Reed Davis, Fleming Island High School student, was recognized for his outstanding athletic abilities and being chosen as "Mr. Soccer" by the Florida Dairy Farmers for the second consecutive year.    The student was awarded a certificate of recognition.

Mrs. Studdard recognized Janice Tucker and presented her with a certificate for her substantial contributions toward the enhancement of the quality of life for others. 

Colin Barrett, Vice President, and Steve Jones, Regional Vice President of Cenergistic, Inc., congratulated the district for achieving $1.632 Million in cost savings in the 18 months since forming a strategic alliance with Cenergistic. 

• Travis Christensen - armed personnel
• Graham Yirka - school walkout (April 20)
• Cynthia Powell - Natl Walkout Day April 20 
• Liz Crane - insurance update
• Laura Mayberry - funding for public education 

The Board Chair called attention to two corrections:

• C14 Summer Schedule Payroll Calendar - There was a typo in the due dates.  Corrected copies were provided to the Board.  
• C6 Reappointments of Instructional and Support School-Based Personnel for 2018-2019 - Section III, Page 7.  An Interim teacher was inadvertently placed on the agenda.  Corrected copies were provided to the Board.

Following approval of the Consent Agenda, the Chair officially read into the record the following proclamations:

• 18-16 National Social Work Month, March 2018 (Item C12)
• 18-15 School Nutrition Employee Week, May 7, 2018 - May 11, 2018 (Item C27)

Mrs. Studdard also called attention to National Library Week to be observed April 8-14, 2018, with National Library Workers Day celebrated on April 10, 2018.

Superintendent Davis' update included the following:

• Food Truck - The Filling Station - makes its debut 
• Community Listen and Learn - two sessions held to date FIH/OHS; five remaining; 
• Florida Statewide Assessment Schedule for 2017-2018
• Champions of Change - Volunteers
• Controlled Open Enrollment - 383 students accepted; 10 days to claim their spot;

Per consensus of the Board, this item was moved up on the agenda to accommodate the numerous public speakers present to make comments on this item.  The following speakers spoke in support of Michael Bowman:

1. Shalli Raymond 
2. Kathy Brannon 
3. Charles Walsh 
4. Amy Walker
5. Craig Nosse
6. Sherman Smith
7. Jonathan Jennings
8. Christine Jump
9. Kristi Demers
10. Kate Quigley
11. Dylan Fagan 
12. Tyler Jump
13.  James Howell
14. Laura Mayberry
15. Chris Reeves
16. Jamie Reeves
17. Richard Barrows
18. Richard Fincher
19. Margaret Hanley
20. Andrew McCauley
21. Betsy Reagor 
22. Mike Bowman
23. Mark Levine

After a motion and second to deny the Superintendent's recommendation for termination was on the floor, Board Attorney David D'Agata encouraged the Board to include the basis for good cause of the rejection/denial.   Following discussion, the motion and second were withdrawn and no action was taken on the item.

A short break was taken 8:41 p.m.- 8:56 p.m.   After the break, a second motion to deny the recommendation for termination was made and approved.   Thereafter, Mr. Davis stated that he was obligated to follow the law with respect to just cause for termination in making personnel recommendations.

Speakers:

1. Betsy Reagor 
2.  Graham Yirka 

The Board discussed concerns about recent legislation contemplating armed school personnel under the Guardianship Program and related statutory provisions.  The Board consensus was to reaffirm current policy and state its position as noted in the attachment.

It was acknowledged that any increase in the Board's contribution would be a matter of collective bargaining.  Mrs. Kerekes asked that the Superintendent and staff are mindful to set aside funds to increase the insurance contribution as the new fiscal year budget is prepared.    Superintendent Davis stated that he is committed to making this a priority and wants to collectively problem solve to ease the burden of insurance on employees.

Mrs. Kerekes proposed a certified or hand-delivered letter asking the Board of County Commissioners to increase funding for School Resource Officers.  Mr. Davis stated that he had met yesterday with Sheriff Daniels and they are planning to jointly address the BCC at its meeting on Tuesday and discuss the needs.  In lieu of a written communication, Board attendance at the BCC meeting was encouraged to show support for the request for increased funding.   Board consensus was to issue an invitation for a roundtable discussion in which both governing bodies can work collaboratively and inclusively.

Speakers:

• David Campbell - supports the lawsuit 
• Reese Phillips - opposes the lawsuit
• Charles Walsh - supports the lawsuit
• Graham Yirka - opposes the lawsuit

Mr. D'Agata gave a brief update of the lawsuit and explained that appeals must be limited to the judgment on those claims. There was no interest in pursuing an appeal.   One Board member expressed frustration that action wasn't taken immediately following the withdrawal approved at the February 1, 2018, board meeting, even though another Board member gave notice to bring the item back to rescind the withdrawal.

The salary adjustment for the affected retirees was handled by the Superintendent through a collaborative agreement with the union prior to the board meeting.  

Mrs. Kerekes had questions about the job descriptions for Media Specialist and Instructional Media Services Specialist.  Mr. Davis explained the changes are being made to align the duties and responsibilities with strategic initiatives from the Department of Education for STEAM curriculum and instruction.  

Mrs. Kerekes pulled this item pending discussion of Item D3 to request additional funding from the Board of County Commissioners.  It was noted that this Articulation Agreement is for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.    

Mrs. Studdard had a question about Cost Center 9104, Department of STEM, and the deletion of all of the allocations for that department.  It was explained that the grant funding has been exhausted and to sustain the STEM work that has been initiated in Clay we have operationalized these roles and responsibilities in the operational budget.  The employees were picked up in other departments so no actual cuts were made.

Mrs. Kerekes had a question about the secretaries listed under the Board's 9000 Cost Center.  Mr. Davis will look into this to see how other counties allocate these positions.

Mr. D'Agata expressed regret for any confusion with respect to House Bill 7069 litigation.

Board member comments included: 

• The district's booths at the Clay County Fair were awesome.
• An online Local Funding Initiative Request Form on The Florida Senate's website.
• Attorney Evaluation is due.
• Need for discussion on additional revenue sources.
• Upcoming June FSBA Conference - June 13-15, 2018
• April 20th School Walkout