School Board Meeting

trumpets This is a culture to only grows in nice and in a small portion of next to the border. And it's from or in texture and stronger in flavor than regular. It's a team. She received. Ice is the red onion. Shops of the comic >> Good evening, everybody. And welcome to the APRIL 29th 2025. School Board of Manatee County regular board meeting as well as a public hearing. I want to officially call this meeting to order. I'm going to pass it over to Vice chair spray for the reading of our District Division as well as the introduction for indication very well. The school district of Manatee County will be a next step. >> Larry student Focus School system that develops lifelong learners to be a goal globally And I would like to invite up to Dyas podium as Sylvia r she she is a a she works at. I'm so sorry. I'm messing this holding out for Temple and church is a former district employee at the Transportation Department. And I want to say thank you so much for coming and doing indication process end. If you please just and young >> And good evening and thank you for reporting this lay person the opportunity to serve. If you would join me. Let's go to the throne of Grace. >> Lehman now have this system boat. And I pressures name o Lord. We have assembled ourselves on this Tuesday. APRIL 29th 2025. At this appointed hour. First to give. Thanks to you. Oh, GOD for another day to do the business of the school district of Manatee County. >> We have a simple together what you plan prepare and protect our students, education endeavors. So we pray that you will leading guide this board in the way that you would have them to go as they make the important decisions that will affect and shape the lives of the students of this county. Keep them on one accord and make them I-four always why they were elected to their calling. As I move to close this guy, we left up to you. Superintendent Weis on his leadership team and then the this district to higher heights. We lift up to you. The board members, its legal team and administrative staff. We lift up to you what the teachers and the a's, the principals and vice principals who watch over our students each and every day we lift up to you. The Transportation Department, especially our drivers and attendants. We lift up to you all know what the custodians, the food service workers and our maintenance and operations department and all of the components of this district in their respective positions who helped shape and make this district what it and should be. Lets this Norte and the hold and all those who are always advocating for better. We lift up to the parents of the next doctors, nurses, Larry, is and educators. And finally, we lift precious commodity up to your All of our students, especially especially our unhoused population of students and their families. That's them and keep them always as our students staff approach the end of another school year, not keep them safe from guns. Keep them safe from those that for you on them north, please keep them safe from hurt, harm and danger. And when it's time to return to start the new school year that there might be prepared to to dream and to achieve. We asked these and all of the bases that was surely I know coming. Your precious sweet Maine. >> a man >> Again, thank you. Board member spray and to the entire board for the opportunity to serve. >> Thank you. Thank Thank you. Thank your remain standing for the presentation colors by the for high School color guard. Members, Jessica Cruz or Botta. If you look at as now, Tony Ramirez, Stephanie, Ricardo. >> Our time marks. Pretty I >> If you join me in the pledge. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of and to nation under indivisible, liberty justice all. >> Arms. But >> Thank you. MAY be seated. That moves us on to item number 6 on the agenda is the approval of the agenda on the chairs down did cause to amend the agenda to include all items listed. Underage and amendments on the table tonight. 2025 agenda updated APRIL 25th between 25 and posted to the district website. Community Schools dot net. Do I have a motion to approve the agenda so moved. I will say it. I a motion in a second and tickets doesn't show any place to live. Mine doesn't either. Wind gusts. I'm going sign on some back up. They do it manually. All those in favor of the approval of the agenda, ridge and say aye, he opposed passes 5, 0, We're eager. I number 7 approval of the minutes. Superintendent Weis on. Good evening Chair board members. Recommend approval of the minutes from the 3/14/2025 special School Board meeting 3/14/2025 school Board workshop. >> 4/8/2025 school board meeting in the APRIL 8th 2025 school Board workshop so moved. I'll second. >> My grandkids is back up and rolling. Nobody else. Could-1 yet? But I mean, it. So it's going vote mainly again, the old-fashioned way look minutes. Good can say I any opposed. 9 passes 5, 0, MR. Barber. I'm great student celebrations time of the meeting coming up. Got a lot of them with we do a thank you, MR. Board chair of board members 2. >> Yeah, this is a special night. Down to the last part of the school year. It's really a our best opportunity to invite our students and to be recognized to before the school year ends. And we have a real special student to recognize the first off and you know. From time to time, people retire from the district in. We have an organization here in town, the Manatee County, retired Educators association and they sponsor special essay contest. Tell us a little bit about that is a be a member of the Manatee County retired Educators association and the CHAIRMAN Of this contest Chris Williamson said thank you. >> I am Chris Williamson and I am the chairperson for the Manatee County, retired educators, grade and contest and organization promotes activities like the 5th. 86 Hunt is to get the students of Manatee County involved in writing essays. And we also do scholarships for teachers. Really involved in We really want to do then. >> teachers. >> Every year we do the 5th grade essay contest and open it up. So then they can have their students read an essay and we always the same topic for the s a and that topic is and the experience with the grand parent or older adult Hannah's influence their life in a positive way. And mark is 10:00am and Jeff with that. And you will find that out in just a little bit. Winning students gift cards and get their sea tickets. And we also Pam, the teachers get a gift card, the same as students can't. So we honor our teachers also. So we are so very, very proud of my. Not only did he win first place in Manatee County for this essay contest. He 3rd place in the entire state Florida. >> It's time I would like principal. Can't the price to You can talk about murdered. >> has been a pleasure working with. You and your board. So thank you. >> Mark had me at hello 6 years ago. Willis together. So Marcano that just didn't just explained the type of student that mark is. He was so concerned today is his younger sister's birthday, Georgia. >> All right. It was so concerned that this was going to impact her birthday celebration. We had to reassure him that it was not. We can do both right. So Mark is going to read to you his essay about chance with his grandmother. And I want to think this is common. It's teacher who is here she is our math science teacher. But she also is here for other recognitions that. A lot going on list right? All