School Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing

>> Good evening, everybody. Welcome to the a JULY 23rd 2024. A school board meeting in public hearing. Want to call this meeting officially to order and send it over to ms Foreman. For District Vision and introduction of vindication. >> The district's vision is the school district of Manatee County be an exemplary student focused school system that develops lifelong learners to be globally competitive. And I would like to introduce that's your job Bachmann who is? I'm chaplain at. Just about every. College and the district fractionally. In in Denzer so. Happy to have you here. >> Thank everybody. Will rice. Please join me in prayer. >> Good and loving GOD. You're the sovereign created the universe, our redeemer in our sustain indeed, you're the giver of all good gifts. And we thank you today for all your blessings and for your faithfulness to us throughout the past months and years as we gather for the school board meeting, we secure wisdom and guidance as preparations and plans are made for the upcoming school year. Help us to incur engage in meaningful conversation. Allow all who are here to grow closer as a group and nurture the bonds of community grant us unity of purpose and open hearts to understand one another. Fill us with your grace as decisions are made that affect the students, staff, faculty and the community of Manatee County Mayer, words and actions reflect your love and grace and continue to remind us that all that's done here today. All that he's accomplished. As for the pursuit of truth, for your glory and for the service of humanity. We asked these things in your name. Amen. >> Thank join me in the politically. I pledge allegiance to United States America for which it stands. Nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty justice for all. Thank you. MAY be seated. >> All right. Let's move to item number 5, which is the approval of the agenda. The chair has good cause to amend the agenda include all items listed under agenda mints on JULY 23rd 2024 agenda update on JULY 22nd 2020 Ford posted district website 80 schools dot net. >> Some of it. I second the motion and a second. >> And ready to vote mainly because I'm not in the grand yet. So all those in say Aye. Aye. Although oppose none. Kerry, 5, 0, >> Approval of. >> The minutes. Superintendent >> good evening, CHAIRMAN And board members. I recommend approval of the minutes of the following school board meetings. The 5/24/2024 school board workshop. The 5/28/2024 school board meeting the JUNE 11th 2024 school board meeting the JUNE 13th 2024. School board workshop. The JUNE 25th 2020 for school board meeting and the JUNE 27th 2024 school board workshop. >> If motion and a second >> In the >> but the agenda or me the proof of the minutes. Seeing going vote on going Simon. As far out. >> showing up and showing her >> I know you. All right. Passes 5 to 0. Item. Number 7. Recognitions of MISTER Barber. But the great kid, Braden River Elementary, every league champion. >> Thank you. MISTER Board chair board members and superintendent. Don't know about all And I know for many of us, it seems like the new school year is already here. You know, it's a it's coming really fast. We're excited about Everybody's working are need to do to be ready for our students to show up on the first day. Everybody up here is a doing that. So yeah, a special recognition in the midst of the summer here to be able to recognize our schools for comp listening, something it's never been done in our district. This is a new for us. And so I think, you enjoy hearing a little bit about it to tell more introduce our guest as Amber put how curriculum coordinator for science in the District. >> Thank you, MISTER Barber, thank you. Board chair MISTER Cho School board members and Superintendent Lights on the opportunity to be here this evening to recognize Braden River Elementary school as a cold level champion school with the Everglades Foundation. Our district has been working with the Everglades Foundation for the past several years to build student understanding and appreciation for Florida's important ecosystems, their hands on experience and science literacy. I would like to look on the Everglades Literacy program coordinator. We'll talk briefly about the work that Braden River Elementary has done in the past year to achieve this recognition. Please welcome this tape. Angela. >> Thank you. And good evening. Thank you for having me. It is my distinct pleasure to be here tonight are presenting our very first Everglades champion school in Manatee County. We're so excited to be working with the district over the last few years. In our first school in Spring River Elementary School of innovation. These teachers have worked extremely hard over the last year to earn this honor last year. They chose voluntarily over the summer to participate in professional development to gain this content knowledge about Florida ecosystem so they can bring this to life for their students. 100% of their students have engage with our free Everglades that are see to get lessons, field trips and introduce plenty activities to really bring this learning to life for their students. On top of that, the teachers worked hard to transform their campus for cleats week to be able to feature different Florida habitats in plants and animals. So students really felt like they were emersyn that habitat. They had Everglade Everglades. Ambassador students that educated their peers on the importance of protecting ecosystems here locally to their school new system. On top of that, on top of earning a gold double recognition, which is pretty rare their first year as a champion school. They also earned our Rookie of the Year for their momentum and success they had in there first year. So we're so proud to present this award to them this year. Congratulations. I mean, look forward to the continued partnership with you guys as we work to empower and educate our next generation of environmental stewards here in Manatee County. Congratulations. >> Good afternoon. On behalf of the staff Braden River Elementary, we would like to thank the school board on recognizing our school for achieving the gold level champion status and Rookie of the Year award from the Everglades Foundation. This foundation plays a vital role in preserving the Everglades and educating the greater Florida community to become a gold level. At champion school educators the Army's start Project based learning approach to create rich learning opportunities for students to take action and become ambassadors themselves as we continue our efforts in creating optimal learning opportunities for our students, we will remain focused on ways to continually improve our local greater community. Thank you again for your continued continued support of our school. >> Congratulate congratulations. Awesome. >> All right. So as I said, it was very nice to have one of our schools here. We're seeing whole the special. War that the U.S. Had our district had never received before. So opened some new this next awards little bit Speaks to the partnerships that we have >> I'm not only Manatee County, you know this this area and it the local American Heart Association as well see a health care with representatives here like Hospital Woods is a part of the h see a healthcare network and also Doctors, Hospital and Sarasota. To tell us more about this wonderful contribution to our