Month: July 2018

At the July 24, 2018 meeting, The School Board of Broward County, Florida approved the following items related to safety and security enhancements across the District:

Video Surveillance Cameras Upgrade: The first phase of the project to upgrade the network of 10,000 real-time surveillance cameras is complete. The School Board approved an item to begin phase two of the video surveillance project. This phase includes plans to install approximately 2,500 additional cameras on school campuses. The upgraded cameras enhance the District’s ability to leverage the upgraded system and provide additional functionality for monitoring campuses. To learn more about agenda item EE-11, visit the School Board agenda website: http://bcpsagenda.browardschools.com/agenda/01463/Item%20EE-11%20(51586)/index.html

Armed Safe School Officer, Marshal/Guardian Program: The School Board approved the job description for the Armed Safe School Officer, Marshal/Guardian Program, established in accordance with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act and in support of the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program. The Armed Safe School Officer, Marshal/Guardian will be responsible for providing security and safety services for a school’s campus. To learn more about agenda item CC-3, which includes the job description, visit the School Board agenda website: http://bcpsagenda.browardschools.com/agenda/01463/Item%20CC-3%20(51324)/index.html

Interested in becoming an Armed Safe School Officer? Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/broward/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Armed+Safe+School+Officer&showinternal=false  

Sandy Hook Promise Foundation programs: On July 24, 2018, the School Board approved an agreement with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation to implement up to 4 no-cost, violence prevention programs (Start with Hello, Say Something, Safety Assessment and Intervention, and Signs of Suicide) into existing or new pro-social clubs at schools across the District. To learn more about agenda item F-1, visit the School Board agenda website: http://bcpsagenda.browardschools.com/agenda/01463/Item%20F-1%20(51458)/index.html

State Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan: The School Board approved the plan to expand mental health services in the 2018/19 school year. The District received $5.1 million in funding from the state, specifically targeted to expand mental health services provided bythe District. The expansion plan provides for 50 support positions, which include 10 school counselors, 10 school psychologists, 10 social workers, 10 behavior analysts, 5 nurses and 5 employee assistance program (EAP) counselors. To learn more about agenda item FF-2, visit the School Board agenda website: http://bcpsagenda.browardschools.com/agenda/01463/Item%20FF-2%20(51513)/index.html

Individual School Site Florida Safe Schools Risk Assessment: The School Board approved the Florida Safe Schools Assessment Tool (FSSAT), which now includes a school security risk assessment designed to help school officials identify threats, vulnerabilities, and appropriate safety controls for the campuses they supervise.

Submission of the FSSAT is a pre-requisite to qualify for grant funding from the state for funding allocated in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. If approved, the grant funds would be utilized to improve the physical security of school buildings based on findings of the school security risk assessments. To qualify for funding, the District must submit to the State a completed new FSSAT for all schools by August 1, 2018. To learn more about agenda item I-2, visit the School Board agenda website: http://bcpsagenda.browardschools.com/agenda/01463/Item%20I-2%20(51617)/index.html

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Progress Update Regarding Safety and Security for School Campuses

Security Risk Assessment Update: The first phase of the security risk assessment, conducted by Safe Havens (an independent security firm), has been completed. Safe Havens is compiling a preliminary report, while preparing to implement the second phase of the project.

School Resource Officer/Armed School Safety Officer: By the first day of school, the District will meet the new state requirement to have at least one School Resource Officer (SRO) or an Armed School Safety Officer on every school campus.

Code Red/Active Assailant Drills: District staff has worked with law enforcement agencies to improve “code red” active assailant training and drills for staff and students. Starting early in the school year, schools will increase the frequency of lockdown drills.

Expanded Mental Health Services: The District will expand mental health services in the District, with $5.1 million in new funding from the state.

Safety/Security Protocols: All safety rules will be continuously reinforced at all schools – procedures for locking exterior doors, classroom doors and gates throughout the day. As a reminder, all students, staff and visitors are required to wear identification badges on school campuses.

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 93 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. To learn more, visit browardschools.com. Follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

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In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

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As part of the Broward County Resiliency Center summer programming, Broward County Public Schools has partnered with local community agencies and national wellness organizations to provide summer activities, therapeutic services and family-focused programs.
 
WHO:
Celebrity comedians, including Stacy Steel, Carl Rimi, Javi Carrion, Ramon Garcia, Dexter Angry and Ricky Cruz.
 
WHAT:
The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show presents a night of hilarity for the entire family with a cast of nationally known comedians. The free family event, coordinated and hosted by South Florida’s own Julie Baez, features a PG-13 show for adults and a separate concurrent high-energy, fun and supportive comedic experience, along with theatrical exercises and introductions to improvisation by Improv U for children in grades three through six. The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show event is free and open to the public. RSVP is required at Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2Kn0oJ2.
 
WHEN:
Friday, July 13, 2018, 6 – 8 p.m.
 
WHERE:
Coral Springs High School Auditorium
7201 W Sample Road
Coral Springs, FL 33065
 
WHY:
The District continues to focus on providing support and services to the victims, families, employees and community affected by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy. As part of the recovery process, a variety of activities are taking place during the summer months when schools are not in session. To learn more about the Broward County Resiliency Center, visit browardschools.com.

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 93 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. To learn more, visit browardschools.com. Follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

Source

The information below is provided by the BCPS Office of Facilities and Construction Management.

