Contract 2021-066A#2021-066-A
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SCHOOL BOARD OF LAKE COUNTY FLORIDA
AND THE CITY OF CLERMONT, FOR
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM 12021-20221
This AGREEMENT is entered into by and between the City of Clermont, a Florida
municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as "LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY" and the
School Board of Lake County, Florida, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, hereinafter
referred to as "SCHOOL BOARD".
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the SCHOOL BOARD is seeking three (3) School Resource Officers (SROs)
to interact with students during the regular class schedule and at extra -curricular school activities
so as to provide additional security to students, school personnel, the school community and school
property; and
WHEREAS, the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY is willing to place three (3) City of
Clermont Police Officers at Clermont Elementary (1), Cypress Ridge Elementary (1), and
Lost Lake Elementary (1) for the purpose of carrying out this school program.
NOW, THEREFORE, in and for consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereby agree that the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY will provide
three (3) sworn City of Clermont Police Officers who are certified pursuant to Section 943.10(1)
Florida Statutes to the SCHOOL BOARD to act as SROs at the three (3) designated schools under
the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
1. Term of Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall be for the next school year,
beginning the 10' day of August 2021 through the last day of school for students in May 2022.
2. Compensation. The SCHOOL BOARD will pay the City of Clermont the sum of
Two hundred forty-two thousand seven hundred ($242,700.00) Dollars for services of the three
(3) SROs provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Such compensation shall be invoiced
to the SCHOOL BOARD by the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY in equal quarterly
installments (September, November, February and May) commencing on the 1' day of September
2021. Invoices shall be paid by the SCHOOL BOARD within fifteen (15) days of receipt. In the
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event that The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, agrees to pay for any or
all of the police officers assigned to the schools pursuant to this Agreement, then the LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY agrees that the SCHOOL BOARD may assign its obligation to pay
under this section to The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida.
3. Scone. The LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY shall assign an SRO for three (3)
designated schools. The SROs shall interact with students and provide security at the three (3)
designated schools. In addition, the SROs shall have the duties and responsibilities listed in
Exhibit "A" attached hereto.
4. Background Investigations. The LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY represents
and warrants to the SCHOOL BOARD that the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY has read and
is familiar with Sections 1012.32, 1012.465, 1012.467 and 1012.468, Florida Statutes regarding
background investigations. The LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY covenants to comply with all
requirements of the above -cited statutes and shall provide SCHOOL BOARD with proof of
compliance upon request. The LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY agrees, to the extent permitted
by law and only to the extent permitted by 768.28, Florida Statutes, to indemnify and hold
harmless the SCHOOL BOARD, it's officers, agents and employees from any liability in the form
of physical injury, death, or property damage resulting from the LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCY's failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph or Florida Statute Sections,
1012.32, 1012.465, 1012.467 and 1012.468, Florida Statutes. Any claim against the LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY by the SCHOOL BOARD under the preceding sentence shall not
include punitive damages or any interest for the period before judgment. Additionally, the LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY shall not be liable pursuant to this indemnity to pay a claim or
judgment by any one person which exceeds the sum of $200,000 or any claim or judgment, or
portions thereof, which, when totaled with all other claims or judgments paid by the LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY arising out of the incident or occurrence, exceeds the sum of
$300,000. Further, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as an admission of liability on
behalf of the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
5. Assignment of Officers. The LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY shall determine
which SROs will be assigned under this Agreement and will also determine the particular school
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to which the SRO will be assigned to. The LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY shall provide a
notice of the assigned SROs to the school principals of the three (3) designated schools. In the
event that the principal of the school where the SRO is assigned believes that the particular SRO
is not effectively performing his/her duties and responsibilities, the principal shall notify the SRO
in writing. If the situation is not corrected within three (3) working days, the principal shall contact
the SRO's immediate supervisor and the Superintendent's designee in writing and provide a copy
of said notice to each of them. If the situation is not resolved to the mutual satisfaction of both the
SRO's immediate supervisor and the Superintendent's designee within ten (10) days, or if, during
the same contract period, the principal determines for a second time that the SRO is not effectively
performing his/her duties and responsibilities, then the Principal shall recommend to the
Superintendent that the SRO be removed from the program at his/her school, and shall state the
reasons as well as the efforts to resolve the problems in writing. The Superintendent, or his/her
designee, shall review the request and, if approved, shall provide written notification to the LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY who shall transfer the SRO or take other appropriate action within
ten (10) business days. In the event the principal considers the SRO's conduct to present a threat
to the safety or well-being of the students or staff, the principal will immediately notify the
Superintendent and the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. Upon receipt of such notification, the
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY shall take appropriate action.
