Polk County Public Schools, FL

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board is meeting to approve consent agenda items, including facility construction contracts, bid recommendations, and personnel changes. The most consequential items are a $640,488 remodel of a practical medical lab at Lakeland Senior High and a $656,949.73 guaranteed maximum price for re-piping sanitary sewer lines at Lakeland Highlands Middle. The board will also recognize a national abacus competition winner and accept a Kids Tag Art check.

• C-403 Lakeland Sr Practical Medical Lab remodel, $640,488
• C-397 Lakeland Highlands Middle sewer re-pipe, GMP $656,949.73
• C-378 Dale R Fair Babson Park Elem roof replacement, pre-con fee $5,452.38
• C-373 Purcell Elementary ADA improvements, pre-con fee $2,000
• Bid recommendation for School Nutrition Consumable Supplies

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board will hear a superintendent's report on recommended priority preference zones for magnet schools. The work session also includes annual contract renewals under $1 million, budget and staffing updates, a donation report, and board comments.

• Magnet Schools Preferred Priority Zones: Recommendations for PCPS Magnet Schools
• Annual Contract Renewals Under 1 Million
• Staff/District Updates (Budget & Staffing)
• Donation Report
• Board Member Comments

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board work session covers a range of items, including a recommendation to award a $10.2 million health clinic contract to People One Health, a pharmacy benefits manager switch to Rightway, and approval of a Turnaround Option Plan for Eagle Lake Elementary. The board will also hear updates on workforce housing, a new charter school applicant, a new high school, and the five-year capital plan. Several items are informational or for discussion, with formal votes expected at a later board meeting.

• Recommendation to award health center services contract to People One Health, $10,244,520
• Pharmacy benefits manager market check recommends Rightway over incumbent Welldyne
• Eagle Lake Elementary to be a Turnaround Option Plan School, requiring board approval
• TRUST Academy proposes new 6-12 charter school focused on athletics
• RFP 037-DW-0526 recommends Kelly Services for substitute teaching services

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board of Polk County will hold a routine meeting with procedural items including approval of minutes, acceptance of the agenda, and a consent agenda with unspecified items. Public comments will be heard on agenda items and on other topics. No specific rezonings, contracts, or policy changes are detailed in the agenda.

• Acceptance of the August 25, 2026 School Board Agenda
• Approval of minutes of previous Board meeting and Work Session
• Approval of Consent Agenda (items not specified)
• Public Comments on Agenda Items (30-minute limit)
• Public Comments on Items Not on Today's Agenda

Work Session 9:00AM

The School Board of Polk County will hold a work session to discuss budget and staffing matters, including staff updates and annual contract renewals under one million dollars.

• Annual Contract Renewals Under 1 Million
• Budget & Staffing
• Staff/District Updates

Grievance Hearing

The School Board will hear a Step III class action grievance filed by the Polk Education Association. The dispute concerns whether the District incorrectly withheld experience credit for teachers hired or rehired between July 1, 2024, and February 25, 2026. The Superintendent recommends the Board find that the District complied with contractual guidelines.

• Step III Class Action Grievance regarding experience credit and initial salary placement for newly hired teachers
• Proposed motion to uphold the Superintendent's recommendation that no violation of the Teacher Collective Bargaining Agreement occurred
• Recommendation to discuss Article 22 and Appendix B language in future bargaining

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board will discuss rebranding Karen M. Siegel Academy, approve a five-year charter contract for BridgePrep Academy, and review proposed changes to employee vision and dental insurance plans.

• Karen M. Siegel Academy logo and mascot rebranding
• BridgePrep Academy Middle-High School 5-year charter contract
• MetLife vision insurance proposal
• MetLife dental insurance proposal
• Amendment to Post Secondary Dues & Fees 2026-27

This was a work session of the Polk County School Board; no binding votes were taken. Presentations covered the Karen M. Siegel Academy rebranding, a 5-year contract for BridgePrep Academy, human growth and development curriculum updates, and multiple insurance and benefits proposals. The board also reviewed annual contract renewals, budget items, and a request to advertise a public hearing on Policy 5722 regarding school-sponsored publications.

