Updates on the Fight for Quality Public Education in Brevard County, FL
0:00 Good evening.
0:28 I’m calling the March 24, 2020 school board meeting to order.
0:32 As you are all aware, social distancing has been initiated as a
0:35 means to mitigate the
0:36 spread of the COVID-19 virus.
0:38 Thank you for your patience in this unprecedented time.
0:42 The overarching goals for tonight’s meeting are safety for the
0:45 board, staff, and the public,
0:47 continuity of district business, and public participation.
0:51 Based on these goals, we’re asking that anyone who wishes to
0:53 watch and listen to the board
0:54 meeting consider doing so remotely.
0:57 For our first board meeting under social distancing parameters,
0:59 all members of the public who
1:01 come to the meeting will be able to watch and listen to the
1:03 board meeting from the front
1:04 courtyard only, which is outside of the building.
1:08 If you wish to address the board under public comment, please
1:10 come into the lobby as directed
1:12 by a deputy or staff, keeping distance between you and the next
1:16 person.
1:16 You will be asked to provide the same information you would
1:19 normally provide on the public comment
1:20 card to the staff member seated at the table.
1:24 Once you’ve registered, you will be asked to wait outside in the
1:26 front courtyard until
1:27 your name is called to enter the boardroom.
1:31 When your name is called, you will be escorted into the boardroom
1:34 where you may speak for
1:34 up to three minutes.
1:36 Please stand where directed and do not touch the podium or
1:40 microphone.
1:41 After you have spoken, you will be escorted back to the front
1:44 courtyard.
1:45 Only one member of the public at a time will be allowed in the
1:48 boardroom.
1:49 Although this process may be awkward and take a bit more time,
1:51 we are trying to keep the
1:52 process about the same as it typically is, but within the
1:56 guidelines of social distancing.
1:58 This process will conclude once the public comment item on the
2:02 agenda is complete.
2:03 The board appreciates your patience and understanding.
2:06 While this process is not ideal, we are in uncertain times and
2:09 want to keep safety in
2:10 mind while we continue operations, including public
2:13 participation in our board meetings.
2:16 After tonight’s board meeting, we will evaluate how this process
2:19 worked and consider where
2:20 we may need to make some improvements.
2:22 Again, thank you for being patient in these challenging times.
2:26 Pam, roll call, please.
2:30 Mrs. Belford.
2:31 Present.
2:32 Mrs. Campbell.
2:33 Present.
2:34 Mrs. Deskevich.
2:35 Present.
2:36 Ms. McDougall.
2:37 Present.
2:38 And Mr. Susan.
2:39 Present.
2:40 Please stand while we say the Pledge of Allegiance.
2:41 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
2:42 and to the Republic for
2:42 which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty
2:42 and justice for all.
2:43 And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
2:43 indivisible, with liberty
2:44 and justice for all.
2:45 And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
2:45 indivisible, with liberty
2:46 and justice for all.
2:47 At this time, it is appropriate for us to recognize the great
3:03 work of our teams during
3:04 this crisis.
3:05 Board members, if we could save our normal acknowledgments for
3:08 after we’ve gotten through
3:09 all of this.
3:10 I think that our team has certainly gone above and beyond in the
3:14 past couple of weeks.
3:16 And so, if any of you would like to take this opportunity to
3:18 acknowledge any particular
3:19 individuals or the team as a whole, I would ask that you do that
3:24 at this time.
3:25 Any board members?
3:26 Ms. Deskevich.
3:27 Maybe if we each take a team?
3:30 There’s so many.
3:31 Sure.
3:32 There’s so many.
3:33 I don’t want to pick one over the other, but I’ll start with one,
3:34 and then maybe you guys
3:35 can pick up from there.
3:36 I’ll start with Mr. Cheatham, wherever he was just in here, and
3:39 I asked him how many
3:40 hours of sleep he’s getting, and he just kind of shook his head,
3:43 so I don’t know if that
3:43 means no sleep or very little sleep.
3:46 Our IT team has been scrambling, to say the least, to get
3:50 technology in place to go from
3:53 a fully functioning 70,000 plus student school district, in-person,
3:58 hands-on to a school
3:59 district that’s going to be distant, doing virtual or distance
4:02 learning.
4:03 I can’t imagine, I just can’t imagine everything that he and his
4:08 team are doing.
4:10 Mr. Cheatham, I’m giving you accolades right now.
4:13 Thank you.
4:14 We want to thank him and his team for all the hours they’re
4:16 putting in for all the time,
4:19 and ask the public to be a little patient with them.
4:20 I imagine there’s going to be a lot of technology fails over the
4:25 next few weeks, and that’s
4:27 of no, that’s not because they’re not working really hard and
4:31 not trying.
4:32 Thank you, Mr. Cheatham.
4:33 Thank you, Ms. Duskovich.
4:35 Ms. McDougall.
4:37 I want to give a shout-out to Kevin Thornton and his team at
4:41 food services.
4:42 What an amazing job and how quick they put it together.
4:46 They are just expanding now to more schools, so we have a total
4:50 of 27, and I’m hopeful
4:52 that we may even have a moving truck or van to go around to kids
4:56 who can’t make it to
4:58 the school.
5:00 Kudos, very much so, to the food service, everybody who works
5:03 there, and to Kevin and
5:04 his team.
5:05 Thank you.
5:06 Thank you, Ms. McDougall.
5:07 Ms. Campbell.
5:08 All right, well, I want to do government community relations,
5:13 but I did promise some of our food
5:15 nutrition services that I was going to do something tonight, and
5:19 I think it was almost
5:20 a dare to put my hair net on.
5:22 I’m only going to wear it for a little bit, but just want to
5:25 recognize our great staff
5:27 at all of our schools who are putting lunches together.
5:30 We fed 599 students at Central Middle School today, so it was
5:35 pretty amazing.
5:36 It was quite a workout, but kudos to them, but government
5:40 community relations has done
5:42 such a fantastic job in the last week and a half communicating
5:46 when we really don’t
5:48 have all the information, because we’re waiting on the state, we’re
5:52 waiting on just had spring
5:55 break and not everybody’s been working.
5:56 I particularly want to recognize Catherine Allen, Cat Allen, for
6:01 her presence on social
6:02 media, because that is a lot of places where people are asking
6:06 questions, and while really
6:08 it’s not always the best place to ask questions, she has been so
6:12 consistent to provide answers
6:14 just minute by minute.
6:16 I think Ms. Hensley told me she was up into the late hours
6:20 sometimes answering questions,
6:23 which has just been a calming presence, and so I’m so thankful
6:27 for her, and also to Sarah
6:29 Allman and Deborah Foley for keeping our partners in education
6:32 in the loop through this.
6:33 They have been consistently reaching out to them, and it’s such
6:36 a great partnership both
6:38 ways, us helping them and them helping us, and I’m thankful for
6:41 their leadership in that
6:42 area.
6:45 - Thank you, Ms. Campbell.
6:46 Mr. Susan?
6:47 - Yeah, I just wanted to echo those thoughts for Mr. Thornton
6:51 and his food and services
6:53 team.
6:54 Today at Sherwood, they did over 800 meals in one school, in the
6:58 elementary school, and
7:00 he also delivered into the Turin Quest Center, the Meadows,
7:04 inside the Meadows mobile home
7:07 park was over 145 kids standing there waiting for food, and I’ve
7:12 never seen inside that
7:13 kind of area the poverty that’s happening right now with a lot
7:17 of these families who
7:19 can’t work, and I think that we as a school district are the
7:22 backbone for this community,
7:24 and I’ve never been more proud of individuals all the way from
7:26 soup to nuts, all the way
7:28 from the superintendent, all the way down to our parents, and a
7:32 lot of our parents,
7:34 our superintendent, our staff, and our teachers who are getting
7:36 ready to do something that’s
7:38 never been done before, and whether we all sit back and do
7:41 everything perfect, it’s all
7:44 gonna come down to that piece where they are working with those
7:47 kids one-on-one, making
7:49 sure that they have their assignments, and making sure that they’re
7:51 getting counted,
7:52 and we’re all in this together, and for a lot of the people that
7:55 are being inconvenienced
7:56 across the district, they need to understand that we’re trying
7:59 the best we can, and everybody’s
8:01 in this together, and to work with us, not against us, and I
8:04 think that needs to be said.
8:05 I also wanted to say that I’m really, really excited to also say
8:10 that the Grissom Parkway
8:12 is being sold tonight, and that’s a big deal for a lot of us,
8:15 because a lot of what we
8:16 do as far as having our vacant land on the properties for sale
8:20 brings us more revenue
8:21 and stuff like that for us to do stuff, so that’s it, thank you.
8:26 - Thank you, Mr. Susan.
8:28 Dr. Mullins, did you want to postpone your recognition, or did
8:34 you want to–
8:36 - Yeah, I’ll wait until our continuity of services presentation,
8:39 so thank you.
8:40 - Okay, super.
8:41 I guess this is the appropriate time to do so.
8:47 Our partners at BFT have opted not to attend our meeting this
8:51 evening, but Mr. Colucci
8:54 did reach out to me and ask if I would be willing to share a
8:58 message on his behalf,
9:00 and I think this is probably the appropriate place for it.
9:02 I did ask him to send me an email, because I didn’t want to misspeak
9:05 on his behalf, so
9:06 I am speaking exactly what Mr. Colucci has sent me, just so
9:10 everyone is aware.
9:12 He said, “I wanted to thank the staff for the incredible work
9:14 they’ve done to make sure
9:15 quality education will continue for our students.
9:18 I know that they’ve been working day and night to put a plan in
9:20 action while dealing with
9:22 ever-changing circumstances.
9:24 They’ve done an amazing job of communicating with us and
9:26 responding to the concerns of
9:27 our teachers.
9:28 I also want to thank our teachers, who’ve been patient, calm,
9:31 and eager to provide the
9:32 best possible instruction for our students during this
9:35 unprecedented situation.
9:37 I’m very pleased that we successfully negotiated a memorandum of
9:40 agreement this afternoon.
9:41 The parameters put in place in this agreement address many of
9:44 our teachers’ concerns surrounding
9:46 COVID-19.
9:47 This agreement will enable them to focus on providing the best
9:50 possible education for
9:51 students.
9:52 We know that there will be some bumps in the road, but we are
9:54 confident that together we’ll
9:55 effectively deal with these challenges and that our students
9:57 will continue to receive
9:58 an outstanding education.”
10:00 So thank you, Mr. Colucci, for recognizing all of the hard work
10:05 of our team members.
10:07 And I will actually echo Mr. Colucci’s sentiments, which is not
10:10 something that happens all the
10:11 time, but I think that the superintendent, the district team,
10:15 all of our school leaders,
10:17 all of our staff in so many different areas of the district have
10:21 been working so hard
10:22 at making sure that our students will come back and get an
10:26 education, even if not in
10:28 our normal environment.
10:29 So Dr. Mullins, thank you for all that you have done as far as
10:32 your leadership and to
10:34 all of our staff.
10:35 We appreciate you immensely.
10:37 Ms. Belfort, I just want to make sure, because we each took a
10:45 department, but we didn’t specifically
10:47 acknowledge, I don’t want anyone to feel left out.
10:49 These people are working so hard, we didn’t acknowledge HR or
10:52 leading and learning and
10:53 talk about huge departments that have had a huge role in what’s
10:55 been going on lately.
10:56 So I just want to include Dr. Thatty, because hours today and
11:01 leading up today to negotiating
11:03 with the union, with everything else going on, trying to make
11:07 sure our 9,000 employees
11:10 have the information that they need in this time of crisis about
11:13 their employment.
11:14 She’s led the charge with that, so a huge thank you to her.
11:17 And then, you know, leading and learning is underneath all of
11:20 this, everything that’s
11:21 going on.
11:22 But maybe that’s what you’re going to cover in a bit with the –
11:26 I just needed to say
11:26 thank you to them.
11:27 » Yes, and student services as well, who’s been – I understand
11:31 – I haven’t seen any
11:32 yet, but I understand that Chris Moore did a Facebook live today
11:35 with some information
11:36 for our families with students with special needs.
11:38 So it really has been an all hands on deck.
11:42 And, you know, Mr. Gibbs rarely gets recognition as he’s sitting
11:44 at the end of the table, but
11:45 he has been incredibly involved in all that has been going on as
11:48 well, making sure that
11:49 we are following the law along the way and doing what we need to
11:53 do.
11:53 Mr. Susan?
11:54 » The Brevard School Foundation has begun to pack all of the
11:57 stuff for homeless children
11:59 across the district.
12:00 I was in Wickham Park coordinating with the park rangers today
12:03 to try to make sure that
12:05 all of our children that are inside there get their hygiene
12:08 packs along with the food
12:09 and everything else that we’re getting ready to do.
12:11 So Brevard School Foundation and their work with our homeless
12:15 populations has got to go
12:17 shout out to.
12:18 It’s the backbone right there.
12:19 » Very good.
12:20 Thank you.
12:21 I’m going to ask that we – I’m sure we miss people along the
12:25 way, but Mr. Novelli in operations
12:27 and all the work that they have been doing and – yeah, Sue in
12:30 facilities.
12:32 Sue actually made our meeting tonight possible.
12:35 She will tell you that she worked with a great collaborative
12:38 team, but she was kind of taking
12:39 the lead on that, not to mention all of the facilities issues
12:42 and handling all of that.
12:43 So really and truly every single department in this district has
12:47 been working insanely
12:49 to try to make this really challenging situation work for our
12:53 students.
12:53 » And not to – Ms. Lisinski, our new CFO, boy, she sure came
12:59 on board at an unsuspecting
13:02 time, but just so fortunate to have her and she has jumped in
13:06 and been so supportive of
13:08 our staff and is already helping make us better by analyzing and
13:13 looking at what expense savings
13:15 can we be putting into place right now.
13:18 And so she’s leading the charge with her staff on that.
13:21 So it really has been 100% full team effort.
13:25 The district staff behind the people you just mentioned are a
13:30 legion of warriors of not
13:31 great number, but of great character and commitment and
13:35 dedication to this organization, to this
13:37 community.
13:41 We can’t do what we have done in a week’s time.
13:45 Behind you with spring break in there and people had taken leave
13:49 and gave it up and
13:50 said this is too important and came in and responded and have
13:55 put things into place.
13:57 The presentation you’re going to see shortly shows all this work
14:01 has occurred in less than
14:03 a week and a half.
14:04 And it’s just a tremendous demonstration of what Brevard Public
14:11 Schools is about.
14:13 It’s times like this, you know, we’ve been a – we’re probably
14:16 one of the most unique
14:17 geographic districts in the state of Florida, 80 miles long, and
14:23 we have been areas of a
14:25 district or school system for many – for decades.
14:29 Area 1234, north, central, south.
14:32 But the reality is it is at a time like this that we’re able to
14:37 bring to our community
14:38 this kind of work because we come together as one Brevard.
14:43 And I just couldn’t be more proud to be part of this
14:46 organization, to be leading this organization
14:49 with the army of folks who just daily and selflessly commit
14:53 themselves to serving our
14:54 kids and our families and our community in this capacity.
14:59 So I couldn’t hold out any longer.
15:03 I’ll probably say a few more comments in a minute.
15:05 » Ms. Belford.
15:06 I’m sorry.
15:07 Dr. Thadde would like to pass the acknowledgment to her directly
15:15 that I just did.
15:16 She said that Carly Green is the one that did the negotiating
15:18 today.
15:18 » Carol.
