Polk County Public Schools public meetings in 2021

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board accepted the meeting agenda, recognized 2022 Presidential Scholars finalists, honored scholarship donors and employee award winners, approved minutes from the November 9, 2021 meetings, and approved the consent agenda. The board also confirmed promotions for several administrators, including a new Associate Superintendent and new assistant principals. Public comment procedures were reviewed and approved.

• Motion to accept the December 14, 2021 agenda (carried)
• Recognition of 2022 Presidential Scholars district finalists
• Donor recognition by the Polk Education Foundation
• Approval of November 9, 2021 Board and Work Session minutes
• Approval of new administrator promotions (e.g., Brain Warren to Associate Superintendent, Arnetta Hunter to Assistant Principal)

The Board approved 15-year charter renewals for Achievement Academy and Berkley Accelerated Middle School. Several facility projects and budget amendments were approved via the consent agenda. Public comments were heard regarding the Reproductive Health Curriculum.

• Approved 15-year charter renewal for Achievement Academy (5-0)
• Approved 15-year charter renewal for Berkley Accelerated Middle School (5-0)
• Approved $1,005,000 contract with Aramark Management Services for UVC Disinfection System (5-0)
• Approved $1,649,567 project increase for Denison Middle New Gymnasium (5-0)
• Approved $650,000 project to provide Musco Lighting at Davenport High School (5-0)
• Approved $840,000 project increase for Lakeland Employee Clinic addition (5-0)
• Approved $19,404 for demolition of seven portables over 20 years old (5-0)
• Approved no-cost Articulation Agreement with Polk State College (4-0, 1 abstain)

Work Session 12:30PM

At the December 14, 2021 work session, the Polk County School Board will hear a presentation of the 2020‑2021 internal funds audit. The board will also discuss a K‑8 lease‑purchase project with Public Schools Development Solutions and review the required reproductive health curriculum materials. Financial statements for the period ending October 31, 2021 and a donation report will be provided for information. New business includes assigning school board committee memberships for the upcoming term.

• Presentation of the 2020‑2021 Internal Funds Audit report
• Discussion of K‑8 Lease/Purchase project with Public Schools Development Solutions (PSDS)
• Review and possible approval of reproductive health curriculum as mandated by Florida statutes
• Presentation of financial statements for the period ending October 31, 2021
• Assignment of school board committee members for the new term

The board held a work session consisting primarily of informational presentations and discussions. No formal votes were recorded on the presented items. The board requested to receive the donation report on a monthly basis.

• Requested to receive Donation Report each month

Grievance Hearing/Special Called Board Meeting 3PM

The Polk County School Board is holding a special grievance hearing to discuss a Step V grievance filed by AFSCME Local 2227 on behalf of Maintenance Department employees concerning premium pay. The board will hear presentations from the superintendent's legal representative and the union. This is a discussion item, not a final vote.

• AFSCME Local 2227 Step V Grievance Hearing - Maintenance Class Action regarding premium pay

Reorganization Meeting-Non Election Year

The Polk County School Board held its annual reorganization meeting, electing a Board Chair and Vice-Chair and setting the schedule for future meetings. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings, adopted a consent agenda, and confirmed a new administrator for facilities and operations.

• Election of Sara Beth Wyatt as Board Chair by majority vote (6-1, with Kay Fields dissenting)
• Election of Lisa Miller as Vice-Chair (4-3 vote)
• Approval of meeting schedule: work sessions on second and fourth Tuesdays, board meetings on fourth Tuesday at 1915 S. Floral Avenue
• Approval of Resolution 2021/2022-6 authorizing banks to honor warrants signed by the Board Chair and Secretary
• Approval of new administrator Harry Fix as Senior Planner, Senior Director of Facilities and Operations

The Board conducted its reorganization meeting, electing new leadership and approving several facility and technology contracts. The board also approved a rate lock agreement with PNC Bank and updated staff technology policies.

• Elected Sara Beth Wyatt as Board Chair (6-1)
• Elected Lisa Miller as Vice-Chair (4-3)
• Approved $8,604,879 Summit Agreement for Phase 3 Network Build
• Approved $520,000 BlackGlove contract
• Approved $304,035.40 Support Fleet purchase for 2021/22 SY
• Approved $3,500 pre-construction fee for Semco Construction at Babson Park Elementary
• Approved roof replacement bids for Frostproof Middle/Senior and Gause Academy
• Approved naming the Cleveland Court Elementary Media Center after Mrs. Francis Fowler

Work Session 12:30PM

The board will review the Charter Review Team’s renewal recommendations for Achievement Academy and Berkley Accelerated Middle, whose contracts expire June 2022. The superintendent’s report includes discussion of a refunding of COPS 2021A Series expected to save over $200,000, a Turnaround Option Plan for Griffin Elementary, an update on Hazel Health Care, and the expansion of Bella Citta Elementary. Additionally, the board will consider salary recommendations for the Professional Technical Group and the naming of Cleveland Court Elementary’s media center.

• Charter renewal evaluations for Achievement Academy and Berkley Accelerated Middle
• Refunding COPS 2021A Series with estimated $200,000+ savings
• Turnaround Option Plan for Griffin Elementary to improve school grade
• Bella Citta Elementary expansion discussion
• Professional Technical Group salary recommendation

The board conducted a work session featuring presentations on charter school renewals, bond refunding, and employee salary recommendations. No substantive votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Work Session - Board Retreat 11:00AM

This is a work session and board retreat with no votes or decisions scheduled. The only substantive item is a discussion of the roles and responsibilities of board members, facilitated by the Florida School Boards Association. Board member comments will also be heard.

• Discussion of board member roles and responsibilities
• Board member comments

The board held a work session and retreat. The record indicates a discussion regarding the role and responsibilities of the board via the FSBA, but no substantive decisions were recorded.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will vote on accepting a revised agenda that postpones the addition of a middle school at Bella Citta Elementary to the November 9 meeting. The board will also approve minutes from prior meetings, recognize donors and award recipients, hear public comments, and approve a consent agenda of routine items.

• Acceptance of revised agenda postponing Item J11 (addition of middle school to Bella Citta Elementary) to Nov. 9
• Approval of consent agenda (multiple routine items approved by single motion)
• Recognition of James & Faye Gassett Trust for charity donations to Bartow High and Roosevelt Academy
• Recognition of 13 teachers earning master's in reading through district grant funds
• Safe Sleep Awareness Proclamation presented to Healthy Start Coalition

The Board approved the five-year capital and work plan and several school facility projects, including roof replacements and campus renovations. A $1,728,688 grant for English language acquisition was also approved. A motion to release an employee for job abandonment failed due to a lack of a second.

• Approved FY 2022-FY 2026 Capital Plan and Work Plan (7-0)
• Approved Title III Part A Grant application for $1,728,688 (7-0)
• Approved roof replacement projects for Anna Woodbury Campus, Gause Academy, and Polk City Elementary (7-0)
• Approved A.D. Morgan/Ducon as Construction Manager for Garner Elementary and Southwest Middle renovations (7-0)
• Cancelled Construction Manager Contract with Miller Construction for Babson Park Elementary (7-0)
• Approved 2022 PCPS Legislative Priorities (7-0)
• Approved Phase III documents for Garner Elementary and Southwest Middle renovations (7-0)
• Motion to release Jenna Heistand for job abandonment failed (lack of second)

Work Session 12:30PM

Polk County Public Schools work session will discuss the proposed conversion of Bella Citta's K-5 to a K-8 middle school, estimated at $20 million from impact fees. Other items include the five-year capital plan, termination of school use at Alturas Elementary, and school security reports. No votes are expected; this is a discussion session.

• Proposed conversion of Bella Citta K-5 to K-8 school, $20M from impact fees, opening August 2023
• Review of Five-Year Capital Plan FY 2022-2026 and sales tax projects
• Plan to terminate school use at Alturas Elementary, build new school at CR653 and Old Bartow-Lake Wales Rd
• Review of 2021/22 School Security Risk Assessment and Safe Schools annual report
• Discussion of Network Phase 3 build with 30-year dark fiber agreement for non-Bartow/Lakeland schools

The board unanimously agreed to investigate converting Bella Citta from a K-5 to a K-8 school to increase capacity in the northeast area. Other items discussed included the Five-Year Capital Plan, school security reports, and land acquisition options, though no formal votes were recorded for those items.

