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School District Transition Contacts and Process

This list identifies one individual in each school district who will support youth returning from DJJ programs to re-enter school, assist with transferring and receiving educational records, and provide information to other districts on local school options for returning DJJ students. Information on each district’s transition process is also provided.

For contact information on a youth's juvenile probation officer, contact the Chief Probation Officer in the county of interest. This contact information can be obtained at www.djj.state.fl.us, select DJJ services, probation and community corrections, probation, and community corrections contacts.

To make corrections to this list, please contact Lisa Robinson at

Transition Process:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | L | M | N | O | P | S | T | U | V | W

Alachua

Contact:

Samuel D. Haywood, Student Service Specialist
620 E. University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 955-7671 x274
Fax: (352) 955-7129
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Unique needs of the student, pupil program status, transition recommendations, parent student request and DJJ requirements
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Baker

Contact:

Robin Mobley
392 South Blvd East
Macclenny, FL 32063
Phone: (904) 872-0428
Fax: (904) 259-1728
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students are placed in an alternative school for a minimum of 45 days. They are mainstreamed back into their zoned middle or high school based on academic and behavior assessment.

Bay

Contact:

Anne Martin, Transition Specialist Program Liaison
450 E. 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: (850) 872-4706 x 119
Fax: (850) 872-7394
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student’s past history, current academic records, school zones
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Bradford

Contact:

Barbara Johns
501 W. Washington St
Stark, FL 32091
Phone: (904) 966-6001
Fax: (904) 966-6038
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: DJJ facility recommendation, student charges
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Brevard

Contact:

Michael Folger, Transition Coordinator
20 S. Wickham Road
Melbourne, FL 32904
Phone: (321) 271-8092
Fax: (321) 723-4027
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: DJJ facility recommendations, IEP review, zone school policies (zone school makes the final decision)
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Broward

Contact:

Angela Ryan Lublin, Delinquency Court Liaison, Student Services Department
600 SE 3rd Ave, 7th Floor
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (754) 321-2122
Fax: (754) 321-2129
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Academic record review (i.e. IAPs, IEP test scores, diploma options), barriers to academic services
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Calhoun

Contact:

Vicki Davis, Director of Special Services
20859 Central Ave E., Room G-20
Blountstown, FL 32424
Phone: (850) 674-8733 x22
Fax: (850) 674-4743
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning to Calhoun County from a DJJ program are placed in an alternative school for a minimum of 45 days. Students at the school receive counseling prior to transitioning to their regular school.

Charlotte

Contact:

April Prestipino, Director of Student Services
1445 Education Way
Port Charlotte, FL. 33948
Phone: (941) 255-0808 x 3047
Fax: (941) 255-7573
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Suspension expulsion review team meets to determine placement
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Citrus

Contact:

Mary Wolf, ESE Specialist
1007 W. Main St.
Inverness, FL 34450
Phone: (352) 726-1931
Fax: (352) 249-2116
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student residency
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Clay

Contact:

Mike Wingate, Director of Student Services
23 S. Green St
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Phone: (904) 272-8100 X 6511
Fax: (904) 529-2170
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Students time of entry into the school district, DJJ facility recommendation
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students who return at the beginning of the school year or the semester are placed in their zoned school. Students who return after the semester has started are placed in an alternative school.

Collier

Contact:

Joan Rumbaugh, Guidance Counselor Alternative Schools
3710 Estey Ave.
Naples, FL 34104
Phone: (239) 377-1056 or (239) 377-1055
Fax: (239) 377-1051
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student needs
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Columbia

Contact:

Dana Huggins, Resource Coordinator-Special Services
444 W. Duval Street
Lake City, Florida 32055
Phone: (386) 758-4954
Fax: (386) 758-4880
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student charges
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Dade

Contact:

Claire Warren, Principal
5120 NW 24 Avenue
Miami, FL 33142
Phone: (305) 636-6160
Fax: (305) 636-6195
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: School records, age of student, prior behavior ESE issues, delinquent history, victim attending the same schools, DJJ recommendations
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Desoto

Contact:

Dan Dubbert, Support Services
530 Lasolona Ave.
Arcadia, FL 34266
Phone: (863) 494-4222
Fax: (863) 494-6481
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Academic records, student release date from facility
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Dixie

Contact:

James Bray, Director of ESE and Student Services
P.O.Box 890
Cross City, FL 32628
Phone: (352) 498-6143
Fax: (352) 498-1308
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are assigned to their zoned school and are provided school-based supports.

