More than 40 people spoke during the public comment portion of the Brevard school board meeting on Feb. 24 at the Viera Education Center, with enrollment trends and school safety emerging as key issues. The meeting, which lasted over three hours, included remarks from students, parents, and community members about declining student numbers and recent walkouts at Viera High School.
Viera High School junior Haley Disch told the board she and classmates staged a walkout earlier this month to protest what she called a lack of support for students dealing with mental health crises. 'We’re not getting the resources we need,' Disch said. 'This isn’t just about us — it’s about every student in Brevard.' The board heard similar concerns from other students and parents about overcrowded classrooms and insufficient mental health services.
Pam Castellana spoke about the recent removal of a teacher from a local middle school, saying the process was 'hasty and unfair.' She argued the teacher, who had worked at the school for 12 years, was not given proper due process before being terminated. Paul Roub, a community member, echoed her concerns, saying the board needs to 'ensure accountability without punishing dedicated educators.'
Superintendent Mark Rendell acknowledged the challenges but said the district is working to address enrollment declines through targeted outreach. 'We’re seeing drops in certain areas but not across the entire district,' he said. 'Our focus is on retaining students who are already enrolled while also attracting new families.'
Board members including Katye Campbell and Gene Trent listened quietly as speakers addressed the board. Campbell later showed the back of an anti-bullying shirt she wore during the meeting, a gesture she said reflected the board’s commitment to student well-being. The meeting concluded with board members agreeing to form a task force to study enrollment trends and propose solutions by April.