23:50A major focus of the meeting was the recognition of exceptional CTE programs across the district. Superintendent Hendrick introduced this segment, expressing gratitude to the Pelican Education Foundation for supporting the recognition of five academies that achieved the Academy of Distinction designation from the Stavros Career Education Board. The board detailed the rigorous process required for an academy to achieve this status, which involves internal inspections and site visits by community and industry representatives. The recognition of these academies was not only symbolic but also included financial rewards to support their programs.

The recognized academies included the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy at Tarpon Springs High School, the Center for Education and Leadership at another high school, the Center for Journalism and Multimedia at Lakewood High School, the Center for Technology Entertainment and Design at a fundamental high school, and the Commercial and Digital Arts Academy at a technical high school. Each academy was presented with a large check to symbolize the financial support awarded for their accomplishments. The board commended the dedication of these academies to preparing students for successful careers after graduation.

0:28In addition to recognizing the academies, the meeting included a proclamation designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month. The proclamation, read by a board member, outlined the contributions of CTE to the local economy and the preparation of students for high-demand careers. It highlighted the enrollment of nearly 30,000 high school students in CTE courses and the achievement of over 11,000 industry certifications, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning opportunities provided by these programs.

23:50Following the CTE recognitions, the board addressed amendments to policy 2140, which concerns the Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee. Superintendent Hendrick and the Director of Strategic Planning and Policy provided an overview of the proposed amendments, which included allocations for teacher and support staff salaries, as well as funding for music, art, and reading classes. The proposed changes aimed to align with voters’ expectations and would be effective starting July 1, 2025. A public hearing on the policy was recommended for March 25, 2025.

The board engaged in discussions about the clarity and transparency of the policy language. Board members emphasized the importance of ensuring that the funds were used as intended by the ballot language. Some members proposed tabling the discussion for further review, while others expressed a preference to proceed with the current motion, addressing potential amendments at an upcoming workshop. Ultimately, the first reading of the policy remained unchanged, and the board passed the motion unanimously.

47:09In another policy-related discussion, the board considered repealing outdated policies related to school property and adopting a new policy to streamline asset management. The proposed changes included raising the fixed asset threshold from $1,000 to $5,000 and eliminating annual inventory requirements for items valued between $300 and $1,000. The board expressed appreciation for the work involved in clarifying and streamlining these complex procedures.

Beyond policy discussions, the meeting featured acknowledgments of various student accomplishments and events. The conclusion of the third annual student leadership summit was highlighted, where students worked on projects aimed at improving their schools. Superintendent Hendrick thanked the students for producing documentaries about their experiences, noting the positive impact such projects have on their learning and engagement. Ongoing activities related to Black History Month, including essay and art contests for scholarships, were also mentioned.

1:04:30The meeting also included public comments, where a substitute teacher raised concerns about food service guidelines and their impact on student health, urging the board to consider alternative approaches. Another speaker expressed gratitude for the board’s ongoing efforts in education, emphasizing the importance of public education for democracy.