15:19 » Oh, I mean Carol Green was the one that did the negotiating
15:22 today and that we should
15:23 acknowledge her instead just in true leadership fashion like Dr.
15:27 Thadde does.
15:28 And that the small team of Mark Langdorf, Mike Alba, and Rick
15:31 Morton have been carrying
15:33 a lot of weight back there.
15:34 Thank you.
15:35 » Excellent.
15:36 Thank you for passing that message along Ms. Deskovich.
15:40 That is going to bring us to the adoption of the agenda and I
15:45 would like to request
15:47 that we consider one small change to the agenda this evening and
15:50 that is that we actually
15:51 move our public comment prior to the presentation on – sorry, I
15:59 can’t – I got my computer
16:02 covered up here.
16:04 If we can move public comment up just after the adoption of the
16:07 agenda so that our public
16:09 can get back to an isolated situation hopefully.
16:15 If the board is open to that, then I would – I will ask Dr.
16:21 Mullins to read us the agenda
16:23 but then we will need a motion to approve the agenda with amending
16:27 the location of the
16:28 public comment section.
16:29 Does that make sense to you guys?
16:32 Okay.
16:33 So Dr. Mullins, if you would give us the details on the agenda.
16:38 » Madam Chair and members of the board, on tonight’s agenda we
16:40 have administrative staff
16:41 recommendations, a presentation, 20 consent items, four action
16:45 items, and two information
16:47 items.
16:48 You also have the yellow supplemental agenda which are changes
16:50 made to the agenda since
16:51 being released to the public.
16:53 Item A7 on administrative staff recommendations, F10 on student
16:57 expulsions, F11 on meeting
16:59 minutes, G30 on entry of final order and G31 on procurement
17:05 solicitations received revisions.
17:08 Item G33 on temporary delegation of procurement authority and H34
17:13 on draft resolution regarding
17:15 the extension of sales surtax auditions.
17:19 Item H34 also received subsequent revisions.
17:24 An FMEA recognition item and a military child month resolution
17:27 have been deleted from this
17:29 agenda.
17:30 » What are the wishes of the board?
17:33 » Move to approve.
17:34 » Second.
17:35 » With an amendment.
17:36 » Open for discussion.
17:38 » Okay.
17:39 Madam Chair, I recommend that we amend the order of the agenda
17:42 this evening to move public
17:44 comment before the presentation.
17:46 » Okay.
17:47 Is there a second to Ms. Campbell’s motion?
17:49 » I will second that.
17:50 » Ms. McDougal has seconded.
17:51 Is there any discussion on the amendment?
17:53 All right, then, Pam, I will need to call for a voice vote on
17:58 the amendment, I’m guessing.
18:01 Ms. Campbell seconded.
18:02 I’m sorry.
18:03 Ms. McDougal seconded.
18:04 » The original was the revisions as laid out by Dr. Mullins,
18:21 the amendment is so that
18:27 she permits the chair’s request to move public comment up, so
18:38 you need a second to the amendment.
18:45 So the motion now is as amended.
18:46 » Do we need to vote on the amendment first?
18:47 » There is only one thing to vote on.
18:48 The agenda as amended.
18:49 » Okay.
18:50 Do you need a voice vote on that, Ms. Oskibar?
18:55 » I do not.
18:56 » Okay.
18:57 Okay.
18:58 Then I will call the question, please vote.
19:07 You’re so good, Ms. Oskibar.
19:08 » Wow.
19:09 » You just hopped right on that.
19:21 And the motion passes 5-0.
19:38 » Given that we have moved our public comment to this area of
19:44 the agenda, as indicated in
19:46 my opening statement, I will call those who signed up to speak
19:49 one at a time, a deputy
19:51 or staff member will escort you to the board room where you will
19:53 have three minutes to
19:54 make comments.
19:56 After the conclusion of your statements, you will be escorted
19:59 back to the front courtyard.
20:00 Please be mindful of social distancing parameters at all times.
20:11 Ms. Oskibar, have you gotten names of speakers yet?
20:13 » Yes.
20:14 Bob Cusimano and Joanna Cusimano.
20:18 » Okay.
20:19 Bob Cusimano and Joanna Cusimano, if you would please, with your
20:23 deputy escort, make your
20:25 way to the board room for your public comment opportunity.
20:53 » Thank you, Ms. Church.
21:18 » Thank you, Ms. Cusimano.
21:41 I do want to – I’m assuming you all heard the instructions out
21:45 there as far as standing
21:46 back, so I will turn the mic on so you will have the opportunity
21:49 to speak.
21:50 Given the nature of what you’ve come to speak to us about
21:52 tonight, I just want to make sure
21:53 that you are aware that this is a televised meeting.
21:56 So if there’s any private information that you don’t want to
21:59 share, I just want to make
22:00 sure that you keep that top of mind, because it is going out to
22:04 the entire world, okay?
22:05 And typically, we – our speakers have three minutes to speak,
22:08 so I have a clock here in
22:09 front of me that I will start when you are ready to speak.
22:12 It will show you when the time is almost up.
22:14 At the end of three minutes, I will, if you’re not done,
22:17 interrupt you and ask you to wrap
22:19 up so that we can take our next speaker.
22:22 We have obvious public decorum requests when you’re speaking.
22:26 Make sure that you’re respectful.
22:28 Don’t give private information.
22:31 Name individual staff members.
22:33 No profanity.
22:34 We want to keep it family-friendly, that sort of thing.
22:36 So I’m sure we won’t have any issue with that.
22:39 All right.
22:40 Super.
22:41 So go ahead and start your time and turn on your mic.
22:45 Okay.
22:46 There you go.
22:48 I’m going to talk about my son, Glenn, and the expulsion.
22:52 I’m going to talk about – start with October.
22:55 He broke up with his girlfriend.
22:57 People were texting, asking what happened.
23:00 He was upset and impulsively, I guess probably from his ADD,
23:03 said to leave – he said to
23:05 leave him alone and stay away.
23:08 He did not make a threat or say he was going to use a weapon.
23:12 We never saw the Instagram trail, but the one I did see said –
23:15 just said that, to stay
23:17 away, and others added to it and also put it on Snapchat.
23:22 The sheriff saw it and said they did not even consider it a
23:25 threat.
23:26 The school said it was, so he was suspended.
23:30 During the MDR, we didn’t agree it was not from his disability,
23:34 but the dean stepped
23:36 out, said she spoke to the board on the phone and came back with
23:40 a decision to put him in
23:41 ALC.
23:44 She also stated that – said if we fight it, he would be
23:48 expelled.
23:49 So we went with the ALC decision.
23:52 In February, the latest issue, friends were talking about
23:56 sneaking drugs and knives into
23:59 ALC and how they would do it.
24:01 He joined the conversation – this was on a Friday – and in jest,
24:05 like the others were
24:06 doing, said he would sneak in a gun.
24:08 Note, he did not make a threat.
24:11 On Monday, he heard people talking about him.
24:14 A person asked if she was on his list.
24:17 He did not answer.
24:18 Of course, he didn’t want to get into trouble.
24:22 That person – that person went back to the group and said we
24:29 were on his list, which
24:31 was the start of the rumor mill.
24:34 He was suspended based on hearsay.
24:37 The October paperwork in the packet you have states vague threat
24:41 caused – because there
24:42 was nothing – because there was no threat made, and I don’t
24:46 understand why it says with
24:47 intent.
24:48 He doesn’t have a weapon, and he never made the threat to begin
24:51 with.
24:52 And also, this was done on a school holiday, so I don’t know how
24:54 there was any interruption.
24:55 The packet also states martial arts weapons on his wall.
24:59 They were $5 from Goodwill, they’re decorations, they’re not
25:02 sharp, and I said before, it’s
25:04 like hanging a baseball bat up on your room.
25:06 It’s just there for display.
25:09 For both the October and February MDR, we did not agree that it
25:13 was not from his disability.
25:15 To repeat, he never made a threat.
25:17 Others either added to his post or extrapolated from when he was
25:21 so scared to answer a question
25:23 because he didn’t want to get in trouble.
25:25 Please consider what actually was said versus what was added and
25:29 misinterpreted.
25:31 Thank you.
25:32 » Thank you, sir.
25:40 Mrs. Quisimodo?
25:42 » Good evening.
25:47 Glenn has never been given – Glenn has never been given due
25:54 process for either the first
25:55 incident in October or the second incident in February.
26:00 For the first incident in October, somehow, people mistakenly
26:06 took what other students
26:09 posted as something Glenn had posted himself.
26:12 This created – this created a misconception of what actually
26:20 was posted.
26:22 Glenn had stated his innocence from the very beginning.
26:25 He even told – when he had the MDR.
26:29 He never threatened anybody.
26:32 For the second incident in February, statements about him are
26:36 untrue.
26:37 He is an ESE student with ADHD that just came out during the MDR,
26:44 didn’t even have the paperwork.
26:49 He also has a processing disability.
26:51 He has trouble getting what’s in his mind out.
26:53 So when they told him to write something down, he just, you know,
26:58 came what came to his mind.
27:01 As a result, his statement does not reflect all that he believes
27:05 happened.
27:06 Glenn told me verbally because he’s good at telling you verbally
27:09 what happened, his side
27:11 of what happened.
27:12 The accusations against my son Glenn leave out so much.
27:17 They left out their part of what they were saying because it was
27:21 a conversation between
27:23 everybody.
27:25 How can my son Glenn be expelled when he has not been able to
27:30 tell what actually happened
27:33 in October and in February?
27:35 Please remember that there are two sides to every story.
27:39 And I’m a parent and I believe my son.
27:43 He’s told me from the very beginning and during the first MDR, I
27:49 just stood there because
27:51 she just wouldn’t let us – she just told us verbally everything
27:54 and we just stood there.
27:56 And my husband and I are not ones to start trouble.
27:59 We just stood there.
28:01 I said my son did something and we had to go forth.
28:04 And then when the second one happened, I said, oh, my gosh, this
28:07 can’t be happening.
28:08 If I could tell you what my son’s been through, through the
28:12 school system, he would be shocked.
28:15 And I just wish that you would consider not dispelling my son
28:18 because he doesn’t deserve
28:19 it.
28:20 He’s been through a lot and I hope that you can look into the –
28:24 you know what, really,
28:25 my son would never threaten the school.
28:28 He would never do that.
28:29 And I hope you believe me because my son would not do that.
28:34 Thank you for your time.
28:36 » Thank you.
28:37 » Ms. Belford, may I really quick?
28:41 » Are you just speaking to them?
28:42 » I want to ask somebody from staff to meet them in the hallway
28:46 and show them a document
28:47 that I was referencing earlier.
28:49 » Yes.
28:50 » Is that a yes, I may?
28:52 » Yes, you may address that.
28:54 » I reviewed the packet earlier today and if Ms. Moore or Dr.
28:57 Sullivan, whoever is appropriate
28:59 and has that document right now in your packet, because you
29:03 referenced that due process didn’t
29:05 happen.
29:07 One of the documents is signed by – I don’t know if it’s by you,
29:10 sir or by you, ma’am,
29:11 because we have a process for this.
29:13 We have a whole hearing where you can come before three board
29:15 members and we can work
29:16 through this of why you don’t – you know, work through the due
29:19 process where – that’s
29:21 where you petition to say you didn’t get due process and we
29:23 passed that because that document
29:25 was signed.
29:26 So one of them will meet you out there in the building but they
29:28 didn’t want to be in
29:29 here tonight.
29:30 One of them will meet you in the hallway with that packet and
29:32 maybe you can review that
29:33 with them because I’m confused at why –
29:36 » I can comment on that if you want.
29:39 » Why you signed the due process?
29:41 » Yes.
29:42 » If the chair would allow, I would like to hear why you signed
29:44 the due process – why
29:45 you decide – why you checked the box that said you didn’t want
29:48 the hearing, you didn’t
29:49 want the due process and now tonight you want the due process.
29:52 » Yeah, the reason was, like I said in my first statement, was
29:56 that was the one in October
29:58 and the person that was in the room, the dean, she had told us,
30:01 well, if you try to fight
30:03 it with the board, you’ll probably get him – I mean, him
30:07 expelled.
30:07 He goes, you’ve got to go to ALC or you’ll get him expelled.
30:10 He goes, I want – she goes, I suggest you just do that.
30:14 I said, okay, I would be trusting her because I didn’t know –
30:17 we never did this before.
30:18 I don’t know about the board.
30:19 I don’t know who you guys are and just very nerve-wracking,
30:21 scary, all that kind of stuff.
30:23 Like, ooh, do I got to go in front of this board?
30:25 What are they going to do to us?
30:26 I said, well, I don’t want to do that.
30:27 I want my son to stay in school.
30:28 It’s not the best of circumstances but we’ll go forward.
30:32 I didn’t agree with the whole thing to begin with but I said,
30:35 this is where we’re at and
30:36 I’m trusting you guys to lead me to the right place and that’s
30:39 what she told me.
30:41 She said, well, if you do the hearing, you’ll probably get
30:43 expelled and she knew we didn’t
30:44 want to get expelled because we were both crying about it before
30:47 we even entered the
30:48 room.
30:49 Okay.
30:50 So she knew where – she knew exactly where to poke.
30:53 Thank you very much.
30:54 You’re welcome.
30:55 Thank you, sir.
30:56 Does anyone on the board know, do you get an opportunity – are
30:57 you presented with that
30:58 option again when something happens at the ALC and you’re now
31:02 going to go through the
31:04 expulsion process?
31:05 So I think probably given the delicacy of this particular issue,
31:12 if we could have them
31:15 meet with staff outside and then if you all would like to take a
31:18 brief recess to individually
31:20 speak with staff about any questions that you have prior to
31:24 actually voting on the item,
31:26 we could probably accommodate that as long as it’s not – I don’t
31:29 want to drag the meeting
31:30 for all night long, but I certainly want to make sure that our
31:32 questions are answered.
31:33 I have that question and a couple other for them.
31:35 So if Dr. Sullivan or Ms. Moore, if you can hear me, if you know
31:38 the answers to those
31:39 questions, maybe we can meet out.
31:41 Ms. Moore is on her way to meet with the parents in the corridor.
31:44 We would just ask that you respect social distancing when
31:47 speaking with Ms. Moore.
31:49 Thank you.
31:51 Thank you all for joining us and Major Lanza will escort you
31:53 back out so you can speak
31:54 with Ms. Moore, okay?
31:56 Thank you for being here this evening.
31:57 We appreciate you taking the time.
31:59 Hopefully we weren’t scary.
32:04 Okay.
32:08 That concludes our public comment section of the meeting and I
32:11 believe, Dr. Mullins,
32:13 that brings us to the administrative staff recommendations.
32:19 There are three persons on this evening’s agenda for the board
32:22 to consider.
32:23 One of the wishes of the board?
32:25 Second.
32:26 Moved by Mr. Susan, seconded by Ms. Duskovich.
32:30 Is there any discussion?
32:36 Alright, please vote.
32:49 It’s not showing on my screen.
33:11 Did you have five votes on that, Ms. Escobar?
33:14 You all had?
33:15 Yes.
33:16 Oh, you guys can see it now.
33:17 Look at that.
33:18 Okay.
33:19 That was five-zero.
33:20 Alright.
33:21 Dr. Mullins, we are ready for the presentation about the
33:29 continuity of services update for
33:33 COVID-19.
33:35 If I may, Madam Chair, just to take a moment to introduce what
33:38 you’re going to be seeing
33:40 in a moment, we began our efforts to prepare for the closure of
33:46 schools a little over a
33:48 week ago.