• No decisions or votes recorded; all items were presented for discussion only

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will consider approving a slate of new administrators, including several promotions and appointments to top district roles. The consent agenda includes the promotion of Heather Jenkins to Acting Deputy Superintendent and James Fout to Acting Associate Superintendent/CFO. The board will also recognize sponsors and winners of employee campaigns, hear public comments, and approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Approve new administrators: Heather Jenkins promoted to Acting Deputy Superintendent, James Fout to Acting Associate Superintendent/CFO
• Doug Harwell promoted to Acting Assistant Superintendent, Facilities & Operations
• Brad Tarver promoted to Senior Director, Division of Schools; Ryan Vann to Senior Director, Facilities & Operations
• Curtis Bridges appointed as Director, Risk Management
• Approve minutes from June 9, 2026 work session and board meeting, and July 13, 2026 special board meeting

Special Work Session - Board Retreat 9:00AM - 3PM

The Polk County School Board holds a special work session retreat to discuss student performance outcomes for the 2025-2026 school year, valedictorian and salutatorian policies, magnet school utilization, and school capacity. No formal votes or financial decisions are scheduled; the meeting is informational and planning-focused.

• Tentative look at Student Performance Outcomes for SY2526
• Discussion of Valedictorian and Salutatorian (Vals & Sals) policies
• Magnet School Utilization: priority zones, FTE implications, enrollment and capacity
• School Capacity and Utilization presentation
• Board Member Comments

Special Board Meeting & Administrative Announcements 3:00PM

The Polk County Public Schools Board will consider routine opening items, then vote to accept the meeting agenda and approve the consent agenda. The consent agenda includes approval of administrative and instructional personnel recommendations and the appointment of new administrators. Afterward, the board will hear public comments, a superintendent's report, and individual board member reports.

• Motion to accept the July 13, 2026 Board Retreat agenda
• Motion to approve consent agenda items as presented
• Motion to approve Administrative and Instructional Personnel Recommendations
• Motion to approve appointment of new administrators
• Public comment period limited to 30 minutes (three‑minute per speaker)

The board unanimously approved the July 13, 2026 special meeting agenda, consent items including administrative and instructional personnel recommendations, and new administrator announcements. No substantive policy decisions or financial approvals were made beyond routine procedural actions.

• Approved July 13, 2026 special school board agenda (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items as presented (7-0)
• Approved administrative and instructional personnel recommendations (7-0)
• Approved new administrators (7-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board will consider finalizing 15-year charter contract renewals for Victory Ridge Academy and BridgePrep Academy of Polk, following prior approval of renewal terms. Also on the agenda are a $680,000 builder's risk insurance policy for the new northeast high school, a proposal to expand the control tower operator program at Traviss Technical College, and a book challenge appeal regarding 'Thirteen Reasons Why' and 'Check & Mate'. The board will also discuss athletic fees for non-enrolled students, a hurricane days calendar, and an easement request at Bethune Academy.

• Charter renewals for Victory Ridge Academy and BridgePrep Academy of Polk — 15-year contracts
• Builder's risk insurance for new northeast high school 'BBB Project' — premium NTE $680,000
• Florida Job Growth Grant Fund request for Control Tower Operator program expansion at Bartow Executive Airport — $414,494.07
• Athletic fees for non-enrolled students per Florida Statute 1006.15
• Book challenge appeal: superintendent recommends retaining 'Thirteen Reasons Why' and 'Check & Mate' in high school libraries

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board of Polk County will meet to accept the revised agenda, approve minutes from previous meetings, and hear public comments. Notable agenda revisions include the removal of Superintendent Frederick Heid's contract amendment and the addition of a Half Cent Sales Tax Committee appointee. The board will also recognize students and staff for achievements.

• Removal of Superintendent Frederick Heid Contract Amendment from agenda
• Appointment of Chris Long to Half Cent Sales Tax Committee
• Public Hearing for Policy Updates (Remove 0147, Compensation)
• Recognition of state History Fair winners moving to nationals
• Recognition of high schools with highest voter registration turnout

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board is meeting to vote on a consent agenda that includes a 10-year contract renewal for Mi Escuela Montessori charter school. Other consent items include personnel changes and recognitions. The board also revised the agenda, removing two items related to permanent generators at Tenoroc High School.

• Renewal of Mi Escuela Montessori charter contract for 10 years (consent agenda)
• New administrators: Gian Monacelli as principal of Harrison School for the Arts, Jennifer Martinez as acting principal of Lakeland Highlands Middle
• Recognition of 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner and City of Bartow artwork
• Two items regarding permanent generators at Tenoroc High School (Special Needs Shelter) were removed from the agenda
• Discussion item added for July 1, 2026 Board Retreat date change

The Polk County School Board approved a 10-year contract renewal for Mi Escuela Montessori and a 15-year renewal for The Schools of McKeel Academy. The board also approved a contract with the Polk County Sheriff's Office to provide 53 School Resource Officers for the 2026-27 school year.

• Approved Mi Escuela Montessori contract renewal (10 years)
• Approved The Schools of McKeel Academy contract renewal (15 years)
• Approved McKeel Academy Mulberry contract (5 years)
• Approved Polk County Sheriff's Office contract for 2 Lieutenants and 4 Sergeants (26-27)
• Approved Polk County Sheriff's Office contract for 53 SROs (26-27)
• Approved Project C-00391 - Kathleen Middle structural stabilization ($384,230.00)
• Approved Project C-357 - Purcell Elementary parent drop off/pick up drive ($929,750)
• Approved Rodda Construction as Construction Manager-at-Risk for Project C-391

Work Session 12:30PM

The school board will discuss a proposed collective bargaining settlement with AFSCME Local 2227 covering salaries for 2025-26. Also on the agenda: rule development for 17 school board policies, a $995,000 amendment to the IBM data warehouse contract, a $294,032.64 SAP software change order, and a $6,170,700 revenue agreement with the Early Learning Coalition for VPK services.

• Proposed rule development for 17 school board policies including compensation, conflict of interest, student fundraising, and transportation
• AFSCME Local 2227 2025-2026 salaries and collective bargaining agreement
• IBM Data Warehouse Phase 1 Amendment 4 for $995,000
• SAP SuccessFactors change order for Spanish language pack, $294,032.64
• Early Learning Coalition agreement for VPK services at 61 locations, total revenue $6,170,700

The school board conducted a work session covering policy development, labor agreements, and strategic plan updates. No substantive votes or final decisions were recorded during this meeting.

• 2026-2027 SY Re-Organization deferred to June meeting for further review

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board of Polk County is meeting to approve personnel promotions and recognize various student and community achievements. The board also reviewed revisions to the meeting agenda, including the removal of items related to a Duke Energy easement and generators for Tenoroc High School.

• Promotion of Dr. Fraenda Satchel-Carter to Assistant Director, Compliance ESE
• Promotion of Kevin LeVine to Senior Director, Fine Arts
• Promotion of Caroline Porter to Acting Assistant Principal at Phillip O’Brien Elementary
• Promotion of Matthew Cochran to Assistant Director, Network Operations
• Recognition of Florida Pre-Paid Scholarship recipients and 'I Voted' sticker contest winners

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board will review a comprehensive agreement with Fortress Secured, LLC for $177,544,822 to build a new high school campus in northeast Polk County. They will also discuss the FY 2024/2025 audit, the 2026-2027 Code of Student Conduct, and several charter school contract renewals. A $712,811.40 curriculum adoption for early childhood classrooms is proposed. A discussion to move the July 1 Board Retreat to July 13 is also on the agenda.

• $177,544,822 comprehensive agreement for BBB High School with Fortress Secured, LLC
• $712,811.40 Frog Street curriculum adoption for 174 early childhood classrooms
• Charter renewals: Mi Escuela Montessori (10-year), McKeel Mulberry (5-year), Schools of McKeel Academy (15-year)
• BridgePrep Academy of Polk Middle/High charter application review
• FY 2024/2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and audit presentation

Work Session 9:00 AM

The School Board will discuss a proposed attendance boundary change for Alta Vista K-8 following a February townhall. The board also considers a charter school's request to expand to PreK-12 grade levels, rule development for 16 policies, and an amendment to remove term limits on the Half Cent Sales Tax Committee. A dedicated employee evaluation team proposal and a bonding update are also on the agenda.

• Alta Vista K-8 rezone recommendation with first reading on April 28 and adoption on May 5
• Berkley Accelerated charter school requests contract modification to serve grades PreK-12
• Proposed rule development for 16 school board policies including safety, graduation, and Title IX
• Half Cent Sales Tax Committee charge sheet amendment to remove two-term limit for members
• Centralized employee evaluation system team proposal as follow-up to December 2025 work session

The meeting consisted of various presentations and discussions including school rebranding, rezoning recommendations, and budget updates. No votes or formal actions were recorded in the minutes provided.

Special Work Session - Board Retreat 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board will hold a special work session retreat, discussing the annual update on the District Strategic Plan goals and outcomes for SY25-26, a facility condition assessment for deferred maintenance, and facility utilization including underutilized or 'red' schools. The board will also discuss growth in NE Polk County, student outcome bonus allocation, and receive training on Robert's Rules of Order. No votes are scheduled; the session is for discussion and information.

• Annual summary of District Strategic Plan initiatives and outcomes for SY25-26 (presentation attached)
• Discussion of NE Polk County growth and its impact on schools (draft content, updates expected)
• Review of ALPHA facility condition assessment for deferred maintenance, including cost forecast and prioritization
• Review of facility utilization, including 'red' schools (operational costs exceeding FTE-generated funds) and underutilized schools
• Discussion on Student Outcome Bonus Allocation

The Board met for a special work session retreat to review district strategic plan goals, growth projections, and facility utilization. The meeting concluded with a review of Robert's Rules of Order and adjournment.

• Meeting called to order at 9:04 AM
• Meeting adjourned at 3:08 PM
• Minutes approved and attested June 9, 2026

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board of Polk County will vote to approve a consent agenda including the promotion of Amanda Smith to assistant principal at Davenport School of the Arts, recognize graduates of the Greenhouse Project, and approve minutes from previous meetings. The board also accepted a revised agenda that removed a Duke Energy easement request at Bethune Academy and the Winter Haven Rowdy Gaines Aquatic Center contract renewal, while adding charter school enrollment capacity for SY 2026-2027.

• Approval of Amanda Smith as new assistant principal at Davenport School of the Arts (promoted from testing coordinator)
• Recognition of Greenhouse Project graduates
• Removal of Duke Energy easement request at Bethune Academy from agenda
• Removal of contract renewal for City of Winter Haven Rowdy Gaines Aquatic Center
• Addition of Charter School Annual Enrollment Capacity for SY 2026-2027

Work Session 12:30PM

At this work session, the School Board will discuss charter school annual enrollment capacity for 2026-27, a partnership with Florida Southern College for a track facility, an update on New High School 23 BBB, and a contract renewal for the Rowdy Gaines Aquatic Center. They will also review a donation report and a grants management report covering December 2025 through February 2026.

• Charter School Annual Enrollment Capacity for 2026-27 submitted by each charter school
• Partnership with Florida Southern College and Polk County for a state-of-the-art track facility
• Update on New High School 23 BBB progress since February 24 work session
• Contract renewal for Winter Haven Rowdy Gaines Aquatic Center (under $1 million)
• Quarterly grants management report with new applications/amendments from Dec 2025 to Feb 2026

Work Session 9:00AM

The School Board will review updates on middle school magnet zone rezoning and planned locations for 2026–2027 Pre-K programs. Additional discussions include a Duke Energy easement request at Bethune Academy and budget and staffing presentations.

• Update on district Pre-K programs and summer learning sites for 2026–2027
• Presentation of 'America 250' district-created curriculum resources
• Duke Energy easement request at Bethune Academy in Haines City
• Draft comprehensive middle school rezoning update regarding magnet zones
• Budget and staffing presentation

The board approved the meeting minutes. The superintendent announced that the August board meeting date was changed to August 25, 2026. No other substantive actions were taken during the session.

• Minutes approved
• August board meeting date moved to August 25, 2026

Work Session 12:30PM

At this work session, Polk County School Board will hear presentations and updates on multiple items including charter school renewals, a data warehouse contract amendment, a new alternative education program, and a health insurance administrative agreement. No votes will be taken; the session is for discussion and information.

• IBM Data Warehouse Phase 1 Amendment 3 for $245,000 to integrate student data dashboards
• Meritain Health administrative services agreement with $18.62 per employee per month fee
• Charter renewals for BridgePrep Academy of Polk, Mi Escuela Montessori, and Victory Ridge Academy
• Cypress Junction Montessori contract modification to add temporary instructional space at 330 Ave B SW, Winter Haven
• Alternative Education Program K-5 presentation outlining a new centralized site for students needing specialized support

The work session moved the Budget & Staffing discussion to a subsequent meeting. No other substantive actions, approvals, or votes were recorded. The meeting was adjourned at 5:18 PM.

• Budget & Staffing item moved to a subsequent meeting

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will vote on items including a mileage rate increase for travel reimbursement, a 2-year contract with Wonderhere, Inc., and tentative instructional calendars for 2026-2029. The meeting also includes recognitions for oratorical contest winners, CTAE teachers and students, and Agri-fest supporters, as well as approval of previous minutes and new administrator promotions.

• Polk County mileage rate increase for travel reimbursement (added as revision)
• 2-year contract with Wonderhere, Inc. for services
• Tentative 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029 instructional calendars for students, teachers, and paraeducators
• Right-of-way dedication along Gilbert Street from Pinewood Elementary
• Amendment to installation of wall on Sheriff's Central District Command

The board moved to delay the purchase of the Lake Marion site for future school development until the April 28, 2026 meeting. All consent‑agenda items, including travel reimbursements, budget amendments, facility projects, and contract approvals, were approved unanimously. Minutes from prior meetings were also approved.

• Postponed purchase of Lake Marion site to April 28, 2026 (motion made)
• Approved William Allen travel to COSSBA conference, $1,768.96 (motion carried)
• Approved Travis Keyes travel to COSSBA conference, $1,769.06 (motion carried)
• Approved IRS mileage rate increase to 72.5¢ per mile (motion carried)
• Approved demolition of five Alta Vista Elementary portables, $27,680 (motion carried)
• Approved right‑of‑way dedication along Gilbert Street from Pinewood Elementary (motion carried)
• Approved Cypress Junction Montessori contract modification (motion carried)
• Approved library book purchase lists for all school levels (motion carried)

Special Board Meeting - Step III Grievance Hearing 9:00AM

The School Board of Polk County, Florida held a special meeting to hear a Step III grievance filed by the Polk Education Association on behalf of former VE teacher Sabina Taylor. The grievance challenged a Written Reprimand, later reduced to a Verbal Warning with Written Confirmation, following an August 2025 incident where Taylor placed a nine-year-old student in a CPI Child Control Hold. Witness statements and district investigators concluded the restraint violated policy 5630.01 on seclusion and restraint of students with disabilities. After two prior grievance steps upheld the warning, the board voted 5-1 to uphold the superintendent's recommendation for a written confirmation of a verbal warning.

• Step III grievance hearing for Sabina Taylor, former VE teacher at Spessard Holland Elementary
• Incident: August 15, 2025 student restraint over an iPad, resulting in a CPI Child Control Hold on a nine-year-old
• District found violation of Policy 5630.01 – Seclusion and Restraint of Students with Disabilities
• Board voted 5-1 to uphold superintendent's recommendation for Verbal Warning with Written Confirmation; member Sara Beth Wyatt voted nay
• Taylor surrendered CPI certification and voluntarily transferred to a 5th grade teaching position

The Board approved the Step III Grievance for Sabina Taylor. Additionally, the Board voted to uphold the Superintendent's recommendation for written confirmation of a verbal warning regarding the grievance.

