[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,76,87],{"_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",6449804,"mediaKeyId","5907225-dceeb866ea0721dedfb0aae7263896fa","parentId",5907225,"title","Broward school board tightens legislative platform after heated debate on cameras in ESE classrooms","audioSeconds",4442,"startMs",240000,"endMs",4682000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5907225-dceeb866ea0721dedfb0aae7263896fa&start=240&end=4682","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5907225-dceeb866ea0721dedfb0aae7263896fa/thumbnail_240000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6449804/Florida/Broward-school-board-tightens-legislative-platform-after-heated-debate-on-cameras-in-ESE-classrooms","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449804-04e5b06125d558fb255fa26170e680d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770972218&Signature=ewq~Zmpg4LOzwd6vTGLuHME0iJuiL5qDNUmcvZ8grA-oSKpMYiAYH0-RbS3QBGbKKLpntGllpMXdVRU3h6fEq3MRmaR7BPAIgHuhL5H0ImJQWPXDoJPMTBsC1fENmGlcbihUEArYjRl~4CzVEyzwLf9uHG2WV-5xB6JvuamBsvPVmlKtsRWzHI7lRrwIDoSrc6ERTlScSq66roiWi1xUIrLykn49YerP0SmhLqqL1Tm7BkOtt56f~atvzJiKVTWzRUThGn0XpbRXkid2kfE1ydzgUqaLYBxlE17dsREvdlxCNA3R~wdyPsnF6zP-f8enjia9NAEpElQN32yXLm6~cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Broward County Public Schools","date","2025-10-07T08:49:00Z","article","The School Board of Broward County, Florida on Oct. not specified approved a revised state and federal legislative priorities platform after extended public comment and board debate that focused on the use of audio-visual recording in self-contained exceptional student education (ESE) classrooms and new requests for industry certification funding.

The board voted to add a bullet asking state lawmakers to expand industry certification opportunities, including leadership and soft-skill credentials, and amended the platform’s camera language so it would support legislation “that provides clear guidance on the use of audio-visual recording in self-contained ESE classrooms” while allowing for annual parent notification rather than a parental opt‑in requirement described in earlier pilot programs.

The changes stemmed from public comment by Jacqui Luscombe, identified in the record as chair of the district’s ESE advisory committee and a parent, who said the draft platform wording did not reflect the narrower direction some board members had discussed at a prior workshop and urged language that would allow the district to implement cameras without requiring a signed parental opt‑in. Board members and staff debated three options raised during the meeting: (1) retain an opt‑in requirement, (2) require opt‑out, or (3) pursue a statutory “carve‑out” (a new subsection in the Parental Bill of Rights statute) to allow ESE classroom recording to operate like other campus surveillance. Board members also discussed whether the legislative platform should be broad to give lobbyists flexibility or specific about which statutory change to seek.

John Sullivan, identified in the meeting as chief of staff for communications, told the board staff could mirror language from the prior pilot program. Simone Hollingsworth, a district staff member, confirmed that the earlier pilot had operated with parent notification tied to an initial request (described in the meeting as an opt‑in process for installation), and counsel and staff repeatedly clarified operational differences between the pilot and the Parental Bill of Rights (statutory references discussed during the meeting included 1003.574 and 1014.041 as cited aloud by speakers).

After further motions and substitute language, the board approved language that would allow district advocates to seek guidance from the state and to pursue “annual parent notification” for cameras in self‑contained ESE classrooms so that the district could feasibly implement cameras across such classrooms while still informing parents and staff. Board members emphasized the motion gives lobbyists authority to explore options in Tallahassee rather than prescribe a single statutory solution from the dais.

Separately, the board unanimously approved adding a new legislative priority under academic excellence to “support legislation to expand industry certification opportunities for students, including but not limited to leadership and soft‑skill coursework.” That addition followed remarks from the district’s student advisor (identified in the record as Landon, student advisor) describing a state‑level initiative led by the Florida Association of Student Councils and sponsored by the Florida Association of School Administrators to broaden which credentials qualify for CAPE funding.

