Polk County Public Schools Explained

Polk County Public Schools
Town:-->
State:Florida
County:Polk County
Country:United States
Grades:Pre-school through 12th
Superintendent:Frederick Heid
Deputy Superintendent:-->
Accreditation:-->
Enrollment:-->
Colours:-->

Polk County Public Schools is a school district headquartered in Bartow, Florida, United States.[1] The district serves Polk County.

History

Civil rights era

Before 1965, Polk County maintained two separate school systems, one for white students, and a separate system for non-white students. In 1963, a group of parents of Black students attempted to have their children admitted to the all-white schools. When their applications were denied by the school board, they filed suit in federal district court. In early 1965, a federal judge ordered the schools to formulate a plan to integrate both students and teachers, and provide equal facilities and programs for all students regardless of race. For 1965, the district instituted a sham desegregation plan. In 1969, after additional adverse federal rulings, the district adopted another plan which also proved to be ineffective at integrating the schools. The schools became substantially integrated by 1994.[2]

2020s

By October 13, 2021, 17 employees died in the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida, with 15 of them having started work for the fall semester.[3]

Controversies

Intelligent design controversy

In November 2007, four Polk County School Board members interviewed by The Ledger daily newspaper said they would support a resolution advising the Florida Board of Education to revise proposed science standards to include alternative theories to evolution.[4]

Expulsion of student for science experiment

In 2013 the district expelled a 16-year-old girl after her experiment mixing household materials resulted in a small explosion. The student was arrested and charged with possession/discharge of a weapon on school property and discharging a destructive device. Scientists posted tweets condemning the district's response.[5] Tiffany Madison of the Washington Times argued that the district's punishment reflected American schools becoming "mindless, bureaucratic prisons".[6]

School uniforms

The district requires all students in Kindergarten through 8th grade to wear school uniforms.[7]

Number of schools

Polk County Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the nation, encompassing more than 150 schools and serving more than 100,000 students through both traditional K-12 schools and a variety of other programs.

High schools

Middle schools

Elementary schools

Charter Schools in District

Notes and References

  1. "Contact Us." Polk County Public Schools. Accessed October 25, 2018.
  2. Book: Holton . James Vincent . The Best Education Provided: A Social History of School Integration in Polk County, Florida, 1963-1994 . January 30, 2002 . Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
  3. Web site: 17 employees have died from Covid in a Florida school district since August. NBC News. 2021-10-13. 2021-10-14.
  4. Web site: Majority Opposes Science Proposal. 2010-10-01. The Ledger.
  5. "Kiera Wilmot Expelled: Scientists, Teachers Outraged By Harsh Punishment For Teen's Experiment Accident." International Business Times. May 2, 2013. Retrieved on May 6, 2013.
  6. Madison, Tiffany. "Florida schoolgirl charged with felonies for science experiment." Washington Times. Wednesday May 1, 2013. Retrieved on May 6, 2013.
  7. "School Uniform & Dress Code Information." Polk County Public Schools. Accessed October 25, 2018.
  8. News: Hendrick . Charles . Schmidt . Pete . 204 Negroes to go to all-white schools . 5 May 2019 . Tampa Tribune . May 26, 1965.
  9. Web site: Rochelle High School . City of Lakeland . 23 February 2019.
  10. Book: African American Sites in Florida. Jan 12, 2007. Pineapple Press Inc. 9781561643851. Google Books.
  11. Web site: Polk County Schools School Listing .

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