Good morning. I call this meeting of the Penllis County School Board on May 19th, 2026 to order. Please note that there are six board members present. Miss Meyers is unable to be here due to attending a graduation. Please stand for
the invitation by Pastor Jose Kresmbbini of Radiant Church and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance led by Vice Chair Don Peters in for the national anthem. >> Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the board, faculty and staff. Let us pray. Uh dearly father, we just come to
you this morning, Lord. Uh first just giving you thanks um just for the breath in our lungs, the ability to be here and standing here this morning. U we're even just grateful for what you've done in this past school year, Lord. Um and we celebrate everything that you're going to continue to do um here in Penelis County, Lord. And so we just pray over
this meeting um that you uh lead this team to make wise decisions. Um pray that you uh just continue to give them direction um as to the things that they need to do so that they continue to lead our students and these families well. Um and that we can continue to see great things happen here um in all of our
schools in Penllis County. So we just give this time to you. It is in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen. Oh, say can you see by the dawn early light so proudly we held at The twilight last
gleaming who brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight or the hearts we were so red.
The bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled better
yet or the land of the free and the home of the brave. Thank you. You may be seated. Next on our agenda, item 1.5 is the
Rising Stars video. The Rising Stars Scholarship Competition was held on April 21st at the Mafy Theater. Let's take a look at some of the performances and competitions. We're at the Mafy Theater to have our rising stars where we get to showcase
our students in multiple areas of the arts. >> Here we go. >> Over and over again in different level voices. >> These artists are truly talented. But is their character, heart, and values that have brought them to this level in the
competition? >> I put a lot of effort and hard work into my culinary just all my competitions and all like the stuff to get my scholarships. It just means a lot to see myself recognized and it just I'm really grateful for being here.
>> This program's been going on for almost 20 years. So, it's been nice to see so many students that um had success in the field that they competed in. And I'm sure there's going to be one tonight that we'll hear about hitting national later. >> The student experience in the arts is
alive in Penllis County. The arts are a vital part of the educational experience and our commitment to excellence in performing and visual arts sets our schools apart each and every day. >> You really get to see like the stage and
how it feels. It's just completely different feeling. one speech but a little bit. >> It's really nice to have something uh formal and kind of exclusive to be on my resume and under my name. >> We're fortunate to have many donors with our foundation and we have one
particular uh donor who had dedicated a planned gift to us. And so two students who actually made it this far had been able to benefit from that uh donor's gift. And that's actually what I played on today. It's a new uh Powell signature flute. And oh my gosh, it's so good.
like the projection. >> It's really great to be able to honor these students, not only for their performances, but to help them on their path past high school, removing some of the financial barrier for them to continue and pursue their dreams. >> Crying, sobbing, and then I started
jumping up and down. And then I wanted to do a cartwheel, then I couldn't. And then I just started jumping up and down. If art thrives here, it can bribe anywhere. And there you have it. They are truly rising stars. It was a beautiful
performance. And I'd like to just thank Penelis Education Foundation sponsors, partners, educators who help um these wonderful students and everyone who came out and continued to support them. So, thank you. Next on our agenda, item 1.6,
introduction of professional and community organization. representatives. Thank you. >> Good morning, Madame Chair, members of the board, Mr. Hendendrick and staff. It is my pleasure to introduce the following representatives of community and professional organizations from the
Penllis Classroom Teachers Association. Lee Bryant, President representing the North Panelis League of Women Voters, Vivian Posey, and from the Panelis Arts for a Complete
Education Coalition, David Taglerini. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Next on our agenda, amendments to the agenda. Mr. Hendrick, are there any changes to the agenda? >> There are no changes, Madam Chair. Board
members, do you have any changes? Wonderful. Next, moving to the adoption of the agenda. May I have a motion to adopt the agenda as presented? >> I have a motion from Mrs. Long and a second from Mrs. Peters. All in favor
say I. >> Any oppose? The motion to adopt the agenda passes 620. We will now move on to item four, special order agenda. Mr. Hendendrick. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. As we go to the
special order agenda, I'll ask the board to go down front so we can take some photos here in just a moment. Uh, but coming up to the lectern will be our chief of police, Chief Joe Whisman. And we are going to present and recognize the 2526 school safety personnel awards.
