Bay County Schools: Summer Graduates, Strict Cell Phone Policy, and Bay High Principal Suspended

BAY COUNTY, FL - On July 22, 2025, the Bay County School Board convened at the Nelson Building, led by Chairman Steve Moss, to address a range of agenda items, celebrate summer graduates, and hold a public hearing on a new cell phone policy. The meeting, streamed live on www.bay.k12.fl.us , included recognitions, policy updates, and discussions on administrative accountability, with a focus on community engagement and fiscal responsibility.

Summer Graduation Ceremony

A highlight of the meeting was the recognition of the 2025 summer graduates from Arnold, Bay, and Central High Schools. Director of Secondary Instruction Elena Simmons and Instructional Specialist Jennifer Jennings praised the graduates for their perseverance, noting many balanced full-time jobs and intensive test preparation to meet graduation requirements. The ceremony included a tassel-turning ritual, symbolizing the transition to the next chapter of their lives.

Public Hearing: Cell Phone Policy

At 3:30 PM, the board held a public hearing to finalize Policy 5136, aligning with state statutes mandating restricted cell phone use in schools. The policy enforces a "bell-to-bell" prohibition on wireless devices for K-12 students, extending to high schools, unlike the state’s elementary and middle school mandate. Superintendent McQueen highlighted its adoption in larger Florida districts like Orange and Broward Counties, citing improved student grades, reduced discipline issues, and decreased bullying. The policy allows limited use for educational purposes with teacher approval but prohibits use during lunch or on school property, including vehicles. After public clarification on its scope, the board unanimously approved the policy.

Consent Agenda Approvals

The Bay County School Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, excluding item 12E (Mental Health Assistance Plan), which was moved to action items for further discussion. The approved items encompassed a range of administrative, financial, operational, and educational initiatives to support district operations for the 2025-2026 school year:

School Board Members & Board Attorney: Re-appointed members to the Oscar Patterson Oversight Committee to ensure continued oversight and support.

Superintendent Initiatives:
Set differentiated pay for school administrators for 2025-2026
Approved recruitment and retention bonuses for teachers at Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CS&I) schools.
Established classroom teacher supplement tiers for CS & I schools.

Finance:
Approved internal audit reports for New Horizons, reinforcing financial oversight.

Memorandum of Understanding:
Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Boys and Girls Club of Bay County for Lucille Moore, Margaret K. Lewis, and Tyndall Academy to enhance community partnerships.
Approved an off-campus lunch policy to provide flexibility for students.

Human Resources:
Approved the 2024-2025 FLDOE Equal Educational Opportunity Report.
Approved personnel recommendations, including out-of-field teachers, to address staffing needs.

Teaching and Learning:
Approved an off-campus lunch policy to provide flexibility for students.
Approved the Florida Statewide Voluntary Prekindergarten Provider Contract to support early education.
Approved an articulation agreement with Gulf Coast State College to facilitate student transitions.
Approved the SBMH Grant Program Agreement with D'Isernia to enhance mental health support.
Approved a staggered start for kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year to ease student transitions.

Action Items

Mental Health Assistance Plan (12E):
Pulled for discussion, Mr. Chester inquired about progress metrics for the Monique Burr Foundation program, in use since 2016. Staff reported that 176 students disclosed concerns to trusted adults last year, and 190 participated in a vaping education program with low recidivism. The board approved expanding in-person substance abuse and suicide prevention education for grades 6-12.

External Auditor Selection:
Selected Carr, Riggs & Inglish as the external auditor for RFP 2508, per Florida Statute 218.391. Despite efforts to solicit other bids, only Carr, Riggs & Inglish, a decade-long partner, applied.

Employee Suspensions:
Approved suspension without pay for Summer Chester (Surfside Middle School) due to a recent arrest.
Approved suspension without pay for Sean Watson (Rutherford High School) due to a recent arrest.

Master Teacher Add-On Units:
Amended prior approval to limit master teacher add-on units to Cedar Grove Elementary and Oscar Patterson Academy (three each) for their stabilization year post-turnaround status, citing budget constraints.
Additional Unit for Arnold High School: Approved an additional unit for Arnold High School, funded by its AP and ACE funds, to hire an AP coordinator.

Bay High Principal Suspension/Training And Speed Zone At Jinks

Board member Moore raised concerns about a recent Inspector General investigation into Bay High School Principal Carpenter Thompson-Blythe, citing policy violations involving tax-exempt purchases and a golf cart. Despite her prior exemplary service, Moore disagreed with the disciplinary outcome (five-day unpaid suspension and ethics training), arguing it lacked sufficient accountability. Superintendent McQueen defended the process, noting Thompson-Blythe’s acceptance of responsibility and completion of corrective actions. Register emphasized the need for principals to set positive examples, expressing disappointment in the negative reflection on the district.

Mr. Chester highlighted community safety, supporting photo-enforced speeding zones in school areas, starting with Jinks Middle School’s 11th Street corridor, following a Panama City Commission vote.

Community Engagement

The meeting concluded with announcements of community events, including a backpack handout and a movie night at Lake Powell Park, supported by local law enforcement. 

Watch the full meeting here: https://vimeo.com/1103565118