6. Dismissal/Replacement/Absence.
The LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY may dismiss or reassign SROs with or without
cause. In the event of the resignation, dismissal, or reassignment of an SRO, or in the case of long-
term absences by an SRO, the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY shall provide a temporary
replacement for the SRO as soon as practical.
7. Leaves/Coverage.
The Chief of Police or another designated scheduling officer will approve vacations, sick
leaves, and other leaves of absence for the SRO. The SRO will communicate approved vacation,
sick leaves, trainings or any other leave that impacts SRO presence in schools with the SCHOOL
BOARD'S Safety and Security Specialist.
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LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY shall provide coverage of an SRO during any time in
which the SRO will be off campus of the school to include, but not be limited to vacations, sick
leaves, other leaves of absence or due to other related assignments.
8. Hours of Assignment. The SROs will be stationed at the three (3) designated
schools for eighty (80) hours per two -week period, Monday through Friday, as assigned and
scheduled by the respective school principal and as approved by the LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCY.
9. Additional Hours of Assignment. Additional hours of assignment during a two -
week period may be made with prior approval of the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, if
requested by the respective school principal. If the additional hours worked require that overtime
be paid to the SROs, the SCHOOL BOARD will reimburse the LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCY for overtime paid at the SRO's existing pay rate.
10. Off Campus Assignments. Upon the request of the respective school principal and
with the prior approval of the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, an SRO's duties may
occasionally include his/her assignment at school functions and activities that are held off campus.
11. Reassignment in Emergency Situations. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent
or interfere with the ability of the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY to temporarily withdraw an
assigned SRO from his/her post at the three (3) designated schools to respond to emergency
situations as determined in the sole judgment and discretion of the LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCY.
12. Supervising Authority. During the term ofthis Agreement, the SROs assigned shall
remain employees of the LAW ENFORCEMENT, under the authority of the chain of command
of the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY and subject to all other rules and regulations of the
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. The SROs will report to their respective school principal for
assignment of duties and work schedules, including the extracurricular activities during the regular
school day for up to eighty (80) hours for each officer per two -week period. Each SRO shall
remain, at all times, an employee of the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. Workers
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Compensation coverage, as required by law, will be provided for the officer by the LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
13. Salary and Benefits. The LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY will provide the
salary and benefits to each SRO assigned, including uniforms and equipment and any applicable
overtime pay as agreed to above.
14. Vehicle. The LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY will provide vehicles for SROs
if or when determined necessary by the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
15. Threats to School Safety.
A. Pursuant to Section 1006.13(4), Florida Statutes, any acts that pose a threat to
school safety, whether committed by a student or adult, shall be reported to the
School Principal, or his or her designee, who shall report the acts to the SRO
and the School Board's School Safety Specialist.
B. If requested by the School Principal, or his or her designee, the SRO, or other
appropriate law enforcement officers, shall assist in the investigation of the acts
that pose a threat to school safety; upon conclusion of the investigation, the
SRO shall report the findings of the investigation to the School Board's School
Safety Specialist to properly document the disposition of the incident.
Additionally, the School Principal, or his or her designee, shall consult with
SRO concerning appropriate delinquent acts and crimes.
16. Termination of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated by either party
upon thirty (30) days written notice. Notice shall be deemed given as of the date of deposit of such
written NOTICE in the course of transmission in the United States Postal Service and addressed
as follows:
SCHOOL BOARD:
LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCY:
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Superintendent of Schools
School Board of Lake County
201 West Burleigh Boulevard
Tavares, FL 32778
Chief of Police
City of Clermont Police Department
3600 U.S. 27
Clermont, FL 34711
Upon termination pursuant to this subsection, payment will be made by the SCHOOL
BOARD or reimbursement made by the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY based on a pro rata
charge for services for that portion of the school year covered by this Agreement prior to
termination.
17. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and
understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereto and supersedes all prior
Agreements, representations and understandings either oral, written or otherwise relating thereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the
respective dates under each signature.
"SCHOOL BOARD"
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF LAKE COUNTY,
FLORIDA
By:
William J. Mathias, Chairperson
Date: I a.7 -a 0 -K
Attest:
Diane S
"LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY"
CITY OF CLERMONT
Y
By.
