Alachua board reviews state-driven policy changes; staff flags costs and implementation hurdles for CPR, background checks and athlete EKGs
Summary
At a Jan. 12 workshop, Alachua County staff walked the board through numerous statute-driven policy updates'including fingerprinting into a state clearinghouse, a new CPR training mandate for middle/high schoolers, and required low-cost EKGs for athletes'and warned of logistical and funding challenges.
Staff presented section-by-section changes required by recent Florida statutes at the Alachua County School Board workshop on Jan. 12, and repeatedly told the board that much of the new language comes directly from statute or Neola, the district's policy vendor.
Key operational items discussed:
- Background checks and clearinghouse fingerprinting: Staff said fingerprints for many employees and contractors will be entered into the state clearinghouse and the district must provide a prominent website link to the clearinghouse. Board members asked about costs for volunteers and chaperones and noted the clearinghouse expands prior uses beyond health care.
- Educator misconduct and temporary removal: New statutory language requires self-reporting of arrests or charges and temporary removal from the classroom within 24 hours of notification for listed offenses. Board members pressed staff on how long employees might remain on leave while court or administrative processes run.
- CPR/first-aid requirement (programs of instruction): A statutory change requires first-aid and CPR instruction once in middle school and once in high school, to be delivered through PE/HOPE/personal fitness classes starting in school year 2026-27. Staff said no state funding was attached and raised concerns about the cost of mannequins, trainer AEDs and instructor capacity; several board members urged partnerships with UF and local health programs to implement training.
- Interscholastic athletics EKGs: The updated policy directs districts to provide a low-cost electrocardiogram option (recommendations cited suggest less than $50 per student) and to ensure qualified clinicians read results. Staff said the district will coordinate clinics with physicians or advanced practitioners but will not sign off on medical interpretations for liability reasons.
Staff reminded the board of the policy timeline: a first read on Jan. 20 and a second read on March 3, with a possible public hearing on March 3 and final second read April 7 if needed. Board members asked staff to return with implementation plans and possible guardrails where statutes allow discretion.
No formal votes were taken at the workshop; the meeting concluded with scheduling for the evening board meeting.
