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If you would like additional assistance or have MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. In his 27-page snapshot of the districts financial health, Pritt said the biggest and most pressing challenge for the district in the future will be capital funding. The District shall provide a referral procedure for intervening when bullying or harassment is suspected or when a bullying incident is reported. 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.' "Cyberstalking" means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose. Additionally, the Board expects school staff to conduct themselves in a manner that will protect the rights and welfare of students and other school staff and the care of school facilities and equipment. Many of the teacher vacancies and other services are covered by contracts with outside vendors such as INVO, providing behavioral support. At least 16 Polk County Public Schools teachers, staff have died of COVID-19 since the start of school, Polk County School District details plans for $202M in relief funds, Polk schools budget is estimated at $2.2B,but its not as much as it could be, See Florida and federal minimum wages over the last 20 years, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Employees of Polk County Schools who are unable to access this folder, please email Laura Barnett, lbarnett@polkcountyschools.com. But after year of COVID-19, a new reality sets in. 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. Board of Education - Polk County Schools 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. Use these tools to encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, and work one-on-one or with the whole class. Ledger reporter Kimberly C. Moore can be reached atkmoore@theledger.comor 863-802-7514. Search . There is even a mobile app, so you can access the system from your smartphone or other mobile device. Polk County HUB ; Staff List; Annual Accountability; . Implementation of the plan by each principal will be ongoing throughout the school year and will be integrated with the school curriculum, the bullying and prevention program, District disciplinary policies, and violence prevention efforts. 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. The district does also get sales tax proceeds, Pitts said. 1006.147 (known as the Jeffrey Johnson Stand Up for All Students Act) to address both bullying and harassment that does not rise to the level of or is comprised of discriminatory conduct. Using our Services does not give you ownership of any intellectual property rights in our Services or the content you may access. "Bullying" and "harassment" also encompass: Retaliation against a student or school employee by another student or school employee for asserting or alleging an act of bullying of harassment. I'm confident we will get it extended,though, and anyone having to take their own time for quarantine will be given their time back, Yocum said. Learn about excused and unexcused absences, and attendance expectations. respond to bullying in schools. In a separate section, the District shall include each alleged incident of bullying or harassment that does not meet the criteria of a prohibited act under this policy with recommendations regarding such incidents. Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger. If the action is outside the scope of the District and believed to be a criminal act, the action shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Work online or offline, anytime, and on any device with myPolkApps, powered by Google. Polk Borough man fatally shot | Front Page | thederrick.com -Serve as Guidance/Student Services department chair for middle school, grades 6-8. InJanuary, district officials extended the COVID sick leave through March31. But after year of COVID-19, a new reality sets in, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Through the Benefitplace platform, you can log in anytime to see your chosen benefits, dependents and beneficiaries. She said some contracts have been renewed for up to 10 years and the audit could shed light on unnessessary or duplicated services. Documented interviews of the victim, alleged perpetrator, and witnesses shall be conducted privately and shall be confidential. MLK Day: Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland. In 10 years, the Polk County millage rate peaked at 5.42 in 2012 and sank to 3.998 in 2019. myPolkApps - Polk County Public Schools Complaints against the superintendent should be filed with the Board Chair. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as aggressive behavior and/or bullying. Search results from our Services may contain copyrighted material and, if so, you may not use such content unless you obtain permission from its owner or are otherwise permitted by law. Information on dress code, Code of Conduct, attendance, and Student Progression Plan. Click the icon to log in to ourdistrict applications. "In collaboration with our union and the districts newadministration,we were able to make strides in getting a settlement for our supportstaff.. Health & Wellness | Polk County Public Schools Library Media Services recently purchased Camerons Collection, a mental health and wellness e-book series for secondary students. 68 0 obj <> endobj "I know that we have not charged anything to the employees and we have talked about it for a long window of time and we wont needtodo it for the next year or two, but I think at some point,that might change, Fields said. Student safety is Polk County Public Schools first priority. PEA President Stephanie Yocum said the school district received more than enough federal relief money to extend the COVID sick leave to those who need it, as other counties have done. Polk County Public Schools strives to reduce its energy footprint. PBS LearningMedia is your destination for easy, instant access to tens of thousands of classroom-ready, digital resources including videos and presentations perfect for the Interactive Whiteboard, plus audio and photos, and even in-depth lesson plans. COVID-19 Testing Sites Available In Polk County You can find COVID-19 testing sites in your area by visiting https://polkschoolsfl.com/healthinformation/ to view a list of Polk testing sites provided by the Florida Department of Health. Staff Portal The bulk of the current general fund budget goes toward salaries and benefits at $625 million. 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. Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying. Information on immunizations, medication administration, and head lice. College funding: Florida Southern College receives $120,000 state matching grant for nursing education, Trailblazer: Winter Haven doctor, a pioneer of emergency medical services in 1960s, dies at age 98, "One of the most concerning things for me is not just this presentation, but in school funding in general, is where we rank in our district's costs differential," Sharpless said. Conduct that constitutes bullying and harassment, as defined herein, is prohibited: during any education program or activity conducted by the District; during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or on a District school bus, or at a District school bus stop ; through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network of the District; or. Information on how to become an approved volunteer and other ways to support Polk County Public Schools. If the action is within the scope of the District, District procedures for bullying and/or harassment shall be followed. We are very proud of our students, our schools, and our communities. Sexual cyberharassment may be a form of sexual harassment. The district has high transportation cost because it covers so much land encompassing more square miles than the state of Rhode Island, Pitts said. Polk County School District, Georgia - Polk School District / Homepage 1006.147 and in conformity with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Model Policy. The salary increase was part of a constitutional amendment passed by Florida voters in November to incrementally increase minimum wage each year until 2026, when it will reach $15 an hour. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a visitor or volunteer found to have committed an act of bullying or harassment or found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment shall be determined by the school administrator after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials. Online resources and services for students! Check out your childs grades, attendance, and more! Use the Password Reset Tool to reset your password now. 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. -Organize, train for, and . Password Reset Tool. Step - 1: Welcome 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. Forgot Your Password? It was like getting hit by a train and trying to breathe with an elephant sitting on you,saidWools, who rarely gets sick. Submission of a good faith complaint or report bullying or harassment will not affect the complainant or reporter's future employment, grades, learning or working environment, or work assignments. Individuals who are interested in addressing the School Board on a particular issue must register in person, at the meeting location, starting 30 minutes prior to the meeting. Notification shall be by telephone or by personal conference and/or in writing and shall be consistent with the student privacy rights under applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The Polk Schools Staff Portal Polk County Public Schools - Journey - Personnel Evaluation Janie Howard Wilson Elementary; Polk Avenue Elementary School; Edward W. Bok Academy North; Edward W. Bok Academy South; Lake Wales High School; District; Library & Curriculum; Choose Lake Wales! He asked his colleagues and administrators present at the session to let the district's lobbyist know about the financial presentation. Learn about the wide variety of school options Polk County Public Schools offers for students of all ages. PDF Logging into Office 365 Webmail (after Email Migration) Password. Log in - Polk County Employee District Office:1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL 33830, 2022 Polk County Public Schools | Equity & Compliance | About | Sitemap. So,ahome valuedat $200,000 afteranyexemptions would pay$1,165.80. Im not going toplay with this, shesaid. The training and instruction shall include recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventative action based on those observations. Library Media Services Library Media Services offers a number of services and programs to aid students, school library staff, teachers, faculty, district office staff and members of the community. 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. Polk County Public Schools Let's get started! The physical location or time of access of a computer-related incident cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action initiated pursuant to this policy. Mrs. Blackman earned a Bachelor's degree from Florida A & M University and a Master's degree from Nova Southeastern University. %%EOF About 300 teachersinPolk County,bothpublic and private, have contracted COVID-19 betweenSept.6 and April3,according to records with the FloridaDepartment of Health. 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. Polk County Public Schools offers many programs for qualified, high-achieving students. Search the Destiny library catalog, find online resources and learn how parents can give input on library materials. Another, Kelly Services, provides the district with staff, including substitute teachers. Pitts said the decade-long losses in revenues because of millage rollbacks amounted to nearly $271 million. The Polk County School District operates 135 schools; 84 elementary schools, 24 middle schools and 17 high schools. Alsoin the contract:If per-student funding, which provides staff raises, fluctuates greater than 2% of the current funding up or down, both sides can come back to the bargaining table to work out a new agreement. The intended audience is 6th -12th grade students and parents. The District will provide bullying incident, discipline, and referral data to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) in the format requested, through Survey 5 from Education Information and Accountability Services, and at designated dates provided by the Department. What is up with that? Polk County Public Schools offers a variety of programs for children ages 3-5. Valuable information and resources for families who are already homeschooling their children or those interested in home education. hb``b``*c```w01G30i.F E(|_ PyLsY\&mv e4 In July the district will advertise thetentative budget once data has been gathered predicting the number of students and teachers anticipated next school year. A step-by-step guide for becoming licensed to drive. 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. Qvonda.blackman@polk-fl.net Delores Shockley Click here for more information Community Resources Learn about how to get $$$ for your education. Log In Using Your polk-fl.net Account. All complaints about bullying and/or harassment that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated by the principal or assistant principal, who is trained in investigative procedures. 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. The current general fund was set at $1.167 billion. hbbd```b``Z "+rLHo`7X|XdS$;; "$uI @u&A"@;Fg` I The Superintendent may authorize additional instructional programs or activities not previously listed within this policy on a case-by-case basis. Butler state police said in a criminal complaint that it was a little before 7:45 p.m. Thursday when Dakota Hughes, 22, called 911, identified himself by his name and date of birth, and said he . Members are required to set up their own account and designate their own username and password. Thank you for visiting the official website of the Polk County Department of Education. ".a student attending a persistently dangerous public elementary school or secondary school, as determined by the State in consultation, with 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. Polks spending on administrative costs is the third lowest in Florida. "Bullying" means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one (1) or more students or employees. After the revised policy has been adopted, it shall be submitted to the Florida Department of Education not later than September 30th. Journey - Personnel Evaluation & Professional Learning System | A Polk County Public Schools Project Journey is an evolving resource designed to support educators at all levels in student-centered professional learning and personnel evaluation activities. Password Reset Tool. Step - 1: Welcome - MyPolkSchools Open Enrollment - Health & Wellness - Polk County Public Schools Information for vendors and potential business partners, including purchasing and construction bids. hmo0w>?HS%eZHFPA6u~wNMQ $ YFm{0D1JR K"XfF6ED#Fshb. Polk K12 Parents: Forgot Password? 