2020-03-24 - School Board meeting, pt. 1

0:00 (upbeat music)

0:30 (upbeat music continues)

16:00 (gavel bangs)

16:01 - Good evening.

16:02 I’m calling the March 24th, 2020 school board meeting

16:05 to order.

16:06 As you are all aware,

16:07 social distancing has been initiated

16:09 as a means to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

16:13 Thank you for your patience in this unprecedented time.

16:16 The overarching goals for tonight’s meeting

16:18 are safety for the board, staff, and the public,

16:21 continuity of district business, and public participation.

16:25 Based on these goals,

16:26 we’re asking that anyone who wishes to watch

16:28 and listen to the board meeting consider doing so remotely.

16:31 For our first board meeting

16:32 under social distancing parameters,

16:34 all members of the public who come to the meeting

16:36 will be able to watch and listen to the board meeting

16:38 from the front courtyard only,

16:40 which is outside of the building.

16:42 If you wish to address the board under public comment,

16:44 please come into the lobby as directed by a deputy or staff,

16:48 keeping distance between you and the next person.

16:51 You will be asked to provide the same information

16:53 you would normally provide on the public comment card

16:55 to the staff member seated at the table.

16:58 Once you’ve registered,

16:59 you’ll be asked to wait outside in the front courtyard

17:02 until your name is called to enter the boardroom.

17:05 When your name is called,

17:06 you will be escorted into the boardroom

17:08 where you may speak for up to three minutes.

17:11 Please stand where directed

17:12 and do not touch the podium or microphone.

17:15 After you have spoken,

17:16 you will be escorted back to the front courtyard.

17:19 Only one member of the public at a time

17:21 will be allowed in the boardroom.

17:23 Although this process may be awkward

17:25 and take a bit more time,

17:26 we are trying to keep the process

17:27 about the same as it typically is,

17:30 but within the guidelines of social distancing.

17:32 This process will conclude once the public comment item

17:36 on the agenda is complete.

17:38 The board appreciates your patience and understanding.

17:40 While this process is not ideal,

17:42 we are in uncertain times and want to keep safety in mind

17:45 while we continue operations,

17:47 including public participation in our board meetings.

17:50 After tonight’s board meeting,

17:52 we will evaluate how this process worked

17:54 and consider where we may need to make some improvements.

17:57 Again, thank you for being patient

17:59 in these challenging times.

18:00 Pam, roll call, please.

18:04 - Mrs. Belford. - Present.

18:06 - Mrs. Campbell. - Present.

18:07 - Mrs. Deskevich. - Present.

18:10 - Ms. McDougall. - Present.

18:12 - And Mr. Susan. - Present.

18:15 - Please stand while we say the Pledge of Allegiance.

18:20 - I pledge allegiance to the flag

18:22 of the United States of America

18:24 and to the republic for which it stands,

18:27 one nation, under God, indivisible,

18:30 with liberty and justice for all.

18:34 - At this time, it is appropriate for us to recognize

18:37 the great work of our teams during this crisis.

18:40 Board members, if we could save our normal acknowledgements

18:42 for after we’ve gotten through all of this,

18:45 I think that our team has certainly gone above and beyond

18:49 in the past couple of weeks.

18:50 And so if any of you would like to take this opportunity

18:53 to acknowledge any particular individuals

18:54 or the team as a whole, I would ask that you do that

18:57 at this time.

18:59 Any board member?

19:01 Ms. Deskevich.

19:03 - Maybe we each take a team.

19:05 There’s so many. - Sure.

19:06 - There’s so many.

19:07 I don’t want to pick one over the other,

19:08 but I’ll start with one

19:09 and then maybe you guys can pick up from there.

19:11 - I’ll start with Mr. Cheatham, wherever he was just in here

19:13 and I asked him how many hours of sleep he’s getting

19:15 and he just kind of shook his head.

19:17 So I don’t know if that means no sleep or very little sleep.

19:20 Our IT team has been scrambling, to say the least,

19:25 to get technology in place to go from a fully functioning

19:29 70,000 plus students, school district, in-person,

19:32 hands-on to a school district that’s gonna be doing virtual

19:36 or distance learning.

19:38 I can’t imagine, I just can’t imagine everything

19:42 that he and his team are doing.

19:44 Mr. Cheatham, I’m giving you accolades right now.

19:49 We want to thank him and his team for all the hours

19:51 they’re putting in for all the time.

19:53 And ask the public to be a little patient with them.

19:55 I imagine there’s gonna be a lot of technology fails

19:58 over the next few weeks and that’s of no,

20:03 that’s not because they’re not working really hard

20:05 and not trying.

20:06 Thank you, Mr. Cheatham.

20:08 - Thank you, Ms. Duskovich.

20:09 Ms. McDougall.

20:12 - I want to give a shout out to Kevin Thornton

20:14 and his team at food services.

20:16 What an amazing job and how quick they put it together

20:19 and they are just expanding now to more schools.

20:24 So we have a total of 27 and I’m hopeful that we may even

20:27 have a moving truck or van to go around

20:31 to kids who can’t make it to the school.

20:33 So kudos, very much so, to the food service.

20:37 Everybody who works there and to Kevin and his team.

20:39 So thank you.

20:41 - Thank you, Ms. McDougall.

20:42 Ms. Campbell.

20:43 - All right, well, I want to do government community

20:46 relations but I did promise some of our food nutrition

20:50 services that I was going to do something tonight

20:53 and I think it was almost a dare to put my hair net on.

20:57 I’m only gonna wear it for a little bit but.

21:00 Just want to recognize our great staff at all of our schools

21:02 who are putting lunches together.

21:04 We fed 599 students at Central Middle School today.

21:09 So it was pretty amazing.

21:11 It was quite a workout but kudos to them.

21:15 But government community relations has done

21:17 such a fantastic job in the last week and a half

21:20 communicating when we really don’t have all the information

21:24 because we’re waiting on the state,

21:26 we’re waiting on just had spring break

21:29 and not everybody’s been working.

21:30 I particularly want to recognize Catherine Allen, Cat Allen

21:34 for her presence on social media because that is a lot

21:39 of places where people are asking questions.

21:42 And while really it’s not always the best place

21:44 to ask questions, she has been so consistent

21:47 to provide answers just minute by minute.

21:50 And I mean, I think Ms. Hensley told me she was up

21:54 into the late hours sometimes answering questions

21:57 which has just been a calming presence.

22:00 And so I just I’m so thankful for her

22:02 and also to Sarah Allman and Deborah Foley

22:04 for keeping our partners and education in the loop

22:07 through this, they have been consistently reaching out

22:09 to them and it’s such a great partnership both ways,

22:13 us helping them and them helping us.

22:14 And just wanna thank, I’m thankful for their leadership

22:17 in that area.

22:20 - Thank you, Ms. Campbell, Mr. Susan.

22:22 - Yeah, I just wanted to echo those thoughts

22:24 for Mr. Thornton and his food and services team.

22:29 Today at Sherwood, they did over 800 meals in one school

22:33 in the elementary school and he also delivered

22:35 into the Turin Quest Center, the Meadows,

22:40 inside the Meadows Mobile Home Park was over 145 kids

22:44 standing there waiting for food.

22:46 And I’ve never seen inside that kind of area,

22:50 the poverty that’s happening right now with a lot

22:52 of these families who can’t work.

22:54 And I think that we as a school district are the backbone

22:57 for this community and I’ve never been more proud

23:00 of individuals all the way from soup to nuts,

23:02 all the way from the superintendent,

23:04 all the way down to our parents and a lot of our parents,

23:08 our superintendent, our staff and our teachers

23:11 who are getting ready to do something

23:12 that’s never been done before.

23:13 And whether we all sit back and do everything perfect,

23:18 it’s all gonna come down to that piece

23:20 where they are working with those kids one on one,

23:23 making sure that they have their assignments

23:25 and making sure that they’re getting counted

23:27 and we’re all in this together.

23:29 And for a lot of the people that are being inconvenienced

23:31 across the district, they need to understand

23:33 that we’re trying the best we can

23:35 and everybody’s in this together

23:36 and to work with us, not against us.

23:38 And I think that needs to be said.

23:40 I also wanted to say that I’m really, really excited

23:44 to also say that the Grissom Parkway is being sold tonight

23:48 and that’s a big deal for a lot of us

23:49 because a lot of what we do as far as having our vacant land

23:52 on the properties for sale brings us more revenue

23:55 and stuff like that for us to do stuff, so that’s it.

23:58 Thank you.

24:00 - Thank you, Mr. Susan.

24:06 Dr. Mullins, did you want to postpone your recognition

24:09 or did you want to–

24:10 - Yeah, I’ll wait until our continuity

24:12 of services presentation, so thank you.

24:14 - Super.

24:16 And I guess this is the appropriate time to do so.

24:21 Our partners at BFT have opted not to attend

24:25 our meeting this evening, but Mr. Colucci

24:28 did reach out to me and ask if I would be willing

24:30 to share a message on his behalf.

24:34 And I think this is probably the appropriate place for it.

24:37 I did ask him to send me an email

24:38 because I didn’t want to misspeak on his behalf,

24:40 so I am speaking exactly what Mr. Colucci has sent me,

24:43 just so everyone is aware.

24:46 He said, “I wanted to thank the staff

24:47 “for the incredible work they’ve done

24:49 “to make sure quality education

24:50 “will continue for our students.

24:52 “I know that they’ve been working day and night

24:54 “to put a plan in action while dealing

24:56 “with ever-changing circumstances.

24:58 “They’ve done an amazing job of communicating with us

25:00 “and responding to the concerns of our teachers.

25:03 “I also want to thank our teachers who’ve been patient,

25:05 “calm, and eager to provide the best possible instruction

25:08 “for our students during this unprecedented situation.

25:11 “I’m very pleased that we successfully negotiated

25:13 “a memorandum of agreement this afternoon.

25:16 “The parameters put in place in this agreement

25:18 “address many of our teachers’ concerns surrounding COVID-19.

25:21 “This agreement will enable them to focus

25:23 “on providing the best possible education for students.

25:26 “We know that there will be some bumps in the road,

25:27 “but we are confident that together

25:29 “we’ll effectively deal with these challenges

25:31 “and that our students will continue

25:32 “to receive an outstanding education.”

25:35 So thank you, Mr. Colucci, for recognizing

25:37 all of the hard work of our team members.

25:41 And I will actually echo Mr. Colucci’s sentiments,

25:44 which is not something that happens all the time,

25:46 but I think that the superintendent, the district team,

25:49 all of our school leaders,

25:52 all of our staff in so many different areas of the district

25:55 have been working so hard at making sure

25:57 that our students will come back and get an education,

26:01 even if not in our normal environment.

26:03 So, Dr. Mullins, thank you for all that you have done

26:06 as far as your leadership, and to all of our staff,

26:09 we appreciate you immensely.

26:12 That brings– - Ms. Belford.

26:13 - Yes. - Ms. Belford.

26:14 - Yes, Ms. Duskovich.

26:15 - They said these microphones aren’t as loud.

26:17 I just wanna make sure, because we each took a department,

26:20 but we didn’t specifically acknowledge,

26:22 I don’t want anyone to feel left out.

26:23 These people are working so hard.

26:25 We didn’t acknowledge HR, or leading and learning,

26:27 and talk about huge departments that have had a huge role

26:30 in what’s been going on lately.

26:31 So just wanna include Dr. Thetty,

26:34 because hours today, and leading up today

26:36 to negotiating with the union,

26:38 with everything else going on,

26:39 trying to make sure our 9,000 employees

26:44 have the information that they need

26:46 in this time of crisis about their employment.

26:48 She’s led the charge with that.

26:49 So a huge thank you to her.

26:51 And then leading and learning is underneath all of this,

26:55 everything that’s going on.

26:57 Maybe that’s what you’re gonna cover in a bit with the,

27:00 I just needed to say thank you to them.

27:02 - Yes, and student services as well,

27:04 who’s been, I understand, I haven’t seen it yet,

27:06 but I understand that Chris Moore did a Facebook Live today

27:09 with some information for our families with students

27:12 with special needs.

27:13 So it really has been an all hands on deck,

27:16 and Mr. Gibbs rarely gets recognition

27:18 as he’s sitting at the end of the table,

27:20 but he has been incredibly involved

27:21 in all that has been going on as well,

27:23 making sure that we are following the law along the way

27:26 and doing what we need to do.

27:28 Mr. Susan?

27:28 - The Brevard Schools Foundation has begun to pack

27:31 all of the stuff for our homeless children

27:33 across the district.

27:34 I was in Wickham Park coordinating with the park rangers

27:38 today to try to make sure that all of our children

27:40 that are inside there get their hygiene packs

27:43 along with the food and everything else

27:44 that we’re getting ready to do.

27:45 So Brevard Schools Foundation and their work

27:48 with our homeless populations has got to get a shout out too.

27:51 It’s the backbone right there.

27:53 - Very good, thank you.

27:55 Anyone else that we, I’m sure we miss people along the way,

27:58 but Mr. Novelli in operations and all the work

28:02 that they have been doing, and yeah, Sue in facility.

28:06 Sue actually made our meeting tonight possible.

28:09 She will tell you that she worked

28:11 with a great collaborative team,

28:12 but she was kind of taking the lead on that,

28:14 not to mention all of the facilities issues

28:16 and handling all of that.

28:17 So really and truly, every single department

28:20 in this district has been working insanely

28:23 to try to make this really challenging situation

28:26 work for our students.

28:28 - And not to, Ms. Lesinski, our new CFO.

28:32 - Yes.

28:33 - Boy, she sure came on board at an unsuspecting time,

28:37 but just so fortunate to have her,

28:40 and she has jumped in and been so supportive of our staff

28:43 and is already helping make us better

28:46 by analyzing and looking at what expense savings

28:50 can we be putting into place right now.

28:52 And so she’s leading the charge with her staff on that.

28:55 So it really has been 100% full team effort.

28:59 The district staff behind the people you just mentioned

29:03 are a legion of warriors of not great number,

29:07 but of great character and commitment and dedication

29:10 to this organization, to this community.

29:15 We can’t do what we have done in a week’s time.

29:19 Mind you, with spring break in there,

29:21 and people had taken leave and gave it up

29:24 and said this is too important,

29:26 and came in and responded, and have put things into place,

29:30 the presentation you’re gonna see shortly shows

29:35 where all this work has occurred

29:36 in less than a week and a half.

29:38 And it’s just a tremendous demonstration

29:42 of what Brevard Public Schools is about.

29:48 It’s times like this, you know, we’ve been a,

29:50 we’re probably one of the most unique

29:52 geographic districts in the state of Florida.

29:55 80 miles long, and we have been areas of a district

30:00 or school system for many, for decades.

30:03 Area one, two, three, four, north, central, south,

30:07 but the reality is it is at a time like this

30:10 that we’re able to bring to our community

30:13 this kind of work because we come together as one Brevard.

30:17 And I just couldn’t be more proud

30:19 to be part of this organization,

30:22 to be leading this organization with the army of folks

30:25 who just daily and selflessly commit themselves

30:28 to serving our kids and our families

30:30 and our community in this capacity.

30:33 So I couldn’t hold out any longer.

30:37 I’ll probably say a few more comments in a minute, but.

30:41 - Ms. Belford, I’m sorry, Dr. Thutty would like to

30:46 pass the acknowledgement to her directly that I just did.

30:50 She said that Carly Green is the one

30:51 that did the negotiating today, and–

30:53 - Carol. - Oh, I mean, Carol Green

30:54 was the one that did the negotiating today,

30:56 and that we should acknowledge her instead,

30:59 just in true leadership fashion, like Dr. Thutty does.

31:02 And that the small team of Mark Langdorf,

31:04 Mike Alba, and Rick Morton

31:06 have been carrying a lot of weight back there, thank you.

31:09 - Excellent, thank you to all of those,

31:10 and thank you for passing that message along, Ms. Deskovich.

31:14 That is going to bring us to the adoption of the agenda,

31:18 and I would like to request that we consider

31:22 one small change to the agenda this evening,

31:24 and that is that we actually move our public comment

31:28 prior to the presentation on,

31:35 sorry, I can’t, I got my computer covered up here.