• Unanimous consensus to investigate adding a middle school to Bella Citta campus

Special Board Meeting 11am

The Polk County School Board approved the consent agenda including a collectively bargained tentative agreement for paraeducator and educational support personnel salaries for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, and the 2022 Self-Funded Employee Health Plan. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings and a final agency action on a bid protest (Zayo Group Inc vs. School Board). Item L2, a revised tentative school calendar, was removed from the agenda.

• Approved 2021-2023 paraeducator and clerical support salary agreements and health plan
• Approved final agency action on bid protest DOAH Case #21-1708 BID (Zayo Group Inc vs. School Board)
• Removed item L2 (Revised 2021-2022 Tentative School Calendar) from agenda
• Approved minutes from September 7 and 28 work sessions and board meeting
• Approved all consent agenda items including personnel contracts

The Board approved a two-year salary agreement and contract language for para-educators and educational support personnel, as well as the 2022 Self-Funded Employee Health Plan. The Board also approved a Final Agency Action regarding a bid protest case.

• Approved 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 para-educator and clerical support staff salaries, contract language, and 2022 Self-Funded Employee Health Plan (4-0)
• Approved Final Agency Action Bid Protest DOAH Case #21-1708 BID (Zayo Group Inc vs. School Board of Polk County, FL and Wanrack Holdings LLC and Wanrack LLC) (4-0)
• Approved October 12, 2021 School Board Agenda as Revised (4-0)
• Approved September 7, 2021 Work Session meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved September 7, 2021 School Board meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved September 28, 2021 Work Session meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved October 12, 2021 Consent Agenda Items (4-0)

Work Session 9:00 AM

The Polk County School Board will discuss a proposed two-year salary agreement with the Polk Education Association for paraeducator and clerical staff, pending ratification. Also on the agenda: changes to the open enrollment timeline for Career Academies and Magnet/Choice programs, revised job descriptions for community liaison and network manager positions, and a $1.245 million Perkins grant application for career academies.

• Proposed two-year salary agreement with Polk Education Association (pending ratification)
• Changes to open enrollment timeline for Career Academies and Magnet/Choice for 2022-23
• Revised job description for Director, Community Liaison
• New job description for Paraeducator, Network Manager (11-month) due to pandemic workload
• Carl D. Perkins Secondary Grant application, $1,245,476 for career academies

The board reached a consensus to move forward with advertising a revised job description for the Director, Community Liaison position. Other items discussed included open enrollment timelines, a new para-educator network manager role, and tentative salary agreements for support staff.

• Consensus reached to advertise revised Director, Community Liaison job description

Work Session 9:00 AM

The board will discuss a COVID‑19 update and hear from local medical experts about the pandemic’s trajectory and impact. An information item notes that the Edward W. Bok Academy North/LWCS charter contract has been modified to change its permanent location to 401 N 4th Street, Lake Wales, FL 33853, with the formal amendment to be considered at the October 26, 2021 board meeting. No financial impact is listed.

• COVID‑19 update (discussion item)
• Discussion with local medical experts on COVID trajectory and local impact (discussion item)
• Charter contract modification for Edward W. Bok Academy North/LWCS changing address to 401 N 4th Street, Lake Wales, FL 33853 (information item, no cost)
• Board member comments (information item)

The board held a work session featuring a COVID-19 update from Superintendent Fred Heid regarding cases, quarantines, and student absences. No substantive votes or policy decisions were recorded during this meeting.

Board Meeting 5:00 PM

The Polk County School Board will hold recognitions and proclamations, including a $9,000 dictionary donation from Bartow Rotary Club, heroic teacher recognition, and proclamations for Disability Awareness, Hispanic Heritage, LGBT History, and Red Ribbon months. The board will also approve minutes from the August 24, 2021 meeting.

