The superintendent answering to the board will place the five school board members firmly in charge. Bernstein, a Martin County native who attended public schools here until going off to college where she earned an advanced degree in economics, could have been an excellent addition. To see the budget presentation and handouts please gohere. Marsha Powers and Mike DiTerlizzi were sworn in for their new four-year terms after running unopposed in the recent election. That way drivers can be available to service all levels of schools. We wholeheartedly understand the crucial importance of nurturing a continued dialogue in our community, specifically including our students, to create and foster a learning environment and community free of bigotry, hate and racism. Apparently so does Tony Anderson. The motion passed 5-0. During public comment, there were many speakers who spoke for and against banning books. Campaigns for public office benefit the most when members of the community join together to support those who share their values. She was an economist at the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis beforereturningto Martin Countyin 2019. Phone: 606-298-3572 Fax: 606-298-3732. He said that his wife would like him to retire from teaching and even from the school board. The Board needs to show all students and, in a broader sense, the entire community that race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation does not matter. We are a much smaller district with even more limited tax dollars available. What comes with the territory of sitting on that dais (and taking a taxpayer funded paycheck and benefits) is taking criticism from the public and the press. I could draft the story and highlight the four I do have but that would not be the entire story. As Board representative to Childrens Services Council, I actively participate in selecting and honing funding initiatives tied to frequently-updated community needs assessments and published performance measures, while effectively addressing gaps. "That is what I am about, and I want to make sure that I honor the people that voted for me. The old high school building which is celebrating its centennial in 2023 will be having its 202-year birthday. For personnel expenses (additional instructional or support staff), employees must work first before payment, so those type expenses truly stretch over a scheduled time period. But, given changing parent and student preferences, there may be at least three school board votes to give something like that a try. It does not single out any one group. Someone must have told them that the outdated form was there. As to increased auto traffic because desperate drivers will zoom in to have a drink, I really cannot see much of a problem either. 2015 Minutes. Strongly committed to fiscal conservatism, utilizing a Return-on-Investment approach to financial commitments, and 40+ years of residency; I continue to make decisions based on community expectations and needs of our students (Responsible). United Health Care was third. There have been a variety of funding programs (like CARES, GEERS, ESSER, ESSER II) that K-12 public school districts have been able to utilize to address the unexpected costs and consequences of the global pandemic. Fiscal responsibility, another one of her priorities, could be improved by havinganattorney on school district staff, she said, rather than spending money for outsidelaw firms. I think that is the better approach rather than naming groups that should be covered. The board gave a consensus for Chair Powers and Dr. Millay to proceed with negotiation. Currently, the elected Superintendent functions as a co-equal. For some time, I have written about the lack of agenda items having any sort of backup. The board also received an update regarding the health insurance contract for next year. Millay, she believed, understood all departments. Should she be disqualified because of it? Resciniti is the head of the union but she was only speaking for herself as a teacher. Most employees and retirees choose the HMO Plan. Is there any wonder that Mr. Anderson already has an opponent in his upcoming race, Amy Pritchett. A simmering anger came out into the open. Just like a fire drill the kids need to leave fast and in an orderly way. The Drop Program is a commitment a person makes to retire within a defined amount of time. Sophie will be on NBCs Lester Holts broadcast. DiTerlizzi moved that Plan B be approved in Jensen Beach with the paving of the rock roadway in the rear using as much stabilized turf as possible. This is important because, unfortunately, all school districts, including ours, are facing budgetary challenges that will require innovative solutions. At some point even for the lowest tier housing some people will not be able to afford even that. The school board should encourage Dr. Millay to continue meeting with not only those who agree with him but also those that do not. Dr. Millays vision also begins to eliminate the inhouse legal team and outsource to an outside legal firm that specializes in education. During the coronavirus turmoil, I became acutely aware that our individual rights were being called into question. Taxpayer dollars are used to keep the premiums manageable but still individual employees contribute a large amount to their plans. 2015 Minutes. It appears what we have are two members willing to step up and be responsible. She writes, During my time as a board member, I believe the lines have been blurred when it comes to the roles and responsibilities of the Superintendent and our Board., She goes on to write that an individual board member may become increasingly involved in administrative details and tend to become a second administrator. And lastly, We hired the Superintendent to serve as the CEO of our school district. Martin Countys starting salary currently stands at $45,700 (from under $39,000 four years ago). The second was payment for Covid-related sick days. "I want to reassure everyone that I take this responsibility extremely seriously, and I vow to humbly serve the students, staff and the families that you represent.". Millay is a recently retired superintendent from Kentucky. It also seemed that the Risk Management & Safety Department should probably be transferred to under finance if this occurs. He was a mayor, naval officer, linguist, business consultant, scholar, deeply