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