Staff report
Nassau County School Board Vice Chair Joe Zimmerman introduced a policy proposal creating hardship exemptions for existing students facing traumatic life changes during a workshop Dec. 8, according to a recent release.
The measure ensures educational stability for children in crisis, preventing displacement caused by rigid attendance zones, the release said.
Zimmerman calls the proposal a “compassion-driven, common-sense measure that puts students first,” according to the release.
Current attendance zoning rules often force students to transfer schools during crises like divorce, medical emergencies or temporary housing issues, the release said. This policy allows these students to stay in their current school, prioritizing continuity.
“Our first responsibility as School Board Members is to ensure student success. For many of our kids, their school is their support system. It’s where they find stability, encouragement, trusted adults, and a community that cares about them,” Zimmerman said, according to the release.
“When a family is experiencing a hardship, the last thing a child needs is to be uprooted from that environment. This policy ensures that students can maintain the relationships and stability they depend on during the moments they need it most,” he said.
The policy includes specific guardrails to ensure integrity, according to the release. Eligibility is available only to currently enrolled Nassau County residents and does not apply to new out-of-county applicants, the release said. Qualifying circumstances apply to sudden changes such as divorce, custody shifts or temporary moves that force a student out of their zone or Nassau County. Students must maintain specific attendance, punctuality and academic standards to remain eligible, according to the release.
Zimmerman emphasized this does not bypass attendance zoning but creates a transparent process for rare cases where strict boundaries negatively impact a child, the release said.
“Zoning matters, and we respect that. But when a family suddenly hits a rough patch, kids shouldn’t lose the support system they rely on at school,” Zimmerman said. “This policy brings compassion, consistency, and clarity to a situation that too often leaves families feeling lost.”
The proposal will have a review of draft language and community input at the January meeting of the Nassau County School Board, according to the release.
“This is yet another way the Nassau County School District can lead in Florida,” Zimmerman said.
