Board Meeting

4 Tuesday, May 19, 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 May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments Subject B. Highlands Highlights Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments Subject C. Public Comments for Items not on the Agenda Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type File Attachments Subject D. School Board Member Committee Report Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 1. OPENING ITEMS Type Presentation File Attachments Subject E. Superintendent's Report Meeting May 19, 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 May 1, 2026 workshop, the May 5, 2026 workshop and board meeting Meeting May 19, 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 05-01-26 Workshop - Budget Strategies.pdf (10 KB) 05-05-05 workshop budgets and allocations.pdf (9 KB) 05-05-26 bord 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 the 2026-2027 School Board of Highlands County Assignment Enrollment & Choice Plan Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Melissa Blackman, Assistant Superintendent - Student Support Services Goal Assignment: N/A Description: The SBHC Student Assignment, Enrollment and Choice Plan provides opportunities for parents to select school choice options for their student in accordance with F.S. 1002.31. Financial Impact: Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/A Contact: Melissa Blackman, Assist Superintendent - Student Support Services File Attachments 26_27 SBHC School Assignment, Enrollment and Choice Plan.pdf (819 KB) 26_27 COE Schools.pdf (523 KB) 26_27 Exhibit A.pdf (552 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 May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve consent agenda items as presented or revised Mrs. Howerton motioned to approve. Mr. Martin seconded. On roll call all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. File Attachments Subject B. Consider approval to proceed with the roof replacement at Fred Wild Elementary School Buildings 1, 2, 4, & 5 according to the pricing established under the Master Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase Agreement (MICPA) with Racine County, WI and OMNIA Partners, Public Sector (U.S. Communities) Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Frank Brown Mr. Martin motioned to approve. Mr. Whidden seconded. On roll call all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description : Roof Replacement for the Fred Wild Elementary buildings 1, 2, 4, & 5 Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Estimated Amount: $1,488,916.00 Add - Alternate 1 - Duct Wrap: $11,700.00 Add-Alternate 2 - Ladder Replacement - OSHA Replacement: $3,951.00 Unforseen conditions after roof removal - $10,000.00 Contact: Frank Brown File Attachments Proposal 25-FL-260498.pdf (5,041 KB) Subject C. Consider approval to proceed with the roof replacement at Woodlawn Elementary School Building 7 according to the pricing established under the Master Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase Agreement (MICPA) with Racine County, WI and OMNIA Partners, Public Sector (U.S. Communities) Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Frank Brown Mr. Whidden motioned 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 : Roof Replacement for Woodlawn Elementary building 7 Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Estimated Amount: $464,790.00 Unforseen conditions after roof removal - $5,000.00 Contact: Frank Brown File Attachments Proposal 25-FL-260497.pdf (3,582 KB) Subject D. Consider approval of the Superintendent's recommendation for personnel Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Mrs. Howerton motioned to approve. Mr. Martin 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 051926.pdf (128 KB) Subject E. Consider approval to award contract for Avon Park Middle Roof Replacement Phase 2 to CMM Roofing SBHC2526-25 Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Pulled from agenda. No action taken Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Avon Park Middle Roof Replacement Phase 2 Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Estimated Amount: $650,800 bid, $25,000 (unforseen conditions after roof removal) Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments Cover Letter - SBHC2526-25.pdf (406 KB) SBHC2526-25 Avon Park Middle Roof Replacement Phase 2.pdf (11,118 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 Roger Scarborough to Cobb Roofing Inc. and Firemans Baseball Grand Stand Roof Replacement to Quality Roofing and Sheet Metal SBHC2526-27 Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Mr. Whidden motioned 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: Roger Scarborough and Fireman's Baseball Grand Stand Roof Replacement Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Estimated Amount: Roger Scarborough $48,882 bid, $2,500 (unforseen conditions after roof removal) Fireman's Baseball Grandstands $65,700 bid, $2,500 (unforseen conditions after roof removal) Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments SBHC2526-27 2 Roof Replacement for the Roger Scarborough and Fireman's Baseball Grandstands.pdf (832 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 Gutter Replacement at Various School Board Locations to FEC Roofing SBHC2526-30 Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Mrs. Howerton motioned to approve. Mr. Whidden seconded. On roll call all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Gutter Replacement at Various School Board Locations Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Estimated Amount: $268,013.94 Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments SBHC2526-30 Gutter Replacement at Various School Board Locations.pdf (10,622 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 the Administrator's Signature Authorization effective as of July 1, 2026 as required by the State Auditor. Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Consent Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Mr. Martin motioned to approve. Mr. Whidden seconded. On roll call all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Administrator's Signature Authorization Financial Impact: Revenue Source: N/A Estimated Amount: N/A Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments Administrator signature authorization 2026-2027.pdf (169 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 I. Consider approval of the revised capital project list for the 2026 - 2027 school year. Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Mr. Whidden motioned to approve. Mr. Martin seconded. On roll call all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness Efficiency Description: The capital project list represents projects the schools or Facilities have requested to be completed at each sch Financial Impact: Revenue Source: CO & DS, Capital Improvement, Half Cent Sales Tax, School Hardening Grants and potential State Appropriations Estimated Amount: $13,000,000 (amount may change as a result of bids, and actual project costs) Contact: Anjelica Tinajero File Attachments 2026-2027 Capital Project List_05-19-26.pdf (2,320 KB) Subject J. Consider approval of Expulsions/Academy Placements Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted John Varady, Coordinator of Safety and Security Mr. Whidden motioned 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 SBHC2526-173 Excessive Number of Referrals Resulting in OSS/Defiance of Authority Referrals SBHC2526-204 Excessive Number of Referrals Resulting in OSS/Hit-Push-Trip SBHC2526-206 Threat/Intimidation SBHC2526-223 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-226 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-227 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-228 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-229 Defiance of Defiance SBHC2526-232 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-238 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-241 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-242 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-244 Excessive Defiance of Authority Referrals SBHC2526-245 Excessive Defiance of Authority Referrals SBHC2526-247 Threat/Intimidation SBHC2526-250 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-253 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-260 Drug Use/Possession SBHC2526-266 Excessive Defiance of Authority Referrals SBHC2526-064 Failure to Comply with the Agreed-upon Terms of Stipulation Agreement SBHC2526-182 Simple Battery SBHC2526-194 Threat/Abusive Language SBHC2526-197 Threat/Abusive Language SBHC2526-207 Firearm SBHC2526-208 Firearm Financial Impact: Revenue Source: No associated cost Estimated Amount: 0 Contact: John Varady File Attachments Subject K. Consider approval of the agreement for professional and educational services between the School Board of Highlands County and BDV Cultural Exchange Services, LLC (dba TPG Cultural Exchange). Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 4. ACTION ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Dr. Carla Ball Mr. Martin motioned to approve as revised. Mr. Whidden seconded. On roll call all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 3 - Recruitment and Retention of Quality Staff Description: This is an update to the previous board-approved contract with TPG Cultural Exchange, LLC. We currently have 31 exchange teachers. Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Estimated Amount: Contact: File Attachments Revised Pages - 3 and 15.pdf (82 KB) ADDENDUM to Vendor Contract - BDV.pdf (207 KB) BDV Cultural Exchange and SBHC Contract.pdf (325 KB) 5. EMERGENCY ITEMS Subject A. A. Consider approval to award contract for Avon Park Middle Roof Replacement Phase 2 to CFS Roofing SBHC2526-25 Meeting May 19, 2026 - Board Meeting Category 5. EMERGENCY ITEMS Type Action Recommended Action Motion to approve as submitted by Anjelica Tinajero. Mrs. Howerton motioned to approve. Mr. Whidden seconded. On roll call all members present voted 'yes'. Motion carried. Goal Assignment: Goal 5: Operational and Fiscal Effectiveness and Efficiency Description: Avon Park Middle Roof Replacement Phase 2 Financial Impact: Revenue Source: Half-Cent Sales Tax Estimated Amount: $482,876 + $25,000(for unforseen conditions after roof removal) File Attachments Cover Letter - SBHC2526-25.pdf (406 KB) APMS ROOF PHASE II.pdf (2,781 KB) 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.