31:38 If we can move public comment up

31:41 just after the adoption of the agenda,

31:43 so that our public can get back

31:45 to an isolated situation, hopefully.

31:49 If the board is open to that, then I would,

31:55 I will ask Dr. Mullins to read us the agenda,

31:58 but then we will need a motion to approve the agenda

32:01 with amending the location of the public comment section.

32:04 Does that make sense to you guys?

32:06 Okay, so Dr. Mullins, if you would give us

32:10 the details on the agenda.

32:12 - Madam Chair and members of the board,

32:14 on tonight’s agenda we have

32:15 administrative staff recommendations,

32:17 a presentation, 20 consent items,

32:19 four action items, and two information items.

32:22 You also have the yellow supplemental agenda,

32:23 which are changes made to the agenda

32:25 since being released to the public.

32:27 Item A7 on administrative staff recommendations,

32:30 F10 on student expulsions, F11 on meeting minutes,

32:34 G30 on entry of final order, and G31 on procurement

32:37 solicitations received revisions.

32:42 Item G33 on temporary delegation of procurement authority,

32:47 and H34 on draft resolution regarding the extension

32:51 of sales surtax art additions.

32:53 Item H34 also received subsequent revisions.

32:58 An FMEA recognition item and a military child month

33:02 resolution have been deleted from this agenda.

33:06 - What are the wishes of the board?

33:07 - Move to approve. - Second.

33:10 - With an amendment. - Open for discussion.

33:12 - Okay, Madam Chair, I recommend that we amend

33:15 the order of the agenda this evening

33:18 to move public comment before the presentation.

33:20 - Okay, is there a second to Ms. Campbell’s motion?

33:23 - I will second that. - Ms. McDougall has seconded.

33:25 Is there any discussion on the amendment?

33:28 All right, then Pam, I will need to call

33:30 for a voice vote on the amendment, I’m guessing.

33:33 - Yes, who seconded? - Ms. Campbell seconded.

33:37 I’m sorry, Ms. McDougall seconded.

33:40 - May I ask something?

33:41 If the motion, the recommendation is adopted

33:47 March 24th, 2020 school board meeting agenda

33:50 and its revisions, do we have to have a second motion?

33:57 - I do. - Yes. - Okay.

34:01 - The original was the revisions as laid out by Dr. Mullins.

34:05 The amendment is so that she permits

34:07 the chair’s request to move public comment up,

34:10 so you need to submit an amendment there

34:12 and a second to the amendment.

34:13 So the motion now is as amended.

34:18 - Do we need to vote on the amendment first?

34:21 - There’s only one thing to vote on.

34:23 - Okay, do you need a voice vote on that, Ms. Escobar?

34:30 - I do not. - Okay.

34:34 Then I will call the question, please vote.

34:42 You’re so good, Ms. Escobar.

34:43 - Wow. - Popped right on that.

34:48 - All right.

34:51 - I think my mouse is working.

34:55 - And the motion passes five, zero.

35:09 Okay, given that we have moved our public comment

35:16 to this area of the agenda,

35:20 as indicated in my opening statement,

35:22 I will call those who signed up to speak one at a time.

35:25 A deputy or staff member will escort you to the board room

35:28 where you will have three minutes to make comments.

35:30 After the conclusion of your statements,

35:32 you will be escorted back to the front courtyard.

35:34 Please be mindful of social distancing parameters

35:37 at all times.

35:45 Ms. Escobar, have you gotten names of speakers yet?

35:47 - Yes.

35:49 Bob Cusimano and Joanna Cusimano.

35:54 - Okay, Bob Cusimano and Joanna Cusimano,

35:57 if you would please, with your deputy escort,

35:59 make your way to the board room

36:00 for your public comment opportunity.

36:20 - Thank you.

36:49 (faint speaking)

36:55 Thank you, Ms. Church.

37:12 Thank you, Major Lanza.

37:14 Mr. and Mrs. Cusimano, I do want to,

37:18 so I’m assuming that you all heard the instructions

37:20 out there as far as standing back,

37:21 so I will turn the mic on

37:22 so you will have the opportunity to speak.

37:24 Given the nature of what you’ve come to speak

37:26 to us about tonight, I just want to make sure

37:28 that you are aware that this is a televised meeting,

37:30 so if there’s any private information

37:32 that you don’t want to share,

37:33 I just wanted to make sure that you keep that top of mind,

37:36 ‘cause it is going out to the entire world, okay?

37:40 And typically, our speakers have three minutes to speak,

37:43 so I have a clock here in front of me

37:44 that I will start when you are ready to speak.

37:47 It’ll show you when the time is almost up.

37:49 At the end of three minutes, I will, if you’re not done,

37:51 interrupt you and ask you to wrap up

37:53 so that we can take our next speaker.

37:56 We have obvious public decorum requests

37:59 when you’re speaking.

38:00 Make sure that you’re respectful.

38:02 Don’t give private information.

38:05 Name individual staff members, no profanity.

38:09 We want to keep it family-friendly, that sort of thing,

38:11 so I’m sure we won’t have any issue with that.

38:14 All right, super, then I’m gonna go ahead

38:15 and start your time and turn on your mic.

38:20 - Okay.

38:22 - There you go.

38:22 - I’m gonna talk about my son, Glenn, and the expulsion.

38:27 I’m gonna talk about, start with October.

38:30 He broke up with his girlfriend.

38:31 People were texting, asking what happened.

38:34 He was upset and impulsively,

38:36 I guess probably from his ADD,

38:38 said to leave, he said to leave him alone and stay away.

38:42 He did not make a threat or say he was going

38:44 to use a weapon.

38:46 We never saw the Instagram trail,

38:48 but the one I did see just said that, to stay away,

38:52 and others added to it and also put it on Snapchat.

38:57 The sheriff saw it and said they did not

38:58 even consider it a threat.

39:00 The school said it was, so he was suspended.

39:04 During the MDR, we didn’t agree it was not

39:07 from his disability, but the dean stepped out,

39:11 said she spoke to the board on the phone,

39:13 and came back with a decision to put him in the ALC.

39:19 She also stated that, said if we fight it,

39:22 he would be expelled, so we went with the ALC decision.

39:26 In February, the latest issue, friends were talking

39:31 about sneaking drugs and knives into ALC,

39:34 and how they would do it.

39:36 He joined the conversation, this was on a Friday,

39:39 and in jest, like the others were doing,

39:41 said he would sneak in a gun.

39:43 Note, he did not make a threat.

39:46 On Monday, he heard people talking about him.

39:49 A person asked if she was on his list, he did not answer.

39:53 Of course, he didn’t want to get into trouble.

39:56 That person,

40:01 that person went back to the group and said,

40:03 we were on his list, which was the start of the rumor mill.

40:08 He was suspended based on hearsay.

40:11 The October paperwork in the packet you have

40:13 states vague threat because there was no threat made,

40:20 and I don’t understand why it says with intent.

40:22 He doesn’t have a weapon, and he never made

40:24 the threat to begin with.

40:26 And also, this was done on a school holiday,

40:28 so I don’t know how there was any interruption.

40:30 The packet also states martial arts weapons on his wall.

40:33 They were $5 from Goodwill, they’re decorations.

40:36 They’re not sharp, and I said before,

40:38 it’s like hanging a baseball bat up on your room.

40:41 It’s just there for display.

40:43 For both the October and February MDR,

40:45 we did not agree that it was not from his disability.

40:49 To repeat, he never made a threat.

40:51 Others either added to his post or extrapolated

40:54 from when he was so scared to answer a question

40:57 ‘cause he didn’t want to get in trouble.

40:59 Please consider what actually was said

41:01 versus what was added and misinterpreted.

41:05 Thank you.

41:06 - Thank you, sir.

41:11 - Thank you.

41:14 - Mrs. Quisimono.

41:17 - Good evening.

41:22 Glenn has never been given,

41:26 Glenn has never been given due process

41:29 for either the first incident in October

41:31 or the second incident in February.

41:35 For the first incident in October,

41:38 somehow people mistakenly took what other students posted

41:44 as something Glenn had posted himself.

41:46 This created,

41:50 this created a misconception of what actually was posted.

41:56 Glenn had stated his innocence from the very beginning.

42:00 He even told, when he had the MDR,

42:03 he never threatened anybody.

42:06 For the second incident in February,

42:08 statements about him are untrue.

42:11 He is an ESE student with ADHD

42:15 that just came out during the MDR.

42:17 Didn’t even have the paperwork.

42:23 He also has a processing disability.

42:25 He has trouble getting what’s in his mind out.

42:28 So when they told him to write something down,

42:30 he just, you know, came what came to his mind.

42:35 As a result, his statement does not reflect all

42:38 that he believes happened.

42:40 Glenn told me verbally,

42:41 ‘cause he’s good at telling you verbally what happened,

42:45 his side of what happened.

42:47 The accusations against my son Glenn leave out so much.

42:51 They left out their part of what they were saying,

42:55 ‘cause it was a conversation between everybody.

42:59 How can my son Glenn be expelled

43:02 when he has not been able to tell what actually happened

43:07 in October and in February?

43:10 Please remember that there are two sides to every story.

43:13 And I’m a parent, and I believe my son.

43:17 He’s told me from the very beginning.

43:20 And during that first MDR, I just stood there,

43:25 because she just wouldn’t let us,

43:27 she just told us verbally everything,

43:29 and we just stood there.

43:30 And my husband and I are not ones to start trouble.

43:34 We just stood there.

43:35 I said, wait, my son did something, and we had to go forth.

43:38 And then when the second one happened,

43:40 I said, oh my gosh, this can’t be happening.

43:43 If I could tell you what my son’s been through,

43:45 through the school system, he would be shocked.

43:49 And I just wish that you would consider

43:51 not dispelling my son, because he doesn’t deserve it.

43:54 He’s been through a lot, and I hope that you can look into,

43:59 you know what, really, my son would never

44:01 threaten the school.

44:02 He would never do that, and I hope you believe me.

44:05 ‘Cause my son would not do that.

44:08 Thank you for your time.

44:10 - Thank you.

44:12 - Ms. Belford, may I really quick?

44:15 - Are you just speaking to them?

44:17 - I wanna ask somebody from staff to meet them

44:19 in the hallway and show them a document

44:21 that I was referencing earlier.

44:23 - Yes.

44:25 - Is that a yes, I may?

44:26 - Yes, you may address that.

44:28 I reviewed the packet earlier today,

44:30 and if Ms. Moore or Dr. Sullivan, whoever is appropriate

44:34 and has that document right now in your packet,

44:37 because you referenced that due process didn’t happen,

44:42 one of the documents is signed by,

44:43 I don’t know if it’s by you, sir, or by you, ma’am,

44:46 because we have a process for this.

44:47 We have a whole hearing where you can come before

44:49 three board members and we can work through this

44:51 of why you don’t, you know, work through the due process.

44:55 That’s where you petition to say you didn’t get due process.

44:57 And we’ve passed that because that document was signed.

45:00 So one of them will meet you out there in the building,

45:03 but they didn’t wanna be in here tonight.

45:04 One of them will meet you in the hallway with that packet,

45:06 and maybe you can review that with them

45:08 because I’m confused why-

45:11 - I can comment on that if you want.

45:12 - We can tell you why we didn’t.

45:14 - Why you signed the due process?

45:15 - Yes.

45:16 - If the chair would allow,

45:17 I would like to hear why you signed the due process,

45:19 why you check the box that said you didn’t want the hearing,

45:23 you didn’t want the due process,

45:24 and now tonight you want the due process.

45:27 - Yeah, the reason was, like I said in my first statement,

45:30 was that was the one in October,

45:32 and the person that was in the room, the dean,

45:35 she had told us, well, if you try to fight with the board,

45:39 you’ll probably get him, I mean, him expelled.

45:42 He goes, “You gotta go to ALC or you’ll get him expelled.”

45:45 He goes, “I wouldn’t.”

45:46 She goes, “I suggest you just do that.”

45:48 I said, “Okay.”

45:49 For even that, I would be trusting her ‘cause I didn’t know,

45:51 we never did this before.

45:52 I don’t know about the board, I don’t know who you guys are,

45:54 and just very nerve-wracking, scary, all that kind of stuff.

45:57 Like, ooh, do I gotta go in front of this board,

45:59 then what are they gonna do to us?

46:00 I said, “Well, I don’t wanna do that.

46:01 “I want my son to stay in school,

46:03 “it’s not the best of circumstances, but we’ll go forward.”

46:07 I didn’t agree with the whole thing to begin with,

46:08 but I said, “This is where we’re at,

46:10 “and I’m trusting you guys to lead me to the right place.”

46:14 And that’s what she told me.

46:15 She said, “Well, if you do the hearing,

46:17 “you’ll probably get expelled.”

46:18 And she knew we didn’t wanna get expelled

46:19 ‘cause we were both crying about it

46:21 before we even entered the room.

46:23 So she knew exactly where to poke.

46:27 - Thank you very much. - You’re welcome.

46:29 - Does anyone on the board know, do you get an opportunity,

46:31 are you presented with that option again

46:33 when something happens at the ALC

46:36 and you’re now going to go through the expulsion process?

46:40 - So I think probably given

46:44 the delicacy of this particular issue,

46:47 if we could have them meet with staff outside,

46:51 and then if you all would like to take a brief recess

46:54 to individually speak with staff about any questions

46:56 that you have prior to actually voting on the item,

47:00 we could probably accommodate that as long as it’s not,

47:03 I mean, I don’t wanna drag the meeting on for all night long

47:05 but I certainly wanna make sure that our questions

47:08 are answered. - I have a question

47:09 and a couple other for them.

47:09 So if Dr. Sullivan or Ms. Moore, if you can hear me,

47:13 if you know the answers to those questions,

47:14 maybe we can meet out outside.

47:16 - Ms. Moore is on her way to meet with the parents

47:18 in the corridor.

47:19 We would just ask that you respect social distancing

47:22 when speaking with Ms. Moore.

47:24 - Thank you. - Thank you.

47:25 - Thank you all for joining us.

47:26 And Major Lanza will escort you back out

47:28 so you can speak with Ms. Moore, okay?

47:30 Thank you for being here this evening.

47:31 We appreciate you taking the time.

47:33 Hopefully we weren’t scary.

47:41 Okay, that concludes our public comment section

47:45 of the meeting and I believe Dr. Mullins,

47:47 that brings us to the administrative staff recommendations.

47:53 - There are three persons on this evening’s agenda

47:56 for the board to consider.

47:58 - What are the wishes of the board?

48:00 - Second.

48:01 - Moved by Mr. Susan, seconded by Ms. Duskovich.

48:05 Is there any discussion?

48:07 All right, please vote.

48:17 (

48:43 Is it not coming out?

48:45 - It’s not showing on my screen.

48:46 Did you have five votes on that, Ms. Duskovich?

48:47 - Yes. - Ms. Gabbard?

48:49 You all had? - Yes.

48:50 - Oh, you guys can see it now.

48:52 Look at that, okay.

48:53 And the motion passes five, zero.

48:58 All right, Dr. Mullins, we are ready for the presentation

49:04 about the continuity of services update for COVID-19.

49:09 - If I may, Madam Chair, just to take a moment

49:12 to introduce what you’re gonna see in a moment.

49:17 We began our efforts to prepare for the closure of schools

49:22 a little over a week ago that came late

49:26 on a Friday afternoon.

49:28 And senior cabinet, we got the notification

49:34 between four and five o’clock on a Friday afternoon.

49:36 And our senior cabinet refused to leave

49:40 until we got a handle on that.

49:41 I think we left the building

49:44 shortly before nine o’clock that night.

49:46 Just the dedication and the commitment to that.

49:48 But it doesn’t end there.

49:50 We recognize a lot of senior cabinet members,

49:54 but the trickle down effect.

49:56 And then ultimately I have to give huge kudos

50:01 and shout out to our school leaders as well,

50:04 our principals and assistant principals.

50:06 Because even they, while on spring break,

50:10 and in some cases, even their schools were closed

50:13 because all of the school staff had taken personal leave,

50:17 came together to start getting informed

50:19 and understand what we were gonna be facing

50:21 as a community, as a school district in the coming days.

50:27 I don’t know if a day has gone by that,

50:30 I did say, I think the last 24 hours

50:31 has been the least information changing

50:35 that we’ve had in the course of the last week.

50:39 But, and not due to anyone’s fault, it’s just the circumstances

50:43 of what we’re dealing with.

50:45 The word unprecedented couldn’t be overstated.

50:50 But our school based leaders have done an amazing job

50:55 of preparing their staff,

50:58 communicating with their teachers,

51:00 beginning to set up plans and accommodations

51:03 and adjustments to what need to be done to,

51:07 tomorrow, we’re going to be launching training for teachers,

51:11 we begin device checkouts,

51:14 we begin supporting staff out in the field, if you will,

51:20 and then making contact with their hundreds

51:23 and thousands in some cases of their students

51:26 across their school community.

51:28 Fielding questions, being flexible,

51:34 I can’t begin to capture the hours of effort

51:38 and the poise, professionalism, commitment to flexibility.

51:42 We’ve used the word grace and flexibility

51:45 no short of 100 times in the last few days.

51:48 And our school based leaders, our principals,

51:50 administrators, our district leaders

51:54 have just been exemplars of those two words.

51:57 And I will,

52:02 it’s interesting that we’re really on Monday, March 30th,

52:07 starting the third, now the third first day of school.

52:13 One was August 10th, the other was September something

52:17 post Hurricane Dorian.

52:20 And then March 30th will be the third first day of school

52:24 for this school year as a result of a pandemic.

52:27 So just our leaders carrying the charge

52:31 and providing great stability and support to our community

52:34 and our families and our kids

52:36 is nothing short than miraculous.

52:41 And I couldn’t be, again, more proud

52:43 to lead this organization with the demonstration

52:45 of leadership behind me and alongside me

52:48 that has been demonstrated.

52:50 So with that, you’re going to see a kind of a

52:55 collage of information from several

52:58 of our district divisions of the work that has been done.

53:03 But I think it’s a nice collection.

53:05 It’s not fancy, but it’s functional and it’s practical

53:09 given all of the other things they’re doing.

53:11 But we wanted to give the board a glimpse

53:13 of the work that’s been done over the last several days,

53:17 as well as it’s a good reference for our community

53:19 as they begin to understand what an organization

53:23 that consists of over 9,000 employees,

53:28 over 70,000 clients, over a stretch of 80 miles

53:33 in 83 different sites of learning.

53:35 Well, probably closer to 90 sites of learning

53:38 when we take in our special centers and so on.

53:41 So with that, I’ll turn it over to the presentation.

53:46 - Good evening, board members, staff, community members.

53:50 In this presentation, cabinet members will provide an update

53:55 on how each division is ensuring continuity of services

53:59 through restrictions in response to COVID-19.

54:04 - Good evening.

54:06 Educational Technologies’ COVID-19 update to the board

54:09 will cover how we’re handling the challenges

54:11 of online education and communication,

54:14 learning of devices to students and staff,

54:18 procuring hotspots, and dealing with the possibilities

54:21 of a remote workforce.

54:26 - Online education and communication.

54:29 Our teacher technology integrators have been creating

54:32 new instructions and providing training

54:34 for instructional and non-instructional staff members.

54:38 They’ve also created materials to support online learning

54:40 for our students and parents.

54:43 Finally, this team has been supporting and configuring

54:45 our focus gradebook and the launchpad to support

54:48 and provide online educational

54:50 and additional communication needs.

54:55 Device availability, computing devices.

55:00 Our network team has been updating system protocols

55:03 and configurations, installing necessary software,

55:07 and working to create device loan documentation.

55:12 Our staff is working with school leadership

55:14 on distribution plans.

55:19 Internet hotspots.

55:21 We’re working to procure devices from service providers

55:24 although they’re experiencing low-end mentors.

55:28 To understand the needs of both our students and staff,

55:32 and we continue to partner with our community

55:34 for support on purchasing these devices.

55:39 Remote workforce.

55:41 In the event that some staff no longer report

55:43 to their various offices,

55:45 Educational Technology is working to enhance

55:47 with our software and hardware systems

55:49 to support the technological challenge

55:51 that a remote workforce will present to our network.

55:57 This situation has presented

55:58 including new protocols, configurations,

56:02 in addition to a large number of devices

56:04 possibly leaving our campuses.

56:07 I would like to thank the ET staff

56:09 and many partnering departments

56:11 for all their work that they’ve done.

56:13 Thank you.

56:17 - Explore slides will review the functions

56:19 of student services including exceptional student program

56:22 support and administration,

56:23 English language learner program support,

56:26 mental health supports, and what is happening

56:28 at our alternative site programs.

56:31 Students with IDPs are included

56:32 in the standards aligned instructional continuity plan

56:35 to the same extent as all other students.

56:38 Webins are included providing digital supports

56:40 for accessing instructional materials on grade level

56:42 for both students with disabilities

56:44 and English language learners.

56:47 Instructional help in Skype, Zoom, and our Google Chat

56:51 will be used to connect with students and monitor progress.

56:54 Paper packets will be provided as needed.

56:57 Individualized assignments as appropriate

56:59 will be posted in Google Classroom,

57:01 focused or sent via email.

57:03 Students on access points and blast sites

57:05 can access materials through the unique portal or PDF.

57:09 Additional instructional materials

57:11 may include touch map and PCI.

57:14 Parent resources will be available on the ESC webpage.

57:18 For the related services of speech and language,

57:20 deaf and hard of hearing, visual impaired,

57:22 or occupational and physical therapy,

57:25 virtual specialized instruction will be provided

57:27 to the greatest extent possible.

57:30 In order to maintain compliance with special education

57:33 and related services,

57:35 exceptional student education supports

57:37 special school-based teachers and staff

57:40 to ensure compliance with IEP services.

57:43 This plan may include specialized instruction

57:45 and related services to the extent

57:48 it can be practiced remotely.

57:50 All areas of the student’s IEP

57:52 or Section 504 Combination Plan will be considered.

57:56 In Section 504, teams will monitor each student’s progress

58:00 and determine what, if any, remediation may be needed

58:03 upon return to the student’s placement.

58:06 Any and all required evaluations or meetings

58:08 may also be held remotely and virtually

58:10 to the extent practical.

58:13 If there is any type of delay,

58:15 the nature and extent of the delay

58:16 and a plan to move as quickly as possible

58:18 to prevent further delay shall be documented.

58:22 ESC support specialists will begin assisting schools

58:24 to schedule virtual meetings the week.

58:30 Outside agency providers will continue

58:32 to provide telehealth services

58:34 to their current caseload of students.

58:37 School counselors, social workers, and psychologists

58:39 will check in with current student caseloads

58:41 via BPS virtual platforms

58:43 and will initiate new referral for parents or teachers.

58:48 School counselors, social workers, and school psychologists

58:50 will work to connect families and students to resources,

58:53 collaborate with instructional plans

58:55 on IEP 504 and problem-solving meetings,

58:58 and will follow up with parents and families

59:00 to support virtual school attendance.

59:02 Behavior analysts and techs will collaborate

59:05 and consult with school staff and families

59:07 in problem-solving virtual meetings.

59:09 They will also provide resources to school staff

59:12 and families that support student behavior

59:14 as academic expectations comes to our living rooms.

59:19 Our students in transition team will provide supports

59:22 and services to ensure students in transition

59:25 have access to technology for instruction, or packets,

59:29 and that their personal needs are also being met,

59:32 such as food and clothing.

59:38 Our alternative sites include the Department

59:40 of Juvenile Justice, the Brevard Group Treatment Home,

59:42 our two special day schools, Skilled Student Memorial,

59:45 as well as our two alternative learning sites.

59:48 At our DJJ site, our teachers developed work packets

59:50 by grade level course for 30 days.

59:53 Students will continue to attend class with DJJ staff,

59:55 monitoring them and helping.

59:58 Teachers will be available for staff at home

1:00:00 for academic help as needed.

1:00:02 Students will receive weekly phone calls

1:00:04 to check in on their emotional and academic status.

1:00:07 At the Brevard Group Treatment Home,

1:00:08 students will attend school during the normal time

1:00:10 with the Spire staff providing the supervision and guidance.

1:00:13 Our teachers develop packets by grade level course

1:00:15 for 30 days.

1:00:17 Our teachers met with the Spire staff,

1:00:18 explained student work, provided sample work problems

1:00:22 and answer keys.

1:00:24 We’ll call each student twice weekly

1:00:26 to check on their emotional and academic status.

1:00:30 At our two special day schools, Riverdale and Field,

1:00:32 students and parents were called by faculty members

1:00:34 to explain the procedures and alleviate misconceptions.

1:00:37 Each student was sent home with current passwords

1:00:39 to the academic platforms they are currently using.

1:00:42 Students that do not have internet or a computer

1:00:44 were sent home with work packets to complete.

1:00:47 Those students will be called by a teacher daily.

1:00:49 All other students will be called twice a week

1:00:52 from their teachers.

1:00:53 There will be a faculty member

1:00:54 at both their informal work hours.

1:00:58 At our two alternative learning centers,

1:01:00 students will complete coursework via OdysseyWare,

1:01:03 which is the current platform they are using.

1:01:05 Students without computer access

1:01:07 were allowed to sign out a computer.

1:01:09 Students without internet access were given work packets.

1:01:14 Teachers will be online to help students with OdysseyWare

1:01:16 during their normal work hours.

1:01:19 Students that are not completing assignments

1:01:21 or having difficulties will be called by a social worker

1:01:23 or school counselor to assess this situation.

1:01:29 - Good evening.

1:01:30 The Division of Equity, Innovation and Choice

1:01:33 has a variety of responsibilities.

1:01:36 Our Access Grant project team

1:01:38 will continue to update their website

1:01:40 to support Florida teachers

1:01:42 with appropriate lessons and accommodation.

1:01:45 Our afterschool team will develop lessons

1:01:47 and activities for families,

1:01:49 which will be posted to their website.

1:01:52 Adult Education currently has an online educational platform

1:01:56 to continue to support their students.

1:01:59 EIC communicates daily with all charter schools

1:02:03 to offer support and update them with district plans.

1:02:07 Our charter schools are responsible

1:02:09 for developing their own educational continuity plan

1:02:12 as they often use different curriculum materials.

1:02:19 - The Facilities Department

1:02:20 is continuing to monitor cleaning protocols

1:02:22 from the Department of Health

1:02:23 and the Department of Education.

1:02:25 Our Environmental Health and Safety team

1:02:27 is regularly reaching out to schools

1:02:29 and providing assistance when requested.

1:02:31 We are already executing and planning

1:02:33 for maintenance and minor improvement projects in schools

1:02:36 while students are not in the buildings.

1:02:38 These efforts are being coordinated

1:02:39 with school administrators.

1:02:41 The team is continuing to plan

1:02:42 for summer construction projects

1:02:44 and potentially starting earlier

1:02:45 if that opportunity is available.

1:02:47 Concurrently, we are communicating with our vendors

1:02:49 in the event of material or worker shortages

1:02:52 to execute projects.

1:02:54 Finally, we are working with the finance team

1:02:56 to estimate utility cost savings

1:02:58 that will result in reduced usage of our facilities.

1:03:04 - Food and Nutrition Services.

1:03:06 We are pleased to announce that the following schools

1:03:09 opened as food distribution centers on Monday, March 23rd,

1:03:12 and will continue on weekdays from 1030 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

1:03:18 Those schools are Atlantis, Cambridge, Cape View,

1:03:22 Central Middle, Gulfview, Jupiter,

1:03:26 Myla, Mims, Sherwood, Sunrise, Turner, and University Park.

1:03:33 Additional sites are being planned for subsequent weeks.

1:03:39 Our procurement and distribution schools and departments

1:03:43 will cancel travel, field trips, and events.

1:03:47 There are expediting procurement items

1:03:48 related to COVID-19 outbreak,

1:03:51 postponing non-essential selection committee and vendor needs

1:03:54 and modifying distribution services

1:03:57 to assist school and district offices with emergency needs.

1:04:04 - Good evening, Ms. Belford, Dr. Mullins, and board members.

1:04:07 I’d like to provide a brief update

1:04:09 regarding human resources services

1:04:11 and the ongoing processes to ensure

1:04:13 we not only move smoothly through this circumstance,

1:04:16 but are also ready to finish the school year

1:04:18 and begin a new one in August.

1:04:21 Our annual career fair,

1:04:22 originally scheduled for yesterday

1:04:24 in a face-to-face format,

1:04:25 was converted last week to a virtual format

1:04:28 with over 150 candidates interviewing

1:04:30 and our principals issuing 47 binders to teachers.

1:04:34 Thank you to Mr. Mike Alma, his team,

1:04:37 and to our principals for thinking outside the box

1:04:39 and for being so flexible and open to new ideas.

1:04:42 Ongoing professional development,

1:04:44 to include reading endorsement classes and ESOL classes,

1:04:48 has shifted to a completely virtual format

1:04:50 through Blackboard Learn and Skype.

1:04:52 We are constantly re-evaluating the upcoming courses

1:04:55 and assisting teachers where needed

1:04:57 to ensure they can complete what they have started.

1:05:00 This morning, we met with,

1:05:03 briefly developed a memorandum of understanding

1:05:05 regarding online and remote instruction.

1:05:08 I know our teachers are embarking upon a new process

1:05:10 in teaching and instruction,

1:05:11 and I appreciate the positive attitudes

1:05:13 and the support of the BFT and of all the teachers and staff.

1:05:17 In addition, we met with local 10-10 left,

1:05:21 Mr. Shiffrin with BASA as well.

1:05:23 We will continue to work with our unions

1:05:25 to ensure we are meeting the needs of all employees.

1:05:29 We have been providing staff updates

1:05:31 to the extent possible in this ever-changing landscape

1:05:34 we are currently navigating,

1:05:36 with the most recent one being last Friday afternoon.

1:05:39 Cabinet members have been working through a plan for staff

1:05:42 whose job responsibilities might be appropriate

1:05:44 for remote work, and to that end,

1:05:46 I sent to the leadership team last night

1:05:48 the alternate work site procedures with hyperlink fees.

1:05:54 Finally, while planning for the immediate circumstance

1:05:56 in hand is a priority,

1:05:58 we are also running a parallel process

1:06:00 to ensure all daily operations of HR and the district

1:06:03 continue to run smoothly,

1:06:05 to include typical spring processes of supplements,

1:06:07 reappointment, issuing, just to name a few.

1:06:12 As we modify these routine tasks to our new way of work,

1:06:15 we will be communicating directly with the leadership team

1:06:17 to keep them informed and apprised of any changes.

1:06:20 Thank you so much.

1:06:23 - Good evening.

1:06:24 Thank you for the opportunity to share

1:06:26 the Elementary Instructional Continuity Plan.

1:06:31 We are developing a website for our parents,

1:06:36 teachers, and students to be accessible through.

1:06:42 We will be asking students to log into FOCUS

1:06:45 each and every day for attendance

1:06:48 and information on their daily lessons.

1:06:52 Teachers will be pushing out lessons via FOCUS.

1:06:56 Remember, you can get to the FOCUS app, the launch pad.

1:07:01 We will also have a link on the main page

1:07:04 of the BPS website,

1:07:06 into the Elementary Instructional Continuity Plan.

1:07:12 Once a teacher or student logs into

1:07:15 the elementary school learning platform,

1:07:19 they will see a link to the grade level

1:07:22 in which their lessons will be stored.

1:07:25 There will also be links to the library, to PE, to FOCUS.

1:07:36 Our teachers will have three different

1:07:38 instructional options in which to deliver instruction.

1:07:43 They may use the district-created lessons

1:07:50 by our resource teachers and content experts.

1:07:54 They may also use the same district-created lessons

1:07:58 with teacher choice enhancement.

1:08:01 If a teacher chooses to develop a teaching tool

1:08:05 for students, she may do that and push it out

1:08:09 through the website as well.

1:08:13 Our other third choice is a teacher autonomy

1:08:17 to create their own lessons based on instruction.

1:08:22 We know that our teachers know their students best

1:08:26 and we know that our teachers know

1:08:29 what kind of lessons our students need.

1:08:32 So we’re giving our teachers these three options

1:08:35 in which they can deliver lessons.