right. Please let them MARCH 3. >> In the specially important and beloved memory I have was a grandparent, as was my grandmother who taught me how play chess. I can still remember sitting down on the floor of my room with my grandmother after children that I wanted to play chess. She told me that you teach me everything she knew. We started with the pieces and how to set up the board. First, there are the ponds. She said they can move to space is the beginning. But after they are first moves, think moved. They can only move one space and can attack other pieces when they are one square, diagonal and blows. Think when they reach the end of support, they can be turned into any peace except for the We did the same thing every other piece the night goes and Mel shape. The Bishop Coast Agen the king can move one space in every direction and so on. This one on and 2, I fully understood the names of the pieces and how they moved. Next. We started practicing. I some games last others and I have a lot of fun playing with sir. We shared last with each other and when we have spent a lot of quality time together. We played as much as we could. And since no one else in my family knows how play chess. It has become a special thing for just the 2 of us. We play lots of 4 games together. Chest will always be my favorite because it's something special for just the 2 of us as we get playing. I got better in large tactics. I want my grandma take a piece with the proper positioning. I cover is one of my pieces to take hers. And sometimes even when the game. Now I am trying openings in in new tactics to be more Defense Department. I am very grateful that my grandma told me how to play chess in this way. She taught me have to be patient to strategize and to look at my surroundings. This is really impacted my life in a great way and brought me closer to my grandma. And so my other friends that play chess. I will never forget how she took the time to teach me how to play this game and healthy grown closer to her. I didn't just learn I my grand mom. I have something in common. That was special for just the 2 of us. That is truly the what makes this my favorite memory with a grandparent. >> That was great. And it was really nice to her by a grandmother. Did you also introduce us to your parents are standing >> that's my mom over their earnings, Jennifer. That that is my dad before >> in Perth Day. >> And take photo with the school board and that for >> It through member or her name you Thank so I jump mark. >> Happy birthday to you. >> And >> So my singing. >> look it. This next, it just keeps getting better and better this next award is really a national award. We have a student, a senior at Lakewood Ranch, High School, Addison Che, and she attended a special event in Washington, D.C., hosted but America's longest running and most distinguished science and math competition of the Regeneron Science talent search. And there were 40 finalists from across the country, including shade and they were honored during an awards ceremony at the National Building Museum in Washington where they received more than 1.8 million dollars in prizes for their groundbreaking research, exceptional problem solving skills and potential to shape the future of stem. Myshake received $25,000 as a finalist and joins a distinguished groups of science talent, search alumni. They've gone on to achieve world changing careers a steamed honors, including the Nobel Prize, the National Medal of Science and the MacArthur Fellowship. So going to ask a Lakewood Ranch assistant Principal Thomas and Belen to come and say you at Well, you pretty much it all from Prudential. So I the hard pressed even compare my credentials that but Addison is using a measure last year for the first time. >> Interviewing her for a district-wide scholarship. And I was quite impressed with, you know, all the things she contributes our campus, the culture as well pastor to other students. And I think it's a testament to our education of both stem and steam programs that we've invested so much time resources for so give it up for Addison shape. >> Hi there. Thank you all for having me It was just such an incredible experience to get to go to Washington, D.C., last month. I had this opportunity to meet a number of remarkable people. Both. >> Scientists and professionals as well as peers. And I would really like to thank my research teacher MISS's Harper because she was such an incredible mentor for me throughout this process. And I wouldn't be here without her. I'm here now with my mom, Julie Shane, my dad, Tyson, so. >> Thank Welcome. >> a family having a birthday. Thank you for having thanks rescue gradually gradually from gradually wearing off Johnson. >> said just better. Right now we're winners on math superstars. >> up. Maybe think we okay. Good. >> All right. I think mostly all are with the mask superstars competition took place at the and I was saying. It took place at the Brighton Area Convention Center on APRIL 5th Yeah, we had tremendous event and some really you involved in it. So I want to introduce tell us more about it. The director of elementary curriculum and instruction Allison Nichol. So Allison. >> All right. Good evening. Board members, Superintendent Weis on. So we're excited to have here tonight. Our top 3 winning teams from both elementary and for the first time this year, middle school. So we've been superstars for 26 years. So and ran a 26 annual competition. Typically it's only been elementary. And this year we decided we wanted to expand to 6 graders and middle school. So it was kind of an competition this year with that addition, we do have a quick video to kind show you highlights from competition. >> It out Nichols and the director of elementary curriculum instruction. And it's my privilege to them. The family are massive are and all of our guests to the 26th annual masking for stars competition. I want to give a special thank you to our students representing 33 District Elementary schools. >> And for the first time, we are proud include 6 graders from 10 middle schools and I'm asking for stars competition. >> asked if stars is competition where schools consent to students, Kurds school represent their team coming compete in a 45 test using the problem solving skills. They work together and partners and they're booklet with questions that are a very difficult for them to really a problem solving the so they're working to gather. She's answer those questions. They're talking it out with each other about ideas off of it, using meth terminology to really increase their output can be Larry and really learning to persevere while they're doing the math. A lot of our kids have opportunities to be engaged extracurricular activities. This is another avenue for students to compete and challenge themselves academically first, just really nervous. The thing I don't know if I'm going well-known which how I'm going to have one down rough a lot better about it. >> And our first place it is the middle school on. >> I think it shows them that they compete at higher levels of challenge themselves academically and encourages them to take a hard thing. >> And so all of our teams that are there, you know, again, that pairs of perseverance, the teamwork that really is what was highlighted that day. But we're here tonight on our top 3 teams. I'm we do have a a trophy. It's a traveling trophy that >> first place team from both the middle school