OCSB SRO Program 2019-20AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
AND
THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
FOR THE 2019-20 SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM (SRO)
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 1St day of October 2019, by and between THE
SCHOOL BOARD OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA, (hereinafter referred to as the "SCHOOL
BOARD"), and THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA, (hereinafter referred to as the "CITY");
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY desire to provide Law enforcement, counseling, and
law-related educational service programs to the schools of Okeechobee County as defined in
Florida Statutes (F.S.) 1006.12; and
WHEREAS, an SRO Program has been proposed for the school system of Okeechobee County,
Florida as hereinafter described; and
WHEREAS, the SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY recognize the potential outstanding benefits of the
SRO Program to the citizens of Okeechobee County, Florida, and particularly to the students of
the school system of Okeechobee County, Florida; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the SCHOOL BOARD, the CITY, and the citizens of Okeechobee
County to establish this program.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the
SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I: SCOPE OF SERVICES
An SRO Program is hereby established in the school system of Okeechobee County, Florida for ten
(10) months as follows:
A. Elementary School Staffing - One Officer per school (1)
B. Freshman Campus- One Officer (1)
ARTICLE II: RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE CITY
The CITY shall provide SROs as follows:
A. Number of SROs:
1. The CITY shall assign two (2) regularly employed SROs to the SCHOOL BOARD of
Okeechobee County, Florida, to work designated schools as agreed upon between both
parties.
B. Regular Duty Hours of SROs
Page 1 of 7
1. Each SRO shall be assigned to a school on a full-time basis of eight (8) hours on those days
that the school is in session. The work hours shall be determined by the school principal and
CITY's Office supervisor. The SRO may be temporarily reassigned by the CITY or his/her
designee during school holidays, vacations or during a period of any police emergency.
C. Duties of School Resource Officers as defined in F.S. 1006.12:
1. SRO shall abide by SCHOOL BOARD policies and school rules and shall consult with and
coordinate activities through the school principal. The SRO shall be responsible to the Law
enforcement agency in all matters relating to employment.
Activities conducted by the School Resource Officer, which are part of the regular
instructional program of the school, shall be under the direction of the principal. This
relationship will not be delegated.
2. The SRO will comply with all applicable Federal and State Civil Rights, Anti- Discrimination
and Anti -Bullying laws and regulations including but not limited to Title VI and VII, Civil Rights
Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended (Non -Discrimination
against the Handicapped), and Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the SRO will
comply with the requirements of Florida Statute 1012.465 (the Jessica Lunsford Act). It is
expressly understood that upon receipt of competent and persuasive evidence of such
discrimination/bullying, the SCHOOL BOARD shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement for breach. (Board Policies 3.33, 5.321, and 6.43)
3. Perform law enforcement functions within the school setting.
4. Identify and prevent, through counseling and referral, delinquent behavior, including
substance abuse.
5. Foster a better understanding of the law enforcement function.
6. Develop positive concepts of law enforcement.
7. Develop a better appreciation of citizen rights, obligations, and responsibilities.
8. Provide information about crime prevention.
9. Provide assistance and support for crime victims identified within the school setting, including
abused children.
10. Promote positive relations between students and law enforcement officers.
11. Enhance knowledge of the fundamental concepts and structure of law.
12.The SRO shall make himself/herself available for conferences with students, parents, and
faculty members in order to assist them with problems. When in a counseling capacity, the
SRO will be subject to all confidentiality issues pursuant to Chapter 39, F.S. and
confidentiality rules and ethics as accepted and defined in state laws and professional
standards. The duty must be approved by the unit supervisor.
Page 2 of 7
13.The SRO shall become familiar with all community agencies which offer assistance to youths
and their families, such as, mental health clinics, drug treatment centers, etc. The SRO shall
make referrals to such agencies, when necessary, thereby acting as a resource person to
the students, faculty, and staff of the school.
14.The SRO shall develop expertise in presenting various subjects to the students.
15.The SRO shall assist the principal in developing plans and strategies to prevent and/or
minimize dangerous situations which may result from student unrest and emergency
situations.
16.Should it become necessary to conduct formal police interviews with the students, the SRO
shall adhere to rules and guidelines set forth in the Florida State Statutes.
