NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF
TITLE I—PARENT INVOLVEMENT
M.S.A.D. #4 believes that the involvement of parents through a School/Parent Compact establishes a partnership essential for an effective Title I program. To ensure that parents are informed and provided an opportunity for involvement, the administration and staff shall comply with the following provisions.
A. Parents will be notified promptly that their child has been selected for Chapter I services and the reasons for the decision.
B. Specific instructional objectives for their child will be discussed with the parent.
C. Parents will receive regular reports on their child’s progress.
D. Parents will receive training, materials, and suggestions to help them promote the education of their child at home.
E. Parents’ suggestions in the planning, development, and operation of the program will be solicited.
F. Parents’ recommendations will be responded to in a timely manner.
G. Participation by parents in school activities will be encouraged.
H. Parent Coordinators will be designated at all levels, and Parent Advisory Councils will be established.
The end-of-the-year report to the Board and to State Title I officials shall indicate the extent to which the District’s program complied with these provisions.
Adopted:
Revised:
M.S.A.D.
#4
NEPN/NSBA
Code: KCB
COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING
The
Board believes that community participation in the schools is essential to
maintain mutual confidence and respect and to improve the quality of education
for all students.
Community
participation is important both at the Board and school levels. The Board shall seek to involve the community
through established policies governing public participation at Board meetings,
advisory committees and other appropriate means. Building administrators are encouraged to
establish methods to involve the community in decision-making processes which
are consistent with Board policies.
The
Board is ultimately responsible for the formulation of policies involving the
curriculum instruction and the overall school program. The Board reserves the right to make the
final decision regarding any such policies, while taking into account the views
and suggestions from community members and others.
Legal
Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1001 et seq.
Cross
Reference: BEDH – Public
Participation at Board Meetings
First
Adopted:
M.S.A.D. #4
NEPN/NSBA Code: KDB
PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW/FREEDOM
OF INFORMATION
The School Board recognizes the importance of a
well-informed public to the operations of the public schools. The Board will comply with all applicable
sections of
Board agendas and minutes, proposed and approved
Board policies, annual budget reports and student handbooks shall be available
for immediate inspection and/or copying in the Superintendent’s Office. In order to ensure availability and avoid
disruption of school operations, requests for all other public records shall be
made in writing to the Superintendent, specifying the records desired for
inspection/copying.
The law does not require the school unit to use
staff time and resources to compile data or respond to lengthy requests for
information, but simply to produce public records for inspection. A response to the request shall be provided
within five working days. If the request
is granted, an appointment shall be scheduled for inspection/copying
as soon as possible, and in no case later than within 30 working
days. If the request for
inspection/copying is not granted, the denial and the reason therefore shall be
provided within five working days.
As permitted by law, persons requesting copies of
public records shall be required to pay the reasonable costs of copying.
The Superintendent is directed to develop and
implement such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out this
policy.
Legal Reference: 1
MRSA § 401 et seq.
Cross Reference: BEC
– Executive Sessions
GBJ
– Personnel Records and Files
JRA
– Student Educational Records
First
Adopted:
M.S.A.D. #4
NEPN/NSBA
Code: KDB-R
APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS
Please print or type Date Submitted
____________________
To the M.S.A.D. #4 Records Access Officer:
I hereby apply to o Inspect o Obtain a copy of the
following records @ .25 per page:
Be as specific as possible:
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________ _________________________________
Individual Submitting Application Representing (if
applicable)
Mailing Address
__________________________________________________________
Phone:
__________________________ Fax: ____________________________
Signature:
______________________________________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(For District Use Only)
Interim Response (If applicable) Date: ___________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Final Disposition
o Approved Describe Disposition of Application ______________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Fee Charged (if any) $__________
o Denied for the reason(s) checked below:
o Confidential Disclosure o Part of an Investigatory File
o Unwarranted Invasion of Personal Privacy o Exempted by Statute
o Record of which the
o Other _____________________________________________________
o Record is not maintained by the
_______________________________________________ ______________________
Signature of Records Access Officer Date
Note: You have a right to appeal this decision to: Paul Stearns, Superintendent
M.S.A.D. #4
NEPN/NSBA
Code: KE
PUBLIC
CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS
Parents,
students or other citizens with complaints or concerns regarding any aspect of the
district or an employee thereof shall be encouraged to seek a resolution at the
lowest possible level. The only
exceptions are complaints that concern School Board actions or operations. Such complaints should be addressed to the
Board Chair.
