Board narrows standing advisory structure; plans to fold several committees into DAC model

The board discussed proposed changes to its advisory committee structure and signaled consensus to consolidate several standing advisory committees into the District Advisory Council (DAC) framework.

Deputy chief counsel and staff provided background on the different categories of advisory groups (construction/strategic/accountability and other statutory or quasi‑governmental bodies) and explained why the superintendent’s office recommends folding certain standing committees into the DAC. The change is intended to broaden membership, draw from school advisory council (SAC) representation, and create a single, flexible advisory body that can be tasked by the board for specific issues.

Staff noted the audit committee and other federally required bodies would retain separate status where statute or external agreements require it. Board members discussed the need for clear direction from the board to any advisory group and the importance of staff carrying forward quarterly agenda topics aligned to district priorities. The board gave informal consensus to move forward with the proposed structure and asked staff to revise board policy to reflect the change.

Separately, two board members offered to serve as liaisons to local higher‑education institutions (Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College). The board affirmed the concept of institutional liaisons and asked staff to prepare policy updates reflecting any formal liaison assignments. No final policy vote occurred at the workshop; staff will bring formal policy language and updated committee lists to the board for action.