District officials recently reviewed a proposal from TPG Cultural Exchange, a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsor that places certified international teachers in K-12 schools across the country. According to the company’s presentation to the district, TPG has more than 15 years of experience and reports a 93% year-over-year teacher retention rate in partner districts.

Publicly identified countries connected to TPG teachers include India, Jamaica, Philippines, Ghana, Uganda, Spain, and France.

The initiative is aimed at helping the district fill hard-to-staff positions, including exceptional student education, STEM fields, English language learning, and elementary education. TPG states that participating teachers must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in education, have at least two years of teaching experience, demonstrate English fluency, and obtain Florida certification before entering classrooms.

Under the proposed arrangement, Leon County Schools would interview and select candidates while TPG would manage visa sponsorship, relocation assistance, compliance requirements, and ongoing support services. The company says the J-1 visas are initially valid for three years and may be extended to five years with federal approval.

District leaders indicated the recruitment effort would not replace local hiring initiatives, but instead supplement ongoing efforts to address staffing shortages that have affected schools nationwide. Supporters say international teachers can provide students with broader cultural perspectives and global learning opportunities in addition to filling vacancies.

TPG’s materials highlighted partnerships with school districts in Florida and other states, including Duval County Public Schools and Polk County Public Schools.

The Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to move forward with a possible one-point millage rate increase. Board members directed Superintendent Rocky Hanna to prepare a draft resolution that would be ready for discussion on May 11th. A final vote on placing the language on the ballot could take place at the May 11th meeting.

The proposed one-point millage rate increase could generate $24 million for the district.

Officials noted that the property tax plan will include a public workshop where constituents can weigh in.

Leon Classroom Teachers Association President Scott Mazur supports the measure.

“This is an opportunity for us to put in our own hands as a community distributive leadership. Let the community decide. Do you want strong public schools? Do you want great educators in the classroom? Do you want to strengthen our community and the answer is ‘yes’, so we vote for it,” Mazur said.

The half-penny sales tax has been a longstanding funding source for local schools, first approved by voters in 2002 and renewed again in 2012. Since the last renewal, the tax has generated approximately $397 million in revenue to support school facilities and capital improvements. The current voter-approved funding authorization is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2027. District leaders are planning to ask voters to consider another renewal through a referendum proposed for the November 2026 ballot. If approved, the extension of the half-penny sales tax is projected to generate more than half a billion dollars in funding for the school district over the next 15 years, sustaining infrastructure investments.

A central message of the workshop is the growing mismatch between facility needs and available funding. District projections show approximately $1.1 billion in capital needs between 2028 and 2043, driven by aging buildings, safety upgrades, modernization, and enrollment changes. Without renewal of the half-penny tax, officials estimate a $620 million funding gap, which would significantly limit the district’s ability to maintain facilities or build new capacity. The average age of school buildings in the district is roughly 35 years, highlighting the scale of deferred maintenance and renovation needs.

The presentation also provided a detailed breakdown of projected expenditures across five major departmental or functional categories that would be funded through the sales tax extension. These categories represent the core areas of capital investment necessary to sustain school operations over the next 15 years.

Five Department Expense Categories and Projected Expenditures (2028–2043)

1) Facilities Renewal and Maintenance — approximately $520 million
This category represents the largest share of projected spending and includes roof replacements, HVAC systems, structural repairs, plumbing, electrical upgrades, and general building maintenance. Officials stress that routine maintenance is essential to avoid more costly emergency repairs in the future.

2) New Construction and Capacity Projects — approximately $260 million
Funding in this category would support construction of new school buildings, classroom additions, and campus expansions to address enrollment growth and changing program needs. The district noted that population growth and development patterns will drive demand for additional capacity in certain areas.

3) Safety and Security Improvements — approximately $140 million
This category includes campus security systems, access control technology, surveillance equipment, emergency communications infrastructure, and facility hardening measures. The presentation frames safety investments as a continuing priority following statewide and national school security initiatives.

4) Technology Infrastructure — approximately $110 million
Technology spending focuses on network systems, classroom connectivity, digital infrastructure, and equipment necessary to support modern instructional environments. Officials note that technology cycles require more frequent upgrades than traditional building systems.

5) Transportation and Support Facilities — approximately $70 million
This category includes maintenance and replacement of transportation infrastructure such as bus compounds, maintenance facilities, and operational support buildings required to sustain district services.

Collectively, these five categories account for the majority of projected capital expenditures through 2043 and illustrate the long-term planning framework used by district administrators.

Another key theme in the presentation is cost escalation. Officials highlighted rising construction and labor costs as major drivers of increased capital needs, noting that delaying projects typically results in higher long-term expenses. The workshop also emphasizes accountability measures, including public reporting, project tracking, and financial oversight to ensure tax revenues are spent only on voter-approved capital improvements.

Pittman’s Connections

ESPMedia is a local public relations firm that was founded in 2007 by Pittman. The firm represents political candidates, local agencies and both non-profit and for-profit organizations. In addition, a query of state business records shows that Pittman is the CEO of the Pittman Law Group and the Chairman of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. Pittman is also the host of The Sean Pittman Show, a podcast which offers “a space for… a variety of individuals to let their voice be heard.”

Both the Pittman Law Group and The Sean Pittman Show are listed as clients of ESPMedia.

A search of campaign finance records shows that ESPMedia was a vendor for Leon County School Board member Daryl Jones during the 2018 and 2022 election cycles. Jones is currently running for re-election in 2026. Jones has appeared on The Sean Pittman Show multiple times.

Also, public records show that the Pittman Law Group was hired by the Leon County School Board in 2021 to provide legal services. The contract designated Opal McKinney-Williams (Lead Counsel) as the Board’s General Counsel. The contract called for a monthly retainer of $6,500 which applies for the first 35 hours. Any services provided in excess of the first 35 hours will be billed at the rate of $195 per hour for the Lead Counsel, $165 per hour for all other attorneys, and $75 per hour for paralegals and legal assistants/clerks.

During a May 28, 2024 school board meeting, elected officials voted to exercise the Pittman Law Group’s contract renewal option through June 30, 2027, and revised the monthly retainer to $9,000.00 for forty (40) hours and the hourly billing rates in excess of the first forty (40) hours to $225.00 for the Lead Counsel, and $200.00 for all other attorneys effective July 1, 2024.

In addition, a query of state business records shows that Pittman is the Chairman of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. This group lists several companies doing business with the Leon County School Board. In addition, the Leon County School Board and the Leon Schools Foundation are members of the group.

Under this new arrangement, the school board’s general counsel and an elected school board member will be working for different companies controlled by the same person, Sean Pittman, who has various financial interests with the Leon County School Board.

Nicolas told the Democrat “his new role does not pose a conflict with his service on the school board because any potential work between the board and ESPMedia would be handled directly by Pittman.”

The notification addressed a legislative update regarding graduation requirements as outlined by the State of Florida in Florida Statute 1003.4282. Under House Bill 1105 (effective July 1, 2025), the Florida Department of Education has eliminated the Certificate of Completion option for students who meet course credit requirements but do not satisfy standardized testing or GPA benchmarks required for a standard high school diploma.

The email noted the information “has been consistently communicated by our high schools; however, we want to ensure clear and direct district-level correspondence to all students and families regarding this important change.”

This legislative update directly impacts both graduation eligibility and participation in graduation ceremonies. Effective immediately:

• Students must meet all state-required criteria—including required course credits, cumulative GPA, and standardized assessment benchmarks—to earn a standard high school diploma.
• Students who do not meet these requirements by the end of the school year will not be permitted to participate (“walk”) in graduation ceremonies.
• Students may continue working toward meeting diploma requirements beyond the school year and will have the opportunity to participate in a combined summer graduation ceremony once all criteria have been successfully met.

The email informed parents that the “district and school-based teams are actively working with seniors and their families to review academic progress, testing requirements, and any remaining obligations to ensure alignment with this new state law.”

Items for Consideration

Item 19.01 The Board voted to approve, following a public hearing, approval of amendments to Policy 8800 Religious/Patriotic and Other Ceremonies and Observances, effective March 25, 2026. Revisions include language that the District will observe January 27 as “Holocaust Remembrance Day.” The District may provide instruction on the harmful impacts of the Holocaust and anti-Semitism and the positive contributions of the Jewish community to humanity.

Item 19.02 The Board voted to approve, following a public hearing, approval of amendments to Policy 2215 Program of Instruction, effective March 25, 2026. The revisions to Program of Instruction include language that the District shall submit a Required Instruction Implementation Plan to the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education.

Item 19.03 The Board voted to advertise amendments to Policy 5460 Graduation Requirements, for a public hearing and adoption on May 12, 2026. The Graduation Requirements policy sets the District’s standards for awarding a standard high school diploma,

Item 19.04 The Board voted to advertise amendments to Policy 5410 Student Progression, for a public hearing and adoption on May 12, 2026. The Student Progression policy establishes a district plan, required by Florida law, that bases grade advancement on mastery of state standards.

