Jackie Cory, Director of Support Personnel Services, introduced retirees who were in attendance.  The employees retiring during the 2016-2017 school year collectively represent a total of 2,578 years of service in the district.  See attached list for employee names.

Leslie Fletcher - restoring cut positions to the school psychology staff

Mark Owens, Youth Market Director for the American Heart Association, highlighted the "Hands Only CPR" program as part of the Pupil Progression Plan, requiring students be CPR trained prior to graduation.  

The Florida Department of Education released school grades on June 28, 2017, for the 2016-2017 school year.  Superintendent Davis reported Clay County improved in percent of possible points earned, moving from 57 to 61 percent, and maintained a "B" letter grade just one point shy of the "A" school rating (62 percent).    

Mr. Davis recognized the following school principals as Champions of Change for significant improvements in student learning gains at their respective schools:

• Tracy McLaughlin - Ridgeview Elementary School
• Becky Murphy - Lake Asbury Junior High School 
• John O'Brian - Paterson Elementary School
• Rob Feltner - Middleburg High School
• Carol McCullough - Orange Park Elementary School
• Melanie Sanders - Keystone Heights Elementary School
• Amy Dyal - Coppergate Elementary School
• Jeffrey Schriver - Lakeside Elementary School
• Tiffany Outman - S. Bryan Jennings Elementary School
• Al DeJesus - Orange Park Junior High School

Brief Board discussion included varying opinions about the services provided by Southern Strategies and whether to renew the contract.  

Betsy Condon will serve as the Board's representative. The Board opted to look for a new citizen member in lieu of asking Scott Roberts who has served many years in the past.   The Board decided to table the item until next month's meeting to give time to solicit and consider names of citizens who meet the qualifications.

Mrs. Kerekes began by giving some background information.   The Coates Law Firm was hired for legal representation of former Superintendent Charlie Van Zant in 2016 when charges were brought against him under the Code of Ethics for misuse of office and using private information for special gain arising from plagiarism allegations.  The complaint against Mr. Van Zant was dismissed.  Previous invoices were submitted and paid by the district, and there are currently outstanding invoices in the amount of $1,868.75.  The Board must decide whether to pay for these legal fees which total $4600 including those invoices already paid.

There was Board discussion with differing points for and against payment.  

Due to a procedural concern, the Job Descriptions portion of C4 Personnel Consent Agenda was approved prior to addressing C15 Proposed Allocation Changes.  It was pointed out that the appropriate order should be approval of job descriptions first, staff allocations next, and the final action should be personnel recommendations.  Concerns  were voiced and there was discussion about adding additional administrative positions.  Following approval of the Allocations, the Board continued with discussion of the Personnel Consent Agenda.

Speakers:  Gavin Rollins and C.J. Cook

There was Board discussion about whether the district was obligated to continue the employment of Gavin Rollins.  Mr. Rollins was formerly employed as a district office administrator when military duty caused him to be deployed in April, 2016.  Attorney David D'Agata explained the provisions of the law under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).   There was also discussion about two CTE positions and Vice/Assistant Principal positions identified as "leveling." 

Chairman Kerekes opened the public hearing.  Being no one present to speak to the item, the public hearing was closed.

Mrs. Condon pulled this item for clarification of questions she wanted to ask.  

Chairman Kerekes opened the public hearing.  Being no one present to speak to the item, the public hearing was closed.

Chairman Kerekes opened the public hearing.  Being no one present to speak to the item, the public hearing was closed.

Michael McAuley, Assistant Superintendent for Climate and Culture, highlighted the revisions to the Code that will take effect in August.

Board member comments were heard.  

Mrs. Bolla presented a certificate she accepted on behalf of the Board at the Special Olympics banquet.  

A recess of the public meeting was called at 9:43 p.m., and the shade meeting/private attorney-client session was held in accordance with Florida Statute 286.011(8).  A court reporter was present to record the session.   At the conclusion of the private session, the Regular meeting reconvened and was subsequently adjourned at 10:35 with no further business.