1. Attendance

Minutes: 

Present:  Janice Kerekes, District 1;  Carol Studdard, District 2;  Tina Bullock, District 3;  Johnna McKinnon, District 4;  Lisa Graham, District 5;  and Superintendent Van Zant.

2. Approve expenditure not to exceed $10,000 for educational advocacy services

Attachment: FLYCA.pdf
Attachment: High School Diploma.pdf
Attachment: building_blocks.pdf
Attachment: Lobbyists Map.pdf
Minutes: 

Using a powerpoint presentation, Mike Wingate, Principal of Florida Youth Challenge Academy, gave an overview of the FLYCA program and the pressing financial issues. The school district needs statutory relief that would allow FLYCA cadets to participate in a "Performance-Based Exit Option" diploma and language to exclude FLYCA students from Clay County's graduation rate.  DOE has made visits to FLYCA in the past but these visits did not result in resolution of the concerns.  Moreover, the Superintendent's personal phone calls, meetings with Governor Scott and Clay County delegation members have resulted in no positive movement and no indication of relief.  Last year, the Florida National Guard allocated a one-time $250,000 to cover the additional costs as a result of the school district's inability to draw FTE on FLYCA students.   Without additional state revenue and a policy change through new legislation, the FLYCA program may be lost. 

 

Diane Kornegay, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, and Paul Parker, Director of Career and Technical Education, addressed another pressing issue.  Due to more rigorous standards and mandated end-of-course exams, certain student populations may need to look for alternate diploma options.  Superintendent and staff are exploring the expansion of Academies to offer multiple education tracks to include College/Career, Industry, and a Scholar track.  The options would allow all students to graduate ready for college or an alternative workforce path, while also providing each and every student with the strong academics and critical skills they need to excel.

 

 Dr. George Copeland, concluded with an update of the Governor's budget and the hope for additional state revenue next year.  He encouraged the Board to recognize the importance a lobbyist could play in helping the school district meet its immediate needs, as well as long-range success for our schools.  A full-time advocate would be able to stay actively engaged on the issues and support our delegation in carrying important legislation forward.

 

Speaker:  Mr. Van Royal spoke in support of a lobbyist.  He is past chairman of WorkSource and currently serves on the Clay County Economic Development Council.  He sees this expenditure as an investment for the students of Clay County.

 

Following the presentation, Johnna McKinnon made a motion to approve the Superintendent's recommendation for discussion purposes.  The motion died for lack of a second.  There was no further discussion.

 

3. Comments

Minutes: 

Superintendent Van Zant announced that due to the number of student hearings scheduled, the Board would need to meet at 3:30 p.m. on March 19, 2013.