school district. Yes, Christine arrest died from who's the senior development director of the American Heart Association's Christine. >> Settings, nascar of that name. But he did not also has given a lot of credit. Thank you and thank you for having me back. It's nice to see again. >> We are here to create a nation of lifesavers and we start this by the students of Manatee County. >> Over 350,000 people have a cardiac arrest outside the hospital every year and only 10% survive. And this is because they're not getting timely cpr. I think many of you MAY be aware maybe you're not all 9th. 11009th grade students in the state of Florida are required to take cpr is part of the school curriculum. This is part of the advocacy work that the American Heart Association has done. We are teaching essential life. Goals and we want to be able to teach them life saving measures as well. We can't do what we do without the partners like hca, Florida, Healthcare to be able to provide the kids to do good quality, cpr training with our students. And so they are donating to the school's These are 10 cpr kits. You are the safest people in the entire world. You have all of >> Could you hang around all isn't everything. So you want them here. So they are in the kick it here. It's mannequins where they can practice their a 10 aed simulators are for state curriculum all within this contained. It will train thousands of students in Manatee County and we're very grateful to hca Florida healthcare. >> For providing this great quality training to your students. And I'm going to have Kelly c'mon up and speak for a couple months killing life. Please. Thank you. Thank you for having us and letting participate with your school boards to I'm Kelli Mulloy. I'm the chief operating officer at Doctors of Sarasota. >> And with I'm proud to have Sonia Hayes who is our manager of Emergency services at our freestanding located right off State Road, 70 and also Priscilla is the manager the cv icu at Lake Hospital. So I'm glad that they were able to come with me. 7 knows that when cpr is done correctly and the people stand a chance of double or their ability and their chances of survival. So when a patient in cardiac arrest comes to our emergency room, they've already had the benefit of cpr. The chances of survival are much stronger. So we're excited to be part of this donation with American Heart so that our young people in our community can learn the value how to do cpr. Well, and increase the chances of survival within our community. So thank you very, very much. Can give so >> all staying alive right? >> That's right. Staying alive. That's the jail suicides. If you're young >> I've seen the office Beaches. Lives on 20 beats per minute. >> And you first thing should call 9-1-1. The news trying to get to East. I don't know if you guys one here. That's on you to look businesses and asked a question at g and I get that's a great question Ranger staff on how to do cpi. That's another great question. So the students are leading the way and now they have lifelong education on how to do cpr and to each other. So think Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Keep appreciate that. Can see students MAY mean those. Yeah, I can see in name also thank you. MISTER You, sir. >> want integrate public comments. We do have one public comment this evening. I'm very mess for if you want to come on, man. >> Here I am again. Thank you for time to speak My name is Marie Mask for our live here in Bradenton. I'm here again because we are facing more book challenges. And so I'm pointing out once again and this will be of interest to you, sir, that the district still does not meet state law in that it does not provide a process for the community and parents or parents rights in Manatee County are being violated by not having a committee to review the books in question. There are only 4 members of our community and the last of my count. There are thousands of parents and our community that are not being represented. So the people challenging the Bucs are minuscule compared to the parents and children affected by the decisions. The deo eclipse that I set you and your e-mail and anyone listening if you'll please see I asked him to be posted publicly with the minutes. The Board of Education has said that state laws 15, 57 in 10, 69 do not apply to school libraries. And yet they're still being applied in Manatee County. The Equality, Florida attack, a well-thought act. They won in a decision for against the don't say gay law which actually changed what classrooms can do in this next school year. But yet that stance also, you have books that Presented as pornography and that's why they were removed and they violate 8.47 Point, 0, 1, to the Mueller test still stands in the state of Florida. And that is a decision from 1973, of scotus decision. And we cannot take community standards, which is also part of 8.47 into account without the community being of all involved in the decisions, sexual content does not equal pornography. That is what the state Board of Education said in the clips that I sent to you. Please review them under the comment for The Handmaid's Tale. I want everyone to remember what you knew and what you're doing when you're in high school for someone to say that our students do not understand that content and cannot process it. They studied the Holocaust slavery. And this story is extremely relevant in today's climate and events. So please. Look at the list. See the books that have affected authors and books of caught that address people of color as well as lgbtq subjects and authors. Lgbtq content is still being deleted. Even though the equality Florida decision said it does not apply to school libraries. I'm going to end with something for our school librarians in Manatee County, Dave Eggers in acceptance speech to the newbery medal this year. For the eyes of the Impossible, a children's book when the small-minded banned books, they're banning souls. They're removing certain voices from the course of humanity in the course of history. And it is I brings who are tasked with making sure that these cells are not removed and they always have a home and always have a voice. No pressure. But we count on you to save us all to protect us all into Bird reserve us all. And I urge you to protect every child in Manatee County by preserving their stories and their books. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Good public on it. So we'll move to item number 9 on the agenda, which is hopes she's me number 10 number 10, which are consent items. Super or >> Thank you, CHAIRMAN. I recommend approval of the consent agenda for the school board meeting on JULY 23rd 2024. So moved. I'll second. >> That's going vote on. The approval. >> Our consent items see it on a discussion first. A consent form. Typically And need to okay, haha. >> And consent items passed 5 to 0. >> Moving on I live in, which public hearings. I'm going to close this public meeting. >> And at the Gabba will be opening up our. Ford, a public hearing. In this public hearing, anyone is welcome to come up and talk about the item in this public hearing, which is the proposed changes to the Code of student conduct for the 24 25 school year that previously been workshop. And so anyone wanting to come up and seeing that. I'm going to head go ahead and close this public. Think. And reconvene the regular meeting for we're going item number 2 under the public hearing approval of the adopting amendments to the code of conduct the 24 25 school year she didn't recommendation. It will be that. Short floater. >> Thank you. I recommend approval to adopt the code of student conduct and the amendments included for the 2024 25 school year. We have a motion on the floor for MISS For U.S. Fight for second. >> You got foreman. Woman with a second >> border because any comments. >> made up to speak, only to say that, you know, we've gone over this in a workshop and really went through every single change and just to make sure that, you know, clear this was thoroughly reviewed. Discussed as well. >> Thank I think the staff that that is involved in this involved, here's a get together and do this, you know, put together, could conduct making these tweaks. It's a dozen we had 2 weeks to send it back. It's not easy process. So thank you for all the staff. You did that. Appreciate >> And CHAIRMAN, if we can also say thank you to the students who served on the could believe that committee, the sure that was a addition to appreciate their feedback. >> bones, great. Other school Monday's. So. >> What that what that would die >> all right. I see no other board members that up to speak. Such good vote on the approval of adopting the amendment to the Code of student conduct for 24 25 school year. >> And that passes 5 to 0. I am close this public meeting once and I'm opening up a public hearing of the board once again. Us that we MAY hear comments regarding changes to the >> student progression plan for 24 25 school year. Get you don't have to be signed up. If you like to come up in the public comment, you're more than welcome. Seeing no what? But close this public hearing. And reopened to reconvene the regular meeting for this And move item number 4. Doctor Isom. >> Thank you, CHAIRMAN. I recommend approval of the 2024 2025 student progression Plan for Elementary School. Middle School high school and k through 12 virtual education. >> We have a motion a second floor. I don't see any board members that up to speak. >> I just want go ahead. Just like before we had a hard chopper we discussed a that's and just like before, I the staff for putting. >> Putting this together and working in. And I appreciate that. It's good. Only approved the 24. 25 Gresham plan for elementary, middle and high schools in k 12 virtual education. Passes 5 to 0. Moving to item number 14, new business, not consent items I don't want is approve the budget amendments from a 2024 doctor. Isom. >> Thank you, CHAIRMAN. I recommend approval of the budget amendments for MAY 2024. >> second. Motion is second MISS Coming up. >> took a chair Cho import members. Good evening. So for the month of MAY, the budget amendments saw a 774 budget amendments and 8 of those charts strings affected over a million. So they specifically affected 3 funds. The general fund special revenue and Capital Fund. The General Fund was to chart streams. These expenditures. One was for the transfer of the k program budget from the reserve to the schools. That was 1.7 million and the transportation salaried production due to they can seize. That was 1.1 million and the Special Revenue Fund. We title one Amendment 3. There was a roll forward revenue upload 1.4 million and in the capital Fund, there were 5 chart strings. The other capital projects Fund. There were 2 charts strings that move the mtc expansion project budgets to the 24. 25 fiscal year. That was 7.1 million and the local capital improvement There was a move up to Palmetto High School renovation budget to the 24 25 school year. That was 5.1 million. There was the peak for mtc. Added the Pico revenue of to that project. Budget. And then we had a impact. These where there was the site fees that was new to 24. 25 1.3, 9. >> members, any questions. Send see anyone that up to speak. An owi got that in creaking. >> Thank you very much. Seller's. And so we have motion and a second on the Florida proved the budget amendments from a 2024 just good vote. That passes 5, 2, 0, Those budget amendments are proved item. Number 2, doctor Isom. >> Thank you, CHAIRMAN. I recommend approval to advertise a notice of public hearing to adopt a tentative millage rates and tentative budget for fiscal year 2024 25. So All second. >> Have a motion a second. And yet the sellers go ahead. >> Yes, so after ties authorized authorization to advertise. This is a governed by a section in the Florida statutes to adopt the millage rate. It's called truth. Millage. It's a references trim has a very specific timeline. It started on JULY 1st where the district received certified taxable value from the tax collector and that particular amount is at our dot, took that taxable value and they calculate the required local millage that the legislature had used and they assume taxable value, which is originally from the conference report. And then on JULY 18, we received the required local effort in the second count our was 3.0, 0, 3, 9, There was a prior period adjustment of 0, 0, 1, 2, So that gave us a and adjusted our out the 3.0 5, 1, This is in comparison to what we had initially first disclosed in the conference report. That was 3, 3.0, 1, 3, 9, So the total when you add also that 1.5 mill, the discretionary 0, 7, 4, 8, mail and voted one one mail that total is 6.0 2, 9, 9, the advertisement but Stafford ties Muntz were attached in there in the board work that is actually going to run this Saturday on July 27th. So today we asked the board for the authorization to run this advertisement and next, notifies taxpayers of the public hearing that we're going to have next week. And that's when we will be presenting the tentative millage rates and that tentative budget. And they'll be more discussion on that. One next week. >> And we do have a board member, ms Foreman. >> Are you saying then that the rate is less than what we're anticipating? So the rate while the rate that we're assessing its last, the property values are still slightly adjusted more. So we're still seeing taxpayers are still going to be seeing an increase. But >> initially projected Millet rate that I was reporting to you back in JULY has changed and has decreased. Just to make clear for the We have no choice. >> This rate, the state is requires us to adopt it. The rate that they set. So if your property taxes go up, it's because the value of your property or is that and to add to that. When you're saying our tax rate. We're collecting is going increase all because of the property values. >> Have increased. But the rate that we're taxing that actually decreased, correct. So I I wanted really drive home because a lot of people. Are raising taxes, raising taxes. Look at how much should make it their travel notices. We all and they the district gets. But are basically hamstring down, but can. And that area, what the tax rate is set by the state. That the home buyer is set either property value of their home and their property appraisers. Okay. >> MISTER Tatum tracked him I was kind of >> I was just going to ask when when you do do the presentation on the budget, if we could, because what I'm what I'm seeing is that over the years that the >> the school budget is. It's being increasing on the local side and decreasing on the state side. Is that correct? >> That's ball this year. We did from in comparison to last year last year had a decrease in the state funding. There was increase this year in the state funding. But the the funding outweighed the increase that