While students are settling into their new daily routines for the start of another school year, teachers have begun implementing their lesson plans for this academic term. In doing so, many educators are still questioning their responsibility under Rule 6A-10.085, part of the Parental Rights in Education law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022 and expanded in 2023. This rule requires schools to seek parental consent before children can participate in “field trips, extracurricular activities and supplemental programs.” Neola Policy 5782 defines these school-sponsored events and activities to mean any event or activity the school of enrollment creates for students to study or participate in while in the custody of the School District. The law aims to give parents more control and oversight regarding their children’s participation in these activities by ensuring that parents are informed and can make decisions aligned with their values and preferences. While this approach adds an additional layer of complexity for schools as they start the new academic year, here are some key considerations for educators and school administrators as they navigate this requirement:
- Administrative Load – The requirement to obtain parental consent before students can participate in field trips, extracurricular activities, and supplemental programs will increase the administrative workload. Districts and schools will need to develop and manage processes for obtaining, tracking, and storing consent forms.
- Communication – Districts and schools must ensure clear and effective communication with parents about the activities that require consent. This involves not only informing parents, but also making sure they understand what they are consenting to and providing them with adequate time to respond.
- Documentation – Schools will need to maintain thorough records of consent to comply with the law. This includes ensuring that consent forms are properly completed, stored securely, and easily accessible if needed for review.
- Flexibility and Planning – Teachers and school administrators will need to plan ahead to account for the time required to gather and verify consent. This might affect scheduling for activities and programs, potentially leading to changes in how and when certain events are conducted.
- Training and Resources – Educators and administrative staff may require training to fully understand the requirements of the law and how to effectively manage the consent process. Developing clear guidelines and resources can help streamline the process.
Best Practices for Compliance
- Develop a Standardized Consent Process – Create a standardized form and process for obtaining consent. Utilizing a standard form to be used district-wide could prove beneficial particularly for families with multiple children attending different schools. Districts/schools should consult Neola Policy 5782 or Rule 6A-10.085(3)(b), F.A.C. for required elements to be included on the consent form.
- Timely Communication – Send out consent forms well in advance of any planned activities. Provide clear information about what the activity involves, including dates, times, and any associated costs or requirements.
- Follow-up Procedures – Implement a system for tracking responses and following up with parents who have not yet provided consent.
- Engage Parents Early – Foster strong communication channels with parents from the start. Engaging them early and often can help ensure they are informed and can provide timely consent.
- Stay Updated – Keep up with any updates or changes to the law and adjust procedures as necessary to remain in compliance. Neola districts will be provided with annual updates and any special updates necessary throughout the year.
By addressing these aspects, schools can better manage the law’s requirements and ensure that they continue to provide enriching experiences for students while respecting parental rights and preference.
Neola is a leading provider of school district policy management solutions and is dedicated to helping your district navigate the ever-changing landscape of school policy. Neola works with the Florida School Boards Association and legal counsel at Sniffen & Spellman, P.A. to craft policy changes and provide legal guidance to assist boards and administrators through these challenging times. This collaborative effort allows Neola to provide districts with a level of service and support that enables them to remain current on changing regulations. By partnering with Neola, districts can be confident they are starting each new school year with policies and procedures that are in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.