1:08:38 Also, we have developed a sample classroom teacher’s agenda

1:08:45 that they would be available via Skype or phone or email

1:08:50 to connect with parents or students

1:08:52 who may have questions about their instruction.

1:08:56 We also have a sample guide for students.

1:09:01 Our English language arts in elementary

1:09:04 and in math will be delivered through the iReady platform.

1:09:09 Students will be expected to spend 45 minutes

1:09:14 with the online instructional program a day

1:09:17 for reading and 45 minutes for math.

1:09:22 We also expect our students to complete

1:09:24 two activities a week, music, art, or media,

1:09:30 and that’s a minimum.

1:09:34 Students will also be expected to do science

1:09:38 through STEM scopes and social studies in studies weekly.

1:09:43 And we do hope our students are reading,

1:09:47 reading the books of your choice.

1:09:51 As we know that we need to be in touch with our students,

1:09:56 we are asking that our teacher, a student log,

1:10:02 where a teacher will go in and record

1:10:06 where students are instructionally,

1:10:08 and then follow up with the parents and the students

1:10:13 on anything that they need help with.

1:10:17 We wanna make certain that our students are logged in

1:10:20 through either iReady or Focus every day

1:10:23 so we know they’re engaged in the work.

1:10:29 We’ve also created on our website a parent help guide

1:10:34 because we know this is a new world for all of us.

1:10:38 So parents, teachers, and students

1:10:40 should all be working closely

1:10:43 through the elementary instructional continuity plan.

1:10:48 Make adjustments and modifications

1:10:51 as we go through this process

1:10:53 to make it more efficient and easy to use.

1:10:57 Thank you so much.

1:11:00 - Secondary Leading and Learning has been focusing

1:11:02 on leveraging our existing resources and learning.

1:11:07 Many of our students and teachers work seamlessly

1:11:10 in a variety of digital platforms

1:11:13 and will continue to utilize the tools

1:11:15 that are familiar to them.

1:11:18 The student launchpad is the center of all operations.

1:11:22 Students are very accustomed to accessing their launchpad

1:11:25 and working through many of the available resources.

1:11:28 For example, you will see we have full online textbooks

1:11:31 for many of our courses

1:11:33 in addition to supplemental resources.

1:11:35 Students frequently access those books

1:11:38 in lieu of taking home heavy textbooks.

1:11:41 BPS Overdrive, now Libby, is an online tool

1:11:44 that allows students to check out free library books

1:11:48 in an ebook format.

1:11:49 BPS has a significant number of online books

1:11:52 and students can also access books from a public library.

1:11:56 Each student’s launchpad is a little different

1:11:58 depending on their courses.

1:12:00 I encourage all parents to take a look

1:12:02 at their student’s launchpad.

1:12:04 In the days prior to spring break,

1:12:06 we asked all secondary students

1:12:07 to log into their focus account and launchpad

1:12:11 just to make sure their passwords were current.

1:12:14 Within launchpad, one of the most used features

1:12:17 is Google Docs.

1:12:19 Many of our students already submit

1:12:21 the majority of their work in this format.

1:12:23 They peer edit, share documents, and work on pres–

1:12:27 Most of our teachers also have a Google Classroom

1:12:30 already set up.

1:12:31 They can post lessons, reading assignments,

1:12:34 problem sets, and other engaging activities.

1:12:38 For the teachers who may not previously utilize

1:12:42 a lot of online resources,

1:12:45 and content specialists created a guide

1:12:48 for every one of our courses, well over 400 of them.

1:12:52 That includes all of our elective and CTE offerings

1:12:56 in addition to all core classes.

1:12:58 We have communicated with our teachers

1:13:00 and given them contact information for help

1:13:03 with either content, digital tools,

1:13:06 or support in student services.

1:13:08 I’ve been engaged in robust communication with principals

1:13:11 and our team adjusts resources as needed.

1:13:15 We are prepared for teachers in this new way of working.

1:13:24 - So again, I hope that gives you a glimpse

1:13:26 of the work that’s been going on behind the scenes.

1:13:28 A lot of that will be going live tomorrow

1:13:31 with additional supports for teachers.

1:13:34 Our principals, again, have been amazing

1:13:37 in adapting all of these resources

1:13:39 and supports to their staff.

1:13:43 They have created creative meeting environments.

1:13:49 Some folks chose to meet in person in groups of 10 or less,

1:13:54 while also accommodating virtual participants

1:13:57 in those same conversations.

1:13:59 And they have just, they found a way to do it.

1:14:02 And they’ve taken advantage of the resources

1:14:07 in their building, both teacher leaders

1:14:09 as well as staff members.

1:14:11 I would say for our public, a couple things.

1:14:15 One, your child’s school remains

1:14:20 your number one point of contact.

1:14:22 For the supports, the questions, the resources,

1:14:26 whatever you need for your child’s education,

1:14:29 their school remains their one-stop shop

1:14:32 for all things their child needs.

1:14:35 From guidance to mental health to social work support,

1:14:39 all of those types of things at their schools.

1:14:42 And our schools have plans and backup plans in place

1:14:47 to support our students and our families.

1:14:50 And the other thing I would ask of our parents,

1:14:53 our students, we will be launching

1:14:57 the third first day of school on March 30th.

1:15:01 Just like the first first day of school,

1:15:04 and just like the second first day of school

1:15:07 this school year, there are bumps in the road.

1:15:10 There are things to work out.

1:15:13 There are some challenges to overcome.

1:15:16 And there will be inevitably on Monday, March 30th,

1:15:20 when we ask 70,000 children to return to school,

1:15:25 return to learning, assigned to 5,000 different teachers

1:15:31 at 83 schools across our district in an environment

1:15:36 that never brings them onto campus.

1:15:38 There’s gonna be bumps, there’s gonna be some challenges,

1:15:42 but we will work through them valiantly

1:15:45 like we have the last two first days of school

1:15:48 for 2019 and ‘20.

1:15:50 So we just ask for patience and grace and flexibility

1:15:54 from our students and our parents along the way,

1:15:57 just as we’ve asked that of our staff as well.

1:16:00 So thank you for the opportunity

1:16:01 to share the work that’s been going on.

1:16:04 - Thank you, Dr. Mullins, and thank you to our entire team

1:16:07 for all of that great information for our families.

1:16:09 Ms. Deskovich.

1:16:10 - I have a question.

1:16:11 I’m ready.

1:16:13 The last I knew over half of our elementary schools

1:16:15 didn’t have the full instructional version.

1:16:17 Is this gonna be accessible for–

1:16:19 - Actually, curriculum associates stepped up

1:16:22 and they’re providing it to all of our teachers

1:16:24 for this period of time.

1:16:25 - Wow, nice. - That is huge.

1:16:29 I don’t know how we can say thank you properly, but.

1:16:31 » Super impressive and thank you to curriculum associates.

1:16:38 » Curriculum and associates, iReady, yes.

1:16:41 » Wow, that’s unbelievable

1:16:42 because that is a multimillion dollar price tag

1:16:45 if I’m correct, yes?

1:16:48 » I couldn’t begin to estimate what the cost is but.

1:16:51 » I feel like it’s a half a million for the school.

1:16:52 Yeah, I feel like there was like a million and a half.

1:16:54 If I go back to the budget when we wanted

1:16:56 to purchase it, it’s well over a million dollars.

1:16:58 » Yeah, I believe you’re right.

1:17:00 » Thank you.

1:17:00 » Okay, board members at this point,

1:17:08 we are approaching our consent agenda and, you know,

1:17:12 we should have known that tonight was going

1:17:14 to be a little bit squirrely and it’s not because

1:17:16 of our technology or our social distancing as it turns out.

1:17:21 Per the recommendation of Mr. Gibbs, instead of recessing

1:17:30 to allow discussion with individual team members,

1:17:33 his recommendation was that we consider pulling the item

1:17:38 because we don’t really want to have discussion with our staff

1:17:41 on camera about details about the situation, right,

1:17:45 because it’s about a student.

1:17:47 So Mr. Gibbs’ recommendation was to pull the item

1:17:50 from the consent agenda, move it to the end of our meeting

1:17:53 and we can stop filming and have discussion on that.

1:17:57 So that was my plan was to ask you all

1:17:58 for a motion before we went into the consent agenda,

1:18:01 but then I just got an email from Dr. Sullivan who says

1:18:08 that Ms. Moore and she spoke to the parents

1:18:11 and they are all good on next steps.

1:18:14 So Ms. Moore has joined us in the back of the room,

1:18:17 I think in the event, oh and it looks

1:18:21 like maybe Dr. Sullivan as well.

1:18:23 » She’s six feet apart.

1:18:24 » Okay, we’re still at ten.

1:18:26 » Yeah, we’re still at ten.

1:18:28 So board members, I will ask for your comfort level

1:18:39 with moving forward based on the information that Dr. Sullivan

1:18:42 and Ms. Moore have already assisted this family

1:18:44 and things appear to be resolved.

1:18:46 If you are comfortable doing so, then I would move us

1:18:50 to voting on the consent agenda.

1:18:53 If you are not comfortable doing so, then do we want to pull it

1:18:58 and move it to the end of the agenda?

1:19:01 What are the wishes of the board on that?

1:19:03 » Move to approve the consent.

1:19:06 » Mr. Susan has moved

1:19:07 to approve the consent agenda as presented.

1:19:11 Is there a second for discussion?

1:19:15 » I’ll second for discussion.

1:19:16 » All right, Ms. Campbell has seconded for discussion.

1:19:18 That would open us up for discussion

1:19:20 on the consent agenda.

1:19:24 » If nobody else has concerns, then we can–

1:19:29 I can pull it and we can vote on it and I’ll just vote no

1:19:34 because I still have some more questions

1:19:35 and if I’m the only no vote, then it doesn’t hold us up.

1:19:41 If other people have concerns, then I say let’s move it

1:19:44 to the end and do– you guys following me?

1:19:48 I know I’m talking in fragments.

1:19:49 I think I’m tired.

1:19:50 » I’m also fine with moving it to the end.

1:19:54 We’ll have the same ladies at our disposal for discussion.

1:19:58 My question is, would we be moving the entire agenda item

1:20:01 which includes all the student expulsions or just removing

1:20:04 that one from item–

1:20:06 » Ms. Escobar has indicated that she is capable

1:20:09 if a board member were to request

1:20:12 to pull item F10 attachment 2020-62S

1:20:18 from the consent agenda that she could accommodate that need.

1:20:22 » I would also like to see if we can–

1:20:24 I don’t have a problem moving it to the end and discussing it.

1:20:27 I think it’s a good idea.

1:20:28 » I don’t have– I mean I don’t want to make this a huge deal.

1:20:31 I don’t have a ton of questions.

1:20:32 I just need a few more tiny confirmations before

1:20:34 I’m comfortable.

1:20:35 So if you guys are all okay moving it,

1:20:37 then do I make a motion to amend?

1:20:39 Is that the–

1:20:41 » So I’ll move that we remove item from item F10.

1:20:48 » May I make a suggestion that we pull that item first

1:20:51 and vote on the rest of the consent agenda items?

1:20:53 » She’s amending it the right way.

1:20:54 » Yes.

1:20:54 » And then we’ll– can we just–

1:20:56 » Yes. So Ms. Campbell is offering an amended motion to–

1:21:01 » To just pull from item F10 the expulsion 2020-62S.

1:21:07 » Second.

1:21:08 » Does that work for you, Ms. Escobar?

1:21:11 » That’s the proper way to do it.

1:21:15 » That way we can leave the rest in place.

1:21:18 » Yes.

1:21:19 » On F10?

1:21:20 » Just so you know, I seconded her motion.

1:21:25 » Yes. Mr. Susan seconded the motion to pull that item

1:21:29 from the consent agenda.

1:21:32 Is there any discussion on the motion?

1:21:35 All right then, I will– are you ready for me to call from–

1:21:39 you’re a trooper Pam, we love you.

1:21:43 » I don’t think we’ve ever done that before.

1:21:47 » Squirrely.

1:21:47 » Just a clarification while she’s typing,

1:21:49 it will be unrecorded as well.

1:21:51 So when you’re finished with the meeting, you will recess

1:21:54 so they can clear us and then you will discuss the specifics

1:21:58 of the student discipline off air unrecorded

1:22:00 because it is about student discipline.

1:22:02 » OK.

1:22:04 » And then how do we vote on the final vote?

1:22:06 » Ms. Escobar can continue to take minutes.

1:22:08 So she has to record the minutes.

1:22:10 It’s just not recorded because you’re going

1:22:11 to discuss student discipline which is exempt from the sunshine.

1:22:15 It will be off air and unrecorded.

1:22:18 » Thank you.

1:22:19 » Thank you, Mr. Gibbs.

1:22:21 » Mr. Gibbs, may I read you what I have written?

1:22:25 » Sure.

1:22:26 » Approve the March 24th, 2020 school board meeting consent

1:22:29 agenda with the exception of pulling 2020-62S from item F10

1:22:38 and the item will be discussed and unrecorded off air.

1:22:45 » Yes.

1:22:46 » OK.

1:22:47 [ Inaudible Remark ]

1:22:50 » OK. So Ms. Campbell made that motion, correct?

1:22:53 » Yes.

1:22:54 » Yeah.

1:22:54 » Mr. Susan, yes, Mr. Susan.

1:22:56 » Seconded.

1:22:57 [ Inaudible Remark ]

1:23:06 » OK. I think we can vote on the whole consent agenda

1:23:08 with this, correct?

1:23:09 » Yes.

1:23:09 » You have to vote to approve the amendment.

1:23:11 Then you vote to approve the–

1:23:12 » As amended, it’s without that one item.

1:23:16 So you just then move to approve the consent as amended.

1:23:19 » We didn’t vote on the amendment.

1:23:21 » Right. So we–

1:23:22 » You have to vote on the amendment.

1:23:23 » The motion pending is without 2020.

1:23:26 So she removed it.

1:23:28 So the consent item is F10 as amended.

1:23:32 » But the motion was to amend.

1:23:34 So we have to approve the motion to amend.

1:23:36 Which the second did and then we vote and then we go back

1:23:38 and vote on the whole thing.

1:23:40 » Yeah.

1:23:40 » Yeah. So we’re voting now on the amendment.

1:23:44 » So Pam, are you good with that?

1:23:45 Do we need a voice vote on the amendment?

1:23:47 » Let me ask you one more thing.

1:23:49 I’m sorry.

1:23:50 I just want to make sure I don’t mess this up.

1:23:52 So if we are removing 2020-62s, do I have to do

1:23:59 that now before they vote and move it to someplace else?

1:24:03 Or–

1:24:04 » I don’t know how the system’s set up so I mean if you just

1:24:07 want

1:24:07 to do it by voice and then go in and fix it later, you can do

1:24:10 that.

1:24:10 » Let’s do that.

1:24:11 That way we’re not messing something up.

1:24:13 » It’s a separate attachment with–

1:24:15 » So would you like for me to call

1:24:16 for a voice vote on the amendment?

1:24:18 » Yes.

1:24:18 » All right.

1:24:19 At this point, I will take a voice vote on the amendment.

1:24:21 All in favor?

1:24:22 » Aye.

1:24:22 » Any opposed?

1:24:24 All right.

1:24:25 So the amendment passes 5-0, Pam.

1:24:27 » Okay.

1:24:28 » At this point, I will ask for the board to provide direction

1:24:33 on approval of the consent agenda.

1:24:35 » Move to approve.

1:24:36 » Second.

1:24:37 » Moved by Mr. Susan.

1:24:38 Seconded– who seconded?

1:24:39 » I do.

1:24:40 » Seconded by Ms. McDougall.

1:24:41 Is there any discussion?

1:24:44 All right.

1:24:45 Please vote.

1:24:46 Dr. Mullins, I totally skipped your little blurb

1:24:49 about the consent agenda.

1:24:50 I’m sorry.

1:24:53 » And can we do a voice vote on that one too now?

1:24:55 » Sure.

1:24:56 » All right.

1:24:56 I will take a voice vote on the motion

1:24:58 to approve the consent agenda minus item F10.

1:25:03 All in favor?

1:25:05 » Aye.

1:25:06 » All opposed?

1:25:08 All right.

1:25:08 Motion passes 5-0.

1:25:18 Are we good down there, Ms. Escobar?

1:25:21 » We will be.

