Chair Skipper noted that Mrs. Hanson was not present and Mr. Alvero would be a few minutes late.

This item was discussed following Superintendent Broskie's review of the agenda.

A prepared statement from Mrs. Hanson was read, expressing her desire to keep the format of school board meetings as it was prior to the last meeting.  Specifically, Mrs. Hanson wants the cameras always on and the public speakers to be heard prior to the Superintendent's remarks.  Mrs. Hanson is opposed to any type of censorship of public comment and feels there is great value in what every constituent has to say regardless of whether it aligns with the Board's opinions.  Mrs. Hanson apologized for any confusion at the last meeting and provided assurances that she would make an effort to be more clear and concise moving forward.

Mr. Alvero stated that he prefers to keep the meeting format as it was prior to the last meeting, with cameras on, public speakers addressing the board at their previous agenda time slot, and with everyone present to listen to what is being said.

Mrs. Clark advised she received only one (1) phone call and no emails re the change of format and proposed changes and stated the board is not censoring anyone.  She advised that students are complaining and laughing about the board being "book banners" and she wishes to stand up for children and not fall to political pressure.  She pointed out that some counties do not even allow general public comment, and some counties allow comment without cameras, minimizing misleading information.  Her proposed course of action would still maintain minutes and records but would remove the national stage.

Mrs. Gilhousen expressed that she does not feel passionately one way or the other and pointed out that, any time a change is made, there will be individuals who are upset and it is important to consider what battles are worth fighting.  She will support the majority in this decision.

Mrs. Skipper indicated she has received multiple calls and messages, both from people she knows and some from others.  She reflected on her experiences as a nurse during COVID and her feelings of censorship.  She advises her position is not about political pressure but is a combination of her personal experiences and determining what is the right thing to do.  She does not have strong feelings about where the public speakers fall in the agenda but believes the cameras should still stay on and speakers be permitted to speak freely.

Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney, advised that Florida statute requires public comment for agenda items but that general public comment is not contemplated or required under statute.  The board may eliminate general public comment but it is legally sufficient to be allowed.  Per current school board policy, the chair decides the order of the meetings and it is up to the chair where public comment would occur in the agenda.  Video recordings are required under Florida law (sunshine) as well as a brief summary of minutes.  Removing the cameras would not be illegal and it would be a policy decision.  A prior court ruling that held that board members cannot be addressed directly was determined by the court of appeals to be vague and not specific so legal interpretation is that board members may be addressed directly.  Mr. Blocker will research the court opinion, obtain a copy of that county's revised policies,  review current Clay County policy and come to the board with any recommended revisions.  Mr. Blocker concluded that the current course is consistent with Florida law, but that it is not illegal to turn off the cameras.

Additional discussion included focusing on the important things to share about the schools, messaging, an inability to stop the media and individuals from their opinions, constraints such as FERPA that limit responses to public comment, and some individuals' wishes to separate student recognitions from the board meetings.  Superintendent Broskie noted that student recognitions are the business of the board and the average 27 minutes per meeting spent on students is valuable.

Recognitions:

• Recognition of Academic Team Champions - no discussion; passing away of Greg Martin and a small remembrance; 
• Recognition of 2024-2025 School-Related Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year Finalists - no discussion;

Discussion Agenda:

• D1 Human Resources Special Action A - no discussion;
• D2 Human Resources Special Action B - no discussion;

Consent Agenda:

• C1 Minutes of School Board Organization Meeting on November 19, 2024, Workshop on December 2, 2024; Student Hearings and Regular Meeting on December 12, 2024 - no discussion;
• C2 Personnel Consent Agenda - no discussion;
• C3 Elementary Student Out of State Travel - no discussion;
• C4 K-12 Academic Services Out of State and Overnight Student Travel - no discussion;
• C5 Proposed Allocation Changes for 2024-2025 - no discussion;
• C6 Monthly Financial Reports for November, 2024 - no discussion;
• C7 Budget Amendment Report for November 30, 2024 - no discussion;
• C8 Deletion of Certain Items Report December, 2024 - no discussion;
• C9 Change Order #2 for Orange Park Elementary School Restroom Renovation - no discussion;
• C10 Schematic/Preliminary/Final (Phase I, II, & III) Plans and Specifications for Clay High School Roof Repair/Replacement - no discussion;
• C11 Schematic/Preliminary/Final (Phase I, II, & III) Plans and Specifications for Orange Park High School Restroom Renovations - no discussion;
• C12 Schematic/Preliminary/Final (Phase I, II, & III) Plans and specifications for Orange Park Junior High Restroom Renovations - no discussion;
• C13 Schematic/Preliminary/Final (Phase I, II, & III) Plans and Specifications for Orange Park High School Athletic Field Lighting - no discussion;
• C14 Schematic.Preliminary/Final (Phase I, II, & III) Plans and Specifications for Orange Park High School Gym/Locker Room Renovations - no discussion;
• C15 Project Priority List (PPL) to identify eligible projects for Capital Outlay and Debt Services (CO & DS) - no discussion;
• C16 Change Order #1 (Direct Purchasing) for Charles E. Bennett Elementary School Security Lighting Repair/Replacement - no discussion;
• C17 Change Order #2 (Days Only) for Charles E. Bennett Elementary School Security Lighting Repair/replacement - no discussion;
• C18 Change Order #1 (Direct Purchasing) for Doctors Inlet Elementary School Security Lighting Repair/Replacement - no discussion;
• C19 Change Order #2 (Days Only) for Doctors Inlet Elementary School Security Lighting Repair/Replacement - no discussion;
• C20 Change Order #1 (Direct Purchasing) for Lake Asbury Junior High School Classroom Addition - no discussion;
• C21 Change Order #1 (Direct Purchasing) for Oakleaf Junior High School Classroom Addition - no discussion;
• C22 Final Completion of Orange Park Elementary School Restroom Renovation - no discussion;
• C23 Prequalification of Contractors - no discussion;
• C24 Schematic/Preliminary/Final (Phase I, II, & III) Plans and Specifications for Green Cove Springs Junior High School CTE Lab Upgrades - no discussion.

Superintendent Broskie extended well wishes for happy holidays and encouraged all to spend time with their families.  He appreciated the dedication of all staff and board members.

Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney, wished all a merry Christmas.

Mr. Alvero wished everyone a merry Christmas, a good end to 2024 and a good beginning to 2025, and encouraged everyone to keep working on getting students what they deserve.

Mrs. Clark noted that she has been engaged for two years with parent discussion re public comment.  She welcomed Mr. Alvero to the board and extended wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Mrs. Gilhousen wished everyone a merry Christmas.

Mrs. Skipper hoped that all appreciate the reason for the season and encouraged presence with family during the holidays.