Log In Sign in with Staff Sign in with Students Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873 Students: Forgot Password? Florida Southern College receives $120,000 state matching grant for nursing education, Winter Haven doctor, a pioneer of emergency medical services in 1960s, dies at age 98, Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland, It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career, As development comes to Lake Wales, some residents worry about changes to quality of life, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Polk County School District is the 24th largest in the nation based on the number of students, The Polk County District would be the largest in 39 states, Polk County is the seventh largest district in Florida. hb``b``*c```w01G30i.F E(|_ PyLsY\&mv e4 Employees of Polk County Schools who are unable to access this folder, please email Laura Barnett, lbarnett@polkcountyschools.com. Eligible employees who worked one day more than half the 2020-21 contract year will advance one salary level. Perpetuation of conduct listed in the definition of bullying and/or harassment by an individual or group with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause emotional or physical harm to a student or school employee by: accessing or knowingly and willingly causing or providing access to data or computer software through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of the District school system; or. We are located in the southeastern corner of Tennessee in the heart of the. A maximum of ten (10) school days shall be the limit for the initial filing of the incidents and completion of the investigative procedural steps. Discipline and referral data will be recorded in Student Discipline/Referral Action Report and Automated Student Information System. All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this policy to the principal or as described above. Quick access to forms, resources, and information. So,ahome valuedat $200,000 afteranyexemptions would pay$1,165.80. About 300 teachersinPolk County,bothpublic and private, have contracted COVID-19 betweenSept.6 and April3,according to records with the FloridaDepartment of Health. Instruction regarding bullying, harassment, and the District's violence prevention and school safety efforts shall be integrated into District curriculum at the appropriate grade levels. Reminders of the policy and bullying prevention messages will be displayed, as appropriate, at each school and at District facilities. Polk County Board of Education meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the second Monday of each month. hmo0w>?HS%eZHFPA6u~wNMQ $ YFm{0D1JR K"XfF6ED#Fshb. Library Media Services recently purchased Camerons Collection, a mental health and wellness e-book series for secondary students. accessibility concerns, please contact the webmaster. The Polk County School District operates 135 schools; 84 elementary schools, 24 middle schools and 17 high schools. Find critical coverage information, insightful plan details, and relevant benefits that meet the needs of your unique life circumstances. Step 2: Search For Qualified Applicants. Maria Garcia: Food Services Team: Lisa Marie Gill: Office & Support Staff, Paraprofessionals, Title 1 Herhusband, whoalso works from home,contracted it firstand hassincerecovered. Polk County Public Schools employs school counselors who provide students with the support they need at each stage of their development. I hereby authorize The School Board of Polk County to initiate credit entries and if necessary, debit entries and adjustments to my account at the above financial institution named. ); intervention which includes assistance and support provided to parents; analysis and evaluation of school culture with resulting recommendations for interventions aimed at increasing peer ownership and support. That's an importantpoint for many of the boardmembersits part of the recruitment we have for staff, Miller said. Please Note: Each step must be completed in less than 20 minutes. As for Wools, she was in the emergency room on Thursday with worsening symptoms COVID pneumonia. "In collaboration with our union and the districts newadministration,we were able to make strides in getting a settlement for our supportstaff.. The New Polk Schools Staff Portal - Now Mobile Friendly! No Registration is required. I have forgotten my password and security questions. If the bullying incident results in the perpetrator being charged with a crime, the principal shall inform by first class mail or by telephone the parent/guardian of the identified victim(s) involved in the bullying incident about the Unsafe Schools Choice Option, Title IX, Part E, Subpart 2, Section 9532) that states, in pertinent part, as follows: ".a student attending a persistently dangerous public elementary school or secondary school, as determined by the State in consultationwith a representative sample of local educational agencies, or who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense, as determined by State law, while in or on the grounds of a public elementary school or secondary school that the student attends, be allowed to attend a safe public elementary school or secondary school within the local educational agency, including a public charter school.". Polk County School Board meetings convene at the District Office, 1915 S. Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830. home of the beautiful Ocoee, Conasauga, and Hiwassee Rivers and the Cherokee National Forest! Sexual cyberharassment may be a form of sexual harassment. The Superintendent shall develop a comprehensive plan intended to prevent bullying and harassment and to cultivate the school climate so as to appropriately identify, report, investigate, and respond to situations of bullying and harassment as they may occur on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and through school computer networks. Information on dress code, Code of Conduct, attendance, and Student Progression Plan. The Superintendent may authorize additional instructional programs or activities not previously listed within this policy on a case-by-case basis. Rehabilitation Act. "That's something that is really alarming to me.". The 2022 open enrollment period will be October 17-29, and employees of Polk County Public Schools will need to manage their benefits using Benefitplace. Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry under this policy is prohibited. But she worries about other newer teachers who might not. Access is anonymous. The district does also get sales tax proceeds, Pitts said. This policy does not imply to prohibit expressive activity protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution or Article 1, Section 4 of the Florida constitution. . It seems like an arbitrary date was chosen for the purpose of choosing a date, when vaccines are just rolling out and COVID numbers are growing,saidWools, who has enough sick time stockpiled to cover it. She said some contracts have been renewed for up to 10 years and the audit could shed light on unnessessary or duplicated services. I just want to change my password. Some School Board members and the Polk Education Association teachersunion president agree. Capital is needed for the district's wish list of building projects that could add 10 more schools and multiple remodeling projects by 2041 in order to relieve already overcrowded schools and accommodate the endless waves of families with school-aged children moving to Polk County. We worked over the last two years as our union to try to be more collaborativewith the district, Yocum said. The Polk County School Board kicked off itsbudgeting process for the next school year with a report that showed the district ranks among the poorest both nationally and statewide for such a large district. The Polk Schools Staff Portal The Staff Portal is where you can update your address & phone number, view remuneration statements, tax information, and more! Its not rocket science.. Polk County Public schools has partnered with Benefitfocus to provide the members of our insurance plan with a secure, efficient and convenient platform to manage their benefits online. Students, parents, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and school volunteers shall be provided training and instruction, at least annually, on the District's policy and administrative procedures regarding bullying and harassment. It was obvious that the board really did not propose that the employees premiums increase, so we have kept those the same, saidPCPS Chief of StaffJason Pitts. Why Polk School District? This website endeavors to comply with best . 88 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[68 36]/Info 67 0 R/Length 103/Prev 529646/Root 69 0 R/Size 104/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream He added the state lottery provides funding that amounts to five days of the districts operations. The student may also report concerns to teachers and other school staff who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. We ask all members (even if you do not plan to make changes) to login and verify their data and update their life insurance beneficiary information. The current general fund was set at $1.167 billion. There are also three career centers, five alternative education (Department of Juvenile Justice) facilities, two adult schools and 33 charter schools. Search results are not intended as legal advice for you or your organization and are not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction. We are always striving to improve the accessibility standards of our PCPS and the PEA signed a memorandum of understanding on this issue, which did not need a votefromthe School Board. Information on ESE services, projects, and programs, and resources for families. The current general fund was set at $1.167 billion. Pursuant to State law, District students, parents, teachers, administrators, school staff, school volunteers, community representatives, and local law enforcement agencies shall be involved in the review of this policy. PCPS provides students with access to a variety of free resources, including eBooks, videos, articles and much more, to conduct research and build literacy skills. Reporting an act of bullying or harassment that is not made in good faith is considered retaliation. -Serve as Guidance/Student Services department chair for middle school, grades 6-8. "Within the scope of the District" means regardless of ownership, any computer, computer system, or computer network that is physically located on school property or at a school-related or school-sponsored program or activity. Forgot Your Password? Written and oral reports shall be considered official reports. The state and federal government also contributes roughly47% and 