On July 27, 1999, the School Board approved the establishment of an Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension (ATOSS) Program. Since then, the program has provided safe, off-campus learning environments for students who have earned an out-of-school suspension as a consequence for inappropriate behavior. Middle and high school students who would otherwise have served a one to ten day suspension are referred to the ATOSS Program at the discretion of school administrators. Transportation to ATOSS sites is provided by parents. During the 2008/2009 school year, 8,844 (unduplicated count) students participated in the ATOSS Program.

While attending ATOSS, students receive instruction in the strategies necessary for success on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT). The school day is also designed to include character education and career exploration components that provide students with the tools needed to more consistently make positive, appropriate choices. Space for the program is provided at no cost to the district through collaboration with a variety of community agencies.

This new site would be located at the Wilbert Davis/Belmont Heights Boys and Girls Club. Opening this site would give parents an ATOSS option in an area that does not have an ATOSS site within close proximity.

All Strategic Objectives

The facility will be provided by the Wilbert Davis/Belmont Heights Boys and Girls Club and the Tampa Housing Authority at no cost to the district. The cost of the program for deputy, instructional, and non-instructional staff salaries supported through the unit allocation process is approximately $87,331.

A comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of the ATOSS Program will be conducted by June 30, 2010. District staff will review data, including but not limited to, notes and walk-through checklists from site visits; results of student exit; school administrator and parent surveys; and student participation rates.