Transcript: 2026-11-10 - School Board Meeting

1:00 (no audio)

36:59 Good morning, board.

37:02 I’m going to address all of you up there individually.

37:06 I’m trying to tailor my comments to all of you.

37:10 Ms. Campbell, is this the legacy you want to leave

37:15 as your last act on the board?

37:18 Is this the leadership and example that you wish to show

37:21 to those that look to you and yours for guidance?

37:24 Is allowing Dr. Rendell to not face consequences,

37:28 positive or negative, for whatever he did in this position

37:31 really the right thing to do?

37:34 To Mr. Susan, I understand that you have now served

37:38 for a decade on this board, so some of this shell game

37:41 probably seems natural to you by now.

37:43 This is politics as much as it is education.

37:47 But I’m going to assume that you’re probably going to seek

37:51 reelection in two years.

37:53 Is this something you want every one of your opponents

37:57 to key in on?

37:59 Because this will be the first step in your reelection bid

38:02 if you do this.

38:04 And the smile tells me everything I need to know.

38:08 Ms. Wright, the most conservative people

38:12 that I personally know in your district,

38:15 and I have lived in this county off and on since 1977,

38:20 and most of the off was with my mother’s military service,

38:24 I think that this deal screams of backroom dealing

38:28 and lack of accountability for the elites.

38:32 I know that your term will be up in two years.

38:36 Are you ready to look your fellow citizens of Brevard County

38:40 in the eyes if you vote for this deal?

38:47 And to Mr. Thomas, I haven’t seen the email,

38:50 but there is word that you are pushing for the new board

38:54 to have a voice in this.

38:55 I have not seen the proof of that.

38:57 If that is true, I commend you for that.

38:59 I thank you for that.

39:01 And whatever issues I agree or disagree with you on,

39:04 you have always seemed to stand by your convictions,

39:07 and I appreciate that from you.

39:09 To Mr. Gibbs, I’m not saying that anything illegal has occurred,

39:16 but will this deal protect both the board and Dr. Rendell

39:22 in two months or two years?

39:25 People are now very interested in why this deal is so rushed.

39:30 Dr. Rendell, I don’t have much time left,

39:33 so I’m just going to tell you you’re going from one place

39:35 where FOIAs can happen and Florida and the Sunshines

39:38 can happen to another.

39:41 Expect to see a lot of them.

39:44 And finally, to the union, who is not up there,

39:47 if this is what the board is going to do for this outgoing

39:51 superintendent,

39:52 this should be the floor of your next negotiating, not the

39:56 ceiling.

39:57 This should be what you get for every Brevard County School

39:59 employee.

40:00 Thank you for your time, sir.

40:02 [applause]

40:06 Roxanna Coble.

40:11 Roxanna Coble followed by Carrie Thomas and Alanis McFarland.

40:18 I’m trying to go about my day, my week, getting ready for the

40:22 holidays,

40:23 and now I have to come talk to you guys

40:25 and chastise you for your poor judgment and ridiculous actions.

40:31 I follow your actions closely,

40:33 and although I don’t come to many school board meetings,

40:35 I had to come to this one today.

40:38 I have a student in Matt Susan’s district and one at EFSE.

40:43 The students you’re supposed to serve know about this,

40:46 and there are people all around the country watching what you’re

40:50 doing.

40:51 I’m also here on behalf of those who wanted to be here,

40:53 but they couldn’t because you scheduled this during a time

40:55 when people have to work.

40:57 Great job.

40:59 We’re all here.

41:00 Look, every seat is almost full.

41:03 And I’m here also including for some teachers and staff of BPS

41:09 who I’m sure are flabbergasted by and ashamed of your behavior.

41:14 I want to know what the board lawyer, Mr. Gibbs, is advising you

41:18 to do.

41:19 Rendell’s contract doesn’t matter.

41:21 You can just do whatever you want.

41:23 Board, including Gene, who’s not here.

41:29 Your days of protecting each other are numbered.

41:32 Thank you to everyone who showed up today, even if you’re not

41:37 speaking.

41:38 Obviously, nobody wants this except for you greedy people.

41:42 I’m happy we’re getting new board members.

41:45 And I’m going to go about my day now.

41:47 Goodbye.

41:55 Carrie Thomas.

41:57 After Carrie Thomas, we have Alanis McFarland and Bernard Bryan.

42:03 Good morning, board members.

42:05 I’m here today to ask you to vote no on Dr. Rendell’s separation

42:09 agreement,

42:10 where at least postpone this vote until the newly elected board

42:15 members are sworn in.

42:17 First, the timing of this meeting, as said by everybody else, is

42:20 extremely troubling.

42:22 Scheduling it at 9 a.m. when many taxpayers cannot attend,

42:27 just days before new board members take office raises serious

42:32 questions about transparency.

42:35 What is the rush?

42:37 What are you afraid of by waiting one week?

42:41 Now let’s talk about the money.

42:43 You reward Dr. Rendell with a $10,000 bonus and extend his

42:47 contract through 2028.

42:50 Now he’s voluntarily leaving early.

42:53 Why aren’t we discussing repayment of that bonus,

42:56 and why are we approving payouts without a clear public

42:59 accounting of every dollar?

43:02 But my biggest concern is Section 11 and 20, which release him

43:07 from claims,

43:09 including those that are currently unknown.

43:12 We have unresolved lawsuits, investigations, and serious

43:16 questions about district leadership.

43:19 How can you release someone from potential liability before you

43:24 even know what future investigations may uncover?

43:28 And let’s not forget our district’s financial challenges,

43:31 borrowing, and concerns about financial oversight,

43:35 yet this board gave a performance rating of approximately 94

43:40 percent.

43:42 How do you justify that?

43:44 This is taxpayer money.

43:46 Your responsibility is to our students, teachers, and the

43:49 community.

43:51 Accountability should not end when employment ends.

43:54 Vote no or let the incoming board make this decision.

43:59 Thank you.

44:00 Thank you, ma’am.

44:06 Alanis McFarland, followed by Bernard Bryan and Sean Griffiths.

44:12 Good morning.

44:13 My name is Alanis McFarland.

44:15 I’m a parent, a taxpayer, and a realtor here in Brevard County.

44:19 I was at the meeting when Mr. Rendell came to explain how

44:23 wonderful Brevard County schools are doing

44:26 and how he received the 93 percent.

44:29 My question is to Mr. Gibbs.

44:32 Is this in the best interest of our county, of the schools, of

44:36 the teachers?

44:38 Would you do the same thing for any of the other Brevard

44:41 teachers?

44:42 I’ve seen Brevard teachers get fired, get pushed out.

44:46 Why are we doing this just for you?

44:48 My question – I question your leadership.

44:52 You are an example to our students, and this is not a good

44:56 example, not a good example in good leadership,

45:00 not a good example in maintaining our schools.

45:06 You have no CFO, a child has died, and we’re just releasing you,

45:11 just letting you go.

45:14 I wouldn’t let my kids do that.

45:16 I have one kid in the school and one kid in a private school,

45:19 and I’m deciding on whether or not that child should continue in

45:22 Brevard Public Schools,

45:24 because this is the leadership that we have.

45:27 I’m only a six-year resident, and I’m very unhappy.

45:32 And that’s all I have to say.

45:40 Bernard Bryan, followed by Sean Griffiths and Anthony Colucci.

45:45 Yes, good morning, school board and Dr. Rendell.

45:48 Again, my name is Bernard Bryan, and I’m a community partner.

45:52 You know, one of the things that has always stuck with me when I

45:55 was a young man,

45:57 one of my Sunday school teachers came to me and said, “Son,

45:59 whatever you do, you always do the right thing.”

46:03 And that motto has stuck with me ever since I was a young man.

46:08 So I’m hoping that this board would always demonstrate to our

46:13 students the highest standard and the highest ethics.

46:18 So I have a couple of concerns that I am very much worried about.

46:23 Number one, what are the legal issues, what are the legal impact

46:27 based on the separation?

46:30 Number two, what are the policy issues that may be violated with

46:35 this agreement?

46:37 And then I am also concerned, like some of the other speakers

46:40 have said, what are the financial impact?

46:45 Have we done an analysis on those particular areas?

46:49 I believe in root cause analysis, and I appreciate this board in

46:54 the past, but this decision is very disturbing.

47:00 Why aren’t the new school board being made part of this decision?

47:05 What is the rush for this decision today?

47:09 So these are some of my issues, and have our attorney did all

47:14 the legal analysis around this decision.

47:19 Those are some of the answers that we’re looking for so that our

47:23 young people, our communities,

47:26 as well as our teachers are not impacted as well.

47:30 So I just want to leave that with you a little bit.

47:34 What are the standards that you’re setting today?

47:37 What are you demonstrating to our young people today based on a

47:40 decision that is being rushed?

47:43 I believe that we do it correctly, I believe that we do it with

47:47 transparency,

47:49 and I believe that we understand all the impact, and that’s kind

47:53 of what I’m standing here before you.

47:56 If you cannot tell this audience today what are those impacts,

48:00 then I think your decisions are being rushed.

48:03 So please let this new school board be a part of the decision

48:07 because I remember my old 85-year-old Sunday school teacher.

48:11 Son, whatever you do, you do the right thing. Thank you very

48:15 much.

48:16 [applause]

48:18 Thank you.

48:21 Sean Griffiths, followed by Anthony Colucci and Chris Byrd.

48:28 Good morning, board members. Morning, Dr. Rendell.

48:31 Dr. Rendell, have you given much thought to what your legacy in

48:34 Brevard County will be?

48:36 Because I have, and there’s something profoundly sad about your

48:40 final chapter being in a room full of citizens,

48:43 not celebrating your accomplishments, but demanding this board

48:46 stop giving you special treatment on your way out.

48:49 Think about that. After everything this district has endured,

48:53 historic flooding that destroyed homes,

48:55 displaced families and disrupted our children’s education,

48:58 a young boy losing his life in one of our classrooms amid

49:01 reports of safety concerns raised beforehand,

49:04 a tragedy that raises heartbreaking questions about whether his

49:06 death could have been prevented,

49:08 substitute shortages, ESE staffing problems, experienced paraprofessionals

49:13 leaving while those remaining struggle to keep up,

49:16 and through it all, our teachers and support staffs holding

49:19 things together.

49:21 Then our superintendent announces he’s leaving for another job,

49:24 and suddenly we’re holding a special meeting to negotiate his

49:27 departure

49:28 at 9 o’clock on a Tuesday morning.

49:31 Teachers are teaching. Parents are working.

49:34 I personally sacrificed wages to attend these meetings, and I’ve

49:37 heard from countless others who just simply can’t afford to do

49:39 that.

49:40 But what’s more troubling is how many people tell me they don’t

49:43 believe showing up would make a difference anyway.

49:46 You’ve already made up your minds before anyone approaches this

49:49 microphone.

49:50 I sincerely hope they’re wrong.

49:52 Public comment should influence decisions, not simply precede

49:55 their announcement.

49:57 And democracy shouldn’t be something only people with Tuesday

49:59 mornings off can afford.

50:01 Now we’re told the sick leave payout is typical because Dr. Rundell

50:04 could have retired.

50:06 But he’s taking another job. He’s not retiring.

50:09 Would an ordinary employee receive benefits based on what they

50:12 could have done?

50:13 And why release potential claims this district hasn’t even

50:16 discovered yet?

50:18 Apparently this board wants to close this chapter before the

50:20 newly elected member arrives so they can have a fresh start.

50:24 Well, that’s an interesting definition of a fresh start, making

50:27 sure the new board doesn’t get to help write the ending.

50:30 Dr. Rundell, your legacy isn’t measured by bonuses or glowing

50:33 evaluations.

50:35 It’s measured by what you leave behind.

50:38 And right now, that’s a district full of unanswered questions

50:41 and a community fighting for accountability.

50:43 So here’s your opportunity to prove those discouraged citizens

50:46 wrong, show them their voices matter, postpone this vote,

50:51 let our incoming representatives participate, and give Dr. Rundell

50:55 exactly what he’s legally owed, nothing more, nothing less.

51:00 Thank you.

51:01 Thank you, sir.

51:07 Anthony Colucci. After Anthony Colucci, we have Chris Byrd and

51:14 Kathy Palashi.

51:19 My name is Anthony Colucci. I’m the president of the Brevard

51:22 Federation of Teachers.

51:24 I’m here this morning to express serious concerns about this

51:27 proposed separation agreement with Dr. Rundell.

51:31 Just last week, the voters of Brevard County elected two new

51:33 school board members.

51:35 Yet we are here rushing to improve an agreement before those

51:39 members are even sworn into office.

51:42 Why the rush? What is so urgent that cannot wait? Dr. Rundell

51:46 voluntarily chose to resign.

51:49 His existing contract already provides for payment of his earned

51:53 leave and benefits.

51:55 We don’t need to get into the weeds. This is not an emergency.

52:00 The separation agreement is not necessary. And let’s not forget,

52:05 he just received a $16,000 bonus.

52:08 So why do we need this additional agreement? I’m particularly

52:12 concerned about sections 11 and 20.

52:15 These sections essentially say that the district agrees not to

52:19 pursue claims against Dr. Rundell,

52:22 including claims involving things we don’t even know about.

52:26 Think about that.

52:27 We’re agreeing to give up rights before we even know what we

52:31 might be giving up and consider the circumstances facing this

52:35 district.

52:36 Brevard Public Schools is already in serious financial trouble.

52:40 We are also facing a serious lawsuit involving the tragic death

52:44 of a student.

52:45 That alone should remind us how important accountability,

52:49 transparency and protecting this district’s legal rights are.

52:54 What happens if something comes to light six months from now?

52:57 What if the incoming board uncovers actions or decisions that

53:01 resulted in financial harm to this district?

53:04 Why would we sign away our ability to seek accountability? To be

53:09 clear, I’m not accusing Dr. Rundell of wrongdoing,

53:12 but I am questioning why this board would agree to such sweeping

53:16 protections when he is voluntarily leaving.

53:20 What exactly is the district getting in return that it doesn’t

53:23 already have?

53:25 The voters have made their voices heard. Two new board members

53:28 are preparing to take office.

53:30 And this agreement could tie their hands before they even have

53:33 an opportunity to serve.

53:35 There is no reason to rush a decision with potentially lasting

53:39 consequences.

53:41 I’m asking this board to slow down, explain exactly what the

53:44 district is giving up and allow the new board members to

53:47 participate in this decision.

53:50 Most importantly, I urge you to fully explain why the existing

53:55 resignation provisions and Dr. Rundell’s employment contract are

54:00 not sufficient and why this additional agreement is necessary.

54:04 Our responsibility should be to protect our students, our

54:07 employees and our taxpayers not to rush through an agreement

54:11 that raises more questions than it answers.

54:14 Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Colucci. Chris Byrd, followed by Kathy

54:37 Palashi and Craig Devine. Good morning, board members. I have a

54:37 different purpose for being here today. I’d like to begin by

54:37 addressing Dr. Rundell directly.

54:37 Dr. Rundell, thank you for your service to provide public

54:41 schools and for the measurable academic improvements our

54:45 district has made under your leadership.

54:48 When you became superintendent in 2023, Brevard had been a B

54:51 rated district for five years. Today, we’ve earned three

54:56 consecutive ratings.

54:58 Our graduation rate has reached a historic high of ninety two

55:01 point seven percent, exceeding the state average.

55:05 We’ve seen measurable gains in literacy, mathematics, science

55:08 and social studies.

55:10 Civics proficiency has increased. More schools are earning A and

55:14 B grades and students across our district are demonstrating

55:18 academic growth.

55:20 These accomplishments belong to our teachers, administrators,

55:24 support staff, students and families.

55:27 But leadership matters. Setting expectations, building effective

55:32 teams and maintaining a focus on academic achievement matter.

55:38 And that brings me to this board. Just two weeks ago, on October

55:43 twenty seventh, five board members, four of which are here.

55:48 Sitting here today finalized Dr. Rundell’s annual performance

55:52 evaluation. Your collective assessment, four point six nine out

55:59 of five.

56:00 This is an exceptionally strong rating. The evaluation also

56:03 resulted in a sixteen thousand dollar performance bonus.

56:07 Recognizing our district’s A rating and its six place

56:10 improvement in statewide rankings.

56:13 I think it’s important that the public hear that this wasn’t an

56:17 evaluation conducted years ago by a different board.

56:21 It was your assessment just two weeks ago, based on your direct

56:24 experience working with this superintendent.

56:28 That doesn’t mean every decision was perfect. It doesn’t erase

56:31 legitimate questions about finances, operations or the terms of

56:36 his departure.

56:38 But it does mean we should be capable of acknowledging

56:41 measurable success while also demanding accountability.

56:46 As you consider the separation agreement as the board that hired,

56:50 evaluated, worked with Dr. Rundell.

56:54 I ask that you carefully evaluate its financial and legal

56:57 implications.

56:59 Explain your reasoning publicly and make a decision that serves

57:03 the district’s long term interests.

57:07 Three of you will remain on this board after next week’s

57:10 transition. You will continue to be accountable for the

57:14 decisions made here today.

57:17 Dr. Rundell, thank you again for your contributions to provide

57:20 public schools.

57:22 I wish you success in your next chapter. And to our teachers and

57:26 staff, thank you for the work behind these results.

57:30 Let’s recognize the progress. Thank you so much. Appreciate you

57:34 for coming out.

57:36 Kathy Palashi, followed by Craig Devine and Gina Darrange.

57:42 My name is Kathy Palacey and I’m a retired teacher from Brevard

57:45 County.

57:46 I taught here for 32 years, 36 years teaching in all. I’m here

57:50 because on behalf of all the teachers here at BPS who can’t be

57:53 here.

57:54 It’s not fair for them to have to be in their classrooms and

57:57 take time off and they can’t because there aren’t any

57:59 substitutes.

58:01 And it’s sad that I have to be here today because this is the

58:04 day I would volunteer in the school and I couldn’t do that this

58:08 morning because I felt the need to come here.

58:10 I have a friend who had been teaching at in Brevard County for

58:14 over 22 years.

58:16 Her fellow teacher friends voted her as teacher of the year at

58:21 her school this year.

58:24 She ended up leaving. She had to give up everything, all of her

58:28 sick time because she didn’t retire. Dr. Rendell, you shouldn’t

58:31 get that sick time and vacation time either.

58:34 It’s not right that you get it and then us teachers don’t. What’s

58:37 fair for everybody, I agree with what everybody has said so far.

58:42 I think this vote needs to not happen today and wait for when

58:45 our new board members come in. Thank you.

58:49 Craig Devine followed by Gina Darin and Benny Jackson.

59:01 School board members, thank you for the opportunity to address

59:03 you this morning.

59:05 As a parent of two BPS students, it was important to our family

59:09 to speak up today on a work day at 9 a.m. Thank you for that.

59:14 My son is full day VPK student at Riviera Elementary School and

59:20 his classroom is next door to the classroom where unspeakable

59:24 loss occurred.

59:25 And we saw firsthand the sorrow, shock, and horror that the

59:30 incredible teachers and staff experienced while continuing to

59:35 show up with grace, kindness, and courage for all their kids.

59:39 Dr. Rendell, who should be leading by example, is making the

59:43 decision not to show up for BPS kids by leaving mid-year with so

59:47 many unanswered questions still remaining.

59:51 I urge you not to approve this sweetheart deal that allows him

59:54 to walk away with immunity.

59:57 He deserves the same treatment that any other BPS employee would

1:00:01 receive without giving appropriate notice, not a parachute deal.

1:00:07 Thank you.

1:00:09 Thank you, sir.

1:00:15 Gina Darin followed by Benny Jackson and Karen Fulton.

1:00:20 My name is Gina Darin. I’m a retired teacher of Brevard County

1:00:24 Schools.

1:00:25 I’ve also been a member of a civic organization and I’ve

1:00:27 attended all the school board meetings and took note for the

1:00:30 organization.

1:00:32 I have worked under Dr. Sawyer, Dr. Depatri, Dr. Binggeli, Dr.

1:00:38 Blackburn, Dr. Mullins.

1:00:41 I want to congratulate the new board members that ran on

1:00:45 accountability and transparency.

1:00:48 We are now dealing in negative troubled waters in funding for

1:00:52 public education.

1:00:54 I have addressed this board constantly for the past couple of

1:00:58 years about the impact of vouchers on our finances and schools

1:01:03 of hope.

1:01:05 We are making a decision for a contract to an outgoing board

1:01:11 when two new members are coming in, and I notice that one person

1:01:16 is not here.

1:01:17 Is his pay going to be docked?

1:01:21 I long for the days when I can go to a school board meeting and

1:01:24 not get stressed out about decisions or comments that would be

1:01:28 made or activities.

1:01:30 And I keep having hope that that’s going to happen.

1:01:34 I’m asking this board to please stop and allow the two new

1:01:37 school board members to be part of this negotiation,

1:01:42 which is very similar to Dr. Mullins’ termination, with the

1:01:46 exception of a couple of things about insurance.

1:01:51 Might I also add that when I go up to Maryland to visit my old

1:01:56 boss, who’s now superintendent of St. Mary’s County Schools,

1:01:59 I’ve asked him, “Hey, Scott, have you thought about coming down

1:02:02 to Florida and our district and being our superintendent?”

1:02:05 And he said, “No way. I read about your district all the time in

1:02:10 the newspaper, and there are two places I wouldn’t go.

1:02:14 One’s Florida and one’s California. Yeah, he’s read about what

1:02:18 happened to Melissa Calhoun.

1:02:21 He’s read about other things that have happened in this district.”

1:02:26 Let’s get back to being civil. Let’s get back to transparency,

1:02:30 and let’s get back to normalcy. Thank you.

1:02:34 Thank you.

1:02:40 Benny Jackson. After Benny Jackson, we have Karen Fulton and Waylene

1:02:45 Parkhurst.

1:02:47 Good morning, members of the school board. My name is Benny

1:02:50 Jackson, Jr., and I am a Brevard County resident.

1:02:54 I’m here because I believe decisions involving public education

1:02:59 must be grounded in evidence, transparency,

1:03:02 accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer

1:03:06 resources.

1:03:07 Today, you’re being asked to approve a separation agreement with

1:03:10 Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell.

1:03:13 My concern is not whether Dr. Rendell has the right to pursue

1:03:17 another employment opportunity.

1:03:20 My concern is whether this board has demonstrated that the

1:03:23 agreement before you protects the long-term interests of Brevard

1:03:27 Public Schools.

1:03:28 I have five questions that I believe deserve answers on the

1:03:31 public record before this vote.

1:03:34 First, what specific circumstances require this decision to be

1:03:38 made today rather than November 17th when the newly elected

1:03:42 board members take office?

1:03:45 Second, what is the total financial obligation created by this

1:03:49 agreement,

1:03:50 and has the board received a complete accounting of the cost and

1:03:53 potential future liabilities?

1:03:56 Third, what legal right is the district giving up through the

1:04:00 agreement’s release provisions,

1:04:03 and how will the district preserve accountability for matters

1:04:07 that have not yet been fully investigated?

1:04:10 Fourth, has this board verified compliance with the

1:04:12 superintendent’s contractual notification requirements

1:04:16 concerning alternative employment,

1:04:18 and what evidence supports that determination?

1:04:22 Fifth, what document transition plan ensures that the district’s

1:04:26 financial oversight, student safety, responsibilities,

1:04:30 and educational operations will remain stable after Dr. Rendell’s

1:04:34 departure?

1:04:36 These are not accusations. These are questions about the

1:04:40 evidence supporting a consequential public decision.

1:04:44 A favorable performance evaluation does not eliminate the board’s

1:04:47 responsibility to examine the terms of a separation agreement.

1:04:52 Likewise, the superintendent’s decision to leave does not

1:04:55 eliminate the board’s responsibility to protect the institution

1:05:01 he is leaving.

1:05:04 I ask each board member to consider one final question.

1:05:08 What evidence can you place before the public today

1:05:11 demonstrating that approving this agreement now is in the best

1:05:14 interest of Brevard County’s students,

1:05:17 the best interest of employees, and the best interest of

1:05:20 taxpayers?

1:05:22 The public deserves an answer supported by facts, not simple

1:05:25 accusations or assurances. Thank you.

1:05:29 Thank you, sir.

1:05:35 Karen Fulton, followed by Waylene Parkhurst and Catherine

1:05:39 Martinez.

1:05:41 Good morning, board and Dr. Rendell. I would like to take this

1:05:45 opportunity to first of all thank our board as it stands today

1:05:52 for the great work that they’ve done,

1:05:54 including Dr. Rendell, the great work that you’ve done also.

1:05:58 I appreciate it. I know that you’ve had many accomplishments,

1:06:03 and I think we definitely need to celebrate that.

1:06:08 You took us to an A-rated district. That’s a big thing, and we

1:06:11 appreciate it.

1:06:13 You increased graduation rates. Wow.

1:06:17 I remember sitting in this boardroom when those numbers came in,

1:06:21 and it was the very end of a meeting,

1:06:23 and we were wrapping the meeting up, and I don’t remember who

1:06:28 someone said quoted the graduation rates that had just come out.

1:06:32 What a joyful time that was. It’s a great accomplishment.

1:06:37 Most of all, the improvement in academic areas. The numbers show

1:06:42 great work that’s done,

1:06:45 great work by everyone here in this district, students, teachers,

1:06:50 the people around the edge of this room,

1:06:53 but also you led us in that, and I appreciate that.

1:07:01 Also, I just want to turn for a second to the search for the new

1:07:05 superintendent.

1:07:07 We appreciate a transparent process where we can have input by

1:07:14 the community.

1:07:17 We would appreciate that. I think that would be a good thing,

1:07:22 and we’d like to see someone that values parental rights, that

1:07:25 wants to work together as a team.

1:07:27 That’s an important thing, but I find it so ironic that people

1:07:35 are so upset with you guys and your decorum,

1:07:40 and yet behave this way. I have a hard time understanding that.

1:07:45 We all should show kindness to everyone, and I would like to

1:07:47 have kindness to me, too.

1:07:49 I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, as I would like

1:07:51 to give kindness to you and everybody else here, too.

1:07:55 Let’s see, but most of all, in our search for our new

1:07:57 superintendent, most of all,

1:08:00 I would like to see someone that values the academic excellence

1:08:04 that you guys have valued, that Dr. Rendell has valued,

1:08:07 and I appreciate that, and to me, that’s the number one thing.

1:08:12 I wish you all well, the people that are leaving.

1:08:15 I know that you have a servant’s heart, and I know that you will

1:08:19 find other ways to serve our community,

1:08:22 and I appreciate that also. Thank you.

1:08:25 Thank you.

1:08:27 Waylene Parkhurst, Katherine Martinez, and Pamela Castellano.

1:08:33 Ma’am, if you can just hang on just one second. Just one second.

1:08:37 How many more speakers do we have?

1:08:38 We have 34 total, and we’re at 19.

1:08:41 Okay. I think we take a break at 10 o’clock. I’ve got some

1:08:43 requests, if that’s okay.

1:08:44 All right. We’ll just take a restroom break. All right. Thank

1:08:47 you, ma’am. You go ahead.

1:08:49 Hi. My name’s Waylene Parkhurst. I am a member of the community.

1:08:54 I have four kids that are teachers, unfortunately two of them at

1:08:59 BPS.

1:09:00 And I say unfortunate because they love their job so much that

1:09:04 they’re willing to put up with the politics,

1:09:07 the lack of pay, the having to support their own classrooms.

1:09:11 I came with a whole speech here that I was going to read off to

1:09:14 you all.

1:09:15 Most everybody here agrees and has said it.

1:09:18 So now I’m going to speak for teachers.

1:09:20 Teachers deserve the same respect that you all want.

1:09:24 They deserve the pay, the insurance, the respect.

1:09:30 We sit up here and we can look at board members and we can see

1:09:33 them making faces, laughing,

1:09:37 not even paying attention, getting up and walking around.

1:09:40 One board member doesn’t even think we’re worth showing up for.

1:09:44 I’ve got a family member in ICU actively passing away.

1:09:47 If I can leave the hospital to come up here to talk to you all,

1:09:51 he could give us the respect of showing up.

1:09:54 There’s nothing that urgent that he couldn’t be here unless he’s

1:09:58 the one laying in ICU.

1:10:00 Mr. Sess, I’m talking to you now because you seem to be the one

1:10:05 that is like leading everything.

1:10:08 I have respect for two people on this board right now, one being

1:10:12 Mr. Thomas,

1:10:14 who after the email that I sent to every one of you was the only

1:10:17 one that could take time to respond.

1:10:20 He’s the only one that I have seen talk about postponing this.

1:10:26 So our newly elected members that we chose to speak for us are

1:10:30 able to come here.

1:10:32 He’s one of the ones that talked about other things in past

1:10:35 meetings and stood up for the community.

1:10:39 Megan. Megan does what she feels is right, but I have heard her

1:10:45 talk about we need to think about the teachers.

1:10:48 We need to think about the schools. That all came when we talked

1:10:50 about giving a pay increase to coaches

1:10:53 based on whether they go to state, how many games they win, but

1:10:57 we’re not doing that for our teachers.

1:10:59 Our teachers are looked down on. They’re not respected. They’re

1:11:02 not babysitters.

1:11:04 If a claim is made against them, and I know this for a fact,

1:11:09 when a claim is made against them,

1:11:10 they are guilty until they can be proven innocent. It is not the

1:11:13 other way around.

1:11:15 And if we didn’t have the union for our teachers, our teachers

1:11:18 would either be fired or they would be gone.

1:11:22 The union is the only thing, and Mr. Thomas, that they have

1:11:25 going for them right now.

1:11:27 So I strongly urge you to put this vote off until the people

1:11:30 that we want representing us are sitting in those seats.

1:11:34 Not all of Dr. Rendell’s friends. Thank you.

1:11:48 Catherine Martinez, followed by Pamela Castellano and Elizabeth

1:11:52 Liberta.

1:11:53 Good morning. My name is Catherine Martinez. I’m a parent of two

1:11:56 children at BPS.

1:11:58 I don’t think I’m going to say anything different than anyone

1:12:00 has already said today.

1:12:02 But maybe hearing it the 40th or 50th time, you might actually

1:12:05 take it into consideration before actually voting.

1:12:09 We’ll see. I strongly oppose the proposed separation agreement

1:12:12 with Dr. Rendell on its current form.

1:12:14 He has already submitted his resignation, effective November 27th.

1:12:18 His existing contract already addresses the consequences of

1:12:21 resignation, including the compensation and benefits to which

1:12:25 she is entitled.

1:12:26 There is no apparent reason to turn on an already submitted

1:12:29 resignation into a new negotiated agreement that provides

1:12:33 additional financial and legal benefits.

1:12:35 There are five particularly concerning provisions.

1:12:38 First, he has already breached contract by not giving adequate

1:12:42 notice of resignation or negotiating another job.

1:12:46 Second, the agreement proposes paying approximately 1095 hours

1:12:49 of unused sick leave.

1:12:51 Unlike vacation leave, sick leave is not automatically payable

1:12:54 upon resignation.

1:12:56 The district must identify the specific contractual and policy

1:13:00 authority for this payment.

1:13:02 If other district employees who voluntarily resign do not

1:13:05 receive this benefit, why should the superintendent receive

1:13:09 preferential treatment?

1:13:11 As someone else mentioned this earlier, would we treat others

1:13:16 this way?

1:13:17 Aside from Ms. Calhoun, I can’t help but think of Dr. Tressler,

1:13:23 a BPS educator for 30 years, a principal denied retirement due

1:13:27 to not renewing her contract.

1:13:30 Third, the agreement reiterates and potentially expands indemnification

1:13:33 protections beyond those already provided in its employment

1:13:36 contract.

1:13:37 The district should not broaden its obligation to defend and

1:13:40 indemnify him against future claims, particularly while

1:13:43 investigations involving his tenure remain unresolved.

1:13:47 Fourth, the agreement requires the district to payment

1:13:50 approximately $147 per hour for future cooperation with no

1:13:54 meaningful cap on the time or expense involved.

1:13:57 He has resigned.

1:13:59 The district should not commit to an open-ended paid consulting

1:14:02 arrangement.

1:14:04 Fifth and perhaps most troubling, the agreement releases Dr.

1:14:08 Rendell from all potential claims by the district, including

1:14:12 unknown and contingent claims.

1:14:15 This is happening while the traumatic preventable Riviera

1:14:18 Elementary death investigation, outside counsel’s review, and

1:14:21 the state reporting inquiry remain unresolved.

1:14:24 The district should not surrender potential claims before it

1:14:27 even knows what those investigations may reveal.

1:14:30 So what is the district receiving in exchange for these

1:14:33 additional concessions?

1:14:35 Much of what Dr. Rendell is entitled to receive is already

1:14:39 addressed in his existing contract.

1:14:42 There is also serious concern about the timing of this decision.

1:14:46 This meeting was moved up by Matt Susan to 9 a.m. on a Tuesday

1:14:49 morning when most parents, working parents, I’m a single mother,

1:14:54 all teachers, no teachers can be here,

1:14:56 before the incoming board members have an opportunity to weigh

1:14:59 in on an agreement that could have significant financial and

1:15:03 legal consequences for the district.

1:15:05 Why should a decision of this magnitude be rushed through before

1:15:07 the newly elected representatives have an opportunity to

1:15:10 participate?

1:15:11 The public deserves transparency.

1:15:14 It’s a shame Jane Trent is not here to hear about it because I’m

1:15:16 going to say transparency a few more times because the decision

1:15:20 deserves full consideration.

1:15:22 The board has a responsibility to protect tax dollars, ensure

1:15:25 equal treatment of employees, and preserve the district’s

1:15:27 ability to hold individuals accountable when warranted.

1:15:31 But above all, the board’s responsibility is to its students and

1:15:35 to its constituents that it serves, not to making the departure

1:15:39 of an outgoing superintendent more comfortable or financially

1:15:42 beneficial.

1:15:44 The taxpayers are funding these decisions and the voters are

1:15:50 watching. They expect transparency, accountability, and

1:15:53 decisions made in the best interest of students of the district.

1:15:56 Dr. Rendell should receive everything he is contractually

1:15:59 entitled to receive but nothing more without a compelling and

1:16:02 legally supported justification.

1:16:05 This agreement should be rejected in its current form. Thank you.

1:16:09 Thank you. We’re going to take a minute to take a break. We’ll

1:16:14 be back in just a second.

1:25:25 to mr. Gibbs can you call it the next speaker right Pamela Castellano

1:25:48 followed

1:25:48 by Elizabeth Liberta and Yenny Jennifer Sun good morning section

1:25:57 5 of the

1:25:58 superintendent’s agreement his hiring agreement says in the

1:26:01 event the

1:26:01 superintendent intends to apply for and/or enters into

1:26:05 negotiations to

1:26:07 consider alternate employment the superintendent shall notify

1:26:10 the board of

1:26:10 such intent to apply and/or intent to enter into negotiations

1:26:14 within three

1:26:15 business days of set action I don’t think anybody here is naive

1:26:20 enough to

1:26:20 think that Eastern Florida created a position reached out to

1:26:24 somebody and had

1:26:25 that position done within 72 hours right okay section 15 of the

1:26:32 superintendent’s contract says if the superintendent resigns or

1:26:34 leaves his

1:26:35 employment here under during the term of this agreement without

1:26:38 the consent of

1:26:39 the board the board may terminate this agreement so I’m going to

1:26:43 differ from a

1:26:44 lot of my new friends in the room I’m not asking that you delay

1:26:46 this vote I’m

1:26:47 asking that you end this great his agreement his contract of

1:26:52 agreement that

1:26:52 hired him for cause in other words fire him for cause he did not

1:26:58 give you notice

1:27:02 the boards will have the right to dismiss the superintendent and

1:27:05 terminate

1:27:06 this agreement for cause by majority vote of the board for

1:27:08 purposes of this

1:27:09 agreement causes to find as material breach of this agreement

1:27:12 and or for any

1:27:13 conduct that would constitute cause for dismissal of

1:27:15 instructional personnel as

1:27:17 provided in sections 1012 point three three Florida statutes so

1:27:23 aside from the

1:27:24 fact that that the agreement itself the separation agreement is

1:27:28 deeply troubling

1:27:29 if we understand indemnity being provided to a board as a

1:27:32 governmental

1:27:33 agency in the event of something you couldn’t prevent but mr. Riddell

1:27:38 himself

1:27:38 personally violated constitutional rights for at least two

1:27:41 educators in our

1:27:42 school system we all know it and I understand you wanting to

1:27:45 protect

1:27:46 yourself from that but not on my dime anymore we’ve given you a

1:27:50 million

1:27:50 dollars since you were hired and you have bankrupted our schools

1:27:55 are saved

1:27:55 the school savings accounts are drained their security accounts

1:27:59 for which they

1:28:00 pay toilet paper so the other things that our kids need to stay

1:28:03 healthy in

1:28:03 their schools gone you don’t get any more of our money you broke

1:28:07 your

1:28:08 agreement I beg you beg you to terminate his agreement for cause

1:28:13 thank you

1:28:32 all right all right so that was Elizabeth Liberta followed by Yenny

1:28:37 Jennifer sung

1:28:38 and Jacqueline gross my turn are you morning and stated all the

1:28:51 facts and

1:28:54 against mr. Randell’s a severance package my name is Beth Liberta

1:29:01 I am

1:29:01 I’ve been in a county for over 50 years I just recently retired

1:29:06 after a 44 year

1:29:08 career in the telecommunications industry I was a lineman I’m a

1:29:14 blue

1:29:14 collar worker and I hope I represent eloquently the other blue

1:29:19 collar workers

1:29:20 that could not be here at this short notification considering

1:29:25 there’s kids go

1:29:27 to these schools in Brevard County and your mission statement

1:29:31 says to serve

1:29:32 every student with excellence as the standard I was very

1:29:37 fortunate to raise

1:29:38 to raise one as a single parent daughter under that standard and

1:29:44 see my

1:29:45 granddaughter also attend the schools and raise in the school

1:29:50 system under

1:29:51 that standard what I’m surprised to be is that you haven’t

1:29:55 changed that motto

1:29:57 and that motto I would think with what’s going on at this school

1:30:02 just you’re

1:30:02 going to cost across the country should say censorship use to

1:30:07 serve every

1:30:08 student with censorship and marginalization as the standard so

1:30:16 as I’m

1:30:18 retired now and have nothing else to do I decided to attend this

1:30:21 school meeting

1:30:22 the very first public speaking I’ve ever done the very first Brevard

1:30:27 County

1:30:28 government of any government I have ever done any any attend any

1:30:32 government I’ve

1:30:33 ever done that’s where you could buy the tail by the way I’m

1:30:35 talking because I’m

1:30:35 a little bit nervous okay so I’ve decided to get involved in

1:30:41 politics and

1:30:42 Megan you are in my district please expect to start seeing me

1:30:47 next time you

1:30:48 go run for reelection because I’m gonna make sure you don’t get

1:30:52 there but the

1:30:54 pendulum in this country has now shifted thankfully we’re

1:30:58 hopefully getting out

1:30:59 of this reality show thing we’ve been in the last six years okay

1:31:07 and moms your

1:31:09 days are numbered Yenny Jennifer son followed by Jaclyn gross

1:31:22 and Gaitlin

1:31:24 Khalifa they’re just excited good morning my name is Jennifer shung

1:31:29 I’m a

1:31:29 parent of children in the BPS system thank you for convening

1:31:32 this special

1:31:33 meeting to hear comments as a taxpayer I’d like to understand

1:31:37 why we are even

1:31:38 considering a golden parachute package for someone that has

1:31:42 voluntarily decided

1:31:43 to move into a new role in the middle of a school year unless

1:31:48 and until we

1:31:50 understand why a new agreement is needed when separation terms

1:31:54 are already

1:31:55 outlined in dr. Rendell’s original contract this board needs to

1:31:59 vote no

1:32:00 reviewing the new terms we are giving up all of the protections

1:32:04 and benefits in

1:32:05 the original agreement while getting nothing in return for

1:32:09 example why would

1:32:11 the requisite 90 days notice be waived when an interim

1:32:15 superintendent or

1:32:16 replacement hasn’t been identified and I understand we added

1:32:20 that to our agenda

1:32:21 today we do need that time to properly carry out interviews and

1:32:25 candidate

1:32:26 betting - why would release for all claims fixed and contingent

1:32:31 known or

1:32:31 unknown be included how does that protect our community from

1:32:36 harm three

1:32:37 without a chief financial officer who has determined that it is

1:32:42 fiscally

1:32:43 responsible for taxpayers to give an extra one hundred and sixty

1:32:47 seven

1:32:48 thousand dollars in sick leave pay plus a hundred and forty

1:32:52 seven dollars an

1:32:52 hour fee to dr. Rendell just to recap the schools have already

1:32:58 had seventy

1:32:59 nine million dollars cut from the budget dr. Rendell is asking

1:33:03 to further reduce

1:33:05 the staffing costs by 7% people are making sacrifices in

1:33:10 recognition of his

1:33:11 accomplishments dr. Rendell has already been paid more than

1:33:15 three hundred

1:33:16 thousand dollars a year as superintendent he’s received a

1:33:19 sixteen

1:33:20 thousand dollar bonus and he’s voluntarily going to another six-figure

1:33:24 job aside from not needing the money he’s in the best position

1:33:29 to understand

1:33:30 why we need every cent we can we can save in times when schools

1:33:35 and working

1:33:36 parents alike are struggling with budgets and taxes we need to

1:33:40 make

1:33:41 fiscally responsible decisions the school board has a duty to

1:33:45 fulfill the

1:33:46 obligations of the original contract and protect the interests

1:33:50 of Brevard County

1:33:52 approving this agreement without the full transparency and

1:33:55 accountability

1:33:55 your constituents deserve will tell us whether the public’s

1:33:59 interests are being

1:34:01 prioritized under your leadership as most parents are working or

1:34:05 dropping off

1:34:06 their children at school a lack of their presence is not

1:34:09 indicative of how

1:34:10 strongly we feel about how this is being handled the midterms

1:34:15 show that people

1:34:16 are paying attention to the decisions being made and the

1:34:19 outcomes that are

1:34:21 being fought for please vote no or delay the vote until it can

1:34:26 be reviewed and

1:34:27 amended to the public satisfaction Thank You ma’am

1:34:35 Jacqueline gross followed by Kate Gatlin Khalifa and Pam Escobar

1:34:42 hello I’m

1:34:44 Jacqueline gross I am a young man pardon hang on hang on hang on

1:34:50 okay go ahead thank you I am

1:34:51 Jacqueline gross I’m a parent a current district for previously

1:34:56 we were in India

1:34:57 Atlantic area with a son who’s made it all the way from

1:35:00 elementary now in high

1:35:02 school I do have to say though I guess we’ve had a lot of great

1:35:06 scores and

1:35:06 things and improvements but keep in mind we came out of a lost

1:35:10 shuttle program

1:35:11 and had to work really hard and new people moved in and there’s

1:35:14 a huge drive

1:35:15 for parents that want to have good schools and we have a lot of

1:35:18 parents

1:35:19 putting in a lot of effort and making sure that our kids are

1:35:22 doing the

1:35:22 homework at home but I do have to say I want I do I do want to

1:35:27 give you know

1:35:28 we’re not saying nobody did nothing but there is a lot of shadiness

1:35:31 over here

1:35:32 and I’m just not really I I should just say I’m thankful that

1:35:37 you found a new

1:35:38 opportunity good for you I’m happy for you but I want to make

1:35:43 sure that you’re

1:35:44 not getting the payouts because it doesn’t fit your past

1:35:47 contract and I

1:35:48 don’t think it should be added in any new one I don’t think you

1:35:51 should be

1:35:51 sorry I get emotional I haven’t spoken in a really long time I I

1:35:58 do think you

1:35:59 should have a good opportunity but I think we should also not be

1:36:01 taking from

1:36:02 our teachers and not be taking from our kids I’ve seen so many

1:36:05 amazing teachers

1:36:07 leave because of know the support we’re not getting from you so

1:36:13 a lot of my

1:36:15 child being in thank you for I agree I have a son who has done

1:36:21 really well

1:36:21 despite you because we’ve had I can’t I don’t want to name

1:36:26 teachers and put them

1:36:27 on the spot for leaving our programs but he’s doing well not

1:36:31 because of you he’s

1:36:32 doing well because he has amazing teachers that are still there

1:36:35 so we need

1:36:36 to give that respect and that money should be going to them not

1:36:39 to you I

1:36:41 don’t even understand why you would be asking for that or

1:36:44 approving or even

1:36:45 making an agreement for that so I am NOT against I’m not against

1:36:49 what’s the

1:36:50 official name of it a mutual agreement to have you go fine go

1:36:53 but I don’t think

1:36:55 that you should have any extra money you don’t deserve it’s not

1:36:58 part of the

1:36:59 contract so no and I just just look at the papers it doesn’t

1:37:02 matter what

1:37:03 someone else got or if he’s considered for retirement he didn’t

1:37:06 he openly

1:37:06 resigned so now that’s all I have to say for that thank you

1:37:18 gaitlyn Khalifa followed by Pam Escobar and Rebecca McAllen in

1:37:25 it’s Caitlin

1:37:26 Khalifa just to be fair dr. Adele did not honor the contract and

1:37:30 give notice

1:37:31 no 90-day notice no three days of notice for negotiating a

1:37:35 position nothing he

1:37:37 breached his contract he’s not upholding his end of the contract

1:37:41 why on earth

1:37:43 would you provide more than he is owed you are considering

1:37:47 rewarding him for a

1:37:48 breach of contract termination for cause I agree he should get

1:37:53 nothing heck I’ll

1:37:55 even be nice just give him what everyone here what you sir

1:38:00 agreed to in in your

1:38:02 employment contract you agreed to the terms honor what all of

1:38:06 you agreed to

1:38:06 years ago a separation agreement is not needed he is not

1:38:12 retiring he quit plain

1:38:14 and simple you should not pay him retirement benefits he is not

1:38:18 eligible

1:38:18 to receive roughly 4.5 months of salary and sickly in sick leave

1:38:25 a hundred and

1:38:25 sixty seven thousand dollars in sick leave payout quick question

1:38:29 what does a

1:38:31 teacher or a substitute teacher make I hear we’re short on those

1:38:34 the county

1:38:36 does not have the money I wonder why to afford this we just had

1:38:42 to increase our

1:38:42 taxes to afford basic protections basic protections to keep our

1:38:48 students safe

1:38:50 for our students and our teachers we’re paying for those let’s

1:38:55 be honest about

1:38:56 where we are dr. Endell is leaving the county in a terrible

1:39:00 financial position

1:39:01 due to mismanagement he’s leaving with large looming lawsuits

1:39:04 that will further

1:39:05 strain the educational system we’re not in a good financial

1:39:08 place yet you are

1:39:09 proposing to offer him additional compensation and protections

1:39:13 that he is

