The student performance for Founders Week kickoff took place prior to the Call to Order.

Founders Week, which  is a local celebration of our country's founding documents, individuals and values, will be celebrated in the Clay County schools during the last week of September.  Student presentations included the Orange Park High School band, Oakleaf High School women's ensemble, and MIddleburg High School American Sign Language students.  Fleming Island High School ROTC cadets presented colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Prior to adoption of the Consent agenda, Mrs. Kerkes spoke to Item C-5 Personnel Consent Agenda  and asked about crediting experience for teachers and administrators for pay purposes.  Specifically, she questioned the years of experience credited to the supervisor of student services  being brought back from retirement and made the comparison with teachers returning after DROP who were only allowed to bring in 1, 2, or 3 years of experience. Discussion continued with the Board asking staff for more information and examples of salaries for other administrators that have come back after retiring.

After adoption of the Consent agenda, Mrs. Gilhousen read Resolution 17-07 proclaiming October 3-14, 2016, Disability History Awareness Weeks and Mrs. McKinnon read Resolution 17-06, declaring September 26-30, 2016, as Founders Week in Clay County.

Superintendent Van Zant thanked the student groups and their sponsors for the Founders Day presentations.  

Mrs. Gilhousen pulled this item to have discussion about the significant dollars tied to these allocations.  At her request,  Mike Wingate, Director of K-12 Curriculum, explained how the allocation process works and how we determine what positions, and how many, are needed.   He talked about a timeline that starts in November in which the Instructional Division works directly with principals to evaluate each subject and class.  The process is very meticulous and considers many factors.

Dr, Susan Legutko, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, confirmed that the requested allocation changes will reduce the proposed fund balance at June 30, 2017 from 3.96 to 3.34.

Board discussion continued.  Diane Kornegay, Deputy Superintendent clarified the positions listed for Charles E. Bennett Elementary which is on the lowest 300 list.  The allocations at CEB are needed to support additional Reading instruction and classroom management.

There were none.

Chairman McKinnon opened the public hearing.  No one came forward to speak to the item, and so the public hearing was closed.

Speaker:  Laura Mayberry - testing overload

Mrs. McKinnon pulled this item for discussion of the district's testing schedule.  There was discussion in which the Board was in agreement that student testing is getting out of hand.  Mrs. Condon felt we need more flexibility for struggling students.

Speaker:  Tracy  Butler - no union input

There was discussion about the language in the new proposed policy and concern about whether the policy was even needed since language governing the requirements is already in place in Florida Statutes.   After a motion to withdraw, no action was taken on the Local Assessment policy.

Mrs. Gilhousen relayed frustration from teachers for not being awarded full points for completion of training activites and she questioned the "rounding down"  for partial hours.  Following discussion, Mrs. Kerekes withdrew her second to approve, and the motion died.   No action was taken on the Master Inservice Plan.  

Chairman McKinnon opened the public hearing.   With no one coming forward to speak about the item, the public hearing was closed.

Speakers:

The following individuals spoke in opposition of the charter schools and urged the Board to vote "no" on the applications:  

• Christopher Trahan 
• Victoria Kidwell 
• Smitty Huffman
• Laura Mayberry 

Another speaker, Tim Kitts, spoke in favor of charter schools.  He relayed his experiences with other successful charters and pledged to work with Clay Classical to be high performing.

Bill Korach represented the Governing Board of the Clay Classical Academy and objected to the recommendation of the Charter Review Committee.. He felt the application was rejected unfairly and that they have satisfied all the requirements of the state for approval.  Mr. Korach submitted into the record three supporting documents (attached).  

There was Board discussion in which Superintendent Van Zant expressed some concerns about the application and stated his recommendation to deny the application.  

Ms. Amy Miller represented the Governing Board for the St. Johns Classical Academy and presented information using the attached PowerPoint.  This charter school is a true non-profit, tuition-free school and she explained their desire to offer quality instruction.  The school hopes to open in August, 2017.

Following the Superintendent's recommendation to approve, which included some additional requirements as specified in the motion, Board discussion ensued with varying opinions.  

Chairman McKinnon opened the public hearing.  No one came forward to speak to the item, and so the public hearing was closed.

Speakers:

• Teresa Dixon -  air conditioning  problems
• Christopher Trahan - negativity and morale in the district
• Tracy Butler - experience credit for pay purposes
• Rick Butler - why he is leaving the teaching profession
• Julie Robson - bus issue 
• Keith Nichols - violations on transportation timesheets  
• Rebecca Smith - student testing and employee morale

Following public comments, there was Board discussion about Cenergistics and the new guidelines.  Staff was asked to send the Board a report on the program thus far.  Superintendent Van Zant suggested Board members meet with Mr. Merrill and Mr. Harvin to discuss and get all their questions answered.  

No comments

Board comments included vacant District Advisory Committee appointments, an update on the Education Foundation and questions about the investigations of the alleged fraud in ESE and the allegation of plagerism by the Superintendent.  Dan Sikes, Board Attorney, confirmed that both allegations have been referred to the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS).   FADSS declined to investigate the ESE issue and recommended three professionals to conduct the investigation.  Pamela Lannon, Esq., was selected and will begin the investigation next week (September 19, 2016).    When asked by Mrs. Kerekes who authorized referring the complaints, Mr. Sikes referenced School Board Policy 2.35 D, Anit-Fraud, which states "If the observed or suspected fraud or fraudulent activity involved a school board member or the Superintendent, the report should be made to the School Board’s attorney or the State of Florida’s Chief Inspector General."   

On another topic and in response to comments from Mrs. Gilhousen about reviewing the Board attorney renewal, Mr. Sikes announced that he will be tendering his resignation at the October meeting to be effective in November.  

Mr. Sikes stated the need for an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation.  The Board secretary will help facilitate calendars to schedule the meeting.