The Board values excellence and wants to recognize, and thereby encourage, staff members, school volunteers, advisory committee members, and community members whose achievements and/or service exemplify the excellence that is our District's standard. It shall be the policy of this Board, therefore, that exemplary achievements and/or service of staff members, school volunteers, advisory committee members, and community members be appropriately recognized with meritorious service awards.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to develop procedures whereby such recognition will be based on well-defined, consistent criteria, and standards.

Pursuant to State law, District funds may be budgeted and expended to purchase awards to be presented to individuals in recognition of their achievements and/or service. These awards may include, but are not limited to, certificates, plaques, medals, ribbons, and photographs. The cost of a single award presented pursuant to this policy shall not exceed the statutory limit of $2,000.00.

Further, it shall be the policy of this Board that staff members who propose procedures or ideas that, when recommended by the Superintendent and adopted by the Board, result in the elimination or reduction of District expenditures or in the improvement of District or school center operations may be presented awards or incentives.

A monetary award, if granted, shall not exceed $2,000.00 or ten percent (10%) of the first year’s savings, whichever is greater.

F.S. 1012.22(g)

Revised 4/26/11