Dear Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year. The mission of Pasco County Schools is to provide a world-class
education for all students. By working together, parents and the school community can reach this goal and
prepare students for success in college, career, and life. The Student Code of Conduct (SCOC) outlines
the expectations for all student behavior.
Pasco County Schools utilizes Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) embedded within a
Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to support resiliency skills for all students. PBIS is an evidence-
based model that includes creating and sustaining school-wide, classroom and individual systems of
support within a compassionate environment. We strive to implement preventative measures by modeling
and teaching students appropriate resiliency skills, which all students receive through universal
instruction. Students who need additional support are provided with interventions to meet the
expectations of the SCOC. Pasco County Schools understands the behavior challenges faced by some
students with disabilities and takes into account such disabilities when implementing our PBIS and when
application of our Student Code of Conduct is otherwise required.
Parent involvement is an essential element in ensuring student success. We are excited to partner with you
to ensure that students are ready to learn. Parents play a crucial role in promoting safety and the PBIS
model on our school campuses by supporting the district’s SCOC. By reviewing the SCOC with your
child, you can help us reinforce the guidelines and rules students are expected to follow.
Preventing bullying and harassment is vital to establishing the safe, caring, respectful environment
necessary for teachers to teach and students to learn. Please review with your student the definitions of
bullying and the different types of harassment, as well as the consequences students could face if they
engage in such behavior. I want to eliminate uncivilized, disrespectful behavior in our schools, but I need
your help to make sure students understand that we will not tolerate bullying, harassment, or uncivilized
behavior.
We also need your help reinforcing with your student the consequences they face if they make a threat
against a school. This issue is an increasing problem with more students on social media. Threatening
violence against a school is never a joke; it always is taken seriously, and the consequences could include
felony charges and expulsion from school.
Our dedicated teachers, administrators, and support staff strive for a safe, productive school year with you
and your child. We welcome your active involvement in your child’s school and education.
Sincerely,
Kurt S. Browning
Superintendent of School
Table of Contents
Supervision of Students Before and After School or During School Activities ................................... 1
Vision ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1
Fresh Start................................................................................................................................. 2
Progressive Discipline and Supports ............................................................................................. 2
Reasonable Modifications to Avoid Exclusionary Discipline ........................................................... 3
Respect and Civility (School Board Policy 8380) .......................................................................... 3
Student Rights and Responsibilities .............................................................................................. 6
Rules of Student Conduct ............................................................................................................ 7
Extracurricular, Co-curricular Activities and Student Organizations ............................................... 13
Student Eligibility – Interscholastic Activities ............................................................................. 14
Declaration of Intent to Terminate School Enrollment .................................................................. 14
Attendance .............................................................................................................................. 15
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities ....................................................................................... 19
Skipping/Leaving Class Without Permission ............................................................................... 20
Driver License Law (Secondary Only) ........................................................................................ 21
Student Parking Policy (Secondary Only) ................................................................................... 22
Judicial “No Contact” Orders .................................................................................................... 22
Student Felony Reports ............................................................................................................. 23
Student Placement Review Committee ....................................................................................... 23
Use of Reasonable Force ........................................................................................................... 23
Self-Defense and the Defense of Others ...................................................................................... 24
Search and Seizure (Board Policy 5771) ..................................................................................... 24
Questioning Students ................................................................................................................ 25
Unauthorized Use of Restrooms or Changing Rooms ................................................................... 26
Rules of Dress and Appearance .................................................................................................. 27
Academic Integrity ................................................................................................................... 31
Wireless Communication Devices (WCDs) and Digital Citizenship (Board Policy 5136) .................. 31
Conduct While Engaging in Virtual Instruction and Access ........................................................... 35
Bullying, Harassment, Hazing and Teen Dating Violence/Abuse .................................................... 36
Discipline of Students with Disabilities ...................................................................................... 39
Manifestation Determination Meetings (MDM)........................................................................ 40
Interim Alternative Educational Settings (IAES) ...................................................................... 41
Threats Against the Educational Environment ............................................................................. 42
Violence Against School Personnel ............................................................................................ 43
Zero Tolerance Policy ............................................................................................................... 43
Firearms and Weapons .......................................................................................................... 44
Chemical Spray .................................................................................................................... 44
Firearms .............................................................................................................................. 45
Weapons .............................................................................................................................. 45
Making a Threat or False Report ............................................................................................ 46
Reporting of Weapons on Campus .......................................................................................... 46
School Safety and Mental Health Resources ................................................................................ 46
School Transportation Expectations and rules .............................................................................. 47
Exclusionary Discipline ............................................................................................................ 49
In-School Suspension (ISS) Guidelines ................................................................................... 50
Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) Guidelines ........................................................................... 50
Expulsion and Bus Expulsion Guidelines ................................................................................ 52
Disciplinary Reassignment .................................................................................................... 54
Student and Parent/Guardian Appeal Rights ................................................................................ 56
Student Attendance During Appeal ......................................................................................... 56
School Level Appeals ........................................................................................................... 57
District Level Appeals ........................................................................................................... 57
Reciprocal Discipline ............................................................................................................... 58
Off-Campus Felony .................................................................................................................. 58
Crime and Victimization ........................................................................................................... 58
Discipline Timeline .................................................................................................................. 58
Dangerous Objects or Devices ................................................................................................... 58
Gambling ................................................................................................................................ 59
Alcohol, Drugs, Illegal Substances and Look-alike Drugs ............................................................. 59
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication ............................................................................ 59
Secondary Training Orientation and Outcomes for Lifetime Strategies Program (TOOLS) ................ 60
Elementary (3rd – 5th grades) Training Orientation and Outcomes for Lifetime Strategies Program
(TOOLS) ................................................................................................................................ 61
Major Disruption on Campus .................................................................................................... 61
Student Peaceful Assembly ....................................................................................................... 62
Vaping and Tobacco ................................................................................................................. 62
Discipline Matrix ..................................................................................................................... 63
Legal Notices .......................................................................................................................... 69
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ............................................................... 69
Exceptional Education Students ............................................................................................. 72
Privacy Rights Under the Health Information Portability Accountability Act (HIPPA) .................. 72
Notice of Social Security Number Disclosure .......................................................................... 73
Parental Rights and Safeguards Regarding the District’s Use of Public Benefits and Insurance ...... 74
Students Surveys and Privacy: Parent Notification of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
(PPRA) ............................................................................................................................... 75
Disability Discrimination Complaint Process ........................................................................... 76
Pasco Title IX Information for Families .................................................................................. 77
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The District School Board of Pasco County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion,
national origin, marital status, disability, or age in the programs, services, and activities or in its hiring and
employment practices.
To report violations of this policy, contact: District School Board of Pasco County
Civil Rights Compliance Manager/Title IX Coordinator: 813-794-2679
Parent and legal notices may be found at: Parent Bill of Rights and Legal Notices
The Student Code of Conduct (SCOC) shall be in force twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a
week, on all school campuses, school transportation and at all school functions, whether on or off school
campuses. This document is intended for the use of students, school district staff, and parents. We all
share responsibility for the safety and security of our students. Any, and all threats of harm should be
immediately reported to school staff. The school will work to protect the confidentiality of all involved
within the limits of law.
Supervision of Students Before and After School or During School
Activities
School authorities are charged with the responsibility of supervising students no longer than thirty (30)
minutes before or after school hours while such students are on campus, or thirty (30) minutes before or
after authorized school sponsored activity. Parents are not to rely on school supervision outside the time
limits set forth above (F.S. 1003.31).
Vision
The vision of the District School Board of Pasco County is that all our students achieve success in
college, career, and life.
Introduction
The District School Board of Pasco County is committed to creating a respectful, caring community that
supports college, career, and life readiness for all students. Every school year represents a fresh start for
our students to have the opportunity to do their very best, to learn new things, to progress academically
and make positive behavioral choices.
Our central goal is to teach students to engage in positive behaviors that promote hope, engagement, and
wellbeing so that all students develop the social-emotional skills to be successful post-graduation. In
order to accomplish this goal, it is essential that all members of the school community know and support
expectations for student conduct.
As part of our multi-tiered system of supports, the District School Board of Pasco County offers a
continuum of positive behavior supports, which are integrated with academic goals and include increasing
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levels of intervention in response to student needs. Whenever possible, preventative approaches and
teaching strategies are considered prior to implementing consequences for behavior.
The Student Code of Conduct (SCOC) communicates minimal requirements for student behavior and
summarizes the policies of the District School Board of Pasco County.
The Student Code of Conduct
• Defines the responsibilities and rights of students.
• Defines the rules of conduct and the behavioral expectations for students.
• Establishes consequences for violations of the rules of conduct.
• Describes the process for handling disciplinary infractions.
• Describes considerations, reasonable modifications, and accommodations to the application of
discipline procedures as applied to Students with disabilities.
Fresh Start
Each new school year is considered a “fresh start” for students to make positive behavioral choices. In
order to promote learning and behavioral change, consequences should be assigned and implemented as
soon as possible after an infraction. Disciplinary actions should be assigned within the same school year
that the offense occurred. In very limited cases, such as an investigation that extends into summer, a
pattern of bullying behavior that carries over from one year to the next, expulsion, disciplinary
reassignment in lieu of expulsion or disciplinary reassignment, assignment of disciplinary consequences
may extend into the new school year. Other disciplinary consequences will not carry over year-to-year.
Progressive Discipline and Supports
The District School Board of Pasco County engages in the practice of progressive discipline.
Progressive discipline is a whole-school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, supports and
consequences to address inappropriate student behavior and build upon strategies that promote positive
behaviors. When inappropriate behavior occurs, disciplinary measures should be applied within a
framework that shifts the focus from one that is solely punitive to a focus that also includes corrective and
supportive measures.
Progressive discipline is designed to create the expectation that the degree of discipline will be in
proportion to the severity of the behavior leading to discipline, in accordance with the Discipline Matrix.
The previous disciplinary history of the student and all other relevant factors will be taken into account.
Minor infractions and first offenses have a less serious consequence than major infractions and repeat
offenses. Factors such as age, grade level, social, emotional, and intellectual development, disability,
special education status, other contributing factors to the student’s behavior, the degree of harm caused
and the student’s willingness to repair the harm shall also be considered. Disciplinary issues will be
resolved by every means possible prior to exclusion from school, however, it is recognized that some
events are of a nature that require immediate removal from the campus. The safety and security of all
individuals on campus is paramount.
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Reasonable Modifications to Avoid Exclusionary Discipline
Schools must make reasonable modifications to their criteria, policies, practices, or procedures when
necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability or otherwise avoid exclusionary discipline. In
the discipline context, reasonable modifications could include not applying a particular procedure to a
student with a disability for disability-based behavior or adapting a school procedure to support a
student’s behavioral needs. An example of a reasonable modification may be addressing disability-based
behavior through the individual FBA/BIP process.
Any action taken in response to a violation of the student code of conduct or school board policies, that
involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability),
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as
applicable.
Under Title II of the ADA, Pasco County Schools must provide reasonable modification to its policies,
practices and procedures governing student conduct and discipline, including those set forth in the
Student Code of Conduct and Discipline, when such modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination
on the basis of disability.
A student with a disability or their parent(s)/guardian(s) may request a reasonable modification of
disciplinary policies, practices, or procedures for that student. A specific request for modification shall not
be required where Pasco County Schools knows or should have known that the student’s conduct may be
the result or manifestation of the student’s disability. In such an instance, Pasco County Schools will
consider and make reasonable modifications to its disciplinary policies and/or procedures when it is
necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of the student’s disability.
Definitions
• The term “parent” wherever used in this document shall include a student's parent or parents,
legal guardian, legal custodian, or adult recognized by the student’s school as acting “in loco
parentis”.
• The term “Superintendent” shall include the Superintendent’s designees including Assistant
Superintendents, hearing officers, and/or other administrators as is appropriate within the context
of the provision.
• SESIR refers to School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting
Respect and Civility (School Board Policy 8380)
Summary of School Board Policy 8380
The education of a child happens only through a partnership between the student, School and District
personnel, parent(s) or guardian(s), and the community. Partnership is an active state that includes sharing
responsibilities, having meaningful communication, and welcoming participation. People will not always
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agree, and that can make partnerships difficult. Partnerships are most powerful when we agree on how to
disagree. All stakeholders must remain civil in their discourse.
By being respectful, stakeholders will hold one another in high regard, recognizing each other’s right to
have differing points of view while still being treated in a civil and courteous manner. By being civil,
stakeholders will treat each other with politeness, and courtesy which will allow a calm and constructive
discourse. The requirement of respect and civility in no way diminishes one’s ability to share their point
of view or impact their freedom of expression but ensures that such expression does not degrade to a level
of inappropriateness or otherwise disrupt the operation of the educational environment or district facility.
As we communicate, we must be mindful that we are all working together to benefit the children of this
community.
Therefore, the Board requires that, as we communicate, students, PCS faculty and staff,
parents/guardians, and all other members of the community shall:
Always treat each other with respect and civility.
This means:
• Listening carefully and respectfully, without interruption, as others express opinions that may be
different from ours.
• Providing an opportunity for all parties to be heard, without interruption or intimidation, or displays
of temper.
• Sharing our opinions and concerns without loud or offensive language, gestures, intimidation,
displays of temper, and/ or profanity.
• Obeying school and district rules for access and visitation.
• Respecting the obligations and time constraints of all involved stakeholders.
• Responding in an appropriate fashion when one seeks assistance or clarification.
• We share information honestly, without an intent to deceive.
• We understand that an outcome may not always be the outcome we want, and that rudeness,
intimidation, or displays of temper are not appropriate responses to the same.
• We do not threaten or cause physical harm to another.
• We do not threaten or cause damage to school property or the property of another.
• We do not bully, belittle, or tease one another and we do not allow others to do so in our presence.
• We do not demean and are not abusive or obscene in any of our verbal or written communications.
• We do not disrupt or attempt to interfere with the operation of a classroom or any other work or
public area of a school or school facility. In essence, communicating in a way in which we treat
each other as we would like to be treated will lead to cooperative and constructive conversations.
Responding to Disrespectful or Uncivil Behavior:
Mutual respect and civility can occur only with the individual and collective commitment of all parties
involved, including students, PCS faculty and staff, parents/guardians, and community members. To
promote respectful and civil discourse, it is crucial that individuals are well-informed about how to
address uncivil behavior and the corresponding responses to such actions. Consequently:
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• A student who believes that he or she has not been treated in a manner reflective of the Code of
Civility should report such behavior to the appropriate school administrator or that
administrator’s immediate supervisor.
• A parent/ guardian or community member who believes that he or she has not been treated in a
manner reflective of the Respect and Civility policy should report such behavior to the staff
member’s immediate supervisor.
• If personal harm is threatened, a stakeholder may immediately remove themselves from the
situation and contact law enforcement.
• An employee or agent of the district who believes that he or she has not been treated in a manner
reflective of the Respect and Civility policy should use the guidelines set forth below.
• Anyone on Board property without authorization may be directed to leave the premises by an
administrator, school safety guard, or school resource officer. Anyone who threatens or attempts
to disrupt school or school district operations, physically harm someone, intentionally cause
damage, uses loud or offensive language, gestures, profanity, or shows a display of temper must
be directed to leave the premises by an administrator or school resource officer. If such a person
does not immediately and willingly leave and if the school resource officer is not available, law
enforcement shall be called. Visitors to school or district property may be trespassed and denied
future access to the school or facility for the actions listed above.
• If a telephone call recorded by an answering machine, e-mail, voicemail message, or any type of
written communication is demeaning, abusive, threatening, or obscene the employee is not
obligated to respond.
• The employee shall save the message and contact his or her immediate supervisor, the school
resource officer, and/or the District Chief of Safety and Security. If personal harm is threatened in
the message, the employee may contact law enforcement.
If any member of the public uses obscenities or speaks in a demeaning, loud, or insulting manner, the
employee or agent to whom the remarks are directed shall take the following actions:
• Calmly and politely, ask the speaker to communicate civilly.
• If the verbal abuse continues, give appropriate notice to the speaker and terminate the meeting,
conference, or telephone conversation.
• If the meeting or conference is on school district premises, request that an administrator or
authorized person direct the speaker to promptly leave the premises.
• If the speaker does not immediately leave the premises, an administrator or other authorized
person shall notify law enforcement to take any action deemed necessary.
• A member of the public who engages in behavior that is disrespectful, uncivil, or disruptive may
be removed from a meeting, removed from a campus or facility, trespassed from a campus or
facility, or be subject to other lawful repercussions, depending on the behavior involved.
• A student who engages in behavior that is disrespectful, uncivil, or disruptive may be disciplined
in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct or be subject to other lawful repercussions,
depending on the behavior involved.
• An employee or agent of the School Board who engages in behavior that is disrespectful, uncivil,
or disruptive may be disciplined by the School Board in accordance with Board Policy, the
Collective Bargaining Agreement, reported to Florida Department of Education’s professional
standards department, or be subject to other lawful repercussions, depending on the behavior
involved.
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The provisions set forth above are based on and are consistent with School Board Policy 8380 - Respect
and Civility. Please review that policy for additional information.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students shall have:
The right to be informed of all school rules and regulations, the consequences of breaking those rules and
regulations, the responsibility to know and observe all school rules, and accept the consequences of
acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Students and parents are expected to be familiar with the Student
Code of Conduct.
• The right to due process as described in School Board Policy and this document, including an
appeal procedure, and the responsibility to cooperate with school personnel in cases involving
disciplinary action, following the prescribed process for appeal and accepting final decisions and
consequences. (School Board Policy 5611)
• The right to receive an appropriate education, which will include instruction using texts and
materials at a level which allows an opportunity for success and the responsibility to participate in
educational opportunities and complete classroom assignments and homework to the best of their
abilities.
• The right to know in advance how grades in a class will be determined and the responsibility to
understand the teacher’s grading system and to monitor their own progress in each class.
• The right to hear, examine, and express divergent points of view; this shall include freedom of
speech, written expression, and symbolic expression; and the responsibility to consider and
respect the divergent points of view of others; they should also ensure their personal expressions
(speech, written, or symbolic) are not damaging to or infringe on the rights of others and/or
otherwise materially and substantially disrupt the learning environment.
• The right to decide whether or not to participate in symbolic (e.g., flag salute) or religious
activities and the responsibility to respect the rights of others to participate in symbolic or
religious activities.
• The right to nondiscrimination in regard to participation in extracurricular activities and clubs for
which they are eligible; students may not be excluded from such activities on the basis of gender
(except as allowed under Title IX), color, race, ethnic origin, disability, or religion, and the
responsibility to abide by the rules and guidelines which govern extracurricular activities and
clubs; they should show good school spirit and sportsmanship.
• The right to participate, to the extent eligible and otherwise qualified, in a student council process
which provides channels of communications as a means for solving problems in a democratic
process; and providing input into school rules and curriculum within the context of student
government, and the responsibility to support and take an active interest in student government.
• The right to dress and groom in a way that expresses personal preferences within the guidelines of
the school dress code and the responsibility to know and observe school rules of dress and
appearance.
• The right to, consistent and in accordance with school board policy, compose and make available
printed, audio, and/or video materials for reasons that are not commercial; this shall include
freedom of the press for all student publications and the responsibility to ensure that all published
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materials made available to the school are free from obscene or offensive material in adherence to
journalistic ethics and reflect school and community standards, as determined by the principal or
designee.
• The right to enjoy reasonable degrees of personal privacy, in accordance with the school board
search and seizure policy.
• The right to be free from bullying, hazing, name calling, or harassment. It is the responsibility of
the student to avoid and discourage such behavior and to report said behavior to school staff when
observed.
Rules of Student Conduct
Disciplinary consequences must be proportionate to the severity of the offense, appropriate to the age of
the student, and take into consideration the student’s disability, as applicable;
• School Administrators and staff must attempt and document a range of interventions and supports
prior to using Exclusionary Discipline, as applicable.
• Exclusionary Discipline should be considered only after less restrictive alternatives have been
attempted.
• School Administrators have discretion to not use Exclusionary Discipline, even when it is
permitted by the district through application of the Student Code of Conduct.
• If after taking in consideration factors such as the age of the student and the student’s disability
status, and capacity to understand his or her behavior, the behaviors are determined to be
prohibited or otherwise identified as inappropriate in accordance with the Student Code, then
disciplinary consequences may be applied as outlined in the discipline matrix.
Offenses/Interventions/Consequences/Reporting Elements
To support resiliency skills for all students, Pasco County utilizes Positive Behavior Interventions and
Supports (PBIS) embedded within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
PBIS is an evidence-based model that includes creating and sustaining school-wide, classroom and
individual systems of support for students, including students with disabilities.
