The discussion of the athletic funding model was part of a broader conversation on the district’s budget and capital plan. The board highlighted an increase in the base student allocation, per student funding, and the establishment of a reserve for salary and benefits, buoyed by higher tax values that have increased funds available for these purposes. Support from Palm Beach County voters was acknowledged for enabling additional resources and compensation for teachers.

Attention then shifted to the 10-year capital plan, a state requirement, which the board discussed extending to 12 years. It was noted that the plan would be funded by various sources, including local property taxes, impact fees, and sales tax revenue, with a proposed sales tax referendum set for November to provide further financial support. The plan encompasses various projects, such as new construction, facility renewals, technology upgrades — including touchscreen laptops for all students — and security enhancements. Highlighted projects include the addition of a high school in the River Beach area and an elementary school in the Western communities area, scheduled for construction in the next few years.

The board also reviewed the allocation of funds for equipment, emphasizing the need for ongoing maintenance and upgrades, such as AEDs, musical instruments, and AV equipment. The importance of maintaining school TV stations with updated facilities was underlined.

Facility improvements did not escape the board’s scrutiny, with a strong focus on ADA compliance, athletic facilities, emergency repairs, and modernizations to support project-based learning and collaboration. They also examined the necessity of addressing the specific needs of students with disabilities and maintaining safe and inclusive environments.

The conversation encompassed the allocation of funds for planned maintenance, which includes air conditioning, roof replacements, and fire and life safety systems. The board stressed the importance of adhering to industry standards to avoid maintenance backlogs and guarantee the safety and functionality of school buildings.

The allocation of sales tax funds for school improvement projects was addressed, with the board highlighting the collaboration with school committees in decision-making processes for the use of these funds. The need for additional funding from a proposed half-penny sales tax was discussed, which would support infrastructure upgrades, security enhancements, and technology improvements among other needs.

Security was another focal point, with a discussion on the installation of guard houses at high schools and using sales tax funds for various security projects. This includes bidirectional amplifiers to enhance radio and cell phone reception within school buildings.

The board provided updates on the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, detailing their allocation and expenditure. Areas such as addressing unfinished learning, technology, safe school operations, and indirect costs were mentioned, alongside the distribution of staff bonuses for additional workloads during the pandemic.

The meeting did not overlook the potential for declining enrollment, a concern for many districts. Palm Beach County was noted as fortunate in this regard, contrasting with neighboring counties facing such challenges. The increase in health claims and premiums, as well as potential hikes in the Florida Retirement System, were discussed in the context of the need for the sales tax initiative to address these escalating costs.

Additionally, the installation of electronic marquees at high schools was deliberated, taking municipal requirements and potential city resistance into account. The use of a property for various potential purposes, including commercial training or affordable housing, was also debated.