Public Comments on Non-Specific Agenda Items (following adoption of consent agenda):

• Travis Christensen 
• Chris Harris 
• Bruce Friedman
• Echo Nova

The board had reached a prior consensus on willingness to move forward with the retention of internal auditing services.  Board discussion explored the benefits of obtaining an individual (direct hire) or retaining the services of a firm.

Mrs. Gilhousen explained the "request for proposal" (RFP) process and the extensive document completion that is part of the vetting process and noted the likely necessity to form a committee that would include a board member to oversee the RFP process.  The board would have the ultimate decision as to who is retained to provide these services.

Dr. Susan Legutko, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, noted that a purchasing agent would also serve on the committee to determine the scope of work and determine what requirements to include in the RFP.

Mrs. Hanson confirmed, through Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney, that more than one board member may be present on the committee if meetings are advertised and held in the sunshine.  Mrs. Gilhousen expressed concern about that process limiting potential applicants.

Mrs. Bolla expressed reservations that a single hire would not be a specialist in all auditing areas and that a company could have sufficient personnel to manage the designated scope of services.

Mrs. Clark stated that the State was smart to start the requirement at the $500M mark because if the district is under that mark, the ability to recoup what it spent is difficult but, as the district grows, this will be necessary to ensure everything is as smooth as possible.

The expense of the various service models was discussed and Mrs. Hanson noted that, per statute, the individual or firm hired would be responsible to the board. 

Mrs. Skipper expressed her desire for the process to be a team effort with all board members having a voice in a transparent process.

There was no Human Resources Special Action A.

There was no Human Resources Special Action B.

Chair Gilhousen opened the public hearing.  With no one coming forward to speak to the item, the public hearing was closed.

Mrs. Hanson expressed concerns with the expense of this item as well as the additional screen time for students.  She was also unable to find data supporting this material being aligned to Florida standards.  She would like to see the data referenced in the agenda item that specifies a need based on test scores and ensures vertical alignment with curriculum.  She advised vocabulary is built through exposure and perhaps the funds for this program would be better invested in teachers to revamp how students study and engage in reading and vocabulary.

Superintendent Broskie advised the associated expense is for a 3-year contract and that the curriculum was previously approved in the Comprehensive Evidence-Based Reading Plan (CERP) and stated that nothing would be brought to the board without the clear expertise of personnel, offering to feature any item for which information is needed. 

Heather Teto, Chief of Elementary Education, Michelle Sado, Curriculum Specialist, and Melanie McIver, Supervisor of Reading provided additional information re the refinement of the material, the strategy of use, and the multiple layers of structure.  They also shared personal experiences utilizing this program with Intensive Reading students that support the proposed curriculum's success.  

Superintendent Broskie shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the following:

• State Assessment Results
• Exceptional Student Education Summer Summit
• New School Year
• Student Transportation
• Immunization Requirements
• Upcoming Events

Mrs. Bolla stated she was wearing her "A" from Clay High School.  She requested that donations continue for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, advised registrations are being taken for Green Cove Springs and the Town of Orange Park, and thanked Mrs. Clark for contributing a portion of her election funds to this cause.  Melissa Matz and Jaime Suarez, former Argyle Elementary School teachers, were recognized for their selections as Florida Teachers of the Year in 2023 and 2025.  Appreciation was extended to the team of transportation people who were instrumental in a successful Stuff the Bus event.  A huge thank you was extended to teachers, students, and staff.  

Mrs. Skipper appreciated the transportation department and the excellent job Mr. Crawford has done, bringing an open mind and outside perspective to addressing challenges.  She wanted to go on record to state that this board supports veteran teacher pay, and she looks forward to football season and the beginning of school.

Mrs. Clark gave kudos to teachers and support staff for creating an atmosphere in which children want to learn and for helping one another and maintaining a positive attitude.  She also stated Mr. Crawford is amazing and urged further support for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, requesting consideration for a monthly recurring contribution so more children would have the opportunity to acquire books.

Mrs. Hanson expressed the desire for all to know how hard personnel work to help the lower quartile of students and would like parents to be more educated on what is going on to help their children.

Mrs. Gilhousen supports a literacy workshop, and she expressed gratitude to the individuals she has encountered through her journey and her children's journeys through education in Clay County District Schools, having encountered the most kind, compassionate, and engaged personnel in the district.  She urged parents to develop close communication with school personnel, which is vital to student success.