As a part of our PBIS system, Pasco County has adopted the following commitments to foster
compassionate environments for learning:
• Ensure explicit academic and social behavior expectations for all students and staff.
• Foster student interpersonal skills such as compassion, acceptance, understanding, and empathy
through intentional teaching practices.
• Model a positive school culture and positive relationships among students, staff, and families.
We collectively commit to teach all students the following resiliency skills:
• Effectively manage their emotions, thoughts, and actions to achieve their goals.
• Demonstrate a range of communication and social skills to interact effectively, collaborate to
achieve common goals, and manage interpersonal conflict.
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• Demonstrate effective decision making and recognize the impact of one's behavior.
Pasco County Schools understands the behavior challenges faced by some students with disabilities and
takes into account such disabilities when implementing our PBIS, and when application of our Student
Code of Conduct is otherwise required.
Reporting Elements
• Corrective Action/Intervention applied; consequences deferred based on
age/understanding/disability (00) Student did not receive discipline because when taking into
account developmentally age-appropriate behavior or the student’s disability or the capacity to
understand his or her behavior and the inappropriateness of his or her actions. This code should
be used for either very young students or students with disabilities who otherwise meet these
criteria.
• Batch (99)
Grades: Teachers shall not give or threaten to give grades lower than those the student actually earned.
Academic dishonesty (cheating or plagiarism), however, will result in a lower grade on that particular
assignment. Also, failure to properly complete assignments will naturally result in lower grades. Grades
may not be lowered as a consequence and/or form of discipline.
Level 1 Offenses
• Inappropriate public display of affection (1B)
• Running, tripping, pushing, hitting, or similar aggressive acts (1C)
• Unauthorized possession or use of toys, audio or wireless communication devices, collectibles, or
other items or materials that are inappropriate for an educational setting (1I)
• Violation of dress and appearance code (1K)
• Unauthorized location (1L)
• Violation of traffic, parking, bus, or bicycle regulations (1M)
• Failure to comply with classroom, school, or bus rules (1P) (minor disruption caused)
• Disrespect toward student or staff (1Q)
Level 1 Responses
Prior to implementing any disciplinary consequences for SWD students with disabilities, School
Administrators will review and consider the student's disability, interventions. and supports. These
considerations and interventions must be documented.
First Offense – In-school conference with student (30), and contact with parent/guardian (31)
Subsequent Offenses - In-school conference with student (30), and contact with parent/guardian (31), and
one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
• Conference with student (30)
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• Conference with a parent (31)
• Assignment of reflective written work, work detail, and/or restitution (i.e.: property/damages)
(32)
• Behavioral or student self-improvement agreement (33)
• Loss of privileges (34)
• Peer mediation (35)
• Daily or weekly report to parents (36)
• Referral to Guidance Counselor, School Nurse, School Psychologist, School Social Worker,
Behavior Specialist, School-based Intervention Team (S-BIT), Community Agency/Services or
similar resource (excluding Mobile Response Team) (58)
• Referral to Mobile Response Team (60)
• Detention (38)
• Bicycle privilege revoked (39)
• Parking privilege revoked (40)
• Referral to Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (41)
• In-school suspension (ISS). (The student will report to school at the stipulated time but will not
be able to follow the regular schedule or to attend extracurricular activities.) (42)
• Bus suspension (The student will not access school transportation, for any reason, during the
period of suspension. The student is required to attend school during the period of bus
suspension.) (43)
• Recommendation for bus expulsion (47)
• Threat assessment (51)
• Functional Behavioral Assessment/Behavioral Intervention Plan (52)
• Confiscation of items or devices (53)
Note: Any action taken in response to a violation of the student code of conduct or school board policies,
that involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
requirement to provide reasonable modifications as to the application of the student code of conduct to
avoid potential discrimination on the basis of disability), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as applicable.
Level 2 Offenses
• Disruptive behavior (2B)
• Skipping, or leaving class without permission, or truancy (2C) (* Student may not be suspended.)
• Failure to comply or complete previously assigned intervention strategies (2E) (failure to report
to /complete previously assigned consequence)
• Fighting (mutual combat) (Non-SESIR), or physical confrontation, or aggression (2F)
• Verbal altercation, instigating a fight, harassment (Non-SESIR), or unwanted teasing or taunting
of others (2G)
• Defacing and/or destroying school or personal property resulting in damages of less than $1,000
(2H)
• Distribution of objects, literature, or materials that are obscene or inappropriate for an educational
setting (2I)
• Leaving school grounds without permission (2J)
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• Academic dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, violation of copyright laws, or similar acts (2M)
• Misrepresentation, providing false information to school personnel, or lying about a school staff
member (2N)
• Having a toy/imitation weapon (2O)
• Violation of campus or bus safety rules (2Q) (considerable disruption caused)
• Defying, disobeying, or disrespecting school personnel (2R)
• Having and/or using unauthorized items to include, but not limited to: matches/lighters,
fireworks, smoke/stink bombs, laser pens, and/or similar contraband items (2S)
• Violation of Over-The-Counter medication (OTC) policy, to include but not be limited to:
distributing, dispersing, or sharing of OTC, carrying or possessing OTC in a package other than
the original manufacturer’s packaging, or ingesting or utilizing OTC in a way that is not
specifically directed or authorized by the manufacturer, as directed on the original packaging.
(2S)
• Theft or accessory to theft of property worth less than $750.00 (2T)
• Profane, obscene, or provocative language or gestures (2U)
• Gang related disruption; may include materials, dress or hand signs (2V)
• Improper use of technology, violation of Wireless Communication (WCD) Policy (2W)
• Gambling (2X)
Level 2 Responses
*Prior to implementing any disciplinary consequences for students with disabilities, School
Administrators will review and consider the student's disability, interventions and supports. These
considerations and interventions must be documented.
In-school conference with student (30), and contact with parent/guardian (31), zero on assignment (for
cheating or academic dishonesty), and one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
• Conference with student (30)
• Conference with a parent (31)
• Assignment of reflective written work, work detail, and/or restitution (i.e.: property/damages)
(32)
• Behavioral or student self-improvement agreement (33)
• Loss of privileges (34)
• Peer mediation (35)
• Daily or weekly report to parents (36)
• Referral to Guidance Counselor, School Nurse, School Psychologist, School Social Worker,
Behavior Specialist, School-based Intervention Team (S-BIT), Community Agency/Services or
similar resource (excluding Mobile Response Team) (58)
• Referral to Mobile Response Team (60)
• Detention (38)
• Bicycle privilege revoked (39)
• Parking privilege revoked (40)
• Referral to Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (41)
• In-school suspension (ISS). (The student will report to school at the stipulated time but will not
be able to follow the regular schedule or to attend extracurricular activities.) (42)
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• Bus suspension (The student will not access school transportation, for any reason, during the
period of suspension. The student is required to attend school during the period of bus
suspension.) (43)
• Out-of-school suspension (OSS) (The student will not be permitted on any school board property
during the period of suspension) (44)
• Referral to law enforcement agency (investigation or arrest) (46)
• Recommendation for bus expulsion (47)
• Recommendation for expulsion (48)
• Alternative to suspension (ATS) (49)
• Threat assessment (51)
• Functional Behavioral Assessment/Behavioral Intervention Plan (52)
• Confiscation of items or devices (53)
• Recommendation for alternative placement (57)
Note: Any action taken in response to a violation of the student code of conduct or school board policies,
that involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
requirement to provide reasonable modifications as to the application of the student code of conduct to
avoid potential discrimination on the basis of disability), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as applicable.
Level 3 Offenses (Must match corresponding SESIR code)
• Mutual altercation that requires physical intervention or results in injury requiring medical
attention (3D, FIT)
• Simple battery – intentionally causing bodily harm (3E, PHA)
• Aggravated battery intentionally causing great bodily harm (3E, BAT)
• Using, possessing, selling, purchasing, or distributing alcohol, controlled substances, drugs, drug
related items, or substance represented to be a drug (3F, ALC, DRU, DRD)
• Weapons possession (3G, WPO)
• Theft or accessory to theft of property without threat or violence, $750.00 or more (3H, STL)
• Sexual harassment (3I, SXH)
• Major disruption on campus; taking part in a riot (3K, DOC)
• Arson (3L, ARS)
• Bomb threats, false fire alarms, hoaxes, or threatening the use of a firearm (3M, DOC)
• Extortion or robbery including force, threat of violence or putting the victim in fear (3N, ROB)
• Intimidating school staff or students or threatening them with violence, or sexual assault (3O,
TRE, SXA)
• Bullying, harassment, or hazing of staff or students (3P, BUL, HAR, HAZ)
• Violations of other criminal laws (3R, OMC, HOM, KID, SXB, BKR, TRS)
• Habitual or serious breach of bus rules (3S)
• Possessing or using tobacco products or look-alikes (3T, TBC)
• Willfully defacing and/or destroying school or personal property resulting in damage of $1,000 or
more (3U, VAN)
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• Sexual contact, including intercourse, without force or threat of force. Subjecting an individual to
lewd sexual gestures, sexual activity, or exposing private body parts in a lewd manner. Must
involve law enforcement (3V, SXO)
• Dangerous objects: razor blades, box cutters, common pocket knives, air soft guns, live
ammunition/bullets, imitation/look-alike weapons, and any other object capable of causing
significant bodily injury when utilized as a weapon, along with or similar items (3W)
• Refusing, preventing, or otherwise attempting to prevent search of their person, possessions,
vehicle or similar search requests (3X)
• Possessing look-alike drugs (3Y)
Level 3 Reponses
Prior to implementing any disciplinary consequences for students with disabilities, School Administrators
will review and consider the student's disability, interventions and support. These considerations and
interventions must be documented.
In-school conference with student (30), and contact with parent/guardian (31), and one or more of the
following disciplinary actions:
• Conference with student (30)
• Conference with a parent (31)
• Assignment of reflective written work, work detail, and/or restitution (i.e.: property/damages)
(32)
• Behavioral or student self-improvement agreement (33)
• Loss of privileges (34)
• Peer mediation (35)
• Daily or weekly report to parents (36)
• Referral to Guidance Counselor, School Nurse, School Psychologist, School Social Worker,
Behavior Specialist, School-based Intervention Team (S-BIT), Community Agency/Services or
similar resource (excluding the Mobile Response Team) (58)
• Referral to Mobile Response Team (60)
• Detention (38)
• Bicycle privilege revoked (39)
• Parking privilege revoked (40)
• Referral to Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (41)
• In-school suspension (ISS). (The student will report to school at the stipulated time but will not
be able to follow the regular schedule or to attend extracurricular activities.) (42)
• Bus suspension (The student will not access school transportation for any reason, during the
period of suspension. The student is required to attend school during the period of bus
suspension.) (43)
• Out-of-school suspension (OSS) (The student will not be permitted on any school board property
during the period of suspension) (44)
• Referral to law enforcement agency (investigation or arrest) (46)
• Recommendation for bus expulsion (47)
• Recommendation for expulsion (48)
• Alternative to suspension (ATS) (49)
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• Change of placement (ESE only, 45-day rule) (50)
• Threat assessment (51)
• Functional Behavioral Assessment/Behavioral Intervention Plan (52)
• Confiscation of items or devices (53)
• Recommendation for alternative placement (57)
Note: Any action taken in response to a violation of the student code of conduct or school board policies,
that involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
requirement to provide reasonable modifications as to the application of the student code of conduct to
avoid potential discrimination on the basis of disability), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as applicable.
Prior to referring a Student with a Disability to law enforcement, provided there is not a significant risk of
serious harm to the health or safety of a person, determine whether the student has a BIP; whether school
personnel is properly implementing the BIP; whether the BIP contains adequate services and supports for
the problem behavior; and whether the student needs additional accommodations, services, supports,
modifications, and/or aids. In exigent circumstances involving threats to health or safety, or for criminal
matters, School Administrators and staff may conduct this review after the referral is made.
Extracurricular, Co-curricular Activities and Student Organizations
Extracurricular activities should be scheduled to maximize student access while minimizing conflict with
instructional time.
Student Being Arrested and Charged (Involved in Extracurricular Activities)
If a student is found to have been arrested on or off campus and/or charged with a felony or delinquent act
that would be a felony if that student were an adult, even if adjudication is withheld, then the student will
be suspended from, and deemed ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities. The student shall be
suspended/deemed ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics, for no less
than ninety (90) school days from the date the school becomes aware of said violation. After the days of
suspension from participation are completed, the principal or designee will review the suspension and
make a decision concerning the eligibility of the student to resume participation in extracurricular
activities. The results of this decision may not be appealed. The suspension may be lifted should the
charges be dropped or a ‘not guilty’ be entered into the court records. (F.S. 1006.15)
Note: Participation in extracurricular activities and athletics is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked
by the principal for violations of the Student Code of Conduct including, but not limited to actions that
result in in-school-suspension, out-of-school suspension, and/or a recommendation for expulsion or
disciplinary reassignment. Suspension or dismissal from extracurricular activities may be utilized as a
disciplinary consequence in addition to or in lieu of other disciplinary actions.
Note: A student’s grade should not be lowered if they are excluded from extracurricular or co-curricular
activities due to disciplinary reasons.
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Student Eligibility – Interscholastic Activities
House Bill 7029 mandates that each school district establishes and publishes eligibility standards for
extracurricular activities in its Student Code of Conduct. Per F.S. 1006.195, the following applies to all
students participating in an interscholastic program sponsored by the district. The district has established,
through its Student Code of Conduct, student eligibility standards and related student disciplinary actions
regarding student participation in interscholastic and interscholastic extracurricular activities.
In compliance with HB 7029, the district has established the following:
• A student not currently suspended from interscholastic or interscholastic extracurricular activities,
or suspended or expelled from school, pursuant to a district schools board’s suspension or
expulsion powers provided by law, including 1006.07, 1006.08 and 1006.09 is eligible to
participate in interscholastic and interscholastic extracurricular activities.
• A student may not participate in a sport if the student participated in that same sport at another
school during that school year, unless the student meets the criteria in 1006.15.
• A student’s eligibility to participate in any interscholastic or interscholastic extracurricular
activity may not be affected by any alleged recruiting violation until the final disposition of the
allegation pursuant to 1006.20.
The following includes a list of FHSAA district athletics eligibility criteria, including but not limited to:
• 2.0 GPA required for academic eligibility. A middle/junior high student must have a 2.0 GPA, or
the equivalent of a 2.0 GPA based on a 4.0 scale, at the conclusion of each semester. A high
school student must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, at
the conclusion of each semester to be academically eligible during the next semester (1006.15).
• Athlete cannot turn nineteen (19) before July1st of the current year.
• The eligibility limit for High School students is eight (8) consecutive semesters.
• Students are not eligible during a retention year during Middle School.
• Any other district or FHSAA policy that would remove or prevent a student from participating.
Good Cause Participation:
• A student who transfers schools and wishes to continue participating in the same sport at the new
school may seek good cause authorization.
• The following includes a list of examples, such as, but not limited to, which may be considered
for “good cause authority”
o A move to a new residence that makes it necessary to attend a different school
o Reassignment by school board or charter school board
o Transfer of school within the first twenty (20) days (i.e., acceptance into a previously
applied for magnet program or career academy)
Declaration of Intent to Terminate School Enrollment
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A student who is sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age who is choosing to withdraw from school
must sign a “Declaration of Intent to Terminate School Enrollment” form. Students may obtain the form
by speaking with a school counselor or a member of the school administrative team. This form requires
parent signature and consent unless the student is legally classified as independent.
Attendance
Florida Law (Section 1003.21, Florida Statutes) states that all children who are either six years of age,
who will be six years old by February 1 of any school year, or who are older than six years of age but who
have not attained the age of 16 years, must attend school regularly during the entire school term. A student
who attains the age of 16 years during the school year is not subject to compulsory attendance beyond the
date of which the student attains that age if he/she files a formal Declaration of Intent to Terminate School
Enrollment with the school district.
It is the belief of the District School Board of Pasco County that academic success requires continuity of
instruction and active classroom participation. Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in
school during the days and hours that the school is in session. Absences, regardless of the reason or status
(excused or unexcused), are missed opportunities for academic instruction. School attendance shall be the
responsibility of parents and students.
School Attendance: Students are to be counted in attendance only if they are actually present or engaged
in a school-approved educational activity, which constitutes a part of the instructional program for the
student.
Class Attendance: Students are to be counted in attendance if they are physically present in class, have
been excused by the teacher for a class-related assignment, or have been requested by a member of the
school support staff for an approved school activity.
Florida Law (Section 1003.26(1)(b), Florida Statues) provides that if a student has at least five (5)
unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a calendar month or ten (10)
unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a ninety (90) calendar day
period, the school must take action. The school may require documented medical and legal excuses for a
pattern of non-attendance.
• Attendance shall be counted period by period (Secondary only)
• A student, whose parent or legal guardian is an active-duty member of the armed forces and has
been called to duty, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment, shall be
granted additional excused absences, at the discretion of the school district’s superintendent or
designee, to spend time with said student’s parent/guardian, relative to such leave or deployment.
• After three (3) unexcused absences the school shall contact the home (or workplace) of the
parent/guardian to determine the reason for the absence
Attendance Procedures
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All elementary, middle, and high school students who are absent will be marked “unexcused” (U) until
the parent/guardian notifies the school in writing and justifies the absence with one of the acceptable
reasons as defined below:
• Failure to do so within three (3) school days will cause the absence to be recorded as “unexcused”
• In the case of excessive or extended absences, which are claimed to be due to illness, upon
request of the principal or designee, a parent must provide documentation (doctor’s statement) of
a student's illness
• Excessive or extended absences are considered five (5) in one calendar month or ten (10) in one
semester, or a history of excessive absences per period as defined below under Student
Consequences for Unexcused Absences. Absences that meet this threshold as defined above will
require a doctor’s note. If doctor’s notes are not provided, absences will be marked as unexcused
Reasons for acceptable (excused) absences include but are not limited to:
• Illness of student
• Major illness in the immediate family of the student (immediate family is determined as parents,
brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, legal guardians or persons “in loco parentis,” or a
member of one’s own household)
• Death in the immediate family of the student
• Religious holiday of the student’s faith (including Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Epiphany, etc.)
• Religious instruction (including Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, etc.)
• Religious institutes, conferences, workshops, provided that the principal or designee approves the
absence in advance
• Absences for trips or other parental requests.
o Requests must be approved in writing by the principal or designee, at least one (1) week
in advance
• In-school or out-of-school suspension
• Subpoena or forced absence by any law enforcement agency, a copy of the subpoena or court
summons must be submitted to the school
• For purposes of attendance, school related activities would not be counted as absences from
school
• Issues and occasions specific to miliary families
Tardiness and Early Checkout
Students need to arrive on time and stay through dismissal so they will receive important directions, class
instruction, and avoid disrupting other students. Parents can set a good example by encouraging students
to follow the school’s time schedule and to follow the procedures found in the school handbook for late
arrivals and early checkout. All parents must report to the front office when picking up their child prior to
the regular dismissal time.
Make-up Work
Students may make up any and all assignments, tests or related work assigned on the day(s) of any
excused or unexcused absence at full credit provided that the student makes arrangements with teachers
within three (3) days of the student’s return to school.
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The student is responsible for asking the teacher(s) for tests, assignments, and related work that were
missed due to an absence. Students will be given a minimum of two (2) calendar days per day or class
period of absence to make up all tests, assignments, and related work. The teacher(s) has the discretion as
to when to schedule tests and other assignments that need to be made up that were missed due to an
absence.
Students may be given additional time based on teacher discretion or as stipulated on their IEP/504. Work
due to be turned in on the day of the absence will be turned in upon return and be given full credit.
Students who have been assigned out-of-school suspension (OSS) may make up all tests, assignments,
and related work for full credit based on the timelines outlined above.
Referrals for Intervention and Support
If the initial parent/guardian meeting/contact does not resolve the problem and the person responsible for
all non-attendance determines that an early pattern of non-attendance is developing, interventions that
best address the problem will be developed.
The interventions may include but need not to be limited to:
• Attendance agreements
• Referral to the school-based intervention team
If the attendance agreements and the referral to the school-based intervention team are not successful,
then a referral to the school social worker is initiated.
Once referred to the school social worker, a student and/or parent may be referred to the Office of the
State Attorney’s Truancy Intervention Program (TIP) or to Children in Need of Services/Families in Need
of Services (CINS/FINS).