• Bartow Rotary Club raised $9,000 to provide 3,000 dictionaries to third-graders
• Recognition of Lake Region High teachers Samantha Bangley and Coach Geoffrey Bangley for assisting an injured football player
• Recognition of scholarship donors including John and Yonih Livingston Trust and Brokers Realty of CFI
• Proclamations for Disability Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBT History Month, and Red Ribbon Month
• Approval of minutes from the August 24, 2021 School Board meeting

The Board approved the final budget and millage rates for 2021-2022. Several grants and contracts were approved via the consent agenda, and multiple district policy updates were adopted.

• Adopted 2021-2022 Final Budget and Millage Rates (6-0)
• Approved Required Local Effort millage of 3.581 mills (6-0)
• Approved Discretionary Operating millage of 0.7480 mills (6-0)
• Approved Local Capital Improvement millage of 1.5000 mills (6-0)
• Approved UniSIG 2021-2022 Grant for $5,409,181.22 (6-0)
• Approved Title II Part A Continuation Grant for $4,713,186.93 (6-0)
• Approved naming of Boone Middle School band building for Cheryce Harris (6-0)
• Approved updates to 8 district policies including Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment (6-0)

Work Session 12:30 pm

The Polk County Public Schools Board will discuss several items at a work session, including draft 2022 legislative priorities, the 2021-2022 student progression plan, and multiple grants. Notable discussion items include a $11,486,013 Head Start continuation grant, a $1,728,688 Title III grant for English language learners, and a pilot program for white fleet vehicle leasing. The board will also review organizational chart changes, a school construction proposal, and a COVID-19 update.

• Head Start continuation grant application for $11,486,013 (federal $8,572,969 plus local match and USDA)
• Title III Part A grant continuation for $1,728,688 for English language learner services
• White fleet vehicle leasing pilot program with first-year cost of $189,342
• Review of 2022 Polk County Public Schools legislative priorities
• Discussion of 2021-2022 Student Progression Plan

The board held a work session consisting of discussion and information items. No substantive decisions, votes, or approvals were recorded in the minutes.

Work Session 12:30 pm

The Polk County Public Schools work session will review several policy updates, a proposal to add the FOCUS Special Student Services module, and tentative collective bargaining agreements with additional salary costs for AFSCME staff. The board will discuss approving the salary settlements for bus drivers, custodial and support staff, and nutrition assistants, pending the August 21 employee ratification vote. Other items include a building naming recommendation and a Medasource COVID‑19 contact‑tracing contract.

• Delete policy 8450.01 Protective Facial Coverings during pandemic events
• Add FOCUS SSS to replace Enrich system for IEP/504/ESOL/MTSS services
• Approve AFSCME salary settlements: Bus Drivers $1,394,765; Custodial/EERS/Maintenance/Vehicle Services/Warehouse $2,536,963; Nutrition Assistants $733,629
• Name Boone Middle School band building after Cheryce Harris (no financial impact)
• Medasource COVID‑19 contact tracing and nursing supervision contract $248,200 (ESSER Grant fund)

Board Meeting 5:00 PM

The Polk County School Board approved the agenda, recognized six schools removed from turnaround status and USF master's graduates, and hired new administrators including Wayne Green as Deputy Superintendent and Jason Pitts as Chief of Staff. The board also approved minutes from July meetings and a consent agenda of routine items.

• Hiring Wayne Green as Deputy Superintendent (from Duval County)
• Hiring Jason Pitts as Chief of Staff (from contracted Finance Director)
• Six schools removed from state's Differentiated Accountability turnaround status
• Recognition of USF Masters of Educational Leadership Cohort graduates
• Approval of consent agenda and prior meeting minutes

Grievance Hearing/Special Called Board Meeting 3PM

The Polk County School Board held a grievance hearing for a Step III grievance filed by the Polk Education Association on behalf of former Lakeland High School teacher Ambria Llauger-Torres. The board voted 5-2 to deny the grievance regarding a verbal warning issued for refusal to complete lesson plans.

