Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs: August 12, 2025

Provided below are the news briefs from the August 12, 2025, Leon County School Board meeting.

Items Considered by the Board

Item 19.01: The Board approved (5-0), following a public hearing, approval of amendments to Policy 5111.01 – Homeless Students, effective August 13, 2025. The policy revisions include additional definitions, the addition of a section addressing residency, and additional language regarding immediate enrollment of homeless students. A motion was made and approved to bring back a revised policy for a September workshop to explore changing the language from “homeless” to “unhoused” or “students experiencing homelessness” to reduce stigma and align with best practices, while adhering to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Item 19.02: The Board approved (5-0), following a public hearing, approval of New Policy 6325 – Procurement – Federal Grants/Funds, effective August 13, 2025. Procurement of all supplies, materials, equipment, and services paid for from Federal funds or District matching funds shall be made in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local statutes and/or regulations, the terms and conditions of the Federal grant, School Board policies, and administrative procedures. 

Item 19.03: The Board approved (5-0) the Standard Services Contract (SSC) with Specialized Education Associates in the amount of $115,884.00. The Specialized Education Associates is a team of certified teachers for students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility disabilities. Specialized Education Associates will offer in-person assessment, instruction and conduct evaluations for the provision of the services, plan for and participate in Individualized Education Programs (IEP) meetings.

Item 19.04: The Board approved (5-0) the MOU between Leon County Schools and United Way Big Bend for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Afterschool Program. In partnership with the United Way of the Big Bend, 21st CCLC program will provide academic and enrichment activities after school on Hartsfield, Apalachee, Riley, and Ruediger Elementary School campuses through the 2025-2026 school year.

Item 19.05: The Board approved (5-0) the South City Foundation, Wesson 2025-2026, Lease Agreement. The South City Foundation would like to lease a portion of Wesson School to offer quality early childcare to the South City Community. The childcare center will serve as a demonstration center for a future larger childcare center.  The proposed childcare center will follow the principles of the Purpose-Built Model and will specifically serve the families that will follow the feeder pattern of Hartsfield, Fairview, and Rickards.

Item 19.06: The Board adopted (5-0) the By Laws for the Titan Advisory Committee. The vision of the Titan Advisory Council is to foster meaningful partnerships to promote program development for a regional impact. Educators, industry leaders, and the community will work together to ensure Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are aligned with current and emerging workforce demands, provide students with relevant skills and experiences, and promote lifelong career success. This vision supports the advancement and continuous improvement of the educational system at Lively Technical College (LTC).

The primary purpose of the Committee is to work collaboratively with community and business partners to ensure that the mission of LTC is carried forward with excellence. The Committee serves as a vital resource to LTC and the LTC Director, offering guidance and support to create a robust K-20 ecosystem.