1:39:13 not owed and taking money directly directly from students and

1:39:17 facilities

1:39:18 and desperate need further you’re considering paying him a

1:39:21 hundred and

1:39:22 forty seven dollars an hour just to answer questions from

1:39:25 investigator to

1:39:26 investigating issues that occurred on his watch further you’re

1:39:31 releasing him

1:39:31 from all claims known and unknown that’s a dangerous precedent

1:39:35 why would the

1:39:36 school board feel the need to protect themselves and someone

1:39:39 else who may have

1:39:40 done something where he is liable to be clear on making no

1:39:43 accusations not if he

1:39:45 is liable that’s the court’s decision not ours it is not our

1:39:49 taxpayers

1:39:50 responsibility to protect him how many teachers could we hire or

1:39:53 give raises to

1:39:54 simply with the money that dr. Endell will receive from this

1:39:56 agreement how

1:39:57 many more teachers could we hire or give raises to if he indeed

1:40:00 needs to invoke

1:40:01 his protections from claims known or unknown and frankly I’m so

1:40:05 interested in

1:40:06 the timing of this meeting with so little notice than a number

1:40:08 of people

1:40:09 including all the teachers are unable to speak did you even

1:40:12 bother to receive

1:40:13 read the number of emails that were sent did you have time I

1:40:17 know there were a

1:40:17 lot I will just say that it is clear what the people who voted

1:40:22 you into these

1:40:23 offices want it’s clear what the students of the county need and

1:40:26 deserve

1:40:27 it’s clear what thank you ma’am we appreciate your time

1:40:36 Pam Escobar after Pam Escobar we have Rebecca McAllen in and

1:40:43 Charlene and

1:40:44 drover good morning board members and dr. Rendell most of the

1:40:51 comments are some

1:40:53 of the comments that I was going to make have already been made

1:40:55 by previous

1:40:56 speakers so I won’t belabor those points I just want to say that

1:41:01 this decision

1:41:02 that you’re going to make is a profound test of your primary

1:41:05 obligation to the

1:41:06 public your fundamental duty is to serve the district our

1:41:10 teachers and our

1:41:10 students your duty is not to protect one man nor is it to insulate

1:41:16 a specific

1:41:16 boards majority’s legacy I ask for you to protect the Brevard

1:41:22 taxpayers and

1:41:23 vote no on this agreement as it is written today thank you very

1:41:29 much

1:41:34 Rebecca McAllen in Charlene a drover Veronica Fratton good

1:41:43 morning I’ve been

1:41:46 following the school board attending meetings and watching your

1:41:49 actions since

1:41:49 before dr. Mullins I sat in this room flabbergasted at the

1:41:53 blatant disregard

1:41:54 for a qualified superintendent and what he had brought to the

1:41:56 school board and

1:41:57 this deck district for decades fast forward and we sat through

1:42:01 the large

1:42:01 expenditure of money to find someone who fits your needs but

1:42:04 clearly not the

1:42:05 needs of this district how we ended up with dr. Rendell is known

1:42:08 only truly

1:42:09 only known by those of you on this board because the public

1:42:12 definitely did not

1:42:13 agree that he was the right one for the job given his well-known

1:42:16 employment

1:42:17 history at his previous superintendent’s job is very difficult

1:42:20 to comprehend how

1:42:21 we would lead this district anywhere but into chaos and crisis

1:42:25 but yet we went

1:42:26 forward now with the salary three times the average of any other

1:42:31 superintendent

1:42:32 far far above any teacher salary he leaves the district by

1:42:35 choice at a time

1:42:36 when we are facing many challenges some of which he had a direct

1:42:39 hand in

1:42:39 crafting to suggest now that he is resigning that he deserves

1:42:46 some sort of

1:42:46 congratulatory golden parachute is unimaginable as stakeholders

1:42:52 we call

1:42:52 farce it is a farce that he deserves some special mutual

1:42:57 agreement whereby he

1:42:58 walks away with bags and bags of money that belong to the

1:43:01 families in this

1:43:01 county to suggest he received his sick pay because he’s eligible

1:43:06 to retire only

1:43:07 he’s not retiring miss Campbell he is resigning it is not the

1:43:11 same it is a

1:43:12 farce that he did not give proper notice when everyone else was

1:43:16 formally noticed

1:43:17 and his new job even announced it it is certainly a farce that

1:43:21 he should not

1:43:22 receive forever indemnity given in multiple very complicated

1:43:25 issues that

1:43:25 are coming before this board not only financially but legally

1:43:28 known and

1:43:29 forever known and unknown forever is such a stretch given what

1:43:34 is already

1:43:35 known on our horizon who are you protecting it’s not us it’s not

1:43:40 my

1:43:40 students it’s not my family he does not have the qualified

1:43:43 immunity of an

1:43:45 elected official is that what we’re trying to give him to

1:43:48 suggest the

1:43:49 cleaning house before this new board is seated is literally

1:43:52 placing a yoke on

1:43:53 their necks that is a farce three of you will not be here to see

1:43:57 that good for

1:43:58 you go about your business the district deserves better than

1:44:02 rushing through

1:44:02 this when you thought no one was going to pay attention and here

1:44:06 we are we will

1:44:07 not look away we will follow you and your goose chase little

1:44:10 meetings all

1:44:10 around the damn County we will always be watching and we would

1:44:14 ask that you do

1:44:14 the right thing for the county and not dr. Rendell thank you

1:44:24 Charlene at your over Veronica Fratton Allison Veraza good

1:44:35 morning school board

1:44:36 members our district’s mission written right behind you is to

1:44:41 serve every

1:44:41 student with excellence as the standard today I am asking you to

1:44:47 hold this

1:44:47 agreement to the same standard I have heard the people here and

1:44:51 I hope you all

1:44:52 have heard as well I want to reiterate three things first that

1:44:57 we reject this

1:44:58 agreement and if you’re not ready to postpone this second obtain

1:45:03 an

1:45:03 independent legal review particularly of the board release of

1:45:07 known and unknown

1:45:08 claims without standing investigations remaining unresolved

1:45:13 third renegotiate

1:45:15 the agreement to protect the district’s legal rights and ensure

1:45:19 full

1:45:19 transparency that’s all I have to say thank you

1:45:29 Veronica Fratton Allison Veraza Caitlin win good morning I’m an

1:45:39 involved parent

1:45:40 and the Brevard school system for 15 years and a retired

1:45:43 engineer I’m also a

1:45:45 product of the Brevard school system I didn’t have a lot of time

1:45:48 to prepare but

1:45:49 I just felt compelled to come and speak on behalf of all my

1:45:52 teacher friends that

1:45:53 can’t be here I just have one question how can the school board

1:45:57 justify

1:45:58 providing this very generous severance package of six figures

1:46:02 for unused sick

1:46:04 leave and unlimited legal protection to an individual outside

1:46:07 their employment

1:46:08 contract especially in this current financial situation of the

1:46:12 Brevard

1:46:12 school system where schools don’t even have paper to make copies

1:46:15 are begging

1:46:16 parents to donate paper they don’t even have they aren’t able to

1:46:20 hire

1:46:20 substitutes and they have facility issues that make it almost

1:46:24 unbearable to

1:46:25 teach in the classroom that’s really all I have just think about

1:46:28 how is this even

1:46:29 feasible that we’re asking for this thank you thank you

1:46:38 Allison Peraza Caitlin win Paul Ralph good morning school board

1:46:46 members my

1:46:46 name is Allison’s Peraza and I’m a 30-year Brevard taxpayer

1:46:49 community

1:46:50 member and someone who cares deeply about the future of Florida

1:46:53 schools my

1:46:54 children have graduated from public schools over 15 years ago

1:46:57 and I felt the

1:46:57 need to come here to ask one simple question why the rush in

1:47:01 just one week

1:47:03 newly elected school board members will be sworn into office yet

1:47:06 today the board

1:47:07 is being asked to approve a separation agreement with

1:47:10 superintendent Mark

1:47:11 Randell that could have significant legal and financial

1:47:13 complications for

1:47:14 our school district and our taxpayers before you vote the people

1:47:18 of Brevard

1:47:18 deserve answers we deserve to know why this agreement reportedly

1:47:22 includes broad

1:47:23 release provisions that could waive claims against the

1:47:25 superintendent

1:47:26 including claims that may not even be known today if

1:47:29 investigations are

1:47:30 ongoing how can anybody be responsibly how can anyone

1:47:33 responsibly determine

1:47:34 what rights the district should surrender before all the facts

1:47:37 are

1:47:37 available we deserve to know whether this agreement could limit

1:47:41 accountability

1:47:41 in the future accountability is not a partisan issue it’s a not

1:47:45 a personal

1:47:46 issue it’s a public trust issue we deserve to know the full

1:47:51 financial cost

1:47:52 every dollars paid out through this agreement is a dollar that

1:47:56 comes from

1:47:57 the taxpayers it’s a dollar that could be otherwise used to

1:47:59 support classrooms

1:48:00 teachers students technology school safety or academic programs

1:48:04 if the

1:48:05 taxpayers are expected to fund the agreement taxpayers deserve

1:48:07 to complete

1:48:08 transparency about exactly how much it’ll cost we deserve to

1:48:12 know whether

1:48:13 all the contractual obligations were met where their

1:48:15 notification requirements

1:48:17 related the other employment opportunities were those satisfied

1:48:20 their

1:48:20 show so us if not explain why it doesn’t matter most importantly

1:48:24 we do know we

1:48:25 need we deserve to know why the decision cannot wait for more

1:48:28 than one week what

1:48:30 harm comes from allowing newly newly acted board members chosen

1:48:34 by the voters

1:48:35 of this county to participate in a decision of this magnitude

1:48:38 why is it so

1:48:38 urgent that I must be done today transparency should never be

1:48:41 viewed as

1:48:42 an obstacle public scrutiny should never be viewed as an

1:48:45 inconvenience and

1:48:47 accountability should be never waived as optional the district

1:48:51 belongs to the

1:48:52 people of Brevard County not to the superintendent not to

1:48:55 anybody in the

1:48:55 individual board member not to any political interest before you

1:48:59 sign away

1:49:00 legal rights before you commit taxpayer dollars and before you

1:49:03 close the door on

1:49:04 potential future claims you owe this community clear answers and

1:49:07 complete

1:49:07 transparency I respectfully urge you to postpone this vote until

1:49:11 the questions

1:49:12 have been fully addressed and the public can have the confidence

1:49:15 that every

1:49:16 decision is being made in the best interest of our students our

1:49:18 schools and

1:49:19 the taxpayers who fund them our students deserve accountability

1:49:23 our taxpayers

1:49:24 deserve transparency and Brevard County deserves answers before

1:49:28 this agreement

1:49:28 is approved thank you for your time thank you

1:49:36 Caitlin when followed by Paul Ralph Cory McMillan good morning

1:49:43 members of

1:49:43 the board I am here today as a Brevard County parent resident

1:49:47 and taxpayer I

1:49:48 stand here today not only for myself but for the amazing

1:49:52 educators in the

1:49:54 district the teachers currently instructing my three children at

1:49:58 an

1:49:58 elementary school in Lewis and Merritt Island where I spend many

1:50:02 hours a week

1:50:02 volunteering in the classroom with the teachers giving support

1:50:06 however I can I

1:50:07 also stand here for the parents that were turned away this

1:50:10 morning right

1:50:11 after 9 a.m. for dropping their kids off at high school and didn’t

1:50:14 make it here

1:50:14 in time to sign up to speak I speak for us all at what point

1:50:18 does accountability

1:50:19 actually mean something to this test to this board our community

1:50:23 is hurting

1:50:23 families are grieving unimaginable losses residents and

1:50:27 educators in this

1:50:28 district are recovering from historic flooding and an

1:50:31 investigation remains

1:50:32 open about the death of a five-year-old student that happened on

1:50:36 this board’s

1:50:36 watch in one of your schools yet here we are today holding an

1:50:40 emergency meeting

1:50:41 to discuss the departing superintendent separation agreement I

1:50:44 do want to point

1:50:45 out this meeting could have been held tomorrow when your

1:50:48 educators and your

1:50:49 district staff could have could have been here an emergency

1:50:52 meeting seems

1:50:52 that accommodations could have been made even on a holiday

1:50:56 section 15 of dr.