We have uh three awards to recognize today. Okay. And as the board comes down, uh certainly there is no higher priority for the safety of our students and our staff each and every day. And we're grateful for the work of all of our safety officers, our campus
monitors, and our school resource officers that they provide each and every day in the safety and care of our children. And here to introduce those awards and this year's recipients is our schools police chief of police, Joe Weisman. Chief,
>> thank you. And uh good morning, Madam Chair, members of the board, Mr. Hendrick and staff. Uh each year uh the district takes the time to uh recognize safety and security employees uh especially those ones like you're going to see today that exemplifies the
excellence of safety. This includes the school's activities monitor, the school safety officer, as well as the school resource officer. Uh at this time they'll receive the uh officers of the year award for the 2526 school year. Uh
the school leaders nominate uh candidates who demonstrate the highest standards for school safety professionals as well as district core values. With dozens of outstanding nominations submitted, narrowing the field down to only three was a significant challenge. Uh just so
everybody knows, the other nominees will be recognized later at a joint training session. Our first award is the Jesse Dorsy Campus Activities Monitor of the Year Award. This year's recipient is uh Patrick Walton. Patrick, you want to
step up here of Bokea High School. Mr. Walton is being honored as the Jesse Dorsy Campus Activity Monitor Year for 2526 school year. A summary of the nomination says that Mr. Walton consistently exemplifies the skills and
attributes of a high performing high performing campus activities monitor and demonstrates extraordinary commitment to student safety and collaboration beyond his assigned role. Mr. Walton's professionalism, courage, courage, and willingness to go above and beyond
prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating during an athletic event at one of our schools. his calm, decisive actions which prioritize safety and exemplifies the highest standards of campus activity and safety and service making him
exceptionally deserving of this recognition. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Sure. Thank you. Also, uh, one more thing on Mr. Walton I thought was kind of uh, telling. He received two nominations. He got one
from a school that wasn't even his. So, uh, that says how much all the schools around his area really appreciate him and I see welld deserved. All right, our next award is the school safety officer of the year award. This is uh Mr. Andrew Steamus
of the San Jose Elementary School. He's being recognized as the school safety officer of the year for the 2526 school year. Mr. Stamus exemplifies excellence as a school safety officer through unwavering dedication to safety, professionalism, and student well-being.
He consistently goes beyond his role, strengthening campus security and school culture through proactive leadership and genuine caring. He builds meaningful relationships with students by knowing them by name and welcome them daily and fostering trust and a strong sense of
belonging. He's especially supportive in connecting with students on the autism spectrum where he provides predictability, comfort, and a deep sense of safety. Officer Stamus also extends his care to families, recognizing parents and assisting during
hightra situations and special events. His dedication was evident during a flawless office of school safety inspection. His leadership, commitment, and compassion makes him an invaluable asset to the school community.
