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 12/12/2023.

The meeting was called to order at 10:02 by Chair Choate. A moment of silence was held for former school board member Dave “Watchdog” Miner, who recently passed. The district mission was read by Ms. Messenger followed by the invocation by Reverend Golden, former board member and chair of the school board, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Student Celebration

2024 Student Art in the Capitol Winner – Mr. Barber presented Jeremiah Bowman, who said 60 submissions were received for the project. Camille McClugit was selected for her loggerhead turtle water color.

Recognitions

The Bradenton Lions Club has been providing vision and hearing screening for years. Last year screenings were given to over 12,500 students and already this year over 10,000. Nurses in the schools and Lions Club members do the screening free of cost. If a student is found to have an issue and cannot afford further medical care, the Lions Club provides funding.

General Public Comments

MH – quoted the Bible and referenced that all the good one does is harmed by one misstep and you must be the change you wish to see in the world quoting Ghandi. He asked not to focus on the negative one does but the positives.

Reports and Presentations

Oneco Elementary School Construction Updates- Mr. Rinaldi reported there have been challenges but they have been overcome. The project supervisor indicated there have been few improvements since the school was originally built. Project is a cross between a Rubics Cube and Jenga - traffic, safety, and cost. Construction supervisors presented graphics and explanation of the project phases. The project is scheduled to be completed by February, 2026, with twelve acres impacted. Board members raised questions about traffic and security.

Student Attendance Support: Donna Rae Smith, Student Attendance Support, has been working with several schools, using grant funds ($7500/school) to help increase school attendance and the addressing barriers that keep students from attending such as clothing , shoes, deodorant, etc. About 16 volunteers deliver items for distribution by the schools’ nurses. Attendance has improved at the schools they serve. Board members expressed their appreciation for the effort.

Consent Items. Thirty-seven items passed 5-0.

Public Comments New Business:

MS – After introducing himself as a candidate for the school board spoke to the redistricting item on the agenda. He described the impact redistricting would have on numerous voters in 6 precincts and that they would not have an opportunity to vote for a member until 2026. It would affect 18% of voters in district 1. He suggested voting on the change in redistricting should be postponed until after current 2024 election

GD – Spoke as one of the voters who would be moved from district 1 to district 5. He stated he could lose his franchise again when changed in 2026.

JS – Explaining he lives in Lakewood Ranch and is the coordinator for the Republican party, he said his job is getting people to vote. Referencing MS’s comments, he supported the proposal to make changes after election cycle in 2024.

AS – Described the impact of the current redistricting plan on her family who lives in Grayhawk Landing. They won’t be able to participate in 2024. She asked the board to wait until after the election.

SA – Reviewed the board’s process for redrawing the current maps two years ago. She said they were drawn methodically with community input. However, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners did not make maps following that same process. She said the school board changing to these maps is not in the community's interest. She urged them to keep the current maps.

New Business: (Non-Consent Items) Superintendent Recommendations

North River Charter Academy Application – This is a K-8 school charter application and was reviewed by 20 district staff, and included the applicant meeting the staff committee. Board members expressed concern for the curriculum and funding. Approved 5-0

Approval of Academic Calendar for School Year 2024-2025 – Superintendent Wysong explained how the process for calendar development takes place. The district received 750 responses to the two calendars presented. Approved 5-0 [LWV note: Link to approved calendar]

Approval of Budget Amendments October, 2023 - Rachel Sellers, Deputy Superintendent for Finance explained the 15 budget amendments for October. Approved 5-0

Approval to Advertise Notice of Intent to Amend Board Policies - These changes will be discussed at a board workshop followed by a vote on January 15. Approved 5-0

Approval to Allow the Superintendent, with the concurrence of the Chair, to enter into an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Manatee County Government to provide instructional programs at a tenant space leased by Manatee County Government at Whitney Plaza, Longboat Key in a form substantially similar to the attached draft agreement. (No Financial Impact) - Dr. Wysong explained this is an opportunity to enter into an exploratory agreement with Manatee County government to use a small space on Longboat Key for instructional programs. This would be a fee-based enrichment program with no financial impact to the district. The pilot program would have oversight by Dr. Paul Gansemer, Executive Director of Adult, Career, Technical Education Department, and an example of an offering might be computers for beginners. Board members voiced concerns that this item was placed on the agenda late, even though there had been discussion with board members previously. The public did not have notice. Other concerns raised and addressed by staff included liability at the facility rented by the county and concern about competition with other institutions offering enrichment classes. Approved 3-2 with Ms. Messenger and Ms. Foreman dissenting.

