Array ( [0] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 48 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2015-08-11 18:32:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-08-11 18:32:36 [post_content] => The legal basis for education is vested in the will of the people as expressed in the Constitution of New Hampshire, the statutes* pertaining to education, court interpretation of these laws, the powers implied in them, and the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education. In New Hampshire, School Districts are political subdivisions of the State and, as such, are considered municipal corporations. The Contoocook Valley School District is a cooperative school district, established and governed by its Articles of Agreement. The date of operating responsibility as provided in RSA 195:18 (III)(j) is July 1, 1968. The Articles of Agreement may be amended from time to time according to the provisions therein. The School District has adopted Official Ballot Voting and is subject to the requirements of RSA 40:13. Board policies are established by the Board, which serves as an agent of the District. Funds for school operating expenses are approved by a majority of qualified voters present and voting at the annual School District meeting, except that bond issues require approval by 60%. Statutory/Case Law References: New Hampshire Constitution, Pt. 2 Article 83 Claremont School District vs. Governor, 138 NH 183 (1993) RSA 194:2, School Districts to be Corporations RSA 195:6, Powers and Duties of Cooperative School Districts RSA 40:13, Use of Official Ballot RSA 195:18 Procedure for Formation of Cooperative School District * The majority of state laws on education are in RSA Chapters 186 through 200H. 1st Read: June 19, 2012 2nd Read: August 14, 2012 Adopted: August 14, 2012 [post_title] => AA - School District Legal Status [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => aa-school-district-legal-status [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-08-21 14:38:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-08-21 14:38:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 52 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=48 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3700 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2019-05-06 13:12:39 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-05-06 17:12:39 [post_content] => The Contoocook Valley School Board recognizes that the public has vast resources of training and experience useful to schools. The strength of the local school district is in large measure determined by the degree to which these resources are tapped for advisory purposes and to the degree that theses resources are involved in supporting the improvement of the local educational program. The Board shall encourage the involvement of citizens both as individuals and as groups to act as advisers and resource people in ways such as the following: 1. In solving specific problems; 2. In extending the instructional services of the classroom teacher in those instances where the specific talents of the layperson or persons complement such services; 3. In serving as advisory people to curriculum development projects. The advice of the public will be given consideration. In the evaluation of such contributions, the first concern will be for the educational program as it affects the pupils. The final decision may depart from this advice when in the judgment of the administrative staff and the Board such advice is not consistent with goals adopted by the Board, current educational practice, or within the reach of the financial resources available. April 2, 1991 [post_title] => ABA – Community Involvement In Decision Making [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => aba-involvement-in-decision-making [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-05-06 13:15:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-05-06 17:15:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3700 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 65 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-08-12 14:12:30 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-08-12 14:12:30 [post_content] => The School Board, in accordance with the requirements of the federal and state laws, and the regulations which implement those laws, hereby declares formally that it is the policy of the Board, in its actions and those of its employees and students, that there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, sex, gender, race, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other categories protected by law for employment in, participation in, admission/access to, or operation and administration of any educational program or activity in the School District. Notwithstanding the language of any other policy adopted by this Board, we will abide by the Department of Education Final Rule 34 CFR Part 106. Inquiries, complaints, and other communications relative to this policy and to the applicable laws and regulations concerned with non-discrimination shall be received by the Superintendent or designee. For a list of responsible parties, please click here. This policy of non-discrimination is applicable to all persons employed or served by the District. Any complaints or alleged infractions of the policy, law or applicable regulations will be processed through the non-discrimination grievance procedure. This policy implements PL 94-142, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI or VII of the Civil Rights act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the laws of New Hampshire pertaining to non-discrimination. Legal Reference: RSA 354-A:6, Opportunity for Employment without Discrimination a Civil Right RSA 354-A:7, Unlawful Discriminatory Practices The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 Title I of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (15 or more employees) Appendix: AC-R 1st Read: July 7, 2020 2nd Read: July 28, 2020 Adopted: July 28, 2020 [post_title] => AC - Non-Discrimination [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ac-non-discrimination [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-02-17 08:20:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-02-17 13:20:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=65 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5973 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2022-04-07 22:27:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-04-08 02:27:17 [post_content] => I. RESTATEMENT OF POLICY PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX. Per Board policy AC, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 ("Title IX"), as well as RSA 193:38, among others, the District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. All forms of sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment are prohibited in the District. II. TITLE IX SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY. A. Application of This Policy. While all forms of sex-based discrimination are prohibited in the district, the purpose of this policy is to address, and only to address, sexual harassment as defined in Title IX and Sec. II.B, below, that occurs within the educational programs and activities of the district, and to provide a grievance process for investigating and reaching a final determination of responsibility for a formal complaint of sexual harassment. The "Title IX Grievance