Chairman Kerekes began by inquiring of the Board to allow public comments following the workshop topics.  The Board's policy allows for questions only, but consensus of the Board was to allow 3-minute comments following the presentations.

Superintendent Davis used a visual presentation (attached) to review the assessments that are used in our district.  He included state assessments and internal assessments, and also included a comparison of internal assessments by grade with surrounding counties.  He expressed concerns that our assessment window is too time consuming and that our tests are too numerous and sometimes redundant.  He referenced state guidelines that say we cannot assess more than 5% of the classroom time.  

In conclusion, the Superintendent's recommendation was to suspend all internal assessments with the exception of those related to VAM, but stated that teachers would need to closely monitor their students' progress through classroom monitoring systems.  

Public Speakers:

• Laura Mayberry
• Kebrina Chapman
• Liz Crane
• Cheryl Brown
• Rachel Ryan
• Teresa Dixon
• Barbara McDermott
• Chris Trahan      
• Brandy Stasiak
• Elaine Nabors
• Darlene Evans
• Linda Toth
• Donna Mace 
• Beth Wilkes
• Phyllis Hale
• Donna Mace (Opt out Clay)

Following public comments, Board discussion took place. 

Felicia Hampshire extended a public invitation for Board Members to visit Transportation to see the positive work going on in the department, and she also made positive comments about the GPS system.

Superintendent Davis used a visual presentation (attached) to review the GPS system.  His presentation included the functions of the GPS tracking system and the start up and annual cost,  He reviewed the functions that are working well with the sytem, and the areas of opportunity.    Concerns heard from drivers over the past few months were addressed, some with resolutions and other that are on-going.  In conclusion, Superintendent Davis offered two options:

• Option #1 -  to keep the GPS System.  He believes if the district goes with this option, we should implement all available functions per the contract, and provide immediate face-to-face professional development to the drivers.  
• Option #2 -  to cease the contract with Synovia Solutions.  His concerns included fear that the district had a poor launch, lack of training to staff, and financial hardships in continuing with the contract.

Following Mr. Davis' presentation, comments were heard from Robert Waremburg, Director of Transportation, in support of the system.

Public Speakers:

• Ina Zino
• William Davis
• Sandra Driggers 
• Keith Nichols
• Michelle Todd
• Teresa Dixon 
• Rebecca Smith

Board discussion followed public comments.   Consensus was to place an item on the February 2nd agenda for action on the contract with Synovia. 

Prior to the workshop, the Board was provided copies of all applications received and the Board was asked to review all the candidate applications and select their top five.  Mr. Broskie identified the common candidates and asked for direction, including the Board's preference for length of interviews.    There were a total of 7 candidates, and two dates were established for workshops to conduct the interviews:  

• January 26, 2017 - 8:00 a.m.
• January 27, 2017 - 10:00 a.m.

The workshops will be held in the Professional Development Center in Green Cove Springs, with one-hour interviews.