17.The SRO shall take law enforcement action as required. As soon as practicable, the SRO
shall make the principal of the school aware of such action. At the principal's request, the
SRO shall take appropriate law enforcement action against intruders and unwanted guests
who may appear at the school or related school functions.
18.The primary function of the SRO is a campus Law Enforcement Officer and includes
enforcement of items listed in this document pursuant to F.S. 1006.12. The SRO shall give
assistance to other police and deputies in matters regarding his/her school assignment,
whenever necessary. The SRO will also act, when necessary, as a liaison between his/her
school and other government agencies (i.e., law enforcement, DCF, State Attorney, etc.).
19.The SRO will submit reports and statistical data, as necessary.
20.The SRO shall not act as a school disciplinarian, as disciplining students is a school
responsibility. SRO are not to be used for regularly assigned lunchroom duties, security
posts, hall monitors, truancy, or other monitoring duties. If there is a problem area, the SRO
may assist the school until the problem is solved.
21. When an SRO is required to perform duties outside the school, (i.e., court, training,
depositions, vacation. Etc.), coverage will be provided.
22.The SRO, or other assigned law enforcement personnel, may provide security at SCHOOL
BOARD meetings and campus functions beyond the school day when students, parents and
the public are present.
23.The SRO will participate in Active Assailant/Emergency Drills.
24.The SRO will, along with a SCHOOL BOARD employee, participate in the Crime Watch
Programs.
25.The SRO will participate in school-based threat assessment teams.
26.The SRO will perform his/her duties in CITY's Office duty uniform. Civilian clothes may be
worn with the approval of the unit supervisor.
Page 3 of 7
27.AII violations of the law will be reported to the school's resource officer by all school
personnel.
28.AII SROs and the Law Enforcement Supervisor will meet with their assigned principal and
together they will develop an operational plan to work in harmony with guidelines set forth
within this document which will determine the focus of the SRO Program at their respective
school.
ARTICLE III: RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
The SCHOOL BOARD shall provide to the full-time SRO the following materials and facilities which are
deemed necessary for the performance of their duties.
A. A secure and private office located as close to the principal's office as possible. The SRO will
be the only one assigned to the office due to the sensitive and confidential information
maintained within. The office will be voice secure for purposes of interviews and counseling. The
office will contain the following materials and equipment.
1. Desk and chair
2. 4 -drawer legal locking file cabinet
3. 2 visitor chairs for counseling and interviews
4. Office supplies as requested
5. A computer, Internet access, email, and secretarial assistance
6. A safe
7. It is imperative that SRO's be able to communicate with school personnel on their radio
frequencies. If the SRO's primary school is utilizing a frequency band not compatible with the
SRO's issued radio, the school will provide the SRO with a radio.
ARTICLE IV: FINANCING OF THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM
A. The SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY agree to share in the overall costs associated with the
School Resource Officer Program. Exceptions involve grant provisions for the next three years.
It is agreed that the Okeechobee County SCHOOL BOARD will pay the CITY $95,110 for the
budget year 2019-2020. Payment shall be made in quarterly installments pursuant to billing
submitted to the SCHOOL BOARD by the CITY. The amount funded will be negotiated each
year prior to July 1St. This payment will cover the two (2) SROs provided by the CITY.
B. Any vehicle or equipment purchased, leased, rented, or donated to the CITY for use in the SRO
Program shall become an asset of the CITY and; therefore, will be subject to CITY's regulations,
and policy governing use.
C. Once the vehicle or equipment has been designated for use by the SRO, it will be used expressly
by the designated SRO or the SRO unit.
ARTICLE V: EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
SRO shall remain employees of the CITY and shall not be employees of the SCHOOL BOARD. The
SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY acknowledge that the SRO shall remain responsive to the chain of
command of the CITY OF OKEECHOBEE FLORIDA.
Page 4 of 7
ARTICLE VI: APPOINTMENT AND TRAINING OF SRO
A. Appointment of SRO will be made solely by the CITY in accordance with CITY's Office policy
with input from the school principal.
B. All SROs will receive a minimum of 40 hours of training as determined by the SRO supervisor
and school personnel.
C. The SCHOOL BOARD of Okeechobee recognizes that within the total payment amount, a sum
of $600 per SRO is earmarked for annual School Resource Officer training.
