[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6663126,"mediaKeyId","2391508-92a3ae4305cf034a89633ec9aa47d508","parentId",2391508,"title","Polk school board approves multiple policy updates, names Davenport music building and confirms oversight committee nominee","audioSeconds",584,"startMs",4554000,"endMs",5138000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391508-92a3ae4305cf034a89633ec9aa47d508&start=4554&end=5138","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391508-92a3ae4305cf034a89633ec9aa47d508/thumbnail_4554000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6663126/Florida/Polk-school-board-approves-multiple-policy-updates-names-Davenport-music-building-and-confirms-oversight-committee-nominee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663126-e0d459c4634de6032aa9abe7b23aa561/orig.mp4?Expires=1776222317&Signature=PklzbgoSjBz5wTD5AHE5dKx30djh18yQzVafe-IMCaLgJ7kp2x8buMwXeSfXgNmclSSiD4X5SEqTW3ShG7usUd7xMOmgh-0oC3vN3fF8rnBKBxNzNDrygNfWmWCQQJAfjovAwBjBxZuW0o61rxVV1n6ijblLwXXAKvaIcZBRdG8SnqMJh1V9ep59P6YWP94ouwAyB-s0tyYHO4Prsj3EOu~pccjpgg9jL-JZOmEyy3TK3tdfstVC38-Cca3BI-L3qp7K0dgybtgAM0uuvpCqE7X7BXbDrTpTrgykRYgzzN5O4uz3qAesIVnrvBymyWSd7kazcC0RhYraiguCE-eMeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Polk County Public Schools","date","2025-02-26T01:14:37.893Z","article","The Polk County School Board on Feb. 25 approved a set of policy updates, named a building at Davenport School of the Arts in honor of longtime educator Brian Kier, and confirmed Sarah Corona to the half-cent sales tax oversight committee.

The board voted to adopt policy changes that were reviewed at a Jan. 28 public hearing and through prior work sessions. The policies approved cover meeting procedures (0615), career and technical education (2421), self-administered medication (5330.01), removal/out-of-school suspension and expulsion procedures (5610 and related language), and due process rights (5611). Superintendent Joseph Hyde and staff presented the policies as having completed the district rulemaking process before the vote. \"This went through a very robust process,\" board member Kaye Fields said during the discussion.

Board members also voted to name the Davenport School of the Arts music building after Brian Kier. Family members and school colleagues attended the meeting; Kier’s wife spoke briefly and assistant principal Alicia Hughes described Kier’s longtime contributions to the school.

The board appointed Sarah Corona to the district’s half-cent sales tax oversight committee. Board member Sharpless, who described Corona’s background in health services management and community organizations, read her biography and said he believed she \"could add value\" to the oversight panel.

Routine business also moved forward: the board accepted the meeting agenda and three sets of minutes, and approved the consent agenda. The district attorney requested and the board authorized advertising a public hearing for additional policy updates to be considered at the board’s April 22, 2025 meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Agenda for 02/25/2025: motion made by Mr. Keyes, seconded by Mr. Sharpless — approved.
- Minutes (01/28/2025 regular and work session; February meeting): motions and approvals — approved.
- Consent agenda (02/25/2025): motion by Ms. Fields, second by Ms. Wyatt — approved.
- Policy package (0615; 2421; 5330.01; 5610; 5611): motion by Mr. Keyes, seconds by Ms. Fields and Ms. White — approved after board discussion.
- Naming request, Davenport School of the Arts music building for Brian Kier: motion by Mr. Keyes, second by Ms. Wyatt — approved; family and colleagues spoke in support.
- Appointment: Sarah Corona to the half-cent sales tax oversight committee: motion by Mr. Sharpless, second by Mr. Keyes — approved.
- Authorization to advertise public hearing for policy updates (to be heard 04/22/2025): motion by Mr. Keyes, second by Mr. Sharpless — approved.

Board Chair William Allen and Superintendent Hyde opened and ran the meeting. No formal roll-call tallies with individual yes/no names were recorded in the public transcript; votes were announced by voice and recorded as carried when no opposition was stated.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting | February 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Polk County School Board on Feb. 25 approved a package of policy updates, named a Davenport School of the Arts building for Brian Kier and appointed Sarah Corona to the half‑cent sales tax oversight committee.","taxTitle","Polk, School Districts, Florida","taxId",13112,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6663111,"Board honors students, CTE teachers and transport staff: MLK essay winners, CTE awards, AgriFest and 'Love the Bus' recognitions",1659,1600000,3259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391508-92a3ae4305cf034a89633ec9aa47d508&start=1600&end=3259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391508-92a3ae4305cf034a89633ec9aa47d508/thumbnail_1600000.jpg","/articles/6663111/Florida/Board-honors-students-CTE-teachers-and-transport-staff-MLK-essay-winners-CTE-awards-AgriFest-and-Love-the-Bus-recognitions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663111-14fb9da0121ac00a1f3be8c6bd1020e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776222317&Signature=Fut1S5LdmXpZmEsMgq26Jz3rVUUszbwRx3GXvkU7ofA7v3TOuYYnKuNIVyePfRTKSRr-MIlNBKyzm3r3Av1MAOTHLLwGxrDVEiHee9uGnjlt8W7ybqVgFcfOfAIxJUhPi3EIb7e6fKDz4lnGUDrZhGWVgMVoggCF3G2iAvD~HjLzriDfNRf8EitNUYF2KwSVBkRM5eKkwN0cQpEDj0SI~ieptA66xhaVqFVd5OzKyuyyPcXcsrjdYyyY0eIDNiHjc-g1F8VQITrs8bvZl0VwAxZr4246rHK4uXh8h0qcJKuJbbBQxmvtDapTXRwcK0tKlNr2zqA99Qham0qoSVRRnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County School Board members honored students, educators and transportation staff on Feb. 25 during a series of special recognitions.

The board recognized winners of the district’s Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest across elementary and high‑school divisions. A video of one second‑grade winner, Jordan Frazier of Citrus Ridge Civics Academy, was shown for the board when the student could not attend in person. Dr. Adrian Anthony, senior director for equity and compliance, introduced the winners and explained the contest theme \"I can make a difference — How can I change the world with nonviolence?\" Third‑, second‑ and first‑place winners were named across grade bands.

Polk County also celebrated Career and Technical Education month. Leanne Bennett and Jessica Anderson of Career Technical Education introduced six CTE teachers of the year from across pillars such as agriculture (Paxton Evans, Lake Gibson High School), business and marketing, communications and digital video (Rick Jansen, Harrison School of the Arts), industrial manufacturing and engineering (Thomas Hoyne, Fort Meade Senior High School), human services (Jamara Rodriguez), and health sciences (Ivy Thomas). Thirty-six outstanding CTE students of the year were recognized by school and pillar; winners included Soraya Lopez (agriculture, Davenport High School) and Dylan Mock (welding, Travis Technical College dual enrollment).

Assistant director Jessica Anderson also described AgriFest, the district’s fourth‑grade agricultural exploration event run in partnership with Polk County Farm Bureau and University of Florida IFAS. AgriFest will be held March 3–7 and March 10–14 at the Polk County AgriCenter; staff said about 5,000 fourth‑grade students attend across the two weeks, with six stations led by industry partners including Mosaic (phosphate), IFAS extension, Florida citrus producers, Florida Master Gardeners, cattlewomen (beef) and a new conservation/wildlife corridor station involving Florida Fish and Wildlife.

The board recognized four graduates of the district greenhouse program, which supports employees seeking teaching degrees by reimbursing tuition and textbooks; those graduates have since moved into classroom assignments.

Rob Davis, assistant superintendent for support services, presented annual recognitions for Love the Bus Month, spotlighting bus drivers, dispatchers, technicians and support staff. Six individuals were singled out, including Thomas Cummings III (Area 8, first place), Angela Harris (Area 5, tied second), Shamika Davis (dispatcher, tied second), Amanda Gregory (support services analyst, third place), Daniel Trello (Area 7, tied fourth) and Ayanna Flores (tied fourth). The presentation highlighted nominees’ reliability, student relationships and acts of service.

The recognitions were ceremonial; no board votes were required.","The board presented awards and recognitions including winners of a Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest, Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers and students of the year, details and dates for AgriFest, greenhouse program graduates and six awards for transportation staff during 'Love the Bus' month.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6663116,"Polk County Schools promote multiple administrators across staffing, budgets, communications and school leadership",660,620000,1280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391508-92a3ae4305cf034a89633ec9aa47d508&start=620&end=1280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391508-92a3ae4305cf034a89633ec9aa47d508/thumbnail_620000.jpg","/articles/6663116/Florida/Polk-County-Schools-promote-multiple-administrators-across-staffing-budgets-communications-and-school-leadership","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663116-719a3028e21bdfb150d239004753e268/orig.mp4?Expires=1776222317&Signature=WonEmPi09Vo9rQn0VmhuABPpvWgz1FufxIb-AOh8eUX7sX7~wtctriUZ-UuG3dKRfLvA9DfVanzhjUNt-yyW-PNgCfYlM3BL0pELSIYpYj6ZB0ruy23Apll~6YpraaxVRoF20NpGbu8WzNFH0-j2AGiNjGfaHm0ncD6muyBdyCfPlmSm9tS6c2OL5EM6clconkoLdqPmZxmL7y3kns7D3ED-fndWKJZTe5w9VwnHH51pGtzgoYxNky6xPkoo2CNjBauTV~Q-y8rBKrNumHKWg701mmJDufliEVe1SJBAzAKxPAnZR5672PpNw977kMgnE8MeWkXhauleCDkfF4EcTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Joseph Hyde introduced a group of internal promotions at the Polk County School Board meeting on Feb. 25, honoring staff advancing to director and assistant-principal roles.

