[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-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",[32,74,86],{"_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":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6485555,"mediaKeyId","5682241-3e0e17aa0d8d0901b335f3a3692675b4","parentId",5682241,"title","Public speakers press Hillsborough board to restore books, criticize removal process","audioSeconds",1956,"startMs",1568000,"endMs",3524000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682241-3e0e17aa0d8d0901b335f3a3692675b4&start=1568&end=3524","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682241-3e0e17aa0d8d0901b335f3a3692675b4/thumbnail_1568000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6485555/Public-speakers-press-Hillsborough-board-to-restore-books-criticize-removal-process","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485555-25ecb8aa051659ae98b934ea5315b65e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771039671&Signature=Atz~ju0g7b5V8vMndePqaM7HFiDiSJWKQBvXhlwHBZ7U5nFP1sbQnfytdQLMJj3rtvL9YDxzQsgCDol4r0DRodS1SMy6~pwQTPCtnmHfpGtaRPa48QhjDZ5TE7Eo2BEqYlVYPfr79nVdvt7Dek43lGF3ujZ34BQ0-aYRUCv3ue12Te8uOWGx-0QjVG2NdFzVjwelrmnPOsOQ2gJOfePqgACHqqt2~dWh2mnwXnEtB6gh9w9D5BL1Vykn1f-H0Eq5n7NKr42QRPf8-jrZFbKq9B2LrV8rTqpuBFz-n2aZM6o23BGSjaXyFpyvjMdp0EZ2AzakMNffVvuZVGb0JGhDog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hillsborough County Public Schools","date","2025-08-26T23:32:27Z","article","A string of public commenters at the Aug. 26 Hillsborough County School Board meeting urged the board to restore books removed for summer review, criticized outside pressure from the state, and called for transparent, consistent procedures for library challenges.

Several speakers identified titles they said had been improperly removed from shelves or singled out in social media campaigns. One longtime resident and parent, Carmen, told the board the district spent \"over half a million dollars\" to evaluate 50 books and urged the board to \"Unban them all\" and follow its established procedures. She called the removal by the state an \"overreach\" and urged the board to return books to shelves.

A public commenter who requested an explicit‑content warning described passages and images in the graphic novel Gender Queer and urged the board to reconsider how books that prompt strong reactions are reviewed; the speaker asked for a different review process than having the original selector perform the re‑review. That speaker declined to be identified in the transcript and is recorded here as a resident public commenter. The board did not read the challenged passages during the meeting.

Other speakers criticized the district for responding to requests made on social media. Rachel Joy, a parent, said she had read Transmission by Alex Burdi in the district and opposed removal; she told the board \"your process and parental feedback do not matter to you,\" alleging the board was following social‑media pressure rather than official procedures. Another public commenter, Robert People, said book removals were a cover for \"protecting bigotry,\" and urged the board to restore the volumes.

Speakers on several sides of the issue asked for clarity about the review criteria and the role of district staff and librarians in determining whether a title remains available. Carmen and other speakers repeatedly asked the board to reapply the Miller test and full‑book review standards rather than judging single passages. Several speakers said the district should follow existing policy and cited the recent state action to require removals and re‑evaluations as a point of contention.

Board leaders did not take immediate formal action to restore titles during the meeting. Staff said at other points in the agenda that the district is following state direction and its own review procedures; the public comment period concluded and the board moved to the business agenda.