Sure. Thank you. All right, our final award is the Michael A. Hawkins School Resource Officer of the Year Award. Penelis County Schools Police Officer Maurice Blossom. Come on up here, Maurice. Uh,
James B. Sanderland School is honored with the Michael uh Hawkins Resource Officer of the Year for the 2526 school year. As a former Army officer as well as dedicated law enforcement professional, Officer Blossom brings calm leadership, compassion, and
unwavering commitment to the students safety and well-being. He builds genuine trust relationships with students at every grade level, meeting them with respect, encouragement, and care. Students see him as a mentor that they can trust and admire. He consistently
prioritizes growth and understanding, skillfully deescalating situations and guiding students towards better choices through connection and accountability. Officer Blossom's dedication extends beyond the campus as he actively engages with families and has been instrumental
in improving traffic safety around the school as well as advocating for safer speeds, a crosswalk, and additional supervision. Congratulations, sir. As Officer Blossom comes up, I'd like to acknowledge that the Michael A. Hawkins
School Resource School Resource Officer of the Year namesake, Mr. Michael Hawkins himself is in the back. Mr. Hawkins, come on up. We want to get you in a picture as well. Nice. Thank you, Chief Whisman. And congratulations to each of our
recipients. We thank our principles for being here today as well. And we thank all of our resource officers, our school safety officers, our campus activities monitors for the work they do each and every day. I know they're hustling back to school. Don't worry, we have them covered back at school. Uh but we're excited to have them here to celebrate
them today. And we'll get the board meeting back in just one moment. Thank you again and congratulations to our school safety personnel as well as thank you to all of the personnel who are at schools right now keeping
everyone safe. Next on our agenda, public comments on the agenda. Mrs. Hulk, are there any speakers for agenda items? >> Yes, Madam Chair, we have one speaker this morning. >> Thank you. Members of the public have three separate opportunities to address
the board when we gather for a business meeting. The first is public comment on agenda items. The second is at public hearings, most of which are policies. The last is after our meeting when speakers may address the general business of the district. At each
opportunity for public input, board members are here to listen to you. This is not a time for interaction, but the board will take your comments into consideration before it votes on the agenda items. The board is committed to a standard of civility and decorum in
conducting our meetings. This includes refraining from clapping or making audible noises during or after a speaker's comments. We appreciate you assisting us in maintaining a civil and constructive environment. Lastly, please note that this meeting and all public
comments will be broadcast live on the internet and the video will be publicly archived. Members of the public may always communicate with the board through our email address boardc.org org or by calling the board office at
727-588-6300. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our speaker this morning is Lee Bryant. >> Speaking to item 7.15, excuse me. >> Chair Edmond, good morning members of the board, Superintendent Hedrickk and staff. Uh my name is Lee Bryant. I'm
president of the PCTA and I would like to speak on 7.15. And thank you for your consideration and your willingness to work with PCTA to get our next president, Tracy McConnell, up and running. These are difficult times for public sector unions. And we need every
day we can to make sure that we can take care of our students, take care of our teachers, and take care of our schools. Thank you very much, >> Madam Chair. There are no other speakers. Thank you. Um item >> at a recent workshop and we'll have
discussion today. If there's requests for updates for any of these policies, we'll bring them back to the workshop again in June and then eventually to a second reading uh with the public comment for each of these. We'll start with 8.1. By the way, all of these with the exception of the codes of conduct
which we annually review are due to updates in state law or state board rule as we typically do. And so for 8.1 I'll pass it to >> good morning madame chair board members superintendent Hendrickk staff and community. In item 8.1 we're
recommending amendment to the series of whistleblower policies 1211 3211 and 4211 case law. Specifically the amendments remove references to contractors and refocus the board's actions uh refocus on the board's
actions which is consistent with law. designates the office of professional standard filing retaliation complaints, aligns policy language with statutory confidentiality provisions, and updates timelines and procedures for filing complaints to reflect current law, which
includes filing with the division of administrative alleged prohibited action, removing the requirement to exhaust contractual or administrative remedies prior to filing a civil action, and allowing the filing of a civil action within 180 days of the office of
professional standards a public hearing for June 23rd, 2026. >> Thank you. Board members, is there any discussion? >> Well, thank you very much for presenting this item. It's very important for
employees to know that they are protected from retaliation by state and federal law. So, thank you very much. I have a motion and a second to approve item 8.1. All in favor, please say I.
