1000 COMMUNITY RELATIONS GOALS
The Board of Education believes that the best possible community relations grow from a superior teaching job in the classroom. Enthusiastic students with serious intentions, well directed by sympathetic and capable teachers, are certain to communicate with parents and the community. The Scotia-Glenville Central School District believes this is the cornerstone of good community relations.
In order to foster community relations, the participation of students in interpreting the educational program of the schools shall be encouraged.
However, students shall not be exploited for the benefit of any individual or group. In addition, the use of students shall always be evaluated in terms of the effect on the child.
To further promote its community relations, the Board establishes the following objectives:
1. to develop and maintain the confidence of the community in the Board and the school district staff;
2. to expand the public understanding of every aspect of the school system and stimulate public interest in the school;
3. to facilitate dissemination of information to the community concerning issues and activities in the school;
4. to ascertain the community’s opinions and desires with respect to the operations of the school system and to incorporate that knowledge into its actions;
5. to develop arrangements among civic and community organizations for sharing of resources, especially in the creation of programs designed to benefit students; and
6. to develop and maintain an effective means of communication with the people of the district.
Adopted October 19, 1978
Revised December 10, 2001
1050 ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING
The district shall hold an annual meeting and election at which the district’s authorized voters will elect members of the Board of Education and vote on the district budget for the coming year.
The annual district meeting and election will be held on the third Tuesday in May, unless the date conflicts with religious observances on that day, in which case the Board of Education may petition the Commissioner of Education to obtain permission to hold the annual meeting and election on the second Tuesday in May.
Such request must be certified and received by the Commissioner no later than March 1.
The District Clerk shall publish a notice of the time and place of the annual meeting and election at least four times within the seven weeks prior to the meeting, in two newspapers having general circulation within the district. The first publication of the notices shall be at least 45 days prior to the meeting. The notice shall also contain notice of any other matter required by law.
Copies of the budget to be voted upon at the annual meeting election will be available in each district school building for district residents upon request at the time of the annual meeting and election and 14 days (other than Saturday, Sunday and holidays) prior to the meeting.
The Board shall appoint assistant clerks and election inspectors necessary for the annual meeting and election at a Board meeting held before the annual meeting election.
In the event that a school budget revote is necessary, it shall be held on the third Tuesday of June, unless the Commissioner of Education, at the request of the Board of Education, certifies no later than March 1st that such vote would conflict with religious observances, in which case the revote must be held (if at all) on the second Tuesday in June.
Propositions
The Board has the authority, under the Education Law, to adopt reasonable rules and regulations concerning the submission of petitions to the Board to place propositions on the ballot which may amend the budget. Pursuant to those provisions, the Board establishes the following guidelines:
1. Unless otherwise provided by the Education Law, petitions for the submission of a proposition must contain a minimum of 25 signatures of qualified voters of the district or 5 percent of the eligible voters who voted in the previous annual election of the members of the Board of Education, whichever is greater.
2. Petitions must be filed with the District Clerk at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting, except for petitions relating to a proposition which must be included in the notice of the annual meeting (e.g., changing the number of board members) Such petitions must be submitted 60 days in advance of the annual meeting to facilitate the preparation and printing of the ballots.
3. A separate petition shall be required for each proposition.
4. Propositions must include the specific appropriations necessary for the purposes listed.
5. Wording of a petition must comply with legal requirements. If the wording does not comply, it may be changed or altered by the Board, or the Board may reject a petition for failure to comply.
Propositions received in accordance with these specifications will be placed on the ballot as amendments and will be voted upon by the voters in the same manner as the proposed budget, except that the Board shall not be required to place any propositions on the ballot which is within the exclusive province of the Board, or otherwise forbidden by law. No proposition involving the budget may be submitted to the voters more than twice.
The Board may also, on its own motion, submit propositions.
Ref: Education Law §§416(3); 1608(2); 1716(2); 1804(4); 1906(1); 2002(1); 2003(1);
2003(2); 2004(1)-(7); 2009; 2021; 2022(1), (4)-(5); 2035(2); 2601-a(2)
General Construction Law §60
Matter of Hebel, 34 EDR 319 (1994)
Matter of Martin, 32 EDR 567 (1993)
Matter of Como, 30 EDR 214 (1990)
Adopted December 10, 2001
Revised May 22, 2017
First Reading May 22, 2017
Adopted June 12, 2017
1120: PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS
The Scotia-Glenville Central School District shall make records available to the public in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”).
I. Access to Records
Records as defined in FOIL shall be made available to the extent required by FOIL at the District Business Office, or such other District buildings as may be designated by the Records Access Officer, during regular business hours, on written request addressed to the Records Access Officer. The Records Access Officer shall make available a form which may be used by persons requesting records pursuant to FOIL.
A copy of this policy and the index to District records, together with a supply of record request forms, will be kept on file in the District Office and the main office of each school building for review by members of the public upon request.
The Records Access Officer may require payment of a fee for the production of copies of records pursuant to this policy; such fee shall be the maximum fee allowable pursuant to FOIL.
The Records Access Officer may wave payment of the fee, in his/her discretion, if the number of copies requested is minimal, or multiple copies of the record are available, or if other good and sufficient cause is shown.
II. Records Access Officer
At the Annual Organizational Meeting, the Board of Education shall appoint the Records Access Officer, with the duties and responsibilities set forth in FOIL, its implementing regulations, as well as this policy and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
III. Appeal from Denial of Disclosure
Any person denied access to a record by the Records Access Officer may appeal from that determination to the Superintendent of Schools.
IV. Administrative Regulations
The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to establish such rules, regulations and procedures necessary to implement and maintain this policy.
V. Retention and Destruction of Records
The Board adopts the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule ED-1 issued pursuant to Article 57-A of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, which contains the legal minimum retention periods for district records. In accordance with Article 57-A, the district will dispose of only those records described in the schedule after they have met the minimum retention periods set forth in the schedule. The District will dispose of only those records that do not have sufficient administrative, fiscal, legal or historical value to merit retention beyond the established legal minimum periods.
The manner of destruction will be determined by the format of the record (i.e., paper, digital, etc.). In addition, destruction will be appropriately documented.
VI. Litigation-Hold
The Superintendent will establish procedures in the event that the school district is served with legal papers. The Superintendent will communicate with applicable parties, including the school attorney and the Records Access Officer, to ensure that, when appropriate, a litigation-hold is properly implemented. The litigation-hold is intended to prevent the destruction or disposal of records that may need to be produced as part of discovery. It is the intention of the Board of Education to comply with applicable rules and regulations regarding the production of necessary documents, data, files, etc. The Board directs the Superintendent to institute such procedures to implement this policy.
The Superintendent or his/her designee, with assistance from the Records Access Officer, shall be responsible for developing and disseminating department-specific retention schedules and guidance to staff, as necessary, to ensure adherence to this policy.
Ref: Public Officers Law §84 et seq.
Education Law §2116
Arts and Cultural Affairs Law §57.11
Arts and Cultural Affairs Law Article 57-A
8 NYCRR Part 185 (Appendix I) – Records Retention and Disposition Schedule ED-1
Adopted: October 19, 1987
Revised: January 14, 1991
Revised: June 27, 2005
First Reading of Revised Policy November 20, 2017
Adopted: January 8, 2018
1120 APPENDIX G
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION: PUBLIC ACCESS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS
The Scotia-Glenville Board of Education believes that the public schools in this community belong in every sense to the people who send their children to our schools for education and who provide moral and financial support to the schools. The Board wants citizens to be kept regularly informed about the district and school activities. The implementation of the procedures governing public access to school district records should contribute, therefore, to this goal.
