Updates on the Fight for Quality Public Education in Brevard County, FL
0:00 Music.
0:01 Good evening.
0:02 I’m happy to welcome all of my fellow students.
0:26 I’m happy to welcome all of my fellow board members and call the
0:31 April 9, 2019 school board meeting to order.
0:34 Whether you are in attendance here or watching from another
0:36 location, my colleagues and I are pleased you took time to join
0:39 us.
0:40 We appreciate and applaud your commitment to partnering with us
0:43 in support of our schools, our students, our staff, and our
0:46 community.
0:47 While the board and Brevard Public Schools staff members are
0:49 fully committed to doing our best to ensure excellence in Brevard
0:53 Public Schools,
0:54 we know that our success depends heavily on an engaged and
0:56 committed community to work alongside us and help us to
1:00 continually improve.
1:02 Thank you for being active participants in the process.
1:07 Tammy, roll call please.
1:08 Ms. Belford.
1:09 Present.
1:10 Ms. Campbell.
1:11 Present.
1:12 Ms. Duskiewicz.
1:13 Present.
1:14 Ms. McDougall.
1:15 Present.
1:16 Mr. Susan.
1:17 Present.
1:18 Thank you.
1:19 Please join me at this time in a moment of silence as we mourn
1:21 the loss of one of our BPS family members, Kayla Holmes, an 11th
1:25 grade student from Satellite High School.
1:30 Thank you.
1:44 Matt Reed, Assistant Superintendent of Government and Community
1:47 Relations will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
1:49 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
1:59 and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
2:03 indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
2:11 This brings us to the adoption of the agenda, Dr. Mullins.
2:18 Oh, I jumped.
2:20 Excuse me.
2:21 I forgot our board and superintendent recognitions.
2:26 That’s my favorite part.
2:27 Yeah, sorry about that.
2:28 At this time, I’d like to offer my fellow board members and Dr.
2:30 Mullins the opportunity to recognize students, staff, or members
2:33 of our community.
2:34 Ms. Campbell, would you like to start us off?
2:36 I absolutely would love to.
2:38 I was privileged to attend the Neighbor at Brevard fundraiser
2:42 breakfast a few weeks ago.
2:44 And they are a faith-based organization in our community who is
2:47 – their goal is to transform some of our struggling
2:51 neighborhoods.
2:53 And one of the projects that they have is the DOC, which is
2:56 their Center for Kids.
2:58 I think it’s Dorcas Center for Kids is the name of it.
3:01 Yes, in the Booker T. Washington area.
3:03 And they shared some amazing statistics.
3:05 Since Neighbor at Brevard has been in that area, crime has
3:09 dropped actually 67%.
3:12 And it’s an area that used to be known for just a place that you
3:16 don’t go.
3:18 And the police are recognizing it, the whole community.
3:21 But the Dorcas Center for Kids, one of the things that – they
3:23 gave us some statistics.
3:25 Last year, they graduated four seniors.
3:27 This year, they’re anticipating graduating five who have been
3:29 through the program since they were kids.
3:32 All four of those are currently enrolled in college.
3:35 They have had no dropouts or arrests from the group of students
3:39 who come to their afterschool and summer programs.
3:43 And also, the average GPA is 2.74, but there’s even a higher
3:48 percentage that have a 3.0 average or higher.
3:52 And so, we’re just so thankful.
3:53 I’m so thankful for groups like that who are investing in our
3:55 students in our demographically – you know, our economically
3:59 challenged areas.
4:00 They’re really helping to transform that area.
4:02 Also, just want to report on Bus Driver Appreciation Day, which
4:05 is, you know, unofficial this year.
4:07 But we – my daughter and I went out for her project, but we’re
4:10 excited to see that we weren’t the only ones.
4:13 And it really took off.
4:14 And the bus drivers really appreciated it and just were so
4:16 excited.
4:17 In fact, she got some thank you notes today.
4:19 But as we went around, we saw other people doing the same thing.
4:21 So, I think that we might need to come up with an official
4:24 resolution for next year.
4:26 It doesn’t have to be April 2 because it was also FSA Testing
4:28 Day, which was kind of tricky.
4:30 But maybe we can come up with an official resolution for Bus
4:32 Driver Appreciation Day for next year.
4:34 Are you looking for a motion?
4:36 Yeah.
4:37 Let’s get the resolution done first.
4:39 And then we’ll do that.
4:40 I’ll talk to Matt.
4:43 We went to Tallahassee last Thursday, and I won’t steal all the
4:45 thunder, but with our SGA leaders who presented last time.
4:49 And I – it was an amazing trip.
4:50 I just – I got to ride the bus with the students.
4:53 So, that was a lot of fun.
4:54 But I just wanted to recognize our adult coordinators who helped
4:59 us.
5:00 Bill Meharis and Kim Garten were amazing with coordinating the
5:03 trip.
5:04 But I also wanted to recognize Matt Reed for his organizing of
5:06 the trip.
5:07 Dr. Sullivan who provided snacks.
5:09 And Chris Moore who came up.
5:10 Ms. Campbell.
5:12 Can I interrupt you for one second?
5:13 Yeah.
5:14 Because I really want people to be able to hear what you’re
5:15 saying.
5:16 And I think if we could ask our security to please address the
5:18 noise in the hall.
5:19 Ms. Campbell.
5:20 Thank you.
5:21 All right.
5:22 So, I just wanted to thank Bill Meharis and Kim Garten and Matt
5:24 Reed for coordinating the trip and making it a very positive day
5:30 for our students.
5:31 And it was very positive for our legislators as well.
5:34 I can tell you that the offices that we went into, many of our
5:37 – of the people that we spoke with are just really unaware that
5:41 the vaping issue is in our schools.
5:42 And so they were so thankful for this information.
5:45 But I also want to thank Dr. Sullivan for providing snacks and
5:49 for Ms. Moore for coming up at ODARC 30 and just to bring us
5:53 cookies to show some love.
5:55 So, but it all made the day great and our students were fabulous
5:59 in their presentations.
6:01 On Saturday, there were a couple of things.
6:03 One was not an official BPS activity, but some of our students
6:06 participated in the 4-H extravaganza.
6:09 If you live in the city and not in the country part of Brevard,
6:11 you may not even realize that we have that going on still.
6:14 But our – some of our students, I saw chickens, turkeys,
6:17 rabbits, pretty amazing things.
6:20 And so congratulations to our students who participated in that.
6:23 And then Saturday was also the second annual BPS car show held
6:28 at the American Muscle Museum there on Sarno Road.
6:32 And I got to see among the many vehicles from the public that
6:35 our students were voting on.
6:37 I got to see some project cars that our students – some are in
6:39 progress, some are finished – at Oak Valley High School and
6:42 Heritage
6:43 and our adult ed programs are doing and they’re doing some great
6:46 work.
6:47 And also they made all the trophies.
6:49 They welded all the trophies custom and they were really, really
6:52 cool.
6:53 So congratulations to our CTE programs, our automotive programs
6:56 for putting on a fantastic event.
6:59 And that’s all I got.
7:00 Thank you, Ms. Campbell.
7:01 Mr. Susan.
7:02 So first off, I want to say thank you to everybody that’s out
7:03 there that came in here for one reason or another
7:06 to support the various issues that you have.
7:09 I see some former students of mine that were out there, Ali Sharrow
7:11 along with some former teachers that I taught with.
7:14 I just want to say thank you for coming.
7:16 We truly appreciate you guys coming out in full support for
7:19 whatever it is that your issue is.
7:22 And thank you very much for that.
7:24 I did want to say thank you to the rest of the staff, Matt Reed,
7:27 everybody else who put together the capital experience that you
7:30 guys had.
7:31 Unfortunately, I sit on the board of directors for the Florida
7:33 School Board Association who was electing the president, vice
7:37 president, and all that stuff.
7:38 So I was only able to come over for a limited time.
7:41 But to see the enthusiasm that’s inside those kids is absolutely
7:43 amazing.
7:44 There is no other school district in the capital moving around
7:48 with SGA students working on issues.
7:51 And that is a district initiative that we put forward two years
7:54 ago, Dr. Blackburn did, and we’re following up with it.
7:56 We need to be very proud of those individuals because they shined.
7:59 And I can’t tell you how many legislators have told me that they
8:02 are very impressed with our kids and how they handled themselves
8:04 over there.
8:05 I also wanted to say that last Wednesday, the CPT, the Certified
8:09 Production Technician, I am the chairman for the Economic
8:14 Development Council’s Board of Directors where we get kids’ jobs
8:16 working as certified production technicians.
8:19 And what that is is it’s an entry level manufacturing job that’s
8:22 fully paid for.
8:24 It’s a training that our graduates can take advantage of so that
8:27 they can enter into possibly machining and welding and other
8:30 issues that we might have out there in the workforce.
8:33 I also wanted to say thank you because we all went to Anderson’s
8:36 50th anniversary.
8:38 Many of you know that all of our aging schools that we have out
8:41 there were all built between 1966, ‘67, ‘68, ‘69, and we’re in a
8:46 50-year renewal.
8:48 So a lot of the stuff that you hear us say that our air
8:49 conditionings are that down or we’re having problems with
8:52 facilities,
8:53 a lot of that comes from the fact that we have one of the oldest
8:56 school districts because we had a space race that happened in
8:58 1960s and we’re seeing it now.
9:00 I did want to, on that note, give a big shout out to Sue Han.
9:05 She put together, they’re in the process of putting together a
9:07 facility assessment for each one of our schools for the needs
9:10 that we have.
9:11 And I’ll tell you one of the hardest things that we do as a
9:13 district is identify some of the issues that we have at each one
9:16 of our schools,
9:17 whether that’s air conditioning or whatever that is, and then
9:19 being able to put that on a renewable program where we have
9:22 maintenance to do it.
9:24 Because if you don’t take care of some of the small problems now,
9:26 they become huge problems later.
9:28 This whole book is just endeavor.
9:31 And I wanted to hand this to you guys so that you could take a
9:33 look at it.
9:34 She’s gone through one school and she plans on going through
9:36 every school to put a renewable maintenance schedule on every
9:39 single program that we have,
9:41 from mechanical to roof to everything.
9:44 And to say the least, that is an amazing accomplishment.
9:47 We will lead the state of Florida in a facilities assessment in
9:49 that direction.
9:51 I want to give Sue Han and her staff an amazing shout out for
9:54 that.
9:55 I get to fly next Wednesday and go to Houston because we’re in
9:59 the process of putting together a possible manufacturing plant
10:05 at Space Coast High School,
10:07 which will allow NASA astronauts to come in and work with
10:09 students on putting together things that may go up into the
10:12 space station.
10:14 Talk about leading the nation in programs and everything else.
10:19 That’s our school district.
10:20 And a lot of that goes out to career and technical programs.
10:24 Janice Schultz, Stephanie Sullivan, and everybody else.
10:27 I’m so proud of our district for putting that together.
10:29 And that’s an amazing program that we hope to bring here.
10:32 Also, I wanted to say that the Vieira Health Program is now
10:36 working with possibly partnering with Ronald McDonald House,
10:41 which many people say, wait a minute, how is that possible there
10:43 in Orlando?
10:44 Unbeknownst to me, I didn’t know this, but Ronald McDonald House
10:48 is with Nemours over there in Orlando.
10:50 They actually have more kids that go there from our county than
10:53 any other county in the state.
10:55 And the question is, is why and all of those other things ties
10:58 back to the fact that we have one of the specific needs that
11:01 they provide.
11:02 So they’re looking at partnering with our health program at Vieira
11:04 High School in order to bring a really amazing opportunity for
11:08 our students there.
11:09 With that, I won’t steal some thunder on some of the other
11:11 issues.
11:12 And thank you very much.
11:15 Thank you, Mr. Susan.
11:18 Ms. McDougall.
11:20 Thank you.
11:22 I want to go ahead and remind everybody that the Qantas has a 5K
11:26 run on May 4th that will – all the funds will help with school
11:32 supplies for our students in the upcoming year.
11:37 Also, I attended with Ms. Campbell and also Dr. Mullins the
11:42 Champions for Education Breakfast.
11:46 We had some amazing speakers there, very motivational, that –
11:52 who had a mentor.
11:53 And he came from a background that many of us may not have been
11:56 able to succeed.
11:58 And he had a mentor, and he is now working for Harris, I think.
12:03 Yes.
12:04 Harris Corporation.
12:05 And his story was very moving.
12:06 So this is a great organization.
12:08 They help our teachers.
12:09 They help our students.
12:10 They help our community.
12:12 And it was wonderful to be part of that organization.
12:16 I, too, participated in the appreciation for bus drivers.
12:23 That was kind of fun.
12:24 It took me a while to figure out where it was.
12:27 My hat’s off to all our bus drivers.
12:29 It’s a tough job.
12:30 And they bring our kids to school safely and take them home
12:33 safely.
12:34 We celebrated, as Mr. Sisson said, the 50th anniversary at
12:38 Anderson Elementary.
12:40 And what I was so surprised about was they had a teacher who
12:44 started there when the school opened.
12:47 Not that she’s teaching now, but she came and visited.
12:50 And it’s like a family.
12:51 We had teachers through different generations come back to
12:53 celebrate the 50th anniversary.
12:56 Edgewood, they had a great Spanish festival during – remember
13:00 that hailstorm they had there?
13:02 It was during the hailstorm.
13:04 And it was wonderful to be able to participate and join them in
13:07 their Spanish festival.
13:09 That’s a fundraiser, again, for scholarships for students in
13:11 their school.
13:12 The zoo’s having a 25th anniversary coming up.
13:17 And you can participate in that by buying – I think they were
13:21 kind of by – I can’t remember
13:23 what you can buy for $25, but you can – it’s a plaque or a
13:26 brick that they’re celebrating their
13:28 upcoming anniversary.
13:29 Please don’t forget that Coco High School has been invited to go
13:33 to Carnegie Hall.
13:34 And they are having fundraisers.
13:36 They need to raise a lot of money.
13:38 So anybody who can help them get to Carnegie Hall is a great
13:40 honor for our Coco High School choir.
13:44 And I also wanted to give a shout out to two schools, one and
13:49 two – well, really more than two schools.
13:51 It’s all wrapped together.
13:53 This past Saturday at Saturn Elementary, Edgewood and West Shore
13:57 came to Saturn and helped along with Keep Brevard Beautiful.
14:03 And spruced up the whole grounds.
14:07 They did gardening.
14:08 Lowe’s donated plants.
14:10 Target donated food.
14:13 It was an amazing opportunity to keep our schools looking
14:16 beautiful.
14:18 And it was a whole community.
14:20 It was our students – I think it was the Honor Society from
14:23 Edgewood, Saturn and West Shore who all helped beautify the
14:28 Saturn Elementary.
14:30 And last but not least, I went to Gulfview, which was my first
14:38 time there.
14:39 And it’s a wonderful family community school.
14:42 And I saw a Fuse Lab for the first time.
14:45 And what those students do is amazing.
14:48 And it’s been wonderful to visit my schools to understand what’s
14:51 going on in the schools, meet with our teachers, meet with our
14:54 students,
14:55 and find out all the wonderful things that we do here in Brevard.
14:58 Thank you, Ms. McDougall.
14:59 Ms. Belford?
15:00 Thank you, Ms. Duskovich.
15:01 I have a couple of things.
15:02 One, many thanks to Ms. Campbell for bringing the bus driver
15:11 appreciation event to our awareness.
15:17 I was very excited to find out that several of our schools were
15:20 recognizing bus drivers on that day.
15:23 Like one of our middle schools in the North area gave out donuts
15:26 that morning.
15:27 And there were little treats given at several of the different
15:30 schools.
15:31 So thank you very much.
15:32 And I absolutely concur that we need to identify a date for next
15:35 year.
15:36 A lot of the bus drivers didn’t even know it was bus driver
15:38 appreciation day until we showed up and said we’re here to say
15:41 thank you to you.
15:42 So I know it was kind of a, you know, student led, which I think
15:45 is fabulous.
15:47 And we did manage to get the word out pretty good for I think it
15:49 was just about a week that we had to spread the word on it.
15:53 So thank you and please thank your daughter for getting that
15:56 movement going.
15:58 And thank you to all of the schools that took time out to help
16:01 celebrate those bus drivers.
16:03 Jackie Church, I know you were just here.
16:05 Where did you go?
16:06 Are you in the back room?
16:08 There she is.
16:11 If you all would please join me in wishing Jackie Church a happy
16:15 birthday.
16:16 If you know Jackie, you know that she is BPS.
16:20 She is the one that always comes running when we get into a
16:28 technology glitch and find ourselves backed into a corner on
16:32 something.
16:33 She always picks up the phone and always helps us with whatever
16:34 it is.
16:35 So Jackie, thank you for all that you do.
16:37 I hope that you have a very happy birthday.
16:39 We appreciate you.
16:42 Also wanted to touch on our FSBA day in the legislature, which
16:47 was in concert with our students visiting Tallahassee.
16:52 I was up the Wednesday before our students went and we had a
16:55 briefing on budget.
16:58 We had a briefing on legislative issues, a couple of speakers.
17:02 And so it was a really good session.
17:04 And I’ll be forwarding you all some notes on that.