Any oppose? The motion passes 6 to zero. Next agenda item 8.2. Board members, may I have a motion and a second to approve item 8.2, Two, setting a public hearing and authorizing the advertisement of the
public hearing to consider the amendment to policies 11120 employment of administrators, 3120, employment of instructional staff and 4120 employment of support staff. This
is the first reading. >> I have a motion from Miss Peters and a second from Mrs. Blackburg. Mr. Hendrick. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm going to pass it back to Mrs. for this set of policies. >> We're recommending amendments to employment policies 1120, 3120, and 4120
to align with Florida statute sections 435.04 and 435.12 regarding the use of the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearing House. Across these policies, references to the clearing house and the and state requirements replace the previously listed
disqualifying offenses, ensuring consistency with current law. Additionally, policy 4120, which governs support staff, is being updated to clarify that in the absence of a collective bargaining agreement, the probationary period will comply with
law. These amendments also include reorganization of existing content to ensure parallel structure for all policies across all employee groups. We recommend setting a public hearing for these policies for June 23rd, 2026. Thank you. Board members, is there any
discussion? Okay. Um colleagues, you received my questions in response to policies 1120 and 3120. First, I'll discuss the rationale for those questions. Um, regarding policy policy 1120,
as written, administrators shall recommend to the superintendent the best qualified administrative applicant. it does not clearly state that the superintendent may also make recommendations without posting the
position or conducting um other things that may happen in the process that leads to a recommendation to the board. So I'm asking for clarity in that statement and then this portion should also include that the applicant shall
meet the minimum qualifications. I would also recommend that the policy includes by law the school board must approve the superintendent's recommendations unless there is good cause for them not to approve the
recommendation. As noted to my question, policy 1030 includes the superintendent's duties and authorities. At minimum, it should be reflected in this policy regarding the employment of administrators. There have
been times where I had questions or disagreed with some of the recommendations. However, based on the individual meeting the job requirements, good cause wasn't available. So, including this good cause statement
clarifies that the decision is up to the superintendent unless there is good cause for the board to oppose the recommendation. This policy was last revised in 2010 and this is another opportunity to provide clarity.
I would recommend um any updates to the policy come to the board at a workshop. Board members, do you have any questions or comments? Okay. The next policy I submitted questions for 3120
employment of instructional staff. Thank you Mr. Vigu for responding to my questions. Section four, qualifications for instructional personnel indicates valid certification is required
according to Florida law and their certificate shall be on file with the district. However, there are some times where out of field teachers are employed. So my recommendation
is will you add the district shall establish requirements for teachers out of field through HR. Okay. And since this policy is regarding the employment of instructional staff, I would recommend adding the language that
includes the out of field teachers since they are instructional staff. That concludes my comments on those. >> Oh, Mr. Hendrick. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, we can
certainly add to the uh section on administrators the law related to the superintendent's powers. Um, and we will bring that back to the workshop regarding 3120. Uh, likewise, we can add the out of field provisions just for the board's knowledge or the public. We do have processes for out of field
teachers. They're very thorough. People are notified. uh but it is not written in the policy that way. So we can add that and make sure that that's there. Um as you know, Miss Edmond, we discussed uh but the law is pretty clear on how that process works and it can change. As we know, we've seen temporary
certificate lengths changed. We've seen the ability for people to get certified change and we have to adjust to those as they come up. Um and so I think clarifying the language as establishing those processes allows us to be flexible long term as laws change. Thank you. Thank you, Superintendent Hendendrick.
So, I have a motion and a second to approve item 8.2. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? The motion passes six to zero. Now on to agenda item 8.3.
May I have a motion to approve item 8.3 setting a public hearing and authorizing the advertisement of the public hearing to consider the repeal of policy 3120.09 mentoring program volunteers in the
amendment to policy 9180 volunteers. This is the first reading. I have a motion from Mrs. Kaine and a second from Mrs. Long. Mr. Hendrick, would you please introduce the item? >> Yes, Madam Chair. I'll call back up Mrs.