The board also adopted several other platform edits by unanimous vote: adding “accountability for all entities receiving public dollars” to a funding bullet, replacing the heading word “wellness” with “mental health,” reordering two priority bullets to emphasize funding requests, and inserting language to strengthen protections for “student well‑being” and to reference homeschool accountability in a funding context.

Board members and staff repeatedly cautioned the meeting and the platform are directives for the board’s lobbyists and superintendent lobby team, not the drafting of statutes; members said the intent was to give the district authority to advocate broadly in Tallahassee and to “feel out” what changes might be possible. Where board members wanted a narrower direction — for example, an explicit statutory carve‑out to the Parental Bill of Rights allowing surveillance in ESE classrooms without opt‑in or notification — they noted a separate motion would be needed to direct staff to pursue that specific text.

The board’s final vote approved Item 1 — the state and federal legislative priorities — as amended.

The board’s discussion included extended public comment both for and against altering parental consent requirements and several board members said they sought more time if the board wanted to adopt specific statutory language rather than broad lobbying direction. Staff said they would take the board’s amended platform as instruction for the district’s legislative advocates and for future discussions with state education officials.

The board approved Item 1 as amended on a voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At a special meeting the School Board of Broward County approved changes to its state and federal legislative priorities, including new language on audio-visual recording in self-contained ESE classrooms, an added push for industry certification funding, and new references to student well-being and homeschooling accountability.","taxTitle","Broward, School Districts, Florida","taxId",15571,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":46,"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6449793,"Votes at a glance: board approves legislative priorities and grounds contracts; out‑of‑field teacher approvals pass",1855,6537000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5907225-dceeb866ea0721dedfb0aae7263896fa&start=4682&end=6537","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5907225-dceeb866ea0721dedfb0aae7263896fa/thumbnail_4682000.jpg","/articles/6449793/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-board-approves-legislative-priorities-and-grounds-contracts-outoffield-teacher-approvals-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449793-bf475f60d0d9dbcaf2671d46fc0f656d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770972218&Signature=CtEdt1A3XOU03JP19WDH56H77aysehXDgqDbl3qe4FjqqKfXv0t7i8M7vbF8BK8K1C0HTPwiYgwjHExb-aGspu9RSUxDCuoxOWm~Zxt-WIHZqekFDUPILf-FAbDL9wwxtFdFPqqGx3W9IRixKA58m~OowlUMrJ1YZDQ8hHmZXdsqTA5V7tGbahKWWN7nb7CmAB-htW7IkLQFvFn~250J6P04AkfM0GRosrFVkiJfqsRDE3bR-Nzgv8Qjk9LfJHUnnpRNICqB~rCufjuZCo1NVTlcnuQIEVBCcy3FXbD8Of7gZ8Bzqk-YbvQAyIxy5~iFKEEyF~ndQjITw~erMZHtlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its special meeting the School Board of Broward County took the following recorded actions on the announced agenda items:

- Item 1 — State and federal legislative priorities: Approved as amended. The board adopted multiple edits to the platform (see separate coverage) including added industry‑certification language and amended guidance on audio‑visual recording in self‑contained ESE classrooms. (Motion moved by Dr. Zeman; seconded by Mrs. Alhadeff; passed by voice vote.)

- Item 2 — Out‑of‑field teacher approvals, school year 2025‑26: Approved unanimously. (Motion moved by Dr. Zeman; seconded by Ms. Thompson.)

- Item 3 — RFP 26,008 grounds maintenance services (initial recommendation): Motion to approve failed. Members voted against the approval during the roll call for that specific recommendation.

- Item 4 — RFP 26,008 grounds maintenance services (revised item): Approved as amended. The board added directions that staff publish vendor assignments and mowing cycles on a procurement portal, directed the superintendent to create a monthly progress‑monitoring plan for grounds conditions, and amended the contracts’ commencement date to Oct. 7, 2025. (Passed unanimously after amendment.)

