Dawn Posey, Assistant Superintendent of Business Affairs, used the attached visual presentation to review the roll-back rate calculation, final proposed millages, and the 2025-2026 budget for all funds. The total millage levy is 6.272, and the total budget for all funds is $658,025,014. A tax increase was advertised because the millage rate to be levied exceeds the roll-back rate by 5.51 percent.

Current events with an immediate impact on the 2025-2026 budget were reviewed, including the release of the FEFP third calculation two months late, reflecting a $5 million decrease. The Base Student Allocation (BSA) increase is insufficient to cover inflation, new FRS rates, health costs, transportation costs, and electricity, all of which present financial challenges. The final Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) disbursement reflected a significant shortfall for Clay County District Schools.

Bryce Ellis, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, and Lance Addison, Director of Facility Planning and Construction, shared the attached visual presentation. Projected new revenue and district capital outlay obligations for 2025/2026 through 2029/2030 were reviewed, and changes from the tentative Educational Facilities Plan were discussed, including some completed carryover projects, added/eliminated projects, projects moved to out years, and changed funding sources.

Chair Skipper opened the public hearing. Speakers were as follows:

• Sharon Walsh
• James Howell 
• Susan Ford-Hudson
• Micel VanDewater 
• Heather Kastelz 
• Arnold Anloague 
• Vicki Kidwell 

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Board Chair Skipper shared a statement from the Board re a social media post:

"As the Board, we want to take a moment to share some information that we know is not on the agenda, but on the minds and hearts of a lot of our constituents and community right now.

We are aware of a viral social media post(s) that were made by school district employees, and we take all feedback from our community seriously. We want to assure you that the views expressed in that social media post do not reflect the values or beliefs of our school or school district. We do not condone the content or tone of the post in any way. 

Please know that our Human Resources department is directly involved and taking the appropriate actions. Per our policy, the employees have been suspended and are not currently around children. We are addressing this situation with he utmost seriousness while remaining focused on supporting our students, staff, and families."

Following the business portion of the meeting, Mrs. Skipper noted the significance of those individuals making the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, as well as the passing of Charlie Kirk.