Truancy Prosecution
The Truancy Intervention Program (TIP) may prosecute through the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) via the
school attendance statute. A truancy referral through Youth and Family Alternatives (YFA) may also lead
to prosecution via the CINS/FINS statute. (F.S. 1003.12, F.S. 984.03)
Driver License Penalty
Students between 14 and 18, who accumulate fifteen (15) unexcused absences or absences for which the
reasons are unknown, in a period of ninety (90) calendar days may face suspension of their driver’s
license, or their application for licensure denied.
Students who are not satisfying compulsory school enrollment or alternatively satisfying relevant
attendance requirements as listed in F.S. 322.091(1) may also be referred to the Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV).
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Reinstatement of DMV privileges shall occur only after a student has demonstrated 30 days of attendance
compliance or met other reinstatement criteria outlined in F.S. 322.091.
Please see section on Driver License Law below. (F.S. 322.091)
Public Assistance Penalty
Truancy may impact public assistance the family receives through the Learnfare program. (414.1251)
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) may limit temporary cash assistance for an eligible
parent’s dependent child or for an eligible teenage participant who has accumulated Fifteen (15)
unexcused absences within ninety (90) calendar days with or without the knowledge or consent of the
student's parent or legal guardian. Students not exempt from school attendance requirement and listed as a
dropout may be referred to Learnfare.
Reinstatement of cash assistance shall occur after a student has demonstrated thirty (30) days of
attendance compliance or met other reinstatement criteria outlined or described in (F.S. 414.1251.)
Intervention Systems
It is the expectation that schools will design and implement an attendance incentive program where
students may earn additional rewards and privileges. School administrators may elect to exclude the
following consequences for unexcused absences from their attendance plan.
Student Consequences for Unexcused Absences
At the secondary level, attendance is marked per period. If a student has at least five (5) unexcused
absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, in any one course within a calendar month or
ten (10) unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, in any one course within a
semester, the student may lose privileges as described below.
At the elementary level, attendance is marked per day. Students who accumulate excessive absences,
which is defined as five (5) unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, in any
one calendar month or ten (10) unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, in
any semester, tardies or early dismissals may lose privileges as described below.
Loss of Privileges Due to Unexcused Absences
• May be excluded from attendance reward activities as defined at the school level
• Lose the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities. They include but are not limited to
dances, special events, club activities, and athletics, until the end of the following grading quarter.
Absences accumulated in the fourth quarter will result in loss of privileges during said
grading quarter only and will not carry over to the following year.
• Lose the privilege to drive to campus until the end of the following grading quarter. Absences
accumulated in the fourth quarter will result in loss of privileges during said grading
quarter only and will not carry over to the following year
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The principal or designee may review extenuating circumstances resulting in a loss of privilege(s). The
principal’s decision is final. Principal review is only intended to reinstate privileges that have been lost as
described above. It is not intended to impose harsher discipline than what is outlined herein and in another
district policy.
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
Students must be present for the majority of the school day to participate in extracurricular activities
unless otherwise approved by school administration. These include but are not limited to dances, special
events, club activities and athletics.
Early Warning System: On-Track/Off-Track Systems
The Early Warning System was designed to identify students who are at-risk for not graduating and need
additional supports and interventions. Best practice would indicate that any On-Track/Off-Track system
be utilized for this purpose as well as a motivational tool where students can earn additional privileges as
opposed to a punitive and consequence-based system.
Any loss of privileges for attendance relating to On-Track/Off-Track status must also match the Loss of
Privileges policy as stated in the Attendance section above.
Parents may appeal loss of privileges relating to the On-Track/Off-Track System by contacting the school
principal. The appeal may be initiated verbally but must be followed up in writing or email.
Appeal Process
Any school implementing an “on-track” or similar program must include an appeal process. During the
appeal process, in the event, the student is a student with a disability under Section 504 or the IDEA or
suspected of having a disability (i.e., open evaluation or parent request for an evaluation, when assessing
whether a student is to be afforded an exemption under the program, so as to allow the student to engage
or participate in the requested extracurricular activity or activities or privileges, the administrator (or other
person hearing the appeal) shall include the following:
• Take into consideration that a student with a disability, depending on their circumstances, may not
be able to make progress at the same rate as a student without a disability.
• Contact school-based members of the student’s 504 or IEP team(s) to obtain information as to
whether the student has made appropriate and sufficient progress, in light of the student’s
disabilities and needs. (For the purposes of this section, a 504 or IEP team meeting does not need
to be conducted, but instead, the administrator may speak with several school-based members of
the team on an individual basis to obtain information)
• Take into consideration whether or not the student’s off-track status, or lack of sufficient progress
under the program, is related to the student's disability. In doing so, you must also ensure there is
evidence that the components of the IEP (i.e. FBA/BIP, accommodations) have been implemented
with fidelity
• If the student’s off-track status, or lack of sufficient progress under the program, is related to or as
a (direct result) of the student's disability (or a product of failing to implement the plan with
fidelity), and if the student has made appropriate and sufficient progress, in light of the student's
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disabilities and needs, then the student should have the opportunity to engage in the relevant
activity or privilege (with the exception being that a student must meet graduation requirements
to engage in any graduation-related ceremonies)
A “student with a disability' refers to a student who has or would qualify to receive accommodations,
reasonable modifications of policy, or disability-related services or supports under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”)
School administrators may consider any of the following when determining Attendance/On-Track
incentives:
Reserved premium parking spots, AM/PM school announcer, spirit gear (lanyards, shirts, hoodies, mini
locker mirrors, keychains, drawstring bags, magnetic locker items), event passes, reward store gift cards,
snacks, school supplies, miscellaneous donated items (coupons, gift cards, etc.), and lunch game video
rental. A student designed lounge where students can earn/purchase a pass with reward points. This area
could be open before school and for lunch breaks and would be supervised by volunteer staff. The lounge
could feature air hockey, table tennis, cornhole, Xbox, Jumbo Jenga, Legos, refreshment bar, board
games, bean bag seating, etc.
Tardy Hall/Detention (Secondary Only)
Principals or designees shall have the authority to establish tardy halls where students serve immediate
detention for unexcused class tardies. Principals or designees may also assign other interventions and/or
consequences for tardies. consistent with what is detailed herein and on the discipline matrix.
Skipping/Leaving Class Without Permission
Per Pasco County Schools Attendance Policy: It is the belief of the District School Board of Pasco County
that academic success requires continuity of instruction and active classroom participation. Attendance
shall be required of all students enrolled in school during the days and hours that the school is in session.
It is the expectation that students are present in classrooms during scheduled class periods under the
supervision of staff in order to maximize learning and to maintain a safe environment. Students may only
leave class with staff permission and must follow school protocols for passes and transitions. Students
must be in designated areas for scheduled lunch breaks or school sponsored activities.
Approved reasons to leave the classroom
• with permission from the classroom teacher or administration
• when utilizing systems put in place for specialized plans
• attending school sponsored activities
• transition time-by bell or announcement
• when requested by front office or non-instructional staff
• emergency – as practiced in Active Threat or Crisis Drills
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Violations may result in the following interventions and disciplinary consequences that are proportionate
with the severity of the offense, while taking the age of the student, the student’s disability status, and the
student’s capacity to understand his or her behavior into consideration,
First Offense
• behavior referral
• student conference
• reteach of school expectations and protocols
• notice of the consequences for a second offense
• parent notification by phone
Second Offense
• behavior referral
• parent/teacher/student conference
• reteach of school expectations and protocols
• notice of the consequences for a third offense
• student reflection sheet or skipping module
• loss of privilege – classroom pass restriction
• detention – lunch or afterschool
Third Offense
• behavior referral
• parent/student meeting with administrator or designee
• reteach of school expectations and protocols
• referral to School Intervention team
• behavior agreement
• loss of privilege – classroom pass restriction, escorted passing
• detention – lunch, afterschool, Saturday
*Continued offenses may result in additional referrals for (2E) failure to comply or complete previously
assigned intervention.
Driver License Law (Secondary Only)
The Florida Legislature has enacted F.S. 322.09(1), which provides that minors (ages 14-18) satisfy
school attendance requirements in order to apply for or maintain their driving privileges. In accordance
with F.S. 1003.27, the principal or designee will notify the district office of those students who
accumulate fifteen (15) unexcused absences or absences for which the reasons are unknown, in a period
of ninety (90) calendar days. The school superintendent or designee is then required to submit to the
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) the names of the students along with their
date of birth, sex, and Social Security Number. For the purpose of maintaining the right to drive, days of
suspension from school will not be forwarded to the DHSMV as unexcused.
If a student’s name is sent to the DHSMV for lack of attendance, then the student is in danger of having
the current privilege to drive suspended, or for students who are under age sixteen (16), having their
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application for licensure denied. Hardship waiver hearings will be available in cases where the driver has
been notified by DHSMV that the license will be suspended. Following a license suspension by DHSMV,
the driving privilege may be reinstated if the student submits written verification to DHSMV that the
student has completed thirty (30) days of attendance in school without an unexcused absence.
Student Parking Policy (Secondary Only)
Parking in a school lot is a privilege. All vehicles must be registered to park in a school parking lot. Proof
of insurance must be presented at the time of registration and the registration is non-transferable. Vehicles
that are not registered, that are inappropriately or illegally parked, or parked so as to cause a safety
hazard, may be warned, booted, or towed at the owner’s expense.
Students who drive inappropriately or dangerously or are found to be truant or have excessive absences
(see attendance policy) are subject to having their parking privileges suspended or revoked.
There will be no refunds for loss of hang tags/parking privileges. If a student regains his or her
driving/parking privilege, it is subject to space availability.
A vehicle, upon reasonable suspicion, may be searched for weapons, drugs, other illegal items, or items
prohibited by school board policy, (e.g., alcohol, stolen property, or other contraband.) If any of these are
found in the car, appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action will be taken, and the parking permit will be
revoked.
In addition, each school may specify additional conditions for parking on school grounds at the time of
vehicle registration.
When parking or otherwise utilizing a car on school grounds, the student shall be responsible for the
control of the vehicle, and the contents contained therein. It is the duty of the student to ensure that no
illegal items, weapons or other items prohibited by the School Board Policy, are placed, stored or
otherwise contained in such vehicle. Students shall be subject to discipline and legal action when illegal
items, weapons or other items prohibited by School Board Policy are contained in the vehicle being
utilized or parked on school grounds by the student.
Judicial “No Contact” Orders
The Department of Juvenile Justice will report to the school district all court orders in which a Pasco
County student is mandated by the Department of Juvenile Justice to have “no contact” with his or her
victim or victim’s family members.
Upon notification by the DJJ Transition Coordinator, the principal or designee of the school where the
offender attends will determine if measures can be taken within the existing school of attendance to
ensure that the “no contact” order can be followed. If the principal or designee feels the order cannot be
accommodated at the school, consultation with the Division of Student Services will determine how the
“no contact” order will be enforced.
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A “no contact" order may be issued by a circuit judge at or before the time of adjudication, withholding of
adjudication, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere for the following offenses: homicide, assault, battery,
culpable negligence, kidnapping, false imprisonment, luring or enticing a child, custody offenses, sexual
battery, lewdness and indecent exposure, abuse of children, robbery, robbery of sudden snatching,
carjacking, or home-invasion/robbery. (F.S. 1006.13)
Student Felony Reports
F.S. 1006.08(2) requires law enforcement agencies and courts to notify schools when a student is accused
or convicted of felony-level crimes. The principal or designee must share the information with school
staff that work with the student. The informed staff must maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality.
The information regarding the felony report is not kept in the student’s cumulative record.
Student Placement Review Committee
F.S. 1003.32 gives teachers the authority to remove a student from a class for the remainder of the school
year under any of the following circumstances:
• Who has been documented by the teacher to repeatedly interfere with the teacher’s ability to
communicate effectively with the students in the class or with the ability of the student’s
classmates to learn
• Whose behavior the teacher determines is so disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive,
uncontrollable, or disruptive that it seriously interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate
effectively with the students in the class or with the ability of the student’s classmates to learn
• Who has threatened personal harm or property damage against the teacher or teacher’s family
Within five (5) days of the teacher’s removal of the student, the principal or designee will either return the
student to the teacher’s class with the teacher's agreement or will determine a more appropriate placement
of the student. If the teacher and principal or designee cannot agree on a decision, a Placement Review
Committee will determine the appropriate class for the student. The placement review committee may
return the student to the original class if they determine that such placement is the best or only alternative.
The teacher may appeal the committee’s decision to the Superintendent.
Program eligibility requirements, school board policies, and state and federal laws limit placement
options. In no instance shall a student’s rights under federal and Florida law, including laws protecting
Students with Disabilities from discrimination, be compromised.
Use of Reasonable Force
The safety and welfare of the students is of utmost importance. It is sometimes necessary to use a range of
conduct management efforts to control student behavior. These efforts include the use of reasonable
force. Florida Statutes 1006.11 and 1012.75 allow such force to be used by school personnel in
maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. While use of reasonable physical force may be
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needed, that force may not be excessive, cruel or unusual in nature, and alternatives to the use of such
force should be attempted, time permitting. Any use of reasonable physical force must cease upon the
restoration of a safe and orderly environment.
Use of reasonable force is permitted to protect students from:
• Conditions harmful to learning
• Conditions harmful to students’ mental health
• Conditions harmful to students’ physical health
• Conditions harmful to safety
• Harmful and/or injury to self, school personnel and others
Self-Defense and the Defense of Others
A victim or a person protecting a victim (hereinafter, collectively, “victim/protector”) are justified in
using or threatening reasonable force against an attacker when and to the extent the victim/protector
reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend the victim against the attacker’s wrongful
use of force.
To the extent that a victim/protector has a reasonable means to avoid the danger posed by the attacker by
escaping or otherwise leaving the area, and such retreat or withdrawal was capable of being performed
without a threat of harm to the victim/protector, then the victim/protector has a duty to do so.
To the extent that a reasonable means of escape or withdrawal does not exist, or that an attempt to do so
could subject the victim/protector to potential harm, then the victim/protector may use reasonable force to
defend themself.
A victim/protector’s right to utilize reasonable force to defend themselves ends when the attacker no
longer poses a serious threat to the victim/protector or has otherwise withdrawn their attack as evidenced
by verbal communication and a discontinuance of physical aggression.
When a student rightfully engages in self-defense, as set forth above, they are not subject to discipline.
In a disciplinary action against a protector (as identified above), there is a rebuttable presumption that the
actions of the protector, using only the reasonable amount of force necessary to stop a violent act against a
victim were necessary to restore or maintain the safety of others. (F.S. 1006.13(2)(d)).
Search and Seizure (Board Policy 5771)
School authorities are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the
students in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search the person or
property, including vehicles of a student, with or without the student’s consent, whenever they reasonably
suspect that a violation of law or school rules has occurred or is occurring. The extent of the search will
be governed by the seriousness of the alleged infraction and the student’s age. This authorization to search
shall also apply to all situations in which the student is under the jurisdiction of the Board.
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Administrators are permitted to conduct a search of any student’s locker and its content at any time,
providing there is a reasonable suspicion the contents of the locker are illegal, possessed illegally, or
otherwise violate the Student Code of Conduct. Proper notice is to be posted in the locker areas of each
building, readily seen by students, notifying students that their lockers or storage areas are subject to
search upon a reasonable suspicion, as set forth herein. See below for rules regarding canine search.
Search of a student’s person shall be conducted by a person of the student's biological sex, whenever
possible. Searches conducted by a person of the opposite sex will only be conducted under emergency
circumstances and when a person of the same sex is not available. In such instances, another person will
witness the search.
The School Board also authorizes the use of mechanical detection devices and specially trained law
enforcement canines, trained in detecting the presence of drugs or devices to conduct random or
administrative searches for contraband in classrooms, student lockers, other common areas of school
buildings, and vehicles parked on school grounds. Searches will be conducted in conjunction with law
enforcement and a school administrator shall accompany the handler and canine during all searches
conducted on school property. This means of detection shall be used only to determine presence of drugs
or other contraband in locker areas and other places on school property where such substances could be
concealed. Canine detection must be conducted in collaboration with law enforcement authorities or with
organizations certified in canine detection and is not to be used to search individual students unless a
warrant has been obtained prior to the search. If a dog indicates that contraband is present on school
property, school administrators may conduct a further search.
Administrators are authorized to arrange for the use of a breath-test instrument for the purpose of
determining if a student has consumed an alcoholic beverage. It is not necessary for the test to determine
blood-alcohol level since the Board has established a zero tolerance for alcohol use.
Whenever possible, a request for the search of a student or a student’s possessions will be directed to an
administrator who shall seek the freely offered consent of the student to the inspection, and the search will
be conducted by an administrator in the presence of the student and an additional staff member. A search
prompted by the reasonable belief that health and safety are immediately threatened will be conducted
with as much speed and dispatch as may be required to protect people and property.
Any search of a student’s personal belongings, including a purse, backpack, or bookbag, will be
conducted discreetly to maintain the privacy of the student’s personal items within such belongings.
Personal items that are not prohibited on school grounds will be immediately returned to the student’s
personal belongings. (School Board Policy 5771, F.S. 1006.09 (09), F.S. 1006.09 (10))
Students who refuse, prevent, or otherwise attempt to prevent search of their person, possessions, vehicle
or similar search requests may receive consequences as detailed in the discipline matrix.
Questioning Students
If school officials have a reasonable suspicion that a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct or
has otherwise engaged in activity that disrupts or adversely impacts the school environment, then school
officials may question the student immediately, without first contacting the student’s parents. Because
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school officials have a vested interest in protecting all students and maintaining the efficient, secure, and
uninterrupted workings of school environment, the student does not have the right to be accompanied by
their parents, or represented by an attorney, when the student is questioned by school officials. However,
to the extent that disciplinary action is taken as a result of the subject violation or acts, the student will be
afforded the right to due process, as set forth in School Board Policy and the Student Code of Conduct.
Unauthorized Use of Restrooms or Changing Rooms
In accordance with the “Safety in Private Spaces Act” (F.S. 553.865), Pasco County Schools provides
females and males with restrooms and changing facilities for their exclusive use, respective to their sex, in
order to maintain public safety, decency, decorum, and privacy.
Any student who willfully enters a restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex on
School-Board owned property or during a School Board/school-sponsored event and refuses to depart
when asked to do so by instructional personnel, administrative personnel, a safe-school officer or any
other designee of the Superintendent or school principal shall be subject to discipline for Unauthorized
location (1L).
Students shall not be disciplined for entering a restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite
sex when they have done so for the sole purpose of:
Accompanying a person of the opposite sex for the purpose of assisting or chaperoning:
• a child under the age of 12
• an elderly person as defined in s. 825.101
• a person with a disability as defined in s. 760.22
• a developmental disability as defined in s. 393.063
• Rendering emergency medical assistance
• Assisting in any other emergency situation where the health or safety of another person is at risk
If the appropriate designated restroom or changing facility is out of order or under repair and the restroom
or changing facility designated for the opposite sex contains no person of the opposite sex.
For students requiring a restroom or changing facility that is not designated for their sex, access to a
private, accommodative, sex-neutral location shall be provided, which can include, but is not limited to a
unisex restroom, a unisex changing facility, or another private location that meets such needs.
For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
• “Female” means a person belonging, at birth, to the biological sex which has the specific
reproductive role of producing eggs.
• “Male” means a person belonging, at birth, to the biological sex which has the specific
reproductive role of producing sperm.
• “Sex” means the classification of a person as either female or male based on the organization of
the body of such person for a specific reproductive role, as indicated by the person's sex
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chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, and internal and external genitalia present at
birth.
• “Restroom” means a room that includes one or more water closets. This term does not include a
unisex restroom.
• “Unisex restroom” means a room that includes one or more water closets and that is intended for
a single occupant or a family, is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling walls, and is accessed by a full door
with a secure lock that prevents another individual from entering while the room is in use.
• “Changing facility” means a room in which two or more persons may be in a state of undress in
the presence of others, including, but not limited to, a dressing room, fitting room, locker room,
changing room, or shower room.
• “Unisex changing facility” means a room intended for a single occupant or a family in which one
or more persons may be in a state of undress, including, but not limited to, a dressing room,
fitting room, locker room, changing room, or shower room that is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling
walls and accessed by a full door with a secure lock that prevents another individual from
entering while the changing facility is in use. (HB 1521, F.S. 553.865(9) (a-e))
Rules of Dress and Appearance
Each district school board shall adopt a dress code policy that prohibits a student, while on the grounds of
a public school during the regular school day, from wearing clothing that exposes underwear or body
parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment. (F.S. 1006.07)
The principal, or designee, shall determine the appropriateness of dress and appearance in accordance
with the guidelines distributed by the school, school board policy and guidelines contained herein. The
principal, or designee, will make the decision if a student’s appearance meets school and community
standards. The principal’s decision on the appropriateness of dress is final as long as it does not
contradict official district policy listed herein or elsewhere.
Principals may add additional dress code guidelines unique to their school. These changes must be
reasonable in scope, consistent with guidelines contained herein and elsewhere in district policy and the
school must give parents/guardians adequate notice of said changes. Parents should be provided notice
beginning-of-year or at least three weeks prior to the initiation of any new policy.
These guidelines are in effect while on any District School Board of Pasco County school or campus, at
any school function or on any school-sponsored transportation:
• Students must wear opaque (not see through) clothing that has fabric on the front, back, and on
the sides of the body extending from under the arms to cover the entire chest, entire genital area,
entire buttocks area, and must extend below the buttocks area.
• Shirts must have sleeves or straps and extend to the waistband of pants/shorts/skirts/or other
bottoms.
• Students may not have exposed undergarments, which would include any and all portions of a
student’s underwear or bra.
• Students must wear appropriate footwear, which would include shoes and sandals. All footwear
must have a sole that affords traction and protection to the foot. Socks (when worn alone) and
“house” or “bed” slippers are not permissible.
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• Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education,
career-technical education, science labs, and other activities where unique hazards exist
• Specialized courses may require specialized attire such as sports uniforms or safety gear
The following types of clothing, items, accessories, and apparel are considered inappropriate for the
school environment:
• Any clothing that exposes underwear, body parts, and/or skin in an indecent or vulgar manner
• Any clothing that substantially disrupts the school environment or causes safety concerns
• Any clothing that depicts profanity, drugs or alcohol, violent images, or vulgarity in any form
• Any clothing that depicts sexually implicit or explicit images
• Any clothing that depicts gang-related images, indicates gang affiliation, or antisocial group
affiliation
• Wallet chains, spiked jewelry, dog collars, or similar items
• Slippers or similar shoes
• Pajamas or costumes (unless approved by school administration for special events, etc.)
• Hats, bandanas, or head coverings (unless preapproved administratively for medical, religious
reasons and/or for special school activities)
Wearing clothing or accessories that depict a firearm or weapon or express an opinion regarding a right
guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is not grounds for disciplinary
action or referral to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system under this section or F.S. 1006.13.
Students in violation of the dress code:
• Will be required to change into appropriate clothing, contacting the parent/guardian as needed
• Students may be required to remain in the front office until the above condition is met per
principal or designee discretion
• May receive a discipline referral and consequences as appropriate for repeated breaches of the
policy
Violations of these provisions of the dress code are subject to the following consequences as defined by
F. S. 1006.07(2) (d1) and F.S. 1006.07(2)(d2):
• For a first offense, the student shall be given a verbal warning, and the school principal or
designee shall call the student’s parent or guardian
• For a second offense, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a
period of time not to exceed five (5) days and the school principal or designee shall meet with the
student’s parent or guardian
• For a third or subsequent offense, the student shall receive an in-school suspension for a period
not to exceed three (3) days, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity
for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, and the school principal or designee shall call the
student’s parent or guardian and send the parent or guardian a written letter regarding the
student’s in-school suspension and ineligibility to participate in extracurricular activities. (F.S.
1006.07, 1003.01)
Regulations Regarding the Wearing of Items and/or Clothing that Conceal Identity
• A student’s identity must be readily recognizable by school staff at all times during the school-
day or when the student is engaged in a school-sponsored activity
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• No items or clothing, or any combinations of such, may be worn in a manner that conceals the
wearer’s face. Face coverings such as ski masks, gas masks, Halloween masks, costume masks,
ninja masks, pantyhose, full face masks, hoods (including hoods from sweatshirts or jackets
commonly referred to as “hoodies”) or other face coverings that obstruct a wearer’s vision, face,
or identity are not allowed absent a legally protected right that has been approved in writing by
the school’s Principal or the District’s Equity Officer
• Students may utilize an appropriate face-covering (such as medical mask, surgical mask, scarf,
bandana, neck buff, and other items made of a suitable and safe material that will cover the
wearer’s nose and mouth to prevent or reduce the release of respiratory droplets from the wearer’s
mouth or nose) for the purposes of health-related concerns
• Students must comply with the directive of all school staff members to remove any and all items
of clothing set forth above so that the student’s identity can be readily revealed and recognized.
This would include the temporary removal of an appropriate face covering being utilized for
health concerns so that a student’s identity can be confirmed
• During times of inclement weather, a principal may modify or suspend application of these
provisions when doing so is in the best interest of the student body’s health, safety and welfare.
• Failure to comply with the above policy and provisions may result in disciplinary action as
detailed herein and/or elsewhere in district policy
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Academic Integrity
Students at all levels are expected to pursue their studies with integrity and honesty in all school settings.
All work that a student submits will be the original and authentic work of the individual student unless
otherwise specified in the assignment.
Students have the responsibility to:
• Uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the student’s own work
• Refuse to participate in or tolerate violations of academic integrity in the school community
• Foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility in the school community
The following examples of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action. These are examples for
guidance purposes and do not constitute an exhaustive list.
• Cheating
• Altering or interfering with grading
• Using or consulting any materials or personal electronic devices/wireless communication devices
not authorized by the teacher during a test or assignment
• Submitting an assignment purchased or otherwise obtained from a third party, including those
written by Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Plagiarism
• Lack of proper academic citation (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago AP)
• Distributing test questions, homework questions, assignments, or other school testing or
evaluation materials, or answers thereto in a manner that enables or advances the examples of
Academic Dishonesty set forth herein
• Willfully or knowingly taking an online course or examination on behalf of another person or
allowing someone to take an online course or examination for you
Consequences are detailed on the Discipline Matrix and may also include the following:
• Reduced credit on assignment
• Confiscation of electronic device
• Proctored assessments
• Withdrawal from course (eSchool/FLVS)
• Schedule change
• Completion of an Academic Integrity Module
• Repeated infractions may also be coded as 2R-Defiance
Wireless Communication Devices (WCDs) and Digital Citizenship
(Board Policy 5136)
The Board is aware that WCDs are used by students and parents to communicate with each other.
However, the use of WCDs on school grounds must be appropriately regulated to protect students, staff,
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and the learning environment. Whether intentional or not, WCDs can remove students socially,
intellectually, and emotionally from being present while at school or when involved with school-related
activities. The District wants all students to have the greatest opportunity for face-to-face engagement
with their teachers and peers, as not being presently focused can increase social and academic isolation
issues. In addition, while the use of social media can be intentional and positive, it can also be used in a
way that causes others to feel left out, judged, anxious, and targeted. Unfortunately, WCDs can also be
used by students to initiate and perpetuate inappropriate and/or unlawful conduct that can disrupt the
orderly operation of schools and jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of others in the school
community. Therefore, to help promote the in-person academic and social engagement of our students
while at school and at school-related activities, the District has established the following expectations
regarding the use of WCDs by students:
Grades Pre-K through 5 – Students who bring WCDs to school must ensure that they remain on silent
mode and completely out of view for the entire school day except for when expressly authorized by the
classroom teacher for a specific instructional activity. Classroom teachers may also provide, and students
may utilize, a cell phone storage area in their classroom. These expectations also apply to extracurricular
and co-curricular activities that occur before or after the school day.
Grades 6 through 8 – Students who bring WCDs to school must ensure that they remain on silent mode
and completely out of view for the entire school day except for when expressly authorized by the
classroom teacher for a specific instructional activity. Classroom teachers may also provide, and students
may utilize, a cell phone storage area in their classroom. These expectations also apply to extracurricular
and co-curricular activities that occur before or after the school day.
Grades 9 through 12 – Students who bring WCDs to school must ensure that they remain on silent mode
and completely out of view for the entire school day except for the student’s lunch period, or as expressly
authorized by the classroom teacher for a specific instructional activity. Classroom teachers may also
provide, and students may utilize, a cell phone storage area in their classroom. These expectations also
apply to extra-curricular and co-curricular activities that occur before or after the school day.
The District will utilize its existing IEP, Section 504 plan, and student medical processes and procedures
to evaluate requests for accommodation that are supported with the needed documentation.
With the approval of their respective Assistant Superintendent and based on the specific facts and
circumstances at their school, a school principal may impose more restrictive conditions at their school.
Unauthorized Use of a WCD:
• Engaging in non-education-related communications and/or usage during instructional time
• Capturing, recording, or transmitting the words or sounds, audio, images, pictures, and/or video
of any staff member or other person in the school or while attending a school-related activity
without expressed prior notice and explicit written and/or verbal consent of said party and/or as
indicated by a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Capturing and/or recording fights or similar events, and/or subsequent posting of said
recording/images to social media and similar outlets
• Distracting use/behavior that creates an unsafe environment
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• Taking pictures, recording video, or any similar activity in locker rooms, shower facilities, and/or
rest/bathrooms
• Capturing, recording, and/or transmitting test information or any other information in a manner
constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty or using a WCD to receive such
information
• Using WCDs in any manner that otherwise violates the Student Code of Conduct
Devices may be confiscated for the following reasons:
• Repeated violations of the WCD policy contained herein
• Capturing, recording and/or transmitting audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without
proper consent
• If the WCD is confiscated, it will be released/returned to the student’s parent/guardian after the
student complies with any other disciplinary consequences that are imposed, unless the violation
involves potentially illegal activity, in which case the WCD may be turned over to law
enforcement.
Additional corrective actions:
• Any student capturing, recording, and/or transmitting audio, pictures, video or similar acts
without proper consent may be directed to delete said audio, picture and/or video file in the
presence of a parent/guardian
• Any potentially illegal activity regarding WCD may lead to the confiscation of said device and
delivery of said device to law enforcement and/or referring the issue to Child Protective Services
as appropriate
Responsible Electronic Use Rules for Students
I have access to the Internet, school networks, district provided electronic accounts, email, and electronic
devices and other “electronic resources” so I can:
• Expand my learning
• Communicate with others about what I am learning
• Research topics for class projects or for my personal learning
• Create products highlighting my learning
• Learning how to be a responsible and productive digital citizen
Students Acknowledge That:
• Electronic devices include but are not limited to computers, netbooks, iPads, iPods, tablets, cell
phones, cameras, wearable devices, and other electronic devices that allow me to create and
communicate.
• I am responsible for all my online activities that take place through the network connection with
my school’s devices, electronic accounts, email, or through access with my own personal
electronic devices.
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• I am responsible for obeying all laws, including copyright. This also means I may not use the
district logo or other district-owned content on my personal posts.
• I do not have the right of privacy when accessing the internet or network while at school.
• Communicating electronically includes using my camera and cell phone to communicate visually.
• When communicating electronically, I should ask myself: Do I have permission? Is it safe? Is it
kind? Is it respectful? Is it appropriate?
• I do not have an absolute right to take, publish/post photographs or videos of others at school, as
it may impact their individual rights of privacy.
• Bullying or harassing someone, either in person or electronically, is wrong, violates the Student
Code of Conduct, and is against the law.
• Information I find on the Internet is not necessarily true or accurate.
• There are filters to prevent access to inappropriate information, but no filter is perfect. Every user
must take responsibility for his or her use of the network and Internet and avoid objectionable
sites, content and communication.
• The district reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review and store, without prior notice,
information about the content and usage of internet, school networks, district issued electronic
accounts, email, and electronic devices. Students should have no expectation of privacy over
matters sent or received through such electronic resources.
• I can learn more about being a responsible digital citizen at http://www.safeflorida.net/safesurf.
I agree as a responsible and productive digital citizen:
• I will follow all school rules and laws when using electronic devices at school.
• I will not damage equipment, upload harmful files, damage files, delete files, or access someone
else’s account or files because it impacts others.
• I will keep my password to myself and will not share it with others.
• I will not search for or try to access obscene, harmful, or inappropriate material.
• If I accidentally access inappropriate materials, I will close the window and tell a responsible
adult.
• I will not post or send hurtful, offensive, or inappropriate material.
• I will behave honestly, fairly, and with integrity when posting online, including my social
networks.
• I will follow rules of network etiquette and I will be polite when communicating with others
electronically.
• I will not use bad language or access messages from others who use bad language.
• I will not post or share pictures of others without their knowledge and approval.
• I will stay safe and will never meet or give out personal information such as my name, phone
number, or address to someone I meet on the internet without the express permission of my
parents and/or teachers.
• I will discuss my online activities with my parents, so they understand how I am learning to be a
digital citizen.
• My teachers and administrators have the right to access whatever I do online while in school if
they are concerned about my safety or the safety of others.
• I will not use other’s work without permission or without citing their work according to copyright
laws.
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• If I’m not sure how to do something or whether something is okay to access or do, I will ask a
responsible adult.
Violation Procedures
Violations of these rules will result in disciplinary action according to the Student Code of Conduct.
Conduct While Engaging in Virtual Instruction and Access
The School Board of Pasco County offers the use of virtual communication and online, virtual instruction
platforms (hereinafter collectively referred to as “virtual instruction”) to permit students to gain access to
their education in an online format, outside of a traditional brick and mortar school. Participation in
virtual instruction is a part of the School Board’s Controlled Open Enrollment School Choice Program
(hereinafter, Choice Program), which means that parents and students electing to enroll in virtual
instruction must comply with the Choice Program requirements. Failure to comply with the Choice
Program requirements, failure to make adequate educational or behavioral progress, or failure to comply
with the Student Code of Conduct may result in the revocation of a student’s choice to utilize the virtual
instruction options offered by the School Board.
The Student Code of Conduct applies in whole to students that participate in virtual instruction. When a
student is engaging in any activity that is related to or arises out of virtual instruction (including but not
limited to attending a virtual class), then the student is engaging in a school-sponsored event and is treated
as being on School Board-owned property for the purposes of application of the Student Code of Conduct
and School Board Policy, regardless of where the student is physically present during the online
appearance or participation. For example, a student that utilizes tobacco or a vape during a virtual class
may be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct to the same extent as if the student
were utilizing the same on School Board-owned property.
When participating in a classroom or conference, all students must have their audio and video activated
during the class or conference to permit the teacher of staff to visibly see and audibly hear the student.
Failure to do so is a disciplinable offense with a first offense being coded as disrespect toward student or
staff (1Q), and a second and subsequent offenses being coded as defying, disobeying or disrespecting
school personnel (2R), or as otherwise permitted in the Student Code of Conduct. Teachers and staff may,
as they deem appropriate, permit students to turn off their video or audio for limited and specific
purposes. Teachers and staff may also disable the video and audio for a student when that student is
engaging in actions that are disruptive to the learning environment. When a teacher or staff member
deems it appropriate to disable the video or audio of a disruptive student, then such teacher or staff is to
discipline that student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct for such disruption. Teachers and
staff may not disable the audio or video of a student for a period exceeding five (5) days without approval
from the Office of Student Support Programs and Services.
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Bullying, Harassment, Hazing and Teen Dating Violence/Abuse
Harassment or bullying of students or staff is a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct. It can
also be a violation of criminal law. The district will not tolerate unlawful bullying and harassment in
schools or school campuses, school sponsored buses, school-related or school-sponsored events, or
through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or
computer network of the district. The physical location or time of access of a computer-related incident
cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action initiated pursuant to this policy.
Bullying
“Bullying” means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one
or more students or school employees. It is unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior,
including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that creates an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; causes discomfort or humiliation; is carried
out repeatedly and is often characterized by an imbalance of power; or unreasonably interferes with the
individual’s school performance or participation; and may involve but is not limited to:
Unwanted teasing or taunting Physical violence
Social exclusion Theft
Threat Sexual, religious, or racial/ethnic harassment
Intimidation Public humiliation
Stalking Destruction of property
Violations of this policy should be immediately reported to the principal or designee as soon as possible
after the alleged incident. The principal or designee will promptly investigate reports of bullying or
harassment. If the investigation finds an instance of bullying or harassment has occurred, it will result in
prompt and appropriate remedial and/or disciplinary action.
Cyberbullying
“Cyberbullying” means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which
includes, but is not limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence
of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photo, electronic
system, or photo-optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications,
instant messages, or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying includes the creating of a webpage or
weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person, or the knowing impersonation of
another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of
the conditions enumerated by the definition of bullying. Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by
electronic means of a communication to more than one (1) person or the posting of material on an
electronic medium that may be accessed by one (1) or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates
any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.
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Harassment
Harassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of date or computer software,
or written, verbal or physical conduct (including slurs, nicknames implying stereotypes, epithets and
negative references related to that characteristic) directed at a student or employee based upon legally
protected characteristics against a student or employee that:
• Places a student or employee in reasonable fear of harm to their person or damage to their
property;
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance opportunities,
or benefits; or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school
Harassment also means electronically transmitted acts that a student(s) or a group of students exhibit
toward another particular student(s) or employee and the behavior both causes mental and physical harm
to the other student or employee such that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational
environment.
Harassment may also encompass:
• retaliation against a student by another student or school employee for asserting or alleging an act
of unlawful harassment. Reporting an act of unlawful harassment that is not made in good faith is
considered retaliation.
• retaliation against a student by another student or school employee for participating as a witness
in an unlawful harassment investigation.
• filing a malicious or knowingly false report or complaint of unlawful harassment.
• perpetuation of conduct listed in the definition of unlawful harassment by an individual or group
with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause emotional or physical harm to a student
or school employee by:
o incitement or coercion
o accessing or knowingly and willingly causing or providing access to data or computer
software within the scope of the District school system; or
Unlawful Harassment
The District School Board of Pasco County does not tolerate unlawful harassment on any of the
prohibited bases, including sex/gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, and
disability. Any student who believes he or she has been subject to unlawful harassment, including sexual
assault, gender-based harassment, or other sex-based harassment should immediately report the unlawful
harassment to the principal or designee. The District is committed to taking immediate action to eliminate
the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and reduce its effects. Students found to have engaged in acts of
unlawful harassment will be subject to prompt disciplinary action. Students, parents, and staff are
encouraged to work together to prevent unlawful harassment. Please contact District School Board of
Pasco County Civil Rights Compliance Manager/Title IX Coordinator: with concerns (813) 794-2649.
(F.S. 1006.147)
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Hazing
The District School Board of Pasco County prohibits hazing activities of any type and at any time,
whether in school facilities, on school property, and/or off school property, if the misconduct is connected
to activities or incidents that have occurred on school property.
Hazing is defined as any action or situation that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a
student at a school for purposes including, but not limited to:
• Initiation into any organization operating under the sanction of a District school
• Admission into any organization operating under the sanction of a District school
• Affiliation with an organization operating under the sanction of a District school
• The perpetuation or furtherance of a tradition or ritual of any organization operating under the
sanction of a District school
Hazing includes, but is not limited to, pressuring, coercing or forcing a student into violating State or
Federal law; any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding or exposure to the
elements, or forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or other forced physical
activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student. Further, hazing includes
any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced
exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced
activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student.
Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity
or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective.
Acts of hazing, unlawful harassment, teen dating violence, bullying, and harassment shall be addressed
and may result in disciplinary action and/or civil and criminal penalties in accordance with the law. If the
principal or designee determines that a student has committed such an act, violation of this policy may
result in disciplinary action, which may include suspension, assignment to another school or program,
recommendation for expulsion, or referral to law enforcement as defined in the Discipline Matrix and
elsewhere in district policy and procedure. (F.S. 1006.135)
Teen Dating Violence and Abuse
Dating violence and abuse shall be defined as emotional, verbal, sexual, or physical abuse of a student
who is in a current or was in a past dating relationship by the other person in that dating relationship.
Abuse may include insults, coercion, social sabotage, sexual harassment, stalking, threats, and/or acts of
mental, physical or sexual abuse. It may also be a pattern of demeaning, coercive, abusive actions that
amount to emotional or psychological abuse. Dating violence and abuse may also include harassment and
stalking via electronic devices such as cell phones and computers, as well as harassment through a third
party.
Any student who is the victim of an act of dating violence and abuse or has cause to believe that they are
in immediate danger of becoming the victim of an act of dating violence and abuse, should report the
matter to the principal or to any member of the school staff.
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Any resident of the community or other member of the school community, including students, parents,
volunteers, and visitors, who observes an act of dating violence and abuse perpetrated by one student
against another, or who has reason to believe that a student is a victim of dating violence and abuse is
encouraged to report the matter to a school administrator. These reports can be made either in person
or anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at (1-800-873-TIPS).
