August 4, 2023

IN THE NEWS            


In This Issue

BPS Finalizes Millage Payments for Employees

BPS Presented With $3.8 Million Check for New CDL Facility in Cocoa

School Board Approves New Leadership Appointments

Edgewood High Students Provide Donation to Support The Children’s Hunger Project

BPS Finalizes Millage Payments for Employees

Brevard County voters showed their support for Brevard Public Schools in November 2022 by approving a millage increase with the revenue being used to increase employee compensation, student programs, and technology.


On Aug. 1, the School Board, Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell, Brevard Federation of Teachers, and the IUPAT/Local Union 1010 announced the finalized millage payment schedules for BPS employees.


“We are thankful to the voters for continuing to invest in Brevard Public Schools because without them this would not be possible,” said Superintendent Mark Rendell. “We are focused on using these funds to help retain and attract top educators while also providing our students with increased access to programs.”


As an example, a teacher with ten years of experience will see an additional $3,651 in compensation this school year.


“The Brevard Federation of Teachers (BFT) thanks the community for stepping up and ensuring this pay increase for teachers,” said BFT President Anthony Colucci. “We are thrilled we will be able to address the compression issue that has been a district challenge for years. We are confident this will help with recruitment and retention of teachers in Brevard.”


The millage payments will be spread over 20 pay periods beginning with the Aug. 31 paycheck.


2023-2024 Millage Compensation Tables


The millage will last for four years unless extended by voters, with 80% of collected funds set aside for employee compensation, 16% set aside for student programs, and 4% set aside for technology.

BPS Presented With $3.8 Million Check for New CDL Facility in Cocoa

On Aug. 1, Florida State Senator Tom Wright presented Brevard Public Schools and Brevard Adult Education with a ceremonial $3.8 million check to celebrate the funding of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) facility at the Clearlake Education Center in Cocoa. The facility is expected to open in June 2024.  


BPS School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell were in attendance to show their support for Brevard Adult Education.


At the ceremony, Brevard Adult Education held a presentation that showcased its various workforce programs and the future CDL training facility.


Senator Wright said that there are currently 60,000 positions across the State of Florida that require a CDL. Thanks to Senator Wright, Brevard County will have a CDL program to help the many communities and businesses.

School Board Approves New Leadership Appointments

A new school year brings new leadership opportunities! Our School Board approved the following appointments during Thursday evening's board meeting. Congratulations to these outstanding educators!


  • Amanda J. Kastensmidt to Director of Student Services
  • Ruth E. Jursa to Interim Assistant Principal at McNair Magnet Middle School
  • Gail D. Williams to Director of Professional Standards/Labor Relations
  • Katrina Hudson to Director of Elementary Leading and Learning
  • Jennifer M. Clarke to Director of Elementary Leading and Learning
  • Erica D. Back to Principal at Atlantis Elementary
  • Debora I. Lubbers to Principal at Merritt Island High
  • Angela R. Owens to Assistant Principal at Merritt Island High
  • John E. Rusch to Assistant Principal at Viera High
  • Robert J. Farrell to Assistant Principal at Eau Gallie High School
  • Andrew S. Hoppenbrouwer to Assistant Principal at Merritt Island High
  • Mackenzie D. McFall to Interim Assistant Principal at MILA Elementary School

Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School Students Provide Donation to Support The Children’s Hunger Project

On July 14, the Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School chapter of The Children’s Hunger Project presented the The Children's Hunger Project with a $2,100 donation that the students collected. This amount will cover 11 children for the entire school year.


Thank you to Edgewood chapter officers William Struble, Thejas Kumar, and Arnav Jain, alongside their sponsor, Meredith Reninger, who presented the organization with a check.

Heart of Brevard

Megan Arnold is the Heart of Brevard!


The Heart of Brevard is a person who puts their heart and soul into teaching, inspiring, and supporting our children in whatever role they play in BPS.


If you know of a BPS staff member or community partner who is the “Heart of Brevard,” nominate them HERE!

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CAREER CORNER  

District-Wide Support Staff Career Fair

Save the date for August 17th! We will host a district-wide career fair for support staff personnel at our district office in Viera. Interested in making a difference in the lives of students? Come learn about your opportunities with Brevard Public Schools!


Seeking to hire instructional assistants, cafeteria staff, custodians, bus drivers, and more!

DISTRICT INFORMATION & EVENTS         

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NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE


The School Board of Brevard County, Florida does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity), disability (including HIV, AIDS, or sickle cell trait), pregnancy, marital status, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information or any other factor protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. The district also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boys Scout of America Equal Access Act. The School Board of Brevard County is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAA), the Florida Education Equity Act of 1984, Age Discrimination Act of 1967 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Civil Rights Act of 1964 including: Title II, Title VI, and Title VII, United Stated Education Amendments of 1972 - Title IX, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). If you have questions, concerns, or wish to report possible violations involving any of the above or below items, please contact either individual below for assistance:

For concerns involving the public or students, including IDEA and 504 matters contact:

Title IX Coordinator

Jacqueline Saxenmeyer

2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way

Melbourne, FL 32940

(321) 633-1000, Ext. 11280

[email protected]

For concerns involving employees or job applicants contact:

Director of Professional Standards and Labor Relations

Karyle Green

2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way

Melbourne, FL 32940

(321) 633-1000 Ext. 11265

[email protected]

Reasonable accommodations are available for persons with disabilities to complete the application and/or interview process. Applicants/Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may contact the Director of Professional Standards and Labor Relations for assistance. Educators are required to follow the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida (State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.006, FAC). To report alleged educator misconduct, contact Dr. Karyle Green, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, at 321-633-1000, ext. 11266 or [email protected]. In the event that the district is not able to resolve your concerns, consider contacting the Office of Civil Rights for assistance. This Publication or portions of this publication can be made available to persons with disabilities in a variety of formats, including large print or audiotape. Student requests for this information should be made to the Office of Exceptional Student Education Program Support, (321) 633-1000, ext. 11520, at least two (2) weeks prior to the time you need the publication.

BPS HEADLINES is a publication of Brevard Public Schools.
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way * Melbourne, FL 32940 * 321-633-1000