School District of Palm Beach County public meetings in 2021

2. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re: Patricia Trejo immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board will conduct a closed attorney/client session to discuss the case Patricia Trejo v. School Board of Palm Beach County. The case is identified as 502018CAO15224XXXXMN/AN and is before Judge Howard Coates, Jr. of the 15th Judicial Circuit. No decisions or actions are recorded for this agenda item.

• Closed attorney/client session regarding Patricia Trejo v. School Board of Palm Beach County (case 502018CAO15224XXXXMN/AN)
• Session held in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The Board met in a closed attorney/client session to discuss the case of Patricia Trejo v. School Board of Palm Beach County. No substantive decisions or outcomes were recorded in the public minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

5. BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County met to review and approve various historical records. The agenda consists primarily of procedural actions to approve minutes from previous risk management sessions, workshops, and special meetings.

• Approval of October 6, 2021 Risk Management Session minutes
• Approval of October 6, 2021 Workshop minutes
• Approval of October 6, 2021 Special Meeting minutes
• Approval of October 20, 2021 Risk Management Session minutes
• Approval of October 20, 2021 Regular Board Meeting minutes

The Board approved 14 sets of minutes from previous sessions held in October and November 2021. No other substantive decisions were recorded; the meeting primarily consisted of administrative approvals and holiday comments from the Superintendent and Board members.

• Approved minutes for Oct 6 Risk Management Session (7-0)
• Approved minutes for Oct 6 Workshop (7-0)
• Approved minutes for Oct 6 Special Meeting (7-0)
• Approved minutes for Oct 20 Risk Management Session (7-0)
• Approved minutes for Oct 20 Regular Board Meeting (7-0)
• Approved minutes for Nov 3 Special Meeting for Expulsions (7-0)
• Approved minutes for Nov 3 Closed Session for Cyber Security (7-0)
• Approved minutes for Nov 17 Special Meeting for Board Reorganization (7-0)

1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re L.K. at 3 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School Board held a closed attorney/client session to discuss pending litigation in case L.K. v. School Board of Palm Beach County (Case 21-2627E). No public decisions or discussions were scheduled; the meeting consisted solely of the closed session and adjournment.

• Closed Attorney/Client Session regarding L.K. v. SBPBC, Case 21-2627E, before Judge Jessica E. Varn

The Board conducted a closed attorney/client session regarding Case No. 21-2627E (L.K. v. School Board of Palm Beach County). No substantive decisions or outcomes were recorded in the public minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

4. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board will meet in a closed session to discuss risk management matters. No specific agenda items, contracts, or decisions are listed in the public agenda. The meeting opens and closes in public, but the risk management session itself is closed.

The board conducted a closed risk management session. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during this meeting.

3. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re: D.P. et al. immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

This is a closed attorney/client session for the board to discuss pending litigation in D.P. et al. v School Board of Palm Beach County. No public decisions or votes are expected during this session.

• Closed session for pending lawsuit D.P. et al. v SBPBC, Case No. 9:21-CV-81099-CANNON

The Board convened a closed attorney/client session to discuss Case No. 9:21-CV-81099-CANNON (D.P. et al. v Palm Beach County School Board, et al.). The minutes do not record any substantive decisions or actions taken during the session.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

1. SPECIAL MEETING for EXPULSIONS at 2 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County held a special meeting to consider expelling six students for incidents including threats of mass shooting and possession of firearms or tasers. The board approved consent agenda items for five students and approved a modified expulsion for a sixth, allowing a review at the end of the school year.

• Expulsion of Student 21/22-X-003 for posting a threat to commit a mass shooting on September 14, 2021
• Expulsion of Student 21/22-X-005 for possession of a firearm on October 8, 2021
• Expulsion of Student 21/22-X-006 for possession of a taser on October 6, 2021
• Expulsion of Student 21/22-X-010 for possession of a taser on October 26, 2021
• Expulsion of Student 21/22-X-011 for posting a threat to commit a mass shooting on October 26, 2021

The Board approved the expulsion of five students via a consent agenda. Additionally, the Board approved a one-calendar-year expulsion for a sixth student with a provision for the Superintendent to reevaluate the return date after the current school year.

• Approved expulsion of Student 21/22-X-003 (7-0)
• Approved expulsion of Student 21/22-X-005 (7-0)
• Approved expulsion of Student 21/22-X-006 (7-0)
• Approved expulsion of Student 21/22-X-010 (7-0)
• Approved expulsion of Student 21/22-X-011 (7-0)
• Approved one-calendar-year expulsion of Student 21/22-X-007 with return date reevaluation (7-0)

2. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re PBA (O'Sullivan) immediately following Expulsions in the Board Room

This is a closed attorney/client session to discuss pending litigation in the case PBA (O'Sullivan) v. School District of Palm Beach County. No public decisions or votes will be taken; the meeting opens and closes in public but the session itself is closed.

• Closed session re PBA (O'Sullivan) v. SDPBC, Case No. CA-2020-o44, Judge Robert W. Hanson
• Public Employee Relations Commission case
• Meeting opens and closes in public, session is closed
• No action items on the agenda besides adjournment

The Board conducted a closed attorney/client session regarding Case No. CA-2020-044, PBA (O-Sullivan) v. School Board of Palm Beach County. No substantive decisions or outcomes were recorded in the minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

4. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conference Rooms

The School District of Palm Beach County is holding a closed risk management session on December 8, 2021, immediately following a closed session. The agenda includes only procedural items: call to order and adjournment, with no public decisions or discussions listed.

• Closed session for risk management (no public agenda items)

The board held a closed risk management session on December 8, 2021. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

5. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

The School Board will hold a workshop on the FY23 budget, reviewing state revenue forecasts and the budget development process. The board will also discuss proposed revisions to policies on school board meetings, policy presentations, and religious expression. The previously scheduled human resources workshop on leave policies was withdrawn.

• FY23 Budget Workshop overview of state education revenue forecast and District budget development process
• Discussion of Policy 1.035 (Policy Presentation) and Policy 1.03 (School Board Meetings)
• Discussion of Policy 2.123 on Religious Expression
• Human Resources workshop on Family and Medical Leave (Policy 3.76) and Leave of Absence (Policy 3.80) withdrawn by Superintendent

The Board conducted workshops to discuss the FY23 budget development process, proposed changes to board meeting and public comment policies, and the Religious Expression policy. No final votes were taken on budget or policy changes; the only formal actions were to recess and adjourn the meeting.

• Approved motion to recess workshop at 4:55 p.m. (7-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting at 7:38 p.m. (7-0)

6. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

The School Board will vote to approve the minutes from a series of past meetings held between August and September 2021, including special meetings, workshops, risk‑management sessions, and the final budget adoption. The Chairman will add items for good cause, the Superintendent will withdraw items, and the Board will pull items BRD5 and POL-O1 from the consent agenda. Finally, the Board will review and approve the current agenda.

• Approve minutes from the August 25, 2021 Special Meeting
• Approve minutes from the September 1, 2021 Workshop and related sessions
• Approve minutes from the September 14, 2021 Final Budget Adoption
• Board pulls items BRD5 and POL-O1 from the consent agenda
• Chairman adds items for good cause

The Board approved the Personnel Agenda and a series of meeting minutes dating back to August 2021. Several policy items regarding communicable diseases and visitation protocols were tabled. The Board also approved a posthumous proclamation for Dr. Joaquin Garcia.

• Approved Personnel Agenda (7-0)
• Approved Posthumous Proclamation for Dr. Joaquin Garcia (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including policies on afterschool programs and employee protocols (7-0)
• Tabled Policy 5.3213 regarding control of communicable diseases among students (7-0)
• Tabled Policy 2.065 regarding visitation protocols on District property (7-0)
• Approved minutes for 13 previous meetings and sessions (7-0)
• Approved agenda as presented or amended (7-0)

3. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Latson immediately following Closed Session in Board Room and Thurber Conference Rooms

The Palm Beach County School Board convened a closed attorney-client session on December 8, 2021, to discuss legal strategy for Dr. William Latson v. School Board of Palm Beach County (Case No. 20-2577). The agenda contains only procedural items and the closed legal discussion, with no public vote or policy decision recorded. Because the session is closed, details of the discussion are not available in the public record.

• Closed Attorney/Client Session regarding Dr. William Latson v. School Board of Palm Beach County (Case No. 20-2577)
• Meeting held in Board Room and Thurber Conference Rooms
• Attendees include Board Chairman Frank A. Barbieri, Superintendent Michael Burke, and General Counsel Shawntoyia Bernard
• Procedural call to order and adjournment

The Board conducted a closed attorney-client session concerning Dr. William Latson and Case No. 20-2577 in the Fourth District Court of Appeal Florida. No substantive decisions or actions were recorded in the public minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

1. SPECIAL MEETING FOR BOARD REORGANIZATION at 3 p.m. in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board holds a reorganization meeting to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. The board will also vote on suspending health-safety protocols — making facial coverings optional at board meetings — and approve 2022 regular meeting dates, committee assignments, and a business community representative appointment.

• Nominations and vote for School Board Chair and Vice Chair
• Vote to suspend health-safety protocols (Paragraphs 24(a) and 25) making facial coverings optional at all board meetings
• Approval of proposed dates for 2022 Regular Board Meetings
• Appointment of Stormet Norem as Business Community Representative to the Value Adjust Board
• Approval of School Board Committee Assignments for 2022

The School Board conducted its annual reorganization, electing new leadership and approving the 2022 meeting schedule. The Board also voted to suspend certain health-safety protocols for meetings and appointed a representative to the Value Adjustment Board.

• Elected Frank Barbieri as School Board Chair (7-0)
• Elected Karen Brill as School Board Vice Chair (4-3)
• Suspended health-safety protocols in Paragraphs 24(a) and 25 of Policy 1.03 (7-0)
• Defined 'social distancing where feasible' as 6 feet apart (7-0)
• Approved proposed dates for 2022 Regular Board Meetings (7-0)
• Authorized execution of reorganization documents for Florida Department of Education (7-0)
• Approved 2022 School Board Committee Assignments (7-0)
• Appointed Stormet Norem as Business Community Representative to the Value Adjustment Board (7-0)

2. REGULAR BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The board approved minutes from prior meetings, adopted budget amendments increasing the Special Revenue - Other Federal Programs fund by $11.9 million, and added items for a proposed 2022-2023 school calendar and a personnel addendum. Three items (FC6, REG-C1, FMPF1) were pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion.

