Polk County Public Schools public meetings in 2024

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The board approved new administrators including promotions for Christopher Hannah to Director, Maintenance and Shannon Gillespie to Assistant Director, Student Services. It also accepted the consent agenda with items like the Computer Science Teacher Certification Award 2024-2025. The agenda was revised to add attachments for facilities assessment, personnel actions, and non-union group raises.

• Promotion of Christopher Hannah to Director, Maintenance
• Promotion of Shannon Gillespie to Assistant Director, Student Services
• Transfer of Celeste Stewart to Principal on Assignment
• Computer Science Teacher Certification Award 2024-2025 on consent agenda
• Student holiday performance by Winter Haven Senior High String Ensemble

The Board approved the 2025 PCPS Legislative Platform and salary settlements for AFSCME and non-union employee groups. Additionally, the Board approved a series of consent agenda items including facility upgrades and various service contracts.

• Approved 2025 PCPS Legislative Platform (7-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 AFSCME salary settlement for Custodial, Maintenance, Vehicle Services, and School Nutrition Assistants (7-0)
• Approved Non-Union Group (NUG) raises (7-0)
• Approved $839,240 renewal for 2025 Symetra Stop Loss Insurance (7-0)
• Approved Classroom HVAC Replacement Units Phase II project (7-0)
• Approved design services with Rhodes + Brito Architects for BizTown at Tenoroc High School (7-0)
• Approved contract with Alpha Facilities Solutions for district-wide assessment (7-0)
• Approved 3-year contract with The DBQ Company (7-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The work session presents multiple items: charter school expansions for New Beginnings High School and Victory Ridge Academy, a $316,260 farmworker grant, updates to the volunteer approval process due to state law, changes to the employee diabetes program, and a tentative salary agreement with AFSCME-represented custodial, maintenance, and nutrition assistant groups pending ratification.

• Farmworker grant of $316,260 for workforce training
• New Beginnings High School requests satellite campus in Four Corners area for 500 students
• Victory Ridge Academy expansion with a second campus in Davenport for 2025-2026
• Changes to ABC's of Diabetes program: new maintenance phase and switch to Freestyle Libre CGM for Type II diabetics
• Tentative salary agreements for AFSCME groups (custodial, maintenance, EERS, vehicle services, warehouse, and school nutrition assistants)

The board held a work session to receive presentations on grants, charter school contracts, and policy updates. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

Board Meeting - Reorganization Meeting-Election Year 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board held a reorganization meeting, swearing in new members and electing William Allen as Chair and Justin Sharpless as Vice-Chair. The board set its regular meeting schedule for the year and approved Resolution 2024/2025-6 authorizing bank warrants. Several new administrators were also introduced.

• Oath of office for board members William Allen (District 1), Travis Keyes (District 2), and Sara Beth Wyatt (District 4)
• Election of William Allen as Board Chair and Justin Sharpless as Vice-Chair
• Designation of Work Sessions on second and fourth Tuesdays at 9 AM and 12:30 PM, Board Meetings on fourth Tuesday at 5 PM at 1915 S. Floral Ave, Bartow
• Approval of Resolution 2024/2025-6 authorizing warrants signed by the Board Chair and Secretary
• New administrators: Crystal Davis (Director, Community Liaison), Brittanie Ramsey (Director, Community Liaison), Charlina Wikner (Director, Payroll), Bucky Day (Principal, Kathleen Middle School)

The Board conducted its election-year reorganization, electing Dr. William Allen as Chair and Justin Sharpless as Vice Chair. The Board also approved several facility projects, including a new gymnasium for Bartow Middle School and the demolition of buildings at two elementary schools.

• Elected Dr. William Allen as Board Chair
• Elected Justin Sharpless as Vice Chair
• Approved $9,488,000 project for new Bartow Middle School gymnasium and contract with CMHM Architects Inc.
• Approved demolition of buildings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 at Lake Alfred Elementary
• Approved demolition of buildings 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 at Alta Vista Elementary
• Approved $635,500 contract with Benefitfocus for benefit administration (2025-2026)
• Approved purchase of 50 school buses (7 lift, 43 standard)
• Approved travel reimbursements for Travis L. Keyes ($1,501), Dr. William Allen ($1,251), and Justin Sharpless ($1,251)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board holds a work session to discuss several contracts and policy changes. Topics include a prescription assistance program expected to save $1.8M–$2.3M, a contract with Lantern Specialty Care for outpatient surgery, a $474,358 design contract for BizTown at Tenoroc High School, a $2,092,743 district-wide facilities condition assessment, and proposed revisions to school board policies on student discipline and volunteer screening. No final votes are taken; action may occur at a later meeting.

