Polk County Public Schools public meetings in 2023

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of multiple administrator promotions and a contract with Day 1 Academies, doing business as Bezos Academy. The meeting also features special recognitions, including a student holiday musical performance and donor recognition, followed by public comments and approval of the November 14 work session minutes.

• Approval of 15 new administrators, including promotions at schools like Haines City High, Lake Alfred Elementary, and Auburndale High
• Motion to approve a contract with Day 1 Academies (Bezos Academy) — passed unanimously
• Student holiday musical performance introduced by Director of Fine Arts Beth Cummings
• Donor recognition for the 21st Take Stock in Children Golf Scramble by the Polk Education Foundation
• Employee recognitions for Focused on Excellence winners

The Board approved a multi-million dollar contract for water infrastructure and authorized several portable building demolitions. They also approved various tutoring contracts, personnel actions, and board member travel expenses.

• Awarded $4,661,294.40 contract to SEMCO Construction for bottle filler and water cooler installs (6-0)
• Approved $250,000 for Academic Tournament Award 2023-2024 (6-0)
• Approved demolition of two portables at North Lakeland Elementary for $9,950.00 (6-0)
• Approved demolition of one portable at Southwest Middle School for $4,500.00 (6-0)
• Approved demolition of two portables at Mulberry Senior (6-0)
• Approved Varsity Tutors Online Tutoring Platform for 2023-2024 school year (6-0)
• Approved $942.00 travel expenses for William Allen and Justin Sharpless (6-0)
• Approved contract with Day 1 Academies, dba Bezos Academy (6-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board discusses charter school renewals for Polk State College Chain of Lakes Collegiate HS, Navigator Academy, and Ridgeview Global Studies Academy, along with hiring 20 high school interns ($40,000), Head Start staffing requests, policy updates, SAP upgrade, and Safe Schools annual report. These are work session items for discussion and recommendation.

• Hiring 20 high school student interns for CTE/Academy with $40,000 from Title IV funds
• Charter renewal reviews for three schools: Chain of Lakes Collegiate HS (15 yrs), Navigator Academy (5 yrs), Ridgeview Global Studies Academy (15 yrs)
• Head Start COLA ($488,409) and QI ($266,605) staffing request for social worker and office systems specialist
• Policy updates on instructional materials selection, challenges to materials, and web content
• Safe Schools 2022-2023 annual report and school security risk assessment review

The board conducted a work session featuring presentations on student internships, charter renewals, and policy updates. No substantive votes or decisions were recorded during the session.

Reorganization Meeting-Non Election Year 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board holds its annual reorganization meeting, electing a board chair and vice-chair for the upcoming year. The meeting also includes recognitions of students and donors, public comment, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Election of Dr. William Allen as Board Chair
• Election of Vice-Chair (nomination pending)
• Recognition of Polk County Presidential Scholars Nominees
• Recognition of scholarship donors via Polk Education Foundation
• Approval of minutes from October 24, 2023 meetings

The School Board conducted its reorganization, electing a new Chair and Vice-Chair. The board also approved several facility contracts and a redistricting map. Personnel actions and various consent agenda items were passed.

• Elected Dr. William Allen as Board Chair (6-0)
• Elected Justin Sharpless as Vice-Chair (6-0)
• Approved redistricting of Map 6 (4-2)
• Approved $231,000 pre-construction fee for Wharton-Smith at High School 23BBB (6-0)
• Approved $4,197,178.07 change order and $3,845,754.60 project increase for Southwest Middle School (6-0)
• Approved Joint Use agreement with City of Lake Wales (6-0)
• Approved addition of Bella Citta K-8 to Imagine Learning Platform at no extra cost (6-0)
• Authorized banks to honor warrants signed by Board Chair and Secretary (6-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board holds a work session to discuss a proposed high school relieve site, enrollment projections, a draft 2024 legislative platform, and policy updates. Other items include partnership presentations with InnerAct/UthMPact and Citrus Connection, a 6-period day schedule for eligible juniors and seniors, and a closed session. No votes are taken at this work session.

