[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6214543,"mediaKeyId","3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e","parentId",3666739,"title","Dozens of Speakers Urge Board to Preserve DEI Policies; Community Groups Cite Legal and Student‑safety Concerns","audioSeconds",5020,"startMs",4246000,"endMs",9266000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e&start=4246&end=9266","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e/thumbnail_4246000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6214543/Palm-Beach/School-Districts/Florida/Dozens-of-Speakers-Urge-Board-to-Preserve-DEI-Policies-Community-Groups-Cite-Legal-and-Studentsafety-Concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214543-7ae0837f58165c6a64342d1e945599e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775059078&Signature=UvSdNh599C24dcIANh5qPrP6E4uHIpVmxbzhUJwIgKQokFHTEc8EtneyeY-4qxnK4kiBJx2Q07rfUVrhsaYPTPsZCO2qQ3Z2huMLW~9Sw6ori3fTR-6KrWOFBDlPNML7HIdysv0JJUDtGW3-a9b5tLON-jsi5IyPMto8JsfKMy2UM7g9TnZ0PVHsOPfSji8F1mZPc6JP9KsTawNhjASuszB-ran7yB5sB1jhsTS7DVld2tB93pGSuogZhMH2DXPlyuotHA95RlQN6R4oTzbxq6VZA1x5iFkCX7orYKYZdOenaNKjG-tcryFV8xzJwQ5pizrqqv6bY8xLsxzUGAwRlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Palm Beach County School District, FL","date","2025-06-04T13:56:29Z","article","Dozens of community members addressed the School Board during the public comment period, urging members not to dismantle the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

Speakers included local NAACP leaders, parent‑advocacy groups and education advocates. Diedrich Strahan of the South Palm Beach County NAACP said rollback efforts had been prompted by a federal \"Dear Colleague\" letter and urged the board not to follow that pressure. Hazel Lucas of the Coalition for Black Student Achievement urged the board to delay policy changes and to protect MWBE contracting opportunities. \"Please delay any attempts to dismantle Palm Beach County School District's DEI policies and objectives,\" Lucas said.

Several speakers referenced legal challenges to the federal letter and called it a \"red herring.\" Others focused on student safety and mental health: one speaker cited CDC and Trevor Project statistics on LGBTQ youth suicide risk to argue for continuing protections and supports. Faith leaders said they would mount a coordinated civic response if the board moved to remove policies.

Board members did not take action on DEI during the meeting, though earlier agenda business included ratification of board advisory committee rosters and a split board vote on the District Diversity and Equity Committee membership. Several speakers requested the board slow any permanent policy changes and promised to continue community organizing and legal review.

The board did not respond to individual requests for policy reversal during the comment period; superintendent and staff said public comment items would be noted and administration would follow up where appropriate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","06.04.25 Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple community speakers addressed the board during public comment urging the School Board to delay dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. Speakers cited court challenges to federal guidance, equity impacts, and potential harm to students if policies are removed.","taxTitle","Palm Beach, School Districts, Florida","taxId",14656,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214548,"Board Approves REG Architects Contract for Roosevelt African American Museum Phase 2; Community Foundation to Lead Interior Design Process",172,4380000,4552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e&start=4380&end=4552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e/thumbnail_4380000.jpg","/articles/6214548/Palm-Beach/School-Districts/Florida/Board-Approves-REG-Architects-Contract-for-Roosevelt-African-American-Museum-Phase-2-Community-Foundation-to-Lead-Interior-Design-Process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214548-320abce5abe7965bc81295df952e099d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775059078&Signature=cwWQVlT2xLHmA4WExpbzwTr0KlEt4R2c5efwy8QwwMWhTxKmqaSUNgz2ID7BpIEgX9IzeVFJdRDLq15l8siGlgEbavDiUjRYslM8hGlrirJHPeJU6IzIb4XvGmqznEs6f0Nc-KGiPAgyrOpy5r9p5wUQpUwkyh~cYKgeDU3kh8-fnl~e6qP6869GzYhwEajNSbqZQy4m9hMJvKxiREieVOPfJNGEP3uhYlct8pQYGqtkJat~JVEWAnXDl50tF-EkY3L~imFveNTmpf8yGPsoWNyWUNNRMzGa7~SiQzmGEQ1U-SGKnWM6g1faBsJ6QbduZIJZFjTAGu4uSp56sJD1hA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School Board approved an RFP and associated contract with REG Architects Inc. to provide design services for Historic Roosevelt Phase 2 — work described on the agenda as \"existing building renovations and new building construction.\" The motion carried unanimously.

Board Member Edwin Ferguson, who is serving on the Community Foundation effort for the museum, told the board the Community Foundation selected Bora Bora (an architecture/interior design firm) to lead interior design work and that the foundation and community will guide many programming and design decisions. Ferguson said the Community Foundation has assembled a capital plan that includes a district financial contribution across both phases, which he described in discussion as approximately $30 million total.

Ferguson said the foundation conducted a competitive review of designers and that Bora Bora stood out for its ability to address community concerns and anticipate project questions. He urged public participation in upcoming design charrettes and community sessions. The board approved REG Architects for the district’s scope of work and will coordinate with the foundation as the project proceeds.

The district will execute the REG Architects contract for Phase 2 design services and continue partnership with the Community Foundation and community stakeholders on programming and fundraising for the African American Museum & Research Library.","The board approved an RFP and contract with REG Architects for design services on the historic Roosevelt Phase 2 project; Community Foundation representatives and board members said the foundation is coordinating interior design and fundraising for the African American Museum & Research Library.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214554,"Board Approves $417,043 Bid to Demolish Lake Worth High Pool; Members Ask City About Replacement Options",308,6992000,7300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e&start=6992&end=7300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e/thumbnail_6992000.jpg","/articles/6214554/Palm-Beach/School-Districts/Florida/Board-Approves-417043-Bid-to-Demolish-Lake-Worth-High-Pool-Members-Ask-City-About-Replacement-Options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214554-884ab2c27ac36708e642df96fd7bdd35/orig.mp4?Expires=1775059078&Signature=EyYl1wKrXLWDojJlWlf1DctF1~P9-dpwB~UStoYMLq4wYL8L-rHn-4qvaG92jSEq0egbf2s90DitQQ~9roj6yAALA6ecvQnc1SkVQg0-PXApcHI1WX0nDV0qB7RmNQlYt7kDP8p08GN576AVqwbRH-jyAf8chvFnu3BUMoLON6cmb2hl9ZYb9wL~kS0pm7K8gnK7ZeYdh1cu22t8nzzGbJxypB8B7EH8I6m0v16qbLz6h99cyeqBKQb2anBWePjTr81bVUW-uXe6wkxV2v8giqlX-VUssalbEgUjt5LWsiuRQSWOSzPSs-JP5lPStRbwtL7zBcCVL~2WgNKcUXa5ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School Board approved a $417,043 contract to demolish the pool at Lake Worth High School and the racquetball court at Palm Beach Lakes High School.

Board Member Edwin Ferguson pulled the item to ask about plans for the site after demolition and urged the district to consult with the city of Lake Worth Beach about future replacement options. \"I would want to know what we're gonna do with the new newly made hole on Lake Worth High School's campus because it was a benefit to so many students and residents in times past,\" Ferguson said.

District staff told the board the pool structure was a safety hazard and demolition was necessary. Members noted the high cost of building a new municipal pool — one cited example at Lake Lytle was estimated at $29 million — and discussed timing and possible city‑district coordination. The City of Lake Worth Beach is considering unsolicited bids for a municipal pool and other development on adjacent property; several board members said it made sense to allow municipal planning to proceed before launching a district workshop.

The motion to award the demolition contract carried unanimously. The superintendent said the district will continue discussions with the city about longer‑term replacement options before initiating a separate workshop or capital plan for a new pool.","The board awarded a $417,043 contract to demolish the Lake Worth High School pool and a racquetball court at Palm Beach Lakes High School. Members asked staff and city officials to explore options for replacing the pool and community use of any future facility.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214559,"Board Approves Modifications to SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement Pending Union Ratification",24,7171000,7195000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e&start=7171&end=7195","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e/thumbnail_7171000.jpg","/articles/6214559/Palm-Beach/School-Districts/Florida/Board-Approves-Modifications-to-SEIU-Collective-Bargaining-Agreement-Pending-Union-Ratification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214559-f65ccfe249c74e01bd194549da01879d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775059078&Signature=I~D95iz3~f8SInXySGoMboUV08PqXTvAbVSOSZCTtFdN9mKwUgX8dtfgA~JobFmRDJiIMHPJQF8~mV72y43JcxZgFp8-WJdF9y4A39okoCTsdKcGsHmV~kDeOeHV7Ld5atS061isn-k6TNgtcrD7kJrl-WT85MJkUt0uPQKFfe5VYPL31hoUU79PMuoQGu0SdTD1wOvFsCB8LGagZfe5o2GvIMp0VB0SPr-lpkQGmpSiMX49X3LY6Y4SW6fXBajIz3SI72~GowaOa-UAclwXmCvb1axPK25Kj~ilMQ61cJycMaiGOm8w0G6AL1FbxsDuF3e9bL6w9UFJDH-0Yj14tA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School Board of Palm Beach County approved modifications to the collective bargaining agreement with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Florida Public Service Unit, subject to ratification by SEIU.

