JCSB Rules on Consent Agenda Items

By: Shelia Mader

During the recent Jackson County School Board meeting, Chairman Chris Johnson asked if there were any questions regarding consent agenda item 6.0 (6.1–6.7).

Chephus Granberry

Board member Chephus Granberry requested clarification on item 6.2, which addressed the Personalized Education Program (PEP). Under Florida law, PEP students, typically homeschool or nontraditional homeschool students, may participate in certain district activities. These include interscholastic extracurricular programs, dual enrollment, district virtual instruction, career and technical courses, industry certifications, and state-mandated assessments.

Superintendent Hunter Nolen explained, “The way the state of Florida describes it is traditional homeschool and nontraditional homeschool students. In Jackson County, we’ve decided that any student who is not enrolled in our district but receives funding from the State of Florida and wishes to take an academic course or participate in extracurricular activities will follow a fee schedule.”

Granberry asked for an example of such a student. Nolen responded that it would be one receiving a state-funded scholarship. “Basically,” Nolen said, “the parents receive the FTE [Full-Time Equivalent] funding from the state. If they choose to participate in our courses or activities, we charge a fee per nine weeks or per semester.”

Granberry confirmed, “So, homeschooled students without state funding can participate at no charge?”

“That’s correct,” Nolen replied.

The contract specifies the Florida Empowerment Scholarship as the primary funding source. Any student receiving that scholarship, or other funding under the Family Empowerment Scholarship, will be charged for district-provided services. Students without such funding remain unaffected.

Another board member noted that this policy mirrors actions taken by other Florida districts, including Washington, Holmes, Liberty, and Calhoun counties. Washington County approved a similar measure Monday, Holmes County on Tuesday, and Liberty County a few weeks earlier.

Currently, 247 students are enrolled in the PEP scholarship program in Jackson County, though it is unclear how many participate in district offerings. The district is working to determine that number.

The board voted unanimously to approve item 6.2.