Process" is set out in Sec. III below. While the District must respond to all "reports" it receives of sexual harassment, the Title IX Grievance Process is initiated only with the filing of a formal complaint. The purpose of this Policy, however, is to address, and only to address, sexual harassment as defined in Title IX that occurs within the educational programs and activities of the district. For harassing conduct which does not meet the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX and this Policy, the District's response will be governed under other applicable laws and policies per Board policy AC, and policies referenced therein. This Policy shall apply to all students, employees, and any third party who contracts with the District to provide services to District students or employees, upon District property or during any school program or activity. Nothing in this policy will be construed to confer on any third party a right to due process or other proceedings to which student and employee respondents are entitled under this policy unless such right exists under law. Volunteers and visitors who engage in sexual harassment will be directed to leave school property and/or be reported to law enforcement, the NH Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), as appropriate. A third party under the supervision and control of the school system will be subject to termination of contracts/agreements, restricted from access to school property, and/or subject to other consequences, as appropriate. The Superintendent shall have overall responsibility for implementing this Policy, and shall annually appoint a District Title IX Coordinator as that position is described in Section II.C, below. The name and contact information for the Title IX Coordinator is set forth in Board Policy AC-E, which shall be updated and disseminated annually. B. Definitions. As used in this Policy and the Title IX Grievance Process, the terms below shall have the meaning ascribed. "Actual knowledge" occurs when the District's Title IX Coordinator or ANY employee of one of the District's schools (other than a "respondent" or alleged harasser) receives a notice, report or information or becomes aware of sexual harassment or allegations of sexual harassment. "Complainant" is an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment, whether or not that person files a report or formal complaint. "Days" shall mean calendar days, but shall exclude non-weekend days on which the SAU office is closed (e.g., holidays, office-wide vacations), or any weekday during the school year on which school is closed (e.g., snow days). "Decision Maker" means persons tasked with: the responsibility of making initial determinations of responsibility (at times referred to as "initial decision maker"); or the responsibility to decide any appeal (at times "appeals decision maker") with respect to formal complaints of sexual harassment in accordance with the Title IX Grievance Process. "Determination of Responsibility" is the formal finding by the decision-maker on each allegation of Sexual Harassment contained in a Formal Complaint that the Respondent did or did not engage in conduct constituting Sexual Harassment under Title IX. "Formal Complaint" means a document filed by a complainant, the complainant's parent/guardian, or the Title IX Coordinator, alleging sexual harassment against a respondent, and requesting that the district investigate the allegation of sexual harassment. "Respondent" is an individual who is reported to be the individual accused of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment. "Sexual harassment" prohibited under Title IX and by this policy is conduct on the basis of sex (including, without limitation, gender, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), occurring in a school system education program or activity that satisfies one or more of the following: 1. A school district employee conditioning an aid, benefit, or service of an education program or activity on an individual's participation or refusal to participate in sexual conduct irrespective of whether the conduct is welcomed by the student or other employee; 2. Unwelcome sex-based/related conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, AND objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the education program or activity (this standard requires consideration of all the facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, the ages and disability statuses of the harasser and victim and the number of individuals involved and their authority; OR 3. Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined in state or federal law. Behaviors that constitute sexual harassment may include, but are not limited to: i. Sexually suggestive remarks or jokes; ii. Verbal harassment or abuse; iii. Displaying or distributing sexually suggestive pictures, in whatever form (e.g., drawings, photographs, videos, irrespective of format); iv. Sexually suggestive gesturing, including touching oneself in a sexually suggestive manner in front of others; v. Harassing or sexually suggestive or offensive messages that are written or electronic; vi. Subtle or direct propositions for sexual favors or activities; vii. Touching of a sexual nature or groping; and viii. Teasing or name-calling related to sexual characteristics or the belief or perception that an individual is not conforming to expected gender roles or conduct. Note: incidents of the above conduct would still need to satisfy one or more of the criteria in paragraphs 1-3 of this definition. Sexual harassment may be directed against a particular person or persons, or a group, whether of the opposite sex or the same sex. The context of behavior can make a difference between conduct falling within the technical definition of Sexual Harassment Under Title IX, and conduct of a sexual nature that is offensive or hostile in itself, but which does not arise to the level within that definition. District policies prohibit both, but for purposes of its Title IX obligations the District must address reports or complaints of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment as defined above, under this specific, limited scope Policy and Title IX Grievance Process. Except as used in other laws (e.g., Title VII) or policies (e.g., Board policy JICK pertaining to harassment, including of a sexual nature, other than Title IX sexual harassment, all references to "sexual harassment" in this policy mean sexual harassment that meets the above definition. Conduct that satisfies this definition is not sexual harassment for purposes of this policy if the conduct occurred (1) outside the United States or (2) under circumstances in which the school system did not have substantial control over both the harasser/respondent and the context in which the harassment occurred.NOTE Regarding Concurrent Enrollment and Dual Enrollment, Extended Learning Opportunities, 3rd Party Distance Learning and Other Alternative Instructional Programs: Under federal regulations, in order for the District to have jurisdiction over conduct that would otherwise meet the definition above of sexual harassment, the District must have substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the harassment occurred. In general, this will mean that unless such learning program is occurring upon district property, conduct otherwise meeting the definition of sexual harassment within that program, may not be subject to this policy.