1:25:22 » Do you want me to hold off on moving forward?

1:25:24 Because we’re moving on to action.

1:25:26 » No. That’s fine.

1:25:28 » Okay. Now we are moving on to the action agenda, Dr. Mullins.

1:25:34 » Ms. Balfour and members of the board,

1:25:35 there are four items under this category.

1:25:37 First is item G30 on the entry of final order in regards

1:25:41 to the E-rate bid which you will be voting on later

1:25:44 under the procurement solicitations agenda item.

1:25:47 » I understand the parties have submitted written statements

1:25:50 in lieu of attendance due to social distancing.

1:25:52 Before I ask Mr. Gibbs to explain the process,

1:25:54 I want to thank Charter Communications Operating, LLC,

1:25:57 and our school board attorney

1:25:59 for considering social distancing and cooperating

1:26:01 with the board for tonight’s meeting.

1:26:04 Mr. Gibbs?

1:26:07 » Thank you.

1:26:07 I do have a written statement from Mr. Kenneth Curtin

1:26:11 with Adams & Reese, LLP, on behalf

1:26:15 of Charter Communications Operating, LLC,

1:26:17 who filed the bid protest.

1:26:20 And the statement is,

1:26:21 “We represent Charter Communications Operating,

1:26:24 LLC, in this bid protest proceeding.

1:26:26 And we are writing concerning the upcoming meeting

1:26:28 on March 24th, 2020, wherein we understand the board will

1:26:31 consider the recommended order entered March 12th, 2020,

1:26:34 and the written exceptions thereto.

1:26:37 We submitted on March 19th, 2020.

1:26:39 We understand that because of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis,

1:26:42 personal appearances at the meeting are being limited

1:26:44 and the chair has invited the submissions

1:26:46 of written statements.

1:26:47 While we would certainly prefer to attend the meeting

1:26:49 in person given this invitation, the current state of emergency,

1:26:52 and acting consistent with state and federal directives

1:26:55 to limit travel and personal contact,

1:26:57 we are submitting this statement in lieu

1:26:59 of our personal appearance.

1:27:01 In short, we believe

1:27:02 that Charter has raised significant issues, errors,

1:27:04 and irregularities that render the intended award improper

1:27:08 and illegal or– and indeed illegal.

1:27:10 These issues as well as a number of cited errors

1:27:13 in the administrative law judge’s recommended order being

1:27:16 considered at this meeting are addressed in detail

1:27:18 in Charter’s formal protest and exceptions.

1:27:22 We strongly encourage each board member

1:27:24 to thoroughly review the materials Charter has submitted,

1:27:27 fully consider the issues raised therein,

1:27:29 and contemplate the potential consequences

1:27:32 of proceeding with the award.

1:27:33 We apologize for not being able to attend in person,

1:27:36 but thank you for the board’s attention and due consideration,

1:27:39 especially given the ongoing crisis.

1:27:41 Please do not hesitate to contact us

1:27:43 if you have any questions or would

1:27:44 like to discuss this matter in more detail.

1:27:49 » Thank you, Mr. Gibbs.

1:27:50 Did you also want to give any explanation as to process

1:27:53 on this or would you just like to let the recommendation stand?

1:27:59 » Right. As– I don’t know how many of these you guys have done

1:28:02 but as a protest with exceptions filed, the board has to,

1:28:05 by statute, vote on each exception individually

1:28:09 and then you’ll vote on how you want

1:28:10 to handle the overall process.

1:28:13 So, the way I would– I recommend setting it up is go

1:28:16 through the exceptions one by one, you’ll vote on each one,

1:28:20 and then you’ll discuss and you can have discussion

1:28:23 under each exception and then you’ll discuss the issue overall

1:28:25 and you can either approve the recommended order by the ALJ

1:28:30 or modify it or you can just accept the exceptions filed

1:28:35 and then you would have to go against the recommended order

1:28:39 and file your own order.

1:28:42 Are there any questions?

1:28:45 » So, just to clarify, I’m going to ask the board members

1:28:49 to vote on exception one and then exception two.

1:28:56 And then you’ll have a discussion

1:28:58 on how the board wants to handle.

1:28:59 If you grant the exceptions, you can–

1:29:02 you’ll have to decide whether you want to grant on one

1:29:05 of the grounds and what you want to do with the bid at that

1:29:07 point.

1:29:07 If you deny the exceptions, you can still deviate

1:29:10 from the recommended order if you wish to

1:29:13 or you can approve the recommended order in whole.

1:29:19 » If we approve the exceptions–

1:29:23 then you’re saying that the recommended order was invalid

1:29:26 for a reason, for the reasons stated.

1:29:30 If you deny the exceptions,

1:29:33 then you are saying the recommended order was

1:29:35 not invalid.

1:29:37 You can still discuss it and go a different direction

1:29:41 from the recommended order based on all of the arguments raised.

1:29:45 You do not have to approve the recommended order.

1:29:48 It’s just you’re saying the issues raised

1:29:50 by the exceptions are invalid or you do not believe they’re

1:29:53 valid.

1:30:00 » Did all board members under–

1:30:02 did all board members understand that process?

1:30:05 So when you look at it on your screen, we have multiple actions.

1:30:14 » We have multiple documents but I don’t–

1:30:16 » Well, yeah, there are a lot of documents there

1:30:18 but there are multiple actions, the first two are presented

1:30:22 as approve exception one, approve exception two

1:30:27 and then approve the proposed final order adopting the ALJ

1:30:31 recommendation.

1:30:32 » I’m not seeing that the way that you just listed it.

1:30:41 » Are you seeing it that way?

1:30:42 Yeah, Mr. Susan has it the same.

1:30:44 On the– so on the right side of your screen,

1:30:47 it says current agenda item entry of final order

1:30:50 and then there’s a window under that that has the actions.

1:30:53 » Got it. I was– I think we both were in– we were in the–

1:30:55 » We were on the item.

1:30:57 » Got it.

1:30:57 » Thank you.

1:30:58 We see it now.

1:30:59 » You guys got it now?

1:30:59 » Yeah.

1:31:00 » So, what I am going to do is I am going to request the wishes

1:31:05 of the board on exception one clarifying

1:31:11 that approving the exception is disagreeing with the ALJ.

1:31:14 » So if you approve this, then you’re going against–

1:31:20 » No.

1:31:20 » Right. I think that’s what Mr. Gibbs just indicated.

1:31:24 Approving is rejecting the ALJ order

1:31:28 and approving the exception.

1:31:30 » Right. The exceptions are they’re arguing the ALJ got it

1:31:33 wrong for the reason stated in their–

1:31:36 » Right.

1:31:37 » – their pleading.

1:31:38 » Which I saw, okay.

1:31:39 » So that’s what your– the motion is

1:31:40 to approve the exception.

1:31:42 So, if you do not want to approve it, you would vote no.

1:31:45 » Right.

1:31:46 » And you would deny the exception.

1:31:48 » Do we need to move to deny?

1:31:49 » So the motion–

1:31:50 » You have to– well, you would have to–

1:31:52 you can move to discuss and second it

1:31:55 so that you open it up for discussion.

1:31:57 The board can discuss the exception and the reasons for its–

1:32:02 you know, the reasons that it believes for or against

1:32:05 and then you would vote to approve or deny at that point.

1:32:09 » Move to discuss, Madam Chair.

1:32:11 » Second.

1:32:12 » Move for discussion by Ms. Campbell,

1:32:14 seconded by Ms. Duskovich.

1:32:16 I will open for discussion on exception one.

1:32:21 Ms. Campbell, your motion, would you like to discuss?

1:32:23 » Sure. I would suggest that we

1:32:26 as a board would deny exception one based on the fact that,

1:32:30 you know, the lack of standing means that they–

1:32:33 » Right.

1:32:33 » – they don’t have the opportunity to protest this

1:32:36 because they never put a bid in.

1:32:39 So it’s– you know, that’s pretty simple.

1:32:42 It’s straightforward.

1:32:43 You either submit a bid or you don’t submit a bid.

1:32:46 So that’s where I’m on that.

1:32:50 » Any additional board discussion?

1:32:55 All right, then I would request a motion to approve or a motion

1:33:00 to deny so we can move forward on this action item.

1:33:03 » It would be a vote.

1:33:04 So if you do not wish to– the motion is motion to approve.

1:33:08 » Okay.

1:33:08 » So you would just vote and if you do not want

1:33:10 to approve it, you say no and it will not pass.

1:33:14 So the exception will be denied.

1:33:17 » I have a question.

1:33:18 Why– in three years on the board,

1:33:21 I’ve never seen us have a recommendation of a motion

1:33:24 to approve and then we have to–

1:33:27 why wouldn’t this have been presented in reverse?

1:33:32 Why do I feel like we’re being tricked?

1:33:35 » You either have– you don’t want to say you’re denying it.

1:33:38 They’re asking you to approve their exception.

1:33:41 That’s what the party is asking you to do.

1:33:44 They filed the pleading.

1:33:45 So that’s how it’s presented.

1:33:46 » So it’s put on our agenda from them, not from staff.

1:33:48 » Right. If they did not file–

1:33:49 if they did not file exceptions,

1:33:51 the only thing here would be a motion

1:33:53 to approve the recommended order of the ALJ.

1:33:56 » And they’re basing it on the Jacksonville case.

1:33:58 » I’m sorry?

1:34:00 » They’re basing that exception on the Jacksonville case

1:34:01 that although they did not file the bid, that they have proof

1:34:05 because of that case.

1:34:07 That’s what it is.

1:34:08 So if we deny it, then we’re saying no, you don’t.

1:34:12 » So I believe I have a– I believe I have a motion–

1:34:17 » And a second.

1:34:18 » And a second on that issue.

1:34:21 So lacking further discussion, I will call the question.

1:34:36 » Can you guys see the vote up there ‘cause I can’t see it?

1:34:38 » Yes, five.

1:34:39 » Five, nay.

1:34:39 » Zero, five.

1:34:40 » And the motion fails zero to five.

1:34:43 At this point, that will move us to exception number two.

1:34:47 What are the wishes of the board?

1:34:52 » Move for discussion.

1:34:54 » I’ll second it.

1:34:55 » Move for discussion for Ms. Campbell,

1:34:58 seconded by Ms. McDougall.

1:35:01 Ms. Campbell, your motion, your discussion.

1:35:05 » Just the challenge was that, you know, untimely challenge.

1:35:08 And, you know, I just– I think we need

1:35:10 to have this little discussion just because the public needs

1:35:12 to understand what’s going on.

1:35:14 » Right.

1:35:15 » When, you know, charter had a problem with the RFP and–

1:35:21 but they didn’t say they had a problem with the RFP

1:35:24 until the whole process was done.

1:35:27 Someone who is a potential bidder has the opportunity,

1:35:29 if my understanding is correctly, is correct to–

1:35:32 if they see a problem with it, to put that challenge out.

1:35:34 And it looks like with the process

1:35:36 that our procurement department answered lots

1:35:39 of questions throughout the process,

1:35:40 even delayed the final due date.

1:35:44 And so– and through that process, my understanding

1:35:46 in charter is set on their own.

1:35:48 They never put that question out there.

1:35:50 They never said there was a problem with the RFP.

1:35:52 And so once that process has gone through, you didn’t put

1:35:55 in a bid, you didn’t put in any kind of timely thing, then,

1:35:58 you know, your opportunity is lost.

1:36:01 And so that’s– my recommendation would be

1:36:03 that we deny this exception as well.

1:36:06 » All right, then I will accept a motion.

1:36:09 Oh, I’m sorry, any additional board discussion?

1:36:12 Then I will accept a motion.

1:36:14 » The motion has already been put forward.

1:36:16 » Oh, she moved to approve for discussion.

1:36:18 Sorry, that move for discussion is throwing me

1:36:20 for some whatever reason.

1:36:22 So I have a motion on the floor.

1:36:23 Without further board discussion, I’ll ask for a vote.

1:36:26 [ Pause ]

1:36:38 » And the motion–

1:36:39 » Was rejected.

1:36:40 » 5-0?

1:36:41 » Yes.

1:36:41 » All right, motion was rejected, 5-0, okay.

1:36:44 This brings us to our third action on this agenda item

1:36:47 which is to approve the proposed final order adopting the

1:36:50 administrative law judge’s recommended order of dismissal

1:36:53 and dismiss charter communications operating LLC’s

1:36:56 protest for lack of standing and failure

1:36:58 to timely file its challenge to specifications.

1:37:01 What are the wishes of the board?

1:37:02 » Move to approve.

1:37:04 » Second.

1:37:04 » Moved by Ms. Deskevich and seconded by Mr. Susan.

1:37:07 Is there any additional board discussion?

1:37:09 » Okay, I just want to make sure I’m voting the right way.

1:37:11 » This is a normal vote.

1:37:14 » I know, okay, that’s what I was thinking.

1:37:15 I said okay, this is– just want to make sure I understand it.

1:37:18 Okay, thank you.

1:37:20 Unbelievable.

1:37:21 » Any additional board discussion?

1:37:23 » Does someone want to explain that more to Cheryl

1:37:25 than me saying it’s a normal vote?

1:37:27 I mean, Cheryl, do you have more?

1:37:28 » This is to approve the ALJ’s recommended order.

1:37:32 » So we’re approving the ALJ’s.

1:37:33 » It’s now worded in the positive.

1:37:35 » Right.

1:37:35 » So we’re voting in the way that it’s worded instead

1:37:37 of having to reverse it.

1:37:39 » Okay.

1:37:40 » We all good?

1:37:41 » I’m good.

1:37:41 » All right, then I will call the question.

1:37:53 » Pass 5 to 0.

1:37:55 » And the motion passed 5 to 0.

1:37:57 Thank you Ms. Escobar for your patience and Mr. Gibbs

1:38:01 for getting us through that wonkiness.

1:38:05 Dr. Mullins, I believe it is to you.

1:38:09 » Next, we have item G31 which are procurement solicitations.

1:38:14 » What are the wishes of the board?

1:38:15 » Move to approve.

1:38:16 » Second.

1:38:17 » Moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Susan.

1:38:20 Any additional– any discussion?

1:38:23 All right, please vote.

1:38:25 [ Inaudible Remark ]

1:38:47 » Somebody hasn’t voted.

1:38:49 » It wasn’t me.

1:38:49 It wasn’t me.

1:38:50 It was in a different place.

1:38:54 » Why can I no longer see our– bear with me for just one

1:38:58 second guys.

1:39:00 I’m trying to figure out why I can no longer see your voting.

1:39:04 » On the bottom, do you see the thing that says vote?

1:39:08 Is it because it’s too far down?

1:39:10 » It changed my screen and now I have actions and attachments

1:39:13 for some reason.

1:39:14 It’s not going off of that.

1:39:16 » That’s why I was taking so long.

1:39:17 » Yeah. All right, but the motion passed 5-0 Ms. Escobar?

1:39:21 » Yes.

1:39:22 » All right, Dr. Mullins.

1:39:24 » Item G32 is Department School Initiated Agreements.

1:39:29 » What are the wishes of the board?

1:39:30 » Move to approve.

1:39:31 » Second.

1:39:33 » Moved by Mr. Susan, seconded by Ms. Campbell.

1:39:35 Any discussion?

1:39:41 Moved by Mr. Susan, seconded by Ms. Campbell.

1:39:43 Any discussion?

1:39:46 Please vote.

1:39:53 [ Pause ]

1:40:00 » Five to zero.

1:40:01 » And the motion passes 5-0.

1:40:06 Dr. Mullins.

1:40:10 » Item G33 is Temporary Delegation of Procurement Authority in

1:40:13 the event

1:40:14 that school board meetings are canceled due to COVID-19.

1:40:18 » What are the wishes of the board?

1:40:19 » Move to approve.

1:40:20 » Second.

1:40:21 » Moved by Mr. Susan, seconded by Ms. Campbell.

1:40:23 Is there any discussion?

1:40:27 Ms. Deskevich.

1:40:28 [ Inaudible ]

1:40:57 » That eliminates oversight, you know, on contracts, on budgets.

1:41:04 I just, I’m very comfortable with that.

1:41:06 So let me know if that has to do with this.

1:41:08 » Not at all.