• Approved budget amendments: General Fund +$357K, Capital Projects +$221K, Special Revenue (federal) +$11.89M
• Added proposed 2022-2023 school calendar for stakeholder planning
• Added personnel addendum for immediate employee placements
• Pulled items FC6, REG-C1, FMPF1 from consent agenda
• Approved seven sets of minutes from August 2021 meetings

The Board approved several school modernization and renovation projects, including work at Pahokee Middle-Senior High and Omni Middle School. Members also approved a training agreement with Palm Beach State College for the Palm Beach Lakes High School Fire Academy. Additionally, the Board approved minutes from seven previous meetings and the current meeting agenda.

• Approved August 4 and August 18, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved training agreement with Palm Beach State College for Palm Beach Lakes HS Fire Academy
• Approved PACT License with Home Builders Institute
• Approved affiliation agreement with Palm Beach Atlantic University, Inc. School of Nursing
• Approved behavioral health agreement with Behavior Basics, Inc.
• Approved construction management services for Pahokee Middle-Senior High, Omni Middle, Timber Trace Elementary, and Whispering Pines Elementary
• Approved design services for Pine Grove and Wynnebrook Elementary modernization

1. JOINT WORKSHOP with PALM BEACH COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION at 1:30 p.m. at City of Palm Beach Gardens City Hall

This is a joint workshop between the School District of Palm Beach County Board and the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation. No public speakers will be heard. Board members will discuss legislative priorities and current bills.

• Workshop from 1:30–3:00 p.m. at Palm Beach Gardens City Hall
• Agenda includes review of 2022 Board Legislative Platform and current bills filed
• No public comment at this workshop

The School District of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation held a joint workshop to discuss FY22 legislative priorities. The session consisted of a presentation and discussion regarding funding, staffing, and curriculum; no formal votes or decisions were recorded.

1. SPECIAL MEETING for EXPULSIONS at 2 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School Board held a special meeting to consider expelling a student. The board approved the consent agenda item to expel Student 21/22-X-001 after the student was found with a knife at Palm Springs Middle School on August 16, 2021. Standard procedural matters such as agenda approval, disclosures, and adjournment were also completed.

• Expulsion of Student 21/22-X-001 for possession of a knife at Palm Springs Middle School
• Approval of the meeting agenda
• Approval of the consent agenda containing the expulsion recommendation
• Motion to adjourn the meeting

The School District of Palm Beach County held a special meeting to address student expulsions. The board approved the consent agenda, which included one expulsion case.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved expulsion of Student 21/22-X-001 via consent agenda (7-0)

2. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following SpecMtg/Expulsions in Thurber Conf Rooms

This is a closed session of the School District of Palm Beach County Board for risk management purposes. The meeting is not open to the public and only includes procedural items: call to order, the closed discussion, and adjournment. No specific agenda items or decisions are listed.

The board held a closed Risk Management Session. The minutes record no substantive decisions, proposals, or votes.

3. CLOSED SESSION FOR CYBER SECURITY immediately following Risk Mgmt Session in Thurber Conf Rooms

The School District of Palm Beach County Board will hold a closed session to discuss cybersecurity matters. The session is not open to the public. The meeting consists of a call to order, the closed discussion, and adjournment.

• Closed session for cybersecurity discussion

The board convened a closed session to discuss cyber security. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

4. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

The School Board will discuss two workshop items. First, it will consider two calendar options for the 2022‑2023 school year as required by Policy 2.35. Second, it will receive a presentation on proposed Policy 5.3213 concerning control of communicable diseases during outbreaks. Both items are noted as having no financial impact.

• Review two calendar options for the 2022‑2023 school year (Policy 2.35)
• Presentation of proposed Policy 5.3213 on control of communicable diseases during outbreaks
• No financial impact reported for either item

The Board held a workshop to discuss two draft proposals for the 2022-2023 school calendar and a proposed policy regarding the control of communicable diseases. No formal votes were taken on the calendar or the policy; the only decision made was to adjourn the meeting.

• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (7-0)

5. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County board will vote on consent agenda items, including ratifying a Board Advisory Committee membership list. The board will also approve two employee benefits contracts: one for medical and pharmacy claims administration with United HealthCare Services, Inc., and another for life and disability insurance with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Additionally, the board will approve a memorandum of understanding to extend disaster relief bonuses to excluded classroom teachers. These contracts cover district employees and retirees and will affect annual administrative spending.

• Ratify membership list for the Board Advisory Committee
• Award medical and pharmacy claims contract to United HealthCare Services, Inc. (Jan 2022–Dec 2026; up to $10.1 million annually in administrative fees)
• Award life and disability insurance contract to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (Jan 2022–Dec 2026; up to $850,000 for Term Life Basic; total contract value approximately $8,850,000)
• Approve memorandum of understanding with the Classroom Teachers Association for a disaster relief bonus program

The Board voted to sever ties with the Florida School Boards Association and approved the 2022 Legislative Platform. The Board also approved a series of consent agenda items including student codes of conduct and insurance awards. Public hearings on COVID-19 visitation and employee protocols were continued.

• Terminated membership with Florida School Boards Association (7-0)
• Approved 2022 Legislative Platform and Issues of Continuing Concern (7-0)
• Approved amendment to Legislative Priorities regarding School Readiness Program Payment Policy (7-0)
• Approved appropriation bills for local and oral history projects (7-0)
• Approved amended job description with three years clinical experience preferred (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including student codes of conduct and insurance awards (7-0)
• Continued public hearing for Policy 2.065 Visitation Protocols (7-0)
• Continued public hearing for Policy 3.82 Employee Protocols (7-0)

2. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conference Rooms

The School District of Palm Beach County Board is holding a closed risk management session, which is not open to the public. The agenda consists only of procedural items: call to order, the closed session itself, and adjournment. No public decisions or substantive discussions are listed.

• Closed risk management session (not open to the public)

The board held a closed Risk Management Session. The minutes record no substantive decisions, proposals, or votes.

3. BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board is acting on a largely procedural agenda, including approval of prior meeting minutes and hearing committee reports. Key actions include voting on memorandums of understanding with two employee unions—AESOP and SEIU/FPSU—to provide timely compensation, and withdrawing a $146,901.66 change order for a security wall at Addison Mizner Elementary. The consent agenda includes an affiliation agreement with Regents Park Boca Raton for clinical program requirements.

• Approval of minutes from six July 28, 2021 meetings (special, closed session, workshops, budget).
• Chairman added items: MOUs with AESOP and SEIU/FPSU employee unions, plus a Personnel Addendum for new hires.
• Superintendent withdrew FC2: Addison Mizner Elementary modernization change order ($146,901.66 for an 8-foot security wall).
• Consent agenda includes affiliation agreement with Regents Park d/b/a Regents Park Boca Raton (through 2026).
• Committee reports from Audit, Construction Oversight, and District Diversity and Equity committees.

The Board appointed Michael J. Burke as the permanent Superintendent of Schools and rescinded the previous vote to conduct a superintendent search. The Board also approved a comprehensive consent agenda including various school renovation projects and vendor contracts.

• Appointed Michael J. Burke as Superintendent of Schools (7-0)
• Rescinded prior vote to conduct a Superintendent Search (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including school renovations and vendor agreements (7-0)
• Approved minutes from six July 28, 2021 meetings (7-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
• Withdrew Addison Mizner Elementary School Modernization Project from agenda

1. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) at 4 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

This is a closed (non-public) risk management session of the School District of Palm Beach County Board. The agenda contains only procedural items: call to order, a closed discussion, and adjournment. No public decisions or substantive items are listed.

• Closed risk management session – no details disclosed in agenda

The board convened for a closed risk management session. The minutes record no substantive decisions, proposals, or votes.

4. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

The Board will approve the minutes from ten prior meetings, including June and July workshops, special meetings, and executive sessions. It will also consider and adopt Policy 5.3261, Emergency Protocols and Prevention Strategies for Students due to COVID-19, under emergency rule 64DER21-15. All actions are procedural approvals and a policy adoption to address public‑health risks.

• Approve minutes from the June 2, 2021 Special Meeting for Expulsions (MIN1)
• Approve minutes from the June 2, 2021 Risk Management Session (MIN2)
• Approve minutes from the July 21, 2021 Attorney/Client Session re Baker Act Litigation (MIN9)
• Approve minutes from the July 21, 2021 Executive Session (MIN10)
• Adopt Policy 5.3261 Emergency Protocols and Prevention Strategies for Students Due to COVID-19 (POL-A1)

The Board approved emergency Policy 5.3261 regarding COVID-19 prevention strategies and protocols. Other actions included approving the personnel agenda, the 2021-2022 District Best Practices Assessment, and several sets of meeting minutes.

• Adopted emergency Policy 5.3261 Emergency Protocols and Prevention Strategies for Students due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Agenda as amended (7-0)
• Accepted 2021-2022 District Best Practices Assessment findings and authorized implementation of recommendations (7-0)
• Approved changes to December 2021 meeting calendar (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including K12 Stride and Edgenuity contract funds, and Lewis v SBPBC settlement (7-0)
• Approved 13 sets of meeting minutes from June and July 2021 (7-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)

1. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) at 2 p.m. Thurber Conf Rooms

The School District of Palm Beach County Board holds a closed risk management session. No public business is discussed; the meeting opens and closes in public but the session itself is closed.

• No specific agenda items listed; session is entirely procedural

The board held a closed risk management session on October 6, 2021. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

2. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conference Rooms

This is a closed session of the School District of Palm Beach County Board for risk management discussions. The meeting is not open to the public and includes only procedural items: call to order, closed discussion, and adjournment.

• Closed risk management session (not public)
• Procedural call to order and adjournment

The minutes record a closed Risk Management Session. No substantive decisions or actions were documented in the record.

3. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

The School Board will hold a workshop to discuss School Board Member Residence Area Redistricting, using 2020 Census data that shows a 12.31% population difference among districts. They will also review the 2022 Legislative Platform for state and federal priorities, and discuss revisions to Policy 5.012 (Advisory Boundary Committee) and Policy 8.131 (Afterschool Programs). No votes are expected; these are discussion and information items.

• Redistricting workshop: 12.31% population disparity among board districts requires new map; staff will present a proposed scenario
• 2022 Legislative Platform: Board discusses state and federal priorities for the upcoming Florida legislative session
• Policy 5.012 revisions: Workshop on updates to the Advisory Boundary Committee policy
• Policy 8.131 revisions: Proposed changes to include Middle School Afterschool Programs and Palm Beach Virtual School students

The Board conducted a workshop to review proposed school board member redistricting maps and the 2022 legislative platform. Members discussed policy updates regarding the Advisory Boundary Committee and afterschool programs. No formal votes were taken on the workshop items.

