1. Attendance

Minutes: Present: Carol Studdard, District 2; Betsy Condon, District 3; Johnna McKinnon, District 4; Ashley Gilhousen, District 5; and Superintendent Charlie Van Zant. Absent: Janice Kerekes, District 1; (out of town)

2. Legislative Fiscal Impact Planning

Attachment: Funding Summary.pdf
Minutes: Superintendent Van Zant introduced Dr. Jim Hamilton, an independent consultant and lobbyist under contract with the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, who led the workshop portion of the meeting.  Dr. Hamilton reviewed historical local and state funding comparisons, revenue and expense projections, and provided an outlook for fiscal year 2017-2018. He discussed the impacts of changes in the Florida Retirement System and fund balance requirements of the Florida Statutes. Dr. Hamilton stressed the need to prepare for future years by cutting expenditures and funding only the highest priorities. On March 23, 2016, Dr. Hamilton met with district staff to review this same information and he commended staff for subsequently reworking the 2016-2017 staffing allocations to reduce the allocation package down by $2.2 million.

3. 2016-2017 Proposed Staff Allocations

Attachment: 2016-2017 Allocations.pdf
Minutes: Following a 5-minute break, the Board reconvened. Public comments from the audience were made by the following who spoke opposing proposed allocation reductions: John Stelmaszek, Diane Chisholm, Debra Lanier, Linda Jordan-Morey, Linda Ford, and Tracy Butler. Superintendent Van Zant thanked Dr. Hamilton for presenting detailed data and information that will help the district prepare for future years. Mr. Van Zant reiterated his personal desire to increase employee salaries but emphasized the need to stabilize the district's reserves. The allocation package reflects tough decisions, but the Superintendent felt this moves the district in the right direction. He also stressed the need to come together by working collaboratively so we can move forward. Diane Kornegay, Deputy Superintendent, agreed that preparing the 2016-2017 staffing package was extremely challenging given the district's financial situation. In order to refocus resources, we must measure each expenditure by how it impacts student academics, identify duplications and programs that can be discontinued, and explore other programs that can provide similar services for less money. Jeff Umbaugh, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, assured the Board that while cutting some positions, the district will continue to focus on student health education programs and will meet all legal and Board requirements for health education.

Motions:
Motion to approve	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Elizabeth Condon
Second: Ashley Gilhousen
Elizabeth Condon	- Aye
Ashley Gilhousen	- Aye
Janice Kerekes	- Not Present
Johnna McKinnon	- Aye
Carol Studdard	- Nay

Motion Minutes: Discussion followed with Board members expressing their concerns and opinions. The majority of the Board commended staff for prioritizing in an effort to increase the fund balance. Mrs. Studdard felt more time was needed for input and discussion. Also clarified during discussion was that the affected employees whose allocations were cut will be placed in another position for which they are qualified so as not to lose their jobs with the district.

4. Comments

Minutes: Superintendent Van Zant commended staff for their hard work on the allocation package and all employees for the jobs they do everyday.

5. Comments

Minutes: Board members expressed their appreciation to staff in light of the difficult decisions made while preparing next year's staffing allocations. Well wishes were sent to Gavin Rollins who will be leaving for a one-year deployment with the National Guard.