Tim Murry, or
Date: 1 g U q
,:1
Attest:
Tracy Ackroyd Howe, City Clerk
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EXHIBIT "A"
In addition to the routine duties and responsibilities of the SROs, the SROs shall have the following
specific duties and responsibilities:
1. Each SRO shall at all times perform his/her duties in accordance with City of
Clermont Police Department's standard operating procedures.
2. The SROs shall serve as resource instructors providing programs in crime
prevention that encourage students to become responsible citizens.
The SROs shall also assist the orderly flow of traffic on school grounds.
4. Each SRO shall maintain all law enforcement powers, duties, and responsibilities
inclusive of his/her position as C Police Officers while assigned to the SRO program.
5. Each SRO shall be responsible to his/her agency in all matters relating to
employment, however, activities conducted by the SROs which are part of the regular school
instruction program shall be under the direction of the principal or his/her designee.
6. Each SRO shall be at his/her school during normal school hours of operation and
shall utilize the school's computer -based management system to sign in and out to verify
attendance. During times that the SROs are unable to be on campus or need to leave campus, those
times will be coordinated with the principal or his/her designee and each SRO's supervisor. The
SRO supervisor will assure that the School has a replacement SRO on campus.
7. The SROs shall perform such duties as directed by his/her agency when school is
not in session. The principal or his/her designee shall advise the Officers' supervisor ofthe school's
calendar.
8. The SROs may contact students during school hours in conjunction with a criminal
investigation so long as such contact does not interfere with or impede the orderly operation of the
school or the rights of the individual students.
9. All student record information will be maintained in accordance with the provisions
of Florida Statutes.
10. The SROs shall interface with students between class breaks, during lunch periods,
before and after school and at school activities at which the SROs are in attendance. The SROs
will not be assigned to a permanent school related duty post so as not to establish predictable
patterns.
11. In the interest of maintaining a safe and orderly school environment, student and
campus supervision is of critical importance. The SROs shall take a prominent role in supervision
responsibilities, which shall be coordinated with and agreed to by the SROs and the designated
school principal. While school is in session, the SROs shall be present on and around the school
campus except as permitted in paragraph 6 of this Exhibit A.
12. The SROs will serve as a referral resource for students, faculty and parents to
community agencies.
13. The SROs will serve as a Law Enforcement resource to school administration and
the district manager of security services.
14. The SROs shall be familiar and offer support with the plans and strategies for the
prevention and control of dangerous situations at the school.
15. The SROs will coordinate activities with the school administration and the school
guidance department in an effort to identify those students who exhibit indications of early
delinquent behavior.
16. The SROs shall attend meetings of school faculty and requested administrative
meetings during school hours on a regular basis.
17. The SROs shall not act as a school disciplinarian, as disciplining students is a school
responsibility. However, the principal shall contact the SROs for any violations of the law, and
the SROs shall determine whether law enforcement action is appropriate.
18. The SROs shall take law enforcement action as necessary and as permitted under
Florida law and shall inform the school principal of such action unless it would impede a criminal
investigation, under such circumstances as practical. The SROs shall take appropriate law
enforcement action against intruders and unwanted guests who may appear at the school and
related school functions, to the extent that the SROs may do so under the authority of law.
Whenever practical, the SROs shall advise the principal before requesting additional law
enforcement assistance on campus.
19. The SROs shall be informed by school personnel of any situation occurring on
school grounds that would appear to be a violation of the law of criminal nature.
20. The SROs shall maintain detailed accurate records of his/her activities, and provide
a written monthly report to the LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY who shall provide such
information to the Safe Schools Department of the SCHOOL BOARD.
21. The SROs and school administration shall work together to keep each other
informed during the course of all criminal investigations as permitted by law and as practical. This
provision shall not be interpreted so as to interfere with or impede the SROs' law enforcement
duties, obligations and/or powers.
22. The SROs shall work with school administration when determining whether an
arrest should be made, or if there is an alternative solution to the incident which would still be in
compliance with Florida law. The final decision on whether arrest is appropriate will lie with the
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attending SRO or other law enforcement officer on scene at the incident. This provision shall not
be interpreted so as to interfere with or impede the SROs' law enforcement duties, obligations or
powers.
23. The SROs shall affect a physical arrest for felonies committed on school grounds,
particularly those that are "Zero Tolerance", as permitted by law.
24. The SROs shall give assistance to other law enforcement officers and government
agencies in matters regarding his/her school assignment, whenever necessary.
25. The parties shall comply with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act ("FERPA").
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