Superintendent Broskie shared the attached visual presentation entitled "Strategic Plan: Year Two Update", highlighting the successes of and continued focus on the following goals:

• Student Success
• Talent Recruitment, Development, and Retention
• Family and Community Engagement
• Safe and Positive Learning Environment
• Fiscal and Operational Efficiency

Randall Crawford, Director of Transportation, and Roxanne Chiaramonte, Supervisor of Transportation, shared the attached visual presentation to provide an update on transportation matters, including the Chipmunk school bus tracker, current statistical data, a comparison of ridership for 2025/2026 to the two prior years (record number of students registered for transportation), and department staffing updates.

Mrs. Clark thanked Mr. Crawford for inspiring employees to do a great job. Mrs. Skipper reflected on Mr. Crawford's leadership and success in training people to multitask in various positions under challenging conditions, and she appreciated the impact of small, positive changes, encouraging board members to visit the transportation department. She is grateful for the work being done to accommodate and provide consideration for courtesy riders. Mrs. Hanson appreciated the work the department has done in finding solutions for students along CR218, a unique community with no sidewalks. Bus registration will be required every year to provide better planning, and the communication re bus registration will begin earlier and with increased frequency to promote greater awareness of the process.

Duane Weeks, Director of Information and Technology Services, and Davis Hass, Supervisor of Information and Technology Services, shared the attached visual presentation to provide information for the evaluation and consideration of replacing the current student information system (Synergy) with Focus Student Information System in 2026 to benefit Clay County District Schools.  Accurate reporting data, cost savings, a simpler student registration process, improved district processes, and a proposed timeline for the implementation were discussed.

Mrs. Skipper advised she has received a lot of input and requests from teachers who would like to return to Focus as the student information system (SIS). She wants to ensure that the reasons for changing are communicated to staff. Mr. Weeks advised a communications platform would be created. Mrs. Hanson advised many teachers have some familiarity and experience with Focus, which should be beneficial in the transition.

An item will be added to the agenda to move forward with Focus.

Superintendent Broskie highlighted the Consent Agenda item for "School Improvement Plan Approval", indicating Clay County District Schools requires each school to develop a school improvement plan, and he commented on the school improvement walks that are completed regularly to ensure plans are implemented with fidelity based on the data analysis. 

This item was addressed following the conclusion of Board Member Comments and after a recess was taken at 10:40 a.m. This portion of the meeting was closed to the public (10:41 a.m. - 11:13 p.m.).

This item was addressed following the conclusion of the Pending Litigation Shade Meeting. This portion of the meeting was closed to the public (11:15 a.m. - 12:26 p.m.).

This item was addressed following the conclusion of the Safety and Security Shade Meeting. This portion of the meeting was closed to the public (1:05 p.m. - 1:35 p.m.).

Mr. Alvero voiced concerns from parents re the way the distance is measured in determining transportation eligibility and requested consideration for getting students on buses with a review of safe walking conditions. Mrs. Skipper advised transportation is currently reviewing options, including how they are measuring, and the district will be speaking with the Board of County Commissioners and Clay County Sheriff's Office on transportation as they continue to reassess.

Mrs. Hanson has received constituent concerns re SB Policy 2411 School Counseling. There is a portion of the policy that references responsive mental health counseling services which appears to relate to short-term support to students experiencing issues that disrupt the learning environment and their well-being. The concern of the group of people with whom she spoke relates to parental permission. Mr. Broskie advised that the language Neola patterned in their policy comes directly from the State Board of Education rule that is cited within the policy and parental rights protocols would also be followed. Mrs. Gilhousen advised that school counseling services are responsive and short-term. 

Erin Colon, School Counseling Specialist, advised that the role of a school counselor differs somewhat from the role of a mental health counselor. The variety of school counselor services relate to responding to needs in the moment. She supports the parents' right to be the guiding voice in their children's lives and advised that conversations with students are shared with parents, usually through a follow-up phone call and also through the SIS if there is a concern or disruption to the student's learning. Mrs. Hanson confirmed that guidance and protocols are objective and district specialists are also available. Revisions to amend policy 2411 School Counseling include the addition of two statutory citations and are included on the September agenda.

Mrs. Skipper requested consensus to have a policy letter created by the school board attorney to clear up some of the guidelines for booster clubs re fundraising. John Steinmetz, School Board Attorney, noted that the majority of fundraising guidelines pertain to bingo and raffles. There are small distinctions between the two and there is a purpose requirement. He will get a policy letter out to the board and superintendent for clarification of rules, and Mr. Broskie may disseminate the letter to principals and athletic directors.

Mrs. Hanson noted that the Oakleaf Junior High building project came in under budget and inquired about what happens concerning the bond in those situations. Bryce Ellis, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, advised that those funds are paid back to the bond to reduce the expenditure.