Public Meeting Announcement: Notice of Rule Development: 5/27/2026
RULE TITLE: School Visitation
RULE NUMBER: Policy 2.06
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The proposed revised policy provides guidelines for visitors entering
any campus within the jurisdiction of the School Board of Palm Beach County.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Define ‘visitor’ and define guidelines for visitors on school campuses.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§ 1001.41, 1001.42
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ 1001.42 (19), 1001.43, 1001.54, 1006.07, 1006.145, 1012.468
CONTACT: Sarah Mooney, Chief of School Police (sarah.mooney@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Code of Ethics
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.02
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: This policy establishes ethical standards and expectations of conduct for School Board members, the Superintendent, administrators, teachers, and other District employees, as well as guests, vendors, and volunteers while on District property or participating in District-related activities.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rule development updates and clarifies ethical standards, professional conduct expectations, reporting requirements, conflict-of-interest provisions, and investigative procedures. The revisions align the policy with applicable Florida Statutes, State Board of Education rules, and current district procedures, and provide clearer guidance regarding employee responsibilities and accountability.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§ 1001.32(2); 1001.41; 1001.42; 112.313; 112.326
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. §§ Ch. 112, Part III; 1001.42; 1012.23; 1012.315; 1012.795; 1012.796; Ch. 2008-108, L.O.F. F.A.C. Rule 6A-10.081
CONTACT: Edilia De La Vega, Director, Professional Standards (edilia.delavega@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Criminal Background Checks
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.12
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: This policy establishes requirements for criminal background screening of prospective and current employees, including fingerprinting, disclosure of criminal history, and criteria for disqualification. It ensures compliance with Florida law and supports a safe environment for students and staff.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all employees meet standards of good moral character and are suitable for employment in positions that support student safety. The policy provides a consistent process for background screening, disclosure, and review of criminal history, and ensures compliance with applicable Florida Statutes.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: §§ 112.011, 1001.41(1), 1012.32, F.S.
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: §§ 1012.32, 1001.42(5), 435, F.S.
CONTACT: Valmorria Ambroise, Manager, HR (valmorria.ambroise@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Self-Reporting of Arrests and Convictions by School District Employees
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.13
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: This policy addresses the mandatory self-reporting requirements for district employees regarding criminal arrests, charges, and convictions, as well as the administrative consequences of such events.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To update self-reporting timelines (48 hours), define criminal traffic violations, and establish procedures for removing employees from classrooms following arrests for disqualifying offenses.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: §§ 1001.42; 1001.43, Fla. Stat.
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: §§ 1001.32(2); 1012.797; 1012.23; 1012.32; 1012.795(1); 435.03-.07, Fla. Stat.
CONTACT: Valmorria Ambroise, Manager, HR (valmorria.ambroise@palmbeachschools.org)
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RULE TITLE: Verification of Experienced Teachers’ Highly Qualified Status Under NCLB
RULE NUMBER: Policy 3.44
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: This policy is being recommended for repeal.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed action is to repeal this policy, as it is now obsolete. NCLB has been replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which eliminated the “Highly Qualified Teacher” requirement, and the HOUSSE process is no longer used. Teacher certification and qualification requirements are now governed by Florida statutes and State Board of Education rules.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Fla. Stat. §§ 1001.41(2); 1001.42(22)
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: Fla. Stat. § 1012.42; 20 U.S.C. § 7801(23)
CONTACT: Elaine Gallagher, Director, Recruitment & Retention (elaine.gallagher@palmbeachschools.org)
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT of the proposed rule development may be obtained without cost from the School District’s web site at http://www.boarddocs.com/fl/palmbeach/Board.nsf/Public.
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE: Development of the proposed rule is anticipated to be considered at the Special Meeting (which includes Policies) on May 27, 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 May 21, 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.