The public comments continued topics heard earlier and later in the meeting, including broader criticisms about the district's governance and staffing. Board members did not announce any reversals of the review process at the meeting; community groups signaled they will follow up with the board in future public sessions and through legal or policy channels.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting August 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple members of the public urged the board to return books removed for review and criticized the district's review process and outside pressure from state officials. Speakers included parents, students and advocacy groups calling for preservation of library collections and clearer processes.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6485559,"Board approves several contracts and school projects; summary of votes",4318,6274000,10592000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682241-3e0e17aa0d8d0901b335f3a3692675b4&start=6274&end=10592","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682241-3e0e17aa0d8d0901b335f3a3692675b4/thumbnail_6274000.jpg","/articles/6485559/Board-approves-several-contracts-and-school-projects-summary-of-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485559-015c87da047abe27aaac9a6b690dba37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771039671&Signature=LC8fHYrt~zxHnTfzduEVYcjdAy7UKobiHLtB7KMdorBTnsvKFW6dwtA9wUJ8fpzphhyXuvLxcGSsalsYTaPHkWP4IopTzKhMovBz~3CqaRnyrn~eQCiaUggjhQLNjf-bvqdLU6lwtE9hdpQrXJbMRmWldH28yuXTqLT3Inp1xLP0qdOlub8jfnDChXXkDXOrtabK4YaO9OkMCNjA-goSdh0bEtIpRc542uK4q7C0DcsgnPnCscSAcpQuX2jRtsa4ieCA7ju4VViTsD-n0lgQVAY7vcKBOeat2D-ZCDqbjaSwVIqBnkIzb4TXVZ1NdWf3lMNjWHnIDKo0D5~VcORlFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hillsborough County School Board approved a series of district contracts and project authorizations during its Aug. 26, 2025 meeting. The board took separate votes on multiple agenda items, each described below with movers, seconders and the recorded outcome.

Imagine Language & Literacy (C101): The board approved a sole‑source agreement with Imagine Learning LLC to continue the Imagine Language and Literacy program used for elementary students identified as English language learners. Superintendent Ayers said the program provides \"targeted literacy instruction with simultaneous native language support in 20 different languages.\" The motion to approve was made by Member Combs and seconded by Member Rendon; the motion passed unanimously.

Youth Guidance Evolve (C102): The board approved an agreement with Youth Guidance to continue and expand Evolve, a two‑tier small‑group intervention for character development and resilience. Staff reported 98% of pilot students reported feeling more connected. Member Rendon moved to approve and Member Gray seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Chapter 1 NFP high‑impact tutoring expansion (C104): The board approved expansion of Chapter 1 NFP tutoring services from kindergarten‑first to kindergarten‑second grade at 14 elementary sites. Staff said the curriculum aligns to the district’s UFLI foundations curriculum and that site administrators reported positive integration. Member Gray moved to approve with Member Combs seconding; the motion passed unanimously.

Progressus Therapy amendment (C302): The board approved an amendment to the district’s master services agreement with Progressive/Progressus Therapy to continue clinician resources for in‑person mental health and behavior supports at identified schools, including consultation from board‑certified behavior analysts and behavior coaching. The motion was made by Member Gray and seconded by Member Combs; it passed unanimously.

Eisenhower Middle School guaranteed maximum price (C704): The board approved a GMP for a project at Eisenhower Middle School that will demolish an old bus garage, create a new bus loop and additional parking, and add facade and canopy improvements. Member Washington moved and Member Combs seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Piggyback custodial/grounds and maintenance services (C707): The board approved a piggyback contract to provide site‑based mowing, trimming, bed care and related grounds services (36 cycles per year) using a contract sourced from another district. Staff said the item does not affect in‑house custodial staffing. Member Washington moved and Member Rendon seconded; the motion passed, with Member Grama noted as away from the dais during the vote.

IT remote support platform (C1001): The board approved purchase of a remote support and IT service management platform to allow technicians to remotely connect to end‑user devices and share troubleshooting tools. Member Combs moved and Member Washington seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Most of the items were routine contract approvals discussed in the meeting’s consent and business agenda. Board members and staff highlighted implementation details, funding sources (federal grants or district funds where appropriate), and the district’s intent to prioritize in‑district hires where feasible for behavioral and mental‑health roles.