• Contract with Prescription Assistance Program vendor with anticipated savings of $1.8M–$2.3M to the health plan in 2025
• Contract with Lantern Specialty Care for outpatient surgery; Lantern retains 35% of savings, no fixed fee
• Design professional services with Rhodes+Brito Architects for BizTown at Tenoroc High School ($474,358)
• District-wide Facilities Condition Assessment with Alpha Facilities ($2,092,743)
• Proposed rule development for policies on meetings, self-administered medication, student suspension/expulsion, due process, student/parent rights, contractor background screening, volunteers, and special interest groups

The Board conducted a work session featuring presentations on vendor contracts, facility assessments, and policy rule development. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded for the items presented.

Emergency Work Session

The Polk County School Board will hold an emergency work session to review a school security risk assessment and district best practices. The session includes a superintendent's report on the assessment and board member comments. No votes or decisions are scheduled on this agenda.

• Review of School Security Risk Assessment
• District Best Practices Assessment

The Board held an emergency work session to receive the School Security Risk Assessment Review and District Best Practices Assessment from the Office of Safe Schools. This session was convened to comply with Florida law and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act following district closures caused by Hurricane Milton.

• Received School Security Risk Assessment Review and District Best Practices Assessment

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will vote on a consent agenda approving 12 administrator promotions and 5 transfers, including new principals and assistant principals. The board will also recognize finalists for Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year and hear public comments. An agenda revision removed the 2025 District Reorganization item and updated the description of the AFSCME bus employee contract salary agreement.

• Approval of 12 administrator promotions, including Lindsey Leskis as Acting Principal at Sikes Elementary and Bucky Day as Principal at Kathleen Middle
• Transfer of five principals, including Jennifer Dettling to Pinewood Elementary and Sarah Miranda to Snively Elementary
• Recognition of finalists for Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year, with winners to be announced
• Update to description of Settlement of 2024-2025 AFSCME Bus Employee Contract Salary Agreement (Item S #5)
• Removal of 2025 District Reorganization item from the agenda

The Board approved a series of consent agenda items, including personnel actions, facility contracts, and IT services. Key approvals included temporary debris sites for Hurricane Milton and several tutoring contracts with the Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc.

• Approved temporary debris sites for Hurricane Milton with Board of County Commissioners (7-0)
• Approved $20,000 agreement with Learning Resource Center Inc for Title I, PEP (7-0)
• Approved $12,000 agreement with Learning Resource Center Inc for McKinney-Vento Program (7-0)
• Approved $51,704.70 and $7,574.10 extended contract pricing for DSM Technology Consultants (7-0)
• Approved right of way dedication to the City of Lakeland at Blake Academy (7-0)
• Approved spot survey and renovation costs for Anna Woodbury Elementary (7-0)
• Approved construction services contracts and changes under $250,000 for July-Sept 2024 (7-0)
• Approved tutoring contracts for six private schools via Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. (7-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board is holding a work session to discuss several education grants and the 2024-2026 School Health Services Plan. The body will also review school improvement plans and proposed rule developments for various board policies.

• Secondary Perkins Grant: $1,785,501.00
• Adult General Education Grant (AGE): $1,623,888.00
• Postsecondary Perkins Grant: $202,459.00
• Corrections Grant: $100,000.00
• RCMA Charter contract modification for a name change to RCMA Charter Schools, LLC

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

Special Board Meeting 1:00PM - Canceled

The October 8, 2024 special board meeting of the Polk County School Board was canceled, so no votes or discussions took place. The agenda included items such as a $2.6 million contract extension for Varsity Tutors online tutoring, potential upgrades to the General Counsel salary, and a proposed settlement of pending litigation, but none were acted upon.

• Varsity Tutors Online Tutoring Platform extension for 2024-2025 school year at $2,599,992 (not acted upon)
• General Counsel salary upgrade and hiring of a search firm (not acted upon)
• Proposed settlement of a pending litigation (not acted upon)
• Approval of consent agenda items including multiple departments (not acted upon)
• Approval of minutes from September 3, 2024 meetings (not acted upon)

Work Session 9:00AM - Canceled

This work session was canceled. It was scheduled to discuss items including an attorney-client session on pending litigations, the 2024-2026 School Health Services Plan, School Improvement Plan reviews, a charter contract modification for RCMA, and proposed rule development for 16 school board policies.

• Attorney-client session to discuss pending litigations (9:00-10:00 AM)
• Presentation of 2024-2026 School Health Services Plan by Florida Dept. of Health
• Review of School Improvement Plans for the 2024-2025 school year
• Modification of RCMA charter contract to reflect name change to RCMA Charter Schools, LLC
• Proposed rule development for 16 school board policies covering safety, transportation, nutrition, and more

Work Session - 9:00AM

The School Board of Polk County is holding a work session to review administrative updates that affect district operations and families. Presentations cover a January 2025 switch from Blue Cross Blue Shield to a new health plan model, proposed updates to policies on harassment and student records, and tentative instructional calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The board will also review a fee template for a control tower operator program at Traviss Technical College and receive updates on a new high school project.

