The Board recognized elementary students whose artwork will be featured in the 2018-2019 Drug-Free Calendar.  The names of the student winners are listed in the agenda item detail.

Mrs. Pinkoson presented the Board with a plaque for having completed the 2017-2018 Master Board Program which constitutes a 22-hour curriculum.  Mary Bolla was also recognized for completion of the 96-hour program to become a Certified Board Member.

• Donna Mace - Opt-out testing
• Victoria Kidwell - Insurance costs
• Kristi Gomez - Student walkout
• Betsy Reagor - FSA testing - closed campus
• Travis Christensen - Student walkout
• Jenifer Burghart - Insurance costs
• John Schaffer - Elimination of ESE self-contained  at FIE 
• Leigh Ann Lunsford - Student walkout
• Liz Crane - Insurance costs 
• Graham Yirka - Student walkout

Following approval of the Consent Agenda, Chair Studdard read the Proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Month in Clay County (Item C13).  

A short break was taken, and then the meeting resumed at 8:16 p.m.

The Superintendent's update included Initiatives to improve student experiences:

• Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (deadline for applications is June 1st)
• Listen and Learn Findings
• In-School SAT Initiative 
• Clay County History Initiative (launches in late May)

At Mr. Davis' request, Sheila Gann, the district's Coordinator of Health Benefits, gave a brief update of the insurance renewal.  The final 2018 United Healthcare renewal reflects a 28% increase due to the claims paid out exceeding premiums received which produces a high loss ratio.  The insurance committee has looked into plan design changes in an effort to reduce costs.  It was noted that the committee only looks at plan designs and the total premium cost as the employee and Board contributions must be negotiated.  

With the consensus of the Board,  D3 was moved ahead on the agenda. 

Public Comments:  

• Eric Holshouser 
• Betsy Reagor 

Mr. Holshouser spoke on behalf of the Superintendent/District in favor of the recommendation for termination.    Mrs. Kerekes expressed concerns over the confidential nature of the item and procedures.  Mr. D'Agata explained that because the employee has requested a due process hearing, it was appropriate to discuss information surrounding the case and still maintain the confidentiality of the employee.  Following Mr. Holshouser's comments, Board discussion included whether to refer the request for a hearing to the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) and whether the Board could continue the suspension without pay.   Mr. D'Agata explained that the Board's adoption of the recommendation to terminate pending the outcome of an administrative hearing is appropriate and protects the due process rights of the employee.

A motion was made by Mrs. Kerekes to deny the Superintendent's recommendation.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Studdard for discussion purposes.   Following discussion, Mrs. Kerekes amended her motion to extend the suspension without pay pending the outcome of the DOAH hearing.  This motion was seconded by Mrs. Condon and discussion ensued.  In the end, no action was taken on the motion on the floor and a new motion was made.

Public Comments:  Graham Yirka 

Superintendent Davis presented revised, more affordable, options for meeting the state mandate for school safety and security.  Board discussion included varying views on how best to meet the mandate and which option was the best for Clay County without compromising the safety of students.  It was noted that the district cannot afford the previous preferred plan to place law enforcement officers in all schools.  The majority of the Board agreed that Option #2 in the revised plan was the best option given the current budget situation.  Option #2 maintains School Resource Officers in all high schools and Bannerman Learning Center and places Sheriff Officers in all junior high schools.  The district would hire School Safety Officers to be trained by the Clay County Sheriff's Office for placement in all elementary schools.  The plan calls for 27 additional employees to serve as School Safety Officers.  The Board discussed using city police officers from the Town of Orange Park and City of Green Cove Springs in the schools within their jurisdiction.  Superintendent Davis will reach out to the municipalities to have these discussions and possibly negotiate the interlocal agreements.

The Board discussed whether the Resolution language should specify the purpose of the tax to be for safety and security purposes as opposed to operating expenses as stated in the proposed Resolution.

Following the two motions that were rejected, Mrs. Condon made an additional motion to request a half-mill ad valorem millage tax.  That motion failed for lack of a second.

Mrs. Condon pulled this item to express concern about the cost in light of the district's current financial situation and asked the Superintendent to explain the budgeting source and curriculum plan.  Mr. Davis identified I-Ready as a blended learning model that provides individualized pathways and focuses on remediation.  The categorical funding source, SAI, is specifically for Supplemental Academic Instruction.

Mr. D'Agata commended Sheila Gann on her hard work with the district's insurance committee.  He also suggested a Board workshop on administrative proceedings and employee discipline might be helpful to the Board.

Board member comments included the following: 

• An Executive Session scheduled for Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.
• Concern about  use of vapor cigarettes; specifically "JUUL" 
• Attorney evaluations are due; next step is the composite
• Interest in a workshop regarding revenue sources
• School/student events; Teacher Appreciation Week (May 7-11)