Gabriela Buttress

Key discussions included the opening of the 2026-2027 School Lottery, which requires returning students to re-enroll, and fundraising updates covering parent donations, corporate sponsorships, and the Florida Pre-Paid College Scholarship Raffle. The board received a presentation regarding the Broward District School's Academic Program Review process, scheduled to begin on January 20th, requiring documentation submission by January 30th. A significant topic involved discussing proposed changes to school start times mandated by 2024 legislation, and the potential impact on transportation and sports schedules, with the City noting the need for substantial additional bus resources if implemented. Additionally, the principals presented the Instruction and Non-Instructional Employees of the Year for each campus, and the board addressed parent inquiries regarding school lunch timing.

Key discussions included the status of the 2026-2027 School Lottery, which opened on January 2nd, and the successful completion of the Independent Audit of the Charter System with no findings. Fundraising efforts were detailed, covering parent donations, corporate banners, and raffle ticket sales. The Principal provided updates on upcoming student events, including a mandatory Senior DUI event and an Open House for incoming ninth graders. Significant time was dedicated to discussing proposed changes to school start times for the 2026-2027 academic year due to new state law, requiring the Charter School to apply for its own waiver, and preparation for the Broward District School's Academic Programic Review beginning January 20th. The Board also addressed inquiries regarding the availability of an activity bus for after-school transportation.

Key discussions during the meeting included site plan alignment with sustainability goals and updates on city communications, such as the Sustainability Corner of the Spotlight newsletter. Environmental concerns related to North Perry Airport, specifically the need for lead emission screenings, were reviewed alongside updates on new legislation aiming to restrict building incinerators near neighborhoods. The board discussed considerations for native Florida plants in the Great Yards award evaluation and the impact of Sunshine Law on group site visits. Updates were provided on the North Perry Airport Lead Emission Screening RFP and the Safety Assessment RFP. Furthermore, the board discussed the Waste-to-Energy Incinerator update, including regional opposition and an upcoming Commission Workshop, and concerns regarding PFAS status. Commission items included the Procurement Department receiving an Excellence Award, recognition of Natalie Belmonte Award recipients for outstanding yards in November and December 2025, and a proclamation recognizing Girl Scouts for awareness efforts regarding coral bleaching. The contract award for Citywide Litter Control Services to Grow Care Outdoor Solutions LLC was announced. Future topics included road-mapping for subsequent meetings, updates on the Green Plan Status, PFAS Status, Composting, Textile Recycling, Shredding, Reverse Vending Machines, and exploring regional partnerships. The possibility of recycling plastic Easter Eggs was discussed under the annual calendar section.

The key discussion points included the election of a Vice Chair, resulting in two members serving as Co-Vice Chairs and rotating the duty per meeting. Old business focused on program details for the upcoming 'Teen Take Over' event at Spring Valley Park on March 13th, emphasizing mental health challenges, free admission, food, and information from local agencies. Additionally, a finalized timeline was presented for the 'Youth Life Skills and Trade Exploration Day' scheduled for February 23rd, which will feature eight breakout areas for life skills rotation, sponsored by the Miramar Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting covered several key discussion points reported by the City Staff Liaison, including upcoming programs such as "Beats and Bites," a Martin Luther King Day festival featuring a parade, poetry readings, performances, live music, and food trucks, and an Art is Forever open house and art sale. Other events mentioned were the Florida Talks Program about the Civil Rights Movement, Sensory Saturdays, and Opening Receptions for artists Adrian Sosa and Edison Penafiel. The Panther on the Prowl project, which seeks a name for a panther sculpture with proceeds benefiting cancer research, was also discussed, with the Mayor set to present a proclamation for National Cancer Awareness Month. Under Old Business, board members discussed enhancing traffic box designs, including revisiting the re-wrapping of five boxes and potentially working with a graphic designer to improve image quality for new boxes that represent cultural and recreational themes. New Business was noted as none.