• Switching the district's self-insured group health plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Quantum Health, Meritain, and WellDyne effective January 1, 2025
• Proposed rule updates for school board policies covering anti-harassment, bullying, student records, and curriculum development
• Tentative instructional calendars for students, teachers, and paraeducators for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years
• Fee template for the new Control Tower Operator program at Traviss Technical College
• Progress updates on the district's new high school project

The Board received presentations on the 2025-2027 instructional calendars, group health plans, and a fee template for the Traviss Technical College Control Tower Operator Program. Members discussed the General Counsel recruitment process and salary comparisons. No formal votes were recorded during this session.

Special Work Session - General Counsel Search 2:30M

The School Board of Polk County holds a special work session to discuss the search for a new General Counsel. The board will review applications and other related information. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion-only session.

• General Counsel Search Discussion – review of applications and other information

The Board determined the current applicant pool was insufficient, with only one candidate meeting minimum qualifications. Members agreed to readvertise the position and explore using an external search firm or consultant. The Board expressed a preference to maintain in-house counsel.

• Decided to readvertise the General Counsel position
• Agreed to research salary scales of like-size districts for inside counsel
• Agreed to investigate costs for outside counsel
• Decided to explore using an executive firm, external consultant, or headhunter
• Directed HR to provide only candidates that meet requirements

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board of Polk County is reviewing the FY25 ESEA Consolidated Application, which bundles multiple federal grants totaling $77,531,180.35 for Title I, migrant education, English language acquisition, and other programs. The board will also consider a memorandum of understanding with Central Florida Health Care regarding parking, hear a donation report, review the upcoming board meeting agenda, and discuss dietary modifications. No votes are taken at this work session.

• FY25 ESEA Consolidated Application: Title I Part A $54.5M, Title II Part A $10.6M, Title IV Part A $7.4M, Title III Part A $3.6M, Title I Part C $1.3M, Title I Part D $218.5K
• Proposal to add three new positions funded by grants: Assistant Director and Technician for Graduation Enhancement (Title IV), and Principal on Assignment for Leadership Development (Title II)
• Memorandum of Understanding with Central Florida Health Care, Inc. regarding parking — no financial impact
• Donation report for August 2024
• Discussion on dietary modifications for school meals

The Board reached a consensus to sign letters of support regarding impact fees to the BOCC and the Police Athletic Fieldhouse campaign to the City of Lakeland. Other items, including a parking MOU and the FY25 ESEA Consolidated Application, were presented for information. A proposal to allow students to bring their own lunches was deferred for further research into other districts.

• Consensus reached for all board members to sign letter of support to BOCC regarding impact fees
• Consensus reached for all board members to sign letter of support to City of Lakeland regarding Police Athletic Fieldhouse campaign
• Tabled discussion on dietary modifications/student lunches to research other districts

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board will vote to accept the September 3, 2024 agenda as revised, including removal of the 2025 District Reorganization item. The board will also approve minutes from the August 13 meeting and recognize a Kids Tag Art check presentation. A list of new administrators for various schools is provided for information.

• Vote to accept the agenda as revised, removing the 2025 District Reorganization item
• Approval of minutes from the August 13, 2024 board meeting
• New administrators announced for Lakeland High, Mulberry Middle, Crystal Lake Middle, and more
• Kids Tag Art check presentation by Tax Collector Joe Tedder and Visual Arts coordinator
• Public comments limited to three minutes per speaker, 30-minute total period

The Board approved a series of facility improvements, including a new gymnasium at Lakeland Highlands Middle and renovations at Winter Haven HS. They also authorized several tutoring agreements with the Learning Resource Center for migrant students and private schools. All items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously.

• Approved $349,000 contract for Lakeland Highlands Middle new gymnasium (7-0)
• Approved $483,500 for Winter Haven HS Bldg. 21 renovation and $56,800 for design services (7-0)
• Approved $450,122 GMP for Bartow Elementary Academy exterior stage brick repair (7-0)
• Approved $14,800 for K-12 Migrant tutoring via Learning Resource Center (7-0)
• Approved $4,800 for PreK Partner Site Migrant tutoring via Learning Resource Center (7-0)
• Approved $3,000 for PreK in Home Migrant tutoring via Learning Resource Center (7-0)
• Approved $600 for Migrant Out of School Youth tutoring via Learning Resource Center (7-0)
• Approved demolition projects for Frostproof Elementary and Kingsford Elementary (7-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board will hold a work session to discuss several items, including a Head Start continuation grant worth $12.2 million, a charter school contract extension for Mi Escuela Montessori, and school concurrency mitigation agreements for two developments. No final votes are expected; these discussions will inform future board action.