• Approved motion to allow Marcia Andrews to participate remotely (6-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (7-0)

3. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Risk Mgmt Session in Thurber Conf Rooms

The School District of Palm Beach County Board held a closed executive session on September 22, 2021. The agenda consisted of a call to order, a discussion period, and a motion to adjourn. No substantive matters, contracts, or policy decisions were listed.

The board met in a closed executive session on September 22, 2021. The minutes record no substantive decisions, proposals, or votes.

2. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber A and B

This is a closed session of the School District of Palm Beach County Board for risk management. The meeting is not open to the public and includes only procedural call to order, a closed discussion, and adjournment. No substantive decisions or public items are on this agenda.

• Closed session for risk management discussion
• Motion to adjourn the meeting

The board conducted a closed risk management session. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Levy at 3 p.m. in the Board Room and Thurber Conference Rooms

The School Board will hold a closed attorney/client session to discuss the lawsuit Sarit Levy v. School Board of Palm Beach County. The meeting is closed to the public, with only the board, superintendent, and legal counsel present. The board is expected to adjourn after the session.

• Closed attorney/client session regarding Sarit Levy v. SBPBC (Case No. 502021CA005727XXXXMB)

The Board conducted a closed attorney/client session concerning the case Sarit Levy v. School Board of Palm Beach County. No substantive decisions or outcomes were recorded in the minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

4. REGULAR BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board will consider adding an amended contract with the Health Care District to expand voluntary COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic students and staff. The board also will approve minutes from nine previous meetings and handle personnel items. Two items were pulled from the consent agenda by the board for separate discussion.

• Amended contract with Health Care District to expand COVID-19 testing (no dollar amount given)
• Withdrawal of consultant agreement with Latinos In Action, Inc., decreasing contract by $1,800 to $26,800
• Board pulled items POL-HR1 and POL-O1 from consent agenda (details not in agenda)
• Approval of minutes from nine previous meetings from May 5 to May 26, 2021

The Board approved a wide range of consent items including school renovation projects, medical affiliation agreements, and student conduct policies. It also added an amended contract with the Health Care District to expand COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic students and staff.

• Approved amended contract with Health Care District for expanded COVID-19 testing
• Approved design services for H.L. Johnson, Golden Grove, Coral Sunset, and Loggers' Run schools
• Approved exterior restoration for Lantana Middle School
• Approved renovation and repair for Western Pines Middle School
• Approved restroom renovations for Watson B. Duncan Middle School
• Adopted new Policy 5.20 Student Mental Health Crisis Response
• Approved 9 sets of meeting minutes from May 2021
• Approved 2021-2022 Uniform Statewide Assessment Calendar

3. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

The School Board will hold a special meeting to consider the superintendent's recommendation to terminate teacher Diane Baumann for alleged policy violations including insubordination and unprofessional conduct. The consent agenda includes final FY2021 budget amendments totaling $2.2 billion for the General Fund and approval of the FY2022–2031 capital plan with a $1.37 billion FY2022 budget.

• Superintendent recommends termination of teacher Diane Baumann for failure to fulfill duties, insubordination, and unprofessional conduct
• Final FY2021 budget amendments: General Fund $2,201,430,203; Debt Service $285,800,947; Capital Projects $1,178,949,618; Special Revenue funds; Internal Service Fund $481,189,598
• Approval of FY2022–2031 Capital Plan with FY2022 capital budget of $1,367,192,809
• Ratification of Advisory Boundary Committee membership list
• Personnel Agenda with 13 transactions and net financial impact of $249,697

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included the long-term capital plan and final budget amendments for FY 2021. The Superintendent withdrew one personnel disciplinary action item from the agenda.

• Approved Final FY 2021 Budget Amendments (7-0)
• Approved FY 2022-2031 Capital Plan (7-0)
• Ratified Membership List of Board Advisory Committee (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Agenda (7-0)
• Approved Job Descriptions (7-0)
• Withdrew Personnel Disciplinary Action for Diane Baumann

4. FINAL BUDGET ADOPTION - Time Certain 5:05 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County held a public hearing and adopted the final FY 2022 budget totaling $4,129,622,999. They also approved a resolution certifying a total millage rate of 6.875 mills, raising $1,550,213,494 in local revenue. Both items passed unanimously.

• Adopted a millage rate of 6.875 mills, comprising 3.621 required local effort, 0.006 prior period adjustment, 0.748 discretionary operating, 1.500 local capital improvement, and 1.000 additional operating mills
• Approved FY 2022 District Summary Budget of $4,129,622,999 across all funds, including $2,332,939,971 General Fund and $1,367,192,809 Capital Projects
• The millage rate is 2.52% more than the rolled back rate
• Public hearing held as required by Florida Statute 200.065(2)(f)3
• Both items passed with 7 yea votes (Andrews, Ayala, Barbieri, Brill, McQuinn, Robinson, Whitfield)

The School Board of Palm Beach County approved the final District Summary Budget and certified the millage rates for fiscal year 2022. The adopted budget totals $4,129,622,999.

• Approved total millage rate of 6.875 mils to raise $1,550,213,494 in local revenue (7-0)
• Approved FY 2022 District Summary Budget of $4,129,622,999 (7-0)

2. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

The School Board holds a workshop to receive the General Counsel's Annual Report and evaluation presentation. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is informational and procedural.

• Presentation of the Office of General Counsel's Annual Report and evaluation

The Board held a workshop to review the General Counsel's FY21 Annual Report and goals for FY22. No formal votes were taken on the presentation items.

• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (7-0)

1. CLOSED SESSION FOR SECURITY SYSTEM PLAN (CLOSED) at 3 p.m. the Thurber Conf Rooms

The School District of Palm Beach County Board is holding a closed session to discuss a security system plan. The meeting is not open to the public. The only action item is adjournment.

• Closed session for Security System Plan discussion
• Board Chair opens meeting and takes attendance
• Motion to adjourn the meeting (procedural action)

The board met in a closed session to discuss a security system plan. The minutes do not record any specific decisions, votes, or outcomes from this session.

2. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Special Meeting in Thurber Conference Rooms

This is a closed risk management session of the School District of Palm Beach County Board, not open to the public. The agenda consists only of procedural items: call to order, the closed session itself, and adjournment. No specific decisions or discussions are listed for public review.

• Closed risk management session (not open to the public) — no details disclosed on the agenda.

The meeting was called to order and adjourned. The minutes record no substantive decisions, proposals, or discussions.

1. SPECIAL MEETING for EXPULSIONS at 2 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County held a special meeting to consider student expulsions. The consent agenda included a recommendation to expel Student 20/21-X-005 for one calendar year after being charged with possession of a handgun on May 14, 2021. The board approved the consent agenda unanimously.

• Expulsion of Student 20/21-X-005 for possessing a handgun on school grounds
• Recommended expulsion for one calendar year from regular public school program
• Unanimous board vote to approve the consent agenda including the expulsion

The School District of Palm Beach County held a special meeting to address student expulsions. The board approved the consent agenda, which included one expulsion action.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved expulsion of Student 20/21-X-005 (7-0)

3. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

The School Board will hold a workshop to discuss development of the 2022 Legislative Platform for state and federal advocacy, and to review recommended changes to several district policies related to COVID-19 protocols, including visitation, employee and student protocols, codes of conduct, and student progression. No final votes will be taken; feedback will inform future drafts.

• Discussion of 2022 Legislative Platform priorities for state and federal sessions
• Review of Policy 2.065 Visitation Protocols on District Property Due to COVID-19
• Review of Policy 3.82 Employee Protocols due to COVID-19 and Policy 5.326 Student Protocols due to COVID-19
• Review of Policy 5.1812 (Elementary) and Policy 5.1813 (Secondary) Student Codes of Conduct
• Review of Policy 8.01 Promotion, Placement, Graduation - Student Progression Plans

The Board conducted a workshop to discuss the 2022 legislative platform, COVID-19 health data, and proposed updates to district policies. No formal votes were taken on the policy or legislative items; the only decided action was the adjournment of the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

4. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

This special meeting will consider a Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Department of Health to set up two drive-through COVID-19 rapid antigen testing sites on district property for up to 1,000 tests. The board will also act on a consent agenda covering legal representation for its mask mandate, personnel actions, advisory committee appointments, and other routine items.

• Memorandum of Understanding with Florida Department of Health for two drive-through COVID-19 rapid antigen testing sites (up to 1,000 tests)
• Engagement letter with Boies Schiller & Flexner LLP for legal advice on mask mandate, not to exceed $50,000 from BP Oil Spill Settlement Funds
• Adoption of Final Order suspending and terminating Carl Carralero
• Personnel agenda with 19 transactions totaling $327,701
• Ratification of membership lists for Academic Advisory Committee and Construction Oversight & Review Committee

The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding to establish two drive-through COVID-19 rapid antigen testing sites on District property. The Board also approved the consent agenda and the meeting agenda.

• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Florida Department of Health for COVID-19 testing sites (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including 2022 Greater Florida Consortium of School Board's Legislative Program, Board Advisory Committee membership list, engagement letter with Boies Schiller & Flexner, LLP, Auditor Selection Committee, Final Order in PBCSB v. Carl Carralero, and Personnel Agenda (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)

1. SPECIAL MEETING at 2 p.m. in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board held a special meeting on August 25, 2021, primarily to discuss and take action on a potential legal challenge to the recent Executive Order and/or Emergency Rules of the State Board of Education and/or Department of Health relating to COVID. The board unanimously voted to authorize the General Counsel to hire outside counsel and file or join lawsuits and challenges. The board also approved development of a revised Policy 1.03 on school board meetings and discussed medical exemptions to the face mask policy.

• Unanimous vote to authorize hiring outside counsel for legal challenges to state COVID executive order and emergency rules
• Approved development of proposed revised Policy 1.03 on school board meetings
• Board discussion on medical exemptions to face mask policy led by Vice Chairwoman Karen Brill
• One item pulled from consent agenda: POL-GC1 (Policy 1.03 development)
• Meeting was a special session requested at the August 18 regular meeting

3. BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board will consider emergency adoption of policies addressing student progression, student protocols, and employee protocols due to COVID-19. Other items include a district reorganization proposal, substitute pay changes, and agreements for health science clinical placements.