The policy with respect to public access to school district records requires that copies of the policy and an index of district records be available in each school building for examination by members of the public. These regulations provide the mechanism necessary to properly accommodate members of the public inquiring at schools about access to records.
1. Records Access Officer: The Records Access Officer for the Scotia-Glenville Central School District is: School Business Administrator
District Office
900 Preddice Parkway
Scotia, NY 12302
2. Filing of Policy Statement: A copy of district policy with respect to public access to records, appropriate application forms and the index to records will be on file in each school building for review by members of the public upon request.
3. Application for Access to Records: Members of the public desiring access to a record or records should be provided with an application form and directed to file the completed application with the Records Access Officer at the District Office.
A separate form is provided for members of the press seeking public employment record information. All other persons will use the Application for Public Access to Records form.
4. Response to Questions: Any questions not covered by the policy document should be referred to the Records Access Officer. Such matters as copying of records, cost per copy and appointments to examine records will be responded to by the Records Access Officer.
Approved by the Superintendent of Schools: December 1974
Revised August 8, 1994
1120-R REGULATIONS FOR THE INSPECTION AND COPYING OF SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY NO. 1120
DISTRICT RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY NO. 1120
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of these regulations is to provide procedures by which the public may have access to school district records.
PROCEDURES
A. Requesting access to records
1. Requests for access to District records must be in writing; forms for the submission of records requests are provided by the District (see attached). Blank request forms are available at the Business Office of the District, and in the main office of each school building.
2. Completed requests for records must be submitted to the Records Access Officer at the Business Office of the District.
3. Any question concerning access to records shall be referred to the Records Access Officer.
4. The Records Access Officer shall respond within five business days of the receipt of a written request for a record reasonably described, shall make such record available to the person requesting it, deny such request in writing or furnish a written acknowledgement of the receipt of such request and a statement of the approximate date, which shall be reasonable under the circumstances for the request, when such request will be granted or denied.
B. Provisions of access to records
1. The Records Access Officer will inform a person whose request for records has been granted of the time and place where the requested records will be available for inspection. Records will not be made available for inspection outside of normal business hours.
2. Records must be inspected within a reasonable time following notification that the request to inspect records has been granted and the records are available.
3. The District may require that a staff member be present at all times when District records are being inspected by a member of the public.
4. Upon tender of the appropriate fee, the Records Access Officer will arrange to have copies of records made and transmitted to a person whose request for records has been granted.
Adopted June 27, 2005
First Reading of Revised Policy November 20, 2017
Adopted: January 8, 2018
1120-E SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS EXHIBIT
1121 ACCESS TO PUBLIC ADDRESS LABELS
The Board of Education shall refuse the sale or release of names and addresses if such lists are to be used for commercial or private fund-raising purposes.
1130 NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS
The Board of Education invites and welcomes the active part of all forms of mass media in promoting the cause of good education within the district and elsewhere.
The Board encourages suggestions and advice from representatives of the media as to how best to facilitate the flow of information to them from the Board and others within the school system.
Release of news and information of a district wide nature, other then Board of Education releases, shall be approved by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her representative.
Ref: Arts and Cultural Affairs Law §61.09
Adopted November 5, 2001
1131 PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM
Release of news and information of a districtwide nature, other than Board of Education releases, shall be approved by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her representative.
1200 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Board of Education may at any time select a committee of citizens of the school district to serve as a study group to investigate an appropriate problem.
Each group shall be appointed by the Board of Education for a specific purpose, and after final reports have been filed with the Board, shall be dissolved.
The Superintendent of Schools shall be a member ex officio of all citizens’ committees and may call upon the services of other staff members at his discretion.
1210 CITIZENS’ COMMITTEE
The Board of Education may at any time select a committee of citizens of the school district to serve as a study group to investigate an appropriate private problem.
Each group shall be appointed by the Board of Education for a specific purpose, and after the final reports have been filed with the Board, shall be dissolved.
The Superintendent of Schools shall be a member ex officio of all citizens’ committees and may call upon the services of other staff members at his discretion.
1222 RELATIONS WITH BOOSTER ORGANIZATION
The Board of Education recognizes that extracurricular support groups, or “booster” organizations, provide important support to district schools, and can be a valuable means of stimulating community interest in the aims and activities of district schools. Booster organizations may be defined in two ways:
1. an organization which is created to foster community support and raise funds for a specific extracurricular activity (e.g., athletics, speech and debate, and/or musical groups); or
2. an organization which is created to foster community support and raise funds for the school’s general extracurricular program.
Parents and other interested members of the community who wish to organize a booster club for the purpose of supporting a specific school program are encouraged to do so, as long as the activities of such organizations do not interfere unduly with the total educational program, or disrupt district operations in any way. To this end, booster organizations must follow these guidelines:
-be voluntary and support a specific school activity;
-submit an activity schedule in advance to the Superintendent of Schools or designee for prior approval (Any time the booster club uses the name of the school district, or any language suggesting that the district has endorsed, sponsored or otherwise approved of the club’s activities, there must be prior approval by the Superintendent.);
-seek advance Board approval for any use of school facilities and/or equipment, following procedures outlined in Policy 1500 Public Use of School Facilities;
-avoid interference with the decision-making of any student group;
-understand and respect the authority of district employees in the administration of their duties; and
-assume all financial responsibility for their organization, including but not limited to the provision of adequate insurance coverage, as appropriate.
If a booster organization wishes to make a contribution of money, service, time or tangible property (e.g., equipment or supplies) a representative of the organization should first meet with the Superintendent. The Superintendent must identify the district’s terms and conditions of accepting such gifts, and seek the Board’s official approval before accepting or publicly announcing any contribution.
Booster-proposed plans, projects and other activities must be evaluated and promoted in light of their stated contribution to the academic as well as the extracurricular school programs.
Careful consideration should be given to the total value of the contribution to all students, and not just to specific student groups.
The Board retains final responsibility and authority on all activities which have an impact on students, the schools, school programs, and/or school-owned property.
Adopted January 7, 2002
1230 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
The Board of Education encourages public participation on school related matters at board meetings. To allow for public participation, a period not to exceed 30-minutes shall be set aside during the first part of each Board Meeting. The period may be extended by a majority vote of the Board.
Persons wishing to address the Board shall file a written request with the central office by the close of business the day of the meeting. The request shall include the name of the speaker, the address, telephone number, name of the organization represented (if any) and a brief description of the topic to be addressed. Any group or organization wishing to address the Board must identify a single spokesperson.
The order of precedence among speakers shall be determined according to the priority of written requests filed with the central office prior to the meeting. A five minute time frame will be allocated to each speaker who files a written request. Speakers may comment on matters related to school district business.
The Board may restrict discussion if deemed necessary to protect the privacy of students or district personnel. Persons wishing to discuss matters involving individual district personnel or students should present their comments and/or concerns to the Superintendent during regular business hours. All speakers are to conduct themselves in a civil manner. Obscene language, libelous statements, threats of violence, statements advocating racial, religious, or other forms of prejudice will not be tolerated.