1:41:10 » It’s my understanding that this particular, sorry, Madam

1:41:13 Chair.

1:41:14 This particular item is just allowing him to do

1:41:17 that specifically with procurement.

1:41:20 Is that correct?

1:41:21 On things that might, we might need–

1:41:24 » It is–

1:41:25 » – for in our situation we’re in right now.

1:41:27 » Well, and it’s specific to board members being incapacitated

1:41:29 basically.

1:41:30 So if three of us are not, if three of us are, you know, laying

1:41:37 in a bed on ventilators

1:41:39 and we cannot come up with a quorum even virtually,

1:41:43 then it would give the superintendent the authority to keep

1:41:45 things going in the district.

1:41:48 And in addition, if he were to not be able to function, then it

1:41:54 would delegate to his deputy.

1:41:57 » I heard what you’re thinking also.

1:42:00 And when I went through it, and it specifically gives us that

1:42:04 three of us have

1:42:05 to be incapacitated and there needs to be some kind of a process

1:42:09 in place that in the event

1:42:10 that the board can’t be answered, that there is an opportunity

1:42:13 for the superintendent to continue.

1:42:15 That’s– I did have some extreme concern when I heard about it

1:42:18 at first,

1:42:19 but then once I realized that it only triggers if three of us

1:42:22 are not able to make it due

1:42:23 to incapacitation just like Ms. Belfort said, that’s when I

1:42:27 realized

1:42:27 that this was something that I could approve.

1:42:30 » I hear what they’re saying, but I don’t see anything written

1:42:33 that says that, but–

1:42:34 oh, this is so much louder now.

1:42:35 Thank you, sir.

1:42:36 All it says in the write-up here is the delegation authority

1:42:41 will only be implemented

1:42:42 if school board meetings are canceled and expires upon the next

1:42:45 occurrence

1:42:46 of a regular school board meeting.

1:42:48 It doesn’t say anything about– I don’t say anything about what

1:42:51 Ms. Belfort is saying.

1:42:53 » There is no attachment on here at the moment.

1:42:57 » Part of it also is that if we’re speaking that this is what

1:43:00 we approve,

1:43:01 that is the intent of what we’re saying.

1:43:03 So if we say we are passing this based upon what we think to be

1:43:06 three of us being incapacitated,

1:43:08 that also becomes part of the intent record.

1:43:11 » I’m not comfortable.

1:43:12 There’s no attachment.

1:43:13 It doesn’t say those words.

1:43:14 I’m not– I will be voting no.

1:43:17 » Dr. Mullins?

1:43:19 » If I’m, you know, this agenda, I just want to clarify my

1:43:26 position on the agenda item.

1:43:27 I don’t have a strong opinion that it is my hope and expectation

1:43:33 that it becomes unnecessary to have such an arrangement.

1:43:37 The item was put on the agenda before the more recent

1:43:40 flexibility provided by the state

1:43:43 to not have to have an in-person quorum for the board that board

1:43:49 members can call in

1:43:51 or attend the board meeting virtually

1:43:53 and their participation counts towards voting rights on the

1:43:57 board.

1:43:58 So even if a board member were to become ill and couldn’t attend

1:44:02 in person,

1:44:03 they could attend virtually and still render their vote so we

1:44:07 can maintain business.

1:44:09 In the unlikely event that more than three members of the board

1:44:14 became so incapacitated

1:44:17 that they couldn’t participate even remotely on a board meeting.

1:44:21 You know, I– that seems tremendously remote to me.

1:44:28 But I am not– I don’t– this is not a– I like the

1:44:33 accountability.

1:44:34 I like the democracy of the board voting on items.

1:44:38 I don’t have a strong position to insist that the board, you

1:44:44 know, provide– make this provision.

1:44:46 So if the board isn’t comfortable with the current

1:44:49 recommendation but interested

1:44:51 in other provisions that would ease the comfort of the board, we

1:44:57 could certainly work

1:44:58 with Mr. Gibbs on language and bring it back to the board at the

1:45:00 next board meeting.

1:45:01 » Or we can just amend it to say exactly what you want it to

1:45:04 say now.

1:45:04 [ Inaudible Remark ]

1:45:27 » Or we can amend it to say it is to include the three that is

1:45:30 not in there

1:45:31 and that can be brought back to us.

1:45:33 » Yeah, I’m– this is something I’m extremely passionate about.

1:45:36 I think I saw quickly the board lose its entire authority in a

1:45:41 matter of one order

1:45:42 from the governor and then reinstated again and put–

1:45:48 I’m very uncomfortable with this that we’ve been elected by the

1:45:51 public.

1:45:52 It’s our form of government.

1:45:53 I’m very proud of the way the state of Florida does business in

1:45:56 running their education.

1:45:57 And something like this changes that.

1:46:02 It changes the people’s oversight, input, and gets it all to one

1:46:07 individual.

1:46:08 Again, Dr. Mullins, this is not about you personally at all.

1:46:13 It’s more about our authority and us turning it over.

1:46:18 » If I may, Madam Chair, I wanted to refer back to– refer us

1:46:23 all back to an email I sent.

1:46:24 Everyone last week I did a little research on superintendent’s

1:46:27 emergency powers

1:46:28 and that might make us feel better about the situation with

1:46:30 or without this particular action.

1:46:32 So our– it’s policy 0132 and I’m just pulled out a section of

1:46:38 it because it includes lots

1:46:39 of things on our executive power.

1:46:41 But there is a section that says the superintendent shall be

1:46:43 delegated the authority

1:46:44 to take necessary action in circumstances not provided for in

1:46:48 board policy provided

1:46:50 that such action shall be reported to the board at the next

1:46:52 meeting following such action.

1:46:53 And the next paragraph states the superintendent in cases

1:46:56 of emergency may suspend any part of these policies and/or

1:47:00 procedures provided

1:47:01 that the superintendent shall report the fact and the reasons

1:47:05 for such suspension

1:47:06 at the next meeting of the board and provided further that the

1:47:09 suspension shall expire

1:47:10 at the time of said report unless continued in effect by action

1:47:13 of the board.

1:47:14 So I’m assuming that really it’s actually kind of a redundant

1:47:19 policy if, for example,

1:47:21 the superintendent’s need were to rise in our certain, you know,

1:47:25 circumstance that we’re

1:47:27 in right now and we couldn’t convene a board meeting quickly

1:47:30 enough following our sunshine

1:47:32 laws that are still in place, you know, emergency meeting or

1:47:36 whatever.

1:47:38 This would give him the authority to go ahead and prove let’s

1:47:41 say a purchase over $50,000

1:47:42 or something like that if he– if it was necessary.

1:47:45 And it would still come back to us that we could– does that

1:47:48 make sense?

1:47:49 So this policy actually– it kind of makes this particular

1:47:55 recommendation redundant,

1:47:58 it seems to me.

1:47:59 » It seems like it’s already taken care of in that policy.

1:48:01 » Right.

1:48:03 » Mr. Susan.

1:48:03 » I– and thank you for that.

1:48:06 I think where the difference between the two is, is that that

1:48:09 states

1:48:10 that if we have another school board meeting that is coming up

1:48:12 and he can make those decisions

1:48:15 and move to that next school board meeting, the only issue with

1:48:18 that is,

1:48:18 is that if there’s an issue where we can’t have a quorum, we

1:48:21 have emergency meetings,

1:48:22 we have issues that are coming up, we need to be able to have a

1:48:25 process in place

1:48:26 if we can’t have a quorum to be able to move the district.

1:48:30 And that’s when I heard that if there were three of us that were

1:48:33 not able to call

1:48:34 in that weren’t able to attend, that that is an extreme

1:48:38 situation

1:48:39 that as Dr. Mullen stated earlier is such a low probability but

1:48:43 in the event

1:48:44 that that happens, we no longer have a quorum for a meeting in a

1:48:46 couple of weeks.

1:48:48 We may need to have emergency meetings within a couple of days.

1:48:51 Situations could drastically get worse.

1:48:54 So the opportunity to fix that and to move forward with a policy

1:48:59 that gives our district the opportunity to continue to move

1:49:01 while that’s going on,

1:49:03 I think is why I supported it.

1:49:05 And I think that if you look at that policy that you were–

1:49:08 or that statute that you were referring to, it refers to the

1:49:11 next meeting.

1:49:12 But if there’s a situation where we can’t get a quorum at this

1:49:14 meeting or the one

1:49:15 in reference then you may not be able to get one at the next

1:49:18 meeting

1:49:18 and there may be a whole lot going on in between there that I

1:49:20 would be concerned about.

1:49:22 I am also, Ms. Deskevich, huge on having the people be

1:49:27 represented.

1:49:28 I just know that there’s some times in history where there needs

1:49:32 to be an opportunity

1:49:33 when we cannot perform ours that the district has an opportunity

1:49:36 to continue to perform theirs.

1:49:38 That’s all.

1:49:39 I just want to say that.

1:49:42 » Thank you, Mr. Susan.

1:49:44 Any additional board discussion?

1:49:47 » Just to reiterate that what we’re voting on isn’t what Mr.

1:49:52 Susan is.

1:49:53 So I feel like this needs to be– OK, well then I’ll let you–

1:49:57 but I–

1:50:00 » Would you want to amend it this evening and then hash that

1:50:03 out this evening or–

1:50:05 » I would like to set intent that we do not want to pass this

1:50:08 policy unless it is

1:50:09 that three of us are incapacitated.

1:50:10 It does not reference inside there.

1:50:12 So I would make a motion, I’ll do it now, I’ll make a motion to

1:50:16 amend this to include

1:50:17 that if three board members are incapacitated that this would

1:50:20 kick in.

1:50:25 » May.

1:50:25 » Hi.

1:50:26 » We have a motion on the floor so we have to have a second

1:50:28 before we can open for discussion.

1:50:30 » I will second.

1:50:31 » So we have a second on the motion that will open for

1:50:34 discussion, Ms. Deskevich.

1:50:36 » So that amendment is this plus that.

1:50:40 You’re not overriding this.

1:50:41 You said to include.

1:50:43 So you want to pass this, not a policy, it’s a action.

1:50:49 What would this be called if we’re not creating policy here?

1:50:52 This is a– anybody?

1:50:56 » It’s a signature authority.

1:51:00 » OK. That says that we will delegate authority only when

1:51:09 school board meetings are canceled

1:51:12 because– or also, like there’s a lot of–

1:51:18 I’m very uncomfortable with us moving forward tonight with a lot

1:51:21 of words.

1:51:22 Usually, we nitpick and fine tune exactly what we want things to

1:51:26 say especially

1:51:27 when we’re going to change our whole– the way money gets spent

1:51:32 here.

1:51:33 I think we owe it to ourselves to put a little more thought into

1:51:36 this.

1:51:37 » I would reference that Mr. Gibbs’ recommendation was to table

1:51:41 and refine.

1:51:43 But I will leave it up to you all to go the direction you would

1:51:45 like to go.

1:51:46 » Mr. Gibbs, at what point can you ask for a table

1:51:48 when there’s a motion and an amendment on the floor?

1:51:51 » We can– you can deny the amendment, come back to the

1:51:54 original, and then deny that and table it.

1:51:57 » There’s no second, there’s no discussion.

1:51:58 » There was a second.

1:51:59 » There was a second, yeah.

1:52:01 [ Inaudible Remark ]

1:52:11 » I can’t make a motion to table right now because we have an

1:52:14 open motion, right?

1:52:15 » Right.

1:52:15 » We have to kill the vote.

1:52:16 » You have to deny the amendment and then when it comes back

1:52:19 around to the other one, you would table the original motion.

1:52:22 » Madam Chair?

1:52:24 » Yeah.

1:52:24 » Before we close the discussion to vote on the amendment or,

1:52:27 you know, up, down, or sideways,

1:52:30 I just want to remind us that our next board meeting unless we

1:52:33 have an emergency meeting is

1:52:35 in three weeks, whatever we choose to do, just be reminded that

1:52:40 things are changing day by day.

1:52:43 And we just need to be comfortable with that if we put off for

1:52:47 three weeks and something were

1:52:49 to happen and, you know, there’s something that we need to get

1:52:52 in a hurry,

1:52:53 especially when it– regarding technology needs or whatever, it

1:52:56 would be–

1:52:57 we wouldn’t have anything in place except for we have policy 0132

1:53:01 which–

1:53:03 and we’re certainly in a state of emergency at the time, you

1:53:05 know,

1:53:06 the superintendent could act under that authority.

1:53:08 » And may I state also that this is in reference to

1:53:10 specifically to the coronavirus?

1:53:13 » Right.

1:53:13 » It does not give a supreme authority for–

1:53:15 here on from all the other issues that are coming through, so.

1:53:22 » Any additional board discussion before I call the question?

1:53:25 » Can I go for a clarification on that amendment to Ms. Deskevich

1:53:29 and to include

1:53:30 that when we amend it, it is to include that this does not kick

1:53:35 in unless there are three incapacitated board members.

1:53:39 So this would not kick in at all.

1:53:42 So not and, if, or, and everything else, that is this will not

1:53:45 kick

1:53:45 in unless my amendment says three board members are incapacitated.

1:53:51 And then this kicks in only for the coronavirus in the event

1:53:54 that he needs

1:53:55 to purchase things that we can’t get together to give him the

1:53:58 approval to do.

1:54:00 So when we were saying that we might be concerned about people

1:54:03 in the future,

1:54:04 this is specific to this one, to Dr. Mullins to the next month.

1:54:10 » It is and it isn’t, Mr. Susan,

1:54:12 because what we’re approving is not the discussion, we’re

1:54:15 approving the recommendation.

1:54:16 And the recommendation simply reads delegate the school board of

1:54:18 Brevard County,

1:54:19 Florida’s approval and signature authority under board policy 6320

1:54:22 procurement

1:54:23 and contracting to the superintendent or designee

1:54:26 in the event school board meetings are canceled.

1:54:29 So I think that’s where the issue is, is that we’re approving

1:54:33 or denying the recommendation not the discussion item and there’s

1:54:37 a lack

1:54:37 of clarity in the recommendation.

1:54:41 » Right, where it references in response to, it gives that

1:54:45 intent to in response to this is coming.

1:54:48 » Only in the discussion though, not on the–

1:54:50 » They’re going to come back and cleaned up for us at the next

1:54:53 meeting.

1:54:54 » Yeah. Any additional discussion?

1:54:59 Again, why do we need any of this if this happens, he can invoke

1:55:03 that policy at any time.

1:55:04 Is that correct, Mr. Gibbs?

1:55:07 [ Inaudible Remark ]

1:55:12 » I think it’s important that we make sure Mr. Gibbs’

1:55:15 microphone is working just

1:55:17 because I don’t want there to be any question of what was stated.

1:55:20 » Right.

1:55:21 » Can we– it’s not working.

1:55:25 » It’s not.

1:55:27 » Ms. Campbell, can you share your microphone with Mr. Gibbs?

1:55:30 » I don’t know, I’ve been breathing all night.

1:55:33 » Hold on, let’s model, let’s model our–

1:55:37 [ Laughter ]

1:55:51 » Thank you to our tech staff for keeping us all straight this

1:55:54 evening.

1:55:55 » Yes, they’ve–

1:55:56 » All right, are we good?

1:55:57 » Yes, better.

1:55:58 » All right, Mr. Gibbs.

1:55:59 » Thank you, sir.

1:56:00 » All right, the emergency does kick in there and he can do it.

1:56:04 [ Inaudible Remark ]

1:56:07 » It does provide for suspension of any part of the policies

1:56:12 and procedures.

1:56:14 I think the concern is it– if it only applies to the emergency

1:56:20 ‘cause it says in the event

1:56:21 of an emergency what qualifies under the emergency proceeds, you

1:56:25 know,

1:56:25 purchasing authority there is I think the concern from

1:56:29 purchasing would include like bids

1:56:32 that have federal deadlines that aren’t waived, not necessarily

1:56:36 related to the emergency,

1:56:37 it’s general business that needs to take place.

1:56:40 I think that was what they were looking to encompass in there if

1:56:44 we–

1:56:44 if the board is not able to meet.

1:56:45 So, if it’s not directly related to the emergency, if he doesn’t

1:56:49 need to make a purchase only

1:56:52 for the emergency, it’s general business, would it be covered

1:56:54 by that policy is the question they had.