• Approved Step III Grievance - Sabina Taylor (5-0)
• Upheld Superintendent's recommendation for written confirmation of a verbal warning (4-1)

Work Session 10:00AM

The School Board will discuss Title I, Part A allocation projections totaling an estimated $54.9 million for the 2026-2027 school year, along with school eligibility lists. Other items include a request to add a historical marker at Union Academy honoring Mrs. Longworth, a presentation on WonderHere (a contracted services pilot), housing options, and a discussion on growth in Northeast Polk County. The board will also review the budget timeline and annual contract renewals under $1 million.

• Title I, Part A allocation projections: estimated $54,894,877 for 2026-2027
• Historical marker addendum at Union Academy (1897-1969) to honor late Mrs. Longworth
• WonderHere pilot program presentation with draft contracted services agreement
• Housing options presentation by Superintendent
• Northeast Polk County growth discussion (unfinished business)

The board held a work session covering various information items including Title I projections and housing options. No substantive votes or formal decisions were recorded during this meeting.

• No substantive decisions were made during this work session

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board will receive a presentation on a draft comprehensive middle school rezoning plan, including school-specific alternatives and projected cumulative impacts. Other items include renewal of a sidewalk interlocal agreement with Polk County, an amendment to a perimeter wall at the Sheriff's Central Command at Westwood Middle School, a corrective deed for a right-of-way in Haines City, and a right-of-way dedication along Gilbert Street from Pinewood Elementary. The board will also review a proposed travel and expense policy (6550) and a closed session for Safe Schools compliance report.

• Draft comprehensive middle school rezoning with school-specific alternatives and districtwide impacts
• Renewal of interlocal agreement with Polk County for $250,000/year sidewalk construction near schools
• Amendment to extend perimeter wall at Sheriff's Central Command co-located with Westwood Middle School
• Corrective deed and resolution for Massee Road right-of-way dedication in Haines City
• Right-of-way dedication of ~11,550 sq ft along Gilbert Street from Pinewood Elementary to Eagle Lake

This work session included presentations on internal audits, land right of way dedications, and middle school rezoning. The board discussed changing the names of Alta Vista Elementary and Bella Citta Elementary to include K-8 designations.

• Discussed name change from Alta Vista Elementary to Alta Vista K-8
• Discussed name change from Bella Citta Elementary to Bella Citta K-8

Board Meeting 5:00PM

This is a regular meeting of the Polk County School Board. The board will vote on a consent agenda including a land assignment for a new BBB High School, a corrective deed with Haines City, and personnel actions. The purchase of the Lake Marion site for future development has been removed from the agenda. The meeting also includes recognitions and approval of previous minutes.

• Land assignment for new BBB High School (item U #4)
• Corrective deed & resolution with Haines City for Masse Rd right of way dedication
• Purchase of Lake Marion site for future school removed from agenda
• New administrators promoted: Kimberly Hall (Winter Haven High) and Larry Atchison (Walter Caldwell Elementary)
• Recognition of First South Florida Missionary Baptist District Association for donations to Crystal Lake, North Lakeland, and Purcell Elementary

The School Board approved multiple construction and renovation projects, including a wastewater plant replacement and school roof work. Additional approvals included board member travel, personnel actions, and various information technology upgrades.

