Public comments were heard from the following speakers who wished to specifically address this item:

• Bruce Friedman - Item #3 - challenge book policy and procedure
• Leigh Ann Lunsford - Item #3 - also general
• Tia Bess - Item #3

Following the public speakers, Superintendent Broskie commented on the district's stance as a collaborative partner and the extensive work of Chief Academic Officer Roger Dailey who has largely overseen this process, engaged in lengthy discussion with parents and stakeholders, provided consistent availability for continued conversation, and demonstrated a commitment for obtaining accurate information.

Chair Bolla set forth the item for a motion.  Mrs. Kerekes moved approval and Mrs. Bullock seconded the motion.  Both Mrs. Kerekes and Mrs. Bullock subsequently withdrew their motions as a result of discussion on this topic.

Mrs. Kerekes inquired about the possibility of online submission of the form being utilized to challenge library books.  Mr. Broskie advised the form is currently a 2-page form in physical, hard copy.

Mrs. Clark reiterated that all are working on the same team and have a process as well as an open door policy in Clay.  She expressed concern about a line item that appears missing concerning the hearing officer not being a Clay County District Schools employee.  Mr. Bickner, School Board Attorney, clarified that the language in question already exists in statute and strongly recommended approving this item for advertising so that policy can be put in place prior to the expiration of the emergency order that will expire on 9/30/22.  Mr. Bickner advised that he will ensure any subsequent amendments needed can be included at a later date.

Mrs. Gilhousen advised she has a list of items she would like the board to review together including concern about equity across the county in revenue and resources available in school libraries, what processes exist for ensuring equal access is available to all students, and how publishers are held accountable for the materials they are selling to the district.

Ensuing discussion included examining the calendar to ensure this policy can be adopted timely, following additional review by the board.  Mrs. Gilhousen and other board members may share any discussion points and concerns, and the board will engage in discussion re this policy at the next agenda review, scheduled for July 26, 2022.  Any revisions can then be incorporated and the item can be added to the August 4, 2022 regular meeting agenda to obtain approval to advertise, with the public hearing scheduled to be held at the special meeting on September 8, 2022.

Mrs. Bullock requested and received clarification on how parents can obtain information on what books their children are checking out from the library.

Dr. Susan Legutko, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, presented the tentative budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year and explained how the roll-back rate is calculated.  She reported that the total millage rate to be levied exceeds the roll-back rate by 7.43%, so the district will be required to advertise a tax increase.  The first public hearing on the millage rates and the tentative budget will be held on August 2, 2022.  The proposed annual budget for all funds for the 2022-2023 school year is $593,489,578.  The unassigned General Fund balance on June 30, 2022, is estimated at 5.01%, with an estimated 5.00% on June 30, 2023.

Mrs. Gilhousen noted that the tentative budget includes expenditures in excess of revenue and asked how the district can scale back in order to not irresponsibly overspend.  Dr. Legutko advised that the highest expenditures are related to salaries and the growing number of students that necessitate additional personnel as well as the new state-mandated minimum wage requirements.  Mrs. Gilhousen proposed that a review by departmental heads to examine if any budget adjustments can be made.  Mr. Broskie pointed out that the fund balance is expected to be 5.0%, remaining stable.  Mrs. Bolla emphasized that the budget is a living document that changes from day to day and presents a current, realistic picture.

Dr. Michael Kemp, Director of Facility Planning and Construction, discussed the increased cost of building schools and stressed the need for strategic planning relative to when and how additional schools are acquired because the cost of construction is the single most critical variable impacted by the pandemic, with no available federal relief.

The Tentative Educational Facilities Plan will be presented in full at the upcoming Special meeting on August 2, 2022.

Dr. Michael Kemp, Director of Facility Planning and Construction indicated a need to best utilize time when collecting impact fees in an effort to avoid debt.  Spring Park Elementary School is projected to open on time.  Limited resources will need to be utilized in high growth areas.

The three (3) public speakers present at this meeting were heard prior to action on agenda item #3 because their comments were specific to that item.

Mrs. Clark would like to have a five-year plan crated that would address portable reduction.

Mrs. Gilhousen advised she has reviewed the school board attorney's contract and believes there is language that permits the board to terminate the contract on the one year anniversary date by giving proper notice to conclude the contract.  She is interested in pursuing that avenue and wants to give adequate notice to the board members, the superintendent, and the school board attorney, welcoming the board's input.  Mrs. Bolla requested the board to take this under consideration and discuss any concerns at a future meeting.  Mrs. Kerekes advised she does not attribute the issues at the last board meeting to the school board attorney.  Mrs. Bullock advised all were placed in a difficult situation at the last board meeting.

Mrs. Bullock discussed the need to move one of her alternates on the Citizens Advisory Council to a member position now that one of her district's members has had to leave the position due to an employment conflict.  

Both Mrs. Bullock and Mrs. Bolla extended congratulations to Melissa Matz for being chosen as the 2023 Florida Teacher of the Year and for the wonderful representation she will be for Florida teachers, education, and others not in the field.