New Business

Board Committee Assignments 2023-2024 – Approved 5-0

Approval Travel Expenses for Cyber Security K-12 Conference – Approved 5-0

Approval Travel Expenses for FSBA Legislative Days - Approved 5-0

Approval of Citizens Financial Oversight Committee Member – Katie Booth was approved 5-0.

Approval of Naming the Board Chamber – Ms. Messenger stated she received community input to name the board chamber after Mr. David Miner, recently deceased past School Board Member. While she did not expect approval today, she was seeking their reaction to this idea since the board chamber is the board’s room and if the majority of the board agreed to pursue this, it would be timely ahead of Mr. Miner’s January memorial service. Saying that she did not want anything negative to be said, she indicated Mr. Miner “was always here for students.” Mr. Dye reminded the board that there is a policy about naming facilities. Board members’ discussion included the need for community members to come to the board using the policy for naming facilities rather than this being initiated by the board; there have been many worthy board members who have served in the past for whom the chambers could be named; there are other meaningful ways for the board to recognize Mr. Miner’s contributions. No vote was taken.

Internal Audit Services -Approved 5-0

After discussing viable options, the board agreed to retain the current contract with CRI for a subsequent year as provided in the current contract, with the expectation that a year from now there would be either an RFP or RFQ for the services.       

Social Media Law Suit – Approved 4-1 (Mr. Tatem dissenting)  

After rescinding a prior vote to not participate in this class action law suit (passing 4-1), a motion was made and passed to engage in this law suit.

School Board Area Maps – Approved 3-2 (Ms. Foreman and Ms. Messenger dissenting)

A motion was made to align the school district maps to those approved by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners. Some school board members spoke in agreement with the public comments made, and that disenfranchising voters is an unintended consequence. The idea of returning to having all of the county citizens vote for all of the school board candidates was raised by Ms. Foreman, saying that everyone has an opportunity to vote in every election. She indicated single district voting leads to members advocating for resources to go to their districts.

Board Service of Process Policy – Approved 5-0

This item attempts to clarify how board members interact with process servers, personal subpoenas, and other hypothetical situations. 

Updates

Legal Department – none.

Operations – Mr. Rinaldi reported on the recent November 7 and 11 job fairs, resulting in almost a full contingency of custodians. Currently, there are 35 teacher vacancies. One electric bus has been received for transportation, and two more are in the prep stage. The district has filled 99 driver positions with 14 potential candidates. Food Services reports that Wakeland is working with ESE students to learn kitchen skills and the effect of salt on students. Technology has utilized $2.3 billion in funding to upgrade equipment and purchase computers.

Instructional – Mr. Jensen announced that last week was Gifted Education Week in Florida. Twenty-eight Adult/Career and Technical students were induction into the National Honor Society at the MTC breakfast on Saturday. Six hundred and forty students were in competitions last week. Yesterday, the Florida Department of Education released grades for 2022 after the first year of FAST assessments. They released baseline cut scores which will be used with no sanctions or penalties and the spring scores will be assessed against these. As is typical with new cut scores, most went down; however, they are better than the last time scores were recalibrated in 2014-2015. He shared the 2023-24 School Grade Components, and in January he will share what mid-year results are and changes they will make for the second semester. Board members’ questions resulted in clarification that charter schools are included in the figures and schools at the D level are Title 1 schools.

Superintendent Remarks – Dr. Wysong thanked board members for all the work that went into this meeting and for approving 37 items on the consent agenda. Jessica Kane is promoted to principal at Palm View K-8, effective January 4. Current Palm View principal, Kaththea Johnson, will be the Executive Director of School Improvement and Accountability. As a team, the district submitted over 2.5 million dollars in grants, and all present new opportunities for students. Also, fourteen items for construction were approved. He posited it is fun to build two new schools but also keep up existing schools. On Nov 27, many board members joined him on the annual Prize Patrol to ten schools to surprise and congratulate four teachers, four support employees, one principal and one assistant principal who are finalists for the Excellence in Education event on February 8th. Last week he updated Gulf Coast Builders Exchange Association membership about all the growth and construction, as well as providing workforce programs that create an employee pipeline for construction. He met with Mote’s Dr. Crosby and internship opportunities for students there. He met with Congressman Buchannan with update of what is going on in the district. Many holiday events for music productions are coming up and he thanked all of the people behind the scenes who make it possible – security, custodians, administrators who stay late for supervision and teachers who prepare students. He recognized employees and their families who supported 626 students in the Giving Tree.