• Head Start continuation grant application for $12,241,294 to serve 942 children through 2025
• Proposed extension of Mi Escuela Montessori charter contract to June 30, 2026, to be voted on September 3
• Citrus Ridge mitigation agreement: developer pays $30,154 for 358-unit multifamily development due to insufficient school capacity
• Crosswinds East mitigation agreement amendment to correct legal descriptions, with unchanged mitigation amount of $4,642,099
• Discussion of referendum types, potentially affecting future school funding votes

The Board reached a consensus to delay interviews for the School Board General Counsel to September 24, 2024. Members also agreed to hold Master Board training after new Board Members are sworn in. Other items were presented for information without recorded decisions.

• Rescheduled General Counsel interviews to September 24
• Consensus to hold Master Board training after new Board Members are sworn in

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The board is meeting to approve a consent agenda including 18 new administrator appointments and promotions, approval of prior meeting minutes, and other procedural items. A public comment period of up to 30 minutes is scheduled. The agenda also includes a pledge of allegiance and special recognition.

• Approval of 18 new administrator positions, including promotions (e.g., Dana Burns to Principal at Jewett Middle Academy, Leann Bennett to Acting Senior Director) and transfers (e.g., Antionette Kirby to Lawton Chiles Middle Academy)
• Approval of minutes from the July 23, 2024, board meeting and work session
• Public comments on agenda items limited to 3 minutes per speaker, total 30 minutes
• Acceptance of the August 13, 2024, school board agenda as revised
• FSBA recognition (no details provided)

The Board approved several high-value contracts, including a five-year commitment for the SchooLinks platform and a School Resource Officer agreement with LPD. Other approved actions included HVAC upgrades, personnel changes, and various utility easements.

• Approved SchooLinks Full Platform Implementation 5-year commitment for $1,380,400.12 (7-0)
• Approved School Resource Officer Agreement with LPD for $688,580.80 (7-0)
• Approved HVAC Naigara JACE N4 9000 Controller Upgrade project for $135,550 (7-0)
• Approved contract between The School Board of Polk County, FL and ATCFO (7-0)
• Approved PCSO Interlocal Agreement-Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act-Information Sharing (7-0)
• Approved 2024-25 contract for Proximity Learning (7-0)
• Approved replacement of District Office Data Center & UPS HVAC systems (7-0)
• Approved administrative, instructional, and non-instructional personnel actions (7-0)

Grievance Hearing 11:00AM

The School Board will decide on a Step III grievance filed by Daniel Jenkins Academy teacher Raymond Ballard challenging a written confirmation of a verbal warning for alleged policy violations during a student competition trip. The grievance asks that the warning be rescinded; the Superintendent recommends denial.

• Step III grievance of teacher Raymond Ballard regarding a February 28, 2024 verbal warning for violations of Board Policies 3210 and 3213
• Incident involved 13 students at the Florida TSA State Conference in Orlando, February 21-24, 2024, with noise complaints and one student traveling home without parent consent
• Previous grievance steps (Informal, Step I, Step II) all denied; Superintendent recommends denial
• Motion to uphold Superintendent's recommendation carried with 7 ayes

The Board reviewed a Step III Grievance filed by R. Ballard. Following the Superintendent's recommendation, the Board voted to deny the grievance.

• Denied Step III Grievance for R. Ballard (7-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board of Polk County is holding a work session to discuss updates to the 2024-2025 Student Progression Plan and the District Technology Plan. The body is reviewing several grant applications for school violence prevention and mitigation agreements to fund future student station capacity.

• Proposed $1,781,312.00 mitigation agreement with Sedona Ridge LLC for school concurrency
• Proposed $809,767.00 mitigation agreement with Hub at Westside Garden LLC for school concurrency
• Application for STOP School Violence Grant totaling $720,732
• Application for Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence Grant totaling $851,512
• Receipt of $1,000,000.00 FDEM grant for relocatable generators for emergency shelters

The board held a work session consisting primarily of presentations and reports. Two dual enrollment items were moved to the action agenda for a future meeting. No formal votes on policy or funding were recorded during this session.

• Moved 2024-25 Dual Enrollment - Florida Southern College to Action
• Moved 2024-25 Dual Enrollment - Southeastern University to Action

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board of Polk County, Florida, will hold a regular meeting on July 23, 2024. The agenda includes approval of consent items such as new administrators, recognition of sponsors and United Way campaign results, and approval of prior meeting minutes. No major policy decisions or new expenditures are listed.

• Approval of new administrators: Jennifer Wiedenman (acting principal transfer) and Jason Dent (promotion to Head of Program at Fort Meade Middle Sr.
• Recognition of 2023-2024 Focused on Excellence campaign sponsors
• Presentation of United Way Champion Awards for 2023 Employee Giving Campaign results
• Approval of minutes from June 11, 2024 Board Meeting and Work Session

The Board approved a series of consent agenda items including facility upgrades, personnel appointments, and professional development fees. Key approvals included a new ADA ramp at Griffin Elementary and several healthcare staffing contracts for student services.

