Work Session 9:00 AM

3 Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Work Session 9:00 AM 12:30PM The School Board of Polk County, Florida 1915 S. Floral Ave Bartow, FL 33830 A. Superintendent's Report Subject 1. Dr. NE Roberts Elementary /Rebranding of School Logo/Mascot Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category A. Superintendent's Report Type Superintendent's Report DESCRIPTION: Dr. NE Roberts Elementary would like to change the logo and mascot of the school. Dr. Amy Weingarth presented and discussed the rebranding with the Dr.NE Roberts SAC committee and the committee fully supports the rebranding. CONTACT: Dr. Amy Weingarth Principal, Dr. NE Roberts Elementary (863) 815-6633 WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Yes FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial Impact Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments Dr.N.E. Roberts Presentation.pdf (2,040 KB) Dr. N.E Roberts Elementary - Community Survey.pdf (75 KB) SAC Chair Letter.pdf (47 KB) SAC Sign-In Sheet.pdf (100 KB) SAC Meeting Agenda November.pdf (41 KB) SAC Meeting Notes November 20 2024.pdf (60 KB) DR.N.ERobertsElementaryBrandingProposal260122 (4).pdf (5,275 KB) CommunityComments.pdf (146 KB) Subject 2. Berkley Accelerated Contract Modification-Grade Configuration Expansion Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category A. Superintendent's Report Type Superintendent's Report DESCRIPTION: Berkley Accelerated, a High Performing Florida Charter School, respectfully submits this request for a modification to the existing charter contract to expand the school’s current grade configuration. At present, Berkley Accelerated serves students in grades 6 through 10. In alignment with the school’s long-term strategic plan and our mission to provide a continuous, high-quality educational pathway for students, Berkley Accelerated seeks approval to expand its grade levels to serve Pre‑Kindergarten through 12th grade. Expanding the grade configuration will enable Berkley Accelerated to provide families in Polk County with a comprehensive, vertically aligned educational experience from early learning through high school graduation. This continuity supports stronger academic outcomes, consistent instructional approaches, and enhanced long‑term college and career readiness. A high-performing charter school as defined in Section 1002.331 (2 ), the School is authorized to expand its grade levels within kindergarten through grade 12 to add grade levels not already served, not to exceed the School's enrollment capacity. CONTACT: Candy Amato Sr. Director, Charter Schools candy.amato@polk-fl.net 863.534.0625 WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: No FINANCIAL IMPACT: The per student allocation based on FTE and categorical funds as calculated by charter school funding formula set out by state law and contract. File Attachments BAMS_second modification_gradelevels.pdf (73 KB) Berkley_Expansion_Flyer.pdf (495 KB) Contract Modification Request_email.pdf (241 KB) Berkley Accelerated 8142 Board of Directions Minutes and Motions November 4 2025 (2).pdf (169 KB) Berkley Accelerated 8142 Board of Directions Minutes and Motions Jan 13 2026.pdf (170 KB) Subject 3. Proposed Rule Development for School Board Policies Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category A. Superintendent's Report Type Superintendent's Report DESCRIPTION: Rule Development for the following school board policies: Bylaw 143.1 Residence Areas Bylaw 169.1 Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy 1211 Whistleblower Protection Policy 2266 Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint and Investigation Procedures Policy 2421 Career and Technical Education Policy 2450 Adult and Community Education Policy 3120.04 Employment of Substitute, Limited Employment Agreement, and Part-Time Instructional Staff Policy 3211 Whistleblower Protection Policy 4120 Employment of Support Staff Policy 4211 Whistleblower Protection Policy 5330.01 Self-Administered Medication Policy 5460 Graduation Requirements Policy 5780 Student/Parent Rights Policy 8405 School Safety and Security Policy 8420 Emergency Management, Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Response Agencies Policy 8470 Registered Sexual Predators/ Sex Offender CONTACT: Teresa Griffin Assistant Director, Policy & Public Records 863-578.8208 WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Yes FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments 04.14.26 Work Session.pdf (149 KB) Policy Updates_04.14.2026_Wk Session.pdf (64 KB) Bylaw 0143.1 Residence Area_revised.pdf (52 KB) Bylaw 0169.1 Public Participation at Board Meetings_revised.pdf (66 KB) Policy 1211 Whistleblower Protection_revised.pdf (55 KB) Policy 2266 Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint and Investigation Procedures_revised.pdf (243 KB) Policy 2421 Career and Technical Education_revised.pdf (172 KB) Policy 2450 Adult and Community Education_revised.pdf (58 KB) Policy 3120.04 Employment of Substitute and Part Time Instructional Staff_revised.pdf (72 KB) Policy 3211 Whistleblower Protection_revised.pdf (55 KB) Policy 5330.01 Self Administered Medication_revised.pdf (90 KB) Policy 4120 Employment of Support Staff_revised.pdf (88 KB) Policy 4211 Whistleblower Protection_revised.pdf (54 KB) Policy 5460 Graduation Requirements_revised.pdf (160 KB) Policy 5780 Student Parent Rights_revised.pdf (236 KB) Policy 8405 School Safety and Security_revised.pdf (170 KB) Policy 8420 Emergency Management Preparedness and Response Agencies_revised.pdf (119 KB) Policy 8470 Registered Sexual Predators Sex Offenders_revised.pdf (75 KB) Subject 4. Alta Vista K-8 rezone recommendation (post townhall) Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category A. Superintendent's Report Type Superintendent's Report DESCRIPTION: This item seeks to provide an update to the Board following the February 19th townhall that was conducted at Alta Vista K-8 regarding new proposed attendance boundary. Tentative Timeline: - April 28th 2026: First reading, no action taken -May 5th 2026: Second reading (adoption meeting). The Board will take official action during this meeting. The Board may elect to approve, modify or deny the proposal. CONTACT: Jennifer Farrell Assistant Director, GIS & Demography jennifer.farrell@polk-fl.net 863-534-0620 ext 886 Joshua McLemore Director Facilities Planning