The Flagler County School Board held a workshop meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to discuss several important topics, including a proposed partnership with the YMCA and updates on district operations.
YMCA Proposes $16 Million Facility Partnership
The main focus of the meeting was a presentation by John Walsh and Chris Silop from the YMCA about building a new $16 million facility in Palm Coast’s Town Center area.
Walsh, a Flagler County resident since 1990 and board member of the Flagler Volusia Family YMCA, explained that the project would create a 44,000 square foot facility. The building would include a fitness center, three basketball courts, an Olympic-size pool with zero entry, locker rooms, childcare rooms, and group exercise spaces.
“We’re not here today looking for a handout. Instead, we seek a mutual beneficial partnership,” Walsh said during his presentation.
The YMCA is asking the school district to contribute $3 million toward the project. In return, schools would get access to the aquatic center for their teams and programs at no cost.
Chris Silop, the YMCA’s executive director, said the pool would have 18-21 lanes and could handle both high school teams practicing at the same time. “You guys have priority, so you don’t have to worry about that,” Silop told board members.
The YMCA has already secured $2 million from the state, a verbal commitment of $3 million from the city of Palm Coast, and $4 million in naming rights from a private donor. The city is also donating the land, valued at $2 million.
Board members asked several questions about the proposal. Board member Derek Barrs wanted to know about funding, saying, “I’m very conservative. I’m not a fan of using tax dollars for private things.”
Superintendent LaShakia Moore noted that the district doesn’t currently have $3 million in general funds available for such a project. “We don’t have the general dollars to do anything like that right now,” she said.
Board Chair Will Furry pointed out that $3 million represents about 50% of the district’s general fund reserve, which would break district policy guidelines.
The YMCA representatives said they are open to different partnership arrangements and payment schedules. They also discussed offering discounted memberships to school staff and families.
No decision was made at the meeting. The board said they need to review the proposal with their legal team and continue discussions.
Professional Liability Insurance Approved
The board discussed new professional liability insurance for the district’s mental health counselors and social workers. Attorney Spence Smith presented the policy, which costs about $23,000 and provides $1 million in coverage per claim.
“I definitely applaud the district, Angela O’Brien, and Brandy Williams, and taking this step forward,” Smith said.
The insurance would cover legal defense costs and settlements for mental health professionals. Smith said he chose the policy after researching options and being impressed with the company’s quick response time.
Wellness Center Shows Early Success
District officials gave an update on the new Flagler Schools Wellness Center, which opened on June 25. The center provides medical services to school employees and their families on the district’s health plan.
Josh Walker reported that as of July 21, the center had completed 181 appointments with 103 more scheduled for July and 71 scheduled for August.
“Feedback has been great early on,” Walker said. He noted that wait times are typically 10-15 minutes, and same-day appointments are available.
The center also handles pre-employment drug screenings for new hires, with results available the same day.
Safety Training Compliance Issue Resolved
Safety Director Jason Berger reported on the district’s quarterly compliance check with the state’s Office of Safe Schools. One deficiency was found related to threat assessment training for a new principal.
“One of our principals attended the second day of training but wasn’t aware that they had to attend the first day of training before the second day,” Berger explained.
The issue was quickly fixed, with the state providing the missing training the next day. Berger said all school-based teams would receive updated training starting that Friday.
Property Sale Request Denied
The board discussed a request from a business to purchase 1.3 acres of district property near FPC High School. The property is located next to Olive Garden in the Town Center area.
Staff research showed the land has several problems that make it unsuitable for sale. The property contains wetlands and serves as a stormwater detention pond for the area. It also has conservation easements that would be expensive to modify.
“Staff would not recommend that this property be sold because of the impact that it will have on us,” said the staff member presenting the information.
The business had offered $759,000 for the coffee shop location, but board members agreed the property should not be considered surplus due to its important role in managing stormwater for the school.
Looking Ahead
The board will continue to review the YMCA proposal and work with legal counsel on next steps. Superintendent Moore reminded everyone about the regular school board meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. that evening.
The district is preparing for the upcoming school year, with meet-the-teacher events scheduled for August 8-11.
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