ARTICLE VII: DISMISSAL OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER: REPLACEMENT
A. In the event the principal of the school to which the SRO is assigned feels that the particular
SRO is not effectively performing his/her duties and responsibilities, as outlined in F.S. 1006.12,
the principal shall recommend to the CITY, or designee, that the SRO be removed and shall
state the reasons in writing.
1. If the CITY so desires, the principal shall meet with the SRO and his/her immediate
supervisors to mediate or resolve any problems which may exist. At such meeting, specified
members of the staff of the school, to which SRO is assigned, may be required to be present.
The CITY or supervisor may call for mediation to resolve any disputes.
2. If, within a reasonable amount of time after commencement of such mediation, the problem
cannot be resolved or mediated, then the SRO may be removed from the program at the
school and replaced with another qualified SRO in accordance with Article VI.
B. The CITY may dismiss or reassign an SRO based upon agency rules and regulations.
C. In the event of the resignation, dismissal, or reassignment of an SRO, or in the case of long-
term absences by an SRO, the CITY will provide a temporary or permanent relief, as soon as
possible.
ARTICLE VIII: SRO SCHEDULE
A. An SRO will be assigned to each school designated in Article I from the beginning of the school
year to the end of the school year.
B. An SRO may be assigned to the summer school session from the beginning to the end of the
session.
C. The SRO will perform his/her duties at his/her assigned campus under normal conditions. The
SRO may flex his/her time to compensate for hours worked, if approved by the unit supervisor.
ARTICLE IX: HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
The CITY agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold the SCHOOL BOARD, its employees, and agents
harmless from any claim, demand, suit, loss, cost, expense, or damage which may be asserted,
claimed, or recovered against or from the SCHOOL BOARD, its agents or employees by reason of any
damage to property or personal injury including death sustained by any persons whomsoever, and
Page 5 of 7
which damage, injury, or death arises out of, or is incident to, or in any way connected with, the
performance of this agreement and the performance by SRO's in their law enforcement duties.
ARTICLE X: TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon a sixty (60) day written notice that any other
party has failed to substantially perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
This Agreement may be terminated without cause by either party upon a ninety (90) day written notice.
Termination of the Agreement may only be accomplished as provided herein. In the event this
Agreement is terminated, compensation will be made to the CITY for all services performed to the date
of termination. The SCHOOL BOARD shall be entitled to prorated refund for that period of time when
SRO services are not provided because of termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI: GOOD FAITH
The SCHOOL BOARD, the CITY, their agents, and their employees agree to cooperate in good faith in
fulfilling the terms of this Agreement. Unforeseen difficulties or questions will be resolved by negotiation
between the Superintendent's Office and the CITY.
ARTICLE XII: MODIFICATION
This document constitutes the full understanding of the parties and no terms, conditions,
understandings or agreements purporting to modify or vary the terms of this document shall be binding
unless hereafter made in writing and signed by the party to be charged.
ARTICLE XIII: NON ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement, and each and every covenant herein, shall not be capable of assignment unless the
express written consent of the SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY is obtained.
ARTICLE XIV: MERGER
This Agreement constitutes a final written expression of all the terms of this Agreement and is a
complete and exclusive statement of those terms.
CONTRACTOR'S DUTIES REGARDING PUBLIC RECORDS
(A) Compliance with Florida Laws
Contractor must provide public access to all records concerning this Contract according to applicable
Florida laws including Chapter 119, F.S. If Contractor asserts any exemptions to Florida's public records
laws, Contractor has the burden of establishing and defending the exemption.
(B) Recordkeeping and Public Access
Under F.S. 119.0701(3)(a), a request to inspect or copy public records relating to a School District
contract for services must be made directly to the School District. In addition, Contractor must: (1) keep
and maintain public records required by the School District in order to perform the service; (2) upon
request from the School District's custodian of public records, provide the School District with a copy of
the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost
Page 6 of 7
that does not exceed the cost provided by law; (3) ensure that public records that are exempt or
confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as
authorized by law for the duration of the contract term and following completion of the contract if the
Contractor does not transfer the records to the School District; and (4) transfer, at no cost, to the School
District, all public records in possession of the Contractor or keep and maintain public records required
by the School district to perform the service. If the Contractor transfers all public records to the School
District upon completion of the Contract, the Contractor shall destroy any duplicate public records that
are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the Contractor
keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the Contract, the Contractor shall meet all
applicable requirements of retaining the public records. All records stored electronically must be
provided to the School District upon request from the School District's custodian of public records, in a
format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the School District. At the
conclusion of the Contract' with the School District, Contractor shall provide to the School District all
electronic records associated with this Contract on electronic media (CD-ROM or USB flash drive).
(C) IF THE CITY HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF CHAPTER
119, F.S., TO THE CONTRACTOR'S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS
RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT, CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC
RECORDS AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 863-462-5000x1026, EMAIL ADDRESS
kenworthyk@okee.k12.fl.us AND MAILING ADDRESS: 700 S.W. Second Avenue,
Okeechobee, Florida 34974.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their duly authorized
officers.
AS TO THE CITY:
Lane Gamiotea, C C, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGA SUFFICIENCY:
John R. Cook, City Attorney
AS TO THE SCHOO B ARD:
Ken Kenworthy, Superintend ht
Date: t C; cc
owling R. Watfo • , • r., ayor
Date: ()giber"> 2t i 1
Page 7 of 7
TO: Robin
FROM: Bobbie Jo
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
SUBJECT:
October 2, 2019
SRO Contract with OCSB
Attached to this memorandum for distribution is one original executed SRO Contract with OCSB that
the Council approved at last night's meeting.
Our office has the other original.
Thanks!
Minutes of
Okeechobee County School Board Workshop — Guardian Program
April 5, 2018
6:00 p.m.
Call to Order
Call to Order: Chairman Holcomb
Present: District 1 — Joe Arnold
District 2 — Malissa Morgan
District 3 — Dixie Ball, Vice Chairman
District 4 — Amanda Riedel
District 5 — Jill Holcomb, Chairman
Ken Kenworthy, Superintendent of Schools
Tom Conely, School Board Attorney
Invocation: Tom Conely
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Chairman Holcomb
IL Purpose Jill Holcomb, Chairman
To further increase the safety and security of our schools the District is seeking public input as it considers
the implementation of the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program.
III. Information/Discussion Items
Chairman Holcomb gave an overview of the workshop. The Chairman presented the procedure for
audience members that want to address the Board during the Public Comment portion of the workshop.
Audience members were invited to attend the School Board meeting on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, 6:00 p.m.
for more information or and address the Board. The Guardian Program will be on the April School Board
Agenda as an Item for Action.
Superintendent Kenworthy welcomed the audience and applauded Board members for having the workshop
and hosting it in the Commission Chambers for additional viewing. Superintendent Kenworthy presented a
power point presentation, sharing detailed information with each slide. In addition to information on the
Guardian Program, the Superintendent shared safety, preventative and proactive measures already in place
that will supplement any new program put in place.
'._COACH AARON FEIS GUARDIAN PROGRAM
School Board Workshop
April 5.2018
:egpm
Okeechobee County Commivion Chambers
WORKSHOP AGENDA
1. Purpose of Meador To further ...nose the safety and usu..),
our .drools the District b seeking poles Inger as it considers the
implementation or the Coach Aaron Fee Guardian Program.
D. Workshop Organlvran
111. District presentation mgarding Safety and Secteiay
IV. Overview of Guardian Program
V. Comments by Sheriff Noel Stephen
VI. Survey Results
VII. PYNIc Comment,
VIII. Closing Remerio-After all speakers horn been heard or e W
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PUBLIC COMMENT
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PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
- Partnership with Shedd:
- DARE
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• Crime Stoppers Hotline
• Comprehensive Amu -Bully Curriculum -Title IV
Technology Training forAU. 'rodents -IT Departotem
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B00-273.8177
Hoorne
Book 22
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
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• Status checks of semi gem, cvomuni arirm M.ices
• Safety drills co4ucovd at all schools
• Security camera imWlarron
THREAT
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Minutes of
Okeechobee County School Board Workshop — Guardian Program
April 5, 2018
6:00 p.m.
