Fredrick Brooks

This strategic overview for Ridge Technical College highlights its mission to assess, prepare, and place individuals in their chosen careers through over 20 technical programs. It emphasizes aligning programs with state frameworks and industry standards, employing experienced instructors, and fostering continuous improvement. The college's commitment to career-ready training is validated by its national recognition as a top vocational school and its recent commendable rating for student progress, showcasing its dedication to student success and addressing workforce needs.

The Strategic Plan for Polk County Public Schools serves as a roadmap for supporting students, families, staff, and the community, outlining priorities for continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability. The plan is student-centered, aiming to provide a high-quality education for all students with the singular goal of graduation. It focuses on five key goals: enhancing student outcomes, developing great teachers and leaders, engaging families and the community, ensuring equitable and efficient use of resources, and fostering the development of the whole child.

The document outlines the tentative budget for the Polk County School Board for the fiscal year 2025-2026. It includes detailed calculations of funding, revenue, and appropriations, with a focus on K-12 education. Key areas covered are FEFP (Florida Education Finance Program) allocations, local property taxes, and various categorical funds. The budget also breaks down school personnel allocations, school budget allocations, and departmental budget allocations. Additionally, it provides a detailed breakdown of budget allocations by school, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as other educational programs.

The Audit & Finance Committee meeting included introductions of new committee member Mr. Sal Tropia and assistant director of internal audit, Mr. Luke Witty. A financial update was presented, including the May financial statements and a discussion of the upcoming budget for the 2023-2024 school year. An update on the internal funds audit for the fiscal year was also provided, outlining the audit timeline, responsibilities, and risk assessment. Key discussion points included the review of the May financial statements, the upcoming internal funds audit, and a finance update that covered the current year's budget versus the prior year's budget.

The work session included the following key discussion topics: proposed rule development for school board policies (Policy 9271, Policy 7540.08, Policy 5505); updates on the Clay Cut Building; a Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) grant for a permanent generator at Tenoroc High School; an interim agreement with Fortress Secured, LLC; discussions on Alta Vista and Scenic Terrace; an update on VPK Early Childhood Education; a donation report; Head Start services; a grants management report; a board meeting agenda review; a request for the last two board retreat topics; and a review of 14 applicants for General Counsel.