Code A1 - the Role of Policy

Policy Manual

Updated: 4/6/2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Click on TOC to follow links)

CODE A1 - THE ROLE OF POLICY

Policy

Background

Definitions

CODE A2 - POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION

Policy

Policy Development

Warnings

CODE A3 - POLICY DISSEMINATION, ADMINISTRATION & REVIEW

Policy

Dissemination

Administration

Policy Review

CODE B1 - BOARD MEMBER EDUCATION

Policy

Implementation

CODE B2 - BOARD GOAL-SETTING & EVALUATION

Policy

Implementation

CODE B3 - BOARD MEMBER CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Policy

Definitions

Implementation

Avoiding Conflicts

Complaints of Conflict of Interest

CODE C1 - BOARD MEETING AGENDA PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION

Policy

Agenda Preparation

Agenda Distribution

CODE C2 - BOARD MEETINGS

Policy

Schedules

Conduct of Board Meetings

Executive Sessions

CODE C2R - REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS

CODE C3 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS

Policy

Background

Implementation

Persons Who May Address the Board

Public Comment on Agenda Items

Public input on items not on the agenda

CODE C4 - SCHOOL VISITS BY BOARD MEMBERS

Policy

Implementation

CODE C5 - BOARD RELATIONS WITH SCHOOL PERSONNEL

Policy

At School Board Meetings

Relations with the Principal

Relations with other School Staff

CODE C6 - BOARD COMMITMENT TO NON-DISCRIMINATION

Policy

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Grievance Procedure

CODE C6R - PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS OF DISCRIMINATION

Definitions

Intent

Procedures

CODE D1 - PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT, SELECTION, APPOINTMENT AND CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS

Policy

Definitions

Recruitment

Selection

Appointment

CODE D2 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Policy

Principles to Guide Professional Development

Implementation

CODE D3 - STAFFING AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Policy

Implementation

CODE D3 - TITLE 1 JOB DESCRIPTION

CODE D3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Qualifications

Performance Responsibilities

General Responsibilities of All Staff Members

CODE D3 - TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

CODE D3 - CUSTODIAL/ MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS JOB DESCRIPTION

Minimum Qualifications

Hours

CODE D4 - EDUCATOR SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION: PROBATIONARY TEACHERS

Policy

Implementation

Probationary Teachers

CODE D5 - PERSONNEL FILES

Policy

Administrative Responsibilities

Employees' Rights and Responsibilities

CODE D6 - SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

Policy

Qualifications

Unlicensed Persons

Licensed Educators

Administrative Responsibilities

CODE D7 - VOLUNTEERS AND WORK STUDY STUDENTS

Definitions

Policy

CODE D8 - ALCOHOL AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Policy

Definitions

Employee Responsibilities

CODE D9 - RESIGNATIONS

Policy

Implementation

CODE D10 - PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT PERSONNEL

Policy

Resolving Complaints

Appeal to the Board

CODE D11 - DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING: TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEES

Policy

CODE D12 – EMPLOYEE HARASSMENT

Policy

Definitions

Examples

Procedure

CODE D13 - HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT COMPLIANCE

CODE E1 - FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Policy

Administrative Responsibilities

Guidelines

CODE E2 - BUDGETING

Policy

Administrative Responsibility

Approval

Presentation

CODE E3 - FINANCIAL REPORTS AND STATEMENTS

Policy

Administrative Responsibilities

CODE E4 - RISK MANAGEMENT

Policy

Implementation

CODE E5 - EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

Policy

Implementation

CODE E6 - SAFETY AND SECURITY OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

Policy

Implementation

CODE E7 - SCHOOL CRISIS PREVENTION & RESPONSE

Policy

Definition

Administrative Responsibilities

Staff Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

CODE E7R - PROCEDURES FOR BOMB THREATS

Anticipating a Bomb Threat

Reacting to a Bomb Threat

After a Bomb Threat

Communicating with the Public

CODE E8 - TOBACCO PROHIBITION

Policy

Administrative Responsibility

Violations of Policy

CODE E9 - AIDS OR HIV

Policy

Background

General Provisions

Confidentiality, Disclosure, Testing

Education and Instruction

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions

Enforcement

CODE E10 - CAPITAL ASSETS

Policy

Criteria for Capitalization

Accounting for Capital Assets

CODE F1 - STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

Policy

Student Responsibilities

Administrative Responsibilities

CODE F2 - BUS DISCIPLINE

Policy

Administrative Responsibility

Student Misbehavior

CODE F3 - SEARCH AND SEIZURE

Policy

Guidelines for Searches and Seizure

CODE F4 - INTERROGATION OR SEARCHES OF STUDENTS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL OR OTHER NON-SCHOOL PERSONNEL