The Board reserves the right to investigate a report of dating violence and abuse regardless of whether the
student who is allegedly the victim of the dating violence and abuse wants to pursue the matter. Further,
the Department of Children and Families shall be notified if the student who is found to have perpetrated
the act of dating violence and abuse is eighteen years of age or older and the student who was the victim
of the act of dating violence and abuse is a minor. (F.S. 1003.42, 1006.148)
Discipline of Students with Disabilities
The Board shall abide by Federal and State laws regarding suspension, expulsion, alternative placement
and discipline of students with disabilities. A ‘student with a disability' refers to a student who has or
would qualify to receive accommodations, reasonable modifications of policy, or disability-related
services or supports under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), the Americans with
Disabilities Act (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”).
“Functional Behavior Assessment” or “FBA” refers to a systematic process that is used to operationally
define a behavior, identify factors that support the behavior, and determine the underlying function or
purpose of a behavior. This assists the team with identifying appropriate replacement behaviors that meet
the same need without interfering with learning. The functions of behavior are to escape/avoid, gain
attention, gain tangible/activity, and sensory (either escape or access). Once this is completed an effective
Behavior Intervention Plan can be developed.
“Behavior Intervention Plan” or “BIP” refers to an individualized plan designed to respond to a problem
behavior. BIPs are developed using the findings from a Functional Behavioral Assessment and focus on
the target behaviors and associated functions of target behaviors.
FBA/BIP's should be living documents that are responsive to the behavioral needs of students. Our goal is
to have our students in classrooms to participate in academics and to decrease the occurrences of
removals from instruction.
The BIP should be an option when one of the following applies:
• If the behavior is harmful or dangerous to the student or other individuals
• If the behavior interferes with the student’s learning
• If the behavior interferes with other students’ learning
• If the behavior occurs frequently or for extended periods of time
Prior to disciplining a student with a disability, school administrators or staff must consider whether the
student has a BIP; whether school personnel are implementing the BIP with fidelity; whether the BIP
contains adequate supports for the problem behavior; and whether the student needs additional
accommodations, services, supports, modifications, and/or aids.
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Students who are suspected of having a disability are also protected as described below.
School Administrators will impose consequences that are proportionate to the severity of the offense, are
appropriate to the age of the student, and take into consideration the student’s disability.
School Administrators may choose not to impose consequences when taking into account
developmentally age-appropriate behavior or disability, or when the student did not have the capacity to
understand his or her behavior and the inappropriateness of his or her actions or when the behavior was a
direct manifestation of their disability, when appropriate.
Exclusionary Discipline should be considered only after less restrictive alternatives have been attempted.
For the purposes of this section, “Exclusionary Discipline” refers to any disciplinary consequence that
removes a student from classroom instruction, including, but not limited to, in-school suspension, out-of-
school suspension, expulsion, or transfer to an alternative education program. This term does not refer to
positive interventions, loss of privileges, detentions, or other corrective strategies that do not remove a
student from instruction. (OCR USDOE July 2022)
• School Administrators have the discretion to not use exclusionary discipline and, as an
alternative, utilize other appropriate positive, less restrictive behavior strategies for students with
disabilities, even when exclusionary discipline is permitted by School Board Policy.
• School Administrators must document their considerations when implementing exclusionary
discipline for a Student with a Disability
• School Administrators may contact the Office for Student Support Programs and Services to seek
advice on how to properly take a student’s disability into account, as well as guidance in
determining the impact of a student’s disability and potential appropriate alternative positive
behavior interventions prior to imposing disciplinary measures.
• Prior to referring a Student with a Disability to law enforcement, provided there is not a
significant risk of serious harm to the health or safety of a person, determine whether the student
has a BIP; whether school personnel is properly implementing the BIP; whether the BIP contains
adequate services and supports for the problem behavior; and whether the student needs
additional accommodations, services, supports, modifications, and/or aids. In exigent
circumstances involving threats to health or safety, or for criminal matters, School Administrators
and staff may conduct this review after the referral is made.
School Teams must consider whether a student with disabilities who was subject to Exclusionary
Discipline repeatedly or for conduct related to their disability, who experienced a crisis event (e.g.,
repeated suspensions, law enforcement involvement, or Baker Acts) related to their disability, or was
subject to multiple Threat Assessments would benefit from conducting/updating an FBA or
developing/adjusting a BIP prior to determining disciplinary consequences.
Manifestation Determination Meetings (MDM)
Any action taken in response to a violation of student code of conduct or school board policies, that
involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability),
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as
applicable regardless of the of the number of days of exclusion.
Under Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the purpose of a Manifestation Determination
Meeting (MDM) is to determine whether the conduct was caused by or had a direct and substantial
relationship to the child’s disability; or if the student’s conduct was the direct result of the Local
Education Agency’s (LEA) failure to implement the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504
plan.
A Manifestation Determination Meeting (MDM) must be held within ten (10) school days of any
significant change to the educational placement of students with disabilities (SWD) that is the result of a
violation of the Student Code of Conduct. A significant change of placement includes any removal of
more than ten (10) consecutive days, a series of removals totaling more than ten (10) days, or a pattern of
removals based on substantially similar behaviors within a school year.
A Manifestation Determination Meeting (MDM) will be held prior to any change of educational
placement or disciplinary reassignment for all students with disabilities. If the behavior of students with
disabilities is found not to be a manifestation of their disability, then students with disabilities may be
disciplined to the same extent as their non-disabled peers.
To the extent that the recommended discipline for students with disabilities whose behavior was
determined not to be a manifestation of their disability or the direct result of a failure to implement an IEP
or 504 plan at a Manifestation Determination Meeting is disciplinary reassignment, then a disciplinary
reassignment hearing will be afforded to the student.
Interim Alternative Educational Settings (IAES)
Pursuant to Rule 6A-6.03312 of the Florida Administrative Code, school personnel may remove a
students with disabilities to an IAES for not more than forty-five (45) school days without holding a
Manifestation Determination Meeting and/or hearing and without regard whether the behavior is
determined to be a related to or a direct result of the student's disability, if the student:
• Carries a weapon to or possesses a weapon at school, on school premises, or to a school function
under the jurisdiction of a state education agency or a school district
• Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance,
while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of a state
education agency or a school district
• Has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school premises, or at
a school function under the jurisdiction of a state education agency or school district
More serious bodily injury involves a substantial risk of death; extreme physical pain; protracted and
obvious disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ or
mental faculty. (18 USC 1365 (h)(3))
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Threats Against the Educational Environment
Threatening violence against a school, or members thereof, is never a joke. Given unfortunate events
within our society, all such threats must be taken seriously and actions will be taken to protect our schools
and to correct the behavior of students that engage in such threats.
Corrective actions can include:
• A formal Threat Assessment
• Reasonable modifications for a Student with a Disability who makes a threat that is a
manifestation of the student’s disability but has no intent or means to carry out the threat, as
applicable
• Disciplinary measures as set forth in the Student Code of Conduct
• A classroom change in accordance with the Student Placement Review Committee process
(Section 1003.32 F.S.)
• An educational reassignment in accordance with School Board Policy 5120
• Any other appropriate responses permitted by Board Policy and law
When a student has engaged in behavior that could be considered an actual or false threat against the
educational environment or those therein, then the following disciplinary codes may be considered,
depending on the facts:
• Bomb threats, false fire alarms, hoaxes or threatening the use of a firearm (3M, DOC)
• Intimidating school staff or students or threatening them with violence or sexual assault (3O,
TRE, SXA);
• Major disruption on campus; taking part in a riot (DOC); or
• Any serious, harmful incident resulting in the need for law enforcement consultation not
previously classified. This includes any drug or weapon found unattended and not linked to any
individual; such incidents must be coded with the appropriate Related element (such as Drug-
related or Weapon-related) and incident involvement must be reported as unknown. (OMC)
To the extent that the disciplinary measures, set forth above, are not available or otherwise adequate, then
a principal may recommend to the Superintendent a non-disciplinary reassignment in accordance with
School Board Policy 5120 when the student has engaged in, made, implied, or otherwise created a
reasonable fear and apprehension (regardless of student intent) of a threat to the safety, health, well-being,
or life of any member of the educational environment, including students, staff, and visitors. For
purposes of this procedure, the educational environment includes any and all School Board-owned
property as well as property or facilities that host school or School Board-sponsored events.
Any action taken in response to a violation of the false reporting policy, that involves a student with a
disability, must be in accordance with the Title II of the ADA (including the requirement to provide
reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability), Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as applicable.
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Prior to referring a Student with a Disability to law enforcement, provided there is not a significant risk of
serious harm to the health or safety of a person, determine whether the student has a BIP; whether school
personnel is properly implementing the BIP; whether the BIP contains adequate services and supports for
the problem behavior; and whether the student needs additional accommodations, services, supports,
modifications, and/or aids. In exigent circumstances involving threats to health or safety, or for criminal
matters, School Administrators and staff may conduct this review after the referral is made.
Violence Against School Personnel
• Violence against school personnel is grounds for disciplinary action and may result in criminal
penalties.
• All students who commit assault or battery on school officials will be recommended for expulsion
or placement in an alternative school setting as appropriate.
• Whenever a person is charged with committing assault or aggravated assault or a battery or
aggravated battery upon an employee of a school district, when the person committing the offense
knows or has reason to know the identity or position or employment of the victim, the offense for
which the person is charged shall be reclassified as follows:
o Aggravated battery – first degree felony
o Aggravated assault – second degree felony
o Battery – third degree felony
o Assault – first degree misdemeanor
(F.S. 748.081)
Zero Tolerance Policy
It is the intent of the School Board to promote a safe and supportive learning environment in schools, to
protect students and staff from conduct that poses a serious threat to school safety, and to encourage
schools to use alternatives to expulsion or referral to law enforcement when possible. The Legislature
finds that zero tolerance policies are not intended to be rigorously applied to petty acts of misconduct and
misdemeanors, including, but not limited to, minor fights or disturbances.
Zero tolerance policies must require students found to have committed one of the following offenses to be
expelled, with or without continuing education services, from the student’s regular school for a period of
not less than one (1) full year, and to be referred to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system.
• Bringing or possessing a firearm or weapon, as defined or identified in Florida Statute 790 or this
Student Code of Conduct to school, to any function, or onto any school-sponsored transportation.
• Making a threat or false report, as defined by Florida Statutes 790.163 and 790.164, respectively,
involving school or school personnel’s property, school transportation, or a school-sponsored
activity.
(F.S. 1006.07, F.S. 1006.13)
Any disciplinary action taken in response to a violation of the false reporting provisions in the student
code of conduct, which involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with the Title II of the
ADA (including the requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis
of disability), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
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as applicable. For instance, it may be appropriate to make reasonable modifications for a Student with a
Disability who makes a threat that is a manifestation of his/her disability but has no intent or means to
carry out the threat.
Firearms and Weapons
Bringing or possessing a firearm or weapon, as defined or identified in Florida Statute 790 to school, to
any school function, or onto any school-sponsored transportation is a violation of the student code of
conduct [Weapons Possession (3G, WPO)] disciplinable by up to expulsion, and potentially punishable as
a crime.
Florida Statute 790 defines, identifies, or otherwise designates the following non-exclusive list of items as
weapons, and for the purposes of the Student Code of Conduct, the School Board hereby defines the term
“weapon” to includes the following non-exclusive list of items:
• “antique firearm”, “tear gas gun”, “chemical weapon or device”, “dart-firing stun gun”,
“destructive device”, “electric weapon or device”, “explosive”, “firearm”, “handgun”, “machine
gun”, “short-barreled rifle”, “short-barreled shotgun”, “slungshot”, “dirk”, “knife”, “sword”,
“sword cane”, “razor blade”, “box cutter”, “metallic knuckles”, “billie”, or any other deadly
weapon, or object that capable of being utilized as a deadly weapon, except a common
pocketknife, plastic knife or a blunt-bladed table knife
• any other deadly weapon, except a common pocketknife, plastic knife, or a blunt-bladed table
knife
A deadly weapon would include any object exhibited in the presence of one or more persons in a rude,
careless, angry, or threatening manner and not in permissible self-defense and which could cause great
bodily harm or death.
Examples of a deadly weapon may include, but are not limited to:
• A person wielding a knife, pocketknife, scissors, or other sharp or pointed implement as a weapon
• A person wielding a baseball bat, golf club, large rock or other blunt implement as a weapon
Chemical Spray
The School Board defines “self-defense chemical spray” as a device carried solely for the purposes of
lawful self-defense that is compact in size, designed to be carried on or about the person, and contains not
more than two ounces of non-lethal chemical derived from capsaicin. To the extent that “self-defense
chemical spray” is displayed, brandished, discharged, utilized, or otherwise disclosed to students while on
any District School Board of Pasco County school, campus, or property, or at any school function, or on
any school sponsored transportation then “self-defense chemical spray” will conditionally be defined as
and be considered a “weapon” with possession of the same being a violation of the student code of
conduct [Weapons Possession (3G, WPO)] disciplinable by up to expulsion, and potentially punishable as
a crime. The mere possession of “self-defense chemical spray” by a student, without being displayed,
brandished, discharged, utilized, or otherwise disclosed to students while on any District School Board of
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Pasco County school, campus, or property, or at any school function, or on any school sponsored
transportation is not a disciplinable event.
Firearms
A student shall not bring, possess, handle or transport firearms on any District School Board of Pasco
County school or campus, at any school function, or on any school sponsored transportation. A Junior
ROTC or color guard, pre-approved activity, exemption may apply.
• Chapter 790.25(5), Florida Statutes, makes it lawful for a person eighteen (18) years of age or
older to possess a firearm or other weapon for self-defense within the interior of a private vehicle
if the weapon is securely encased. It is the policy of the District School Board of Pasco County,
that F.S.790.25(5), SHALL NOT apply to any student bringing any concealed firearm or weapon
onto school property. All students are subject to the policies and penalties stated in this Student
Code of Conduct. For the purposes of this policy, the word student shall mean, but not be limited
to, any preschool, elementary, middle, high, secondary, vocational or post-secondary student of a
school maintained and operated by the District School Board of Pasco County.
• Violation of this rule will result in automatic out-of-school suspension and possible expulsion.
Criminal prosecution is also likely in these instances.
Any student who is determined to have brought a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C.s. 921 (United
States Code) or Florida Statute 790, to any District School Board of Pasco County school or
campus, at any school function, or on any school sponsored transportation, will be recommended
for expulsion, with or without continuing educational services from the student’s regular school for
a period of not less than (one) 1 full year and referred for criminal prosecution.
The Superintendent, his designee, and/or the School Board may consider extenuating circumstances in
determining the length and type of expulsion. (F.S. 1006.07)
Weapons
A student shall not bring, possess, handle or transport weapons to or on any District School Board of
Pasco County school or campus, at any school function or on any school sponsored transportation.
Florida Statute 790 and the School Board define the term “weapon” to include the following non-
exclusive list of items:
• “antique firearm”, “tear gas gun”, “chemical weapon or device”, “dart-firing stun gun”,
“destructive device”, “electric weapon or device”, “explosive”, “firearm”, “handgun”, “machine
gun”, “short-barreled rifle”, “short-barreled shotgun”, “slungshot”, “dirk”, “knife”, “sword”,
“sword cane”, “razor blade”, “box cutter”, “metallic knuckles”, “billie”,
• or any other deadly weapon, or object that capable of being utilized as a deadly weapon, except a
common pocketknife, plastic knife or a blunt-bladed table knife.
Violation of this rule will result in disciplinary action, which may include out-of-school suspension and
possible expulsion. Criminal prosecution is also likely in these instances. (F.S. 790.001)
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Making a Threat or False Report
• It is unlawful for any person to threaten to throw, project, place, or discharge any destructive
device with intent to do bodily harm to any person or with intent to do damage to any property of
any person, and any person convicted there of commits a felony of the second degree.
• It is unlawful to make a false report, with intent to deceive, mislead, or otherwise misinform any
person, concerning the placing or planting of any bomb, dynamite, other deadly explosive or
weapon of mass destruction as defined in 790.166, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent
manner against a person or persons. Any person convicted thereof commits a felony of the
second degree. (F.S. 790.163, F.S. 790.164)
The zero-tolerance policies described above shall not be rigorously applied to petty acts of misconduct
including, but not limited to simple assault and battery, disorderly conduct, defiance, disrespect, cheating,
theft and/or behaviors not detailed above. Any action taken in response to a violation of school board
transportation policies, that involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the
ADA (including the requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis
of disability), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), as applicable.
Reporting of Weapons on Campus
Students may be subject to school discipline if they fail to report another student being in possession of a
weapon on school grounds, on school transportation and/or at school-related activity to a school
administrator or staff member. Students will not be disciplined if there is a preponderance of evidence that
said student did not report the weapon possession out of fear of retribution and/or retaliation.
School Safety and Mental Health Resources
Students are required to list any and all past and current referrals to mental health services upon initial
enrollment with the district.
Any student expelled from another district and allowed to enroll in any Pasco County School may be
referred for mental health services as deemed appropriate by the district.
The following offenses will result in the student being referred to for mental health services, evaluation,
and/or treatment as the district deems appropriate:
• Students that bring a firearm or weapon as defined or identified in Florida Statute 790, or this
Student Code of Conduct, to school or school function
• Students determined to have made a threat or false report involving a school, school’s property,
school transportation or school sponsored event
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A student who commits breaches of the Student Code of Conduct relating to violence and chronic
disruption may be referred for mental health services, evaluation and/or treatment, as the district deems
appropriate (F.S. 7026).
A student that commits a criminal offense may receive a civil citation and/or participate in a pre-arrest
diversion program as an alternative to arrest should they meet all applicable criteria for such a citation
and/or program.
Students that commit a petty act of misconduct will be subject to the District’s Progressive Discipline and
Supports policy detailed herein and in other district policy and procedures. Any non-criminal offenses
and participation in related school-based intervention programs will not be entered in the Department of
Juvenile Justice Information System Prevention Web.
School Transportation Expectations and rules
The District School Board of Pasco County provides free transportation to and from school for students
who live more than two miles away from school. Each student using that transportation must abide by the
rules which are established to ensure the safety of all passengers.
• Students will be assigned to one bus stop.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for their child(ren) at the bus stop.
• Once the bus arrives at the stop, and only at that time, does the student become the responsibility
of the District School Board of Pasco County. Such responsibility shall end when the student is
delivered to the regular bus stop and the bus has departed, at the close of the school day.
• When loading, unloading, riding, or waiting to enter the bus when such is present at designated
bus students must follow the Student Code of Conduct. Bus drivers will report students who
violate the Student Code of Conduct and breaks school bus rules to the school administration for
appropriate disciplinary action. Administrators shall investigate and issue discipline accordingly.
• The district shall ensure appropriate resources and staff are provided for the proper
implementation of student Behavior Intervention Plans on the bus, as appropriate.
• Violations of the Student Code of Conduct shall result in disciplinary action, suspension of riding
privileges, recommended bus expulsion, and may result in referral to law enforcement.
Parents are not allowed to board any school bus or school sponsored transportation unless for a legitimate
reason and with the permission of the driver. Any violations of this directive will be considered
trespassing and will be subject to applicable criminal charges and penalties.
Parent conferences are not permitted while the bus is in route or stopped at a bus stop. Any conference
that the parents wish to have with the bus driver must be scheduled with the school’s administration.
The following bus rules will be obeyed:
• The bus driver is in full authority and must be obeyed
• Students are required to obey driver’s hand signals when crossing the road
• Students are required to wear safety restraints, when they are available on the bus
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• General school rules will apply on the bus, although quiet talking is permitted
• Students will be at the bus stop five (5) minutes prior to scheduled time
• Students will stand off the roadway while waiting for the bus
• Students will board and leave the bus at their assigned bus stops unless other arrangements are
made by written request of the parent and signed by the principal or designee
• Students will not distract the bus driver
• Students will sit properly and remain seated while the bus is in motion
• Students will not throw or project anything inside or out of the bus
• Students will not litter, mark, deface, or damage any part of the bus
• Students will sit in any seat assigned to them
• Students will not eat, drink, or smoke on the bus
• The emergency exit will be used only in cases of emergency
• No animals (dead or alive), glass or glass containers, sharp objects, ball bats, cutting instruments,
batons, drumsticks, or other objects that could become dangerous projectiles during a sudden stop
or accident will be allowed on the bus without prior permission of the driver
• Large objects (larger than students can safely hold in their laps), including band instruments,
which interfere with seating and safety of others, will not be permitted on the bus without prior
permission of the driver
• Students will not exit the rear emergency door of the school bus, other than in an emergency
situation as determined by the driver
• Students will not engage in behaviors that could negatively impact the safety of those on board
the bus
Teachers who chaperone bus trips will have the same authority and responsibilities as they have in the
classrooms.
The above rules will also apply on extracurricular and athletic trips.
