Mr. Mike Wingate, Director of K-12 Academic Services, introduced Team Coach Susan McInerny who recognized the two schools' Academic Teams.  See attached list of students.

Mrs. Brenda Troutman, Director of Instructional Personnel, recognized the following administrators who have successfully completed the Level II Principal certification:

• Michelle Corsi Argyle Elementary
• Ivin Gunder Lakeside Junior High School
• Rodney Ivey Lake Asbury Junior High School (absent)
• Frances Celis K-12 Academic Services  (absent)
• Amanda George Lakeside Junior High School
• Justin Faulkner Orange Park High School

Mrs. Chereese Stewart, Director of CTE, used a visual presentation to talk about Career and Technical Education and how the school district is preparing students to enter the work force through our CTE programs and our business partners.  Clay County Schools will celebrate CTE Month during the month of February.  Michael Rathjen, High School Program Manager with Vystar Credit Union, spoke to their partnership with the school district. 

Mrs. Katie Moeller, Director of Professional Learning, recognized Nancy Thomas, Jami Shaw (absent), and Nancy Watson, who successfully completed the five graduate level courses required to receive the U-Future STEM certificate at the University of Florida.  This training was made possible through a $475,000 grant in partnership with Nassau County.

• Keith Nichols - GPS 
• Julie Robson - bus issue
• Kim Stacey - air conditioning on buses 
• Melissa Kaplan - support of vocational program

Prior to the adoption of the Consent agenda, the two proclamations, #17-10 (CTE Week) and #17-11 (School Social Work Week), on the agenda for approval were read by Mrs. Studdard  and Mrs. Kerekes.  

First, Superintendent Davis spoke briefly about February being Black History Month.  He encouraged everyone to embrace our past and future by seeking a better understanding and appreciation of our rich black history.

See attached PowerPoint that Superintendent Davis used to review his objectives and expected outcomes over his first eight weeks in office.  He estimated the completion date and his final report by April 10th.

Initially there was a motion by Mrs. Gilhousen, and a second by Mrs. Bolla, to table this item until the March board meeting so that more information could be presented about the Catapult program.  Lengthy discussion followed in which concerns were expressed.  Superintendent Davis spoke in favor of the program,  through a national organization that helps keep at-risk students on track to receive their high school diploma.  Mr. Davis shared the following information about the program:

• proven highly successful program;
• smaller classes 1:1;
• 127 Clay County students not on track to graduate;
• goes beyond our normal wrap around services and helps the greater community;
• helps students apply for college scholarships and industry certifications;
• Clay County will lose the FTE but would lose it anyway if the student drops out;
• Catapult gives 10% back to the district;  
• transportation will not be provided;  
• proposed contract is through the end of this fiscal year and 2017-2018;  

Following discussion, the motion and second to table the item were withdrawn and the item was brought back to the Board for a new motion.

Mrs. Condon pulled this item to express concern about spring sports and calls received.  There has been ongoing difficulties with the district's inability to attract drivers and offer competitive pay.  Mr. Davis agreed this has been an issue and committed to looking for ways to improve.  

Public comments from Keith Nichols 

Mrs. Kerekes noted that Mr. Broskie had provided the tallied results of the interviews from all five Board members and the candidate receiving the most tallies was Attorney Ray Poole.  Moving forward, Mr. Sikes suggested using the district employment law attorney, Eric Holshouser, to help develop a proposed contract and begin negotiations with Mr. Poole.  In was noted that there may be a need for a special meeting to approve a final contract.

Chairman Kerekes opened the Public Hearing.  With no one present to speak to the item, the Public Hearing was closed.

Mrs. Bolla pulled the item to voice frustration from the teachers' perspective with class sizes and getting long overdue help in some schools. 

Mrs. Smith was sick and had asked that Mrs. Teresa Dixon be allowed to address the Board on her behalf.  Mrs. Dixon read from an email that Mrs. Smith had written expressing her concerns about the  Synovia contract and a recent survey that was supposed to be anonymous.

Board members made general comments about various topics, including recent school events they attended.