MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS FOR MAY 9

The Monroe County School District met May 9th, 2017 at the A.J. Henriquez Administration Building for a scheduled School Board workshop and meeting. The meeting convened with four board members, with Board Member Ron Martin absent due to illness.

Here are highlights from the workshop and meeting:

  • Mike Henriquez presented information to the Board regarding alternative education options. Mr. Henriquez emphasized the need for enhanced community partnerships and collaboration for at-risk students. Highlights for current alternative education programming, included four students graduating from one of the alternative education programs – the Keys Center Academy for Girls. He also suggested exploring a site for alternative education in the upper keys with possibilities for alternative sites in the middle and lower keys. In addition to existing alternative programs, officials are currently looking for “Alternative out of School Suspension Center” locations in upper, middle, and lower keys. This will allow for parents to drop their students off at an alternative center with catered programming for each student, instead of having students serve out of school suspensions.
  • The District Finance and Performance Executive Director, James Drake explained during the workshop, the detailed corrections being made in MCSD based on the 2014-2015 Florida Education and Finance Program audit. Including, modifications in the ESE (exceptional student education) programming, EL (English learner) reporting, and student transportation services.
  • During the regular meeting, Mr. Drake also discussed an analysis of the potential 2017-2018 budget year upon the completion of the Legislative Session in Tallahassee.
  • The School Board continued their discussion of changing school start times, with an emphasis on changing HOB to one start time for the K-8 population. Board members requested further analysis of some modifications, including separating Pre-kindergarten start times from the K-12 start times. Board members also suggested earlier start times for middle and elementary schools in the lower keys and Key West, based on later pick up times due to shorter routes.
  • Recognition of GEMs included: Horace O’Bryant’s video production class for the national recognition of their project, “One Human Family”; HOB’s activity director John Grimsey; artist and Key West High School student, Alyssa Weech for a national recognition of her artwork via Scholastic; and Music Teacher, Rebecca Ickstadt’s exceptional work across grade levels with the music program at Poinciana.
  • Keys to Be the Change Executive Director, Heidi Golightly, presented with students participating in Keys to Be the Change initiative  “Lead and Seed Leadership Program” seeking to implement recycling in the classrooms starting at Key West High School.   Students also mentioned the organization’s desire to promote recycling as a policy District-wide.
  • The construction report, from Executive Director of Operations and Planning, Patrick Lefere, included updates for building and construction at Plantation Key School, Gerald Adams Elementary, and Stanley Switlik Elementary.  The Horace O’Bryant Bus Loop and architect services for the Marathon Middle/High School were also discussed.
  • Executive Director of Assessment and Accountability, David Murphy, presented a revised version of the drafted policy on random student drug testing based on input from the School Board and further discussion with the administrators and athletic directors at the high schools.
  • The Superintendent, Mark T. Porter reviewed a proposed calendar for Board Meetings for the 2017-2018 school year.
  • The School Board Members also approved the following items:
  • Approval of Second Reading Policies for the District Website Pages, and Food Services Program
  • Approval of Second Reading of the Building Inspector for MCSD
  • Approval of the GMP Amendment to Ajax Building Corporation for the Early Site Work Package of the Gerald Adams Elementary School Project
  • Approval of a Deductive Change Order No. 2 to the GMP Amendment to Biltmore Construction for the Plantation Key School Project
  • Approval of Award RFQ for architect services for Marathon High School Athletic Complex
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