Public Meeting Announcement: Notice of Rule Adoption: 3/4/2026
RULE TITLE: Students with Life-Threatening Health Conditions
RULE NUMBER: Policy 5.324
SUMMARY: The proposed policy establishes procedures to ensure the safety of students with life-threatening health conditions within the school setting based on new legislation.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To provide for all PBCSD employees and contracted staff whose duties include regular contact with a student in grades K-8 with life-threatening allergies, including anaphylaxis, training in the recognition of symptoms, and the care of students with anaphylaxis, and preventing and responding to allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. In addition, the proposed amendment ensures an Emergency Care Plan (EAP) is in effect and accessible to appropriate staff at all times, when the student with a life-threatening health condition is on school grounds during the school day or participating in school-sponsored activities, including before and after school programs at the school.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. § § 120.81(1)(a); 1001.32(2)(1); 1001.41 (1) & (2); 1001.42; 1006.062; 1006.0626; 1002.20; 381.0056; 64F-6.004, F.A.C.; 765.101
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. § § Fla. Stat. §§ 1006.062(1)(a) & (1)(b)(1); 1006.0626; 1002.20(3); 381.0056; 765.101; Rule 64F-6.004, F.A.C; Rule 6A-6.0251, F.A.C
CONTACT: Keith Oswald, Chief of Student Health & Wellness (keith.oswald@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Eligibility for Participation in K-12 Extracurricular Activities
RULE NUMBER: Policy 5.60
SUMMARY: The proposed policy revisions address new legislation for non-traditional student participation in athletic activities. Parent consent for participation in extracurricular and good cause exemption are also addressed.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Establish eligibility criteria for participation in extracurricular activities, including interscholastic and intrascholastic athletic programs.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§ 120.81(1)(a); 10001.32(2);1001.41(2); 1001.43(3)( c); 1006.15
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ 1000.05; 1002.20(7) (17) (18); 1006.07; 1006.15; 1006.16; 1006.195; 1006.20; 1006.28(3)(b); 10014.05; U.S.C. Title 42, Sec. 2000h-2-2000h-6 (Title IX 1972 Education Amendments).
CONTACT: Keith Oswald, Chief of Student Health & Wellness (keith.oswald@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Eligibility Requirements Including Physical Examination for High School and Middle School
Interscholastic Athletics
RULE NUMBER: Policy 5.61
SUMMARY: The proposed policy addresses new legislation for health screenings for student participation in interscholastic athletics.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Establishes requirements for participation in high school and middle school
interscholastic athletic programs.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§ 120.81 (1)(a); 1001.32(2); 1001.41(1)&(2); 1001.42(28); 1001.43(1); 1006.15
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ 1001.32(2); 1001.42(10); 1001.43; 1002.20(17)&(18); 1006.15; 1006.20; 20 U.S.C. § 1232h; 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; F.A.C. 6A-10.085, 6A-10.089
CONTACT: Keith Oswald, Chief of Student Health & Wellness (keith.oswald@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Student Athletes
RULE NUMBER: Policy 5.615
SUMMARY: The proposed policy repeals a policy for a pilot program that the Florida Department of Education no longer supports.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Repeal of policy allowing for drug and alcohol testing of student athletes.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§1001.32(2); 1001.41(2); 1001.42(25) and 1001.43
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ 1001.43(1); 20 U.S.C. 1232(g); 42 C.F.R. Part 2, §2.1(f)
CONTACT: Keith Oswald, Chief of Student Health & Wellness (keith.oswald@palmbeachschools.org)
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: The Agency has determined that a SERC is not required and has not prepared a SERC. The Agency has determined that based on information, including that contained in the proposed rule and the Board report, the rule is not expected to require legislative ratification. Any person who wishes to provide the District with information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or to provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in writing to the Board Clerk within 21 days of the publication of this Notice. THE TEXT of the proposed rule adoption may be obtained without cost from the School District’s web site at http://www.boarddocs.com/fl/palmbeach/Board.nsf/Public.
SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Michael J. Burke, Superintendent of Schools.
RULE DEVELOPMENT NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED: January 5, 2026 on the District’s Legal Notices Webpage
PUBLIC HEARING: IF REQUESTED, A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING THE SPECIAL MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2026. This Special Meeting will follow other Board meetings including a workshop and they are estimated to begin at 2 p.m. in the Boardroom at 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida. Persons requesting such a hearing must do so in writing by February 25, 2026, to the Board Clerk, at the same address. The proposal for adoption of the Policies is anticipated to be considered at the Special Meeting on March 4, 2026, in the Board Room.
AGENDA: An agenda will be available by February 26, 2026 on the District’s web site at: http://www.boarddocs.com/fl/palmbeach/Board.nsf/Public.
Pursuant to the provisions of the American with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this hearing is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours in advance by contacting Toni Sinclair, Board Clerk at 561-434-8136. A person may submit written comments (12 copies) about the proposed action to the Clerk no later than the time of the public hearing. This hearing is open to the public and public comment is accepted on this matter. Please contact the Clerk at the number provided prior to noon the day of the meeting, or by submitting a blue card to the Clerk prior to start of meeting.