17:06 Of course, we know especially at this point in the legislative
17:08 session things are changing minute by minute.
17:10 So much of what I will share with you has probably changed since
17:12 last Wednesday.
17:14 But definitely some good information, some good direction on
17:17 various things.
17:19 And then, of course, on Thursday we had our students up there
17:22 with us.
17:23 And I’m going to give a quick shout out to my students.
17:28 I had four absolutely awesome students.
17:31 Sydney Atchison, I think, from Titusville High School.
17:34 Cassie Ruiz, who many of you may have seen on the news.
17:37 She did several interviews about their trek to Tallahassee.
17:42 Kyle Falvey from Space Coast as well.
17:44 And then Ashley Copeland from Edgewood.
17:46 And what an awesome, awesome group of students.
17:49 All the students we had up there with us were phenomenal.
17:52 They were prepared.
17:54 They were confident.
17:55 They were excited.
17:56 And we had some phenomenal legislators that took time out of
17:59 their day to meet with our students.
18:01 We all had a different schedule.
18:02 We had three different groups, I think, going around, meeting
18:05 with legislators.
18:06 And all of the legislators were so gracious.
18:09 A special thank you to Representative Tyler Soroy, who actually
18:14 made an opportunity for the students to go and visit the house
18:18 floor.
18:19 He gave them a tour of the house floor and explained some of the
18:21 murals in the house and some of the things that are kind of
18:24 tradition in the house.
18:26 And that was phenomenal for the students.
18:29 Representative Placentia pulled our students aside and had some
18:32 conversation with them kind of at the last minute.
18:36 And he made time not only to speak with them, but also wants to
18:38 follow up with them and meet with them on a quarterly basis
18:41 going forward.
18:42 So he can make sure to have the student voice in his decisions
18:44 in Tallahassee, which we always appreciate.
18:47 So we’ll be following up on that.
18:49 We also had, which was kind of interesting, my team met with
18:53 Representative Alupas, who is not from our delegation.
18:57 And sometimes it’s difficult to get in and meet with folks who
18:59 are not part of your delegation.
19:01 But in speaking with Representative Alupas, he asked our
19:03 students if they had had the opportunity to meet with the bill
19:06 sponsor of the bill that they were up there speaking on.
19:10 And we did not have that opportunity.
19:12 We’re not able to get on the bill sponsor schedule.
19:14 But Representative Alupas happened to be friends with the bill
19:17 sponsor and reached out to him.
19:20 And so we were actually able to take all of our students up to
19:22 Representative Beltran’s office to speak with him about the bill
19:25 that he brought forward,
19:27 share with him the importance of it to our students, and speak
19:29 to him about some of the things that we can do going forward to
19:32 address the vaping issue.
19:34 So very, very excited for our students to have that opportunity.
19:38 Our next step, Mr. Reid, I think, is going to be working on
19:40 reaching out to our federal delegation so that our students can
19:44 share some of that information as well.
19:46 Because some of their requests really are things that need to be
19:48 addressed at the federal level.
19:50 So we’ll be circling back with that.
19:52 And Dr. Mullins, I did not even have an opportunity to share
19:55 with you that I got a call from Andrea Messina,
19:58 who is the Executive Director of the Florida School Board
20:00 Association, yesterday.
20:02 And she called and said, “I heard that your students were
20:05 absolutely phenomenal while they were up here.”
20:07 And had a media outlet that had reached out to her on the vaping
20:11 issue.
20:12 And she really did not know very much about it.
20:14 And so she was asking for some clarification on some issues and
20:17 some background on how we pulled our students together
20:20 and how that all really was a student-driven initiative.
20:23 And so FSBA is also looking at how they can potentially expand
20:27 that concept of including students in our day in the legislature,
20:31 I think.
20:32 So a wonderful, wonderful opportunity for all of us.
20:35 And I’m so thankful for the gracious legislators that helped to
20:38 give our students some voice in Tallahassee.
20:41 And that’s all I have for today.
20:43 Thank you, Ms. Belfort.
20:44 Dr. Mullins.
20:45 Thank you, Ms. Deskovich.
20:49 Well, I’ll echo Ms. Belfort’s appreciation to our delegates and
20:54 our legislators in Tallahassee.
20:55 They were very responsive and very hospitable to our students.
21:00 They were amazing.
21:01 The entire day just ate up every minute of it.
21:04 I want to do a shout-out.
21:07 I had the privilege at the Anderson 50th anniversary.
21:11 There were two teachers there.
21:13 50th anniversary.
21:14 Two teachers there that opened the school.
21:17 Ms. Norma Wines and Ms. Delarose.
21:20 And they were absolutely delightful and just wonderful to have
21:23 as part of the ceremony.
21:25 Going back to our SGA kids in Tallahassee, have to do a shout-out
21:30 to our SGA sponsors back at their home school.
21:33 The kids’ preparations and their knowledge and their studying
21:37 and their articulate presentation of the issues was obviously
21:42 supported by the SGA sponsors back at our high school.
21:45 So a great appreciation for our sponsors and the support that
21:49 they give our kids.
21:51 Transportation, the Bus Driver Appreciation Day.
21:54 I want to add some context around folks see our yellow buses.
21:59 They see our bus drivers.
22:00 But do they know and understand we have almost 400 bus drivers.
22:07 We transport over 23,000 children every morning and every
22:12 afternoon.
22:14 Our bus drivers manage a three-tiered pickup and drop-off
22:17 service.
22:18 Interestingly, I was at the Central Florida Coalition meeting on
22:22 Monday.
22:23 And other districts were asking us how we move to a three-tiered
22:28 system.
22:29 It’s more efficient.
22:31 It’s less costly.
22:33 And our bus drivers have been doing it for years so seamlessly.
22:37 So just a great appreciation for them.
22:40 So Dr. Mike Miller, our director, Glenn Enston’s assistant
22:43 director.
22:44 But along with them is a host of great leaders in transportation.
22:50 Each one of our main depots.
22:53 We have four main depots across the district from Titusville to
22:58 South Brevard.
23:00 The work that they do way long before we’re up in the morning to
23:05 make sure that our buses are ready,
23:07 our drivers are covered, our routes are taken care of, and so on.
23:10 Just wanted to express my own appreciation.
23:13 I had the privilege of being introduced to the UP Times,
23:20 University Park Elementary School Times.
23:23 It is a student-produced and published newsletter.
23:27 That was started under Ms. Anna Diaz, the principal there, and
23:32 just an absolute fantastic publication.
23:34 I’ll share it with you.
23:35 I haven’t had a chance to afford it, but share it with the board.
23:37 But amazing that it’s student-produced, our elementary kids, and
23:41 published.
23:42 Also at University Park, FIT has partnered with them to create a
23:48 Girls That Code club.
23:51 And they also have a Space Pandas robotics team that has started
23:56 for sixth graders.
23:58 So appreciation to Ms. Diaz and her leadership and the teachers
24:01 and the community coming around another one of our great schools
24:05 in Melbourne.
24:06 And got to do a little infomercial this Saturday, excuse me,
24:13 this, yes, this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the King Center.
24:17 One of my, I’m going to get in trouble for saying this, one of
24:20 my favorite concerts.
24:22 I have lots of favorite concerts, but this is one of the
24:24 favorites, is All County Jazz Band.
24:27 And I’ve been going for, I think since we started it about four
24:30 or five years ago.
24:32 So if you haven’t had the opportunity to come and enjoy an
24:35 afternoon of jazz from both our middle and high school jazz
24:40 students,
24:41 you are in for an amazing treat.
24:43 So this Saturday, 2:00 p.m. at the King Center.
24:46 And last and far from least, I want to do a huge shout out to
24:52 our science students, our science teachers,
24:56 our science resource teachers and leaders across the district.
24:59 State Science and Engineering Fair.
25:04 It took place a couple of weeks ago.
25:06 Of the 875 students there, Brevard sent 80 students.
25:11 That’s almost 10% of the participants at the State Science
25:14 Engineering Fair.
25:16 Well, that may sound okay, but Brevard only represents less than
25:20 3% of the students statewide.
25:22 But we send almost 10% of the kids to the State Science Fair.
25:27 On top of that, of the 26 categories, Brevard took first place
25:32 in six of them.
25:34 That’s 23% of the first place awards Brevard brought home with
25:38 our students.
25:40 And of the 8 International Science and Engineering Fair bids
25:44 available, Brevard took 2, which is 25% of the international
25:48 awards.
25:49 So special congratulations to Angelina Guerrera and Nina Reddy.
25:55 Angelina is from Edgewood.
25:56 Nina is from Satellite.
25:57 They are our 2 International Science Engineering Fair students.
26:01 So science is alive and well in Brevard.
26:04 Thank you, Dr. Mullins.
26:08 I have a few myself.
26:10 I want to thank Northrop Grumman and Junior Achievement.
26:14 They partnered together.
26:16 Northrop Grumman provided 60 volunteers last week and they did
26:20 JA for a day at Gulfview Elementary School.
26:23 I popped in because my own husband is an employee at Northrop Grumman
26:28 and he took over a classroom for a day
26:29 and that was rather interesting to observe.
26:32 So we appreciate Junior Achievement and all that they do and
26:36 Northrop Grumman for providing a full day of 60 volunteers
26:39 and giving them the time off work to be with our students to
26:41 share their skills.
26:43 I know that the students were very appreciative also.
26:46 I want to give a shout out to Jeff R. Knott.
26:49 He was elected secretary.
26:51 He’s our head of adult education and he was elected secretary of
26:54 the Coalition of Adult Basic Education,
26:56 which is a national organization with 25,000 members.
27:00 And I think the email said he was overwhelmingly elected
27:03 secretary.
27:04 So that’s an important leadership role to provide on the map for
27:06 adult education.
27:08 He does a great job in his position.
27:11 This week, Miss Heather Haskett at Delora Middle School, who is
27:14 the Spanish teacher there,
27:16 was awarded our Bridge Builder pin.
27:19 The principal there said that Miss Haskett has started a club
27:22 called Project 17
27:24 and the sole mission of the club is to promote kindness on
27:27 campus.
27:28 And he said it’s had overreaching effects between the students
27:34 and within the faculty
27:36 and the things that the club is doing.
27:38 So we’re appreciative to her for that.
27:40 On a side note, when I was in there visiting her classroom,
27:42 the students were telling me about a recent field trip.
27:45 She takes the kids to a local Mexican restaurant every year.
27:49 And they’re only allowed to speak Spanish from the time they
27:51 leave school
27:52 to the time they get back to school.
27:54 So they have to order their food in Spanish and do everything in
27:56 Spanish.
27:57 And I think it’s a great hands-on opportunity for the kids and
28:00 they love it.
28:00 And I love to see our kids so engaged.
28:03 Miss Jill Whittaker at West Shore was awarded the Big Dreamer
28:06 pin this past week.
28:09 Miss Whittaker is the head of the robotics program there at West
28:13 Shore.
28:14 And in 2012, she had a dream and a vision of a robotics class
28:18 for her students there,
28:20 her middle school students.
28:21 She spent the whole summer writing the curriculum for that class.
28:25 And that class has grown, I think, into three classes and now a
28:29 robotics two class
28:30 that she’s working on.
28:31 She’s brought in sponsors from the community to fund the
28:33 thousands of dollars
28:34 of equipment for the robotics teams.
28:36 She sponsors the all-girl drone racing team, which won first at
28:40 Mr. Susan’s Innovation Games.
28:44 So she, you know, she had a vision.
28:46 She chased after it.
28:47 She worked hard.
28:48 And she just loves what she does and the students love her.
28:50 So we appreciate her so much for dreaming big for our community.
28:55 Miss Stephanie Colonna at Palm Bay Magnet High School was
28:59 awarded the Excellence Achiever pin
29:00 this past week.
29:01 She is a school counselor.
29:04 And one of the amazing things she does every year, she puts
29:06 together the career fair,
29:08 but she also does a program where the whole school comes
29:11 together out on the football fields.
29:13 And they give a large amount of recognition to all the students,
29:17 the seniors that have been accepted
29:18 to colleges, kind of like a college signing day for athletes.
29:21 But they do it for – kind of like a signing day for athletes.
29:24 She does it for colleges for their students.
29:27 And all the students chair and they get recognition up on the
29:30 stands that are attending.
29:32 And Mr. Kaminsky, the principal there, really wanted to give her
29:36 some recognition for that.
29:37 So I stopped by and was able to congratulate her and give her
29:39 the pin and the little card.
29:41 And I think she was really appreciative of that.
29:45 Those are the shout outs that I have.
29:47 So I think that wraps it up and we are ready to move on to the
29:51 adoption of the agenda.
29:54 Dr. Mullins?
29:55 Ms. Deskovich and members of the board, on this evening’s agenda,
29:58 we have administrative staff
30:00 recommendations, 21 consent items, five action items, three of
30:05 which are public hearings,
30:06 and two information items.
30:08 You also have the yellow supplemental agenda, which are changes
30:10 made to the agenda
30:12 since being released to the public on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.
30:17 What are the wishes of the board?
30:18 Move to approve.
30:19 Second.
30:20 Motion by Mr. Susan, second by Ms. Belford.
30:23 Any discussion?
30:25 Please vote.
30:26 Motion passes 5-0.
30:35 Dr. Mullins, will you please let us know about the
30:37 administrative staff recommendations?
30:39 Madam Chair, there is one person on this agenda item for the
30:41 board to consider.
30:43 What are the wishes of the board?
30:44 Move to approve.
30:45 Second.
30:46 Motion by Mr. Susan, second by Ms. McDougall.
30:49 Any discussion?
30:50 Please vote.
30:52 There are no recognitions, no proclamations, no presentations.
31:02 We are now on to the public comment section of our school board
31:06 meeting.
31:08 And I have a statement to read.
31:09 Though school board policy 0169.1 limits to 30 minutes the
31:15 portion of the meeting during
31:17 which the public is invited to participate and provide public
31:20 comment, the policy further
31:22 provides that this time limit may be extended by a vote of the
31:24 board.
31:25 We have 17 public comments this evening.
31:30 And so as a board, we need to decide if we want to hear them all
31:32 at once or if you want
31:34 to take the first 30 minutes and move the rest to the end of the
31:36 board meeting.
31:37 What are your wishes?
31:38 I would move that we go ahead and take them all.
31:42 Second.
31:43 Motion by Ms. Belford that we listen to all 17 public speakers
31:49 now and second by Mr. Susan.
31:52 Any discussion?
31:53 All in favor, we’ll take a voice vote.
31:55 Aye.
31:56 Any opposed?
31:57 Motion passes 5-0.
32:01 So we will now take our 17 speakers.
32:04 Each speaker is limited to three minutes.
32:07 We have a clock in front of me to help you keep track of your
32:10 time.
32:11 When your time is over, you’ll be asked to stop and allow the
32:13 next speaker his or her turn.
32:16 Always keep in mind that reasonable decorum is expected at all
32:19 times and your statement should
32:21 be directed to the board chairman.
32:23 The chairman may interrupt, warn, or terminate a participant’s
32:26 statement when time is up,
32:28 personally directed, abusive, obscene, or irrelevant.
32:31 Should an individual not observe proper etiquette, the chairman
32:34 may request the individual leave
32:36 the meeting.
32:37 Let’s all encourage an environment appropriate for our children
32:40 who may be present or watching
32:41 from home.
32:42 Let’s begin with our first three speakers.
32:45 Anthony Colucci, Vanessa Skipper, and Deborah King.
32:49 Before speaking, if you each would state your name, the
33:07 organization you represent, and identify
33:09 the topic you’ll be discussing.
33:10 Thank you.
33:11 Mr. Colucci.
33:12 My name is Anthony Colucci, President of the best union in the
33:16 country.
33:18 That’s you guys.
33:20 Florida is 46th in the nation in teacher pay, and Brevard County
33:27 teachers, the second most
33:28 experienced workforce in the state, are $1,103 behind the state
33:33 average.
33:34 And you’ve made one of the lowest salary offers in the state
33:37 this year.
33:38 It is a fact that your teachers are amongst the worst paid
33:41 teachers in the nation.
33:43 You are the ones responsible for this.
33:46 It is a fact that this board has done little to address this,
33:49 and it is a fact that you have
33:51 no serious plan to address it.
33:53 I watched your budget workshop.
33:56 Do you really think because you said pay is your priority that
34:00 there is anyone who believes
34:02 you anymore?
34:03 I certainly don’t.
34:05 You all said the same thing last year and the year before.
34:08 And you certainly said it on the campaign trail.
34:11 Enough is enough.
34:13 Put our money where your mouth is.
34:16 When I was elected, I promised I would do everything I could to
34:19 improve teacher compensation.
34:22 If that means going to impasse every year, so be it.
34:26 We will do whatever it takes for us to improve pay for our
34:29 outstanding teachers.
34:32 Your budget workshop was a joke.
34:38 You didn’t direct your CFO.
34:40 She directed you as to what you’re going to be doing.
34:43 Do you really think cutting department budgets in 5% increments
34:48 is going to work to get us
34:49 competitive pay?
34:50 A 20% cut equals a 1% raise.
34:54 Are you going to cut 60% so you can keep up with inflation?