The following procedural interventions are recommended when appropriate:
First offense: Parent contact and disciplinary action as decided by the principal or designee
Second offense: 3-day bus suspension
Third offense: 5-day bus suspension
At the third referral, there will be a review of the student's behavioral and
intervention history, which will culminate in the development of an intervention
plan for the student specifically addressing bus behaviors of concern. The parents
will be invited to participate in this review and intervention planning. For
students with disabilities an FBA/BIP specific to bus behavior must be
considered, or current plan reviewed.
Fourth offense: 10-day bus suspension
A written warning of fourth offense including the and potential for bus expulsion
must be sent to the parents
Fifth offense: Recommendation of bus expulsion
The following may result in a recommendation for bus expulsion at any time:
• Exiting the rear emergency door
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• Any action that endangers the safety of anyone on or around the bus
• Continuous disruptive behavior
Severity of the offense, extenuating circumstances, and the attitude of the student and parent will be
considered by school administration and may be discussed with the Director of Transportation before a
final determination is made.
A representative from transportation will attend bus suspension appeals upon request.
For students with disabilities an FBA/BIP specific to bus behavior must be considered, if the behavior in
question is related to the disability. No students with disabilities may be subjected to exclusionary
discipline without receiving guidance and direction from the office of Student Support Programs and
Services. Consultation with the office of Student Support Programs and Services is recommended prior to
the ten-day change of placement threshold under the IDEA.
Any action taken in response to a violation of school board transportation policies, that involves a student
with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the requirement to provide
reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability), Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as applicable.
Exclusionary Discipline
Exclusionary Discipline refers to any disciplinary consequence that removes a student from classroom
instruction, including, but not limited to, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or
transfer to an alternative education program. This term does not refer to positive interventions, loss of
privileges, detentions, or other corrective strategies that do not remove a student from instruction. (OCR
USDOE July 2022)
• Disciplinary issues will be resolved by every means possible prior to exclusion from school,
however, it is recognized that some events are of a nature that require immediate removal from
the campus. The safety and security of all individuals on campus is paramount.
• Exclusionary Discipline should be considered only after less restrictive alternatives have been
attempted.
• School Administrators and staff must attempt and document a range of interventions and support
prior to using Exclusionary Discipline, as applicable.
• School Administrators have discretion to not use Exclusionary Discipline, even when it is
permitted by the student code of conduct and school board policy.
Any action taken in response to a violation of student code of conduct or school board policies, that
involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability),
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as
applicable.
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In-School Suspension (ISS) Guidelines
Principals and their designees may assign ISS to a student for violating the Student Code of Conduct as
indicated on the Discipline Matrix.
Exclusionary Discipline should be considered only after less restrictive alternatives have been attempted.
• A student may be assigned no more than ten (10) days per offense.
• Parents must be notified in writing (Student Event and Discipline Report) of any ISS assignment
within twenty-four (24) hours.
• Assigned ISS can only be appealed at the school level.
• The principal or designee’s decision regarding the appeal of ISS shall be final.
• The person hearing the case cannot have been a witness to, have assigned the original
consequence or have been otherwise involved in the incident that resulted in the proposed
discipline.
Students will be isolated from the mainstream of the school while in ISS and will be ineligible to
participate in extracurricular activities on the day the student serves ISS.
Any action taken in response to a violation of student code of conduct or school board transportation
policies, that involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA
(including the requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of
disability), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), as applicable.
Students who are placed in Detention/ISS will be entitled to complete make-up work (classwork,
homework, assessments, etc.) while in Detention/ISS program for full credit. Any such absence shall be
marked as excused.
Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) Guidelines
Principals and their designees may suspend a student for violating the Student Code of Conduct as
indicated on the Discipline Matrix. Students shall not be suspended for skipping, tardiness, absence,
leaving campus without permission or truancy. (F.S. 1006.09)
Disciplinary issues will be resolved by every means possible prior to exclusion from school, however, it is
recognized that some events are of a nature that require immediate removal from the campus. The safety
and security of all individuals on campus is paramount. Exclusionary Discipline should be considered
only after less restrictive alternatives have been attempted.
School personnel shall not be held legally responsible for suspensions and recommendations for
expulsion made in good faith.
Suspension Guidelines
The principal or principal’s designee shall do the following when considering suspension: (F.S. 1006.09)
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• Provide verbal notice to the student of the disciplinary infraction and an explanation of the
evidence against him or her prior to assigning a suspension.
• Give each student an opportunity to present his or her side of the story and present a written
statement.
• Make a good faith effort to immediately inform the student’s parents by telephone of the
violation(s) and the potential for the student’s suspension.
• Make a good faith effort to employ parental assistance or other alternative measures prior to
suspension, except in the case of emergency or disruptive conditions requiring immediate
suspension, or in the case of a serious breach of the Code of Conduct.
• Document each suspension and the reason for the suspension on the Student Event and Discipline
Report and provide a copy to the parent within 24 hours via US Mail per State Statute.
• Parent notification must:
o Be in the parent/guardian’s primary language, to the extent feasible
o Explain the alleged misconduct and the school district rule(s) alleged to have been
violated
o Identify the corrective action or discipline being proposed
o Explain that students who are suspended from school shall be allowed to make up work
for full credit and the process they should follow to make up any work
o Explain the rights of the student and/or his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) to appeal the
allegation(s) and the proposed action, and tell them how to make an appeal
o Explain that the appeal must be in writing and received by the principal within three (3)
days
• Students who are serving out-of-school suspension shall be excluded from all District or school
sponsored activities taking place at any District School Board of Pasco County school or campus,
at any school function or an any school sponsored transportation, including, but not limited to
extracurricular, co-curricular, student organizations, graduation ceremonies, dances, and other
events. Suspended students may not be on the campus of the zoned school or any Pasco County
school at any time for any reason, unless accompanied by a parent for a scheduled meeting with
school staff.
• Pasco County Ordinance sec. 66-153(2)(b) provides that a minor who has been suspended or
expelled from school may not be or remain in a public place, in any establishment, or within
1,000 feet of a school during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during any school day.
• Students who have been assigned out-of-school (OSS) may make up all missed assignments and
tests for full credit.
• A student may only be suspended out-of-school for ten (10) days at a time per state statute. (F.S.
1003.01 (13)(b))
• Expulsion or disciplinary reassignment recommendations will override any school-based OSS
appeals. The OSS will be considered at the district level appeal for the expulsion or disciplinary
reassignment.
Note: Students with disabilities (ESE and 504) may still request a school level OSS appeal.
For students with disabilities (Section 504 and IDEA, excluding Gifted only), a Manifestation
Determination Meeting must convene within ten (10) days of any decision to change placement and prior
to the 11th day of removal of the student from his or her current educational placement.
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A Student with a Disability' refers to a student who has or would qualify to receive accommodations,
reasonable modifications of policy, or disability-related services or supports under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”).
Any action taken in response to a violation of student code of conduct or school board policies, that
involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability),
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as
applicable.
For more information regarding special considerations for students with disabilities, see the Discipline of
Students with Disabilities section for more information regarding special considerations.
Expulsion and Bus Expulsion Guidelines
Disciplinary issues will be resolved by every means possible prior to exclusion from school, however, it is
recognized that some events are of a nature that require immediate removal from the campus. The safety
and security of all individuals on campus is paramount. Exclusionary Discipline should be considered
only after less restrictive alternatives have been attempted.
Only principals may recommend expulsion of a student.
The principal may recommend expulsion for the following reasons (F.S. 1006.09):
Certain SESIR events:
Arson (ARS)
Aggravated Battery (BAT)
Bomb Threats or hoaxes/threatening use of a firearm (DOC)
Major disruption on campus/taking part in a riot (DOC)
False fire alarm (DOC)
Drug sale/distribution (DRD)
Fighting (FIT)
Homicide (HOM)
Kidnapping (KID)
Other Major Crimes (OMC)
Simple Battery (PHA)
Robbery (ROB)
Sexual battery (SXB)
Weapons possession (WPO)
2F – (mutual physical) Fighting (2nd referral same year ONLY)
See School Bus Rules for bus expulsion qualifiers.
No student shall be expelled from school unless acted upon by the School Board. Likewise, only the
School Board can cancel an expulsion. In no case shall an expulsion be for more than the duration of the
current school year and one (1) additional school year (F.S. 1003.01).
School administration recommendations for expulsion must meet all guidelines set forth in district policy
and procedure.
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If the principal recommends expulsion, the principal will immediately:
• Complete the Student Event and Discipline Report
• Suspend the student for ten days
• Notify the parent via phone or in person of the suspension and recommendation for expulsion
• Notify the parent that an appeal will be scheduled at the district office
• Parent/guardians must also be provided with a copy of the Student Event and Discipline Report,
district appeal rights and the Parent Notification Letter or copy of the expulsion recommendation
packet
• See also section on OSS regarding notification via US mail as required by state statute
• Submit the expulsion recommendation packet to the district office
Any recommendation for expulsion shall:
• Include the fully completed expulsion packet from the principal detailing the violation(s) of the
Student Code of Conduct
• Include positive behavior interventions and supports put into place prior to the recommendation
as appropriate
• Include a copy of the Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan, witness
statements, social media screenshots, pictures of drugs/weapons, police report, etc. as appropriate
• Include current year discipline, attendance and academic information
• Be signed by the principal
A district level appeal will automatically be scheduled for all expulsion recommendations.
The hearing officer may review the file and make a recommendation if the parent/guardian waives their
right to appeal, refuses to participate in a hearing or fails to appear for a scheduled meeting. Two (2)
attempts to schedule a hearing will be made prior to moving forward due to parental lack of participation.
If a parent/guardian does not agree with the decision reached at a district level discipline appeal hearing
regarding the recommended expulsion, the parent/guardian may formally appeal the recommendation for
expulsion at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the School Board by requesting an open or closed
hearing before the Board. This must be done in writing within three (3) days after receiving the
Superintendent or designee’s decision at the conclusion of the hearing.
The School Board’s decision regarding expulsion without services will be considered final.
If the Superintendent’s designee recommends a disciplinary reassignment in lieu of expulsion, said
decision will be considered final and not subject to further appeal, negotiation, or amendment, by any
party.
Expelled students may not be on the campus of the zoned school or any Pasco County school at any time,
for any reason, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian for a scheduled meeting with school staff.
A minor who has been suspended or expelled from school may not be or remain in a public place
(including school bus stops), in any establishment, or within 1,000 feet of a school during the hours of
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during any school day. (Pasco County Ordinance sec. 66-153)
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Any student with a disability must have the proper proceeding prior to being recommended for expulsion
discussing said recommendation.
A “Student with a Disability” refers to a student who has or would qualify to receive accommodations,
reasonable modifications of policy, or disability-related services or supports under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”).
Any action taken in response to a violation of student code of conduct or school board policies, that
involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability),
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as
applicable.
ESE Students Only: The hearing results letter, and the student’s disciplinary reassignment contained
herein, are subject to the student’s educational and behavioral rights as set forth by the IDEA and similar
Florida statutes and regulations.
School personnel shall not be held responsible for suspensions and recommendations for expulsion made
in good faith.
Disciplinary Reassignment
The District School Board of Pasco County reserves the right to utilize change of placement as a
disciplinary measure for any matter the Superintendent deems appropriate thereby preserving the learning
environment, or otherwise promoting the health, safety and welfare of those in the learning environment.
Only principals may make a recommendation for a disciplinary reassignment.
A student may be recommended for disciplinary reassignment for one of the following reasons:
• If they were similarly placed in an alternative setting in another district (see Reciprocal Discipline
policy)
• If they were formally charged by a proper prosecuting attorney with an off-campus felony that
has a demonstrably adverse impact on the school campus (see Off-campus Felony policy)
o Adverse impact must be proven in a formal disciplinary reassignment hearing
• In lieu of expulsion
• If the student has received five (5) separate out-of-school suspensions
o OSS must be consistent with discipline matrix
o Students shall not be suspended for skipping, tardiness, absence, leaving campus without
permission, or truancy. (F.S. 1006.09)
o Any infractions that are related to skipping, tardiness, absence, leaving without
permission, or truancy will not be considered
• For continuous disruptive behavior: defined as fifteen (15) or more Level Two or Three referrals
(2C and 2J excluded)
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o Referrals must be consistent with discipline matrix
o Any infractions that are related to skipping, tardiness, absence, leaving without
permission, or truancy will not be considered
For certain SESIR/discipline events:
Alcohol distribution (ALC)
Alcohol possession (ALC) 2nd referral same year ONLY
Breaking and entering/burglary (BRK)
Bullying (BUL)
Drug possession (DRU) 2nd referral same year ONLY
Fighting (FIT)
Harassment (HAR)
Hazing (HAZ)
Larceny/theft (STL)
Other Major Crimes (OMC)
Sexual assault (SXA)
Sexual harassment (SXH)
Sexual offense other (SXO)
Simple Battery (PHA)
Threats/intimidation (TRE)
Trespassing (TRS)
Vandalism (VAN)
Look-alike drugs (3Y) 2nd referral same year ONLY
2F – (mutual physical) Fighting 2nd referral same year ONLY
• Certain qualifying events will also require evidence of a lack of response to intervention (Multi-
Tiered Systems of Support/MTSS) for a reasonable amount of time before the recommendation
can be forwarded for consideration
• Students may return to school pending the outcome of the disciplinary reassignment
recommendation once their out-of-school suspension has been completed. A student may only be
suspended out-of-school for ten (10) days at a time per state statute. F.S. 1003.01 (13) (b)
School administration recommendations for disciplinary reassignment must meet all guidelines set forth
in district policy and procedure.
An administrative hearing will be held to review all disciplinary reassignment recommendations.
Placement decisions will be based on the severity of the incident, evidence provided by the school and
student/family and other mitigating factors. The hearing officer may review the file and issue a decision if
the parent/guardian waives their right to appeal, refuses to participate in a hearing or fails to appear for a
scheduled meeting.
The decision of the Superintendent’s designee will be considered final and not subject to further appeal,
negotiation, or amendment, by any party.
Any student with a disability must have the proper Manifestation Determination Meeting proceeding prior
to being recommended for disciplinary reassignment expulsion discussing said recommendation.
A “Student with a Disability” refers to a student who has or would qualify to receive accommodations,
reasonable modifications of policy, or disability-related services or supports under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”).
Any action taken in response to a violation of student code of conduct or school board policies, that
involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
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requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability),
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as
applicable.
ESE Students Only: The hearing results letter, and the student's disciplinary reassignment contained
herein, are subject to the student's educational and behavioral rights as set forth by the IDEA and similar
Florida statutes and regulations.
For more information regarding special considerations for students with disabilities see section for the
Discipline of Students with Disabilities.
Student and Parent/Guardian Appeal Rights
Parent/guardian rights during the discipline appeal process include, but are not limited to, the following:
Appeal Rights
• The parent/guardian and students over the age of eighteen (18) have to right to inspect any
written, video or physical evidence that the school has used to make a disciplinary decision, said
evidence will be provided to the parent by the school administration upon request
• The school will redact (remove any identifying names and/or information) any requested
evidence prior to providing said evidence to the parent
• Parents/guardians have the right to view any unredacted video evidence at the school with an
administrator; parent will incur a cost for redaction if they are requesting a copy of video
evidence
• Parents/guardians have the right to provide a defense including, but not limited to providing an
explanation of the alleged disciplinary infraction, their own witness statements, their own copies
of social media, etc.
• Parents/guardians may be represented by an attorney or advocate at their own expense and must
notify the school administration, superintendent, or designee as soon as possible if they will be
represented by an attorney
• The school administration, superintendent or designee has the right to inspect and question any
evidence presented by the parent/guardian
• The recording of a non-public meeting involving students (including an EP or IEP team meeting)
is prohibited unless a parent, authorized representative of a parent, or team member, is unable to
understand or meaningfully participate in the process or planning of the relevant student’s
education due to a disability, language barrier, or some other impairment. (School Board Policy
2461)
Student Attendance During Appeal
• The student will return to school (OSS), resume normal class attendance (ISS), or resume bus
transportation pending the school level appeal
• Students will return to school after their OSS has been completed if a disciplinary reassignment
recommendation is still pending
• The Superintendent or designee may only ban a student from campus or the bus during formal
appeal if the student’s presence poses an imminent threat of danger or risk of a major campus
disruption as defined elsewhere in this document, in such cases, the appeal shall be expedited
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• Suspension of extracurricular activities and athletics will remain in effect during the appeal
School Level Appeals
• Parents/guardians and students over the age of eighteen (18) have the right to appeal any
assignment of ISS, OSS or bus suspension that they feel is unfair. Consequences other than ISS,
OSS, or bus suspension are not subject to appeal
• Appeal requests must be addressed to the school principal, initiated verbally and followed up in
writing or email within three (3) days of the assignment of said disciplinary action
• If the appeal is not initiated within three (3) days of the disciplinary action, the disciplinary action
will be implemented and there will be no further right of appeal
• The person hearing the case cannot have been a witness to, have assigned the original
consequence, or have been otherwise involved in the incident that resulted in the proposed
discipline
• School principals will review all grievances and hear all appeals
• Upon principal discretion, a neighboring principal or other administrator may hear the appeal if
the building principal assigned the consequences for the original referral
• The principal’s decision will be final on all appeals regarding ISS, OSS of one (1) to five (5) days
• Any appeals regarding OSS of six (6) to ten (10) days shall be heard at the school level first and
may be further appealed at the district level (see district level appeals)
District Level Appeals
• The participants at the hearing will be limited to those with a relevant interest in the matter at
hand, as determined by the Superintendent or designee
• The Superintendent or designee may not limit attendance in cases involving ESE or 504 plan
students per state statute
• Only the evidence presented during the hearing will be used to make a decision
• The Superintendent or designee will provide a written decision
• Said decision will be provided at the end of the hearing or sent to the student or parent/guardian
within approximately one (1) calendar week, and shall include notice of the right of due process
appeal to the school board in cases of an expulsion recommendation
• Any out-of-school (OSS) or bus suspension of six (6) to ten (10) days may be further appealed at
the district level
o Such appeals must first be heard at the school level
o Any requests for a district level appeal must be submitted in writing within three (3) days
of the principal’s decision
o If the appeal is not initiated within three (3) days of the principal’s decision, the
disciplinary action will be implemented and there will be no further right of appeal
o All district level appeals are held virtually or by teleconference with the district office in
Land O’ Lakes
o The Superintendent or designee may uphold, reverse, or modify the suspension
o The decision of the Superintendent’s designee is final on any OSS or bus suspension
appeals
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Reciprocal Discipline
The District School Board of Pasco County will uphold and enforce disciplinary proceedings from other
public-school districts. If a student was expelled or disciplinarily reassigned in another district, Pasco
County will enforce said expulsion or alternative placement. An official disciplinary placement letter or
hearing outcome must be presented that details the length of placement or expulsion, conditions for return
and other critical information regarding the placement or expulsion. The District School Board of Pasco
County will only enforce the original placement duration as stipulated in the sending district’s placement
letter. (F. S. 1006.07)
Off-Campus Felony
A student who has been formally charged by a proper prosecuting attorney with a felony, or with a
delinquent act which would be a felony if committed by an adult, which allegedly occurred on property
other than public school property, or a student who has been adjudicated guilty of a felony, may be subject
to suspension, expulsion, alternative placement, and/or exclusion form extracurricular activities if that
incident is shown, in an administrative hearing to have an adverse impact on the educational program,
discipline, or welfare in the school in which the student is enrolled. Students will not be disciplinarily
reassigned due to off-campus criminal activity save for the conditions contained herein and other sections
of this document.
(F.S. 1006.09)
Crime and Victimization
The District School Board of Pasco County reserves the right to place students in an alternative
educational setting (alternative school or other district school) who are adjudicated guilty or who are
found to have committed, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, or pleads guilty or nolo
contendere to, a felony violation of homicide, assault, battery, kidnapping, sexual battery, lewdness and
indecent exposure, child abuse, robbery, carjacking or home-invasion robbery (see 1006.13 (6) for a full
list) who also attends the same school or rides the same school bus as the victim or sibling of the victim.
Students will not be disciplinarily reassigned due to off-campus criminal activity save for the conditions
contained herein and other sections of this document.
(F.S. 1006.09 & 1006.13)
Discipline Timeline
In order to promote learning and behavioral change, consequences should be assigned and implemented
as soon as possible after an infraction. Disciplinary consequences (including expulsion and disciplinary
reassignment recommendations) must be assigned within five (5) school days of the incident. In very
limited circumstances involving ongoing investigations or students that require a Manifestation
Determination Meeting, a consequence may be assigned beyond said period of time.
