IMAGINE INDIGO RANCH
Where our students will be…
Classically trained
Culturally literate
Globally prepared
BOARD POLICY MANUAL
Table of Contents
A. Definitions
1. The School
1.1 Vision and Mission Statement
1.2 School Legal Status
1.3 Nondiscrimination
1.4 Tobacco-FreeSchool and Work Place
1.5 SafeSchool Plan
1.6 Crisis Management Plan
1.7 Bylaws
2. The Board
2.1 Articles of Incorporation (Separate document)
2.2 Decision Making
2.3Board Self-evaluation
2.4 Public Attendance at Board Meetings
2.5Board Election Procedure
2.6 Policy Making
2.7Board Member Conflicts of Interest
2.8Board Review of Administrative Procedures
2.9 Advisory Committees to the Board
2.10 Annual Meetings
2.11 Board Communication Plan
2.12 Board Training and New Board Member Orientation
2.13 Board Use of Data
2.14 Board Member Agreement – Code of Conduct
3. Administration
3.1 Administrative Structure
3.2 Job Description – Principal
3.3 Hiring Staff
3.4 Elections – NotSchool Based
3.5 Non-enrollment Surveys
3.6 Satisfaction Surveys
4. Personnel
4.1 Staffing Philosophy and Goals
4.2 Equal Opportunity Employment
4.3 Staff Rights and Responsibilities
4.4 Evaluation Process
4.5 Teacher Evaluations
4.6 Due Process
4.7School Personnel Conflicts of Interest
4.8 Personnel Records
4.9 Personnel concerns, Complaints, Grievances
4.10 Harassment
4.11 Staff Qualifications
4.12 Support Staff
4.13 Conflict Resolution
4.14 Administrative, Professional Staff Salary Schedule
4.15 Administrative, Professional Staff Vacation and Holidays
4.16 Administrative, Professional Staff Assignment and Transfers
4.17 Administrative, Professional Staff Reduction in Force
5. Students
5.1 Student Attendance
5.2 Student Rights and Responsibilities
5.3 Student Constitution
5.4 Student Conduct
5.5 Discipline
5.6 Prevention of Bullying
5.7 Student Health
5.8 Student Privacy
5.9 Student Safety
5.10 Student Funds
5.11 Interrogations and Searches
5.12 Harassment of or by Students
5.13 Reporting Child Abuse
5.14 Communicable Diseases
5.15 Student Fund-Raising Activities
6. Support Services
7. Educational Program
7.1 Instructional Goals and Objectives
7.2 Equal Educational Opportunity
7.3 Snow Days and Emergency Closings
7.4 Evolution
7.5 Religious Expression
7.6 Field Trips
7.7 Student Publications
7.8 Character Education
7.9 Internet Acceptable Use
7.10 Curriculum Development
7.11 Instructional Resources and Materials Selections
7.12 Personal Electronic Devices at School
7.13 Complaints about the Curriculum, Instructional Resources, Use of Audio-
Visual Materials, and Speakers
7.14 School Calendar
7.15 Gifted and Talented
7.16 Teaching About Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
7.17 Grading/Reporting Systems
8. Enrollment of Students
8.1 Enrollment and Waiting List
8.2 Disciplinary Dis-Enrollment
9. Finances and Accounting
9.1 Fiscal Accounting and Reporting
9.2 Preparation and Adoption of Annual Operating Budget
9.3 Financial Accounting Audits
9.4 Internal Audit Policy
9.5 Purchasing Authority
9.6 Purchasing Agent
9.7 Document Retention Policy
9.8 Materials and Equipment
10. Facilities
10.1 Property, Building Facilities Use
10.2 Responsibilities, Management, and Improvements
11. School-Community Relations
11.1 Relations with FalconSchool DistrictBoard of Education and Administration
11.2 Media Relations
11.3 Privacy Policy
11.4 Confidential Parent Surveys
Definitions:
A. As used in this Policy Manual, the terms set forth below shall have the following meanings:
(a) “Board” shall mean the Board of directors of Imagine Indigo Ranch.
(c) “District” shall mean FalconSchool District #49.
(d) “Member” means a person who is a member of Imagine Indigo Ranch as set forth in Imagine Indigo Ranch’s bylaws.
