A focal point of the meeting was the presentation by the director of safe schools on student discipline and legislative updates. The director introduced the “versat” threat management portal, now accessible to all school districts, with comprehensive training for school personnel, including charter schools. This portal is an important part of an initiative to enhance student safety and address potential threats, receiving ongoing support through December 2026.

Significant legislative updates were also discussed, particularly House Bill 1255, which enforces stricter student discipline guidelines. This bill mandates that students referred for disciplinary actions must receive intentional support from either the child study team or the school-based team. It also requires parental involvement during these communications. House Bill 1105 was addressed, restricting wireless device usage for students in grades K-8 during school hours and limiting high school students’ device use during instructional time unless permitted by faculty. Exceptions are outlined for students with 504 plans, IEPs, or documented medical needs.

The updated student code of conduct now includes a clearer definition of repetitive disruptive behaviors, identifying actions that occur two or more times as repetitive. This clarification helps administrators implement prescribed corrective strategies before classifying behaviors as repetitive. Discussions highlighted the necessity of considering students with disabilities when determining behavioral interventions.

The meeting also delved into the district’s academic achievements, with a presentation on the district’s designation as one of Florida’s academically high-performing districts. The district celebrated 42 schools recognized as “schools of excellence” and 125 schools honored for promoting positive behavior. Significant growth in students enrolled in advanced coursework was noted, highlighting the district’s tailored academic responses to improve K-2 reading proficiency and specific content areas like science and social studies.

The district’s graduation rate for the fiscal year 2024 reached 92.1%, with steady increases across various demographic groups. Additionally, the number of students eligible for Bright Futures scholarships and industry certification exams was reported, with a passing rate of 75%. The meeting confirmed that 180 students graduated with their Associate of Arts degree through dual enrollment with Florida Atlantic University.

Concerns about the clarity and consistency of criteria for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and necessary accommodations for students with specific needs were raised. The need for more training on establishing statements of need within IEPs was emphasized, along with calls for clear communication with parents regarding accommodation requests.

Reports on student discipline highlighted a 21% decrease in incidents from the previous year, with notable decreases in level one and two incidents. The importance of creating a positive school climate and culture was emphasized, with operational culture and positive behavior supports identified as key components. Corrective behavior intervention reports aim to manage minor offenses in a supportive manner, fostering learning rather than merely administering discipline.

Attendance issues were addressed, with a reported decrease in chronic absenteeism from 22% to 19.5% over the past year. While trends in substance abuse incidents are improving, the district acknowledged the ongoing need for work in this area, emphasizing the curriculum’s statewide impact in substance abuse prevention.

The introduction of the Safe School Ambassadors and the Trusted Adult Initiative was discussed. These programs aim to enhance student support and safety through collaborative efforts across departments, including the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team.

The meeting also covered technical operations updates, including a transition from Board Docs LT to Diligent Community, anticipated by June 2026. This new platform aims to consolidate functions into one user-friendly system, especially beneficial for mobile users. Training plans for school board members and advisory committee members were outlined, with data migration currently in progress and a live goal set for December 2025.