33:50 That came late on a Friday afternoon, and senior cabinet – we
33:57 got the notification
33:59 between 4 and 5 o’clock on a Friday afternoon, and our senior
34:04 cabinet refused to leave until
34:06 we got a handle on that.
34:07 I think we left the building shortly before 9 o’clock that night.
34:12 Just the dedication and the commitment to that.
34:14 But it doesn’t end there.
34:16 We recognize a lot of senior cabinet members, but the trickle-down
34:21 effect, and then ultimately
34:24 I have to give huge kudos and shout-out to our school leaders as
34:28 well, our principals
34:30 and assistant principals, because even they, while on spring
34:35 break, and in some cases even
34:37 their schools were closed because all of the school staff had
34:41 taken personal leave, came
34:43 together to start getting informed and understand what we were
34:46 going to be facing as a community,
34:48 as a school district, in the coming days.
34:52 I don’t know if a day has gone by that – I did say, I think the
34:56 last 24 hours has been
34:57 the least information changing that we’ve had in the course of
35:04 the last week, and not
35:06 due to anyone’s fault, it’s just the circumstances of what we’re
35:10 dealing with.
35:11 The word “unprecedented” couldn’t be overstated.
35:16 But our school-based leaders have done an amazing job of
35:21 preparing their staff, communicating
35:24 with their teachers, beginning to set up plans and
35:27 accommodations and adjustments to what
35:30 need to be done to – tomorrow we’re going to be launching
35:34 training for teachers.
35:37 We begin device checkouts, we begin supporting staff out in the
35:43 field, if you will, and then
35:46 making contact with their hundreds and thousands, in some cases,
35:50 of their students across their
35:52 school community.
35:54 Fielding questions, being flexible, it’s – I can’t begin to
36:00 capture the hours of effort
36:03 and the poise, professionalism, commitment to flexibility.
36:08 We’ve used the word “grace” and “flexibility” no short of 100
36:12 times in the last few days.
36:13 And our school-based leaders, our principals, administrators,
36:17 our district leaders, have
36:19 just been exemplars of those two words.
36:23 And I will – it’s interesting that we’re really on Monday,
36:31 March 30th, starting the
36:33 third – now, the third first day of school.
36:38 One was August 10th.
36:40 The other was September something, post-Hurricane Dorian.
36:46 And then March 30th will be the third first day of school for
36:50 this school year as a result
36:51 of a pandemic.
36:53 So just our leaders carrying the charge and providing great
36:57 stability and support to our
36:59 community and our families and our kids is nothing short than
37:05 miraculous.
37:06 And I couldn’t be, again, more proud to lead this organization
37:10 with the demonstration of
37:11 leadership behind me and alongside me that has been demonstrated.
37:16 So with that, you’re going to see kind of a collage of
37:21 information from several of our
37:25 district divisions of the work that has been done.
37:28 But I think it’s a nice collection.
37:32 It’s not fancy, but it’s functional and it’s practical given all
37:35 of the other things they’re
37:36 doing.
37:37 But we wanted to give the board a glimpse of the work that’s
37:40 been done over the last
37:41 several days, as well as it’s a good reference for our community
37:45 as they begin to understand
37:47 what an organization that consists of over 9,000 employees, over
37:54 70,000 clients, over
37:57 a stretch of 80 miles in 83 different sites of learning.
38:01 Well, probably closer to 90 sites of learning when we take in
38:04 our special centers and so
38:06 on.
38:07 So with that, I’ll turn it over to the presentation.
38:10 Good evening, board members, community members.
38:16 In this presentation, cabinet members will provide an update on
38:20 how each division is
38:22 ensuring continuity of services through restrictions in response
38:26 to COVID-19.
38:27 Good evening.
38:29 Educational Technologies’ COVID-19 update to the board will
38:34 cover how we’re handling
38:36 the challenges of online education and communication, learning
38:41 of devices to students and staff,
38:43 procuring hotspots, and dealing with the possibilities of a
38:47 remote workforce.
38:49 Online education and communication.
38:53 Our teacher technology integrators have been creating new
38:57 instructions and providing training
38:59 for instructional and non-instructional staff members.
39:02 They’ve also created materials to support online learning for
39:06 our students and parents.
39:08 Finally, this team has been supporting and configuring our focus
39:11 gradebook and the launch
39:13 pad to support the board’s online educational and additional
39:18 communication needs.
39:20 Device availability, computing devices.
39:26 Our network team has been updating system protocols and
39:29 configurations, installing necessary
39:31 software, and working to create device loan documentation.
39:38 Our staff is working with school leadership on distribution
39:44 plans.
39:45 Internet hotspots.
39:46 We’re working to procure devices from service providers,
39:49 although they’re experiencing low
39:51 inventories.
39:52 To understand the needs of both our students and staff, and we
39:57 continue to partner with
39:59 our community for support in purchasing these devices.
40:05 Remote workforce.
40:06 In the event that some staff no longer report to their various
40:09 offices, educational technology
40:12 is working to enhance and provide software and hardware systems
40:15 to support the technological
40:16 challenge that a remote workforce would present to our network.
40:22 This situation has presented, including new protocols,
40:26 configurations, in addition to
40:28 a large number of devices possibly leaving our campuses.
40:32 I would like to thank the ET staff and many partnering
40:36 departments for all the work that
40:38 they’ve done.
40:39 Thank you.
40:40 Explore slides will review the functions of student services,
40:45 including exceptional student
40:47 program support and administration, English language learner
40:50 program support, mental health
40:52 supports, and what is happening at our alternative site programs.
40:57 Students with IEPs are included in the standards aligned
40:59 instructional continuity plan to the
41:01 same extent as all other students.
41:03 Webins are included, providing digital support for accessing
41:06 instructional materials on grade
41:08 level for both students with disabilities and English language
41:12 learners.
41:13 Instructional help, Skype, Zoom, and our Google Chat will be
41:16 used to connect with students
41:18 and monitor progress.
41:19 Paper packets will be provided as needed.
41:23 Individualized assignments, as appropriate, will be posted in
41:25 Google Classroom, Focused,
41:27 or sent via email.
41:29 Students on access points and class sites can enter materials
41:32 through the unique portal
41:34 or PDF.
41:35 Additional instructional materials may include touch map and PCI.
41:40 Parent resources will be available on the ESC web page.
41:42 For the related services of speech and language, deaf and hard
41:46 of hearing, visual impaired,
41:47 or occupational and physical therapy, virtual specialized
41:51 instruction will be provided to
41:53 the greatest extent possible.
41:56 In order to maintain compliance with special education and
41:59 related services, exceptional
42:01 student education supports school based teachers and staff to
42:06 ensure compliance with IEP services.
42:09 This plan may include specialized instruction and related
42:12 services to the extent it can
42:14 be practiced remotely.
42:16 All areas of the student’s IEP or section 504 combination plan
42:20 will be considered.
42:22 In section 504, teams will monitor each student’s progress and
42:26 determine what, if any, remediation
42:28 may be needed upon return to the student’s placement.
42:31 Any and all required evaluations or meetings may also be held
42:35 remotely and virtually to
42:36 the extent practical.
42:37 If there is any type of delay, the nature and extent of the
42:41 delay and a plan to move
42:42 as quickly as possible to prevent further delay shall be
42:46 documented.
42:47 ESC support specialists will begin assisting schools to schedule
42:50 virtual meetings the week
42:52 outside.
42:53 Outside agency providers will continue to provide telehealth
42:58 services to their current
43:00 caseload of students.
43:03 School counselors, social workers, and psychologists will check
43:05 in with current student caseloads
43:07 via BPS virtual platforms and will initiate new referral to
43:11 parents or teachers.
43:13 School counselors, social workers, and school psychologists will
43:16 work to connect families
43:17 and students to resources, collaborate with instructional plans
43:21 on IEP 504 and problem
43:22 solving meetings, and will follow up with parents and families
43:25 to support virtual school
43:26 attendance.
43:27 Behavior analysts and techs will collaborate and consult with
43:31 school staff and families
43:32 in problem solving virtual meetings.
43:34 They will also provide resources to school staff and families
43:38 that support student behavior
43:40 as academic expectations to our living rooms.
43:45 Our students in transition team will provide support and
43:48 services to ensure students in
43:50 transition have access to technology for instruction or packets
43:54 and that their personal needs are
43:57 also being met such as food and clothing.
44:03 Our alternative sites include the Department of Juvenile Justice,
44:06 the Brevard Group treatment
44:07 home, our two special day schools, Fieldston and Morreale, as
44:10 well as our two alternative
44:12 learning sites.
44:13 At our DJJ site, our teachers developed work packets by grade
44:16 level course for 30 days.
44:18 Students will continue to attend class with DJJ staff monitoring
44:22 them and helping.
44:24 Teachers will be available for staff at home for academic help
44:27 as needed.
44:27 Students will receive weekly phone calls to check in on their
44:30 emotional and academic status.
44:32 At the Brevard Group treatment home, students will attend school
44:35 during the normal time
44:36 of the spire’s death, providing the supervision and guidance.
44:39 Our teachers develop packets by grade level course for 30 days.
44:42 Our teachers met with the spire staff, explained student work,
44:46 provided sample work problems
44:48 and answer keys.
44:49 Schools will call each student twice weekly to check on their
44:53 emotional and academic status.
44:56 At our two special day schools, Fieldston and Morreale, the
44:58 parents were called by faculty
44:59 members to explain the procedures and alleviate misconceptions.
45:03 Each student was sent home with current passwords to the
45:06 academic platforms they are currently
45:07 using.
45:08 Students do not have internet or a computer were sent home with
45:11 work packets to complete.
45:12 Those students will be called by a teacher daily.
45:15 All other students will be called twice a week from their
45:18 teachers.
45:19 There will be a faculty member at both their normal work hours.
45:24 At our two alternative learning centers, students will complete
45:27 coursework via Odysseyware,
45:28 which is the current platform they are using.
45:31 Students without computer access were allowed to sign out of
45:34 computer.
45:34 Students without internet access were given work packets.
45:40 Teachers will be online to help students with Odysseyware during
45:43 their normal work hours.
45:45 Students that are not completing assignments or having
45:47 difficulties will be called by a
45:48 social worker or school counselor to assess these situations.
45:53 Good evening.
45:56 The Division of Equity, Innovation and Choice has a variety of
46:00 responsibilities.
46:01 Our Access Grant Project team will continue to update their
46:05 website to support Florida
46:06 teachers with appropriate lessons and accommodation.
46:11 Our After School team will develop lessons and activities for
46:14 families, which will be
46:15 posted to their website.
46:17 Adult Education currently has an online educational platform to
46:22 continue to support their students.
46:25 EIC communicates daily with all charter schools to offer support
46:29 and update them with district
46:31 plans.
46:32 Our charter schools are responsible for developing their own
46:36 educational continuity plan as they
46:38 often use different curriculum materials.
46:45 The Facilities Department is continuing to monitor cleaning
46:47 protocols from the Department
46:48 of Health and the Department of Education.
46:51 Our Environmental Health and Safety team is regularly reaching
46:54 out to schools and providing
46:55 assistance when requested.
46:57 We are already executing and planning for maintenance and minor
47:00 improvement projects
47:01 in schools while students are not in the buildings.
47:03 These efforts are being coordinated with school administrators.
47:07 The team is continuing to plan for summer construction projects
47:09 and potentially starting
47:10 earlier if that opportunity is available.
47:12 Concurrently, we are communicating with our vendors in the event
47:15 of material or worker
47:16 shortages of execute projects.
47:19 Finally, we are working with the Finance team to estimate
47:22 utility cost savings that will
47:24 result from reduced usage of our facilities.
47:28 Food and Nutrition Services.
47:32 We are pleased to announce that the following schools opened as
47:35 food distribution centers
47:36 on Monday, March 23rd and will continue on weekdays from 1030 a.m.
47:41 to 1.30 p.m.
47:43 Those schools are Atlantis, Cambridge, Cape View, Central Middle,
47:49 Gulfview, Jupiter, Myla,
47:53 Mims, Sherwood, Sunrise, Turner, and University Park.
47:59 Additional sites are being planned for subsequent weeks.
48:04 Our procurement and distribution of schools and departments will
48:09 cancel travel, field
48:11 trips, and events.
48:12 Their expediting procurement items related to COVID-19 outbreak,
48:16 postponing non-essential
48:18 selection committee and vendor meetings, and modifying
48:21 distribution services to assist
48:23 school and district offices with emergency needs.
48:26 Good evening Ms. Belford, Dr. Mullins, and board members.
48:33 I’d like to provide a brief update regarding Human Resources
48:36 Services and the ongoing processes
48:38 to ensure we not only move smoothly through this circumstance,
48:41 but are also ready to finish
48:43 the school year and begin a new one in August.
48:46 Our annual career fair, originally scheduled for yesterday in a
48:50 face-to-face format, was
48:51 converted last week to a virtual format with over 150 candidates
48:55 interviewing and our principals
48:57 issuing 47 binders to teachers.
48:59 Thank you to Mr. Mike Alma, his team, and to our principals for
49:03 thinking outside the
49:04 box and for being so flexible and open to new ideas.
49:08 Ongoing professional development, to include reading endorsement
49:11 classes and ESOL classes,
49:13 has shifted to a completely virtual format through Blackboard
49:17 Learn and Skype.
49:18 We are constantly re-evaluating the upcoming courses and
49:21 assisting teachers where needed
49:23 to ensure they can complete what they have started.
49:26 This morning, we relatively developed a memorandum of
49:29 understanding regarding online and remote
49:32 instruction.
49:33 I know our teachers are embarking upon a new process of teaching
49:36 and instruction, and I
49:37 appreciate the positive attitudes and support of the BFT and of
49:41 all the teachers and staff.
49:43 In addition, we met with local 1010L, Mr. Schifrin with BASA as
49:48 well.
49:48 We will continue to work with our unions to ensure we are
49:52 meeting the needs of all employees.
49:55 We have been providing staff updates to the extent possible in
49:58 this ever-changing landscape
50:00 we are currently navigating, with the most recent one being last
50:03 Friday afternoon.
50:05 Online members have been working through plans for staff whose
50:07 job responsibilities might
50:09 be appropriate for remote work, and to that end, I sent to the
50:12 leadership team last night
50:14 the alternate worksite procedures with hyperlink policies.
50:17 Finally, while pleading for the immediate circumstance in hand
50:22 is a priority, we are
50:24 also running a parallel process to ensure all daily operations
50:27 of HR and the District
50:28 continue to run smoothly, to include typical spring processes of
50:32 supplements, re-appointments,
50:34 and issuing reports, just to name a few.
50:38 As we modify these routine tasks to our new way of work, we will
50:41 be communicating directly
50:42 with the leadership team to keep them informed and apprised of
50:45 any changes.
50:46 Thank you so much.
50:47 Good evening.
50:48 Thank you for the opportunity to share the Elementary
50:53 Instructional Continuity Plan.
50:57 We are developing a website for our parents, teachers, and
51:02 students to be accessible through
51:05 – we will be asking students to log into FOCUS each and every
51:11 day for attendance and
51:14 information on their daily lessons.
51:18 Teachers will be pushing out lessons via FOCUS.
51:22 Remember you can get to the FOCUS app, the launch pad.
51:27 We will also have a link on the main page of the BPS website
51:31 into the Elementary Instructional
51:34 Continuity Plan.