the state was additionally provided just what we need to your presentation. I really like to see how much >> Or is the local absorbing. Compared to the state and the trend over the years make sure make that adjustment. I think you might published today for next week. But what make that adjustment and get that in there for you to great. Thank you. >> Seeing no other board members that up to speak. I think we are getting up. Thank you very More yeah. The jump think about what this space that is it that the tax, the total mileage tax rate is actually going down consecutively over really it's the last 6 or 7 years. So it's >> the blues like that that last 8 years, I believe had been So. >> So that tax rates are going down like space me to do on a controller property values. But experts are actually going down. Almost a middle over the last, I believe, 7 years or so. And you could show that chart again next week to that would be helpful. You know, the chart that shows the littles. But the great thing to that, it was only common had to make. Thank you very much. Thanks. So he's going vote. >> On the approval to advertise public notice public hearing to adopt the tentative millage is Janet budget for fiscal year. 24 25 the tentative, the key word in that. Is up at 5 here. Item number 3, speculation. >> Thank you, CHAIRMAN. I recommend approval of the shared space and service agreement with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $73,444. Plus network infrastructure costs not to exceed $25,000. >> Motion we have a second from MISTER Messenger. >> board members, any comments on on this particular item? Maybe air across street. Doctor, I you want to go in liberate what is in them go to. >> CHAIRMAN And board members as you're the geographic in in Manatee continues to change real lots of new families. I'm coming here in particular in in the east, part of the county north of the river and we need to adapt our service model to that trend. And although we have schools in the Lakewood Ranch area, we don't really have administrative office presence and so in in in in looking around in conversations with others there is some vacant space available in the building on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard that the Manatee Chamber occupies and our goal the board approved the lease is to open a family welcome support center staffed members of our Office of Student assignment. Also be a presence there from transportation and student services so that we do have new families moving into that part of the were there ready to welcome them. Say hello, assist with school enrollment. Yeah. It and other services. This also provides an opportunity for district staff who are itinerant meaning there. They MAY be starting their day but then heading to working in in that part of the area to reduce the amount of time there in the car moving around because we'll have some shared a space there where where people can plug into a laptop and make phone calls or or answer emails between a school visits and meetings. So we just see this as a tactical to improve service in our in our East County area. Real quick, kudos to your staff to this Stratton. >> Was involved good job for seeing this. Had of students out there. This is needed. So the folks ought to come so far in the town for any kind of services. Ms Foreman. >> I just want to ask it on this side of town the west side of town. Where do they go? And will that continue? >> So our our Office of Student is located behind Lincoln middle. And of course, MISTER Took responsibility for that area when join us on JULY. 8th. We're currently looking at. The potential of opening other soup family support. Offices and centers and some of the district facilities that we have or employees are working. I I expect to finalize that in the next 3 weeks or so and and then move quickly from there. We certainly want to make it as easy as we can using our existing staff. >> So our new families coming in and the month of JULY and AUGUST are still going to go to Lincoln, Middle. >> If they need in-person support us to get a new family coming in can register completely online. But but there are families that like that person assistance and so for that's available. At the facility near Lincoln the the lease agreement if the board approves takes effect pretty quickly. And so we just have to get network infrastructure in place so that you know, working on on on secure a secure network him and then will be able to add that pretty quickly. And then we'll just go from there. MISTER Foreman. So it won't be months. It will be a matter of we reposition folks. >> I just think it's a great move by Expect. My question this the 73 4.44? Says first year expect that to go down. Asking. First year and Michelle, >> The monthly lease with the with the Chamber, for for the physical space that that costs remains roughly fix But believe in MISTER Chapman can come down from the state can, but believe there's a like a a 3%. It increases very nominal for the duration of the 3 years. Technology cost is largely First year and we anticipate that costs falling dramatically in year 2 partially through the use of the rate. Okay. So. Shares space. >> Basically it's going to be this 73 4.44 and but we're going to do a $25,000 and Michelle for infrastructure networking with our connecting to our. Services that we do here on the time. So that is and basically leads. 73 is the least amount for this year's base. How? Because that shows >> Yeah, it's and many of you might have been There's a very large and meeting spaces. Well, that can hold 700 people that will have access to to have community meetings and forums there as well. Even have a remote board meeting, maybe perhaps. There's probably at what will be taking over half of the It says something like 8 offices, theirs. >> a combination of offices cubicles and then the network infrastructure right is to is there we have our fiber and you know, are secure. Fiber network is out Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. So we've got to go get it and bring it into the building. And and so that way we can have a very secure system there. And then like Doctor writes a Senate, it then drops dramatically the next year that that network infrastructure to just, you know, 2000 and and again, this again, wonderful opportunity. It's it's a somewhat temporary because as we MISTER And Ali and his team look for you know, land and buildings as we look for the next couple of years that maybe you can find more permanent place out of their country. So this is something that >> could be integrated into. One of our new builds. The What that would potentially explore >> it made this is contemplate mean no one give this a shot and we'll use engine and family satisfaction. But certainly in a future facility build, we could consider a small satellite, a regional office. We just don't have that space available now. There are obviously additional security considerations >> you know, public-facing facility versus a secure school. So there's a lot to work through there. But that's that's one of the concepts were talking about mixture. >> Okay. I don't see any other board >> but up to speak. >> Just go vote on the approval. The shared spaces service agreement with Manatee Chamber of Commerce. >> And that is approved 5. >> aspect, I think of that that I'm excited about the partnering with the chamber potentially businesses getting involved with potential students. And