34:59 It’s time for someone on this board to rise above this and come
35:03 up with a real way to pay teachers.
35:06 Every year it is the same terrible plan.
35:10 Pray that Tallahassee sends more money.
35:12 Are you ever going to learn you need a better plan?
35:14 Why aren’t you discussing the budget here?
35:16 Every two weeks I come up here and I talk about it.
35:19 What do you do?
35:20 You make snide union busting comments to our teachers in private
35:24 and they all get back to me.
35:26 So when you threaten that if you give teachers a competitive
35:28 raise, you’ll have to cut art and music programs.
35:32 Shame on you.
35:33 That is an outright lie and no other district had to do that.
35:37 You can’t find anything else to cut down here.
35:40 On April 23rd, we’re going to show you how to pay for our raises.
35:45 Our teachers and community expect you to be there watching.
35:48 It’s not okay to get some watered down version from your CFO who’s
35:52 out there protecting her own job, not looking out for our raises.
35:56 It’s not okay to wait for the video and hope somebody records
35:59 the audio.
36:00 And let me be crystal clear.
36:02 If the magistrate has a favorable ruling and you don’t respect
36:04 it, you’ll destroy any remaining trust.
36:08 As you seek to pass another half-cent sales tax, it will be
36:11 heard loudly and clearly all over this county.
36:14 You can’t be trusted with taxpayer money.
36:16 Our union cares.
36:18 Our union shows up.
36:19 And our union fights.
36:21 It’s in your power how we channel that.
36:23 Thank you, Mr. Colucci.
36:25 Thank you.
36:39 Good evening.
36:40 Vanessa Skipper, Vice President of the Brevard Federation of
36:42 Teachers.
36:43 I’m here with a little bit different of an ask.
36:46 On April 17th, every single school in this county, teachers will
36:50 participate with a walk-in.
36:53 We are walking in to our jobs to ask for more funding from Tallahassee.
36:58 I heard a lot of you talk about our students going to Tallahassee.
37:02 And I think it’s phenomenal that our students are civically
37:05 engaged and they are interacting with our legislators in a
37:09 positive way.
37:10 However, I didn’t hear one of you talk about asking our
37:13 legislators in Tallahassee for more funding.
37:17 I’m going to read some facts.
37:20 Florida ranks 42nd in total education spending per pupil and 51st
37:25 in public school revenue for every 1,000 of in-state personal
37:28 income.
37:29 In other words, no other state collects less to support public
37:32 schools than Florida, even though Florida has the seventh
37:36 largest economy in the country.
37:38 Student performance is among the best in the nation, yet Florida
37:41 ranks 46th in teacher salaries.
37:44 And Brevard pays its teachers $1,103 below the state average,
37:49 making us the worst paid teachers in the state.
37:53 Florida’s average teacher salary is more than $10,000 less than
37:55 the national average.
37:57 Average salaries are $8,000 higher in Georgia and $3,000 higher
38:02 in Alabama.
38:04 No wonder Florida started this school year with more than 4,000
38:07 teacher vacancies statewide.
38:09 And the DOE, not us, the Department of Education projects over
38:14 10,000 public school teacher vacancies at the end of the year.
38:19 It is not enough to say that you care about teachers pay.
38:24 It is time that we all put our words in action and get money for
38:32 teachers.
38:34 And also our education staff professionals.
38:36 I heard you guys talking about bus drivers.
38:38 The federal poverty level is $25,750 and Brevard pays its bus
38:42 drivers $19,608.
38:45 I’m sorry.
38:48 I told you guys last week I have been coming up to speak before
38:52 you since 2013.
38:54 That’s because back then I saw the writing on the wall and I
38:59 have seen the profession that I love get stamped into the dirt
39:04 every single day.
39:06 I am an English teacher and I would love to be teaching English.
39:11 But I am doing what I said I would do and I am advocating every
39:16 single day with every breath that is in my body for our teachers
39:21 and for our students.
39:22 You, you guys talked about science fair.
39:25 We have Joe and Lisa Scott.
39:26 I think Joe Scott is here from Satellite.
39:28 They spent an entire week in Tampa.
39:30 He shouldn’t have to come here.
39:31 This is his sixth time in a row coming here asking for you guys
39:33 to put more money in teacher salary.
39:36 You can do it.
39:37 And please consider standing with us on April 17th walking with
39:40 our teachers.
39:42 There’s also a petition.
39:43 I believe Dr. Mullins has it.
39:45 I don’t know if you’ve signed it yet, but we would like you to
39:47 sign it for our legislators.
39:49 I will make sure you guys get the link as well.
39:51 Thank you, Ms. Skipper.
39:52 Thank you.
39:54 Go ahead, Ms. King.
39:55 I’m Deborah King and I am an employee of Brevard Schools.
40:10 I am also a product of Brevard Schools.
40:12 I grew up here.
40:13 I moved away.
40:14 I came back six years ago.
40:16 I transferred from another county in Florida and took a
40:19 significant pay cut.
40:21 The county I came from had raised their rates, their salaries,
40:27 because they were having trouble keeping employees.
40:29 Once they raised their salaries, they were able to get the pick
40:32 of the litter.
40:33 They could get as many employees as they needed.
40:37 They never had vacancies.
40:38 They could get the best, and I’m really nervous.
40:44 I don’t like speaking in front of groups.
40:46 But they had their choice and they brought people from
40:48 surrounding counties into their county and never had any
40:51 problems.
40:52 I took a significant pay cut to come here just to be close to
40:55 family again.
40:56 But the offer that the school board has offered for our raise is
41:00 insulting.
41:02 It’s so little amount.
41:04 It doesn’t cover cost of living, increases, and we’re having
41:10 trouble living on the salaries that you guys give us.
41:16 The bonuses are taxed so much that I get the best and brightest
41:21 bonus, but it was so heavily taxed that by the time it gets to
41:25 me, it’s a much smaller rate.
41:28 It started off at six, the state offered us, gave us $6,000 for
41:33 that, and by the time it got to me, it was $3,900, which seems
41:38 huge, huge amount of taxes to come out of that.
41:43 It would be better if all of that money just went into salaries
41:46 rather than bonuses.
41:48 Then it can go into our retirement so that we can actually
41:50 retire at some point.
41:56 And since I have a little time, our schools have an issue with
42:04 behavior.
42:06 I’ve noticed it starts in the pre-K and carries on up.
42:09 I think if we addressed it in pre-K, that would help.
42:13 It was very eye-opening for me to come here from the county I
42:16 was at before.
42:18 The first year we were here, I had a kindergartener.
42:21 She was bit, and the story they gave me when they called me was,
42:25 well, this time it didn’t break the skin.
42:27 This child had had multiple instances, but was back in school
42:30 with her after a couple of more days.
42:33 And she was terrified to go to school because she didn’t know
42:36 what triggered this kid.
42:38 And it took a lot more, a lot of effort to get that kid the help
42:41 that he needed.
42:43 My other child was in a classroom that had to be frequently
42:48 taken to the classroom because there was a student that would
42:50 throw desks.
42:51 And we didn’t have any of this at the county we came from.
42:57 It was very eye-opening for us to come.
43:00 But I beg you to pay the teachers what we deserve.
43:05 Thank you.
43:07 Our next three speakers are Jonathan Hillard, Tammy Basile, and
43:19 Dorothy Davis.
43:21 Hi, I’m Jonathan Hillard, teacher and second vice president of
43:32 the Brevard Federation of Teachers.
43:40 I once had a principal tell me that the best way to keep your
43:45 priorities straight was to keep the main thing the main thing.
43:49 She meant that at the end of the day, student achievement is the
43:52 most important thing that we do.
43:54 Students come first.
43:56 Without successful students, we don’t have a successful district,
43:59 the main thing.
44:01 How do students reach success?
44:03 Teachers.
44:04 Without effective, passionate, dedicated teachers, our students
44:08 will not be able to achieve at the best of their abilities.
44:12 It is the teachers that make this happen.
44:15 Let’s be very clear.
44:16 If there are no textbooks, it is the teacher that will continue
44:19 to teach our students.
44:21 When the air conditioning fails, it is the teacher that will
44:24 distribute cool water and bring fans from home.
44:28 And God forbid, if someone wants to do harm to our students and
44:31 enters our schools, it will be the teacher that will either hide
44:35 their students, tell their students to run, or if necessary,
44:39 fight for the lives of their students.
44:42 It’s not going to be the new fences, the closed circuit TV
44:46 systems, the locked doors, or even an armed citizen or an SRO.
44:52 It will be their teacher.
44:54 We are the first and last line of defense for our students.
44:58 We are the first and last line of success for our students.
45:02 So when you say we want to give you teachers a fair and livable
45:06 wage, there just isn’t enough money because of more pressing
45:09 priorities.
45:11 It sounds like the main thing is no longer the main thing.
45:16 I am under the expectation that board members are directed to
45:20 direct the person that they have hired to make the decisions
45:24 that they have made.
45:27 In the case of teacher raises, a board does not go to the staff
45:31 and ask, do we have enough money for raises?
45:34 The board directs staff to lay out a budget plan that includes
45:38 teacher raises.
45:40 A board directs staff to make recommendations as to what
45:46 departments would have to cut their budget in order to meet the
45:50 criteria of the directive.
45:52 I have heard, I want to give teacher raises, but, well guess
45:56 what, you can.
45:58 If you direct staff to bring you a budget that includes it, then
46:03 we as a community will decide if that is acceptable or not.
46:08 It is time that the main thing is the main thing.
46:11 And after our children, the main thing is our teachers.
46:15 Regardless of the challenges, regardless of the barriers,
46:18 regardless if the air conditioning is working or not,
46:21 regardless if they have supportive families or not, regardless
46:24 of how much security we have,
46:27 when the chips all fall, it will be a teacher that makes a
46:29 difference in the lives of our students.
46:32 Do the right thing.
46:34 Direct staff to present you with a plan that says teachers are
46:37 the main thing.
46:39 Direct staff to present you with a plan that gives teachers a
46:42 future worth being passionate about.
46:45 A future worth being dedicated to.
46:49 A future worth sacrificing for.
46:51 And a future worth being proud of.
46:54 Direct staff to make and keep the main thing the main thing.
46:59 Thank you.
47:01 Thank you, sir.
47:02 Good evening, Dr. Mullins and board members.
47:15 My name is Tammy Basile and I am an instructor at Rockledge High
47:28 School teaching health sciences classes and the patient care
47:33 assistance program.
47:34 My side hustle is teaching a course at Eastern Florida State
47:38 College every Monday and Wednesday evening.
47:42 I am a nurse and a teacher.
47:45 What is your superpower?
47:47 In the first week of one of my courses, I discuss healthcare
47:52 careers with students who are entering the medical field with an
47:55 interest in everything from becoming a certified nursing
47:58 assistant to getting a head start on their journey to become a
48:02 neurosurgeon.
48:03 They learned that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
48:07 10 of the top 20 fastest growing jobs in all industries are
48:10 healthcare related.
48:12 We can thank the baby boomers for that.
48:17 By 2030, the number of persons aged 65 and older will have grown
48:22 to 72 million people making up 19% of the population.
48:27 Baby boomers, those born from 1946 to 1964, will need healthcare
48:33 services at an alarming rate and at the same time, baby boomers
48:38 working in healthcare will retire.
48:41 Knowing what I know, I really hope there will be someone to care
48:45 for me a little later in life.
48:48 It is the same with education.
48:51 Baby boomers, in their large numbers, will retire.
48:56 There will not be enough teachers entering the workforce to make
48:59 up for the lost teachers.
49:01 And it gets worse.
49:03 According to the U.S. Department of Education, an average of 16%
49:07 of public school teachers change schools or leave teaching every
49:12 year.
49:13 This is over half a million teachers nationwide.
49:16 More than 40% of teachers leave the profession within five years.
49:22 Teacher turnover is a problem that can set a student’s learning
49:26 back significantly.
49:28 A UF researcher who studies education policy and school
49:31 improvement found that a teacher leaving during the school year
49:34 is linked to a loss of 32 to 72 instructional days.
49:39 A significant part of a year of disrupted learning.
49:42 A sub is not a licensed teacher.
49:45 Students do busy work.
49:46 Classroom management is marginal.
49:48 And learning gains are lost.
49:50 Or students are doubled up with other teachers.
49:54 How can a teacher be expected to teach highly effectively or
49:57 even be effective under these conditions?
50:01 More importantly and more worrisome, how can students be
50:05 expected to learn?
50:07 And as with the future of healthcare, I worry about the future
50:10 of education for so many reasons.
50:12 I worry about education in general and I worry about this
50:15 district.
50:16 Frankly, I don’t see how this district will stay in a district
50:19 with experienced teachers leaving for other jobs as part of the
50:23 silent strike.
50:25 Leaving for higher wages elsewhere.
50:27 God forbid leaving for a whole new career altogether.
50:30 Leaving behind numerous instructional vacancies due in large
50:33 part to unacceptable pay and undesirable working conditions.
50:37 I’m baffled at how the board seems to be so complacent and lack
50:40 the forethought to ensure the survival and strength of our local
50:44 educational system
50:45 by placing the oxygen mask on the teachers so they can serve the
50:48 students optimally.
50:50 Thank you.
50:51 I’m sorry, but your time is up.
50:52 I understand.
50:53 Ms. Davis.
51:04 Good evening, Dr. Mullins and school board members.
51:07 My name is Dot Davis, a Brevard County school teacher.
51:10 I come to you tonight not only for myself, but on behalf of my
51:13 fellow colleagues throughout Brevard County.
51:16 To begin with, I’d like to give you a background of why I became
51:19 a teacher.
51:20 1985, 34 years ago.
51:23 That’s how long that I’ve been affiliated with Brevard County
51:25 schools.
51:26 I started out as a parent volunteer and during that time I
51:29 realized that I wanted to make teaching my career.
51:32 So fast forward to 2019 and here I am in my 25th year of
51:36 teaching.
51:38 In those years, I’ve seen a lot of changes in the teaching
51:40 profession.
51:41 Some for the better, some for the worse.
51:44 I’ve had the privilege of working with many very dedicated
51:47 teachers.
51:48 I don’t think that there’s any other profession that sacrifices
51:51 their time and efforts the way that a teacher does.
51:54 Many work way beyond their 40 hour work week.
51:58 Most of us give up and work above and beyond the call of duty.
52:03 Why?
52:04 Because we care.
52:05 We care about kids and their education.
52:08 All of us went into the teaching profession knowing that we’re
52:10 not going to get rich.
52:12 However, we did not expect to see the respect for our profession
52:16 diminished to the degree that it has.
52:19 We did not expect our step program to be taken away.
52:22 Nor for the state to take a percentage of our paycheck to put
52:25 towards our retirement.
52:27 Nor for tenure to be done away with.
52:29 And we certainly did not expect to have to beg year after year
52:33 after year for a raise.
52:35 No, we expected to be treated as the professionals that we are.
52:39 We expected to be rewarded for our hard work and dedication to
52:42 the future of Brevard County’s students.
52:46 I truly, truly do not understand why we have to beg for a raise.
52:51 It is degrading to us.
52:53 Can you not see that having to beg year after year is sucking
52:58 the pure life out of us one by one?
53:02 Whether you realize it or not, you’re slowly killing our passion.
53:07 The thing that drives us to teach.
53:09 Year after year, the school board acts as if our raise is like
53:12 an unexpected bill that arrived in the mail.
53:15 And they make excuses for why they have no funds to pay it.
53:19 Meanwhile, many teachers in this county are living paycheck to
53:23 paycheck.
53:24 Not because they’re living beyond their means, but because they
53:28 are struggling to pay their day-to-day bills.
53:31 These same teachers have made Brevard County schools top in the
53:34 state year after year.
53:36 Why would we not work just for 40 hours?
53:41 Why would we just not say, forget it?
53:44 The reason, ladies and gentlemen, is that you have some of the
53:47 most dedicated, hardworking teachers in the state
53:51 who care about kids and love teaching.
53:54 But like anyone else, they have to make a living.
53:57 I purposely wore black today.
54:00 Black represents mourning, death.
54:03 Because you, Brevard County School Board members, are slowly
54:06 killing the spirit of teachers that work in your schools.
54:10 One by one, one by one, our teachers’ numbers are dying.
54:17 Our exhaustion and frustration of not being treated as the
54:19 professionals that we are
54:21 have resulted in many retiring earlier than planned, quitting in
54:24 the middle of a school year,
54:26 are not even bothering to choose teaching as a profession.
54:29 It is no surprise that we have such a shortage of teachers in
54:32 our county.
54:33 The problem is not going to go away unless you, the school board,
54:37 choose to change things.
54:38 The old cliche that people don’t care how much you know until
54:41 they know how much you care
54:42 is very much relative to our situation.
54:45 Well, I challenge you, show us that you care.
54:48 Put your money where your mouth is.
54:50 Don’t tell us that you care.
54:51 Show us.
54:52 Show us the money.
54:53 Thank you, Ms. Davis.
54:56 Our next three speakers are Fred Kilgan, Kurt Easton, and Martha
55:11 Lopez Anderson.
55:13 Can you hear me?
55:14 Oh, there we go.