Superintendent Michael Burke said the item was added \"for good cause\" to ensure timely operational planning for the upcoming fiscal year. The board approved the change unanimously.

Board members did not pull substantial details for public discussion during the meeting; the superintendent characterized the changes as necessary to support staffing and timely implementation. The board recorded the motion and the vote; ratification by SEIU is required before the modifications take effect.

The board handled the item as a consent agenda addition and moved on to subsequent business.","The School Board approved changes to the collective bargaining agreement with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Florida Public Service Unit; the amendment was added to the agenda for operational timing and passed unanimously pending union ratification.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214566,"School Board OKs Two‑Year Renewal of Rita Solnit Contract After Heated Debate Over Evaluation Language and Cost",3825,3169000,6994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e&start=3169&end=6994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666739-5decc77ff6abebec76a5f1f648f23d3e/thumbnail_3169000.jpg","/articles/6214566/Palm-Beach/School-Districts/Florida/School-Board-OKs-TwoYear-Renewal-of-Rita-Solnit-Contract-After-Heated-Debate-Over-Evaluation-Language-and-Cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214566-30c8f8341f996a1c5c719ca9fa67ee7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775059078&Signature=RHHgJi0GXwVkOZ~wmFwMG1KWarzeVCFXtVODrmf-KpoHC42zTfFCL1LpD7QEZrbYBVr0jaJ7nMfs3Yy~19m~Uv8VnZL5mtNZkffeqIwmaW9l-uyR17-AgbZn6Ze9zIemEtrT-v5YRx5i1T4wOvpuemvB0VSzI4w4O~EuGGG-cGPWdViAIV~R6BX679iF1UFfMgcDnkh0VjUIu6PmbqqEW2roYFpHr0hkl~Fr7yXyKZ34CEHJvnr3mpyrioHWRhOwQydiFh6Vz76L2GrxE3Hgd3STJvbEtEPBprM~nvvkrs7Xks5MizoxQ-3wMDFWw1HzXQUK~33Hjis5vllAv4nSng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School Board of Palm Beach County voted 6‑1 to approve a two‑year amendment to the contract with legislative consultant Rita Solnit, renewing her engagement at $50,000 a year.

Board member Gloria Branch objected, saying the contract’s evaluation language and the district’s budget pressures made the renewal inappropriate. \"I cannot approve a 2 year contract for $50,000 per year consultant, so that's a hundred thousand dollars over 2 years,\" Branch said during the item.

Superintendent Michael Burke told the board the amendment renews an existing arrangement and offered to return later with revised language addressing how Solnit would be evaluated. \"We can create a tool that is based on responsiveness ... communication,\" Burke said, describing a qualitative approach he would propose. Other board members said Solnit has been a visible, on‑the‑ground advocate for the district in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., and urged approval to avoid interrupting ongoing legislative work.

After debate and a failed motion to require immediate contract language changes, the board approved the amendment 6‑1, with Branch opposed. The superintendent said he will work with legal staff and the consultant on a follow‑up amendment to clarify evaluation procedures and return to the board at a later date.

Details the board recorded: the amendment extends an existing consultant contract for two years at $50,000 per year and does not change other terms now; the board directed the superintendent to prepare proposed evaluation language for future consideration.

Board members and the superintendent said staff will bring a proposed evaluation instrument later to align expectations across district lobbying contracts.","The School Board of Palm Beach County voted 6‑1 to renew a two‑year contract amendment with legislative consultant Rita Solnit amid objections from one board member about the evaluation clause and the $50,000 annual fee.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Dozens of Speakers Urge Board to Preserve DEI Policies; Community Groups Cite Legal and Student‑safety Concerns

Board Approves REG Architects Contract for Roosevelt African American Museum Phase 2; Community Foundation to Lead Interior Design Process

Board Approves $417,043 Bid to Demolish Lake Worth High Pool; Members Ask City About Replacement Options

Board Approves Modifications to SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement Pending Union Ratification

School Board OKs Two‑Year Renewal of Rita Solnit Contract After Heated Debate Over Evaluation Language and Cost