School Board Meeting Recap - October 28, 2025.
Spotlights
Presentation of Colors & National Anthem
The meeting opened with a presentation of colors by the Matanzas High School Army JROTC, under the leadership of Major Charles Mard. The Bobcat Harmony Crew from Belle Terre Elementary School delivered a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem, showing great perseverance and spirit throughout their performance.
Family Engagement Month
The board adopted a resolution proclaiming November 2025 as Family Engagement Month. The resolution emphasizes the essential role families play in student success and recognizes the district's efforts to support family involvement at every level of a child’s education.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
A proclamation recognized October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Representatives from the Family Life Center and the Flagler County Sheriff's Office were in attendance. The resolution honored victims and survivors and emphasized community-wide efforts to confront and end domestic violence.
Holocaust Education Week
Jessica Butler, K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, read the proclamation designating November 10–14, 2025, as Holocaust Education Week. The board reaffirmed the importance of preserving survivor stories, teaching tolerance, and fulfilling the state's required Holocaust instruction.
Native American Heritage Month
Student board members Ava Moldun and Olivia Delgado read the proclamation recognizing November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month, celebrating the enduring contributions of Native Americans to our nation's history and culture.
Old Kings Elementary – School of Excellence
Old Kings Elementary School (OKES) was honored for being named a School of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education for the third consecutive year. Principal Jessica Freeze and her team were recognized for academic achievement and for ensuring that all student subgroups continue to make progress.
Flagler County Education Foundation Updates
Selina Hernandez shared exciting updates from the Education Foundation. The newly launched GRIT Grants, focused on student resilience, awarded $26,000 to eight schools. Upcoming events include the College & Career Fair on November 14 and the 15th Annual Josh Crews Creative Writing Gala on November 15.
Art in the Capitol Recognition
Buddy Taylor Middle School student Aiden Shendan was selected for the Art in the Capitol program. His piece, “Dinosaur Still Life,” will be displayed at the Florida Capitol during the 2026 legislative session.
Flagler Technical College Grant Awards
Flagler Technical College (FTC) received three new grants totaling $20,000 to support adult education in literacy, financial literacy, and health literacy. This funding will enhance critical life skills and strengthen FTC’s community impact.
Board Actions
- Approved the revised agenda to accommodate board member schedules.
- Approved meeting minutes (items 4.01–4.05).
- Approved consent and action items across agenda categories 7.01–7.06, 9.01–9.10, 10.01–10.02, 12.01–12.03, and 14.01.
- Adopted multiple policy updates under item 19.01, with the exception of policy 9700.
- Held individual discussion and vote on policy 9700 regarding classroom display of ideological, political, or religious symbols. The policy was adopted by a 3–2 vote following extensive discussion.
Student Board Member Reports
FPC Highlights (Olivia Delgado)
FPC students earned all five top spots in the Creekside Festival photo contest. Clubs supported community events including the Pink 5K and MS Foundation. Multiple sports teams excelled, including girls bowling winning districts, and the band earned its 22nd straight “Superior” rating. FFA, AFJROTC, and track athletes also earned top honors, and students rallied for anti-bullying and drug prevention during themed spirit days.
MHS Highlights (Ava Moldun)
Matanzas celebrated 49 ACE diploma recipients at its inaugural ceremony. The swim and cross-country teams saw strong performances, including multiple personal bests. The band earned straight superiors for the fourth consecutive year. Theater and SGA hosted successful events, and students prepared for upcoming performances. Principal Rinaldi was praised for his leadership during National Principals Month.
Board Member Comments
Board members celebrated the recognitions of OKES, the success of student performances, and the work of the Education Foundation. They expressed pride in student involvement at board meetings and ongoing school initiatives. Members thanked the staff for their efforts during a long day of meetings and shared personal reflections on community engagement and upcoming honors for teachers and employees of the year.
Superintendent Comments
Superintendent LaShaka Moore marked the 55th day of school, highlighting it as a fresh opportunity to support students. She previewed several events, including:
- Future Flagler Forum – November 4 at Palm Coast United Methodist Church
- Veterans Day Parade – November 11
- College & Career Fair – November 14 (open to the public from 12:30–3:00 PM)
She also spotlighted the new Trails Café operated by students with disabilities, demonstrating the district’s commitment to inclusive learning opportunities. Superintendent Moore closed by reaffirming the district’s vision and guiding principles, including “Get to Yes.”
Next Board Meetings
- Workshop: Tuesday, November 5, 2025 — 1:00 p.m. — Government Services Building, Training Room 3
- Business Meeting: Tuesday, November 19, 2025 — 6:00 p.m. — Government Services Building, Board Chambers