In the event that the 30-minute period has not been expended, then any person in the audience may request to speak at the meeting by a show of hands at that time. However, he or she shall be limited to five-minutes.
Persons making presentations at a Board meeting will address remarks to the President and may direct questions or comments to Board members or other district officials only upon the approval of the President. Board members and the Superintendent shall have the privilege of asking questions of any person who addresses the Board.
Questions and comments from the public concerning matters which are not on the agenda will be taken under consideration and referred to the Superintendent for appropriate action. Persons wishing to have matters included on the agenda shall contact the Superintendent in accordance with Policy 2342,
Agenda Preparation and Dissemination.
The President shall be responsible for the orderly conduct of the meeting and shall rule on such matters as the time to be allowed for public discussion and the appropriateness of the subject being presented. The President shall have the right to discontinue any presentation which violates this policy.
Adopted December 8, 1986
Revised October 19, 1987
Revised January 7, 2002
1240 VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS
To promote effective communication between the citizens of the community and the school system, the Board of Education encourages parents and other citizens to visit their schools periodically during the course of the school year.
The Board recognizes that many visits that occur are regularly scheduled events, e.g., parent-teacher organization meetings, public gatherings, registering of students, etc. There are also occasions when parents or guardians desire to visit their child ‘s classroom at other than regularly scheduled times. When such visitations occur, they shall be made on the basis of a defined need and shall be made only with the approval of their child’s teacher and Principal. The Board views these visits as constructive; however, no such visit shall be permitted to interfere with the educational process.
Persons who are not students or staff shall report immediately to the school office and sign in upon entering a school building. Persons other than parents, guardians, students or staff, who desire to visit a school building shall do so only with the permission of an appropriate administrative staff member.
Student visitors from other schools, unless they have a specific reason and prior to approval of the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, shall not be given permission to enter school buildings. New students accompanied by their parents are always welcome.
Visits to school buildings are to be in accordance with the Board regulations posted in conspicuous places. A violation of the visitation policy shall be prosecuted pursuant to New York State law.
Cross-ref: 1520 Public Conduct on School Property
5450.1, Notification of Released Sex Offenders
Ref: Education Law §§1708; 2801
Revised January 7, 2002
1240-R VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS REGULATION
Visitors to the schools of the district shall be governed by the following rules:
1. Each building principal shall establish and maintain a safety plan outlining the process for registration and authorization for visits to his/her school. Such plans shall be submitted to the Superintendent of Schools for approval, and thereafter be made available in the Principal’s office to anyone interested in visiting the school.
2. The Principal of the school must be contacted by the person or group wishing to visit and prior approval must be obtained for the visit.
3. Parents or guardians wishing to speak with a specific teacher concerning the progress of a child must make an appointment with the teacher, in addition to
obtaining the permission of the school’s Principal.
4. All visitors must report to the main office, sign in and be issued a visitor’s permit, which must be displayed at all times. The permit must be returned to the main office and the visitor must sign out at the conclusion of the visit.
5. Registration shall not be required for school functions open to the public, whether or not school-related.
6. Parents are encouraged to visit guidance counselors, school nurse, school psychologists and other support personnel, by appointment, in order to discuss any problems or concerns the parent may have regarding the student, whether or not school-related.
7. Any visitor wishing to inspect school records or interview students on school premises must comply with all applicable Board policies and administrative regulations. In questionable cases, the visitor shall be directed to the Superintendent’s office to obtain written permission for such a visit.
8. The Principal is authorized to take any action necessary to secure the safety of students and school personnel. Unauthorized visitors shall be requested to leave school premises immediately, and will be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing, pursuant to the New York State Penal Law, if they refuse.
Adopted January 7, 2002
1250 SENIOR CITIZEN PASSES
Complimentary passes to all school activities except basketball games will be issued to citizens of the district 65 years of age and over, upon direct request.
Citizens of the district 65 years of age and older may enroll in Adult Education Classes on a non-paying basis when it is determined what classes will be offered and there is room. Classes in which instructors are paid on a per pupil basis are not included.
1251 SENIOR CITIZEN CONTINUING EDUCATION DISCOUNT
All residents of the district who have reached the age of 60 are eligible to receive a 20% discount on course fees. This discount applies to the courses pre-selected by the Director.
1400 PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
The Board of Education recognizes the right of community members to register individual or group concerns regarding instruction, district programs, materials, operations, and/or staff members. The main goal of the district is to resolve such concerns with only the parties involved, whenever possible. Public complaints about the school district will be directed to the proper administrative personnel.
Complaints about specific classroom practices shall be directed to the teacher concerned. If the matter is not settled satisfactorily, the complainant shall then contact the Building Principal; if there is no resolution on this level, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction will be contacted then the Superintendent of Schools shall be contacted. The Superintendent shall refer the issue to the Board
for final resolution.
All matters referred to the Superintendent and/or the Board must be in writing. Concerns registered directly to the Board as a whole or to an individual Board member shall be referred as soon as is reasonably possible to the Superintendent for investigation, report, and/or resolution.
Adopted January 7, 2002
1410 COMPLAINTS ABOUT POLICIES
Complaints about Board of Education policies should be directed to the Superintendent of Schools. Complaints shall be in writing, stating the specific objections to the specific policy(ies).
The Superintendent shall review any complaint and conduct whatever study or investigation he/she deemed appropriate. The Superintendent shall then submit the complaint and his/her recommendation to the Board. The Board shall then review the policy, amend or repeal the policy, if appropriate, and notify the complainant of the action taken.
Revised January 7, 2002
1420 COMPLAINTS ABOUT CURRICULA OR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility for the selection of instructional materials. The selection of all educational materials is delegated to the professionally trained and certified personnel employed by the school system.
Under the supervision of the Building Principal and department heads, the Board expects district teachers to recommend books and other materials in accord with sound educational principles and practices, and to use them effectively in the classrooms.
The use of supplementary materials in the educational program is based on the criteria contained in this policy, policy 4511 and its accompanying regulation, the needs of the curriculum, and the professional judgment of the instructional staff.
Whenever a teacher plans to use educational materials of a sensitive nature, the matter must be discussed with the subject supervisor and/or Building Principal before implementation.
The Board also recognizes the right of community members to voice concerns and/or complaints regarding the implementation of a particular curriculum and/or instructional material.
Any criticism of instructional materials that are in the schools that cannot be resolved informally shall be submitted in writing to the Superintendent of Schools, in accordance with the procedures specified in 1420-R. An Instructional Material Review Committee, consisting of an administrator, a librarian, a teacher, and a parent of a student enrolled in the district, will be designated by the Superintendent to investigate and judge the challenged material.
The committee shall make recommendations to the Superintendent concerning the disposition of the complaint, and the Superintendent will issue a decision.
This decision may be appealed to the Board, and the decision of the Board shall be final.
Cross-ref: 4511, Textbook Selection and Adoption
4513, Library Materials Selection and Adoption
4524, School Libraries
Ref: Education Law §§1709(15); and 1711(5)(f)
Board of Educ., Island Trees UFSD v. Pico, 457 US 853 (1982)
a*d
Adopted October 19, 1987
Revised January 10, 1994
Revised January 7, 2002
1420-R COMPLAINTS ABOUT CURRICULA OR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS REGULATION
The following procedures shall apply to the handling of complaints concerning a textbook, library book or material and any other instructional material used in district schools.