• Emergency adoption of Policy 8.01 (student progression) and Policy 5.326 (student COVID-19 protocols)
• Emergency adoption of Policy 3.82 (employee COVID-19 protocols)
• District Reorganizational Proposal (AD1) for continuous improvement
• Substitute pay rate changes (P3)
• Affiliation Agreement with Jupiter Medical Center for health science programs (CI-1)

The Board approved the meeting agenda and issued a posthumous proclamation recognizing Ulysses Smith for his contributions to the district. The meeting included reports from student government and various advisory committees, as well as comments regarding COVID-19 school opening protocols.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved posthumous proclamation for Ulysses Smith (7-0)

CANCELLED - RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conference Rooms

This risk management session has been cancelled. Originally scheduled as a closed session following a closed board session, the agenda included only procedural items: call to order, closed discussion, and adjournment.

• Meeting cancelled; originally included a closed risk management discussion.

2. POLICY WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County holds a policy workshop to discuss Policy 1.03, which governs School Board meetings. The meeting includes a call to order, agenda topic speakers, and adjournment. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Discussion of Policy 1.03 School Board Meetings

The Board held a workshop to discuss proposed revisions to Policy 1.03 School Board Meetings. Members and staff discussed whether speakers should be required to provide addresses or district numbers for the public record. No formal vote was taken on the policy changes.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Academy for Positive Learning Inc. at 3:30 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School Board holds a closed attorney/client session to discuss litigation with Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. The meeting opens and closes in public, but the session itself is closed. No public decisions or votes are scheduled.

• Closed attorney/client session regarding Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. v. School Board of Palm Beach County (Case No. 50-2019-CA-000405-XXXX-MB)

The School Board conducted a closed attorney/client session to discuss the case of Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. v. School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the provided minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Tecta/Liberty Mutual at 2 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County School Board convened in a closed attorney/client session on August 4, 2021, to discuss pending litigation in Case No. 2019-CA-001253XXXXMB involving Tecta America South Florida and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. The meeting was procedural, with no public action taken.

• Closed attorney/client session regarding Tecta America South Florida, Inc. and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Case No. 2019-CA-001253XXXXMB in Palm Beach County Circuit Court

The Board conducted a closed attorney/client session concerning a legal case involving Tecta America South Florida, Inc. and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. No substantive decisions or outcomes from the closed session were recorded in the public minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

3. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Sessions in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board holds a workshop to receive an update on the Student Academic Support Plan and an overview of the FY 2022-2031 Capital Plan. The Capital Plan is scheduled for adoption on September 14, 2021. No votes are taken; the workshop is for information and discussion only.

• Update on the Student Academic Support Plan
• Overview of the FY 2022-2031 Capital Plan
• Capital Plan to be presented for adoption on September 14, 2021
• Workshop includes presentations from Chief of Equity and Wellness, CFO, COO, and Treasurer

The Board conducted a workshop to review the Student Academic Support Plan update and the 2022-2031 Capital Plan. Discussions included ESSER II fund allocations and $685 million in construction projects. No formal votes were taken on the workshop items.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

4. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

The School Board will consider consent agenda items including a $3,128,435 agreement with the Health Care District of Palm Beach County for school nurses, two leases with Genesis Community Health for clinics at Boynton Beach and Atlantic Community High Schools, and approval of three new charter school applications (Somerset Academy Wellington High, Mater Academy Palm Beach, Mater Academy Middle Palm Beach) with projected financial impacts. Procedural items such as minutes approval and agenda adoption are also on the agenda.

• Agreement with Health Care District for school nurses ($3,128,435)
• Lease with Genesis Community Health at Boynton Beach Community High School
• Lease with Genesis Community Health at Atlantic Community High School
• Approval of Somerset Academy Wellington High School charter application (projected $6.5M annual impact)
• Approval of Mater Academy Palm Beach and Mater Academy Middle Palm Beach charter applications (projected $5.7M annual impact)

The Board approved the meeting agenda, a series of consent items including lease and security agreements, and the Personnel Agenda. Members discussed COVID-19 mitigation, bus driver shortages, and quarantine procedures for the upcoming school year.

• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including agreement with Health Care District of Palm Beach County (7-0)
• Approved lease agreements with Genesis Community Health at Boynton Beach and Atlantic Community High Schools (7-0)
• Approved new charter school applications for Somerset Academy Wellington and Mater Academy (Palm Beach, Middle, and High) (7-0)
• Approved Fifth Amendment and contract extension for Tousaint L'ouveture Charter High School (7-0)
• Approved security agreements with Municipal Local Enforcement Agencies and use of West Palm Beach and Jupiter Police Officers (7-0)
• Approved amendment for SCOIR College Network (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Agenda (7-0)

2. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conference Rooms

This is a closed session of the School District of Palm Beach County Board for risk management discussion. The meeting is not open to the public and consists of procedural items including call to order, the closed session, and adjournment.

The board held a closed risk management session on August 4, 2021. The minutes record no substantive decisions, approvals, or denials.

4. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Closed Sessions in the Board Room

The School Board will consider accepting Superintendent Dr. Donald Fennoy's resignation and accelerating its effective date. They will also vote on an amendment to the Inspector General's contract and adopt several revised policies regarding summer school, field trips, and student protections against discrimination, bullying, and harassment.

• Accept Dr. Donald Fennoy's resignation as superintendent and accelerate effective date
• Amend Inspector General contract for annual evaluation period starting March 2022
• Adopt revised Policy 2.37 Summer School
• Adopt revised Policies 5.001 and 5.002 on student discrimination and bullying
• Adopt revised Policies 5.81 and 5.82 on sexual harassment and teen dating violence

The Board approved the resignation of the previous superintendent and appointed Michael J. Burke to the role on an interim basis. The Board also adopted 12 school policies and approved the July 26, 2021 Personnel Agenda.

• Approved Employment Agreement with Michael J. Burke on an interim basis (6-0)
• Approved Superintendent's resignation (6-0)
• Approved Amendment to the Inspector General Contract (6-0)
• Adopted 12 policies covering summer school, field trips, harassment, bullying, and volunteers (6-0)
• Approved Personnel Agenda for July 26, 2021 as amended (6-0)
• Approved separating Tara O'Campo from the Personnel Agenda (4-2)
• Denied non-reappointment of Tara O'Campo (3-3)

3. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conference Rooms

This is a closed risk management session of the School District of Palm Beach County. The agenda consists only of procedural items: call to order, closed session, and adjournment. No public items or decisions are listed.

• Meeting is closed to the public
• Risk management discussion held in closed session
• Motion to adjourn the meeting

The board conducted a closed risk management session. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

1. SPECIAL MEETING for EXPULSIONS at 2 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County held a special meeting to consider expulsions. The board voted to expel a student who possessed a weapon on April 20, 2021, with expulsion effective through August 1, 2021. The meeting included closed session for speakers and public voting on the expulsion item.

• Expulsion of student 20/21-X-004 for possession of a weapon on April 20, 2021
• Expulsion effective from April 20, 2021, through August 1, 2021
• Consent agenda approved with motion by Erica Whitfield, second by Marcia Andrews, passed unanimously

The Board held a special meeting to review expulsions. The Board approved the expulsion of Student 20/21-X-004 as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved expulsion of Student 20/21-X-004 (6-0)

2. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Jackson immediately following Special Meeting in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County met in a closed attorney/client session to discuss pending litigation in Marvin Jackson v. School Board of Palm Beach County (Case No. 502021CA002685MBAH). The meeting was entirely closed to the public and included board members, the superintendent, and district attorneys.

• Closed attorney/client session regarding Jackson v. SBPBC, Case No. 502021CA002685MBAH

The Board conducted a closed attorney-client session regarding the case Marvin Jackson v. School Board of Palm Beach County (Case No. 502021CA002685MBAH). The minutes do not record any specific decisions, votes, or outcomes from this session.

5. WORKSHOP immediately following Special Meeting in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board holds a workshop following a special meeting. They will receive a presentation on school safety from the School Police, hear a communications department update on back-to-school initiatives, and discuss a new Student Mental Health Crisis Response Policy (Policy 5.20).

• School Police School Safety 2021 Presentation
• Communications and Engagement update on back-to-school initiatives for 2021-2022
• Discussion of new Policy 5.20 Student Mental Health Crisis Response Policy

The Board conducted a workshop featuring presentations on school safety staffing, communications initiatives, and the Student Mental Health Crisis Response Policy. No formal votes were taken on the workshop topics; the only decided actions were a motion to recess and a motion to adjourn.

• Approved motion to suspend workshop and recess (6-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (6-0)

6. TENTATIVE BUDGET ADOPTION at 5:05 p.m. Time Certain in the Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County held a public hearing to tentatively adopt the FY2022 budget and millage rates. The board approved a total millage levy of 6.8750 mills and a district budget of $3,983,486,859. Both measures passed unanimously on motions from board members.

• Adopted tentative millage rate of 6.8750 mills for FY2022, a 2.52% increase over the rollback rate
• Approved tentative district budget totaling $3,983,486,859 for all funds
• Budget includes $2,334,689,732 for the General Fund and $1,336,501,920 for Capital Projects
• Proposed millage will generate $1,550,213,494 in local tax revenue
• Board heard a report from the Budget Advisory Committee and a CFO presentation

The Board approved a tentative district summary budget of $3,983,486,859 for fiscal year 2022. It also adopted tentative millage rates for the same period. Both measures passed with unanimous support from the members present.

• Adopted tentative millage levies of 6.8750 mills for FY 2022 (6-0)
• Adopted tentative District summary budget of $3,983,486,859 for FY 2022 (6-0)

1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Baker Act Litigation immediately at 1 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School Board held a closed attorney/client session to discuss ongoing litigation in D.P., et al. vs. School Board of Palm Beach County, et al. (Case No. 9:21-cv-81099). No public decisions were made; the meeting opened and closed in public but the session itself was closed.

• Closed session discussion of case D.P., et al. vs. School Board of Palm Beach County, et al., Case No. 9:21-cv-81099, in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
• Meeting opened and closed in public with a motion to adjourn

The School District of Palm Beach County held a closed attorney-client session to discuss the case D.P., et al. vs. School Board of Palm Beach County, et al. (Case No. 9:21-cv-81099). No substantive decisions or outcomes were recorded in the minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

4. WORKSHOP immediately following PB School Board Leasing Corp Meeting

The School Board of Palm Beach County holds a workshop to discuss the superintendent selection process. Matters include whether to conduct an internal or external search, whether to hire an outside search firm, the timeline for the search, naming an interim superintendent, and the job description, salary, and qualifications. The board also considers authorizing board leadership to implement decisions.

