Florida’s recently-enacted Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, Ch. 2018-3, Laws of Florida (“MSDHS Public Safety Act”), 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 District of Clay County has  historically entered into annual “Safety and Education Articulation Agreements” whereby 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 BCC for the benefit of CCSO.

In exchange for the School Board’s payment of $1,923,669.00, the services provided under this proposed 2018-19 Articulation Agreement include CCSO’s assignment of a School Resource Officer to provide law enforcement and educational services at Bannerman Learning Center, Keystone Heights Jr./Sr. High School, Clay High School, Middleburg High School, Fleming Island High School, Ridgeview High School, Orange Park High School, Oakleaf High School, Wilkinson Junior High School, Lakeside Junior High School, Lake Asbury Junior High School, and Oakleaf Junior High School.

The two parties are currently performing through September 30, 2018, the agreement known as the 2017-2018 Safety and Education Articulation Agreement (“2017-18 Articulation Agreement”), a complete and accurate copy of which is attached to this agenda item.

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 BCC and the CCSO is necessary.

To approve the agreement between the BCC, CCSO and SBCC that is substantially similar to the one attached.