Mike Wingate, along with Sponsors Brett Pikuritz and Valarie Williams, were present to recognize the All-State Band and Chorus students and talk about the music program.  The names of the students are listed in the agenda item details.  Kylie Manamsala from Oakleaf Village Elementary, whose name was inadvertently left off the list, was also recognized.   

Alice Paulk, Director of Career and Technical Education, announced that February is being designated as CTE Month through  Proclamation #18-09 listed on the Consent agenda for approval.  She presented a 4-minute video that will be used to promote CTE in Clay County.  

Mr. Campbell discussed what he perceived as misconceptions and explained his perspective on the science standards and the meaning behind them.

• Craig Wells - Workforce Skills 
• Liz Crane - Insurance
• Betsy Reagor  - Charter Schools
• Roel Escamilla - District Advisory Committee
• Travis Christensen - Appointed Superintendent discussions

Roel Escamilla spoke to item C6 prior to the adoption of the Consent Agenda.  

Following the adoption of the Consent Agenda and the approval of the Master Contracts between the School Board and the collective bargaining units (Consent items C5 and C6), both the CCEA and CESPA Presidents came forward for the official signing of the Terms of Agreement.  

Superintendent Davis began by recognizing the district's CTE supervisors and culinary teachers as this month's Champions of Change for the extras hours they devoted to helping with culinary needs for district events during the month of January.

• Alice Paulk - Supervisor of CTE, Program Implementation 
• Kelly Mosley - Supervisor of CTE, Community & Business Partnerships
• Jennifer Perry – Clay High School
• Laura Leach – Keystone Heights High School
• Amy Surita – Middleburg High School
• Amy LaPierre – Ridgeview High School
• Michael Baskette – Orange Park High School

Next, Mr. Davis thanked the Board of County Commissioners for acknowledging in their recent meeting the district's increase in graduation rates and recognizing School Choice Week, January 21-27, 2018.

Mr. Davis used the attached PowerPoint presentation to celebrate a 3.7% increase in graduation rates, ranking Clay County 9th highest in the state.  He ended his presentation with several slides on the science textbook adoption and announced the district must adopt curricula that align with state standards.

The following individuals spoke to this item: 

1. Donna Mace 
2. Victoria Kidwell 
3. Christopher Trahan 
4. Jenifer Burghart 
5. Roel Escamilla 
6. Katherine Morrison 
7. Travis Christensen
8. Betsy Reagor
9. Renna Lee Paiva 
10. Laura Mayberry 

A lengthy discussion ensued with Board members giving their opinions on the item and related topics.  Mrs. Kerekes felt there was an improper motion and the item should be worded as a "withdrawal."  Discussion included the wording of the item as well as references to Roberts Rules and protocol for bringing the item back to the Board for reconsideration. 

A short break followed the action on this item.  (Audio was muted during the break and inadvertently not resumed until item D4.)

Mrs. Condon thanked the Superintendent for putting together a detailed plan and for adding the requested verbiage that approval of the plan does not reflect the Board's approval of initiatives or contract addressed in the plan.

Mrs. Kerekes noted for the record that she did not believe the discipline on this item was strict enough and possibly warranted termination.

The public hearing was opened.  The following individuals were present to speak to the item:

1. Ernie Laurence, Jr.
2. Roel Escamilla
3. Scott Yirka
4. Caleb G. Colley
5. Juan Luis-Jorse, M.D.
6. Sharon Hipsley
7. Doug Matyi
8. Graham Yirka
9. Reese Phillips 
10. Ken Hipsley
11. Darrell Thompson
12. Virginia Overman
13. Art Hooker
14. Brian Phillips
15. Kelly W. Davis
16. Victoria Kidwell
17. Henry Allen
18. Mary Lib Stevenson
19. Shana Meiselman
20. David Campbell
21. Renna Lee Paiva

Following public comments, the public hearing was closed and Board discussion took place.  Board member Ashley Gilhousen distributed a handout to Board members.  There was lengthy discussion in which Board members were given the opportunity to voice their opinions and ask questions.  Terry Connor, Chief of Secondary Schools, clarified that the state standards, indeed, refer to evolution as a "scientific theory" and that the district must have a major tool, referring to the textbook under consideration, for teaching state science standards.  David D'Agata, Board Attorney, reviewed cases pertaining to evolution and referenced Florida Statutes which set forth the Board's duties regarding instructional materials. 

Chairman Studdard opened the public hearing.  With no one present to speak to the item, the public hearing was closed.

A representative from the Clay County Utility Authority (CCUA), Jeremy Johnston, was present to speak to the item.   Mr. Johnston used the attached PowerPoint to present the site advantages to CCUA as well as the benefits of the sale to the School Board.  Brief Board discussion followed.

Board member comments included general remarks about the busy month with numerous district events. 

Mrs. Kerekes gave notice that she plans to agenda the House Bill 7069 lawsuit again next month in an effort to reverse tonight's rescission.  

Mrs. Gilhousen asked if there was interest by the Board to add additional resources to the science curriculum.  Discussion followed about the district curriculum guides, their purpose and how they are developed.  No action was taken to add additional resources.