In accordance with School Board Policy 4.31 all guest speakers must undergo a Level II background screening and submit a Guest Speaker Approval Form. Those requesting to speak on certain topics must also receive approval from the Health and Safety Curriculum Committee.

All speakers must ensure their material aligns to Sarasota County Curriculum, is relevant to students, contains factual and objective content that takes into consideration the accurate portrayal of the state’s broad racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural diversity without bias or indoctrination, is in accordance with state standards including all content being free of prohibited pornography, obscenity, and sexual conduct in accordance with Florida Statute 1006.28, and that can be delivered in an age-appropriate manner.

School administrators must review the form, speaker bio, and presentation materials prior to approving the guest speaker. If they have concerns about the speaker or material, administrators shall receive approval from their assigned District-level administrator.

Guest speaker presentations shall not contain inappropriate messages or language, religious or political connections or messages, endorse a business, organization or product, or gather student information.

If presentation content changes from the approved application and submission, it is the speaker’s responsibility to contact the committee at HSCC@sarasotacountyschools.net. Changes to the presentation may require resubmission.

Guest speaker approvals must be renewed on an annual basis. All applications expire on June 15 of each year and must be resubmitted appropriately online.