so I'm excited about that. >> Adam, before talked Thank you, CHAIRMAN. I recommend approval of the proposed dock design to benefit the Anna Maria Elementary Guy, Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences. >> So moved. >> we have a motion and a second. It Doctor Weiss, you want to explain a little bit about what this project entails and the guy Harvey program. Yes. >> So board this project next was led by Superintendent Saunders to bring the a Harvey Academy concept too. The school district of Manatee County. And as you're aware, the board advocated for state appropriation received 2 million dollars from the legislature last year. A half of that funding was used expand programming note, Ali and Henry Elementary, but also King middle and Manatee high. Our next it propose step is the creation of a of a dock on the property at Maria. And so this would get that process. A ruling. This is a time sensitive projects because there is an expiration date on that on the state funding. And so that's why we're bringing this bill so that we can get moving on this part of the project. MISTER Rinaldi, of course, is available. Specific questions on the designer. Timeline. >> It's pretty you are going come. It. Couple questions on some of the I mean, we're going through our own contractors. And heart attacks. I guess in that very right. As my guess is it guy Harvey doing any of this or is it all appropriated? I mean, is isn't document ban gun arms everywhere on the product is what my do good evening. I'm. >> At this point right now we are working on the what's before you is the selection of the architect? >> We used our continuing service the board has approved a group of about a dozen plus architects that we use on what classified as small projects, which according to Florida statute, is under 4 million dollars. And this project falls within that. We select an architect. Typically we take a look at the workload that we've been giving those architects and what their expertise are. And we that this group was a good selection for this project. We will be working with the guy Harvey when we get into the design, once the architect is under contract and will be working with the school and the specific program as well. >> here's that you have proposed change in on this. There design architect. Gas and Associates, llc, landscape, architect. Also serving. I correct assuming? So >> bws design is what were you would call the prime architect and the other groups are contractors to the prime architect. >> Primary checked. View designed us and contract everybody underneath them. Exactly. Yes. Okay. There's an awful lot go through. One week is just a little Okay. That was basically my questions is how that really works. Guy, Harvey, have any be involved in the design the principal and all the >> program. Curriculum will just on a dock that for t-shirt shop. >> Have to stay >> we MAY be for teachers. And out and I will say this. I don't think there's going to >> a little docking eventually from the beginning. We've got brought on to us several years ago, 3 years ago. The idea was always to have adoc potential boat. Excedrin all from appropriations like it's not coming from not saying no to something else here is aboard should do to stop. This is all money that we went out and salt for and got thanks to our delegate 600 that came back saying this is what you're going to use it for. And so I don't if you read it, I mean it 30 foot boat. That's not just small that I mean that you know. But when we get that time comes maybe 30, maybe 27. I mean, but regardless is that the idea of the dock have a boat to get take our kids out was always in the very beginnings of And that's what winter preparations. Because as Doctor Weiss on, every always says, if you want to something for somewhere else, and that's why which appropriations to get so just a reminder. Ms Foreman is up to speak of you to. >> just I just want to comment, too. But the little dock I think the bigger the better and the reason for that is you got this young children, small children going out on the dock, you know, and so you want for safety. You want a larger doc to accommodate them. But you MAY also want space and it be interesting see what they come back with them. The design that you MAY want space for them to sit and wait for the next round on the boat. There MAY be if it goes far enough out into the water, you know, they can take nets and pull up. Sea life and talk about it and not even have to go out on the boat, you know, because votes are expensive to operate. So I think you it's an exciting opportunity for students. >> He Nobody else lit up to speak. So I will go ahead and moved to voting on the approval of the Henry Elementary got Harvey Academy of Arts and Science. Doc Design. The agreement between owner us and he was designed it. And that passes 5 to 0. >> Think you should read your recommendations. We now move to the new business with no superintendent First item of business is the acceptance of the Reagan resignation of Citizens. Financial Oversight Committee member as she just over to you MISS >> Yes, MISTER Hartman has decided to resign from the committee. I don't know if you want to marry his resignation letter just say that found that there are other things that you've been led to do. And time permitting. Decided to step down from >> Makes me I know we all appear created service he did a great always come to the meetings and give a lot of inspiration to the meetings here. So we thank him for service and wish the best and whatever else he's finding the Phillies time. >> I'm sure he'll be back to for the invocation. Great. Great, great. Yeah. >> I don't see any other board members that up to speak. So it's going vote on the acceptance of the >> I just say I'm I move that we from MISTER Hartman. >> motion a second now. Any board members want to speak on? The resignation. Seeing spread acceptance resignation of Citizens Financial Oversight Committee member that passes 5. 2, 0, >> I on to item number. A 2 under new business with those superintendent recommendation, appointment of the advocacy committee member and alternate for the Florida School Board Association. Put this on here because >> they. >> It's needed before we actually do our re >> And so I am the the Sea and I believe. >> That alternate was ms Foreman so the former not here. I'm going continue to be the seat. So Galtman it I just the emotion. So moved. I can't. All right. We have a motion and a second on the floor. Tremendous foreman from the alternate on the for Florida School board associations, advocacy committee and put Ms sprayed her place. And in place of foreman haha. Boat. Are any board members have any comments on that? All this good vote o >> That change to the advocacy committee members. You're good. >> And that passes 5 to 0. Thank you all. It will pass it on to the sba. I don't. Number 3. The approval of the master service agreement engagement letter with Carr, Riggs and Ingram to the private internal audit services for period JULY one 2024 to JUNE, 30th 2025. For the school District estimated 307,000 sorry, I have frozen on Grady kiss you're going go. >> So I know we >> have have discussed this before in the past. I'm at a at a workshop. Ms form and you have any. Being, though they you have any comments on it before I ask for motion or? >> Well, yeah, this is outside of a reasoning They took. Format that they've used in the broke it down into a into 2. There