1:50:58 Rendell’s employment contract requires 90 days written notice he

1:51:01 has provided

1:51:02 approximately three weeks Florida statute 101 102 point six one

1:51:08 addresses

1:51:08 compensation for accumulated sick leave subject to district

1:51:12 policies and

1:51:13 applicable limits I am NOT asking this board to withhold

1:51:16 compensation he is

1:51:18 legally entitled to receive what I am here to question is the

1:51:21 district’s

1:51:21 decision to waive contractual notice requirements and release

1:51:24 the district’s

1:51:25 legal claims against dr. Rendell including claims we might not

1:51:29 even know

1:51:29 about why would this board voluntarily surrender those

1:51:32 protections while

1:51:33 investigations remain open and questions about the district

1:51:36 leadership remain

1:51:37 unanswered and why is this happening just seven days before the

1:51:41 newly elected

1:51:42 board members take office our teachers are held accountable for

1:51:45 their decisions

1:51:46 our students are also held accountable in the classrooms and in

1:51:49 the school

1:51:49 district leadership should be held at to at least that same

1:51:53 standard public money

1:51:55 is not a parting gift accountability is not optional and the

1:51:59 will of our voters

1:52:00 should not be treated as an inconvenience I urge members of this

1:52:04 board to make a motion to postpone this decision until the

1:52:06 incoming board has

1:52:07 had been seated and has had the opportunity to review the

1:52:10 agreement our

1:52:12 children deserve better our educators deserve better and Brevard

1:52:15 County

1:52:16 deserves better thank you

1:52:23 all round followed by Corey McMillan and Christine Cruz for 80%

1:52:32 of

1:52:33 all Rob Brevard grad parent of four more spouse of another who

1:52:38 asked me to pass

1:52:39 along tell Jean it was me four years ago when miss Wright and no-show

1:52:44 Jones were

1:52:45 sworn in some things were done immediately voting very right

1:52:50 away to

1:52:50 get rid of dr. Mullins putting the book review committee on hold

1:52:53 for months so

1:52:54 that new representatives could be selected all in the name of

1:52:57 the will of

1:52:58 the voters the voters have spoken we need to have the new

1:53:01 leadership that the

1:53:02 voters wanted having their will expressed

1:53:07 it’s almost like you didn’t really mean that if there’s nothing

1:53:13 sketchy about

1:53:14 this why the rush why the hurry I mean I get wanting to resign

1:53:19 being a

1:53:19 superintendent right now with vouchers charter schools amendment

1:53:23 3 everything

1:53:24 sucking the life out of our public schools whoever comes next is

1:53:26 gonna take

1:53:27 the hits for all those disastrous policies but then at the

1:53:32 beginning of

1:53:33 this meeting missed by well me as somebody had to tell me I was

1:53:36 a couple

1:53:36 minutes late the agreement that people may have seen before this

1:53:41 morning has

1:53:42 changed we’ve moved up the end date from the 27th the end of the

1:53:46 month to this

1:53:46 Friday because of as you said white noise which there’s probably

1:53:51 a pun to be

1:53:52 made about moms for liberty there but the the only ones who came

1:53:56 to sing your

1:53:57 praise which is fascinating I I wouldn’t get too excited about

1:54:02 they’re not deep

1:54:02 thinkers miss bird once called me a groomer because she didn’t

1:54:06 like my socks

1:54:08 it’s on the record in fact but at least you four showed up to

1:54:13 take what I think

1:54:14 you knew was going to be a lot of noise from us mr. Trent

1:54:18 endorsed by most of

1:54:19 you somehow after his entire career he didn’t as expected he’s

1:54:25 not here not

1:54:26 that he’d contribute much and what’s the meme and nothing of

1:54:29 value was lost the

1:54:31 number of times I have stood here and said you don’t have to do

1:54:35 everything in

1:54:36 the worst or most embarrassing possible way it’s not required

1:54:41 but I guess this

1:54:43 is the last time for this particular lineup 9 a.m. 5 days notice

1:54:51 and look

1:54:52 behind me there’s no shame in changing your minds there’s no

1:55:00 shame and

1:55:01 rethinking there is no shame in adjusting your position there’s

1:55:06 some

1:55:07 shame in refusing to do that or being afraid to admit that you

1:55:10 may have made a

1:55:11 mistake either way next week can’t come soon enough

1:55:26 Corey McMillan followed by Christine Cruz I got no thanks for

1:55:37 public comment

1:55:38 I just want to say if this agreement is approved it’s only it

1:55:41 would only confirm

1:55:42 that bootlicking back-scratching and ass-covering matters to

1:55:47 this I mean

1:55:59 Christina Cruz

1:56:08 I’d like to start off by first saying thank you to John Thomas

1:56:19 for your

1:56:21 thoughtful email and trying to do the right thing by Brevard

1:56:24 Public Schools

1:56:25 and its constituents

1:56:31 you’re you’re a light of reason in a board that is otherwise not

1:56:35 board members

1:56:36 I’d like to ask you does this special meeting protect Rendell or

1:56:40 Brevard

1:56:41 Public Schools and its constituents your first obligation is to

1:56:45 provide public schools and your constituents and not talk to

1:56:48 Rendell are

1:56:49 you following the Brevard Public Schools code of conduct for

1:56:51 school board members

1:56:52 with the vote this vote or the special interests of one person

1:56:56 and if you

1:56:58 aren’t following the school board code of conduct and you’re in

1:57:01 the interest of

1:57:02 one person is that an ethical violation and if it is you really

1:57:06 need to think

1:57:06 about that I spent my money and time to print this out and this

1:57:11 is an ethical

1:57:13 complaint so you have a lot of constituents that are willing to

1:57:16 file an

1:57:16 ethical complaint against each and every one of you if you are

1:57:19 violating the code

1:57:20 of conduct so if you are you better think really careful before

1:57:24 you vote

1:57:25 thank you thank you you guys want to take a break you good all

1:57:41 right let’s

1:57:44 get all situated that concludes the agenda items only for public

1:57:57 comments we

1:57:58 thank you for taking time out of your schedule to address the

1:58:00 board with your

1:58:00 concerns and suggestions I would like to remind the public that

1:58:03 the board is

1:58:03 accessible for further conversations outside our business

1:58:06 meeting through

1:58:07 scheduling a meeting the action on the agenda today is the

1:58:11 separation agreement

1:58:12 for the superintendent can I get a motion to approve the

1:58:15 separation

1:58:15 agreement for superintendent as presented discussion yeah I’m

1:58:31 sorry yeah

1:58:37 yeah okay thanks I just wanted to start today by sharing how I

1:58:42 prepared for this

1:58:43 meeting I think it matters lots of conversations did read every

1:58:48 email that

1:58:49 came in to me to when the speakers points before I went to bed

1:58:53 which was

1:58:54 very late last night and skimmed through as many as I could

1:58:56 today before the

1:58:57 meeting started if you sent it after nine o’clock I I haven’t

1:59:00 seen it yet but

1:59:01 it take all this and I’ve also had multiple conversations with

1:59:05 dr. and L

1:59:05 since he first told me last Thursday morning have had multiple

1:59:09 conversations

1:59:09 with mr. Gibbs talked with representatives from AR talked with

1:59:14 represents from payroll to make sure I understood the process I

1:59:17 actually also

1:59:18 had a conversation with a previous general counsel so I could

1:59:22 get an idea

1:59:23 of what has been done before and because sunshine law is

1:59:28 different for me as an

1:59:30 outgoing board member I also spent the time just so you guys

1:59:32 know reaching out

1:59:33 to and had a conversation yesterday with both of the incoming

1:59:35 board members

1:59:36 because I wanted them to understand my position on why I thought

1:59:38 we should be

1:59:39 making this decision today and my fellow board members cannot do

1:59:43 that because

1:59:43 they’re held by sunshine for it because I would not be serving

1:59:47 on the same board

1:59:47 as those incoming members so I can do that there are three main

1:59:53 things that

1:59:54 you know are kind of the main points of contention I think the

1:59:59 first of all

2:00:00 first of all is the financial matters and as someone addresses

2:00:03 my letters been

2:00:04 published social media yeah broaden the reach I guess I don’t

2:00:06 maybe don’t have

2:00:07 to respond quite so many even though I do intend to respond to

2:00:09 the ones that

2:00:10 are still sitting in my inbox the vacation first of all I want

2:00:15 it several

2:00:15 people have used the word severance there’s not a severance

2:00:18 agreement this

2:00:19 this agreement is cut and paste copy paste rather from the same

2:00:23 agreement as

2:00:24 dr. Mullins and why I acknowledge that is a different type of

2:00:27 type of agreement

2:00:28 our different type of separation than what we had four years ago

2:00:32 that those

2:00:33 kinds of issues like the vacation pay that is standard and all

2:00:38 administrators

2:00:39 who are not as administrators but full-time employees who get

2:00:42 vacation pay

2:00:43 a full-time I’m not gonna say full-time year-round employees who

2:00:46 get vacation

2:00:46 pay it’s the same kind of payout that they get so that’s not

2:00:49 different that’s

2:00:50 in the contract and it’s our turn so

2:01:01 he’s my best teacher voice oh wait the sick leave is different

2:01:10 it is something

2:01:11 as I’ve mentioned it dr. indell first of all I want to say

2:01:20 mr. chair can you please warn the audience yeah guys it would be

2:01:23 appropriate to allow the school board to weigh in just as we

2:01:26 allowed you guys to

2:01:28 to so thank you so much the it’s just thank you I don’t I don’t

2:01:37 want to

2:01:38 belabor this any longer I know I’m I know I go along sometimes

2:01:41 the board

2:01:41 actually was trying to keep it as short as possible but it takes

2:01:43 longer when I

2:01:44 can’t get it out dr. and I know that you could have retired as

2:01:49 of last spring and

2:01:51 you had your 30 years in with F thank you for sticking around

2:02:01 because we had

2:02:04 important things to deal with and I appreciate that you stayed

2:02:06 through the

2:02:07 passage of the surtax and the millage because it was really

2:02:10 important to show

2:02:11 our district what we’ve done and those the impacts of those

2:02:14 measures that have

2:02:15 had such an impact on teacher retention which improves student

2:02:20 academic success

2:02:22 all of those things and you chose to stay because that was

2:02:25 really important

2:02:26 and so I appreciate that there is and so and as I mentioned the

2:02:36 usually those

2:02:37 kinds of things are done when people retire that they get their

2:02:40 sick pay out

2:02:40 and so this it is copy paste from dr. Mullins he did get a

2:02:44 payout for his

2:02:45 sick sick leave which I think was also justified considering he

2:02:49 was very short

2:02:51 of his just short of his 30 years and so that gave him the

2:02:53 opportunity to have

2:02:54 that in case he didn’t find employment later with an FRS

2:02:58 institution which he

2:02:59 ended up fighting but so the financial matters agree or disagree

2:03:06 that is

2:03:07 something that we are we are legally allowed to do I’m sorry I

2:03:11 had to reboot

2:03:12 my computer so I don’t have dr. and L’s contract right in front

2:03:15 of me but the

2:03:15 we’re legally allowed to do via his contract the first paragraph

2:03:20 of the

2:03:21 termination clause board is the one that we are dealing with yes

2:03:24 there’s 90 days

2:03:25 and yes we have we have in the clause asking for the 90 days but

2:03:29 if you look

2:03:29 in section 15 under termination of dr. Intel’s original contract

2:03:34 the first

2:03:34 paragraph is the one that applies which is we can have

2:03:37 separation by mutual

2:03:38 agreement between the board which is what we’re doing today I’d

2:03:42 want to

2:03:43 address the legal thing because I understand why people would be

2:03:45 concerned

2:03:45 and upset but I think most of the commenters have not clear

2:03:49 understanding

2:03:50 of exactly what that would be the indemnification only prevents

2:03:55 legal

2:03:56 action between the board and dr. and L and dr. and L and the

2:04:00 board several

2:04:01 people have mentioned future things just so you know we are

2:04:04 always in litigation

2:04:05 and also it nothing in this agreement prevents someone outside

2:04:10 the district

2:04:11 from bringing suit and naming dr. Intel or any board member in

2:04:14 fact regularly

2:04:15 and mr. Gibbs can attest to that we get litigation that list

2:04:19 that is from years

2:04:20 ago and that lists the board members at the time the

2:04:23 superintendent at the time

2:04:24 and they still have to go to the plot that process but just so

2:04:27 you know as

2:04:28 elected officials and as superintendent in his official capacity

2:04:32 we are not

2:04:33 personally liable for things that we do in the acting out of our

2:04:39 official roles

2:04:40 and so even if a lawsuit were to come from any of recent events

2:04:45 past events

2:04:46 future events whatever it may be even if it hasn’t been filed or

2:04:49 not dr. and L can

2:04:50 still be named in that but he would be named in his official

2:04:53 capacity and the

2:04:54 board would still by law be responsible for representing him so

2:05:00 that this

2:05:00 agreement doesn’t prevent those kind of lawsuits for coming and

2:05:03 and then the

2:05:04 taxpayer it doesn’t matter you know whoever official capacity

2:05:08 whether it’s

2:05:08 you know people out in the room and employee or whatever the

2:05:11 board’s

2:05:12 responsibilities is to defend that and that comes out of general

2:05:14 operating fund

2:05:15 so this doesn’t prevent those kind of things from happening I

2:05:18 think people

2:05:18 haven’t quite understood exactly the legal legal ramifications

2:05:21 of those

2:05:22 clauses and so I want to make sure I make that point and the

2:05:25 last thing that

2:05:25 has bubbled up has been why today and since most of you have

2:05:32 probably seen my

2:05:33 response since it was published I’ll just reiterate and this is

2:05:36 what I shared

2:05:37 with miss McCormick and also mr. Savage yesterday because I want

2:05:44 to make sure

2:05:44 that they understood him that in my position is not meant to be

2:05:47 disrespectful

2:05:48 in their role at all in fact I believe I told miss McCormick and

2:05:51 mr. Savage that

2:05:52 I would sit at that today was going to be rough and I would as

2:05:54 much as I did

2:05:55 not want this to be the way that I went out I would sit through

2:05:58 it and sit with

2:05:59 and take all the heat today so that they wouldn’t have to

2:06:02 because I don’t want

2:06:03 their first meeting next Tuesday to be this come on guys to have

2:06:10 all the

2:06:11 ugliness that I knew was going to come regardless and ugliness

2:06:14 that I believe

2:06:15 is not about the actual role that dr. Andelles played I’ve heard

2:06:19 a lot today

2:06:19 of all the negative things true or fabricated of over the last

2:06:27 four years

2:06:28 and dr. Andelles I’ve told him I’ve reminded frequently you were

2:06:32 not my

2:06:32 first choice but I appreciate you and I’ve come to appreciate

2:06:35 his leadership

2:06:36 there’s nothing in this for me I’m out in seven days so I and I

2:06:40 think that the

2:06:41 most people who have been around for a while I’ve seen that I’m

2:06:43 going to try

2:06:44 today to make the same kind of decision-making that I’ve done

2:06:48 for the

2:06:48 last eight years which is with the wisdom and experience

2:06:52 listening and

2:06:54 communication with everybody that I felt like you needed to to

2:06:56 make the very best

2:06:57 decision so I do think it is important today for us to close

2:07:01 this chapter to

2:07:02 get this done for the new board I am very much opposed to this

2:07:06 conversation

2:07:07 in this meeting to be about the interim we do have a work

2:07:10 session this afternoon

2:07:11 which is orientation for the new board members and because it’s

2:07:14 a publicly

2:07:15 noticed meeting they’ll have the opportunity I think the board

2:07:18 needs to

2:07:18 get a consensus this afternoon in that meeting so they can give

2:07:21 direction as to

2:07:22 if we have an idea of who an interim might be that way mr. Gibbs

2:07:26 can be

2:07:27 getting contracts written and the new board in on Tuesdays

2:07:30 meeting can approve

2:07:31 that contract and move forward with an interim immediately and

2:07:35 get on with the

2:07:36 business of selecting the new superintendent so that is why I

2:07:39 believe

2:07:40 that today is the right time to make this decision and so I

2:07:44 reserve the right

2:07:46 to come back around if necessary but I those are those are the

2:07:49 main things that

2:07:50 I that people have been talking about and asking about and I

2:07:52 wanted to make

2:07:53 sure I address those three sure miss Campbell you’re eloquent as

2:08:00 usual and

2:08:02 your last went out with a bang there was good very very well

2:08:05 spoken first I

2:08:06 wanted to express my appreciation for dr. Rendell service and

2:08:10 recognize the many

2:08:11 accomplishments he’s achieved during his tenure as

2:08:14 superintendent superintendent

2:08:15 of our public schools of our public schools is better because of

2:08:18 your

2:08:19 service so I just want to thank you my concerns today are not

2:08:22 about his job

2:08:23 performance nor are they an attempt to prevent to prevent his

2:08:26 departure I wish

2:08:28 him great success in his new role my concerns are about

2:08:31 transparency fiscal

2:08:32 responsibility and our obligation as elected officials to fully

2:08:36 understand

2:08:36 what we are approving before committing taxpayer dollars are

2:08:39 creating

2:08:40 obligations that the next school board will inherit our school

2:08:43 board attorney

2:08:44 is confirmed dr. run run deals contract stands on its own the

2:08:48 attorney is also

2:08:50 confirmed that this board is under no legal obligation to enter

2:08:52 into an

2:08:52 agreement and that there is no legal requirement to approve it

2:08:56 today I believe

2:08:58 we have a responsibility to know the exact financial

2:09:00 implications of this

2:09:01 agreement distinguish between what is contractually required and

2:09:06 what is

2:09:06 discretionary and understand what legal rights or protections

2:09:09 the district may

2:09:10 be relinquishing in just seven days two newly elected board

2:09:14 members will take

2:09:15 office they will share responsibility for leading this district

2:09:18 to the

2:09:18 superintendent transition and managing any continuing

2:09:21 obligations created by

2:09:22 this agreement I believe they deserve an opportunity to

2:09:25 participate in this

2:09:26 decision we should be particularly mindful of approving an

2:09:30 agreement today

2:09:30 that could unnecessarily limit the options available to the

2:09:33 newly

2:09:34 constituted board next week this is not about delaying dr. Randell’s

2:09:37 departure is

2:09:38 about ensuring that we exercise sound judgment protect taxpayer

2:09:42 dollars and

2:09:42 maintain public trust it is about leading by example just

2:09:46 because we have

2:09:47 the authority to approve this agreement today does not mean we

2:09:49 have an

2:09:50 obligation to do so today for those reasons I believe postponing

2:09:54 consideration until November 17th was the reasonable and

2:09:57 responsible course of

2:09:58 action so I will vote no to this motion

2:10:16 miss right all right mr. Gibbs I have a couple questions for

2:10:19 clarification

2:10:20 purposes that I would like for you to answer so if this district

2:10:23 has set a

2:10:23 precedence of paying out the sick time that have been accrued

2:10:27 from previous

2:10:28 superintendents or leaders such as ie a cabinet member would

2:10:32 that possibly be

2:10:33 grounds for a superintendent that was separating from the

2:10:37 district to hold us

2:10:39 accountable or potentially take us to court over those things we

2:10:43 can be sued

2:10:44 for anything so it’s potential for an argument it’s an argument

2:10:49 all right

2:10:50 thank you all right it’s my turn to speak now we have sat

2:10:53 through and

2:10:54 endured every single one of the public comments and listened

2:10:57 respectfully we

2:10:58 have yeah all right thank you all right I’m not gonna I’m not

2:11:05 addressing the

2:11:06 likelihood of any kind of success but what’s that I’m not gonna

2:11:10 speculate on

2:11:11 the likelihood of any success but okay all right I’m gonna I I

2:11:15 took some time

2:11:16 to write out my thoughts in this and so I’m gonna read them

2:11:19 rather than speak Oh

2:11:20 wild and willy-nilly and you know whatever all right I’ve spent

2:11:24 a great

2:11:24 deal of time thinking about what I wanted to say publicly

2:11:26 following the

2:11:27 news that dr. Rendell would be resigning from our district I’ve

2:11:30 given it deep

2:11:31 consideration to the public’s concerns and I promised myself I’d

2:11:33 try to keep

2:11:34 this short and sweet hopefully I will convey my thoughts in the

2:11:37 matter let me

2:11:38 start by saying that dr. Rendell’s departure at this time has

2:11:41 not come as a

2:11:42 surprise to me let me be very clear I received the news the same

2:11:45 time as

2:11:46 everyone else so please spare us the conspiracy theories that

2:11:49 are flying out

2:11:49 there they’re simply not true when a local union president is

2:11:53 openly and

2:11:53 actively working to put a new school board in place with the

2:11:56 stated goal of

2:11:57 removing the superintendent it should come as no shock to anyone

2:12:00 that this is

2:12:01 where we have ended up in all honesty I don’t believe the two

2:12:05 new board members

2:12:05 that are coming on necessarily intended to carry out everything

2:12:08 the Union had

2:12:08 hoped they would nevertheless the outcome is exactly what the

2:12:12 Union had

2:12:13 been working towards let me also clear up some misunderstandings

2:12:16 and

2:12:16 misinformation that seems to be running through the community dr.