Item 19.05 The Board voted to approve to advertise amendments to Policy 5410.01 Promotion, Placement, and Retention, for a public hearing and adoption on May 12, 2026. The Promotion, Placement, and Retention requires the District to place students in the educational setting best suited to their individual needs and to advance students only when they demonstrate sufficient mastery of state standards.

Item 19.06 The Board voted to advertise NEW Policy 2431.06 Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in Athletics, for a public hearing and adoption on May 12, 2026. The policy affirms student?athletes’ right to use and benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) while requiring compliance with Florida law, State Board of Education rules, School Board policies, and FHSAA bylaws; violations can affect amateur status and eligibility.

Item 19.07 The Board voted to advertise amendments to Policy 2261.02 Title I – Parents’ Right to Know, for a public hearing and adoption on May 12, 2026. Parents’ Right to Know policy requires the District to notify parents at the start of each school year for every Title I school that they may request timely information about their child’s classroom teachers’ professional qualifications.

Item 19.08 The Board voted to approve the Verification of Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) Certification of Facilities Data. Florida statutes requires that school districts periodically update their inventory of educational facilities.

Item 19.09 The Board voted to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation for a $7.8 million budget reduction for the 2026 – 2027 school year. This includes a District Cost Center Reduction of 5.67% or $2,381,310, Staffing Plan Reduction of 2.3% or $4,800,048, a 50% or $500,000 Reduction for Arts and Athletics, and a 50% or $125,000 Reduction for Community Groups.

Hanna’s Presentation

Hanna announced during his presentation, that he had changed his recommendation related to closing the LCS virtual school. Hanna said he and his staff are looking at a different model to lower costs and will look at offering courses with the greatest demand.

Hanna told the Board his plan includes $2.38 million in cuts related to district expenses by consolidating positions and realigning responsibilities,

Hanna recommended $4.8 million in cuts to the staffing plans in schools. He said the approach will include working with school principals to make staffing adjustments and to monitor student enrollment to determine if staffing or resource changes are needed.

Hanna noted that current financial challenges are due in part to the 150 positions that were originally funded by the federal government during COVID and now are the responsibility of LCS. These positions have been cut, but 60 positions have been retained.

Hanna also stated that arts and athletics would be cut by 50% ($500,000) as would community group funding ($125,000).

Smith: ” I’m Extremely Frustrated“

Board member Alva Smith said that she was extremely frustrated and disappointed. Smith, who has called for school closures due to drop in student population, said the recommendations amounted to a band-aid when we need major surgery. She asked, why does consolidation make sense to me and no one else?

Smith has noted that student enrollment has dropped by 5,000 students over the last five years, and demographic trends indicate these drops will continue. She also noted a number of schools are at or below 70% capacity.

Board Chair Marcus Nicolas explained to Ms. Smith that he did not believe the numbers she has presented over the last two years warrant school closures. Nicolas indicated that his research on the issue found that school capacities below 20-30% would lead to school closures.

Board member Wood agreed with Hanna’s recommendations and stated that the approach was “more of a scapple than a sledgehammer.”

Hanna, commended Smith for bringing up the issue, but concluded that the impact of school enrollment is something we have to monitor. He added that other districts made decision with lower capacity numbers and stated we just disagree about the timing.

Recommended 26/27 Budget Reductions

District Cost Center Reduction (5.67%) – $2,381,310

Staffing Plan Reduction (2.3%) – $4,800,048

Arts and Athletics Reduction (50%) – $500,000

Community Groups (50%) – $125,000

TOTAL  $7,806,358

The budget reductions include $2,381,310 at the district level, $4,800,048 in school staffing, $500,000 in arts & athletics, and $125,000 in community group funding.

Details are provided below:

Recommended 26/27 Budget Reductions

District Cost Center Reduction (5.67%)                                             $2,381,310

• Departmental budget meetings consolidating positions
• Realign responsibilities within district leadership
• Utilize the Evergreen study to redistribute positions in the future

Staffing Plan Reduction (2.3%)                                                             $4,800,048

• Work with school principals to make staffing adjustments
• Monitor student enrollment to determine if staffing or resource changes are needed

Arts and Athletics Reduction (50%)                                                    $500,000

• Reduce funding for art and athletic programs by 50%

• High schools currently receive $50,000 for the arts and $50,000 for athletics, proposed 26/27 they will receive $25,000 for arts and $25,000 for athletics
• Middle schools currently receive $25,000 for arts, proposed they will get $12,500

Community Groups (50%)                                                                      $125,000

• Reduce community group funding by 50%

TOTAL                                                                                               $7,806,358

The briefing happened at the March 9 agenda/workshop review meeting. The issue is scheduled to be addressed during an upcoming Board meeting.