• Proposed high school relieve site
• Capital planning: enrollment projections presentation
• Draft 2024 legislative platform for review
• Policy updates recommended by NEOLA and staff
• 6-period day schedule for eligible juniors and seniors for 2024-2025 Student Progress Plan

The meeting consisted of presentations and reports; no substantive decisions were made. Board members reviewed enrollment projections, policy updates, and a proposed high school relief site.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The board will vote on accepting the agenda and approving minutes from prior meetings (Sept. 5 and Sept. 26, 2023). Recognition items include a Kids Tag Art check presentation and employee awards for Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year nominees. Public comments on agenda items are also scheduled, but no major policy or budget decisions are listed.

• Acceptance of the October 24, 2023 School Board Agenda
• Approval of minutes from Sept. 5, 2023 Work Session and Board Meeting, and Sept. 26, 2023 Work Session
• Kids Tag Art check presentation by tax collector's office
• Focused on Excellence employee recognitions in Clerical, Paraeducator, and Administrator categories
• Recognition of Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year nominees

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda covering administrative travel, facility updates, and educational grants. Several outdated portable buildings at various schools were approved for demolition. The board also approved agreements for migrant tutoring and career development.

• Approved travel for Rick Nolte ($1,131.00), Justin Sharpless ($1,131.00), and William Allen ($1,286.00) (6-1)
• Approved Hurricane Nicole Public Assistance Grant for Category B Expenses (6-1)
• Approved Farmworkers Career Development grant (6-1)
• Approved agreements with Learning Resource Center Inc for TIPD-ND & At Risk and K-12 Migrant tutoring (6-1)
• Approved updated five-year capital and work plan (6-1)
• Approved demolition of portables at Frostproof Elementary, Traviss Technical College, Stambaugh Middle School, and District Office Bartow (6-1)
• Approved design for new PE locker room building at Southwest Middle School (6-1)
• Approved contracts and contract changes under $250,000 for various projects from July-September 2023 (6-1)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board will hold a work session to discuss several items, including a proposed settlement of 2023-2024 teacher and staff salary contracts, a $3.2 million FortiNAC network security deployment, a policy allowing late start/early release for juniors and seniors, and updates on a magnet school grant and charter contract modification. The board will also review the Florida Safe School Assessment Report and a Title IX policy draft.

• Settlement of 2023-2024 Polk Education Association contract negotiations covering teacher, paraeducator, and clerical salaries
• FortiNAC full deployment by DGR Systems at a cost of $3,229,547.78 for network access control
• Proposed policy to allow juniors and seniors on track for graduation to enroll in 6 courses with late start or early release
• Berkley Accelerated Middle School charter contract modification for a name change to 'Berkley Accelerated'
• Informational review of the 2023-2024 Florida Safe School Assessment Report for Polk County

The board conducted a work session consisting of reports and presentations. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded during this meeting.

Work Session 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board holds a work session to discuss partnership updates from Heartland For Children and the American Heart Association, review school improvement plans, and hear a proposal to expand Polk State College Collegiate High School to include 10th grade. Other agenda items include policy updates on weapons, search/seizure, and background checks, an update on the Incident IQ help desk implementation, and redistricting. A closed session is scheduled after the work session.

• Polk State College Collegiate High School charter contract modification to add 10th grade (to be voted on Oct. 24)
• Policy updates on weapons, search and seizure, criminal background screenings, and school improvement (recommended by NEOLA)
• Redistricting update (presented by Superintendent Frederick Heid)
• Incident IQ district-wide help desk implementation update (approved spring 2023)
• Head Start services report, including CLASS monitoring review in late October

The board conducted a work session consisting of presentations and reports. No substantive decisions, votes, or approvals were recorded during the meeting.

Work Session 9:00AM

The School Board of Polk County, Florida, holds a work session to discuss multiple initiatives including partnerships for a Summer Trades Academy and Girls Inc., a facility upgrade at Tenoroc High School and Southeastern University, policy updates from NEOLA, and a Head Start grant extension. The board also will review Pre-K expansion, high school project options, and leadership changes in the Division of Schools.