• Grievance hearing for PEA Step III Grievance #463 - Teacher Ambria Llauger-Torres, Lakeland High School
• Motion to deny grievance passed 5-2
• Issue: whether a March 11, 2021 verbal warning for failure to complete lesson plans should be withdrawn
• Board members voting aye: William Allen, Lori Cunningham, Sarah Fortney, Lynn Wilson, Lisa Miller; nay: Sara Beth Reynolds, Kay Fields

Work Session 12:30 pm

The Polk County School Board will hold a work session to discuss 15 items, including a $1.5 million contract for educational services, a COVID-19 update, a health plan renewal proposal for 2022, mental health allocations, and policy updates. No votes will be taken; these are discussions only.

• Discussion of a contract for educational services with an approximate cost of $1,500,000
• COVID-19 update from Deputy Superintendent John Hill
• Health plan renewal proposal for 2022, covering projections, funding, and plan design
• Mental health allocation discussion for the 2021-22 school year
• Policy updates including face coverings during pandemic and anti-harassment revisions

The board reached a consensus to remove the mask policy from board policies and make masks optional for students returning to face-to-face learning. The board also reached a consensus to hire Yvette Vega as the Executive Assistant to the School Board Members. Other items were presented for discussion without recorded votes.

• Consensus to remove mask policy from board policies
• Consensus to hire Yvette Vega as Executive Assistant to the School Board Members

Board Meeting 5:00 PM

The Polk County School Board will accept the revised meeting agenda, recognize community contributions, and allow public comment on educational matters. It will approve minutes from the June 8 and July 20 board meetings. The board will also approve a consent agenda that bundles several routine actions into a single motion. Finally, the board will announce promotions for a number of school administrators.

• Motion to accept the School Board agenda as revised (motion carried)
• Kids Tag Art check presented by Tax Collector Joe Tedder (recognition)
• United Way 2020 District Campaign top schools recognized (recognition)
• Approval of June 8, 2021 School Board and Work Session minutes and July 20, 2021 minutes (motions carried)
• Approval of consent agenda items (single motion carried)

The Board approved significant funding increases for the Garner Elementary and Southwest Middle school master plans. Several grant applications and facility contracts were also approved via the consent agenda.

• Approved $41,514,176 increase for Southwest Middle Master Plan (7-0)
• Approved $28,141,427 increase for Garner Elementary Master Plan (7-0)
• Approved $1,095,758 architect contract with Zyscovich, Inc. for New Elementary School 21-C (7-0)
• Approved $1,510,605 Title I, Part C continuation grant for Migratory Children (7-0)
• Approved $217,412 Title I Part D continuation grant for Neglected & Delinquent programs (7-0)
• Approved $250,000 School Improvement Grant Cohort 4 continuation grant (7-0)
• Approved $162,000 agreement with Learning Resource Center Inc. (7-0)
• Approved Rodda Construction, Inc./NuJak Development as Construction Manager for Denison Middle gymnasium with $9,500 fee (7-0)

Tentative Budget - Special Board Meeting

The Polk County School Board unanimously approved advertising the Superintendent's tentative 2021-2022 budget for a public hearing on July 27, 2021. The board will later consider adopting the budget and certifying millage rates, with a final hearing scheduled for September 7, 2021. The agenda also included public comment periods and reports from the superintendent, attorney, and board members.

• Approved advertising the Superintendent's 2021-2022 tentative budget on July 24 for a July 27 public hearing
• Public hearing set for 5:01 p.m. on July 27 at Jim Miles Professional Development Center
• Final budget hearing scheduled for September 7, 2021 at 5:01 p.m.
• Motion to accept the agenda carried unanimously (7 ayes)
• Public comments limited to 3 minutes per person, total 30 minutes

The School Board approved the advertisement for a public hearing regarding the Superintendent's 2021-2022 tentative budget. The public hearing is scheduled for July 27, 2021, at 5:01 p.m.

• Approved permission to advertise the Superintendent's 2021-2022 Tentative Budget (7-0)
• Accepted the July 20, 2021 School Board Agenda (7-0)

Work Session 12:30 pm

The Polk County School Board will discuss the proposed construction of a new high school in the Poinciana area, including a land purchase of approximately 85 acres at $75,000 per acre (estimated $6.375 million). Other discussion items include IDEA grant allocation, a Moody's ratings review, legislative updates, policy changes, and a face covering update. This is a work session; no formal votes are scheduled.

