BOARD POLICY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5000SUPPORT SERVICES
5100Building and Grounds Management
PR5110Building and Grounds Maintenance and Inspection
P5120Maintenance of Facilities
PR5130Energy Conservation Measures
5200Safety, Security and Communications
PR5210Hazardous Materials
P5211Eye Protection
P5220School Bus Safety
PR5230Accident Reporting
PR5240Weather, Earthquake and Fire Emergencies
P5241EmergencySchool Closings
P5242School Closing and Cancellation
P5250Use of Tobacco Products
P5260Safety Standards
P5270Security of Buildings and Grounds
P5271Video Surveillance
P5280Vandalism and Theft
5300Purchasing and Supply Management
P5310Purchasing Furniture and Equipment
BOARD POLICY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
P5320Preference for Missouri Products
5400Inventory Management
P5410Inventory Requirements
P5420Maintenance and Control of Instructional Materials
P5440Equipment on Loan
5500Food Service Program
P5510Food Service Management
P5520Uniform Policy for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
P5530Competitive Food Sales
PR 5540 Food Safety
P5550Meal Charges
5600Transportation
P5610School Bus Drivers
P5611 Certified/Non-Certified Contracted Employees and School Bus Drivers
PR5620Student Transportation Services
P5630Bus Routes and Schedules
P5640Bus Inspections
P5650Transportation Records and Reports
PR5660Field Trips
PR5661Field Trip Transportation in Private Vehicles/Common Carriers
BOARD POLICY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
P5670Use of School Buses
P5680Preschool Students Riding Bus
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5110
(Regulation 5110)
Buildings and Grounds Management
Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and Inspection
The Board recognizes the tremendous investment in the District's facilities, buildings, grounds and equipment. It is acknowledged that normal deterioration from natural elements and ordinary use will occur. However, with proper care and attention the rate of deterioration can be reduced and repair and replacement costs held within reasonable limits. Therefore, the Board believes that a proper program of preventive maintenance is a requirement for efficient and economic building operation.
The District shall survey and assess the exposure of friable asbestos in all buildings. A written report shall be filed with appropriate state agencies, and will be available for public review in the Superintendent's office. The report shall be filed as required by law. The District shall take all steps necessary to comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, as described in regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency.
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5120
Building and Grounds Management
Maintenance of Facilities
A maintenance department shall be provided to perform general building maintenance tasks and a custodial department shall be provided to perform routine cleaning tasks. The maintenance and custodial personnel shall be under the supervision of a maintenance/custodial supervisor; however, supervision shall also be provided by the building principal.
Capital outlay work for new and existing buildings shall normally be done through a general contractor. District employees may be used when the use of a general contractor is not feasible.
Revised February 13, 2006
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5130
(Regulation 5130)
Building and Grounds Management
Energy Conservation Measures
In the interest of sound control of District financial resources and in general ecological management, the Board of Education directs that the Administration develop procedures for utilities use that will best meet the need of conservative utilization of these resources.
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5210
(Regulation 5210)
Safety, Security and Communications
Hazardous Materials
The District will develop and implement written procedures for the purchase, use, storage and disposal of substances designated as hazardous by local, state and federal authorities.
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5211
Safety, Security and Communications
Eye Protection
All students, teachers and visitors are required to wear industrial quality eye protective devices when participating in or observing the following activities in any class:
1.Exposure to molten materials.
2. Milling, sawing, turning, shaping, cutting, grinding or stamping of any solid materials.
3. Heat treatment, tempering or kiln firing of any materials.
4. Gas, electric arc or other forms of welding.
5. Repair or servicing of any vehicle.
6.Exposure to/or laboratory use of caustic or explosive materials, hot liquids or solids,
injurious radiation, or other similar hazards.
Eye protective devices designed to provide protection for the hazards involved and to meet standards specified by state law will be provided by the School District. These devices may be issued to the students or provided at work stations for individual activities. If the devices are issued to the students, principals are authorized to charge students for loss, damage or failure to return any device issued.
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5220
Safety, Security and Communications
School Bus Safety
Safe transportation of students shall be the paramount obligation of the transportation staff. All procedures and rules developed by the administration shall be governed by this requirement. State and local laws pertaining to the operation of buses and vehicles used to transport students will be observed by drivers, students and staff.
The Administration will develop regulations for students to be included in Policy and Regulation 2610 - Behavioral Expectations. These rules and regulations will be published annually in student handbooks to be distributed to students and parents/guardians. Students will receive instruction for the safe loading, riding, unloading and emergency evacuation procedures.
District officials will file criminal charges of trespass against any person who unlawfully enters a District school bus where entry is not approved by Board policy or where the individual does not have written approval of the Board of Education.
Revised February 13, 2006
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5230
(Regulation 5230)
Safety, Security and Communications
Accident Reporting
In order that proper measures may be taken to avoid recurrence of accidents, written reports will be prepared on all accidents occurring on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity.
