Alice Paulk, Director of Career and Technical Education, introduced Sam Hopper from Veritas Steel as well as Orange Park High staff who were present at the meeting.  Veritas Steel was recognized for their $10,000 financial commitment over the next three years to Project Lead the Way.

Brian Knight, who is the Founder/CEO of Pragmatic Works, presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the Clay Education Foundation. Pragmatic Works currently funds CTE programs at Middleburg High School, offers summer coding and programming classes for students, and is now supporting a new Foundation-led program, "Let's Read, Clay."   Makayla Buchanan, Executive Director of the Clay Education Foundation, gave an update of the Foundation's partnerships. grant opportunities, and the success of the teacher supply depot.  To date, the Education Foundation has received $157,000 in total contributions for this school year.  

Phil Hans, Director of Maintenance,  introduced Rick Collier from Cenergistic who gave an overview of the district's cost savings and reported on the value of having this energy program.  Currently, 28 of the district's schools have earned the EnergySTAR certification demonstrating their commitment to high standards in energy conservation.  

John Ward, Director of Safety & Security, gave a brief description of the Florida Safe School guidelines and the school district's areas in need of improvement.  In accordance with Section 286.0113(1) of Florida Statutes, specific details were shared with the Board in a private meeting on September 24, 2019.

Gerald Schaeffer - discrimination of male students in local elementary schools

Superintendent Davis' update included baseline comparisons for iReady Reading and Math, new instructional resources and comparisons for Algebra I and Geometry, Science and Civics.

October's Champion of Change was Derald Sweatt for his hard work establlishing a safe and welcome environment for all bus riders along with developing a positive culture within the Transportation Department.

At the request of the attorney attending for the petitioners and with the permission of the Chair, this item was moved ahead on the agenda as the first Discussion item. 

Public comments here heard from the following individuals:

• Betsy Reagor
• Attorney H.B. Stivers

Mrs. Kerekes pulled the item in order to make a second motion following approval of the Final Order to ensure that the teachers are paid.

A motion to approve was made by Mary Bolla and seconded by Tina Bullock,  and Superintendent Davis then reviewed the proposed priorities in more detail.  

Following Board discussion which resulted in some minor changes, the motion and second were withdrawn and the consensus was to bring the item back on the November agenda with the updated changes. 

Board Attorney Bruce Bickner stated that due to a prior commitment he would not be able to attend the meeting on December 12th but would be available in advance to review any concerns about items on the agenda.

Public Speakers;

• Trish Diggins 
• Marc Smith 
• Sarah Davis 
• Cheryl Banks 

Mrs. Gilhousen stated she had placed this item on the agenda at the request of the school (St. Johns Classical Academy).  She stated that a survey of the parents showed they want a deputy and to be treated as other schools in the district.  Based on the legal interpretation given by Board Attorney Bruce Bickner and the response of the attorney for St. Johns Classical, Mrs. Gilhousen noted there are differences of opinions and some legal concerns with jurisdiction.

Mrs. Gilhousen made a motion to allow the Superintendent the latitude to secure a Resource Officer in the Charter Schools as he deems in the best interest of the students.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bolla for discussion purposes.   Mr. Bickner pointed out the item was not placed on the agenda as an action item but that direction could be given to the Superintendent by consensus.  Board discussion ensued about the legal and liability issues of placing school district police officers on the non-public property to perform their duties.  Following the discussion, the motion and second were withdrawn. Mrs. Gilhousen then asked and the Superintendent agreed to work with the Charter schools to explore alternatives for a workable plan.   

Mrs. Kerekes stated she believed the punishment should be stronger, up to and including termination.

Board member comments were heard.