Melany Slaughter, a concerned community member, presented a detailed PowerPoint on the deteriorating state of Booster Stadium, built in 1969 through donations from the Ocala Wildcats Booster Club. She cited numerous safety concerns, including standing water in locker rooms, electrical malfunctions during games, and inadequate restroom facilities prone to plumbing issues. Slaughter showed images of deteriorating concession stands and rusted cooking equipment, emphasizing the unsanitary conditions under which food is prepared. The restrooms, operating on septic systems rather than city plumbing, frequently back up, creating unpleasant odors. Jon Smith, another speaker and a former Vanguard student, echoed these concerns, urging the board to invest in stadium improvements, such as covered bleachers, to protect spectators and ensure equitable resources for the students.

The board then addressed the need for approving the Florida Safe Schools Assessment Tool before the October 1st deadline. The board members discussed the logistics of scheduling an additional meeting to ensure timely approval. It was agreed to hold the meeting at 8 a.m. on Monday, with proper notice to be published on the website and in the local Gazette.

Superintendent Diane Gullett highlighted the district’s efforts to combat chronic absenteeism, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Be Present Be Powerful” initiative aimed to connect attendance with students’ future aspirations. Ward Highlands Elementary, Liberty Middle School, and Lake Weir High School were recognized for their significant reductions in chronic absenteeism rates. Each school principal accepted awards, and the board expressed gratitude for their commitment to improving student attendance.

The board also approved the 5-year District Facilities Work Program for fiscal years 2024 through 2025 through 2028 through 2029. This approval followed a discussion on several change orders related to the construction of new elementary schools, reflecting unused funds to be returned to the district. The board moved to approve these amendments without objections.

In a recent session, board approved a Sourcewell contract with CDW for technology products and services, totaling $980,000. This contract will enable the district to acquire essential technology solutions at reduced prices, addressing various needs from network infrastructure to classroom technology. Additionally, a grant application for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) preschool entitlement for the 2024-2025 school year, amounting to approximately $454,000, was also approved. This grant aims to ensure services for three to five-year-olds with disabilities.

The board further approved a first amendment with Growing Leaders Incorporated for the Habitudes curriculum, focusing on mental health and wellness, costing approximately $262,000. The curriculum includes engaging content and varied delivery methods to bolster student participation.

The meeting also saw the approval of a special data share agreement with i-Excel Learning, requesting $250,000 for additional teaching tools across grades K-12. The platform provides diagnostic assessments and personalized instruction, with several schools opting to continue using i-Excel.

Furthermore, the board discussed the Florida Safe Schools Assessment Tool recommendations. The board’s practice of approving submissions to the state without site-specific details was confirmed, and a motion to approve the recommendations passed unanimously. Dr. James emphasized the board’s intention to vote based on information shared during a previous work session, noting that specific site recommendations could not be disclosed for safety reasons.

The board also addressed student expulsions, with concerns raised about the implications of expelling students who had already faced disciplinary actions. It was noted that the current system may lead to a cycle of behavior that does not adequately address the root causes of student misconduct. The board motioned to proceed with the proposed expulsions that included services, while clarifying that future actions would not include such services. The motion passed with minimal opposition.

In closing, the board touched upon the need for improvements to athletic facilities, particularly a rubberized track for high school sports. Dr. Campbell advocated for a serious approach to allocate a million dollars annually for these improvements.