• Approved $249,975 contract with Rodda Construction for Griffin Elementary ADA ramp and sidewalk (7-0)
• Approved $251,073.90 for ClassLink LaunchPad License and hosting (7-0)
• Approved $2,295 for Lisa Miller's Leadership Florida class fees (7-0)
• Approved $492 each for Dr. William Allen and Justin Sharpless for FSBA forums (7-0)
• Approved renewal of group dental insurance with Delta Dental through 12/31/2025 (7-0)
• Approved contracts with Action Medical Staffing, Orange Tree Staffing, and INVO Healthcare Associates (7-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 Student and Post-Secondary Dues & Fees (7-0)
• Approved administrative, instructional, and non-instructional personnel actions (7-0)

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board is reviewing several administrative personnel changes and various student and staff recognitions. The agenda includes the promotion of three administrators to acting assistant principal roles.

• Promotion of Jamie Baker to Acting Assistant Principal at Lincoln Avenue Academy
• Promotion of Michelle Acevedo Torres to Acting Assistant Principal at Denison Middle School
• Promotion of Antonio Santos to Acting Assistant Principal at Wendell Watson Elementary
• Recognition of Eli Yang for the Art in the Capitol Middle School Award
• Recognition of Giovanni Meza as an Albert Lee Wright, Jr. Memorial Scholarship recipient

The Board approved several high-value agreements for school safety, IT licensing, and facility upgrades. This included funding for PCSO security agreements and Microsoft 365 licensing. Budget amendments for the 2023-2024 period were also approved.

• Approved CSA, PCSO SRD Agreement for Safe Schools Office at $5,558,459.00 (5-0)
• Approved Microsoft 365 A5 Licensing for $3,411,290.86 (5-0)
• Approved $2,196,541.00 for district-wide fire alarm upgrades and blue poles (5-0)
• Approved CSA, PCSO GRIP Agreement for Safe Schools Office at $2,231,482.00 (5-0)
• Approved $1,061,623.00 contract to Springer-Peterson Roofing for Lincoln Avenue Academy (5-0)
• Approved CSA, PCSO Supervisors Agreement for Safe Schools Office at $801,017.00 (5-0)
• Approved DGR Linewize 3-year subscription for $1,163,250.00 (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments for District School Budget 2023-2024 (Dec, Jan, Feb, March) (5-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board of Polk County will hold a work session to discuss several grant applications, revenue agreements, and updates. Items include a $9.17 million Head Start expansion grant, a $6.29 million Voluntary Prekindergarten agreement with the Early Learning Coalition, and a $2.53 million School-Based Mental Health Services grant application. The board will also review a charter school contract modification for temporary facilities and a capital planning presentation on revenue sources.

• Head Start expansion grant application for $9,168,556 from the Administration for Children and Families
• Voluntary Prekindergarten agreement with Early Learning Coalition of Polk County for $6,285,168 at 65 school locations
• School-Based Mental Health Services grant application to US Department of Education for $2,529,224.60
• Contract modification for Language and Literacy Academy for Learning to use two temporary facilities (Tabernacle of Praise, Main Street Baptist Church)
• Capital Planning Part 3 presentation focusing on capital funding and revenue sources

The board held a work session consisting primarily of informational presentations and reports. No formal votes were recorded. The board discussed the process for hiring a new General Counsel after being notified of the current counsel's retirement.

• Discussed process for hiring new General Counsel

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The board will vote on new administrators including an acting principal at Denison Middle and a director of community liaison. It will also move the Student Code of Conduct to a public hearing. Several recognitions for students and staff are scheduled, along with a period for public comment on agenda items.

• Approval of new administrators: Ashley Cerjan as Director of Community Liaison, Damien Jones as Acting Principal at Denison Middle, Hillary Wright as Acting Assistant Principal at Citrus Ridge A Civics Academy, Veronica Bien-Aime as Assistant Principal at Lake Region High School
• Recognition of recipients of the Inaugural Superintendent's Florida Prepaid Scholarship
• Recognition of winning high school teams from the Florida High School BBQ Association Cook-Off
• Public hearing on the Student Code of Conduct (moved from action item to public hearing per agenda revisions)
• Recognition of 2023-2024 District Advisory Council members and USF-Polk Leadership and Reading Cohort graduates

The Board approved several school construction and repair projects, including a $650,946.41 change order for Medulla Elementary. It also renewed charter contracts for two schools and appointed three members to the Half Cent Sales Tax Oversight Committee.

