A significant portion of the meeting focused on the disciplinary actions involving Dr. Sha Ro, a long-serving district employee. The board debated whether Dr. Ro’s previous demotion and financial penalties were sufficient or if an additional five-day suspension was warranted due to multiple allegations, including a failure to conduct a Behavior Threat Assessment (BTA) and improper possession of alcohol on school property. Arthur Brown, a district employee for 40 years, supported the suspension, citing a culture of retaliation and unprofessional behavior. In contrast, Dr. Ro defended herself, claiming procedural violations and a lack of access to necessary documents. She argued that the accusations were unsubstantiated and the incident involving alcohol was a minor infraction.

Sandra Sher, representing Dr. Ro, criticized the investigation’s thoroughness, pointing out that the board only received a 30-page summary out of over 300 pages of documentation. Sher emphasized that the main accuser had a history of disciplinary issues and came forward months after the alleged incidents. The board members expressed differing opinions on the adequacy of previous disciplinary measures and the need for further actions, highlighting the complexities of ensuring fair and consistent disciplinary processes within the district.

Another topic was the funding and employment of Speech-Language Pathologists. Jackie Luskin addressed the board, stressing the importance of aligning SLP wages with the market to retain and attract talent. Luskin argued against a $35 million contract with vendors. The board discussed the financial implications, with some members advocating for a strategic plan to recruit local talent and increase in-house SLP salaries to build a sustainable workforce. A motion was proposed to reduce the financial request to $19 million and develop a plan for insourcing SLPs within three years, receiving support from board members who emphasized the urgency of addressing staffing shortages.

The meeting also delved into the procurement process for a facilities condition assessment, with concerns about the selection criteria and the reliability of the awarded firm. Board members questioned the clarity of the request for proposals (RFP) and the scoring process, which included points for local or minority-owned business participation. The superintendent affirmed that the awarded firm had relevant experience with large school districts, but skepticism remained about the firm’s ability to provide quality service.

Public comments further highlighted frustrations over perceived inconsistencies in disciplinary actions and the handling of public records requests. Board members emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, with some expressing concerns about third-party influences on district operations. The discussion revealed a shared desire for improved communication processes and clearer protocols for placing employees on leave and conducting investigations.

Towards the end of the meeting, the board addressed concerns about the increasing number of Baker Act incidents within the district. Board members requested data on these incidents and discussed potential policy changes to reduce the trauma experienced by students during these procedures. The need for a collaborative approach to policy changes and improved parental awareness was emphasized.

The meeting concluded with updates from the superintendent on recent events and initiatives, including efforts to address facility disparities and preparations for hurricane-related disruptions. Board members expressed gratitude for community participation in educational matters and highlighted the importance of continued engagement to gather input and improve the district’s operations.