If
the complaint cannot be resolved at the lowest level, the person initiating the
complaint may appeal the decision to the next level (i.e., Supervisor of
Buildings, Grounds & Transportation, Principal, Special Education Director,
Assistant Principal).
If
the complaint cannot be resolved at any lower level, it may be appealed to the
Superintendent.
If the complaint involves an
action or decision affecting a particular student, the student and/or
parent/guardian may appeal to the Student and Personnel Committee of the
Board. If dissatisfied at that level,
the student and/or parent/guardian may request in writing that the matter be
placed on the agenda of the next regular Board meeting. The Superintendent and Board Chair shall
determine whether the complaint should be heard by the Board.
In
all other matters, if the complainant is dissatisfied with the Superintendent’s
decision, he/she may request in writing that the matter be placed on the agenda
of the next regular Board meeting. The
Superintendent and Board Chair shall determine whether the complaint will be
heard by the Board.
At
all levels of the complaint process, school employees are required to inform
the person making the complaint of his/her right to appeal the decision to the
next level.
This
policy shall not be utilized by employees for matters or grievances relating to
any term or condition of their employment.
Such matters shall be addressed through established channels for
grievances.
Cross
Reference: BEDB – Agenda Preparation
and Dissemination
Adopted:
Revised:
M.S.A.D. #4
NEPN/NSBA
Code: KF
COMMUNITY USE
OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
For the purpose of this policy, “school facilities”
are buildings and grounds, parking lots, playing fields and fixed equipment.
School facilities may be used for meetings of
elected and appointed local government bodies when such use does not interfere
with instruction, co-curricular or extracurricular activities.
It
is the Board’s desire that the local taxpayers who provide the school should
also be able to obtain maximum use of the facilities, to the extent consistent
with the primary educational function of the school. It is intended that community uses for
educational, recreational, social, civic, philanthropic
and like purposes be approved by the administration, in accordance with this
policy, the implementing regulations, and a fee schedule approved annually by
this Board.
The
Superintendent is responsible for developing administrative regulations which
provide for: timely applications; uses
which do not interfere with educational or extracurricular programs of the
public school students; preference to local, not-for-profit organizations; and
the acceptance of appropriate responsibility and liability.
These
factors are to further guide community use:
A. A
certificate of insurance shall be required as appropriate to the particular
use;
B. No
alcoholic beverages may be brought onto school property at any time;
C. Tobacco
use shall not be allowed on school property;
D. School
facilities may not be used for any illegal purposes;
E. Community
adults and children are free to use outdoor grounds and facilities for
recreation whenever not otherwise scheduled.
However, formal approval of buildings and grounds use will only be
granted to recognized organizations and groups;
F. Any
approval of the use of school facilities is to require the signing of a Facility Use Agreement setting forth the
conditions of use;
G. Application
for use is to be made through the Principal, with final approval determined by
the Superintendent; and
H. Repeat use
may be denied to any group which has not demonstrated appropriate conduct and
care.
I. School
facilities may not be used for weddings, funerals, memorial services, or
private functions of any kind.
Facility
use may be granted without rental charge, as follows:
A. Not-for-profit
educational, recreational, cultural and fraternal organizations having a
significant number of members who are community residents;
B. Not-for-profit
groups which present programs that are designed to be educationally,
recreationally or culturally beneficial to local citizens; and
C. Municipal-sponsored
groups and organizations.
Other
groups shall pay rent (in advance) on a multi-increment scale which reflects
highest amounts for groups engaging in a profit-making enterprise on school
grounds.