Dangerous Objects or Devices
A student shall not possess, handle or transport dangerous objects or devices.
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• Students are not to be in possession of any type of dangerous objects or devices on District
School Board of Pasco County school, campus, at any school functions, or on any school
sponsored transportation. These may include, but are not limited to, razor blades, box cutters,
common pocketknives, air soft guns, mace/pepper spray, chemicals, live ammunition/bullets,
imitation/look-alike weapons or similar items.
• Possession of a dangerous object or device will result in disciplinary action, which may include
out-of-school suspension. Use of a dangerous object or device in a careless or threatening
manner may result in additional consequences.
• Live ammunition is defined as a fixed metallic or nonmetallic hull or casing containing a primer,
gunpowder and one or more projectiles, bullets or shot. Any ammunition that is part of jewelry or
other decorative item that meets the above definition will also be considered a “dangerous
object.” (F.S. 790.001)
Gambling
Student gambling and similar activities are prohibited on all District School Board of Pasco County
campuses.
Gambling is defined as: playing a game for money or property, to bet on an uncertain outcome, to stake
something on a contingency.
Alcohol, Drugs, Illegal Substances and Look-alike Drugs
Students are prohibited from possessing alcohol, hemp, marijuana, THC, and any illegal drug(s),
narcotic(s), controlled substance(s) as well as any substance that is represented to contain, mimics, or that
looks like the aforementioned items while on a school campus, school bus, at a school sponsored
function, or any District School Board of Pasco County property or facility.
Student are prohibited from distributing alcohol, hemp, marijuana, THC, and any illegal drug(s),
narcotic(s), controlled substance (s) or any substance that is represented to contain, mimics, or that looks
alike the aforementioned items while on a school campus, school bus, at a school sponsored function or
any District School Board of Pasco County property or facility.
Hemp and/or other look-alike drug possession will be coded as a 3Y and subject to consequences as
detailed in the Discipline Matrix.
See below for TOOLS program information.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication
School Board Policy 5330.01 (Self-Administered Medication) permits the carrying and self-
administration of certain, limited prescription and non-prescription medications. Please review the above-
listed policy for information regarding the permitted medications.
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Loss of Privileges and Discipline: As to any and all prescribed medications and over-the-counter
medications, the following prohibitions and restrictions apply:
• Students are prohibited from sharing self-administered medication with other students.
• Students must carry all medications in the original manufacturer’s packaging.
• Students are prohibited from ingesting or utilizing medication in a way that is not specifically
directed or authorized by the manufacturer, as directed on the original packaging.
• Students are otherwise prohibited from using the medication in a way that is dangerous or
disruptive to the educational environment.
Students that engage in any of the prohibited actions listed above are subject to disciplinary action under a
2S level offense. Additionally, the Superintendent, or the Superintendent’s designee may revoke the
privilege and right for a student to self-carry and self-administer medication when such is necessary to
safeguard the subject student or other students. Revocations are subject to a district level appeal before an
impartial hearing officer.
Secondary Training Orientation and Outcomes for Lifetime Strategies
Program (TOOLS)
The TOOLS Program is an educational intervention for students who are involved in disciplinary action
due to substance use, substance/look-alike possession or fighting/physical aggression. The goal of this
program is to provide prevention education while allowing students to remain in school by reducing out-
of-school suspension.
Students found to have been selling or distributing drugs or alcohol are not eligible for the program.
Students may be referred for TOOLS for the following:
• 2F
• 3D FIT
• 3E BAT or 3E PHA
• 3F DRU or 3F ALC
• 3Y
Students may be assigned to TOOLS multiple times for the above infractions.
Consequences will be assigned as follows if referred to TOOLS:
• 2F (1st offense) – 3 days OSS will be assigned – if the student does not complete TOOLS, they
will be issued a 2E referral for failure to complete interventions and assigned an additional 2 days
of OSS
• 2F (2nd offense) – 5 days of OSS will be assigned – if the student does not complete TOOLS,
they will be issued a 2E referral for failure to complete interventions and assigned an additional 5
days of OSS
• 3D FIT – 5 days of OSS will be assigned – if the student does not complete TOOLS, they will be
issued a 2E referral for failure to complete interventions and assigned an additional 5 days of OSS
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• 3E BAT or 3E PHA – 5 days of OSS will be assigned – if the student does not complete TOOLS,
they will be issued a 2E referral for failure to complete interventions and assigned an additional 5
days of OSS
• 3F DRU, 3F ALC or 3Y – 5 days of OSS will be assigned – if the student does not complete
TOOLS, they will be issued a 2E referral for failure to complete interventions and assigned an
additional 5 days of OSS
Elementary (3rd – 5th grades) Training Orientation and Outcomes for
Lifetime Strategies Program (TOOLS)
• The 3-5 grades TOOLS Program is a voluntary educational intervention for students in grades 3
through 5 who are involved in disciplinary action due to fighting/physical aggression. Code for
acts of aggression/fighting (2F, 3D FIT, 3E BAT, 3E PHA)
• The purpose is to provide effective prevention education while helping students remain
academically engaged by reducing out-of-school suspension days and providing strategies for
avoiding aggressive responses to situations with others. The grades 3-5 TOOLS program requires
full participation by the enrolled child and parent/guardian for successful completion.
• TOOLS is optional: OSS consequences will be reduced for successful completion of program.
Major Disruption on Campus
Defined as a major disruption of all or a significant portion of campus activities, school-sponsored events,
and school bus transportation, as well as disruptive behavior that poses a serious threat to the learning
environment, health, safety, or welfare of others.
Examples:
• Closure of all or part of the school
• Student or making bomb threat that disrupts school function
• Student engaging in disruptive behavior that causes the bus driver to stop the bus to ensure the
safety of the group
• Student or other causing an incident that results in closing the cafeteria
• Student or other inciting a riot
• Student or other pulling a fire alarm
• Student or other deliberately crashing the school computer system
• Student or other causing an incident that prevents other students from proceeding to the next class
or prevents egress
Non-examples:
• Disruption of a single classroom
• Student defying authority
• Student talking loudly on a moving bus
• (FLDOE SESIR guidelines)
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Student Peaceful Assembly
Students have the right to peacefully assemble, in accordance with school board policy, on school grounds
and the responsibility to assemble in such a way as to avoid disrupting the educational process or
conflicting with school rules.
The students engaging in limited walkouts or peaceful assemblies cannot act in a disruptive manner and
cannot engage in behaviors that would cause a disruption of the educational environment or otherwise
adversely impact the school’s operation. For example, the participants cannot be so loud as to disrupt
classes. The participants cannot block hallways. The participants will not be allowed in unauthorized
areas.
The following considerations and guidelines should be followed:
• Any such peaceful demonstration or walkout should be limited to fifteen (15) minutes or less.
• The place of the peaceful assembly must be a place where students are typically permitted to
access and gather (such as courtyard).
• The students may not congregate in unsafe areas (such as parking lots), or other areas that would
prevent staff or other, non-participating, students from going about their normal business. For
example, demonstrating students cannot crowd hallways or other confined areas that would create
blockages or potentially unsafe conditions.
• The school must provide reasonable supervision of the students during peaceful assemblies.
• Pasco County Schools, and its employees, are prohibited from sanctioning, authorizing, or
actively participating in the student walkout. Staff must be present to provide reasonable
supervision, but staff are not to engage in student demonstrations and/or walkouts.
• At the end of the limited walkout or demonstration, remind students that they must return to their
class, or they will be subject to discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
• Permitting a limited walkout in no way prevents students from otherwise gathering in a peaceful
and non-disruptive manner during their lunch period, their pass period(s), or during other parts of
the day when they are not expected to be in a classroom.
Vaping and Tobacco
The possession, use, distribution, or sale of tobacco or nicotine products are prohibited on school grounds,
at school-sponsored events, or on school transportation by any person under the age of 21. Tobacco
incidents cannot be drug related. A cessation program is available for grades K-12 but may require
parental assistance for elementary age participants as appropriate.
Examples:
• A student under 21 possessing and/or smoking cigarettes, cigars, etc.
• A student under 21 possessing and/or using a nicotine dispensing device or electronic nicotine
delivery system (ENDS) such as electronic cigarettes, vape pens, hookah pens, etc.
• A student using smokeless tobacco or nicotine products.
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Suggested consequence continuum:
1st offense
• Issue 3T-TBC referral
• Parent/Student Conference
• Student is required to complete vaping module or other related coursework/program
2nd offense
• Issue 3T-TBC referral
• Parent/Student Conference
• Student required to retake module or other related coursework/program
• Issue 1-2 days ISS or 1-2 days OSS
• Lower-level consequences may also be assigned
Additional offenses
• Issue 3T-TBC referral
• Parent/Student Conference
• Issue up to 5 days OSS
• Lower-level consequences may also be assigned
• Lower-level consequences
• Student/Parent Conference
• ISS
• ATS (detention, etc.)
• School designed tobacco education interventions
The above is only a suggested continuum; school administration may assign a variety of consequences as
long as they are consistent with the SCOC and Discipline Matrix.
Discipline Matrix
The Discipline Matrix was created and incorporated into the Student Code of Conduct to increase
consistency and equity in District disciplinary practices. The matrix was developed after gathering input
from all stakeholders in a variety of settings. The matrix was then reviewed and approved by the
Superintendent and his staff as well as the School Board. The Discipline Matrix utilizes a progressive
discipline approach. It is the expectation that each school abide by the Discipline Matrix when
assigning disciplinary consequences.
The designated mandatory and potential actions set forth in the Discipline Matrix are subject to
modification by the Superintendent on a case-by-case basis when required to prevent substantial
disruption of the educational environment or otherwise promote the health, safety or welfare of students
or staff.
Administrators may assign the following interventions and consequences for any behavioral infraction as
deemed appropriate:
Disciplinary issues will be resolved by every means possible prior to exclusion from school, however, it is
recognized that some events are of a nature that require immediate removal from the campus. The safety
64
and security of all individuals on campus is paramount. Exclusionary Discipline should be considered
only after less restrictive alternatives have been attempted.
•
Corrective Action/Intervention applied; consequences deferred based on
age/understanding/disability (00) (age and cognitive ability level considerations may be a
consideration) Student did not receive discipline in taking into account developmentally age-
appropriate behavior or the student’s disability or the capacity to understand his or her behavior
and the inappropriateness of his or her actions. This code should be used for either very young
students or students with disabilities students who otherwise meet these criteria.
• Conference with student (30)
• Conference with parent (31)
• Assignment of reflective written work, work detail, and/or restitution (i.e.: property/damages)
(32)
• Behavioral or student self-improvement agreement (33)
• Loss of privileges (34)
• Peer mediation (35)
• Daily or weekly report to parents (36)
• Referral to Guidance Counselor, School Nurse, School Psychologist, School Social Worker,
School Resource Officer, Behavior Specialist, School-Based Intervention Team (S-BIT),
Community Agency/Services or similar resource (excluding Mobile Response Team) (58)
• Referral to Mobile Response Team (60)
• Referral to School Resource Officer (non-investigation non-arrest) (59)
• Detention (38)
• Bicycle privilege revoked (39)
• Parking privilege revoked (40)
• Referral to Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (41)
• In-school suspension (ISS). (The student will report to school at the stipulated time but will not
be able to follow the regular schedule or to attend extracurricular activities.) (42)
• Bus suspension (The student will not access school transportation, for any reason, during the
period of suspension. The student is required to attend school during the period of bus
suspension.) (43)
• Alternatives to suspension (49)
• Threat assessment (51)
• Functional Behavioral Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan (52)
• Confiscation of items or devices (53)
Certain behaviors may lead to higher-level consequences being assigned, even for first offenses.
“Exclusionary Discipline” refers to any disciplinary consequence that removes a student from classroom
instruction, including, but not limited to, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or
transfer to an alternative education program. This term does not refer to positive interventions, loss of
privileges, detentions, or other corrective strategies that do not remove a student from instruction. (OCR
USDOE July 2022)
65
"Detentions" refer to consequences for violations of the Code of Conduct that do not remove a student
from the classroom during instructional time but require a student to spend some amount of time in a
particular school location during lunchtime, after school, or on the weekend.
Special Considerations for Students with Disabilities:
A ‘Student with a Disability' refers to a student who has or would qualify to receive accommodations,
reasonable modifications of policy, or disability-related services or supports under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”)
• Students with disabilities are afforded protections not available to nondisabled students.
• The protections for students with disabilities address disciplinary actions which may and may not
be imposed, and other actions which may be required in addressing the needs of students with
disabilities, relative to behavior and/or discipline.
Any action taken in response to a violation of student code of conduct or school board policies, that
involves a student with a disability, must be in accordance with Title II of the ADA (including the
requirement to provide reasonable modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability),
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as
applicable.
See also section for Discipline of Students with Disabilities
Contact the District Discipline Office (813) 794-2629 for more information regarding discipline
procedures for students who, would qualify to receive accommodations, reasonable modifications of
policy, or disability-related services or supports under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(“IDEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(“Section 504”).
66
Incident Code
Discipline Matrix
M= Mandatory P= Potential Action X = Prohibited
Action
Administrator determined interventions should be
considered prior to determining consequences and issuing
referrals when appropriate.
Corrective Action/Intervention applied:
consequences deferred based on age
/understanding/disability
Out-of-School Suspension (1
– 3 Days)
Out-of-School Suspension (4
– 5 Days)
Out of School Suspension (6
– 10 Days)
*Referral to law enforcement agency
(investigation/arrest)
Recommendation for bus expulsion
Recommendation for expulsion
Threat assessment
Referral to Mobile Response Team
Recommendation for alternative placement
Level Two
00
44
44
44
46
47
48
51
60
57
2B
Disruptive behavior
P
P
P
2C
Skipping, leaving class without permission, or truancy
P
X
X
X
X
X
2E
Failure to comply or complete previously assigned
intervention strategies
P
P
P
X
X
Incident Code
Discipline Matrix
M= Mandatory P= Potential Action X = Prohibited
Action
Administrator determined interventions should be
considered prior to determining consequences and issuing
referrals when appropriate.
Corrective Action/Intervention applied:
consequences deferred based on age
/understanding/disability
Out-of-School Suspension (1
– 3 Days)
Out-of-School Suspension (4
– 5 Days)
Out of School Suspension (6
– 10 Days)
*Referral to law enforcement agency
(investigation
/arrest)
Recommendation for bus expulsion
Recommendation for expulsion
Threat assessment
Referral to Mobile Response Team
Recommendation for alternative
placement
Level One
00
44
44
44
46
47
48
51
60
57
1B
Inappropriate public display of affection
P
1C
Running, tripping, pushing, hitting or similar aggressive
acts
P
1I
Unauthorized possession or use of toys, audio or wireless
communication devices, collectibles or other items or
materials that are inappropriate for educational setting
P
1K
Violation of dress and appearance code
P
1L
Unauthorized location
P
1M
Violation of traffic, parking, bus or bicycle regulations
P
P
1P
Failure to comply with classroom, school or bus rules
(minor disruption)
P
P
1Q
Disrespect toward student or staff
P
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2F
Fighting (mutual physical) (Non-SESIR), physical
confrontation or physical aggression (see note for potential
action 48 and 57)
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
2G
Verbal altercation, instigating a fight, harassment (Non-
SESIR) or unwanted teasing or taunting of others
P
P
P
P
P
2H
Defacing and/or destroying school or personal property
resulting in damages of less than $1000
P
P
P
P
2I
Distribution of objects, literature, or materials that are
obscene or inappropriate for an educational setting
P
P
P
2J
Leaving school grounds without permission
P
X
X
X
X
X
2M
Academic dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, violation of
copyright laws or similar acts
P
2N
Misrepresentation, providing false information to school
personnel or lying about a school staff member
P
P
P
2O
Having a toy/imitation weapon
P
P
P
P
P
2Q
Violation of campus safety rules or bus safety rules
(considerable disruption caused)
P
P
P
P
P
2R
Defying, disobeying or disrespecting school personnel
P
P
P
2S
Having or using matches, lighters, fireworks, smoke/stink
bombs, laser pens, or other unauthorized items or
Violation of Over-The-Counter medication (OTC) policy
P
P
P
2T
Theft or accessory to theft of property worth less than $750
P
P
P
P
2U
Profane, obscene or provocative language or gestures
P
P
P
2V
Gang related disruption; may include materials, dress or
hand signs
P
P
P
P
P
2W
Improper use of technology, Violation of Wireless
Communication Device (WCD) policy
P
P
P
P
X
P
X
2X
Gambling
P
P
P
P
Incident Code
Discipline Matrix
M= Mandatory P= Potential Action X = Prohibited
Action
Administrator determined interventions should be
considered prior to determining consequences and issuing
referrals when appropriate.
Corrective Action/Intervention applied:
consequences deferred based on age
/understanding/disability
Out-of-School Suspension (1
– 3 Days)
Out-of-School Suspension (4
– 5 Days)
Out of School Suspension (6
– 10 Days)
*Referral to law enforcement agency
(investigation/arrest)
Recommendation for bus expulsion
Recommendation for expulsion
Threat assessment
Referral to Mobile Response Team
Recommendation for alternative placement
Level Three
Must match corresponding SESIR code
00
44
44
44
46
47
48
51
60
57
3D
Mutual altercation that requires physical intervention or
results in injury requiring medical attention (FIT)
P
P
P
P
M
P
P
P
P
3E
Aggravated Battery includes intentionally or knowingly
causing serious injury (BAT)
P
P
P
P
M
P
M
P
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Simple Battery including intentional striking or the
intentional causing of bodily harm to another person
(PHA)
3F
Manufacturing, cultivating, purchasing or distributing
drugs, controlled substances, drugs, drug related items or
substances represented to be a drug (DRD)
P
P
P
P
M
P
Using or possessing drugs, controlled substances, drugs,
drug related items or substance represented to be a drug
(DRU)
P
P
P
P
M
P
Using, possessing, selling, purchasing or distributing of
alcoholic beverages (ALC)
P
P
P
P
M
P
3G
Weapons possession (WPO)
P
M
M
M
M
P
3H
Theft or accessory to theft of property, $750 or more
without threat, violence, or bodily harm (STL)
P
P
P
P
M
P
3I
Sexual harassment (SXH)
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
3K
Major disruption on campus; taking part in a riot (DOC)
P
P
P
P
M
P
P
P
3L
Arson (ARS)
P
P
P
P
M
P
M
P
3M
Bomb threats or hoaxes, or threatening use of a firearm
(DOC)
P
M
M
M
P
False fire alarm (DOC)
P
P
P
P
M
P
3N
Extortion or theft involving violence, a threat of violence
or assault or putting the victim in fear (ROB)
P
P
P
P
M
P
M
P
3O
Intimidating school staff or students or threatening them
with violence (TRE)
P
P
P
P
M
M
P
P
Sexual assault or threatening another with sexual violence
(SXA)
P
3P
Bullying, or harassment of staff or students (BUL, HAR)
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Hazing of staff or students (HAZ)
P
P
P
P
M
P
P
P
3R
Violations of other criminal laws (OMC, HOM, KID,
SXB, TRS, BRK)
P
P
P
P
M
P
P
P
P
3S
Habitual or serious breach of bus rules
P
P
P
P
P
P
3T
Possession or use of tobacco products or look-alikes
(TBC)
P
P
P
P
3U
Criminal mischief includes willfully defacing and/or
destroying school or personal property resulting in damage
of $1000 or more (VAN)
P
P
P
P
M
P
3V
Sexual contact, including intercourse, without force or
threat of force. Subjecting an individual to lewd sexual
gestures, sexual activity, or exposing private body parts in
a lewd manner. Must involve law enforcement. (SXO)
P
P
P
P
M
P
P
3W
Dangerous object: razor blades, box cutters, common
pocketknives, airsoft guns, mace/pepper spray, chemicals,
live ammunition/bullets, imitation/look-alike weapons or
similar items
P
P
P
P
M
M
3X
Refusing, preventing, or otherwise attempting to prevent
search of their person, possessions, vehicles, or similar
search requests
P
P
P
P
P
3Y
Possessing look-alike drugs
P
P
P
P
P
P
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Discipline Matrix Notes
Prior to implementing any disciplinary consequences for students with disabilities, School Administrators
will review and consider the student's disability, interventions and supports and whether a reasonable
modification is necessary. These considerations and interventions must be documented by School
Administrators.
• Students may not be suspended for skipping, tardiness, absence, leaving campus, or truancy
• Students may be recommended for expulsion or alternative placement for the second 2F-
Fighting(mutual physical) in the same school year.
• Students may be recommended for alternative placement for the second 3F-DRU in the same
school year.
• 2M – Academic dishonesty may also result in the following consequences: Reduced credit on
assignment, ISS, proctored assessments, withdrawal from course (eSchool/FLVS), schedule
change and/or completion of an Academic Integrity Module.
• 2S - Covers most OTC medication issues. May be 3F - DRD if someone is selling OTC
medication and representing them as an illegal drug. May be 3F - DRU if someone is using OTC
medication in excess to achieve desired effect of impairment.
• Students may be recommended for disciplinary reassignment for use, possession, or distribution
of Alcohol 3F-ALC distribution only upon for the second referral with a 3F-ALC use/possession
in the same school year.
• 3T-TBC includes e-cigarettes, vape pens containing nicotine substances, hookah pens, and similar
devices.
• 3W-This code should not be used if any of these items have been used to threaten, injure, harm,
or any similar act.
*Notify your School Resource Officer (SRO) or other law enforcement any time a situation gives rise
to a potential school safety issue/concern. SROs are also available to discuss potential criminality of
situations should need to arise.
*Prior to referring a Student with a Disability to law enforcement, provided there is not a significant risk
of serious harm to the health or safety of a person, determine whether the student has a BIP; whether
school personnel is properly implementing the BIP; whether the BIP contains adequate services and
supports for the problem behavior; and whether the student needs additional accommodations, services,
supports, modifications, and/or aids. In exigent circumstances involving threats to health or safety, or for
criminal matters, School Administrators and staff may conduct this review after the referral is made.
Legal Notices
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
In August of 1974, President Ford signed into law a series of legislative amendments known as the
Education Amendments. Among them was an amendment sponsored by Senator James Buckley entitled
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Since enacting FERPA, Congress has
strengthened privacy safeguards of education records through this law, refining and clarifying family
70
rights and agency responsibilities to protect those rights. FERPA gives parents the right to review and
confirm the accuracy of education records. These rights transfer to the student when the student turns
eighteen (18) years old or attends a post-secondary institution. At this time, the student is designated as
an “eligible student” and holds the same rights as his or her parents held with respect to education
records. This and other United States privacy laws ensure that information about citizens collected by
schools and government agencies can be released only for specific and legally defined purposes.
The primary rights of parents and eligible students under FERPA include the right to:
• Inspect and review education records.
• Seek and amend education records.
• Have some control over the disclosure of information from education records.
What is an education record? What type of information is maintained in the record?
A permanent cumulative education record and an automated record are maintained for each student from
entrance into school through the twelfth grade or its equivalent. The school that initially enrolls a student
is responsible for establishing the records. Each school principal has the legal responsibility for
maintaining education records. Educational records (automated and nonautomated) are those records,
documents, and other materials, which contain information directly related to the student and are
maintained by an educational institution or agency. Information contained in the record is classified as
follows:
Category A is defined as permanent information of clear educational importance that is retained
indefinitely. Category A information includes: student’s full legal name* date of birth* place of birth*
race* gender* address* parent/guardian name* name, location, and dates of schools attended* days
present/absent* date of enrollment and withdrawal* courses taken and achievement records (grades,
credits, GPA, or certification of program completion)* graduation date and requirements* state/district
test results (if required for graduation)* written records of access* home language survey* health
immunization certification forms.
Category B is defined as temporary information of clear educational importance that will be periodically
corrected and/or eliminated as prescribed by law. Category B information includes but is not limited to:
health and immunization information* family background data* test scores* honors/activities*
educational and career plans* discipline records* driver education certificates* correspondence from
external agencies* divorce and/or custody documents/court orders* written agreements of records
deletions or expunctions, records of major discipline or expulsion actions* student LEP plans.
Upon request, the parent or eligible student shall have the right to:
• Be provided with a list of all records directly related to the student
• Be shown any report on the student
• Receive interpretation of the record
• Be provided with copies of the record (not to exceed actual duplicating costs)
Requests to review student records should be made directly to the school principal or principal’s designee.
The school must comply within a reasonable time frame (not in excess of 30 days). In addition to rights
71
of access, the parent or eligible student has the right to challenge the content and request
correction/deletion of records if he/she thinks they are misleading or inaccurate.
These requests should be made to the school principal and may be further appealed to the Superintendent
(or designee). Who else has the right to access student records?
An educational agency/institution may disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s
education record without prior written consent of the parent or eligible student if the disclosure is:
• “Directory Information,” which is information contained in the student’s education record that
would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory
information includes student’s name, address, telephone number (if listed), date and place of
birth, dates of attendance at an educational institution, name of most recent previous educational
institution attended, major field of study, grade level, diploma, degrees, awards and honors
received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of
members of athletics teams, and photograph(s). Parents who object to the release of directory
information on their child(ren) must notify the school principal, in writing, within fifteen (15)
days of receiving this notification. This should be done on an annual basis.
• To school officials, including teachers, who have a legitimate educational interest as determined
by school board policy.
• To officials of other schools or post-secondary institutions in which the student seeks to or has
enrolled
• To authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, The United States
Secretary of Education, Assistant Secretary for Education, and state educational authorities, in
order to comply with state or federal program requirements
• In connection with a student’s application for financial aid
• To organizations conducting educational studies for the purpose of developing or validating tests,
student aid, or improving instruction
• To accrediting organizations
• In connection with health and safety emergencies
• To a court of jurisdiction in compliance with a court or attorney of record order pursuant to a
lawfully served subpoena, upon the condition that the school makes a reasonable attempt to notify
the parent or eligible student
• For use as evidence in student expulsion hearings conducted by a school district
• To the Auditor General in connection with official functions
• To the credit bureaus in connection with an agreement for financial aid which the student has
executed
• To parties of an interagency agreement among the Department of Juvenile Justice, school and law
enforcement authorities for the purpose of implementing the Juvenile Justice Act
• To parents of a dependent student as defined by the Internal Revenue Service’s Code of 1986
• If a school district initiates legal action against a parent, or if the parent initiates legal action
against a school district
• To School Readiness Coalitions and the Florida Partnership for School Readiness in connection
with assigned duties. Copies of education records are released only on the condition that the
information will not be subsequently transferred to another party without obtaining the proper
consent of the parent or eligible student
72
Exceptional Education Students
The Pasco County School District identifies exceptional educational students and maintains information
about those students screened and staffed for special educational services/programs. The term
“exceptional student” includes students identified for special education programs/services within the
following classifications: Intellectual Disabilities, Speech and Language Impaired, Visually Impaired,
Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Specific Learning Disabilities, Gifted, Emotional Behavioral Disabilities,
Developmentally Delayed, Established Conditions, Hospital Homebound, Autism Spectrum Disorder,
Language Learning Disable, Other Health Impaired, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Orthopedically
Impaired. Educational records and reports maintained may include information on the student's
psychological, social, physical, academic/intellectual, communication/language abilities, attitudes and
behaviors. This information is used to assist school staff in the development of appropriate educational
plans and instructional strategies for students receiving special education services. It is also utilized for
required state and federal reports/audits. Exceptional student education records (Category B information)
will be destroyed five (5) years after the date of actual or intended graduation (or its equivalent in time).
Parents may contact the school and receive a copy of these records prior to their disposal date. These
records may be useful or needed to access adult agency services.
Where can copies of the school board policy on student records be obtained?
Parents and eligible students may obtain copies of the District School Board of Pasco County records
policy at any public-school location or from the Student Support Programs and Services Department at
the District Office in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. Parents and eligible students who need assistance or who
wish to file a complaint under FERPA should do so by mailing pertinent information concerning any
allegations to the following address:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920
Privacy Rights Under the Health Information Portability Accountability Act
(HIPPA)
Protected health information includes demographic and medical information that concerns the past,
present, or future physical/mental health of your student or yourself. Demographic information could
include name, address, telephone number, Social Security Number and any other means of identifying
you or your child as a specific person. Protected health information contains specific information that
identifies a person or can be used to identify a person. You or your child’s protected health information
may be used or disclosed for purposes of treatment (emergency care, for example), payments and health
care operation. The school district may send medical information to Medicaid, insurance companies, or
community agencies to pay for services provided to your child or yourself. Some protected health
information can be disclosed without your written authorization, as allowed by law.
73
Those circumstances include
• Reporting abuse
• Investigations related to missing children
• Internal investigations and audits or by government agencies
• Public health purposes, including vital statistics, disease reporting, public health surveillance,
investigations, interventions and regulation of health professionals
• District medical examiner investigations
• Research approved by the Department of Health or school board
• Court orders, warrants, or subpoenas
• Law enforcement purposes
You have the following rights as an individual or as a parent:
• You can request to restrict the use and disclosure of your or your child’s health information
• You have the right to be assured that information will be kept confidential
• You can inspect and receive a copy of yours or your child’s protected health information
• You have the right to correct yours or your child’s health information
Disclosure of information to school staff is made with your permission for the purpose of providing
maximum safety to you and your child. This would be discussed with the parent prior to any disclosure of
health information.
Notice of Social Security Number Disclosure
Florida Statute Section 119.071(5)(a)2-4., requires agencies to notify individuals of the purpose(s) that
require the collection of Social Security Numbers. The District School Board of Pasco County collects
Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for the following purposes:
• The Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration require a Social Security
Number on a Form W4, that is used to determine how much federal withholding tax is to be
collected and Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax on wages paid and later reported in
a W-2 Wage and Tax Statement.
• The Internal Revenue Service requires a Taxpayer Identification Number on Form W-9, which
could be a Social Security or an Employer Identification Number that could be used to generate a
1099 Miscellaneous Income Statement based on expenditures processed through accounts
payable. Vendors with Social Security Numbers are captured in the Vendor Application process.
• The Office of Human Resources and Educator Quality/Finance software program requires use of
Social Security Numbers as the primary personal identification of employees for wages, leaves,
payroll deductions, etc.
• Social Security Numbers are also used as identifiers for processing fingerprints with the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Social Security Numbers are requested by the National School Lunch Act from parents on the
free or reduced-price meal application and household verification process as part of determining a
family’s eligibility for their child(ren) for free or reduced-price meals.
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• Social Security Numbers for employees and dependents are required for enrollment in health
insurance, life insurance, and other miscellaneous insurances.
• Social Security Numbers are used by the Florida Department of Education as a standardized
identification number for the required reporting of yearly certification and training information.
• Social Security Numbers are required by the Florida Division of Retirement to report earnings
used to document creditable years of service in the Florida Retirement System.
• The District telephone system requires the use of employee Social Security Numbers to track long
distance calls and to allow access for substitutes to use the “sub dialer.”
• Social Security Numbers are used by the Florida Department of Education as a standardized
identification number to track students from year to year and when they move from one school or
county to another. Social Security Numbers are used for students in grades 10 through 12 as
identifiers for colleges and scholarship programs such as Florida Bright Futures. For students in
grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12, Social Security Numbers are used as identifiers for
enrollment and attendance, funding reports (such as FTE), tracking achievement gains, and
standardized testing. Student Social Security Numbers are included in all Florida Department of
Education required reporting.
• For adult students and approved GED Exit Option students taking the GED exam for graduation
purposes, Social Security Numbers are used by the Florida Department of Education as
standardized identification number to track students.
• The District School Board of Pasco County will not use a student’s Social Security Number for
the purpose of identifying immigration status. The Social Security Numbers of all current and
former employees are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
Constitution.
Parental Rights and Safeguards Regarding the District’s Use of Public Benefits and
Insurance
In 1988, the federal government signed a supplementary Medicaid program called the Medicaid Certified
School Match Program into law. This program allows the District to recover certain costs for the
provision of health, behavioral and therapy related services to eligible students. This activity will not
affect your child’s Medicaid insurance coverage in any way. The District has been participating in the
program since 2003.
• Federal and state law requires that the District provide written notification to parents before
accessing the child’s or the parent’s public benefits (e.g., Medicaid). The District has elected to
provide this notice at all IEP meetings advising parents of their rights.
• A one-time parental consent is required specifying that the parent understands and agrees that the
public agency may access the parent’s or child’s public benefits (e.g., Medicaid) or insurance to
pay for services under part 300. [300.154(d)(2)(iv)(A)-(B)] Consent is currently obtained via the
student’s Emergency Information Card.
• For children with disabilities who are covered by public benefits or insurance (e.g., Medicaid),
the public agency may not use a child’s benefits if that use would: decrease available lifetime
coverage or any other insured benefit; result in the family paying for services that would
otherwise be covered by the public benefits or insurance program and that are required for the
child outside the time the child is in school; increase premiums or lead to the discontinuation of
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benefits or insurance; or risks loss of eligibility for home and community-based waivers.
[300.154(d)(2)(i)-(iii)]
• Parents have the right under 34 CFR part 99 and part 300 to withdraw their consent to disclosure
of their child’s personally identifiable information to the agency responsible for the
administration of the State’s public benefits or insurance program (e.g., Medicaid) at any time.
• Withdrawal of consent or refusal to provide consent under 34 CFR part 99 and part 300 to
disclose personally identifiable information to the agency responsible for the administration of the
State’s public benefits or insurance program (e.g., Medicaid) does not relieve the public agency of
its responsibility to ensure that all required services are provided at no cost to parents. [34 CFR
300.154 (d)(2)(v)]
Students Surveys and Privacy: Parent Notification of the Protection of Pupil Rights
Amendment (PPRA)
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) is a federal law that affords definite rights to parents
of a minor student in relation to surveys that ask questions of a personal nature. The law requires that
schools obtain written consent from parents before minor students are required to participate in any U.S.
• Department of Education (U.S.D.O.E.) funded survey or evaluation that reveals information
concerning the following protected areas:
o Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent
o Mental and psychological problems of the student or the student’s family
o Sexual behaviors or attitudes
o Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
o Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family
relationships
o Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers,
physicians, and ministers
o Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent
o Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program
or for receiving financial assistance under such program)
• The District School Board of Pasco County, which receives funds from the U.S. D.O.E., will
comply with the requirements of PPRA for the collection and reporting of certain information by
means of student surveys, as well as the requirements to protect student privacy.
• The District School Board of Pasco County participates in the Florida Youth Survey (FYS). The
FYS is administered on an annual basis by the district in conjunction with the Florida
Departments of Education and Health. The FYS collects and reports information relative to
student attitudes and behaviors on topics such as school safety, substance use, and the prevalence
of risky attitudes or behaviors, particularly with respect to alcohol and drug abuse. In addition,
the surveys collect information on general health practices and human sexuality. The information
is collected by survey anonymously on a sampling basis, and no personally identifiable
information is obtained from or reported on any individual student.
• Participation in FYS surveys is voluntary. No student shall be required to participate in such a
survey if the student, or the student’s parent/guardian if the student is a minor, objects to
participation. A parent must provide written notification to opt out of survey participation. If,
however, a survey soliciting protected area information is funded in whole or in part by any
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program administered by the United States Department of Education (U.S. D.O.E.), prior written
consent will be obtained from the parent.
• PPRA affords parents certain rights; these include the right to:
o Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the
“protected areas” if the survey is funded by a program of the U.S. D.O.E.
o Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of survey participation.
o Inspect, upon request, and before administration will use, the protected information student
surveys and related materials.
o These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is eighteen (18) years of age or in an
emancipated minor under Florida State rule.
Disability Discrimination Complaint Process
The District is responsible for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints alleging discrimination
against students with disabilities by failing to make or consider a reasonable modification to the District’s
discipline, threat assessment, or law enforcement procedures (School Board Policy 2260- Non-
Discrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity.
A “‘student with a disability”' refers to a student who has or would qualify to receive accommodations,
reasonable modifications of policy, or disability-related services or supports under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”)).
https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/library/er/Student_Equity_Policies_and_Equity_Complaint_Process.pdf).
Steps to submit a complaint
1. Schools have responsibility for alleged discrimination by staff and by other students that occur
within the school’s educational program or activity. If you feel your child has been subjected to
discrimination on the basis of their disability, you should immediately report the conduct to your
child’s principal or another administrator in the school or the District Behavior Support
Coordinator responsible for investigating such complaints.
2. School administrators and staff are required to report complaints or other allegations of
inappropriate treatment to the District official responsible for investigating such complaints.
3. Any student with a disability or their parents (s)/guardian (s) may request a reasonable
modification to the District’s procedures when addressing disability-based behavior.
4. A complainant who alleges unlawful discrimination may make a complaint, either orally or in
writing.
The complaint must include:
• the identity of the respondent.
• a detailed description of the facts upon which the complaint is based (i.e., when, where and what
occurred)
• a list of potential witnesses.
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• and the resolution sought by the complainant.
Please contact:
District Behavior Support Coordinator
7227 Land O' Lakes Blvd.
Land O'Lakes, Florida 34638
behaviorsupportcoordinator@pasco.k12..us
Pasco Title IX Information for Families
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on sex in
education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX states “No person in
the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or
be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial
assistance.”
What behavior constitutes a potential claim under Title IX?
Sex Discrimination:
Sex discrimination involves treating someone (a student, employee, or applicant) unfavorably because of
that person’s sex, including the person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy. This can
include the failure to provide equal opportunity in educational programs, including but not limited to
course offerings, educational activities, physical education, and athletics.
Sexual Harassment: means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
• An employee of the recipient conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the
recipient on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
• Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and
objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education
program or activity
• “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34
U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), or “stalking” as
defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).
For more details on Title IX definitions and terminology, please visit Board Policy 2266
What should I do if my child has been subject to sex discrimination, including being sexually
harassed or sexually assaulted?
• Schools have responsibility for alleged discrimination or sexual harassment by staff and by other
students that occur within the school’s educational program or activity. If you feel your child has
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been subjected to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment by another student or PCS
employee, you should immediately report the conduct to your child’s principal or another
administrator in the school or the Title IX Coordinator. (contact information noted below)
• If you want criminal charges to be filed, report them to the local police. (Criminal and
Administrative investigations under Title IX are two separate processes).
How do I file a formal Title IX Complaint for Sexual Harassment?
You can contact the District Title IX Coordinator at:
7227 Land O'Lakes Blvd.
Land O'Lakes, Florida 34638
813-794-2679
What is the Formal Title IX Complaint process?
Upon receiving a Formal Complaint alleging Sexual Harassment and requesting an investigation:
1. The Title IX Coordinator will work immediately with the Principal at your school to offer
supportive measures to all Parties involved in the Complaint.
2. The Title IX Coordinator will review the Complaint and evaluate whether the allegations meet the
definition of Sexual Harassment as defined in § 106.30 of the Title IX regulations.
3. If the incident rises to the level of Sexual Harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will issue a Notice
of Investigation, providing details of the allegation to the parties, and assign the case to a Title IX
Investigator and the investigation begins.
4. If the incident does not rise to the level of Sexual Harassment, the Title IX Coordinator must
dismiss the formal complaint under Title IX, and the matter will be referred to the school
administrator for follow-up and resolution.
5. The Title IX Investigator is responsible for contacting all the parties involved and witnesses and
reviewing all relevant information related to the incident.
6. The Respondent is presumed “not responsible” for violating PCS policy unless and until PCS is
able to gather sufficient evidence to show that a violation of policy has occurred.
7. After the Title IX Investigator is done gathering evidence, Parties are provided the opportunity to
review and respond to the Investigation report prior to it being sent to a Decision maker.
8. Upon conclusion of the review process, the case is sent to a Decision Officer for final decision.
Decisions are made by the preponderance of the evidence, more likely than not. Parties will
receive a written decision based on the evidence.
9. Individuals who are found to have violated PCS policy are subject to one or more of the
following disciplinary actions/sanctions: removal of school privileges, restorative practice, after-
school detention, in-school restriction, suspension out of school, long-term suspension, and/or
expulsion.
10. Both Parties are entitled to an appeal process.
What can be done to support my child during the review of their complaint and any subsequent
Title IX investigation?
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Supportive measures are available regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. Supportive measures
are individualized services that are reasonably available, non-punitive, non-disciplinary, and not
unreasonably burdensome to the other party while designed to ensure equal educational access, provide
safety, or deter sexual harassment. For a list of potential supportive measures, please visit Board Policy
2266
What rights does a student have during the Formal Title IX Complaint Process?
• The right to be treated with respect and dignity by PCS school administrators.
• The right to Supportive Measures; nothing punitive until the process is completed.
• The right to be safe at school.
• The right to see all the evidence presented.
• The right to file a Title IX Complaint at any time.
• The right to have parents and an advisor present during meetings and interviews.
• The right to be free from retaliation.
• The right to have formal complaints resolved in accordance with PCS Board Policy 2266.
• To be informed in writing of the resolution of the complaint and any decision issued.
Where can I find more information about Title IX?
Please visit PCS’s Title IX Website at https://pasco.k12.fl.us/legal/page/equity-and-civil-rights-
compliance