• Approved Combee Academy of Design & Engineering Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement ($2,299,652.00)
• Approved Dale R Fair Babson Park Elem. Bldg. 2 Roof Replacement & Interior Renovation ($2,500,000.00)
• Approved Traviss EMS renovation for Safe Schools Administrative Office Building ($1,242,800.00)
• Approved William Allen travel to FSBA 38th Annual Day in the Legislature ($780.00)
• Approved Kate Wallace travel to FSBA 38th Annual Day in the Legislature ($550.00)
• Approved SAP Upgrade Change Request - Additional Mock Cutover ($58,000.00)
• Approved SAP Upgrade Change Request - Extend Go Live Date to March ($225,000.00)
• Approved DGR-SOW: Strategic Transition Services ($246,850.00)

Work Session 9:00AM

The School Board of Polk County, Florida, holds a work session to discuss several agenda items, including a one-year extension of the Cypress Junction Montessori charter contract, a new charter application from McKeel Academy for a school in Mulberry, and two change requests for the SAP system upgrade totaling over $283,000 in additional costs. The board will also review a pilot program for real-time ASL translation, an update on the STEEL program at Ridge Technical College with a proposed expansion to Traviss, a budget workshop on the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), and an update on the new high school project with land acquisition details. A closed session for collective bargaining is also scheduled.

• Cypress Junction Montessori charter contract extension through June 30, 2027
• McKeel Academy Mulberry charter application for grades Pre-K–6 with projected 434 students
• SAP upgrade change request adding $58,000 for a mock cutover and $225,000 to extend go-live to March 2026
• TranslateLive pilot program at no cost for real-time ASL interpreting in classrooms
• New high school project update with multiple land appraisals and donation agreements

The Polk County School Board convened a work session where district staff presented updates on charter school contracts, IT system upgrades, budget programs, and a new high school project. No votes were recorded, and the board did not approve or deny any proposals during this meeting.

Special Work Session - Board Retreat 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board will hold a special work session/retreat to discuss student achievement data for five fragile schools, a comprehensive school rezoning update with draft recommendations, and a new high school update. Also on the agenda: a Schools of Hope colocation discussion and training on the new Employee Central self-service platform. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only retreat.

• Student data review for five turnaround schools: Crystal Lake Middle, Dixieland Elementary, Eagle Lake Elementary, Kathleen Middle, North Lakeland Elementary
• Comprehensive school rezoning update including draft recommendations and consolidation discussion (file: retreat item school consolidation v2.pdf)
• Schools of Hope colocation discussion reviewing reasons for denial of previous submissions
• New high school update with P3 timeline (file: P3 timeline_1-7-26.pdf)
• Phase 1 of SAP upgrade: Employee Central self-service platform training

The Polk County Public Schools Board held a special work session focused on presentations rather than formal votes. Members received updates on fragile school performance, comprehensive rezoning, a new high school project, and an IT system upgrade. The board requested additional data from charter schools but took no binding actions or made any motions during the retreat.

Special Board Meeting 9:00AM

The board approved amendments to the Polk County Schools Legislative Agenda and authorized two members' travel to the Polk Day in Tallahassee event. The amendments passed 6-1 and the travel passed 7-0. No other substantive decisions were made; the remainder of the meeting was procedural or informational.

• Approved amendments to the Polk County Schools Legislative Agenda (motion carried 6-1, William Allen nay)
• Approved travel for Board Members Sara Beth Wyatt ($596) and Justin Sharpless ($507) to Polk Day in Tallahassee, Jan 21-23, 2026 (motion carried 7-0)
• Public comments were scheduled on agenda items and non-agenda items (no action taken)
• Board accepted the agenda as presented (procedural)
• Reports from superintendent, attorney, auditor, and board members (information only)

The Polk County Schools Board of Education met on January 9, 2026, to adopt district advocacy priorities and authorize board member travel. Members approved amendments to the schools’ legislative agenda and authorized out-of-county travel for legislative meetings in Tallahassee through March 2026. All other items were informational reports or public comments with no further action taken.

• Approved amendments to the Polk County Schools Legislative Agenda (6-1)
• Authorized travel for Board Members Wyatt and Sharpless to Polk Day in Tallahassee, Jan 21–23 (7-0)
• Approved advanced out-of-county legislative travel to Tallahassee from January through March 2026 (7-0)
• Accepted the meeting agenda as presented (7-0)