Meeting Date: May 10, 2021
Time: 5:30 P.M.
Place: School Board of Highlands County Garland Boggus Board Room

Welcome: Superintendent Brenda Longshore opened the meeting at 5:35 PM.

Roll Call:

1. Members present: Chet Brojek, Curt Matthews, Diane Juve, John Shoop, Dave Burnham, Joe Wright, Maritza Telesky, and Trevor Murphy.

2. Members absent: Jason Biance, Tiffany Green, and Velma Lumpkin.

3. District staff present: Donna Howerton, Brenda Longshore, Mike Averyt, Frank Brown, Darrell Layfield, Harry Howes, and Cindy Wester (recorder).

Approval of Minutes: Presentation of minutes was made of meetings held on January 27, 2020, September 21, 2020, and January 11, 2021. The minutes from meetings held on January 27, 2020, and September 21, 2020, were pending approval due to a lack of quorum to approve at previous meetings. John Shoop motioned to approve minutes, seconded by Chet Brojek. The motion passed unanimously.

Financial Report: Assistant Superintendent Mike Averyt presented an update on the one-half cent sales tax cash flow from January 2017 to April 2021. Mr. Averyt presented a list of projects expenditures to date.

Dr. Longshore discussed making contacts to state senators and representatives, educational consortiums (NEFEC and PAEC), and the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS) about supporting changes to statute language allowing the purchase of buses with sales tax funds.

Mr. Averyt continued discussion of the Capital Projects lists for each site. Dr. Longshore added that the district was allowed to use CARES Act funding in closing students’ learning gaps, safety and security measures, and necessary upgrades due to COVID. Mr. Averyt announced a School Board workshop scheduled for tomorrow, May 11. Mr. Averyt added that work on the capital projects would not begin until 2022. There was general discussion regarding use of CARES Act funding.

Location of District Office: Dr. Longshore discussed tentative plans to move the District Office to another location. She consulted FADSS Attorney, Brian Moore, about whether half-cent sales tax funds could be used to repurpose a building. His opinion was that sales tax funds could be used. There was general discussion regarding two possible site options.
John Shoop motioned to approve the Capital Projects List as presented. Chet Brojek seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Next Meeting/Final Comments: The next meeting will be scheduled for August or September. A Notice of Meeting will be sent via email.

Dr. Longshore introduced two new members: Trevor Murphy and Dave Travers bring the total number of committee members to 12.

The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM.