Approve Expenditure of Funds for 12-Month Principals, Instructional Staff, and Other School Site Administrators and District Approved Out-of-State Travel or Cellular Phones, Cellular Phone Service, Personal Digital Assistants, or Any Other Mobile Wireless Communication Device or Service (Business Division)

During the 2009 legislative session, the Legislature added subsection (4) to section 1011.09 Florida Statutes, which prohibits the use of public funds for:

• 12-month principals,
• instructional staff,
• other school site administrators,
• out-of-state travel,
• cellular phones,
• cellular phone service,
• personal digital assistants, or

any other mobile wireless communication device or service, including text messaging, whether through purchasing, leasing, contracting, or any other method, unless specifically approved by the HCPS School Board.

During the 2009 Regular Legislative Session, requirements were written into the Conforming bill to the state budget (SB 1676) that requires School Boards to take Board action to specifically authorize certain expenditures to their budget for the 2009/2010 fiscal year.

This agenda item is brought forth to the Board, as required by law, to authorize the expenditure of funds for the 2009/2010 fiscal year.

In order for the district to continue with its current policy and expenditures for the above noted items, specific authority must be authorized by the Board.

* Demonstrate best financial practices