Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs: August 8, 2023.

Below are the news briefs for the Leon County School Board meeting that took place August 8, 2023.

After parents and students voiced concerns over the recent removal of the Leon High School volleyball coach, Superintendent Hanna said the decision was his and it was one of the toughest decisions he has had to make. Hanna also said he would address concerns related to the impact of the Leon gym renovation on the upcoming season.

The Board approved the five (5) year Field Experience Agreement with Keiser University- Tallahassee Campus to provide educational experiences for selected pre-service teachers.

The Board voted to extend the Grocery Locker Program to Fairview Middle School. The Board recently established the Grocery Locker Program at Sabal Palm Elementary School. The lockers allow student families and community members to access food without traveling to a food bank or within the limited hours a food bank is open. On February 14, 2023 the Board expanded the partnership to Hartsfield Elementary School.

The Board approved the Phase III design documents for Leon High School Building 7 (gym) Remodeling and Renovations Project to be submitted for review, authorize the Chairman or Vice Chairman and Superintendent to sign all related documents and authorize the necessary budget amendments.

The Board approve an amendment to the policy that regulates the use of District facilities. The amendment adds a requirement for a facilities use agreement to enter or use a District facility on a casual, non-scheduled basis for recreational use. This will limit the public’s access to high school tracks.

Board member Laurie Cox said she would like to see an agreement to allow limited access to tracks. Board member Wood concurred with Cox’s comments.

The Board approved pulling the Leon County Schools (LCS) Inclusive School Guide for LCS Employees from use until changes can be made related to recent state legislation and rule changes. On January 24th, 2023, the Board approved the current Guide.

The Board approved a new policy that addresses the use of restrooms and changing facilities.  The policy includes definitions and language detailing access to restrooms and changing facilities, violations to the policy, and exceptions as required by F.A.C. 6A-10.086.  

The Board had a lengthy discussion about making sure that school construction projects are not delayed due to the cost of construction change orders. Board member Smith said that given LCS’s good financial condition, no projects should be delayed.

Board approved cost reimbursement for Chair Alva Smith, School Board Vice Chair Rosanne Wood, and School Board Members Laurie Cox, Marcus Nicolas and Darryl Jones to attend the Annual Chamber Community Conference to be held in Amelia Island, Florida on August 18 – 20, 2023. Reimbursement shall be made for reasonable and necessary expenses that are incurred during travel (meals, lodging, travel and other incidentals) and must be submitted on the out of county reimbursement travel voucher. All itemized receipts must be attached for reimbursement.

Per House Bill 1069, all districts must develop a process for parents to limit access to media center and classroom libraries.  The Board approved the proposed LCS process for parents, noting that if parents approve of full access to media center materials for their children no action is required by parents.

Superintendent Hanna stated that all six high schools will be offering AP Psychology and noted that parents will be required to sign a consent form.