• Summer Trades Academy Program partnership with Polk County Public Schools
• Girls, Inc. of Lakeland partnership presentation
• Tenoroc High School and Southeastern University facility upgrade discussion
• Policy updates recommended by NEOLA and staff
• Request to extend Head Start CRRSA and ARP grant 04HE000324 through March 21, 2024

The board conducted a work session consisting of presentations and reports. No substantive decisions, votes, or approvals were recorded in the minutes.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will consider a consent agenda that includes a $313,516 federal grant for homeless children and youth services and the promotion of four administrators. The meeting also includes procedural items like approving minutes and setting public comment rules.

• Approval of $313,516 Title IX grant for homeless children and youth, with funds for case management, tutoring, and a new technician position
• Promotion of Laura McCabe to Director of Labor & Employee Relations
• Promotion of Camaran Cella to Acting Assistant Principal at Carlton Palmore Elementary
• Approval of minutes from August 22 board meeting and work session

The Board adopted the Required Local Effort Millage of 3.160 mills for the 2023-2024 final budget. Other key actions included approving a $64.1M grant application and a district reorganization. The Board also authorized several facility projects and personnel actions via the consent agenda.

• Adopted Required Local Effort Millage of 3.160 mills (7-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 ESEA Consolidated Grant Application for $64,191,998.74 (7-0)
• Approved District Reorganization (7-0)
• Approved $276,000 project to replace/reroof lower roof at Crystal Lake Middle (7-0)
• Approved Title IX, Part A (TIXPA) project for $313,516.00 (7-0)
• Appointed Bishop Willie Mincey to the Half Cent Sales Tax Oversight Committee (7-0)
• Approved FY 2022/2023 Annual Financial Report (7-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 Uniform Assessment Calendar (7-0)

Work Session 3:00PM

The School Board will discuss the Five-Year Work Plan update for FY24-28, covering new capacity projects, modernizations, renovations, and major maintenance. A donation report for August 2023 will also be presented. The board will review the upcoming regular meeting agenda and hear board member comments.

• Five Year Work Plan Update for FY24-28, required by statute to be submitted to the State Department of Education
• Donation Report for August 2023
• Board Agenda Review of the 9.5.23 Board Meeting Agenda
• Board Member Comments

The board conducted a work session that included a presentation on the Five Year Work Plan for FY24-28. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded during the meeting.

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board of Polk County will discuss a $64.2 million consolidated federal grant application for Title I, II, III, IV programs, a $12.9 million Head Start continuation grant, the annual financial report, the five-year capital plan, the student progression plan, and other items at this work session. No voting is scheduled; items are presented for review and discussion only.

• ESEA Consolidated Grant Application totaling $64,191,998.74 for Title I, II, III, IV programs
• Head Start Continuation Grant of $12,910,759 to serve 942 children
• FY2021/2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit
• Five Year Capital Plan and Work Plan for new capacity, modernizations, and maintenance
• 2023-2024 Student Progression Plan update

The board conducted a work session consisting of presentations on grants, financial audits, and district reorganization. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded during the session.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board will consider approving a consent agenda of routine items and appointing several new administrators, including a Regional Assistant Superintendent and principals. The meeting also includes recognition of a business partnership and employee awards, public comments, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approve new administrators: Telay Kendrick as Acting Regional Assistant Superintendent, Middle School Region
• George Millar promoted to Director, Transportation & Operations
• Multiple assistant principal appointments at Bethune Academy, Lake Gibson Middle, Doris Sanders Learning Center, Padgett Elementary, George Jenkins High, and Auburndale High
• Recognition of The Lay Group Foundation donation to Southwest Elementary
• Approval of July 25, 2023 Board and Work Session minutes and June 2023 Work Session minutes

The Board approved a $1.2 million contract with Winter Haven Hospital's Center for Behavioral Health and an agreement for instructional materials. Members also approved several land easements for utilities and transportation, as well as travel reimbursements for two board members.