"Supportive Measures" are free, non-disciplinary, non-punitive, individualized services and shall be offered to the complainant, and may be offered to the respondent, as appropriate. These measures may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Counseling; 2. Course modifications; 3. Schedule changes; and 4. Increased monitoring or supervision Such measures shall be designed to restore or preserve equal access to the District's education programs and activities without unreasonably burdening the other party, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or the District's educational environment and/or deter sexual harassment. Supportive measures shall remain confidential with exclusive exceptions stated required in Sec. II.E, below. C. Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator shall respond promptly to all general reports as well as formal complaints of sexual harassment. The Title IX Coordinator shall receive general and specific reports of sexual harassment, and coordinate the District's responses to both reports and formal complaints of sexual harassment so that the same are prompt and equitable. In addition to any other specific responsibilities assigned under this Policy, or as assigned by the Superintendent, the Title IX Coordinator will be responsible for:1. meeting with a complainant, and informing the parent/guardian once the Title IX Coordinator becomes aware of allegations of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment as defined in this Policy;
2. identification and implementation of supportive measures;
3. signing or receiving formal complaints of sexual harassment;
4. engaging with the parents/guardians of parties to any formal complaint of sexual harassment;
5. coordinating with District and school-level personnel to facilitate and assure implementation of investigations, and remedies, and helping to assure that the District otherwise meets its obligations associated with reports and complaints of sexual harassment;
6. coordinating with the Superintendent with respect to assignment of persons to fulfill the District's obligations, both general and case specific, relative to this Policy (e.g., investigator, decision makers, etc.; this may involve the retention of third-party personnel.);
7. coordinating with District and school-level personnel to assure appropriate training and professional development of employees and others in accordance with Sec. II.D of this Policy; and
8. helping to assure that appropriate systems are identified and maintained to centralize sexual harassment records and data.
In cases where the Title IX Coordinator is unavailable, including unavailability due to a conflict of interest or other disqualifying reason (see Sec. II.G, below), the Superintendent shall assure that another person with the appropriate training and qualifications is appointed as acting Title IX Coordinator for that case, in such instances "Title IX Coordinator" shall include the acting Title IX Coordinators. D. Training. All District employees shall receive regular training relative to mandatory reporting obligations, and any other responsibilities they may have relative to this Policy. Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process, must receive training on the definition of sexual harassment, this Policy, the scope of the District's education program or activity, and how to conduct an investigation (including the requirements of the reporting and the Title IX Grievance Process, including hearings, appeals, and information resolution processes). The training must also include avoiding prejudgment of the facts, conflicts of interest and bias. Decision-makers must also receive training on issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions about the complainant's sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant. Investigators must receive training on issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence. Materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process, must not rely on sex stereotypes, must promote impartial investigations and adjudications of formal complaints of sexual harassment, and must be made available to the public as provided in Sec. II.H of this Policy. E. Confidentiality. The District will respect the confidentiality of the complainant and the respondent as much as possible, however, some information may need to be disclosed to appropriate individuals or authorities. All disclosures shall be consistent with the District's legal obligations and the necessity to investigate allegations of harassment and take disciplinary action. Examples of required disclosure include:1. information to either party to the extent necessary to provide the parties due process during the Title IX Grievance Process;
2. information to individuals who are responsible for handling the District's investigation and determination of responsibility to the extent necessary to complete the District's grievance process;
3. mandatory reports of child abuse or neglect to DCYF or local law enforcement (per Board policy JLF);
4. information to the complainant's and the respondent's parent/guardian as required under this Policy and or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"); and
5. reports to the New Hampshire Department of Education as required under N.H. Code of Administrative Rules Ed 510 regarding violations of the NH Code of Conduct for Education Professionals.
Additionally, any supportive measures offered to the complainant or the respondent shall remain confidential to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the school district to provide the supportive measures. Except as specified above, the District shall keep confidential the identity of:1. Any individual who has made a report or complaint of sex discrimination;
2. Any individual who has made a report or filed a formal complaint of sexual harassment;
3. Any complainant;
4. Any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of sex discrimination (34 CFR 106.71 (a));
5. Any respondent; and
6. Any witness.
Any supportive measures provided to the complainant or respondent shall be kept confidential to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality does not impair the ability of the District to provide the supportive measures. F. Retaliation Prohibited. Retaliation against any person who makes a report or complaint, or against any person who assists, participates, or refuses to participate (34 CFR 106.71 (a)) in any investigation of an act alleged in this Policy is prohibited. Actions taken in response to materially false statements made in bad faith, or to submitting materially false information in bad faith, as part of a report or during the Title IX Grievance Process do not constitute retaliation. A finding of responsibility alone is insufficient to conclude that a person made a materially false statement in bad faith. Complaints of retaliation with respect to reports or formal complaints of sexual harassment shall be filed under the District's general grievance process. G. Conflict of Interest. No person designated as a Title IX Coordinator, investigator, decision-maker, nor any person designated by the District to facilitate an informal resolution process, may have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent. H. Dissemination and Notice. The District shall include in all student and employee handbooks, and shall make publicly available on the district's website the following information:1. The District's policy of non-discrimination on the basis of sex (included in Board policy AC).
