Recognitions and Presentations:

• Recognize Art in the Capitol Winner - no discussion;
• Recognition of Academic Team Champions - no discussion;
• Recognition of 2022-2023 School Related Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year Finalists - no discussion;

Consent Agenda:

• C1 Minutes of School Board Organization Meeting on November 22, 2022; School Board Workshop on December 5, 2022; Student Discipline Hearings and Regular Meeting on December 8, 2022 - no discussion;
• C2 Employee Work Calendar for 2023-2024 - no discussion;
• C3 Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) Plan for the 2023-2024 School Year - Superintendent Broskie noted the new requirement to post available school options every twelve (12) weeks; availability is based on an 80% threshold and excludes any newly opened schools (Spring Park Elementary);
• C4 School Board Member Out-of-County Travel Expenses to Attend School Finance forum sponsored by Florida School Boards Association - no discussion;
• C5 Synergy Distance Learning/Training Portal - brief discussion of the scope of usage and expected continued improvements as more integration is achieved;
• C6 Personnel Consent Agenda - no discussion;
• C7 K-12 Academic Services Out of State and Overnight Student Travel - no discussion;
• C8 2023 Secondary Summer Program and ESE/ESY Calendars - no discussion;
• C9 Approve the Clinical Education Affiliation Agreement between LabCorp and The School Board of Clay County, Florida - no discussion;
• C10 Affiliation Agreement between Clay County District Schools and Moreland University (MU) - no discussion;
• C11 School Improvement Plans - no discussion;
• C12 Proposed Allocation Changes for 2022-2023 - brief discussion to clarify compensation re supplements;
• C13 Monthly Financial Reports for November, 2022 - no discussion;
• C14 Budget Amendment Report for November 30, 2022 - no discussion;
• C15 Deletion of Certain Items Report December, 2022 - no discussion;
• C16 Schematic/Preliminary/Final (Phase I, II, and III) Plans and Specifications for Keystone Heights High School Safety & Security - Single Key Initiative - Internal/Perimeter - no discussion;
• C17 Schematic/Preliminary/ Final (Phase I, II, and III) Plans and Specifications for Middleburg High School Safety & Security - Single Key Initiative - Internal/Perimeter - no discussion;
• C18 Pre-Qualification of Contractors - no discussion;
• C19 Orange Park Elementary Roof Repair/Replacement (Reroof) Construction Contract Award - brief discussion re the public's ability to view a listing of funds expended from the sales tax dollars on the district website; additional discussion re the bid process and the need to obtain competetive bids from a variety of firms with full understanding of the scope of work in order to eliminate the potential for additional funds expended via change orders and to ensure good customer service; Mrs. Gilhousen noted a desire to make the bid process more accessible to interested parties;
• C20 Schematic/Preliminary/Final (Phase I, II, and III) Plans and Specifications for Orange Park Junior High School Restroom Renovations - no discussion;
• C21 Schematic/Preliminary/Final (Phase I, II, and III) Plans and Specifications for Lakeside Junior High School Restroom Renovations - brief discussion re the scope of work on restroom renovations often including complete rebuilds, repairs of plumbing and structural issues, and made more costly because of age, deferred maintenance, and code requirements;
• C22 Orange Park Junior High School Window Replacement (Buildings 1, 2, 3 &4) Contract Award - no discussion;
• C23 Change Order #4 for Orange Park High School Front Entrance Security Enhancement - Superintendent Broskie extended an invitation to the board to the ribbon cutting ceremony for Orange Park High on 1/4/23 at 9:00;
• C24 Middleburg High School Cafeteria Expansion Contract Award - no discussion;
• C25 Adopt Updated Educational System Impact Fee Study and Resolution for Transmittal to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) - Superintendent Broskie briefly reviewed the prior presentation on the historical actions re impact fees, noting no increase since 2005, the study's recommendation of $879/year with another impact study being done once the current 4-year cycle is complete, and the exemption for multi-family projects related to affordable housing; Mrs. Hanson noted the value of discourse to understand the rationale of this decision; she does not embrace taxes and fees but understands the current deficits and restrictions on various funding sources, stating that doing what is best for children is most important and numerous aging portables are not in students' best interests; Mrs. Gilhousen pointed out that this resolution pertains only to new construction and will not affect all families in the community; Mrs. Clark indicated she does share the pain of the affected citizens; Mrs. Bolla advised the district was able to use impact fees to build Discovery Oaks Elementary and avoid debt, but growth is here now and this decision is about providing for students; Mrs. Skipper strongly advocated for moving from portables to fully permanent structures;
• C26 Clay County Utility Authority (CCUA) Agreement for Spring Park Elementary School - no discussion;

Discussion Agenda:

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

Superintendent Broskie presented a draft document (attached) for the board's consideration and discussion. 

