HCPS FL Logo Administration
Action Item
DATE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Proposal to Provide a Safe and Secure School Environment for District Elementary Schools
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As you are aware, school safety has been a priority in Hillsborough County Public Schools, but now has become a focus at the national and state levels.  Emergency management is an essential element of safe school planning initiatives.  Our district has a nationally recognized Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), as well as school resource officers in all secondary (middle and high) and alternative education schools.  In addition, all of our school administrators receive on-going crisis management training.  In our continuous effort to provide a safe school environment, we have solicited input from a local and national school safety expert to review our crisis management protocols and each of our schools' ability to provide appropriate access control. 

In an effort to enhance the safety and security at each of our elementary schools, the following recommendations are proposed.

1) Implement a four-year phased-in plan to hire additional Community School Officers at each of the district’s elementary schools. Annual costs would include salaries, equipment, automobiles (leased), fuel, and training.

2) Maintain appropriate Student Services Staff allocations in order to properly support the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional well-being of all students.

3) Create an annual Supportive Services budget to enhance support to schools in the following areas: Mental Health Services, Character Education, Anti-Bullying Programs/Campaigns, and Service Learning Initiatives. This annual budget, at a minimum, will equal the annual funds reserved in the security plan for equipment, automotive, and training costs. The estimated budget for year one would be $235,000.

4) Complete all access control enhancements to ensure a safe, single entry point on all campuses. 
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety including students, employees, visitors, facilities, transportation, and health
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The following proposal will utilize a combination of general revenue funds, rebate funds, nonrecurring funds, and grant funds.

Year 1 Projected New Costs   Campus Security Plan- $814,817   Supportive Services Budget- $235,000

Year 2 Projected New Costs   Campus Security Plan- $1,335,786 Supportive Services Budget- $348,877

Year 3 Projected New Costs   Campus Security Plan- $1,394,825.40   Supportive Services Budget- $386,327

Year 4 Projected New Costs   Campus Security Plan- $1,110,700.80   Supportive Services Budget- $354,327

EVALUATION
An evaluation of the Security Plan implementation will be conducted each year to determine its effectiveness. District staff will develop evaluation criteria to ensure that critical components are included in the evaluation framework. The final evaluation will be presented to the board. A vote by the board will occur in December or January of each year and will be required prior to the district implementing any additional components of the phased-in plan. Staffing allocations and formulas for student services personnel will also be annually reviewed to determine if adjustments and/or enhancements are needed at school sites to ensure optimal support. 
SUBMITTED BY: 
    Lewis A. Brinson, Ed.D.

  Assistant Superintendent, Administration
(813) 272-4071
    A 8.02
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20131218_656 (Special Called Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 8.02