55:15 Great.
55:16 Good evening, school board members.
55:17 My name is Fred Kilgallen.
55:18 I am a member of BFT and also a classroom teacher.
55:34 And, you know, I wondered what I might talk about this evening.
55:39 I thought, okay, we could talk about how our bonuses for highly
55:42 effective when you do the
55:44 math with what’s left over comes out to about 54 cents an hour.
55:47 And I thought we could talk a while about that, but it was just
55:49 too depressing.
55:51 So now let’s talk about charter schools and how the chairman who
55:55 leads our school board would
55:57 be considered to be in a grave conflict of interest in any other
56:01 industry if her membership
56:04 in that other school board organization were held against her.
56:09 But it’s too negative, so I don’t want to move on.
56:12 I could talk about school board failures to ask for increased
56:17 millage, to plan for salary,
56:19 to exert control over their staff, to communicate well with the
56:23 community about things like gun
56:25 attack scares, but that is just too mean.
56:27 So I thought, okay, let’s talk about not introducing more guns
56:31 on campus,
56:32 but that’s just too freaking scary.
56:34 So no, no, we’re not going to talk about that.
56:37 I thought about, hey, maybe I could practice my comedy routine.
56:40 You do a Jeff Foxworthy thing.
56:43 If you’re looking for ways to worsen conditions in our schools,
56:47 you might be a Brevard County School Board member, okay?
56:51 But not really productive.
56:56 So I remembered what my mother said, what she taught me, what
57:00 she beat into me.
57:01 If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything.
57:04 So I’m going to say something nice.
57:07 Brevard County teachers have never been as angry, as motivated,
57:12 have never joined our union in such numbers,
57:15 have never been as committed to their profession,
57:18 have never been as committed to solidarity as they are right now.
57:29 You guys created the conditions that made all of this possible.
57:32 We couldn’t have done it without you.
57:33 Thank you.
57:46 Mr. Easton.
57:47 I don’t know what I’m going to say now.
57:58 Hello.
57:59 My name is Kurt.
58:01 My name is Kurt Easton, and I’m the chair of Who We Play For,
58:08 an organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in
58:12 students.
58:13 We’ve met before.
58:15 It’s nice to see you again.
58:17 What I’d like to do tonight really is start off by saying that
58:21 we are in a completely different tone.
58:25 The folks that you see out here in the white shirts are all here
58:29 to thank you for the decision that you’re going to be making
58:33 tonight as it relates to having your student athletes screened
58:37 for heart conditions.
58:40 Every one of the people in this room with a white shirt, and
58:55 many of them that don’t have white shirts because they didn’t
58:57 get theirs,
58:58 has been impacted by this, and they are all from the Central
59:02 Florida region.
59:04 And so we want to say thank you.
59:07 We want to also say that this is something that, implemented,
59:12 you’re literally going to be saving lives.
59:15 There’s a study from Stanford University that says that out of
59:18 every 1,000 students that are tested,
59:22 two generally will have a life-threatening heart condition.
59:28 And we estimate there’s about 6,000 student athletes in Brevard
59:31 County.
59:32 So you can extrapolate from that, and this decision tonight will
59:37 save literally 12 lives.
59:41 Nationwide, there are an estimated 10 million athletes.
59:47 And if you extrapolate that same thing, you’re literally setting
59:52 the stage for saving 20,000 children’s lives.
59:57 And you’re going to take the lead on that.
1:00:02 Brevard County, the first school board in the country to make it
1:00:07 a requirement to get an EKG before you can play athletics here.
1:00:12 So having said that, I’d like to introduce our next speaker, who
1:00:16 is Martha Anderson.
1:00:18 Martha is the Executive Director of Parent Heart Watch, and they
1:00:22 are the voice of this from the national perspective.
1:00:27 So thank you all very much.
1:00:29 Thank you, sir.
1:00:30 Thank you, Kurt.
1:00:36 So as he said, I’m the Executive Director of Parent Heart Watch.
1:00:39 We’re a national, the only nonprofit organization solely
1:00:42 dedicated to the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest and death
1:00:45 in youth.
1:00:46 And I’m also a mom.
1:00:49 Fifteen years ago, I lost my son, suddenly and unexpectedly,
1:00:53 seemingly healthy, never missed a day of school, never missed a
1:00:57 well checkup.
1:00:58 And so Sean’s first symptom was death.
1:01:02 And there started my own quest to end sudden cardiac arrest in
1:01:08 youth.
1:01:10 And that is the vision of Parent Heart Watch.
1:01:13 Our vision is to eliminate preventable deaths and disabilities
1:01:16 in youth by the year 2030.
1:01:19 And with your action tonight, you will be a part of making that
1:01:23 possible.
1:01:24 But I want to share with you a little bit of information.
1:01:27 So for those of you that may not know, sudden cardiac arrest is
1:01:31 when the heart suddenly starts beating.
1:01:34 And it affects people of all ages, including teens and children.
1:01:40 So, and when this happens, it sometimes is because of a congenital
1:01:46 heart condition that often goes undetected until that event that
1:01:51 may be fatal.
1:01:53 Sometimes it’s an acquired condition that may be caused by a
1:01:56 virus.
1:01:57 Other times, it’s caused by the energy drinks that sometimes a
1:02:01 lot of our young people drink.
1:02:03 Or even the use of illicit drugs.
1:02:06 So, according to the American Heart Association, up to 16,000
1:02:12 kids per year under the age of 18 are lost to sudden cardiac
1:02:17 arrest.
1:02:18 16,000.
1:02:21 It’s the number one killer of our student athletes, the number
1:02:25 one cause of death on school campuses.
1:02:30 What I didn’t share with you before was losing my son changed my
1:02:34 life and that of my family forever.
1:02:38 But I’m going to tell you something that haunts me every single
1:02:41 day, and that was learning that my son’s death was preventable.
1:02:46 So, history and physical alone, which is what our pre-participation
1:02:52 physical examinations are today, is not effective.
1:02:58 It’s failing our kids.
1:03:00 As a matter of fact, we have learned through our medical
1:03:04 advisory board and other experts across the country that it
1:03:09 fails our kids by 90%.
1:03:12 That’s crazy.
1:03:13 So, we have the ability, with a very simple tool, a simple non-invasive,
1:03:21 yet the EKG, an electrocardiogram, can be done to complement
1:03:28 that history and physical, and it’s effective 86%.
1:03:31 So, just take that in for a moment.
1:03:40 And Kurt was mentioning a statistic, one in 300 kids are found
1:03:45 at risk for sudden cardiac death.
1:03:49 So, I really thank you for your time, but on behalf of the
1:03:52 Parent Heart Watch, Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Board,
1:03:56 and members across the country in 39 states,
1:03:59 some of whom are here today, and who we play for, who I’m
1:04:02 extremely proud of for their leadership in doing this, I urge
1:04:06 you to take action to please protect the lives of your student
1:04:11 athletes.
1:04:12 Thank you.
1:04:13 Our next three speakers are Lexi Sima, Jonathan Gibson, and
1:04:36 Kathryn Lilly.
1:04:38 Hey, guys.
1:04:43 So, I’m Lexi, for those of you who know that.
1:04:46 Thank God my dad won’t be speaking today, so it’s just me.
1:04:49 It’s a little hand up for that.
1:04:51 And for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Lexi, and I’m a
1:04:54 survivor of the number one killer of student athletes, sudden
1:04:57 cardiac arrest.
1:04:59 When I was 16, I died from something I’ve been doing every day
1:05:01 of my life, running.
1:05:03 Something as simple as running, but today isn’t about me.
1:05:06 This is about making Brevard County the safest county in the
1:05:08 United States, and saving the lives of innocent children.
1:05:11 This room is filled with an army of people willing to fight for
1:05:14 the children of Brevard County, not including the hundreds of
1:05:16 people over my dad’s social media.
1:05:20 And we’re here to thank you for doing the same.
1:05:23 A week ago yesterday, a young man at my former high school
1:05:25 collapsed from a detectable heart condition.
1:05:28 He was one of our very own Brevard County lacrosse players,
1:05:31 which requires a physical.
1:05:33 A physical that did not save his life.
1:05:35 The actions of our own did.
1:05:37 I have personally saved five people with my own hands from a
1:05:40 detectable heart condition that was life-threatening.
1:05:44 School physicals miss 96% of heart defects that kill our kids.
1:05:49 What’s the point of doing a physical if we aren’t even doing the
1:05:51 one thing that’s going to inevitably save their life?
1:05:54 90% of abnormalities are found on a simple EKG.
1:05:57 For that remaining percent, we need to plan to save their life.
1:06:00 For thank God, how Colin and I were saved.
1:06:03 If we’re prepared how we should be prepared to save a life, 89%
1:06:06 of our students will survive.
1:06:10 With right now, God forbid, the number is a staggering 8%.
1:06:14 This is a no-brainer.
1:06:16 This right here is going to save lives.
1:06:18 If we aren’t doing everything in our power to save our students,
1:06:20 then what are we even doing here?
1:06:22 I want to give my biggest praises to Matt and Susan for caring
1:06:25 about this epidemic as much as we do.
1:06:27 Our goal is to detect a heart defect.
1:06:29 Before we ever need an action plan, but if we do, we know that
1:06:41 we will be prepared to save that life anyway.
1:06:45 I want to personally thank you for supporting this drive to save
1:06:47 these students’ lives.
1:06:49 And from our little army here today of everyone in Brevard
1:06:51 County,
1:06:52 we want to thank you for making Brevard County Public Schools
1:06:55 the safest county in the United States of America.
1:06:57 Thank you.
1:07:00 Good evening.
1:07:16 My name is Jonathan Gibson.
1:07:17 I want to thank you for this moment.
1:07:19 I’m here to share a personal story.
1:07:21 My son, James Gibson, was saved.
1:07:23 His life was saved because of this test.
1:07:26 Last May, let’s rewind a little bit.
1:07:29 He went to do the physicals to have summer workout for
1:07:31 basketball and football.
1:07:33 He was excited about being a freshman.
1:07:35 And because of this test and who we play for and Joe Manning and
1:07:39 Jason Burley inviting this to happen on Tysel High School’s
1:07:42 campus,
1:07:43 we got a phone call that we’ll never forget.
1:07:45 Mr. Gibson, your son needs more testing.
1:07:49 Mr. Gibson, don’t panic.
1:07:52 It’s okay.
1:07:53 I can stand here today and tell you that we’ve had hard nights
1:07:58 and had to work through things, but thankfully he is still here.
1:08:03 We didn’t have to plan a funeral because of this test.
1:08:07 And we are very thankful for who we played for in the EKG that
1:08:12 my son is still alive, that he has the rest of his life to live
1:08:18 and to bring glory to God and to do things and change people’s
1:08:23 lives because he is still here.
1:08:24 This test makes a difference.
1:08:27 This test saves lives.
1:08:29 And I thank you for your willingness to take that stand and to
1:08:32 tell others that it’s important.
1:08:35 Because for 14 years, he passed every sports physical.
1:08:39 That day, he passed the sports physical.
1:08:42 The doctor gave him the thumbs up.
1:08:45 But the doctor that read the EKG said you need to look into it
1:08:48 more.
1:08:49 So if we didn’t do that test, I don’t want to imagine what could
1:08:53 have happened.
1:08:55 But I’m very thankful that he is still here and that my son can
1:08:59 live a life.
1:09:01 And he’s had to learn new things.
1:09:03 Sports is not his deal anymore.
1:09:05 He cannot do competitive sports, but he can do lots of other
1:09:08 things.
1:09:09 And he has new passions and new goals.
1:09:12 And we are excited to walk along him in his new journey.
1:09:15 Thank you.
1:09:18 Good evening.
1:09:36 I’m here on behalf of my brother, Ralph Macaron, who could not
1:09:40 attend.
1:09:41 And I’d like to share what he wrote.
1:09:44 On Friday, November 30th, 2007, my life was devastated.
1:09:49 On my way home from work, I received a phone call that my son,
1:09:54 Ralph Macaron, had collapsed on the field.
1:09:57 I was told to meet the ambulance at Cape Canaveral Hospital.
1:10:01 When I arrived, Ralph’s teammates were there supporting him.
1:10:05 That evening, Ralph was transported to Arnold Palmer’s Children’s
1:10:09 Hospital.
1:10:10 Ralph lost his fight Saturday night, December 1st, 2007, with
1:10:15 his family by his side.
1:10:17 This was one week before his 16th birthday.
1:10:20 This was a senseless tragedy that could have been avoided by a
1:10:24 simple five-minute EKG test.
1:10:27 If I had known that there was even a possibility that our son
1:10:30 would be taken from us like this, I would have been first in
1:10:34 line to have him tested.
1:10:37 Ralph’s friends have started a grassroots effort in his honor to
1:10:42 protect students from this silent killer, sudden cardiac arrest.
1:10:47 I challenge the members of the Brevard County School Board to do
1:10:50 what is right.
1:10:52 Protect your students and support mandatory EKG screenings as
1:10:56 part of the sport’s physical process.
1:10:59 Their lives depend on it.
1:11:02 Thank you.
1:11:02 Our next three speakers are Jennifer McInnes, Catherine Lan, and
1:11:20 Hamilton Boone.
1:11:21 I want to thank you guys so much for what you’re doing to fight
1:11:28 for our students’ lives.
1:11:29 That is so important.
1:11:30 Thank you.
1:11:31 I’m going to bring the conversation back to teacher salary.
1:11:34 My name is Jennifer McInnes.
1:11:36 I’ve been teaching math for 16 years at Melbourne High School.
1:11:40 I’m a product of Brevard Public Schools, and I graduated from
1:11:43 Melbourne High School.
1:11:45 I am proud to serve our students of Brevard County.
1:11:48 I don’t have any children of my own, but I love each and every
1:11:51 one of my students like
1:11:52 they were my own child.
1:11:54 I know this is what I am meant to do in life.
1:11:57 I love my job, but I don’t know if I’m going to be here next
1:12:01 year.
1:12:02 I have worked a second job for 14 of my 16 years as a teacher,
1:12:08 either teaching at Eastern Florida,
1:12:11 tutoring, coaching, sponsoring clubs, or writing curriculum.
1:12:16 The list goes on and on for the people that are out here in red.
1:12:19 The only reason why I stopped working a second job is because my
1:12:23 doctor recommended that I cut out all the extra time that I was
1:12:27 working due to health reasons.
1:12:29 I knew I couldn’t cut out the countless hours I spent preparing
1:12:31 lessons and grading papers.
1:12:33 So, I gave up my extra income.
1:12:36 The only reason why I was able to financially quit my side jobs
1:12:40 was because I am married to an engineer.
1:12:42 What kind of message does it send to our students and to our
1:12:47 future educators that in order to be a teacher who does not live
1:12:51 paycheck to paycheck,
1:12:53 In order to be a teacher who does not work a second job, you
1:12:56 have to marry someone who makes a lot more money than you do?
1:13:00 I don’t know a single one of my peers working in the private
1:13:04 sector with my equivalent education and experience who has to
1:13:08 work a second job to make ends meet.
1:13:11 Before I was a teacher, I worked as a financial analyst.
1:13:15 I took a significant pay cut to pursue a career that makes a
1:13:20 difference in the lives of children.
1:13:23 I ask you to please consider very carefully the decisions you
1:13:27 make regarding the salary you offer us.
1:13:30 I want to be back here next year.
1:13:32 I don’t want to leave this profession, but I do have other
1:13:36 options.
1:13:37 If your salary offer does not change, I will seriously
1:13:41 reconsider those options.
1:13:43 My story is just one of many.
1:13:46 I don’t want to leave this profession, but I will.
1:13:50 Thanks.
1:13:51 Thank you.
1:13:53 Good evening.
1:13:54 I am Kathy Lon, third grade teacher.
1:14:07 Since…yes, sir?
1:14:11 I am Kathy Lon, I am a teacher in this county since 1986 and sad
1:14:35 to say that I cannot wait to retire, even though I love what I
1:14:39 do.
1:14:39 So many people have come up here over the weeks and said…they
1:14:46 shared their woes of their poor salary and their issues with
1:14:50 making their budget stretch as far as possible, most with not
1:14:54 much success based on today’s living costs.
1:14:56 And we all say that we never got into this for the money.
1:14:59 I got into this for the children.
1:15:01 I’m not here to say, “I’m not here to say woe is me.
1:15:03 I have that husband with another salary.”
1:15:06 I’m here to say, “Shame on you.”
1:15:08 The public sees teachers asking for more money.
1:15:12 I see poor per-pupil spending.
1:15:15 Shame on the teachers for not managing their money better.
1:15:18 Shame on you for not being in it for the children and not
1:15:21 managing your budget better.
1:15:23 The resources you provide for us to teach our children are pitiful.
1:15:28 I have to beg for textbooks for new students.
1:15:31 I have to beg.
1:15:33 My AP gets them for me, but I have to beg.
1:15:36 How many of you know that this is our elementary school social
1:15:41 studies textbook?
1:15:42 This is a travesty.
1:15:44 It is not a textbook.
1:15:47 Did you instruct your staff to find the cheapest resource that
1:15:50 they could find?
1:15:51 This textbook.
1:15:52 It’s not a textbook.
1:15:54 I’m sure every elementary teacher in this room has heard, “I can’t
1:15:58 find mine.
1:15:59 Mine ripped.
1:16:00 It won’t fit on my desk.
1:16:01 What am I supposed to do?”
1:16:02 Over and over.
1:16:03 Not to mention being unable to go back to something from a
1:16:06 previous lesson to review.
1:16:08 How about turn to this map on this page?
1:16:11 It doesn’t exist.
1:16:13 Now let’s talk about the science adoption for this year.
1:16:16 “Mr. Scott, my children were in your science classes.
1:16:20 They are successful adults now.
1:16:22 I have forbid them to become teachers.”
1:16:26 Science won’t be alive and well for very long with what we have
1:16:30 now.
1:16:30 No textbook?
1:16:31 No teacher textbook?
1:16:32 Okay.
1:16:33 That’s fine.
1:16:34 I can do it online when online works in my classroom.
1:16:38 If it’s working, assume that it’s working and let’s look at the
1:16:41 teacher preparation section.
1:16:44 These are actual instructions from the teacher preparation
1:16:48 section that says, “Buy three types
1:16:51 of plants with the same color bloom.
1:16:53 Buy ice cream.
1:16:56 Instead of purchasing six small plants, you can plant some seeds.
1:17:00 Buy chocolate syrup.
1:17:01 Buy dark pancake syrup, dishwashing liquid.
1:17:04 Buy chocolate chips, buy pancake batter mix.
1:17:08 I don’t have the salary to do that and my CSAP money doesn’t
1:17:12 cover it.
1:17:13 My bookkeeper tells me I don’t teach culinary arts.”
1:17:18 Now let’s look at the one teacher kit for five teachers.
1:17:24 It is not enough.
1:17:26 Are you really in this for the students?
1:17:29 Are you really serving every child with excellence?
1:17:32 Or are you just covering up poor budgeting?
1:17:36 Shame on you for tying our hands and hurting our children.
1:17:41 Are you really in this for the students?
1:17:57 Before I begin, I’d like to just tell the teachers that I loved
1:18:02 hearing the term teacher
1:18:03 tonight.
1:18:04 I keep hearing educator and professional educators, the teacher
1:18:04 is beautiful.
1:18:04 It doesn’t need to be dressed up.
1:18:05 As far as you people, with the EKGs, I’m a physician assistant.
1:18:06 I’m in my 40th year.
1:18:07 And you’re exactly right.
1:18:08 Absolutely right.
1:18:09 Go ahead, Mr. Burns.
1:18:11 Yes.
1:18:12 I’m here to address the policy 2520 that’s being considered.
1:18:35 That policy was specifically made for parents and guardians to
1:18:39 be able to challenge materials
1:18:41 that are used in the schools.
1:18:44 And we continually hear that the school board and teachers say
1:18:47 they want parents really involved,
1:18:50 but this particular policy blocks parents from having any
1:18:55 meaningful participation.
1:18:57 If you want to fundraise or get new plants for a school or
1:19:02 whatever, but anything but policy,
1:19:06 you’re not welcome in that.
1:19:08 The school board has done some good work.
1:19:11 They’ve come through.
1:19:12 They’ve made some changes.
1:19:14 But I’ve met with each school board member and there’s parts of
1:19:18 it that need to be looked
1:19:20 at again.
1:19:21 And I apologize if I stumble, I left my glasses at home.
1:19:27 The changes that need to be reconsidered again are mentioning
1:19:33 all participants.
1:19:35 The Florida statutes say that it’s the parent, guardian, and
1:19:39 resident.
1:19:40 Resident has been left out multiple times.
1:19:45 Those that are applicable to certain lines need to be included,
1:19:49 they’ve been left down.
1:19:53 Define how to notify parents, guardians, and residents of Bavard
1:19:57 County of meetings concerning
1:19:59 materials that are being questioned.
1:20:02 If they’re in one school, they’re in other schools, as I’ve
1:20:05 provided a list to the school
1:20:07 board of some questionable materials.
1:20:11 So it makes sense that parents and guardians and residents that
1:20:16 are interested in that
1:20:18 would want to know and then come and find out about that
1:20:22 particular material.
1:20:24 Committees.
1:20:26 All committees are picked by the, well, excuse me, the
1:20:29 committees at the high school are picked
1:20:31 by the principal.
1:20:32 All members are either employees of the school board or friends
1:20:38 and volunteers at that school.
1:20:41 And one of the members happens to be a student.
1:20:44 Guess which way they will vote.
1:20:46 I had one person send me a, well, I found an email from a
1:20:54 librarian up at, where is it?
1:20:58 Edgwood High School.
1:20:59 And she’s afraid that if I have parents or, God forbid, a
1:21:04 resident that doesn’t have a child
1:21:07 on that school that it’s going to become biased.
1:21:10 Well, biased, the principal picks all the members, the parent or
1:21:15 guardian picks none.
1:21:18 I want to know who’s biased actually.
1:21:20 What I would ask, and that’s just a few of the things that need
1:21:26 to be looked at.
1:21:27 Again, there’s been some good changes to it.
1:21:30 I would like to see all recording modalities allowed, since it’s
1:21:36 a medium in the sunshine.
1:21:39 Thank you, Mr. Boone.
1:21:40 Your time is up.
1:21:41 Thank you, Mr. Boone.
1:21:42 Thank you.
1:21:43 Thank you, Mr. Boone.
1:21:44 Thank you.
1:21:45 Thank you, Mr. Boone.
1:21:46 Thank you.
1:21:47 Our last two speakers are Charles Mascovich and Sean Zima.
1:21:51 Hello.
1:21:52 My name is Charles Mascovich.
1:21:53 I’m here to speak on behalf of the EKG incident.
1:22:05 Ten years ago, as they brought up Rafe Macron, I was there at
1:22:07 Cocoa Beach High School.
1:22:09 I was there at a wrestling match when we had to tell one of his
1:22:12 best friends what happened.
1:22:14 That was ten years ago, and I’m still standing here today
1:22:17 talking about making this issue mandatory for athletes.
1:22:20 Ten years ago, I had to walk around high school and tell people
1:22:24 like Evan Ernst, who started this foundation,
1:22:27 he asked me questions like, “Why?” Zane Schultz, one of his good
1:22:30 friends, “Why?”
1:22:32 All day, kids are just asking, “Why?”
1:22:35 And we had no answer.
1:22:36 I was a senior that year, and I had to look at everyone with
1:22:39 nothing to say, except for, “I’m sorry, and I don’t know what.”
1:22:43 Fast forward now still, I had my son here with me today.
1:22:46 He’s eight years old, and I’m still wondering, “Is this problem
1:22:49 ever going to get fixed?”
1:22:50 Or is he going to be here ten years from now asking the same
1:22:53 questions?
1:22:53 Is this going to be mandatory?
1:22:55 And did he have to tell kids the same thing?
1:22:57 Why?
1:22:58 Anyone who’s ever gone through this, Rafe’s hand and everything,
1:23:01 I’m sorry.
1:23:02 That was one of the hardest days of my life ever.
1:23:05 And I hope that no one ever has to go through that again.
1:23:08 To the kids here from Vieira High School and to the coaches, I’m
1:23:11 sorry that we’re still going through this.
1:23:13 That I’m standing here ten years again asking for this to happen
1:23:17 and make it mandatory.
1:23:18 Just think about this and all the kids that are going to be
1:23:22 affected by this, their futures, what they’re going to do and
1:23:25 what they’re going to think.
1:23:27 That’s all I have to say. Thank you.
1:23:28 Thank you, sir.
1:23:29 I was actually going to cut you off because your daughter said
1:23:49 you weren’t supposed to speak.
1:23:52 Sure, if you could state your name, please.
1:23:54 Yes, my name is Taffi, T-A-F-F-I-A-B-T.
1:23:59 I live in Indian River County and when my son Michael was 12
1:24:04 years old, he died in school on the playground playing capture
1:24:08 the flag from sudden cardiac arrest.
1:24:11 He had his physical every year, nothing was ever detected.
1:24:15 We believe what he had from his autopsy was Wolf-Parkinson-White.
1:24:20 It’s an electrical part, a wiring issue, and it could have
1:24:24 probably been detected by an EKG.
1:24:27 The Who We Play For organization is a great group of people who
1:24:31 are dedicated to screening our youth athletes.
1:24:34 And I really wish they had been around back then.
1:24:36 I didn’t know.
1:24:37 You know, I trusted my doctor like most parents do.
1:24:40 You get your kids physical and you just expect it to be okay.
1:24:44 The EKG takes five minutes.
1:24:47 There’s, you know, no needles, there’s nothing, no shocks.
1:24:50 It’s simple.
1:24:51 I pray and hope that you will become the leaders in our state
1:24:57 and make this mandatory and required for your student athletes.
1:25:00 We have been screening with who we play for in Indian River
1:25:04 County for about five years now.
1:25:06 We do one screening at Sebastian River High School and one at Vero
1:25:10 Beach High School.
1:25:11 We also screen at the Indian River State College.
1:25:14 The Indian River State College has made it mandatory for their
1:25:18 athletes.
1:25:18 And we’re hoping that each county, this will be a trickle effect
1:25:22 and it will happen in every county in our state and make our
1:25:26 state one of the leaders.
1:25:27 In the five years that we’ve been screening, we have found four
1:25:31 kids that need follow-up out of every hundred.
1:25:34 And two of those students have had corrective surgeries and are
1:25:39 doing well now with conditions they would have never known about
1:25:42 if they hadn’t come to these screenings.
1:25:44 My son Michael might still be here.
1:25:50 I am hoping you support these mandatory screenings.
1:25:53 We lost another student in Sebastian last year, Kamari Lyons, to
1:25:59 sudden cardiac arrest on the football field.
1:26:03 So just think very deeply about how serious this is.
1:26:08 And every three days a child dies and they say in every
1:26:11 community there will be five events in every three years.
1:26:15 So that’s your community.
1:26:17 Thank you.
1:26:20 Thank you, Ms. Saad.
1:26:21 Would any board member like to comment on any of the public
1:26:32 comments?
1:26:34 Ms. Belford.
1:26:36 Thank you, Ms. Tuskovich.
1:26:40 I am a firm believer that people and places and things and
1:26:45 experiences come before us for a reason.
1:26:49 You all know that I have been a staunch advocate of drowning
1:26:52 prevention in Brevard County.
1:26:54 And I have been very supportive of the concept of making sure
1:26:57 that we do everything that we can to keep our children safe.
1:27:01 So I thank all of the Who We Play For folks for coming out
1:27:04 tonight.
1:27:04 And know that it is an issue that is near and dear to our hearts.
1:27:08 And we appreciate you bringing the recognition to us.
1:27:12 I also had an interesting experience as I was coming back from Tallahassee
1:27:17 with our students.
1:27:18 And I was – usually I listen to the legislative sessions as I’m
1:27:23 driving up.
1:27:23 And this time I was driving back and all of the sessions were
1:27:26 over with.
1:27:26 And so I came across in my podcast feed a podcast that I had not
1:27:30 heard about before.
1:27:32 And it was called the Education Exchange Podcast.
1:27:36 And the particular title of this episode was Fixing the Culture
1:27:39 of Contempt.
1:27:40 And it was an interview with a gentleman by the name of Arthur
1:27:43 Brooks, who is an author.
1:27:45 He is president of the American Enterprise Institute.
1:27:47 He’s a Harvard professor.
1:27:48 And he’s recently come out with a new book called Love Your Enemies,
1:27:52 which I admittedly have not read.
1:27:53 But one of the things that he talks about in his podcast in this
1:27:59 book is this concept of the outrage industrial complex.
1:28:02 And basically what this is is the name that he has given to the
1:28:05 current state of polarization in our society.
1:28:07 And he talks about how we got to the point where we are of
1:28:12 polarization.
1:28:13 And basically he has determined, as have several other experts,
1:28:18 that it is the result of contempt.
1:28:19 And there is a huge difference between anger and passion about
1:28:23 an issue and contempt.
1:28:24 When we fail to separate people and ideas, we have a tendency to
1:28:32 lean toward contempt.
1:28:34 For example, it’s important to realize and remember that people
1:28:38 are not stupid and evil.
1:28:39 We just don’t always agree on everything.
1:28:42 And I think that’s an important point.
1:28:44 He goes on and says that the most dangerous times in our history
1:28:47 were characterized by contempt.
1:28:49 Throughout history, if you look at those times when the most
1:28:52 harm was done, it was centered around that contempt.
1:28:55 And if any of you have done any studying of Dr. Gottman, you may
1:29:00 have heard him speak of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
1:29:03 And in fact, contempt is one of those four horsemen of the
1:29:06 apocalypse.
1:29:07 Contempt is characterized by hostile humor, sarcasm, insults,
1:29:12 belittling, blaming.
1:29:14 They have found that treating others with contempt not only
1:29:18 decreases your happiness, but it also decreases the happiness of
1:29:21 the person being treated with contempt.
1:29:23 But most importantly, and the reason that I focused on this, is
1:29:28 that contempt stops progress.
1:29:30 Contempt is not persuasive.
1:29:32 In fact, they say no one in history has been insulted into
1:29:35 agreement.
1:29:36 In fact, what typically happens is what they call the boomerang
1:29:39 effect.
1:29:40 They double down.
1:29:41 So you’re probably wondering where I’m going with this.
1:29:44 He goes on to say that the mark of moral courage is not to stand
1:29:47 up to those with whom you disagree.
1:29:49 It is to stand up to those with whom you agree on behalf of
1:29:53 those with whom you disagree.
1:29:55 In essence, we each have a duty to push back against the outrage
1:29:58 industrial complex that is taking over our society in order to
1:30:03 continue to ensure progress.
1:30:06 We have to stay focused on ideas and separate ideas from people.
1:30:09 When we disagree better, we see better progress.
1:30:13 I bring this up because this very much characterizes the
1:30:16 relationship between BFT leadership and the current board.
1:30:19 Nowhere, in my opinion, is progress more important than in
1:30:23 education.
1:30:24 All of us as leaders in education have a duty to disagree better.
1:30:28 Of course, we know it’s easier to see the sins of the other side
1:30:32 in greater focus than sins on our own side.
1:30:34 I strive to look in the mirror before pointing a finger at
1:30:37 anyone else.
1:30:38 So first, I apologize for allowing myself to view you or your
1:30:42 method of disagreement with contempt.
1:30:45 In full transparency, I have found myself in recent months
1:30:50 allowing insults, sarcasm, belittling, snarkiness to overshadow
1:30:55 message.
1:30:55 I’ve begun to perceive that speaking at the board meetings has
1:30:58 sometimes been more about showboating than about really trying
1:31:02 to work through issues.
1:31:03 And I have quite honestly allowed myself to feel contempt toward
1:31:08 individuals rather than looking at the ideas.
1:31:11 In doing so, I have become part of the problem.
1:31:15 Our mission is too critical not to make choices and focus on
1:31:19 perspectives that promote progress.
1:31:21 Teachers, staff members, and most importantly, students are
1:31:24 counting on us to be effective advocates for them in our
1:31:27 community, at the state level, and at the national level.
1:31:31 While we may disagree on ideas or solutions, we are all working
1:31:36 toward the same goals.
1:31:37 And as such, we need to work together effectively.
1:31:41 If this were just about how we’re working together at the local
1:31:45 level, I may be tempted to keep these thoughts to myself to
1:31:48 avoid further conflict.
1:31:50 But the picture is much bigger than just this board room or just
1:31:55 this district.
1:31:56 My hope is that sharing this information will encourage all of
1:32:00 us to self-reflect on the messages, excuse me, the methods we
1:32:05 use in our advocacy.
1:32:07 And to find a more productive way to disagree.
1:32:09 Because your role in advocating for teachers in multiple spheres
1:32:14 as our role in advocating for teachers in multiple spheres is
1:32:18 critically important.
1:32:19 And I want and we need all of us to be successful.
1:32:29 That’s all I’ve got.
1:32:31 Thank you.
1:32:32 No, Mr. Colucci.
1:32:33 We’re done with public comments, sir.
1:32:34 Thank you, sir.
1:32:39 Does any other board member have any comments towards any of the
1:32:54 public comments?
1:32:59 Thank you.
1:33:00 Okay.
1:33:02 That moves us to the consent agenda.
1:33:04 Dr. Mullins.
1:33:05 There are 18 agenda items under this category.
1:33:08 What are the wishes of the board?
1:33:11 Move to approve.
1:33:12 Second.
1:33:13 Move to approve.
1:33:14 Oh, wait.
1:33:14 Hold on.
1:33:15 Thank you, Dr. Mullins.
1:33:16 Oh, wait.
1:33:17 Hold on.
1:33:18 Thank you, Dr. Mullins.
1:33:19 Does any board member wish to pull any of these items?
1:33:20 Good.
1:33:22 Do you wish to pull an item, Ms. Campbell?
1:33:23 For discussion.
1:33:24 Which?
1:33:25 You got to pull an item.
1:33:26 Which?
1:33:27 Then a letter number.
1:33:28 Yeah.
1:33:29 Sorry.
1:33:30 Oh, no.
1:33:31 No.
1:33:32 Never mind.
1:33:33 Scratch that.
1:33:36 Okay.
1:33:37 We’ll go back to what are the wishes of the board.
1:33:39 Do you want me to second again?
1:33:41 Move to approve.
1:33:43 Motion by Ms. Belverds.
1:33:46 Second by Ms. McDougall.
1:33:48 Is there any discussion?
1:33:49 Please vote.
1:33:53 Motion passes 5-0.
1:34:07 Does any board member need to take a break?
1:34:10 We’ve been at it about an hour and a half.
1:34:12 Anybody need a break?
1:34:14 Yeah.
1:34:15 Everybody good?
1:34:16 Okay.
1:34:17 We’ll continue on.
1:34:18 We will then move on to the action agenda, Dr. Mullins.
1:34:21 Ms. Deskovich there.
1:34:22 First is item G-27 on department school initiated agreements.
1:34:23 What are the wishes of the board?
1:34:24 Move to approve.
1:34:25 Second.
1:34:26 Motion by Mr. Susan.
1:34:27 Second by Ms. Belford.
1:34:28 Any discussion?
1:34:29 Please vote.
1:34:30 Motion passes 5-0.
1:34:31 Dr. Mullins.
1:34:32 Item G-27.
1:34:33 Motion passes 5-0.
1:34:34 Dr. Mullins.
1:34:35 Item G-27.
1:34:36 Motion passes 5-0.
1:34:37 Dr. Mullins.
1:34:38 Item G-27.
1:34:39 Second by Ms. Belford.
1:34:40 Any discussion?
1:34:41 Please vote.
1:34:42 Motion passes 5-0.
1:34:44 Dr. Mullins.
1:34:45 Motion passes 5-0.
1:34:46 Dr. Mullins.
1:34:47 Item G-27.
1:34:48 Motion passes 5-0.
1:34:49 Dr. Mullins.
1:34:50 Item G-28 is on purchasing solicitations.
1:34:53 What are the wishes of the board?
1:34:55 Move to approve.
1:34:56 Second.
1:34:58 Moved by Mr. Susan.
1:34:59 Seconded by Ms. Campbell.
1:35:00 Any discussion?
1:35:02 Please vote.
1:35:02 Motion passes 5-0.
1:35:02 Dr. Mullins.
1:35:03 The next three items are on policies.
1:35:04 As part of the approval process, the following timeline has been
1:35:08 held.
1:35:08 There was a work session for board policy 24-61, recording of IEP
1:35:13 meetings held on March 12, 2019.
1:35:15 A rural development workshop for board policies 24-61, 25-20,
1:35:20 and 25-10 was held on March 26, 2019.
1:35:28 The policies were presented as information at the March 26 board
1:35:40 meeting and are now here for you for public hearing and approval.
1:35:43 Thank you.
1:35:54 The public hearing is now open.
1:36:10 First to approve is board policy 24-61, recording of IEP
1:36:14 meetings.
1:36:15 Is there anyone who has come to speak to the board this evening
1:36:19 on policy 24-61, recording of the IEP meetings?
1:36:23 Is there anyone who has come to speak to the board on policy 24-61
1:36:32 on recording of IEP meetings?
1:36:36 I will entertain a motion from the board.
1:36:38 Move to approve.
1:36:39 Motion by Mr. Susan, second by Ms. McDougall.
1:36:40 Is there any discussion?
1:36:41 Please vote.
1:36:42 Motion passes 5-0.
1:36:42 We will move on to the second policy.
1:36:44 Is there anyone who has come to make comments regarding board
1:36:45 policy 25-20, selection and adoption
1:36:46 of instructional materials, objections, and requests for
1:36:51 reconsideration?
1:36:53 Mr. Boone?
1:36:54 All of the same guidelines, policies reapply that I read earlier.
1:36:56 Do you need me to read it again?
1:36:57 You’ve got three minutes.
1:36:58 Nothing profane.
1:36:58 Oh, no, no.
1:36:58 I’m not going to read anything this time.
1:36:59 Okay.
1:37:02 Thank you, sir.
1:37:03 Please go ahead.
1:37:04 No.
1:37:05 I would just say that.
1:37:06 Okay.
1:37:10 Thank you, sir.
1:37:12 Please go ahead.
1:37:13 Okay.
1:37:16 Thank you, sir.
1:37:17 Please go ahead.
1:37:18 Okay.
1:37:20 Thank you, sir.
1:37:22 Please go ahead.
1:37:23 Okay.
1:37:28 Thank you, sir.
1:37:29 I would just ask the board to please consider, since there have
1:37:34 been different things brought
1:37:36 up, possible changes, inclusions, terminology, statutes, et
1:37:42 cetera, that perhaps you would consider
1:37:47 setting this off and taking one more look at it.
1:37:50 You’ve done, you know, everything in there isn’t what I want,
1:37:54 but it’s not about me.
1:37:55 And it has changed.
1:37:58 It’s more defined, but I think it’s so close to being better
1:38:02 than what it is right now.
1:38:05 And I appreciate all the work you all have done.
1:38:08 Thank you.
1:38:09 Thank you, Mr. Boone.
1:38:14 Okay.
1:38:15 Is there anyone else that would like to make comments regarding
1:38:18 board policy 2520, selection
1:38:20 and adoption of instructional materials, objections, and
1:38:26 requests for reconsideration?
1:38:29 What are the wishes of the board?
1:38:31 Move to approve.
1:38:32 Second.
1:38:33 Move by Mr. Susan.
1:38:34 Second by Ms. Campbell.
1:38:35 Any discussion?
1:38:36 I would like to – I spoke with Amy Inval before – yesterday,
1:38:46 or whenever it was, about
1:38:49 how we might go about making changes.
1:38:52 And also, we’ve gotten lots of input.
1:38:54 I just want to thank – I don’t know if there are any of our
1:38:56 media specialists or English
1:38:57 teachers right here who contacted us, but thank you for their
1:39:00 input and their concerns.
1:39:01 But I – there are a few things that I think would be good to go
1:39:06 back.
1:39:07 But talking to Amy, it seems like the best thing to do at this
1:39:10 time, because the revised policy
1:39:12 as it stands on the agenda, is much better than what we’ve had
1:39:15 before.
1:39:16 And that if we go ahead and approve it tonight, we will have a
1:39:20 policy in place.
1:39:21 Because part of it is repealing 2510.
1:39:24 And so, we’ll have something in place.
1:39:26 And then, as a board, we can direct staff to go back and make
1:39:29 some changes.
1:39:30 Because there’s no limit on how often we can revise a policy.
1:39:33 So, my thoughts are that it would be wise to go ahead and
1:39:36 approve the policy as it stands
1:39:39 this evening on the agenda, so that we have that in place.
1:39:43 And then, if we want to make changes further, that we go back
1:39:45 and look at revising it again.
1:39:46 And then, we would have to go through the process of the three
1:39:49 hearings.
1:39:50 But that’s – that’s what I’d like us to consider doing.
1:39:54 Anyone else – does anyone else have thoughts they would like to
1:39:59 share?
1:40:00 Mr. Susan?
1:40:02 Yeah, I think that’s the sentiment that we’ve had, that I had in
1:40:05 conversations with Dr. Mowens or –
1:40:07 and our directors is that if we want to make any quick changes,
1:40:10 we need to put something in place.
1:40:12 And then, possibly, from there, make any adoptions that you
1:40:15 would like.
1:40:16 Can you take the mic?
1:40:17 Yeah.
1:40:18 That’s it.
1:40:19 Okay.
1:40:20 Ms. Belford, any comments?
1:40:24 I am fine going either way.
1:40:27 I do think that there’s a little bit of cleanup.
1:40:29 Some of the language in, like, days when things occur.
1:40:33 And I think there is some additional work that we can do there.
1:40:37 If we do not move forward with the approval of the policy, then
1:40:40 we need to not address the next policy,
1:40:44 because that’s the removal of the current policy.
1:40:46 And in that case, we would have nothing in place.
1:40:49 So, I will – I will support the will of the board, whichever
1:40:53 way you all think is the best way to go.
1:40:56 It’s your prerogative to change your mind.
1:41:03 I’ll change my mind.
1:41:04 In my past life, I was also a librarian.
1:41:08 And I get real nervous when we get real specific about banning
1:41:13 any type of books.
1:41:14 So, I like this policy.
1:41:15 I think our staff spends a lot of time on this policy.
1:41:18 We – this is our third public hearing on this.
1:41:21 So, I like what we have at this point.
1:41:24 So, I would like us to go ahead, too.
1:41:27 I – my recommendation is that we pause on both 2520 and 2510,
1:41:32 as not to cause any confusion by just pausing on – I have no
1:41:36 problem with deleting 2510.
1:41:38 But because of, I think, what Ms. Belford said, it’s all or
1:41:43 nothing at this point.
1:41:45 We can’t delete one, because the other one kind of encompasses
1:41:49 it.
1:41:49 I sent you all an email, but just a publicly statement.
1:41:52 One of my main concerns is we had a workshop, and I felt like
1:41:55 our recommendation was that the board each had one person
1:41:59 representing them on the district-level review committee.
1:42:02 And the policy that was presented to us says that we will have
1:42:07 one – oh, we had – that we each had one, and then we were
1:42:10 specific about having one person, one teacher, one administrator,
1:42:14 one resource teacher, and so on.
1:42:19 And the way the policy was presented to us, it says at least one,
1:42:23 which means there could be five or 10.
1:42:26 And then the board members are left with representation of just
1:42:29 one.
1:42:29 And I know we can go back through this again for another six
1:42:33 weeks, but I’d rather get it done right.
1:42:36 The other concern is it says we have sunshine state standards.
1:42:40 Ms. Belford sent a message saying that that’s actually in
1:42:43 statute, which is surprising because we don’t have sunshine
1:42:46 state standards right now.
1:42:47 I think we need to – I think we need to have a cleaner policy.
1:42:50 I’m not comfortable approving a policy that still has so many
1:42:54 errors.
1:42:55 Mr. Susan?
1:42:58 What would the timetable be if we were to just pause and
1:43:01 workshop it again or send direction?
1:43:03 What does that look like?
1:43:04 It’s about six weeks because under Chapter 120, we have to
1:43:07 advertise for 28 days, and we have to make sure that you have a
1:43:11 rule to vote workshop scheduled.
1:43:12 So it just takes a little bit of time, but it’s about six weeks.
1:43:16 If we amend it, do we have to go back through the briefs?
1:43:18 Ms. Yes.
1:43:19 Because it has to be published in substantially the same form
1:43:22 that you’re asking the public to take a look at and then comment
1:43:25 on.
1:43:25 And until we actually approve any changes, we’re just back to
1:43:30 the original –
1:43:31 Ms. What we have, right.
1:43:33 And is that inhibiting us in any way to – is that inhibiting us
1:43:37 in any way?
1:43:38 So is the old policy hurting us by not moving forward?
1:43:41 Ms. It would be my opinion that the old policy is not as clear
1:43:46 as what the proposed version is.
1:43:48 We’ve already gone through the, you know, public hearing process,
1:43:52 but the board can either approve the policy the way it is
1:43:55 and we can make further revisions from there.
1:43:57 It’s going to be hard to go back and make more red lines to the
1:44:00 red lines.
1:44:01 But we can do either way.
1:44:03 Ms. So either way, if the board recommends we’re going back, it’s
1:44:06 either –
1:44:07 you know, we can either approve tonight and immediately say we
1:44:11 want to go back and revise.
1:44:13 We’re in the same process.
1:44:14 Or we can disapprove tonight and we’re going to go back and have
1:44:16 the process.
1:44:17 But if we approve tonight, then we have a policy in place that
1:44:19 at least is better than what it was.
1:44:21 If we disapprove tonight, we’re going back to what we had before.
1:44:24 Ms. That’s correct.
1:44:26 Ms. It’s – for me, it’s six weeks.
1:44:28 And how many of these challenges have we had in the last three
1:44:32 years?
1:44:33 Anyone from the back?
1:44:34 Ms. One.
1:44:36 So for me, six weeks with the same policy we’ve had until we get
1:44:39 it right is – that’s where I stand.
1:44:42 Anyone else?
1:44:43 Comments?
1:44:44 You want to make a motion to table now?
1:44:47 Ms. We have a motion – we have a motion on the floor that we
1:44:52 have to –
1:44:52 Ms. And if we table it, then we’re not –
1:44:54 You can make a motion to amend –
1:44:56 Ms. We can’t – we can’t revise it if we table it.
1:44:59 Correct?
1:45:00 Right.
1:45:01 You can’t – you can’t revise it at this point.
1:45:03 Even tabling it doesn’t work because we have to re-advertise.
1:45:06 So it would be my recommendation either approve or disapprove
1:45:10 and then provide direction to staff moving forward.
1:45:13 Thank you, Ms. Envall.
1:45:15 Any more questions or comments from board members?
1:45:19 Okay.
1:45:21 There’s a motion on the table to approve policy 2520 as given to
1:45:28 us.
1:45:29 It was given by Mr. Susan, I think, and seconded by Ms. Campbell.
1:45:34 Please vote.
1:45:46 Motion passes 3-2.
1:45:49 I feel like we need to follow up with a little direction for
1:45:53 staff at this point.
1:45:54 Is – how does everyone feel about now bringing it back to the
1:45:59 table to still continue to work on it?
1:46:00 Yes, please.
1:46:01 So we need to advertise and workshop.
1:46:04 So we’re going to have another workshop?
1:46:06 If we want to, what I would recommend is doing a work session.
1:46:09 And that way the board can specifically – either individually
1:46:12 you can provide comments to myself or to Ms. Klein.
1:46:15 And then we can make those changes in red line.
1:46:17 We can even – you know, I can –
1:46:18 I think that’s a good idea.
1:46:19 – identify and do a work session so that we have all the
1:46:22 language set that the board wants.
1:46:23 And then we can discuss it and the board can say yay or nay.
1:46:26 And then we can go ahead and advertise and have a rule-bent
1:46:29 workshop and another public hearing for a school board meeting.
1:46:32 Okay.
1:46:33 Tammy, if you can work with Pam to help getting us a work
1:46:35 session on the calendar.
1:46:36 I think it’s such a lengthy, long policy that has a lot in it.
1:46:39 It is.
1:46:41 I think it’s important we kind of break it down and go through
1:46:42 it.
1:46:42 Thank you.
1:46:45 Okay.
1:46:46 We’re going to move on to the final policy.
1:46:49 Is there anyone who’s come to address the repeal of board policy
1:46:55 2510 adoption of textbooks?
1:46:58 Is there anyone here tonight who has come to address the repeal
1:47:01 of board policy 2510 adoption of textbooks?
1:47:08 What are the wishes of the board?
1:47:09 Move to approve.
1:47:10 Second.
1:47:11 Motion by Mr. Susan.
1:47:12 Second by Ms. Campbell.
1:47:14 Is there any discussion?
1:47:16 Please vote.
1:47:17 Motion passes 5-0.
1:47:28 That concludes the public hearing portion of tonight’s meeting.
1:47:31 We’ll now move on to the information agenda which includes items
1:47:35 for board review and will be brought back for action at a
1:47:38 subsequent meeting.
1:47:39 No action will be taken on these items.
1:47:42 Dr. Mullins?
1:47:43 There are two items under the information category.
1:47:46 Okay.
1:47:47 Does any member wish to discuss an item on the information
1:47:55 agenda?
1:47:57 Okay.
1:47:58 We are now at board member reports.
1:48:00 Does anyone have anything they wish to add?
1:48:03 Mr. Susan, you have the EKG discussion you would like to have.
1:48:08 Want me to start now?
1:48:09 So I wanted to first off say thank you for everybody that came
1:48:12 out tonight.
1:48:13 And there was a couple of things that I wanted to state.
1:48:16 Our staff has worked diligently to put together an MOU, which is
1:48:20 a memorandum of understanding, so that our school district could
1:48:24 move forward with the screenings.
1:48:25 And so I wanted to say thank you to Ms. Moore and staff for how
1:48:28 hard they worked in developing that, just so that everybody
1:48:32 knows we didn’t have a standard MOU with who we play for as of
1:48:36 like six months ago.
1:48:36 So we were doing these screenings and it was great, but we kind
1:48:39 of had some violations across the board, so we wanted to do that.
1:48:42 I wanted to give a huge thank you for taking the time to work on
1:48:46 those specific issues, get an MOU together.
1:48:49 I think we’re in the process of almost having that completed.
1:48:52 And I wanted to say also thank you to the board for the workshop
1:48:55 that we had where we were positive towards working with who we
1:48:58 play for and everything else.
1:49:00 So I didn’t want it to seem that it was Matt, Susan on some kind
1:49:03 of a charge, whereas the entire district along with our school
1:49:06 board members have been in support of what who we play for as a
1:49:10 whole have been doing.
1:49:11 I wanted to just get that as part of what I said before I got
1:49:14 going.
1:49:15 When I looked at this, there was a bunch of I’m looking tonight
1:49:19 to get a recommendation to send Dr. Mullins to look at and come
1:49:25 back with a policy which says that we are going to move forward
1:49:29 with mandatory screenings for EKGs on our students.
