If the board uh would
like, we can um work through that in the appropriate language that it should be. >> Well, I just think it's as simple as taking out >> Yeah. >> Uh in the new language, it says attesting that the religious instruction
is provided at a time that conflicts with the students attendance at school. So, you're just simply taking out the word not. Okay. Uh 6.06 um policy 5410.01 promotion acceleration placement and retention. Any questions?
Okay. 6.07 5600 student discipline. Any questions or comments? Okay. Miss Roberts says, "And the middle of page two deals with when a meeting with a parent does not
resolve the issue in item B." Wait, not resolve the issue in item B requiring that the child stud that that the child study team must implement the following. A student evaluation
a student evaluation for alternative education programs in accordance with the parents bill of rights. Should evaluations of students require parental consent and the answer is yes. So we should add the parental consent for the student evaluation
6.08661 purchase of instructional materials. Any questions? 6.09 uh uh policy 74 7540.02 Web content apps and services. Any questions, comments?
6.108452 automated automated external defibrillators. Questions, comments? Just stop me if you do. I'm just going to read through these until I get to
comments. Uh 6.11 8462 student abuse, abandonment and neglect. Seeing no questions. 6.12 policy 8470 registered sexual predators and sex offenders.
Okay, seeing no comments. 6.13 9200 volunteers and 6.14 94 9800 charter schools. U Miss Roberts says the bottom of page two in in
application procedure. The first sentence states, "Potential applicants should send letters notifying the board of their intent to submit an application to open a public charter school no later than July 1st."
I believe that sentence needs further language that links July 1st to the proposed opening date of the charter school. Obviously, an application in June of a certain year would not be appropriate for an opening in August of the same year. Perhaps
adding language not later than July 1st years prior to the proposed opening date. So I just think we need to check on the statute on that and what the requirements are before we uh require them to submit it years in advance.
>> Yeah. But let's let's figure that one out. And if there is a change, if staff could bring that forward in the next review, that would be great. Okay. Um, next up is open to the board
comments. Nothing. Okay. Um, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you all very much.