The school board meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Katie Linhart, Supervisor of Elections, presented the 15th annual voter guide cover design contest. The contest featured submissions from digital design students at FPC and Matanzas, with teachers Taylor Poe and Amanda Johnson leading the project.
After initial voting resulted in a tie, a second round of voting was conducted. The design featuring an Eagle by Bella Wright won with a 4-2 vote. The winner will be presented at the night meeting on the 22nd.
The board discussed changes to the agenda, including moving items 11.01 (insurance trust), 19.01, and 14.01 (new policies) to follow public comment. Mr. Allet presented an insurance trust update, explaining the evolution from Fship to Fleet (Florida Educator Health Trust) and its benefits for school districts.
The board reviewed school board policies and discussed travel expense policy updates. The current travel reimbursement rates, unchanged for 20 years, were proposed to be doubled: breakfast from $6 to $12, lunch from $11 to $22, and dinner from $19 to $38.
The board also discussed an interlocal agreement with Volusia County for educational services, reviewed financial statements, and addressed mental health MOUs. A significant discussion occurred regarding Catalyst’s request for waived facility fees for their summer program, which was ultimately withdrawn for consideration this year.
The meeting concluded with board member requests, including a discussion of the May 27th meeting schedule and closing comments acknowledging recent events affecting the school community.
