Mrs. Studdard took the opportunity to say a few words about the school shooting in South Florida and to offer condolences to the students, parents, and school staff.  She commended Kathy Lawrence, the district's SEDNET Project Manager, and made positive comments about the work of Clay County's team of school social workers in dealing with mental health issues.  Mrs. Studdard also noted that the district sent two of our own social workers to Parkland to assist with emotional supports for students and their families.

Matthew Hutchins, President of the Clay County Education Foundation, gave an annual report in which he outlined the accomplishments and strategic plan of the Foundation.  The Foundation is a direct support of Clay County District Schools.

Mrs. Huffman shared concerns about the staffing of school clinics.  She explained the differences in training and responsibilities for a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel and their level of expertise. 

• Karri VonEbers - Department Head/Team Leader Stipend
• Roel Escamilia - school security and mental health issues
• Donna Mace - Testing/Opt Out
• Dunia Jean-Baptiste - Insurance 

Following adoption of the Consent Agenda, the following approved proclamations were read into the record by the Chair:

• Consent Item C2, Proclamation 18-11 Clay County Agricultural Fair - (Tasha Hyder was present to accept the proclamation on behalf of the Clay County Fair Board.)
• Consent Item C4, Proclamation 18-12 Teacher Appreciation Week (May 7-11, 2018) 
• Consent Item C5, Proclamation 18-13 Administrative Professionals Week (April 22-28, 2018)

Superintendent Davis expounded on the following topics:

• School Safety in Clay County
• Governor's Scott's Proposed Plan for Safety
• Insight Survey Results and Recognition of the top quartile school leaders
• Mid-Year Achieve 3000 & i-Ready Data

Mrs. Studdard began by reporting information she learned at a recent insurance meeting she attended in Alachua County where their school district is self-insured.

Next, public comments were heard from the following individuals:

• Jenifer Burghart 
• Christopher Trahan 

Mrs. Kerekes asked the Board to support the proposed increase which would cost the district $305,000 to increase the Board's contribution by $12.50 per employee over the remaining eight pay periods left in the 2017-2018 school year.  Board discussion followed in which concerns were expressed about building the fund balance if the Board decides to explore the self-insured option in the future.  In general, all Board members agreed that employees deserve some relief with insurance premiums.  

Mrs. Kerekes asked to withdraw this item and bring it back on the April agenda.

Public comments were heard from the following:   

• Roel Escamilla 
• Charles Walsh
• Christopher Trahan

Board members made positive comments about the Montessori concept. 

Public comments were heard from Roel Escamilla.

Public comments were heard from the following:

• Christopher Trahan
• Rochel Matthews
• Allyson Lowans

Superintendent Davis addressed a concern expressed by Ms. Matthews regarding a rumor about moving ESE students to a centralized location in the county within the next five years.  Mr. Davis stressed that this rumored model is not his vision for the work of the ESE Department and there is no plan to centralize students.  Mr. McAuley further clarified that any reduction in the number of sites would be to alleviate the number of grade levels being taught in one classroom.  Board discussion followed.

Board discussion took place with differing points of view.  There were concerns about piggybacking off another county and that the Board did not go out for an RFP.   It was pointed out that with the insurance renewal upon us in just a few months, we need a fresh set of eyes to work on the district's behalf.   

General closing comments were made by Board members about a variety of topics that included prayers and condolences to the Parkland community and concerns about school safety,

Mrs. Kerekes announced that she will be adding to the April agenda an item to consider retroactive pay to teachers who have retired since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.