Public Meeting Announcement: Workshop for School Board Policies: 4/29/26
RULE TITLE: School Visitation
RULE NUMBER: Policy 2.06
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The proposed policy revision establishes clear guidelines for
individuals entering any campus within the jurisdiction of the School Board of Palm Beach County. It
clarifies the definition of a “visitor,” distinguishes individuals who are not classified as visitors, grants
school-based administrators the authority to revoke visitor access when appropriate, and includes a
cross-reference to Policy 2.59 – Political Activities on School Board Property.
CONTACT: Sarah J. Mooney, Chief of 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 conduct expectations for School Board members, the Superintendent, administrators, teachers, and other District employees, as well as guests, vendors, and volunteers, while on District property or engaged in District-related activities. The workshop will address proposed revisions to clarify professional conduct standards, reporting obligations, conflict-of-interest provisions, investigative procedures, and alignment with applicable state statutes and rules.
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, fingerprinting, and ongoing monitoring of individuals seeking or holding employment with the School District. The proposed revisions align the policy with current Florida Statutes and clarify the District’s role in ensuring compliance. The revisions remove outdated references and redundant procedures, streamlining the policy to reflect current legal requirements for criminal history screening and fingerprinting.
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 establishes requirements for School District employees to self-report arrests, criminal charges, convictions, and related matters. The proposed revisions clarify reporting expectations, timelines, and definitions, and align the policy with current Florida Statutes and District procedures. The revisions also strengthen requirements related to reporting criminal traffic violations, establish clearer procedures following employee arrests, and ensure consistency in how criminal matters are addressed.
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 was originally adopted to implement requirements under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), including the use of the High, Objective, Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE) process to verify “Highly Qualified Teacher” status. The workshop will address the proposed repeal of this policy due to changes in federal and state law. 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 utilized. Current teacher certification and qualification requirements are governed by Florida statutes and State Board of Education rules. The repeal will ensure alignment with current legal requirements and District practices and will remove outdated provisions from the District’s policy framework.
CONTACT: Elaine Gallagher, Director, Recruitment & Retention (elaine.gallagher@palmbeachschools.org)
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE: Development Workshop of the proposed rule is anticipated to be held on April 29, 2026. The Workshop will follow other Board meetings that are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Board Room at 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida.
AGENDA: An agenda will be available by April 23, 2026 on the District’s website 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.