The Flagler County School Board held a workshop on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, covering topics ranging from new AI-powered food service management software to job description updates and growing concerns about student safety involving e-bikes.
Since this was a workshop meeting, no formal votes were taken. The board approved the agenda at the start of the meeting.
New Food Service Finance System
The board discussed a new AI-integrated finance platform called Swan Solutions that the food service department has implemented to manage finances more efficiently. Food services staff explained that the system replaces a cumbersome manual process that previously required extracting data from multiple platforms and entering it into spreadsheets.
Mike, the food service director, expressed enthusiasm about the system’s capabilities. “We went from walking to driving a Cadillac. It’s not even an upgrade. It’s just a difference. Life’s going to be nice,” he said.
The platform can scan invoices, automatically categorize items, compare prices against contracts, and identify discrepancies. Staff noted they have already identified approximately $200 in overcharges that the system flagged. The system also calculates efficiency metrics such as meals per labor hour and inventory values.
Superintendent Moore noted the system aligns with the district’s strategic plan for operational efficiency by providing real-time data for decision-making.
New Portables at Transportation
The board learned that new portable buildings are being delivered and installed at the transportation department to replace older leased structures that had been causing problems. The new portables are district-owned rather than leased, which will allow staff to maintain them to district standards. The estimated lifespan is 20 to 25 years with proper maintenance.
Vinyl Door Wrapping Pilot Program
Staff presented information about a pilot program to wrap exterior doors with vinyl at Matanzas High School instead of traditional painting. The wrapping process is substantially faster, can be done during school hours without disruption, and costs less than painting. Staff said the program will test how well the vinyl holds up against sun and weather exposure, with the potential to add school logos in the future if successful.
Professional Development for Students with Autism
Board member inquired about a professional development purchase for New Horizons Education, a consultation group working with students who have significant developmental needs, particularly autism with complex communication needs. The program focuses on verbal behavior training for behavior specialists and teachers at pre-K, Wadsworth, Bunnell, and Beltaire schools. Staff will monitor implementation through fidelity checklists and instructional walks.
Job Description Updates
The board reviewed updates to two senior job descriptions. For the Chief Human Resources Officer position, board members discussed whether to add specific HR certifications as requirements. One board member suggested adding highly valued HR-specific certifications, while others argued that keeping qualifications broader would avoid discouraging good candidates and allow for compensating factors in experience.
The board also reviewed updates to the Chief of Operational Services job description, adding the coordinator of planning and intergovernmental relations to the list of supervisory responsibilities, reflecting changes made when that position was created approximately four years ago.
University Partnership Agreements
The board discussed affiliation agreements with Stetson University and Walden University to place student teachers in district classrooms. Staff noted that one Stetson student wants to work with the band director, who previously worked at Stetson. A Walden student already working in the district will serve as a counseling intern. Board members expressed appreciation for these partnerships as potential pipelines for future hires.
Interlocal Agreement with Volusia County
The board reviewed a resolution renewing the interlocal agreement with Volusia County Schools regarding attendance boundaries. The agreement, originally signed in May 2025, is renewable annually and confirms boundaries between the two districts. Volusia County’s board was scheduled to consider the same resolution that evening.
E-Bike Safety Concerns
A significant discussion arose around e-bike safety following reports of student injuries. Board member Furry expressed serious concern about the growing number of accidents involving e-bikes, noting that students are not pedaling but simply hitting a button to go full speed.
“This is very disturbing and concerning about the growing amount of accidents and injuries with the ebikes,” Furry said. “They’re called ebikes, but no one is no one’s pedaling anymore. They’re hitting a button going full speed at all the time.”
Furry suggested the district take a proactive role in educating students about safety protocols, possibly in partnership with the Department of Transportation or the sheriff’s office. He noted there may be grants available through the Department of Transportation for such initiatives.
Another board member raised concerns about a specific intersection where State Road 100 crosses near Seminole Woods, noting multiple near-misses involving pedestrians and cyclists when cars make right turns on red without watching the crosswalk. The board member suggested restricting right turns on red at certain times in areas heavily trafficked by students.
Superintendent Moore confirmed the district has already scheduled a collaborative recording with the City of Palm Coast and the sheriff’s office to address e-bike safety and communicate new ordinances to families and students.
District attorney Bill cautioned the board about potential legal liability, noting there are limitations on the district’s responsibility for students off campus at non-school events. He recommended the legal team work closely with the superintendent to ensure safety efforts do not inadvertently open the district to lawsuits for matters it cannot control.
Upcoming Events
Superintendent Moore reminded families that career fairs for eighth graders are scheduled for January 20 at Indian Trails Middle School and January 30 at Buddy Taylor Middle School. High school information nights will follow on February 5 at Matanzas High School and February 10 at Flagler Palm Coast High School. VPK enrollment for new students opens March 15.
Board members noted they will be traveling to Tallahassee later in the month to advocate for the district’s needs during the legislative session.
The post Flagler School Board Discusses New Food Service Technology, Job Descriptions, and E-Bike Safety Concerns first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
