Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs: April 9

Below are the news briefs that took place on April 9, 2024 during the Leon County School Board Meeting.

Superintendent Hanna made a special presentation related to the new marketing campaign adopted by LCS. Hanna noted the campaign was needed because the current logo is “tired” and LCS is facing competition from alternative schools which are impacting LCS enrollment. The presentation included a video aimed at “telling our story.”

Staff member Chelsea Williams provided the Board a presentation on the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant (CAP Grant) she wrote for two high schools to help their Career and Technical Education programs grow. The CAP Grant is $1.6 million, and will go toward a robotics course at Richards High School and will go toward enhancing Sail High School’s engineering program.

The Board unanimously approved amendments to a policy regarding exceptional student behavior. Revisions to this policy include the list of requirements for the Plan for Exceptional Student Education including a Multifactored Evaluation, notifications regarding IEPs, the expansion of qualified private instructional personnel, and the use of facilities to provide least restrictive environments for exceptional students. Additionally, revisions include a new section of the policy regarding the Right to be Accompanied at Meetings Pertaining Students with Disabilities and Placement by the Department of Children and Family Services.

The Board unanimously approved amendments to a policy regarding parliamentary authority. The policy states, “The Board Chair may speak on any subject before the Board without relinquishing the Board Chair and shall vote on all matters.”

The Board unanimously approved a new policy that requires the Board to publish an annual security report containing policies and statistical information of crimes that occurred on campuses and on public property within and immediately adjacent to school-owned buildings and property. 

The Board unanimously approved amendments to a policy regarding anti-harassment. Revisions include definitions and clarification of the use of Complainant and Respondent. Additionally, sections regarding sexual cyber-harassment, antisemitism, pregnancy harassment, and retention of investigatory records and materials have been included.

The Board unanimously approved amendments to the policy regarding Charter Schools. Revisions include additional language regarding the final charter school application process and a detailed process for the Application Review Committee. Other revisions include, amended language in the charter contract and contract negotiation process, school operations, and financial accountability.

The Board unanimously approved out of county travel for School Board Vice Chair Laurie Cox to attend FSBA Advanced School Finance Forum that will be held on April 18– April 19 in Gainesville FL. Reimbursement shall be made for reasonable and necessary expenses that are incurred during travel.