is a master service agreement which will stay the same year to year. And the letter of engagement is that for specifically for the here? 24 25. And attached to that letter of engagement is list. Recommended. Areas to be audited and the number of hours now their rates are not going up a bit. Okay. I think we do need to hear Smith Agreement and the hours. Equal. If not less than in the prior year. So I look forward to. MISTER Smith explaining want areas the audit committee is. Recommending that the board approve and also want to keep it one tool to keep in mind that it can be changed any time with board approval. >> All MISTER, say to you, please come on down and >> create greater. Add anything to this foreman discussed about engagement Thank you for being here. >> Good evening, Mark Smith cri as was discussed, are format change where the master service that was provided to purchasing and MISTER Di. He reviewed We went back and forth a little bit on some changes. We both agreed and reflected in the master services agreement. The engagement letter it's very similar to what we've had in the past from approach. And as missus Foreman mention Page last page Exhibit e the number of hours to stay the same. Just because we have these hours doesn't mean we use them all this year, I think will be about 200 hours short from using them and also not even close to approaching our maximum As far as the dollar amount. So again, unless we have on its unless we're given approval to do them, you know, we don't use up all the hours are all the on. It's in there. I'm in there. We had sale surtax, which we complete and perform every year. The maintenance and facilities on it and human resources were discussed. The audit committee unidentified and then we have a couple audit areas available to anything that comes out through the school year, which again, the audit committee would discuss and then bring to you for the board like they've done this last year to have approved to add to the to the audit program or if someone of the existing on its change that can be discussed as well. And it just so again, the rates of stay the same. Therefore, the stay the same. And you know where we do not have to use all the hours we use what we need to in the budget we provide updates at the audit committee on the progress of our audits and where we're at. And each on a committee. >> Any board members but up to Men want to have a motion. I'm sorry. Know, we've got some background on item. Going to make a motion to have. I will that. We >> engagement letter and the master Services agreement with the current >> second. Motion and a seconds. A misprint. >> I'm glad this is on the agenda because this will start a process, not her. This can discredit anything that you are district. I've always been on the side. I'm going out for Ben. For this particular. I I think it's good practice business to do that. I don't think ever. But item up for bid to my knowledge is just kinda, 5 years ago. 5 years, right? Ok, so it's probably time to look at other options that MAY be out there. This doing the same quality of work. And comparisons and other. Businesses are out there are really Do these kind of functions for the district. So I don't know if was a 5 year term and we just renewed it or was only one year to year. I don't know history of that part, but I do. Think that this isn't a good thing to adopt Now. And then also for purchasing department and not part of that. Doctor was strong cabinet members to look other companies can the same kind work you've done in the past. So I'm Hannah. So thank I MISS Front. Okay. First. >> I do want to point out that Doctor Weiss on and his Cabinet do not have any input on this. >> engagement of cra strictly ours. This is our higher and they as they do, you know, because we keep them separate. That's right. Sorry. Okay. And as far as the history initially. Cri was had a 5 year engagement. And then we did take it out to Bennett. And there were 2 firms. That's all that. Apply for cr. I was. You know, there there was there wasn't a lot of competition. That So we had another 5 year agreement. And this last. This is the last year on that were done with the 5. So so, yes, it all along. It's been anticipated to go and >> did the bidding do for us too, prepared our own pre-term. But you're right. So department do that for us brought the information to the board to review and to make a good What? On a team from that? They selected 5 years ago. >> I just want to explain the process in the process is right purchasing puts it out front. 2. >> The whole area, right? You know, and and people are free to on it. And then >> those. Go before the audit committee. And they review them, you know, for qualifications so on. And they. If there's a lot which there wasn't, but there's a lot The audit committee will narrow it down to a select number of candidates and they have not determined yet. How many that's going to be those people come in and do a presentation that the board is absolutely. Invited. My condition. I can tell you 5 years ago they weren't they weren't interested. They didn't come. And then based on that. Committee makes their recommendation to the board and then the board will ultimately vote. >> It is it is the selection in the higher of the board. >> Right. But I just wanted to make. >> Sure that I understood the process that district purchasing Department actually does. There. If you're curing it 4 of bidding whomever right? It's not a sizzle poured that are out there looking for not sure, right, Yeah. So I just want to make player on the understanding purchasing to do all of that. And then they present that our committee is what you're saying and on a committee brings a recommendation before the poor. After much. Right? There's a lot of steps. Yeah, I trust I know the steps. There's a lot. So ok, I just make it clear that I'm going support but also and the mindset okay. Let's see what's out there now. It's been 5 years. You never now. So I'm saying thank Messenger. You that up to speak. >> Yeah, I just checked like one thing that you said that the board didn't take notice 5 years ago. And I just want to say, I very much took notice 5 years ago. I listen to the entire meeting. Your discussion during that meeting that can. It's what swayed my vote. And so I just want to be clear, I couldn't attend it. Because of the timing of it. It doesn't mean I didn't take note or didn't. That everything that was said in that meeting of that is only one except this message >> know that's true. And this messengers always been involved and I can trust. I do have a question on then I think you said it. But >> the area's audit area for an area 5. Humid you. You mentioned it. I want call it. >> What are those for? Those are placeholders now so that if the audit committee determines or something comes up for manager of the Board of concern that there's time a lot audit plan. For that. That's not already spoken for war allocated for something that right now is not at the level that needs the audit. But there for. >> Is that looks like a like a contingency Yes, like a place or because a lot of times your audit plan, you don't want to have everything every hour counts for you. Want allow. >> Sometime maybe you have you get into one of the areas and you need more time. >> For or that something comes up that wasn't on your radar that allows you to adjust. And Ed. >> And it's just for you all as a staff. 