Superintendent Broskie recognized Becky Murphy, Ridgeview High School, for being selected as Clay County Principal of the Year.

Superintendent Broskie recognized Amanda Strickland, Middleburg Elementary School, for being selected as Clay County Assistant Principal of the Year.

Carolyn Krall, President of Clay Education Foundation, introduced Missy Peters, Executive Director of the Community First Cares Foundation, and Lisa Ashworth, Commercial Services Relationship Manager of the Community First Credit Union, who presented a check in the amount of $15,000, representing the total funds received by eleven teachers in grants for projects in the areas of STEM and literacy.  The contribution from the Community First Cares Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar by the State of Florida.  The State of Florida matching funds are used specifically for STEM, Tools4Schools, and College and Career Education.

Immediately following recognitions of the 2022-2023 Clay County Assistant Principal of the Year, Superintendent Broskie recognized the dedicated service of Janice Kerekes, District 1, and Tina Bullock, District 2, noting their accomplishments and contributions to Clay County District Schools.

Superintendent Broskie shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the following:

• Academically High-Performing District
• Schools of the Month
• National Principals Month

Mrs. Bolla noted that this item was pulled to the Discussion Agenda in order to note required corrections to two of the job descriptions contained in the Personnel Consent Agenda as follows:

• Supervisor of Adult Communication - job description revised to correctly reflect the position is evaluated by "Chief Academic Officer or Designee."
• Director of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) - job description revised to reflect the required qualifications of "Minimum of five (5) years successful teaching and/or administrative experience in exceptional student education."

Copies of the corrected job descriptions were provided to the board members.

Bruce Bickner, School Board Attorney, noted that he has appreciated and will greatly miss Mrs. Kerekes and Mrs. Bullock.

Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Gilhousen appreciated the hearts, service, dedication, and passion of Mrs. Kerekes and Mrs. Bullock and expressed the need to continue working together through future changes.

Mrs. Bolla noted that the next workshop will be held on 12/5/22 and gave shout-outs to the Ridgeview High drama students and her recent visits to Thunderbolt Elementary and Wilkinson Junior High.  She also shared a poem written to honor Mrs. Kerekes and Mrs. Bullock.

Mrs. Kerekes expressed gratitude for the many ways in which she has been honored for her service and extended thanks to teachers, support personnel, administrators, parents, and citizens who elected her and allowed her to serve for the past 12 years.  She noted the importance of always putting children first and quality public schools as an important part of democracy as well as numerous accomplishments achieved by the district throughout her time and participation on the Clay County School Board.  She also appreciated the support, patience, and love of her family.

Mrs. Bullock reflected on her career which began in 1971 at Orange Park Elementary, earning $6,700 annually but doing what she loved.  She has enjoyed the many school activities she attended and feels privileged to have met the finest students, families, educators, and support staff.  The Keystone community has honored her for her passion and service and the Lake Region Kiwanis is in the process of establishing a scholarship in her name as a legacy and commitment to area youth.