1:56:57 I don’t really have an answer whether it would cover every

1:57:00 single purchase the district

1:57:02 wanted outside of an emergency.

1:57:04 So, if we had a deadline that was going to save the district 12

1:57:08 million dollars

1:57:09 but it’s not an emergency related item, can the superintendent

1:57:13 invoke that policy to purchase

1:57:16 that versus, you know, if you grant him the authority to and

1:57:20 then bring it back to the board

1:57:22 when it can meet again for final approval, it wouldn’t hold up

1:57:26 those types of purchases.

1:57:28 » I would think a state of emergency declared by our governor

1:57:32 and by our president would put

1:57:34 anything under, you know, under– can be qualified under

1:57:37 emergency.

1:57:37 But not only that, it puts the superintendent in a position

1:57:41 where he is very careful,

1:57:43 where he is going to double, triple, quadruple check because he’s

1:57:47 not only going

1:57:47 to be questioned on the purchase and the signature, he’s also

1:57:51 now going to want to make sure

1:57:53 that it falls in the emergency category.

1:57:56 So, I’m just holding my ground on this one.

1:58:00 » So, I will remind the board that we have motions on the floor

1:58:05 to approve the amendment

1:58:06 that Mr. Susan brought forward.

1:58:08 Lacking further discussion on the amendment specifically, I will

1:58:12 call the vote.

1:58:14 [ Inaudible Remark ]

1:58:19 » If you give me one moment.

1:58:27 Yes, in the interest of time, let’s–

1:58:30 » All right.

1:58:31 All in favor of the amendment?

1:58:33 » Aye.

1:58:34 » All opposed?

1:58:35 » No.

1:58:38 » So, the motion fails three to two.

1:58:41 At this point, we’re back on the original recommendation to

1:58:46 delegate the school board

1:58:47 of Broward County, Florida’s approval and signature authority

1:58:50 under board policy 6320.

1:58:52 What are the wishes of the board?

1:58:54 » Move to approve.

1:58:59 » Second.

1:59:00 » Open for discussion.

1:59:03 » Can I– I have a question here.

1:59:08 So, and this is my fault, do we have a policy in place that has

1:59:15 chain of command?

1:59:17 If something should happen to the superintendent that is in our

1:59:22 policy.

1:59:23 This is unusual circumstances right now.

1:59:26 This is not business as usual.

1:59:28 And of course, we are his boss.

1:59:31 So, if he does something screwy, we have– there are

1:59:36 repercussions.

1:59:37 But I want to make sure that we’re not hanging out there in case

1:59:42 something should happen.

1:59:43 I do not foresee three of us being incapacitated.

1:59:46 I would be very, very surprised if three of us was incapacitated.

1:59:51 But I just want to make sure that we do in case there’s

1:59:53 something that we need that needs

1:59:55 to be purchased and for whatever reason, three of us are not

1:59:58 around that we can move forward.

2:00:01 » Mr. Gibbs, can I ask a quick question?

2:00:05 This, as it stands, does not include the three-member incapacitation,

2:00:10 correct?

2:00:10 » It just covers as written.

2:00:13 » Yeah.

2:00:13 » If the board cannot meet.

2:00:15 So, if you– now, the executive order waves physical quorum.

2:00:19 It does not wave any other sunshine requirements.

2:00:22 If the board can meet virtually but we do not have a mechanism

2:00:26 in place

2:00:26 for public comment, you cannot hold that meeting.

2:00:31 The governor did not wave any other requirement of the sunshine

2:00:35 other than physical quorum.

2:00:38 So, you have to make sure you have a virtual quorum.

2:00:41 So, at least three board members are available and you have a

2:00:44 mechanism

2:00:45 in place to allow public comment.

2:00:47 I don’t know how difficult that is to set up.

2:00:50 I know other districts are discussing multiple different options

2:00:53 including allowing them

2:00:54 to call in to a number and then they put them on the air with

2:00:58 the call-ins.

2:00:58 That might suffice so it might be an easy answer.

2:01:01 I cannot answer that how easy it would be to arrange for our

2:01:05 district.

2:01:05 But it would– right now, it would cover everything if the board

2:01:09 can’t meet.

2:01:10 If the governor simply says, “Everybody is staying home.”

2:01:12 If the public isn’t allowed to come to a board meeting and we

2:01:16 don’t have a mechanism

2:01:17 for them to communicate from home, you cannot have a meeting.

2:01:23 » Ms. McDougal’s question though was, is there the chain of

2:01:27 command for Dr. Mullins?

2:01:28 I think if your man down, who then takes over your role and I

2:01:33 think that’s the deputy.

2:01:35 » Designee according to policy.

2:01:37 » He can designee anyone, correct, and it’s usually the deputy.

2:01:43 » Ms. Campbell, I think you were trying to speak.

2:01:45 » Yes, I wanted just to– just point back to the recommendation

2:01:48 right now which is school

2:01:49 board meetings are canceled and technically that was issued last

2:01:52 week.

2:01:52 All school board meetings are canceled to the end of the fiscal

2:01:54 year.

2:01:55 Am I remembering that order?

2:01:56 I know there’s been recommendations since then and we can call

2:01:59 emergency meetings.

2:02:00 Tonight necessarily wasn’t necessarily an emergency meeting but

2:02:03 there were definitely

2:02:03 timely things that needed to be done because we have deadlines

2:02:07 and due dates for different

2:02:08 things that we were voting on tonight and they took most of the,

2:02:11 you know, the nonessential

2:02:12 things off but, you know, the governor did say in executive

2:02:18 order, school board– or

2:02:20 maybe it was a DOE recommendation, I can’t remember, we’ve had a

2:02:22 lot of things in the

2:02:23 last week, school board meetings are canceled.

2:02:26 So unless we have a really good reason to have one, we probably

2:02:30 will because we’ve got

2:02:31 construction projects coming up, things that can’t wait.

2:02:33 We’ve really– we just need to consider that it’s very likely

2:02:37 what Mr. Gibbs said a while

2:02:39 ago that we get in a situation where we can’t have a school

2:02:42 board meeting.

2:02:43 I just wouldn’t put it past our uncertain future.

2:02:47 [ Inaudible Remark ]

2:02:52 » Ms. Balfour, I am more comfortable with Ms. Balfour being the

2:03:00 designee because she

2:03:03 is at least elected by the people and then elected by us to be

2:03:06 chair.

2:03:07 I’m more comfortable with giving her that authority on our

2:03:11 behalf than I am on an appointed

2:03:13 position.

2:03:15 I don’t know if we want to go down that right this minute but

2:03:19 that’s my opinion.

2:03:21 » Mr. Gibbs is that a feasible request from Ms. Duskovich?

2:03:27 » I’m not motioning to amend– is that your third one you’ve

2:03:31 burned through?

2:03:32 You are chatterbox tonight.

2:03:35 » Keep it in mind.

2:03:38 » I’m not asking for an amendment yet.

2:03:39 I’m just– I’m saying is that even in the realm of consideration?

2:03:43 » You’re basically want to say we’re going to grant the chair,

2:03:46 you know, temporary ability

2:03:47 to approve these brought to the chair by staff or the

2:03:51 superintendent.

2:03:53 I think you could.

2:03:55 » You can’t hear him still?

2:03:57 Me?

2:03:58 Him?

2:03:59 OK.

2:04:00 » I think it’s working now, right?

2:04:01 » Yes.

2:04:03 He just got his third mic.

2:04:04 » It’s probably a new one.

2:04:07 » OK.

2:04:08 » So, I think you can designate the chair if you wanted to and

2:04:11 then it would come to

2:04:12 the next board meeting for–

2:04:14 » For everyone to approve after that.

2:04:16 » Right, the next available board meeting.

2:04:18 If that’s the route you want to go.

2:04:19 » And if the chair is not, then the vice chair and if the vice

2:04:24 chair is not, then who?

2:04:26 » I actually think– no insult to the chair, the vice chair

2:04:29 actually feels less comfortable

2:04:31 with that situation than has the recommendation stands right now.

2:04:35 And honestly, if we’re kind of all done, I’d call the question.

2:04:42 » So I’m going to remind the board that what we are voting on

2:04:49 right now is the recommendation

2:04:53 to delegate our approval and signature authority to the

2:04:59 superintendent.

2:05:01 So in the event that you would like to request an amendment to

2:05:05 this in any way, shape or

2:05:07 form, then we would need to vote down the approval or we would

2:05:13 need to have a motion

2:05:15 to amend.

2:05:17 » And I can remove my call to question if someone was

2:05:19 interested in tabling it, I just–

2:05:23 » I’m– can I motion to table now or do we have to wait till we

2:05:27 vote?

2:05:27 » You can move to table it.

2:05:29 » I move to table to a unnamed future date, is that the correct

2:05:33 way to–

2:05:33 » You can do unnamed or you can just– which would just be

2:05:36 table.

2:05:37 You just want to table it or you can table it for a date certain.

2:05:41 » Could she table it for no later than April 14th in the event

2:05:44 that we need to have an

2:05:45 emergency meeting before our next scheduled meeting?

2:05:49 » That’s fine.

2:05:51 » I move to table it no later than April 14th, is that the

2:05:55 scheduled date for– yeah,

2:05:56 I move to table it no later than April 14th.

2:05:59 » All right.

2:06:00 So I have an amendment or I have a motion on the table to table

2:06:04 this particular amendment.

2:06:07 Similar item till– until no later than April 14th is very

2:06:17 second.

2:06:18 Seeing no second, the motion fails.

2:06:22 Which puts us back on the original motion to delegate the

2:06:27 signature authority per the

2:06:30 agenda.

2:06:31 What are the wishes of the board?

2:06:36 » You can vote on that one.

2:06:40 » We already have the motion standing on that one, OK.

2:06:42 So then I will call the question on delegating the school board

2:06:48 of Brevard County, Florida’s

2:06:50 approval and signature authority under board policy 6320 and the

2:06:53 event school board meetings

2:06:55 are canceled.

2:06:56 » And who– can I ask a point of clarification who would cancel

2:07:00 the school board?

2:07:01 Can I ask who would cancel the school board meetings?

2:07:06 » It would be the superintendent or the governor.

2:07:11 So the governor now cancels off hours and this would allow you

2:07:16 in the event that the

2:07:17 governor cancels off our school board meetings, you to do your

2:07:21 procurement and everything

2:07:23 else.

2:07:24 That’s what this is.

2:07:25 Correct?

2:07:26 » That’s my understanding.

2:07:27 » Yup.

2:07:28 » Mr. Gibbs.

2:07:29 » Yes.

2:07:30 » Yup.

2:07:31 » Yes.

2:07:32 Or if there is no quorum.

2:07:33 » If we could not hold a meeting because three of you were

2:07:36 incapacitated in some form,

2:07:37 it would cover that as well.

2:07:40 » Or if we couldn’t have public comment.

2:07:42 » Right.

2:07:43 If we couldn’t, yeah.

2:07:44 If a meeting is canceled, if we cannot hold meetings for any

2:07:47 reason, it would give that

2:07:48 authority to move business forward until the next board meeting.

2:07:52 It expires upon the next scheduled board meeting per the

2:07:56 language.

2:07:57 » So as it sits right now, if you voted yes, it would give him

2:08:02 authority from now if we

2:08:04 don’t have one virtually through a minimum June 30th and if we

2:08:08 have a meeting in July,

2:08:09 we would have to vote on everything that he approved in those

2:08:13 months.

2:08:14 A lot of damage can be done.

2:08:21 » And I would also make the argument back that a lot of damage

2:08:24 could be done to all

2:08:25 of our procurement, all of our contracts, all of our

2:08:28 construction, all of the things

2:08:29 that we have, opening of schools and everything else.

2:08:32 So it’s a balance between the two in that I understand that the

2:08:36 fear is there, but at

2:08:37 the same time, if the governor calls it, if we can’t get the

2:08:41 meeting, the district needs

2:08:43 to continue to run.

2:08:46 » If I may, because I’m starting to lose my mind a little bit

2:08:52 here.

2:08:53 I think there are very valid arguments on both sides of this

2:08:57 issue and my recommendation

2:08:58 would be that someone put forward an amendment to modify the

2:09:02 language here so that we could

2:09:04 be comfortable with it.

2:09:07 Because I understand we don’t want to hastily put language

2:09:11 together, but Mr. Susan is correct

2:09:14 in that we could be in a real bind if we did not have the

2:09:17 availability to have a meeting

2:09:19 and something needed to happen.

2:09:21 And Ms. Duskovich is very correct in my opinion as well that

2:09:25 there’s an awful lot of leeway

2:09:28 there, especially in today’s political climate and executive

2:09:32 orders coming down.

2:09:33 Not that any of us have concerns about Dr. Mullins, but I think

2:09:37 we do have concerns about

2:09:39 that delegation of authority.

2:09:40 We have taken an oath to serve the people of the state of

2:09:43 Florida, right?

2:09:44 And so I think there are legitimate concerns.

2:09:50 » Mr. Gibbs, is it appropriate for general counsel to make a

2:09:53 recommendation on the verbiage

2:09:55 of a motion based on your understanding of the wishes of the

2:10:00 board?

2:10:01 » Try to put something together if you wish.

2:10:03 I think that’s fine.

2:10:05 » Can I ask a question?

2:10:07 If we put in temporary, does that help at all?

2:10:11 Does it say temporary?

2:10:14 » It says temporarily delegate its approval and signature

2:10:24 authority.

2:10:28 It’s only implemented if school board meetings are canceled and

2:10:31 expires upon the next occurrence

2:10:32 of a regular school board meeting.

2:10:35 » So if the superintendent, this is for you, Mr. Gibbs, if the

2:10:38 superintendent signed a

2:10:39 contract for a million dollars that was a year long contract

2:10:43 during this period of time,

2:10:45 we didn’t meet for a few months as it would be set up right now,

2:10:49 we’d meet in July.

2:10:51 What is our recourse?

2:10:52 It’s now been signed by someone we gave authority to and the

2:10:55 money spent.

2:10:57 What recourse do we have at that point if we have to sit down to

2:10:59 approve that then in

2:11:00 July?

2:11:01 » It would have to be ratified under these terms.

2:11:03 So if it goes there, we would have to add something to that

2:11:07 contract if the board was

2:11:08 unable to meet for any reason that says it will be approved by

2:11:11 the board upon the next

2:11:13 regularly scheduled.

2:11:14 So they would go into it knowing it could be pulled back.

2:11:18 » And that we would have to get a company to give us back a

2:11:20 million dollars in three

2:11:21 months of service?

2:11:22 » Usually you don’t pay in advance.

2:11:24 So it would be how far along are they given the current

2:11:28 environment that we are in in

2:11:30 performance.

2:11:31 So normally you don’t just write a check today for a million

2:11:34 dollars upon approval and then

2:11:35 wait for them to perform the services.

2:11:38 » In all likelihood what this is more likely to be is something

2:11:43 that is consumable, we

2:11:44 would have already used it up.

2:11:48 » If we needed emergency supplies or something, emergency order

2:11:52 of food to hand out to students

2:11:54 and he spent a million dollars then there’s not much we can do.

2:11:59 » I just would like to remind the board if you all remember

2:12:01 before any of us were on

2:12:03 the board, the $8 million vote that went down that the board

2:12:06 members weren’t even clear

2:12:08 on what they were voting for.

2:12:09 That staff declared was an emergency because we were going to

2:12:14 lose our software system.

2:12:16 It devastated this district monetarily for quite some time into

2:12:20 the years that I got

2:12:21 on the board and we had to settle with that company.

2:12:23 I have that in the forefront of my mind as this is going on.

2:12:27 Staff convinced that superintendent before my time like I said

2:12:31 it was urgent and it needed

2:12:33 to be done.

2:12:34 That was a lot of money committed for a long time that we never

2:12:38 saw anything for.

2:12:39 That’s what’s in my mind is people are panicking and making

2:12:43 decisions and this gives up our

2:12:45 authority that we have been elected to do to have oversight and

2:12:48 I’m just not comfortable

2:12:49 in any fashion at this point.

2:12:55 » Mr. Gibbs, if I can ask for clarification, our recommendation

2:12:59 here is what we’re actually

2:13:00 voting on but you and Mr. Susan have referenced items in the

2:13:07 discussion section.

