Board members explored tighter local requirements for kindergarten promotion and discussed pursuing state legislative change if district policy alone cannot accomplish the same goals.

Board member Dr. Campbell described a proposal being prepared for the Florida School Boards Association: "All children under the age of 6 years on or before September 1, but are enrolled in public kindergarten are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term," she said as she outlined draft language asking that students demonstrate kindergarten benchmarks before promotion. Several board members said earlier intervention—holding students back before third grade when possible—can improve long‑term outcomes.

Members asked staff whether the district could require a benchmark assessment (for example STAR or a DOE‑approved kindergarten checklist) as a condition of promotion to first grade. Staff said legal and statutory constraints mean some elements—especially matters of compulsory attendance and admissions—are set by state law and would require legislative change for a universal county‑level requirement that overrides parent requests. The board agreed staff should draft procedural options and a proposed legislative language packet for the member pursuing a change with FSBA.

No formal policy was adopted; the board asked staff to bring back options, including (1) a local procedure that strengthens early assessment, intervention and family engagement; (2) a communication plan for kindergarten readiness; and (3) proposed legislative language to pursue through FSBA should board members want a statewide change.

Board members said they want earlier interventions rather than waiting until third grade, and asked staff to ensure any procedures are paired with parent notification and supports to address readiness gaps before retention is recommended.