Since the Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School tragedy, District and school leadership remain focused on meeting the needs of students, employees and the entire school community as we work our way through the emotional and difficult recovery process together. To provide additional educational space on the MSD campus, including classrooms and dedicated areas for student counseling services, the District is expediting the installation of modular units (portables) at the school.

We understand the importance of these portables to the school community and we are working to complete the installation as quickly as possible, while ensuring the new portables meet MSD space needs, educational codes and safety requirements.

Details on the addition of the portables:

Modular Units/Portables – The District is working diligently to expedite providing 34 modular units (portables), which will include

       • 30 classroom/educational spaces

       • Two portable units dedicated for student counseling/resiliency center

       • Two portable units for restrooms. The District has verified the restroom facilities meet the student population count for the new units.

Expedited Process to Hire a Qualified Vendor – Over the last several months, an expedited, yet thorough, due diligence process was undertaken to identify the most qualified vendor for this initiative. The District evaluated six different modular/portable vendors to determine which one met the school’s needs, as well as other critical requirements for South Florida building codes, safety and ability to deliver the portable units in an expedited timeframe.

The School Board approved a contract with Mobile Modular as the vendor determined to best meet the evaluation criteria and requirements among the candidates. Mobile Modular successfully meets all the following important criteria needed to implement this initiative:

 • Ability to meet South Florida Building code requirements

 • Ability to meet South Florida high velocity winds criteria

 • Ability to deliver units in an expedited timeframe (during summer)

 • Ensure units meet education space requirements

 • Ensure student toilets are code compliant

 • Plans/specifications for units already have signed/sealed State agency approvals, as  well as Department of Business and Professional Regulation approvals.

Several other vendors that were considered were either unable to meet the timeframe needed or they were unable to meet other code and safety requirements.

Expedited Drawings for Permitting – Within the last few weeks, District staff has completed the site drawings for the placement of the portables and demolition work of the basketball hoops where the portables will be located and installed. Drawings for the portable units, group restrooms, site work, underground plumbing and platforms/ramps were expedited and submitted for permitting. Drawings for all the infrastructure for the electrical work including the intercom, fire alarm, phone and data for each individual portable were also expedited and submitted for permitting around the same time. Permits have since been received for the classroom and group restroom portables.

Early Site Preparation – The District leveraged existing continuing services contracts to quickly mobilize with site preparation and related design work while awaiting delivery of the portables. An initial evaluation on the required electrical power to supply the portable compound showed that the existing FP&L electrical vault did not have enough spare power. The prequalified electrical contractor, C&F Electric Inc, was able to start trenching right away for the high-voltage lines to supply the transformers needed for service connections to each portable. The electrical contractor, with the help from District staff, rerouted unused power from another building to supply the portables. Underground piping for the electrical work and systems is now nearing completion. The two electrical compounds at each end of the portable complex are in place including the installation of the electrical transformers and panels. Removal of the fence surrounding the area has also been completed. The underground sewer and water lines are expected to commence and be completed in the next 1-2 weeks.

A pre-qualified general contractor, D. Stephenson Construction Inc, has been selected to assist in all of the other aspects of the project including overseeing the plumbing installation. With the anticipation of completed site plumbing drawings by the end of this coming week, the plumbing subcontractor will be brought on board to keep the plumbing underground work on track to be completed prior to the delivery of the group toilet portables. The general contractor will also oversee installation of the raised walkways including stairs and ramps, temporary construction fence, and any other aspects not relating to the electrical and networking systems.

Delivery of Portables – The vendor, Mobile Modular, was issued a purchase order to proceed with manufacturing the 34 units for MSD. Manufacture of the units are on schedule, and delivery is expected to start on July 18, 2018 with completion of all unit deliveries by early August 2018. Broward County Public Schools 3rd Update on Addition of Portable Classrooms at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Last revised: July 2, 2018 Page 2 of 3

Furniture and Supplies – The furniture and supply needs for each portable have been reviewed, and the purchasing department is currently reviewing cost estimates. They anticipate issuing purchase orders for all furniture and supplies within the next few weeks. In addition to the furniture needs, staff have already begun placing orders for the needed equipment and racks to equip the two communication closets that will be located in the administration and staff portable. These communication closets will supply all of the portables with the needed data and networking requirements. All of the needed equipment for cameras, networking, phones, etc, have been ordered or are in the process of being procured.

Connecting and Tying Down the Portables – Once units have been delivered and installed, all necessary utilities must be connected to ensure that the modular spaces are safe and functional. This includes electrical, fire alarm, intercom, data, phone and other technology systems. Plumbing is required for the restroom facilities. In addition, portable units must be tied down or anchored to the ground to meet building code requirements.

Phased Implementation – Representatives from the District’s Facilities Department are meeting with vendors to determine the most efficient sequencing plans and finalizing the phasing/implementation schedule. The goal of sequencing is to allow for portables to be released for occupancy as they are completed. The school’s leadership continues to meet with the Facilities Department regarding the phased implementation process and to develop contingency plans, as needed, until the implementation process is completed.

As we all prepare for the 2018/19 school year, the District and school leadership will continue to communicate with students, families and staff updates regarding the portables.

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS “Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.” Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has over 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 93 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. To learn more, visit browardschools.com. Follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

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