By Tracy McCormick-Dishman
The Nassau County School Board approved collective bargaining agreements with both employee unions at its Nov. 13 meeting, with both contracts receiving overwhelming support from members during ratification votes.
The Nassau Educational Support Personnel Association (NESPA) contract passed with 475 yes votes and two no votes, representing a 78% voter turnout among non-instructional employees. The Nassau Teachers Association contract was ratified with 98% voting yes.
Marian Phillips, NESPA president, thanked the board for negotiating in good faith and addressing high insurance premiums by contributing more toward employee benefits.
“Our education support professionals are vital to the education of our students,” Phillips said. “Each of us plays a significant role because of us assisting the education of our students. Nassau County is number one in the state.”
Phillips expressed hope that Nassau County voters will again support the one-mill property tax referendum when it appears on the 2026 ballot, saying it has helped the district retain and employ education support professionals and teachers while supporting athletic programs and the arts.
Jana Lee, representing the Nassau Teachers Association (NTA), reported teachers voted to ratify their contract with 98% approval. She said the association is committed to continuing work toward obtaining livable wages for teachers in Nassau County.
Schools of excellence recognized
The board opened the meeting by recognizing nine schools designated as Florida schools of excellence, along with their feeder pattern schools. Schools honored included Bryceville Elementary School, which also holds Blue Ribbon School status, Callahan Intermediate School with feeder schools Callahan Elementary and Callahan Middle, Emma Love Hardee Elementary, Fernandina Beach High School with Fernandina Beach Middle School, Hilliard Elementary, Yulee Elementary with Yulee Primary and Yulee Middle schools.
Board member Gail Cook noted the importance of including feeder schools, particularly primary schools that build the foundation for student success.
“If we don’t have that solid foundation, the walls will crack,” Cook said. “So kudos to all of our primary and elementary grades K through two that are building that solid foundation and excellent job for having the strong walls and the roof.”
Superintendent of Nassau County Schools Dr. Kathy Burns said administrators are working evenings doing campus activities and called them “the best folks who are truly dedicated to the Nassau County School District.”
Administrative rules updated
The board approved final hearings on multiple administrative rules, including updated guidelines for public comments, civility and decorum at board meetings. The rule was amended during the meeting to require speakers to provide their residential physical address rather than just any address.
The approved policy restructures how public comments are handled, allowing residents three minutes for general public comment and three additional minutes to address specific action items, both to be heard before any votes are cast. The new format moves public comment earlier in meetings, placing it after the superintendent’s spotlight presentation and agenda adoption but before board deliberations begin.
An audience member raised concerns about banners and signs blocking walkways during meetings. Assistant Superintendent Mark Durham suggested the district could designate specific areas for such displays without adding it to the administrative rule.
Other approved rules addressed safe and secure schools, automated external defibrillators, employment requirements, certification, student expulsion, compulsory attendance, medication administration, foreign exchange students, school bus trespassing, change orders, and police therapy dogs.
Job description changes approved
The board approved updated job descriptions for ground maintenance technician, custodial worker, and food service worker positions to address ongoing staffing shortages.
The final approved language states the district will provide an opportunity for employees to participate in a district-supported GED program, making completion optional rather than mandatory. Director of Food Services Trevor Kennedy had explained during an earlier workshop that the district had missed out on hiring three excellent workers because they lacked high school diplomas or GEDs.
Board member Shannon Hogue noted her father didn’t obtain a GED until his 40s and questioned whether the requirement was necessary for positions focused on manual labor skills. The board agreed to modify the language to offer district support for those who wish to pursue a GED while not making it a requirement.
Board member Joe Zimmerman inquired about the therapy dog, asking when it would visit schools. School Resource Officer Schmelling explained the dog, named Chief, was obtained through Brevard County Sheriff’s Department’s Paws and Stripes program, which uses inmates for initial behavioral training at no cost to the district. Schmelling will serve as the dog’s handler and schools can request visits through a scheduled appointment system.
The therapy dog policy establishes guidelines for the dog to interact with students in ESE classes and other classes throughout the district. Superintendent Kathy Burns noted there is data showing such programs can increase attendance, among other benefits. The dog lives at Schmelling’s home at no expense to the school district.
Capital projects approved
The board approved multiple change orders for construction projects, including deductive change orders for West Nassau High School cooler and freezer installation and Wildlight Elementary School relocatable project. The board also approved change orders for Yulee Middle School aluminum canopy installation and Hilliard Middle Senior High School foyer and concession stand renovations.
The board also approved a 25-year extension of the district’s lease agreement with the City of Fernandina Beach for Hickory Park. Board Attorney Brett Steger said the agreement includes a right of first refusal provision that would allow the school district, upon reasonable notice, to reserve Hickory Park for district use. The agreement was finalized after Steger and city attorney Tammi Prince exchanged multiple versions working through various provisions.
Other business
The board approved administrative salary increases for the 2025-26 school year and accepted a VOCA grant (Victims of Crimes Act) covering October 2025 through September 2026. VOCA grants assist crime victims, primarily for services like counseling and support. The grants are funded through the state of Florida and administered by the Office of the Attorney General.
Board members approved a joint meeting with the Board of County Commissioners, scheduled for Jan. 27, 2026, at 5 p.m. in county commission chambers.
The board also approved a bus suspension for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year for a referred student and adopted legislative priorities for the upcoming session.
During board comments, members congratulated multiple athletic teams on recent accomplishments, including Fernandina Beach High School’s swim team setting six new state records, cross-country teams advancing to regionals, and the high school golf team winning district championships. Board members also praised the Fellowship of Christian Athletes student leaders for organizing the Fields of Faith county-wide event.
The board’s next meeting will be a reorganization meeting on Nov. 19.
tdishman@nassaunewsline.net