1:49:32 I looked at all of the concerns over the last week and two weeks
1:49:36 on top of this process that we’ve been doing now for close to
1:49:39 six months to a year.
1:49:41 There was an issue that we were dealing with that lists the
1:49:44 costs.
1:49:45 This may be too much for our people.
1:49:47 I do want to say that the physical costs are a small portion of
1:49:52 what we do.
1:49:53 Football at some schools is between $200 and $300.
1:49:56 Baseball is between $150 and $200.
1:49:58 Soccer is between $150 and $185.
1:50:01 Track is $100 to $125.
1:50:03 Basketball is between $125.
1:50:05 And every single kid finds a way to find that money to get there.
1:50:11 So I think that when we look at the list of costs as a deterrent
1:50:15 towards individuals, not only the $50,000 that who we play for
1:50:19 has raised over the last year to offset the cost of the low
1:50:23 disadvantaged students, but also the fact that as a former coach,
1:50:27 we find a way to do it.
1:50:28 And I think that the cost is not an issue in regards to that.
1:50:33 The other piece is there was some question and concern about a
1:50:37 kid who – late registration.
1:50:39 So all of a sudden, you know, we have these massive physicals
1:50:43 where the entire school comes on July 1st, and they have
1:50:47 everybody set up.
1:50:47 They do the physicals.
1:50:48 They do all the work.
1:50:49 But then what happens about the poor kid that shows up in
1:50:51 registration day?
1:50:52 And how do we catch those kind of kids?
1:50:53 Like, if we’re going to do the screenings and we’re going to
1:50:55 make it mandatory, how do those kids not fall through if who we
1:50:58 play for is moving to other districts and doing other things or
1:51:01 is occupied?
1:51:02 So I spoke to the CEO of the Brevard Health Alliance.
1:51:05 They have 12 locations of orthopedics and different various
1:51:09 offices that are willing to support this endeavor to where if a
1:51:13 student is willing to go and missed the screenings at the school
1:51:18 and they’re not available to do it, that the Brevard Health
1:51:21 Alliance, we could go to one of those 12 locations and have them
1:51:23 do it for the same price.
1:51:24 So that eased my – eased my actual – eased my thing.
1:51:28 And I wanted to say thank you to them.
1:51:30 It’s a big deal for them.
1:51:32 I wanted to address the low socioeconomic issue that we have
1:51:35 with some of the students.
1:51:37 And maybe I’m thinking about this wrong, but when we go across
1:51:41 and we say to the low socioeconomic kids, hey, they may not be
1:51:45 able to afford it.
1:51:46 This may be a deterrent.
1:51:47 This may be – I kind of find it actually the opposite.
1:51:50 Being a former coach, I do know that if it’s not mandatory, that
1:51:54 some of the kids may fall through whose parents may not be as
1:51:57 involved, whose families are not there all the time.
1:52:01 So you may have where we’re sitting there saying it’s a high
1:52:04 recommendation to do it, that information may only be going to
1:52:07 the individuals whose families are very involved.
1:52:09 But unfortunately in sports, it’s our coaches and our athletic
1:52:13 trainers and other individuals, those are the ones that are
1:52:16 fighting to get those kids the actual forms and getting
1:52:18 everything else.
1:52:19 And I feel that if we move with a high recommendation towards
1:52:22 doing it without it being mandatory, that those kids actually
1:52:25 would work in reverse and be affected being low socioeconomic.
1:52:28 And we capture them by making it an actual requirement because
1:52:32 of the fact that they will find a way to make sure that those
1:52:35 kids get it and they can also file for scholarships through who
1:52:38 we play for.
1:52:39 I did want to talk too about the false negative.
1:52:42 There’s some fear that the false negatives would come back as
1:52:45 far as a test.
1:52:46 Yes, there is some anomalies that occur.
1:52:49 But just so everybody understands, this is not a you get this
1:52:52 test and you’re done.
1:52:53 It is a you get this test and then you move and you get further
1:52:56 testing done to ensure that it’s not a false negative, that it’s
1:53:00 not something that’s negative that may come back.
1:53:02 And those further tests signify the level that if you can or
1:53:07 cannot play.
1:53:08 Does that, does that understand?
1:53:09 Sorry, I’m running through these things.
1:53:11 If any time you guys want to call, stop me or something for a
1:53:13 question on what I’m going through.
1:53:15 I know, I see you’re doing it.
1:53:18 So I know I’m going to get ready for it.
1:53:20 I did want to say that the effect on the schools, we saw it with
1:53:24 the impact.
1:53:25 We as a district have spent a lot of energy and I’ve been a part
1:53:29 of it and we’ve been behind it.
1:53:31 For the social emotional, for the kids who have issues and we
1:53:35 lose students to other issues, we are addressing those.
1:53:37 But we have kids that we are also losing in our schools and this
1:53:42 is one of those that I think we have to address.
1:53:44 When we go out and we get the social emotional counselors, when
1:53:47 we spend the money to do all the things that we’re doing in
1:53:50 those other realms,
1:53:50 we are addressing an issue, but we have a hole here and we have
1:53:54 kids that are also passing for other reasons.
1:53:56 And we’re not addressing those with a mandate or a work towards
1:54:01 a goal as far as bringing them under our realm and making sure
1:54:05 that our coaches and everybody else are not impacted.
1:54:06 I did want to tell you this.
1:54:09 Like, I was a coach in 2006 is when I started coaching for Space
1:54:14 Coast High School.
1:54:15 And I’ll never forget coming out as a coach and why this comes
1:54:19 passionately to me.
1:54:21 I can remember sitting there going through the physical, and I’m
1:54:26 sorry I’m probably going to throw some people under the bus here,
1:54:28 but the physicals don’t have to be a medical person.
1:54:34 They can be a chiropractor.
1:54:36 So my close friend was the actual athletic trainer at the time.
1:54:41 And we had a huge fear of this specific issue because we had
1:54:46 people that we were testing for a physical, we were testing for
1:54:52 a hernia.
1:54:53 And that’s great, but no kid has passed because of a hernia in
1:54:57 the last 30 years or however long inside of our school system.
1:55:01 This was our biggest fear.
1:55:02 So I want you guys to understand my passion behind this comes
1:55:05 from when I was sitting coaching many years before over a
1:55:08 possible issue that we would have had because a lot of this wasn’t
1:55:11 being addressed.
1:55:12 I will tell you as a coach, I would have been at that podium in
1:55:16 2006 begging to do just what they’re doing because of this being
1:55:21 a offsetting piece to make sure that this got taken care of.
1:55:25 I have a slew of other things that I would like to go through,
1:55:28 but I would like to open it to the floor for discussion and any
1:55:32 questions that you guys have as we move towards a recommendation
1:55:36 or not.
1:55:41 So I agree with nearly all of what you said Mr. Susan, I do have
1:55:54 a couple of concerns, logistical concerns in the process.
1:55:58 And I don’t, I don’t think, I don’t think they’re deal breaker
1:56:02 concerns.
1:56:03 But I do think that they’re things that we have to consider and
1:56:06 probably some conversations that we have to have and I would
1:56:09 encourage all of the board members to reach out.
1:56:10 to the staffs at their school and have conversations with them
1:56:14 about the recommendation of making it mandatory for a couple of
1:56:17 reasons.
1:56:17 You all know at the workshop my, my son has gone through his
1:56:21 screening.
1:56:22 I’m, I’m a proponent of doing that.
1:56:24 Another child who is like my own went through his screening, got
1:56:30 the phone call, something is wrong, something could potentially
1:56:34 be wrong.
1:56:34 And you need to have additional follow up.
1:56:37 He went and had additional follow up and, and thank goodness, it,
1:56:41 there was nothing wrong.
1:56:42 I don’t have the concerns about the false negatives.
1:56:47 Um, just because I think as a parent, I would, I would rather
1:56:51 know.
1:56:51 I’m not, you know, I know if, if we’re sending, you know, 80% of
1:56:55 the students that are getting screenings to cardiologists for
1:56:58 follow up.
1:56:59 Then I think that could potentially be a red flag that something’s,
1:57:02 you know, not as it should be.
1:57:03 Um, but I don’t think that’s the case.
1:57:05 I think it’s, it’s appropriate referral and, and we’re able to,
1:57:09 you know, um, to rule out any additional concern.
1:57:12 Where I do have some concerns is, um, the, um, the ability of
1:57:19 our staffs at the school to effectively track.
1:57:24 Um, meaning when, like when they bring in a physical form, we
1:57:27 can check off, we have a physical form, right?
1:57:30 But if we’re not doing screenings and submitting physicals on
1:57:34 the same day, which we can’t do, right?
1:57:37 Because you can’t sign off, you, you can’t say a student is, is
1:57:40 healthy when they’ve just had the EKG.
1:57:42 They have to, they have to get notification that it’s been read,
1:57:45 it’s been, you know, looked at again.
1:57:47 So I have some concerns about the process of ensuring that we
1:57:50 are effectively tracking and following up and making sure, um,
1:57:55 that all students are in fact getting cleared with that before
1:57:59 they’re allowed to take part in anything.
1:58:01 Um, I also have some concerns about who we include in that.
1:58:04 Um, my son, for example, is required to have a physical for ROTC,
1:58:11 I believe.
1:58:12 Um, but he is not considered an athlete.
1:58:16 And so I think we need to have some additional discussion about
1:58:20 who really needs to be screened.
1:58:22 I mean, we heard from one mom this evening that said that her
1:58:25 child at 12, uh, was playing on the playground.
1:58:28 Um, and, and she suffered that loss.
1:58:31 And so I think we owe some additional conversation to that.
1:58:35 Um, and I would actually like to, um, push a little bit farther
1:58:42 on this issue and see if there’s a possibility,
1:58:45 for us to work with the Department of Health and have them
1:58:48 incorporate in this into the standard school physical.
1:58:53 Because it’s, yes, it is our athletes that we are losing more
1:58:57 often than not.
1:58:58 And that’s a step in the right direction to ensure that we’re
1:59:01 checking our athletes.
1:59:03 Um, but my fear is that, um, that we’re not doing enough by just
1:59:08 settling on mandating it for athletes.
1:59:11 And then I also fear that we are opening up our, our staff
1:59:15 members, um, and our district to liability if we don’t have an
1:59:22 effective, um, management plan in place to make sure that we’re
1:59:26 dotting all of our I’s and, and, and crossing all of our T’s.
1:59:28 And so those, those would be my recommendations.
1:59:32 Um, I think that, you know, we can work together and, and really
1:59:36 make sure that we get the right things in place to ensure that
1:59:40 we are doing things the way that they should be done.
1:59:42 Um, but what I don’t want to do is, um, I don’t, I don’t want to
1:59:47 put our, our coaches in a bad place, our athletic directors in a
1:59:51 bad place, our, our school staff in a bad place.
1:59:54 Um, because we haven’t consulted them on how this impacts their,
1:59:58 their function and their ability to make sure that the right
2:00:01 things are happening.
2:00:02 At the same time, I want to make sure that we are effectively
2:00:05 screening all of the students who should be screened.
2:00:08 Um, because I don’t want it to be a false sense of security that
2:00:11 we’ve said, we’re going to make sure that all students are going
2:00:14 to have an, an ECG.
2:00:16 But we don’t have a plan in place to make sure that it’s
2:00:19 actually happening.
2:00:20 Um, when you said a student, um, physical, an annual school
2:00:27 physical, that’s not required though, for them to attend school.
2:00:30 I mean, my children get it, but do all children, but you get a
2:00:33 physical, I think at kindergarten, you have to have some, but.
2:00:36 You have to have a physical and you have to have proof of
2:00:38 vaccination.
2:00:39 And there are like, for example, my daughter is getting ready to
2:00:41 go into seventh grade, and there’s a vaccine that she needs to
2:00:44 go into seventh grade that she didn’t, she didn’t have to have
2:00:47 to go into sixth grade.
2:00:47 Thinking kindergarten, like what, I don’t understand.
2:00:49 You know, I, I think that warrants discussion with the people
2:00:52 who are much more knowledgeable about the issue than I am.
2:00:54 Um, I, I, I think in conversations with Kurt and with Evan that
2:00:58 there are kind of some recommended times in life that the
2:01:01 screening should take place.
2:01:02 But I haven’t, I haven’t dug into it to do the research.
2:01:05 Um, and so, you know, I think that’s something that we need to
2:01:08 identify.
2:01:09 Um, but I, I, I think we need to look at it, you know, from a
2:01:12 broader perspective.
2:01:14 Our band kids, quite frankly, are out there in hot uniforms,
2:01:18 practicing in the middle of the summer.
2:01:20 And there is no physical required.
2:01:23 Um, you know, no, no EKG required.
2:01:26 No, no discussion of even including them in a mandate for it.
2:01:29 And so I think we just, we really need to look at the big
2:01:33 picture on it and make sure that we are doing truly what’s best
2:01:36 for our students.
2:01:37 And not something that just sound bite sounds good.
2:01:41 So what I’m hearing you say is, is that you’d like to move
2:01:43 forward with making it mandatory,
2:01:45 but you want to hear back from staff over all these different
2:01:48 issues that we may have and bring back a recommendation,
2:01:50 whether that’s good or bad and have conversation along those
2:01:53 lines.
2:01:53 And, and potentially it’s not a, a district issue.
2:01:56 Potentially it’s something that we work out with the health
2:01:58 department, raise awareness and impact more, more kids.
2:02:01 And then it is, you know, just like their requirements to enter
2:02:05 school or to enter certain grades.
2:02:08 Um, I, I think we need to explore all options to ensure that we’re
2:02:12 having maximum impact.
2:02:13 And I, and I, and I agree with you a hundred percent.
2:02:15 My fear would be that as we open the scope to be bigger, it
2:02:19 becomes more regulation, more issues and everything else.
2:02:23 And we may run into a situation where we end up over analyzing
2:02:28 and, and paralysis by analysis of too much, right?
2:02:33 So what I would like to do is to give Dr. Mullins recommendation
2:02:38 to move forward with, um, some kind of a policy and come back to
2:02:42 us,
2:02:42 whether that’s with the health department or what that looks
2:02:45 like for us to say that the board has the will to move towards a
2:02:49 mandatory,
2:02:50 but we as individuals aren’t completely sure.
2:02:52 I mean, Osceola just said, we’re doing this.
2:02:54 They officially are moving forward with it.
2:02:56 They have found a way to do it.
2:02:58 So we can negotiate with them.
2:03:00 We can do all that stuff, but to, but what we don’t want to do
2:03:04 is just kind of not give the will of the board or the
2:03:07 recommendation.
2:03:07 That would be my biggest fear is that we start the ball rolling
2:03:10 towards that, that move.
2:03:12 Can I just say something?
2:03:13 Yes.
2:03:14 Ms. McDougall.
2:03:15 Um, this is, is it a very important tool?
2:03:20 And I agree.
2:03:21 And I was, um, reminded that one of my friend’s son died just
2:03:25 walking across campus, um, for this very same, um, lack of EKG.
2:03:35 Um, but I’m concerned why, I went to the Florida High School
2:03:42 Athletic Association website because I would thought that they
2:03:47 would have something on there.
2:03:47 You can find anything you want about concussions.
2:03:50 Uh, enhancing drugs.
2:03:52 Um, what uniforms and type of padding you need.
2:03:56 But this isn’t, this is an issue that I’m hearing that it’s
2:03:59 affecting more and more of our students.
2:04:01 And why is this organization not jumping in on this?
2:04:05 Um, because I think this is an organization from across our
2:04:09 whole state.
2:04:10 Um, and I, I don’t know if anybody has an answer.
2:04:13 But I would think that, I thought you might.
2:04:16 Um, but I, I think that to me, to get, to get people on board,
2:04:23 why are they not jumping on board too?
2:04:25 Um, because this is certainly affecting our children.
2:04:27 So.
2:04:28 Ms. Do you have a follow-up too?
2:04:29 No.
2:04:30 Dean Kurtz?
2:04:31 I’d be happy to, I’d be happy to address any issue that you
2:04:35 might have, uh, if you’d like me to.
2:04:37 Would you prefer Kurtz’s response?
2:04:38 Thank you, sir.
2:04:39 You already know.
2:04:40 You know the answer?
2:04:41 Well, I’m, I’m, I’m, I’m going to give you some perspective.
2:04:44 Okay.
2:04:45 Yeah.
2:04:46 But if Kurtz, if you want to go ahead and address it and then I’ll.
2:04:47 Kurtz, have you approached them already?
2:04:48 Well, yes.
2:04:49 We have been working with them and in fact, uh, we’re able to
2:04:53 get them to adopt a policy that, again,
2:04:54 is similar to the policy that you had had in the past, which
2:04:58 says encourages.
2:04:59 And the reason why they do that is because, and like many people,
2:05:04 the NCAA is also included in this,
2:05:06 that they didn’t think that the infrastructure was in place to
2:05:09 support something that’s mandated.
2:05:11 And we as an organization are now here to say to you that we
2:05:15 have that capacity.
2:05:17 We have a plan for it.
2:05:19 We have a business model for it.
2:05:20 We have all of the network and relationships that will be able
2:05:24 to screen as many athletes and or students, band members,
2:05:28 whoever you are determined needs to get it, that we can provide
2:05:32 those screenings.