• Discuss/Consider desired search method: internal vs. external
• Discuss/Consider hiring an outside entity to conduct and manage the search
• Discuss/Consider proposed timeline for superintendent search
• Discuss/Consider naming an interim superintendent and timing
• Discuss/Consider superintendent job description, salary, and qualifications

The Board held a workshop to discuss the timeline and process for selecting a new superintendent, including the potential use of a search firm and the appointment of an interim leader. No formal votes were taken on the selection process during this session.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

5. REGULAR BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board will begin the process of finding a new superintendent after the resignation on July 13, 2021. They will also consider refinancing certificates of participation to save approximately $10 million in debt service costs. Other items include advertising the FY22 tentative budget, a contract for virtual elementary program, and approval of the 2020-2021 Equity Implementation Plan.

• Superintendent search initiated after resignation on July 13, 2021
• Refinancing of 2012C and 2014C COP issues to save ~$10 million
• Advertisement of FY22 tentative District budget per Florida Statute 200.065
• Agreement with Edgenuity, Inc. to serve K-5 virtual elementary students
• Approval of 2020-2021 Florida Educational Equity Act Implementation Plan

The Board initiated the search for a new superintendent following a resignation on July 13, 2021. They nominated Mike Burke to the interim role and approved the advertisement of the FY22 tentative district budget. A wide range of consent agenda items, including facility renovations and vendor contracts, were also approved.

• Nominated Mike Burke as interim superintendent (7-0)
• Approved FY22 tentative District budget advertisements and tax notices (7-0)
• Decided interim superintendent term will last until a permanent replacement is selected (7-0)
• Approved motion to appoint an interim superintendent before the school year starts (7-0)
• Approved moving the resigning Superintendent into a consultant position if the interim wishes (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including various facility renovations and vendor contracts (7-0)
• Denied motion to limit interim superintendent term to the last student day of school in 2022 (3-4)
• Approved suspension of rules regarding recorded public messages (7-0)

CANCELLED - ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Academy for Positive Learning Inc. at 3 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

This closed attorney/client session regarding the Academy for Positive Learning Inc. litigation was cancelled. No discussion or action occurred.

• Session cancelled; no decisions made
• Agenda item: Attorney/Client Session re Academy for Positive Learning, Inc., v. SBPBC (Case No. 50-2019-CA-000405-XXXX-MB)

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber Conf Rooms

The School District of Palm Beach County Board met in a closed executive session on July 21, 2021. The meeting was not open to the public and included only procedural steps: call to order, discussion, and adjournment. No public agenda items, contracts, or policy decisions were presented.

The board met in a closed executive session on July 21, 2021. The minutes record no substantive decisions, proposals, or votes.

3. PALM BEACH SCHOOL BOARD LEASING CORP immediately following Closed Sessions in the Board Room

The Palm Beach School Board Leasing Corp is voting to authorize a resolution to issue Certificates of Participation (COP) series 2022A and 2024A to refinance the 2012C and 2014C COP issues. The transaction is expected to yield approximately $10 million in net present value savings by reducing future debt service payments. The recommended proposal from Bank of America involves a forward refunding with rates locked on July 19, 2021, and closings in May 2022 and May 2024. The board approved the item unanimously.

• Authorize resolution to issue COP series 2022A and 2024A to refund 2012C and 2014C COP issues (estimated $10M savings)

The Palm Beach School Board Leasing Corp approved a resolution to issue COP series 2022A and 2024A. This action was taken to refund the 2012C and 2014C COP issues.

• Approved issuance of COP 2022A and 2024A to refund 2012C and 2014C COP issues (7-0)

1. WORKSHOP at 2 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board holds a workshop to review and discuss options for a new K-8 Preference to be added to the Choice Policy. The meeting includes a call to order, the workshop discussion, and an adjournment. No decisions are made; it is a discussion item only.

• Workshop on K-8 Choice Policy options for adoption into Policy 5.016

The Board held a workshop to review five options for the K-8 Choice Policy. No formal decisions were made on the policy options; members requested more data and clarification on student enrollment and capacity.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

2. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following the Workshop in the Board Room

The board approved the consent agenda item to adopt the revised Policy 1.09 on Advisory Committees to the Board. It also approved the development of a revised Policy 5.016 governing Choice Schools and Programs, including several language amendments. Board Chair Frank Barbieri discussed the superintendent’s resignation and possible next steps. Standard procedural motions to approve the agenda and adjourn the meeting were also passed.

• Approve Consent Agenda – Policy 1.09 Advisory Committees to the Board (development)
• Approve New Business – Policy 5.016 Choice Schools and Programs (development) with multiple amendments
• Board discussion of Superintendent Frank Barbieri’s resignation
• Motion to approve the meeting agenda (passed)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting (passed)

The Board approved the development of revised Policy 5.016 regarding Choice Schools and Programs, including several specific language amendments. The meeting also included a discussion regarding the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Fennoy.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Policy 1.09 Advisory Committees to the Board (7-0)
• Approved development of revised Policy 5.016 Choice Schools and Programs (7-0)
• Approved adding Option 3 from Choice Workshop to Policy 5.016 (6-1)
• Approved adding 'guardian' to line 422 of Policy 5.016 (7-0)
• Approved adding 'during a Board Workshop' to line 898 of Policy 5.016 (7-0)
• Approved removing specific language from lines 113 and 114 of Policy 5.016 (7-0)
• Approved clarifying capacity exception verbiage in lines 138 and 139 of Policy 5.016 (7-0)

1. WORKSHOP at 1 p.m. in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County holds a workshop to discuss a state legislative recap, a school reopening update for the 2021-2022 year covering social distancing, sports, and masks, and an update on the district's next strategic plan.

• 2021 State Legislative Recap from Capital City Consulting
• School Reopening Update for 2021-2022 school year
• Strategic Plan Workshop 6 with Phase 2 focus group feedback summary

The Board conducted a workshop to review the 2021 State Legislative Recap, school reopening updates, and the Strategic Plan. No substantive policy decisions or votes were made regarding the workshop topics.

• Approved motion to allow Barbara McQuinn to participate remotely (5-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (7-0)

2. REGULAR BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The board will hear the superintendent's withdrawal of a personnel disciplinary action recommending termination for bus driver Raymond Berry, citing policy violations. The agenda also includes budget amendments with a $4.4 million decrease to the General Fund and approval of board member travel. Several items are added or pulled from the consent agenda.

• Superintendent withdraws termination recommendation for Raymond Berry due to unsafe bus operations and inappropriate conduct with students
• Chairman adds Personnel Addendum items P3 and P4 for good cause to expedite employee start dates
• Consent agenda: B1 Budget Amendments - April 2021, General Fund decrease of $4,419,291, Capital Projects increase of $168,940, Special Revenue increase of $17,061,651
• Board member Marcia Andrews travel to Council of the Great City Schools Summer Executive Meeting, estimated cost $1,361.96
• Ratify membership list of Technology Advisory Committee

The Board approved the 2021 Comprehensive Safety Inspection Report and a grant for K-12 financial literacy from the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund. The Board also passed a large consent agenda covering budget amendments, facility repairs, and purchasing contracts. Two personnel addendums were approved to allow employees to start new positions.

• Approved 2021 Comprehensive Safety Inspection Report (7-0)
• Approved Grant for Financial Literacy from Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Addendum P3 (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Addendum No. 2 P4 (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including budget amendments and purchasing items (7-0)
• Approved agenda as presented or amended (7-0)

1. SPECIAL MEETING for EXPULSIONS at 2 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County held a special meeting on June 2, 2021, to vote on expelling two students. The board approved expelling Student 20/21-X-002 for possessing a firearm and Student 20/21-X-003 for possessing a knife, each for one calendar year.

• Expulsion of Student 20/21-X-002 for possession of a firearm on February 22, 2021
• Expulsion of Student 20/21-X-003 for possession of a knife on June 3, 2021
• Consent agenda approved with both expulsion recommendations

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included the expulsion of two students. No other new business was conducted during the meeting.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved expulsion of Student 20/21-X-002 (7-0)
• Approved expulsion of Student 20/21-X-003 (7-0)

2. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Special Meeting in Thurber Conf Rooms

The School District of Palm Beach County Board is holding a closed risk management session immediately following a special meeting. The session is not open to the public and contains no agenda items for public discussion or decision.

• Call to order and attendance
• Closed risk management discussion (not public)
• Motion to adjourn

The board conducted a closed Risk Management Session. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during this meeting.

3. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

This workshop of the School District of Palm Beach County includes discussions on policy revisions for summer school, field trips, and volunteers, as well as a presentation on the FY22 budget development and a review of draft goals and measures for the district's next strategic plan. The meeting is open to the public.

• Revisions to Policy 2.37 (Summer School) to delete outdated forms and add new PBSD forms
• Revisions to Policy 2.40 (Field Trips) adding updated PBSD forms, trip cancellation/interruption insurance for out-of-county travel, and chaperone clearance documentation
• Revisions to Policy 2.53 (Volunteers in Public Schools)
• FY22 Budget Workshop overview including capital budget and update on federal ESSER II funds and Student Academic Support Plan (SASP)
• Strategic Plan Workshop to review draft goals and measures based on community input and progress data

The Board conducted a workshop to discuss updates to field trip and volunteer policies and reviewed the FY22 operating and capital budgets. No formal votes were taken on the policy or budget items; the only decision made was to adjourn the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

4. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

The School Board will vote on several consent items, including travel approvals for three board members and ratification of advisory committee memberships. It will also adopt final orders that suspend Bernard Jean Louis and Guyette Duhart without pay. The meeting includes approval of the personnel agenda and routine procedural matters.

• Approve travel for Board Member Marcia Andrews (estimated $720.35) to FSBA conference in Tampa, June 9‑11, 2021
• Approve travel for Board Member Alexandria Ayala (estimated $838) to FSBA conference in Tampa, June 9‑11, 2021
• Approve travel for Board Chairman Frank Barbieri (estimated $858) to FSBA conference in Tampa, June 9‑11, 2021
• Adopt Final Order suspending Bernard Jean Louis without pay (Case No. 20-0013 TTS)
• Adopt Final Order suspending Guyette Duhart without pay and returning her to the classroom (Case No. 20-1264 TTS)

The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Health Care District for vaccination points of distribution. It also authorized a legal settlement and approved a personnel addendum. A series of policy developments and travel requests were passed via the consent agenda.

