District unveils broad policy rewrite; board questions attendance enforcement and EKG requirement for athletes

District staff presented a consolidated package of proposed rule revisions covering 26 policies at the Polk County School Board work session Oct. 28, and board members used the session to seek clarification on several provisions, notably attendance/truancy enforcement language and a new requirement that student athletes receive electrocardiograms (EKGs) before participation.

Ms. Griffin and Mr. Davis summarized the package as technical updates and statutory alignments drawn from recent state law changes and Florida Department of Education rules. Revisions include updating school improvement and school advisory council language, removing outdated terminology from work‑based learning policies, requiring two years of marching band to satisfy one physical education or performing arts credit (per HB 1105), and adding a new policy on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) in athletics that tracks portions of FHSAA bylaws.

Several board members raised specific concerns. Dr. Lori Allen asked whether the marching band credit change would apply retroactively to juniors and seniors; staff said they would "get a clear picture." On attendance, Dr. Allen pointed to language authorizing a "designated school representative" to inspect establishments where minors may be employed and to, in some circumstances, take custody; staff said the language is statutory and committed to researching definitions and bringing procedures back to the board. District attendance staff explained likely designees would include principals, assistant principals, deans, social workers and district attendance personnel, and that staff would coordinate with law enforcement or DCF in cases of suspected endangerment.

Athletics prompted extended discussion. Staff noted HB 1070 (and related implementation) requires an EKG before high school athletic participation; board members asked about liabilities, exemptions and cost. The district said it is partnering with a nonprofit called Who We Play For to provide EKGs; the vendor's current cost plan is $20 per athlete and the vendor would provide scholarships for families unable to pay. District staff said FHSAA is working on a standard consent/exemption form and the district will review the form for legal sufficiency and add district language where needed.

Other policy changes include updated requirements for anaphylaxis training and emergency action plans (policy 24‑10), new language addressing credits from other schools, revisions to student conduct and discipline policies to incorporate statutory changes, and guidance on volunteer background check levels (moving references to the district's volunteer policy that now requires Level 2 checks). Staff also noted the public hearing for rule adoption is planned for Dec. 9.

No formal board vote on the policies occurred at the work session; staff committed to return with procedural clarifications (for example, attendance inspection procedures) and to supply additional legal or implementation forms where appropriate.