• Proposed Poinciana High School site: 85 acres offered at $75,000/acre, estimated $6.375 million
• Discussion of 2021-22 IDEA grant allocation (amount not yet known from FLDOE)
• Moody's ratings review of the district's credit ratings (Aa2 issuer, Aa3 COPs)
• Proposed policy updates including naming of facilities (Policy 7250) and Neola-recommended bylaw changes
• Face covering/mask policy update as outlined in Student Code of Conduct

The board held a work session to discuss various administrative and policy items. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes for the items discussed.

Board Meeting 5:00 PM

The board will accept the agenda, hear public comments, and approve minutes from previous meetings. They will also recognize the Mobile Food Pantry program for donating 132,417 meals valued at $270,130 to five Winter Haven elementary schools, and recognize two students for perfect attendance.

• Recognition of Mobile Food Pantry partnership providing 4,540 boxes (158,900 lbs) of food valued at $270,130 to five Title I schools
• Recognition of Bartow IB Senior Logan Duncan and Bartow High Senior Kamryn Cribbs for perfect attendance K-12
• Approval of minutes from May 11, 2021 Board Meeting and Work Session
• Approval of minutes from four Superintendent Search meetings in 2020

The Board approved the creation of a new elementary school project (21C) and several architectural and construction contracts for campus modernizations. Multiple sets of meeting minutes from 2020 and 2021 were approved. The Board also authorized various budget increases and project reallocations.

• Approved $35,000,000.00 to create a new elementary school project (21C) (7-0)
• Approved $942,884.00 architect contract with Zyscovich, Inc. for Garner Elementary (7-0)
• Approved $1,455,200.00 architect contract with Straughn Trout Architects, LLC for Southwest Middle (7-0)
• Approved $703,477 bid to A.O. Construction for Lake Wales Support Services fueling station and a $250,000 project increase (7-0)
• Approved $285,934.00 GMP and $2,000 fee for Semco Construction at Lake Gibson Sr. (7-0)
• Approved $481,506.00 bid to Allied Roofing for Snively Elementary (7-0)
• Approved $536,173.37 budget increase for Kathleen Middle Building 1 renovation (7-0)
• Cancelled Mulberry Sr. stadium drainage project and reallocated $320,000 to campus renovation (7-0)

Board Meeting 5:00 PM

The Polk County School Board is meeting to approve consent agenda items including a $569,100 School Improvement Grant to reduce recidivism in former low-performing schools, a $500,000 budget increase for artificial turf at Mulberry Senior High, and the Bartow High School Master Plan Phase IIB-III documents. The board will also recognize health services staff for pandemic service and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• 2020-2021 School Improvement Grant Targeting Recidivism for $569,100
• Increase Mulberry Senior High Project #C-00307 by $500,000 for artificial turf field
• Bartow High School Master Plan Phase IIB - Phase III documents (consent agenda)
• Special Appreciation for Health Services for nursing staff during pandemic
• Approval of April 27, 2021 Board Meeting and Work Session minutes

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda including several school renovation projects, architect selections, and federal grants. Key financial actions included a budget increase for Mulberry Senior High and the purchase of instructional materials.

• Approved $500,000 budget increase for Mulberry Senior High artificial turf field
• Approved $569,100 School Improvement Grant Targeting Recidivism
• Approved $260,860 contract with Parlier + Crews Architects for Medulla Elementary cafeteria
• Approved $593,570 purchase of Study Edge materials
• Approved $193,600 purchase of Imagine Math for middle school students
• Approved architect selections for Garner Elementary (Zyscovich, Inc.) and Southwest Middle (Straughn Trout Architects, LLC)
• Cancelled construction manager contract with Warren Construction Management, LLC for Lk. Region Sr
• Approved interlocal agreement with Polk County for traffic signal at Davenport High School/Davenport School of the Arts

Work Session 12:30 pm

The Polk County School Board holds a work session to discuss items including a 5-year charter contract renewal for Cypress Junction Montessori, a recommended name for the combined Ben Hill Griffin and Frostproof Elementary schools, and the 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct update. Other topics include adult lunch meal pricing compliance, budget projections, school naming policies, a mask update, and a job description for an executive assistant. No votes are taken at work sessions.

