Public Meeting Announcement: Notice of Rule Adoption: 4/15/2026
RULE TITLE: Breach of Personal Identification Information
RULE NUMBER: Policy 2.036
SUMMARY: The proposed policy addresses the manner in which the District will respond to unauthorized access of data in electronic form containing personal information. This policy confirms the District’s obligation to follow the provisions in Fla. Stat. § 501.171 (Security of Confidential Personal Information) that apply to government entities. .
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Protects the security and confidentiality of personal data and information, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, including Fla. Stat. 501.171 (Security of Confidential Personal Information), while maintaining data confidentiality and integrity throughout the District.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§ 120.81 (1) (a); 1001.32 (2); 1001.41 (1) & (2); 1001.42 (29); 1001.43 (1) & (9)
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ 501.171; Fla. Stat. Ch. 119; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 USC § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99); Fla. Stat. §§ 1002.22 & 1002.221; 15 U.S.C. § 6501, et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 1320d-2; 45 CFR §§ 164.400-414
CONTACT: Raymond Usler, Director, IT Security (raymond.usler@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Protected Health Information Privacy Policy in Compliance with HIPAA
RULE NUMBER: Policy 2.037
SUMMARY: The proposed policy ensures compliance with federal law and associated rules mandated by HIPAA, and declares the District’s health plans as a hybrid entity, which acknowledges the health plans as a covered function. It also defines what constitutes personal health information and includes procedural information for reporting potential breach occurrences.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this policy is to ensure the District’s compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), as it relates to the self and fully insured health plans that fall under its regulations.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. § §§120.81(1)a; 1001.32 (2); 1001.41, 1001.42
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§§Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191; 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164); HITECH Act of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
CONTACT: Nancy Bolton, Director, Risk & Benefits Management (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Safety Awareness and Safety Committee
RULE NUMBER: Policy 2.382
SUMMARY: The revised policy established the make-up of the District Safety Committee, and provides guidance on meeting content, allows for invitees from the County to participate if beneficial, provides information reflecting the District’s safety training requirements and includes procedural information for meeting frequency.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The School Board of Palm Beach County holds in high regard the safety, welfare, and health of its employees, students and the public when visiting District facilities. This policy enhances the goal of safety through the formation of District-wide safety committees.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§1001.41(2); 1001.42(22)
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ 1001.41(1), (3); 1001.42(6), (9)(c); 1001.43(1), (7); 1013.11
CONTACT: Nancy Bolton, Director, Risk & Benefits Management (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
RULE NUMBER: Policy 2.505
SUMMARY: This policy sets forth standards and guidelines to ensure that employees use AI responsibly and in alignment with District standards for confidentiality, ethics, and professional conduct. Additionally, this policy sets forth guidelines for acceptable use of AI by students.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This policy aims to allow for innovation while ensuring the safe and productive use of Artificial Intelligence within the School District of Palm Beach County.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§ 120.81(1)(a); 1001.32(2); 1001.41(2); 1001.42; 1001.43(1),(2),(3), (8)
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. § 1001.42
CONTACT: Rebecca Smykla, Director, Ed Technology (rebecca.smykla@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Definition of “Retiree” for Purposes of the Health Plan
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.79
SUMMARY: This policy provides guidance regarding the option of retirees and their eligible dependents to continue on the District’s group health insurance plans pursuant to the Florida Statutes. It cites various statutory references which define “retiree” under the Florida Retirement System and ensures clear communication regarding retiree eligibility. The policy also establishes and lists the criteria for proof of eligibility for coverage, includes procedural information for enrolling in the coverage, and also how to add or delete eligible dependents.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This Policy clarifies the terms and conditions surrounding the continuation of coverage on the District’s health plans by eligible retirees, as defined by the Florida Retirement System, and dependents.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§1001.41(2); 1001.43(2), (11)
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ 112.0801; 121.021(29); 121.4501(2)(k), Fla. Stat
CONTACT: Nancy Bolton, Director, Risk & Benefits Management (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Employees and Infectious Disease or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.81
SUMMARY: This policy, recommended for repeal, contained reporting procedures for employees with HIV and other infectious diseases.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To repeal the policy as the guidance it provides for the reporting of infectious disease, including HIV, is now obsolete. Subsequently adopted Board policies (5.322 and 3.82) have replaced policy 3.81 with current legal guidance.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§1001.42, 1001.4320.53, 1001.42, F.S.
