Public Meeting Announcement: Notice of Rule Development: 3/4/2026
RULE TITLE: Breach of Personal Identification Information
RULE NUMBER: Policy 2.036
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The School Board regards security and confidentiality of personal data and information to be of the utmost importance. This 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 Ac t (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
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: This policy addresses the School Board’s compliance with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the HITECH Act of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (HIPAA). The policy pertains to the protection of individually identifiable health information of District employees and dependents enrolled in the self-insured and certain fully insured health plans.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Establishes the District’s health plans as designated covered entities under HIPAA and ensures the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) and compliance with all related 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 Mgmt. (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Safety Awareness and Safety Committees
RULE NUMBER: Policy 2.382
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: 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.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This policy seeks to maintain a safe environment with the respective expertise of the committee representatives, and to promote safety awareness, planning, education, training and promotion of best practices consistent with all safety related Board policies and practices.
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 Mgmt. (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Definition of “Retiree” for Purposes of the Health Plan
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.79
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: 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.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To ensure a retiree’s option of continuing on the District’s health insurance program is in compliance with state regulations regarding public employers, and that any added dependents are confirmed eligible according to the policy.
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 Mgmt. (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Employee and Infectious Disease of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.81
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Repeal is recommended for an obsolete policy.
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, 1001.43
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§381.004, 384.29
CONTACT: Nancy Bolton, Director, Risk & Benefits Mgmt. (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.96
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: This policy is established to affirm the Boards commitment to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Ensures the safety of the students and the public through pre-employment drug testing in compliance with Florida regulations.
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 Mgmt. (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
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: 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: Addresses requirements for all employees, applicants and volunteers who perform safety-sensitive functions, including those required to maintain a CDL.
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 Mgmt. (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Insurance Advisory Committee
RULE NUMBER: Policy 6.25
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Repeal is recommended for an obsolete policy.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To repeal the policy, as the committees referenced under this policy have been superseded by current oversight practices, which include coalition bargaining with collective bargaining units.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: §§120.53, 1001.42, F.S.
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: §§120.53, 1001.42, F.S.
CONTACT: Nancy Bolton, Director, Risk & Benefits Mgmt. (nancy.bolton@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Textbooks and Instructional Materials
RULE NUMBER: Policy 8.122
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Proposed revisions include an update to the language referencing the due date of annual reports to be submitted to the Florida Department of Education.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Provides details regarding the processes and procedures related to the purchase, adoption, and objections to District Instructional Materials pursuant to State legislation & clarifies annual reports that must 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: Dr. Eva Cwynar, Director of Secondary Education (eva.cwynar@palmbeachschools.org)
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT of the proposed rule development may be obtained without cost from the School District’s web site at https://palmbeachschools-org.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/.
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE: Development of the proposed rule is anticipated to be considered at the School Board Special Meeting (which includes Policies) on March 4, 2026. This Special Meeting will follow other Board meetings including a workshop and they are estimated to begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Boardroom at 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida. AGENDA: An agenda will be available by February 26, 2026 on the District’s web site at https://palmbeachschools-org.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/ 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 at the meeting prior to start of meeting.