10, 8 is going could be potentially. Yeah. These a matter hours for this particular client for you all. If it helps you all that way, is that something you guys create? That is that some of that helps. You all say. Hey, did we could have another 250 could have the 125 in this for this particular. Yeah, we can. >> Allocate if we need That is there. And like I said, if we don't need it, then we don't sheriff's the hours or so. >> I think I'm I'm not a huge fan of of. Putting Nessa. So I do believe the contingency 100%. I mean, approve. This is getting approved, but I'm not a huge fan is seeing. 400. Some hours of just in case you because potentially. And I'm not saying our audit committee does this potentially you could other things pop up just because we know we have x amount of hours to spare right? And so I'm okay with audit committee coming to us. It was even there say, hey, we do believe we should look at x y z. That wasn't on the original plan. And then we say absolutely. Let's do it. You know, cri how many hours think you need for that? 150 I she have done in that process than just having it built in. I mean, that I'm not good dinosaur. Didn't say no to this. It's so you guys are I don't see any other board the >> this is out. >> You could begin you just don't know. I'm sorry. >> For MISS Harman Center kind expert. This isn't something are legally required to have a right for statue. Auditors. It's either that or we have an internal auditor and we've chosen to perform this function with just want clarify that for my understanding. Thank you. >> This trip. >> And add on to that. I would like that to be one of the options that. External a farm or we have our own. Individual team. >> I would just advise you. That will start. Talk about that. We do our peer, right, right. Remember that the workshops and schedule we have that built. And we've had that before. Page 10, you cause the district has hired and house get a longer. >> So we have that in there that if the board appoints a board staff internal auditor well perform these functions and before it was kind of set up supporting, we had it where some audits were taken over and then that that person didn't work out, that we have that in our Detroit letter, event that the district does decide to do that during the year that we could support them. And it's it's earning engagement letter. Thank you >> They very much out anybody else, so to speak. Appreciate it. Thanks for being here. Us. We had a motion and a second. So go ahead and vote on the approval. The Master services agreement and gave me a letter with Carr, Riggs and Ingram to provide our internal audits for this next school year. And that passes 5 to 0. >> All right. Moving on 16 is informational only. For those who wanted to see that. Number 17 and number 17 or updates U.S. Start with Instructure big MISTER Genson. >> Even board member Superintendent Weis on that privilege this morning of participating one of my favorite events to kind of kick off the school year, which is our new teacher orientation which we're holding this today through Thursday at Manatee High School. Today we had 163 new school district Manatee County teachers in attendance registered for receiving keynotes breaking out to sessions aligned to different areas of pedagogy responsibility. Everything from how to use our system. Sta to how to manage your classroom you know, there's always a lot of energy and excitement with our new teachers because some of our new teachers are our brand new to the classroom. And some of them have you know, successful careers in other districts have now relocated to manatee and are going to bring their skills to our school. So special thanks to Tara Brown else. Nichols in the curriculum team as well as a human resources operations and all the teams are kind of come together to support a new educators. But it's it's a great way to moving towards the beginning of the school year. Similarly next week will be having a summer professional learning conference for teachers which will be at Lakewood Ranch, High School teachers throughout the district can attend Sessions on Monday and Tuesday on a range of topics related to sporting se and esau learners curriculum, teaching strategies using argue instructional materials and many more. And then on Wednesday, this teachers will be engaged in collaborative planning with each other to the things that they've learned on Monday and Tuesday and plan for the upcoming year using this new strategies and that new knowledge, which I'm really excited about. A quick science materials update. All of our first ranked choice is adoption committees. Recommendations for first ranked choice is that the board approved for k 12 Science Materials have been approved by deal. We except for Marine science. Continuing to work with the publisher of the Material and the Florida school Book Depository. To make sure teachers and students our digital and print materials in time for the first day of school. As a matter of fact, thanks to the leadership on curriculum team. We've already started receiving the initial shipments of materials. So we're looking forward rolling those out to schools as they continue to come in. And then at Manatee Technical College Program, classes begin on AUGUST 6th with teachers returning on JULY. 30th and they don't. School programs already have 1000 students enrolled in their classes which start SEPTEMBER. 3rd between the technical to see will be its highs. Moments for 2020. Is. So question of 4 members. >> Yes, sir. MISTER Was first It was my He said that one of the curriculum was not yet approved. By way, one of the >> And that's to Marine Sciences book. So it's not on that. They kind of what they call the the approved list. And that's kind of where that the final, you know, do we approve materials and up and that makes them and it's in the final green light for districts to purchase. And so sometimes if there's been feedback that they've given publishers that kind of work with those publishers on the request of provisions until the book ends up on that on that list. So we. You know, we speak to our publisher representatives as well as people who work at the Department of Education to try to understand the timeline on those revisions and make strategic decisions on whether to you way to order that first choice book or to defer to the second committee recommendation. Okay. >> I'm curious what happens if it doesn't get? Like there's probably a drop that they like one AUGUST or something like, look, we have a book so that your your move to the second choice then is that what you do at that point or? >> Yes, sir. Okay. I just curious with the processes. Thanks. So >> We're good. Not just. Serving only operations. >> Good evening. Board chair board members, doctor Weiss on give you a quick update. First human resources. There was a virtual brazen, teacher and parent job fair that was this morning. We had 274 registering so 161 attendees 276 contacts. At this point reporting multiple interviews. But we don't have a job offer count at this time, but keep you up to date on that. The last operational job fair was held JULY 16th there are 116 attendees. 