and an elementary school look at to keep at their school for the year. >> The school's name is added to the trophy. So you'll see on the elementary trophy. There's lots of a school names and student names on that one. But the middle school trophy for the first time we're adding the very first name and we're excited to grow at the names on that trophy over the next lots of years. So I will turn it over to him. >> Don Bakker, our case 5 math curriculum specialist, and she will introduce our elementary teams. >> And then Rene, but I'm back at who is our secondary math coordinator will introduce our middle school teams. Kate, thank you. I'd like to recognize our 3rd place finishers at their place finishes represented Gallant Elementary. >> We have Liam. You all. And we have saline de la Cruz. I second place team is representing Sam entry. We have the ran it and Alvin blast that. And our first place team is representing Willis Elementary. We have Liliana se Han and Sophia doubt. Girls names are engraved on the trophy as well. >> Also, congratulates And now they're just in a wooden Right? It was exciting to have middle school for the first time this year. So I'm going to introduce our 3rd place winner from Britain, middle school. We have Kinsley Ross and unfortunately, Andrew One cannot be here. But second place was our team from mortgage, a middle school. We have if and Matthew Low. And our first place team is from a lane. Middle. We have met across and west. We pray. Thank you very >> I just wanted to say parents in proud of you would like to stand up. >> era >> And that any teachers that are here, you raise your hands and let's >> Thank you guys for coming down. We do. A parents committee appearance superstar mask and I love my kids really are >> thank you guys it's summer, but he's still got 4 good about parts. >> Good >> that relations with >> Regional. Going do you whom are next try plan and and then those playoff. No, but like what you think it through Friday that states with Thunder forecast >> This our a final recognition for the evening and its state champion, weight And Kim, your first state champions is a junior at man which liberate >> I didn't realize they good. Could There's a lot of is a lot still >> and we've got to we've got a good crowd waiting to get coach Lansky. Can you go to some crowd control out get some help on the door? Is another group to come in Houston? >> No, I think come in witness it, you know, waiting was a great turnout of family and friends and all those kids. That was awesome. I Are okay? >> Our first state champion is a junior at Manatee High School. Her name Sheree. Could king and she won the top weight class at the Class. 3, a state championship. She lifted. It was the Olympic We left event. She lifted 380 pounds combined. >> snatched in the clean and j# # . Think we have look at There amazing feat. >> We have here a year with us as a principal at Manatee. Shan Fleming, we also have met Bolling, the athletic director and also the weightlifting coach Rich Lansky. And he's going to tell us a little bit about streak >> review board, my name is Rich Lansky the way that the at the high school and service, the medical Academy lead there. Good fortune of the street, get Kings, teacher and coach and that he. Whether it's in the classroom on the way to 2 platforms. She's a joy to work with. We have a saying and that the high school, it's deo no days off. That's class room. And that's the weight room. They don't come to class. They don't come to the weight room just as important street. Example find that every day she comes to school and practice is focused 4 pillars. Only time I emphasize these in my classroom is discipline, determination, dedication and drive. She does it every day. Her attitude, her effort and work ethic paid off big-time this year when she took home 3, a look at state title late and civic Center. Extremely proud of her. Played perfectly made a list that you had make and the left the other people, the dust been coach, way looking for 30 plus years interest and stole a base best student athletes that I've coached. It's my pillage the co-chair and I happy do that every day she became. No Okay. Parents are sure Rica. Cain and Stan Lee came so and we also had one other state champion. And I think, you know him from last is produced an incredible feat was support for for a long time. And I hardly ever heard of this just time state champion. He wanted the Olympic event 169 pounds. He lifted 500 and city 575 pounds, 260 pounds in the statute. 315 pounds of the clean injured. It's four-time state champion is Cale bunch from Palmetto High School. Unfortunately he can be with us today. But we're hoping to have him come to a future board meeting and be recognized. But we're very proud of the state champions as Rick. And we're glad you could join us today. Best of repeating that >> All Thank you. Got your >> That's awesome. Thank you very much. This week, MR. CHAIRMAN, just of during all of these great presentations tonight we had, I think I counted 8 principles and then 6 directors and executive directors who came you know, connected to the schools and students and their activities and it's a very busy time of year for all of our school and district leaders. And I just appreciate all of them for joining the celebration tonight. Thank Thank you. It brings us to item number 9 public comment. >> So we'll go ahead and get started with our public comment is for those you who are new on the list in NOVEMBER had a public comment before screen above us. We give you the 3 minutes that you have allocated public comment. We come up podium, Todd Mike sot, you're ready to go and it is board policy. Just fy that we do not answer any questions from public comment. So just be prepared. If you're asking questions, it's not that we're going. Just policy that we don't engage with the public speaker here at the meeting. So that's going get. Guarded. >> If you these coming I see him at the I see him at the involve machine. Soledad. What? Lose a minute. Skip it. You can visit to the right there was coming to kind ease. >> Let's get to number 2. Doctor, Laura slinger. Doctor Laura Eslinger. In the lobby she out there, Tim so Yeah. You come on up. Actually first. But I thought thought you come in. So come on down. The price is intense get a Thank No problem. You're good, I'm good. I'm Good morning. Good evening. Board members. I want to begin tonight, but in the reality in front of us, the board workshop to discuss whether the over 12,000 charter students receive their fair share of the happening. Sales tax has now been delayed twice. Let's be honest. This delay that began in 2025. Chart families have been waiting since 2016. As former history teacher. I know history matters. Not just big dates like JULY 4 through 9.11, but the quieter ones too. The ones that shape our trust and a fine or community. For over for the over 7000 men to kind of charter families. That date is 10/25/2016. According to the school District video and the board minutes on that night, 2 weeks before voters renewed the sales tax. The school board recognized its passing depended upon to trust and support of charters families. After all, charter students had grown to roughly 15% of the public in Rome. Also in that night, MR. Bustle, principal public, charter sure that he and this charter board voted to support happy sales tax. The clarified that they were prepared to stand against it. It's something was not done to shared in a more equitable way. Doctor Bill Jones principal the school for the arts stood where I stand and revision of the proposal along with several other community members. In response to this. The board board member Bob GOD's proposed, an amended motion to ensure fair share for charter schools. The amended motion passed unanimously with a clear directive that the block grant would be used and that, quote. For year one with the superintendent and district staff working with charter schools to establish an equitable district distribution going forward, end Board member Dave Minor said best that night. Charter families will feel good knowing the school board is on the record that they are going to receive money from the sales tax. 2 weeks later on NOVEMBER. 