9% respectively (based on National Center for Education Statistics) to complete the majority of a school districts funding sources each year, Education Week reported. We are committed to providing a Library Media Services recently purchased Cameron's Collection, a mental health and wellness e-book series for secondary students. Polk County Public Schools offers many programs for qualified, high-achieving students. We serve over 7,800 students across eleven schools throughout the Polk County community. The tentative budget for the 2023-2024 school year will be prepared by June setting a proposed millage rate, which is determined by a state formula. We are very proud of our students, our schools, and our communities. Pitts gave the following context for the board to see where Polk County Schools rank financially at the state and national levels: The presentation also showed that Polk County Schools: However, he showed Polk County is currently 62nd of 67 districts in funding per student. Florida spending $9,980 per student and pays teachers an average salary of$49,583. It should have been extended because its the right thing to do. The principal/assistant principal or District will make a determination if an act of bullying or harassment falls within the scope of District authority. Related:Polk schools budget is estimated at $2.2B,but its not as much as it could be, Minimum wage:See Florida and federal minimum wages over the last 20 years. The ultimate winner: It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career. If the action is outside the scope of the District and believed not a criminal act, the principal shall inform parents/guardians of all minor parties. Members are required to set up their own account and designate their own username and password. The Student Progression Plan describes requirements for students to be promoted to the next grade. Log In Using Your polk-fl.net Account. Is the 10 days no longer a thing? Their adult daughter, Jenna,alsogotsickand has recovered. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. This content is the sole responsibility of the entity that makes it available. A school employee, school volunteer, students, parent/guardian, or other persons who promptly reports in good faith an act of bullying or harassment to the appropriate school official and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth in District policy is immune from a cause of action for damages arising out of the reporting itself or any failure to remedy the reported incident. hbbd```b``Z "+rLHo`7X|XdS$;; "$uI @u&A"@;Fg` I Data reporting on bullying, harassment, unsubstantiated bullying, unsubstantiated harassment, sexual harassment, and threat/intimidation incidents, as well as any bullying-related incidents that have as a basis of sex, race, or disability should include the incident basis. The issue came up. %%EOF There are also 145 school resource officers and guardians; and district support personnel of 1,595. Coastal counties tend to have higher real estate values and their local property taxes generate more revenues for education. Click Here to Change/Reset Your Password -Organize, train for, and . This page contains links to important documents, including the Code of Conduct, Student Progression Plan, School Board polices, and more. District Office:1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL 33830, 2022 Polk County Public Schools | Equity & Compliance | About | Sitemap. The law went into effect Sept. 30. Those at the top of their respectivesalaryschedules will receive a 3% increase,in addition to the above 2% increase. The next largest category is contracted services at $56.3 million. School Board of Polk County, Florida The Mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students. In accordance with State law, District staff may monitor as part of any bullying or harassment investigation any non-school-related activity, function, or program. Ledger reporter Kimberly C. Moore can be reached atkmoore@theledger.comor 863-802-7514. A victim of bullying and/or harassment, anyone who witnessed the act, and anyone who has credible information that an act of bullying and/or harassment has taken place may file a report. Stephanie Yocum, president of the Polk Education Association teachers union, whichrepresents 7,000 teachers, along with534 support staff and 1,546paraeducators, said she and the 26 union negotiators are ecstatic to get a contract ratified this early in the process. Monthly Meeting Agenda and Meeting Materials Monthly meetings are live streamed. Such immunity from liability shall not apply to an employee, student, or volunteer determined to have made an intentionally false report about harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. Designed for iOS and Android mobile devices, the BenefitplaceTM Mobile App gives you instant access to relevant benefits information for the moments that matter most. Employees and retirees can submit requests through Benefitplace to change their benefits due to a qualifying, life-changing event, such as marriage, divorce, death of a dependent/beneficiary, birth of a child, adoption, etc. Safety comes first at PCPS. through the use of data or computer software that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the District or school, if the bullying substantially interferes with or limits the victim's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by the