2:05:33 Um, and we are working with all of the health organizations in
2:05:36 the different counties that we’re working in to catch anybody
2:05:40 who slips through the cracks.
2:05:41 Anybody who comes late and or anybody who, um, decided at a late
2:05:47 date that they actually wanted to run track in the spring.
2:05:50 And so the service can be made available through the various
2:05:54 health departments.
2:05:56 So I guess the answer to your question is, is we’re trying to
2:06:00 encourage counties from their school boards to adopt these
2:06:04 policies.
2:06:05 And as we gain momentum and prove that we can provide these
2:06:09 services,
2:06:10 then ultimately we’ll go back to the high school administration
2:06:13 and see if they will adopt a policy that makes it a requirement.
2:06:17 Thank you, sir.
2:06:18 I did, I did want to say I got off the phone.
2:06:21 I called the American Heart Association David Francis up in Tallahassee.
2:06:24 And I had a conversation with him last Friday.
2:06:26 And I talked to him about this prior to bringing it forward and
2:06:29 everything else.
2:06:30 And he said, we absolutely agree that we need to have them
2:06:33 tested.
2:06:34 And, but he said exactly that, that they eventually are going to
2:06:37 move towards it.
2:06:38 But at this time, they’re not sure if they have the
2:06:40 infrastructure in place.
2:06:41 And that goes to your concerns over the who, the what, the when,
2:06:44 the where, the why.
2:06:45 I mean, those are very large issues that need to be addressed.
2:06:48 And I think it is not a good thing as far as us to move forward
2:06:52 with making it happen right now.
2:06:54 I don’t think anybody in the room wants to do that.
2:06:56 We want to do this right.
2:06:57 But I think that what we were looking for as far as the school
2:07:01 board was to move forward with, hey,
2:07:03 we agree that it should be mandatory.
2:07:05 Let’s look at it in that regard and come back with a
2:07:08 recommendation.
2:07:09 Ms. Belford.
2:07:11 And Ms. McDougall, to your point, you know, I mentioned that I’m
2:07:16 a drowning prevention advocate, right?
2:07:18 And so I’ve, I’ve been teaching infant survival swim for I think
2:07:23 12 years now, 13 years maybe.
2:07:26 My point in sharing that is drowning has been the leading cause
2:07:30 of death in children zero to four years old for as long as we
2:07:33 have kept track.
2:07:34 And those statistics are like, no one has challenged the
2:07:39 statistics, the reality of those statistics.
2:07:42 But the American Academy of Pediatrics just this year, despite
2:07:47 the fact that I have 13 years of students who have literally
2:07:50 used the skills I taught them to save themselves.
2:07:52 The American Academy of Pediatrics just came out this year and
2:07:56 said that they endorse high quality swim instruction for
2:07:59 drowning prevention.
2:08:01 And so oftentimes these national organizations or statewide
2:08:05 organizations just simply don’t keep up.
2:08:08 And we’re looking at a grassroots effort here, similar to the
2:08:12 work that I do with drowning prevention.
2:08:15 And oftentimes it is the momentum at the grassroots and really
2:08:19 making a national impact that finally gets those statewide and
2:08:23 national organizations to come on board and actually do the
2:08:28 research.
2:08:29 Okay.
2:08:31 So my thoughts are this.
2:08:35 Bureaucracy takes forever.
2:08:38 And I think that’s kind of what you were saying.
2:08:40 National organizations, state organizations, it takes them years.
2:08:43 We’re here at the local level and we can do something.
2:08:46 Do we have everything in place that we need?
2:08:48 No.
2:08:49 Are we sure the forms aren’t going to get lost?
2:08:52 No.
2:08:53 But you know what popped into my mind when you said that is you’re
2:08:55 not getting through our front doors until your two proof of
2:08:59 addresses are turned in.
2:09:01 Anybody that has a kid in our school right now knows even as a
2:09:04 school board member they will not let my kid attend school on
2:09:06 Monday morning unless my two forms of address are there.
2:09:09 I’m pretty sure our coaches can.
2:09:11 And I know my son’s coach.
2:09:13 He does not play.
2:09:14 He’s not even allowed to try out for basketball until the
2:09:17 physical form is in hand.
2:09:19 So adding an EKG form or a box on that form to me is, yeah, that’s
2:09:25 not a reason not to move forward.
2:09:28 I don’t think we have all the answers right now, but I’m 100%.
2:09:32 Somebody has to do something.
2:09:34 I agree working with the health department long term.
2:09:37 I agree trying to grow and support, but we have our own purview.
2:09:41 We have 73,000 students that we’re in charge of.
2:09:44 And yes, band students are a great idea.
2:09:46 Annual physicals are a great idea.
2:09:48 But we can start with our athletes and then we can grow from
2:09:51 there.
2:09:59 To sum that up, I support moving forward with getting us to a
2:10:04 point where it’s mandatory at least for our athletes.
2:10:06 And then work from there to grow it within the community so that
2:10:10 all children are getting screened.
2:10:12 I do – I like your broad thinking, Ms. Belford.
2:10:18 I do – but I do – we definitely have the research and the data
2:10:22 and the statistics of our athletes.
2:10:25 And I think that’s a good place for us to focus right now.
2:10:28 I appreciate all the work that our staff did getting ready for
2:10:31 the workshop that we did a few months ago.
2:10:33 And I remember Ms. Moore saying we’re trying to get to a place
2:10:36 of yes.
2:10:37 I know we still have some things to figure out.
2:10:39 But I was hoping that we would be able to move to that place of
2:10:44 yes where we could make it –
2:10:45 if we get the answers someplace where we could make it mandatory.
2:10:48 Because when we have – I know when I met with you, I said, okay,
2:10:53 who’s going to keep track of these records?
2:10:54 Because we can’t add that to our staff.
2:10:56 You know, we don’t have the capacity to do that.
2:10:59 I’m really excited to hear about the partner with the Brevard
2:11:01 Health Alliance because I know some of our students will not be
2:11:04 able to work with you.
2:11:05 Or if it happens that this grows so big that you don’t have the
2:11:08 capacity to do it.
2:11:09 I know you have a business plan, but we need to make sure we’ve
2:11:11 got some things in place and that it’s the same cost.
2:11:13 And then also the district is not – you know, it is worth it,
2:11:18 but the district is not in a place at this point to cover the
2:11:21 cost of our free and reduced lunch students.
2:11:22 But you have very gracious sponsors who are willing to cover
2:11:26 that for our needy students.
2:11:28 So I would also like to see us move towards that policy.
2:11:33 Ms. Belford.
2:11:36 If I may, you all jokingly remind me that I am the matriarch of
2:11:43 the board at this point.
2:11:45 And I take that with love as it’s intended, I’m sure.
2:11:50 I am absolutely behind moving in this direction.
2:11:54 The only thing that I would caution the board on, the discussion
2:12:01 here right now, is you are directing the superintendent to have
2:12:04 a policy drafted that would make this mandatory.
2:12:07 And I want to make very clear that I really think there needs to
2:12:12 be some discussion with our teams at the schools and some
2:12:16 determination as to how we can effectively do this.
2:12:19 Because as you said, Ms. Campbell, Mr. Easton says they will be
2:12:22 more than happy to keep track of those records.
2:12:24 But if our students are going to Brevard Health Alliance and not
2:12:27 going to who we play for, or if our – there are lots of contingency
2:12:31 issues there that potentially put the district at risk,
2:12:36 put our staff members at risk, and put our students at risk if
2:12:39 we’re not effectively screening.
2:12:41 So I am pleased – for those of you with who we play for,
2:12:45 understand I am absolutely behind moving in the direction that
2:12:48 you want to go.
2:12:48 And I want to do it as quickly and efficiently as we can.
2:12:51 My recommendation would be that we direct the superintendent to
2:12:58 find a way to get us to that yes in whatever way, shape, or form
2:13:03 he thinks is best, as opposed to asking him to bring us a policy.
2:13:05 Making it mandatory.
2:13:06 I just want to be clear what we are asking, that we are all in
2:13:12 agreement as to where we need to go as an organization.
2:13:17 But there’s a big difference between directing the
2:13:19 superintendent to draft a policy and asking the superintendent
2:13:23 to please find a way to yes for us and bring us some
2:13:25 recommendations.
2:13:26 Great.
2:13:27 Just to be clear, a yes on mandatory, correct?
2:13:28 Correct.
2:13:29 For athletes?
2:13:30 Correct.
2:13:32 So, okay.
2:13:33 We know where Misty stands.
2:13:34 We know where Mr. Susan stands.
2:13:36 Ms. McDougall, you agree with what Ms. Belford just said?
2:13:39 Ms. Campbell, you agree?
2:13:41 Dr. Mullins, is the direction somewhat clear?
2:13:44 Ms. Deskovich, if you would summarize it again just to make sure
2:13:48 I understand exactly what the board’s direction is.
2:13:51 It is the board’s desire that you work towards getting us
2:13:57 probably an MOU with who we play for and making it mandatory for
2:14:01 our athletes at this time to have an EKG screening.
2:14:03 Does everyone agree with that statement?
2:14:13 Ms. Okay.
2:14:14 I would recommend that we give the superintendent more leeway to
2:14:18 evaluate options beyond an MOU dictating – I mean, mandatory EKGs
2:14:23 is a policy for the district, right?
2:14:24 So, we all want it to be a part of our policy that it become
2:14:29 mandatory, but that’s his job to figure out how to get there.
2:14:34 Our desire is to make sure that our athletes are screened and
2:14:37 protected and it’s his job to figure out how that happens.
2:14:40 Ms. Okay.
2:14:41 So, let me restate that.
2:14:42 It is our desire to have mandatory screenings for all of our
2:14:45 athletes within the district.
2:14:47 It’s your job to figure out how to make that happen.
2:14:49 Ms. Can I – can I rescind my clarification?
2:14:56 No, I’m just kidding.
2:14:58 No, I will work with staff.
2:15:01 Would it be the board’s desire interest for me and staff to
2:15:06 bring to a workshop the process by which to do that before it
2:15:11 comes to the board for approval?
2:15:12 Or do you – there are a lot of factors that have gone into –
2:15:16 that have to be taken into consideration.
2:15:19 Or we can do a board presentation at the meeting when it would
2:15:24 be approved or –
2:15:26 Because there are elements –
2:15:29 Ms. I don’t feel like we have any more input than we just gave.
2:15:33 We’re not experts.
2:15:34 We’re not professionals.
2:15:35 I think you can work out the kinks with staff and present to us
2:15:40 what you ultimately have unless someone wants to be more
2:15:43 involved in the weeds of how this works out.
2:15:45 Ms. When we had the workshop before, I think it was a
2:15:48 recommendation of once every three years, right?
2:15:50 So, we would need – it’s a normal recommendation starting in
2:15:55 seventh grade.
2:15:56 What we would hope to do is once this is a requirement, then we
2:16:01 would screen all of your student athletes from seventh grade all
2:16:04 the way through 12 as a base screening.
2:16:07 And then after that, we would do seventh grade and ninth grade.
2:16:11 Because those are the two critical years where this sort of
2:16:15 thing starts to happen.
2:16:16 That’s the recommendation from our medical advisors.
2:16:19 But while I have the mic, I only ask that please use us as a
2:16:25 resource as you go through this policy promulgation.
2:16:29 Because, you know, we have a lot of the answers to the questions
2:16:33 that you’re raising.
2:16:34 We’d be happy to help you get through any of these issues.
2:16:38 So, please use us as a resource as you move forward.
2:16:42 We’d be happy to help you.
2:16:43 Dr. Mullins.
2:16:44 Thank you, Kurt.
2:16:46 I would just remind the – there are implications of financial
2:16:50 obligations and those type of things that need to be worked out.
2:16:53 So, just want to make – I want to make sure the board is aware
2:16:59 of all of the factors that have to be taken into consideration.
2:17:01 None of them are – the words were – deal breakers, I suspect.
2:17:06 But we are talking about several thousand students, particularly
2:17:10 in an initial screening and so on.
2:17:12 So, we want to make sure we’ve covered every base.
2:17:14 We haven’t inadvertently overlooked students.
2:17:18 But I anticipate there could be some district financial
2:17:21 obligation involved as well.
2:17:23 So, I don’t know if that changes the board’s interest to know I
2:17:27 can put together what that would look like and bring it to the
2:17:30 board.
2:17:30 I just want to make sure the board is aware.
2:17:33 I think you get working and it will start playing out.
2:17:37 You’ll know if we need a whole workshop or if you can just
2:17:39 present us with a package you feel good about.
2:17:41 You can call us individually.
2:17:42 I think putting a workshop is a little jumping the gun.
2:17:46 I think –
2:17:47 Yeah? No?
2:17:48 You want a workshop?
2:17:49 Well, I think that the – I think that the general gist of what
2:17:51 we’re trying to do can be accomplished in a presentation at a
2:17:54 board – at a board.
2:17:55 And we can get our one-on-ones in between.
2:17:58 I just didn’t want to run into a situation where we just drag it
2:18:02 out because there’s one more thing, one more thing, one more
2:18:04 thing.
2:18:04 So, I think you had made direction that, yes, we don’t need to
2:18:07 get a workshop but we can just get a presentation and work
2:18:10 towards that along the way.
2:18:11 Does that make sense?
2:18:14 I think, obviously, the superintendent is going to need
2:18:17 direction from us on some issues along the way.
2:18:20 I’m fairly certain that he’s been listening to the concerns that
2:18:24 we have voiced and the challenges that we anticipate facing.
2:18:29 You know, obviously, he doesn’t have the authorization to make a
2:18:33 financial commitment to the program.
2:18:35 So, that’s all going to have to come back to us.
2:18:37 So, you know, whatever – whatever we can do to move in that
2:18:41 direction but I think there are still a lot of questions that
2:18:46 need to be answered.
2:18:48 I see Ms. Moore, who knows this a lot better than I do, anxious
2:18:56 to come and provide just some additional questions.
2:18:58 or clarification?
2:19:01 Just clarification.
2:19:02 First off, thank you.
2:19:03 Thank you for everybody that’s here today.
2:19:05 The agreement that we have been working on, it’s been a
2:19:10 combination of risk management, Penny Zucker, Amy Anbel, Bill Meharis,
2:19:15 and who we play for.
2:19:16 And there’s been a lot of work put into it.
2:19:18 And the original intent was to formalize the informal agreement
2:19:22 that who we play for had with our schools.
2:19:25 So, we have a formal agreement now.
2:19:28 It covers student protection rights.
2:19:30 It covers our school board.
2:19:33 It covers our school.
2:19:34 And it covers our students.
2:19:36 And as we move forward on the ask, we were ready to present the
2:19:43 agreement to you guys at the next board meeting.
2:19:47 So, I don’t want to confuse us presenting this with us moving
2:19:51 forward with your ask.
2:19:53 But this puts a formal process in place where before we didn’t
2:19:57 have very many protections across the board for anybody.
2:20:00 So, I wanted to make sure that was still the wishes of the board.
2:20:03 Thank you, Ms. Moore.
2:20:04 I believe it’s our wish to move forward.
2:20:08 You guys have worked hard on that.
2:20:09 Let’s get that in place.
2:20:10 That way there’s something in place as we move forward.
2:20:12 Does everyone agree that that’s a good idea?
2:20:14 Yeah.
2:20:15 We’re still on the same page.
2:20:16 Thank you.
2:20:17 And then the process, I think, that we don’t need to recreate
2:20:20 the wheel.
2:20:20 If Osceola has already mandated this for their people, we can
2:20:22 pretty much look at how they do it.
2:20:24 They’re a like district also in size.
2:20:27 That gives us the footprint that we need, if that makes sense.
2:20:30 We will certainly reach out.
2:20:32 Thank you, sir.
2:20:33 I guess, for me, I just want to make sure that we’re not taking
2:20:35 shortcuts.
2:20:36 I want to make sure that we do reach out.
2:20:38 You’re the one who asked us to do this.
2:20:41 That you get to reach out to our coaches.
2:20:43 It’s a process.
2:20:44 I think the process is what a lot of us were talking about.
2:20:48 We’re concerned.
2:20:49 Because I think we all are on the same page that, yes, this is
2:20:52 important.
2:20:52 What is the process in place so that we protect everyone and we
2:20:56 don’t add added work to our staff at this point.
2:21:00 So I hear that we all agree that this is going to be mandatory
2:21:05 and we are going to give Dr. Mullins the opportunity to go back
2:21:09 and figure out how to do it.
2:21:09 Right?
2:21:10 That’s what we’re saying.
2:21:11 All thumbs?
2:21:12 That’s what we’re saying.
2:21:13 All right.
2:21:14 Okay.
2:21:15 Just wanted to make sure.
2:21:16 Are there any more discussion points?
2:21:18 Dr. Mullins, do you have any, or do you have a superintendent’s
2:21:22 report you would like to share?
2:21:23 Not tonight, thank you.
2:21:24 Okay, great.
2:21:25 Then this meeting is adjourned.
2:21:27 Thank you.
2:21:28 I thought it would never end.
2:21:31 What time is this?
2:22:01 you