(e) “Principal” means Imagine Indigo RanchSchool principal.
(f) “Parent” means an Imagine Indigo Ranch parent or legal guardian.
(g) “Eligible student” means a student of at least eighteen years of age.
1. The School
Policy 1.1—Vision and Mission Statement.
Vision Statement
The Board of Education of Imagine Indigo Ranch intends to create a charter school to serve K-8 students in an atmosphere that values parent choice and input, holds high academic standards supported by a complete curriculum, and values character education as an integral part of the school’s curriculum and culture.
Mission Statement. The mission of Imagine Indigo Ranch is to positively shape the hearts and minds of our students by providing them with an academically rigorous and content rich curriculum in a learning environment of high expectations for student achievementwhere character is modeled and promoted within a collaborative community based on trusting relationships.
Adopted: 2-11-08
Policy 1.2—School Legal Status
Imagine Indigo Ranch is a Colorado charter school organized pursuant to the Colorado Charter Schools Act, CRS §§ 22-30.5-101 et seq. Imagine Indigo Ranch operates pursuant to acharter granted by the Board of Education of the District on ______(TBD)______, 2008. On September 7, 2007, Imagine Indigo Ranch incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under the Colorado Nonprofit Corporation
Act, and on ____(TBD)_____the Internal Revenue Service issued a determination letter recognizingImagine Indigo Ranch's tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Under the Charter Schools Act, Imagine Indigo Ranch is a public school within the District, and its statusas a nonprofit corporation does not affect its status as a public school. However, for governance andadministrative purposes, Imagine Indigo Ranch operates as a Colorado nonprofit corporation.
Adopted: 2-11-08
Policy 1.3—Nondiscrimination
Imagine Indigo Ranch affirms that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, age, nationalorigin, religious belief, gender, or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be deniedthe benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program oractivity.
Adopted:2-11-08
Policy 1.4—Tobacco-FreeSchool and Work Place
Imagine Indigo Ranch prohibits the use of tobacco products on school property. This prohibition applies to staff, students and members of the general public.
Imagine Indigo Ranch will discourage students from using tobacco by providing positive adult examples and effective anti-tobacco educational programs.
For purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall apply; fuller definitions may be found in state law.
1. "School property" shall mean all property owned, leased, rented or otherwise used by the school, including but not limited to the following:
a. The interior portions of any building or other structure;
b. All grounds over which the school exercises control, including areas around
any buildings, playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation areas and parking areas;
c. All vehicles used by the school.
2. "Tobacco" shall include all kinds and forms of tobacco as well as cloves or any other product packaged for smoking.
3. "Use" shall mean lighting, chewing, inhaling or smoking any tobacco product.
Signs shall be posted in prominent places on all school property to notify the public that smoking or other use of tobacco products is prohibited in accordance with state law and this policy. Any member of the general public considered by the principal or his designee to be in violation of this policy shall be instructed to leave school property.
This policy shall be published in employee handbooks, posted on bulletin boards and announced at staff meetings. Employees found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Adopted: 2-11-08
Policy 1.5—SafeSchool Plan
Imagine Indigo Ranch’s Governing Board is responsible for seeing that all reasonable precautions are taken to provide a safe environment for the students entrusted to its care. Furthermore, the Board believes that learning takes place most effectively in an environment that is safe and free from unnecessary disruption.
In conformance with this responsibility and belief, the Board has adopted a variety of policies designed to provide students and staff with physically and socially safe and supportive surroundings and to protect them from harm. In their entirety, these policies and related procedures constitute Imagine Indigo Ranch’s safe school plan as required by Colorado law.
Adopted: 2-11-08
Policy 1.6 - Crisis Management Plan
Imagine Indigo Ranch shall maintain written emergency plans for the safety of students, staff, and visitors at the school and review such procedures on an annual basis. The school will work with the FalconSchool District to coordinate plans, training, and response to emergency situations. The school will work with local law enforcement, emergency responders, and the media during the event of a crisis to maximize resolution of the emergency situation.
Should the school be under lock down procedure for an emergency situation, no persons, including parents or visitors, may enter or leave the school. Students will not be dismissed when the school is under a lock down procedure.