2. The title, name, office address, email address, and telephone number of the Title IX Coordinator (to be provided pursuant to Board policy AC and its addendum, updated annually, AC-E;
3. the complaint process;
4. how to file a complaint of sex discrimination or sexual harassment;
5. how the District will respond to such a complaint; and
6. a statement that Title IX inquiries may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
The same information shall be provided to all persons seeking employment with the District, or seeking to enroll or participate in the District's educational programs or activities. Additionally, the District will make this Policy, as well as any materials used to train personnel as required under Sec. II.D publicly available on the district's website. I. Records and Record Keeping.1. For each report or formal complaint of sexual harassment, the District, through the Title IX Coordinator, must create, and maintain for seven (7) years, record of:
a. Any actions, including any supportive measures,
b. The basis for the District's conclusion that its response was not deliberately indifferent; and
c. Documentation which:
• If supportive measures were provided to the complainant, a description of the supportive measures taken designed to restore or preserve equal access to the District's education program or activity; or • If no supportive measures were provided to a complainant, explains the reasons why such a response was not clearly unreasonable in light of the known circumstances.
2. In addition, the District shall maintain the following records for a minimum of seven (7) years:
a. Records for each formal complaint of sexual harassment, including:
• Any determination regarding responsibility, including dismissals; • Any disciplinary sanctions imposed on the respondent; • Any remedies provided to the complainant designed to restore or preserve equal access to the District's education program or activity; • Any appeal and the result therefrom; • Any informal resolution process and the result therefrom;
b. All materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, and decision-makers.
J. Reports of Sexual Harassment, Formal Complaints and District Responses. 1. Report of Sexual Harassment.NOTE: A report does not initiate the formal Title IX Grievance Process. That process is begun only upon the filing of a formal complaint under the procedures set out in II.J.3, and III.A, below.
Any person may report sexual harassment whether relating to her/himself or another person. However, if any District employee - other than the employee harasser, or the Title IX Coordinator - receives information of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment under this Policy, s/he shall, without delay, inform the Title IX Coordinator of the alleged sexual harassment. Failure to report will subject the employee to discipline up to and including dismissal.
A report of sexual harassment may be made at any time, in person, by mail, by telephone, electronic mail, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person's verbal or written report. Additionally, while the District strongly encourages reports of sexual harassment to be made directly to the Title IX Coordinator, the report may be made to any District staff member, including, for instance, a counselor, teacher or principal. If the Title IX Coordinator is the alleged respondent, the report or formal complaint may be made directly to the Superintendent, who shall thereafter fulfill the functions of the Title IX Coordinator regarding that report/complaint, or delegate the function to another person.
NOTE: For any allegation of sexual assault on a student under the age of 18, such conduction shall be reported immediately to the DCYF per Board policy JLF. If the alleged respondent (perpetrator) is a person holding a license or credential from the New Hampshire Department of Education (i.e., "credential holder"), then a report shall also be made pursuant to Board policy GBEB.
2. District Response to Report of Sexual Harassment.The district will promptly respond when there is actual knowledge of sexual harassment, even if a formal complaint has not been filed. The district shall treat complainants and respondents equitably by providing supportive measures to the complainant and by following the Title IX Grievance Process prior to imposing any disciplinary sanctions or other actions that are not supportive measures against a respondent. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the effective implementation of supportive measures. (The Title IX Coordinator may offer supportive measures to a complainant, even if the information from the complainant does not/does not appear to meet the full definition of sexual harassment under this Policy. Districts should consult with counsel before it "imposes" any supportive measures against a respondent.)
As soon as reasonably possible after receiving a report of alleged sexual harassment from another District employee or after receiving a report directly through any means, the Title IX Coordinator shall contact the complainant to:
i. discuss the availability of and offer supportive measures; ii. consider the complainant's wishes with respect to supportive measures; iii. inform the complainant of the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a formal complaint; and iv. explain to the complainant the process for filing a formal complaint.
3. Formal Complaints.
Pursuant to federal regulations, and this Policy, a formal complaint that contains an allegation of sexual harassment and a request that the District investigate the allegations is required before the District may conduct a formal investigation of sexual harassment or take any action (other than supportive measures) against a person accused of sexual harassment. Once a formal complaint of sexual harassment is received by the Title IX Coordinator, s/he shall commence the Title IX Grievance Process set out in Sec. III below. The process for filing a formal complaint is set forth in Sec. III.A.
4. Limitation on Disciplinary Action.
In no case shall the District impose disciplinary consequences or sanctions against a respondent who has been accused of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment, until the Title IX Grievance Process has been completed.
5. Emergency Removal and Administrative Leave.
At any point after receiving a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator (or other District official charged with a specific function under this Policy or the Title IX Process: e.g., investigator, decision maker, etc.) may request the Superintendent to direct that an individualized safety and risk analysis be performed to determine whether a respondent student is an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any person. In the event that the safety and risk analysis determine that the respondent student does present an immediate threat to the physical health and safety of any person, the District may remove that student, provided that such removal is in full compliance with the IDEA, a student's IEP and or 504 plan if applicable. Such emergency removal shall not be disciplinary. However, the District must provide the respondent with notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal, and shall continue to offer educational programming until a final determination is made pursuant to the Title IX Grievance Process.
