The Flagler County School Board held an information workshop on Monday, January 27, 2026, covering topics including potential federal education funding cuts, three construction projects that came in under budget, and plans to revise the student code of conduct.
Board members Lauren Ramirez, Janie Ruddy, Will Furry, and Superintendent LaShakia Moore were present for the workshop. Board Chair Christy Chong was absent but planned to attend the evening business meeting.
Board Members to Advocate in Tallahassee
Board member Ramirez announced that she, Ruddy, and Furry would be traveling to Tallahassee to meet with State Representative Sam Greco and State Senator Tom Leek. The board members plan to advocate for two main priorities: rural Renaissance legislation that would strengthen shared services and provide additional operational funding, and updates to capital funding formulas to include pre-K students and adult career education students who are currently not counted in the formula.
“We’re hoping to secure millions and millions of dollars,” Ramirez said.
Federal Education Policy Concerns
Board member Ruddy provided an extensive update on federal education policy changes that could affect the district. She reported that the federal administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal calls for a 15% cut to the U.S. Department of Education, equating to approximately $12 billion.
The proposal includes combining the K-12 formula and competitive grant programs into a single simplified funding program, which would result in a $4.5 billion reduction. The Senate version currently maintains funding at $79 billion and largely rejects major cuts.
Ruddy noted that the Office for Civil Rights faces a proposed one-third budget cut. She also raised concerns about Medicaid funding for student mental health services, explaining that Florida’s Medicaid reimbursement was frozen last year due to accountability issues and that federal Medicaid cuts could further delay the state’s ability to recoup those funds.
Construction Projects Come in Under Budget
The board received presentations on three completed construction projects that collectively came in more than $1 million under budget.
The Matanzas High School addition had a construction budget of $21,895,179 and came in $749,866 under budget. The project included a new central energy plant with 12 ice tanks and air-cooled chillers, a media center, art classrooms, a woodshop, and a multipurpose room called The Sandbar. The district also announced it will receive a $220,983 rebate from FPL due to energy-efficient design elements.
Chuck Coates, the project manager, reported that change orders totaled 4.5% of the project cost, below the Florida average of 6% to 10% for projects of this size. The district saved an additional $176,002 through owner-direct purchase orders, which allow the district to avoid sales tax on materials.
The Flagler Palm Coast High School Building 12 locker room renovation had a budget of $2.3 million and came in $226,540 under budget. The project renovated the home and visitor locker rooms, bathrooms, and the concession stand. Coates explained that the project began as a necessity to install fresh air units but expanded when the team discovered additional issues, including a main water shutoff valve above the ceiling that was not marked or accessible.
The renovation included changing the locker layout to improve safety by giving coaches a clear sightline of the entire locker room from their office.
Student Code of Conduct Review
Dr. Jason Glasgow and Mr. Fennelli presented the timeline for the annual review of the student code of conduct. The feedback survey opened on January 27 and will be available to all stakeholders through social media platforms and the district website.
The goal is to complete revisions by April instead of carrying the work into the summer months. New this year, the district plans to hold a student voice session specifically for code of conduct feedback, led by student board liaisons.
Board member Ramirez suggested the district define “secondary” for parents who may not be familiar with the term and recommended making the survey process fun for students to encourage participation.
Instructional Materials Adoption
Corey Rendles presented the timeline for adopting new instructional materials in mathematics, career and technical education, health, physical education, and driver’s education. The public review period runs from February 3 through March 14, with materials available online and at the Teaching and Learning office.
Rendles explained the district plans to adopt materials for some courses not currently offered in anticipation of potentially expanding career and technical education programs in the future.
Quarterly Compliance and Energy Conservation
Foster Dett reported that the Office of Safe Schools conducted a quarterly compliance review at one district school and found zero deficiencies. This marks two consecutive quarters with no deficiencies found.
The board also reviewed utility usage reports showing efforts to conserve energy and water across district facilities.
Public Comment
During public comment, Cheryl addressed the board regarding a job description for the Human Resources Officer position that will be considered at the evening business meeting. She urged the board to require SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) certification for the position, noting that educational organizations often hire people with educational knowledge but limited human resource expertise.
“This is your chance to get it right,” she said. “To make sure that you have the right professionals where they need to be with the right certifications.”
Other Updates
Board members shared updates from their liaison schools, including upcoming events such as the Future Pirate Showcase at Matanzas High School on February 5, a Teen Town Hall on February 12 focusing on youth vaping, and the Classroom to Career program at Flagler Palm Coast High School on February 10.
The board also recognized the Flagler County All-State Band students: Emily Rhee, Joshua Palacios, Oliver Esquival-Novek, and George Biedenbach. The All-County Band Concert will be held on January 31 at 11:30 a.m. at Matanzas High School Pirate Theater.
The workshop was an informational session with no votes taken. Items discussed will be brought before the board for formal action at business meetings.