Duval

Contact:

Richard Seymore, Transition Specialist-DJJ
1840 W. 9th St.
Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone: (904) 630-6640
Fax: (904) 630-6653
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Students return to their zoned school unless court order specifies a different placement
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Escambia

Contact:

Ken Myers, DJJ Transition Coordinator
30 E. Texar Dr. Office 141
Pensacola, FL 32503
Phone: (850) 430-7446
Fax: (850) 430-7447
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Review of educational records, committing offense, educational needs, DJJ recommendation
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Flagler

Contact:

Dr. Tracy Umpenhour, Director, Exceptional Student Education
P.O. Box 755
Brunnell, FL 32110
Phone: (386) 437-7526
Fax: (386) 586-2387
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are placed in their zoned school

Franklin

Contact:

Nina Marks
155 Ave. East
Apalachicola, FL 32320
Phone: (850) 670-2810 x 4111
Fax: (850) 670-2813
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are placed in the alternative school

Gadsden

Contact:

Susan Bentley, Program Specialist
35 MLK Blvd.
Quincy, FL 32351
Phone: (850) 627-9651
Fax: (850) 627-5327
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Prior school placement
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Gilchrist

Contact:

J. Surrency, Assistant Superintendent
310 NW 11 Ave
Trenton, FL 32693
Phone: (352) 463-3200
Fax: (352) 463-3276
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Education Records Review
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Glades

Contact:

Deborah Pressley, Director of Curriculum Services
PO Box 459
Moore Haven, FL. 33471
Phone: (863) 946-2083
Fax: (863) 946-1529
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: DJJ charges, DJJ recommendation, school records
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Gulf

Contact:

Deborah S. Crosby, Coordinator of Special Education
150 Middle School Road
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Phone: (850) 229-6940
Fax: (850) 227-1999
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are placed in their zoned school and assigned to a second-chance class

Hamilton

Contact:

Regina Jordan, ESE Coordinator
100 Mitchell Street Extension
Jasper, FL 32052
Phone: (386) 792-6419
Fax: (386) 792-6401
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Judicial order, school board policies
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Hardee

Contact:

Gary Moore, Director, Alternative Education
2630 Academy Dr
Zolfo Springs, FL 33890
Phone: (863) 735-2300
Fax: (863) 735-2155
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Academic records review, DJJ recommendation for school placement
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Hendry

Contact:

R. Scott Cooper, Assistant Superintendent for Institutional Services
P.O Box 1980
LaBelle, FL 33975
Phone: (863) 674-4555
Fax: (863) 674-4581
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Due process hearing
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Hernando

Contact:

Mary-Grace Surrena, Coordinator of Student Services
919 N. Broad St.
Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone: (352) 797-7008 ext. 409
Fax: (352) 797-7108
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student charges, academic and behavior history
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Highlands

Contact:

Marie Sesman, Secretary/Clerk of Student Services
426 School Street
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 471-5748
Fax: (863) 471-5660
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Academic records, previous school district enrollment
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Hillsborough

Contact:

Chrissy Dorion, ART for DJJ Students
405 E. Palm Ave.
Tampa, fl 33602
Phone: (813) 228-0805
Fax: (813) 228-0828
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning to from a DJJ program are placed in their zoned (neighborhood) school.

Holmes

Contact:

Jean B. West, General Support Administrator
401 McLaughlin Avenue
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-0470
Fax: (850) 547-0474
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: DJJ program recommendation, student and parent input
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Indian River

Contact:

Janis R. Spero, School Social Worker
1507 19th Street
Vero Beach 32960
Phone: (772) 564-5736
Fax: (772) 564-3159
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Suspension Expulsion Review Team (SERT) recommendations
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are placed in their zoned school on a behavior contract

Jackson

Contact:

John Hamilton, Director of Health and Safety
PO Box 5958
Marianna, FL. 32447
Phone: (850) 482-1200 x 278
Fax: (850) 482-1342
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning to Jackson County from a DJJ program are placed in their zoned school

Jefferson

Contact:

Dr. Melvin Roberts
575 South Water St.
Monticello, Florida 32344
Phone: (850) 342-0100, Ext. 226
Fax: (850) 342-0108
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student charges (misdemeanors, felonies), Educational Record Review
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Lafayette

Contact:

Debra Land, ESE Director
363 NE Crawford Street
Mayo, FL 32066
Phone: (386) 294-4120
Fax: (386) 294-3072
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are placed in their zoned school (in an alternative classroom setting)

