Brevard Public Schools Board to Examine Student Safety, Cell Phone Use and Student Conduct During Workshop on July 29

public hearing set for Aug. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Educational Services Facility in Viera

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BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA — At a Policy Work Session on June 24, the Brevard Public Schools Board initiated a deep dive into several important policies affecting student safety, device use, and student conduct.

A Rule Development Workshop is now scheduled for July 29, at 1 p.m., with a public hearing set for August 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Educational Services Facility in Viera. The facility is located at 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera. The public is encouraged to attend and review drafts at the online agenda portal.

Policy Summaries Under Consideration

Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Appeal Procedures
Current Purpose: Defines formal procedures for filing and appealing harassment or discrimination complaints within the district, in compliance with Florida Statutes 1000.05 and 1001.41 F.S.

● Establishes the roles and responsibilities of compliance officers.
● Sets timelines for investigation, notification to parties, and the appeal process.
● Emphasizes confidentiality and non-retaliation for complainants and respondents.

Wireless Communication Devices
Current Purpose: Regulates student possession and use of cell phones, tablets, smart watches, etc., to support a conducive learning environment and comply with Florida law (notably § 1006.07).

● Wireless Communication Devices must be turned off or silenced and kept out of sight during instructional time, unless expressly permitted by staff.
● WCDs Students may use devices before/after school, during lunch, or in non-instructional times if not disruptive and permitted by school leadership.
● Use of WCDs while driving a personal or district vehicle on school grounds is strictly prohibited.
● Progressive discipline includes warnings and confiscation, with devices returned to parents after repeated violations.

Anti-Harassment: Compliance Officers, Complaint and Investigation Procedures
Current Purpose: Lays out the district-wide approach for reporting, investigating, and addressing harassment and discrimination based on protected characteristics in compliance with both federal and state laws.

● Identifies compliance officers responsible for handling complaints.
● Promotes thorough and prompt investigations into alleged harassment or discrimination.
● Ensures procedural fairness, confidentiality, and protection against retaliation.
● Implements actions in alignment with Title IX, Section 504, ADA, Title VII, and related statutes.

Bullying & Harassment
Current Purpose: Defines bullying and harassment, emphasizing the district’s zero-tolerance stance and leadership in maintaining a safe educational environment.

● Covers acts on school premises, during school-sponsored events, and in situations affecting school order.
● Defines bullying/harassment broadly, including physical, verbal, electronic, or social actions that harm or intimidate others.
● Prescribes disciplinary and remedial actions for perpetrators, with potential criminal referral.
● Aligns with Florida Statutes and the FLDOE Bullying Model Policy.

Next Steps & Participation

July 29, at 1 p.m. – Rule Development Workshop at the ESF, where proposed revisions will be examined.
August 12 at 5:30 p.m. – Public Hearing during the regular Board meeting for community feedback.

Public Access & Input: Draft policies will be available online via the district agenda portal. Residents may attend, comment, or submit feedback in writing. This upcoming policy review cycle is part of the Board’s ongoing effort to ensure compliance with evolving laws, improve procedural clarity, and update formatting and terminology. Community input at these sessions will help shape the finalized policies.

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