8th, the half Penny sales tax passed. But after that district leadership never followed through the amended motion about equitable distribution was never added to the executive action, a serious omission that undermines the board's directive. No collaboration, no revised plan. No one's meditation. Then in AUGUST 2023, that then board voted to officially terminate all charter school access to sales tax funds. It's important understand that this was a different board years removed from the original vote and we're relying on the flawed executive action that disregarding what the 2016 board clearly directed. Their decision was guided by a document that it never been properly updated and which did not respond court in a district that did not respond accordingly. As a result, families pay the price. At the of the day, this isn't about politics or preference. It's about principle. The history is clear. As they've miner said that night. Charter schools are part of our operation. Part of our great educational plus of our community. We are one county. We are one district. >> And we are one community learns. I urge you to include charter students in the 24. 25 distribution. Thank you. Thank you. >> Next up, to Doctor Laura as linger, followed by Lisa. Cohn is need. Close. I >> thank you for your time. Superintendent, thank you for your time. My name is Doctor Laura veterinary. And I've been a bit Marin, a Manatee County for 17 years. What's more important is I received my education from Manatee County in 1991, I went to the Shaw Elementary. I want to bring river middle Southeast high school and went to usf. And I finally received my. Critical degree. Then your medicine at uf. And then after that, I married my high school sweetheart who went to Manatee High School in 1987 unity transplant. Went through all the schools in all that of Bradenton. And we said, where are we going? Actually, there was no question. We were come home home. This place beautiful county that raised us and that has been the most amazing, hard working Kerry, Compassionate, Honest. Promise, keeping people. And that's the most important thing. I understand a promise was made to us voters in 2016. I understand it was made by a different board. But it was still made to us us. The voters of Manatee County on OCTOBER, 25th 2016, 2 weeks before the half, Penny sales serve tax or tax vote. The Manatee County School Board unanimously amended a motion to ensure charter schools would be included and a funding plan. Now I know things have changed 2020 2023. There have been bills and there have been things that have changed. But what should not change is that all the money should follow the children. The public school charter school children. That is what needs to be done and MAY 23rd at 10 Oclock Public Workshop. School Board workshop is to be had. I would love to make it. I have rescheduled a few patients of and lovingly think they absolutely fine with that. I would love if that happened because I love understand where the money is going, where the money that we voted for this half cent Penny. Where is it going? Where did it go? How did it get broken down and charter schools, our public schools, and they deserve. A fair share. And the promise that was made in 2016 needs to be upheld. I know in 2023 AUGUST, 11th that meeting there was a plus talk about an audit. And then at the end, there was talking about how we're going to break this down or how we can afford to pay the charter schools, whether we're going to do a tax block again, if it was legal or pay them 6 million or 0. And it was chosen 0. And there's got to be in in between between 6 Million. Thank you. Thank Appreciate I appreciate the support that no, just hold applause, please. He's gonna can go both ways. >> Next up, Lisa goodness me. They had a right that time now. Mean, without the sun. And as know, okay. Points. Steve, you the Senate twice right on accident. We've got an Wilson. Followed by in Mitchell. >> Good evening. The Manatee Board of Education superintendent, why song and community guests? I'd like to thank the board for your support of charter schools in Manatee County. My family moved here 13 years ago from California with a freshman and a sophomore in high school. Both girls attended Lakewood Ranch High School and had a positive experience. But in spite of taking honors and advanced placement classes, they were still about a year to year and a half ahead academically as their peers. We will always be infinitely grateful for school choice in the opportunity. Our girls tend to attend the state College of Florida Collegiate School. It supported our daughters, academic ambitions and met their needs for more accelerated study. The graduated high school with their diplomas and a complete associate's degree. 66 college credits the Manatee charter school needed defining difference in both of our daughters, educations and futures. Today, I work at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, a charter school in Manatee County with a college preparatory focus. It offers accelerated coursework in came and the Cambridge program out of Oxford University. We are the only high school in the state of Florida and only one of 4 high schools in the country that have a partnership with calm. Our high school seniors can obtain or leave provision accept instantly come medical school. Look, if they meet certain criteria and follow the program requirements. This is an amazing opportunity for Manatee County High school seniors who are seeking a career in medicine. They can go to college knowing they're already accepted to medical school and after they complete after they complete the program qualifications similar to the state College of Florida Collegiate School. These options are available to all Manatee County students. But that doesn't mean that they're the optimal fit for every student. This is why we continue to need school choice. We are all united by one mission student success. But are students are not one size fits all and our educational options must reflect that people are moving to Manatee County from all over the country and the world. They're coming here with different educational backgrounds and needs just like I did the necessity for school choice is greater now than ever. As is the funding to support the schools. MAY second, the board has a workshop regarding have penny sales tax issue. I urge the board to honor the promise made 9 years ago to provide equitable distribution of these funds to all schools, including Manatee charter schools that serve 12,000 students and their families. The greatest way that we fail. Our children is to lack the courage to change