Amanda Tewey, Development Director, American Heart Association, recognized the following "Top Impact" schools for their support of the American Heart Association's mission of advancing cardiovascular health for all:

• Thunderbolt Elementary - $25,412
• Orange Park Elementary - $14,639
• Oakleaf Village Elementary - $10,155

Anti-vaping resources and staff well-being were an additional focus of the 2023-2024 American Heart Association's campaign.

Superintendent Broskie recognized Landon Brown, Oakleaf Village Elementary, for placing 2nd overall in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' statewide cooking competition.  Landon participated in an in-person finale event where he cooked live in front of three (3) guest judges.  His winning dish was entitled "Camo's Paradise Pasta" and was a shrimp and handmade pasta creation.  

Landon competed against 191 students and received a Florida 529 Savings Plan through Florida Prepaid, in the amount of $3,000, sponsored by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation.

Nancy Crowder and Denise Adams, Saint Leo University, recognized four (4) Clay County District Schools paraprofessionals who successfully completed the Grow Your Own Para to Pro Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Grant program, a collaborative initiative between Saint Leo University and Clay County District Schools.  These individuals represent the inaugural cohort of paraprofessionals within the district to graduate from this program:

• Tricia Miller-Martel
• Angelee Ramos 
• Jessica Owens
• Sai Vang
• Heidi Waughon

Brenda Troutman, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Ashley Gilhousen, Board Chair, and Victoria Kidwell, President of Clay County Educational Association, participated in a ceremonial signing of the ratified contract between the Clay County Education Association and the Clay County School Board.

There were no public speakers addressing specific agenda items.

Public speakers addressing non-specific agenda items (these speakers were heard following the adoption of the consent agenda):

• Echo Nova 
• Bruce Friedman 
• Judith Chapple
• Sheila Torres 

There is no Human Resources Special Action A.

There is no Human Resources Special Action B.

Superintendent Broskie addressed earlier public speaker comments, indicating there is a nationwide shortage of speech and language pathologists.  Neighboring districts have vacancies of 35 and 10, while Clay County currently has 1 opening and a person was recently hired to provide these services.  Re student discipline, he noted that 85% of all students never receive a discipline referral.  The number of SESIR (School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting) events that have occurred is down 8% over last year and discipline issues will continue to be appropriately addressed.  A bus app can assist parents with tracking students' buses.

Superintendent Broskie shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the following:

• Schools of the Month
• Students of the Month
• Hurricane Helene
• Dads Take Your Child to School Day
• Family and Community Engagement
• Celebrate Freedom Week

Mrs. Bolla thanked Mary Owen and Dr. Melanie Sanders for the invaluable information provided at the last workshop.  She expressed concern about a public comment re buses running late and trusts Mr. Crawford, Director of Transportation, is following up on any issues.

Mrs. Skipper visited Orange Park High School and appreciated a teacher, Mr. Daniels, who does a voter drive ever year, teaching students why they should vote and the history of voting.  The Supervisor of Elections comes to schools each year to register students, allowing students to find their own precinct on the computer.  She enjoyed hearing the students' comments and thought processes and believes voting is a civic duty that should be passed on to children.

Mrs. Clark expressed gratitude for the storm not coming directly this way and asked others to keep in mind the damage sustained by others in different regions.  When students misbehave and interrupt instruction, she indicated the option for students to understand this behavior is taking away from their education and students may try to help the teacher by modeling good behavior for others to follow.  Transportation may always be contacted for bus issues, and anyone interested to serve as a crossing guard may contact Clay County Sheriff's Office for additional information.  She would like to review volunteer procedures to ensure successful parent involvement and would also appreciate additional information on the Aaron Feis Guardian Program for consideration.

Mrs. Hanson requested an update on the retention of an internal auditing firm.  Mr. Broskie advised contact with RSM has been established, a virtual informational meeting with RSM has been held, information obtained, and RSM will be giving a presentation at the next workshop. 

Mrs. Hanson requested to know what is happening with the Neola policy development.  She would like to view the "5000 section" that is a pertinent section addressing issues re teachers, students, discipline, grading procedures, etc.  She wants to read all policies for an understanding of the proposed policies and any revisions being made and would like access to the database.  Mr. Broskie advised district personnel continue to work extensively on policy development with Neola.  At workshops held from January through May, proposed policies will be reviewed with the board, with the goal of June being the time when all current policies will be rescinded and new policies adopted.  Mrs. Hanson would appreciate earlier access to explore the policies in depth and also learn what the lawyers are recommending.  Mr. Broskie indicated that many of the policies are interrelated and that, over a 6-month timeframe, the policies will be brought to the board with plenty of time for review.  Mrs. Hanson wants to ensure she has a copy in advance that she can use for notations.  Mrs. Gilhousen suggested contacting Neola directly to obtain the desired information.

Mrs. Hanson requested that she receive all documents and presentations concerning whatever will be studied and discussed at workshop meetings prior to the workshops to allow time to review and research various topics.  Mr. Broskie stated the board receives the agenda materials on voted items two weeks prior to voting on those items.  The workshop provides the opportunity for questions on all items for which a vote will be held, and there are an additional nine (9) days between the workshop and time of voting to contact him directly with any questions or requests for additional information.  He also stated a list has been provided to the board of annually reoccurring topics with links to materials so the board may begin reviewing extensive documentation well in advance of reviewing any annually occurring revisions.  Mrs. Hanson requested the board receive all materials in advance, including items for which there will not be a vote taken in order to allow time to research, learn, and ask informed questions.  Mr. Broskie advised that some presentations and materials are more effectively shared at the time of presentation so there are no misconceptions or dysfunction in communicating that information.