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Highlands County school board approves diploma-waiver for some entry jobs, contracts and student FFA trip; schedules bargaining session
Summary
The School Board of Highlands County approved waivers to the minimum high-school-diploma requirement for several entry-level positions for 2025–26, authorized agreements with two contractors, and approved an out-of-state FFA leadership trip. The board also noted upcoming meetings and an executive session request on collective bargaining.
The School Board of Highlands County on Monday approved a set of personnel, contracting and student-travel items and scheduled additional meetings and an executive session requested by the superintendent.
The board voted to waive the minimum qualification of a high-school diploma or equivalent for bus attendant, bus operator, daycare general worker and food and nutrition general worker positions for the 2025–26 school year, approved an interlocal agreement with the Sun and Lake of Sebring Improvement District, authorized a standard services agreement with All About Lawns Incorporated, and approved an out-of-state trip for a Lake Placid High FFA officer to attend the Washington Leadership Conference.
Board action affects staffing and vendor arrangements for routine operations and keeps a student leadership opportunity on track. The diploma-waiver and contractor approvals are intended to address hiring and facilities needs; the FFA trip was presented by a student seeking board permission to travel.
Maria Swofford, recently installed as Lake Placid High FFA president, told the board she sought permission to attend the Washington Leadership Conference, saying, "Tonight, I am seeking approval to attend the Washington Leadership Conference," and described the event as one of two national FFA conferences that will allow her to "build my network" and bring back plans to her local chapter. Carmen Reagan, Swofford's agricultural teacher and FFA advisor, said this will be her first year attending with students.
Jean Federico, president of the Highlands County Education Association (HCEA), reported the union's certification vote results after the board's business. Federico said 316 voted yes and 2 voted no in favor of HCEA remaining the teachers' bargaining agent, adding the tally showed broad support for continuing HCEA as the negotiating representative.
On personnel qualifications, district staff and board members emphasized that the diploma waiver is limited to specific roles for the 2025–26 school year and does not change safety or screening requirements. A staff member noted the positions remain subject to "extensive background checks and the drug analysis," and the board discussed outreach to help applicants pursue a GED, including noting that South Florida State College offers free tuition for GED coursework (a small test fee may apply).
Board members took recorded roll-call votes on multiple items; the motions reported in the meeting were carried as presented. Board members who participated in roll calls included Mrs. Howerton, Dr. Durrance, Mr. Whitten, Mr. Martin and the chair (all recorded as voting yes on the listed motions). Several motions included named movers and seconders where noted in the minutes.
Superintendent items and scheduling: the superintendent asked the board for permission to hold an executive session immediately following the June 24 meeting to discuss collective bargaining and requested a workshop on June 23 at 9 a.m. to review Goal 1 (academic success). The superintendent also asked to schedule special meetings on July 16 and July 24 at 4 p.m. to consider hardship out-of-zone transfer appeals.
Votes at a glance
- Out-of-state travel (Lake Placid High FFA) — Approved. Student: Maria Swofford; advisor attending: Carmen Reagan; conference: Washington Leadership Conference. - Personnel approvals (superintendent recommendations) — Approved. - Expulsions (item 9b) — Approved. - Waiver of minimum qualification for specified positions for 2025–26 (bus attendant, bus operator, daycare general worker, food and nutrition general worker) — Approved. Board members emphasized continued background checks and screening. - Interlocal agreement with Sun and Lake of Sebring Improvement District (repairs/maintenance follow-up) — Approved. - Standard services agreement with All About Lawns Incorporated (grounds/athletic field services) — Approved.
Board members offered closing comments praising recent graduation ceremonies and district staff work preparing for the coming school year. The meeting concluded with the board adjourning after the items were completed and votes recorded.
