School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida

3 Tuesday, January 20, 2026 School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida School Board Meeting 6 p.m. Location-Alachua County Public Schools District Office Board Room, 620 East University Ave. Gainesville FL 32601 Channel 12 Live Stream: http://gainesville.granicus.com/player/camera/3?publish_id=12 During the School Board of Alachua County’s business meetings, reasonable decorum is required during all portions of the meeting. Conduct that disrupts or interferes with the orderly progress of the meeting is not allowed. Any individual(s) causing disruption or interference will be asked to stop. Failure to comply may result in removal from the meeting. The School Board encourages speakers to focus on issues and constructive input. The School Board impartially receives all public comments. Comments that are obscene, abusive, or threatening are not allowed. Thank you for supporting a respectful environment where all voices can be heard. For additional information, the School Board’s Policy regarding public comment is available at https://www.alachuaschools.net/publicinputpolicy There are two options for requesting an opportunity to speak at a School Board meeting: 1) Complete an online Speaker Request Form that will be available at alachuaschools.net/publiccomment for 24 hours before the meeting begins; or 2) Complete a paper version of the Speaker Request Form, which will be available in the Boardroom 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the meeting. All forms, online and paper, must be completed and submitted before the meeting begins. Input regarding School Board meeting items can also be submitted through email at issues@alachuaschools.net by noon of the day of the meeting. Persons with disabilities who require assistance to participate in the meeting are requested to notify the Office of the Superintendent at (352) 955-7527 (Voice) or dial 711 (TDD) at least 48 hours ahead of the meeting so that their needs may be accommodated. A. Meeting Opening Subject 1. Call to Order-Pledge of Allegiance Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category A. Meeting Opening Type Procedural File Attachments Subject 2. District Highlights (Patton) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category A. Meeting Opening Type Information File Attachments Subject 3. Public Comment Statement (Board Attorney) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category A. Meeting Opening Type Information During the School Board of Alachua County’s business meetings, reasonable decorum is required during all portions of the meeting. Conduct that disrupts or interferes with the orderly progress of the meeting is not allowed. Any individual(s) causing disruption or interference will be asked to stop. Failure to comply may result in removal from the meeting. The School Board encourages speakers to focus on issues and constructive input. The School Board impartially receives all public comments. Comments that are obscene, abusive, or threatening are not allowed. Thank you for supporting a respectful environment where all voices can be heard. For additional information, the School Board’s Policy regarding public comment is available at https://www.alachuaschools.net/publicinputpolicy File Attachments Subject 4. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category A. Meeting Opening Type Procedural (This provides citizens the opportunity to address the Board. (Speakers shall have up to two (2) minutes for comments.) File Attachments Subject 5. Public Comment (Agenda Items) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category A. Meeting Opening Type Discussion, Information (This provides citizens the opportunity to address the Board. (Speakers shall have up to two (2) minutes for comments.) File Attachments Subject 6. Adoption of Agenda Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category A. Meeting Opening Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve the adoption of the agenda. File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve the adoption of the agenda as amended. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 7. Approval of Regular School Board Meeting Minutes for December 16, 2025 Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category A. Meeting Opening Type Action, Minutes Recommended Action Motion to approve regular school board meeting minutes for December 16, 2025. Minutes View Minutes for Dec 16, 2025 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve regular school board meeting minutes for December 16, 2025. Motion by Tina Certain, second by Leanetta McNealy. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 8. Approval of Regular School Board Workshop Minutes for December 16, 2025 Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category A. Meeting Opening Type Action, Minutes Recommended Action Motion to approve regular school board workshop minutes for December 16, 2025. Minutes View Minutes for Dec 16, 2025 - School Board Of Alachua County Workshop File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve regular school board workshop minutes for December 16, 2025. Motion by Leanetta McNealy, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac B. Consent Agenda Subject 1. Approval of the Consent Agenda Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) Recommended Action The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-11. File Attachments Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 2. Employment Of Personnel (Terry) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) Personnel Recommendations File Attachments Board List 1-20-2026.pdf (152 KB) Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 3. Donations (Reneke) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) Westwood Middle School File Attachments Donation -anonymous Westwwod.pdf (93 KB) Donation -Fine Farkash & Parlapiano for Westwood Middle.pdf (107 KB) Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 4. Space Florida and the School Board of Alachua County Memorandum of Understanding (Bessner) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) Preferred Date Jan 20, 2026 Absolute Date Jan 20, 2026 Fiscal Impact No Space Florida and the School Board of Alachua County agree to collaborate to expand aerospace-focused education and workforce programs. They will implement Space Florida’s Space Academy Program in at least one existing Alachua County Public Schools Career & Technical Education program. The district will receive a “Florida Space Academy School District” designation. File Attachments ACPS 2025-26 Space Florida School District Memorandum of Understanding.docx.pdf (122 KB) Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 5. Change Order Number Two (2) for Project S2406 – Hawthorne Middle/High School Sally Port & Security Improvements (Terry) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) Dollar Amount $1,590.75 Budgeted Yes Budget Source 1.5 Mill and Security Grant TAPS 24A-097 Recommended Action The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve Change Order Number Two, in the amount of $1,590.75 On December 11, 2025, the Superintendent authorized execution of Change Order Number Two (2) to the construction contract. This change order adds $1,590.75 to the contract, for the connection of the required canopy to the building, revising the total paid to the contractor to $383,262.84. This change order adds no additional days to the contract time. The Substantial Completion Date is August 8, 2025. This is the Final Change Order for this project. File Attachments S2406 - Hawthorne Sally Port CO #2 (Final).pdf (330 KB) Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 6. 100% Design Development/Construction Documents for Project SBAC S2407 – Parker Elementary School Sally Port & Security Improvements (Terry) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) Budget Source 1.5 Mill Recommended Action The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the construction documents as presented. Brame Heck Architects, Gainesville, Florida has prepared Phase II/III Construction Documents for the construction of this project. It is requested that the School Board approve these plans as presented. File Attachments Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 7. 100% Design Development/Construction Documents for Project SBAC S2502 – Newberry High School Sally Port & Security Improvements (Terry) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) Budget Source 1.5 Mill Recommended Action The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the construction documents as presented. Brame Heck Architects, Gainesville, Florida has prepared Phase II/III Construction Documents for the construction of this project. It is requested that the School Board approve these plans as presented. File Attachments Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 8. 100% Design Development/Construction Documents for Project SBAC B2401 – Glen Springs Elementary School Fire Alarm, Lighting and Ceiling Replacement (Terry) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) Budget Source 1.5 Mill Recommended Action The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the construction documents as presented. H2 Engineering, Inc., Tallahassee, Florida has prepared Phase II/III Construction Documents for the construction of this project. It is requested the School Board approve these plans as presented. File Attachments Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 9. 100% Design Development/Construction Documents for Project SBAC R2502 – Sidney Lanier Center, Buildings 1 & 2 Roof Replacement (Terry) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) Budget Source 1.5 Mill Recommended Action The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the construction documents as presented. Kail Partners, Architecture & Interiors, Gainesville, Florida has prepared Phase II/III Construction Documents for the construction of this project. It is requested that the School Board approve these plans as presented. File Attachments Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 10. Bid(s) and Requisition(s) (Reneke) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category B. Consent Agenda Type Action (Consent) File Attachments 1-20-26 Bids and Requisitions - AMENDED v.2.pdf (143 KB) Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the School Board approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 2-9 and 11. Motion by Sarah Rockwell, second by Tina Certain. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac C. Action Items Subject 1. 2026 - 2027 School Year Calendar (Terry) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category C. Action Items Type Action Recommended Action The Superintendent recommends the School Board approve the 2026-2027 school year calendar, as presented. File Attachments 2026-2027 School Calendar Draft.pdf (126 KB) 2026-2027 10 Month Calendar.pdf (135 KB) Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends the School Board approve the 2026-2027 school year calendar, as presented. (take out notes) Motion by Janine Plavac, second by Leanetta McNealy. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 2. Amendments to Various Board Policies - First Reading (Terry) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category C. Action Items Type Action Recommended Action The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the amendments to the various policies, as presented, for advertising. The amendments to various board policies in the following sections are set forth in the attached documents. The statement of purpose and effect at the beginning of each section lists the policies that are being amended and a summary of the reasons for those amendments for each policy listed. A. 0000 - Bylaws B. 1000 - Administration, 3000 - Instructional Staff, and 4000 - Support Staff C. 2000 - Program D. 5000 - Students E. 6000 - Finances F. 8000 - Operations G. 9000 - Community Relations File Attachments A. 26 01 20 - Statement of Purpose-Effect Policies (0000 Bylaws) - 1st Reading.pdf (999 KB) B. 26 01 20 - Statement of Purpose-Effect Policies (1000s, 3000s, & 4000s) - 1st Reading.pdf (2,202 KB) C. 26 01 20 - Statement of Purpose-Effect Policies (2000s) - 1st Reading.pdf (1,802 KB) D. 26 01 20 - Statement of Purpose-Effect Policies (5000s)- 1st Reading.pdf (1,781 KB) E. 26 01 20 - Statement of Purpose-Effect Policies (6000s) - 1st Reading.pdf (798 KB) F. 26 01 20 - Statement of Purpose-Effect Policies (8000s) - 1st Reading.pdf (1,306 KB) G. 26 01 20 - Statement of Purpose-Effect Policies (9000s) - 1st Reading.pdf (948 KB) Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the amendments to the various policies, as presented, for advertising with policy 2431.06 coming back to refer to procedures for use of name and likeness Motion by Tina Certain, second by Janine Plavac. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 3. Amendments to Board Policy 5120.01 School Zone Boundary Descriptions - First Reading (Terry) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category C. Action Items Type Action Recommended Action The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the amendments to the Policy 5120.01, as presented, for advertising, and schedule a public hearing on March 3, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. The amendments to Board Policy 5120.01 - School Zone Boundary Descriptions are set forth in the attached documents. The statement of purpose and effect at the beginning of the document provides a summary of the reasons for those amendments and the amendments are shown on the Policy. File Attachments 26 01 20 - Statement of Purpose-Effect and Policy 5120.01 - 1st Reading.pdf (290 KB) Motion & Voting The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the amendments to the Policy 5120.01, as presented, for advertising, and schedule a public hearing on March 3, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Motion by Tina Certain, second by Sarah Rockwell. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac Subject 4. Purchased Products/Services ($12,500 to $49,999) (Reneke) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category C. Action Items Type Action File Attachments 1-20-26 12.5 PURCHASES.pdf (95 KB) Motion & Voting Approve action item #4 as presented. Motion by Janine Plavac, second by Leanetta McNealy. Final Resolution: Motion Passed Yes: Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu, Janine Plavac D. Discussion Items Subject 1. Comprehensive School Strategy Plan - Guiding Principles (Neal) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category D. Discussion Items Type Discussion File Attachments E. Announcements Subject 1. ACEA Union Updates (ACEA) Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category E. Announcements Type Discussion, Information File Attachments Subject 2. Board Member/Superintendent Announcements Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category E. Announcements Type Information File Attachments F. Board Member/ Superintendent Requests Subject 1. Board Member/ Superintendent Requests Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category F. Board Member/ Superintendent Requests Type Discussion, Information File Attachments G. Adjournment Subject 1. Adjournment Meeting Jan 20, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Alachua County, Florida Category G. Adjournment Type Action, Procedural Recommended Action Motion to Adjourn meeting File Attachments