• Approved $1.2M contract with Winter Haven Hospital dba Center for Behavioral Health (7-0)
• Approved $436,319.25 for News 2 You instructional materials (7-0)
• Approved $757.75 travel reimbursement for Justin Sharpless (7-0)
• Approved $757.75 travel reimbursement for Rick Nolte (7-0)
• Approved management services agreement extension with Aramark (7-0)
• Approved easement for City of Lakeland Utilities at Southwest Middle School (7-0)
• Approved easement for City of Lakeland Utilities at Travis Technical College (7-0)
• Approved temporary access easement for FDOT adjacent to Bryant Stadium (7-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board will discuss renaming Fred G. Garner and James E. Stephens elementary schools to academies under a $14.5 million federal magnet grant. Other items include charter contract modifications and renewals, naming athletic buildings at Lake Region High School, a device insurance plan, and a $1.6 million shelter grant amendment for three schools.

• Renaming Fred G. Garner Elementary to Fred G. Garner Academy and James E. Stephens Elementary to James E. Stephens Academy under a $14.5M MSAP grant.
• Naming athletic buildings at Lake Region High School: Stephen White Stadium, Randy Howze Weight Room, John Bridges Softball Complex.
• Charter contract modification for BridgePrep Academy and renewals for Language & Literacy Academy and Mater Middle.
• Discussion of a student and staff device insurance plan with repair and replacement fees for 2023-24.
• Amendment of a $1.6 million shelter grant for Frostproof Middle/Senior, Ft. Meade Middle/Senior, and Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Elementary.

The board conducted a work session consisting of presentations and reports. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board meets to recognize employees and business partners, hear public comments, and approve routine items including the consent agenda. The consent agenda includes over 20 new administrator appointments and promotions at various schools. The board will also approve minutes from the June 13 meeting.

• Recognition of Dan Talbot, Senior Director of Athletics, as a finalist for Administrator of the Year
• Recognition of Focused on Excellence program business partners
• Approval of consent agenda with new administrators including Cassandra Peters promoted to Senior Director of Exceptional Student Education
• Approval of minutes from June 13, 2023 board meeting
• Public comments limited to 3 minutes per speaker, 30-minute total period

The Board approved a $6,249,074.00 mental health application for the 2023-24 school year. Multiple facility upgrades were authorized, including a roof replacement at Sikes Elementary and a new cafeteria at Spook Hill Elementary. The Board also approved various personnel actions and learning support contracts.

• Approved 2023-2024 Mental Health application for $6,249,074.00 (7-0)
• Approved $490,000.00 roof replacement bid for Sikes Elementary Building 3 (7-0)
• Approved Rodda Construction as manager for Spook Hill Elementary new cafeteria with $16,958.10 fee (7-0)
• Approved $280,100 low bid to TMJ Construction for countywide safe school numbers (7-0)
• Approved $21,780 agreement with School Board of Seminole County for ECTAC (7-0)
• Approved $332,810.00 purchase from Diversified Business Machines, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved $464,090.40 contract with Anderson Center for Autism (7-0)
• Approved district reorganization and personnel actions (7-0)

Work Session 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board will discuss the 2023-24 tentative budget plan including departmental staffing requests. The Superintendent's report includes a proposal to name a lab at Rochelle School of the Arts in honor of Mr. Herman Jenkins. No financial impact amounts are listed for either item.

• 2023-24 budget overview and departmental staffing requests
• Naming of lab at Rochelle School of the Arts after Herman Jenkins

The Board held a work session to review the 2023-24 budget overview and departmental staffing requests. No substantive votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Work Session 12:30PM

At this work session, the Polk County School Board will discuss charter school contract renewals for Janie Howard (5 years), Polk Ave (5 years), Bok N (10 years), Lake Wales High School (10 years), and PSC Gateway (5 years). They will also hear a presentation from El Shaddai Community Academy, a proposed K-12 charter school using Classical education and STEAM, and review the Charter Review Team's recommendation on Navigator High School of Leadership. Additionally, the board will consider the annual K-12 Comprehensive Evidence-Based Reading Plan and an updated refund policy for technical colleges along with credit card convenience fees.

• Charter contract renewals discussed for Janie Howard, Polk Ave, Bok N, LWHS, and PSC Gateway
• Presentation by El Shaddai Community Academy for a proposed K-12 charter school
• Charter Review Team's recommendation on Navigator High School of Leadership
• Update to Technical College Refund Policy and convenience fees for credit card transactions
• K-12 Comprehensive Evidence Based Reading Plan (CERP) for 2023-2024

The board conducted a work session consisting of presentations and reports. No substantive decisions, votes, or approvals were recorded in the minutes.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The board voted to approve a list of new administrators, including promotions to principal, regional superintendent, and senior director positions. They also recognized Scobee Scholarship recipients and Focused on Excellence employee winners. Public comments were heard, and minutes from the May 9 meetings were approved.

• Approval of 16+ new administrators (principals, senior directors, acting heads) under consent agenda
• Recognition of two Scobee Scholarship recipients for gifted students
• Employee recognitions for custodial, maintenance, warehouse, and professional technical staff
• Approval of minutes from May 9, 2023 board meeting and work session
• Public comment period of 30 minutes with speaker registration

The School Board approved several facility projects, including a new softball field and portable demolitions. The board also authorized various personnel contracts, budget amendments, and special education service agreements.

• Approved $2.2M for new softball field at Haines City Sr (6-0)
• Approved $900,000 annual waste removal and recycling amendment (6-0)
• Approved $626,292 Supplemental Support for CSI Schools Grant (6-0)
• Approved contract with EPI Educational Partners International up to $750,000 (6-0)
• Approved $86,964.29 in post-secondary accounts receivable write-offs (6-0)
• Approved $8,400 for demolition of two portables at Garner Elementary (6-0)
• Approved lease of 0.26 acres at Crystal Lake Middle School to Boys and Girls Club for $1/month (6-0)
• Approved $461,212.50 contract with Stepping Stones Group, LLC for SLP ESE services (6-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board of Polk County will review the revised 2023-2024 Code of Student Conduct, which has an estimated $10,000 printing cost. They will also discuss naming policies, consider naming a fieldhouse and several buildings in honor of educators, receive a pedestrian and bicycle safety presentation, and hear updates on charter schools and the district's self-insured health plan.

• 2023-2024 Code of Student Conduct (revised edition, $10,000 printing cost)
• Naming of Frostproof Middle/High School fieldhouse in honor of John Donati
• Naming of Bartow High School Building 47 (Science & Technology Center) in honor of Adele Allison
• Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) School of Hope performance-based agreement for a charter school in Mulberry
• Annual financial review of the district's self-insured health plan (2022 plan year)

The board conducted a work session featuring presentations on the 2023-2024 Code of Student Conduct, a new naming policy, and various school facility naming proposals. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded during this session.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board is meeting to approve minutes of the April 25 meetings, a consent agenda including new administrators, and several recognitions. The board will recognize the inaugural Superintendent's Florida Prepaid Scholarship recipients, the District Advisory Council, and Project SEARCH participants. The consent agenda was approved with one nay vote.

• Approve minutes of the April 25, 2023 board and work session meetings
• Approve consent agenda including new administrators Stephanie Doran and Dru Gainey
• Recognition of Superintendent's Florida Prepaid Scholarship recipients
• Recognition of 2022-2023 District Advisory Council
• Recognition of Project SEARCH district wide transition

The Board approved a series of consent agenda items, including numerous federal ESSER grants for literacy, math, and supplemental programming. Other approved actions included funding for school safety personnel and travel reimbursements for board members.

• Approved CRRSA ESSER II Supplemental Programming grant for $13,900,306.39 (5-1)
• Approved ARP ESSER III Supplemental Programming grant for $6,063,151.00 (5-1)
• Approved Title II, Part A grant application for $5,665,715.15 (5-1)
• Approved 41 PCSO Deputies for Safe School Office at $3,827,728.00 (5-1)
• Approved ARP ESSER III Summer Learning Camps grant for $2,250,242.00 (5-1)
• Approved CRRSA ESSER II Reading Tutoring for K-3 Students grant for $2,178,128.00 (5-1)
• Approved 2 Lieutenants and 4 Sergeants for Safe School Office at $766,786.00 (5-1)
• Approved Resolution 2022/2023-7 waiving fuel bidding for hurricane/tropical storm emergencies (5-1)

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will meet to accept the agenda, approve minutes, and recognize School Library Month and voter registration achievements. The board will also vote on a consent agenda covering multiple items and consider the appointment of Harry Fix as Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations. The meeting is largely procedural with no proposed rezonings or fee changes.

