Bryce Ellis, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, indicated that the Educational Facilities Plan documentation is attached to the agenda, and the EFP will be presented in full at the upcoming special meeting/public hearing on July 29, 2025.  

Dawn Posey, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, presented the tentative budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year (copy of presentation attached to agenda item).  She reported that the required local effort rate to be levied exceeds the rolled-back rate computed pursuant to Section 200.065(1), F.S., by 5.51%, so the district will be required to advertise a tax increase. The required local effort rate is provided by the Florida Department of Education, and the rolled-back rate is based on property values.  The Clay County School Board has no authority nor responsibility for any tax increase. The first public hearing on the millage rates and the tentative budget will be on July 29, 2025. The proposed annual budget for all funds for the 2025-2026 school year is $669,862,016. 

The budget review discussed current events having an immediate impact on the tentative budget, including a $647,000 shortfall in the final Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) disbursement to CCDS and a $1,500,000 decrease for Clay arising out of withheld federal funds (Title II, Title III, and Title IV).  The fund balance is estimated at approximately 4% and may be further affected by funding necessary to support the mission of educating students.

Superintendent Broskie thanked Ms. Posey and her team, noting the extremely tight budget and the effect on the fund balance of any further expenditures. The prioritization of students in the classroom drove the strategic allocation of resources. 

Mr. Broskie noted the positive school grades, indicating that CCDS has earned an A and is in the top 10 in all four subject areas. He noted the individual school successes of Argyle Elementary, Middleburg Elementary, Clay Hill Elementary, Wilkinson Junior High, Charles E. Bennett, Clay Virtual Academy, Orange Park Elementary, Paterson Elementary, Fleming Island High and Oakleaf High.

He looks forward to the return of teachers and students and anticipates a highly successful year ahead.

Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney, shared comments submitted to him by Mrs. Clark (see School Board Member Comments for details).

Mrs. Clark shared her comments through Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney. She advised that, in her 4.5 years on the School Board, the required tax rate has dropped each year while the Board has strived to increase teacher pay. This year's tax increase is .036%, and she is willing to find a way not to increase taxes because citizens are already facing an increase in property taxes of 3% in home values in addition to a potential utility tax increase that may be imposed by the Board of County Commissioners.  Questions posed by Mrs. Clark re fund balance, as well as additional information requested (breakdown of School Board expenses) will be addressed by Ms. Posey.

Mrs. Hanson extended appreciation to staff who worked on the budget as well as those involved in placing employees in alternate employment positions due to recent revisions necessary to reduce the overall budget.

Mrs. Skipper thanked all involved in the budget work and requested a reminder/message be sent to teachers re the Teacher Forum being hosted by the board members on July 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Teacher Learning Center, Orange Park High School. 

Mrs. Hanson suggested future teacher forums be scheduled in connection with reviewing focused portions of the Student Code of Conduct.