Below is a compact action log with the motions, movers/seconders and outcomes recorded from the meeting transcript.","At its Aug. 26 meeting the Hillsborough County School Board approved multiple contract items including an ELL software sole‑source, mental‑health and tutoring agreements, a construction GMP for Eisenhower Middle School, grounds maintenance piggyback, and an IT remote‑support tool. Most motions passed unanimously.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6485564,"School board names Plant City Technical College for former mayor Rick Lott",1857,3884000,5741000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682241-3e0e17aa0d8d0901b335f3a3692675b4&start=3884&end=5741","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682241-3e0e17aa0d8d0901b335f3a3692675b4/thumbnail_3884000.jpg","/articles/6485564/School-board-names-Plant-City-Technical-College-for-former-mayor-Rick-Lott","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485564-d0d7800678f94dccf3af857ce3535fca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771039671&Signature=VkRd~j94mbSspSk5Rs7MCHRxz42NOhdt0suyeZSEv217cY0fhHoOtDKv3RpvwZx1WLOJuCZYwR5A92GmUUkTLWDkHh7M6-sRHVKJEn~UI9-pRzYJxX8Tw1UdCSl8a2I9HM7aNiLG86WkbKgWHXFQCTQVVyK9OFqz0bkZf8oZYAqU1dKhxohwc5VzKjNX2MbCRS-py14hwZMv-3IyfAIfRRMVcAPi9ecO5RXTjwl1Ua2ilL9iI09bh0Ds5QRSPMjqV~JSBJ9Vs2pxnuCpfCLtb-T~RdjuoMTb2TTEDroalhW4UIyMQHSBMEdUJXJvy4PyCLP8UM75JS0MSwmKYNamhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hillsborough County School Board voted to name the new Plant City technical college the Rick Lott Technical College, the board announced after a private ballot count on Aug. 26, 2025.

The vote followed public testimony, a community survey and discussion of naming criteria established by board policy. Superintendent Ayers described the new facility at 1690 East Park Road as \"a state of the art facility\" offering hands‑on programs including industrial electricity, welding, building construction, HVAC and forklift certification with high school offerings beginning in January 2026.

The naming process was conducted under the district's Policy 72‑50, \"Commemoration of school facilities,\" which the board’s counsel and staff reviewed for the record. Project staff said the district received 1,471 name recommendations and 203 unique names during the community solicitation; 47% of recommendations came from Plant City ZIP codes. Board member discussion focused on the nominees’ connections to Plant City and on whether the namesake was an educator or an outstanding community member.

Community leaders, elected officials and residents gave the board dozens of statements during the agenda item. Jason Jones, vice mayor of Plant City, urged the board to honor former mayor Rick Lott, saying Lott \"championed\" workforce and career education in the city. Nate Kilton, mayor of Plant City, told the board Lott had been instrumental in the land and planning work required to create the new technical college. Dr. Bobby Smith and other speakers asked the board to consider naming the facility for longtime educator Sylvia Cantrell Albritton, citing her decades of service to Hillsborough County schools.

Board members debated criteria before casting private ballots. Board member Gray moved to adopt the results after the superintendent announced the count: five votes for Rick Lott and one for Sylvia Albritton. The board then voted to codify the result; Member Gray made the motion and Member Rendon seconded. The superintendent read Vice Chair Karen Perez’s written statement into the record; Perez told the board she supported naming the facility after Lott.

The superintendent later clarified the official form of the name on the record: Rick Lott Technical College.

The district staff said the facility will open for adult education classes within months and add high school courses in January 2026. A successful candidate required at least four board votes under the district’s process; Lott received five.

Board members and community speakers expressed a range of reasons for their choices: some emphasized Lott’s business and workforce development work in Plant City, while others urged honoring Albritton’s long career as an educator. The board’s motion and the ballot count were recorded in the meeting minutes.

The school board did not adopt additional naming conditions at the meeting. The district will proceed with signage and formalization of the name consistent with board direction.

Votes and next steps for construction, curriculum and staffing will be scheduled through the superintendent’s office and returned to the board as needed.","Hillsborough County School Board voted 5–1 to name the new Plant City technical college after former Plant City mayor Rick Lott following public comment and extensive board discussion about community nominees and naming policy.","actionData","errors"]

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Public speakers press Hillsborough board to restore books, criticize removal process

Board approves several contracts and school projects; summary of votes

School board names Plant City Technical College for former mayor Rick Lott