Agenda Plus
School Board of Clay County
District Multipurpose Center, Corner of Walnut Street and Gratio Place, Green Cove Springs, FL
September 24, 2024 - School Board Workshop
Date: Sep 24 2024 (9:00 a.m.)
Invocation  (Ashley Gilhousen)
Call to Order  (Present: Erin Skipper, District 1; Mary Bolla, District 2; Beth Clark, District 3, Michele Hanson (participated via teleconferencing), District 4; Ashley Gilhousen, District 5; and Superintendent David S. Broskie)
Workshop Items
1. Review Draft Agenda for Regular School Board Meeting on October 3, 2024
October-3-2024-regular-school-board-meeting_agenda_packet.pdf
Minutes:

The agenda was heard in the following order:

  1. Civics Program Presentation
  2. Exceptional Student Education Services Presentation
  3. Review Draft Agenda for Regular Board Meeting on October 3, 2024

Recognitions and Presentations:

  • Recognize Schools' Excellence for Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Association - no discussion;
  • Recognition of Student Winner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Statewide 2024 Florida Future Chef Competition - no discussion;
  • Saint Leo University & CCDS "Grow Your Own" Para to Pro Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Grant Participant Recognition - no discussion;

Discussion Agenda:

  • D1 Human Resources Special Action A - no discussion;
  • D2 Human Resources Special Action B - no discussion;

Consent Agenda:

  • C1 Minutes of School Board Workshop on August 27, 2024; Student Hearings and Regular Meeting on September 5, 2024 - no discussion;
  • C2 School Board Member Out-of-County Travel Expenses Estimated to Attend FSBA/FADSS 79th Annual Joint Conference - no discussion;
  • C3 Managed Printing Services - Superintendent Broskie noted this would result in a cost savings;
  • C4 Personnel Consent Agenda - no discussion;
  • C5 Elementary Student Out-of-State Travel - no discussion;
  • C6 Amendment to ICA and MOU between the School Board of Clay County and the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida (BGCNF) - no discussion;
  • C7 Clay County Fire Rescue Affiliation Agreement Renewal - no discussion;
  • C8 K-12 Academic Services Out-of-State and Overnight Student Travel - no discussion;
  • C9 Addition of two components to the Professional Learning Catalog to provide additional professional learning opportunities for teachers - no discussion;
  • C10 Proclamation for Red Ribbon Week - brief discussion related to partnering with Clay County Sheriff's Office for this initiative;
  • C11 Ratify 250036 Lutheran Services Florida (LSF Health Systems) - Amendment 115 - no discussion;
  • C12 Proposed Allocation Changes for 2024-2025 - no discussion;
  • C13 Deletion of Certain Items Report September, 2024 - no discussion;
  • C14 Contract Renewal - Professional Architect/Engineer Agreements - County Wide - no discussion;
  • C15 School Concurrency Proportionate Share Mitigation (PSM) Agreement between the Clay County School Board, Clay County, and Meritage Homes of Florida, Inc. (Bella Lago Ph3) - Superintendent Broskie noted items C15 and C16 are the result of additional seats needed in the Lake Asbury area schools; Lance Addison, Director of Facility Planning and Construction, provided a brief outline of the proportionate share mitigation process and the statutory requirement to offer mitigation options which have been historically and consistently accepted; Mrs. Skipper stated the school board can be proactive re growth only to a certain point because of the requirement to offer mitigation options; Mrs. Gilhousen noted that schools are built in response to growth, not in anticipation of growth;  
  • C16 School Concurrency Proportionate Share Mitigation (PSM) Agreement between the Clay County School Board, Clay County, and DFH Land LLC (Bella Lago Townhomes Ph2 Extra) - see discussion notes for prior item (C15);
  • C17 Final Completion of Middleburg High School Restroom Renovation - no discussion;
  • C18 Change Order #2 for Keystone heights High School Safety & Security Single Key Access - no discussion;
  • C19 Substantial and Final Completion of Ridgeview High School HVAC Repair/Replacement Building 3 - no discussion;
  • C20 Substantial Completion of Middleburg High School Safety & Security Single Key Access - no discussion;
  • C21 Substantial Completion of Keystone Heights High School Safety & Security Single Key Access - no discussion;
  • C22 Substantial and Final Completion of Lake Asbury Junior High School HVAC Repair/Replacement - no discussion;
  • C23 Clay High School Track Improvements Contract Award - no discussion;
  • C24 Final Completion of Green Cove Springs Junior High School Window/HVAC Replacement - no discussion;
  • C25 Prequalification of Contractors - no discussion;
  • C26 RideOut Elementary School Classroom Addition Construction Manager Contract Award - no discussion;
  • C27 Substantial Completion of Lakeside Elementary School Restroom Renovation - no discussion;
  • C28 Change Order #2 for Wilkinson Junior High School Fire Alarm Replacement - no discussion;
  • C29 RideOut Elementary School Classroom Addition Architect Contract Award - no discussion;
  • C30 Final Completion of Wilkinson Junior High School Fire Alarm Replacement - no discussion;
  • C31 Change Order #1 for Keystone Heights High School Concession Stand - no discussion;
  • C32 Substantial and Final Completion of S. Bryan Jennings Elementary School Fire Alarm Repair/Replacement - no discussion;
  • C33 Substantial Completion of Lakeside Junior High School Restroom/Locker Room Renovation - no discussion;
  • C34 Substantial Completion of Orange Park elementary School Restroom Renovation - no discussion.
2. Civics Programs Presentation
Social Studies in Clay County.pdf
Minutes:

Mary Owen, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the following components of social studies priorities:

  • Social studies priorities
  • Curriculum and required instruction support
  • Individual and team-based coaching support
  • Professional Learning Community support
  • Collaboration with partners at Florida Department of Education
  • Increasing rigor and engagement in non-tested areas
  • Local partners - Clerk of Courts, Clay Archives, Clay Supervisor of Elections
  • Social Studies End of Course Data
  • Civics EOC Subgroup Performance
  • U.S. History EOC Subgroup Performance
  • September Recap
  • Social Studies Professional Learning

Mrs. Skipper suggested that the time and efforts to engage students in voter registration might be more impactful if the efforts were extended beyond the cafeteria time allotted for lunch.  Ms. Owen indicated she would talk with leaders to determine logistics for school-based decisions.

Mr. Broskie noted the district's success as stemming from an organized plan, aligned curriculum, strong instruction, and the specialists' support that helps produce curriculum aligned with benchmarks.

3. Exceptional Student Education Services Presentation
ESE Presentation - Board Workshop 9_24.pdf
Minutes:

Dr. Melanie Sanders, Director of Exceptional Student Education, shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the following:

  • ESE statistics - students, exceptionalities, district-managed schools and personnel, charter and private schools
  • Proficiency levels for students with disabilities over four (4) years
  • ESE students' accomplishments and successes
  • ESE department celebrations
  • Federal index for students with disabilities
  • SEDNET (The Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities)
  • High-leverage practices
  • ESE support structures
  • ESE department structures
  • Professional learning and collaboration
  • ESE Advisory Council

Mrs. Hanson requested she receive the Best Practices for Inclusive Education (BPIE) manual so that the statute requiring school facilities to be utilized and adapted to the needs of exceptional students to the extent appropriate may be examined in greater depth.  She would also like to determine the proper interpretation of statute that relates to the segregation of exceptional students and how that statute is implemented appropriately.  Future discussion may also include best practices for regular education students.

This meeting was recessed at 10:00 and reconvened at 10:02 with the continuation of this presentation and follow-up questions.

Mrs. Bolla extended kudos to Tasha Hyder and the Clay County Agricultural Fair for the "silent hours" provided for ESE students and kudos to the ESE Department for the trainings being conducted that provide for the empowerment of all teachers.

Further discussion between Mr. Broskie and Dr. Sanders noted that an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) cannot be developed solely based on medical information provided and that state statute mandates general education interventions be utilized.  Frustration can surround FAPE (Free and Appropriate Education) requirements as well as LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) requirements.  Dr. Sanders stated that the goal of ESE education is an independent life.

Mrs. Skipper requested confirmation that dyslexia alone is not part of the disabilities deemed ESE exceptionalities, and Dr. Sanders indicated that dyslexia is not by itself defined as a separate area but can be addressed through SLD (Specific Learning Disabilities) and OHI (Other Health Impaired) exceptionalities if students meet all of the other requirements of SLD and OHI.

Mrs. Bolla noted that with MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) there can be frustration because interventions can still result in a student interrupting the class due to the time the MTSS process takes.  Dr. Sanders noted that, under the direction of Heather Teto, Chief of Elementary Education, substantially more research evidence-based materials have been provided and are more effective.  Mrs. Teto advised of the efforts to create a problem-solving culture around supports that students need to be successful, streamlining the process so teachers and students alike both receive the needed assistance.  There are currently eight (8) pilot schools for MTSS - four (4) are in their second year and four (4) are beginning their first year and include a junior high and high school.

Questions from the Audience  (None)
Superintendent Comments
4. Superintendent Comments
Minutes:

Superintendent Broskie requested the board begin to give thought to legislative priorities to bring forward for this year.

Mr. Broskie advised that the current attendance campaign (Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow) is currently reflecting a district-wide reduction in absences.  Lisa Miles, School Board Attorney, will be viewing a live truancy court in Putnam County to obtain additional working knowledge, and a group that includes CCDS staff, the State Attorney's office, the presiding judge for Clay County, and the Clerk's office will be visiting a courtroom to view truancy court in October.

Mr. Broskie provided an update on the progress toward the retention of an internal auditor.  Polices from multiple districts that have an established internal auditor and internal audit committee have been obtained and reviewed.  A Zoom call has been held with Lee County to explore specific questions about processes, guidelines, and procedures.  Contact with RSM (desired vendor to provide services) has been established and a virtual meeting will be held with RSM this week to pursue contract terms and obtain additional information.  Working guidelines will be developed with the board attorney for the internal auditing committee and process.  Committee members should be credentialed in that field.  Mr. Broskie appreciated Dr. Legutko's efforts, noting that the recent audit from the Office of Inspector General found only three (3) audit findings that were small in stature and easily corrected.

The ESE Family Engagement Night at Ridgeview High School this evening was noted. 

Mr. Broskie will be meeting with the Clay County Emergency Management re the approaching storm as additional discussion and decisions will be made re any school closings and the opening of shelters.

The October workshop will include a presentation on growth and how to handle increased population in the Lake Asbury and Oakleaf areas in relation to the new wings being constructed.

School Board Attorney Comments
5. School Board Attorney Comments
Minutes:

Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney, appreciated the substantial work of Kelly Watt, Chief of Staff re current social media litigation.  Mr. Blocker noted he would be involved in the auditing committee selection criteria, looking at what other districts have done, and indicating a desire to retain people with the right expertise.  He will continue to ensure that book challenges and procedures are in compliance with current statute.

School Board Comments
6. School Board Member Comments
Minutes:

Mrs. Skipper inquired about the timeline for Neola and proposed policies.  Mrs. Watt advised the district is ahead of schedule and the board should start to see groups of proposed policies being brought forward for their consideration in January.  The proposed draft language will be provided to the board two (2) weeks in advance.  Mr. Broskie indicated the goal is to rescind all current and adopt all new policies with a target date of June.  Mrs. Skipper also noted an upcoming conference by Florida Conservative Coalition of School Board Members to be held in January with registration opening in October and student-led prayer at the flagpole.

Mrs. Clark appreciated the Literacy Event sponsored by Constance Higginbotham, Clay County Education Retired, indicating the organization had gone to great lengths to secure multiple vendors and ensure attendees had fun.  She also appreciated everyone involved in exceptional student education.

Mrs. Bolla echoed Mrs. Clark's comments regarding the Literacy Program, stating she attended the event with her grandsons and represented the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, indicating a desire to come up with ideas for increased attendance in the future.  She also would like follow-up calls to teachers made to ensure they are okay following uncomfortable interactions.

Adjournment  (11:15 a.m.)
Superintendent of Schools School Board Chair