The meeting began with a thorough discussion on workforce housing, spearheaded by Jason Roberts of Upward Communities. Roberts provided updates on the housing initiative, emphasizing the district’s role as the master tenant under a long-term triple net lease. This arrangement allows the district to treat properties like ownership without the associated risks, with Upward managing day-to-day operations. Roberts noted significant interest from staff members in the housing program, remarking that similar initiatives in other districts have seen high demand compared to available units. He underscored the community’s support, stating, “You’ve got a wonderful community. You’ve got wonderful people here that want amazing things for your school district.”

Board members sought further clarity on staff opinions regarding the housing proposal, with requests for updates on lease negotiations. Dr. Brewer acknowledged some hesitance among staff, attributing it to the detailed legal nuances involved in the discussions. Attorney Powers pointed out that many legal aspects had evolved since the board’s last review of the lease.

Collaboration and communication between board members and staff were highlighted as important to addressing large-scale questions and concerns. Dr. Brewer stressed the importance of comprehensive problem-solving and ensuring all concerns are resolved, referencing positive interactions with external HR directors and staff members.

The conversation then shifted to the budget and funding allocations, where Mrs. Boston Ellis and Kayla Johnson presented the tentative budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The School Resource Officer (SRO) budget was clarified, totaling $5,356,252, with funds sourced from both the referendum and general fund. Johnson detailed the capital projects fund, noting a $371 million revenue estimate, primarily from leftover funds and new capital levies. The discussion also touched on impact fees, reinstated in 2024, with concerns about their allocation and usage for growth-related projects.

As the board navigated the complexities of the tentative budget, attention turned to the newly approved sales tax, estimated to generate $40 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These funds are earmarked for replacing Belleview Elementary and Belleview Santos Elementary School. A portion of the revenue is allocated to charter schools based on full-time equivalent enrollment, raising questions about accountability and proper oversight of these distributed funds.

Debate arose concerning the equitable distribution of funds and the board’s desire for transparent tracking of revenue and project allocations across districts. Dr. James expressed concerns about the representation and equitable fund allocation, emphasizing the need for better-informed voting and accountability.

Beyond budgetary discussions, the board addressed legislative priorities, particularly concerning chronic absenteeism and attendance legislation. Plans for a trip to Tallahassee during committee weeks were proposed, with dates tentatively set despite scheduling complexities. The board also considered the implications of an intergovernmental meeting in October, with questions about data collection and the firm JB Pro’s contract deliverables.

The meeting concluded with discussions on transportation challenges within the district, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to improve service reliability. The board expressed a desire to explore alternatives like ridesharing services and autonomous vehicles to address transportation issues, particularly for students experiencing homelessness.