School Board of Hillsborough County
- Policy Manual
In this Chapter:
Traffic
Safety
8.01
policy
8.01
summary of procedure
Toxic Substances
in School Work Areas
8.02
policy
8.02
summary of procedure
Inspections
8.03
policy
8.03
summary of procedure
Emergency
Evacuation Drills
8.04
policy
8.04
summary of procedure
Emergency
Disaster Shelters
8.05
policy
8.05
summary of procedure
Emergency
Closing of Schools
8.06
policy
8.06
summary of procedure
Vandalism
and Malicious Mischief
8.07
policy
8.07
summary of procedure
Infection
Control
8.08
policy
8.08
summary of procedure
The
Transportation Program
8.09
policy
8.09
summary of procedure
Student Transportation
8.10
policy
8.10
summary of procedure
Use
of School Buses for Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities
8.11
policy
8.11
summary of procedure
Automotive
Equipment
8.12
policy
8.12
summary of procedure
Use
of Driver Education Vehicles
8.13
policy
8.13
summary of procedure
Bus Routes
8.14
policy
8.14
summary of procedure
Bus
Emergency Evacuation Drills
8.15
policy
8.15
summary of procedure
School Bus
Drivers
8.16
policy
8.16
summary of procedure
Driver’s
License
8.17
policy
8.17
summary of procedure
Vehicle Maintenance
Program
8.18
policy
8.18
summary of procedure
Exiting
the School Bus
8.19
policy
8.19
summary of procedure
Transporting
Students in Private Vehicles for Field Trips or School-Related Events
8.20
policy
8.20
summary of procedure
Safety
Belts
8.21
policy
8.21
summary of procedure
General Food
Service Requirements
8.22
policy
8.22
summary of procedure
Meal
Patterns
8.23
policy
8.23
summary of procedure
Free and
Reduced-Price Meals
8.24
policy
8.24
summary of procedure
Records
Retention and Disposal
8.25
policy
8.25
summary of procedure
School Construction
Bids
8.26
policy
8.26
summary of procedure
Naming
of Facilities
8.27
policy
8.27
summary of procedure
School Facilities
8.28
policy
8.28
summary of procedure
Construction
Change Orders
8.29
policy
8.29
summary of procedure
Improvements
to School Plants and Grounds
8.30
policy
8.30
summary of procedure
Tobacco
Use in District Facilities
8.31
policy
8.31
summary of procedure
Telephone
Service
8.32
policy
8.32
summary of procedure
Telecommunications
8.33
policy
8.33
summary of procedure
Management
Information System
8.34
policy
8.34
summary of procedure
Use of District
Vehicles
8.35
policy
8.35
summary of procedure
Technology Governance
8.36
policy
8.36
summary of procedure
8.01 -- TRAFFIC SAFETY
POLICY
Uniform procedures relative to vehicular and pedestrian traffic safety shall be followed in all schools. Vehicle speed in school zones shall be restricted to thirty minutes prior to the opening of school and thirty minutes after the closing of school. Traffic speeds on school property or parking areas shall be established at speeds no greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour unless otherwise posted.
The superintendent or designee is authorized to request appropriate school zone designations, to arrange for installation of appropriate warning signs and devices and to coordinate assignment of crossing guards.
8.01
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8.02 -- TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN SCHOOL WORK AREAS
POLICY
The superintendent shall develop and implement a program to ensure that school board employees receive information concerning the nature of toxic substances which are used in the workplace.
8.02
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8.03 -- INSPECTIONS
POLICY
All school buildings shall be inspected at least once during each school fiscal year, as outlined in the District Safety Manual. Such inspection shall be conducted to determine compliance with State Board of Education rules and the State Division of Safety regulations.
When life threatening deficiencies are identified, prompt corrective action by the board or withdrawal of the educational or ancillary facility from use is required until the deficiency is corrected. Life threatening deficiencies include, but are not limited to, non-functional fire alarm systems, existing non-functional fire sprinkler systems, doors with padlocks or other locks which preclude egress at all times and inadequate exits.
8.03
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8.04 -- EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS
POLICY
The school board shall direct each principal to hold emergency evacuation drills as prescribed in the district's Safety Manual.
8.04
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8.05 -- EMERGENCY DISASTER SHELTERS
POLICY
The school board shall authorize school centers to be available as emergency shelters for Red Cross and civil defense use in the event of an emergency disaster. Principals or designees shall be available to prepare their school plants as emergency shelters.
8.05
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8.06 -- EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOLS
POLICY
In case of an emergency, the superintendent is authorized to close and dismiss any school or all schools prior to the regular daily dismissal hour. The principal may dismiss the school when the superintendent or designee cannot be contacted and an extreme emergency exists, endangering the health, safety or welfare of students. Any such early dismissal made by the principal shall be reported immediately to the superintendent's office with a statement describing the reasons for early dismissal. This report shall be submitted to the school board at its next regular meeting unless a special meeting is held relating to the emergency.
8.06
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8.07 -- VANDALISM AND MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
POLICY
The principal or designee shall report any vandalism immediately to the superintendent or designee, proper law enforcement agency and school security, giving all available information.
8.07
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8.08 -- INFECTION CONTROL
POLICY
School board employees will adhere to universal precaution procedures when handling or coming in contact with another's body secretions. It is the site administrator's responsibility to insure that all employees have been trained in accordance with school district guidelines and procedures for infection control.
8.08
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8.09 -- THE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
POLICY
The transportation program shall be administered to provide safe and efficient services at the lowest possible cost. Transportation funds shall be used primarily to provide transportation of students to and from the nearest appropriate school as determined by the school board and in accordance with Florida statutes.
The superintendent or designee shall be responsible for supervising, administering, investigating and resolving problems of the district's transportation system. This shall include determination that all school board employees involved with the transportation system are knowledgeable of applicable Florida statutes and State Board of Education rules.
8.09
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8.10 -- STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
POLICY
The school board shall provide transportation for every student who lives more than a reasonable walking distance from the school to which he or she is assigned. A reasonable walking distance shall be defined as two miles from the school by the nearest traveled route.
Exceptions for elementary students, grades PreK - 5, may be made when the nearest route taken will be extremely unsafe for the child to walk due to traffic, natural hazards or other peculiar circumstances. The Supervisor of Transportation shall identify such unsafe conditions to the superintendent.
When it is impractical to provide bus transportation via regular school bus routes, the school board may authorize reimbursement at the rate provided by law to a parent, aide or other person transporting the student.
Transportation will be provided to students placed in full-time exceptional classes if the classes are located at a school other than the student's regularly assigned attendance area as designated on his or her Individual Education Plan (IEP). Students enrolled in full-time, modified, or modified-resource-room programs at their regularly assigned schools shall have the same transportation privileges as they would if they were in regular education. Students who are physically impaired or require specialized transportation as designated on their Individual Education Plan (IEP) shall be provided transportation in accordance with State Board of Education rules.
8.10
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8.11 -- USE OF SCHOOL BUSES FOR FIELD TRIPS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
POLICY
Each principal or other person desiring the use of school buses for educational field trips and athletic trips should, during the pre-school planning period, prepare the schedule of trips for the year and submit these plans to the director of transportation. It shall be the duty of the principal or designated representative to send specific requests for such trips to the field trip clerk at least ten working days before the scheduled date. Educational trips should be scheduled to be completed in a period beginning one-half hour after the opening of school and ending one-half hour before the closing of school so that normal transportation services are not disrupted.
The school board will provide activity buses for secondary school students living in satellite zones to insure that those students participate in after-school extra-curricular activities.
8.11
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8.12 -- AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT
POLICY
All automotive equipment owned by the school board shall be assigned to the superintendent or designee for proper care and maintenance.
Automotive equipment shall be used exclusively for school business. It shall not be used for the operator's private use or convenience. The superintendent or designee shall report any unauthorized equipment usage to the school board. Violation of this rule shall be cause for disciplinary action.
Failure of the operator to notify the site administrator as to any mechanical defect of any piece of automotive equipment may be cause for disciplinary action.
All needed repairs of equipment shall be the superintendent or designee's responsibility, and repairs shall be made immediately; the vehicle may be withdrawn from use by the superintendent or designee until the repairs are made. The school board shall not assume any financial responsibility for purchases or contract for repairs unless prior approval is obtained from the superintendent or designee.