1. When a person has a complaint concerning a textbook, ibrary book or other instructional material and protests its use in class or its availability in a school library, the Building Principal shall hold an informal meeting using or providing the book or material. At this meeting, the complainant will be asked to make clear his or her objection to the material; the teacher or librarian will be asked to explain the educational value of the material.
2. If the complaint is not resolved informally, the complainant may file a formal written complaint on the attached form to the Building Principal. Challenged materials will remain in use until a decision is rendered. The submitted complaint form will be reviewed in a timely manner.
3. A review committee consisting of the Principal, the respective teacher(s), supervisor(s), and parent(s) with expertise in the content area and shall confer on challenged materials. If student work is an issue, the student(s) will be given the option of giving input on his/her work
4. If upon the evaluation of the material, the respective Building Principal, teacher(s), supervisor(s), and parent(s) conclude that the complaint is not justified; the complainant will be so informed and may submit the criticism in writing to the Superintendent of Schools within ten school days.
5. The Superintendent shall review the report of the committee, make a decision and notify the complainant and appropriate staff if so desired to the Board of Education.
6. If the complainant is not satisfied with the Superintendent’s decision he/she may refer the complaint to the. The Superintendent will deliver a copy of his/her decision and the committee’s report to the Board for its consideration.
The final decision shall be made by the Board.
Adopted January 7, 2002
1420-E Complaints About Curricula or Instruction Materials Exhibit
1500 PUBLIC USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
While the district’s school buildings and grounds are maintained primarily for the purpose of educating students with the district, the Board of Education recognizes that the buildings and grounds are a valuable community resource and believes that this resource should be available to community for specific uses that will not interfere with educational activities. This policy is intended to identify the use that community groups may make of those facilities.
Permitted Uses
District facilities may be used for the purposes listed below, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in this policy.
A. Instruction in any branch of education, learning or the arts.
B. Public library purposes, subject to provisions of the Education Law or as stations of the public libraries.
C. Social, civic and recreational meetings and entertainments, or other uses pertaining to the welfare of the community so long as such uses are non-exclusive and open to the general public.
D. Meetings, entertainment and occasions where admission fees are charged, when the proceeds are to be spent for an educational or charitable purpose.
E. Polling places for holding primaries and elections, for the registration of voters and for holding political meetings.
F. Civic forums and community centers.
G. Recreation, physical training and athletics, including competitive athletic contests of children attending a private, nonprofit school.
H. Child-care programs when school is not in session, or when school is in session for the children of students attending of the district and if there is additional space available for children of employees of the district.
I. Graduation exercises held by not-for-profit elementary and secondary schools, provided that no religious service is performed.
Prohibited Uses
Any use not permitted by this policy is prohibited. In addition, the following uses are specifically prohibited.
A. Use of district facilities by an outside organization or group to conduct religious services or religious instruction.
B. Meetings sponsored by political organizations.
C. Meetings, entertainments and occasions that are under the exclusive control of and the proceeds are to be applied for the benefit of a society, association or organization or a religious sect or denomination or of a fraternal, secret or exclusive society or organization, other than veterans’ organizations or volunteer fire fighters or volunteer ambulance workers.
Conditions of Use for District Facilities
A. Use of district facilities may be permitted unless such facilities are in use for school purposes, or during educational programs. The district reserves exclusive and non-reviewable judgment to determine if a requested use would interfere with or disturb the district’s educational programs.
B. To ensure that district facilities are preserved for the benefit of the greater district community, only community based groups and organizations (that is, groups which are located within the geographic area covered by the district) may be granted access to the district facilities.
C. Use of district facilities will be permitted only where the applicant agrees to pay the district a user fee according to a schedule adopted by the district to cover the costs of heat, electricity, maintenance, custodial services and any other expenses associated with the requested use. Use is further conditioned upon the applicant’s agreement to pay additional fees associated with the use of any additional services or equipment. The district retains the right to condition use upon an applicant depositing with the district a sum equaling the estimated costs and fees associated with the proposed use 10 days in advance of the requested use. The district retains the further right to waiver user fees for groups that are associated with or sponsored by the district.
D. Where, in the judgment of the district, the requested use of district facilities requires special equipment or supervision, the district reserves the right to deny such use, or in the alternative, to condition such use upon the applicant’s payment of additional fees in accordance with paragraph C above. Only authorized personnel shall operate district equipment.
E. Use of district facilities will only be permitted where the organization provides the district timely evidence of adequate insurance coverage ($1,000,000 minimum) to save the district harmless from all liability, property damage, personal injuries and/or medical expenses. The district will exercise complete and unreviewable discretion regarding what constitutes adequate insurance coverage for each proposed use.
F. The Board reserves the discretion to deny use of district facilities described above, or to terminate use of district facilities:
• By an applicant who has previously misused or abused district facilities or property or who has violated this policy;
• For any use which could have the effect of violating the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution or other provisions of the United States or New York State Constitutions;
• For any use which the Board deems inconsistent with this policy;
• For any use by a private for-profit entity that has the direct or indirect effect of promoting the products or services of such entity;
• In any instance where alcoholic beverages or unlawful drugs are sold, distributed, consumed, promoted or possessed;
• For any use prohibited by law.
Application for Use of District Facilities
A. All applications for use of school facilities shall be made in writing and submitted to the Business Office at least 30 days prior to the date of the requested use. A permit application is available in the Business Office.
B. The applicant must clearly and completely describe the intended use of the direct facility in the application.
C. The applicant must review this policy prior to submitting the application. All applications must be signed by an authorized agent of the group or organization requesting use. The applicant’s signature on the application shall attest to the group or organization’s intent to comply with all Board policies and regulations and to use the district facilities strictly in accordance with District policies.
D. All applicants must agree to assume responsibility for all damages resulting from its use of district facilities. Proof of adequate insurance must be provided by the applicant at least 10 days before the date of the requested use.
E. Permits shall be valid only for the facility use, dates and time specified in the permit. No adjustment to the permit is allowed except with the prior written approval of the Superintendent. Permits shall not be transferrable.
F. The Superintendent is authorized to alter or cancel any permit if it becomes necessary to use the facility for school purposes or for other justifiable reason.
G. With regard to scheduling activities, the district retains the right to give preference to groups and organizations which are associated with or sponsored by the district.
H. Issuance of a permit shall not limit the right of access to the facility by district staff.
Ref: Education Law §414
Adopted October 19, 1987
Revised January 7, 2002
1511 ADVERTISING IN THE SCHOOLS
School facilities and staff shall not be used to advertise or otherwise promote any commercial or political activity. School facilities and staff may be used to advertise or otherwise promote activities unrelated to school which are neither commercial nor political only in accordance with the terms of this Policy.
With the advance approval of the Superintendent, information concerning activities, events, programs and other opportunities of interest to children and their families in the district community may be distributed to students in district schools, provided that the activity, event, program or opportunity is conducted or sponsored by an agency of federal, state or local government, or by a not-for-profit corporation, or by an unincorporated association not organized or operating for commercial gain.
The Superintendent is directed to develop and implement guidelines for the submission, approval and distribution of information in accordance with this Policy.