2:12:19 Rendell’s not

2:12:19 getting paid a severance package he is being paid out the

2:12:22 vacation and sick

2:12:23 time he has accrued and earned it was part of his contract and

2:12:28 the president

2:12:28 has been set by this district with previous separation

2:12:31 agreements with

2:12:32 other superintendents and leaders if the board coming on wishes

2:12:36 to change that we

2:12:38 can do that but we do that through policy change and contract

2:12:41 changes we

2:12:42 must honor the contract that dr. Rendell has in place but here

2:12:46 is what I hope

2:12:47 everyone remembers this mission the mission of this organization

2:12:52 remains the

2:12:53 same it’s not politics its children our responsibility day in

2:12:59 and day out is to

2:13:00 provide the best possible education for the children of Brevard

2:13:04 County that is

2:13:05 the mission and the truth is no one single person accomplishes

2:13:08 that alone

2:13:09 Brevard Public Schools is made up of thousands of dedicated

2:13:12 individuals who

2:13:13 show up every day committed to doing what is best for children

2:13:17 and providing

2:13:17 an outstanding education that prepares them for success long

2:13:20 after they leave

2:13:21 our classrooms my constant prayer is that this mission remains

2:13:26 at the

2:13:26 forefront of every conversation every decision and every action

2:13:30 taken by those

2:13:31 entrusted with leading this district over the last four years we

2:13:35 have

2:13:35 experienced tremendous change when I was elected in 2022 I heard

2:13:39 from students

2:13:40 and staff about how difficult things have become in our schools

2:13:43 I wasn’t just

2:13:44 hearing these concerns from others I was witnessing them

2:13:46 firsthand through my own

2:13:47 children’s experiences I heard from parents who were genuinely

2:13:51 concerned and

2:13:51 fearful about the direction of our district I heard from

2:13:54 teachers who were

2:13:55 afraid that if speaking out would cost them the careers that

2:13:58 they loved so much

2:13:58 and I heard from administrators who are exhausted discouraged

2:14:02 and felt they

2:14:02 couldn’t take much more those conversations and those

2:14:05 experiences

2:14:06 helped shape the work that we set out to do over that time we’ve

2:14:09 seen a

2:14:10 significant shift our school board took strong positions on some

2:14:13 difficult and

2:14:14 controversial issues knowing that those decisions would not be

2:14:17 popular with

2:14:18 every single person but we believe in the necessary it was

2:14:21 necessary to bring

2:14:23 back common sense and accountability and a renewed focus on what

2:14:26 matters most in

2:14:27 public education have we accomplished everything absolutely not

2:14:32 are we perfect

2:14:33 no I’m not even close there’s still much work to do and I know

2:14:36 what we will

2:14:37 remain committed to doing it dr. Rendell stepped into a

2:14:40 situation that most

2:14:41 people would have run the opposite direction to avoid he knew

2:14:44 the

2:14:45 circumstances he was walking into he understood the academic

2:14:48 challenges

2:14:49 facing our district all right sorry I lost my spot on where I’m

2:14:56 at thank you

2:14:57 for I don’t need your help I appreciate it all right he knew the

2:15:02 more the the

2:15:03 morale issues among our employees and the difficult road ahead

2:15:06 if meaningful

2:15:06 change was to be made and he accepted the challenge anyways in a

2:15:10 relatively

2:15:11 short time he has led this district we have achieved the highest

2:15:14 graduation

2:15:15 rate in BPS history we’ve seen academic gains across virtually

2:15:19 every single

2:15:20 category we’ve also seen employee retention returned to a

2:15:24 respectable

2:15:25 level and I want to take a moment I want to thank the voters for

2:15:28 that because a

2:15:28 significant part of that is our voters recognizing the millage

2:15:32 and also the

2:15:34 importance of our teachers and our staff so thank you for

2:15:37 supporting that millage

2:15:38 initiative those investment matters that investment matters and

2:15:42 our employees

2:15:42 deserve to know that their community values them dr. Rendell

2:15:45 thank you for

2:15:46 stepping into the lion’s den with us thank you for taking the

2:15:48 arrows that

2:15:49 were shot your way and continuing to stand strong while

2:15:51 delivering results

2:15:53 that any superintendent would be proud to have associated with

2:15:55 their leadership

2:15:57 thank you mr. I hang on I got a little bit more and I’m almost

2:16:00 done I promise

2:16:01 all right all right thank you for never wavering in your

2:16:04 convinced convictions

2:16:05 and thank you for remaining calm even when those around you were

2:16:09 not and most

2:16:10 importantly thank you for unapologetically being yourself sorry

2:16:14 all right it’s been a privilege to work alongside you I’ve come

2:16:18 to know you as a

2:16:19 tremendous leader this is incredibly disrespectful and mr. chair

2:16:26 and it’s and

2:16:27 it’s and it’s quite frankly it’s just trash it is incredibly

2:16:31 disrespectful and

2:16:33 I would ask the public who is here and has had their say to

2:16:37 allow the board to

2:16:38 do their deliberations you are only delaying it mr. chair

2:16:43 whatever we need

2:16:43 to do to not restore order we just you know what guys here’s the

2:16:49 deal we’re

2:16:50 sitting here today we hear you we listen to you I took notes

2:16:54 down but this is

2:16:55 this is disrespectful and trashy goal always thank you no no we’re

2:17:03 not finally

2:17:03 to the Brevard community we still have challenges ahead of us we

2:17:07 have many

2:17:08 obstacles that we will be facing in this district just like

2:17:11 every other district

2:17:12 in the state of Florida and this nation we have work to do

2:17:16 difficult decisions

2:17:17 to make and hurdles that will require us all to work together

2:17:20 but our mission has

2:17:21 not changed and our commitment to the children of Brevard County

2:17:25 should not

2:17:25 change with it thank you

2:17:34 guess what I want to just make something very clear I don’t seek

2:17:39 your approval

2:17:40 and so your criticism does not thank you at some point no no no

2:17:47 no no at some

2:17:47 point at some point we have to ask these individuals to thank

2:17:52 you different all

2:17:54 right so it’s my turn first off I wanted to thank everybody for

2:17:57 coming out I

2:17:58 understand that being on the other side of this how difficult it

2:18:01 is to try to

2:18:01 understand each one of these complex components to this without

2:18:05 completely

2:18:06 having the opportunity and the experience that each one of us

2:18:09 have so I

2:18:10 appreciate you I was working through each one of these items

2:18:13 that you guys

2:18:14 brought up so that we could address them during this time first

2:18:17 off the Veterans

2:18:18 Day ask I we can’t do that on Veterans Day I couldn’t call

2:18:21 everybody in staff

2:18:22 and everybody in there was a comment that we don’t even have a CFO

2:18:27 I would

2:18:28 argue that this board 5-0 chose Miss Suhan and that she’s

2:18:31 probably the most

2:18:32 qualified CFO that we have and is arguably across the United

2:18:37 State or

2:18:38 across the state of Florida because of her experience and the

2:18:40 fact that like

2:18:41 one point three billion dollars is under facilities over you

2:18:44 know what I mean a

2:18:45 time period so the issue that she doesn’t have that is is is

2:18:49 wrong just

2:18:50 want to let you guys know that and then there was a comment that

2:18:53 caught me and I

2:18:53 wanted to address it teachers being looked down on so I wanted

2:18:58 to tell you

2:18:59 guys teachers being looked down on I want I want to forget about

2:19:02 the board

2:19:03 and what we do I wanted to tell you about the core I told you

2:19:06 want to tell

2:19:07 you about the core of dr. Rendell every single time we ever had

2:19:11 a conversation

2:19:12 with dr. Rendell every single time we were ever in a

2:19:14 conversation up here in

2:19:15 private or anything he always put all the respect back on the

2:19:20 teachers and I

2:19:21 promise you that he said that we have very little opportunity to

2:19:25 actually make

2:19:26 a difference like the teachers do and I can promise you from my

2:19:30 position over

2:19:31 the time that I’ve had dr. Indell he has focused exactly on that

2:19:34 now I want to

2:19:35 talk to you guys there’s a one of the main areas was indemnification

2:19:38 and I can

2:19:38 understand why you guys were asking questions about that that’s

2:19:42 a standard

2:19:43 thing just so you guys know Blackburn in May of 2015 section 18

2:19:51 of his contract

2:19:53 gave indemnification for the same post-employment indemnification

2:19:57 Molins

2:19:58 on his original contract in 610 of 2018 section 18 again indemnification

2:20:05 on

2:20:05 post-employment Rendell on May 9th of 2023 section 18 again

2:20:11 indemnification

2:20:12 on post-employment but I want to address to show you guys

2:20:15 because some of what

2:20:16 you guys were saying was true how do we know that there’s not

2:20:18 something going on

2:20:19 out there and everything else so I just want everybody to know

2:20:22 that the Florida

2:20:23 statute sits seven six eight point two nine section nine

2:20:26 subsection a is called

2:20:27 bad faith and malfeasance conduct and unwanted conduct the that

2:20:33 statute if you

2:20:34 look it up does not allow him that if he’s acted inappropriately

2:20:37 to continue

2:20:38 to have that indemnification so a lot of your concerns can be

2:20:42 met with that that

2:20:43 statute and I wanted to also let you guys know that this is

2:20:46 standard in the

2:20:48 Brevard contracts next next one is is that thank you so much for

2:20:52 showing an

2:20:53 example to your child thank you so much for showing an example

2:20:56 to your child

2:20:57 sixly sick leave let’s talk about let’s talk about sick leave I

2:21:01 took the time to

2:21:03 look this up for you guys sick sick leave dr. Mullins resigned

2:21:07 and he also

2:21:08 was given the sick leave and you know the reason I know that is

2:21:11 because I

2:21:12 negotiated his contract and so that is a standard that we have

2:21:16 here in Brevard

2:21:16 that has been established ahead of time just so you guys know dr.

2:21:20 Rendell was not

2:21:21 fired dr. Rendell or I’m sorry dr. Mullins was not fired he

2:21:24 resigned if you

2:21:25 have any questions of that I would go back to it I was the one

2:21:28 that negotiated

2:21:29 everything that went through there and everything else just so

2:21:31 you know that’s

2:21:32 the facts now I will tell you that his just like dr. Rendell’s

2:21:38 was a crude sick

2:21:39 leave this is the time that they are working inside of our

2:21:42 school district

2:21:43 and earned that sick leave they are granted to it so I want to

2:21:47 tell you the

2:21:47 past precedents and what it is today exact same situation some

2:21:52 of you guys

2:21:53 were asking about why now why is it all of a sudden that we’re

2:21:56 doing this now so

2:21:58 somebody was making the comment that there’s no way that in

2:22:01 three days dr.

2:22:02 Endell told us dr. Endell routinely has told me as chair and he

2:22:06 may have done it

2:22:07 for past chairs anytime he’s offered a position he always lets

2:22:10 me know and he

2:22:11 had already let me know about this prior to this even happening

2:22:14 so just so you

2:22:14 guys know it’s always a conversation where he says I’ve been

2:22:17 offered a job

2:22:17 and say okay thank you and everything else because he knows what

2:22:20 his contract

2:22:20 is he’s not sitting here trying to jump and come in here and

2:22:24 swoop in take a

2:22:25 contract and all that stuff he told me and it was well within

2:22:28 the three days

2:22:29 now I’m the board chair okay the other reason behind it the

2:22:37 other reason behind

2:22:38 it is because we as an organization have to move on we cannot

2:22:44 look completely and

2:22:46 have board meetings after board meetings of just attacking over

2:22:49 individuals that

2:22:51 are coming in that are not understanding of what the contracts

2:22:54 are what the

2:22:55 history is of our organization and so with that we as an

2:22:58 organization have to

2:23:00 move on exactly what miss Campbell said when I sat and

2:23:04 negotiated the contract

2:23:06 for dr. Rendell the contract for dr. Mullins and we went through

2:23:11 that the

2:23:11 one thing that everybody talks about is keeping a level of

2:23:15 legitimacy and care

2:23:16 to the school district so that we can set an example for future

2:23:20 people to

2:23:20 follow that’s what we’re doing here today the reason that I call

2:23:24 this meeting

2:23:25 the reason that I wanted to move is because we have the

2:23:28 opportunity to make

2:23:30 a recommendation to move on to a new interim superintendent and

2:23:33 go out to a

2:23:33 search I feel like I know I would like to make a recommendation

2:23:37 of somebody

2:23:38 that’s incredible it’s part of our district and I think it

2:23:40 probably would

2:23:41 be unanimous if I was thinking about it but there’s time when

2:23:44 Brevard can look

2:23:45 back but if you’re looking at this gentleman right here and you’re

2:23:48 saying

2:23:49 that there’s malfeasance Paul is there any any lawsuit currently

2:23:54 that is naming

2:23:56 dr. Rendell as a defendant as we speak right so there is no

2:24:05 lawsuit to carry

2:24:06 just like Paul was saying our lawsuits or miss Campbell was

2:24:09 saying our lawsuits

2:24:10 last three four years and so there’s always things that come up

2:24:14 all the time

2:24:14 and so to say that he’s just gonna stay here until any of the

2:24:17 current lawsuits

2:24:18 run out would be it’s just it’s not right the thing is is that

2:24:24 we need to

2:24:25 move on to a new interim superintendent the best opportunity

2:24:29 that we had was I

2:24:30 asked dr. Rendell if we could shorten his contract down to

2:24:33 Friday the 13th so

2:24:34 that we can make that and that move and I wanted to have the new

2:24:38 board members

2:24:39 make the decision and start the process I’m working towards that

2:24:42 goal that’s

2:24:43 exactly the reason I called the meeting that’s exactly the

2:24:46 reason that we have

2:24:47 some of these things inside of our our contracts that have been

2:24:50 usual and

2:24:51 customary for years and multiple superintendents so I wanted to

2:24:54 take the

2:24:55 time and answer I think I answered pretty much all of the main

2:24:57 ones there’s

2:24:58 some out some outliers that I can try to answer if somebody

2:25:01 sends me an email but

2:25:02 I felt like those were the three main areas and I wanted to

2:25:04 address them to

2:25:05 you guys so with that does anybody else have anything else to

2:25:08 say yes good all

2:25:11 right Paul roll call please mr. Thomas me miss Campbell hi mr.

2:25:18 Susan

2:25:18 hi miss right hi okay dr. Indale did you have anything you

2:25:24 wanted to say I do

2:25:31 have some closing comments I don’t know if the board has any

2:25:34 closing comments or

2:25:35 anything well I I want to I do want to say one thing before we

2:25:38 get some you

2:25:38 give it to you when dr. Rendell became the superintendent here I

2:25:44 wanted to let

2:25:45 you know we had other finalists and somebody in here made the

2:25:49 comment that

2:25:50 hey these other finalists would have been a better forum those

2:25:53 finalists are

2:25:54 no longer in public education they’ve lost their jobs since the

2:25:58 last time they

2:25:59 were finalists and so the issue that somebody said that was

2:26:03 wrong I want you

2:26:04 guys to understand the level that this man walked into we had a

2:26:09 superintendent

2:26:10 that was sitting here and had resigned and we had deputy or we

2:26:15 had staff that

2:26:16 had resigned also and we were sitting there in a situation that

2:26:20 needed a

2:26:20 complete overhaul and you know what else happened in that time

2:26:24 period we became

2:26:25 an a school district we went to zero tolerance banned cell

2:26:28 phones and

2:26:29 everything else I wanted to say thank you dr. Endell for your

2:26:33 time your turn

2:26:34 dr. Odell not sure I’m gonna be able to not sure I’m gonna be

2:26:41 able to share my

2:26:41 comments overall all right so I have a prepared statement most

2:26:48 of it was sent

2:26:49 out to staff last week so it has been an honor to serve in this

2:26:53 role when I

2:26:55 applied for this post in 2023 I believed we were not where our

2:27:00 students in our

2:27:01 community needed us to be as a district we were not performing

2:27:05 at a high level

2:27:06 we set clear goals and objectives and together we have achieved

2:27:12 them we still

2:27:13 have room to grow but the progress is real because of everyone’s

2:27:18 hard work we

2:27:19 are once again registering very high levels of academic

2:27:23 achievement three

2:27:24 consecutive years as an a district and one of the top 15

2:27:28 districts in Florida

2:27:29 41 a schools with four out of five of our schools schools

2:27:35 earning an A or B

2:27:36 record rates in graduation college and career readiness and

2:27:40 middle school

2:27:41 acceleration a 93% retention rate for instructional employees

2:27:46 two years in a

2:27:47 row purple star district status with every traditional school

2:27:52 designated as a

2:27:52 purple star school the community’s support for the half cent

2:27:57 sales tax and

2:27:58 the 1 mil property tax reflect the trust we have built together

2:28:03 our community

2:28:05 believes in investing in our schools and our future now our job

2:28:08 is to keep

2:28:09 earning that trust every day now none of this happened because

2:28:14 of one person it

2:28:15 is the result of many people working together toward a shared

2:28:20 mission and

2:28:21 vision everyone did that work and I’m grateful to be a part of

2:28:27 it I do want to

2:28:29 thank our teachers principals custodians bus drivers food

2:28:32 service workers office

2:28:34 staff before and after care and every team member who shows up

2:28:37 for our

2:28:38 students thank you for your hard work thank you for your trust

2:28:42 in your

2:28:42 partnership and this commitment we have to our students thank

2:28:47 you for allowing

2:28:48 me to be a part of it now to the board I want to thank you for

2:28:52 your confidence

2:28:52 that you placed in me three and a half years ago and I hope that

2:28:56 I have met

2:28:57 those expectations I do want to give you credit for a couple

2:29:01 bold moves that even

2:29:03 I wasn’t sure we should do for example the open gate weapons

2:29:10 detection systems

2:29:11 I know mrs. Wright was very ambitious in that and was very that’s

2:29:16 what one of the

2:29:17 things she wanted to accomplish and I remember thinking I don’t

2:29:19 know if this

2:29:20 we can we can do this the right way but we did and it’s served

2:29:24 as a really good

2:29:25 security tool another layer in our security measures and I want

2:29:29 to thank

2:29:29 the board for making that a priority it’s in the strategic plan

2:29:33 and so they

2:29:34 have made that a priority and stood by that also I’m banning the

2:29:38 use of

2:29:39 electronic communication devices cell phones during the school

2:29:43 day I wasn’t

2:29:44 sure we could go from bell to bell but the board you know wanted

2:29:48 to do that and

2:29:49 was very aggressive and supportive of that so we did implement

2:29:53 that and the

2:29:54 results have been extremely favorable you know students are

2:29:58 conversing more

2:29:59 and talking more and also not on their phones not on their

2:30:01 screens and academic

2:30:02 achievement has increased during that time probably as a rule of

2:30:05 them not being

2:30:06 on their phones so those are two that I wanted to call out now

2:30:09 to the cabinet or

2:30:11 the executive leadership team I want to thank you for working so

2:30:15 hard together

2:30:16 as a team over the last three and a half years we have shown the

2:30:21 rest of the

2:30:22 district what it’s like to work together the departments have

2:30:26 worked together to

2:30:27 further student achievement like they’ve never worked together

2:30:30 before student

2:30:32 services leadership and curriculum and instruction for example

2:30:35 have all been

2:30:36 unified in that work and that’s because of the leadership of the

2:30:39 cabinet and

2:30:40 again you know as I kind of stated earlier and I’ve said

2:30:44 numerous times and

2:30:46 mr. Susan was referencing to it earlier referring to it earlier

2:30:50 I take no

2:30:51 personal credit for the academic achievement that we have that

2:30:55 we have

2:30:56 achieved the levels of academic achievement we have achieved it

2:30:58 because

2:30:58 we have historic academic achievement for our district over the

2:31:02 last three

2:31:03 years like I say all the time I didn’t teach a single lesson or

2:31:06 take a single

2:31:07 test but I’ve been a part of that and I think setting the

2:31:10 expectations and then

2:31:11 creating the team and putting them in place and giving them the

2:31:14 authority to

2:31:15 go do their work has led to those increases so I appreciate all

2:31:19 the trust

2:31:19 and confidence of the board I look forward to working with

2:31:22 provider public

2:31:23 schools in my new role at Eastern Florida State College so thank

2:31:27 you that’s

2:31:28 it thank you dr. and though meeting is

2:31:30 adjourned.

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