The principal or designee will arrange for the annual review of the emergency procedures with all staff and for regular, monthly emergency drills for students. Appropriate staff will complete the National Incident Management System (NIMS) training as required by state and federal regulation.
Adopted: November 2, 2009
Policy 1.7 Bylaws
The Imagine Indigo Ranch Bylaws are incorporated herin by reference and shall guide the structure and governance of Imagine Indigo Ranch. Definitions and terminology used herein are to be interpreted as consistent with the Bylaws. The board shall resolve any conflicts in terminology between the Bylaws and the policies herein.
Adopted: April 30, 2013
2. The Board
Policy 2.1—Articles of Incorporation (See Bylaws document.)
Policy 2.2—Decision Making
Three principles should underlie all decisions made by the Board and Imagine Indigo Ranch’sadministration:
(a) Imagine Indigo Ranch charter belongs to the parents of the schools;
(b) all actions should fall within the parameters of the mission statement; and
(c) all actions should support and promote adherence to the Six Measures of Excellence.
Accordingly, in making any decision the Board and administration shallconsider the decision in the context of Imagine Indigo Ranch mission statement and from the parents’ perspective, always keeping in mind that parentsshould have a meaningful voice in their children’s education. The Mission Statement and the Six Measures of Excellence (values of integrity,justice and fun, parent choice, academic excellence, character education, financial sustainability, and new school development) shall be printed on each Board agenda and used as the filter for decision making.
Adopted: March 3, 2008
Policy 2.3 – Board Self-evaluation
Imagine Indigo RanchBoard of Directors believes that the efficiency and performanceof the Board itself directly affects the efficiency and performance of the school system asa whole. Therefore, the Board will conduct an annual evaluation of its own work.The following guidelines will apply to the Board self-evaluation:
(a) The evaluation shall be a positive, constructive process, aimed at improvementrather than criticism.
(b) The evaluation shall be conducted using a formal written evaluation tool.
(c) Board members shall evaluate the Board as a whole and not individuals on the
Board.
(d) Board self-evaluation forms shall be distributed at the April Board meeting foruse at the May meeting. The Board shall not be limited in its discussion to thoseitems that appear on the form. Free discussion and informal comments arevaluable.
In addition, the Board President shall cause the Board to evaluate their own performance informally at the end of each Board meeting.
Adopted: March 3, 2008
Policy 2.4—Public Attendance at Board Meetings
Imagine Indigo RanchBoard serves at the pleasure of and represents the parents.Therefore, it desires to provide opportunities for any member of the school communityto express interest in and concern for the school. Accordingly, all members of theschool community are cordially invited to attend all open meetings of the Board. A timefor public comment shall be a part of every regular Board meeting.
Meetings are closed to the public only when the Board is meeting in executive session.
An executive session may be called only to discuss matters not appropriate for publicdiscussion pursuant to Colo. Rev. Stat. Section 24-6-402. An executive session maybe called only upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of a quorum present. No formalaction of the Board may be taken in any executive session.
Although the Board wishes to encourage everyone to attend its open meetings, it mustbe remembered that Board meetings are conducted to carry on the business of theschool. Board meetings are not “public meetings,” but meetings held in public, andaccordingly public participation must be controlled to some extent so that the Board candeal with its agenda within a reasonable time.
Persons who wish to make requests, presentations, or proposals to the Board shoulddirect any inquiry to the school principal, who will respond according to thefollowing process:
(a) The Board will receive in their packet for the next regularly scheduled meeting,written information directly from the person.
(b) The person may also present their information orally to the Board when thatagenda item is discussed.
(c) If the Board will be requested to take a particular action, the specific actionbeing requested should be in the written document submitted to the Board by theperson.
Adopted: March 3, 2008
Policy 2.5—Board Election Procedure
January Notice.
Each January a notice shall be sent through the student folders tothe parents informing them that seats are up for election at the May annual meeting.The notice shall provide a brief description of the requirements for membership on theBoard set forth in the Board manual, including the two books (Hirsch’s The Schools We Need and Why We Don’t Have Themand Roberts Rules of Order)that must be read. Thenotice shall state that anyone wishing to run for the Board must sign the Board memberagreement immediately upon election and be prepared to take the Board oath if elected. Board manuals shall be available in the school office for potential candidates.