• Approved $650,946.41 change order for Medulla Elementary cafeteria and kitchen (6-0)
• Approved $460,000 project to repair brick at Bartow Elementary Academy (6-0)
• Approved 3-year Imagine Learning contract for $1,572,447.54 (6-0)
• Approved 3-year Yealink phone service contract for $4,728,584.16 (6-0)
• Approved charter contract renewals for Polk State College Chain of Lakes Collegiate HS and Ridgeview Global Studies Academy (6-0)
• Approved consolidation of Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse and Middle School under one MSID (6-0)
• Appointed Lana Stripling, Nicole McDowell, and Andy Oguntola to Half Cent Sales Tax Oversight Committee (6-0)
• Approved $1,357 for Board member Sara Beth Wyatt to attend Leadership Florida (6-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The School Board is holding a work session to discuss various partnerships, school naming, and technology updates. The body will review charter contracts for Navigator Academy of Leadership and proposed rule developments for 10 different school board policies.

• Proposed 3-year subscription for DGR Systems Linewize student protection software totaling $1,163,250.00
• Proposed naming of South Pointe Elementary Media Center in honor of Effie Reeve Sensabaugh
• Review of charter contracts for Navigator Academy of Leadership Davenport (K-8 renewal) and Navigator Academy of Leadership (9-12 initial)
• Proposed rule developments for 10 policies including School Safety and Security (8405) and Video Surveillance (7440.01)
• Presentation on 1:1 infrastructure, hardware, and implementation

The board conducted a work session featuring presentations on partnerships, infrastructure, and charter contracts. No substantive votes or decisions were recorded during this session.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board will vote on consent agenda items including the promotion of three new administrators: Jennifer Brown at Lake Alfred Elementary, Rachel Chase at Lake Region High School, and Vince Herbst at McLaughlin Middle Senior. The board will also recognize participants in the Big Brothers Big Sisters School to Work Mentoring Program, teachers completing the Leading from the Classroom course, and staff taking on extra bus-driving duties. Public comments and approval of prior meeting minutes are also on the agenda.

• Approve promotions: Jennifer Brown to Assistant Principal (12 months at Lake Alfred Elementary), Rachel Chase to Acting Assistant Principal at Lake Region High School, Vince Herbst to Acting Assistant Principal at McLaughlin Middle Senior
• Recognize high school students in Big Brothers Big Sisters School to Work Mentoring Program
• Recognize teachers completing the Leading from the Classroom course
• Recognize staff, including reading coach Renard Thomas, for driving school vehicles in addition to their normal roles
• Approve minutes of March 19 special work session and March 26 board meeting

The Board approved several facility projects, including a new cafeteria at Spook Hill Elementary and masonry repairs at Lakeland Highlands Middle. Other actions included approving property insurance renewals and various personnel and travel requests.

• Approved $11,237,068.62 GMP for Spook Hill Elementary new cafeteria/dining (6-0)
• Approved property insurance renewal with Gallagher not to exceed $5,300,000 (6-0)
• Approved $242,515 GMP for Lakeland Highlands Middle exterior masonry repair (6-0)
• Approved $12,000 agreement with Learning Resource Center Inc for HEARTH program (6-0)
• Approved $816.76 and $827.00 travel reimbursements for Justin Sharpless (6-0)
• Approved conveyance of .01 acres to City of Haines City for sidewalk (6-0)
• Approved purchase of McGraw Hill SRA Corrective Reading materials (6-0)
• Approved appointment of new administrators and non-instructional personnel (6-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board will hold a work session to discuss several items, including a $3 million Stronger Connections Grant for safer learning environments, proposed rule development for 17 school board policies, and a photo enforcement agreement for school bus stop-arm violations. No final votes are expected; this is a discussion session.

• $3,000,000 Stronger Connections Grant award to support safer and healthier learning environments
• Proposed rule development for 17 school board policies covering bullying/harassment, technology use, logo/mascot, and more
• Photo enforcement service agreement with Verra Mobility for automated school bus stop-arm violation enforcement (zero net cost to district)
• Charter contract renewals for Polk State College Chain of Lakes Collegiate HS and Ridgeview Global Studies Academy (15-year terms)
• Non-union salary increases for school-based administrators and other staff

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

Work Session 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board holds a work session to discuss several items, including a proposed $1.9 million district-wide building automation system for portable classrooms, revisions to the Student Code of Conduct, charter school enrollment projections, and rule development for numerous school board policies. The board also plans a private attorney-client session on pending litigation.

• Request to create project P02091 for a $1,900,000 district-wide building automation system to control HVAC in portable classrooms
• Discussion of edits to the 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct with a $10,000 printing cost
• Proposed rule development for 20 school board policies covering topics like employment, ethics, remote work, and compensation
• Review of charter school projected enrollment requests for 2024-2025
• Discussion of Inwood Elementary's request to rebrand its school logo and mascot

The board held a work session to review presentations on the 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct, charter school enrollment, and a portable classroom automation system. Staff presented proposed rule developments for 20 school board policies and a second review of 7 additional policies. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.

Strategic Planning Retreat 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board is meeting for a strategic planning retreat to discuss district goals and academic targets. The superintendent will present on the strategic plan, with supporting documents attached. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled.

• Superintendent report on strategic planning retreat
• Attached strategic plan goals (five-year plan) and academic targets presentation
• Board member comments session at end of retreat

Work Session 12:30PM

The board will discuss a contract modification to expand Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy from grades 9-10 to grades 6-12, pending a future board vote. Other items include the FY22/23 annual comprehensive financial report and audit, an annual review of the self-insured health plan, and a proposed change to May board meeting dates.

• Contract modification to expand Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy to serve grades 6-12
• FY22/23 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and audit by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
• Annual financial review of the self-insured health plan with actuarial certification
• Proposal to move May work session and board meeting from second Tuesday to first Tuesday
• Discussion of 3DE program expansion at a local high school

The board conducted a work session featuring presentations on the 2022-2023 financial audit, health plan reviews, and charter school contract modifications. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded during the session.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The board approved a consent agenda that includes the promotion of 11 administrators to director, principal, and assistant principal roles. They also approved minutes from the February 27 board and work session meetings. An item on 3DE Expansion was added to the agenda. Public comments were invited on agenda items.

• Approval of consent agenda with 11 new administrator promotions including Caroline Giroux to Director of Recruitment & Engagement and Lauren Gekakis to Acting Principal at Floral Avenue Elementary
• Addition of Item P #3: 3DE Expansion to the agenda
• Approval of minutes from the February 27, 2024 School Board Meeting and Work Session Meeting
• Public comment period for agenda items (3 minutes per speaker, 30-minute limit)
• Recognition of Focused on Excellence winners

The Board approved several facility projects, including a new gymnasium at Lakeland Highlands Middle School and the purchase of 605 HVAC units. Other actions included approving the FY 2022/2023 financial report and appointing Ryan Rogers to the Half Cent Sales Tax Oversight Committee.

• Approved $337,500 contract with CMHM Architects for Lakeland Highlands Middle gymnasium (7-0)
• Approved creation of project C-333 for Lakeland Highlands Middle new gymnasium (7-0)
• Approved purchase of approximately 605 Scholar HVAC units district-wide (7-0)
• Approved FY 2022/2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Ryan Rogers to Half Cent Sales Tax Oversight Committee (7-0)
• Approved naming of Bartow High School Field House in honor of Ken Riley (7-0)
• Approved 3DE Expansion (7-0)
• Approved authority to advertise public hearings for policy and Code of Student Conduct updates (7-0)

Special Work Session 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board will hold a special work session to discuss proposed rule development for dozens of school board policies. The superintendent will present revised, new, and replacement policies covering areas including transportation, student conduct, mental health, safety, and instructional materials. The board will not take a vote; this is a discussion session for review and input.

• Proposed rule development for 60+ school board policies, with many revisions and a few new or rescinded policies
• Revised policies on transportation (bus operator qualifications, route planning, ban on texting while driving) and alternative transportation methods
• New policies on mental health services, athletic injury prevention, dropout prevention, and critical incident response
• Revised policies on student conduct, dress and grooming, bullying, and student suicide prevention
• Financial impact listed as N/A for the proposed rule development

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The Polk County School Board voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda, which includes promotions for seven administrators. The board also recognized students and staff for the MLK essay contest, scholarship donors, Love the Bus month, and Agri-Fest. Public comments were heard on agenda items. The minutes from the January 23 meeting were approved.

• Approved consent agenda with promotions: Nildalis Caraballo to Acting Senior Director ESOL, Douglas Harwell to Senior Director Facilities & Operations, Jessica McNemar to Senior Director Personnel, Lauren Gekakis to Acting Principal at Floral Ave Elementary, and others.
• Recognized Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest winners.
• Recognized scholarship donors via Polk Education Foundation.
• Recognized transportation employees for Love the Bus Month.
• Recognized Agri-Fest program supporting 4th-grade students.

The Board approved several high-value facility projects, including a campus modernization for Elbert Elementary and a new softball field for Haines City Senior. Other actions included approving the 2023-2024 AFSCME contract settlement and various personnel updates.

• Approved $47,677,731.07 Guaranteed Maximum Price for Elbert Elementary campus modernization
• Approved $1,998,987 Guaranteed Maximum Price for Haines City Senior new softball field
• Approved $750,000 to replace water chiller at Ridge Technical College
• Approved settlement of 2023-2024 AFSCME contract negotiations and salary agreements
• Approved Science of Reading Literacy and Tutoring (SoRT) Program 23-24
• Approved contract with Furr, Wegman, & Banks for Homeland Farm to Table Design Services
• Approved budget amendments for the District School Budget 2023-2024 (November 2023)
• Approved OMNI Agreement for elevator, escalator, and lift maintenance

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board holds a work session to discuss partnerships, charter school modifications, safety funding, and capital planning. Presentations include naming the Bartow High School field house after Ken Riley and two developer mitigation agreements totaling $6.65 million for school concurrency. No final votes are taken; items may be brought to a future board meeting.

