Heather Huffman, Director, Clay County Department of Health, shared statistical data (documents attached) re COVID-19 including information re impact on population, contact tracing, CDC parameters defining exposure, self-isolation guidelines, and latest evidence-based practices.

In accordance with the legal advertisement of this meeting and due to the current public health emergency, public comments were permitted on listed agenda items, via a comment link on our webpage (directions provided in legal advertisement), submitted prior to 2:00 p.m. on August 6, 2020 to be considered.  No comments fitting these criteria were received.

Public speakers in physical attendance:

• Al DeJesus - 

Superintendent Broskie provided a presentation highlighting the District Reopening Plan (approved by the State of Florida), a breakdown of students electing to receive educational services outside of the brick and mortar setting, a recap of the Smart Restart Summer Recovery Program, a video demonstrating school preparations for the new year, and the Tools 4 Schools Teacher Appreciation Event.

Prior to voting, Mrs. Kerekes read Resolution #21-03, Resolution Condemning Racism and Affirming the Commitment of the School Board of Clay County, Florida to an Inclusive School Environment for All.  A portion of Congressman John Lewis' final letter expressing inspiration, unity, hope and a call to peace was also shared by Mrs. Kerekes.

Ashley Gilhousen agreed to serve as the Board's representative on the Value Adjustment Board for 2020.  Mary Bolla will serve as the alternate.  It was the consensus of the board to publicize the opportunity to serve as a citizen member on the 2020 VAB and explore retaining citizen membership from interested parties prior to the first VAB meeting in October. 

Prior to opening this item up for a motion or taking any other action on this item, Chair Studdard read the following into the record -

As the Board Chair, I added this item to the Agenda because Good Cause exists to add it.  This item is an Agreement with the teachers union (CCEA),  My determination of Good Cause is that:

1. This item must be approved before the beginning of the school year as it involves providing teachers to teach in the online programs.
2.  It amends the existing practice of how priority is determined for assignment of positions and extended leave.
3.  Because of the existing pandemic and declaration of emergency, extraordinary means must be made available for provision of teaching personnel.
4. If this matter is delayed to a later agenda, it will not be in place in time to provide teachers by the opening day of school.
5.  Delay in approving the Agreement would result in a danger to the public health, safety and welfare of our students and the community as it would negatively impact students' education and families in their ability to organize their work and home lives.
6.  This item did not exist in time to place it on the agenda sooner as it was created Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

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

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

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

Mrs. Kerekes does not support the proposed limit of $100,000 for contracts not requiring board approval and believes that limit is more appropriately set at $50,000.  She also believes the execution of contracts should be restricted to the superintendent or designee and senior staff.

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

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

The board expressed appreciation for the work of all staff, hopes for a good start to the new school year, and proposed the consideration of training re racial bias as well as communication to the Department of Education to request full FTE funding for all students.