John Sgromolo, Coordinator of District Athletics, recognized bands from Fleming Island High School, Orange Park High School, and Oakleaf High School, for medaling in the Florida Marching Band Championships State Finals.  In attendance were:

Fleming Island Marching Band

• Directors:  Mara Rose, Alex Buck, Jim Bruce
• Drum Majors:  Noah Johnson, Michael Lowery, Chau Tran
• Band Captains:  Hannah Ivy, Maddie Page

Orange Park Raiders Marching Band

• Director:  Brett Pikuritz
• Band Coordinator:  Isabell Shiver
• Drum Majors:  Bella DuChemin, Cody Woronka
• Band Captain:  Michee Civilus
• Percussion Captain:  Jamaris Frierson
• Colorguard Captains:  Viktorya Bradford, Kayleigh Kearns
• Secretary:  Phaedra Smith

Oakleaf Knights Marching Band

• Directors:  Chad Robbins, Chris Gugel
• Band Captain:  Ethan Albrecht
• Guard Captains:  Maria Torres-Bermudez, Miracle Haile
• Drum Major:  Tristan Rivera

Kristi Gomez, Curriculum Specialist, recognized Fleming Island Elementary for being designated by the Florida Department of Education as a Purple Star School of Distinction.  This designation recognizes schools that support the unique needs of military families through the implementation of activities that highlight annual military recognition events, publicize support for military students and families, provide opportunities for active-duty parents to volunteer at the school, and participate in service projects that connect the school with the military community.

Kelly Watt, Chief of Staff, recognized student Brady White, Fleming Island High School, for being selected as a representative in the 2023 United States Senate Youth Program scholarship competition.  This program assists excelling high school students interested in government to pursue public service and provides a foundation of knowledge and encouragement for those considering a future in public service at the local, state, or national level.  Matthew Dews, North Florida Staff Assistant to Senator Marco Rubio, presented Mr. White with a letter from Senator Rubio, acknowledging his achievement. 

Carolyn Krall, President of Clay Education Foundation, and Gi Teevan, Board Chair, Clay Education Foundation, recognized the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year and Support-Related Employee of the Year

• Teacher of the Year - Heather Miller, Lake Asbury Elementary
• Support Related Employee of the Year - Abieail Rosario-Castillo - Orange Park Elementary

Carolyn Krall, Clay Education Foundation, provided the attached visual presentation re Clay Education Foundation, highlighting the following:

• Purpose
• Areas of Impact
• Support of Educators
• STEM Education
• Literacy
• College & Career Resources

Alice Paulk, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the wide variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered in Clay County Schools as well as the factors considered for implementing programs and establishing career clusters.  Programs that will be introduced for the 2023-2024 school year include a firefighting partnership with the Board of County Commissioners (located at Orange Park High) and Principles of Teaching (offered at Clay High).  Funding sources for the various programs were also noted.  

Public Speakers:

• Jenifer Burghart
• Douglas Brandon Cross Jr.
• Tanya Kacsan 
• Bruce Friedman
• Shari McGriff 
• Jeffrey Dove
• Kaylyn Lyons 

Superintendent Broskie noted that the issues debated are important but care must be taken to not get so wrapped up in an ideological stance that the focus of the work being children is forgotten.  

Mr.Broskie shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the following:

• Schools of the Month
• Strategic Plan Town Halls
• 2024 Teacher of the Year and Support-Related Employee of the Year
• Graduation Rate
• Literacy Week
• Upcoming Events

Ashley Gilhousen, School Board Member District 5, provided CE Form 8A Memorandum of Voting Conflict for State Officers and recused herself from voting on this item.

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

Mrs. Bolla thanked Fleming Island Elementary for their recognition of School Board Appreciation Month.  She recently participated in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) judging through the Career and Technical Education program and strongly encouraged others to consider future participation.  She enjoyed recent events such as Literacy Week, W.E. Cherry's spelling bee, All-County Band, All-County Choruses, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, and appreciates the support and generosity of Garber Automall for opening their doors to host Tools4Schools and providing a car for the Teacher of the Year as well as funds for the Support-Related Employee of the Year.

Mrs. Skipper would like to see an expansion of The Imagination Library, whose funding comes from donations.  She appreciated the many accomplishments of Brady White, Fleming Island High senior, and his well-performed civic duties.

Mrs. Clark appreciated the awesome and growing programs offered by CTE and advised that more information will be forthcoming re a group that has recently formed and will be hosting a Battle of the Ballroom to raise $50,000 in scholarships for vocational students.  She would like to have a workshop to explore what can be done for fixing transportation for all students.  This will be discussed at the next workshop, scheduled on February 21, 2023.

Mrs. Hanson shared that her passion has been for teaching reading and literacy to children, and she can embrace and have compassion for what every single person has said about books, reading, and the importance of acceptance.  She shared that this school board meeting was in honor of her father, who recently passed and who was very proud of her serving on the School Board.

Mrs. Gilhousen noted the celebration of accomplishments this month and appreciated the opportunity to spend some time in the classroom, sharing books and poetry.  A discussion of board member priorities will also be included at the next workshop.  The board discussed the Master Board program as an avenue of training and agreed to participate in this program.