Bay District Schools School Board Meeting Highlights – February 13, 2024

BAY COUNTY, FL - Key moments from the Bay District Schools Administration Building meeting held on February 13th at 1 pm are spotlighted. Over 5 years after the storm and the Administration Building is still bearing the scars of Hurricane Michael, inside and out.

Public Commentary on Book Challenges

A significant portion of public commentary was on proposed policy changes regarding book challenges in schools. Concerns were raised about the existing policies' ineffectiveness in preventing adult content, including sexually explicit material, from entering school libraries through publishers' bundles. Residents and Parents from the Bay County Moms for Liberty stressed the need for policies allowing parents and schools to review new books before inclusion in libraries. They identified around 40 books with sexually explicit adult content already present in school libraries. The speakers urged for a solution that ensures age-appropriate materials in school libraries.

Public Comment on Superintendent Support

A resident thanked the Superintendent for supporting the "Wall That Heals" and educating students about the Vietnam War.

Public Comments on Facility Concerns at Boseman

A concerned parent and School Advisory Council member from Boseman raised issues about the facility projects at the school. They expressed the need for additional classrooms, improvements to the gym and fields, and highlighted the current shortage of space for students. Mr. Chester, school board member, assured the community that improvements, including a new camera system, track, lights, storage barn, softball fields, and a chiller, were in the works. He also mentioned FEMA funds holding up additional classrooms and plans to convert the pavilion into a gym. The Superintendent noted that he requested state funds for a feasibility study for a Future Farmers of America (FFA) program arena and classroom at Bozeman.

Public Comments Conditional Substitute Teacher’s Plea

A conditional substitute teacher expressed gratitude for her time at Tyndall Academy, requesting a continuance and providing proof of her teaching certification from the state of Georgia, valid until 2027.

Policy Changes Postponed

The School Board postponed the vote on policy changes (8.501-8.506) to the next meeting, covering aspects like Adoption of Courses of Study, Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials, and Challenges to Adoption or Use of Instructional Library Materials.

Reports to the Board

Chairman Moss brought attention to the purchase of furniture for the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program. The furniture was purchased prior to board consent which is allowed in emergencies or in the case of long lead-times. Concerns were raised about the lack of a spending cap for these purchases. The Superintendent agreed to reevaluate the policy and look into a spending limit.

Teaching and Learning

The Board approved the initiation of the Rutherford Community Partnership School program at Rutherford middle and high schools, mirroring the successful program at Parker elementary. The program, funded by a state grant, aims to increase staff, mentors, and volunteers, in a coordinated effort, which resulted in positive outcomes at Parker Elementary, including heightened parental involvement and improved academic performance in math and reading.

Facility, Equipment and Software Approvals

The School Board approved funds for HVAC installations at Tyndall Academy and West Bay Elementary School, band instruments across Bay District schools, and the renewal of the PowerSchool AIMS Subscription for staff development and evaluations.

Food Service

The Board also approved an update to the Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School contract, allowing students to eat free at any school during lunch hours due to their work program.

Other Announcements

Additionally, the St Joe Foundation generously donated $32,866 to Bay District Schools for 47 bulletproof vests for School Resource Officers.

In a quick but comprehensive summary, Johnathan Moore highlighted the various programs in all Bay District Schools under his charge in Career Technical Education.

You can view the meeting here: https://bay.k12.fl.us/school-board-meetings