Zen to discuss uh the 8.3. >> We're recommending amendments to policy 9180 volunteers. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve clarity, consistency, and alignment across district policies, this includes repealing policy 3120.09,
09 mentoring program volunteers and incorporating it into policy 9180 volunteers. This change streamlines the requirements, reduces redundancy, and reflects that mentors are volunteers who follow the same expectations with an
additional training requirement. The amendments in section four align volunteer requirements with the upcoming practice change that beginning in school year 2627, all volunteers will be required to obtain level two clearance through the Florida Care Provider
Background Screening Clearing House. Additionally, provisions related to continuing volunteer service and mentoring programs have been incorporated from 31209 to strengthen and clarify these expectations. Requirements for mentors remain unchanged and we will recommend setting
a public hearing for June 23rd, 2026. >> Thank you board members. Any discussion? I have a motion and a second to approve item 8.3. All in favor, please say I. >> Any oppose? The motion passes six to
zero. Now on to agenda item 8.4. Members, may I have a motion and a second to approve item 8.4 setting a public hearing authorizing the advertisement of the public hearing to consider the amendment to policies
5500.07 Code of Student Conduct Discipline 5500.08 8 code of student conduct misconduct that requires specific consequences and 5500.09
code of student conduct conduct on school buses. This is the first reading. >> I have a motion from Mrs. Peters and a second from Mrs. Blackburg. Mr. Hendrick, would you please introduce this item? >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Again, we
workshopped this item and also brought to the board an annual update on the code and some discipline data and things like that. Uh there are two policies. The first set is 8.4 and I'll pass it back to Mrs. Eisen. >> Annually, the district engages stakeholders and reviews the code of conduct to ensure alignment with state
law and district practices. The proposed amendments are designed to improve clarity, consistency, and understanding of expectations for student behavior and consequences. Policy 550007 consolidates misconduct, disciplinary action, suspension, and expulsions from policies
55007, 550010, and 550012 into a single cohesive policy, streamlining the guidance for families and staff. This includes removing wireless communication device section the the wireless communication device section from 55007
to support the adoption of a standalone wireless communication device policy. Policy 550008 maintains all legally required consequences while refining language regarding discipline related to felony arrests and off-campus conduct.
The suspension process was also removed from this policy as it's incorporated into the amendments for 550007. Finally, policy 55009 adds rules for electric transportation which includes definitions, storage requirements, and
safety expectations aligned with law. We recommend setting a public hearing for these policies for June 23rd, 2026. >> Thank you, Mrs. Board members, any discussion? Mrs. Hine, >> I just wanted to acknowledge the
consolidation and the work it takes. I think that the streamlining does make it much more helpful for both, you know, for schools, for administrators, for parents to understand having those items in one place. I think when you say electric transportation, we should, you know, clarify that means scooters, ebikes, all those kinds of things. Um,
I'm sure we'll get that word out to our schools who can then get it out to families to understand what those policies are for the new school year. >> Thank you, Mrs. Hine. Um I have comments about policy 5500.07. I spoke about spoke about this at the
workshop. I would like to recommend clarifying in some cases a semester may not include a full semester and that the schoolboard final order should also clarify the semester to be expelled. Sometimes we're saying finish the rest
of the school year. So if we're using semesters that it's the same um language we use on the documents we provide parents as well as the recommendation and so thank you very much. I have a motion
and a second to approve item 8.4. All in favor please say I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes six to zero. Now on to agenda item 8.5.
May I have a motion and a second to approve item 8.5, setting a public hearing and authorizing the advertisement of the public hearing to consider the repel of policies 5500.10 10 C code of student conduct
disciplinary action and 5500.12 code of student conduct suspension/expulsion and the adoption of policy 5500.10 code of student conduct wireless communication devices. This is the first
reading. I have a motion from Mrs. Hine and a second from Mrs. Blackburg. Mr. Hendendrick, would you please intro introduce? >> Now for part two of the code part. Mrs. E is >> these amendments are part of the code of student conduct updates for the 2627
school year. The following recommended amendments following the recommended recommended amendments to 550007 to consolidate misconduct, disciplinary action, suspension, and expulsion into a single cohesive policy. We're recommending the repeal of policies
5510, the code of student conduct disciplinary action, and 5512, the code of student conduct suspension and expulsion. Additionally, we are recommending the adoption of a new policy 5510 titled Code of Student
Conduct wireless communication devices. This policy separates wireless communication device device rules and expectations from student discipline policy improving clarity and reference for families and staff. The new wireless communication device policy maintains
the existing expectations while strengthening the definitions and adding provisions for wearable recording devices in which are smart glasses and emerging technologies similar. Um, and the those provisions include definitions
and the prohibited use of those devices. And the policy also clarifies that smart watches are to be used only for timekeeping and location tracking. We recommend setting the public hearing for June 23rd, 2026. >> Thank you. Board members, any
discussion? >> I have a motion and a second to approve item 8.5. All in favor, please say I. Any oppose? The motion passes six to zero. Thank you, Miss Eison. >> Thank you.