Each of the above votes occurred during the special meeting and the board’s official minutes and the district web site will carry the finalized language and contract documents.","The board approved Item 1 (revised legislative priorities) and Item 4 (grounds maintenance contracts as amended). Item 2 (out‑of‑field teacher approvals) passed unanimously; Item 3 (initial grounds maintenance item) failed.",{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6449798,"Board approves $11 million grounds maintenance program with new monthly progress reporting and vendor transparency",1818,4700000,6518000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5907225-dceeb866ea0721dedfb0aae7263896fa&start=4700&end=6518","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5907225-dceeb866ea0721dedfb0aae7263896fa/thumbnail_4700000.jpg","/articles/6449798/Florida/Board-approves-11-million-grounds-maintenance-program-with-new-monthly-progress-reporting-and-vendor-transparency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449798-f4f3e2dc03c19a6170dea9824e9403b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770972218&Signature=ir7teyQ2urbC7FAqaJNFKsgDLuwx5pj5LZ-52wQ5dkPUXrdypzrreDKTLz7XjNyKUEpquVq9~wXyctGVaAF-Z2dAgTsz7BpKyOg5D1dn758EwdZgc1bcX0CeICTcKo034yOYUNQ2z5V2~zwwvBQeE4MQ2sNtl-zoodHWhGB~z-IegRnB6Wf4~BbFVrYYElFZ2R3gL61sS2k104Qr8eIkSak-hbucF5hiSBd4R45IbSqaSQwZ6uP0fMFn4XBzXCi3ClbWODvjUwHYDGf7v8d1UQtYC8WmWnjKArcm4vGEIItM-8SgcUh1YPIfZQOdlbZdgoOkXp70pMfK3w~060ylzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School Board of Broward County on Oct. not specified approved a set of grounds maintenance agreements under RFP 26,008, authorized a maintained spending authority of about $11 million and directed the superintendent to develop regular progress monitoring and public transparency measures for the contracts.

The board first rejected one recommendation for grounds maintenance during a procedural vote, then considered a revised item (Item 4) covering multiple zone allocations and vendors. After public comment and several board members’ concerns about field conditions and transparency, the board directed staff to develop a progress‑monitoring plan and publicly post vendor assignments and mowing cycles on a district site. The board also approved amending the contracts’ commencement date to Oct. 7, 2025.

Board member Dr. Zeman pressed for “significant progress monitoring” with monthly reporting to the board on the condition of fields and grounds; he told the board that athletic fields in several district schools had substandard conditions and said the board should receive monthly data to track improvements. His motion directing the superintendent to bring back a progress‑monitoring plan passed unanimously.

During the meeting board member Mr. Severo raised a transparency question: the bid package included exhibits showing each vendor’s proposed prices for each zone, but the initial materials did not show which vendor would ultimately be assigned to each school or the projected costs per site. Procurement and facilities staff responded that the solicitation used competition among eight vendors organized by geographic zones and that the district selected vendors based on an evaluation that included price and qualitative factors such as equipment age and response capability. Mark Dorsett, executive director of physical plant operations, explained the scoring process and said vendor names and assigned schools would be published online.

Procurement staff (Jill Paul in the record) told the board the district will stand up a public website (a procurement/portal page) with a mowing cycle and vendor assignments after board approval; staff said it aimed to publish the site within about a week and will provide quarterly status reports to the board to show trends and aggregate cost information. Staff noted that exact per‑school billing will vary with weather and site conditions; they said they would provide averages and the best available projection from the bid data.

The board debated equity in vendor selection; the procurement team confirmed one of the eight awardees is an SWMBE‑certified firm (Green Horizon) and staff said they will review vendor demographics and outreach for future procurements.

The board approved the revised Item 4, including the commencement‑date amendment and the progress‑monitoring direction. Earlier under the same agenda the board had voted down a prior version of the grounds item (Item 3).","After concerns about lawn and athletic field conditions and transparency in the vendor selection, the board approved multiple grounds maintenance agreements, directed monthly progress monitoring, and asked staff to publish vendor assignments and mowing cycles online.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Broward school board tightens legislative platform after heated debate on cameras in ESE classrooms

Votes at a glance: board approves legislative priorities and grounds contracts; out‑of‑field teacher approvals pass

Board approves $11 million grounds maintenance program with new monthly progress reporting and vendor transparency