• Approved MOU with Health Care District for Vaccination Point of Distribution (7-0)
• Authorized settlement of PBCSB v. Jacinta Larson (6-1)
• Approved Personnel Addendum P2 (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including board member travel and policy developments (7-0)
• Approved adoption of Final Orders for PBCSB v. Bernard Jean Louis and PBCSB v. Guyette Duhart (7-0)
• Approved COTIM contract renewal with Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida (7-0)

1. WORKSHOP at 1 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board will use the Equity Workshop 4 to gather input on future equity‑focused workshops and to clarify terminology in the recently approved Equity Statement. Board members will also revisit student data that informed the equity focus for the district's next Strategic Plan. Two other items – a Strategic Plan Workshop 5 and a Board Discussion on Policy 1.03 – are withdrawn and will be rescheduled.

• Equity Workshop 4 – Planning next steps and gathering Board input on future equity workshops
• Review and clarification of the Equity Statement terminology and related student data
• Withdrawn: Strategic Plan Workshop 5 (Review of Draft Goals and Measures) – to be rescheduled
• Withdrawn: BD1 Board Discussion – Policy 1.03 School Board Meetings – to be rescheduled

The Board conducted an Equity Workshop focused on student data, discipline, and coursework. Members discussed the wording of equity statements and the impact of community feedback. No formal votes were taken on workshop items.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

2. SPECIAL MEETING (If Needed) immediately following the Workshop in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board held a special meeting to consider modifying the Equity Statement adopted on May 5, 2021. The board voted 4-3 to remove the phrase 'dismantling structures rooted in white advantage' and change 'redistributing' to 'distributing' in the statement's second paragraph. The motion, made by Karen Brill and seconded by Marcia Andrews, passed with four yeas and three nays.

• Board approved removal of 'dismantling structures rooted in white advantage' and changed 'redistributing' to 'distributing' in the Equity Statement, passed 4-3

The Board voted to remove specific phrasing from the second paragraph of the Equity Statement adopted on May 5, 2021. The modified text changes the word 'redistributing' to 'distributing' and removes a phrase regarding 'white advantage'.

• Approved removal of 'dismantling structures rooted in white advantage and' and changing 'redistributing' to 'distributing' in the Equity Statement (4-3)

1. CLOSED SECURITY SESSION at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County board is meeting for a closed security session at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room. The session is not open to the public. The agenda also includes call to order and adjournment. No other substantive items are listed.

• Closed security session held at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room, not open to the public

The board convened for a closed security session from 4:30 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. The minutes record no substantive decisions or actions taken during this meeting.

CANCELLED - EXCEPTIONS HEARING: PBCSB v. Jacinta Larson at 3 p.m. in the Board Room.

This meeting has been cancelled and will not take place on May 19, 2021 as originally advertised. The agenda had included an exceptions hearing in the case of PBCSB v. Jacinta Larson.

2. REGULAR BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The Palm Beach County School Board will meet to approve minutes from 10 prior meetings and consider several items added by the chairman, including a district reorganization proposal, a legal settlement in a lawsuit, and proclamations for Jewish American and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Months. The agenda also includes personnel items and a Chairman's Report. No items were withdrawn or pulled from the consent agenda.

• Approve minutes from 10 previous meetings (March 24 to April 21, 2021)
• District Reorganization Proposal (AD1) added for good cause
• Authorization of settlement in Brian Lee v. Tammy Pierre et al. and School Board (LD1)
• Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation (COM6) and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation (COM7)
• Personnel addendum and job descriptions (P2, P3)

The Board approved ten sets of minutes from previous sessions and workshops. Members also voted to approve the meeting agenda and reorder it to accommodate public speakers. The Board approved a series of consent agenda items including budget amendments, facility renovations, and various affiliation agreements.

• Approved 10 sets of meeting minutes from March and April 2021 (7-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved motion to reorder agenda for speakers (7-0)
• Approved two motions to extend the meeting by one hour each (7-0)
• Approved motion to suspend rules to attach recorded speakers to the website (7-0)
• Approved B1 Budget Amendments - March 2021
• Approved multiple school renovation projects including Spanish River High and Conniston Middle
• Approved affiliation agreements with Palms West Hospital and University of Miami

2. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Lee immediately following Closed Session in Thurber A and B

The School Board will hold a closed attorney/client session immediately after a closed public session to discuss the ongoing federal case Brian Lee v. Tammy Pierre, School Board of Palm Beach County, case No. 9:19-cv-81631 before Judge Robin Rosenberg. No decisions or actions are indicated in the agenda.

• Closed attorney/client session regarding Brian Lee v. Tammy Pierre, Case No. 9:19-cv-81631

The Board met in a closed session to discuss the case of Brian Lee v. Tammy Pierre, The School Board of Palm Beach County, et al. No substantive decisions or votes on the case were recorded in the public minutes.

• Adjourned meeting at 2:45 p.m. (7-0)

5. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

This special meeting focuses on the review and approval of several sets of previous meeting minutes. The agenda also includes a withdrawal of a personnel disciplinary action item regarding Emily Morales.

• Approval of February 3, 2021 Workshop minutes
• Approval of February 3, 2021 Special Meeting minutes
• Approval of March 3, 2021 Attorney/Client Session minutes regarding Academy for Positive Learning
• Approval of March 3, 2021 Risk Management Session minutes
• Approval of March 3, 2021 Workshop minutes

The Board approved a consent agenda including new mission and vision statements and several consultant agreements. A proposed revision to Policy 5.016 regarding Choice Schools and Programs was tabled until July 14, 2021. The Board also approved minutes from eight previous meetings.

• Approved minutes from eight meetings held between February 3 and March 9, 2021 (7-0)
• Approved agenda as presented or amended (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including new Mission and Vision Statements, Equity Statement, and Personnel Agenda (7-0)
• Approved agreement with The Health Care District for Summer Program 2021 school nurses (7-0)
• Approved consultant agreements with M FERTAKIS Consulting LLC and United Lex (7-0)
• Approved first amendment for Connection Education of the Palm Beaches (7-0)
• Approved third amendments for Glades Academy, Inc. and Palm Beach Preparatory Academy (7-0)
• Tabled development of revised Policy 5.016 Choice Schools and Programs until July 14, 2021 (5-2)

4. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board holds a workshop to discuss the FY22 budget, including state revenue forecast and federal ESSER funds, and receive a summary of Phase 1 feedback for the next strategic plan. The workshop also covers a redistricting timeline following the 2020 Census and proposed changes to district policies on discrimination, bullying, and film permitting. No votes are taken on these discussion items.

• Strategic Plan Workshop 4: review of Phase 1 Feedback Survey and community meeting findings to inform draft goals due May 26
• FY22 Budget Workshop: overview of state education revenue forecast and federal ESSER funds including American Rescue Plan
• 2020 Census redistricting timeline for School Board member districts; outside counsel cost expected under $20,000
• Policy workshop: proposed changes to policies on discrimination (5.001), anti-bullying (5.002), sexual harassment (5.81), teen dating violence (5.82), film permitting (2.54), and new employee/labor policy 3.191

The Board conducted a series of workshops to review the strategic plan, FY22 budget forecasts, and the 2020 Census redistricting timeline. Discussions also covered film permitting and several student harassment and discrimination policies. No substantive votes were recorded other than the motion to adjourn.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

3. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following Closed Session in Thurber A and B

The School District of Palm Beach County is holding a risk management session that is closed to the public. The agenda consists of procedural items and a single closed discussion item, followed by adjournment. No public decisions or discussions are on the open agenda.

• Closed risk management session (not open to the public)

The meeting was called to order at 2:46 p.m. and adjourned at 2:55 p.m. The minutes record no substantive decisions, proposals, or discussions.

1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. at 2 p.m. in the Board Room and Thurber A and B

The School Board held a closed attorney/client session to discuss the pending appeal in Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. v. SBPBC, Case No. 4D19-2816, at the Fourth District Court of Appeal. The meeting was otherwise procedural with no public action.

• Closed attorney/client session regarding Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. v. SBPBC, Case No. 4D19-2816

The School Board conducted a closed attorney/client session to discuss Case No. 4D19-2816 (Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. v. SBPBC) in the Fourth District Court of Appeal. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

2. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session

The School Board of Palm Beach County will hold a workshop to discuss enhanced summer programming under the Student Academic Support Plan (SASP). District staff will present an overview of the programming. No financial impact has been identified. The meeting is open to the public.

• Presentation on Student Academic Support Plan (SASP) Summer Programming
• No financial impact reported for the discussed items
• Public may sign up to speak by noon on the day of the meeting

The Board held a workshop to review the Student Academic Support Plan (SASP) and Summer Acceleration Academies. Staff presented details on resource allocation, instructional goals, and transportation. No formal votes were taken on the programming items discussed.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

3. REGULAR BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board will hold a regular meeting. The primary action items include approving minutes from previous meetings and several consent agenda items, notably budget amendments for February 2021 with financial impacts to capital and federal funds. The meeting also includes reports from committees and the superintendent.

• Budget amendments for February 2021, increasing Capital Projects Fund by $4,000 and Special Revenue - Other Federal Programs by $329,894
• Chairman added item P2 (Personnel Addendum) for immediate staffing needs
• Approval of minutes from January and February 2021 meetings, including closed sessions
• Reports from Construction Oversight Review Committee and District Diversity and Equity Committee
• Board pulled items BRD1, FMPF1, TL2 from consent agenda for separate discussion

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda including various school remodeling projects, vendor contracts, and budget amendments. The Board also ratified the membership list for the Board Advisory Committee and issued two proclamations.

• Approved Consent Agenda including school remodeling and vendor contracts (7-0)
• Ratified membership list of Board Advisory Committee (7-0)
• Approved posthumous proclamation for The Honorable Alcee Hastings (7-0)
• Approved proclamation for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month (7-0)
• Approved minutes from seven previous sessions and meetings (7-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)

1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Lewis at 3:30 p.m. in Board Room and Thurber Conference Rooms

The School Board of Palm Beach County held a closed attorney/client session to discuss pending litigation in the case Antony Lewis v. School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida, currently before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. No public decisions or votes were taken on substantive matters during the session.