51:37 Once a teacher or student logs into the Elementary School
51:42 Learning Platform, they will see a
51:46 link to the grade level in which their lessons will be stored.
51:51 There will also be links to the library, to PE, to FOCUS.
52:01 Our teachers will have three different instructional options in
52:05 which to deliver instruction.
52:07 They may use the district-created lessons by our resource
52:16 teachers and content experts.
52:21 They may also use the same district-created lessons with teacher
52:24 choice enhancement.
52:26 If a teacher chooses to develop a teaching tool for students,
52:32 she may do that and push
52:34 it out through the website as well.
52:37 Our other third choice is a teacher autonomy to create their own
52:44 lessons based on instruction.
52:48 We know that our teachers know their students best.
52:52 And we know that our teachers know what kind of lessons our
52:56 students need.
52:57 So we’re giving our teachers these three options in which they
53:02 can deliver lessons.
53:04 Also, we have developed a sample classroom teacher’s agenda that
53:10 they would be available
53:12 via Skype or phone or email to connect with parents or students
53:17 who may have questions
53:19 about their instruction.
53:22 We also have a sample guide for students.
53:27 Our English language arts in elementary and in math will be
53:31 delivered through the iReady
53:33 platform.
53:34 This will be expected to spend 45 minutes with the online
53:40 instructional program a day
53:43 for reading and 45 minutes for math.
53:47 We also expect our students to complete two activities a week in
53:53 music, art, or media.
53:56 And at the minimum, students will also be expected to do science
54:03 through STEM scopes
54:05 and social studies in studies weekly.
54:08 And we do hope our students are reading, reading the books of
54:15 your choice.
54:17 As we know that we need to be in touch with our students, we are
54:22 asking our teachers,
54:24 a student log where a teacher will go in and record where
54:30 students are instructionally
54:34 and then follow up with the parents and the students on anything
54:39 that they need help with.
54:41 We want to make certain that our students are logged in through
54:45 either iReady or FOCUS
54:47 every day so we know they’re engaged in the work.
54:54 We’ve also created on our website a parent help guide because we
55:00 know this is a new world
55:02 for all of us so parents, teachers, and students should all be
55:07 working closely through the
55:09 elementary instructional continuity plan, make adjustments and
55:15 modifications as we go
55:17 through this process to make it more efficient and easy to use.
55:22 Thank you so much.
55:24 Secondary meeting and learning has been focusing on leveraging
55:29 our existing resources and learning.
55:33 Many of our students and teachers work seamlessly in a variety
55:37 of digital platforms and will
55:38 continue to utilize the tools that are familiar to them.
55:43 The student launch pad is the center of all operations.
55:48 Students are very accustomed to accessing their launch pad and
55:50 working through many
55:51 of the available resources.
55:54 For example, you will see we have full online textbooks for many
55:57 of our courses in addition
55:59 to supplemental resources.
56:01 Students frequently access those books in lieu of taking home
56:05 heavy textbooks.
56:06 BPS Overdrive, now Libby, is an online tool that allows students
56:11 to check out free library
56:13 books in an e-book format.
56:14 BPS has a significant number of online books and students can
56:18 also access books from a
56:19 public library.
56:21 Each student’s launch pad is a little different depending on
56:24 their courses.
56:25 I encourage all parents to take a look at their student’s launch
56:29 pad.
56:29 In the days prior to spring break, we ask all secondary students
56:33 to log into their focus
56:34 account and launch pad just to make sure their passwords were
56:38 current.
56:39 Within launch pad, one of the most used features is Google Docs.
56:45 Many of our students already submit the majority of their work
56:48 in this format.
56:49 They pure edit, share documents, and work on presentations.
56:53 Most of our teachers also have a Google Classroom already set up.
56:57 They can post lessons, reading assignments, problem sets, and
57:02 other engaging activities.
57:04 For the teachers who may have not previously utilized a lot of
57:09 online resources and content
57:11 specialists created a guide for every one of our courses, well
57:16 over 400 of them.
57:18 That includes all of our elective and CTE offerings in addition
57:22 to all four classes.
57:24 We have communicated with our teachers and given them contact
57:27 information for help with
57:29 either content, digital tools, or support in student services.
57:33 I’ve been engaged in robust communication with principals and
57:37 our team adjusts resources
57:39 as needed.
57:40 We have prepared teachers in this new way of working.
57:50 - So again, I hope that gives you a glimpse of the work that’s
57:52 been going on behind the
57:53 scenes.
57:54 A lot of that will be going live tomorrow with additional
57:58 supports for teachers.
57:59 Our principals, again, have been amazing in adapting all of
58:05 these resources and supports
58:08 to their staff.
58:09 They have created creative meeting environments.
58:14 Some folks chose to meet in person in groups of 10 or less while
58:19 also accommodating virtual
58:22 participants in those same conversations.
58:25 They have just found a way to do it and they’ve taken advantage
58:30 of the resources in their
58:33 building, both teacher leaders as well as staff members.
58:36 I would say for our public, a couple of things, one, your child’s
58:43 school remains your number
58:46 one point of contact for the supports, the questions, the
58:50 resources, whatever you need
58:52 for your child’s education, their school remains their one stop
58:57 shop for all things their child
58:59 needs.
59:01 From guidance, to mental health, to social work support, all of
59:05 those types of things
59:06 at their schools.
59:07 And our schools have plans and backup plans in place to support
59:13 our students and our families.
59:15 And the other thing I would ask of our parents, our students, we
59:21 will be launching the third
59:23 first day of school on March 30th, just like the first first day
59:29 of school and just like
59:31 the second first day of school this school year, there are bumps
59:35 in the road.
59:36 There are things to work out.
59:38 There are some challenges to overcome.
59:42 And there will be inevitably on Monday, March 30th, when we ask
59:47 70,000 children to return
59:49 to school, return to learning, assigned to 5,000 different
59:55 teachers at 83 schools across
59:58 our district in an environment that never brings them onto
1:00:03 campus.
1:00:04 There’s gonna be bumps.
1:00:05 There’s gonna be some challenges, but we will work through them
1:00:09 valiantly like we have the
1:00:11 last two first days of school for 2019 and 20.
1:00:16 So we just ask for patience and grace and flexibility from our
1:00:20 students and our parents
1:00:21 along the way, just as we’ve asked that of our staff as well.
1:00:25 So thank you for the opportunity to share the work that’s been
1:00:29 going on.
1:00:29 » Thank you, Dr. Mullins, and thank you to our entire team for
1:00:33 all of that great information
1:00:34 for our families.
1:00:35 Ms. Deskevich?
1:00:36 » I have a question.
1:00:37 I’m ready.
1:00:38 The last I knew, over half of our elementary schools didn’t have
1:00:41 the full instructional
1:00:42 version.
1:00:43 Is this gonna be accessible for all of us?
1:00:45 » Usually curriculum associates stepped up, and they’re
1:00:48 providing it to all of our teachers
1:00:50 for this period of time.
1:00:51 » Wow.
1:00:52 » Nice.
1:00:53 » That is huge.
1:00:54 I don’t know how we can say thank you properly, but super
1:00:59 impressive, and thank you to curriculum
1:01:03 associates.
1:01:04 » Curriculum and associates, I ready, yes.
1:01:06 » Wow.
1:01:07 That’s unbelievable, because that is a multimillion dollar price
1:01:12 tag, if I’m correct, yes?
1:01:14 » I couldn’t begin to estimate what the cost is, but–
1:01:17 » I feel like it’s a half a million for the school.
1:01:18 I feel like there was like a million and a half, if I go back to
1:01:20 the budget when we wanted
1:01:21 to purchase it.
1:01:22 It’s well over a million dollars.
1:01:23 » Yeah.
1:01:25 » I believe you’re right.
1:01:26 » Thank you.
1:01:28 » Okay, board members, at this point, we are approaching our
1:01:35 consent agenda, and we
1:01:38 should have known that tonight was gonna be a little bit squirrely,
1:01:41 and it’s not because
1:01:41 of our technology or our social distancing, as it turns out.
1:01:48 Per the recommendation of Mr. Gibbs, instead of recessing to
1:01:54 allow discussion with individual
1:01:58 team members, his recommendation was that we consider pulling
1:02:03 the item, because we don’t
1:02:05 really wanna have discussion with our staff on camera about
1:02:08 details about the situation,
1:02:10 right, because it’s about a student.
1:02:13 So Mr. Gibbs’ recommendation was to pull the item from the
1:02:16 consent agenda, move it to the
1:02:17 end of our meeting, and we can stop filming and have discussion
1:02:22 on that.
1:02:22 So that was my plan, was to ask you all for a motion before we
1:02:25 went into the consent agenda,
1:02:27 but then I just got an email from Dr. Sullivan, who says that Ms.
1:02:34 Moore and she spoke to the
1:02:36 parents, and they are all good on next steps.
1:02:39 So Ms. Moore has joined us in the back of the room, I think in
1:02:44 the event, oh, and it
1:02:46 looks like maybe Dr. Sullivan as well.
1:02:48 - Six feet apart.
1:02:50 - Okay, we’re still at 10.
1:02:53 - Yeah, we’re still at 10.
1:02:59 So board members, I will ask for your comfort level with moving
1:03:04 forward based on the information
1:03:06 that Dr. Sullivan and Ms. Moore have already assisted this
1:03:10 family and things appear to
1:03:11 be resolved.
1:03:12 If you are comfortable doing so, then I would move us to voting
1:03:17 on the consent agenda.
1:03:19 If you are not comfortable doing so, then do we wanna pull it
1:03:24 and move it to the end
1:03:26 of the agenda?
1:03:27 What are the wishes of the board on that?
1:03:29 - Move to approve the consent.
1:03:32 - Mr. Susan has moved to approve the consent agenda as presented,
1:03:37 is there a second for
1:03:38 discussion?
1:03:39 - I’ll second for discussion.
1:03:41 - All right, Ms. Campbell has seconded for discussion, that
1:03:44 would open us up for discussion
1:03:46 on the consent agenda.
1:03:52 - If nobody else has concerns, then I can pull it and we can
1:03:57 vote on it, and I’ll just
1:03:59 vote no, ‘cause I still have some more questions, and if I’m the
1:04:02 only no vote, then it doesn’t
1:04:04 hold us up.
1:04:07 If other people have concerns, then I say let’s move it to the
1:04:12 end and do, you guys
1:04:13 following me?
1:04:14 I know I’m talking in fragments, I think I’m tired.
1:04:17 - I’m also fine with moving it to the end, we’ll have the same
1:04:21 ladies at our disposal
1:04:23 for discussion.
1:04:24 My question is, would we be moving the entire agenda item, which
1:04:27 includes all the student
1:04:28 expulsions, or just removing that one from item?
1:04:32 - Ms. Escobar has indicated that she is capable if a board
1:04:36 member were to request to pull
1:04:38 item F10 attachment 2020-62S from the consent agenda, that she
1:04:45 could accommodate that need.
1:04:48 - I would also like to see if we can, I don’t have a problem
1:04:50 moving it to the end and discussing
1:04:52 it, I think it’s a good idea.
1:04:53 - I don’t have it, I mean I don’t wanna make this a huge deal, I
1:04:56 don’t have a ton of questions,
1:04:58 I just need a few more tiny confirmations before I’m comfortable.
1:05:00 So if you guys are all okay moving it, then do I make a motion
1:05:04 to amend, is that the?
1:05:06 - So I’ll move that we remove item, from item F10, may I make a
1:05:13 suggestion that we pull
1:05:16 that item first and vote on the rest of the consent agenda items?
1:05:19 - She’s amending it the right way.
1:05:20 - Yeah.
1:05:21 - And then we’ll, can we just–
1:05:22 - Yes, so Ms. Campbell is offering an amended motion to–
1:05:27 - To just pull from item F10, the expulsion 2020-62S.
1:05:31 - Second.
1:05:32 - Does that work for you Ms. Escobar?
1:05:38 - That’s the proper way to do it.
1:05:41 - That way we can leave the rest in place.
1:05:43 - Yes.
1:05:44 - On F10.
1:05:45 - Just so you know, I seconded her motion.
1:05:51 - Yes, Mr. Susan seconded the motion to pull that item from the
1:05:55 consent agenda.
1:05:57 Is there any discussion on the motion?
1:05:59 All right, then I will, are you ready for me to call from?
1:06:04 You’re a trooper, Pam, we love you.
1:06:08 - I don’t think we’ve ever done that before.
1:06:09 - Just a clarification while she’s typing, it will be unrecorded
1:06:10 as well.
1:06:10 So when you’re finished with the meeting, you will recess so
1:06:18 they can clear us and then
1:06:21 you will discuss the specifics of the student discipline off air,
1:06:25 unrecorded because it
1:06:27 is about student discipline.
1:06:29 - And then how do we vote on the final vote?
1:06:31 - Ms. Escobar can continue to take minutes.
1:06:32 So she has to record the minutes.
1:06:33 It’s just not recorded because you’re gonna discuss student
1:06:34 discipline, which is exempt
1:06:34 from the sunshine.
1:06:35 It’ll be off air and unrecorded.
1:06:41 - Thank you.
1:06:45 - Thank you, Mr. Gibbs.
1:06:46 - Mr. Gibbs, may I read you what I have written?
1:06:47 - Sure.
1:06:48 - Approve the March 24, 2020 school board meeting consent agenda
1:06:57 with the exception
1:06:59 of 2020-62S from item F10 and the item will be discussed and unrecorded
1:07:09 off air.
1:07:10 - Yes.
1:07:11 - Okay.
1:07:12 - She’s gone.
1:07:13 She’s better.
1:07:14 - Okay.
1:07:15 So Ms. Campbell made that motion, correct?
1:07:16 - Yeah.
1:07:17 - Yes.
1:07:18 - Seconded.
1:07:19 - Now we vote on the amendment and then we come back and vote.
1:07:31 - I think we can vote on the whole consent agenda with this,
1:07:34 correct?
1:07:35 - Yes.
1:07:36 - You have to vote to approve the amendment.
1:07:37 Then you vote to approve the argument.
1:07:38 - As amended, it’s without that one item.
1:07:39 So you just then move to approve the consent as amended.
1:07:40 - We didn’t vote on the amendment.
1:07:41 - Right.
1:07:42 So we–
1:07:43 - You have to vote on the amendment.
1:07:44 - The motion is to approve the consent agenda.
1:07:45 - The motion pending is without 2020, so she removed it, so
1:07:52 consent item is as amended.
1:07:58 - But the motion was to amend, so we have to approve the motion
1:08:01 to amend, which the
1:08:02 second did, and then we vote, and then we go back and vote on
1:08:04 the whole thing.
1:08:05 - Yes.
1:08:06 - Yeah.
1:08:06 » Do we need a voice vote on the amendment? » Let me ask you
1:08:13 one more thing. I’m sorry.
1:08:16 I just want to make sure I don’t mess this up. So if we are
1:08:19 removing 2020-62S, do I have
1:08:24 to do that now before they vote and move it to someplace else?
1:08:28 » I don’t know how the system is set up. » Let’s do that. That
1:08:37 way we are not messing
1:08:38 something up. » So would you like for me to call for a
1:08:41 voice vote on the amendment? » Yes.
1:08:43 » All right. At this point I will take a voice vote on the
1:08:46 amendment. All in favor?
1:08:48 » Aye. » Any opposed? All right. So the amendment
1:08:51 passes 5-0, Pam. At this point I will ask for the board to
1:08:57 provide direction on approval
1:09:00 of the consent agenda. » Move to approve.
1:09:01 » Second. » Moved by Mr. Susan, seconded by Ms. McDougall.
1:09:06 Is there any discussion? All right. Please vote. Dr. Mullins, I
1:09:13 totally skipped your
1:09:14 little blurb about the consent agenda. I’m sorry.
1:09:18 » And can we do a voice vote on that one too? » All right. I
1:09:22 will take a voice vote
1:09:23 on the motion to approve the consent agenda minus item F10. All
1:09:29 in favor?
1:09:30 » Aye. » All opposed? All right. Motion passes
1:09:37 5-0. Are we good down there, Ms. Escobar? » We will be.
1:09:47 » Do you want me to hold off on moving forward? Because we’re
1:09:51 moving on to action.
1:09:52 » No. That’s fine. » Okay. Now we are moving on to the action
1:09:58 agenda, Dr. Mullins. » Ms. Belfort and members of the board,
1:10:01 there
1:10:01 are four items under this category. First is item G30 on the
1:10:04 entry of final order in
1:10:06 regards to the E rate bid which you will be voting on later
1:10:09 under the procurement solicitations
1:10:12 agenda item. » I understand the parties have submitted
1:10:15 written statements in lieu of attendance due to social distancing.
1:10:18 Before I ask Mr. Gibbs
1:10:19 to explain the process, I want to thank charter communications
1:10:22 operating LLC and our school
1:10:23 board attorney for considering social distancing and cooperating
1:10:27 with the board for tonight’s
1:10:28 meeting. Mr. Gibbs? » Thank you. I do have a written statement
1:10:34 from Mr. Kenneth Curtin with Adams and Reese LLP on behalf of
1:10:39 charter communications operating
1:10:42 LLC who filed the bid protest. And the statement is we represent
1:10:47 charter communications operating
1:10:49 LLC in this bid protest proceeding and we are writing concerning
1:10:52 the upcoming meeting
1:10:53 on March 24th, 2020 wherein we understand the board will
1:10:57 consider the recommended order
1:10:58 entered March 12th, 2020 and the written exceptions thereto. We
1:11:02 submitted on March 19th, 2020.
1:11:04 We understand that because of the ongoing COVID 19 crisis,
1:11:07 personal appearances at the
1:11:09 meeting are being limited and the chair has invited the
1:11:11 submissions of written statements.
1:11:13 While we would certainly prefer to attend the meeting in person
1:11:15 given this invitation
1:11:16 the current state of emergency and acting consistent with state
1:11:19 and federal directives
1:11:20 to limit travel and personal contact, we are submitting this
1:11:23 statement in lieu of our personal
1:11:25 appearance. In short, we believe that charter has raised
1:11:28 significant issues, errors and
1:11:30 irregularities that render the intended award improper and
1:11:34 illegal or and indeed illegal.
1:11:37 These issues as well as a number of cited errors in the
1:11:39 administrative law judge’s recommended
1:11:41 order being considered at this meeting are addressed in detail
1:11:45 in charters formal protest
1:11:46 and exceptions. We strongly encourage each board member to
1:11:50 thoroughly review the materials
1:11:51 charter has submitted fully consider the issues raised there in
1:11:55 and contemplate the potential
1:11:56 consequences of proceeding with the award. We apologize for not
1:12:00 being able to attend
1:12:01 in person but thank you for the board’s attention and due
1:12:04 consideration especially given the
1:12:06 ongoing crisis. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have
1:12:09 any questions or would
1:12:10 like to discuss this matter in more detail.
1:12:12 » Thank you, Mr. Gibbs. Did you also want to give any
1:12:17 explanation as to process on this
1:12:20 or would you just like to let the recommendation stand?
1:12:23 » Right. As I don’t know how many of these you guys have done
1:12:27 but as a protest with exceptions
1:12:30 filed the board has to by statute vote on each exception
1:12:33 individually and then you’ll
1:12:35 vote on how you want to handle the overall process. So the way I
1:12:39 would – I recommend
1:12:40 setting it up is go through the exceptions one by one, you’ll
1:12:44 vote on each one and then
1:12:46 you’ll discuss and you can have discussion under each exception
1:12:49 and then you’ll discuss
1:12:50 the issue overall and you can either approve the recommended
1:12:54 order by the ALJ or modify
1:12:56 it or you can just accept the exceptions filed and then you
1:13:01 would have to go against the
1:13:03 recommended order and file your own order. Are there any
1:13:10 questions?
1:13:13 » So just to clarify, I’m going to ask the board members to
1:13:16 vote on exception one and
1:13:18 then exception two.
1:13:22 » And then you’ll have a discussion on how the board wants to
1:13:25 handle. If you grant the
1:13:26 exceptions you can – you’ll have to decide whether you want to
1:13:29 grant on one of the grounds
1:13:31 and what you want to do with the bid at that point. If you deny
1:13:33 the exceptions you can
1:13:34 still deviate from the recommended order if you wish to or you
1:13:38 can approve the recommended
1:13:40 order in whole.
1:13:45 » If we approve the exceptions –
1:13:47 » Then you’re saying that the recommended order was invalid for
1:13:52 a reason, for the reasons
1:13:54 stated. If you deny the exceptions then you are saying the
1:13:59 recommended order was not invalid.
1:14:02 You can still discuss it and go a different direction from the
1:14:07 recommended order based
1:14:08 on all of the arguments raised. You do not have to approve the
1:14:12 recommended order. It’s
1:14:14 just you’re saying the issues raised by the exceptions are
1:14:17 invalid or you do not believe
1:14:19 they’re valid.
1:14:26 » Did all board members understand that process? So when you
1:14:32 look at it on your screen we have
1:14:35 multiple actions.
1:14:37 » We have multiple documents.
1:14:41 » Well, yeah, there are a lot of documents there but there are
1:14:45 multiple actions. The
1:14:46 first two are presented as approved exception one, approved
1:14:51 exception two, and then approved
1:14:54 the proposed final order adopting the ALJ recommendation.
1:15:00 » I’m not seeing that the way you just listed it.
1:15:07 » Are you seeing it that way? Yeah, Mr. Susan has it the same.
1:15:11 On the right side of your
1:15:12 screen it says current agenda item entry of final order and then
1:15:15 there’s a window under
1:15:17 that that has the actions.
1:15:20 » We were on the item.
1:15:23 » Got it. You guys got it now? So what I am going to do is I am
1:15:29 going to request the
1:15:31 wishes of the board on exception one, clarifying that approving
1:15:36 the exception is disagreeing
1:15:39 with the ALJ.
1:15:47 » I think that’s what Mr. Gibbs just indicated. Approving is
1:15:52 rejecting the ALJ order and approving
1:15:54 the exception.
1:15:55 » Right. The exceptions are they’re arguing the ALJ got it
1:15:59 wrong for the reason stated
1:16:01 in their pleading. So that’s what the motion is to approve the
1:16:07 exception. So if you do
1:16:08 not want to approve it, you would vote no. And you would deny
1:16:12 the exception.
1:16:13 » Do we need to move to deny?
1:16:17 » You can move to discuss and second it so you open it up for
1:16:21 discussion. The board can
1:16:23 discuss the exception and the reasons for the reasons that it
1:16:29 believes for or against
1:16:31 and then you would vote to approve or deny at that point.
1:16:34 » Move to discuss, Madam Chair.
1:16:37 » Seconded for discussion by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Ms. Duskovich.
1:16:42 I will open for
1:16:42 discussion on exception one. Ms. Campbell, your motion would you
1:16:48 like to discuss?
1:16:49 » Sure. I would suggest that we as a board would deny exception
1:16:54 one based on the fact
1:16:55 that the lack of standing means that they don’t have the
1:16:59 opportunity to protest this
1:17:02 because they never put a bid in. So it’s that’s pretty simple
1:17:07 and straightforward. You either
1:17:09 submit a bid or you don’t submit a bid. So that’s where I am on
1:17:15 that.
1:17:16 » Any additional board discussion? All right. Then I would
1:17:23 request a motion to approve or
1:17:25 a motion to deny so we can move forward on this action item.
1:17:29 » It would be a vote. The motion is motion to approve. So you
1:17:34 would just vote and if
1:17:35 you do not want to approve it, you say no and it will not pass.
1:17:40 So the exception will
1:17:41 be denied. » I have a question. In three years on the
1:17:46 board I have never seen us have a recommendation of a motion to
1:17:50 approve and then we have to
1:17:52 – why wouldn’t this have been presented reverse? Why do I feel
1:17:58 like we’re being tricked?
1:18:01 » You either have – you don’t want to say you’re denying it.
1:18:03 They’re asking you to approve
1:18:06 their exception. That’s what the party is asking you to do. They
1:18:09 filed the pleading.
1:18:11 So that’s how it’s presented. » So it’s put on our agenda from
1:18:13 them, not
1:18:13 from staff. » If they did not file exceptions, the only
1:18:17 thing here would be a motion to approve the recommended order of
1:18:22 the ALJ.
1:18:23 » They’re basing it on the Jacksonville case. Although they did
1:18:28 not file the bid, they have
1:18:31 proof because of that case. That’s what it is. So if we deny it
1:18:35 then we’re saying no.
1:18:37 You don’t. » So I believe I have a – I believe I have
1:18:42 a motion. » And a second. » And a second on that issue. So
1:18:47 lacking
1:18:47 further discussion, I will call the question. Can you guys see
1:18:55 the vote up there? Because
1:19:03 I can’t see it. » Yes. Five.
1:19:05 » The motion fails zero to five. At this point, that will move
1:19:10 us to exception number
1:19:12 two. What are the wishes of the board? » Move for discussion.
1:19:19 » I’ll second it. » Move for discussion for Ms. Campbell,
1:19:24 seconded
1:19:24 by Ms. McDougall. Ms. Campbell, your motion, your discussion.
1:19:31 » Just the challenge was the untimely challenge. I think we
1:19:35 need to have a little discussion
1:19:37 just because the public needs to understand what’s going on.
1:19:41 When charter had a problem with the RFP, but they didn’t say
1:19:47 they had a problem with the
1:19:49 RFP until the whole process was done. Someone who is a potential
1:19:53 bidder has the opportunity,
1:19:55 if my understanding is correct, if they see a problem with it,
1:19:58 to put that challenge out.
1:20:00 It looks like through the process that our procurement
1:20:03 department answered lots of questions
1:20:05 throughout the process, even delayed the final due date. Through
1:20:10 that process, my understanding
1:20:12 in charter said on their own, they never put that question out
1:20:15 there. They never said there
1:20:16 was a problem with the RFP. Once that process has gone through,
1:20:20 you didn’t put in a bid,
1:20:21 you didn’t put in any kind of timely thing, then your
1:20:25 opportunity is lost. So that’s my
1:20:28 recommendation would be that we deny this exception as well.
1:20:31 » All right. Then I will accept a motion. Oh, I’m sorry. Any
1:20:35 additional board discussion?
1:20:36 Then I will accept a motion. » Motion has already been put
1:20:41 forward.
1:20:41 » Oh, she moved to approve for discussion. Sorry. That move for
1:20:45 discussion is throwing
1:20:46 me for some whatever reason. So I have a motion on the floor.
1:20:49 Without further board discussion,
1:20:50 I’ll ask for a vote. And the motion was rejected 5-0. Okay. This
1:21:10 brings us to our third action
1:21:12 on this agenda item, which is to approve the proposed final
1:21:15 order adopting the administrative
1:21:16 law judge’s recommended order of dismissal and dismissed charter
1:21:19 communications operating
1:21:21 LLC’s protest for lack of standing and failure to timely file
1:21:24 its challenge to specifications.
1:21:26 What are the wishes of the board? » Move to approve.
1:21:29 » Second. » Moved by Ms. Deskevich and seconded by
1:21:32 Mr. Susan. Is there any additional board discussion? » I just
1:21:35 want to make sure I’m voting the
1:21:36 right way. Okay. That’s what I was thinking. I said okay. Just
1:21:42 want to make sure I understand
1:21:43 it. Okay. Thank you. » Unbelievable.
1:21:47 » Any additional board discussion? » Does someone want to
1:21:50 explain that more to
1:21:50 Cheryl than me saying it’s a normal vote? » This is to approve
1:21:55 the ALJ’s recommended
1:21:57 order. » So we’re approving the ALJ’s.
1:21:59 » It’s now awarded in the positive. So we’re voting in the way
1:22:02 that it’s worded instead
1:22:06 of having to reverse it. » Okay.
1:22:07 » We all good? » I’m good.
1:22:08 » All right. Then I will call the question. » Pass 5-0.
1:22:18 » And the motion passed 5-0. Thank you, Ms. Escobar, for your
1:22:24 patience and Mr. Gibbs for
1:22:27 getting us through that wonkiness. Dr. Mullins, I believe it is
1:22:34 to you.
1:22:35 » Next we have item G31, which are procurement solicitations.
1:22:40 » What are the wishes of the board? » Move to approve.
1:22:42 » Second. » Moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Mr.
1:22:45 Susan. Any discussion? All right. Please vote.
1:23:08 » It was me. It was in a different place. » Why can I no
1:23:21 longer see our bear with me
1:23:24 for just one second. I’m trying to figure out why I can no
1:23:28 longer see your voting.
1:23:31 » On the bottom do you see the thing that says vote?
1:23:35 » I changed my screen and now I have actions and attachments
1:23:38 for some reason. It’s not
1:23:40 going off of that. All right. But the motion passed 5-0, Ms.
1:23:46 Escobar? » Yes.
1:23:47 » All right. Dr. Mullins. » Item G32 is department school
1:23:54 initiated
1:23:54 agreements. » What are the wishes of the board?
1:23:56 » Move to approve. » Second.
1:23:58 » Moved by Mr. Susan, seconded by Ms. Campbell. Any discussion?
1:24:09 » Please vote. » 5-0.
1:24:27 » And the motion passes 5-0. Dr. Mullins. » Item G33 is
1:24:37 temporary delegation of procurement
1:24:38 authority in the event that school board meetings are canceled
1:24:41 due to COVID 19.
1:24:42 » What are the wishes of the board? » Move to approve.
1:24:46 » Second. » Moved by Mr. Susan, seconded by Ms. Campbell.
1:24:49 Is there any discussion? Ms. Deskevich.
1:24:53 » I have real concerns with the recent activity from the
1:25:03 governor. Initially the order to
1:25:09 approve the board meeting was not in the order of the board to
1:25:28 approve the board meeting.
1:25:37 I think it was in the order of the board to approve the board
1:25:46 meeting, but it was in the
1:25:50 order of the board to approve the board meeting. I think it was
1:25:54 in the order of the board to
1:26:05 approve the board meeting and not come up with a quorum even
1:26:08 virtually. Then it would
1:26:09 give the superintendent the authority to keep things going in
1:26:13 the district. And in addition,
1:26:15 if he were to not be able to function, then it would delegate to
1:26:21 his deputy.
1:26:22 » I heard what you were thinking also. And when I went through
1:26:27 it, it specifically gives
1:26:29 us that three of us have to be incapacitated and there needs to
1:26:33 be some kind of a process
1:26:34 in place that in the event that the board can’t be answered,
1:26:37 that there is an opportunity
1:26:38 for the superintendent to continue. I did have some extreme
1:26:42 concern when I heard about
1:26:43 it at first, but then once I realized that it only triggers if
1:26:47 three of us are not able
1:26:48 to make it due to incapacitation, just like Ms. Belfort said,
1:26:51 that’s when I realized that
1:26:52 this was something that I could approve. » I hear what they’re
1:26:56 saying, but I don’t
1:26:57 see anything written that says that. Oh, this is so much louder
1:27:01 now. Thank you, sir. All
1:27:02 it says in the write-up here is the delegation of authority will
1:27:06 only be implemented if school
1:27:08 board meetings are canceled and expires upon the next occurrence
1:27:11 of a regular school board
1:27:12 meeting. It doesn’t say anything about – I don’t say anything
1:27:16 about what Ms. Belfort
1:27:17 is saying. » There is no attachment on here at the moment.