2:13:10 Do the items, for example, it says shall seek ratification of

2:13:15 any procurement items approved

2:13:17 using this delegation authority at the next regularly scheduled

2:13:20 school board meeting.

2:13:22 That is not actually in our written up recommendation.

2:13:28 Do you feel that by voting we are by default approving the

2:13:33 elements of the discussion item

2:13:36 or are we simply approving the recommendation?

2:14:03 » You could amend to incorporate the discussion language and

2:14:09 then add to it if you would like

2:14:11 to – if you want it to be incapacitation you could add in the

2:14:16 event school only be

2:14:17 implemented if school board meetings are canceled and/or due to

2:14:22 incapacity of school board members

2:14:25 preventing a school board meeting and then it would continue on

2:14:30 as written.

2:14:31 And you could go that route as well.

2:14:34 But I think at a minimum I would – if you’re concerned with

2:14:38 implementing that language

2:14:40 in the discussion item move to amend to incorporate the

2:14:44 discussion item language into the motion.

2:14:48 » Madam Chair.

2:15:02 » Do you wordsmith it Ms. Campbell?

2:15:08 » No.

2:15:09 I would just simply say – would simply recommend an amendment

2:15:15 that we include in our vote.

2:15:18 And in the recommendation, the language from the discussion –

2:15:23 so Pam can copy paste that

2:15:25 later.

2:15:26 And also to add to the language in the discussion that says this

2:15:30 delegation of authority will

2:15:32 only be implemented if school board meetings are canceled or

2:15:39 there is – help me – because

2:15:43 of incapacity of school board members we are not able to hold on.

2:15:50 That was – I think that’s what he just said but I don’t think I

2:15:54 said it as well.

2:15:55 » If the governor cancels, if the school board members are

2:15:58 incapacitated and –

2:15:59 » But I think it needs to be – I think it needs to be or,

2:16:01 right, because their school

2:16:03 board canceled that means the governor can cancel them or it can

2:16:05 be we can’t have one

2:16:06 because we –

2:16:07 » If the governor cancels, if the school board members are

2:16:11 incapacitated or if under

2:16:12 current guidelines people cannot have public speaking.

2:16:16 » Thank you.

2:16:17 Or under current guidelines, you know, the sunshine – the way

2:16:19 the rules are unless we

2:16:20 cannot hold a meeting in the sunshine that we can vote due to

2:16:24 lack of public comment.

2:16:26 » And we can also add just for the purpose of this discussion,

2:16:30 the time certain on this

2:16:31 not to include after a certain date – this says June 30, but we

2:16:36 can also say under the

2:16:38 current situations of coronavirus.

2:16:40 » You could add it expires upon the state of emergency being

2:16:44 lifted.

2:16:44 » Right.

2:16:45 » And as soon as that lifts, the state of emergency.

2:16:47 » So that gives it specific to this scope of what we’re looking

2:16:52 at.

2:16:52 » All right.

2:16:53 So can I amend my amendment?

2:16:57 » It’s getting long.

2:16:58 » Have Mr. Susan make a friendly amendment.

2:17:00 » Okay.

2:17:01 » Can I make a friendly amendment to – I’d like to make a

2:17:05 motion to friendly amend to

2:17:07 only accept this if the governor makes it to where we can’t meet,

2:17:12 if the school board

2:17:13 members are incapacitated, or if there is not public comment

2:17:17 being allowed to be made,

2:17:19 and specific to the current state of the emergency for the coronavirus.

2:17:24 » Do we cover it all?

2:17:27 » But do you want to include about the language in the

2:17:29 discussion, right?

2:17:30 » Discussion language.

2:17:31 » And the discussion language.

2:17:33 » Yeah, that was already in hers.

2:17:36 » He was just adding to hers.

2:17:38 So if she accepts it, she needs to accept it.

2:17:40 » Can we tweak yours to say – because let’s say things get all

2:17:44 crazy, the way you specifically

2:17:47 word it was we couldn’t have public comment.

2:17:48 There may come a time where the governor even suspends that

2:17:51 because we have to have business

2:17:53 and it’s not possible.

2:17:54 I’m not anticipating that.

2:17:55 » So peel off the public comment.

2:17:56 » Right.

2:17:57 But that we can’t have – we have a meaning that we can’t vote

2:18:00 or we can’t vote because

2:18:02 of sunshine law as it stands at the time.

2:18:05 » There it is.

2:18:06 » Did you get all that, Ms. Oskibar?

2:18:10 » It’s on the recording.

2:18:12 » Do you accept the friendly amendment?

2:18:16 » I do.

2:18:17 » So you need a second.

2:18:20 » Second that one.

2:18:22 » So we have the friendly amendment offered and accepted and

2:18:26 seconded.

2:18:27 So Ms. Oskibar, are you prepared for me to voice vote on the

2:18:35 amendment as presented?

2:18:39 » I would feel better if it were stated again.

2:18:43 » Can you please state?

2:18:46 Can you please state the intent of the amendment?

2:18:50 » Aren’t you glad that you’re here with us tonight, Mr. Gibbs?

2:18:54 » I can try.

2:18:55 » I’m so happy you are.

2:18:58 » The amendment is to incorporate the language from the

2:19:02 discussion item adding to it that

2:19:05 it says – in the event school board meetings are canceled by

2:19:15 the governor due to incapacitation

2:19:19 of board members or the inability to legally hold public

2:19:23 hearings in the sunshine during

2:19:26 the pendency of the state of emergency from the governor in

2:19:31 executive order 20-52.

2:19:34 » I’m getting a head shake from Ms. Oskibar.

2:19:39 Any additional discussion?

2:19:41 I will call the question.

2:19:42 Do you need a voice vote, Ms. Oskibar?

2:19:44 All in favor say aye.

2:19:46 » Aye.

2:19:47 » All opposed?

2:19:49 » Aye.

2:19:50 » And the motion passes 4-1.

2:19:52 » That is for the amendment, right?

2:19:54 » That is for the amendment, yes.

2:19:58 For the amendment that Mr. Gibbs – he’s gone through another

2:20:01 microphone already.

2:20:02 Amazing.

2:20:03 Four microphones.

2:20:04 » What they say about attorneys is true.

2:20:11 » So we’re back voting on the actual agenda item, Mr. Gibbs, or

2:20:22 we’re done with that?

2:20:26 » You approved the amendment.

2:20:27 So we’re good.

2:20:28 » We don’t have to go back to approve the amendment.

2:20:31 » It was amended.

2:20:32 » Okay.

2:20:33 » So the item is approved as amended.

2:20:36 » Thank heavens.

2:20:39 Okay.

2:20:41 Next we have two information items.

2:20:43 While we won’t take action on these items this evening, they may

2:20:46 come back to us at

2:20:47 a later meeting for a vote.

2:20:49 Does any board member wish to discuss either of these items?

2:20:55 » Ms. Belfort.

2:20:56 Sorry.

2:20:57 I’m not going to say much.

2:21:01 For those that are watching and maybe don’t have the agenda in

2:21:04 front of them, I just want

2:21:05 us to be very public about the process with the half cent sales

2:21:09 tax.

2:21:10 This is not approving that we are trying to put this on the

2:21:14 ballot at this point.

2:21:16 Which wouldn’t come before us until April anyway.

2:21:18 But this is the first sign I think that the district is looking

2:21:22 in this direction.

2:21:24 And this is the information item is just sending – it’s getting

2:21:28 us prepared to vote next month

2:21:30 to send the ballot language for approval from OPAGA.

2:21:34 So it’s very early stages but I just want to make sure the

2:21:38 public is aware that this

2:21:39 is on there.

2:21:42 » I appreciate that, Ms. Duskovich.

2:21:43 Dr. Mullins, I know you and I spoke a little bit earlier about

2:21:47 this.

2:21:48 Did you want to speak to this item?

2:21:50 Is there anything that you would like to address?

2:21:52 » Well, I’ll just speak to – and I would draw the public to

2:21:55 the agenda item description

2:21:57 – or excuse me, discussion.

2:21:59 It clearly outlines what the process is that’s required for the

2:22:04 board to consider bringing

2:22:06 forward to the voters of Brevard County the continuation or

2:22:11 extension of the half cent

2:22:13 sales tax.

2:22:14 And the requirement is that the resolution be presented to OPAGA

2:22:20 at least 180 days prior

2:22:22 to the referendum.

2:22:24 So the 180 day period is approaching at the end of April.

2:22:30 So that’s why it’s coming before the board for information at

2:22:33 this meeting.

2:22:34 And it is scheduled to come before the board for approval at the

2:22:38 next meeting to then be

2:22:39 submitted to OPAGA to meet that requirement.

2:22:42 Then there would be another board action required to approve it

2:22:47 to be presented to the Brevard

2:22:50 County commission for then to be taken to the supervisor of

2:22:56 elections.

2:22:58 So to Ms. Deskovitch’s point, there are additional board actions

2:23:03 required before this would go

2:23:05 before voters in November.

2:23:12 » Additional board comment?

2:23:13 Ms. Campbell.

2:23:15 » We’ll have more discussion about the half cent sales tax

2:23:17 itself, but I think it would

2:23:18 be later.

2:23:19 But I think it would be good to explain to the public exactly

2:23:22 what OPAGA is and what

2:23:24 they do and why we have to do that.

2:23:28 » Sure.

2:23:29 OPAGA stands for – I got to read it because I won’t get it

2:23:32 right.

2:23:33 Is the office of program policy analysis and government

2:23:36 accountability.

2:23:37 Mr. Gibbs, you chime in here, but essentially if a referendum is

2:23:42 coming before voters for

2:23:44 extension, then if it is significantly different than what came

2:23:50 before the voters originally,

2:23:53 then it would potentially qualify for an audit by OPAGA, which

2:23:59 would have to be completed

2:24:02 and published to the public before the referendum.

2:24:05 » Right.

2:24:06 Yeah.

2:24:07 It requires an audit when it’s first initiated and then for

2:24:11 renewals, if it is not significantly

2:24:14 different from the version that was in place the December before

2:24:18 the vote, then it does

2:24:19 not require an audit.

2:24:21 We want to make sure we’re safe if the board decides to go

2:24:24 forward.

2:24:25 So we’re trying to get it in line and we want an opinion from OPAGA

2:24:28 that it doesn’t need

2:24:29 an audit so that there’s no questions later on once the deadline

2:24:34 is passed.

2:24:35 » I would take this opportunity to remind the board a couple

2:24:38 things.

2:24:39 One, we engaged in some pretty robust discussion in January when

2:24:44 Ms. Han presented the current

2:24:46 status of our facility needs assessment related to the projects

2:24:51 that have already been completed

2:24:53 as a result of the current sales tax initiative.

2:24:58 And also that the ICOC, the Independent Citizens Oversight

2:25:03 Committee, provides an annual report

2:25:06 to the board per their direction of their oversight of all of

2:25:11 the expenditures related

2:25:13 to the sales tax.

2:25:15 And thirdly, we have the sales tax expenditures, projects and

2:25:22 procurement audited twice a year

2:25:25 by an external auditor.

2:25:27 That’s done by RSM McGladry.

2:25:30 And that is presented not only to the board but also to our

2:25:33 audit committee after each

2:25:35 audit.

2:25:36 And we just completed the ninth audit for the current duration

2:25:41 of the sales surtax and

2:25:43 received three green checks again from RSM related to those

2:25:49 areas that I mentioned with

2:25:53 the sales surtax.

2:25:54 So it is without any reservation that we are presenting this to

2:25:59 OPAGA with any concerns

2:26:01 about an audit.

2:26:02 We certainly would – if they determine that is required, we

2:26:07 certainly welcome that process.

2:26:09 But ultimately, we’re on a timeline requirement of the 180 days.

2:26:14 That’s what’s bringing us to the place at this meeting that is

2:26:17 coming before the board

2:26:18 for information.

2:26:21 » Any additional board discussion?

2:26:24 Okay.

2:26:26 Does any board member have anything further to report beyond the

2:26:30 information items?

2:26:31 Reminding you that we still have item F10 that we are going to

2:26:36 come back to when we

2:26:37 stop filming.

2:26:40 Any board member have anything further to report?

2:26:43 » Just one thing.

2:26:44 I don’t think we mentioned it and it’s almost end of March.

2:26:50 But it is national social work month.

2:26:53 And I want to thank all of our social workers in our schools who

2:26:57 work very hard to remove

2:26:58 barriers that prevent any of our students from getting an

2:27:01 education.

2:27:02 So thank you very much to our social workers.

2:27:05 » Thank you, Ms. McDougall, for reminding us all of that.

2:27:07 We appreciate it.

2:27:08 All right.

2:27:09 Dr. Mullins, do you have anything else you wish to add to the

2:27:12 discussion this evening?

2:27:13 » I do.

2:27:15 Because inevitably when we recognize folks and we give thanks

2:27:22 and kudos and so on, we

2:27:25 inevitably and unintentionally leave folks out.

2:27:29 I don’t know that we left them out but I want to call them out

2:27:32 explicitly.

2:27:33 Going back to our opening conversation about the work that has

2:27:37 been done to support the

2:27:38 district, support our teachers, support our staff in preparation

2:27:42 for our distance learning

2:27:43 launch on Monday.

2:27:46 Our resource teachers, our technology specialists, the

2:27:50 curriculum that you saw in the presentation,

2:27:53 the resources that are being provided online for our teachers

2:27:57 across the district, that

2:27:59 has been orchestrated, developed, put together by – I wish I

2:28:04 could say it was an army.

2:28:06 It’s really a very modest number of resource teachers and

2:28:10 content specialists.

2:28:12 But again, they gave up their time in many cases over spring

2:28:18 break and even this week.

2:28:20 So our – and all of that has had – you know, we take for

2:28:25 granted what we put on our website

2:28:27 just magically appears, right?

2:28:31 That doesn’t happen magically.

2:28:33 It’s through the support of ET and community relations and

2:28:36 making sure that links go where

2:28:38 they’re supposed to, not just one time but every time.

2:28:42 And I was recently enlightened after a very extensive discussion

2:28:50 around cabinet meeting.

2:28:53 And Mr. Cheatham graciously and humbly met with me afterwards

2:28:59 and he said, sir, I just

2:29:01 need to remind you that that 90 minutes of discussion of about

2:29:05 five different things

2:29:07 involve five different departments except one.

2:29:11 That was ET.

2:29:13 Because everything that was discussed comes back to ET to be

2:29:16 supported and orchestrated.

2:29:18 And so I just – I inevitably am going to miss some of the folks

2:29:24 I should be recognizing

2:29:27 again but the layers and the extension of the work that’s been

2:29:32 done can’t be overstated.

2:29:34 And just so appreciative of the selfless dedication of our

2:29:39 employees across our schools and across

2:29:43 this building as well and appreciate the indulgence of the board

2:29:46 to recognize them.

2:29:47 » Absolutely.

2:29:49 Thank you for making sure that we’re getting all those people

2:29:51 included.

2:29:52 We appreciate it.

2:29:54 Okay.

2:29:55 » Can we just give a shout out to custodians?

2:29:59 Like they are clean and like mad people everywhere.

2:30:01 Every inch.

2:30:02 Sanitizing.

2:30:03 » Absolutely.

2:30:04 » I know.

2:30:05 We’re forgetting people.

2:30:06 » Yeah.

2:30:07 Thank you.

2:30:08 » And, you know, Ms. Escobar and all of the adjustments that

2:30:15 she’s made and I really

2:30:17 don’t think that we can point to a single person in this

2:30:23 district that has not just

2:30:26 achieved Herculean progress in the past week or so.

2:30:31 So we absolutely appreciate each and every one of you.

2:30:36 Any additional discussion?

2:30:37 All right.

2:30:38 At this point I’m going to call a recess in the meeting so that

2:30:42 we can go offline to have

2:30:44 discussion regarding student discipline on the item that was

2:30:47 pulled from the consent

2:30:48 agenda.

2:30:49 So I will recess at this point so that our team can take us

2:30:54 offline as far as recording.

2:31:14 All right.

2:31:31 Thank you.

2:31:47 [ Applause ]

2:32:17 [ Music ]

2:32:39 [ Applause ]