and do things differently. We ask our students to do this every day, but we must lead, by example. I have every confidence that you have the courage to change the way how the Halfpenny taxes distributed. Respectfully, I asked the board to honor hb 1259, which states that charter schools should be paid a portion of the tax based on fte enrollment. I thank you in advance for leading with integrity to be a power. Of example, for our students and community. Next up and Mitchell followed by. David Nish. Speaking on the same side, that is like to stand together. >> And speaking for 3 minutes speak. >> And I'm like I with each other. Yeah, but you're gonna have to read. He's not yet. Ok? >> My name is and Mitchell and I am here as a parent and advocate for student safety and a concerned member of this district. I am speaking on behalf of my 11 year-old daughter in the picture. Grace Mitchell. I am deeply troubled by the decision to allow my daughter's 5th grade teacher at bt going entry school to resign rather to pursue termination. This teacher engaged in serious and egregious misconduct involving my daughter and other students of Eagle at elementary school. His actions included inappropriate, unwanted physical contact, repeated violations of student boundaries, including a greeting letter for asking post forced office documents misuse of school technology in cell phones, including air dropping photos from students, cell phones without their consent on to his and video recording. My daughter running at recess with no educational purpose. Other acts of harassment and documented emotional psychological manipulation of vulnerable children. These were not isolated incidents. They were sustained violations of the most basic teacher standards of trust and safety in my hands. Copy of the 2 ph handwritten textbook grooming water that was written by this teacher and given to my 11 year-old daughter while she was simply trying to attend pe. I'm speaking to all of you, not just as board members, but as a mother apparent. How has this district in board protected? And it's okay to my daughter, Grace or any of the children affected by this teacher. I ask you, where is the district and the board's transparency? Is the accountability with the permission of the District? A Guardian go it Entry school reviewed surveillance video and flagged video which showed that this meal 5th grade teacher led my 11 year-old daughter into his classroom and spent 45 minutes alone with her. While the rest of the students went to the library for their specials and Valentine's Day, The Guardian reported the incident to the District and Friday, APRIL, 11th to date, we have not been notified of this horrific incident by anyone in the district or on this board. Superintendent Weis MR. Chote, do you know what my daughter went through behind that door? She is my daughter and I still do not know the answer to that question. My daughter has been deeply emotionally affected by the situation. She has nightmares and wake up weeks of having pride in her sleep. This teacher stole a piece of her innocence and the district and the board are allowing a resignation. That was not your choice to make a loan. It should've been ours as well. Termination was and remains the necessary and grateful response. Our children deserve a school district in board that places the safety the safety of children above administrative convenience. Urge this district board to reflect a deeply and how this was handled. Not just for my daughter, Grace Mitchell, but for every student in the district who deserves to be safe, protected in heard. Thank you. >> My name is David condition. A former school principal also partially basketball coach. Most importantly to 9, I'm grateful. Okay. You guys something as a grandfather's. You know what that's all about. Love my kids, my grandkids and win this one on my heart broke and can't believe it. I know it was the superintendents a principal of the school. And I know that the safety of our kids are the most important I know you have good teachers in this district. I'm not you know, we see that, you know, they're good people. But in this case, somebody dropped the ball. Somebody failed my granddaughter and it could have been more serious than what it was. I guess what my daughter and I are here for is that this doesn't happen to any other kids, ok? Because it can. And, you know, we're reliving ok, you know what kind of time living Something has got to be done, which we care more about the kids. I care about kids and then with kids my whole life. So know you guys care about. So I'm asking that you do more. Okay, that you do more. This individual was with my granddaughter should not been allowed to be Somebody should have been watching and maybe somewhere along the line, these teachers maybe do a little bit more training. Okay. We do training for everything else. Why can't we try to make sure that we look at our staff because sometimes those people come on the inside. Okay. There you mean everybody looks at them. They say, well, they're great and they're doing a good job. But maybe guys, maybe that's not the case. Okay. And we need to do that. I guess I'm emotional right now and I appreciate the opportunity to speak. I stand first and foremost, no one from the district board reached out to my daughter or family to inform them of the teacher's resignation. We'll be told MR. Nelson, nobody informed. We've also been told that one reason for the board to accept the teacher's resignation as to avoid a formal deal, a charity where students might have been asked to testify. The district superintendent never reached out to the families involved, including Arch. It's that we support that can say without a doubt he's given the option. We would have come forward participated, fully support this termination, Protecting the children, play my daughter from further harm. Grand on from through the hands of priority. But the decision to accept his resignation was made without even asking anyone very families whose children were affected. You drop the ball. Can do a better job. I know that. Thank you very much him. Thank Next is there any other? People talking on this topic? You know? >> I don't I don't have I don't know it. >> Yeah, you are. MISS. Never. Nayef. He never And then all of our fans. >> Good Members of this school board. I'm grateful to be here to speak directly and not many people have a chance to speak to the elected leaders around the world. Everybody should know that and and grateful because we should not take this for granted to see the leaders that some places they don't even know who the leaders are. And so what I'm saying here today is I'm here because I share a common cause because I'm educator as an educator, I believe children should get a few chance. Equal chance every time making sure every child no matter what school they go to. If you equal access to resources. I have been an engineer. I've been a soldier, but education is in my blood. I believe in education. Education is a great equalizer. Now the foundation of any community, better community, better life a future where every time now. Could be compromised when resources I would help. This is going to be to avoid any community now, some 3 sources are given to other schools. 