The superintendent or designee shall determine that all equipment be inspected at regular intervals. The equipment shall be placed in the district's garages for repairs or service if needed. Under no conditions shall equipment be repaired by a private shop or private individual without the superintendent's or designee's approval.
The person who is assigned a vehicle on a full-time basis shall be responsible for delivering the vehicle to the district's garage for inspection as prescribed by the site administrator.
8.12
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8.13 -- USE OF DRIVER EDUCATION VEHICLES
POLICY
The school board shall provide driver education vehicles. The cost of providing the vehicles shall be defrayed by an appropriate fee as determined by the school board-approved fee schedule. Use and storage of driver education vehicles shall be subject to school board-approved procedures.
8.13
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8.14 -- BUS ROUTES
POLICY
The Director of Transportation is authorized to develop transportation plans and procedures to ensure efficient use of bus routing. Routes shall be provided to schools at least three weeks prior to the commencement of any school term. Routes shall be in accordance with Florida statutes and State Board of Education rules.
8.14
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8.15 -- BUS EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS
POLICY
At least twice each year, each school principal or designee shall provide instruction in safe practices for all transported students to board and depart the school bus, including emergency evacuations. Initial instruction shall be given during the first twenty days of the school year, and the second period of instruction shall be given during the first two weeks of the second semester. The principal and his or her instructional staff members shall determine the most effective and practical manner to provide such instruction.
Each school principal or designee shall instruct bus drivers serving his or her school in the procedures to be followed while conducting a bus emergency evacuation drill. Initial instruction for bus drivers shall be provided during the first twenty days of school for students, and the second period of instruction shall occur during the first two weeks of the second semester.
The principal shall inform the bus drivers of the date of any drill by written notice. The bus driver shall hold the drill as directed, and the principal shall record the process. The record of the drill shall be filed in the principal's office and the appropriate district office.
A practice emergency evacuation drill shall be held at a point in which the least possible danger exists from traffic.
Any bus driver serving more than one school shall report for instruction to the school as determined by the principals.
8.15
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8.16 -- SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
POLICY
Each school bus driver shall possess the qualifications prescribed in Florida statutes and State Board of Education rules. Each driver shall hold a current valid school bus driver's license issued by the Florida Department of Education.
All school bus drivers shall hold a valid commercial driver's license for a class "B" vehicle with a passenger endorsement.
The license shall be displayed in a conspicuous place in the school bus or shall be carried by the driver while operating the bus.
The transportation director shall develop a handbook for school board approval, setting forth guidelines, directions and procedures for the district's transportation system.
8.16
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8.17 -- DRIVER’S LICENSE
POLICY
Employees driving any district-owned or district-leased vehicle must have a valid license in the appropriate class for the respective vehicle he or she will operate. Each bus driver is to post his or her valid license on his or her bus.
8.17
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8.18 -- VEHICLE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
POLICY
All transportation equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition. Each department head shall be responsible for a planned program of maintenance to keep all vehicles running safely and efficiently. This program shall include the following:
- instructing bus drivers in methods of anticipating and noting maintenance problems;
- inspecting and servicing all vehicles on a periodic basis;
- maintaining service and repair records on each vehicle;
- devising a checklist for use in recording the results of the safety inspection;
- planning and scheduling preventive maintenance through major overhaul and repair of all equipment;
- training apprentice mechanics through in-service activities.
The mechanical condition of each school bus shall be determined at least once each twenty working days that the bus is in operation. Any school bus which does not comply with the requirements of Florida statutes and State Board of Education rules shall be withdrawn immediately from use until it meets such requirements.
Only school board or government-owned vehicles may be repaired or serviced in the school bus garage.
8.18
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8.19 -- EXITING THE SCHOOL BUS
POLICY
No student shall leave the school bus on his or her way to or from school without written authorization from the student's parent(s) or legal guardian and the principal or designee, except at the school or the assigned stop.
8.19
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8.20 -- TRANSPORTING STUDENTS IN PRIVATE VEHICLES FOR FIELD TRIPS OR SCHOOL-RELATED EVENTS
POLICY
The transportation of students in privately owned motor vehicles for educational field trips or school-sponsored or school-related events shall be approved by the superintendent or designee on a case-by-case basis except in an emergency situation.
