A key focal point of the meeting was the presentation by Laura Lingal from Gallagher Benefit Services on the funding projections for the self-funded health plan, which revealed a projected gain of approximately $7 million for the 2024 plan year. The board was informed that this positive trend could allow for an increase in reserves. Lingal recommended a 2% increase over the current funding, based on the favorable projections and the goal of improving benefits for employees. The presentation also covered the projected costs for the 2025 plan year, noting a small loss if funding remained at 0%.

Further into the meeting, the board engaged in a conversation about the renewal proposal for the Ocali Charter Middle School. The school was praised for its academic and financial performance but had not met the criteria for an automatic 15-year renewal. Despite this, the presentation emphasized the importance of the renewal in providing stability and resources for the school’s long-term site. The board discussed the school’s waiting list, current space constraints, and the necessity of the 15-year contract, with a consensus leaning towards moving forward with the renewal.

Another topic was the stability of the insurance market, as reported by Ben F from Ben F and Company risk management and insurance Consulting. The board was pleased to hear about a 3.5% decrease in insurance costs following negotiations and discussed the efficient resolution of claims, as well as the need to consider replacement cost appraisals for new properties.

Teacher pay emerged as a concern during the meeting, with the mention of Florida’s ranking at the bottom in average teacher pay igniting a debate about the necessity of increasing salaries to reflect the cost of living. The board discussed the funding allocated for teacher salaries and the need for specific recommendations regarding pay. There was also concern about the bureaucracy involved in documenting attendance for Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) students, with a call for deregulation to simplify the process.

The importance of student attendance was another focal issue, with the board members discussing potential changes to the existing statute regarding student absences to more effectively address non-attendance patterns. The board emphasized the transformative power of a high school diploma and the need to engage students in learning through various programs and athletics.

Legislative priorities also came under scrutiny, with the board considering amendments to state laws to streamline the collection of parent signatures for the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) and to incorporate World Geography education into the curriculum. Additionally, discussions around the size limitations on gymnasiums for new high schools and the need to match the facilities of Charter Schools were held, alongside the proposal for additional funding for gifted students’ educational plans.

Operational matters, such as the upcoming graduation for Marion Technical College, the school supply drive, and the construction of a new facility for the technical college, were also mentioned. The board discussed the potential for Aviation education at the high school level and the results of a salary study that suggested reestablishing hybrid work arrangements for certain positions.