• Proclamation recognizing April as School Library Month
• Recognition of Lake Gibson High and Summerlin Academy for voter registration efforts
• Approval of minutes from March 28 and April 11 meetings
• Approval of consent agenda covering multiple operational items
• New hire: Harry Fix as Assistant Superintendent, Facilities and Operations

The Board approved several high-value facility projects, including a significant price increase for the Bella Citta Middle School addition. Other approved actions included a $1.46M IT implementation and a $5M property insurance renewal.

• Approved $29,838,681.23 GMP for Bella Citta Middle School addition, including a $10,468,681.23 increase (7-0)
• Approved $1,460,375.04 for Incident IQ full implementation (7-0)
• Approved property insurance renewal with AJ Gallagher not-to-exceed $5,000,000 (7-0)
• Approved $2,503,528 for Stephens Elementary interior remodel (7-0)
• Approved $596,400 contract for Spook Hill Elementary replacement cafeteria (7-0)
• Approved $297,900 to create project for Medulla Elementary roof replacement (7-0)
• Approved $548,890.00 for Driving Choice Grant Program (7-0)
• Approved $48,750.00 for Imagine Language and Literacy software (7-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board work session will hear superintendent reports on several federal grant awards, including a $13,900,306.39 ESSER II supplemental programming grant, multiple ARP ESSER III grants, and a presentation by Platform Art, Inc. The board will discuss how these funds will support literacy, STEM, summer learning camps, and instructional materials across the district.

• Platform Art, Inc. presentation (no financial impact listed)
• RCMA School of Hope operator notice of intent for Mulberry area
• CRRSA ESSER II Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative grant – $376,428.00
• ARP ESSER III Supplemental Programming grant – $13,900,306.39
• ARP ESSER III Summer Learning Camps grant – $2,250,242.00

The board conducted a work session consisting of presentations regarding various federal grants, partnership reports, and an amendment for broadband services. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded during this session.

Work Session 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board will discuss adding portables and a new softball field at Haines City Senior High School to accommodate student growth, with a one-time cost of $3.6 million and ongoing annual lease payments of $759,580. Other agenda items include planning on-campus collegiate programs at Lake Region and Ridge Community High Schools, charter school enrollment projections for 2023-24, and a proposal to name the George Jenkins High School football field after the late Jerry May.

• Portables and softball field at Haines City Senior High School: $3.6 million initial cost plus $759,580 annual lease
• Proposed naming of George Jenkins High School football field in honor of Jerry May
• Charter school projected enrollment for SY 2023-2024 to be reviewed
• New on-campus Associate of Arts/Science programs planned for Lake Region and Ridge Community High Schools
• Request to add elementary agriculture course for 2023-24 school year

The board conducted a work session consisting of presentations on school programs, facilities, and enrollment. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded during the session.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will accept the revised March 28 agenda, approve the February 28 meeting minutes, and adopt the March 28 consent agenda items. It will recognize Crystal Lake Elementary’s UCF‑Certified Community Partnership status, honor staff and student achievements, and provide a public comment period. No financial impacts are listed for any item.

• Motion to accept the March 28, 2023 School Board Agenda as Revised
• Approval of the February 28, 2023 School Board and Work Session minutes
• Approval of the March 28, 2023 Consent Agenda Items
• Recognition of Crystal Lake Elementary as a UCF‑Certified Community Partnership School
• Employee and student recognitions (Focused on Excellence winners and NAHB competition first‑place students)

The School Board approved several facility projects, including a major HVAC replacement and roof upgrades. The board also approved a budget and staffing plan, various budget amendments, and a $355,263 Farmworkers Career Development grant.

• Approved $4,743,171.25 HVAC replacement at Ben Hill Griffin Jr Elementary (7-0)
• Approved $355,263.00 Farmworkers Career Development grant (7-0)
• Approved $417,000.00 lease agreement with Xen Five, LLC for Winter Haven property (7-0)
• Approved $365,000.00 project to replace roof at Fort Meade Mid/Sr Auditorium (7-0)
• Approved Budget and Staffing Plan (7-0)
• Approved budget amendments for December 2022 and January 2023 (7-0)
• Approved demolition of security trailer in Bartow for $8,500.00 (7-0)
• Approved demolition of Portable 99-763 at Bartow High School for $3,897.00 (7-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board holds a work session to discuss several agenda items, including a proposed $1.46 million contract for the Incident IQ help desk and asset management system, a $755,014 increase in Head Start funding, and a $548,890 grant for new bus routes. The board will also review the FY 2023-24 budget and staffing allocations and hold a closed session.

• Incident IQ contract: $1,460,375.04 for a 3-year full implementation after a pilot
• Head Start COLA and Quality Improvement award: $755,014
• Driving Choice Grant Program: $548,890 to offset contracted bus service costs
• Closed session scheduled from 1:00PM-2:00PM
• Discussion of FY 23-24 Budget and Staffing

The board conducted a work session featuring presentations on community partnerships, grant programs, and budget updates. No substantive votes or decisions were recorded during this session.

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board holds a work session to review a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Polk Education Association covering teachers, paraeducators, and educational support personnel, pending union ratification. Also on the agenda: discussion of the FY 2023-24 budget and staffing allocations, a charter school renewal for Polk State Lakeland Gateway, and presentations on a proposed Institute of Service Leadership at Ridge Community High School and a new charter application for Patterson Preparatory Academy.

• Tentative agreement on 2023-2024 contract language with Polk Education Association (teacher, paraeducator, ESP groups)
• Discussion of FY 2023-24 budget and staffing allocations, including job description modifications
• Charter renewal review for Polk State Lakeland Gateway to High School (expires June 30, 2023)
• Proposal to develop an Institute of Service Leadership at Ridge Community High School in partnership with Rosen College of Hospitality (UCF)
• Applicant presentation for proposed Patterson Preparatory Academy charter school

The board conducted a work session consisting of presentations and reports. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board of Polk County is meeting to handle procedural items including approval of minutes, public comments, and special recognitions. No major policy decisions or financial actions are on the agenda. The board will recognize seven National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, a foreign language teacher of the year, and a school's Lighthouse certification.

• Recognition of seven National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
• Recognition of Luisa Meyer as Florida Foreign Language Teacher of the Year
• Franklin Covey Leader in Me Lighthouse School Certification for Davenport School of the Arts
• Approval of minutes from February 14 and January 24 meetings
• Public comments on agenda items (3-minute limit per speaker)

The Board approved several construction projects, including new grandstands and an agricultural building. They also authorized budget amendments for 2022-2023 and approved various personnel and staffing updates.

• Approved $1,996,000 for Kathleen Senior football field grandstands (6-0)
• Awarded $1,265,654.16 contract to Waller Construction for Lake Region High School Ag Building (6-0)
• Approved $390,000 roof replacement for J.H. Wilson Elementary and $140,000 budget increase (6-0)
• Approved $268,000 roof replacement for Ridge Technical College (6-0)
• Approved $508,026 for Davenport School of the Arts walkway repairs (6-0)
• Approved $3,959,177.15 for Title IV, Part A Student Support and Academic Enrichment (6-0)
• Approved budget amendments for September, October, and November 2022 (6-0)
• Approved school staffing plan and personnel updates (6-0)

Work Session 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board holds a work session with presentations on a Girl Scouts partnership, State Farm Insurance, the 2021-2022 internal funds audit, additional portables and a softball field for Haines City Senior High School, a Google Drive to Microsoft Office 365 migration at a cost of $122,208, and library book purchases for multiple schools. No votes are scheduled; all items are for discussion.