The Title IX Coordinator shall keep the Superintendent of Schools informed of any employee respondents so that he/she can make any necessary reports to New Hampshire Department of Education in compliance with applicable administrative rules and the New Hampshire Code of Conduct for Educational Professionals. In appropriate cases, the Superintendent may place an employee respondent on non-disciplinary administrative leave pursuant to RSA 189:31.
III. TITLE IX GRIEVANCE PROCESS.The Title IX Grievance Process is used only upon the filing of a formal complaint of sexual harassment as described in Sec. III.A, below. The provisions of Section I of the Policy are incorporated as part of the Title IX Grievance Process. Upon receipt of a formal complaint of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will coordinate the District's efforts to comply with its responsibilities related to the Title IX Grievance Process.
A. Process for Filing a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment.
The Title IX Grievance Process is initiated by way of a formal complaint ("complaint" or "formal complaint") filed by the complainant, the complainant's parent/guardian, or the Title IX Coordinator. The complainant may file a complaint or choose not to file a complaint and simply receive the supportive measures. If the Complainant does not file a complaint, the Title IX Coordinator may sign a formal complaint, but only if initiating the grievance process against the respondent is not clearly unreasonable in light of the known circumstances, and in other cases where, in the exercise of good judgment and in consultation with the District's attorney as appropriate, the Title IX Coordinator determines that a grievance process is necessary to comply with the obligation not to be deliberately indifferent to known allegations of sexual harassment (e.g., reports of sexual assault, employee on student harassment, repeat reports, or the conduct in the complainant's report has not been adequately resolved through the provision of supportive measures). If the complaint is filed by the Title IX Coordinator, he/she is not a party to the action, and the District must comply with all of the provisions of the Title IX Grievance Process relative to respondents and complainants.
If no formal complaint is filed by the complainant or the Title IX Coordinator no disciplinary action may be taken against the respondent based upon conduct that would constitute sexual harassment under this policy.
Although there is no time limit per se to filing a formal complaint, for complaints initiated by the complainant or his/her parent/guardian, the complainant must be employed by the District or participating in or attempting to participate in the education program or activities of the District at the time of filing. Additionally, although the District will initiate the Title IX Grievance Process regardless of when the formal complaint is submitted, delays in reporting may significantly impair the ability of school officials to investigate and respond to the allegations.
At a minimum, a formal complaint must:
1. contain the name and address of the complainant and the student's parent or guardian if the complainant is a minor student; 2. describe the alleged sexual harassment, 3. request an investigation of the matter, and 4. be signed by the complainant or otherwise indicate that the complainant is the person filing the complaint.
The complaint may be filed with the Title IX coordinator in person, by mail, or by email. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Title IX Coordinator or on the District and school website.
B. Initial Steps and Notice of Formal Complaint.
1. The Title IX Coordinator will provide notice to the complainant and the complainant's parent/guardian (if the complainant is a non-eligible student under FERPA), and to the respondent (if known) and the respondent's parent/guardian (if the respondent is a non-eligible student under FERPA), as well as to any other known parties, of the following:
a. this Title IX Grievance Process, including any informal resolution process;
b. the allegations of sexual harassment potentially constituting sexual harassment, including sufficient details known at the time and with sufficient time to prepare a response before any initial interview; "sufficient details" shall include to the extent known identities of persons involved, the conduct allegedly constituting sexual harassment, and the date and location of the incident;
c. a statement that the respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct and that a determination regarding responsibility will be made at the conclusion of the grievance process;
d. that each party may have an advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney;
e. that each party is entitled to inspect and review evidence; and
f. a reference to any provision in the District's code of conduct that prohibits knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information during the grievance process.
2. The Title IX Coordinator will contact the complainant to discuss and offer supportive measures.
3. The Title IX Coordinator may contact the respondent to discuss, and or impose, non-disciplinary supportive measures.
4. The Title IX Coordinator will examine the allegations in the formal complaint, to determine whether even if assumed true, the allegations are sufficient to sustain a finding of sexual harassment under this Policy. If the Title IX Coordinator was not involved with preparing the formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the complainant to discuss the complaint and whether amendment is appropriate, in which case the process of Sec. III.C.4 will apply.
5. If the formal complaint fails to satisfy the definition of sexual harassment in this Policy, the complaint shall be dismissed as provided in Sec. III.G, below.
6. If the complaint is not dismissed, then the Title IX Coordinator will consult with the Superintendent as to whether the Title IX Coordinator should act as the investigator or whether a different District or other employee shall act in that capacity. At the same time, the Title IX Coordinator and the Superintendent shall appoint the person who shall make the initial determination of responsibility (initial decision maker). In all cases, the investigator and the initial decision maker must be properly trained and otherwise qualified (see Sec. II.D "Training", and Section II.G "Conflict of Interest").