Revised February 13, 2006
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5240
(Regulation 5240)
Safety, Security and Communications
Weather and Fire Emergencies
At the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, the principal will determine areas in each building which are best suited for the protection of students during civil defense emergencies, including adverse weather conditions. School will not be dismissed in the case of a civil defense alert or tornado warning.
It shall also be the duty of the Superintendent of Schools to provide for fire inspections on an announced and unannounced basis in each building. The Superintendent is responsible for remedying unsafe conditions reported by local fire marshals acting in their official capacities.
The principal will assume responsibility for preparing a fire drill and emergency exit plan for each building. The plan will permit students to leave the building safely and quickly. Fire drills will be held the first full week of school and quarterly thereafter.
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5241
Safety, Security and Communications
EmergencySchool Closings
The Superintendent may order the delay of opening, early dismissal or the closing of schools due to inclement weather, hazardous road conditions or specific emergency situations which would make the operation of school impractical or hazardous to pupils. Notification of such actions will be given over local radio and television stations. Unless individually approved by the Superintendent, after-school activities will be canceled on the day which school is closed or dismissed early due to weather or other emergency conditions.
Instructional time lost due to weather and other emergency conditions will be made up as required by the State and as approved by the Board of Education.
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5242
Safety, Security and Communications
School Closing and Cancellation
The superintendent is empowered by the Board of Education to close the school or dismiss early in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies which threaten the safety, health or welfare of students or staff members.
When there is inclement weather in the morning, the superintendent will make a decision as early as possible after checking district routes. Prior to checking the district routes, the superintendent/designee shall check into the school building before departure. The use of school district vehicles or personal vehicles is permissible under this policy.
Parents, students and staff members shall be informed early in each school year on how they shall be notified in the event of emergency closings or early dismissals.
If, and when, a decision is made to cancel, delay, or dismiss school, the district will attempt to get the information out as best as we can. Area radio stations will be the first to be notified.
Adopted February 9, 2009
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5250
Safety, Security and Communications
Use of Tobacco Products
The Board of Education recognizes that the use of tobacco products represents a health and safety hazard. Similarly, the use of substances appearing to be tobacco products, including, but not limited to, e-cigarettes, creates an environment where tobacco products are endorsed. Therefore, the use of tobacco products and substances appearing to be tobacco products shall be prohibited in all District buildings, grounds and vehicles. This Policy applies to all employees, students and patrons attending school-sponsored activities and meetings.
Updated August 11, 2014
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5260
Safety, Security and Communications
Safety Standards
The Board of Education directs the Superintendent to ensure that the administration and management of all District operations be in compliance with local laws and regulations pertaining to student and staff safety and state and federal laws and standards regarding occupational safety and health. At various times District supervisors will issue specific safety standards and will provide ongoing directives, oral and written, to maximize employee and student safety. Failure to comply with such safety directives will be considered serious misconduct and will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Safety Requirements
In order to promote safety and to reduce the occurrence of injuries to the employee; to the employee’s colleagues, students and visitors to our schools, the following requirements are mandated by the Board. These requirements are not intended to be exclusive, but to be illustrative for measures required to promote safety. Moreover, these requirements are in addition to all relevant requirements of federal and state law, as well as, Board policy. Employees will be required to review, sign and return this policy on an annual basis. These requirements are:
- All accidents are to be reported, in writing, to your supervisor on the date they occur.
- All unsafe conditions are to be reported to your supervisor immediately.
- No running or horseplay is permitted.
- The use of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs during work hours is strictly prohibited. The use of prescribed drugs is permitted subject to the limitations imposed by the prescribing physician.
- Standing on chairs, desks, boxes, or any object other than a ladder or step stool is prohibited.
- When using chemicals, all appropriate safety equipment must be used. If the appropriate safety equipment is not available, the absence of same should be reported to your supervisor immediately.
- If your duties require you to drive, the use of a seatbelt is mandatory. The use of a cell phone for phone calls or texting is prohibited in a moving vehicle.
- The use of employer provided safety devices is mandatory.
BOE Updated June 10, 2013
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5270
Safety, Security and Communications
Security of Buildings and Grounds
The administration will develop procedures to ensure that school facilities are safeguarded against criminal acts and negligent use. All District employees are responsible for the care and proper use of School District property. Maintenance personnel are responsible for the care, repair and annual maintenance of District equipment and facilities. After school access to District facilities is limited to authorized individuals and groups.
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5271
Safety, Security and Communications
Video Surveillance
The NorthMercerSchool District will use video surveillance to accomplish three main goals: (1) enhance the safety of students and staff, (2) protect school property against theft or vandalism and (3) aid in the identification of intruders and of persons breaking the law. The board of education ensures that the proposed design and operation of the video surveillance system minimizes privacy intrusion to that which is absolutely necessary to achieve its required lawful goals.
