polk county schools staff hub

Search . The Polk Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that directly supports Polk County Public Schools. Stephanie Yocum, president of the Polk Education Association teachers union, whichrepresents 7,000 teachers, along with534 support staff and 1,546paraeducators, said she and the 26 union negotiators are ecstatic to get a contract ratified this early in the process. It should have been extended because its the right thing to do. Coastal counties tend to have higher real estate values and their local property taxes generate more revenues for education. After his presentation, several School Board members wanted more information or called for legislative action on seeing the outlook for its next spending plan. This content is the sole responsibility of the entity that makes it available. Check your childs grades, attendance, and more. InJanuary, district officials extended the COVID sick leave through March31. "In collaboration with our union and the districts newadministration,we were able to make strides in getting a settlement for our supportstaff.. The Polk County School Board kicked off itsbudgeting process for the next school year with a report that showed the district ranks among the poorest both nationally and statewide for such a large district. PCPS and the PEA signed a memorandum of understanding on this issue, which did not need a votefromthe School Board. Password. Incidents that require a reasonable investigation when reported to appropriate school authorities shall include alleged incidents of bullying or harassment allegedly committed against a child while the child is enroute to school aboard a bus or at a school bus stop. ; Accelerated Academic Programs Polk County Public Schools offers many programs for qualified, high-achieving students. Find your Board member, access Board meeting calendars and agendas, and learn how you can watch meeting broadcasts. We worked over the last two years as our union to try to be more collaborativewith the district, Yocum said. Step - 1: Welcome I have forgotten my password or my password has expired. He asked his colleagues and administrators present at the session to let the district's lobbyist know about the financial presentation. A step-by-step guide to help students and their parents navigate the process of becoming licensed to drive. Polk County Board of Education meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the second Monday of each month. 3 Steps To Hiring Quality Employees Step 1: Create A Vacancy. He added the state lottery provides funding that amounts to five days of the districts operations. Our Services may display content that does not belong to Emerald Data Solutions or its affiliates. Links to online catalogs, eBooks, and reference and research tools. The instruction shall include evidence-based methods of preventing bullying and harassment, as well as information about how to effectively identify and. I know my password and it has not expired. You can search, save, and share with ease. Employees of Polk County Schools who are unable to access this folder, please email Laura Barnett, lbarnett@polkcountyschools.com. ; College and Career Readiness Information for planning the next steps of your education and beyond. The district has a $900 million capital shortfall, his report showed. Complaints against the principal should be filed with the regional assistant superintendent assigned to the school. Why Polk School District? Those at the top of their respectivesalaryschedules will receive a 3% increase,in addition to the above 2% increase. Our district consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and a virtual learning academy for grades K-12. The Staff Portal has been redesigned to be easier to use on a large variety of devices. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be based solely on the basis of an anonymous report. Some School Board members and the Polk Education Association teachersunion president agree. Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger. A school employee, school volunteer, students, parent/guardian, or other persons who promptly reports in good faith an act of bullying or harassment to the appropriate school official and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth in District policy is immune from a cause of action for damages arising out of the reporting itself or any failure to remedy the reported incident. Information on ESE services, projects, and programs, and resources for families. About 300 teachers in Polk County, both public and private, have contracted COVID-19 between Sept. 6 and April 3, according to records with the Florida Department of Health. What is up with that? Retroactive to July 1,2021,all affected hourly rates will be increased to a new minimum-base entry-level rate of $11anhour. The intended audience is 6th -12th grade students and parents. There are also three career centers, five alternative education (Department of Juvenile Justice) facilities, two adult schools and 33 charter schools. All records generated under this policy and its related administrative procedures shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law. This content is the sole responsibility of the entity that makes it available. View state and district assessments by grade level; includes tips on preparing for exams. Each principal shall implement a process for discussing, at least annually, the District policy on bullying and harassment with students. Maria Garcia: Food Services Team: Lisa Marie Gill: Office & Support Staff, Paraprofessionals, Title 1 LAKELAND Polk County Public Schools' paraprofessionals and support staff can expect a whopping paycheck at the end of October, thanks to a contract negotiated in recent months and approved . Reporting an act of bullying or harassment that is not made in good faith is considered retaliation. Learn about how to get $$$ for your education. But after year of COVID-19, a new reality sets in. The meetings are held in the Board Room at the Stearns Education Center. Library Media Services recently purchased Cameron's Collection, a mental health and wellness e-book series for secondary students. Extending the FFCRA COVID leave that covers quarantines through the remainder of the school year is a common-sense move, said Yocum, whose union represents 9,000 Instructional staff, paraeducatorsand clerical personnel. A helpful overview of Polk County Public Schools Fine Arts programs and opportunities. 