Amanda Tewey, Development Director of the American Heart Association, recognized the following "Top Impact" schools for their support of the American Heart Association's mission to advance cardiovascular health. Clay County District Schools raised $97,215 to help fight heart disease and stroke. 1,587 students took American Heart Association's heart-healthy pledge.

• Thunderbolt Elementary - $22,641
• Orange Park Elementary - $21,220
• Lake Asbury Elementary - $7,033
• Green Cove Springs Junior High - $805

Superintendent Broskie recognized schools designated by the Florida Department of Education as a School of Excellence for the 2024-2025 school year.  Each school achieving this recognition had its percentage of possible points earned in its school grade calculation in the 80th percentile or higher for schools comprised of the same grade groupings.

2024-2025 Schools of Excellence

• Fleming Island High
• Oakleaf High
• Lakeside Junior High
• Orange Park Elementary
• Paterson Elementary
• Lake Asbury Elementary
• Fleming Island Elementary
• Thunderbolt Elementary
• Shadowlawn Elementary
• Discovery Oaks Elementary

Chair Skipper opened the public hearing. With no one coming forward to speak to the item, the public hearing was closed.

There was no Human Resources Special Action B.

There was no Human Resources Special Action C.

Public speakers:

• Sharon Walsh 
• Barbara MacKenzie 
• Christine DeVault 
• Liz Crane 
• Adam Warren
• Echo Nova
• Khristine Donovan 
• Brittany Sills
• Judith Chapple 
• Tanya Kacsan 

Following the conclusion of the public speakers, Mrs. Skipper requested that Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney, weigh in on some of the comments made by the public speakers regarding statements made by a CCDS employee. Mr. Blocker advised that School Board Policy 1140.01 references disciplinary suspension without pay and states that the School Board delegates its authority to suspend employees to the superintendent. The decision on the disciplinary action in question fell under the purview of the superintendent. Mr. Blocker has spoken with an attorney from the Department of Education and Professional Practice Services, and Professional Practice Services will conduct its own investigation into the conduct of the employee. The licensure of employees is not controlled by the board or district and is handled by the Department of Education, where a determination will be made about the individual's license.

Mrs. Skipper suggested the board review SB Policy 1140.01 to discuss adding or revising verbiage to allow the board greater authority in accepting or rejecting the superintendent's recommendations on these issues. Mrs. Gilhousen requested that the board receive a professional interpretation from the school board attorney, in preparation for this review and discussion and to be mindful of the role of the board. Mrs. Clark advised it is important to include the legal experts and be very clear and careful in the process. Mr. Blocker suggested reviewing other Neola versions of the policy and advised that this discipline action has been handled by the district, and it is now appropriate for the State to handle the matter.

Mr. Broskie noted that, regarding the employee situation referenced at this meeting, CCDS does not condone such behavior, an investigation was conducted, the case was analyzed by four different attorneys, and decisions must be based on substantiated facts. This case has now been referred to Professional Practices.

Regarding teachers, Mr. Broskie noted that the board does want to provide higher compensation and noted the historically high compensation packages provided in recent years. The proposal being offered is based on the current financial state.

Superintendent Broskie shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the following:

• Schools of the Month
• Super Students of the Month
• Dads Take Your Child to School Day
• Celebrate Freedom Week
• Pink Out Games
• Upcoming Events

Mrs. Clark appreciated the many wonderful teachers and employees on staff and regretted the few who have caused national attention, urging toned-down dialogue and discussion. She noted the remarkable compensation in recent years and regretted being unable to provide as much this year, noting the differences between Clay and other counties. She believes the former Director of Transportation did a good job, worked very hard, and brought improvements to transportation. She supports action to address mental health issues. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and she encouraged individuals to speak with experts until comfortable and obtain second opinions when dealing with this illness.

Mr. Alvero stated he does not wish to infringe on anyone's freedom of speech, but that CCDS does have a standard that needs to be followed, and individuals need to have regard for that standard so that the trust of the community is not lost.

Mrs. Skipper emphasized that, when the district had the funds to provide compensation, those funds were given, but times are hard now. There are a wide variety of differences between Clay and other counties. The Board does care about its teachers and has tried to take care of its veteran teachers. She noted the unsettling things that are going on locally and in the country and urged people to reflect, find the positives, and be kind.