The video surveillance will be located where surveillance is deemed necessary. This will be primarily in the first floor hallways and commons area. Equipment will never monitor the inside of areas where students, staff and the public have a higher expectation of privacy (e.g., change rooms and washrooms). Video surveillance will be activated by motion detectors to limit the amount of time surveillance will be in place. The cameras will be set up for regular use on evenings, weekends, and summer days when the building is unoccupied. The district shall maintain control of, and responsibility for, the video surveillance system at all times.
The maintenance director will be authorized for upkeep, storage of software, and maintenance of equipment under the direction of administration. In addition, general monitoring, under the direction of administration, may be partially designated to maintenance director. District administration officials are the only district personnel authorized to act on the day to day activities captured with video surveillance. If the need arises for additional support, local law enforcement officials will be notified. Upon notification of law enforcement, the Superintendent will inform the Board of Education President with any important information regarding the issue. Access to the storage devices should be limited to authorized personnel. Logs should be kept of all instances of access to, and use of, recorded material, to provide for a proper audit trail.
Any information obtained through video surveillance systems may only be used for the purposes set out in this policy and must relate to the protection of students, staff and the public, including the discipline or consequences that arise from that, or it must assist in the detection and deterrence of criminal activity and vandalism. Information should not be retained or used for purposes other than those described in the policy.
The retention period for information that has not been viewed by school officials is six months. Recorded information that will not be used for any purpose will be routinely erased according to a standard schedule. Normally, unused tapes will be erased on a schedule not exceeding one month. The school will store and retain storage devices required for evidentiary purposes according to standard procedures until the law enforcement authorities request them. A storage device release form, or an entry in a logbook, should be completed before any storage device is disclosed to the appropriate authorities. This form will indicate who took the device, under what authority, when this occurred and if it will be returned or destroyed after use. This activity will be regularly monitored and strictly enforced.
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5271
Safety, Security and Communications
Video Surveillance
Old storage devices must be securely disposed of in such a way that the personal information cannot be reconstructed or retrieved. Disposal methods could include shredding, burning or magnetically erasing the personal information.
Definitions for Policy Use:
Record is defined to mean any information, however recorded, whether in printed form, on film, by electronic means or otherwise, and includes: a photograph, a film, a microfilm, a videotape, a machine-readable record and any record that is capable of being produced from a machine-readable record.
Video Surveillance System refers to a video, physical or other mechanical, electronic or digital surveillance system or device that enables continuous or periodic video recording, observing or monitoring of individuals in school buildings and on school premises.
Policy refers to the written document drafted by school board officials that codifies institutional obligations with respect to the collection, use, disclosure, retention and disposal of personal information.
Storage Device refers to a videotape, computer disk or drive, CD-ROM, computer chip, or other device used to store the recorded data or visual, audio or other images captured by a video surveillance system.
Covert Surveillance:
It is also important to note that the above guidelines do not apply to “covert surveillance.” Covert surveillance refers to surveillance conducted by means of hidden devices, without notice to the individuals being monitored. The district will use covert surveillance in cooperation with law enforcement when deemed necessary by administration and local authorities.
Covert surveillance occurs wherever surveillance cameras are set up without notification. Because covert surveillance takes place without notice to the public, individuals will not generally be aware that they are being monitored. As such, the practice of covert surveillance is one that has the potential of being highly privacy-invasive and should only be used as a last resort in limited case specific circumstances. In all cases, where it takes place, covert surveillance should be time-limited.
The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that covert surveillance is the only available option under the circumstances and that the benefits derived from the personal information obtained far outweigh the violation of privacy of the individuals observed.
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5271
Safety, Security and Communications
Video Surveillance
An example of a situation in which time-limited covert surveillance may be justified is where there is an ongoing problem of computer theft from the school’s computer room. If other investigative techniques have been attempted, and have failed, the school may decide to install covert surveillance equipment in order to identify the thief. Such camera equipment should be positioned in a way that minimizes surveillance (i.e., the camera should be positioned so that individuals will only be recorded if they approach the computer equipment). After a suspect has been identified, the surveillance equipment should be removed.
Storage Device Release Form
The following has been given a copy of materials gathered through the North Mercer video surveillance system. These materials will be used in compliance with the video surveillance policy set forth by the North Mercer Board of Education.
Name of Organization: ______
Date given:______
Signature of Recipient:______
Title of Recipient:______
Name of North Mercer Official:______
Signature:______
Adopted November 13, 2006
SUPPORT SERVICESPolicy 5280
Safety, Security and Communications
Vandalism and Theft
The administration will take appropriate actions to punish individuals determined to have vandalized District property. Such actions include, but are not limited to school disciplinary action, restitution and criminal and civil charges.