1:27:22 » Part of it also is that if we’re speaking that this is what
1:27:25 we approve, that is the
1:27:26 intent of what we’re saying. So if we say we are passing this
1:27:30 based upon what we think
1:27:31 to be three of us being incapacitated, that also becomes part of
1:27:35 the intent record.
1:27:36 » I’m not comfortable. There’s no attachment. It doesn’t say
1:27:39 those words. I’m not – I will
1:27:41 be voting no. » Dr. Mullins?
1:27:44 » If I’m – you know, this agenda, I just want to clarify my
1:27:50 position on the agenda
1:27:52 item. I don’t have a strong opinion that it is my hope and
1:27:57 expectation that it becomes
1:28:00 unnecessary to have such an arrangement. The item was put on the
1:28:05 agenda before the more
1:28:06 recent flexibility provided by the state to not have to have an
1:28:10 in-person quorum for the
1:28:11 board, that board members can call in or attend the board
1:28:16 meeting virtually, and their participation
1:28:20 counts towards voting rights on the board. So even if a board
1:28:25 member were to become ill
1:28:27 and couldn’t attend in person, they could attend virtually and
1:28:31 still render their vote
1:28:33 so we can maintain business. In the unlikely event that more
1:28:38 than three members of the
1:28:39 board became so incapacitated that they couldn’t participate
1:28:44 even remotely on a board meeting,
1:28:47 so I – that seems tremendously remote to me. But I am not – I
1:28:55 don’t – this is not
1:28:57 a – I like the accountability. I like the democracy of the
1:29:02 board voting on items. I
1:29:04 don’t have a strong position to insist that the board, you know,
1:29:09 provide – make this
1:29:11 provision. So if the board isn’t comfortable with the current
1:29:15 recommendation but interested
1:29:16 in other provisions that would ease the comfort of the board, we
1:29:21 could certainly work with
1:29:23 Mr. Gibbs on language and bring it back to the board at the next
1:29:26 board meeting.
1:29:27 Or we could just amend it to say exactly what you want it to say
1:29:30 now.
1:29:30 [ Inaudible ]
1:29:52 Or we can amend it to say it is to include the three that is not
1:29:56 in there and that can
1:29:57 be brought back to us.
1:29:58 Yeah, I’m – this is something I’m extremely passionate about. I
1:30:01 think I saw quickly the
1:30:04 board lose its entire authority in a matter of one order from
1:30:09 the governor and then reinstated
1:30:12 again and put – I’m very uncomfortable with this, that we’ve
1:30:15 been elected by the public.
1:30:17 It’s our form of government. I’m very proud of the way the state
1:30:20 of Florida does business
1:30:21 in running their education and something like this changes that.
1:30:26 It changes the people’s
1:30:28 oversight input and gets it all to one individual. Again, Dr.
1:30:34 Mullins, this is not about you
1:30:36 personally at all. It’s more about our authority and us turning
1:30:42 it over.
1:30:43 If I may, Madam Chair, I wanted to refer back to – refer us all
1:30:48 back to an email I sent.
1:30:49 Everyone last weekend did a little research on superintendent’s
1:30:52 emergency powers and that
1:30:53 might make us feel better about the situation with or without
1:30:56 this particular action. So
1:30:59 it’s policy 0132 and I just pulled out a section of it because
1:31:03 it includes lots of things on
1:31:05 our executive power but there is a section that says the
1:31:07 superintendent shall be delegated
1:31:09 the authority to take necessary action in circumstances not
1:31:12 provided for in board policy
1:31:14 provided that such action shall be reported to the board at the
1:31:17 next meeting following
1:31:18 such action. And the next paragraph states the superintendent in
1:31:21 cases of emergency may
1:31:23 suspend any part of these policies and/or procedures provided
1:31:26 that the superintendent
1:31:27 shall report the fact and the reasons for such suspension at the
1:31:31 next meeting of the
1:31:32 board and provided further that the suspension shall expire at
1:31:35 the time of said report unless
1:31:37 continued in effect by action of the board. So I’m assuming that
1:31:41 really it’s actually
1:31:42 kind of a redundant policy if, for example, the superintendent’s
1:31:48 need were to rise in
1:31:49 our certain circumstances that we’re in right now and we couldn’t
1:31:53 convene a board meeting
1:31:55 quickly enough following our sunshine laws that are still in
1:31:59 place, you know, emergency
1:32:01 meeting or whatever, this would give him the authority to go
1:32:05 ahead and approve let’s say
1:32:06 a purchase over $50,000 or something like that if it was
1:32:10 necessary and it would still
1:32:11 come back to us that we could does that make sense? So this
1:32:15 policy actually it kind of
1:32:18 makes this particular recommendation redundant it seems to me.
1:32:24 » It seems like it’s already taken care of in that policy.
1:32:27 » Right. » Mr. Susan.
1:32:29 » And thank you for that. I think where the difference between
1:32:33 the two is is that that
1:32:35 states that if we have another school board meeting that is
1:32:39 coming up and he can make
1:32:40 those decisions and move to that next school board meeting, the
1:32:42 only issue with that is
1:32:44 is that if there’s an issue where we can’t have a quorum, we
1:32:47 have emergency meetings,
1:32:48 we have issues that are coming up, we need to be able to have a
1:32:51 process in place if we
1:32:52 can’t have a quorum to be able to move the district. And that’s
1:32:56 when I heard that if
1:32:57 there were three of us that were not able to call in, that weren’t
1:33:01 able to attend,
1:33:02 that that is an extreme situation that as Dr. Mullen stated
1:33:06 earlier is such a low
1:33:07 probability but in the event that that happens we no longer have
1:33:11 a quorum for a meeting
1:33:12 in a couple of weeks. We may need to have emergency meetings
1:33:15 within a couple of days.
1:33:17 Situations could drastically get worse. So the opportunity to
1:33:22 fix that and to move
1:33:23 forward with a policy that gives our district the opportunity to
1:33:27 continue to move while
1:33:27 that’s going on I think is why I supported it. And I think that
1:33:32 if you look at that
1:33:33 policy that you were, or that statute that you were referring to,
1:33:36 it refers to the next
1:33:37 meeting but if there’s a situation where we can’t get a quorum
1:33:40 at this meeting or the
1:33:41 one in reference then you may not be able to get one at the next
1:33:44 meeting and there may
1:33:44 be a whole lot going on in between there that I would be
1:33:47 concerned about. I am also,
1:33:49 Ms. Deskovich, huge on having the people be represented. I just
1:33:54 know that there’s
1:33:55 some times in history where there needs to be an opportunity
1:33:58 when we cannot perform
1:34:00 matters that the district has an opportunity to continue to
1:34:03 perform theirs. That’s all.
1:34:05 I just wanted to say that.
1:34:07 Thank you Mr. Susan. Any additional board discussion?
1:34:13 Just to reiterate that what we’re voting on isn’t what Mr. Susan
1:34:19 is. So I feel like
1:34:20 this needs to be, okay well then I’ll let you.
1:34:25 Would you want to amend it this evening and then hash that out
1:34:29 this evening?
1:34:30 I would like to set intent that we do not want to pass this
1:34:34 policy unless it is that
1:34:34 three of us are incapacitated. It does not reference inside
1:34:37 there. So I would make a
1:34:38 motion, I’ll do it now, make a motion to amend this to include
1:34:42 that if three board
1:34:43 members are incapacitated that this would kick in.
1:34:50 May I?
1:34:51 We have a motion on the floor so we have to have a second before
1:34:54 we can open for discussion.
1:34:55 I will second.
1:34:56 So we have a second on the motion that will open for discussion.
1:35:00 Ms. Deskovich.
1:35:01 So that amendment is this plus that. You’re not overriding this.
1:35:06 You said to include.
1:35:08 So you want to pass this, not a policy, it’s an action? What
1:35:14 would this be called?
1:35:15 We’re not creating policy here. This is a, anybody?
1:35:22 It’s a signature authority.
1:35:25 Okay. That says that we will delegate authority only when school
1:35:35 board meetings are canceled
1:35:38 because, or also, like there’s a lot of, I’m very uncomfortable
1:35:44 with us moving forward
1:35:45 tonight with a lot of words. Usually we nitpick and fine tune
1:35:49 exactly what we want things
1:35:51 to say, especially when we’re going to change our whole, the way
1:35:57 money gets spent here.
1:35:58 I think we owe it to ourselves to put a little more thought into
1:36:02 this.
1:36:02 I would reference that Mr. Gibbs’s recommendation was to table
1:36:07 and refine, but I will leave
1:36:09 it up to you all to go the direction you would like to go.
1:36:11 Mr. Gibbs, at what point can you ask for a table when there’s a
1:36:14 motion and an amendment
1:36:15 on the floor?
1:36:16 We can, you can deny the amendment, come back to the original,
1:36:20 and then deny that and table
1:36:22 it.
1:36:23 There was a second.
1:36:24 There was a second, yeah.
1:36:33 I can’t make a motion to table right now because we have an open
1:36:38 motion, right?
1:36:40 You would vote to deny the amendment and then when it comes back
1:36:44 around to the other one,
1:36:46 you would table the original motion.
1:36:48 Madam Chair, before we close the discussion to vote on the
1:36:52 amendment or, you know, up
1:36:53 down or sideways, I just want to remind us that our next board
1:36:57 meeting, unless we have
1:36:59 an emergency meeting, is in three weeks.
1:37:04 Whatever we choose to do, just be reminded that things are
1:37:07 changing day by day.
1:37:08 Right.
1:37:09 And we just need to be comfortable with that if we put it off
1:37:12 for three weeks and something
1:37:14 were to happen and, you know, there’s something that we need to
1:37:18 get in a hurry, especially
1:37:19 regarding technology needs or whatever, it would be, we wouldn’t
1:37:22 have anything in place,
1:37:24 except for, we have policy 0132, which, and we’re certainly in a
1:37:29 state of emergency at
1:37:30 the time, you know, the superintendent could act under that
1:37:32 authority.
1:37:33 And may I state also that this is in reference to specifically
1:37:37 to the coronavirus.
1:37:38 Right.
1:37:39 It does not give a supreme authority for here on from all the
1:37:43 other issues that are coming
1:37:45 through, so.
1:37:48 Any additional board discussion before I call the question?
1:37:50 Can I go for a clarification on that amendment to Ms. Deskevich
1:37:56 and to include that when
1:37:57 we amend it, it is to include that this does not kick in unless
1:38:01 there are three incapacitated
1:38:03 board members.
1:38:04 So this would not kick in at all.
1:38:07 So not and, if, or, and everything else.
1:38:09 That is, this will not kick in unless my amendment says three
1:38:13 board members are incapacitated.
1:38:15 And then this kicks in only for the coronavirus in the event
1:38:19 that he needs to purchase things
1:38:22 that we can’t get together to give him the approval to do.
1:38:26 So when we were saying that we might be concerned about people
1:38:28 in the future, this is specific
1:38:30 to this one, to Dr. Mullins, to the next month.
1:38:36 It is and it isn’t, Mr. Susan, because what we’re approving is
1:38:39 not the discussion, we’re
1:38:40 approving the recommendation.
1:38:41 And the recommendation simply reads delegate the school board of
1:38:44 Brevard County, Florida’s
1:38:45 approval and signature authority under board policy 6320
1:38:48 procurement and contracting to
1:38:50 the superintendent or designee in the event school board
1:38:53 meetings are canceled.
1:38:54 So, I think that’s where the issue is, is that we’re approving
1:38:59 or denying the recommendation,
1:39:01 not the discussion item and there’s a lack of clarity in the
1:39:04 recommendation.
1:39:05 - Right, where it references in response to, it gives that
1:39:10 intent to in response to this
1:39:12 is coming.
1:39:13 - Only in the discussion though.
1:39:14 - Right.
1:39:15 - Not on the–
1:39:16 - And if we approve, they’re gonna come back with it cleaned up
1:39:19 for us at the next meeting.
1:39:21 - Yeah.
1:39:22 - Any additional discussion?
1:39:24 - Again, why do we need any of this if this happens, he can
1:39:27 invoke that policy at any
1:39:29 time, is that correct, Mr. Gibbs?
1:39:30 - I think it’s important that we make sure Mr. Gibbs’
1:39:42 microphone is working just because I don’t want there to be any
1:39:44 question of what was
1:39:45 stated.
1:39:46 - Right.
1:39:47 - Can we, it’s not working.
1:39:50 - It’s not.
1:39:52 - Ms. Campbell, can you share your microphone with Mr. Gibbs?
1:39:56 - I know, I’ve been breathing on it all night.
1:40:01 - Hold on, let’s model our.
1:40:16 - Thank you to our tech staff for keeping us all straight this
1:40:19 evening.
1:40:20 - Yes.
1:40:21 - All right, are we good?
1:40:22 - Yes, better.
1:40:23 - All right, Mr. Gibbs.
1:40:24 - Thank you, sir.
1:40:25 - All right, the emergency does kick in there, and he can do it.
1:40:30 I had it up.
1:40:32 It does provide for suspension of any part of the policies and
1:40:39 procedures.
1:40:40 I think the concern is if it only applies to the emergency, ‘cause
1:40:46 it says in the event
1:40:47 of an emergency, what qualifies under the emergency proceeding,
1:40:50 you know, purchasing
1:40:51 authority there is I think the concern from purchasing.
1:40:55 Would it include like bids that have federal deadlines that aren’t
1:40:59 waived, not necessarily
1:41:01 related to the emergency, it’s general business that needs to
1:41:04 take place.
1:41:05 I think that was what they were looking to encompass in there if
1:41:09 the board’s not able
1:41:10 to meet, so if it’s not directly related to the emergency, if he
1:41:14 doesn’t need to make
1:41:15 a purchase only for the emergency, it’s general business, would
1:41:19 it be covered by that policy
1:41:20 is the question they had.
1:41:23 I don’t really have an answer whether it would cover every
1:41:26 single purchase the district wanted
1:41:28 outside of an emergency, so if we had a deadline that was gonna
1:41:31 save the district $12 million,
1:41:34 but it’s not an emergency related item, can the superintendent
1:41:39 invoke that policy to purchase
1:41:42 that versus, you know, if you grant him the authority to and
1:41:46 then bring it back to the
1:41:47 board when it can meet again for final approval, it wouldn’t
1:41:51 hold up those types of purchases.
1:41:54 I would think a state of emergency declared by our governor and
1:41:57 by our president would
1:41:58 put anything under, you know, can be qualified under emergency,
1:42:03 but not only that, it puts
1:42:04 the superintendent in a position where he’s very careful, where
1:42:09 he is gonna double, triple,
1:42:10 quadruple check because he’s not only gonna be questioned on the
1:42:14 purchase and the signature,
1:42:16 he’s also now gonna want to make sure that it falls in the
1:42:20 emergency category.
1:42:21 So, I’m holding my ground on this one.
1:42:25 » So, I will remind the board that we have motions on the floor
1:42:29 to approve the amendment
1:42:31 that Mr. Susan brought forward.