• Closed attorney/client session regarding Antony Lewis v. School Board of Palm Beach County, Case No. 19-14702-GG
• Matter pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
• All seven board members and legal counsel attended

The Board conducted a closed attorney/client session regarding the case Antony Lewis v. School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida (Case No. 19-14702-GG). No substantive decisions or outcomes were recorded in the minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

EQUITY WORKSHOP at 1 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board is holding the third in a series of equity workshops, focused on incorporating its shared understanding of equity into revisions to the district's mission and vision statements. Board members aim to reach consensus on necessary changes by the meeting's end, which will guide the next strategic plan. The workshop builds on prior discussions and a draft equity statement from the previous session.

• Workshop 3 of several equity workshops preceding development of the district's next strategic plan
• Board to revise mission and vision statements to ensure equity is a central tenet
• Draft equity statement from Workshop 2 (March 31) to be revisited
• Facilitated by Equity Consultant Mary Fertakis
• Board aims to reach consensus on revisions by end of meeting

The Board held a workshop to review and refine the district's draft equity statement, mission statement, and vision statement. No final votes were taken on these items; they are scheduled for a vote at a Special Meeting on May 5.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

2. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

This is a workshop meeting, not a decision-making session. The School Board will receive presentations and discuss updates to the Choice Programs Procedures Manual (Policy 5.016), the strategic plan including stakeholder feedback and an equity statement timeline, and the FY22 budget development process covering state revenue forecasts and federal ESSER funds from the American Rescue Plan.

• Choice Policy 5.016 updates covering application and eligibility criteria, lottery selection, transportation, and program information.
• Strategic Plan Workshop 3 discussing Phase 1 Feedback Survey results and a proposed timeline for vetting an equity statement with stakeholder groups.
• FY22 Budget Workshop providing an overview of state education revenue forecasts and recently approved federal ESSER funds, including the American Rescue Plan.
• All items are informational or discussion items; no financial impact reported for the Choice Policy update, and N/A for the others.
• The budget adoption is scheduled for September 14, 2021, with a series of workshops leading up to it.

The Board conducted three workshops to discuss updates to Choice Policy 5.016, the Strategic Plan development timeline, and FY22 budget challenges including ESSER fund usage. No formal votes were taken on policy or budget items; the only decided action was the adjournment of the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

3. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

This special meeting follows a workshop. The board will approve minutes from past meetings, a personnel agenda with 8 transactions totaling $124,714, revised job descriptions, and adoption of Policy 8.13 on dropout prevention. The chairman added a Holocaust Days of Remembrance Proclamation. Two items (POL-A2, POL-IG1) were pulled from the consent agenda.

• Approve personnel agenda with 8 transactions, net fiscal impact $124,714
• Adopt revised Policy 8.13 Dropout Prevention/Alternative Education
• Approve revised job descriptions for Maintenance and School Food Service
• Approve minutes from December 2020 and January 2021 meetings
• Chairman adds Holocaust Days of Remembrance Proclamation

The Board approved the development of a new Electronic Device Take Home Policy and adopted revised Inspector General policies. Other actions included approving a personnel agenda, job descriptions, and two proclamations.

• Approved development of Policy 8.124 Electronic Device Take Home Policy (7-0)
• Approved adoption of revised Policy 1.092 Inspector General (5-2)
• Approved adoption of Policy 8.13 Dropout Prevention/Alternative Education/Juvenile Justice/Youth Services Program (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Agenda and Job Descriptions via Consent Agenda (7-0)
• Approved posthumous proclamation for Lillian Alice Pon Gaines (7-0)
• Approved Holocaust Days of Remembrance proclamation for April 4-11, 2021 (7-0)
• Approved 13 sets of meeting minutes from December 2020 and January 2021 (7-0)

1. SPECIAL MEETING for EXPULSIONS at 2 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms and Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County held a special meeting regarding student expulsions. The Board voted to expel student 20/21-X-001 from the regular public school program.

• Expulsion of Student 20/21-X-001 for posting a mass shooting threat on social media on November 19, 2020

The Board held a special meeting to address student expulsions. The Board approved the expulsion of one student from the regular public school program for a specified period.

• Approved expulsion of student 20/21-X-001 from November 19, 2020 through August 1, 2021 (7-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)

EQUITY WORKSHOP at 1 p.m. in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board holds its second equity workshop to develop a draft definition of equity, which will later be incorporated into the district's Equity Policy 1.041. This workshop is part of a series preceding the next strategic plan. Board members will seek consensus on the draft and identify stakeholders for community input.

• Workshop to discuss and finalize a draft definition of equity (Discussion item)
• Public speakers may sign up to address the board
• No financial impact reported
• Equity definition will be integrated into existing Equity Policy 1.041

The Board held a workshop to develop a working definition of equity and revise mission-vision statements. Members discussed racial equity, resource distribution, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ identities. The session resulted in a final draft statement to be shared with stakeholders and the community for input.

• Completed a final draft equity statement for community and stakeholder input
• Approved motion to adjourn (7-0)

1. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) at 4 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms

This is a closed session of the School District of Palm Beach County Board for risk management. The agenda contains only procedural items: call to order, a closed discussion, and adjournment. No public business or decisions are scheduled.

• Closed risk management session (no public business)

The board held a closed Risk Management Session. The minutes record no substantive decisions, approvals, or denials.

2. REGULAR BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board held a regular meeting and approved minutes from six prior meetings. The board also approved budget amendments for January 2021, increasing the General Fund by $10,997,505, along with other fund adjustments. Chairman added a personnel addendum (P3) to allow employees to begin new positions sooner. The meeting included committee reports and public speakers.

• Approved budget amendments for January 2021 with $10,997,505 General Fund increase and $4,000,000 Internal Service Fund increase
• Chairman added Personnel Addendum P3 for good cause to expedite employee placements
• Approved minutes from November 2020 Risk Management Session, Special Meeting, Attorney/Client Sessions, Workshop, and Regular Board Meeting
• Heard reports from Academic Advisory Committee, Construction Oversight Review Committee, District Diversity and Equity Committee, General Counsel, and lobbyists
• Meeting included public speakers on agenda topics and elected officials

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda covering facility renovations, budget amendments, and various service agreements. Additionally, the Board approved several sets of meeting minutes and proclaimed March 15-19, 2021, as Government Finance Professionals Week.

• Approved Consent Agenda including budget amendments and facility repairs (7-0)
• Approved proclamation of Government Finance Professionals Week (7-0)
• Approved minutes from seven meetings held in November 2020 and 2021 (7-0)
• Approved motion to allow Erica Whitfield to participate remotely (7-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)

EQUITY WORKSHOP at 1 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board holds the first of several equity workshops, focused on root cause analysis of inequities in Palm Beach County schools. Consultant Mary Fertakis will lead the discussion. No financial impact. The workshop precedes development of the next strategic plan.

• Equity Workshop 1 - Root Cause Analysis led by consultant Mary Fertakis
• Discussion of data points to answer why inequities exist in Palm Beach County Schools
• Workshop to frame a working definition of equity at a future session scheduled for March 31, 2021

5. PALM BEACH SCHOOL BOARD LEASING CORP MEETING immediately following Special Meeting in the Board Room

The Palm Beach School Board Leasing Corp will vote on two action items: electing officers for the coming year and authorizing the issuance of Certificates of Participation (COPs) series 2021A and 2021B, with a combined principal not exceeding $148 million. The tax-exempt series 2021A (up to $136M) will fund Lake Worth Area HS and Boca Raton Area ES; taxable series 2021B (up to $12M) will finance Delray Full Service. Estimated issuance costs are up to $1.27 million.

• Approval of slate of officers: President Frank A. Barbieri Jr., Vice President Karen Brill, Secretary Donald E. Fennoy II, Asst. Secretary Michael J. Burke, Treasurer Leanne Evans
• Authorize resolution to issue COP 2021A (tax-exempt, up to $136M) for Lake Worth Area HS and Boca Raton Area ES
• Authorize resolution to issue COP 2021B (taxable, up to $12M) for Delray Full Service
• Bonds to mature no later than 8/1/2040; estimated net interest rate 3.26%
• Issuance costs capped at $1.27 million

The Palm Beach School Board Leasing Corp approved the issuance of COP series 2021A and 2021B. The board also approved the annual election of officers.

• Approved slate of officers for Annual Election of Officers (7-0)
• Authorized issuance of COP series 2021A and 2021B not to exceed $148 million (7-0)

4. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County is holding a special meeting to approve minutes from several prior closed sessions and a regular meeting, and to act on a consent agenda. The consent agenda includes ratification of a board advisory committee membership list, an amendment to the General Counsel's contract and evaluation tool, and approval of termination of employee Felicia Hardnett. The meeting follows a workshop and is open to public comment.

• Ratify membership list of District Diversity and Equity Committee
• Approve amendment to General Counsel contract and evaluation tool
• Approve termination of Felicia Hardnett effective March 26, 2021
• Approve minutes from seven prior meetings (Oct 7, Oct 21, Nov 2, 2020)
• Chairman added Personnel Agenda item P1 for good cause

The Board approved an emergency modification to Policy 1.093 regarding the Construction Oversight Review Committee to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board also approved a personnel agenda and ratified several membership lists and previous meeting minutes.

• Approved emergency modification to Policy 1.093 Construction Oversight Review Committee (6-0)
• Ratified Construction Oversight and Review Committee membership list (5-0)
• Approved Personnel Agenda (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including disciplinary actions and data sharing agreement (6-0)
• Approved minutes from seven meetings held between October 17 and November 2, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (6-0)

3. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Sessions in the Board Room

The School Board of Palm Beach County holds a workshop to discuss a policy governing electronic devices taken home by students, receive updates on the Capital Plan and 2016 Sales Tax program, and review the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan as they begin developing the next one. No formal action is taken.

• Discussion of Policy 8.124 Electronic Device Take Home Policy
• Capital Plan and 2016 Sales Tax Update (information)
• 2016-2021 Strategic Plan Update (discussion and information)
• Strategic Plan Workshop 2 (discussion on next strategic plan)

The Board conducted workshops to review the Electronic Device Take Home Policy, the Capital Plan and 2016 Sales Tax Update, and the 2016-2021 5-Year Strategic Plan. No formal votes were taken on these policy or planning items; the sessions consisted of presentations and board member comments.

• Approved motion to allow Erica Whitfield to participate virtually (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:55 p.m. (7-0)

2. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following A/C Session in Thurber Conference Rooms

This is a procedural closed session for risk management discussions. No public items are on the agenda. The meeting consists of call to order, closed discussion, and adjournment.

