FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
    ?
    STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
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    John L. Winn
    Commissioner of Education
    F. PHILIP HANDY,
    Chairman
    T. WILLARD FAIR,
    Vice Chairman
    Members
    DONNA G. CALLAWAY
    JULIA L. JOHNSON
    ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
    PHOEBE RAULERSON
    LINDA K. TAYLOR
    Contact Person
    MEMORANDUM
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    Name: Beverly Gregory
    Phone: 850/245-0431
    Suncom: 205-0431
    TO:
    District School Superintendents
    Email:
    beverly.gregory@fldoe.org
    District School Certification Officers
    K12: 2005-122
    FROM:
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    John L. Winn
    DATE:
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    September 7, 2005
    SUBJECT:
    ?
    Special Florida Certification Provisions for Educators Impacted by
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    Hurricane Katrina
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    The employees of the Department of Education extend our deepest sympathies to the
    individuals that have experienced devastating loss as a result of the catastrophic hurricane.
    Our priority is to provide support and assistance necessary to school districts to help with the
    relocation of displaced educators in Florida.
    I realize that there may be special situations relating to educator certification for which there is
    authority granted to me as Commissioner in Section 1012.56(15), Florida Statutes, to make
    decisions under extenuating circumstances not provided in law or rule. I have decided, because
    of these unforeseen circumstances, to waive the certification fee for the initial application for a
    Florida certificate for any displaced educator from Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama who is
    now seeking certification and employment in a Florida school system. The attached form is to
    be submitted with the certification application verifying the applicant has been negatively
    impacted and displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Some districts have indicated that they are
    waiving the local fingerprinting fee. I am encouraging school districts to do so.
    If you need clarification, questions answered, or have any need for special assistance in
    verifying the out-of-state certificate or credentials for these teachers, please contact Beverly
    Gregory, Chief, Educator Certification, at the email or phone number listed above.
    JLW/bg
    325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0505 • www.fldoe.org

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