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Minutes 05-27-25MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD ON MAY 27, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT BOYNTON BEACH CITY HALL 100 E. OCEAN AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Sandra Watson Julie Carter Kenny Khristopher Lori Wilkinson Megan Wilkinson, Student Paul Jean Isabella Acosta ABSENT: Ricardo Camacho Gabrielle Gurrieri Dr. Teresa Kasey-McClendon Gloria Nguyen Odalis Veloso Sherri Claude, Board Liaison Sherri Claude, Board Liaison, stated that the election of Chair and Vice chair is on the agenda, and she requested someone volunteer to sit as Chair for the meeting to officially call the meeting to order. Lori Wilkinson volunteered to act as Chair. There were no objections. I. Call to Order Chair Wilkinson called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. II. Pledge of Allegiance The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. III. Roll Call The Minutes Specialist called the roll. A quorum was present. IV. Member Introductions Chair Wilkinson noted two alternates were present and would sit as regular members for the meeting. She requested the members briefly introduce themselves, which they did. Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 27, 2025 Chair Wilkinson noted there have been many changes to the Board. She explained that the meetings now take place every other month, as opposed to meeting every month as they had in the past, and they changed the meeting day from a Thursday to a Tuesday. She hoped this would change in the future. She noted that the last time the Board met was in September 2024. V. Approval of Agenda Motion Mr. Kenny moved to approve the agenda. Ms. Watson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. VI. Announcements/Correspondence Ms. Claude stated there were no announcements or correspondence from the City. VII. Public Audience There was agreement to hear New Business Item 8 D, a presentation from Men of Vision and Purpose out of order. Leon Jenkins, Men of Vision and Purpose, stated that he is a resident of Delray Beach, at 16049 Rio Del Sol, he has been in Boynton for 71 years, and has attended and worked at the local schools. He said that Reading Buddies is a reading program using teenagers from Boynton Beach High School and South Tech High and that the principals of those schools are in support of the program, and he had reference letters. He stated that this is their second time they have offered Reading Buddies at Poinciana. He explained that they have determined they need a top-notch reading expert for Reading Buddies, and they secured one. He commented that without Mr. Burgess, Reading Buddies would not exist. He said that a vision is just a mirage without funding. Abraham Burgess, 2140 NE 1St Street congratulated Board Member Megan Wilkinson for being named Student of the Year. Mr. Burgess briefly reviewed his background. and said that he knows nothing about teaching, but they put something together and were in Poinciana for half a year. He commented that he is retired and he and other retirees met and learned through Mr. Jenkins that some Poinciana students are reading below grade level. He explained that because Mr. Jenkins was a teacher, he knew the reading portion of the curriculum. He procured volunteers to improve student reading skills, instill a seed in them to become better citizens. He announced that they applied for 501 (c)3 and are waiting for it to come though. He said that they need grant money for one teacher. Chair Wilkinson commented that it has been the Board's policy not to make a decision about donations with the requestor present. 2 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 27, 2025 Ms. Carter asked what has been accomplished since last year. Mr. Burgess responded that they did one session out of four sessions and they feel good about what they did and they can do more. He pointed out when they put out request for volunteers, many high school seniors responded. Mr. Burgess commented that the work experience aspect for the teams is like they are getting two for one, because the teens are working with students an the principal said she loved the aspect of the high schoolers working with the second-grade students as they are closer in age. He explained that Ms. Nancy Dinkins wants to work with them, and she is an expert with the school district working with the schools. This is someone within the school district that can benefit students by increasing reading scores. Poinciana hopes they will start in September. He had hoped they would obtain funding so Ms. Dinkins can provide two or three sessions with teenagers. Vice Chair Watson asked if the Reading Specialist is part of the school district. Mr. Burgess responded that the fund is for her for outside consulting. Vice Chair Watson asked about transportation. Mr. Burgess replied that they need transportation from school to home. They tried to get an activity bus from school but it did not work out. The transportation piece is needed. Mr. Jenkins explained they thought they could use the Circuit for transportation, but many students do not live in the CRA District and they do not have a bus. Its an after school activity. Discussion followed that the volunteers need to get home too so they have to use a taxi service. The parents also sign waivers for their child's transportation and that is why they need transportation funds. He also advised that there will be pre and post assessments and feel their chances if getting grant funds is good. Ms. Carter asked who wrote the grant. Mr. Jenkins responded he wrote the grant. Megan Wilkinson commented that often news travel fast via word of mouth and if students like the program, they will receive more drivers for it. She noted she attended Atlantic High School and the guidance department gave them a list of volunteer opportunities. Mr. Jenkins agreed. Chair Wilkinson suggested adding the program to their transportation list, and as far as parents driving home, it is common for students to drive other students home. She suggested it could include, on the permission slip, that they are okay if another student drives their