• Closed risk management session (not open to the public)

The board conducted a closed risk management session on March 3, 2021. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Academy for Positive Learning in Thurber Conference Rooms

The School Board of Palm Beach County is holding a closed attorney/client session to discuss litigation in Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. v. SBPBC, currently before the Fourth District Court of Appeal. The meeting opens and closes in public, but the discussion is closed to the public.

• Closed attorney/client session regarding Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. v. School Board of Palm Beach County, Case No. 4D19-2816

The Board conducted a closed attorney/client session concerning Case No. 4D19-2816, Academy for Positive Learning, Inc. v. School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the public minutes beyond the motion to adjourn.

• Adjourned closed session (6-0)

3. REGULAR BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The School Board will vote on a Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to use Anquan Boldin Stadium at Pahokee High School as a COVID-19 vaccination site. The agenda also includes approval of December 2020 budget amendments, contract amendments with Florida Virtual School, and ratification of a board advisory committee membership list. Several items were added or withdrawn by the chairman and superintendent, and two consent agenda items were pulled for separate discussion.

• Memorandum of Understanding with Florida Division of Emergency Management for COVID-19 vaccinations at Anquan Boldin Stadium, Pahokee High School
• Budget amendments for December 2020: $6,000 increase to Capital Projects Fund from Riviera Beach Community Church rental revenue; $187,877 net increase to Special Revenue Fund – Other Federal Programs
• Amendment 2 to Florida Virtual School contract updating course fees (no additional financial impact; contract already $600,000/year)
• Amendment 3 to Florida Virtual School contract adding COVID-19 Student Support Project (no additional financial impact)
• Superintendent withdrew item BRD1 (Master Board Participation, $4,500 fee from Board Office funds); Board pulled BRD1 and PC9 from consent agenda

The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding to use Anquan Boldin Stadium at Pahokee High School as a COVID-19 vaccination site. The Board also passed a large consent agenda including various school construction projects and purchasing contracts. Two proclamations for the Boca Raton City Council and Career and Technical Education Month were approved.

• Approved MOU for COVID-19 vaccination site at Anquan Boldin Stadium (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including 30 action items and 12 purchasing items (7-0)
• Approved First Amendment to contract for West Technical Education Center (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Addendum (7-0)
• Approved new job description (7-0)
• Approved Boca Raton City Council Proclamation (7-0)
• Approved Career and Technical Education Month Proclamation (7-0)
• Approved agenda as presented or amended (7-0)

2. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) immediately following A/C Session

This is a closed session of the School District of Palm Beach County Board, not open to the public, to discuss risk management matters. The agenda contains only procedural items: call to order, the closed session, and adjournment.

• Closed risk management session (no public access)

The Board held a closed Risk Management Session to discuss four cases. No formal votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes.

1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT SESSION (CLOSED) re Tecta America South FL and Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. at 3:30 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms

This is a closed attorney/client session not open to the public. The School Board will discuss pending litigation in the case School Board of Palm Beach County v. Tecta America South Florida, Inc. and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.

• Closed session for case 2019-CA-001253XXXXMB in Palm Beach County Circuit Court

The Board conducted a closed attorney/client session regarding the case SBPBC v. Tecta America South Florida, Inc. and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes other than the motion to adjourn.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

1. WORKSHOP at 2:30 p.m. in the Board Room

The board holds a workshop to discuss the FY22 budget development process and state revenue forecast, an update on the Student Academic Support Plan to address COVID-19 learning loss, and proposed updates to Policy 5.725 for Exceptional Student Education. No votes are taken; this is a discussion-only workshop.

• FY22 Budget Workshop overview and state education revenue forecast
• Update on the Student Academic Support Plan (SASP) to mitigate COVID learning loss
• Proposed updates to School Board Policy 5.725 – Department of Exceptional Student Education

The Board conducted workshops to review the FY22 preliminary budget forecast and the Student Academic Support Plan. Members also reviewed updates to Policy 5.725 regarding the Department of Exceptional Student Education. No substantive votes were taken other than to adjourn the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

2. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

The School Board is reviewing modifications to the Association of Educational Secretaries and Office Professionals (AESOP) collective bargaining agreement. The agenda also includes discussions on upcoming school calendars and various personnel and policy items.

• Modifications to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with AESOP
• 2021-2022 School Calendar
• 2022-2023 School Calendar
• Personnel Agenda with a net financial impact of $128,361
• Palm Beach County Law Enforcement Agencies Mutual Aid Agreement

The Board approved modifications to the AESOP collective bargaining agreement and the 2021-2022 school calendar. It also adopted an emergency modification to the Construction Oversight and Review Committee policy and revised the Inspector General policy regarding the posting of reports.

• Approved revised Policy 1.092 Inspector General (5-2)
• Approved modifications to AESOP Collective Bargaining Agreement (7-0)
• Approved revised 2021-2022 School Calendar (6-1)
• Adopted emergency modification to Policy 1.093 Construction Oversight and Review Committee (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Personnel Agenda and Harvard Proving Ground Amendment 1 (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Denied motion to change wording in Policy 1.092 line 597 (2-5)
• Superintendent withdrew revised 2022-2023 school calendar

1. JOINT MEETING WITH PALM BEACH COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION in the Board Room at 10:45 a.m.

The School Board will hold a joint workshop with the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation via WebEx. No public comment will be heard. The agenda contains only procedural items (Call to Order, Workshop, Adjourn) with no specific decisions or proposals listed.

• Joint workshop with Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation (virtual via WebEx)

The School District of Palm Beach County held a joint workshop meeting with the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation. The session consisted of discussions and comments regarding legislative priorities, K-12 funding, and pandemic-related challenges; no formal votes or decisions were recorded.

1. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) at 3 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms

This is a closed risk management session of the School Board, not open to the public. The agenda consists only of procedural items: call to order, the closed session, and adjournment. No decisions, proposals, or financial items are publicly listed.

The board convened for a closed risk management session. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

2. STRATEGIC PLAN WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

The School District of Palm Beach County Board will discuss the Strategic Plan timeline and draft plans for community engagement. The session is a discussion only, with no financial impact noted. Board members and staff will consider the strategic themes and long‑term outcomes outlined in the draft.

• Review of Strategic Plan timeline
• Draft community‑engagement plans
• Discussion of strategic themes: instruction, climate, talent development, high‑performance culture
• Discussion of long‑term outcomes: reading levels, high school readiness, graduation rates, post‑graduate success
• No financial impact reported

The Board conducted a workshop to discuss the framework, timeline, and stakeholder engagement process for a new Strategic Plan. Members discussed the need for root cause analysis, measurable goals, and broader community representation. No formal policy decisions were made during the session.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

3. BOARD MEETING at 5 p.m. in the Board Room

The board will vote on items added for good cause, including modifications to the collective bargaining agreement with SEIU/Florida Public Services Union and revised salary schedules for school-based administrators and non-bargaining unit employees. The consent agenda includes budget amendments for November 2020, renaming the Adult Education Center to Chuck Shaw Technical Education Center, and agreements with Florida Atlantic University and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.

• Budget amendments for November 2020, including increases of $2,515,706 for federal programs and $1,741,104 for CARES Act relief
• Renaming of Adult Education Center to Chuck Shaw Technical Education Center (cost not to exceed $3,000)
• Amendment to FAU Outreach Agreement for health science clinicals (up to $10,000 from Carl Perkins Grant)
• Education Foundation grant of $38,800 for Healthcare Innovation Project PPE and supplies
• Modifications to collective bargaining agreement with SEIU and revised salary schedules for administrators and non-bargaining employees

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda including multiple school facility design and construction contracts. It also approved the 2021 Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards' Legislative Program and modifications to a collective bargaining agreement. The 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school calendars were postponed to a February 3 meeting.

• Approved Consent Agenda including budget amendments and facility projects (7-0)
• Approved 2021 Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards' Legislative Program (7-0)
• Approved revisions to the 2021 Legislative Platform (7-0)
• Proclaimed January 27, 2021, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day (7-0)
• Approved modifications to Collective Bargaining Agreement with SEIU/FPSU (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Addendum (7-0)
• Postponed 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school calendars to February 3, 2021 (4-3)
• Approved renaming of Adult Education Center to The Chuck Shaw Technical Education Center (7-0)

3. SPECIAL MEETING immediately following Workshop in the Board Room

This special meeting is solely to approve minutes from previous board meetings held in September 2020. The board approved all 14 sets of minutes unanimously. No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from 14 past meetings including workshops, special meetings, closed sessions, and regular board meetings from September 2020

The Board approved several charter school contracts, a membership list for a board advisory committee, and modifications to the collective bargaining agreement with the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association. A proposed revision to the Inspector General policy was tabled until February 3, 2021.

• Approved 2021 modifications to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association (7-0)
• Approved initial charter contract for Covenant Arts Academy Charter, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved 2nd Amendment for Palm Beach Preparatory Charter Academy (7-0)
• Approved ratification of Board Advisory Committee membership list (7-0)
• Approved adoption of Final Order in PBCSB v. Kim Griffin (7-0)
• Approved P1 Personnel Agenda (7-0)
• Approved P2 Job Description (7-0)
• Tabled revised Policy 1.092 Inspector General until February 3, 2021 (7-0)

1. RISK MANAGEMENT SESSION (CLOSED) at 2 p.m. in Thurber Conference Rooms

This is a procedural closed session for risk management, not open to the public. No decisions or proposals are listed; the agenda only contains call to order, a closed discussion, and adjournment.

• Closed risk management session (not open to the public)

The board conducted a closed risk management session on January 13, 2021. The minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

2. WORKSHOP immediately following Closed Session in the Board Room

The School Board holds a workshop to discuss updates to Policy 8.13 covering dropout prevention, alternative education, juvenile justice, and youth services. No votes or financial impacts are listed; the item is for information only.

• Workshop on Policy 8.13 Dropout Prevention/Alternative Education/Juvenile Justice/Youth Services Program updates

The Board held a workshop to review Policy 8.13 regarding dropout prevention and alternative education. No changes were made to the policy, and the session consisted of discussions regarding student movement, site gaps in South County, and staffing.

• Approved motion to allow Barbara McQuinn to participate remotely (7-0)
• No changes made to Policy 8.13 Dropout Prevention / Alternative Education / Juvenile Justice / Youth Services Program
• Approved motion to adjourn workshop (7-0)