joshua.mclemore@polk-fl.net 863-534-0620 ext 48 WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Yes FINANCIAL IMPACT: Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments Alta Vista Board WS as of 25MAR26.pdf (533 KB) Subject 5. Half Cent Sales Tax Committee Charge sheet amendment Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category A. Superintendent's Report Type Superintendent's Report DESCRIPTION: This item proposes an amendment to the charge sheet for the Half-Cent Sales Tax Committee to remove the current two-term limit for committee members. The change would allow Board-appointed representatives to serve multiple three-year terms at the pleasure of the Board. CONTACT: Joshua McLemore Director Facilities Planning WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Yes FINANCIAL IMPACT: None Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments Sales Tax Oversight Committee Charge Sheet strike_underline 3.25.26.pdf (149 KB) Half Cent Sale Tax Committee amendment .pdf (225 KB) Subject 6. Employee Evaluation System Support Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category A. Superintendent's Report Type Superintendent's Report DESCRIPTION: This presentation outlines a strategic proposal to establish a dedicated team focused on employee performance evaluation. This is a follow up to the December 9, 2025, work session. CONTACT: Jennifer Rouse, Chief of Staff Elizabeth Smith, Acting Sr. Director, Professional Development WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Yes FINANCIAL IMPACT: Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments Revised_Centralized_Evaluation_Team_Work_Session 4.14.26 submission copy - Copy.pdf (1,554 KB) Subject 7. Discussion of Board Policy #0147 - Compensation Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category A. Superintendent's Report Type Superintendent's Report DESCRIPTION: Discussion of board policy #0147 - Compensations. The Board to discuss the approval of expenses for memberships beyond those in regular school board associations. CONTACT: James Greene General Counsel 863.534.0774 Frederick Heid Superintendent 863.534.0521 WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: No FINANCIAL IMPACT: Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments Policy 00147 Compensation.pdf (78 KB) Subject 8. Closed Session Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category A. Superintendent's Report Type Superintendent's Report DESCRIPTION: Closed Session CONTACT: WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Yes or No FINANCIAL IMPACT: Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments B. Annual Contract Renewals Under 1 Million C. Budget & Staffing Subject 1. Bonding Update Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category C. Budget & Staffing Type Budget & Staffing DESCRIPTION: CONTACT: Heather Jenkins Associate Superintendent, CFO Business Services 863.457.4704 WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Yes or No FINANCIAL IMPACT: Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments 4.14.26 COPS.pdf (208 KB) D. Information Items Subject 1. Head Start Services Report Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category D. Information Items Type Information DESCRIPTION: The School Board of Polk County is the governing board for the Polk Head Start Administration Grant. Federal regulations require the governing board to receive the following monthly updates and information: Fiscal HR/Staffing Enrollment/absenteeism ESE Meal Services CONTACT: Lori Allen, Senior Director, Foundational Learning, 863-648-3051 WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: no FINANCIAL IMPACT: Amount: NONE Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: - File Attachments Board Summary Report for Februaru 2026.pdf (377 KB) E. Board Agenda Review F. Unfinished Business Subject 1. New High School Update Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category F. Unfinished Business Type Unfinished Business DESCRIPTION: Update on the new high school CONTACT: James Greene General Counsel 863.534.0774 WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Yes or No FINANCIAL IMPACT: Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments G. New Business Subject 1. Discussion - FSBA Advocacy Committee Representative & Alternate for July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category G. New Business Type New Business DESCRIPTION: Election of FSBA Advocacy Committee Representative & Alternates The Advocacy Committee is one of FSBA’s standing committees and is made up of the designated advocacy representative from each of Florida’s 67 school boards with majority membership in FSBA. It serves as the primary way local school boards help shape FSBA’s legislative agenda and advocacy strategy for public education at both the state and federal levels. The committee operates independently and through two subcommittees: Legislative , which develops the state legislative platform and represents school board interests before the Legislature, Governor’s Office, and state agencies. Federal Relations , which represents school boards before Congress and federal education agencies in coordination with COSSBA. A central responsibility of the Advocacy Committee is approving FSBA’s annual Legislative Platform which is developed through a structured process that includes proposal screening, subcommittee review, and final approval by the full Advocacy Committee. An additional core function is developing a comprehensive public relations and communications strategy to strengthen FSBA's state-wide and federal advocacy for public education. Advocacy Committee roles include: Representing your district in statewide advocacy Engaging with policymakers and education stakeholders Attending monthly virtual meetings Leading local advocacy and reporting efforts Participation ensures your district has a voice in statewide education advocacy CONTACT: Justin Sharpless Board Chair Tel: 863-534-0529 WORK SESSION POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Yes or No FINANCIAL IMPACT: Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments H. Board Comments Subject 1. Board Member Comments Meeting Apr 14, 2026 - Work Session 9:00 AM Category H. Board Comments Type DESCRIPTION: CONTACT: FINANCIAL IMPACT: Amount: Funds Reservation Number or Requisition Number: Cost Center: Fund: Functional Area: GL: File Attachments