7. If the report alleges sexual harassment by the Superintendent, the Title IX Coordinator will inform the School Board Chair and the Human Resource Director, the latter of whom shall have authority to seek guidance from the District's general counsel, but shall not delay the District's response to the report as outlined in this Policy.
C. General Provisions and Additional Definitions Relative to Title IX Grievance Process.
1. Copies and Notices. Except as specifically stated elsewhere in this Policy, for any document, information or material required to be delivered to a party or to a person assigned with responsibility under the Title IX Grievance Process, the manner of transmittal may be by electronic mail, regular mail or such other manner reasonably calculated to assure prompt delivery with evidence thereof (such as a commercial carrier or other receipted delivery). Hand delivery will only be permitted if made to the District official charged with the specific function under this Policy (e.g., Title IX Coordinator, Superintendent, investigator, decision maker(s), etc.). Any document required to be delivered to a minor or other non-eligible student, must also be delivered to the minor's parent/guardian. Copies should also be sent to a party's advisor if the information for the advisor has been previously communicated to the sending party. (Under federal regulations, copies of the investigative evidence, as well as the investigative report, must be forwarded to a party's advisor. See Sections III.E.3, and III.E.4).
2. Risk Analysis and Emergency Removal. At any point during the Title IX Grievance Process, the Title IX Coordinator may arrange for an individualized safety and risk analysis as described in Sec. II.J.5, following which a student may be removed.
3. Administrative Leave. At any point during the Title IX Grievance Process, the Superintendent, and at his/her own discretion, and with or without consulting the Title IX Coordinator, may place an employee on administrative leave pursuant to RSA 189:31.
4. Additional Allegations. If, in the course of an investigation, the District decides to investigate allegations about the complainant or respondent that were not included in the previous notice, the District shall simultaneously provide notice of the additional allegations to the parties whose identities are known.
5. No Interference with Legal Privileges. At no point in process will the Title IX Coordinator, the investigator, any decision maker, or any other person participating on behalf of the District, require, allow, rely upon, or otherwise use questions or evidence that constitutes, or seeks disclosure of, information protected under a legally recognized privilege (e.g., doctor/patient, attorney/client, clergy, etc.), unless the person holding such privilege (parent/guardian for minor student) has waived the privilege in writing to use the information with respect to the Title IX Grievance Process.
6. Consolidation of Complaints. The District may consolidate formal complaints of allegations of sexual harassment where the allegations of sexual harassment arise out of the same facts or circumstances and the formal complaints are against more than one respondent; or by more than one complainant against one or more respondents; or by one party against the other party. When the District has consolidated formal complaints so that the grievance process involves more than one complainant or more than one respondent, references to the singular "party", "complainant", or "respondent" include the plural, as applicable.
7. Remedies: Range of Disciplinary Sanctions and Remedial Actions Upon Final Determination of Responsibility.
a. "Disciplinary sanctions" are consequences imposed on a respondent when s/he is found responsible for sexual harassment under this Policy. Remedial actions are actions intended to restore or preserve a complainant's equal access to the educational programs and activities of the District.
b. "Disciplinary sanctions" against an employee respondent may include any available sanction available for the discipline of employees, up to and including dismissal or non-renewal for any other violation of Board policy, NH Code of Conduct for Educational Professionals, applicable individual or collective bargaining contract, or state or federal laws or regulations.
c. "Disciplinary sanctions" against a student may include any available discipline or sanction, up to and including expulsion, under the policies, rules and procedures that establish the district's comprehensive student code of conduct.
d. "Remedial actions" as to a respondent after a final finding of responsibility, whether employee or student, may include the imposition upon a responsible respondent of any additional non-disciplinary measures appropriate to effecting a remedy for sexual harassment, and may include such measures as no-contact requirements, scheduling adjustments, removal or exclusion from extracurricular activities, class reassignments, limits on future class registrations, restrictions on access to various spaces in the school buildings, reassignment of attendance, and similar measures fine-tuned to respond appropriately to the circumstances surrounding a successful complainant's right to access the district's program and activity.
Additional remedial actions may include recommendations that a school-wide or system-wide response is needed in order to respond to the sexual harassment in a way that is not clearly unreasonable under the circumstances. In such cases, the Superintendent shall provide additional staff training, harassment prevention programs, or such other measures as determined appropriate to protect the safety of the educational environment and/or to deter sexual harassment.
D. Timeframe of Grievance Process.
The District shall make a good faith effort to conduct a fair, impartial grievance process in a timely manner designed to provide all parties with a prompt and equitable resolution. It is expected that in most cases, the grievance process will be concluded through at least the determination of responsibility decision within 80 days after filing the formal complaint. In more complex cases, the time necessary to complete a fair and thorough investigation or other circumstances mean that a determination of responsibility cannot reasonably be made within that time frame.