After lengthy discourse, Mr. Broskie recapped the board's requests and proposed revisions to the document as follows:

• Add a new item to address the critical nature of the large number of portables being utilized; potentially add a new revenue stream from the State for capital outlay because PECO funding is no longer available and local dollars are insufficient; request dollars to address the unique problems of pandemic related funding; use verbiage that includes capital outlay funding to address the unprecedented growth in Clay County; consider making a proposal to the State to reflect the cost of what it will take the district to reduce/eliminate portables; legislators should share a willingness to assist with the district's prioritized needs of children.
• Re-work the goal of maintaining and increasing funding of the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation to give the district latitude and flexibility in how to distribute that funding so that veteran teachers may be fairly compensated; currently, for every $1,000 given to a veteran teacher, the base must be raised by $750; salary compression is difficult to address under current constraints.

Superintendent Broskie discussed the district's historical use of lobbyists.  One of the challenges is the work of converting the theme and mission of the district's legislative priorities to the actual legislation and words that matter.  This requires skill and people with influence.  Having an expert (lobbyist) bring forth the language on big-ticket items will be a challenge for legislators.

Mrs. Bolla stated she feels this support is needed.  Mrs. Hanson advised Florida School Boards Association has a similar goal and suggested the possibility of combining forces.  Mrs. Clark indicated there are only 98 registered lobbyists in Florida and it is important to retain someone who is respected.  She believes the cost of the lobbyist is not as consequential as the money they will bring to the district.  Mrs. Gilhousen stressed the need to get this resolved swiftly before the legislature makes its decisions.  Mrs. Skipper indicated the need to hire a lobbyist who has a relationship with the legislators in Tallahassee.  Mrs. Gilhousen also supports a lobbyist with a Tallahassee relationship and one where the district would receive a good return on its investment.

Mr. Broskie has met with legislators and inquired about recommendations.  He does not believe there is an internal candidate who could be up to speed quickly enough because the legislators are meeting now.  He has spoken with various firms and suggested that one of the partners with whom the district could partner is the Board of County Commissioners.  The BCC is using The Southern Group and Mr. Broskie supports and recommends doing a 6-month hire, with the same terms as the BCC (6-month contract @ $6.000 per month).  This firm is located in Tallahassee and has significant relationships to leverage.  Clay County District Schools would have a different lobbyist than the person engaged by the BCC, but both from the same firm.

Superintendent Broskie shared the attached visual presentation, highlighting the following:

• Strategic Plans
• Strategic Planning Process
• Survey Highlights
• Goals for 2023-2028 Strategic Plan
• Scheduled town Hall Meetings

The strategic plan may be reviewed and revised each year.  Mr. Broskie advised he would like to garner more information and start the process of initiatives.  Town hall meetings will be held in January in three (3) locations around the community to elicit parent and community input.  The board is also welcome to submit initiatives for consideration in the plan.  Mrs. Gilhousen encouraged the board member to collaborate and bring forward priorities for consideration. 

Austin Nicklas - impact fees

Mr. Nicklas asked when impact fees would go into effect.  Bryce Ellis, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, advised that once the resolution is approved by the board, it will be sent to the Board of County Commissioners, where it will be advertised for 90 days prior to going into effect.  

Mrs. Bolla wished all happy holidays and a happy new year, and extended congratulations to Dr. Jenie Shepard.

Mrs. Hanson was excited to attend some fun events - Bannerman Learning Center's Christmas dinner, Lake Asbury Junior's concert, Lake Asbury Elementary's Christmas presentation, and Adult and Community Education's recent graduation ceremony.

Mrs. Clark wished a happy holiday to all and recently attended Wreaths Across America at St. Margarets Episcopal, where Oakleaf NJROTC students were a part of that ceremony.

Mrs. Skipper was honored to meet with Governor DeSantis at The Freedom Blueprint in Orlando and learn about his commitment to continue fighting for teachers and veteran teacher pay moving forward and to help educate Florida school boards by providing guidance and continuing positive changes in education.