The
following may be requested of any group:
A. Reimbursement
for incidental expenses (utilities, etc.);
B. A deposit
with the application, refundable after leaving the facility in satisfactory
condition;
C. Reimbursement
for property damage and any cleaning and repair costs;
D. Reimbursement
for custodian or other staff costs when necessary to the use of the facility;
and
E. Fees for
rental of equipment.
Adopted:
Revised:
M.S.A.D. #4
NEPN/NSBA
Code: KF-R
COMMUNITY USE
OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
ADMINISTRATIVE
PROCEDURE
Organization
representatives shall apply to the building principal for the use of any
building or facility at least two weeks in advance. The building principal will then submit a
written request to the Superintendent for approval.
Organizations
using school facilities assume full responsibility for any damage that may
occur to building or facilities resulting from their use. The Directors may, at their discretion,
require the purchase and presentation of public liability insurance if the
gathering is of a size or the activity of a nature which may seem to require
this special safeguard.
A
time and one-half janitorial charge per hour will be made for building use
lasting beyond regularly scheduled custodial time. The minimum charge will be for one hour. The rate per hour may vary, depending on
which janitor remains to check and lock the facilities.
Custodial Service
A. A
custodian shall be present when a building is used with the following
exceptions:
1. Meetings
of the Board of Directors or sub-committees, when the Superintendent/designee
or Board Chair will be responsible;
2. Meetings
of any school district teacher’s organization, when the building principal will
be responsible; and
3. School
activities under the direct supervision of a teacher, at the discretion of the
building principal.
B. The user
of the facility will be responsible for compensation for custodial services
beyond the regularly scheduled hours of that custodian. The custodial rate will be one and one-half
times his/her regular rate and will be charged to:
1. Local
non-profit adult organizations; and
2. For such other social, civic, athletic, or recreational
activity as may be approved by the Superintendent/designee.
Cafeteria Service
A cafeteria worker shall be present in a supervisory
capacity whenever cafeteria equipment is used.
The user of the facility will be responsible for compensation to the
cafeteria worker. Cafeteria workers will
be compensated at $9.00 an hour.
Gym and Facilities
Conditions
A. All
entertainments are subject to approval and must be described in the facilities
use application.
B. All
ordinances and rules of the local community and fire departments regarding
public assemblies must be strictly complied with.
C. Smoking is
prohibited in school buildings and on school grounds.
D. There
shall be no alcoholic liquors or beverages brought to or consumed in the
building or on school grounds.
E. Special
permission must be obtained for decorating, installing scenery, and moving or
tuning pianos.
F. Props,
artificial plants, draperies, etc., shall be flame proof or fire retardant.
G. Scenery
and other equipment provided by the holder of a permit must be removed from the
building promptly after the performance so as not to interfere with school
activities.
H. Custodial
services do not include the erecting or dismantling of scenery or equipment
unless such scenery or equipment is the property of the school district.
I. All
entertainments, dances, etc., must cease no later than
J. The
number of tickets sold must not exceed the seating capacity of the space or
facility for which permit is granted.
K. A permit
is not transferable.
L. All
permits shall be revocable and shall not be considered as a lease, and the
Board of Directors or its authorized agent may reject an application or cancel
any permit.
Rental Fees
No rental fees will be charged for the following uses:
A. School-sponsored
activities;
B.
C. Board of
Directors or sub-committees;
D. Organizations
whose sole purpose is to aid or improve the facilities or activities of the
schools of the District; and
E. M.S.A.D.
#4 town government activities, e.g., Town Meeting, budget meetings, etc.).
Custodial and other fees may apply.
Rental fees may be charged for all other approved uses.
Adopted:
Revised:
M.S.A.D. #4
NEPN/NSBA
Code: KHB
ADVERTISING IN
THE SCHOOLS
The
School Board believes that, in general, product advertising and/or endorsement
is to be discouraged in the schools. The
Board has an obligation to assure that students, who are required by law to
attend, are not subjected to commercial messages of any kind without careful
analysis of the benefits and risks that pertain in each instance. Since the issue of advertising in the schools
can be attended by strong opinions, the Board may seek comments and
recommendations from the administration, the professional teaching staff and
the community prior to considering any form of advertising into the schools.
The Board is opposed in principle to accepting any programming, equipment or services that are offered only on the basis of mandatory exposure of students to product advertising. The Board recognizes, however, that in some instances product names, logos or advertising may be acceptable when the programming, equipment or services can be clearly shown to be of significant benefit to the school program.
The
Board reserves the right to consider requests for advertising in the schools on
a case-by-case basis.
First
Adopted:
M.S.A.D. #4
NEPN/NSBA Code: KHC
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY MATERIALS
Printed materials may be distributed to parents by students as an inexpensive means of mass communications providing the materials:
A. Relate to the school, community, local recreational or civic activities;
B. Do not relate to any religious belief or activity, or promote private gain, or political position; and
C. Do not promote any political party or candidate.
Except for requests from parent-teacher organizations, board appointed citizens’ ad hoc advisory committees, other school-connected organizations, or requests from groups or individuals to have students distribute materials, parents or other citizens of the community will be referred to the Superintendent for approval.
On issues to be decided at referenda, information distributed by school personnel or Board of Education members, whether through students or otherwise, may only provide information on the time, date, and location of the referenda and may not advocate positions on the referenda questions.
First
Adopted:
M.S.A.D.
#4
NEPN/NSBA
Code: KHD
PUBLIC SOLICITATION ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
Solicitation or fundraising by individuals, commercial enterprises and charitable organizations is not permitted in school buildings or on school property without the permission of the building principal.
Demonstrations of services or materials or canvassing of students or school employees for the purpose of selling products or services shall not be permitted in school buildings or on school property without the permission of the building principal.
Approved parent-teacher organizations, booster organizations and school sanctioned groups may engage in fundraising in compliance with Board policies on fundraising.
Adopted:
Revised:
M.S.A.D.
#4
NEPN/NSBA Code: KI
VISITORS TO
THE SCHOOLS
The School Board encourages the active interest and involvement of parents and citizens in the public schools. In order to avoid interruption of the instructional program and to promote the safety of students and staff, building principals shall institute administrative procedures concerning visitors to the schools. Such procedures shall be subject to the approval of the Superintendent. It is understood that procedures may vary from school to school due to differing considerations such as the age of the students and building layout and location.
The
following general guidelines shall be incorporated in all building-level
administrative procedures concerning visitors.
A. The term “visitor” shall apply to any person on school
grounds or in school buildings who is not an employee or student of the school
unit.
B.
All visitors shall report to the main office upon arrival at the
school.
C. All visitors who wish to visit classrooms,
observe aspects of the instructional program or meet with staff members are
expected to schedule such visits in advance.
Teachers and other staff may not use instructional time to discuss
individual matters with visitors.
D.
E. Visitors shall comply with all applicable Board policies and
school rules. Visitors who violate these
policies/rules and/or disrupt the safe and orderly operation of the school
shall be asked to leave the premises.
F. The building administrator/designee has the authority to
refuse entry to school grounds or buildings to persons who do not have
legitimate, school-related business and/or who may disrupt the operations of
the schools. This may include, but not
be limited to, the news media, profit-making businesses, fundraisers and other
organizations seeking access to students and/or staff.
G. School
staff shall report unauthorized persons on school grounds or in school buildings
to the building administrator/designee.
Unauthorized persons shall be directed
to leave the premises immediately.
H. The building administrator/designee may request the
assistance of law enforcement as necessary to deal with unauthorized persons or
violations of the law by visitors to the schools.
Cross
Reference: BCA – Board Member Code of
Ethics
EBCA – Crisis Response Plan
ECA – Buildings and Grounds
Security
JLIB – Student Dismissal
Precautions
JLF – Reporting Child Abuse
and Neglect
KLG – Relations with Law
Enforcement Agencies
Adopted:
Revised:
M.S.A.D. #4
NEPN/NSBA
Code: KI-R
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS—DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN
SERVICES PERSONNEL
The following procedures apply to the presence of Department of Human Services (DHS) personnel in the District’s schools:
A. Department of Human Services personnel shall provide school officials with written consent from a student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) prior to interviewing or questioning a student on school grounds during regular school hours except as provided below.