68 0 obj <> endobj Polk is the second largest employer in the county with about 13,500 employees (excluding substitute teachers). According to the level of infraction, the victim's parents will be notified by telephone and/or in writing of actions being taken to protect the child; the frequency of notification will depend on the seriousness of the bullying or harassment incident. The instruction shall include evidence-based methods of preventing bullying and harassment, as well as information about how to effectively identify andrespond to bullying in schools. Library Media Services Library Media Services offers a number of services and programs to aid students, school library staff, teachers, faculty, district office staff and members of the community. School Board Member Lisa Miller said she was interested in seeing an in-progress efficiency audit of current contracted services with the district. But after year of COVID-19, a new reality sets in, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The Principal shall establish and prominently publicize to students, staff, volunteers, and parents the procedure for reporting bullying and how such a report will be acted upon. She said there was simply no way she would be able to teach from home, as she has been doing throughouttheschool year to try to avoid getting sick. home of the beautiful Ocoee, Conasauga, and Hiwassee Rivers and the Cherokee National Forest! The District will provide bullying incident, discipline, and referral data to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) in the format requested, through Survey 5 from Education Information and Accountability Services, and at designated dates provided by the Department. Many of the teacher vacancies and other services are covered by contracts with outside vendors such as INVO, providing behavioral support. "Cyberstalking" means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose. The ultimate winner: It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career. Step 2: Search For Qualified Applicants. TDOE has a preview site located here. Student Home Links to additional information for students. Monthly Meeting Agenda and Meeting Materials Monthly meetings are live streamed. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a visitor or volunteer found to have committed an act of bullying or harassment or found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment shall be determined by the school administrator after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials. Polk County School Board meetings convene at the District Office, 1915 S. Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for students who commit acts of bullying or harassment or found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Submission of a good faith complaint or report bullying or harassment will not affect the complainant or reporter's future employment, grades, learning or working environment, or work assignments. I know what symptoms to watch forand Im paying close attention. Cyberbullying includes the creation 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 in the definition of bullying. In-person benefit assistance is available at an upcoming health and benefit fair. I hereby authorize The School Board of Polk County to initiate credit entries and if necessary, debit entries and adjustments to my account at the above financial institution named. In 10 years, the Polk County millage rate peaked at 5.42 in 2012 and sank to 3.998 in 2019. hb``b``*c```w01G30i.F E(|_ PyLsY\&mv e4 The current general fund was set at $1.167 billion. The programs of training and instruction authorized by the District shall include, but not be limited to: Dating Violence Prevention: CDC's Choose Respect. of technology or ability. The bulk of the current general fund budget goes toward salaries and . Pitts gave the following context for the board to see where Polk County Schools rank financially at the state and national levels: The presentation also showed that Polk County Schools: However, he showed Polk County is currently 62nd of 67 districts in funding per student. Student safety is Polk County Public Schools first priority. Upon completion of the investigation, notification shall be by telephone and/or in writing by first-class mail and shall be consistent with the student privacy rights under applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Information regarding dress code, Code of Conduct, attendance, and Student Progression Plan. If you would like additional assistance or have Learn about excused and unexcused absences, and attendance expectations. Coronavirus Information A place for current employees Pitts saida reduction in spending for the Polk County School Board to consider would be to start charging a premium for health insurance and looking for duplicate services provided in current contracts for services as budget deliberations continue. It is defined as any unwanted and repeated written, verbal, emotional (relational), sexual aggression, cyberbullying, or physical behavior, including any offensive, threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation; and may involve: "Harassment" means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that: places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; has the effect of interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or. There are 13,588 districts in the U.S. By comparison, New York spends $24,800 per student and the average teacher salary is$87,738. K-12 Students: (username only, do not include @mypolkschools.net) to access Moodle. 0 Sign up to receive messages from your school. She said some contracts have been renewed for up to 10 years and the audit could shed light on unnessessary or duplicated services. Florida spending $9,980 per student and pays teachers an average salary of$49,583. Such immunity from liability shall not apply to an employee, student, or volunteer determined to have made an intentionally false report about harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. Forgot My Password. Access is anonymous. Access is anonymous. Polk County Schools does get special revenues, including title funds, food service and other grants of $188 million, Pitts said. The District shall provide notice to students and staff of this policy in the Code of Student Conduct and in employee handbooks. Journey - Personnel Evaluation & Professional Learning System | A Polk County Public Schools Project Journey is an evolving resource designed to support educators at all levels in student-centered professional learning and personnel evaluation activities. Ledger reporter Kimberly C. Moore can be reached atkmoore@theledger.comor 863-802-7514. The district does also get sales tax proceeds, Pitts said. ); intervention which includes assistance and support provided to parents; analysis and evaluation of school culture with resulting recommendations for interventions aimed at increasing peer ownership and support. A maximum of ten (10) school days shall be the limit for the initial filing of the incidents and completion of the investigative procedural steps. This website endeavors to comply with best Using that information, it bases the state's financial contribution to school districts on the number of full-time students the district teaches. School Board Vice-Chairwoman Kay Fields thankedthe staff for their work, acknowledging that it did nothappen overnight, and thanking the staff and PEA negotiators for including a provision to renegotiate if there is a fluctuation in funding. Our Services may display content that does not belong to Emerald Data Solutions or its affiliates. Polk County Public Schools crisis team responds to a wide variety of situations, including deaths of students and staff members, natural disasters and other traumatic events. Visit our official YouTube channel and subscribe to be alerted when streaming is active. Students are expected to conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior; respect the person, property, and rights of others; obey constituted authority; and respond to those who hold that authority. Eligible employees who worked one day more than half the 2020-21 contract year will advance one salary level. The district has high transportation cost because it covers so much land encompassing more square miles than the state of Rhode Island, Pitts said. The Superintendent will also provide such notification to all District contractors. PEA President Stephanie Yocum said the school district received more than enough federal relief money to extend the COVID sick leave to those who need it, as other counties have done. Users can also select how they wish to receive communication about their benefits (text and/or email). MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. Pursuant to Florida law, "sexual cyberharassment" means to publish a sexually explicit image of a person that contains or conveys the personal identification information of the depicted person to an Internet website without the depicted persons consent, for no legitimate purpose, with the intent of causing substantial emotional distress to the depicted person. Lakeland, Florida Area. . Staff Portal Staff Portal Sign Out Contact Info Employee Benefits COVID-19 Leave Time Certification Certification Info Renewal Payment Form Add-On Payment Form Transcripts Upload In-County Travel Payroll Info Paychecks Pay Frequency Election W-2 Forms Fed Tax Filing Status Work Calendar Salary Equipment Use Temporary Duty Teacher Transfer hmo0w>?HS%eZHFPA6u~wNMQ $ YFm{0D1JR K"XfF6ED#Fshb. There is even a mobile app, so you can access the system from your smartphone or other mobile device. Another disadvantage to public schools across the state is a Florida law imposing millage rollbacks on school districts, Pitts said. The District shall provide a referral procedure for intervening when bullying or harassment is suspected or when a bullying incident is reported. 1915 South Floral Ave. | Bartow, FL 33830 | 863-534-0500. The state and federal government also contributes roughly47% and 9% respectively (based on National Center for Education Statistics) to complete the majority of a school districts funding sources each year, Education Week reported. I just put my absence in as my own sick leave.. We are always striving to improve the accessibility standards of our Its not rocket science.. The next largest category is contracted services at $56.3 million. He vowed to visit Florida's legislative offices in Tallahassee himself to make them aware of the alarming numbers facing the fast-growing school district. Valuable information and resources for families who are already homeschooling their children or those interested in home education. We are committed to providing a Use your Polk County Schools username as follows: Staff: (firstname.lastname only, do not include @polk-fl.net) to access Moodle. "I am so sorry, said School Board member Lisa Miller. The Superintendent shall develop a comprehensive plan intended to prevent bullying and harassment and to cultivate the school climate so as to appropriately identify, report, investigate, and respond to situations of bullying and harassment as they may occur on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and through school computer networks. Cunningham and Fields left before the vote was takenduring a special meeting at 11 a.m., although the work session, set to run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., had been scheduled months in advance. There are also 145 school resource officers and guardians; and district support personnel of 1,595. The contracts are not necessarily the most expensive items in the budget but they could add up and a review could free up funds needed elsewhere, she said. Your principal has materials for you to certify that you have viewed the training video and have taught the required lesson for your grade level, but there are lots of other materials on the website if you want to explore the topic further with your students. Rehabilitation Act. The proposed millage rateforPCPSthis school year was tentatively set at $5.829 per $1,000 of a property's value, The Ledger previously reported. Upon the completion of the investigation and if criminal charges are to be pursued against the perpetrator, the appropriate law enforcement agencies shall be notified by telephone and/or in writing. 1915 South Floral Ave. | Bartow, FL 33830 | 863-534-0500. 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853 PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680. Search results are not intended as legal advice for you or your organization and are not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction. Sexual cyberharassment may be a form of sexual harassment. The Student Progression Plan describes requirements for students to be promoted to the next grade. You can visit the Password Reset Tool to reset your district password. Charter school monies pass through the district coffers and that is expected to be $128 million for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The Staff Portal is where you can update your address & phone number, view remuneration statements, tax information, and more! She shouldn't be worried about her pay.. Employees of Polk County Schools who are unable to access this folder, please email Laura Barnett. Use these tools to encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, and work one-on-one or with the whole class. You do not need to provide the @polk-fl.net portion of your email address as part of your username. Links to additional information for students. Mrs. Blackman earned a Bachelor's degree from Florida A & M University and a Master's degree from Nova Southeastern University. "Harassment" or "bullying" also means electronically transmitted acts (i.e., internet, e-mail, cellular telephone, personal digital assistant(PDA), or wireless hand-held device) that a student(s) or a group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s). Log In Username: Password: Forgot password? Learn the measures were taking to operate more efficiently. Polk County Public Schools strives to reduce its energy footprint. 1006.147 and in conformity with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Model Policy. Reminders of the policy and bullying prevention messages will be displayed, as appropriate, at each school and at District facilities. Members are required to set up their own account and designate their own username and password. The investigator shall collect and evaluate the facts including but not limited to: whether there were past incidents or past continuing patterns of behavior; the relationship between the parties involved including whether the individual was in a position of power over the individual allegedly subject to bullying or harassment; the characteristics of the parties involved; where the bullying and/or harassment occurred; whether there have been other incidents in the school involving the same or other students; whether the conduct adversely affected the student's education or educational environment; the context in which the alleged incidents occurred; and. The district operates 540 buses and transports more than 51,000 students for a total of 60,670 miles travelled each day. The total adopted Polk County Schools budget was $2.35 billion this year. Password Perpetuation of conduct listed in the definition of bullying and/or 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: accessing or knowingly and willingly causing or providing access to data or computer software through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of the District school system; or. Flyers, posters, and bookmarks are being distributed at schools with QR codes for easy access. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee found to have committed an act of bullying or harassment or found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment shall include discipline in accordance with District policies, administrative procedures, and the collective bargaining agreement. The doctor gave hera prescriptionandsent her home. Each year the tax collector will then certify the taxable value of property in Polk County in July and the state sets the mileage rate the district can assess to determine its local funding amount. Flyers, posters, and bookmarks are being distributed at schools with QR codes for easy access. Our district consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and a virtual learning academy for grades K-12. "We have the issues when it comes to transportation costs but we don't have the advantages of some of those larger districts' coastal property taxes and things like that," he said, giving one example of a financial disadvantage that Polk County faces. So,ahome valuedat $200,000 afteranyexemptions would pay$1,165.80. Four School Board members were in attendance for the9 a.m.work session Chairwoman Lori Cunningham, Sara Beth Reynolds, Lisa Miller and William Allen. "Within the scope of the District" means regardless of ownership, any computer, computer system, or computer network that is physically located on school property or at a school-related or school-sponsored program or activity. Click the icon to log in to ourdistrict applications. Information on immunizations, medication administration, and head lice. A victim of bullying and/or harassment, anyone who witnessed the act, and anyone who has credible information that an act of bullying and/or harassment has taken place may file a report. If you want to be notified of updates to our website, please subscribe here! Need Password Help? Discipline and referral data will be recorded in Student Discipline/Referral Action Report and Automated Student Information System. It was obvious that the board really did not propose that the employees premiums increase, so we have kept those the same, saidPCPS Chief of StaffJason Pitts. The New Polk Schools Staff Portal - Now Mobile Friendly! The School District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board's legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680, Copyright 2023 Lake Wales Charter Schools. . I just want to change my password. The School Board then votes on the general fund millage rate, he said. Individuals who are interested in addressing the School Board on a particular issue must register in person, at the meeting location, starting 30 minutes prior to the meeting. -Organize, train for, and . Employees are not required to contribute to the districts self-insuredplan, but do pay for spouses and dependents. hbbd```b``Z "+rLHo`7X|XdS$;; "$uI @u&A"@;Fg` I Information on how to become an approved volunteer and other ways to support Polk County Public Schools. (See the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida F.A.C. LAKELAND Polk County Public Schools paraprofessionals and support staff can expect a whopping paycheck at the end of October, thanks to a contract negotiated in recent months andapproved by the School Board during a special meeting on Tuesdaythat retroactively grantsraises and salary increases. The highest level of confidentiality possible shall be provided regarding the submission of a complaint or a report of bullying and/or harassment and for the investigative procedures that are employed. The Polk Schools Staff Portal The Staff Portal is where you can update your address & phone number, view remuneration statements, tax information, and more! The piece that was missing was Mr. Heid. View state and district assessments by grade level, including tips on preparing for exams. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Staff Directory Administration. I have forgotten my password and security questions. Florida Southern College receives $120,000 state matching grant for nursing education, Winter Haven doctor, a pioneer of emergency medical services in 1960s, dies at age 98, Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland, It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career, As development comes to Lake Wales, some residents worry about changes to quality of life, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Polk County School District is the 24th largest in the nation based on the number of students, The Polk County District would be the largest in 39 states, Polk County is the seventh largest district in Florida.