>> Next on our agenda is new business, new business items introduced by the superintendent. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I wanted to start with just a brief update on the state budget. As you know, the state legislature reconvened last week and began negotiations on the state budget, finalizing the state budget between the
House and the Senate. Uh the K12 portion of that, those discussions continue. I did check in uh with Capital City Consulting and Megan Fay to get an update. Um and she let me know that both the uh funding of scholarships above the line or below the line is still a
conversation being had on both sides. Um as well as our advocacy for a declining enrollment supplement. Um she does believe we'll see something in the final bills on that or final appropriations. Not sure how much that'll be, but that does seem to be in play as well. Uh the latest base student allocation increase
was about $50 per student. Again, not final. Um not tremendous, but also in the positive direction. Uh we hope to see a budget finalized next week. We'll see if that comes to fruition or if it drags into June. Either way, we will
have our budget hearing uh on June 23rd or our budget workshop for the board discussion in June. Um, with that we are at the end of the year and tomorrow we begin our first graduations. Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School kicks us off at Ruth Eckard Hall tomorrow
afternoon followed by Dundedon High School and then three full days at Tropicana Field with many more graduations next week as well. So I know the board will be active and busy at all those graduations shaking hands uh and smiling along with our students. There's lots of information on our website about
the locations of the graduation, the ability to watch them, any kind of policies, ticketing information, all of those things. Most places you do not need a ticket. Uh but do read up on the different requirements at each venue and what's allowed to come in and not come in. I want to highlight several things
that have been happening at the end of the year with surprise breakins and celebrations. And one of those was at Sandy Lane Elementary School where the food and nutrition manager was recognized as one of five Florida school lunch heroes. And that is Mr. Jane or
Jason Brooks. He was recognized uh by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as well as No Kid Hungry in a surprise in front of the entire student body where he was serving breakfast. He was uh really amazed. Received all kinds of prizes including a $2,000 cash award from the department.
Recently, the Penelis Education Foundation and our school district hosted a mentor appreciation breakfast for all take stock and children and lunch pals mentors. We have 463 students and take stock and children that have mentors and 310 lunch pal
mentors. And we had an appreciation breakfast sponsored by Raymond James. We're grateful for their continued sponsorship in that space. Also recently, 10 Penelis teachers were recognized by the I Care Irish 31 Foundation for the Cheers to Public Service Awards. You can see the 10
winners who each received $1,000 from the IARE Foundation with encouragement to spend the money not on their classrooms but on themselves for the great work that they've done. Congratulations to those 10 teachers. Last week, we had the AVID pinning ceremony where we celebrated 280 seniors
who graduate as AVID graduates by completion of the AVID coursework. Uh completing at least three college level courses and having a 3.0 gradepoint average. Penelis Park High School was absolutely packed with students, families, and educators celebrating the
students. 284 seniors earned their AVID pins and they heard from two AVID alumni who uh brought really great inspirational words as well as our board chair, Mrs. Edmond, who spoke on behalf of the board. It was a a great night to celebrate the students. Recently, we had a team from uh Palm
Harbor and East Lake High School win the local Shark Makers competition. The competition started in December with 12 teams from across Penllis County who were coming up with an innovative project to try to advance in the Shark Tank TV series uh which this team will
advance later on this summer to pitch against other teams from across the state of Florida. The team's project is called Pathable, which is a smart navigation platform that helps people navigate unfamiliar spaces with ease and confidence. Good luck to the students in
the competition this summer. Recently, a Mangrove Bay Middle School student, Ariana Gonzalez, earned national recognition after earning top honors in the 2026 National Junior Art Honor Society jured exhibition. Her work
titled Life of Letters was selected for the highly competitive virtual exhibition and she won the best of show in the exper uh experiential category. a remarkable achievement that sets her apart as only 49 students from across the entire country in the National
Junior Art Society were selected and she was one of them. Congratulations to Ariana and her art teacher Mrs. Hamarin for their outstanding uh win. And we had the athletics banquet. Thank you, Miss Edmund and Miss Peters for being there
to represent the board as we celebrated the coaches of the year for the Penelis County Athletic Conference chosen by their peers as well as student athletes who won the individual student athlete of the year award in each of their sports and the district-wide Henry Deck award winners for the overall top male
and female athlete. Congratulations to Matt Iicconis from Palm Harbor University High School who won the male award and Ariana Antenew from East Lake High School who won the female award. This year's superintendent's grade point average cup went to Ocola Fundamental High School for the highest combined GPA
and the overall best or most successful all-around athletic program went to East Lake High School. Congratulations to those schools. And speaking of outstanding performances in athletics, we recently had several state champions.
Crowned one was Freddy Hendricks, who from Semino High School won the girls 2A tennis championship uh and was second place overall of all classes in the state, but she won the individual title in 2A. and the boys doubles team of
Aleandro Debardno and James Melinger won the boys 3A state doubles championship from Oyola High School. So good tennis being played in the city of Seinal right now. And speaking of state champions from Largo High School, two state
champions. Largo senior Lyanna McClinton defended her state title in the 100meter championship and ninth grader Kylin Monk won the boys 200 meter dash and his time of 20.91
ranked him first of every freshman in the country. Congratulations. And finally, uh, before I get to the superintendent standout, with all of these things happening at the end of the year, that means the last day of school is coming and it is next Thursday, May
28th. And as a reminder, it is an early release day, 2-hour early release on the last day of school. And finally, the superintendent standout recognized for demonstrating by an employee across the district. This today, I recognize Mrs. Michelle Faber
who is a first grade teacher at Marjgery Kinnan Rawlings Elementary School and for the last two years she has served as a teacher mentor for one of our teachers in the teacher apprenticeship program and uh her apprentice was submitted this that said as I reflect on these past two
years in your first grade classroom my heart is full of gratitude from the very beginning you welcomed me with open arms and took me under your wing like I was your own you didn't just teach me how to be a teacher you showed me day after day what it truly means to be an exceptional
one. Thank you for investing your time, wisdom, and energy in me, for honest feedback, late night conversations about lessons, and the quiet moments that you help me grow my confidence. I'm a better teacher and a better person because of you. You've made a lasting impact on my
life, and I know that you will continue to do so. What a nice recognition for all of our teachers who served as apprentices uh apprentice mentors this last year, last two years. And thank you to all of our employees for the work they do each and every day. Thank you, Madam Chair.
>> Thank you, Superintendent Hendrick. What a great way to highlight all the academic and um athletic success as well as our teachers and support professionals, board members. Oh, sorry. Super. Uh, now schoolboard attorney,
do you have any items? >> I feel like I should now, but I do not, ma'am. I'm sorry. Maybe next time. >> Thank you. Items introduced by the board. Mrs. Long. Yes. I just want to reflect what a
wonderful school year. It's been a tough school year, but we've made it. We've done excellent. Um, and to all the seniors out there, we wish you the very best. Your future is just starting and the the sky is the
limit for you. And tomorrow I do two graduations. I'm so excited because it's wonderful to see kids smile and just you can see the pride and the excitement in their eyes and it's a
good thing for us to see. It makes us positive about our future. You know, a lot of districts they're, you know, they're whining and they should be, but here we are celebrating the successes and we have to, we have to stay
positive. So to teachers, thank you for a wonderful year. You have all done so well and you've tried so hard and I know every year it gets tougher. I get that. Um, but to parents, congratulations to
you on your graduates. You finally reached that mark. Believe me, it's only just beginning and it's going to cost more money for you, too. Trust me. So, I want to thank you all. Congratulations again, seniors. Shine at your graduation
and enjoy every second because this is your moment. >> Thank you, Mrs. Long. That is definitely what it's all about. As um Superintendent Hendrick mentioned, I jumped ahead of myself just with excitement of everything that I've been
seeing from the athletics banquet to the aid avid panning. And just yesterday, um school board employee Miss McCullum had her dedication at Habitat home and Mrs. Hine was present, T-mark was present,
other um colleagues were present. It was like a a family event. It was great. So, congratulations to Mrs. McCullum um as well as the graduate staff. Thank you for all that you do. And um I have one recommen recommendation
and that is for a full review of the job description for director strategic communications. Um there are some items on it that are outdated and it would be great if that could be looked at. Other than that,