Policy

Guidelines

CODE F5 - EDUCATION RECORDS

Policy

Definitions

Implementation

CODE F6 - STUDENT MEDICATION

Policy

Implementation

CODE F7 – STUDENT ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Definitions

Educational Program

Support and Referral System

Cooperative Agreements

Staff Training

Community Involvement

Annual Report

Notification

CODE F8 - REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT

Policy

Purpose

Definitions

Implementation

Training

Availability of Policy

CODE F9 - TRANSPORTATION

Policy

CODE F10 - STUDENT ACTIVITIES (ELEMENTARY)

Policy

Implementation

CODE F12 - INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS

Policy

Implementation

CODE F13 - ADMISSION OF RESIDENT STUDENTS

Policy

Residence Criteria

Change of Residence

Decisions and Appeals

CODE F14 - ADMISSION OF NON-RESIDENT TUITION STUDENTS

Policy

Implementation

Appeal

Payment of Tuition

CODE F15 - STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

Policy

Definitions

Implementation

CODE F16 - TUITION PAYMENT POLICY

Policy

Implementation

CODE F17 - HEAD LICE

Policy

Managing Head Lice Cases

CODE F17R - PROCEDURES FOR MANAGING A HEAD LICE OUTBREAK

CODE F18 - EIGHTEEN YEAR-OLD STUDENTS

Policy

Permission

Communications with Parents/Guardians

CODE F19 - LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY STUDENTS

Policy

Implementation

CODE F20 - POLICY ON PREVENTION OF HARASSMENT, HAZING, AND BULLYING OF STUDENTS

Statement of Policy

Implementation

Constitutionally Protected Speech

Definitions

APPENDIX A

CODE F20a - MODEL PROCEDURES FOR PREVENTION OF HARASSMENT, HAZING AND BULLYING OF STUDENTS

ReportingComplaintsofHazing,Harassmentand/orBullying

RespondingtoNoticeofPossiblePolicyViolation(s)

InvestigatingHazing,Harassmentand/orBullyingComplaints

RespondingtoSubstantiatedClaims

PostInvestigativeReviews

ConfidentialityandRecordKeeping

ReportingtoOtherAgencies

DisseminatingInformation,Training,andDataReporting

CODE F21 – FIREARMS/FIREARMS/WEAPONS

Policy

Definitions

Sanctions

CODE F22 - STUDENT ASSESSMENT

Policy

Implementation

State Comprehensive Assessment System

Local Comprehensive Assessment System

CODE F23 - PARTICIPATION OF HOME STUDY STUDENTS

Policy

General Guidelines for Home Study Student Participation

Participation of Home Study Students in Programs and Activities Shall Be Subject to the Following Conditions:

Use of Facilities, Equipment and Materials by Home Study Students Is Subject to the Following Conditions

School Administration

Appeals Process

CODE F25 - STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Policy

Definitions

Administrative Rules and Procedures

Administrative Responsibilities

Policy

CODE F26 - Model Policy on Restrictive Behavioral Intervention

Statement of Purpose

Definitions

Generally

Timeout Room

Physical Restraint

Mechanical restraint

Pattern of Behavior

Documentation and notification

Notification

CODE F27 - PUPIL PRIVACY RIGHTS

Policy

Administrative Responsibilities

Definitions

Policy

Students Rights

CODE F28 - FEDERAL CHILD NUTRITION ACT WELLNESS POLICY

Purpose

Policy Statement

CODE F30 - ADMISSION OF RESIDENT STUDENTS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO PRESCHOOL

Policy

Residence Criteria

Change of Residence

Decision and Appeals

CODE G1 - CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & COORDINATION

Policy

Implementation

CODE G2 - USE OF COPYRIGHTED WORK

Policy

Background

Implementation

Student and Staff Responsibilities

Ownership of Work

Violations

CODE G2R - SAMPLE PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING COPYRIGHT POLICY

CODE G2 - GUIDELINES FOR CLASSROOM COPYING FOR NOTFOR-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Single Copying for Teachers

Multiple Copies for Classroom

Definitions

Prohibitions

CODE G2 - GUIDELINES FOR OFF-AIR RECORDING OF BROADCAST PROGRAMMING FOR EDUCATION PURPOSES

CODE G2 - GUIDELINES FOR EDUCATIONAL USES OF MUSIC

Permissible Uses

Prohibitions

CODE G2 - GUIDELINES ON SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT

Procedures for Protection of Software Copyright

FORM G2 - SAMPLE COPYRIGHT PERMISSION FORM

CODE G3 - FIELD TRIPS

Policy

Implementation

CODE G4 - SELECTING LIBRARY MATERIALS

Policy

Definitions

Implementation

CODE G5 - SELECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Policy

Implementation

CODE G6 - COMPLAINTS ABOUT INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Policy