10 job offers were made 6 custodians are were given a job offer and for food workers were given a job offer as well of that group. We had 7 bus that candidates and we're working with them to get their cdl permit so we can get them in training and move them through the hiring process. Our next operational job fair is scheduled for AUGUST 29th and that will be at the Wake one center as well. One of the one of the departments within human resources benefits and they are organizing employee health It's scheduled for OCTOBER 14th at Braden River. High School Lemon, 30 to 4.30, at this time. They have 27 vendors that are signed up and committed to that for years. So I'll keep you up to date and keep on everyone's radar as we get to that time Argus Edition of The Thrive newsletter, which comes from the benefits department will feature employee incentive programs and dimensional Ys. 8 dimensions of wellness. The Department of Health Family Health event, which is scheduled for Saturday AUGUST 3rd and a reminder for regular skin checks in support of uv Safety Awareness Month, which is this month. So that's coming up. Transportation services, their call center is up and running training in place at this time right now with them they're going to starting on the 29th of this So they'll be answering because focus just rolled over yesterday. Apparent colors are being advised to watch there. Students, parents focus portal first student bus assignment. Information since that were in development with that right now, basically tying the right route to individual students. Transportation leadership, a seminar scheduled for AUGUST 5th. So that's a four-week on 7 are where they're doing lectures. They're doing training. And then for the final 2 days, they're doing dry runs of their bus route. So that's in planning right now. In we had today interviews for Van drivers. We had 6 candidates submit for the for positions and its nice to say they were all internal candidates. There were all bus aides. So they're looking to progress up to becoming drivers. So we're working that right now. The current rap as of today is 93 bus routes. We do have 94 drivers. We have 2 additional drivers in training and we're working with the other 7 drivers to get them into the process as well. Communications sent out an e-mail blast to all the parents yesterday. Just reminding them to go on to our Web site and to access the register to ride so that we can make sure that capturing every student that desires to have transportation from our maintenance standpoint, a lot of times they feel slighted a little bit because we talk a lot about the big projects that we're doing, all that so that they wanted to identify some of their summer projects for you all. We've got painting at a Mills elementary. Paul Middle High has painting going on as well. And sea Breeze Elementary weve got roofing projects Braden River High Freedom and Johnson k over the summer and they're replacing fire alarms. A King middle Mills Muti Elementary School and Palmetto Elementary School. So we've got 4 campuses, elementary campuses and a middle school campus that will be getting new fire alarm systems. They also have flooring going on at about 7 campuses. They're also replacing boilers. They've got generators and hvac control. So they've got a fairly busy summer so far. And there looking to have the majority of that work done prior to school openings. Extend into SEPTEMBER. But the majority of that scheduled food food Service celebrated their 3 free summer meal at Salmon said earlier this week on Monday. I know the summit ended. Thanks for coming out. And finally, I'd like to recognize regime home. Our director of food and nutrition service. He was accepted to the 2024 25 Leadership Manatee Program is in going to be the district representatives there. So all right. That's all I've questions. >> Yes, MISTER Know lot of good news there. Good news on the number of bus mechanics. We just I MISS That. We hired 2 new bus mechanics as well. That was on my notes there. So, yeah, we've got 2 new bus mechanic puts us at 6 serves. That puts us 6 points. Were we're we're we're outsourcing having some contractors come in as well. >> a that's moving in the right direction. Thank Thank you. Thank you. >> Legal of it. Well, your law firms fully staffed again >> really looking forward work with Kelvin. He's a really good, great qualifications. Board, certified education. All that's going to be very beneficial district. >> At least a busy over the summer. Look, teachers, take time. Let's contracts come through. >> Will be happy to have MISTER Finley, reviewing contracts they've already they started them. No everything. Everything is good. As far as I The >> There's nothing going on law. That's a good thing. Superintendent. >> Thank you, Also want to extend a welcome MISTER Pendley. I think he's I think this is day 6 on the job in a couple of those days were old, a leadership meeting. So we're glad he's here. And I knew my a team is excited to have his expertise. So. And with Mister Penn Lee's arrival are are district leadership team is fully staffed we're pretty much go mode for the 24 25 school year. So before chat about some of those preparations board members. Thank you for your support of tonight's consent agenda. There were 36 items I think we gave you will over 1000 pages of prep material for this meeting. So we appreciate all of you in the work that you do. Just some highlights from the consent agenda. We submitted a total of 39.3 million dollars in federal and state grants. A lot of these grants come out late in the fiscal year with JULY one deadlines. I knew that I was a final draft. So I think late as a JUNE 27th JUNE 28th to try to get all of these and appreciation to all the great managers in the great teams. It's a great reminder board members that financially we we can't this just rich without support from multiple levels of government grants are very important. Also, I think United Way Suncoast which continues to be a philanthropic partner of the district their support and the support of of their donors. They are funding 8 per at our title. One elementary schools for the upcoming school year to advance the cause early literacy. So we appreciate United Way Suncoast for that. Finally, a board members, your approval tonight allows us to take the first step on the procurement process for next to in the Rye Ranch area. And the Artisan Lakes area. Open 2026. And so we get started on that as a result of your authorization tonight. To clarify, that's that's to get our architect. Construction management firms get all the professionals in I knew we Well, that's going on. Of course, we're on the North Middle School and the East k 8. What's walls going up on those 2 sites to open in? 25 so thank you again for your support. The consent agenda as MISTER Johnson and MISTER Udell. The both noted We we are fully focused on the start of school for 24. 25 were less than 3 weeks out. Lots of events going for teachers. Very busy in at this point we are 97% staffed on the instructional side. So we still do have some positions and our principles are are hiring away as identify themselves. We know will be lots of great events over the next 3 the Bradenton marauders have their annual back-to-school Coming up Saturday night at 6.30, at Lee Cub. And I'll be there handing out backpacks to the first 500 children 12 and under. So they are ready with their backpacks from the marauders for the start the school year. That will be a great time we're also to get ready for the official return of a lot of our personnel on Monday. AUGUST 5th. But of course, hundreds of our teachers are already back working, getting training, looking at new textbooks and so thank you to all over employees are not enjoy the rest of the sum