Transportation of students by an approved charter vehicle shall be permitted when such travel is for authorized activities of the board.
8.20
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8.21 -- SAFETY BELTS
Revised 6/03/02
POLICY
The operator and each front-seat passenger of a motor vehicle conducting school board business or participating in a school-related activity shall be restrained by a safety belt when the vehicle is in motion. This provision is applicable to all vehicles except the following:
- a school bus, except for those school buses purchased after December 31, 2000;
- a bus used for transportation of persons for compensation, except for those school buses purchased after December 31, 2000;
- a farm tractor or implement of husbandry;
- a truck of net weight of more than 5,000 pounds;
- a motorcycle, moped or bicycle.
The number of front-seat passengers of a pick-up truck shall not exceed the number of safety belts.
School bus drivers shall wear a seat belt when operating a school bus.
School Buses: Passengers transported in school buses equipped with a restraint system are required to use them at all times.
8.21
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8.22 -- GENERAL FOOD SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
POLICY
The student nutrition services program shall operate according to requirements set forth in Florida statutes and State Board of Education rules. The student nutrition services program shall include the federally reimbursed lunch program, a la carte food and beverage offerings, sale of food and beverage items offered through vending machines or other methods to students at all school facilities during the school day. The program may include the federally reimbursed breakfast program.
The student nutrition services program shall be an integral part of the district's educational program, offering nutritional and educational opportunities to students.
Foods and beverages available in schools shall be only those which meet the nutritional needs of students and contribute to the development of desirable health habits unless provided otherwise in school board rules.
The student nutrition services program shall meet the standards for food service and sanitation and safety as provided by the Florida State Board of Health and Florida State Department of Education.
8.22
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8.23 -- MEAL PATTERNS
POLICY
All schools with grades K-12 shall participate in the National School Lunch Program and shall serve student lunches according to meal patterns established by the United States Department of Agriculture. Schools may participate in the National School Breakfast Program. Breakfast shall be served to students according to meal patterns established by the United States Department of Agriculture.
8.23
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8.24 -- FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS
POLICY
Free or reduced-price meals shall be served to all students who are unable to pay the full price of meals and who qualify based on eligibility criteria approved by the school board.
The income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price meals shall be in accordance with the scales provided by the Florida Department of Education as adopted by the State Board of Education based upon income guidelines prescribed by the United States Secretary of Agriculture.
Eligibility criteria shall be applicable to all district schools and shall provide that all students from a family meeting the eligibility criteria and attending any district school are offered the same benefits.
Procedures for implementing the free and reduced-price meal services shall be reviewed annually and shall be in accordance with procedures and guidelines published by the Florida Department of Education and the United States Department of Agriculture.
8.24
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8.25 -- RECORDS RETENTION AND DISPOSAL
POLICY
The school board shall establish and maintain a system for the retention and destruction of district school records in order to reduce the space required for record storage and to permit the superintendent to administer the affairs of the district more efficiently.
Pursuant to public records laws and rules of the Florida Department of State, the superintendent or designee shall develop a records-retention schedule for each type of record, including teacher's records on each student's grade and attendance.
Records which are designated as permanent in Florida statutes and by the Division of Archives, History and Records Management of the Florida Department of State as well as those selected by the school board or superintendent as having permanent value may be destroyed after being photographed or reproduced on film, provided applicable audits have been completed for the period covering the dates of said documents. Photographs or micro-photographs in the form of film or prints made in compliance with this rule shall have the same force and effect as the originals and shall be treated as originals for the purpose of admissibility in evidence.
The superintendent is authorized, at his or her discretion, to destroy general correspondence over three years old and other records, papers and documents over five years old which are on the retention schedule approved by the Division of Archives, provided such records do not serve as an agreement or understanding or have value as permanent records.
8.25
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8.26 -- SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BIDS
POLICY
All school construction bids shall be the immediate responsibility of the superintendent or designee. All applicable Florida statutes, State Board of Education rules and school board rules shall be observed in school construction bid procedures.
The superintendent or designee shall be responsible for preparing the legal notice for bids and shall determine that such notice meets the requirements of Florida statutes and State Board of Education rules and contains the information needed by the prospective bidders to include the following:
- date, time and place relating to submitting of bids;
- procedures for presenting bids;
- conditions and terms for receiving bids;
- procedures to be followed in opening and presenting bids to the school board;
- conditions for awarding contracts based on bids.