School personnel should take reasonable measures to verify the identity of unknown DHS personnel.
B. Department of Human Services employees may interview a student on school grounds during regular school hours without prior notification of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) by school officials, only when the DHS or its employee(s) states in writing that:
1.a. The DHS has reasonable grounds to believe that prior notice to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) would increase the threat of serious harm to the child or another person; or
b. The child has contacted the DHS or a person providing services has put the child into contact with the DHS and the DHS is seeking an initial interview with the child; and
2. The interview is necessary to carry out the DHS’s duties as provided by law.
C. Prior to removing a child from school without express permission of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s), DHS or law enforcement authorities shall adequately demonstrate their legal authority to take custody of the child (e.g., court order, warrant or other legal authority). Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should be notified of the removal as soon as practicable.
Legal Reference: 15 MRSA § 3202-A, (arrests of juveniles), 3501 (interim care of juveniles)
20-A MRSA §§ 6001, 6804
20 USC § 1232g (FERPA)
22 MRSA
Adopted:
Revised:
M.S.A.D. #4
NEPN/NSBA
Code: KLG
RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES
The School Board recognizes
that a cooperative relationship with law enforcement authorities is desirable
for the protection of students and staff, maintaining a safe school
environment, and safeguarding school property.
School administrators and
staff shall have the primary responsibility for maintaining proper order in the
schools and for disciplining students for violations of Board policies and
school rules. However, the Board
authorizes the Superintendent/administration to seek the assistance of law
enforcement authorities when they believe there is a substantial threat to the
welfare and safety of the schools, students and/or staff. The Superintendent/ administration shall also
inform law enforcement authorities when they have reason to suspect that a
student or staff member may have violated a local, state or federal law.
The Board strongly discourages
law enforcement authorities from using the schools as a venue to arrest and/or
interrogate students for activities not related to or affecting the schools.
The Superintendent/administration retain the authority
to deny law enforcement access to students for non-school-related
investigations.
The Board authorizes the
Superintendent and administration to work with local law enforcement
authorities to develop administrative procedures to guide interactions between
the schools and law enforcement. Such
procedures should safeguard the rights of students and parents, be consistent
with Board policies, and minimize disruptions to the instructional program. These administrative procedures are subject
to the approval of the Board.
The Superintendent shall
include law enforcement authorities in the development and implementation of
the school unit’s crisis response plan.
The Board also encourages the Superintendent/administration to include
law enforcement authorities in the development and/or implementation of
instructional programs/activities related to student safety.
Cross Reference: KLG-R
– Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Administrative Procedure
EBCA – Crisis Response Plan
JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety
JIH –Questioning and Searches of Students
JRA – Student Records
First
Adopted
M.S.A.D.
#4
NEPN/NSBA Code: KLG-R
RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
The following procedures are
intended to guide the involvement of law enforcement authorities in the
schools:
A. Law
enforcement officials may enter school premises:
1. In the event of an emergency
endangering student or staff safety;
2. At the request
of school administration;
3. When there is a warrant to arrest a
student which cannot be accomplished outside of school hours, school officials are not obligated to make students or
school facilities available to law enforcement for non-school-related investigations/arrests;
4. In urgent
circumstances as authorized by law.
B. School
officials shall attempt to contact the student’s parents/guardians prior to
allowing law enforcement authorities to interrogate, search or arrest a student
at school, except when there are reasonable grounds to believe that a health or
safety emergency requires the interrogation, search or arrest to take place without
prior notice.
C. Law enforcement authorities are
responsible for ensuring that a student is informed of his/her rights prior to
an interrogation, search or arrest conducted by law enforcement authorities.
D. A student may be removed from school by
law enforcement authorities when there is a court order, an arrest warrant or
when a warrantless arrest is authorized by law. School officials shall attempt to notify the
student’s parents/guardians as soon as possible of the student’s removal from
school.
E. School officials shall release student
information to law enforcement authorities only as allowed by the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Cross Reference: JRA – Student
Records
First
Adopted: August
10, 2004
M.S.A.D.
#4