Palm Beach school board accepts superintendent’s top score, approves personnel, grants and contracts

The Palm Beach County School Board unanimously approved the superintendent’s annual evaluation and a series of administrative actions Tuesday evening.

Board members accepted an evaluation compiled from all seven members that produced an overall score of 5 — the highest possible — and voted to approve it. Board member Gloria Branch moved the evaluation’s acceptance and Matthew Lane seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

The board also approved a personnel addendum (PTP2) recommended by Superintendent Michael Burke. Burke asked the board to adopt the item so employees can begin new positions as soon as possible; Branch moved the personnel addendum and Erica Whitfield seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

On district business, the board authorized the superintendent or a designee to accept and implement a West Palm Beach mayor’s partnership grant for 11 elementary schools and approved continuing contracts for structural engineering services with the firms named in the agenda. Board members discussed municipal contributions to schools during the West Palm Beach grant item, with Board member Edwin Ferguson urging more sustained municipal support and others noting existing education advisory committee oversight in some municipalities.

The board also approved a donation agreement with the Coalition for Black Student Achievement to support local programming and formally received a $50,000 gift from Jeanette Bogart to fund district wellness initiatives.

All of the listed motions on the agenda were approved by voice vote with no recorded dissents at the meeting.

The board concluded its formal business and adjourned after the items on the published agenda were addressed.