Citrus County School Board adopts four policy updates on AEDs, phones, attendance and medication

The Citrus County School Board voted unanimously on Dec. 9 to adopt four policy updates the district said reflect recent changes in state law and local committee review.

The board approved policy 3.45, addressing automatic external defibrillators on school grounds, following review by the Policy & Forms Committee and guidance cited as Section 100.457 Florida Statutes. Mister Frank moved the motion, Miss Counts seconded, and the measure passed 5-0.

Board members then adopted policy 5.38, which governs student use of cellular telephones and other communication devices; the staff presented the revision as required by an amendment referenced in the meeting as Florida Statute 106.7. Miss Counts moved adoption and Mister Frank seconded; the vote was 5-0.

Policy 5.4 on student attendance was next. Presenters said the update aligns with recent amendments to statutes cited in the meeting (listed in the transcript as Sections 985.03 and 1003.27 Florida Statutes) related to truancy. Mister Dodd moved approval, Mister Kennedy seconded, and the board approved the policy 5-0.

Finally the board adopted policy 5.62, clarifying the administration of medication by school personnel and incorporating guidelines into the policy text as recommended by district student services and health services staff. Mister Kennedy moved the measure, Mister Dodd seconded, and the vote was 5-0.

Board members recorded no public comment on the four policies during the mandated public-hearing period. The board packet and staff presentations were referenced repeatedly by presenters as the basis for the changes; the district noted the Policy & Forms Committee reviewed each item in August and presented them at the September workshop prior to tonight’s vote.

The board’s unanimous votes finalize the local policy language changes described at the hearing; no additional conditions or amendments were recorded during the meeting.