Pasco County Schools has signed a memorandum of understanding with RADDSports Pasco Wiregrass LLC to establish a reunification shelter.
The site will be used in the event an evacuation is required due to an emergency, resulting in students and staff no longer being able to remain in their regular facility, according to the agreement.
The district “will make every effort to notify RADD of evacuation possibilities with as much notice as possible so RADD can close its facility to the public as applicable.
“Contact information between the two parties shall be maintained in a separate appendix and is considered confidential information and is not subject to public disclosure,” according to the agreement.
Under terms of the agreement, RADD will open specific areas of buildings at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel, to provide bus access, shelter, and assistance to students and staff evacuated during emergency situations.
RADD will be responsible for opening the building and developing procedures for making the building accessible, including restrooms and an area with phone and internet connection, if available, to district administrative personnel.
The district will provide supervision for all students and staff during the time that the facility is used as an emergency shelter site, the agreement adds.
The district also agrees “that it shall exercise reasonable care in the conduct of its activities in said facilities and further agrees to replace or reimburse RADD for any items, materials, equipment or supplies that may be used by the district in the conduct of its sheltering activities.”
Under other provisions in the agreement, the district:
- Agrees to accept responsibility for replacing, restoring or repairing damage, upon an itemized written request by RADD
- Will reimburse RADD for any bona fide expenditure of personnel required to maintain the facility for reunification sheltering, including overtime costs, upon production of receipts or time sheets
- Will provide all releases of information to the press and media
The initial term of the contract is for five years. It will automatically renew — with any modification agreed to by both parties — for an additional five years, unless either party provides a written notice of intent not to renew at least 60 days before the expiration.
Published January 12, 2022