1:42:34 Lacking further discussion on the amendment specifically, I will
1:42:38 call the vote.
1:42:39 » If you give me one moment.
1:42:53 Yes, in the interest of time, let’s.
1:42:55 » All right.
1:42:56 All in favor of the amendment?
1:42:58 » Aye.
1:43:00 » All opposed?
1:43:01 » No.
1:43:02 » Nay.
1:43:04 » The motion fails three to two.
1:43:09 At this point, we’re back on the original recommendation to
1:43:12 delegate the School Board
1:43:13 of Broward County, Florida’s approval and signature authority
1:43:16 under board policy 6320.
1:43:17 What are the wishes of the board?
1:43:20 » Move to approve.
1:43:23 » Second.
1:43:24 » Open for discussion.
1:43:27 » I have a question here.
1:43:35 So, and this is my fault.
1:43:37 Do we have a policy in place that has chain of command if
1:43:41 something should happen to the
1:43:43 superintendent that is in our policy?
1:43:48 This is unusual circumstances right now.
1:43:51 This is not business as usual.
1:43:54 And of course, we are his boss, so if he does something screwy,
1:43:59 we have – there are repercussions.
1:44:02 But I want to make sure that we’re not hanging out there in case
1:44:06 something should happen.
1:44:08 I do not foresee three of us being incapacitated.
1:44:11 I would be very, very surprised if three of us was incapacitated.
1:44:16 But I just want to make sure that we do in case there’s
1:44:19 something that we need that needs
1:44:20 to be purchased, and for whatever reason, three of us are not
1:44:24 around, that we can move forward.
1:44:28 » Mr. Gibbs, can I ask a quick question?
1:44:30 This, as it stands, does not include the three-member incapacitation,
1:44:35 correct?
1:44:36 » It just covers as written if the board cannot meet.
1:44:40 So, if you – now, the executive order waives physical quorum.
1:44:44 It does not waive any other sunshine requirements.
1:44:47 If the board can meet virtually, but we do not have a mechanism
1:44:51 in place for public comment,
1:44:53 you cannot hold that meeting.
1:44:56 The governor did not waive any other requirement of the sunshine
1:45:00 other than physical quorum.
1:45:03 So, you have to make sure you have a virtual quorum, so at least
1:45:07 three board members are available,
1:45:09 and you have a mechanism in place to allow public comment.
1:45:12 I don’t know how difficult that is to set up.
1:45:15 I know other districts are discussing multiple different options,
1:45:18 including allowing them to call in to a number, and then they
1:45:22 put them on the air with call-ins.
1:45:23 That might suffice, so it might be an easy answer.
1:45:26 I cannot answer that – how easy it would be to arrange for our
1:45:29 district.
1:45:30 But it would – right now, it would cover everything if the
1:45:34 board can’t meet.
1:45:35 If the governor simply says, “Everybody’s staying home,” if the
1:45:38 public isn’t allowed to come to a board meeting,
1:45:40 and we don’t have a mechanism for them to communicate from home,
1:45:46 you cannot have a meeting.
1:45:48 Ms. McDougall’s question, though, was, “Is there the chain of
1:45:52 command for Dr. Mullins?”
1:45:53 I think if you’re a man down, who then takes over your role?
1:45:58 And I think that’s the deputy.
1:46:00 Designee, according to policy.
1:46:02 He can designee anyone, correct? And it’s usually the deputy.
1:46:08 Ms. Campbell, I think you were trying to speak.
1:46:10 Yes, I wanted just to point back to the recommendation right now,
1:46:14 which is school board meetings are canceled, and technically
1:46:16 that was issued last week.
1:46:17 All school board meetings are canceled to the end of the fiscal
1:46:20 year.
1:46:20 Am I remembering that order?
1:46:21 I know there’s been recommendations since then, and we can call
1:46:24 emergency meetings.
1:46:25 Tonight necessarily wasn’t necessarily an emergency meeting,
1:46:28 but there were definitely timely things that needed to be done
1:46:30 because we have deadlines and due dates for different things
1:46:34 that we were voting on tonight,
1:46:35 and they took most of the nonessential things off.
1:46:40 But the governor did say in the executive order, school board –
1:46:45 or maybe it was a DOE recommendation, I can’t remember.
1:46:47 We’ve had a lot of things in the last week.
1:46:49 School board meetings are canceled.
1:46:51 So unless we have a really good reason to have one, and we
1:46:55 probably will,
1:46:56 because we’ve got construction projects coming up, things that
1:46:59 can’t wait,
1:46:59 we just need to consider that it’s very likely, what Mr. Gibbs
1:47:03 said a little while ago,
1:47:04 that we get in a situation where we can’t have a school board
1:47:07 meeting.
1:47:08 I just wouldn’t put it past our uncertain future.
1:47:11 [inaudible]
1:47:24 I am more comfortable with Ms. Belford being the designee
1:47:27 because she is at least elected by the people and then elected
1:47:30 by us to be chair.
1:47:32 I’m more comfortable with giving her that authority on our
1:47:36 behalf
1:47:36 than I am on an appointed position.
1:47:40 I don’t know if we want to go down that right this minute, but
1:47:43 that’s my opinion.
1:47:46 Mr. Gibbs, is that a feasible request from Ms. Duskovich?
1:47:53 I’m not motioning to amend – is that your third one you’ve
1:47:57 burned through?
1:47:58 You are a chatterbox tonight.
1:48:03 I’m not asking for an amendment yet.
1:48:05 I’m saying is that even in the realm of consideration?
1:48:08 You basically want to say we’re going to grant the chair
1:48:11 temporary ability
1:48:13 to approve these brought to the chair by staff or the
1:48:17 superintendent.
1:48:18 I think you could.
1:48:20 You can’t hear him still?
1:48:22 Me?
1:48:23 Him?
1:48:24 Okay.
1:48:25 I think it’s working now, right?
1:48:26 Yes.
1:48:27 He just got his third mic.
1:48:29 It brought me a new one.
1:48:31 Okay.
1:48:34 So I think you can designate the chair if you wanted to,
1:48:37 and then it would come to the next board meeting for –
1:48:40 For everyone to approve after that.
1:48:42 Right, the next available board meeting, if that’s the route you
1:48:44 wanted to go.
1:48:45 And if the chair is not, then the vice chair, and if the vice
1:48:48 chair is not, then who?
1:48:51 I actually think – no insult to the chair.
1:48:54 The vice chair would actually be less comfortable with that
1:48:57 situation
1:48:58 as the recommendation stands right now.
1:49:00 And honestly, if we’re kind of all done, I’d call the question.
1:49:08 So I’m going to remind the board that what we are voting on
1:49:13 right now
1:49:14 is the recommendation to delegate our approval and signature
1:49:23 authority to the superintendent.
1:49:26 So in the event that you would like to request an amendment to
1:49:30 this in any way, shape, or form,
1:49:34 then we would need to vote down the approval, or we would need
1:49:39 to have a motion to amend.
1:49:42 And I can remove my call to question if someone was interested
1:49:48 in tabling it.
1:49:49 Can I motion to table now, or do we have to wait until we vote?
1:49:52 You can move to table it.
1:49:54 I move to table to a unnamed future date. Is that the correct
1:49:58 way?
1:49:59 You can do unnamed, which would just be tabled.
1:50:02 You just want to table it, or you can table it for a date
1:50:05 certain.
1:50:06 Could she table it for no later than April 14th in the event
1:50:10 that we need to have an emergency meeting
1:50:12 before our next scheduled meeting?
1:50:14 That’s fine.
1:50:16 I move to table it no later than April 14th. Is that the
1:50:20 scheduled date?
1:50:21 I move to table it no later than April 14th.
1:50:24 All right. So I have an amendment, or I have a motion on the
1:50:29 table to table this particular item
1:50:32 until no later than April 14th is very second.
1:50:43 Seeing no second, the motion fails.
1:50:47 Which puts us back on the original motion to delegate the
1:50:52 signature authority per the agenda.
1:50:57 What are the wishes of the board?
1:51:02 You can vote on that one.
1:51:05 Oh, we already have the motion standing on that one.
1:51:07 Okay, so then I will call the question on delegating the school
1:51:15 board of Brevard County, Florida’s approval
1:51:16 and signature authority under board policy 6320 in the event
1:51:20 school board meetings are canceled.
1:51:22 Can I ask a point of clarification who would cancel the school
1:51:29 board meetings?
1:51:31 It would be the superintendent or the governor?
1:51:36 So the governor now cancels off hours, and this would allow you
1:51:42 in the event that the governor
1:51:43 cancels off our school board meetings, you to do your
1:51:46 procurement and everything else.
1:51:49 That’s what this is, correct?
1:51:51 That’s what I understand, Mr. Gibbs.
1:51:53 Yes, or if there is no quorum.
1:51:55 If the event arose where we could not hold a meeting because
1:52:00 three of you were incapacitated in some form,
1:52:03 it would cover that as well.
1:52:05 Or if we couldn’t have public comment.
1:52:07 Right, if we couldn’t.
1:52:09 If a meeting is canceled, if we cannot hold meetings for any
1:52:13 reason,
1:52:13 it would give that authority to move business forward until the
1:52:17 next board meeting.
1:52:18 That expires upon the next scheduled board meeting, per the
1:52:23 language.
1:52:24 As it sits right now, if you voted yes, it would give him
1:52:28 authority from now,
1:52:29 if we don’t have one virtually, through a minimum June 30th.
1:52:33 And if we have a meeting in July, we would have to vote on
1:52:36 everything that he approved in those months.
1:52:39 A lot of damage can be done.
1:52:46 And I would also make the argument back that a lot of damage
1:52:50 could be done to all of our procurement,
1:52:52 all of our contracts, all of our construction,
1:52:54 all of the things that we have, opening of schools and
1:52:56 everything else.
1:52:57 So it’s a balance between the two in that I understand that the
1:53:01 fear is there,
1:53:02 but at the same time, if the governor calls it, if we can’t get
1:53:06 the meeting,
1:53:06 the district needs to continue to run.
1:53:11 If I may, because I’m starting to lose my mind a little bit here.
1:53:19 I think there are very valid arguments on both sides of this
1:53:22 issue,
1:53:22 and my recommendation would be that someone put forward an
1:53:25 amendment to modify the language here,
1:53:28 so that we could be comfortable with it.
1:53:31 Because I understand we don’t want to hastily put language
1:53:35 together,
1:53:36 but Mr. Susan is correct in that we could be in a real bind if
1:53:41 we did not have the availability to have a meeting
1:53:44 and something needed to happen.
1:53:46 And Ms. Duskovich is very correct in my opinion as well that
1:53:51 there’s an awful lot of leeway there,
1:53:53 especially in today’s political climate and executive orders
1:53:57 coming down.
1:53:58 Not that any of us have concerns about Dr. Mullins,
1:54:00 but I think we do have concerns about that delegation of
1:54:04 authority.
1:54:05 We have taken an oath to serve the people of the state of
1:54:08 Florida, right?
1:54:09 And so I think there are legitimate concerns.
1:54:14 Mr. Gibbs, is it appropriate for general counsel to make a
1:54:19 recommendation on the verbiage of a motion
1:54:22 based on your understanding of the wishes of the board?
1:54:26 I can try and put something together if you wish, but I think
1:54:29 that’s fine.
1:54:30 Can I ask a question? If we put in temporary, does that help at
1:54:36 all?
1:54:37 Does it say temporary? I didn’t miss that, obviously.
1:54:47 It says temporarily delegate its approval and signature
1:54:52 authority.
1:54:53 It’s only implemented if school board meetings are canceled and
1:55:00 expires upon the next occurrence of a regular school board
1:55:00 meeting.
1:55:00 So if the superintendent, this is for you, Mr. Gibbs,
1:55:03 if the superintendent signed a contract for $1 million that was
1:55:07 a year-long contract during this period of time,
1:55:10 we didn’t meet for a few months as it would be set up right now.
1:55:14 We’d meet in July. What is our recourse?
1:55:17 It’s now been signed by someone we gave authority to and the
1:55:20 money spent.
1:55:21 What recourse do we have at that point if we have to sit down to
1:55:24 approve that then in July?
1:55:26 It would have to be ratified under these terms, so if it goes
1:55:30 there, we would have to add something to that contract
1:55:33 if the board was unable to meet for any reason that says it will
1:55:36 be approved by the board upon the next regularly scheduled.
1:55:39 So they would go into it knowing it could be pulled back.
1:55:43 And that we would have to get a company to give us back $1
1:55:45 million in three months of service?
1:55:47 Usually you don’t pay in advance, so it would be how far along
1:55:51 are they given the current environment that we are in in
1:55:55 performance.
1:55:56 So normally you don’t just write a check today for $1 million
1:55:59 upon approval and then wait for them to perform the services.
1:56:04 In all likelihood, what this is more likely to be is something
1:56:07 that’s consumable.
1:56:08 We would have already used it up.
1:56:12 If we needed emergency supplies or something, emergency order of
1:56:18 food to hand out to students,
1:56:19 and he spent $1 million, then there’s not much we can do.
1:56:24 I just would like to remind the board, if you all remember,
1:56:27 before any of us were on the board,
1:56:28 the $8 million vote that went down, that the board members weren’t
1:56:32 even clear on what they were voting for,
1:56:34 that staff declared it was an emergency because we were going to
1:56:37 lose our software system.
1:56:39 It devastated this district monetarily for quite some time into
1:56:45 the years that I got on the board,
1:56:46 and we had to settle with that company.
1:56:48 I have that in the forefront of my mind as this is going on.
1:56:52 Staff convinced that superintendent before my time, like I said,
1:56:56 that it was urgent and it needed to be done.
1:56:58 That was a lot of money committed for a long time that we never
1:57:02 saw anything for.
1:57:03 So that’s what’s in my mind, is people are panicking and making
1:57:08 decisions,
1:57:09 and this gives up our authority that we’ve been elected to do to
1:57:12 have oversight,
1:57:13 and I’m just not comfortable in any fashion at this point.
1:57:20 » Mr. Gibbs, if I can ask for clarification, our recommendation
1:57:25 here is what we’re actually voting on,
1:57:26 but you and Mr. Susan have referenced items in the discussion
1:57:34 section.
1:57:35 Do the items – like, for example, it says shall seek
1:57:41 ratification of any procurement items
1:57:42 proved using this delegation authority at the next regularly
1:57:45 scheduled school board meeting.
1:57:47 That is not actually in our written-up recommendation.
1:57:53 Do you feel that by voting we are by default approving the
1:57:58 elements of the discussion item,
1:58:01 or are we simply approving the recommendation?
1:58:10 » I would incorporate – I would amend at the very minimum to
1:58:14 incorporate items in the discussion item.
1:58:19 If that’s the way you want to go. I know there was also talk of
1:58:24 recommending an amendment
1:58:25 to incorporate the language here discussed tonight.
1:58:28 I mean, you could change – you could amend to incorporate the
1:58:33 discussion language
1:58:34 and then add to it if you would like to – if you want it to be
1:58:39 incapacitation,
1:58:40 you could add in the event school – only be implemented if
1:58:44 school board meetings are canceled
1:58:47 and/or due to incapacity of school board members preventing a
1:58:52 school board meeting,
1:58:54 and then it would continue on as written. You could go that
1:58:59 route as well.
1:59:00 But I think at a minimum, if you’re concerned with implementing
1:59:04 that language in the discussion item,
1:59:07 I would amend to incorporate the discussion item language into
1:59:25 the motion.
