NOTICE OF INTENT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA TO ADOPT A PROPOSED RULE

NOTICE OF INTENT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA TO ADOPT A PROPOSED RULE The School Board of Okaloosa County, Florida, hereby gives notice of its intent to adopt the Elementary and Secondary Codes of Student Conduct for the 2026-2027 school year, pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Administrative Procedures Act. PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rules are to adopt codes of conduct for elementary and secondary students based upon the rules governing student conduct and discipline as adopted by the School Board in order to provide a school environment that is free of disruptions that interfere with teaching and learning activities. SUMMARY: The proposed Codes of Student Conduct would set forth policies regarding the control and discipline of students in order to provide a school environment that is free of disruptions that interfere with teaching and learning activities. The Code of Student Conduct, which is required by Florida Statute 1006.07(2), is provided to assist students, parents, teachers and school administrators in achieving this goal. The Codes of Student Conduct outline the rights and responsibilities of students, parent/guardian responsibilities, school/staff responsibilities, procedures for disciplinary actions, disciplinary consequences, and the equity and Title IX policies for students and adults, both at the elementary and secondary schools. LEGAL AUTHORITY: The specific legal authority for the proposed rules is §§1001.32(2), 1001.41(1) and (2), 1001.42, 1001.43(1), and 1006.07 Florida Statutes. ECONOMIC IMPACT: The proposed rules are not expected to result in additional budget costs to the School Board nor are they expected to have any adverse effect on small businesses. There has been no agency statement of estimated regulatory costs (SERC) prepared. Any person who wishes to provide the agency with information regarding the statement of estimated regulatory costs (if one has been prepared), or to provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in writing within 21 days after publication of the notice. The proposed rules are not expected to require legislative ratification under §120.541(3), Florida Statutes. A public hearing will be held by the School Board of Okaloosa County, Florida, at 5:15 p.m., or as soon thereafter as this matter may be heard, during the regular Board meeting on July 27, 2026, in the Boardroom at the School District Central Administration Complex, 202A Highway 85 North, Niceville, Florida, for the purpose of considering adoption of the proposed Codes of Student Conduct. Any interested person may appear at the hearing and present evidence and argument and be heard concerning the adoption of the proposed Codes of Student Conduct. Immediately following the public hearing the School Board of Okaloosa County, Florida, will consider final action to adopt the proposed Codes of Student Conduct. The entire text of the proposed Codes of Student Conduct is on file and available for inspection during regular office hours in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, and may be obtained at the School District Central Administration Complex, 202A Highway 85 North, Niceville, Florida, telephone number (850) 689-7185, at no cost. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the School Board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. This notice does not constitute consent by the School Board for the introduction or admission of otherwise inadmissible or irrelevant evidence, nor does it authorize challenges or appeals not otherwise allowed by law. The School Board of Okaloosa County does not discriminate upon the basis of any individual's disability status. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure access to or participation in the hearing should contact the Superintendent of Schools at (850) 689-7185 at least five (5) business days in advance to make appropriate arrangements. The Notice of Rule Development required by §120.54, Florida Statutes, was published on June 11, 2026, in the Northwest Florida Daily News. MARCUS D. CHAMBERS Superintendent of Schools Okaloosa County School District Publication Dates LSAR0544251