Implementation

Appeal

CODE G6R - PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS ABOUT INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

CODE G7 - EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM

Policy

Definitions

Implementation

CODE G8 - LOCAL ACTION PLAN

Policy

Implementation

CODE G9 - GRADE ADVANCEMENT: RETENTION, PROMOTION & ACCELERATION OF STUDENTS

Policy

Background

Definitions

Implementation

CODE G10 - SPECIAL EDUCATION

Policy

Implementation

CODE G11 – RESPONSIBLE COMPUTER, NETWORK & INTERNET USE

Policy

General Information

Administrative Responsibilities

Staff Responsibilities

User Responsibilities

Parental Notification and Responsibility

Limitation/Disclaimer of Liability

Due Process

CODE G12 - CLASS SIZE

Policy

Implementation

Class sizes by Rule 2000

CODE G13 – TITLE 1 COMPARABILITY POLICY

CODE G14 – ANIMAL DISSECTION

Policy

Definition

Alternative Education Method

Discrimination

Procedures

CODE H1 - SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Policy

Implementation

CODE H2 - PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Policy

Background

Implementation

CODE H3 - COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

Policy

Implementation

CODE H3R - PROCEDURES FOR COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

FORM H3-1 - WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

FORM H3-2 - APPLICATION FOR USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

CODE H4 - PUBLIC SOLICITATIONS/ADVERTISING IN SCHOOLS

Policy

Implementation

CODE H5 - VISITS BY PARENTS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS OR MEDIA INTERVIEWING, FILMING, VIDEOTAPING OR RECORDING

Policy

Implementation

CODE H6 - ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORTS

Policy

Implementation

CODE H7 – TITLE 1 PART A, PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY

Definition

School District Parental Involvement Compact

School Level Parental Involvement Compact

ISLE LAMOTTE POLICY1 | Page

CODE A1

CODE A1 - THE ROLE OF POLICY

Policy

It is the intent of the Board to outline direction and goals for the successful consistent and efficient operation of the Isle La Motte schools through the adoption of policies.

Background

Policy development is the board's most important responsibility and is specified in 16 VSA§563(1). Policiesof the District will be in compliance with Vermont law and federal statutes as well as state and federal regulations. These policies will also reflect and be consistent with educational objectives, procedures, and practices which are generally accepted in the public education field.

Definitions

Policies describe the direction the Board, with input from its community, has outlined for the school District. They provide a guide for action by the administration. Policies should serve, also, to inform and guide all people interested in or connected with the School District.

Policies chart a course of action. They outline what is wanted; they may include why and how much and should always indicate the person responsible for implementing the policy. Policies should be broad enough to indicate a course of action for the administration to follow in meetingmost situations; narrow enough to give clear guidance.

Procedures (also referred to as rules or regulations) are the specific directions that indicate exactly how school personnel and others will carry out the policies adopted by the School Board. Procedures should be developed by school administrators and may be reviewed by the board. They may change more frequently that the underlying policy and do not require adoption by the Board.

Date Warned: 10/5/06, 11/2/06, 12/7/06

Date Adopted: 12/7/06

Legal Reference:16 VSA §563 (1) (Powers of school boards)

Cross Reference: Policy Development and Adoption (A2)

Policy Dissemination, Administration & Review (A3)

CODE A2

CODE A2 - POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION

Policy

It is the policy of the Isle La Motte School District to adopt all policies in accordance with Vermont state law as outlined in 16 VSA §563 (1).

Policy Initiation

Any person residing in or employed by the School District may suggest policies by providing a statement of need in writing to the Superintendent or Board clerk. -Such suggestions will be considered by Board and administrators to determine whether a policy is warranted to assure consistent and equitable school operations.

Policy Development

The Board, acting as a whole or through a policy committee, will seek appropriate public comment and administrative guidance as it considers proposals for policy development or revision. Comment and information will be sought in the following areas:

The specific need for the policy.
The fiscal consequences of the proposed policy.
The effect of proposed policy on administrators, students, teaching staff and the community.
Samples ofsimilar policies ofother Boards.
Applicable provisions of state and federal law.
The anticipated costs and benefits of implementing, enforcing and evaluating the proposed policy.

Warnings

Policies will be adopted by the Board only after appropriate public notice and opportunity for public comment as outlined in state law.

Date Warned: 10/5/06, 11/2/06, 12/7/06

Date Adopted: 12/7/06

Legal Reference:16 VSA §563 (1) (Powers of school boards)

Cross Reference: The Role of Policy(A1)

Policy Dissemination, Administration & Review (A3)

CODE A3

CODE A3 - POLICY DISSEMINATION, ADMINISTRATION & REVIEW

Policy

It is the policy of the Isle La Motte School District to disseminate its policies broadly to all community members, to administer them fairly and to assure that there is regular periodic review of the District's policies.

Dissemination

When policies are adopted, the Superintendent will publish and make them available to the public, students, and school personnel.

A copy of the District policy manual will be available during the normal working day in the office and/or library of each school within the District. The student handbook will include Board policies related to student activities and conduct. The teacher handbook will include Board policies related to teachers' responsibilities.

The Superintendent will develop other appropriate methods to familiarize and educate the school and general community about the District's policies.

Administration

Policies will be administered through procedures and directives of the Superintendent of schools and members of the management team.

It will be the responsibility of employees and students to know and follow Board policy.

Policy Review

All policies will be reviewed periodically and, if necessary or appropriate, revised or repealed in response to changing legislation or other altered Circumstances.

Date Warned: 10/5/06, 11/2/06, 12/7/06

Date Adopted: 12/7/06

Legal Reference:16 VSA §563 (1) (Powers of school boards)

1 VSA §316 (Access to records)

Cross Reference: The Role of Policy(A1)

Policy Development and Adoption (A2)

CODE B1

CODE B1 - BOARD MEMBER EDUCATION

Policy

It is the policy of the Isle La Motte School District to encourage and support Board members' efforts to remain knowledgeable about their roles and the issues with which they deal.

Implementation

Individual Board members will take advantage of opportunities to understand their roles, educational issues in general, school programs, State Department of Education functions and legislative activities. The Superintendent and Board Chair will be responsible for assuring that information on leadership development opportunities is available to all members. New members will participate in a district orientation session and other opportunities designed to familiarize themselves with all aspects ofBoard operation.

Members who take part in workshops and seminars offered by the Vermont School Boards Association and other organizations will be reimbursed for travel and other expenses related to participation in training activities provided prior approval is obtained from the Board, and funds for these purposes are available.

Date Warned:10/5/06, 11/2/06, 12/7/06

Date Adopted: 12/7/06

Legal Reference:

Cross Reference: Board Goal-Setting & Evaluation (E2)

CODE B2

CODE B2 - BOARD GOAL-SETTING & EVALUATION

Policy

The Board will participate in goal-setting and self-evaluation activities developed or recommended by the Superintendent at least annually.

Implementation

Particular attention will be given to Board goals and performance in the following areas:

Policy making
Policy implementation
Community relations
Board interpersonal communication skills
Board-Superintendent relations
Fiscal budget management
The instructional program
Labor relations
Board in-service training
Government relations

Date Warned: 10/5/06, 11/2/06, 12/7/06

Date Adopted: 12/7/06

Legal Reference:

Cross Reference: Board Member Education (B1)

CODE B3(Mandatory)

CODE B3 - BOARD MEMBER CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Policy
It is the ethical and legal duty of all School Board members to avoid conflicts of interest as well as the appearance of conflicts of interest.

Definitions

“Conflict of interest” means a situation when a board member’s private interests, as distinguished from the board member’s interest as a member of the general public, would benefit from or be harmed by his or her actions as a member of the board.

Implementation

In order to comply with the obligations thus imposed, the Board and its members will adhere to the following recommended standards.

A Board member will not give the impression that he or she would represent special interests or partisan politics for personal gain.
A Board member will not give the impression that he or she has the authority to make decisions or take action on behalf of the Board or the school administration.
A Board member will not use his or her position on the Board to promote personal financial interests or the financial interests of family members, friends or supporters.
A Board member will not solicit or accept anything of value in return for taking particular positions on matters before the Board.
A Board member will not give the impression that his or her position on any issue can be influenced by anything other than a fair presentation of all sides of the question.
Board members will be familiar with, and adhere to, those provisions of Vermont education law that define School Board powers and govern Board member compensation and public bidding processes.

Avoiding Conflicts

When a Board member becomes aware that he or she is in a position that creates a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest as defined in state law or this policy, he or she will declare the nature and extent of the conflict or appearance of conflict for inclusion in the Board minutes, and will abstain from voting or participating in the discussion of the issue giving rise to the conflict as a board member.

Complaints of Conflict of Interest

When a conflict of interest claim against a Board member is brought to the Board in writing and is signed by another Board member or a member of the public, and the Board member against whom the claim is made does not concur that a conflict in fact exists, the following Board procedures will be followed.

Upon a majority vote of the remaining Board members, or upon order of the chair, the Board will hold an informal hearing on the conflict of interest claim, giving both the Board member and the person bringing the claim an opportunity to be heard.
At the conclusion of the informal hearing, the remaining Board members will determine by majority vote whether to:

a.Issue a public finding that the conflict of interest charge is not supported by the evidence and is therefore dismissed;

b.Issue a public finding that the conflict of interest charge is supported by the evidence and that the member should disqualify him or herself from voting or otherwise participating in the Board deliberations or decision related to that issue, as required by Vermont statute; and/or