August 23, 2005

To all vendors and contractors with the School Board:

We are writing to inform you of a new Florida law enacted this year, known as “The Jessica Lunsford Act”.  As you may be aware, this new law was passed in response to the tragic abduction and killing of Jessica Lunsford by a convicted sexual offender.  This new law, effective September 1st, 2005, will affect your business if you, your employees or your agents will have access to school grounds when students are present, have direct contact with students or have access to or control of school funds. 

A copy of House Bill 1877, which was approved by the Governor on May 2nd, 2005 {Chapter 2005-28, L.O.F., Section 21} can be found by accessing the following link on the Internet:election.dos.state.fl.us/laws/05laws/ch_2005-028.pdf

As a result of this new law, your business should first determine whether you or any of your employees or agents will

• be at a school when students are present; or
• have direct contact with students; or
• have access to or control of school funds.

If you have no personnel who meet any of these criteria, the law does not apply to you, and you do not need to do anything.  However, if you or other personnel from your business meet any of the three criteria above, you will need to ensure that those personnel are fingerprinted and screened.  Level 2 screening includes fingerprinting, statewide criminal and juvenile justice records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and federal criminal records checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Level 2 screening may also include local criminal records checks through the local law enforcements agencies.

The requirements of this new law must be met in order for the School Board to continue working with you.   

We value your partnership with our School Board, and look forward to a continuing positive relationship.

Sincerely,

David M. Buckles
Superintendent of Schools