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8.27 -- NAMING OF FACILITIES
POLICY
School sites and facilities shall be named for individuals who have rendered outstanding public service to public education, for geographical locations and for groups and clubs as indicated:
- elementary, middle, and secondary schools-for Presidents, school board members, educators, outstanding citizens and geographical locations;
- other facilities, such as libraries, playgrounds and stadiums-for educators, outstanding citizens or for groups or clubs which assisted most in the establishment of the facility.
When naming a new school or other existing facility, input shall be solicited from neighboring schools and/or the community at large. A new school or facility shall be named after the construction contract has been awarded.
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8.28 -- SCHOOL FACILITIES
POLICY
School facilities shall house grade level organizations designated by the school board. Whenever possible, schools shall be geographically clustered for purposes of attendance zone.
Whenever possible, new schools, renovations and additions to existing schools shall be made to facilitate the district's goal of desegregating schools. School or facility closures resulting in pupil reassignments shall not, to the extent possible, adversely affect the desegregation status of the district.
When appropriate, the Bi-Racial Advisory Committee shall review and advise on decisions related to new school sites, school closures or modification of use and change in grade exceptions to the desegregation grade organization.
The school board shall make final decisions relating to school locations, renovations and/or use.
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8.29 -- CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDERS
POLICY
The superintendent is authorized to approve construction change orders which will not increase the contract amount approved by the school board and recorded in its minutes.
Requested change orders concerning the same project shall not be split in the event that the sum total of the initial requested change order increases the contract by any amount. Change orders must be in writing and must be approved in writing before the work is done.
In the superintendent's absence, the Assistant Superintendent for Operations shall serve as the superintendent's designee.
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8.30 -- IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL PLANTS AND GROUNDS
POLICY
Any group or organization which desires to improve the school site, add facilities or install equipment shall submit a written proposal to the principal or site supervisor for approval. Any such improvement or addition shall become the property of the school board. Permanent structures shall have utilitarian value in the operation of the school.
All alterations to the buildings or grounds caused by moving, transferring or acquiring new property shall be submitted to the superintendent or his or her designee for approval.
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8.31 -- TOBACCO USE IN DISTRICT FACILITIES
POLICY
The Florida Clean Indoor Act prohibits smoking in all school board-owned buildings. The school board prohibits all uses of tobacco products in any form in school board-owned buildings.
It is unlawful for any person under eighteen years of age to possess any tobacco product. Possession of any tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia by day-school students on school grounds is not permitted.
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8.32 -- TELEPHONE SERVICE
POLICY
The superintendent or designee shall develop a uniform system for implementing effective telephone service systems, including use of telephone lines to support technology.
No person shall charge personal calls to the school board.
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8.33 -- TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Revised 4/5/05
POLICY
The district shall develop comprehensive telecommunications procedures for administrative and instructional purposes. The procedures shall govern access, collaboration, and information sharing between and among schools, district offices and the global community, which includes Internet access, email, and all related services.
The superintendent or designee is responsible for establishing and authorizing use of telecommunications services and networks.
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8.34 -- MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
POLICY
The district shall develop and maintain an integrated information system for educational management. The superintendent or designee shall insure compatibility with the state comprehensive management information system. Procedures and guidelines shall be developed to assure that adequate management information support needs are met.
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8.35 -- USE
OF DISTRICT VEHICLES
Adopted
10/28/03
POLICY
The School Board may provide district vehicles to personnel as required for the performance of their duties. Employees driving any district-owned or district-leased vehicle must have a valid license in the appropriate class for the respective vehicle that he or she will operate. Use and storage of all vehicles shall be subject to school board-approved procedures.
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8.36 -- TECHNOLOGY GOVERNANCE
Adopted 4/5/05
POLICY
The district shall develop governance procedures for effective technology management. The procedures govern the introduction of technology systems, hardware, software, and services into the district's wide-area network or local area networks.
The superintendent or designee is responsible for establishing and authorizing use of technology to ensure integrity, security and performance.
Reference: State Statute 282.318
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Florida, USA
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