The Jessica Lunsford Act
ATTENTION!
Effective November 1, 2010 Jessica Lunsford Level II fingerprints will cost $98.00. Badges will cost $20.00.
Fingerprints and badge will be $118.00.
April 16, 2008
To all the vendors and contractors with the School Board of Charlotte County, Florida:
The Jessica Lunsford Act was passed in response to the tragic abduction and murder of Jessica Lunsford by a previously convicted sexual offender. Essentially, the Jessica Lunsford Act prohibits the School Board from employing or contracting with persons who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude where the person would have direct contact with students, be on school premises when students are present, or have access or control of school funds. This law went into effect September 1, 2005, and affects your business relationship with the School Board if you, your employees, or your agents have direct contact with students, enter school grounds when students are present, or have access to or control of school funds.
As a result of this law, your business should first determine whether your contract with the School Board requires or allows you or any of your employees or agents to: (1) be at public school when students are present; (2) have direct contact with students; or (3) have access to or control of school funds. Exceptions to certain fingerprinting and criminal history checks can be found in F.S.1012.468. If you have no personnel who meet any of these criteria, the law does not apply to you.
If you or other personnel from your business meet any of the three criteria above, you will need to ensure that those personnel obtain a "Lunsford Card" from the Charlotte County Public Schools Administration Building, located in Murdock, at 1445 Education Way, Port Charlotte. To obtain a Lunsford Card, each individual must be fingerprinted, and a local, state and federal record check will be conducted. Those individuals convicted of crimes listed in F.S. 1012.467,2(g) will not be issued Lunsford Cards and will be prohibited from direct contact with students, entering school grounds when students are present or accessing school funds. Appointments for background checks are required, and may be scheduled by contacting Martha at 255-0808 ext. 3002. The Lunsford Card is valid for the current school year only and must be renewed each year. Specific information may be obtained at the website listed below or from the Department of Human Resources.
The requirements of this law must be met in order for the School Board to continue working with you. We are continuing to develop implementation procedures for this law, and further information will be posted on this website.
We value your partnership with our School Board, and look forward to a continuing positive relationship.
Sincerely,
David E. Gayler, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Contractor Level II Clearance Badge Request Form
Contractor Level II Clearance Badge Renewal Procedures