• 2021-2022 Code of Student Conduct update with $10,000 printing costs
• Adult lunch meal price update to address non-compliance since 2018
• Budget update for 2020-21 and 2021-2022 projections
• Cypress Junction Montessori charter renewal for 5-year term (K-8, 220 5th Street SW, Winter Haven)
• Recommended name 'Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. Elementary' for combined school

The board held a work session to discuss student conduct, meal pricing, budget updates, and school naming. No formal votes were recorded for the discussion items, though the board reached a consensus to postpone the mask policy debate. Members also nominated representatives for the FSBA Legislative Committee.

• Consensus reached to hold mask discussion at June 8, 2021 meeting
• Nominated Sarah Fortney to FSBA Committee with Lisa Miller as alternate
• Nominated Sara Beth Reynolds to Advocacy Committee with Lisa Miller as alternate
• Requested revised suggestions for Policy 7250.01 and 7250 for next work session

Board Meeting 5:00 PM

The School Board is conducting a meeting that includes special recognitions for community members and instructors. The agenda also includes the approval of several sets of meeting minutes and a consent agenda.

• Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
• Recognition of Sergeant First Class Bryan Johnson as JROTC Instructor of the Year
• Parental Alienation Awareness Month Proclamation
• Approval of March 9, 2021 School Board Meeting Minutes
• Approval of March 9, 2021 Work Session Minutes

The Board approved a series of consent agenda items including school construction contracts, interior painting projects, and administrative reappointments. Key approvals included a $4M renovation for Kathleen Middle and a $1.65M A/C replacement at Traviss Technical College.

• Approved $4,014,334.18 for Kathleen Middle Building 1 Renovation (7-0)
• Approved $1,652,260 for Traviss Technical College A/C Replacement (7-0)
• Approved $672,449.97 for district-wide building number installation (7-0)
• Approved $193,000 contract with CMHM Architects for Denison Middle Gymnasium (7-0)
• Increased Bartow Sr. Building 12 A/C and electrical project budget to $3,000,000 (7-0)
• Approved administrative contract reappointments for 2021-2022 (7-0)
• Approved Change Order 7 to add Early Childhood Learning Center to Willow Oak School (7-0)
• Approved $3,000 contract increase for Learning Resource Center of Polk County Inc. (7-0)

Work Session 1:00 PM

Polk County Public Schools holds a work session to discuss charter school enrollment projections, a sales tax revenue update, the 2021-2022 student progression plan, a $250,000 NFL Foundation grant for Mulberry High School's synthetic turf field, and collective bargaining agreements with the Polk Education Association covering about 9,000 employees. The board will also review a district staffing plan and begin the superintendent search process.

• Charter school projected enrollment for SY 2021-2022, with sponsor review of requested increases
• Sales tax update: revenues, expenditures, accomplishments, and future projects
• NFL Foundation Grassroots Program grant: $250,000 matching grant for Mulberry HS synthetic turf field; total project cost $880,400
• PEA 2020-2021 salary and contract negotiations: recommended approval of tentative agreements covering 9,027 employees, with a $18,039,377 Teacher Salary Increase Allocation
• 2021-2022 Student Progression Plan updated; IB/Cambridge attendance zone changes deferred to a committee for 2022-2023

The board conducted a work session consisting of discussions on enrollment, grants, and personnel. No substantive votes or final decisions were recorded during this session.

Special Board Meeting - Superintendent's Search 5:00 PM

This special board meeting focuses on the superintendent search. The board will consider approving finalists for the position and discuss interview schedules, selection methods, and contract negotiations. Public comments are allowed on agenda items under set procedures.

• Motion to approve Superintendent Search Finalists (names to be added after discussion)
• Discussion of finalist interview schedule and selection process
• Public comment period limited to 3 minutes per speaker, 30 minutes total

Work Session 1:00 PM

The school board will discuss charter school applications, a charter expansion, a Head Start funding increase, and the superintendent search. They are expected to select finalists for the superintendent position and discuss interview logistics and contract negotiation.