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§381.004, 384.29
CONTACT: Nancy Bolton, Director, Risk & Benefits Management (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.96
SUMMARY: This “drug-free-workplace” policy establishes legally compliant procedures for program administration and advises as to what substances are prohibited under the policy, as regulations dictate. It also provides procedural information for policy compliance, and staff responsibilities, which include training.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This policy establishes and affirm the Boards commitment to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace Cross reference Policy 3.961, Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy for Employees Performing Safety Sensitive Functions and Holders of Commercial Drivers Licenses.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§1001.41(1), (2); 1001.43(11); 440.102(7)(d); 112.0455Fla. Stat. 59(A)-24.004, 24.005, 24.006, 24.008
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ 440.101; 440.102, Fla. Stat.; 41 U.S.C. § 701, et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 85
CONTACT: Nancy Bolton, Director, Risk & Benefits Management (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy for Employees Performing Safety Sensitive Functions and Holders of Commercial Drivers Licenses
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.961
SUMMARY: The School Board is designated as a drug and alcohol-free workplace, per Policy 3.96. This policy supplements Policy 3.96 and establishes rules and procedures for the District’s safety-sensitive employees and employees holding CDLs, to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The policy addresses requirements for all employees, applicants and volunteers who perform safety-sensitive functions, including those required to maintain a CDL. Cross reference Policy 3.96 Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§1001.41(1), (2), 1001.43(11)
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§440.102, Fla. Stat; Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, Pub. L. 102-143; 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53; Regulations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 40 and 382
CONTACT: Nancy Bolton, Director, Risk & Benefits Management (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Insurance Advisory Committee
RULE NUMBER: Policy 6.25
SUMMARY: The recommendation for repeal is due to the fact that the referenced advisory committees defined in the policy have since been superseded by current oversight practices, which include coalition bargaining with the Collective Bargaining Units.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This policy, recommended for repeal, established two advisory committees for the District’s group insurance and insurance specifications and procurement.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§120.53, 1001.42, F.S.
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§120.53, 1001.42, F.S.
CONTACT: Nancy Bolton, Director, Risk & Benefits Management (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Textbooks and Instructional Materials
RULE NUMBER: Policy 8.122
SUMMARY: The proposed policy provides details regarding the processes and procedures related to the purchase, adoption, and objections to District Instructional Materials pursuant to State legislation and clarifies annual reports that must be submitted to the Florida Department of Education.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed revised policy includes an update to the language referencing the due date of annual reports to be submitted to the Florida Department of Education.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. 120. 81 (1) (a); 1001.32(2); 1001.41(1) (2); 1001.42
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ 1001.32(2);1001.43(2) & (3); 1003.42; 1006.28; 1006.283; 1006.31, 1006.32;1006.34; 1006.37; 1006.40; 1006.41; 1007.27 847.012; SBE Rule 6A-7.0715; SBE Rule 6A-10.081
CONTACT: Eva Cwynar, Ph.D., Director, Secondary Education (eva.cwynar@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 Diligent Community.
SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Michael J. Burke, Superintendent of Schools.
RULE DEVELOPMENT NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED: February 17, 2026 on the District’s Legal Notices Webpage
PUBLIC HEARING: IF REQUESTED, A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 15, 2026 scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in the Board Room at 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida. Persons requesting such a hearing must do so in writing by April 8, 2026, to the Board Clerk, at the same address. The proposal for adoption of the Policies is anticipated to be considered at the Regular Board Meeting on April 15, 2026, in the Board Room.
AGENDA: An agenda will be available by April 2, 2026 on the District’s web site at: Diligent Community.
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.