Lake

Contact:

John Schmidt, Administrative Coor-Safe Schools
201 W. Burleigh Blvd
Tavares, FL 32778
Phone: (352) 253-6675
Fax: (352) 253-6802
E-mail:

Transition Process:


Alternate E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are placed in an alternative school for at least one full semester plus the remaining time until the next semester begins

Lee

Contact:

Mattie Young, Coordinator Student Welfare and Attendance
2855 Colonial Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33966-1012
Phone: (239) 337-8263
Fax: (239) 335-1452
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Students records, DJJ educational exit plan
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Leon

Contact:

Joe Pons, Principal, Ghazvini Learning Center
860 Blountstown Highway
Tallahassee FL 32304
Phone: (850) 487-7525
Fax: (850) 410-1531
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: individual educational plan for exceptional education students
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Non-exceptional education students are placed at an alternative school for a period of up to 45 days or until the remainder of the semester. Exceptional education students will have their individual educational plan reviewed before a recommendation for school placement is determined.

Notes: Students returning to Leon County Schools interested in adult education programs should contact Ghazvini Learning Center at (850) 488-2087 to schedule a reentry meeting.

Initial transition records should be sent to Kim Black by e-mail at , or mailed to her at: Ghazvini Learning Center, 860 Blountstown Highway, Tallahassee, FL 32304.

Levy

Contact:

Jeff Edison, Safety Coordinator
P.O. Drawer 129
Bronson, FL 32621
Phone: (352) 486-5231
Fax: (352) 486-5237
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student charges
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Liberty

Contact:

Janna Hill
P.O. Box 429
12926 NW CR 12
Bristol, FL 32321
Phone: (850) 643-2275 x235
Fax: (850) 643-4183
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Academic Records, DJJ educational exit transition plan, IEP and IAP's.
  • Specific criteria for school placement: All eligible students return to regular school setting.

Madison

Contact:

Julia Waldrep, Director, Teaching and Learning
210 N.W. Duval St.
Madison, FL 32340
Phone: (850) 973-5022 X 224
Fax: (850) 973-5020
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Academic Records Review, DJJ recommendations
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Manatee

Contact:

Verdya Bradley, Supervisor, Innovative Programs and Parental
215 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton,FL 34205
Phone: (941) 708-8770 x 2242
Fax: (941) 708-8682
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Juvenile justice involvement, student charges
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Marion

Contact:

Ann Busby, Transition Specialist
1517 SE 30th Ave, Suite 1
Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: (352) 671-6859
Fax: (352) 840-8259
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: IEP review, court orders, prior school history and placement
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Martin

Contact:

William Connolly, Coordinator of Student Services
500 E. Ocean Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 219-1200 X 30255
Fax: (772) 219-1246
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: IEP team review for ESE students
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Non-ESE students returning from a DJJ program are placed in their zoned school

Monroe

Contact:

Helen Rowe, Transition Case Manager
2100 Flagler Ave.
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 293-1549 ext. 54410
Fax: (305) 293-1547
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Academic history, date of re-entry into school district
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Nassau

Contact:

Curtis Gaus
DOP Coordinator
1201 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Bch, FL 32034
Phone: (904) 548-1752
Fax: (904) 548-4499
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Academic records, DJJ educational exit transition plan
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Okaloosa

Contact:

Billy Mikel, Director
461 West School Avenue
Crestview, FL 32526
Phone: (850) 683-9002
Fax: (850) 683-9000
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are placed in an alternative school for the remainder of the semester

Okeechobee

Contact:

Joni L. Ard, Director of Student Services
700 SW 2nd Ave.
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Phone: (863) 462-5000 X 258
Fax: (863) 462-5068
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Review of education records, prior school history, educational exit plan, DJJ facility recommendations
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Orange

Contact:

Marlon Onias
445 W. Amelia Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-317-3200 Ext 2933
Fax: 407-317-3338
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student school records, academic needs, DJJ program recommendation, school placement availability
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Osceola

Contact:

Yolanda Marti, Guidance Counselor
P.O. Box 809
Intercession City, FL 33848
Phone: (407) 518-2932
Fax: (407) 944-1382
E-mail:

Transition Process:


  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are placed in an alternative school (New Beginnings, Cornerstone, or Crossroads) for one semester

Palm Beach

Contact:

Crystal Leonard, Transition Coordinator
1800 Osceola Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Phone: (561) 681-5943
Fax: (561) 681-5950
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Review of education and treatment records from the facility
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Pasco

