Superintendent Broskie recognized the 2023-2024 Outstanding School Volunteers as follows:

• Tyler Davies, Outstanding Youth Volunteer (Orange Park High)
• Jaime Russell, Outstanding Volunteer (Middleburg High)
• David Everington, Outstanding Senior Volunteer (Doctors Inlet Elementary)

Gi Teevan, Michael Rathjen, and Terry Hicks, Executive Committee, Clay Education Foundation, recognized employees of the year as follows:

• Robin Campbell, Teacher of the Year (WJH)
• Philip Turturro, Support Related Employee of the Year (DIS)
• Allison Sanders, Rookie Teacher of the Year (KHE)

Gi Teevan, Michael Rathjen, Jennifer Young, and Terry Hicks, Executive Committee, Clay County Education Foundation, recognized Mary Bolla, District 2 Board Member for her service to Clay Education Foundation over the past eight (8) years.

Public speakers:

• Evelyn D. Hillman 
• Shannon Hube 
• Holly Bishop 
• Constance Higginbotham
• Bruce Friedman
• Judith Chapple 
• Adam Warren 
• Tanya Kacsan

There was no Human Resources Special Action D.

There was no Human Resources Special Action E.

There was no Human Resources Special Action F.

Mrs. Hanson noted that she and the district have been taking great care in developing a rubric that reflects community standards and will provide criteria re the purchasing of books, will provide guidance in the removal of inappropraite books based on community standards, and will guide individuals challenging books to ensure understanding of community standards.

Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney, advised that the proposed policy is consistent with Florida statute and ensures there is informed consent and protection of parental rights. 

Mrs. Hanson stated that informed consent means that parents are told what is known about the school libraries and that students are not allowed to check out books without informed parental consent.  She has requested technology assistance via a form that would be in the parent portal for their required completion prior to a student stepping into a library, making parents aware of the possibility of their student finding a book with inappropriate content.  She stressed the need to spend time on making a concerted effort to clean up the libraries by reviewing all books.

Mrs. Skipper requested clarification re the ability of students to gain access to libraries on the first day of school, noting the previously discussed levels of access being offered but stating that parents must give informed consent and be aware of what their child may find in the library.  Mrs. Hanson stated that parents must provide informed consent with the understanding that it is not known if all inappropriate books have been found and may still be in libraries.  Mrs. Gilhousen pointed out that the questionable books found have been at the secondary level where media is no longer a class and students will not be taken by a teacher to the libraries.

Mr. Broskie stated that, at the conclusion of the workshop, it was his understanding that there are four (4) different types of access proposed from which parents may choose.  Ideally the students will have parental permission forms but, if the student does not have that form, they will have general access to check out unflagged books.  Mrs. Hanson indicated general access should only be with parent permission and informed consent.  Mrs. Gilhousen noted this decision is a procedural one that can be worked out at the appropriate time.  Mrs. Skipper requested and received assurance from Mr. Blocker that the policy is consistent with the law and that the delivery of that consent is a procedural issue.

Superintendent Broskie shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the following:

• Schools of the Month
• Superintendent's Super Students of the Month
• February's Highlights
• Art in Our Schools Month
• Upcoming Events

Mr. Broskie expressed appreciation to the board for their good intent and work on the book policy.

Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney, stated that there will be a board workshop and a shade meeting on 3/26/2024. 

He further indicated that work continues on finalizing the operating agreement with the Clay County Sheriff's Office and that there will be additional agreements for long-range funding.  Agreements will also be developed for the charter schools which will require both the charter school boards and CCSB to approve and work out a funding structure. 

Mrs. Clark regrets the amount of time spent discussing books and indicated she would like to talk about how to improve literacy comprehension.  She wants students to have access to the libraries but noted Mrs. Hanson has brought out that books have not been reviewed for some years and vendors have sent inappropriate materials.  She indicated this is not an issue of trust but of setting a policy and being able to work on a procedure for the best interests of students.  She noted the recent Niche report indicating the safe and affordable community offered by Clay County as well as the excellent schools.

Mrs. Hanson commented on a speaker she states she heard at an FSBA conference who shared a study reflecting that what makes an educational community trust a school board is vigorous discourse at meetings.  To that end, she requested workshop materials be made available sooner so she can analyze and ask informed questions re agenda items.  Mrs. Skipper also supported receiving workshop presentations ahead of time to engage in more robust conversation.

Mrs. Gilhousen set forth the possibility of holding workshops a few days later to allow board members time to review all pertinent materials.  Mr. Broskie indicated that he would provide a document outlining recurring large items to enable the board to be able to read the current version prior to addressing proposed revisions.

Mrs. Skipper thanked Mrs. Hanson and those who worked alongside her for their efforts on the media policy.  She also wished a happy birthday to Coach Benton at Clay Hill Elementary.

Mrs. Bolla noted her desire to represent students as a board member, stressing the importance of being present and providing students a chance to shine at the many invitations received to attend school events.  She recently visited a Clay Virtual Academy teacher and was able to observe the virtual academy labs that have dual enrollment and push into the secondary schools to help students gain credits in a variety of ways.  She attended Oakleaf Jazz Night and a mock wedding event hosted by Fleming Island High hospitality program students.  She visited a 2nd grade classroom at Spring Park Elementary that portrayed a wax museum of Black American history people, sharing the representation and facts of various Black American people from a 1st person perspective.  She also enjoyed her first Battle of the Books this year at Orange Park Elementary.