Review committee updates and Rotary Club student initiatives

MEETING MINUTES November 18, 2025, 9:15 a.m. Pinecrest Community Center / Pine Room 5855 Southwest 111 Street Pinecrest, FL 33156 I. Welcome and Introductions The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jerry Greenberg at 9:20 a.m. II. Presentations Robert Bull of the Pinecrest Rotary Club Robert Bull was introduced by Chairperson Greenberg and provided a brief history of the Rotary Club. Mr. Bull outlined the Rotary-sponsored student initiatives available to Pinecrest students, including a gratitude-themed contest in the fall and an Earth Day contest in the spring. He also highlighted the scholarship and community service opportunities offered to local youth. Mr. Bull thanked the Village of Pinecrest and Parks & Rec for the use of the room for the club’s bi-monthly meeting. III. Reports/Updates a. Principals’ Updates: 1. Palmetto High (Mrs. Dobb) gave a brief update on recent accolades including wins and advancements for football, bowling, golf, and dance. Principal Dobbs provides the group with a list of upcoming events occurring at the high school. 2. Palmetto Elementary (Mr. Torres) mentioned recent music performances occurring at the high school by elementary students, STEAM night, fun-run, school tours and school expo. Included in the list of Palmetto Elementary accolades were a first place in the AR challenge, wins in the monthly poster challenge, and winning entries through the Rotary gratitude contest. 3. Palmetto Middle (Mrs. Valero) gave an update of recent sporting wins including softball, wrestling, cross country and drama team. Upcoming events on PMS calendar are a toy drive, a panther’s challenge, and upcoming tours. Mrs. Valero also provided updates on the auditorium renovation. 4. Pinecrest Elementary (Mrs. Fraginals) will be hosting many events including Give Miami Day, Italian night, school tours, and turkey bowl. Mrs. Fraginals listed various accolades for PES including the Rotary Club contest wins, teacher of the year, and rookie teacher of the year, as well as a district award for the school’s composting initiative. November 18, 2025, 2025 EAC Meeting Page 2 of 3 5. Howard Drive Elementary (Mrs. Diaz) thanked Ms. Santos’ office for Veteran’s award opportunity and made group aware that a teacher from HDE was nominated for the award and was selected to speak at the veteran’s event hosted by the district. Diaz mentioned the upcoming events for HDE including a food drive, giving tree, pictures, and testing beginning in December. b. School Board Report: Representing the Office of Luisa Santos for District 9, former Councilmember Katie Abbott, shared information about upcoming district events, including the Annual Toy Drive and “A Night in District 9.” She also informed the members that the district has received more than 80 charter school requests. c. Region Report: None. d. District Report: Kristal Gooding, representing the Office of intergovernmental Affairs, thanked the Village for their efforts in the proposed legislative program resolution. She advised the members of upcoming events such as the 5th Annual Summit and a Day Delegation event that allows the public to speak on various topics. e. Legislative Update: Nancy Lawther informed the members that, at this time, schools are exempt from the proposed property tax law. Mrs. Lawther provided handouts and reviewed the Attendance Boundary Committee process as well as updates related to co-locations. f. PTA/PTSA Reports: 1. Palmetto Middle School (Chris Blanco) mentioned accolades and upcoming events. He mentioned Watch D.O.G.S. are recruiting volunteers for Turkey Bowl, there were over 90 participants at this year’s Dinner for Dads event, and a possible collaboration with Pinecrest Police Department for wellness and safety training. He also mentioned the lack of awareness regarding Fortify apps among parents and guardians. 2. Pinecrest Elementary School (Tanya Syed) discussed upcoming events. PES is currently raising funds for cafeteria upgrades. The school will begin to advocate on behalf of public schools regarding the new legislation (co-location) in the upcoming weekly newsletter and website. 3. Palmetto Elementary School (Kari Vidal) provided an update on events and fund-raising initiatives. November 18, 2025, 2025 EAC Meeting Page 3 of 3 4. Palmetto High School (Andrea Gonzalez) shared that an office staff member recently received a district award. She also provided updates on upcoming events, school tours, and current fundraising initiatives. Ms. Gonzalez highlighted that “Paws for Panthers” is a direct donation program supporting families in need and noted that the school is accepting contributions for the high school pantry. 5. Palmetto Middle School did not provide an update. g. Library Updates: Ellen Book from the Pinecrest Library branch discussed programming and available options for members, such as a yarn display, Wi-Fi modems available for rent, puzzle club, seeds distributions, and upcoming cooking class. h. Pinecrest Gardens Updates: None i. Pinecrest Parks and Recreation Updates: Robert Mattes, Parks and Recreation Director, discussed events sponsored by Parks. Mr. Mattes asked schools for student performances during next year’s Veteran’s Day celebration. j. Village Council Report: None k. Communications/Social Media Updates: None IV. New Business: None V. Announcements: None VI. Schedule of Future Meetings January 20, 2026 – Community Center/Pine Room February 24, 2026 – Community Center/Pine Room April 21, 2026 – Community Center/Pine Room May 19, 2026 – Community Center/Pine Room X. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11:06 a.m. Submitted on this 19 day of November, 2025, by: _______________________ Nicole Tobias, Committee Staff Liaison Assistant Village Clerk