CHAPTER 8.00 - AUXILIARY SERVICES

8.011 Safe and Secure Schools

POLICY:

(1) The Dixie County District School Board has as its first obligation to provide a safe, secure and orderly learning environment in all schools and at all sponsored activities for students, school personnel, and other persons. 

(2) An orderly environment can only be achieved by developing procedures to control students, personnel, and other persons on school property and attending School Board or school sponsored events or activities. All procedures shall reflect the following policy provisions: 

(a) No person other than a student and employee of a school site shall be on a school campus during school hours unless they are in compliance with policy 9.07 (Visitors). 

(b) A student who is suspended or expelled is not in good standing and is not permitted on the school campus, school grounds, or at a school sponsored activity. 

(c) Any person on a school campus or school grounds not in accordance with this policy is hereby declared to be a trespasser and shall be asked to leave immediately by any staff member. Each principal shall keep a log of such incidents which shall provide the name of the person asked to leave and other pertinent information. If said person shall again be seen upon the campus or school grounds, any staff member shall immediately notify the principal or appropriate local law enforcement officials without further warning. 

(d) Individuals who enter School Board property, activity, or School Board meeting without a legitimate reason and create a disturbance or refuse to leave the property or activity when asked by the board chairperson, Superintendent/designee, principal or person in charge are subject to criminal penalty as provided in Florida Statutes. 

The person in charge shall contact appropriate law enforcement officials in cases of disruptive activity or refusal to leave the school property or activity and take appropriate actions to have the offender punished as prescribed by law. The Superintendent shall be notified of any such action at schools or school activities. 

(e) No person except law enforcement and security officers may have in his/her possession any weapon, illegal substance, or dangerous substance while on school property or at school events. However, the Superintendent may allow designated employees which hold a valid concealed weapons permit to keep firearm(s) locked in their vehicle on school property. 

(3) Emergency Plans 

(a) The Superintendent shall develop and present to the Board for review and approval appropriate school emergency management and preparedness plans. 

(b) The Superintendent shall establish uniform guidelines for the development of schools’ emergency management and preparedness plans. 

(c) Each school shall develop and maintain an up-to-date plan based upon the uniform guidelines and including the provisions of Florida Law, State Board of Education rules, and other applicable regulations. 

(d) Copies of school plans shall be provided to county and city law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency preparedness officials. 

(4) Procedures 

(a) School alarms shall be monitored on a monthly basis and malfunctions shall be reported for immediate repair. 

(b) A safety program shall be established consistent with the provisions of Policy 8.01. 

(c) Emergency evacuation drills (fire, hurricane, tornado, other disaster, and school bus) shall be held in compliance with state requirements. Each principal, site administrator or transportations official is responsible for -- 

(2) Assigning and training staff members in specified responsibilities to ensure prompt, safe and orderly evacuation; 

(3) Identifying and reporting hazardous areas requiring corrective measures; and 

(d) In the event of an emergency, the Superintendent is authorized to dismiss early or close any or all schools. Except that 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 actions shall be reported immediately to the Superintendent or designee along with a statement describing the reasons for the action. Such report shall be submitted to the School Board at the next regular meeting unless a special meeting is held relating to the emergency. 

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 1001.41; 1001.42, F.S. 

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 316.614; 1001.37(3); 1001.43; 1001.51; 1006.145; 1006.062; 1006.07; 1006.21; 1004.21; 1013.013, F.S. 

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RULE(S): 6A-1.0403; 6A-3.0171 

History: Adopted: September 12, 2006 

Revision Date(s): February 9, 2010, February 12, 2013 

Formerly: