The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Committee observes the Manatee County School Board meetings for items of interest to citizens and to the League and notes adherence, or lack of adherence, to good governance procedures and the sunshine laws. The following are the major points from the school board meeting on 09/12/2023.

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chair Choate followed by the reading of the district's vision by Mr. Tatem and an invocation by Pastor Joel Tillis of Suncoast Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Recognitions

Michael Barber, Director of Community Engagement, recognized an employee who on Aug. 25, attended to a choking student at Mona Jain Middle School. Ms. Disa McClintock, a paraprofessional at Mona Jain Middle School, hit the emergency button and brought the principal while Ms. McClintock picked up the child and did the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the food possibly saving the child’s life.

Lakewood Ranch HS Athletic Trainer, Sydney Supa, was recognized as Florida’s 2023 Athletic Trainer of the Year.   She gave a speech thanking those who made it possible to win the award.

Mr. Barber also noted the Good Things Happening on the district website.

Public Comments: There were none.

Reports and Presentations – Materials and Adoption Process for K-12 Social Studies Curriculum

Derek Jensen, Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services,  explained the process began with the state release of the new Social Studies curriculum and state-adopted text books. Ms. Shannon Flemming, Director of Secondary Curriculum, reviewed the process used in the Manatee District. Statute and board policy direct the adoption process. There have been 10 updated lists with the latest being published on August 10. Any social studies course the district offers must be on the state-approved course code list. She further went over which social studies are offered at each grade level and the timeline for textbook approval. Instructional review includes teachers, school-based administrators, instructional specialists, parents, and community members. The district website will post an application for community involvement September 13-22. Committee members will be asked to make a commitment to participate from October 30 to January 8, 2024. Questions were asked by board members:

Ms. Messenger asked several questions. The subsequent lists provided updates as some vendors updated materials to meet Florida requirements. The technology and instructional technology experts screen the materials for compatibility with district technology. The materials will be ranked by the committee and sent to social study teachers for choices. Citizen committee members do not need specific expertise but will be asked about their background and skills. 

Ms. Spray asked about the committee application form and was told it might take two minutes to complete. There will be no limit to the number of members on the committee. Ms. Spray encouraged individuals who want to help to consider this opportunity since it will not require a long-term commitment.  

Attorney Dye reminded board members that the committee is subject to the Sunshine Law and there will be on-line training for members, but committee meetings will be in person.

Ms. Foreman was told that the public will have an opportunity to view on line all of the materials being considered, can view them in person at the Professional Support Center, and can comment on line. While committee meetings will not be recorded, minutes will be posted. Between two and seven books for each subject may be considered. She was assured that social study teachers are qualified in all social study areas even if they teach only one social studies subject.

Mr. Jensen said a good thing about Manatee’s process is that it will go back to the schools so all teachers have a chance for input.

Consent Items – Twelve items were approved 5-0.

New Business (Superintendent Recommendation)

Approval of the Reclassification of Communications/Public Records Associate Job

Description to Public Records Specialist (General Fund) Dr. Wysong indicated this is not a new position but an upgrade for a current position that matches the responsibilities and salary commensurate with the current requirements of the position. Approved 5-0.

New Business (No Superintendent Recommendation)

Consideration to Approve of Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) Internal Audit of Purchasing Report Dated February 13, 2023. This had been discussed at a recent workshop. Approved 5-0.

Approval of the Proposed 2024 Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards (GFSCB) Legislative Program. This had been discussed at a recent workshop. Approved 5-0. [LWV Note: Link to this document here ]

Updates

Legal Department Update – no report

Operations Update – Mr. Ranaldi, Chief Operations Officer reported that the HR department made 47 offers from the recent Job Fair. The next Job Fair for Operations is scheduled for November 21 at Wakeland campus. Eight new bus drivers are in training and he hopes to have 97 drivers by November for the 96 routes. Ideally there need to be 106 drivers so all buses are staffed when 5-10% if drivers call in sick. The Food Service Program is hosting a “Talk Like a Pirate” day at all elementary schools on September 19. He reported that breakfast service (277,000) is up 6% and lunch service (513,000) is up 4% over this time last year. Regarding technology, 108 interactive display boards are being installed and 597 laptops are being updated. He announced that AFSCME (American Federation of State County Municipal Employees) ratified their agreement last Saturday and their contract will come to the board on September 26. 

Instructional Update – Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services, Derek Jensen, reported on activities for Heros Day yesterday, commemorating 9/11. Ms. Spray asked for a visual presentation be given at all schools for 9/11 next year as part of the required curriculum. Ms. Messenger reminded Ms. Spray that what might be appropriate for a 12^th grader might not be appropriate for a kindergartener. Mr. Jensen said he would send all board members the list of the optional resources that schools were provided to assist in their planning. 

Superintendent Remarks – Dr. Wysong thanked the board members for approving the consent agenda the last few meetings to continue the routine business of the district. This has included several overnight arts events and he thanked the teachers for putting in the work to make this happen. Dr. Wysong reported visiting several community organizations including faith-based and 501c3 organizations that benefit the students. His leadership team met with Dr. Bencie at the Health Department. He also met with SCF (State College of Florida) leadership, toured the campus, and discussed more opportunities to work together. He noted that MTC (Manatee Technical College) hosted a very successful post-secondary event the night before. He has enjoyed attending football games and lauded the sportsmanship of the teams and students, thanking the high school staff from principals to custodians for doing what is needed for these events.

Board Comments

Mr. Tatem shared that he went to a swim meet and encouraged others to attend other sporting events as well as football. He stressed the need to continue explaining to students what “Safety Over Secrets” means.

Ms. Foreman stated that the Audit Committee met last week and had a thorough, successful meeting and that more members are needed. She sought clarification on whether a member meeting virtually can be part of a quorum.  Mr. Dye said at least 1/3 must be in person and others can be virtual. Ms. Spray said she understood members could join virtually but could not vote. Mr. Dye clarified they could vote. Ms. Foreman reminded everyone that evaluations need to be done for the board attorney as well as a board self-evaluation.

Ms. Messenger acknowledged this was a good informational meeting and Chair Choate did a good job with the meeting.

Ms. Spray recognized retirees and thanked them for their service. She said there will be a Veterans Day Parade on November 11 and schools will participate. She mentioned a front-page article in the Observer featuring a food service worker. She suggested a “Safety Over Secrets” banner for each school and stickers on buses.  From e-mails she receives, she is concerned there is bullying going on and the need to enforce policy more stringently.

Mr. Choate reiterated what Mr. Tatem said about attending events other than football, including volleyball. He thanked the staff and board members.

The meeting adjourned at 11:23 a.m.

GOVERNANCE

Mr. Tatem’s introduction of Pastor Tillis included reference to keeping churches open during COVID. This political posturing is not appropriate. We recommend board members counsel visiting clergy to avoid political remarks and to also consider inviting diverse clergy from a variety of denominations and religions.

The board members were respectful of each other, demonstrating positive congeniality.

We commend board members’ questions regarding the social studies textbook adoption process were posed to gather more information and to clarify.

We thank Ms. Spray for reminding the public who want to get involved that there are opportunities on textbook adoption and other committees.

Mr. Tatem’s question about buses arriving late and interfering with testing was spot on. However, we question whether he understands that different schools are testing on different days and matching routes to testing dates may not be reasonable.  We agree that busses should get students to school on time and it appears Mr. Ranaldi is working very hard to make this happen