Adopted November 8, 2004
1511-R ADVERTISING MATERIALS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS REGULATION
The purpose of this regulation is to provide guidelines for the approval and distribution of advertising materials and/or announcements sent home with students in grades K-12.
1) School related notices sent to parents will be given the highest priority and may necessitate that non-school related flyers be withheld at any given time. The District reserves the right to limit the number of flyers in a given week. Information from outside groups can be sent home, starting with the second week of school.
2) Information from not-for-profit organizations will be considered for distribution as long as the main focus is on services and activities for children. A not-for-profit group must be able to furnish Internal Revenue Service nonprofit documentation if requested by the Superintendent’s Office. Also, the Superintendent may request additional information concerning the governance structure and/or mission of the organization. Such information is requested solely for the purpose of confirming that the organization is within the coverage of this policy and regulations.
3) All information must be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office for prior approval. Requests must be submitted at least one week in advance of the suggested distribution date. It is strongly recommended that photocopying not occur until approval from the Superintendent’s Office is received in the event changes are necessary.
4) Upon approval by the Superintendent, the responsibility for photocopying must be assumed by the organization requesting distribution. Packets must be separated in groups of 25 and delivered to each school’s main office.
5) The intent of requesting to distribute any flyer as part of the backpack mail is for notification purposes only. Information shall be limited to the date, time, place, program description, etc. No promotional incentives (e.g., free tickets to an amusement park, admission to a sporting event if accompanied by a paid adult admission, etc.) may be included either as part of or as an attachment to an informational flyer. Similarly, no policy or statement presenting a viewpoint or which takes a position on an issue will be permitted
6) Informational materials or announcements from any other organization may be approved by the Superintendent for display only (not for distribution directly to students) if the activity or event concerns one of the following topics:
· Education services directly related to the school system’s instructional program, such as test preparation courses and enrichment courses
· Student health, safety or welfare
· Community sports, professional, or semi-professional teams
· Other organizations as determined by the Superintendent of Schools and not identified above
7) The Scotia-Glenville Central School District retains the right to withdraw approval of material from any source if it is determined that distribution would undermine the intent of this policy or cause disruption in the school.
Adopted November 8, 2004
1520 PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
The Board of Education recognizes that the fundamental purpose of the local schools is to develop life-long learners who, as they pursue truth will contribute to the total community out of a sense of personal self-worth and dignity. The Board also recognizes that the enrichment—and, in fact, the very survival—of any group comes about only as its individual members practice self-discipline, and demonstrate behavior which does not infringe or intrude on basic rights and freedoms of others. Responsible exercise of individual freedoms means respect for the democratic process and for the rights of all. Only in an atmosphere of mutual respect, self-restraint, civility and trust among all can these freedoms flourish.
The Board also recognizes its responsibility to protect school property and declares its intent to take appropriate legal action to prevent damage or destruction of school property. The Board will also seek restitution from, and prosecution of, any person who willfully damages school property. The Board shall approve rules and regulations to effectuate this policy as required by Education Law Section 2801.
It is not the intent if this policy to limit freedom of speech, peaceful assembly or any constitutional or legal individual right. This policy and regulation shall not be construed to prevent or limit communication between and among staff members (instructional or non-instructional), or to hamper sound educational practices or to relieve the school system of its special responsibility for self-regulation in the preservation of public order. Their purpose is not to prevent or restrain controversy and dissent, but to prevent abuse of individuals and to maintain that stable environment appropriate to a public school system without which there can be no intellectual freedom, and they shall be interpreted and applied to that end.
Ref: Education Law §2801
Adopted October 19, 1987
Revised January 7, 2002
1520-R PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY REGULATION
These rules govern the conduct of students, faculty and other staff, licensees, invitees, and all other persons, whether or not their presence is authorized, upon district property, and also upon or with respect to any other premises or property under the control of the district and used in its teaching programs and activities, and in its administrative, cultural, recreational, athletic, and other program activities.
Prohibited Conduct
No person, either alone or with others, shall:
1. Willfully neither cause physical injury to any other person nor threaten to do so for the purpose of compelling or inducing such other person to refrain from any act which he/she has a lawful right to do or to any act which he/she has a lawful right not to do.
2. Wrongfully physically neither restrain or detain any other person, nor remove such person from any place where he/she is authorized to remain.
3. Without permission express or implied, enter into any private office of an administrative officer, member of the faculty, or staff member.
4. Willfully damage or destroy property of the school or under its jurisdiction, nor remove or use such property without authorization.
5. Enter upon and remain in any public building or facility for any purpose other than its authorized uses or in such property without authorization.
6. Without authorization, express or implied remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.
7. Refuse to leave any building or facility after being required to do so by an authorized administrative officer.
8. Obstruct the free movement of persons and vehicles in any place to which these rules apply.
9. Deliberately disrupt or prevent the peaceful and orderly conduct of school activities including but not limited to classes, lectures, meetings and cultural athletic events or deliberately interfere with the freedom of any person to express his/her views, including invited speakers.
10. Possess or use of firearms and/or other weapons including air guns, pistols, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, explosives, box cutters, knives, gas canisters, pepper spray or other noxious spray in or on school property (except as specifically authorized by the case of law enforcement officers or except as specifically authorized by the school district);
11. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts herein prohibited with specific intent to procure them to do so.
12. Willfully take, damage, alter or destroy files, records, documents or other property of the school without appropriate authorization.
13. Distribute or wear materials on school grounds which appear obscene, which advocate illegal action, discriminate against race, nationality or religion, appear libelous, disruptive to the school program or obstruct the rights of others;
14. Intimidate, harass, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
15. Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions on vehicles.
16. Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at any school-related function.
17. Loiter on or about school buildings or grounds.
18. Gamble on school premises.
19. Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance, or Board policy.
Penalties and Procedures
A person who violates any of the provisions of these rules shall be subject to the following penalties and procedures:
1. If a licensee or invitee, his/her authorization to remain upon the grounds or other property shall be withdrawn and he/she shall be directed to leave the premises. In the event of failure to do so, he/she shall be subject to ejection and subject to any other appropriate legal process.
2. If a trespasser or visitor without specific license or invitation, he/she shall be subject to ejection.
3. If he/she is a student, he/she shall be subject to immediate ejection and to disciplinary action as the facts of the case may warrant, including suspension, probation, loss of privileges, reprimand or warning as prescribed by section 3214 of the Education Law, so long as the provisions pertaining to notice and hearing have been met.
4. If a tenured faculty member, he/she shall be subject to immediate ejection, and to warning, reprimand, suspension and/or other disciplinary action as prescribed by and in accordance with section 3020-a of the Education Law.
5. If a staff member is the classified service of the civil service, he/she shall be subject to the penalties and procedures prescribed in section 75 of the Civil Service Law.
6. If a staff member is other than one described in subdivisions 4 and 5, he/she shall be subject to immediate ejection and to dismissal, censure, or suspension without pay.
Enforcement Program
1. The Superintendent shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules, and he/she shall designate the other personnel who are unauthorized to take action in accordance with such rules when required or appropriate to carry them into effect. When such initial action has been taken, either by the chief school officer or his/her designee, the order or directive so made shall retain all rights thereafter of review or appeal which may be afforded to him/her by the Education Law or any applicable law.
2. It is not intended by any provision herein to curtail the right of students, faculty or staff to be heard upon any matter affecting them in their relations with the institution. In the case of any apparent violation of these rules by such persons, which, in the judgment of the Superintendent or his/her designee, does not pose any immediate threat of injury to person or property, such school official may make reasonable effort to learn the cause of the conduct in question and to persuade those engaged therein to desist and to resort to permissible methods for the resolution of any issues which may be presented. In doing such school official shall warn such persons of the consequences of persistence in the prohibited conduct, including their ejection from any district properties where their continued presence and conduct is in violation of these rules.
3. In any case where violation of these rules does not cease after such warning and in other cases of willful violation of such rules, the Superintendent or his/her designees shall cause the ejection of the violator from any premises which he/she occupies in such violation and/or, if appropriate, make recourse to police authorities. The school official may also initiate disciplinary action as hereinbefore provided.
4. The Superintendent or his/her designee may apply to the public authorities for any aid which he/she deems necessary in causing the ejection of any violator of these rules and he/she may request the Board’s Counsel to apply to any court appropriate jurisdiction for any injunction to restrain the violation or threatened violation of such rules or use any other legal process available to enforce these rules.
This regulation and the penalties contained herein are not considered to be inclusive or to preclude in any way the prosecution and conviction of any person for the violation of any federal law, state law, or local ordinance and the imposition of a fine or penalty provided for therein.
Amendment
These rules and regulations may be amended or modified by the Board. All future amendments shall be filed with the Board of Regents and Commissioner of Education not later than ten days after adoption.
Adopted January 7, 2002
1530 PROHIBITION OF USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Use of tobacco products within school buildings, on school buses and on school owned properties shall be prohibited by all staff members as well as the general public.
Adopted December 9, 1986
Revised January 10, 1994
Revised September 27, 2010
Adopted October 4, 2010
Reviewed September 10, 2012
1540 COMPREHENSIVE POLICY CONCERNING ALCOHOL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES
The Board of Education shall implement a Comprehensive Policy Concerning Alcohol and Other Substances as set forth in Appendix Z to the Board Policy Manual.
Adopted November 19, 1990
1551-R ADVERTISING MATERIALS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS REGULATION
The purpose of this regulation is to provide guidelines for the approval and distribution of advertising materials and/or announcements sent home with students in grades K-12.
1. School related notices sent to parents will be given the highest priority and may necessitate that non-school related flyers be withheld at any given time. The District reserves the right to limit the number of flyers in a given time. Information from outside groups can be sent home, starting with the second week of school.
2. Information from not-for-profit organizations will be considered for distribution as long as the main focus is on services or activities for children. A not-for-profit group must be able to furnish Internal Revenue Service nonprofit documentation if requested by the Superintendent’s Office. Also, the Superintendent may request additional information concerning the governance structure and/or mission of the organization. Such information is requested solely for the purpose of confirming that the organization is within the coverage of this policy and regulations.
3. All information must be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office for prior approval. Requests must be submitted at least one week in advance of the suggested distribution date. It is strongly recommended that photocopying not occur until approval from the Superintendent’s Office is received in case changes are necessary.
4. Upon approval by the Superintendent, the responsibility for photocopying must be assumed by the organization requesting distribution. Packets must be separated in groups of 25 and delivered to each school’s main office.
5. The intent of requesting to distribute any flyer as part of the backpack mail is for notification purposes only. Information shall be limited to the date, time, place, program description, etc. No promotional incentives (e.g. free tickets to an amusement park, admission to a sporting event if accompanied by a paid adult admission, etc.) may be included either as part of or as an attachment to an informational flyer. Similarly, no policy or statement presenting a viewpoint or which takes a position on an issue will be permitted.
6. Informational materials or announcements from any other organizations may be approved by the Superintendent for display only (not for distribution directly to students) if the activity or even concerns one of the following topics.
-Education services directly related to the school system’s instructional program, such as test preparation courses and enrichment courses.
-Student health, safety or welfare.
-Community sports, professional or semi-professional teams.
-Other organizations as determined by the Superintendent of Schools are not identified above.
The Scotia-Glenville Central School District retains the right to withdraw approval of material from any source if it is determined that distribution would undermine the intent of this policy or cause disruption in the school.
Reviewed April 18, 2005
1620.1 CONVICTED SEX OFFENDERS RESIDING IN THE DISTRICT SUBJECT TO SUPERVISION BY THE NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF PAROLE
The New York State Division of Parole provides its supervisory staff with guidelines for the supervision of certain sex offenders who are released by the Board of Parole into the community after conviction of a sex offense. The guidelines include suggested special conditions to be incorporated into the case supervision plan of releasees. The guidelines now provide for notification to school districts of any releasee who will reside in the district subject to the special conditions of staying away from children, schools and other areas where children congregate. The stated purpose of such notification to the school district is to enable school administrators and/or staff to help the Division of Parole know if the releasee is not complying with Parole’s directive to stay away from the children, schools and other areas where children congregate.
In order to assist the Division of Parole in its knowledge of compliance by releasees, the Superintendent or his/her designee is authorized and directed to prepare administrative regulations (Appendix I) which in the Superintendent’s judgment best utilize the Division of Parole to achieve this purpose.
Adopted February 13, 1995
1740 RELATIONS WITH OTHER EDUCATION AGENCIES
The Board of Education shall cooperate with parochial and private schools in matters of mutual benefit where not expressly prohibited by law.
The superintendent of schools is encouraged to explore areas of mutual benefit with the administrative officers of such schools and to recommend desirable courses of action.
Adopted October 19, 1987
1741 HOME INSTRUCTION
The Board of Education shall ensure that all children instructed at home are taught by a competent instructor and receive an education substantially equivalent to that offered in the district’s schools.
Parents/Guardians who wish to educate their children at home must submit to the district an individual home instruction plan (IHIP), outlining the educational goals to be met and the course materials and syllabi to be used each year for the child’s learning process. The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee may accept or deny an IHIP. Parents/Guardians must submit quarterly reports which will provide the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee with the necessary information to make determinations of substantial equivalency and competency of instruction on an ongoing basis.
Parents/Guardians may appeal to the Board a determination by the Superintendent of Schools or designee that an IHIP is not in compliance with the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. Parents/Guardians shall have the right to appeal the final determination of the Board to the Commissioner of Education within 30 days of receipt of such determination.
Cross-ref:
5100, Student Attendance
5130, Compulsory Attendance Ages
Ref: Education Law §3202(4)
8 NYCRR §100.10
Matter of Abookire, 33 EDR 473 (1994)
Adopted October 7, 2002
1741-R HOME INSTRUCTION REGULATION
Parents’ Responsibilities
1. Notification
Parents or persons in parental relation to a student of compulsory school attendance age, who are residents in this district, shall annually provide written notice to the Superintendent of Schools of their intention to educate their child at home by July 1st of each school year. If such instruction is to begin after the start of the school year, parents must provide such written notice within 14 days after beginning such instruction with the district.
2. Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP)
Within 10 days of receipt of the above-mentioned notice, the SOS or his/her designee will send to the parents a copy of §100.10 of the Regulations of the Commissioner, and a form on which to submit an individualized home instruction plan (IHIP). One such IHIP must be submitted for each child of compulsory attendance age who is to be taught at home. The IHIP forms must be submitted to the Superintendent’s office within four weeks of receipt. If requested, the district will provide assistance in preparing the forms. Each child’s IHIP will contain:
a) The child’s name, age, and grade level
b) A list of the syllabi, curriculum materials, textbooks, or plan of instruction to be used in each of the required subjects listed below
c) The dates for submission to the school district of the parents’ quarterly reports
d) The names of the individual(s) providing instruction
3. Determination of Compliance/Noncompliance
The Superintendent shall review each IHIP, and notify the parents within 10 business days of receipt as to whether the forms comply with the requirements listed in (2) above, or of there is nay deficiency. The district will provide written notice of such deficiency(ies). Parents must submit a revised IHIP, correcting any deficiency(ies), within 15 days of such notice.
The Superintendent will then review the revised IHIP and notify the parents of its compliance or noncompliance with the above requirements within 15 days of receipt of the revised IHIP.
4. Appeals
If the IHIP is determined not to be in compliance, written notice of noncompliance (including the reasons for such determination) shall be sent to the parents. This notice will contain the date of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board, and inform parents that if they wish to contest the determination of non-compliance, they must notify the Board at least three business days prior to the meeting of the Board, and inform parents that if they wish to contest the determination of non-compliance, they must notify the Board at least three business days prior to the meeting. At the Board meeting, the parents have the right to present proof of compliance, and the Board shall make the final determination of compliance/non-compliance.
Parents have the right to appeal the final determination of the Board to Commissioner of Education within 30 days of receipt of such determination.
If parents do not contest the determination of non-compliance by either the administration or the Board, or if the Commissioner of Education upholds the final school district determination for noncompliance, the parents must immediately provide for the instruction of their children in a public school or elsewhere in compliance with Education Law §3204 and 3210.
5. Required Courses
Instruction in the following subjects shall be required:
a) For grades one through six: arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, the English language, geography, United States history, science, health education, music, visual arts, physical education, bilingual education and/or English as a second language where the need is indicated.
b) For the purposes of this and the following subdivisions, a unit means 6480 minutes of instruction per school year.
For grades seven and eight: English (2 units), history and geography (2 units), science (2 units), mathematics (2 units), physical education (on a regular basis), health education (on a regular basis), art (1/2 unit), music (1/2 unit), practical arts (on a regular basis) and library skills (on a regular basis). The units required are cumulative requirements for both grades seven and eight.
c) The following courses shall be taught at least once during the first eight grades: United States history, New York State history, and the Constitutions of the United States and New York State.
d) For grades nine through twelve: English (4 units), social studies (4 units, which includes 1 unit of American history, ½ unit in participation in government and ½ unit economics), mathematics (2 units), science (2 units), art and/or music (1 unit), health education (1/2 unit), physical education (2 units), and 3 units of electives. The units required are cumulative requirements for grades nine through twelve.
e) All other subjects mandated by the Education Law to be covered during grades K-12.
6. Attendance Requirements
Each child shall attend upon instruction as follows:
a) The substantial equivalent of 180 days of instruction shall be provided each year.
b) The cumulative hours of instruction for grades 1-6 shall be 900 hours per year. The cumulative hours of instruction for grades 7-12 shall be 990 per year.
c) Absences shall be permitted on the same basis as provided in policy 5160, Student Absences, and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Law.
d) Records of school attendance shall be made available to the school district upon request.
e) Instruction provided at a site other than the primary residence of the parents shall be provided in a building which has not been determined to be in violation of the local building code.
7. Quarterly Reports
On or before the dates specified in the IHIP, parents must furnish the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee with a quarterly report for each child receiving instruction at home.
a) The number of hours of instruction during the quarter
b) A description of material covered in each subject listed in the IHIP
c) Either a grade for the child in each subject or a written narrative evaluating the child’s progress
d) In the event that less than 80% of the amount of the course materials as set forth in the IHIP has been covered in any subject for that quarter, a written explanation.
8. Annual Assessment
Parents must submit an annual assessment at the time of filing their fourth quarterly report. Such annual assessment shall include the result of a commercially published norm-referenced achievement test which meets the requirements outlined in § 100.10(h) of the Regulations of the Commissioner. Such test will be provided by the school district upon request. An alternative form of evaluation may be administered at a non-registered nonpublic school by its professional staff, with the prior consent of both the public school Superintendent and the chief school officer of the nonpublic school.
If the test is to be administered at the parents’ home or any other reasonable location, by a New York State certified teacher or another qualified person, the Superintendent must consent to having such a person administer the test. The cost of any testing facilities, transportation, and/or personnel for the testing conducted at a location other than the public school shall be borne by the parents.
9. Probation
If a child’s annual assessment fails to comply with the above requirements, the home instruction program shall be placed on probation for a period of up to two years. The parent(s) must submit a plan of remediation which addresses the deficiencies in the child’s achievement. The plan will be reviewed by the Superintendent, who may require the parent(s) to make changes prior to acceptance.
The program will be removed from probation only if, after the end of any semester of the probationary period, the child has progressed to the level specified in the remediation plan. If the child does not attain at least three quarters (75%) of the objectives specified in the remediation plan at the end of any given semester, or of after two years probation 100% of such objectives have not been satisfied, the program will be deemed not in compliance as specified in (3) above.
10. Home Visits by the Superintendent
If during the period of probation the Superintendent has reasonable grounds to believe that the home instruction program is in substantial noncompliance with this policy and/or regulation, the Superintendent may require one or more home visits. Such visit(s) shall be made only after three days’ written notice. The purpose of such visit(s) will be to ascertain the areas of noncompliance and to determine methods of remediating any deficiency(ies). The home visits shall be conducted by the Superintendent or his/her designee; the Superintendent may include members of a home instruction peer review panel as part of a “home visits team.”
Adopted October 7, 2002
1800 GIFTS FROM THE PUBLIC
It shall be the policy of the school district to accept a gift, provided it is made within the statutory authority granted to school districts and has received the approval of the Board of Education.
In granting or withholding its consent, the Board will review the following factors:
1. the terms of the gift must identify:
a) the subject of the gift
b) the purpose of the gift
c) the beneficiary of the gift
d) all conditions or restrictions that may apply
2. the gift must not benefit a particular named individual or individuals
3. If the purpose of the gift is an award to a single student, the determination of the recipient of such an award shall be made on the basis that all students shall have an equal opportunity to qualify for it and shall not be denied its receipt on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
4. If the gift is in trust, the obligation of the investment and reinvestment of the principle shall be clearly specified and the application of the income or investment proceeds shall be clearly set forth.
5. No gift or trust will be accepted by the Board unless:
a) It is in support of and benefit to all or a particular public school in the district
b) It is for a purpose for which the school district could legally expend its own funds
c) It is for the purpose of awarding scholarships to students graduating from the district
Any gift rejected by the Board shall be returned to the donor(s) of his/her estate within 60 days together with a statement indicating the reasons for the rejection of such gift.
Ref: Education Law §1709(12)
Adopted October 7, 2002
1900 PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
The Board of Education believes that positive parent and family engagement is essential to student achievement, and thus encourages such involvement in school educational planning and operations. Parent and family engagement may take place either in the classroom or during extra-curricular activities. However, the Board also encourages parent and family engagement at home (e.g., planned home reading time, informal learning activities, and/or homework “compacts” between parents, family members, and children). The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to develop a home/school communications program in an effort to encourage all forms of parent and family engagement.
Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy
Consistent with the parent and family engagement goals of Title I, Part A, the Board of Education will develop and implement programs, activities and procedures that encourage and support the participation of parents of students eligible for Title I services in all aspects of their child’s education. The Board also will ensure that all of its schools receiving Title I, Part A funds develop and implement school level parent and family engagement policies, as further required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
For purposes of this policy, parent and family engagement refers to the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities.
At a minimum, parent and family engagement programs, activities and procedures at both the district and individual school level must ensure that parents and family members:
- Play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;
- Are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school; and
- Are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.
The federal definition of the term parents refers to a natural parent, legal guardian or other person standing in loco parentis (such as a grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives, or a person who is legally responsible for the child’s welfare).
School level Title I parent and family engagement programs, activities and procedures will provide opportunities for the informed participation of parents and family members, including those who have limited English proficiency, parents and family members with disabilities, and parents and family members of migratory children.
As further required by federal law, parents and family members of students eligible for Title I services will be provided an opportunity to participate in the development of the district’s Title I plan, and to submit comments regarding any aspect of the plan that is not satisfactory to them. Their comments will be forward with the plan to the State Education Department.
Parents and family members will participate in the process for developing either a comprehensive or targeted “support and improvement plan” when the school their child attends is identified by the State as needing this plan.
Parent and family member participation in development of Title I plan
The Board, along with its Superintendent of Schools and other appropriate district staff will undertake the following actions to ensure parent and family member involvement in the development of the Title I plan:
The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, principal(s) of Title I school(s), and Title I staff will meet with parents and family members to develop a plan to involve parents. This parent and family engagement plan will be reviewed annually and updated as needed. This plan will be reviewed with impacted parents and family members at flexible times and in highly accessible places.
Development of school level parent and family engagement plans
The Superintendent of Schools will ensure that all district schools receiving federal financial assistance under Title I, Part A are provided technical assistance and all other support necessary to assist them in planning and implementing effective parent and family engagement programs and activities that improve student achievement and school performance. As appropriate to meet individual local needs, the Superintendent or designee will hold meetings at flexible times, provide information through quarterly newsletters and the District website, engage in community outreach events, and survey parents by phone, mail, and/or email.
Building capacity for parental involvement
To build parent capacity for strong parent and family engagement to improve their child’s academic achievement, the district and its Title I, Part A schools will, at a minimum:
-
- Assist parents in understanding such topics as the state’s academic content, challenging academic standards, state and local academic assessments, Title I requirements, how to monitor their child’s progress and how to work with educators to improve the achievement of their child. To achieve this objective, the district and its Title I schools will discuss these topics at:
- Open Houses
- Student Conferences
- Conferences by Parent Requests
- Presentations at PTSA and/or Shared Decision Making meetings
- Provide materials and training to help parents work with their child’s academic achievement such as literacy training and using technology. To achieve this objective, the district and its Title I School(s) will provide such things as:
- Parent training in reading with students
- Parent training on using technology as applicable
- Public library partnership to encourage students, parents, and families to make use of the public library
- Community outreach
- Parent programs focused on literacy
- Videos posted to the school website and social media related to these topics
- Educate its teachers, specialized instructional support personnel, principals and other school leaders, and other staff, with the assistance of parents in understanding the value and utility of a parent’s contribution and on how to:
- Reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners;
- Implement and coordinate parent programs; and
- Build ties between parents and the schools.
To achieve this objective, the Title I school(s) will:
- Provide professional development and training to its teachers, specialized instructional support personnel, principals and other school leaders, and other staff on the benefits of parent and family engagement.
- Provide information to staff and community members to inform stakeholders about the impact living in poverty has on students and families.
- Ensure that information related to school and parent-related programs, meetings and other activities is sent to the parents of children participating in Title I programs in an understandable and uniform format, including alternative formats, upon request, and to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand.
- Assist parents in understanding such topics as the state’s academic content, challenging academic standards, state and local academic assessments, Title I requirements, how to monitor their child’s progress and how to work with educators to improve the achievement of their child. To achieve this objective, the district and its Title I schools will discuss these topics at:
Coordination of parent and family engagement strategies
The district will coordinate and integrate strategies adopted to comply with Title I, Part A parent and family engagement requirements with parent strategies adopted in connection with other Federal, State, and local programs, including public preschool programs. It will do this by offering opportunities for any of these programs applicable to our schools for exposure and transition.
Review of parent and family engagement policy
The Board, along with its Superintendent of Schools and other appropriate staff will conduct, with the meaningful involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of this parent and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of Title I schools, including the identification of barriers to greater participation by parents in activities under this policy, and the revisions of parent and family engagement policies necessary for more effective involvement. To facilitate this review, the district will ensure all informational materials are accessible to parents in their preferred language.
Ref:
20 USC §§6318(a) (2); 7801(38), Every Student Succeeds Act (§1116 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act)
U.S. Department of Education, Parental Involvement, Title I, Part A, Non- Regulatory Guidance, April 23, 2004
Adopted August 8, 1988
Adopted October 7, 2002
First Reading March 15, 2023
Adopted March 27, 2023
1925 INTERPRETERS FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED PARENTS
The Board of Education recognizes that those district parents with hearing impairments which prevent a meaningful participation in their child’s educational program must be afforded an opportunity equal to that afforded other parents to participate in meetings or activities pertaining to the academic and/or disciplinary aspects of their child’s education. Accordingly, the school district will provide an interpreter for hearing-impaired parents for school-initiated academic and/or disciplinary meetings or activities including, but not limited to:
- Meet the teacher nights
- Parent/teacher conferences
- Child/study or building level team meetings
- Planning meetings with school counselors regarding educational progress and/ or career planning
- Suspension hearings or other conference with school officials relating to disciplinary actions
- School commencement and awards ceremonies
The term “hearing impaired” shall include any hearing impairment, whether permanent or fluctuating, which prevents meaningful participation in school district meetings or activities.
The school district will provide an interpreter for the hearing-impaired parent provided that a written request for the service has been submitted in writing to the building principal and received by the district within 10 working days prior to the scheduled meeting or activity. If an interpreter is unavailable, the district will then make other reasonable accommodations which are satisfactory to the parents (e.g., note taker, transcript decoder, or telecommunication device for the deaf). These services will be made available by the district at no cost to the parents.
Exceptions to the time frame set forth above for the making of a request for an interpreter may be made for unanticipated circumstances as determined by the Principal/designee. The District shall also notify appropriate school personnel as to the terms and implementation of this policy.
The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to maintain a list of available interpreters and to develop procedures to notify parents of the availability of interpreter services, the time limitation for requesting these services, and of the requirement to make other reasonable accommodations satisfactory to the parents should an interpreter not be available.
Ref: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§12131-12134
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §794
Education Law §3230
8 NYCRR §100.2(aa)
Rothschild v. Grottenhaler, 907 F.2d 286 (2d Cir. 1990)
Adopted August 8, 1988
Adopted October 7, 2002
Revised May 22, 2017
First Reading May 22, 2017
Adopted June 12, 2017