Board Meeting

4 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Board Meeting THE SCHOOL BOARD OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY “Transforming Today’s Learners into Tomorrow’s Leaders” GARLAND BOGGUS BOARD ROOM 426 SCHOOL STREET SEBRING, FLORIDA 33870 5:30 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as may be practicable) PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES This is a public meeting. If a person wishes to speak to the Board regarding an issue not on the agenda, please fill out a petition card located in the lobby and present it to the Board Secretary prior to the meeting. Items on Consent Agenda will be voted on for approval by the Board in a single motion. Individual consent items may be removed and placed as an Action item at the request of any member of the Board prior to the adoption of the agenda. 1. OPENING ITEMS Subject A. Call to order and roll call of members Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments Subject B. Highlands Highlights Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments Subject C. Public Comments for Items not on the Agenda Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments Subject D. School Board Member Committee Report Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type Presentation File Attachments Subject E. Superintendent's Report Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments 2. ADOPT THE AGENDA 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Subject A. Consider approval of minutes of the April 7, 2026 workshop and board meeting Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Dr. Brenda Longshore Goal Assignment: Goal 4: Communications and Engagement Description: Minutes submitted from the previous meeting(s)/workshop(s) pursuant to Florida Statute 1001.42 Financial Impact: Revenue Source: No associated cost Estimated Amount: 0 Contact: Dr. Brenda Longshore File Attachments 4-7-26 Workshop.pdf (9 KB) 4-7-26 board meeting.pdf (69 KB) Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Roberts Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. Subject B. Consider approval of Out-of-State travel for a Sebring High School student to attend the International Science and Engineering Fair-May 10 - May 15, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Danielle Erwin File Attachments OUT OF STATE FIELD TRIP~ISEF PHOENIX ARIZONA.pdf (341 KB) Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Roberts Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. Subject C. Consider approval of budget amendments month ending February 28, 2026 and March 31, 2026. Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Budget revisions are used to increase revenue or expenditure authority from the original budget, while budget amendments/transfers simply reallocate existing funds without changing the total budget. These adjustments ensure expenditures are coded correctly, align budgets with actual operations, and maintain compliance with state and district guidelines. Financial Impact: Revenue Source: No associated cost Estimated Amount: 0 Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments February 2026-Budget Revisions_Transfers.pdf (1,168 KB) March 2026-Budget Revisions_Transfers.pdf (1,517 KB) Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Roberts Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. Subject D. Consider Approval of the 2026-27 Payroll Calendars Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Stephanie Hanks. Goal Assignment: Goal 5 - Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Payroll Calendars Financial Impact: No associated cost Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/a Contact: Stephanie Hanks File Attachments 26-27 12 MONTH CALENDAR.pdf (260 KB) Duty Days & Holidays 26-27 .pdf (29 KB) Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Roberts Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. Subject E. Consider Approval of the 2026 Summer Swim Proposals Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Stephanie Hanks. Goal Assignment: Goal 5 - Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Summer Swim Proposals Financial Impact: All schools are expecting a small profit. Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/A Contact: Stephanie Hanks File Attachments 2026 Lake Placid High School.pdf (602 KB) APH 2026 Summer Swim Proposal.pdf (1,015 KB) SHS 2026 Summer Swim Proposal.pdf (25 KB) Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Roberts Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. Subject F. Consider Approval of 2026 Summer School Programs Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Stephanie Hanks. Item pulled. No action taken. Goal Assignment: Goal 5 - Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Summer School Programs Financial Impact: Federally Funded Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/a Contact: Stephanie Hanks File Attachments 2026 SUMMER SCHOOL BOOK (1).pdf (450 KB) Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Roberts Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. 4. ACTION ITEMS Subject A. Approve Consent Agenda Items Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve consent agenda items as presented or revised Mrs. Radonski moved to approve agenda items as presented pulling 3f Consider approval of 2026 Summer School Programs. Mr. Martin seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. File Attachments Subject B. Consider approval of the Superintendent's recommendation for personnel Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Mrs. Howerton moved to approve. Mrs. Radonski seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 3 - Recruitment and Retention of Quality Staff Description: Florida Statutes, State Board Rules and School Board of Highlands County Board Policies require Board action regarding decisions and recommendations of the Superintendent related to personnel matters. Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Board approved budgets Estimated Amount: Salaries are determined according to the board-approved salary schedule and personnel allocations. Contact: Dr. Carla Ball, Human Resources File Attachments 042126.pdf (123 KB) Subject C. Review/discuss previously declined Hardship Out of Zone appeals pursuant to the School Board of Highlands County Student Assignment, Enrollment and Choice Plan. Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action No action taken. Waiver remains denied. Goal Assignment: N/A Description: As per the Board Approved Student Assignment, Enrollment and Choice Plan, if a Hardship Out of Zone Transfer application is denied, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may request an appeal to the Board. Financial Impact: Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: No impact. Contact: Melissa Blackman, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services File Attachments Subject D. Consider Approval of monthly financial statements for February 28,2026 and March 31, 2026. Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Stephanie Hanks. Mrs. Howerton moved to approve. Mrs. Radonski seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 5 - Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Financial Summary for the month of February and March. Financial Impact: Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/a Contact: Stephanie Hanks File Attachments FEBRUARY FINANCIALS.pdf (115 KB) MARCH FINANCIALS.pdf (115 KB) Subject E. Consider approval of 5 year work plan for 2025 - 2026 school year. Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Item pulled. No action taken. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Projects for the 5 year work plan. Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Estimated Amount: $______________ Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Roberts Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. Subject F. Office of Safe School Quarterly Compliance Report: 2025-2026 Quarter Three Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action, Presentation Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by John Varady, the Coordinator of Safety and Security Goal Assignment: Goal 5 - Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Report is presented to the School Board as required by Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 6A-1.0018 School Safety Requirements and Monitoring. Financial Impact: No cost or budget associated with this. Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/A Contact: John Varady File Attachments Subject G. Consider approval of Expulsions/Academy Placements Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted John Varady, Coordinator of Safety and Security Mrs. Howerton moved to approve. Mr. Martin. seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: N/A Description: Consider approval of Expulsions/Academy Placements pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct SBHC2526-154 Threat/Intimidation SBHC2526-166 Excessive OSS Referrals/ Defiance of Authority SBHC2526-175 Excessive Defiance of Authority Referrals SBHC2526-184 Drug Sale/Distribution SBHC2526-186 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-189 Excessive OSS Referrals/ Disruption on Campus-Major SBHC2526-190 Threat/Intimidation SBHC2526-192 Excessive Defiance of Authority Referrals SBHC2526-193 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-195 Threat/Intimidation on a School Board Employee SBHC2526-199 Excessive OSS Referrals/ Profanity or Unacceptable Language SBHC2526-209 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-212 Excessive OSS Referrals/Inappropriate Behavior SBHC2526-214 Excessive OSS Referrals/Inappropriate Behavior SBHC2526-224 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-171 Excessive OSS Referrals/ Disruptive Behavior SBHC2526-180 Disruption on Campus-Major Financial Impact: Revenue Source: No associated cost Estimated Amount: 0 Contact: John Varady File Attachments Subject H. Authorize advertisement to consider adoption of the revisions to the 2026-27 Code of Student Conduct Meeting Apr 21, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Mrs. Howerton moved to approve. Mrs. Radonski seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. File Attachments 2627 Code of Conduct - Revised 4-10-26.pdf (1,593 KB) 5. EMERGENCY ITEMS 6. HCEA/HCESPA MEMBERS' COMMENTS 7. SCHOOL BOARD ATTORNEY COMMENTS 8. BOARD MEMBER'S COMMENTS 9. ADJOURNMENT 10. NOTICE: If a person intends to appeal the Board’s decision with respect to any matter, or has any thought that an appeal may be taken, the person has the responsibility to ensure that a verbatim (word for word) record of the proceeding is made and that the record includes all testimony and evidence upon which an appeal is to be based. 11. NOTICE: If you are a person with a disability who requires reasonable accommodations in order to attend a School Board meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator, Carla J. Ball, Director of Human Resources at 863-471-5732 or 426 School St., Sebring, Florida 33870 at least 48 hours in advance of the event.