4. For that. Whatever reason that means while obvious barely making it. What I'm saying here is we remember one phrase from a great American Hussein tear down this wall. That wall is that device. Communities. The schools are getting some resources. Some others are not getting the resources they deserve. So the point I'm trying to make is there's artificial world that's dividing schools, charter and district. And that should come down. And for that reason, many students are not getting the resources they deserve, even though they belong into that seemed community. We simply cannot afford these walls standing. Children are counting on us to see beyond labels. And they should. They should get all the resource that you deserve like everybody else. Now, this board has the power to make that real difference. We knew when you elected you. One elected for all students. Regardless of what school go to, you believe in the power education, you can about all the students. The belief is the beginning. Now even you can take this down. What my point here it is to make that whole. And this and this wall. And this will to make sure the kids are going to be seen like everybody else. So I urge you to to advocate for fair distribution of resources to ensure that all students no matter what school they go to. Support, they need to succeed. And if you count his vision is one unity. Inclusion in progress vision that does not see barriers. Between schools and that the barrier should be broken down. >> Thank you. Thank Thank Lastly, pole of Mars. >> Hall meetings, Paul Larsen. I am a mother of an 11 year-old 5th grade here at My daughter and a 3rd grader at college. In today's society. The way the parents feel when they drop their kids off at school has changed. There's always an underlying fear of the school shooting of a nightmare like the ones that have happened at other schools. We here Children's Hospital lockdown drills. What they would do, something like that happened. We MAY get some sense of security knowing that there are armed guardians, both inside and outside of school to protect our children. Should something happen? Should someone try to enter the school in cause harm? One thing that we as parents don't do is place any doubt on the intentions or behavior of our children's teachers already inside the school. We send our children to school each day because the school by definition is an institution for educating children. We trust our school administrators have done and continue to do due diligence on these teachers with whom we entrust our toes each day. We bring a child to school with excitement and early AUGUST as they get to meet their new teacher, provide them comfort that this person is going to take care of them and have a great year. They're going ensure they're safe because we can't be there. A teacher by definition is a person provides instruction and guidance to students in a formal setting such as a school or university. And then now just formal setting for most parents as their workplace as an employee, you are a representation. Of that workplace. Your behavior as an employee is often governed by a code of conduct or effects. It's essentially 8 or a guide to ensure you are exercising reasonable judgment when conducting your work. When you violate that policy, you are terminated. We've seen instances when someone is terminated from their job from something they did when they weren't even at work. Imagine something happening at work and not being terminated for. >> That person. Is still a representation of that company. And if you don't want to be associated with that type of behavior, you separate yourself from you end it. You terminate it. If you don't already have one, it might be time to implement an anonymous. See something, say something policy. I've worked in a professional setting for the 20 years with some of that time in human resources. And I can say with confidence I was in a school setting where there were with a male. Teacher sitting with only female students on a regular basis. It would raise a red flag if I saw a female students sitting with only male students on a regular basis. It would raise a red flag. It would make me question that behavior that should have been happening. Should continue to happen. Going to run out of time, but we don't want to wait for these things to happen to do something about it. We should be striving to prevent these things from ever possibly happen. >> concludes our public comment. For this evening. Removed can sit items just letting this man. Yeah, don't see anyone requests to speak. So I mean, normally we don't. After public comment, but I mean, a minute, that's all I just need a few a couple of minutes. If you don't. >> Recess. Yeah, I was I was chosen as the same thing. If I will come back from recess. You Greenock. It's not. Notes feet. Want to speak. Just we need reach time. No CHAIRMAN. So we don't. By Robert Tools. We don't comment on the consent agenda. We really comment at meeting. Let out to why this. Some new information during. As much as comments which give me some pause. For the I appreciate its like its peak. The superintendent. In the interest of the legal matters outside the district which are still ongoing. I'm going to withhold comment. About this. Delicate, hear specifics. But I do want to say I'm deeply sorry for what happened to your daughter and your family. There's clearly been some breakdowns one way or and. Which will lead to some policy reform and some training or form. I think the board can support that. I think we will unanimously on that when we get there over the summer. Because of this position. Really MISS Mitchell. If you have a chance tomorrow would love to speak to you. What You know what, who are worried like just outside of a board meeting setting that would be okay with you if you don't understand that, too. But I can. Can reach out to tomorrow. If you don't mind. Thanks so Thanks >> Probably not going to be a gentle ascent. This to. Amendment that was made to our agenda. APRIL 20. Added to agenda. APRIL 25th 2025. My intention is to pull that item from the consent. >> The hr board work. And I wear it. Once they pull that MAY have that on topic. A paragraph. I want to read from our policy. Which you get to that? So that's my. I want to pull that part off of board work. >> Effect the entire. >> No, just amendment. Just number one had been amended. On APRIL 20. Yeah. I guess my that feeling I can pull the whole hr if you wanted to. >> don't know. I'm ok with you doing it. I'm asking. The eagle which way I result legal like that full just the amended portion of the hr board work. >> Okay. Seems see hr board work had an amendment. It would be find just a pool. Whatever the topic of that specific amendment was in continue on with the remainder of the consent agenda. Okay to you to have the item. That was the topic of that amendment would be Putin at the end of your consent agenda normal course of things and I will be considered individually, right? So we'll take the amendment part down to new business item for 300 it says will be consist. >> Considered at the end of the session the end of the session being consent items or business in >> The full from the consent. It would go to new business. No superintendent Reccomendation am I correct in that? No, they would have to be a superintendent recommendation. >> Be under number owner. It would number 12 number 12. >> one, discussion it pulled from consent create a 12 1. Okay. That would my. That would be my request of the pull. That particular amendment. >> From the board, hr hr board work and place it under item. Number 12, new business discussion pulled from consent. If you don't mind, please. So I don't mind it. >> And the it's going against what we normally do. I would said, yes, you should pull approval of agenda and pull it for sure. But one. >> as know, there's information that I did not happen. Prior 2 when we voted on Anderson approval or consent, our approval of the agenda, we have not gotten too. Item. Number 10. I have not gotten to item number 10 consent agenda. Everything right? Okay. >> All right. I mean, that doesn't need a vote. I mean, it's the board members right to pull something Content out doesn't need a vote. So we'll just add that to a one under new business pulled from consent 80. Stewart recommendation. Us to item number the consent items now without the amendment. I'm super my top. Thank you, CHAIRMAN. I recommend approval of the consent agenda as modified for the 4/29/2025 school board meeting. >> See the motion and a second for the approval of the consent items. >> As amended. So it's going vote on those. >> Needing. Again, just seconds, I guess. Wasn't I put upon us to determine working I did it. >> And the 3 times egos. Alright, turning slow consent items. That's 5 to 0. Right? Daniel Gavel, hears move in and out. So I'm going to close this public meeting. My fishing open up the public hearing. And this public hearing as for consideration to adopt amend school board policies that we have advertising. Also workshop. This is open to anyone about those specific policies. Anyone can come up in public comment on those is there anyone would like to come in public comment on those policies? In the Seeing no public comment. I want to go ahead and close. Public hearing and reopen the public about the recess. I decided try some things from the consent agenda moving on to item number 12, new business pulled from consent. Without being told Superintendent recommendation. I'll pass it to the superintendent for his recommendation. >> members, I recommend acceptance of the resignation while under investigation of the employee. >> We have a we're going zoom tenant. We have a >> so move for the purposes of discussion because if we don't motion, talk and then all second, For the purposes of discontent to have a motion and a second. Normally under a new business with with to protect recommendation, we allow you to liberate what that item is. You want to, you mean, have you feel necessary? And then I don't see the board members right this minute that up to speed. But then I'm sure a question. So what? Thank you, CHAIRMAN. >> talking MR. Hadley will cut me off we get into an area that's impermissible I'm not going to comment on the specific matter because there are open investigations. It is a guiding principle here that the school district. Does nothing to interfere with external agency investigations, nothing that might compromise. The integrity of an external investigation. What I will say is that generally. Board members, as you're aware, any time there's an allegation received, that's credible that affects the health safety welfare of a student. The employee is immediately separated from students either through reassignment. We're We're a straight of leave. Pending the outcome of the investigation. The investigations are conducted by the Office of Professional Standards, which is led by MR. Nelson, all know well. When there are new. External investigations the work happens quickly. But again, we do nothing that interferes with an external investigation. And so when we have that happen. The Office of Professional standards does wheat? Until cleared to proceed with that investigation. In the course the investigation interviewing an employee. When an employee offers their resignation. Our practice. Is to accept the resignation label it while under investigation and bring it to the board for approval. And we try to do that at the next scheduled meeting. Because we we want to move forward with that resignation and not not have pulled back. And so in this case. MR. Nelson was cleared do what he needed to do and the resignation came last week in time to put it on the. Agenda amendment that we post a Friday prayer. The board meeting at 05:00pm. So that's why the agenda was amended. It was just the timing of the resignation coming in. To be clear, if the board approves the. Action. Many of the same elements of termination or present. So when we have an employee resigns while under investigation, the file is flagged as a do not re-hire in the district. That flag also serves to alert if a reference request is received from another employer. So that it's clear that there was a matter pending when a resignation came in. Pursuant to statute. We also report to the Office of Professional Practices at the Florida Department of Education and then. That report is updated as things proceed. And so in any matter, we have a resignation while under investigation. The Office of Professional Standards completes its work and then forwards it. To Tallahassee to State Department of Education. Office of Professional Practices, also flags the certification file. In then that office also has the opportunity to launch their own investigation, which can result in action against an educator certificate up to and including permanent revocation that that is their process to undertake. And so board members, this has unfolded as as other matters have led to the placement of the resignation while under investigation. MR. Henley out. And if you have anything down, I concur. And the superintendent has described for you exactly way. The statute to 12. >> 7.96 requires us to handle these matters. Statute does contemplate a resignation. Termination. And that is reported the same as a termination for purposes of do you know we flogging the employees? If you see that we're time. So that's the procedure that the superintendent has outlined is exactly in compliance with Chapter 10, 12, 7.96 Florida statutes that contemplates employee resigning in lieu of termination. Those 2 things, a resignation while investigations ongoing is treated the same as a determination for purposes of. Flagging that employees certificate. So there's you end up with the same result, either road to take to get there. It's just a much longer one. If you go the termination route because we have to follow due process procedures for that. Employee resigns are able to do it more efficiently and get that. Report, too. The Department of Education earlier rather than That's the difference. >> Still don't see any I'm not. I'm so with left or right. Felt you go for if >> as as the the rest of the board knows, I am long married to a law enforcement officer. I have worked previously to marry my husband work with law enforcement as a as a journalist and I probably have a bit more insight than your average person as to no statute law enforcement statute codes. I know lots of procedures more your average person and I can I can. I can assure the family that that as I happen to know that there is still an active investigation going on. That. I, myself. Would not want to do anything to disrupt that. So I don't want to discuss the particulars because I don't want to disrupt their investigation. I want them to take care of this to the fullest extent of the law. I'm also a parent and a teacher. And I was not as brave your daughter when I a child. From my own experience. And I commend her bravery. To speak up because she's probably saved a lot of other children. So I do understand where you're coming from. But I don't want to wait until the investigation is complete to try and go through resignation. From party to go through firing because as he's going to be non renewed. It is entirely possible with this investigation ongoing. He'll no longer be working for us. By the time it's done. And then we can't fire him. Appreciate you coming here speak. Murray. From our policy. >> Policy number 30 to 13. Paragraph h anyone wants to look down a father. Because I'm I'm quite honestly. Holding back the emotional side. Because talking about. My briefing about This is brought up to me during my briefing, which was on the 21st. And I was made aware of an incident involving and appropriate. The materials, a note, whatever the case, it was an appropriate. For policy. 