Promotions announced by the superintendent included Michael (Mike) Bellows from senior manager for staffing to director for school budgets and staffing; LaCorsha Wilson from senior manager of personnel classification and compensation to director for classification and compensation; and Caprila Jennings from acting assistant director for graduation and enhancement to assistant director of graduation and enhancement. Nathan (last name not specified on tape), senior coordinator for public relations, was promoted to assistant director for creative communications.

Several school‑based administrative promotions were also recognized: Hunter Williams (acting assistant principal at Lakeland Highlands Middle, previously administrative assistant at Stanbaugh Middle School), Jordan Jones (acting assistant principal, Lakeland High School), Veil Lopez Santiago (acting assistant principal at Citrus Ridge Civics Academy, previously administrative assistant at Mulberry High School), and others.

New appointees and their supporters took photographs in the boardroom and offered brief remarks of thanks. The board and superintendent publicly congratulated each employee.

The announcements were ceremonial; no board vote or budget appropriation was recorded in the meeting transcript for these personnel actions.","The board recognized and celebrated a slate of internal promotions including director-level moves in budgeting and classification, and multiple assistant principal appointments across district schools.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6663121,"Teachers and union leaders press Polk board for higher pay as contract talks continue",482,6776000,7258000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391508-92a3ae4305cf034a89633ec9aa47d508&start=6776&end=7258","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391508-92a3ae4305cf034a89633ec9aa47d508/thumbnail_6776000.jpg","/articles/6663121/Florida/Teachers-and-union-leaders-press-Polk-board-for-higher-pay-as-contract-talks-continue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663121-e54fe30aac34f3d855c35532d2e38e1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776222317&Signature=dKc93P7FTtC1IhevWyExoZoHqf-~LzJ-bBW1rvHAbFb7r6OFGA3s25y51HaiipOeNo8Q7bzDkx3BXUAv6fNylxO1wnRJWu6T8H4LIy2sLVwP~~-wWkw4Zrnes54pyTqwbY9OE~UfCacV7bLmMEAnM2GZhsMA6XC1ichHs-XsDhAFZJyWGjCMSXh2H2xhC4XM4GvhedjWH57s5FS3CQVEekSQH7P9H~kPVY5hUYg7TyxI0-~~l4ObVLx1rLj1TtFDMirfMQWFI1FZKTOB7ji90-JKdzpVvdWKBZ0C5bgu29qgw~VIDxcsyGf4L~-wNZuIbDtiuWjOa-D~vxECUVAcQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Speakers during the Feb. 25 public-comment portion urged the Polk County School Board to take immediate steps to raise teacher pay and to support a local funding mechanism, as union and district contract talks continued.

Stephanie Yocom, president of the Polk Education Association, which the union says represents about 9,000 employees, told the board it was \"on the eve of negotiating\" and urged members to put more money on the table. \"We need more money on the table,\" she said, adding that many staff \"qualify for food stamps\" and work second or third jobs to make ends meet. Yocom asked the board to \"lean into\" its budget authority, press the state legislative delegation for different funding formulas and support a local millage referendum in 2026.

Other commenters described personal financial strain. Teacher Becky McLaughlin said her husband was recently hospitalized and that, without a significant raise, she might be forced to leave the classroom to support her family. \"If my husband can't go back to work, the harsh reality is that we could lose our home because I can't afford it on a teacher salary,\" she told the board.

Community member Victor Chandler raised concerns about salary-schedule mechanics and cautioned against using step increases for unrelated groups, referencing state statute language. Bernard Wells, speaking about special-education services and district staffing, said he had previously filed a systemic state complaint and raised continuing problems with students missing services.

Board members acknowledged receipt of thousands of emails sent by teachers and staff about compensation and repeated that they hear those concerns. Several members said they personally review constituent emails and called teacher recruitment and retention a priority.

No board action was taken during the public-comment period. The superintendent and board members said staff could be commissioned to follow up on issues that require further investigation.","Union president Stephanie Yocom and multiple speakers urged the Polk County School Board to prioritize salary increases, fund local millage and work with the legislative delegation to address teacher pay; several teachers described financial hardship and the district's recruitment/retention challenges.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Polk school board approves multiple policy updates, names Davenport music building and confirms oversight committee nominee

Board honors students, CTE teachers and transport staff: MLK essay winners, CTE awards, AgriFest and 'Love the Bus' recognitions

Polk County Schools promote multiple administrators across staffing, budgets, communications and school leadership

Teachers and union leaders press Polk board for higher pay as contract talks continue