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SB 7026 - MARJORY STONEMAN. DOUGLAS
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SCHOOL SECURITY WALK-
THROUGHS
SB 7026 - MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS
HIGH SCHOOL PUBLIC SAFETY ACT
• Creates and staffs Office of Safe Schools widen FLDOE
• Creates Coach Aaron Fels Guardian Program
• - Mendetes CrlmeWatd, Program
• Requires Active Shooter Drills
Eo,ablIshes" FortlfyFL" -Anonymous reporti,g tool
Requires, upon enrollment. disclosure of referrals to mental health services
Requires functionality tests of communication systems
08 7026 - MARJORY ST♦OPIEMAN, DOUGLAS
HIGH SCHOOL PUBLIC SAFETY ACT
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CURRENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
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A joint workshop will be held with the School Board,
County Commission and City Council in this room on
Wednesday, April 11, 6:00, to discuss funding the
enhanced School Resource Officer Program.
Superintendent Kenworthy stated that the Guardian
Program is a voluntary program on behalf of the
Board and likewise voluntary to school staff to
participate. The statute is very specific as to who can
participate.
106
Minutes of
Okeechobee County School Board Workshop — Guardian Program
April 5, 2018
6:00 p.m.
COACH AARON FEIS GUARDIAN PROGRAM
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Chairman Holcomb invited Sheriff Stephen to the podium.
Sheriff Stephen stated that he supports the Guardian
Program, in addition to the School Resource Officer
(SRO) Program. The Sheriff said he feels the number of
volunteers will be few, but that he has the capability of
taking those few, with proper training as stated in the
statute, and train them to proficiency. The guardians
would be in addition to the SROs to protect students in
the event of a situation. The Sheriff invited questions
from the Board and audience.
Superintendent Kenworthy discussed the survey
and how it was distributed to high school students,
parents, employees and community members. The
survey period was three days.
Chairman Holcomb thanked Superintendent
Kenworthy and again reviewed the procedure for
audience members to address the Board. The
Chairman extended an invitation to attend the
School Board meeting Tuesday, April 10, 6:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
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Attorney Conely invited audience members, who completed a Request to Address School Board form to
speak at the podium. First to speak, Frank Peterman. Mr. Peterman, Treasure Coast Service Unit Director,
OCEA, expressed concern over the hours of training for a Guardian compared to hours required for law
enforcement officer training. He also expressed concern for staff actions in a crisis situation, cost of
insurance and potential law suits and liability.
Gordy Peer expressed concern over automatic weapons and the breakdown of the family/home life. Mr.
Peer said that we should let the Sheriff do his job, teachers should not carry guns.
Kenny Sarros, stated that he has faith in the schools and the Sheriff. This program is a good step in the
right direction to protect students.
Sharon Suits, teacher, spoke about the recent Sheriff's office training in the schools and followed the
training to develop a classroom plan. Ms. Suits stated the Guardian Program could provide immediate
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Book 22
4
Minutes of
Okeechobee County School Board Workshop — Guardian Program
April 5, 2018
6:00 p.m.
action while help is on the way, supporting the SROs and be another tool to keep kids safer. People
carrying and ready keep our kids safer.
Dowling Watford, Mayor, stated he likes that this is a supplement to the SRO program. He likes that it is
voluntary, that it requires strict training and evaluation. Mr. Watford encouraged members to take the
Sheriff's recommentation, that this is a good program to have.
Tommy Harden stated that the law enforcement training is 800 hours, shooting time on range about 48
hours. Mr. Harden left members with, "if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always
got."
Angela Williams, parent, shared a story about her son and concerns about going to school. Ms. Williams
said that she stands behind the Sheriff and the training and that this will give power to protect the children.
Anita Nunez was taught about the safety of a gun and feels Board members will make right decision.
Gordy Peer shared a closing poem.
Chairman Holcomb asked Board members for comments or questions.
Member Arnold thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He stated that this is a tough decision and
that our job is to protect and teach the children, we must weigh every option and their safety is a priority.
Whatever policy we choose, the students are who we focus on.
Chairman Holcomb thanked everyone for caring about children and invited them to attend the Tuesday,
April 10, School Board meeting, where the Guardian Program will be an Item for Action.
IV. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, the Board adjourned at 7:00 p.m. The next regular
meeting of the School Board is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 700 S.W.
2"d Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida.
Signature on File
Ken Kenworthy
Superintendent of Schools
Book 22
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Signature on File
Jill Holcomb
Chairman
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