• Presentation of 2021-2022 internal funds audit by Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs (required by Florida law)
• Discussion of additional portables and a softball field for Haines City Senior High School due to student population growth
• Google Drive to Microsoft 365 migration with financial impact of $122,208 (funds reservation 10841958)
• Library book purchases for elementary, K-8, middle, and high schools following state law s. 1006.28
• Partnership presentation with Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida

The board held a work session consisting primarily of reports and presentations. The only substantive actions were the assignment of board members to specific committees.

• Appointed Ms. Fields to the Value Adjustment Board Committee
• Appointed Ms. Wyatt as alternate for the Value Adjustment Board Committee
• Appointed Ms. Cunningham to the Calendar Committee
• Appointed Ms. Miller as alternate for the Calendar Committee

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board will hear presentations on the kidsPACK program, a new PCPS Project College initiative with a $122,490 budget, and graduation rate updates. They will also discuss fiscal year 2023-2024 budget and staffing allocations, review a donation report, and consider quarterly superintendent approvals.

• Presentation on kidsPACK program (12:30-12:45 PM)
• PCPS Project College program for first-generation, low-income students with $122,490 financial impact
• Graduation rate update presentation
• Discussion of FY2023-2024 budget and staffing allocations
• Review of December 2022 donation report

The board conducted a work session featuring presentations on KidsPACK, Project College, graduation rates, and the annual budget. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded during this session.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will hold a regular meeting on January 24, 2023, covering procedural items, special recognitions (Career and Technical Education Month and Black History Month), public comments, approval of minutes, and consent agenda. The most substantive action is approval of new administrators, including promotions and transfers at several schools.

• Tina Chapman promoted from Assistant Principal to Acting Principal at Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Elementary
• Torsha Cunningham promoted from Curriculum Specialist to Director of Magnet Schools
• Dart Meyers transferred from Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Elementary to Principal of New School 21C
• Sara Van Hook promoted from Assistant Principal at Willow Oak School to Principal of Bartow Elementary Academy
• Laura Webster transferred from TRST Program Specialist to a new role

The Board approved several federal grants totaling over $8 million and renewed charters for four schools. It also approved new attendance boundaries for three schools and renamed McLaughlin Middle to McLaughlin Academy of Excellence.

• Approved Unified School Improvement Grant (UniSIG) for $6,854,455.00 (7-0)
• Approved UniSIG Teacher Allocation Grant for $1,162,500 (7-0)
• Approved CRRSA ESSER II federal grant sub award from Polk State College for $670,658 (7-0)
• Approved 5-year charter renewals for Janie Howard Wilson Elementary and Polk Avenue Elementary (7-0)
• Approved 10-year charter renewals for Edward W. Bok Academy North and Lake Wales High School (7-0)
• Approved renaming McLaughlin Middle to McLaughlin Academy of Excellence (7-0)
• Approved library collections for Scenic Terrace K-8 and Elementary 21-C (6-1)
• Approved 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 school calendars (6-1)

Work Session 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board will discuss a proposed $670,657.56 federal grant sub-award from Polk State College to create Civics Career Academies at six high schools. The board will also receive a report on budget and staffing, and hear a presentation from the Florida Dance Theatre. A monthly Head Start Services Report is scheduled as an information item.

• CRRSA ESSER II Civic Literacy Excellence grant sub-award of $670,657.56 from Polk State College for six high schools (Auburndale HS, Ft Meade MS, Kathleen HS, Mulberry HS, Ridge Community HS, Winter Haven HS)
• Budget and staffing discussion scheduled from 9:30AM to 11:30AM
• Florida Dance Theatre presentation from 9:00AM to 9:15AM
• Head Start Services Report as required by federal regulations

The board held a work session featuring presentations on a partnership with the Florida Dance Theatre and a proposed $670,657.56 federal grant sub-award from Polk State College. A presentation on the Budget and Staffing Plan was started but will be returned to a future session. No formal votes were recorded.

• Proposed $670,657.56 federal grant for Civics Career Academies discussed
• Budget and Staffing Plan presentation tabled for a future Work Session