Chairman McKinnon addressed the audience with comments about the recent allegations of misconduct and pending investigations.  She explained the legal ramifications of discussiong this topic in a public forum and why Board member Janice Kerekes' item  to discuss and take action on the Open Letter was not placed on the agenda.  Legal Counsel had advised that it would be a violation of Board policy and employees' due process rights.  

Brief Board discussion took place with Mrs. Kerekes disagreeing with Chairman McKinnon and the advice of Legal Counsel.  Mrs. Kerekes stated her opinion for the record that the item was removed in violation of School Board policy.

Prior to the adoption of the agenda, the following people spoke to item C5, Ratification of the CESPA Contract:  

Keith Nichols; Teresa Dixon.

The Commissioner's Business Recognition Awards program recognizes businesses that have shown the most commitment, creativity and innovation in bringing about a positive change to schools and school districts.  Chereese Stewart, Director of CTE, recognized Brian Knight and Pragmatic Works, the state of Florida winner for outstanding support of education in Clay County.

Mr. Mike Kloehn represented the Rotary Club of Orange Park and introduced Priscilla Keene as the Past President of the RHS Interact Club, which is a high school version of a Rotary Club.  As such, they are engaged in numerous community service projects throughout the school year.  The Rotary Club of Orange Park sponsored Ms. Keene's attendance at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards in June where she participated in leadership and team building exercises.  

Mrs. Breen's comments included her experiences as a teacher and her concern that children are being treated as a business.

Superintendent Van Zant asked Dr. Emily Weiskopf, the district's Director of School Improvement and Professional Development, to report on the district's first ever Clay Connected Conference held on the Inservice Day, August 11, 2016.  More than 3,000 teachers and instructional leaders county wide gathered together for a day of learning.  

John Merrill, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, gave a brief update on the district 's energy plan through Cenergistics.  He used the attached Powerpoint to compare the previous policy and the current policy.  Mr. Merrill also relayed some minor mechanical issues with the air conditioning at Oakleaf High School this week.  He assured everyone the Maintenance Department is working hard to respond to the problems.

There were none.

Chairman McKinnon opened the public hearing.   The following speakers came forward to speak to the item:  Daniel Barkowitz regarding transgender equity and Brandye Mackey regarding bullying of athletes.  With no other speakers to the item, the public hearing was closed.

There was brief Board discussion about the issues raised.  Staff was asked to review the language to ensure that the athletic policy coincides with eligibility requirements  in the Student Code of Conduct.

Keith Nichols - GPS system and bus routes

Teresa Dixon - representing CESPA support employees implicated in Open Letter

Tracy Butler - air conditioning issues

Michelle Smith - thanked Superintendent Van Zant for standing up his beliefs

Stacey Studer - GPS system and pending investigation

Matthew Harrell - school safety at Lakeside Elementary School

Julie Robson - unresolved bus issue

Rosie Brown - support for Superintendent Van Zant

Fred Gottshalk - gossips and misinformation

Rebecca Smith - How did the Board get so far off track?  

Sam Bodiford - transgender issue

Charmaine Bonner - thanked Mrs. Studdard for her stand on issues

Brandye Mackey - protecting  student athletes from bullying

Daniel Barkowitz - transgender equity 

Smitty Huffman - misinformation;  investigation issues

Caro Barkowitz - transgender equity  

Tina Bullock - district's image; investigation issues

Rebecca Barkowitz - transgender issue and student safety

Superintendent Van Zant briefly clarified comments in a radio advertisement about Clay being in the top 10 in the state for certain academic areas.

Board Members expressed varying opinions about the allegations brought forward in an Open Letter by an employee of the school district, how the events have played out in the media, and the pending investigations that will take place.

Mrs. McKinnon congratulated Caeleb Dressel, a former Clay High School student, for winning two gold medals in the Swimming events at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Board Attorney Dan Sikes reiterated that employee names in the Open Letter should never been released.  He also quoted from Board Policy 2.35 and clarified that if fraud involving a school board member or the Superintendent is suspected, it should be reported to the Board attorney or the Florida Chief Inspector General.  He agreed that a third party investigation is the right decision.