Additional Notices. Four, six and eight weeks prior to the annual meeting a notice ofthe upcoming Board elections shall be included in the newsletters to the parents.The notices shall set forth:
(a)the number of seats up for election;
(b)the deadline forsubmission of candidate letters;
(c)the date of the annual meeting; and
(d)that allBoard members are required to sign the Board member agreement and take the Board oath immediately uponelection.
Candidacy. Candidacy shall be by self-nomination.
a. Any member, who is not employed by IMAGINE INDIGO RANCH, is at least 21 years of age, resides in the FalconSchool Districtattendance area and is a parent of a student attending Imagine Indigo Ranchmay seek election as a Board member. In the event that the communitymember at large seat is up for election, any member of the community, who is notemployed by IMAGINE INDIGO RANCH, is at least 21 years of age may seek election as the community member director.
b. All candidates must commit to sign the “Imagine Indigo Ranch Governing Board Handbook” upon election. Those seeking to be electedor reelected to the Board shall submit a letter of interest and an abbreviated resume to the Board by April 1st or the first business day thereafter. The Boardmay extend this deadline if an insufficient number of candidates are nominated bythis date.
c. The governing Board shall publish to the members a list of candidates with their letters ofinterests and abbreviated resumes no later than April 14th or the first business daythereafter, unless the nomination deadline is extended by the Board, in which case the governing Board shall publish the list no later than two weeks after the extendednomination deadline.
Appointed Board Members
Two members of the Board will be appointed by Imagine Schools. These Board directors will be at least 21 years of age and have expertise needed to compliment expertise of those elected to the Board. Candidates that wish to be considered as appointees must submit to the Colorado Regional Director for Imagine Schools a letter of interest and an abbreviated resume by April 1st or the first business day thereafter. Imagine Schools may extend this deadline if needed. Appointed Board members will be approved by a majority vote of the Board. After Board approval of the appointment, appointed directors must sign the Board member agreement and take the Board oath at the next scheduled Board meeting.
Campaigning for Election or Reelection to the Board.
The Board shall arrange public interviews in latter part of April with all candidatesfor election or reelection to the Board. Members, parents of prospective IMAGINE INDIGO RANCHstudents, directors, administration, faculty, staff, and the general public arewelcome to attend and participate in these interviews. Upon recognition by theBoard President of the Board (who shall be moderator during all public interviews),persons may publicly question any candidate for election or reelection to theBoard. During this interview process, the Board President shall be responsible forkeeping order.
Candidate Letter Submittal. Three weeks prior to the annual meeting, candidatesshall submit their candidate letters ready to be copied for distribution. Prior tosubmitting their candidate letter all candidates shall have read the Board memberagreement and be prepared to sign it and take the Board oathif they are elected at the annual meeting.
Candidate Letter/Voting Information Distribution. Two weeks prior to the annualmeeting information regarding voting at the annual meeting shall be distributed toyoungest and only children in student folders. The information shall include:
(a)a copyof the candidate letter of each Board candidate; and
(b)a letter from the Board settingforth the dates for early voting, information on the annual meeting and who is eligible tovote.
Absentee Voting. Numbered absentee ballots shall be made available Mondaythrough Friday of the week prior to the annual meeting of members. Members whowish to vote absentee may do so during the week prior to the annual meeting in theschools’ offices during business hours. All absentee ballots shall be submitted by theclose of business on the Friday before the annual meeting. A list of people votingabsentee, and the reason they’re voting absentee, shall be kept to ensure each membervotes only once. Members voting by absentee ballot must do so in person. Ballots maynot leave the school office. Absentee ballots shall be counted together after the ballotsof the members attending the annual meeting have been counted. Absentee voting isintended for use by those who are unable to attend the annual meeting. The Boardhopes that at least one parent from each family will attend the annual meeting.
Annual Meeting Voting. The two parent candidates receiving the most votes at the annualmeeting shall be elected to the two parent positions. The community member receiving the most votes at the annual meeting shall be elected to the community member position. Ties shall be broken by coin toss.