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. 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. During this time, Mrs. Blackman was an integral part of the leadership team that dramatically raised and maintained student achievement at Oscar J. Pope Elementary School. This policy should not be interpreted as to prevent a victim or accused from seeking redress under any other available law either civil or criminal. There are lessons for all grade levels, plus materials for parents as well. 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. Each principal shall implement a process for discussing, at least annually, the District policy on bullying and harassment with students. Staff Directory | Polk County Public Schools I just put my absence in as my own sick leave.. In addition,all active employees will receive a 2% increase on their current salary level. Mange Your Benefits - Health & Wellness - Polk County Public Schools If, during an investigation of reported acts of bullying and/or harassment, the principal or his/her designee believes that the reported misconduct may have created a hostile learning environment and may have constituted unlawful discriminatory harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, or disability (including HIV, AIDS, or sickle cell trait), pregnancy, marital status, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information which are classes protected by State and/or Federal law (collectively "protected classes"), the principal or his/her designee will report the act of bullying and/or harassment to one (1) of the Compliance Officers so that it may be investigated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Policy 5517 - Anti-Harassment. It is defined as any unwanted and repeated written, verbal, emotional (relational), sexual aggression, cyberbullying, or physical behavior, including any offensive, threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation; and may involve: "Harassment" means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that: places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; has the effect of interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or. 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. 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. TDOE has a preview site located here. Egregious acts of harassment by certified educators may result in a sanction against an educator's State-issued certificate. Polk County School Board meetings convene at the District Office, 1915 S. Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830. Another disadvantage to public schools across the state is a Florida law imposing millage rollbacks on school districts, Pitts said. The student may also report concerns to teachers and other school staff who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. The district operates 540 buses and transports more than 51,000 students for a total of 60,670 miles travelled each day. Visit our official YouTube channel and subscribe to be alerted when streaming is active. The district employs 6,312 teachers; 1,065 paraprofessionals; 334 counselors, social workers and nurses; 432 principals, 437 secretaries, 599 custodians, 755 food service workers and 580 bus drivers. Users can also select how they wish to receive communication about their benefits (text and/or email). Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for students who commit acts of bullying or harassment or found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. It should have been extended because its the right thing to do. BoardDocs Policy: po5517.01 BULLYING AND HARASSMENT We are always striving to improve the accessibility standards of our Upon completion of the investigation, notification shall be by telephone and/or in writing by first-class mail and shall be consistent with the student privacy rights under applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The Staff Portal has been redesigned to be easier to use on a large variety of devices. practices and standards defined by Section 508 of the U.S. . Polk County Public Schools - Recruiting and Hiring System Staff Directory - Bartow Academy - Polk County Public Schools Step - 1: Welcome I have forgotten my password or my password has expired. Created by the School Board of Polk County Help Desk- (863) 519-8040 or 56661 05/27/2014 5) While 'Redirecting', you will login again to fss.polk-fl.net using your full POLK-FL Network email address and password to complete your webmail Office 365 access. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Pitts saida reduction in spending for the Polk County School Board to consider would be to start charging a premium for health insurance and looking for duplicate services provided in current contracts for services as budget deliberations continue. We are committed to providing a Using that information, it bases the state's financial contribution to school districts on the number of full-time students the district teaches. Information on identifying and reporting bullying. The total adopted Polk County Schools budget was $2.35 billion this year. I know a lot of the paras decide to work for us for little to nothing based on that benefit.. There are 13,588 districts in the U.S. By comparison, New York spends $24,800 per student and the average teacher salary is$87,738. Its not rocket science.. Four School Board members were in attendance for the9 a.m.work session Chairwoman Lori Cunningham, Sara Beth Reynolds, Lisa Miller and William Allen. Rehabilitation Act. Students are expected to conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior; respect the person, property, and rights of others; obey constituted authority; and respond to those who hold that authority. Steps for getting your child started at Polk County Public Schools. The next largest category is contracted services at $56.3 million. School Board Member Justin Sharpless wanted something done to improve revenues. Cunningham and Fields left before the vote was takenduring a special meeting at 11 a.m., although the work session, set to run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., had been scheduled months in advance. The bulk of the current general fund budget goes toward salaries and . The procedure will include: referral of a student to the collaborative problem-solving team (or equivalent school-based team with a problem-solving focus) for consideration of appropriate services is made through the school problem-solving process by school personnel or parent to the principal/designee; referral of school or area/District personnel to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for consideration of appropriate services will be made by the administrator; school-based intervention and assistance will be determined by the collaborative problem-solving team and may include, but is not limited to: counseling and support to address the needs of the victim(s) of bullying; counseling interventions to address the behavior of students who bully (e.g., empathy training, anger management, etc.