The policy, titled “Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in Athletics,” acknowledges the right of student-athletes to benefit financially from endorsements and other NIL activities while maintaining restrictions designed to preserve amateur status and the integrity of school athletic programs.

Under the policy, student-athletes may participate in NIL agreements but must follow applicable Florida laws, rules of the State Board of Education, and bylaws set by the FHSAA. Violations could jeopardize an athlete’s amateur eligibility.

One of the most significant provisions prohibits student-athletes from using school-related branding in paid NIL activities without written approval. Athletes may not reference or display their school’s uniforms, logos, mascots, or other identifying marks in advertisements or promotions unless prior consent is granted by the school district or governing organization.

The policy also bars athletes from promoting products or services during school- or district-sponsored athletic events. Students may not reference school championships, awards, or other accolades in paid promotions.

Additionally, certain categories of endorsements are prohibited, including adult entertainment-related products and services.

District officials emphasized that NIL deals cannot be used as a recruiting tool to influence where a student attends school to participate in athletics.

The policy further clarifies that NIL “collectives”—independent organizations that pool funds to support NIL opportunities—are not affiliated with the school district.

District employees, coaches, athletic staff, and representatives of athletic interests are also barred from organizing or facilitating NIL deals, in accordance with FHSAA rules.

Finally, the district notes that student-athletes are responsible for understanding how NIL agreements may affect eligibility with collegiate athletic organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the National Junior College Athletic Association. Students are encouraged to seek legal and tax advice before entering into agreements.

Consent Construction Items – all votes were 5-0

Item 18.01 JRA Architects, Inc.– Short Form Agreement, Lincoln Auditorium Re-Roof project in the amount of $25,123.

Item 18.02 Cook Brothers, Inc. Change Order # 1 for Construction Manager Services for Woodville K-8 School Sewer Connection and Site Improvements Project.

Item 18.03 School Impact Analysis – There was no negative impact to Leon County Schools for two projects reviewed.

Item 18.04 Certification of applicants seeking prequalification for bidding LCSB construction projects.

Items for Consideration

Item 19.01 The Board voted 5-0 to approve, following a public hearing, amendments to Policy 1242 Professional Learning, effective February 25, 2026. The amendments specifically identify the “Florida Educational Leadership Standards” by name as opposed to the “state’s educational leadership standards” and include a provision for training on the use of instructional materials included on the state-adopted instructional materials list.

Item 19.02 The Board voted 5-0 to approve, following a public hearing, amendments to Policy 3242 Professional Learning, effective February 25, 2026. The amendments specifically identify the “Florida Educational Leadership Standards” by name as opposed to the “state’s educational leadership standards” and include a provision for training (when such training is available) on the use of instructional materials list.

Item 19.03 The Board voted 5-0 to approve, following a public hearing, amendments to Policy 4242 Staff Development, effective February 25, 2026. The revisions to Policy 4242 are intended maintain alignment with certain language in Policies 1242 and 3242. Of note, the Florida School Community Professional Learning Act (F.S. 1012.98) primarily focuses on professional learning requirements and activities for instructional personnel and school administrators. Thus, while “professional learning” is referenced in Policy 4242, some of the requirements in Policy 4242 differ from Policies 1242 and 3242.

Item 19.04 The Board voted 5-0 to approve a well site expansion easement located on the property of Sail High School located at 2006 Jackson Bluff Road. The Leon County School Board owns property constituting Sail High School. The City of Tallahassee has requested that a portion of it be granted for a well site expansion easement.

Item 19.05 The Board decided to schedule a workshop to deal with questions about an agreement between the Board and Addition Credit Union.

Board Member Topics

Item 24.01 School Board Member Smith presented a document outlining an approach to assessing the district’s operating efficiencies. A discussion ensued about a possible workshop, but Board members were hesitant to move forward. During the discussion Board member Jones made clear his intentions to support the 1/2 penny sales tax for school infrastructure projects and a property tax increase to fund teacher salaries.

Item 24.02 School Board Member Smith presented a document related to the assignment of administrative staff in schools. She voiced concerns about the inconsistencies in which schools received additional administrator positions. She also raised concerns about the allocation of Dean positions. A workshop will be scheduled to further investigate the issue.

Item 24.03 School Board Member Wood inquired about the use of Google in classrooms, which was stopped a number of years ago. LCS staff informed the Board that a plan is in process to address the issue.

In a divided session on Tuesday February 10, the Leon County School Board narrowly rejected a proposal to establish a citizen-led advisory group tasked with evaluating the dis­trict’s long-term enrollment trends and school facilities. The motion, introduced by Board Member Alva Smith, failed in a 2-3 vote after a sharp debate over the necessity of outside oversight versus the expertise of district staff.