• $1,577,711.51 Safety and Security of School Buildings Award to improve school hardening
• $4,642,099 Crosswinds East Phase 2 proportionate share mitigation agreement for school capacity
• $2,003,976 Cascades Phase 3 mitigation agreement for school concurrency (344 single-family homes)
• Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy charter modification to expand from grades 9-10 to 6-12
• Community recommendation to name Bartow High School field house after Ken Riley

The board conducted a work session featuring presentations on charter school expansions, facility mitigation agreements, and budget updates. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Work Session 9:00AM

The Polk County School Board will discuss a proposed $919,221 bus rider ID program using tablets for student safety and routing, as well as a $780,000 vehicle leaseback program with Enterprise. Other items include a recommendation to approve a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 2227 covering 2,300 employees, a presentation on renaming Sleepy Hill Middle School's library, and a timeline for policy updates. Financial statements for November and December 2023 and a Head Start services report are also on the agenda.

• Enterprise vehicle leaseback program: $780,000 for safer, more reliable district vehicles
• Bus rider ID system: $919,221 (funding pending) for student scanning and real-time tracking
• Renaming Sleepy Hill Middle School library in honor of Ann Tankson
• AFSCME Local 2227 union contract settlement covering about 2,300 bus drivers, custodians, and other staff
• Timeline for reviewing and adopting pending school board policies

The meeting consisted of presentations and reports regarding district operations, financial statements, and contract negotiations. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded during this work session.

Board Meeting 5:00PM

The School Board will consider approval of the consent agenda, which includes promotions of several administrators to senior director, principal, and assistant principal roles. Other routine items include approval of minutes from prior meetings and a public comment period. An item to rename Sleepy Hill Middle Library has been postponed to the February 27 agenda.

• Consent agenda approval with new administrators: Beth Cummings promoted to Senior Director Fine Arts, Rebecka Eckman to Senior Director ESE, Stacy Davis to Director Library & Media Services, and others.
• Joint Use Agreement between Polk County School District and Boys and Girls Club of Polk County (description updated).
• Renaming Sleepy Hill Middle Library in honor of Ann Tankson removed from this agenda, placed on February 27.
• Reappointment of Audit & Finance Committee member (attachment updated).
• Approval of minutes from December 12, 2023 work session and board meeting, and January 9, 2024 work session.

The Board approved several high-cost facility projects, including a new gymnasium and HVAC replacements. Other actions included approving budget amendments, personnel changes, and the purchase of 50 school buses.

• Approved $7,869,643.00 Guaranteed Maximum Price for Lk. Gibson Middle new gymnasium (7-0)
• Approved $7,234,889.00 for Classroom HVAC Replacement Units Phase II (7-0)
• Approved purchase of 50 school buses, including 45 conventional and 5 with lifts (7-0)
• Approved $358,792.00 for Computer Science Teacher Certification Award (7-0)
• Approved $500,000 agreement with Secure Transportation CSA for 2023/24 SY (7-0)
• Approved $500,000 School District Services CSA transportation employee contract (7-0)
• Approved budget amendments for District School Budget 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 (7-0)
• Approved utility easement for Lakeland Electric at Medulla Elementary School (7-0)

Work Session 12:30PM

The Polk County School Board meets for a work session to hear presentations on several items including three school concurrency mitigation agreements totaling over $11 million, a charter school expansion, a reading tutoring program grant, and an internal funds audit report. No final votes are taken at work sessions, but board members discuss and gather information for future action.

• Discussion of three proportionate share mitigation agreements: Wynnstone ($2,648,294), Brentwood Multi-Family 2 Apartments ($1,568,526), and Crosswinds East ($6,921,453) to fund future student station capacity
• Presentation of the 2022/2023 Fiscal Year Internal Funds Audit by Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs
• Funding of $644,583 for the Science of Reading Literacy and Tutoring (SORT) Program for grades K-5
• Proposed contract modification for Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy to expand from grades 9-10 to grades 6-12
• Update on the new high school and district staffing

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

Work Session 9:00AM

The School Board of Polk County will discuss proposed zone maps for James E Stephens Elementary and Fred Garner Elementary, both converting to Primary Year Program magnet schools. The Attendance Boundary Committee recommends option 1 for each school. The board also reviews K-12 science and social studies instructional materials for public adoption and receives an academic update on student outcomes.

• Attendance Boundary Committee presents proposed zone map for James E Stephens Elementary (converting to magnet school) – effective 2024-2025
• Attendance Boundary Committee presents proposed zone map for Fred Garner Elementary (converting to magnet school) – effective 2024-2025
• Public review of K-12 Science and Social Studies instructional materials for adoption (20-day public review window begins January 9, 2024)
• Academic update from the Division of Schools and Teaching & Learning on efforts to improve student outcomes

The board held a work session to receive presentations on attendance boundary recommendations and instructional materials. No formal votes or decisions were recorded for the items discussed.