1. Summary of Grievance Process Timeline.
a. Investigation 20 +/- days as the complexity of the case demands (Sec. III.E.1) b. 10 days for reviewing information prior to conclusion of investigation c. 10 days after receiving report to respond to report d. 10 days for decision maker to allow initial questions e. 10 days for responses to questions f. 10 days for questions and responses to follow-up questions. g. 10 days for determination of responsibility decision h. 10 days for appeal (6 additional days for administrative steps) i. 10 days for argument/statement challenging or supporting determination j. 10 days for decision on appeal
2. Delays and Extensions of Time. At any stage of the grievance process, the District (through the Superintendent, or if the Superintendent is the respondent, the Title IX Coordinator or designee) may for good cause allow for temporary delays or extensions of time upon request of either party, or on his/her own initiative. Examples of good cause may include such things as availability of parties or witnesses, school or school administrative office holidays or vacations, referral back to an earlier stage of the grievance process, concurrent law enforcement or other agency activity, or need to obtain interpreters or accommodation of disabilities. For any such delay or extension of time, the Superintendent or the Title IX Coordinator will provide written notice to the parties of the delay/extension and the reason(s).
E. Investigation.
The Title IX Coordinator will coordinate the investigation. The investigator shall be as appointed pursuant to Sec. III.B.5.
1. The Title IX Coordinator may conduct the investigation, or, in consultation with the Superintendent, designate another qualified person to investigate. The investigation and investigator must:
a. Include objective evaluation of all relevant evidence, including inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. (Evidence about the complainant's sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant, unless such evidence about the complainant's prior sexual behavior is offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by the complainant, or if the evidence concerns specific incidents of the complainant's prior sexual behavior with respect to the respondent and is offered to prove consent.) b. Ensure that the burden of proof and the burden of gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination regarding responsibility rests on the District and not on either of the parties; c. Provide an equal opportunity for the parties to present witnesses, and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence; d. Not restrict the ability of either party to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence; e. Provide the parties with the same opportunities to have others present during any interview or other part of the investigation, including the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by the advisor of their choice. The investigator may restrict any others from participating, as long as the restrictions apply equally to both parties; f. Provide, to a party (e.g., respondent or complainant - and parent/guardian as appropriate) whose participation is invited or expected, written notice of the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of all hearings, investigative interviews, or other meetings, with sufficient time for the party to prepare to participate within the timeframes established in Sec. III.D, below. g. Provide both parties an equal opportunity to inspect and review any evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in a formal complaint;
2. Prior to completion of the investigative report, the District, through the Title IX Coordinator, must send to each party and party's advisor, if any, the evidence subject to inspection and review in an electronic format or a hard copy, and the parties must have at least 10 days to submit a written response, which the investigator will consider prior to completion of the investigative report;
3. The investigator must prepare a written investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence, including, without limitation, witness credibility, discrepancies, inculpatory and exculpatory information, and relevant District policies, rules and regulations, and the manner in which the same were made known to the pertinent school populations or specific parties. The investigative report shall include a description of the procedural steps taken, starting with the receipt of the formal complaint, and continuing through the preparation of the investigative report, including any notifications to the parties, interview with parties and witnesses, site visit, and methods used to gather evidence.
4. The investigator shall provide the investigative report in hard copy or electronic format to the Title IX Coordinator, to each party and each party's advisor, if any. Each party will have 10 days from receipt to provide the Title IX Coordinator a written response to the investigative report.
5. It serves all parties when investigations proceed diligently and conclude within a reasonable time, which may vary case by case. In most cases, it is expected that the investigator will conclude the initial investigation, and provide the parties the evidence and other information required under Sec. III.E.2. Not more frequently than every other week, any party may request the Title IX Coordinator to obtain and provide the parties with a basic status report on the investigator's progress toward completion. In most cases, the investigator should conclude the investigation within 10-20 days after receiving a Formal Complaint.
F. Determination of Responsibility and Initial Decision Maker.
The determination of responsibility of the respondent shall be made by the initial decision maker as appointed pursuant to Section III.B.5.
1. Prior to making a determination of responsibility, the initial decision maker will afford each party 10 days to submit written, relevant questions to the initial decision maker that the party wants asked of any party or witness.
2. The initial decision-maker must explain to the party proposing the questions any decision to exclude a question as not relevant. Questions and evidence about the complainant's sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant, unless such questions and evidence about the complainant's prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by the complainant, or if the question and evidence concern specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the respondent and are offered to prove consent.
3. The initial decision maker will provide the questions to the party/witness, with copies to each party, and provide no less than 10 days for written responses, likewise to be provided to each party.
4. The initial decision maker will provide 5 days each for supplementary, limited follow-up questions and 5 days for answers, and may provide for additional rounds of follow-up questions, as long as the provision is extended to both parties equally.
5. The initial decision maker may not make any credibility determinations based on the person's status as a complainant, respondent or witness.
6. The respondent must be deemed to be not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process.
7. The initial decision maker may impose disciplinary sanctions and remedies as described in Section III.C7, above.
8. The standard to be used for formal complaints in determining whether a violation has occurred and/or that the respondent is responsible is the preponderance of the evidence standard, which is only met when the party with the burden convinces the fact finder (the initial decision maker) that there is a greater than 50% chance that the claim is true (i.e., more likely than not).
