01:15:55The superintendent presented a recommendation to transition the partnership from FSW to FGCU, highlighting the perceived benefits of FGCU’s program. The proposal emphasized a more rigorous academic environment with higher entry requirements. This came despite acknowledgment of FSW’s positive impact over the years, where many students were able to earn associate degrees that they might not have otherwise achieved.

01:19:24FGCU’s Director of Early College Programs, Becky Jones, addressed the board to explain FGCU’s dual enrollment program. She outlined that students could earn a minimum of 48 credits, with potential for up to 60 credits, depending on course availability. Courses would be taught by FGCU faculty on the Clon High School campus, focusing on general education programs transferable across Florida universities. The proposal included provisions for guaranteed admission to FGCU for students completing the Collegiate Academy program and potential scholarships for students who maintain a specific academic standard.

59:32However, the transition faced skepticism and concern, particularly from Julia Dupoy, a resident of Kinston and a board member of FSW, who raised questions during the citizen comment segment. Dupoy emphasized the transformative impact of the FSW Collegiate Academy on young adults in the community, highlighting personal experiences and the success of first-generation graduates. She expressed concern that replacing FSW with FGCU could incur additional costs ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 annually while offering fewer credits to students. Dupoy argued for introducing a complementary program rather than dismantling an established one, suggesting that Kinston should not serve as a test site for FGCU.

01:26:30The financial implications of the transition were a point of contention. While a board member inquired about cost comparisons between the FSW and FGCU programs, it was noted that invoices paid to FSW were below the proposed financial figure of $177,000 for FGCU. A participant pointed out the disparity in course offerings and the higher cost per credit hour proposed by FGCU, raising questions about equity in billing practices. Concerns were also raised about the effectiveness of online learning and the availability of qualified personnel for in-person instruction, an issue exacerbated during the pandemic.

46:25The meeting also touched on broader educational and community developments. Miss White, representing the Exceptional Student Education department, provided a presentation on the district’s progress in student services, highlighting innovative strategies for speech and language pathology through teleservices. The board was informed of a successful partnership with Presence, a company offering a specialized therapy platform, which had served over 360 students with 5,300 therapy sessions.

53:31Additionally, Miss G discussed the district’s leading role in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Workforce Development, announcing a $1.7 million grant aimed at enhancing technology and artificial intelligence in agriculture programs. The grant would provide students with hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment like drones and unmanned tractors.

01:07:13As the board reviewed the proposal for the electronic message center, intended to enhance communication with rural communities, the need for effective information dissemination was underscored. The proposed sign, estimated to cost $67,000, would provide school-related information and emergency notifications, with functionality to display messages in both English and Spanish.

01:11:52The board also considered reducing the frequency of meetings from two per month to one, with an optional second meeting if necessary. This proposal aimed to increase efficiency and consolidate discussions, though it faced some opposition from board members who valued regular engagement.

02:09:03The meeting concluded with updates on various initiatives, including the new Lael High School project and the strategic plan for the district, alongside efforts to enhance community safety through an ordinance related to sex offender restrictions. The board expressed confidence in their ongoing work and commitment to educational and community development.