• Charter Review Team recommendations on five charter applications (one withdrawn: Lux Mundi Academy)
• Ridgeview Global Studies Academy contract modification to add grades 9-12
• Head Start COLA increase of $102,200 from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
• Superintendent search: select finalists, discuss board questions and interview schedule
• Financial statements for period ending February 28, 2021

The board reviewed recommendations for charter school applications and discussed a contract modification for Ridgeview Global Studies Academy. Consensus was reached to approve Head Start COLA funds and a no-cost extension. The board also identified five finalists for the superintendent search.

• Approved Mater Academy Elementary Davenport charter application
• Denied Mater Academy Davenport Middle School charter application
• Denied Navigator Academy of Leadership High School charter application
• Denied Navigator Academy of Leadership Virtual School charter application
• Denied Polk County Acceleration Academy charter application
• Approved increase of 2021 Head Start COLA funds by consensus
• Approved extension of no-cost extension to November 30th by consensus
• Selected finalists 39, 38, 43, 25, and 31 for superintendent search

Impasse Hearing 5PM

The School Board met to consider a Special Magistrate's Report regarding 2020-2021 salary issues. The discussion focused on teacher salaries under HB641 and compensation for paraeducators and educational support personnel.

• Teacher salary increases under HB641 Teacher Salary Increase Allocation (TSIA)
• Minimum base salary discussions for full-time classroom teachers
• Paraeducator salaries
• Educational Support (clerical) Personnel salaries

Work Session 12:30 PM

The Polk County School Board will discuss several items at this work session, including the annual financial review of its self-insured health plan, a proposal from IDEA Public Schools to open a charter School of Hope in Lakeland, and a recommended boundary for the new Bella Citta Elementary School. The board will also review a state IT operational audit, the 2021-2022 Student Progression Plan, and information on a CARES Act GEER grant worth $132,555.55. No votes are scheduled; these are discussion items to inform future decisions.

• Annual financial review of the district’s self-insured health plan for 2020 (required state report due March 31, 2021)
• IDEA Public Schools’ Notice of Intent to open a School of Hope in Lakeland by August 2023
• Mater Academy, Inc. charter application presentation for proposed elementary and middle schools
• Recommended attendance boundary (Option 5) for Bella Citta Elementary School, opening August 2021
• CARES Act GEER Data Informed Supports Grant of $132,555.55 for progress monitoring due to the pandemic

Step III-B Grievance Hearing 3PM

This is a Step III-B grievance hearing for teacher Matthew Pelletier, who challenges his ineligibility for a $4,000 retention bonus under a federal grant. The superintendent recommends denial of the grievance. The board will vote on the matter.

• Grievance by teacher Matthew Pelletier over $4,000 retention bonus under UniSIG grant
• Superintendent recommends denial of the grievance
• Step III-B hearing after Step I and Step II denials
• Union (Polk Education Association) represents the grievant
• Board vote on the grievance recommendation

Special Work Session - Superintendent Search 9:00am

This is a special work session where Polk County School Board members meet with FSBA representatives to discuss the next steps in the superintendent search. Attached documents include candidate recommendations, tally sheets, draft letters to semifinalists, sample interview schedules, and contract/salary information.

• FSBA representatives to discuss next steps of the Superintendent Search with Board members
• Attached: CSC recommendations (CSC 7 recs Polk.docx), Polk CAC Tally Sheet (2/18 complete).xlsx
• Draft letters to semifinalists and upload instructions included
• Sample interview schedules for 3, 4, or 5 finalists provided
• Sample contract and salary information (841 KB PDF) attached

Board Meeting 5:00 PM

The School Board met to approve several administrative appointments and procedural items. Actions included the recognition of Arts in Our Schools Month and the approval of various school administrator roles.

• Appointment of Heather Donhauser, Assistant Principal at Jewett Middle Academy
• Appointment of Dorothy Ewing, Principal at Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary
• Appointment of Rayna Kieffer, Assistant Principal at Blake Academy
• Appointment of Lyndsey Kulcher, Principal at Highlands Grove Elementary
• Approval of the annual Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) facilities data certification