Board Comments

Ms. Messenger noted the large donations approved in the consent agenda: the Gussin family provided $100,000 to Samoset Elementary; Sarasota Ford donated a 2023 Aviator to MTC; and Leathem Stearn donated two Northern Light generators to the Marine Service Technology program.

She reviewed highlights from the Florida School Board Association’s conference, noting an emphasis on messages for being positive; sessions on books, deregulation, and Artificial Intelligence as the way of the future for students.

[LWV Note: Unfortunately, the programming was cut off at MSTV at this point. Review of the video online provided closure.]

Mr. Tatem warned families to be careful with candles and trash causing fires during the holiday season. He wished all a Merry Christmas.

Ms. Foreman thanked the Bradenton Police Department for putting in a long day with them today. She lamented the Manatee Board of County Commission’s decision to limit the library access program and the unfortunate impact, especially on Title I students. She spoke as a citizen to the Library Advisory Board and what students could gain from the all-access pass compared to what is now. She believes the change is in conflict with the interlocal agreement. She vowed to bring this back up as a board and wants to determine the next steps. She acknowledged the work of all in the district and their focus on the kids to raise up lifelong learners.

Ms. Spray highlighted the longevity of the careers of recent retirees, noting that the district not only has students and also provides careers. She acknowledged the need for compromise, and she reminded everyone this is the season for showing extra smiles and to be happy. She expressed appreciation for each board member’s work and their areas of focus, as well as district and support staff.

Mr. Choate attended Manatee High School’s National Honor Society induction and thanked the sponsor, Candance Hoffner, acknowledging teachers who put in extra time with little pay. Lakewood Ranch High School won an Advanced Placement award. He thanked the board for a great meeting, reminding all of the Friday workshop, and they will reconvene in January.    

GOVERNANCE

When board members had reservations about a topic, they stated their concerns in a positive manner as opposed to a challenge as has been done in the past.

Unfortunately, this meeting was over six hours long. The programming on MSTV cut off at 4:00 leaving the public attempting to watch the board without closure. The meeting length was impacted by some board members making extraneous remarks that did not lend to making a point with clarity or impact. Ms. Spray may want to consider this. In addition, some board members extend the meeting length by continuing to give their concerns and opinions after asking questions and receiving answers. This often happens with Mr. Tatem explained that he’s still learning. We note that there was only one meeting in November and one in December, both morning meetings. Perhaps the Board should reconsider its meeting schedule, as well as the workshop schedule.

We would expect that workshopping items prior to the board meeting would allow the members to be fully briefed on all of the information necessary to make good decisions. It also gives the public an opportunity to hear all the information surrounding an issue and offer input to Board members prior to the vote. However, several of the topics, while having been workshopped, still bogged down the meeting with more conversation than was necessary. 

An example of an item that should have been brought up in a workshop was Ms. Messenger’s attempt to poll the board on their interest in naming the chamber in honor of Mr. Miner. She appeared to do this due to the timeliness of a decision ahead of Mr. Miner’s January memorial service. Asking fellow board members to declare their intentions appeared to be unrealistic.

The discussion regarding adopting the Manatee Board of Commissioner’s district maps was also lengthy. Ms. Messenger appropriately questioned as to why Mr. Tatem and Ms. Spray asked for maps three days within each other. We observed that this may have the appearance of impropriety on the part of Mr. Tatem and Ms. Spray. We are mindful that the School Board developed and approved the current school district maps in a separate process differing from the County Commission's. The county’s maps appeared to be self-serving for the County Commission. The School Board was observed to use a fair and equitable process.

Prior to 2022, the community voted for every school board member, so redrawing member district maps after the census did not disenfranchise anyone. As of 2022, voters only vote for the school board member seat in their district. Under this system, a voter will vote for a school board member every four years. As Ms. Foreman pointed out, now when you adopt the county commission’s map, thousands of people are impacted. Changing the map at this time means thousands of people will get to vote for a school board member for the second time in two years. It also means that thousands of constituents cannot vote for a school board member for six years.

Three public speakers told the board this would happen to them if the county commission map were adopted. In response, the school board delayed the implementation until after the 2024 election. Unfortunately, the same thing happens in 2026 to a different group of thousands of voters who either do not vote for school board members for six years or vote for two seats in just two years. Fully aware of this blatant unfairness to the citizens of Manatee County, Mr. Choate, Mr. Tatem, and Ms. Spray voted to disenfranchise thousands of voters in 2026. Their excuse that some voters were confused in the last election is not a good reason. Some will be confused by the new change in rules. We believe there is no justifiable reason for doing this and it is not in the community's best interest.