30 to 13 paragraph h. And instructional staff member shall not inappropriately associate with a student at any time and a matter which MAY give the appearance of improperly, including but not limited to the creation or participation in any situation. Our activity, could be considered abusive, sexually suggestive or involve legal substances such as drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Any sexual or other inappropriate conduct with a student by a member. With a subject. Real subject defender to potential criminal liability and discipline up to and including termination of employment. My first few months on this board. And you can go back and look at the real stuff I swore to protect the innocence of our children. And that's what I intend to do. So I hope I can get the support from this board, at least table. This resignation until the investigation is done. And then we can bring it back. Once we have the full and I learned more about this case from public comment. Tonight from the superintendent. And I'm not afraid to say that because I'm appalled that I did not know some of details. 45 minutes in a room alone with a student. That alone should have been terminated. Why we didn't get sorry. Going on. Why didn't we get out? Put him on recommended leave without pay. Why was reassigned? I don't understand that at all. People can justify and do all of these other things due process and all of that, I get it. I I lifted all say that I've lived So I know what due process it. And it takes too long. Sometimes. It takes way too long. So I do not want to accept this dominance resignation. I want to table it until the investigation is done. So we don't take the process. I'm looking at mom and family. We have to go through the process legally. We hop to go through process, but I pulled this so I can table this particular item until that process is done and we are given a full report both legally. By statute and buy legal. So I'm asking for a motion to table this item and chill. This investigation is done. And hope I have board member sitting up here with me that one. With me on that. >> Tonight, dialogue with you one second on that. Absolutely innocent. >> it will be really careful here. First of reiterate what? MR. Kennedy said. This is horrific. And he, you know, how light feel there's been conversations. But I want to be respect respectful of the investigation and different things like that. My soul I. I dialogue with you. Ms spray. He is. The possible concerned about tabling it. It It's still hanging on. He's. There's still someone here. It should be here. I don't necessarily agree. Tabling it. Because if we wait. Then it's Still here. What are the investigation takes 2 months, 3 months, whatever. He's still part of the district right? Like? I want go in yesterday. I just that's my only concern about tabling it and maybe it doesn't out as legal. I don't know what that looks like, but that's if we table. Just hanging on that. That makes sense. It not a. A definitive until an investigation and his investigation come back. Who knows what that outcome is? I think we can all hope will be what it is. But I don't know what it is. And it's been a month 2 months. You know, don't know. Into that. This case is not you didn't make sense what I'm saying. >> I get what you're saying. But I just read the policy. Leading up to termination. I don't know why recommendation from the superintendent wasn't made to. Actually. Put him paid leave. Through investigation. I don't know what options other options there were, but I'm reading a policy and this is leading up to termination of employment. So I will look to legal if I could. Maybe I need to change my mindset that it should be. A termination and set the table it until the investigation's done. >> The policy says. With reference to the conduct >> by any staff member will subject the offender, meaning the staff member to potential criminal liability in discipline up to it up to and including termination of employment. So that is one of several options. What I heard. I think the superintendent say is that. We all know investigations take time. We all understand that. It is. And we all we also don't want to interfere with an external investigation, which I understand is underway. So it is tabled. My opinion. It could. Result in. What I would consider an unintended consequence because this particular individual as a contract which will run out at the end of the school year. I don't know when your contracts expire. I heard someone say it's he's not going to be renewed. So if you table it, the investigation is not completed. And we don't have. We might run out of time on the ability to terminate it. That's not a good thing. That is not a good guard list of how much you might want to go through that process because it does feel better. Feels better to me, too. I think the recommendation from the superintendent appears to be the correct one because the termination by law. I mean, resignation. Under investigation. Is on basically equal footing with the termination for cause. Things get flagged all the way up the line. We have an active external investigation, which we'll have whatever outcome it MAY have. We if we act now as opposed to possibly running out of time when the contract. For this individual expires, because then we will have nothing. We'll have. We have no opportunity to do anything because you can't terminate someone who's not your employee. So I I do think while. You know, at first blush termination sounds great in this situation. You're so close to the end of the school year. So close to the end of the contract. I think you probably it is everyone's best interest to go forward with the. Resignation under investigation standpoint because that will flag files, which is what MR. Henley said. Your superintendent said it will flag files. The investigation will be completed. It will eventually be sent to the state. They could do their own investigation. If they want more files can get flag certifications can be removed and it has the benefit of not interfering with any external ongoing investigation. I understand all that time. I you can do to vote. I'm not going to vote for him accept his resignation. >> I would vote for termination. Because I think this is an a egregious. Case that. That should have been the first inning. That should have been first consideration. Don't be so afraid doing the right thing. That's just the way I feel. Don't be so afraid doing the right thing. My goodness. And now what we're here for. And and and that Comair says, should there be law? >> a place for. Parents, students, whatever to it's called safety ov