The proposal aimed to convene a “commu­nity-wide citizen review team” where each board member would appoint a representa­tive to study data over the next six to eight months. Smith argued that a “community lens” was essential because the district is facing a “larger picture” of a 6% enrollment decline over the past 15 years. She highlighted that Leon County Schools lost $12.3 million to charter schools and saw private school scholarship costs soar from $2.5 million five years ago to $28 million today.

“This is not just based on declining birth rates,” Smith stated. “It’s actually based on declining birth rates in addition to choice: charter, scholarship, and even choice within our own district”.

The debate grew heat­ed as Smith challenged internal district projec­tions. While some dis­trict reports suggested that affluent Northside schools were projected to decline, Smith noted that Montford Middle School has seen a 16% increase. She suggested that the Superintendent and the Board were “reading the data two different ways” and argued for an independent evaluation to maintain honesty with the community.

However, the motion faced stiff opposition from Board Member Daryl Jones, who emphasized his trust in the “subject matter expertise” of the district’s staff. Jones argued that the board should not “relinquish” its fiduciary responsibility to an ad hoc committee. Quoting Sena- tor Patrick Moynihan, Jones remarked, “Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but they’re not entitled to their own facts”. He expressed concern that a new task force would lack the authority and intel found in the district’s own employees.

Other board members raised logistical concerns, noting that such committees require significant staff time and must operate under “sunshine” laws. While Board Member Cox supported the proposal, citing successful precedents like the COVID task force and the half-penny sales tax renewal committee, the majority of the board felt the issue did not rise to an urgent “priority”.

Ultimately, the board chose to rely on internal analysis.

“I’m not sure why we would hit the panic button if we’re not even… an inch to the cliff,” Chair Marcus Nicolas concluded before the final vote.

Consent Construction Items – all votes were 5-0

Item 18.01: Roberts Elementary School, School Initiated Project to provide and install new playground equipment at Roberts Elementary School The project will be funded through Roberts Elementary School PTO funds.

Item 18.02: DeSoto Trail Elementary School – School Initiated Project for the Purchase and Installation of a new section of equipment for the primary playground. The project will be funded through Desoto Trail Elementary School PTO funds.

Item 18.03: Authorize the Chair or Vice Chair and Superintendent to sign all related documents and authorize the necessary budget amendments related to RAM Construction & Development, LLC Release of Retainage, W.T. Moore Elementary School, New Construction, Remodeling, Renovations and Site Improvements Classroom Redesign Project (RFQ 499-2023). The project was board approved on December 13, 2022.  The firm negotiated with staff and submitted their GMP contract, it was board approved on May 9, 2023, in the amount of $6,990,409.30.

Item 18.04: School Impact Analysis. There was no negative impact to Leon County Schools for two projects reviewed.

Item 18.05: Certification of applicants seeking prequalification for bidding LCSB construction projects.

Items for Consideration

Item 19.01: The Board voted 5-0 to advertise amendments to Policy 2215 Program of Instruction, for a public hearing and adoption on March 24, 2026. The amendments related, in part, to classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity, civic and character education, and disability history and awareness instruction.

Item19.02: The Board voted 5-0 to advertise amendments to Policy 8800 Religious and Other Ceremonies and Observances, for a public hearing and adoption on March 24, 2026. The amendment states: In honor of the millions of victims killed in the Holocaust, January 27 will be observed in schools as “Holocaust Remembrance Day.” If January 27 is not a school day, “Holocaust Remembrance Day” will be observed on the following school day or on another school day as designated by the Board. Instruction on the harmful impacts of the Holocaust and anti-Semitism and the positive contributions of the Jewish community to humanity may be provided as part of the instruction on “Holocaust Remembrance Day”.

Item19.03: The Board voted 5-0 to reject all responses for RFQ 110-2026, Construction Manager Services for Raa Middle School, New Construction, Remodeling, Renovations, Demolition and Site Work Project and Re-Solicit. The rejection was due to a procedural issue that needed to be addressed to ensure the final decision could not be challenged.

Board Jones motion: The Board voted 5-0 to adopt a motion by Board member Jones for LCS staff to convene a meeting with local construction companies and sub-contractors to communicate the processes involved with working for the district.

Member Comments: After a lengthy discussion the Board voted 3-2 to defeat a motion by Board member Alva Smith which proposed the creation of a citizens committee that would provide an outside look at the various community factors impacting LCS enrollment trends. Smith and Board member Cox voted yes. Board members Nicolas, Wood and Jones voted no.