Statement of Agency Organization and Operation
Purpose
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) is a state public school available at no cost to eligible pre-K and K12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired or deafblind, including boarding and transportation services. Educational outreach services are also provided by FSDB to parents of children ages 0-5 who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired or deafblind. The FSDB experience provides students with the edge to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. To inquire about enrollment eligibility or schedule a campus tour, contact FSDB Parent Services at 904-827-2212 voice or 904-201-4527 videophone.
Mission
The mission of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is to utilize all available talent, energy, and resources to provide free appropriate public education for eligible sensory impaired students of Florida. As a school of academic excellence, the school shall strive to provide students an opportunity to access education services in caring, safe, unique learning environment to prepare them to be literate, employable, and independent lifelong learners. The school shall provide outreach services that include collaboration with district school boards and shall encourage input from students, staff, parents, and the community. As a diverse organization, the school shall foster respect and understanding for each individual. (Section 1002.36, Florida Statutes)
Board of Trustees
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind operates under the leadership and direction of its Board of Trustees, pursuant to Section 1002.36, Florida Statutes. The Board consists of seven members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. One of its members is required to be a blind person, and one is required to be a deaf person. Each member is required to have been a Florida resident for at least ten (10) years and the term of office for each member is four (4) years. The Board is invested with full power and authority to appoint the President of FSDB. The President serves as the educational leader of FSDB under the direction of the Board of Trustees. As chief executive officer, the President is responsible for the organization, operation and management of FSDB and its programs.
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The President's administrative team includes, but is not limited to, oversight of Allied Health and Related Services, Boarding Services, Business Services, Instructional Services, and Outreach and Technology Services, as shown in the FSDB organizational chart. Learn more about FSDB and its programs and services at www.fsdbk12.org.
Public Records
All public records requests, including petitions for obtaining information about variance from or waivers of agency rules, shall be filed and processed by the agency clerk, who is also responsible for assisting the pubic in accessing the agency index of final orders. The filing date for requests submitted by email shall be the date the agency receives the complete document. Any document received by the agency clerk after 5:00 p.m. shall be filed as of 8:00 a.m. on the next regular business day. Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. The agency clerk is responsible assisting with public records requests, as follows:
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Pauline Wagner
Executive Director, Parent Services
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
207 San Marco Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084
Email Mrs. Wagner
PH: 904-827-2212
VP: 904-201-4527