Laurie Burke, Principal, Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High School and Shannon Southam, Speech and Debate Coach, recognized the following students for their participation in the National Speech and Debate Tournament:

• Mikayla Turner (Oral Interpretation of Literature & Impromptu Speaking)
• Seth Preseau (Impromptu Speaking)
• Benjamin Mann (Impromptu Speaking)
• Olivia McCoy (Congressional Debate)

Matthew Boyack, Director of Safety and Security, presented safe school assessment findings in accordance with statutory requirements, per Florida Statute 1006.1493.

Public speakers addressing specific agenda items:

• Lynn Parker 

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

• Judith Chapple 
• Jim Hughes 
• Ernest Williams  
• Constance Higginbotham 
• Echo Nova 
• Bruce Friedman 
• Scott Nicholson 
• Patti Linehan 
• Adam Warren

There was no Human Resources Special Action A.

There was no Human Resources Special Action B.

Chair Gilhousen opened the public hearing.  With no one coming forward to speak to the item, the public hearing was closed.

Superintendent Broskie acknowledged topics brought forward by public speakers, indicating that the transportation department is fully staffed and doing good work, state statute guides the decisions of the number of accepted book challenges, the proposed teacher compensation package is the highest single year in the history of Clay County District Schools, and the board has demonstrated a financial commitment to the recognition of veteran teachers.  The district athletic director will contact a speaker concerned with payment fees for athletic events, and Mr. Broskie will address the difficulty with the online volunteer form.

Superintendent Broskie shared the attached visual presentation highlighting the following:

• 2024-2025 School Year Has Begun
• College and Career Night
• FAST Testing
• September Special Programs
• School of the Month
• Upcoming Events

Jeremiah Blocker, School Board Attorney, advised the board that a shade meeting will be held on September 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

Mrs. Hanson stated that she believes the board is cooperative and supportive regarding issues that come before them and that no one has done more to protect children than the Clay County School Board.  The policy and rubric that was developed to address book challenges were developed with parent input and incorporated the wishes of the community. The parent portal form allowed each parent to make a parental choice for their student.  She also noted the constraints re the state funding that is received each year for instructional pay, with a large portion of those funds required to be spent on beginning teacher salaries.  The board's priority is to continue to give veteran teachers the most generous possible salary increases while continuing to assist with benefits.  

Mrs. Clark referenced Mr. Harris, a teacher from Orange Park Elementary, who requested she address teacher pay, indicating that Mr. Harris is in a position that has a positive effect on people.  She encouraged parents to read to their children and the community to increase support of reading and literacy through contributions to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, noting that increased donations and reoccurring payments would allow for the program to expand beyond its two current zip codes.  She would like to consider alternate provisions for substitute teachers to the currently utilized Kelly Substitutes and examine scheduling and expense in advance of the next Kelly contract.

Mrs. Skipper stated her agreement with Mrs. Hanson's thoughts and views, noting that compensating teachers now for all previous years would send the district into a deficit, and smart financial management is needed as well as an understanding that the Clay County tax base differs from other counties.  She continues to support veteran teacher pay increases.  She encouraged the community to watch the workshop held on August 27th re a future improved website and communication process and noted the opportunity for student led prayer on September 25th, a National Day of Meet Me at the Pole.

Mrs. Bolla thanked Mrs. Skipper, Mrs. Clark, and Mrs. Hanson for their comments and advised that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library will be represented at the CCEA Retired Literacy Event discussed by Mrs. Higginbotham, to be held on September 21st, from 2:00 - 6:00, at Orange Park High School.  She expressed heartfelt compassion for recent losses at Keystone Heights Jr./Sr. High and a community in Georgia, encouraging the reporting of concerns for safety purposes.

Mrs. Gilhousen noted the relatively smooth start to the school year, extending kudos to teachers and support staff, noting that it is the people she most remembers about school and that Clay County does community in a way that is set apart, including generational community that cultivates student engagement through relationships, making the academic successes in school possible.