religious person and quite possibly could become a member of a Democrat administration. A while ago, Chair Roberts asked Dr. Millay and staff to provide information about how many more district employees had been added over several periods of time. During the budget portion, CFO Carter Morrison made almost the same presentation as in the last meeting because many of his state figures are not yet set. I would love to see it. Expanding the number of teachers in these grade levels from 24 to 30, adding two paraprofessionals to assist the eight Kindergarten teachers and a Prevention Intervention Specialist to serve as an instructional support interfacing between the school and families. , Url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_County_School_District Go Now, Schools Details: WebSCHOOL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 2023 Dr. John Millay, Martin Countys first appointed superintendent, surprised the board, staff, and citizens by resigning effective , Url: https://friendsandneighborsofmartincounty.com/martin-county-school-board/ Go Now, Schools Details: WebBoard Members. The local rates will remain the same at 2.748 or a decrease in the overall rate by .2010 or 3.2%. Should all students be required to take such a course? It looks like training in welding, nursing, and HVAC will be expanded. The union is reimbursing the district for her pay plus benefits. Tyson Waters, the boards attorney, went through a document that is being called an Intent-to-Lease with the Arts Council. One was from the human resource department on hiring and other departmental issues. Now it is up to the voters. He went on to say that things were fine, and nothing needs to change. When it came to most of those on the Organizational Chart, the Board was reluctant to do so. This can only be accomplished through a rigorous, innovative public school system with the best, fully certified teachers, parental support, and full local control of tax dollars collected for education. No one is ever happy! Last evening the School Board reviewed and discussed an eighteen-page spreadsheet prepared by Staff regarding ESSER II and priorities. For the most part, they receive a good education. Peter Licata, from the Palm Beach County District, received 3 votes. While Dr. Millay is rethinking non-school staff, there needs to be the same re-evaluation for schools. That doesnt mean those students shouldnt have read the Reeves Tale or know that there was a French Revolution. It is completely different than what most of us experienced at our senior proms. A proclamation is simply a way to acknowledge that these students are valuable members of their schools and society. Schools are a place for education, not indoctrination. In Gaylords case the state sets the salary as an elected official. Superintendent Millay and Spellman discussed the matter, but Spellman was not asked to review anything. An additional $2 million will be allocated to compensation for other employees and the rest for the other four named categories in the referendum. In November, the decision was made to have students make up two (2) of the four (4) missed days of school. Another matter was who should have final say over a schools code. SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET MEETING JANUARY 25, 2022: CFO Carter Morrison presented the board with very early numbers regarding next years budget. Seldom does that happen at the district levelor at the county or municipalities either, for that matter. The support she thought she had from other board members evaporated once oppositional emails began flooding in. It is extremely dangerous that the action was done so cavalierly . With the governors new quarantine regulations, it may be even higher in the weeks to come. Some parents like to have religious or ethical principles taught along with the standard curriculum. As Ms. Defenthaler said, she wants to see the ROI for this work. Even though he came from a loving home, he had some of the same issues expressed in the proclamation. The worst thing education can do is try to teach these kids methods that are obsolete. The union has reimbursed the district for all wages and benefits but there has been no verification of reimbursement of any of the millage payment that every teacher received including Resciniti. If the district believes there needs to be such a program, then have classroom instruction at Jensen Beach and then the certificate students can go to existing pre-k classes for hands on training. Perhaps two board members never completed the evaluations and returned nothing to the district, that in and of itself would be something to know and report to you. "So it's using those dollars wisely," she said. Comments are limited to three minutes and board members will listen but not address the comments shared during the meeting. Besides the two board members that were up for re-election this year faced no challengers. This deal has already been agreed to by the unions. This is the disclaimer text. You can add more CTE classes to the existing high schools. If a Board member shall cease to be a resident of the county or the district which he/she represents, the position on the School Board shall be deemed vacant. It passed 5-0. Those are now open and so should schools be. It tells how many confirmed cases there are in the district and breaks it down by school. Martin County schools do not need this type of publicity. I do like that Millay is beginning to think outside the box. Martin County Schools. Mr. Andersons comments can be found at 2 hours and 30 minutes using this link here, You can find the options for high school re-districting here. Carter Morrison was concerned that they would need more people on his staff. As before the pandemic, they must remain in the areas they are assigned and permitted. The board devoted most of this workshop to a presentation from the Gehring Group outlining the principles of self-insurance. One was the Great Recession of 2008 which crashed values. That may solve the affordability crisis for 24 new teachers. Every government wants to preserve its fiefdom. The newsletter will continue to report on you and write opinions about your conduct as a school board member. That is what government has become even with schools. Education is not the only thing to be concerned with in Martin County. You can see the presentation here.