0:00The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation on school safety compliance from Mr. Curtis Clay, who provided an update on the Florida Safe Schools Assessment Tool (FSAT). Clay highlighted that three schools underwent state audits in the first quarter with zero infractions. However, no schools were audited in the second quarter, maintaining the record of no infractions. Clay emphasized the district’s responsibility to conduct unannounced inspections at each school annually, functioning as an internal state inspector, and noted the critical role of school Guardians in monitoring compliance.

As the meeting progressed, the board encountered a community member, Miss Dixon, who voiced her concerns about issues at Clon Middle School. Dixon shared her dissatisfaction with how the school handled her daughter’s needs, including a specific incident where her daughter needed a change of pants and the school lacked spare clothing. Dixon also reported an incident involving a teacher allegedly calling her child a derogatory term, which she felt the principal dismissed. She expressed frustration with her interactions at the school, particularly regarding a school resource officer who had escorted her off campus. Dixon urged for a more supportive environment and requested a meeting with the deputy superintendent to discuss her concerns further.

43:29The discussion shifted to the consent agenda, which was approved without amendments, followed by action items regarding the late hire of out-of-field teachers. The Deputy Superintendent recommended approval of the measure, sparking a board member’s inquiry into the frequency of hiring out-of-field teachers and efforts to assist them in becoming certified. The board member underscored the importance of a three-year statutory compliance timeline and questioned if the district was instilling urgency in achieving certification. The Deputy Superintendent clarified that support is provided through in-person and online classes. A legal question arose about whether the board could alter the compliance timeline through policy changes, which was deferred for further legal review.

A notable update was provided on immigration policy changes, specifically the removal of schools’ sanctuary status. The Deputy Superintendent informed the board that immigration agents are now permitted to enter schools under certain conditions, necessitating staff training to ensure legal compliance and protect funding. This change prompted an open invitation for board members to address community concerns regarding the policy.

Attendance issues were also a topic of concern, with a noticeable decline potentially linked to protests and other factors. Although attendance had improved, it remained below normal levels. The Deputy Superintendent explained the process of counting attendance during the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) week, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting for funding purposes.

In the realm of educational initiatives, the board discussed the district’s application to the “Step Up For Students” program, which aims to provide tutoring opportunities and support the homeschool community. A board member expressed pride in this initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance academic opportunities for all students.

Safety within the community was another focal point, with a board member raising the issue of sex offender ordinances. The board member proposed petitioning the city commission to increase the required distance that sex offenders must reside from schools and childcare facilities from 1,000 to 2,500 feet. The proposal aimed to strengthen protections for children, and the discussion concluded with a consensus on the importance of child safety.