Page 92 - Superintendent Annual Report 24-25

Reviewed & Approved

Support for 2024 Sales Tax Referendum
In preparation for a new $2 billion referendum on the November 2024 general election ballot, the
Department of Facilities Management compiled a project list that included the scope of work and
anticipated costs to address critical plant needs over the next 10 years. In addition to developing safety and
security projects and funding for school-based initiatives, the department established a framework for
SUPPORT FOR 2024 SALES TAX REFERENDUM
planned maintenance in each school. This framework involved upgrading and replacing building and site
systems as their components reach the end of their effective lifespan.
In preparation for a new $2 billion referendum on the November 2024 general election ballot, the Department of
In collaboration with the Division of Finance, the department successfully navigated a performance audit
Facilities Management compiled a project list that included the scope of work and anticipated costs to address
conducted by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, which is a research arm
critical plant needs over the next 10 years. In addition to developing safety and security projects and funding
of the Florida Legislature. The audit assessed various departments and their operations to ensure that the
for school-based initiatives, the department established a framework for planned maintenance in each school.
District was prepared to responsibly and effectively distribute the generated sales tax revenues.
This framework involved upgrading and replacing building and site systems as their components reach the end
of their effective lifespan.
The District appreciated the electorate's support of the referendum, which secured 60.34% of the votes.

Referendum Project List
Referendum Project List
HURRICANE PREPARATION AND RESPONSE

The Department of Maintenance and Plant Operations (MPO) collaborated closely with the Departments of
Risk Management and Accounting Services, along with the District’s new vendor, Haggerty, to develop a com-
prehensive hurricane tabletop training exercise. This training prepared the District for a worst-case scenario,
such as a Category 4 or 5 hurricane, which could lead to widespread power and communication outages, signif-
icant structural damage, and the potential loss of an entire school.

The tabletop exercise outlined vital response strategies, such as mobilization plans, establishing the emergency
command site, maintaining both internal and external communications, and coordinating operations for the
District’s 16 schools designated as community shelters. Additionally, the training highlighted recovery efforts,
proper documentation for disaster relief funding, and the systematic restoration of normal operations.

Beyond the tabletop exercise, MPO collaborated with Haggerty to provide hands-on training for field staff. This
training focused on conducting post-storm safety inspections, collecting essential documentation through
detailed reports and photographs, and ensuring accurate payroll reporting for emergency response efforts.
These coordinated efforts improved the District’s readiness and response capabilities, ensuring that personnel
at all levels are prepared to manage future disasters effectively and promptly.

92 SUPERINTENDENT ANNUAL REPORT