that concludes my board comments. Have a safe and enjoyable summer. Now, on to 9.4, review of board request. >> Okay. I think I've captured all of these, but I will follow up with you to
make sure I capture your language. um around policy 1120 and 3120 adding language for clarity regarding the applicant must meeting uh must meet minimum qualifications. Also adding that by law the board must
vote in the affirmative on superintendent recommendations unless there is good cause and also that the superintendent has the authority to appoint employees without going through the interview process. But I'll get the specifics. Um, under
qualifications that uh a valid certifi uh certificate is required by law and asking that HR establish requirements around outof field placements. And then under 5500
adding clarifying language around uh the term semester and that a semester might not include a full semester. It may be a partial. If I missed something, Miss Edmond, I'll get with you after. I think I captured that. And then the final one
was the request for a full review of the job description of director of communications that there were a few pieces of that that seem to be outdated. >> Thank you. I will provide you with the exact things that I was talking about. Thank you very much.
And well, now we're on to adjournment. I adjourn this meeting and we will move to public participation. Mrs. Hal, are there any speakers this morning? >> Madam Chair, we have one speaker this
morning. >> We will now move to public comments on the general business of the district. Please note that the views and comments of the public speakers are their own and are not endorsed nor sponsored by the school board or district. We cannot ensure the accuracy of statements made,
but will review concerns that are raised and take appropriate action, which may include clarifications or the referral of speakers to the proper staff member for assistance. The board is committed to a standard of civility and decorum in conducting our meetings. This includes
refraining from clapping or making audible noises during or after a speaker's comments. We appreciate you assisting us in maintaining a civil and constructive environment. Additionally, please note that although board members or Superintendent Hendendrick may leave the dis briefly, there are speakers in
the back room and we will continue to be able to hear your comments. Thank you. Thank you. Our speaker is Lee Bryant. Good morning again, Chair Edmond, members of the board, Superintendent Hendrickk and staff. Uh, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you one more time.
The Florida Constitution, Article 9, Section One, Public Education, the Education of Children is a fundamental value of the people of the state of Florida. It is therefore a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of
all children residing within its borders. Adequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, highquality system of free public schools that allows students to
obtain a highquality education and for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of institutions of higher learning and other public education programs that need that the needs of the people may require There are there's a
lot in there that we are starting to uh step away from. Uh going back to Superintendent Hendrick's uh comment uh about the BSA, the base student allocation in 2007208,
the BSA uh would be equal to $6,149 in today's value as compared to the BSA of $5,373 for last year. a decline. And even with
the $50, it is less purchasing power now than it was in 2007208 that is not funding our public schools. Florida is 41st in the nation in per student spending.
The average teacher salary in Florida in 2024-25 was $56,663, a 3.3% change from the previous year. From 2014 to 2020 24-25, the average
teacher salary in Florida fell 12.4% in inflationadjusted dollars. We are not funding our schools adequately. It is insulting to our students, to our teachers, to our administrators, and to
everyone who values public education in the state of Florida. We are not doing enough. And it is time for the people, the teachers, the educators to stand up and make our voices heard. It is now May the 19th, and the Florida legislature
has yet to come up with the budget that they were required to do during the 60-day session. They have yet to complete their job. Again, this is not acceptable. This is my final time speaking before
you. So, alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much. Thank you, >> Madam Chair. There are no other speakers. >> Thank you. That concludes public participation. Have a great day.