Okeechobee Directions for Completing Security Clearance

Field Placement Note: The requirements for placement in Okeechobee County Schools are very specific. In order to participate in any school experience, you must be fingerprinted. This holds true for all field placement courses regardless of the number of hours required to serve in the school.

Student Teaching Note: The following requirements must be completed in time to be submitted with your student teaching (practicum / internship) application, which is due in the Office for Academic and Student Services, Boca Campus, Room 230, no later than 4:00 p.m., September 15 for spring student teachers (and / or practicum / internships) and January 31 for fall student teachers (and / or practicum / internships). (Applications are accepted on both Treasure Coast and McArthur Campuses, as well.)

Your student teaching application will not be accepted without a copy of your security clearance fingerprinting card. A copy of this card will be provided by the staff at the Okeechobee County Personnel Office as part of the fingerprinting process.

Security Clearance: Students must bring a copy of their program sheet or an unofficial transcript to the school district office at the time of fingerprinting. The district office personnel will not allow FAU students to apply for security clearance without documentation showing FAU status. The program sheet or unofficial transcript provides the required documentation.

All Okeechobee fingerprinting verification must be completed at the Human Resources Office at the Okeechobee County School Board, 700 SW 2nd Avenue, Okeechobee. Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Summer office hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The office will be closed during the month of July and will resume regular hours beginning August 5, 2002. The telephone number is (863) 462-5000, ext. 267.

The security clearance process for Okeechobee County has changed. You will need to submit a complete set of fingerprints taken by trained district personnel or a law enforcement agency, as well as a processing fee.

There is a $26.50 fee for substance screening, payable by cash, check or money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to: "Okeechobee County School Board". CREDIT CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED FOR SUBSTANCE SCREENING.

ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THESE PROCEDURES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE OFFICE FOR ACADEMIC AND STUDENT SERVICES AT (561) 297-3570, NOT THE OKEECHOBEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE.