Agenda Plus
School Board of Clay County
District Multi-Purpose Center, Corner of Walnut Street & Gratio Place, Green Cove Springs, FL
July 25, 2023 Special Meeting
Date: Jul 25 2023 (9:00 a.m.)
Invocation  (Beth Clark)
Call to Order  (Present: Erin Skipper, District 1; Mary Bolla, District 2; Beth Clark, District 3, Michele Hanson, District 4; Ashley Gilhousen, District 5; and Superintendent David S. Broskie)
Agenda Items
1. 2023-2024 Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan
Clay 23-24 MHAAP Submitted to Board 7.25.23.pdf
Minutes:

Mrs. Hanson would like parents to receive communication delineating what videos are being shown and when they are being shown to students so that parents can make informed choices.  Mrs. Gilhousen noted that, if there already exists a schedule of the videos, the schedule can be shared with parents so they can make individual choices and follow up with any desired discussion with their children.  Superintendent Broskie indicated that advertising for these videos can be increased and that Laura Fogarty, Supervisor of Climate and Culture, is available to discuss any concerns with parents.

Motion
Motion to Approve 2023-2024 Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan
Vote Results ( Approved )
Motion: Mary Bolla
Second: Beth Clark
Ashley Gilhousen - Aye
Mary Bolla - Aye
Beth Clark - Aye
Michele Hanson - Aye
Erin Skipper - Aye
2. Updated and Amended 2023-2024 School Safety Interlocal Agreement among the School Board of Clay County, Florida; City of Green Cove Springs Florida; and Green Cove Springs Police Department
230141 City of GCS PD Interlocal AMENDED.pdf
Minutes:

Mrs. Skipper asked if Clay County Sheriff's Office was asked about this contract and Superintendent Broskie advised they were not because it would not be proper to do so.

Motion
Motion to Approve Updated and Amended 2023-2024 School Safety Interlocal Agreement among the School Board of Clay County, Florida; City of Green Cove Springs Florida; and Green Cove Springs Police Department
Vote Results ( Approved )
Motion: Mary Bolla
Second: Beth Clark
Ashley Gilhousen - Aye
Mary Bolla - Aye
Beth Clark - Aye
Michele Hanson - Aye
Erin Skipper - Aye
3. Approve Contract for Legal Services between the School Board of Clay County, Florida and the Douglas Law Firm
DOUGLAS CONTRACT FOR LEGAL SERVICES LH formatted (1) (2) (3).pdf
Motion
Motion to Approve Contract for Legal Services between the School Board of Clay County, Florida and the Douglas Law Firm
Vote Results ( Approved )
Motion: Michele Hanson
Second: Mary Bolla
Ashley Gilhousen - Aye
Mary Bolla - Aye
Beth Clark - Aye
Michele Hanson - Aye
Erin Skipper - Aye
4. Review 2023-2024 Tentative Budget for all Funds
Tentative Budget Presentation.pdf
Minutes:

Dr. Susan Legutko, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, presented the tentative budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and explained how the roll-back rate is calculated (copy of presentation attached to agenda item).  She reported that the total millage rate to be levied exceeds the rollback rate by 12.10%, 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 on August 1, 2023.  The proposed annual budget for all funds for the 2023-2024 school year is $589,848,650.  The unassigned general Fund balance on June 30, 2023 is estimated at 4.53%, with an estimated 4.71% on June 30, 2024.

Mrs. Hanson noted that the advertised tax increase is a result of the increased values of properties.  Mrs. Clark stated that the Save Our Homes amendment limits the annual increase in the assessed value of properties to 3% per year.  Mrs. Gilhousen mentioned that the Required Local Effort is not optional.

5. Review Tentative 2023/24 – 2027/28 Educational Facilities Plan
EFP 2023-2028 TENTATIVE 7.17.23 - pdf.pdf
Minutes:

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 on August 1, 2023.

6. Approve Advertisement for the 2023-2024 Tentative Budget and Millages
2023-2024 Budget Summary- Budget AD.pdf
NOTICE OF TAX FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY 2023.pdf
NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE 2023.pdf
Motion
Approve Advertisement for the 2023-2024 Tentative Budget and Millages
Vote Results ( Approved )
Motion: Mary Bolla
Second: Michele Hanson
Ashley Gilhousen - Aye
Mary Bolla - Aye
Beth Clark - Aye
Michele Hanson - Aye
Erin Skipper - Aye
Presentations from the Audience
7. Public Comment
Minutes:

Public speakers:

  • Ronnie Pittman 
  • Tom Flacco 
Superintendent Comments  (None)
School Board Attorney Comments  (None)
School Board Comments
8. School Board Member Comments
Minutes:

Mrs. Clark urged calm as we progress through the exploration of safety and security services, indicating that care will be taken not to make uninformed conclusions.  She extended thanks to the Clay County District Schools police officers.

Mrs. Hanson appreciated the candid conversation and advised no decision will be made in haste without significant research.  She believes good units do simple things well and that simple things build rapport and help communications go forward and that breakdown starts when there is a failure to do simple things well.

Mrs. Skipper stated that misinformation has been going around and that no one wants to make the CCDSPD officers jobless.  Her campaign experiences made her aware of her constituents' wishes, and she has also spoken to several administrators and teachers who support her move to transfer the safety and security of students to the Clay County Sheriff's Office.  She reiterated her desire to have a discussion with Sheriff Cook present at a meeting to respond to questions.  She encouraged individuals with questions to ask her directly with their concerns.  

Mrs. Bolla advised she was immediately approached by community members with concerns following the June 29, 2023 board meeting.  She read a letter written to Mrs. Skipper outlining her concerns re bringing an item before the board that had not been researched, properly vetted, nor on the agenda.  She stated the necessity of each board member having the right to be educated on what will come before the board to include the necessary backup necessary to make a fully informed vote.  She expressed concern for the safety of students and appreciation for the CCDSPD officers and urged Mrs. Skipper to engage the board as a team.

Superintendent Broskie expressed his willingness to engage with the board on more topics if desired.  He commented on misinformation and urged the board members to bring concerns to him so that he can engage the personnel that participate and do the work, in order to ensure board members have the entirety of the information on matters.  He advised that Sheriff Cook has requested and received additional information and is working to determine capacity, cost, and additional analysis that will enable the board to compare and contrast with the current services.  

Charles Douglas, Jr., school board attorney as of 8/1/2023, commented that he looks forward to joining the team.

Adjournment  (12:04 p.m.)
Superintendent of Schools School Board Chair