child home. 3 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 27, 2025 Mr. Jenkins said that they are concerned about liability issues. Megan Wilkinson said that it is done all the time. Megan Wilkinson pointed out on the permission slip, it sometimes says that if they can not provide transportation, they cannot be part of the club. Mr. Jenkin said regarding funding, that they are looking for a full year of funding for the program. Chair Wilkinson thanked them for the presentation and invited them to stay for the remainder of the meeting. She and when they discuss the request, they will contact them. VIII. New Business A. Selection of Chair Acting Chair Lori Wilkinson asked if anyone was interested in becoming Chair and Vice Chair. She explained that she was fine with serving as Chair if no one else wanted to and she explained what the Chair does. Motion Ms. Watson nominated Lori Wilkinson as Chair. Megan Wilkinson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. B. Selection of Vice Chair Motion Megan Wilkinson nominated Ms. Watson as Vice Chair. Mr. Kenny seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. C. Approval of Minutes September 24, 2024 Motion Ms. Carter moved to approve. Mr. Kenny seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. D. Donation Request — Men of Vision and Purpose This item was previously addressed. IX. Old Business A. Bob Borovy Student Citizen of the Year Award !I Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 27, 2025 Ms. Claude provided the background of the award program which started in late 1999, in honor of a late former Board Member, Bob Borovy, and she explained how the entries are ranked. She said that judges are not board members and they are scored on a mathematical basis contingent on community service, a written essay and letters of recommendation. Scores are averaged out and a winner is selected She said that usually the award is $1 K and sometimes there is a second and third place award. They have given over $32K has been awarded to 48 high school seniors. She reported that this year's award was presented at the last City Commission meeting and there were 13 applicant, which was the most they have had. She announced that Megan was the recipient of the award this year and that the program is funded through donations the Board receives and the Board holds fundraisers. She explained how the board has its own account through the City and that there is $51K in the account. Chair Wilkinson stated that she was privileged to know Mr. Borovy and that he was an amazing person. She said word of mouth about the program is helpful and keeping an eye on election cycles can help fund the Board because when the election is over, unsuccessful candidates have to get rid of their money. She mentioned that a portion of the Board's funds came from another organization she knew that was shutting down. Vice Chair Watson inquired how the students hear about the award. Megan Wilkinson stated that her counsellor at school and the principals are all alerted. Ms. Claude explained that it is in Funfare magazine and they mention of it on the City level too. She said that each year Ms. Claude sends it out to a list of people and they get multiple emails about the program Chair Wilkinson said that the Board can help get the word out there too and she pointed out that the award is not a scholarship. It is a monetary award for students, and it is given to the student for whatever they may need, it is not necessarily only for school tuition. B. Youth Symposium Ms. Claude provided the history of this event and explained that the City through Recreation and Parks holds a youth symposium in April, and the Board wants to partner with them, but there were no meetings. Megan Wilkinson stated that she had to leave for another meeting and left the meeting at 6:44 P.M. Ms. Watson commented that her cadets attended the Symposium, She said that it is a great event. The students toured all the City's facilities. She stated that outreach is needed and if they will work together on the event, they will need to know more about that portion and figure it out. 5 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 27, 2025 C. Fundraising Proposals & Outreach Chair Wilkinson stated that the Board is always looking for ideas for fund raising ideas and in the past, their most successful event was Sunfest. She said that the members need to make sure the Board is funded and that they need to reach out. Mr. Kenny mentioned that he enjoys fundraising and he spoke to his management about hosting an event and make connections with the high school and others. He said he was still brainstorming. Vice Chair Watson asked if the Board attends other City events, or has a table. Chair Wilkinson stated they had done so in the past, and they can continue that. The Board was present at the Christmas parade selling chips and water, and it is a hands on thing. She said that it is not a huge money maker, but if it's done a few times a year, it would add up, Ms. Acosta stated that she is a graphic designer and can help with flyers. Mr. Jean stated that he works at UPS and he can ask if the company has community grants or funds. Vice Chair Watson stated she was unaware advisory boards have a budget. Chair Wilkinson stated the funds are monies they fundraised. If the funds are not used in one year, they roll over to the next as the fund is a dedicated account. She noted that they have to get permission for activities. Chair Wilkinson inquired who decided the Board should meet every other month. Ms. Claude responded in 2023 the Board voted to do so. Vice Chair Watson commented it is difficult to accomplish anything if meeting every other month. Chair Wilkinson agreed and said that they would have to look at the calendar and that they can discuss this at the July meeting. X. Future Meeting Dates: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Tuesday, September 23, 2025 XI. Adjournment 1:1 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 27, 2025 Motion Mr. Kenny moved to adjourn. Ms. Acosta seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 P.M. &"Wo UUJL� Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 7