In 2018, the Florida Legislature enacted Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, Ch. 2018-3, Laws of Florida (“MSDHS Public Safety Act”), which made significant school safety reforms and imposed upon all Florida public school districts numerous additional requirements to achieve greater safety and security for all public school students and staff.  The School Board of Clay County, Florida (SBCC) has historically entered into annual “Safety and Education Articulation Agreements” whereby The Clay County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Officers are assigned to certain public schools within Clay County District Schools (“District”) to maintain safety and provide certain educational resource services in exchange for the School Board’s payment of sums to The Board of County Commisssioners of Clay County, Florida (County) for the benefit of CCSO. 

The School Board recently determined to transition back to utilizing the CCSO for the provision of School Resource Officers at the commencement of the 2024 – 2025 school year. To support the transition and provide funding necessary to cover the expenses to be incurred by the CCSO, the School Board’s payment of $1,133,000.00, shall cover deputy and dispatch uniforms and equipment, along with associated pre-employment costs and vehicles.

The CCSO SRO program has a long and positive relationship with the SDCC, providing services at public schools for over 25 years.  The district uses funds from its Safe Schools state allocation and reimburses the Sheriff’s Office for the services.  The CCSO maintains records concerning the performance of services provided by the deputies from the Youth Resource Unit (YRU).  These services have been beneficial in the enforcement of law services, the reduction of illegal activities on school property, the activation of Baker Act’s when necessary, and an increase in the positive interaction between law enforcement and students.  Educational instruction concerning the law and illegal activities are shared with students.

The presence of the SRO’s on the campuses will help to strengthen relationships between the local sheriff’s department and families in the community, and serve as a partner with the newly created school district office overseeing student mental health services in 2018-19.  This comprehensive relationship will improve relationships between students and their local sheriff’s office, resulting in higher quality interactions within the neighborhoods, and ultimately creating a more cohesive and secure campus environment.  There will be a continuation of educational instruction concerning the law and illegal activities with students, as well as a reduction in the number of aggressive and violent conduct referrals overall.

This agreement concerns the safety of students and others that gather on school campuses for community and school-related events.  In order to continue to offer a safe environment, the partnership with the County and the CCSO is necessary.

To approve the Interlocal Agreement between the The School Board of Clay County, Florida (SBCC) and The Board of County Commisssioners of Clay County, Florida (County) for funding the transition of School Resources Officers to The Clay County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) during this March 1, 2024 to August 30, 2024 transition period.