1:59:29 » Madam Chair. » Do you wordsmith it, Ms. Campbell?
1:59:38 » No, I would just simply recommend an amendment that we
1:59:42 include in our vote, in the recommendation,
1:59:45 the language from the discussion. So Pam can copy/paste that
1:59:51 later.
1:59:51 And also to add to the language in the discussion that says this
1:59:57 delegation of authority
1:59:58 is going to be implemented if school board meetings are canceled
2:00:02 or there is –
2:00:06 because of incapacity of school board members, we are not able
2:00:13 to hold that.
2:00:16 That was – I think that’s what he just said, but I don’t think
2:00:20 I said it as well.
2:00:21 » If the governor cancels, if the school board members are
2:00:23 incapacitated –
2:00:24 » I think it needs to be or, right, because their school board
2:00:28 canceled.
2:00:29 That means the governor can cancel them or it can be we can’t
2:00:32 have one because we –
2:00:34 » The governor cancels if the school board members are incapacitated
2:00:37 or if under current guidelines people cannot have public
2:00:40 speaking.
2:00:41 » Thank you. Or under current guidelines, you know, the
2:00:44 sunshine, the way the rules are,
2:00:45 unless we cannot hold a meeting in the sunshine that we can vote
2:00:48 due to lack of public comment.
2:00:51 » And we can also add, just for the purpose of this discussion,
2:00:55 the time certain on this not to include after a certain date.
2:01:00 This says June 30, but we can also say under the current
2:01:03 situations of coronavirus.
2:01:05 » Right, you could add it expires upon the state of emergency
2:01:09 being lifted.
2:01:10 » Right.
2:01:11 » And as soon as that lifts, the state of emergency.
2:01:13 » So that gives it specific to this scope of what we’re looking
2:01:17 at.
2:01:18 » All right. So can I amend my amendment?
2:01:21 » Make a –
2:01:22 » It’s getting long.
2:01:23 » Have Mr. season make a friendly amendment.
2:01:26 » Okay.
2:01:27 » Can I make a friendly amendment to – I’d like to make a
2:01:30 motion to friendly amend
2:01:32 to only accept this if the governor makes it to where we can’t
2:01:37 meet,
2:01:37 if the school board members are incapacitated or if there is not
2:01:41 public comment being allowed to be made,
2:01:44 and specific to the current state of the emergency for the coronavirus.
2:01:52 » But do you want to include about the language in the
2:01:55 discussion, right?
2:01:56 » Discussion language.
2:01:57 » And the discussion language.
2:01:59 » Yeah, that was already in hers. He was just adding to hers.
2:02:03 So if she accepts it, she needs to accept it.
2:02:06 » Can we tweak yours to say – because let’s say things get all
2:02:10 crazy.
2:02:11 The way you specifically worded it was we couldn’t have public
2:02:14 comment.
2:02:14 There may come a time where the governor even suspends that
2:02:17 because we have to have business
2:02:18 and it’s not possible. I’m not anticipating that.
2:02:20 » So peel off the public comment.
2:02:22 » Right. But we can’t have a meeting – we have a meeting that
2:02:25 we can’t vote
2:02:26 or we can’t vote because of sunshine law as it stands at the
2:02:30 time.
2:02:30 » Yep. There it is.
2:02:33 » Did you get all that, Ms. Escobar?
2:02:35 » It’s on the recording.
2:02:37 » I’m just going to watch it back 12 times to get it.
2:02:40 » Do you accept the friendly amendment?
2:02:42 » I do.
2:02:44 » So you need a second.
2:02:45 » Second that one.
2:02:47 » So we have the friendly amendment offered and accepted and
2:02:51 seconded.
2:02:53 So Ms. Escobar, are you prepared for me to voice vote on the
2:03:00 amendment as presented?
2:03:04 » I would feel better if it were stated again.
2:03:08 » Mr. Gibbs, can you please state?
2:03:10 » Can I what?
2:03:11 » Can you please state the intent of the amendment?
2:03:16 » Aren’t you glad that you’re here with us tonight, Mr. Gibbs?
2:03:19 » I can try.
2:03:20 » We’re so happy you are.
2:03:21 » The amendment is to incorporate the language from the
2:03:26 discussion item adding to it that it says –
2:03:37 » In the event school board meetings are canceled by the
2:03:40 governor due to incapacitation
2:03:44 of board members or the inability to legally hold public
2:03:48 hearings in the sunshine during
2:03:51 the pendency of the state of emergency from the governor in
2:03:57 executive order 20-52.
2:04:00 » I’m getting a head shake from Ms. Escobar.
2:04:04 Any additional discussion?
2:04:06 I will call the question.
2:04:07 Do you need a voice vote, Ms. Escobar?
2:04:09 All right.
2:04:10 All in favor say aye.
2:04:12 » Aye.
2:04:13 » All opposed?
2:04:14 » Nay.
2:04:15 » And the motion passes four to one.
2:04:18 » That is for the amendment, right?
2:04:20 » That is for the amendment.
2:04:22 Yes.
2:04:23 For the amendment that Mr. Gibbs – he’s gone through another
2:04:27 microphone already.
2:04:28 Amazing.
2:04:30 Four microphones.
2:04:31 » What they say about attorneys is true.
2:04:35 » Okay.
2:04:44 So we’re back voting on the actual agenda item.
2:04:49 Mr. Gibbs, or we’re done with that?
2:04:51 » You approved the amendment, so we’re good.
2:04:54 » We don’t have to go back to approve the –
2:04:56 » It was amended.
2:04:57 » Okay.
2:04:58 » So the item is approved as amended.
2:05:01 » Thank heavens.
2:05:03 Okay.
2:05:04 Next, we have two information items.
2:05:07 While we won’t take action on these items this evening, they may
2:05:11 come back to us at
2:05:12 a later meeting for a vote.
2:05:14 Does any board member wish to discuss either of these items?
2:05:20 » Ms. Belford.
2:05:22 » Ms. Escobar.
2:05:23 » I’m not going to say much.
2:05:25 I just – for those that are watching and maybe don’t have the
2:05:28 agenda in front of them,
2:05:29 I just want us to be very public about the process with the half-cent
2:05:34 sales tax.
2:05:35 This is not approving that we are trying to put this on the
2:05:39 ballot at this point, which
2:05:41 wouldn’t come before us until April anyway.
2:05:43 But this is the first sign, I think, that the district is
2:05:47 looking in this direction,
2:05:49 and this is – the information item is just sending – it’s
2:05:53 getting us prepared to vote
2:05:55 next month to send the ballot language for approval from OPAGA.
2:05:59 So it’s very early stages, but I just want to make sure the
2:06:03 public is aware that this
2:06:05 is on there.
2:06:07 » I appreciate that, Ms. Deskevich.
2:06:09 And Dr. Mullins, I know you and I spoke a little bit earlier
2:06:12 about this.
2:06:13 Did you want to speak to this item?
2:06:15 Is there anything that you would like to address?
2:06:17 » Well, I’ll just speak to the – in the – and I would draw
2:06:20 the public to the agenda
2:06:21 item description – or excuse me, discussion – it clearly
2:06:25 outlines what the process is
2:06:27 that’s required for the board to consider bringing forward to
2:06:32 the voters of Brevard
2:06:34 County the continuation or extension of the half-cent sales tax.
2:06:39 And the requirement is, is that the resolution be presented to
2:06:45 OPAGA at least 180 days prior
2:06:48 to the referendum.
2:06:49 So the 180-day period is approaching at the end of April.
2:06:55 So that’s why it’s coming before the board for information at
2:06:58 this meeting, and it is
2:07:00 scheduled to come before the board for approval at the next
2:07:04 meeting to then be submitted to
2:07:05 OPAGA to meet that requirement.
2:07:07 Then there would be another board action required to approve it
2:07:13 to be presented to the Brevard
2:07:15 County Commission for then to be taken to the supervisor of
2:07:22 elections.
2:07:23 So there are – you know, to Ms. Deskevich’s point, there are
2:07:27 additional board actions
2:07:28 required before this would go before voters in November.
2:07:36 » Additional board comment?
2:07:38 Ms. Campbell.
2:07:40 » We’ll have more discussion about the half-cent sales tax
2:07:42 itself, but I think it would be
2:07:43 later, but I think it would be good to explain to the public
2:07:47 what exactly what OPAGA is and
2:07:49 what they do and why we have to do that.
2:07:52 » Sure.
2:07:53 OPAGA stands for – I got to read it because I won’t get it
2:07:57 right.
2:07:58 Is the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
2:08:01 Accountability.
2:08:02 Mr. Gibbs, you chime in here, but essentially if a referendum is
2:08:07 coming before voters for
2:08:09 extension, then if it is significantly different than what came
2:08:15 before the voters originally,
2:08:18 then it would potentially qualify for an audit by OPAGA, which
2:08:25 would have to be completed
2:08:27 and published to the public before the referendum.
2:08:31 » Right. It requires an audit when it’s first initiated and
2:08:37 then for renewals if it is not
2:08:39 significantly different from the version that was in place the
2:08:43 December before the vote,
2:08:44 then it does not require an audit.
2:08:46 We want to make sure we’re safe if the board decides to go
2:08:49 forward.
2:08:50 So we’re trying to get it in line and we want an opinion from OPAGA
2:08:54 that it doesn’t need
2:08:55 an audit so that there’s no questions later on once the deadline
2:08:59 is passed.
2:09:00 I would take this opportunity to remind the board a couple of
2:09:03 things.
2:09:04 One, we engaged in some pretty robust discussion in January when
2:09:08 Ms. Hand presented the current
2:09:12 status of our facility needs assessment related to the projects
2:09:17 that had already been completed
2:09:18 as a result of the current sales tax initiative.
2:09:23 And also that the ICOC, the Independent Citizens Oversight
2:09:28 Committee, provides an annual report
2:09:31 to the board per their direction of their oversight of all of
2:09:36 the expenditures related
2:09:38 to the sales tax.
2:09:40 And thirdly, we have the sales tax expenditures, projects and
2:09:47 procurement audited twice a year
2:09:50 by an external auditor, that’s done by RSM McGladry, and that is
2:09:55 presented not only to
2:09:57 the board but also to our audit committee after each audit.
2:10:01 We just completed the ninth audit for the current duration of
2:10:06 the sales surtax and received
2:10:08 three green checks, again, from RSM related to those areas that
2:10:15 I mentioned with the sales
2:10:18 surtax.
2:10:19 So, it is without any reservation that we are presenting this to
2:10:25 OPAGA with any concerns
2:10:27 about an audit.
2:10:28 We certainly would, you know, if they determined that that is
2:10:31 required, we certainly welcome
2:10:32 that process.
2:10:33 But ultimately, we’re on a timeline requirement of the 180 days.
2:10:39 That’s what’s bringing us to the place at this meeting that is
2:10:42 coming before the board
2:10:43 for information.
2:10:44 » Any additional board discussion?
2:10:50 Okay.
2:10:51 Does any board member have anything further to report beyond the
2:10:55 information items?
2:10:56 Reminding you that we still have item F10 that we are going to
2:11:01 come back to when we
2:11:03 stop filming.
2:11:04 Any board member have anything further to report?
2:11:07 » Just one thing.
2:11:09 Just one thing.
2:11:11 I don’t think we mentioned it and it’s almost end of March.
2:11:15 But it is national social work month.
2:11:18 And I want to thank all of our social workers in our schools who
2:11:22 work very hard to remove
2:11:23 barriers that prevent any of our students from getting an
2:11:26 education.
2:11:27 So, thank you very much to our social workers.
2:11:29 » Thank you, Ms. McDougall, for reminding us all of that.
2:11:32 We appreciate it.
2:11:33 All right.
2:11:34 Dr. Mullins, do you have anything else you wish to add to the
2:11:37 discussion this evening?
2:11:38 » I do, because inevitably when we recognize folks and we give
2:11:45 thanks and kudos and so
2:11:46 on, we inevitably and unintentionally leave folks out.
2:11:53 And I don’t know that we left them out, but I want to call them
2:11:57 out explicitly.
2:11:58 Going back to our opening conversation about the work that has
2:12:02 been done to support the
2:12:03 district, support our teachers, support our staff in preparation
2:12:07 for our distance learning
2:12:09 launch on Monday.
2:12:11 Our resource teachers, our technology specialists, the
2:12:15 curriculum that you saw in the presentation,
2:12:18 the resources that are being provided online for our teachers
2:12:22 across the district, that
2:12:24 has been orchestrated, developed, put together by I wish I could
2:12:29 say it was an army.
2:12:31 It’s really a very modest number of resource teachers and
2:12:35 content specialists.
2:12:37 But, again, they gave up their time in many cases over spring
2:12:42 break and even this week.
2:12:45 So, our – and all of that has had – you know, we take for
2:12:50 granted what we put on our
2:12:52 website just magically appears, right?
2:12:56 That doesn’t happen magically.
2:12:58 It’s through the support of ET and community relations and
2:13:01 making sure that links go where
2:13:03 they’re supposed to.
2:13:04 Not just one time, but every time.
2:13:07 And I was recently enlightened after a very extensive discussion
2:13:15 around cabinet meeting.
2:13:18 And Mr. Cheatham graciously and humbly met with me afterwards
2:13:24 and he said, sir, I just
2:13:26 need to remind you that that 90 minutes of discussion of about
2:13:30 five different things
2:13:32 involve five different departments except one.
2:13:36 That was ET.
2:13:37 Because everything that was discussed comes back to ET to be
2:13:41 supported and orchestrated.
2:13:43 And so, I just – I inevitably am going to miss some of the
2:13:49 folks I should be recognizing
2:13:52 again, but the layers and the extension of the work that’s been
2:13:57 done can’t be overstated.
2:13:59 And just so appreciative of the selfless dedication of our
2:14:04 employees across our schools and across
2:14:08 this building as well and appreciate the indulgence of the board
2:14:12 to recognize them.
2:14:13 » Absolutely.
2:14:14 Thank you for making sure that we’re getting all those people
2:14:17 included.
2:14:17 We appreciate it.
2:14:19 Okay, any – » Can we just give a shout out to custodians?
2:14:24 Like, they are clean and like mad people everywhere.
2:14:26 Every inch, sanitizing.
2:14:28 » Absolutely.
2:14:29 » I know.
2:14:30 We’re forgetting people, but – » Yeah.
2:14:32 Thank you.
2:14:33 » There.
2:14:34 There.
2:14:35 And, you know, Ms. Escobar and all of the adjustments that she’s
2:14:41 made and I really don’t
2:14:43 think that we can point to a single person in this district that
2:14:49 has not just achieved
2:14:51 Herculean progress in the past week or so.
2:14:57 So, we absolutely appreciate each and every one of you.
2:15:01 Any additional discussion?
2:15:03 All right.
2:15:04 At this point, I’m going to call a recess in the meeting so that
2:15:08 we can go offline to
2:15:09 have discussion regarding student discipline on the item that
2:15:12 was pulled from the consent
2:15:13 agenda.
2:15:14 So, I will recess at this point so that our team can take us
2:15:20 offline as far as recording.
2:15:23 » All right.
2:15:24 And our board meeting for March 24th, 2020 is back in session.
2:15:28 After discussion of the pulled agenda item, there being no
2:15:31 further business this evening,
2:15:33 I will officially adjourn the meeting.
2:15:34 Have a great night.
2:15:35 » I’m going to go save some chicken.
2:16:05 [ Music ]