School Board of Highlands County

4 Tuesday, October 20, 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 Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments Subject B. Highlands Highlights Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments Subject C. Public Comments for Items not on the Agenda Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments Subject D. School Board Member Committee Report Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type Presentation File Attachments Subject E. Superintendent's Report Meeting Oct 20, 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 September 28, 2026 work session, and the October 6, 2026 board meeting Meeting Oct 20, 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 Revised 9-28-26 work session.pdf (52 KB) 9-28-26 work session.pdf (51 KB) 10-6-26 board meeting.pdf (67 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 School Improvement Plans for all elementary and secondary schools Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve submitted by Carey Conner, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Programs Goal 1 - Academic Success Description: Requesting approval of the School Improvement Plan Financial Impact: None Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/A Contact: Carey Conner File Attachments highlands-avon-elementary-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (269 KB) highlands-cracker-trail-elem-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (262 KB) highlands-fred-wild-elementary-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (275 KB) highlands-lake-country-elementary-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (245 KB) highlands-lake-placid-elementary-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (262 KB) highlands-park-elementary-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (244 KB) highlands-sun-n-lake-elementary-school-2026-27-sip (1).pdf (260 KB) highlands-woodlawn-elementary-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (248 KB) highlands-memorial-elementary-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (324 KB) highlands-avon-park-middle-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (262 KB) highlands-hill-gustat-middle-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (247 KB) highlands-lake-placid-high-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (273 KB) highlands-lake-placid-middle-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (249 KB) highlands-sebring-middle-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (288 KB) highlands-highlands-virtual-school-2026-27-sip (1).pdf (246 KB) highlands-highlands-success-academy-2026-27-sip.pdf (253 KB) highlands-avon-park-high-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (255 KB) highlands-sebring-high-school-2026-27-sip.pdf (253 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 Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve consent agenda items as presented or revised Mrs. Howerton moved to approve Consent Agenda items as revised. Mr. Whidden seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. File Attachments Subject B. Consider approval of the previously denied Hardship Out of Zone Transfer Application Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type There being no motion, waiver remains denied. Goal Assignment: N/A Description: Pursuant to the Student Assignment, Enrollment and Choice Plan, a parent or legal guardian may appeal to the School Board a previoiusly denied Hardship Out of Zone Transfer application. Financial Impact: Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/A Contact: Melissa Blackman File Attachments Subject C. Consider approval of the Superintendent's recommendation for personnel Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Mr. Whidden moved to approve. Mrs. Howerton 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 102026.pdf (134 KB) Subject D. Review and approve the school board attorney’s Contract Review Composite Form Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Mrs. Howerton moved to approve. Mr. Whidden seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. File Attachments 2026 Composit Form.pdf (154 KB) Subject E. Consider approval to award contract for New Batting Cage for Avon Park High to A. C. Pearce, Inc. SBHC2627-02 Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Mr. Whidden moved to approve. Mrs. Howerton seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: New Batting Cage for Avon Park High School Financial Impact: $88,060 Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments SBHC2627-02 New Batting Cage for Avon Park High.pdf (7,173 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 to award contract for Chilled Water Dual Path Air Handling Unit Pre-Purchase Specifications for Lake Placid High to Slade Ross SBHC2526-03 Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Mrs. Howerton moved to approve. Mr. Martin seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Chilled Water Dual Path Air Handling Unit Pre-Purchase Specifications for Lake Placid High Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Estimated Amount: $69,192 Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments SBHC2627-03 Lake Placid HS Pre-Purchase Package (AHU-3A).pdf (1,417 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 G. Consider approval to award contract for Air Cooled Screw Chillers Pre-Purchase Specifications for Memorial Elementary School to Carrier Corporation SBHC2627-04 Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Mr. Whidden moved to approve. Mr. Martin seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Air Cooled Screw Chillers Pre-Purchase Specifications for Memorial Elementary School Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Estimated Amount: $311,700 Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments SBHC2627-04 Memorial ES Pre-Purchase Package (Chillers) .pdf (1,434 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 H. Request approval of Hold Harmless and Indemification and Cooperation Agreement between The School Board of Highlands County and the School Board of Okeechobee County related to the transition of fiscal agent status for Heartland Educational Consortium Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Mrs. Howerton moved to approve. Mr. Whidden seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. File Attachments HEC - First Amendment to Agreement.pdf (75 KB) Hold Harmless Agreement.pdf (464 KB) Subject I. Request approval of the 2026-2027 Florida Safety and Security District Best Practices Self-Assessment Report Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Mr. John Varady Mrs. Howerton moved to approve. Mr. Whidden seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. File Attachments Subject J. Consider approval of Expulsions/Academy Placements Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted John Varady, Coordinator of Safety and Security Mr. Martin moved to approve. Mr. Whidden 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 SBHC2627-019 Threat/Intimidation SBHC2627-020 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2627-021 Threat/Intimidation SBHC2627-023 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2627-024 Drug Sale/Distribution SBHC2627-027 Alcohol SBHC2627-028 Alcohol SBHC2627-029 Alcohol SBHC2627-030 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2627-033 Inappropriate Behavior SBHC2627-037 Drug Use/Possession Financial Impact: Revenue Source: No associated cost Estimated Amount: 0 Contact: John Varady File Attachments Subject K. Consider approval of amendment to contract between ProjectSEARCH Advent Health Sebring and the School Board County Meeting Oct 20, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Director of Exceptional Student Education Dr. Heather McClelland Mrs. Howerton moved to approve. Mr. Martin seconded. On roll call, all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 2: Whole Child Description: Project SEARCH AdventHealth Sebring is a high school transition program for youth (ages18-21) with disabilities. This amendment fulfills the annual mutal agreement requirements indicated in the terms of the original agreement. Financial Impact: Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/A Contact: Heather McCelland File Attachments Original signed Agreement Project search.pdf (3,238 KB) Third amendment to agreement for program ProjectSEARCH AdventHealth Sebring.pdf (132 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. 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.