9:46 → 10:42(57s)
Chair called the workshop to order and listed attending members including Dr. Longshore; explained the meeting will review the fund balance and a draft fiscal recovery plan and that a presentation would precede public comment (chair).
Highlands County School District held a public workshop where Superintendent Dr. Longshore presented a draft fiscal recovery plan after declines in enrollment and rising insurance costs forced the district below its statutory fund-balance target. The plan proposes shifting the alternative academy to virtual instruction, changing the Highlands Career Institute core-class delivery and transportation, and eliminating optional VPK classrooms; the presentation drew sustained public comment from students, staff and parents urging preservation of programs.
