CHAPTER 3.00 - SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

3.31 School Chaplains

The Dixie County School District has elected to authorize volunteer school chaplains to  provide support, services, and programs to students assigned by the district school  board or charter school governing board to a designated school. The District  recognizes student’s mental health and physical safety is at an all-time high. The  District has resources to help address some of these student concerns, including  counselors and dedicated teachers and staff. The District also recognizes that some  students may be more comfortable or otherwise prefer to seek support from a chaplain 

I. Volunteer School Chaplains 

A. Prior to the start of the school year, the School District will publish a list of  volunteer school chaplains on the school district or charter school’s  website. This list shall contain the religious affiliation of the chaplain, if  any. 

B. Volunteer school chaplains will undergo background screening  requirements in accordance with F.S. section 1012.465 and 1012.32. 

C. Volunteer school chaplains will serve as an additional student resource. 

D. A chaplain’s primary responsibility is to be present and available for any  student who may seek chaplain support or care. The chaplain will work to  develop positive, supportive relationships based on compassion and  mutual respect with any students that seek their assistance. 

a. A chaplain may refer students to other resources and personnel the  school provides that might assist the student in any given situation. 

b. A chaplain shall not proselytize or disparage any religion, belief,  lack of belief, or faith group. 

c. A chaplain’s provision of care, help, or counsel consistent with  his/her beliefs or convictions to students who seek such care, help  or counsel, is not proselytization or disparagement. 

d. A chaplain does not have disciplinary authority over students or  student groups. 

II. The school principal electing to have a volunteer school chaplain available at  their school site must: 

A. Inform all parents of the availability of such supports, services, and  programs at the start of the school year. 

B. Provide any chaplain with office space suitable for confidential interactions  with students and visible to and accessible by the students of the campus  served by the chaplain. 

III. A student may participate in or receive supports, services and or participate in  programs offered by the volunteer school chaplain provided the school receives  parental written consent. Parents will be permitted to select a volunteer school  chaplain from the list of volunteer chaplains provided by the school district. All  students are welcome to utilize a chaplain with the consent of their  parent/guardian. The decision to seek a chaplain’s help or care is strictly and  always voluntary. 

STATUTORY AUTHORITY : 1001.41, 1001.42, F.S. 

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 1001.43, 1001.51, F.S. 

History: Adopted: October 8, 2024 

Revision Date(s): 

Formerly: NEW