Contact:

Darcy L. Menter, LMHC, Transition Specialist
7227 Land o Lakes Blvd.
Land o Lakes, FL 34638
Phone: (813) 794-2442
Fax: (813) 794-2120
Cell: (813) 235-3038
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student records and exit transition plan from the facility
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Pinellas

Contact:

Don Kucerik, Drop Out Prevention Specialist
301-4th St. SW
Largo, FL 33779
Phone: (727) 588-6000
Fax: (727) 588-6109
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Prior school placement, current educational status, school records
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Polk

Contact:

Linda Peterson, Transition Specialist
910 Lowry Ave
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 413-2835
Fax: (863) 413-2779
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student records, exit transition plans
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Putnam

Contact:

Constance Schneider, Student/Employee Hearing Officer Specialist
200 South Seventh St.
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0538
Fax: (386) 329-0607
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Students pending charges, expulsion, victim attending same school
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Santa Rosa

Contact:

Phillip R. Blake
DJJ/ESE Transition Liaison
6751 Berryhill Street
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 981-7859
Fax: (850) 981-7861
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student records, career interest
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Sarasota

Contact:

Dr. Linda Post, District Discipline Coordinator
1960 Landings Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34231
Phone: (941) 927-9000
Fax: (941) 927-4024
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Review of academic assessments, ESE status, past placement, and history, DJJ recommendations, student’s needs
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Seminole

Contact:

Martin Kirsch, Education Liaison for Juvenile Justice Programs
400 East Lake Mary Blvd.
Sanford, FL 32773
Phone: (407) 320-0317
Fax: (407) 320-0585
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: All students are assigned to Eugene Gregory Academy for 30 days. After 30 days, students behavior is reviewed for appropriate placement in their home school.

St. Johns

Contact:

Paul Abbatinozzi, District Transition Specialist
40 Orange St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 547-7689
Fax: (904) 547-7695
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Meeting with the social worker, develop an academic plan, review education records and age of student
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

St. Lucie

Contact:

Dianne M. Williams, Transition Specialist
4204 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, FL 34947
Phone: (772) 429-3950
Fax: (772) 429-7545
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Length of stay in DJJ program, committing charges, overall academic and behavior performance, ESE services provided number of credits earned, age of youth, DJJ recommendations
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Sumter

Contact:

Jean Holstein, Coordinator of Student Services
2680 West County Rd 476
Bushnell, FL 33513
Phone: (352) 793-2315
Fax: (352) 793-4180
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program attend an alternative school for a minimum of one semester, but usually for one year

Suwannee

Contact:

Elizabeth Simpson, Director of Student Services
702 2nd St.,NW
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: (386) 364-2631
Fax: (386) 364-2635
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: DJJ facility recommendation, student progress in DJJ facility
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Taylor

Contact:

Anne Morgan, Assistant Principal
900 Johnson Stripling Rd.
Perry, FL 32347
Phone: (850) 838-2525
Fax: (850) 838-2521
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Last school attended, student discipline history, age, number of credits, grade point average, and committing offense
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Union

Contact:

Barry Sams, Director of Alternative Programs/Adult Education
208 S.E. 6th Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: (386) 496-1300
Fax: (386) 496-4919
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Student records, DJJ recommendations (including services needed)
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Volusia

Contact:

John Polsinelli, Court Liaison
P.O. Box 2118
DeLand, FL 32721-2118
Phone: (386) 734-7190 Ext. 20085
Fax: (386) 943-3434
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students return to their zoned school

Wakulla

Contact:

Beth O'Donnell, Director of Instruction
P.O. Box 100
Crawfordville, Fl 32326
Phone: (850) 926-0065
Fax: (850) 926-0123
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: Transition committee to review academic records.
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None

Walton

Contact:

Mark Ewing, Coordinator of Special Programs and Services
145 Park St. Suite 5
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Phone: (850) 892-1153 ext. 3
Fax: (850) 892-1195
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: None
  • Specific criteria for school placement: Students returning from a DJJ program are placed in Walton Academy, which is a charter school serving adjudicated youth for a minimum of nine weeks

Washington

Contact:

Pat Collins, Director of Administrative Services
652 3rd St.
Chipley, FL 32428
Phone: (850) 638-6222
Fax: (850) 638-6226
E-mail:

Transition Process:

  • Factors considered for school placement: School district staffing, review of student’s records
  • Specific criteria for school placement: None