District or school or substantially disrupts the education process or orderly operation of a school. Polk School District is a dynamic public school district located in Polk County, Georgia. Bullying Curriculum for Students - developed by the District - This curriculum includes education on recognition, prevention, and intervention at all grade levels. The District shall provide for appropriate recognition and positive reinforcement for good conduct, self-discipline, good citizenship, and academic success. endstream endobj 69 0 obj <>/Metadata 2 0 R/Pages 66 0 R/StructTreeRoot 6 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 70 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 648 792]/Parent 66 0 R/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 71 0 obj <>stream These programs focus on correcting behaviors and developing attitudes and skills that will help students make positive changes in their lives. InAugust, the district implemented paid sick leave specifically for COVID through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which uses the federal funding to pay the sick leave salary, among many things. He vowed to visit Florida's legislative offices in Tallahassee himself to make them aware of the alarming numbers facing the fast-growing school district. Thank you for visiting the official website of the Polk County Department of Education. The School Board is committed to providing an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from harassment and bullying, including cyberbullying, for all of its students and school employees and applicants for admission. Sign up to receive messages from your school. %PDF-1.5 % Sara VanHook Principal sara.vanhook@polk-fl.net. Visit our official YouTube channel and subscribe to be alerted when streaming is active. 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853 PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680. Paul Nutcher can be reached at pnutcher@gannett.com. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as aggressive behavior and/or bullying. Polk County HUB ; Staff List; Annual Accountability; . Register an account or Add a Student: Click Here Using the FPEP formula - often refered to as a "dollars per student" formula - Tedder offered the following example: "If the School Board gets approved to spend $3,500 per student and the number of students is 135,000 they would need to generate $437,500,000," he said. She shouldn't be worried about her pay.. Polk tops 200 new COVID-19 cases for 3rd-straight day, Polk teachers see a pay bump, but no raise for paraeducators or school staff, Polk teachers 'just thought it was adisruption.' Pursuant to Florida law, "sexual cyberharassment" means to publish a sexually explicit image of a person that contains or conveys the personal identification information of the depicted person to an Internet website without the depicted persons consent, for no legitimate purpose, with the intent of causing substantial emotional distress to the depicted person. We are very proud of our students, our schools, and our communities. Each principal shall implement a process for discussing, at least annually, the District policy on bullying and harassment with students. Users can also select how they wish to receive communication about their benefits (text and/or email). Another disadvantage to public schools across the state is a Florida law imposing millage rollbacks on school districts, Pitts said. LAKELAND Polk County Public Schoolsand the Polk Education Association teachers union arein final talks toextenduntil June 4the 10 days of COVID sickleave. After the revised policy has been adopted, it shall be submitted to the Florida Department of Education not later than September 30th. You do not need to provide the @polk-fl.net portion of your email address as part of your username. The district has high transportation cost because it covers so much land encompassing more square miles than the state of Rhode Island, Pitts said. (See the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida F.A.C. During the first semester, the Superintendent shall inform school staff, parents/guardians/other persons responsible for the welfare of a student of the District's student safety and violence prevention policy. . Check your childs grades, attendance, and more. Log In Username: Password: Forgot password? Staff Directory Administration. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of the policy requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances and shall include: a recommendation of remedial steps necessary to stop the bullying and/or harassing behavior; and. Polk County Public Schools serves at-risk students through various alternative education programs. 2022 Polk County Public Schools | Equity & Compliance | About the District | Style Guide, Designed for iOS and Android mobile devices, the Benefitplace. Teachers, CommonSense Media has developed lessons for Digital Citizenship and Literacy. Learn the measures were taking to operate more efficiently. Administrator, Teacher, Parent Education - developed by the District, Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc.'s Child Safety Matters, Keys to Character - developed by the District. The Florida Education Finance Program provides a formula taking into account the local property tax base, the cost of education programs, the cost of living within a school district, among other factors.