Bay District Schools

The meeting included the presentation of a St. Joe Foundation grant award for mental health services, public feedback on community events and school repair needs, and updates on district staff initiatives including clothing drives and a major state grant for crisis intervention. Administrative actions included the appointment of an Assistant Principal for J.R. Arnold High School and approval of several consent agenda items such as unit allocations, grants, contracts, and personnel recommendations. The board also reviewed and approved policies regarding student services, uniform and grooming standards, and a temporary dress code. Additionally, the board approved changes to football admission prices, policies for compensation and leaves during declared emergencies, program of instruction updates, and new job descriptions for a Coordinator of Mental Health Initiative and a Title IX Coordinator.

The board meeting and preceding transportation workshop covered several key topics. These included an overview of student transportation funding and policies, administrative recommendations for staff roles, and the approval of contracts for 2021-2022. The Board approved the purchase of land near Lynn Haven Elementary, a contract amendment for hurricane repairs at Haney Technical, and funding for the Bay Haven Charter Academy PE Pavilion. Additionally, the Board appointed a new member to the Citizens Oversight Committee and discussed and approved revisions to the student dress code policy.

The 2025-2026 Strategic Plan Score Card outlines key objectives focused on fostering a supportive culture for employee recruitment and retention, prioritizing academic achievement for all students, and ensuring student readiness for productive citizenship. Additionally, it aims to build transparency and trust among stakeholders and to collaborate on systemic educational support structures, emphasizing improved operational efficiency.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the approval of recruitment and retention bonuses for teachers at specific elementary schools, the appointment of individuals to oversight committees, and the advertisement of various school board policies regarding emergency drills, student discipline, threat assessments, and foreign student exchange programs. Additionally, the board approved amendments to third-party claims administration service contracts, revisions to district salary schedules, and the fourth amendment to the land transfer agreement for the Panama City Beach public school and sports park. A public hearing was held to discuss and approve job descriptions for various school roles, and an executive session was conducted for collective bargaining purposes.

The board meeting addressed various administrative and operational matters including the approval of recruitment and retention bonuses for teachers, various interagency agreements and memoranda of understanding, and the adoption of an assessment calendar. Recognition was given for partnership awards, JROTC unit achievements, and student graduation pathways. Discussions included community feedback regarding school services, enrollment growth at technical centers, and committee appointments. The board also approved revisions to school board policies, job descriptions, facility usage agreements, and the meeting schedule, and concluded with an executive session regarding collective bargaining.