Bernadette Beneby-Coleman

The discussion during the board workshop focused on preparing a resolution similar to one from the Council of Great City Schools, addressing the separation of children from their families by the government. Although a recent update indicated that the separation policy had ended, it was noted that other related issues, such as the duration families remain in detention centers, still persist. Direction was given to staff to prepare the resolution for a formal vote at a subsequent meeting scheduled for July 18th. The workshop concluded with a motion to adjourn, which passed.

The primary discussion topic during this session was a presentation providing Diligent Community Platform training to Board members, conducted by the Diligent Community Training Manager.

This document outlines the vision for new Palm Beach County Schools, aiming to educate, affirm, and inspire students within an equity-embedded environment. The elementary school will prepare students for a future emphasizing collaboration, inquiry, and innovation. The high school will offer rigorous academic programs, including advanced placement, and state-of-the-art facilities, with an overall goal to foster community pride and provide relief to overcrowded institutions.

The meeting convened after a brief recess to establish a quorum. Key discussion centered on significant challenges in student attendance, categorized by students considered truant (15 or more unexcused absences in 90 days) and chronically absent (any absence totaling 10% or more). Presentations detailed pre-COVID attendance statistics from 2020 versus current 2022 data, showing a substantial increase in students with five or more absences (from 24% to nearly 40%). The data presentation also highlighted demographic disparities in absence rates, with Hispanic students showing higher rates of 15 or more days missed compared to the district average. Furthermore, updates were provided on the re-engagement project mandated by a new House Bill, focusing on locating students lost during the 2019-2020 school year and students who did not enroll this year, involving collaboration with law enforcement and other state agencies. The committee agreed to shift the agenda to prioritize the attendance presentation and addressed a motion to amend the February minutes regarding phrasing related to special education recommendations.

The meeting included a detailed report on sales tax proceeds, noting that revenues are significantly exceeding projections (117% above projections) due to factors like new small businesses and the impact of the Wayfarer bill concerning out-of-state sales tax collection. There is an anticipated decision in September 2025 regarding an early sunset of the sales tax. Discussions also focused on long-term maintenance budgets to avoid future referendums, including necessary planning for facility condition assessments and compliance with new legislative requirements for performance audits if the tax referendum terms are altered. Furthermore, updates were provided on previously approved items, including contractual adjustments for gas escalation in the Lake Worth High School project and detailed funding plans concerning the Dreyfus Historic Designation targeted for affordable housing.