9. The initial decision-maker must issue a written determination/decision within 10 days after the close of the period for responses to the last round of follow-up questions. The written "Initial Determination of Responsibility" must include:
a. Identification of the allegations potentially constituting sexual harassment; b. A description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the formal complaint through the Initial Determination of Responsibility, including any notifications to the parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather evidence, and hearings held; c. Findings of fact supporting the determination; d. Conclusions regarding the application of the District's applicable codes of conduct, policies, administrative regulations or rules to the facts; e. A statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation, including a determination regarding responsibility (i.e., whether or not the respondent is responsible for sexual harassment), and any disciplinary sanctions or remedies; and f. The District's procedures and permissible bases for the complainant and respondent to appeal (as set forth in Section III.H, below).
10. The decision maker shall provide the Initial Determination of Responsibility to the Title IX Coordinator, the Superintendent and the parties simultaneously.
G. Dismissal of a Formal Complaint.
1. The District must dismiss a formal complaint with regard to Title IX sexual harassment if the alleged conduct:
a. Would not constitute sexual harassment, even if proved; b. Did not occur in the District's education program or activity; or c. Did not occur against a person in the United States.
2. The District may dismiss a formal complaint with regard to Title IX sexual harassment if at any time during the investigation or determination of responsibility stage(s):
a. A complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing that the complainant would like to withdraw the formal complaint or any allegations therein; b. The respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by the District; or c. Specific circumstances prevent the recipient from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination as to the formal complaint or allegations therein.
3. Prior to dismissal of a complaint, the person responsible at that stage shall consult with the Superintendent.
4. Upon dismissal of a formal complaint, the District must promptly send written notice of the dismissal and the reason(s) therefore simultaneously to the parties.
The dismissal of a formal complaint under Title IX does not preclude the District from continuing any investigation or taking action under other District policies, code of conduct or administrative rules/regulations. In some cases, the District may have an obligation to continue an investigation and proceed under a different policy or mandated process.
H. Appeals Process.
1. Either party may appeal the Initial Determination of Responsibility or the dismissal of a formal complaint or any allegation in a formal complaint by notifying the Superintendent in writing ("written appeal"), with a copy to the Title IX Coordinator. If there are multiple determinations of responsibility, the written appeal shall specify which ones are included in the appeal. The written appeal must be received by the Superintendent within 10 days of the Initial Determination of Responsibility or written notice of dismissal being communicated to the parties.
2. An appeal under this Policy may only be based upon one or more of the following bases, which must be stated specifically in the party's written appeal:
i. Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter; ii. New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of the matter; or iii. The Title IX Coordinator, investigator(s), or decision-maker(s) had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual complainant or respondent that affected the outcome of the matter.
Appeals for any other reason or upon any determination of responsibility not included in the written appeal will not be heard.
Appeals pertain only to the determination of responsibility and non-disciplinary remedies. Once a determination of responsibility is final per Sec. III.I, below, appeals of disciplinary sanctions may be made pursuant to the District's ordinary review process for discipline, or, to the extent applicable, any statutory or other processes provided under collective bargaining agreements or individual contracts.
3. Within 3 days of receipt of the written appeal, the Superintendent shall appoint a decision maker for appeal ("appeals decision maker"), who must have adequate training as provided in Section II.D, be free from conflict of interest as provided in Section II.G, and may not be the same person as the initial decision maker, the person who ordered dismissal, the investigator(s), or the Title IX Coordinator. Upon the appointment of the appeals decision maker, the Superintendent shall provide a Notice of Appeal to each party and to the Title IX Coordinator, with a copy of the written appeal. The Notice of Appeal must include information about all deadlines and timeframes in the appeal stage.
4. Each party shall have 10 days from the date the Notice of Appeal is delivered to the parties to submit to the appeals decision maker a written statement, with copies to the Superintendent, Title IX Coordinator, and other party a statement ("appeal statement") in support of, or challenging, the determination of responsibility or dismissal.
5. Each party shall provide copies of the appeal statement to the other party, the Superintendent, and the Title IX Coordinator at the same time the appeal statement is given to the appeals decision maker. If the basis of the appeal is newly available evidence affecting the outcome, the party shall submit such evidence or a summary of such evidence along with the party's appeal statement.
6. The appeals decision maker may refer an appealed issue back to a prior point in the grievance process, with written notice to the parties, the Superintendent and the Title IX Coordinator.
7. The appeals decision maker shall provide a written appeals decision after considering the record and the parties' appeal statements. The appeals decision maker will only overturn the Initial Determination of Responsibility upon a conclusion that it was clearly erroneous (i.e., either made on unreasonable grounds, or without any proper consideration of the circumstances). If the basis or one of the bases for the appeal was new evidence, the appeals decision maker may either make a determination of responsibility regarding that evidence, or refer it back to the appropriate stage of the Title IX Grievance Process. The written appeals decision will describe the result(s) of the appeal and the rationale, with copies provided to the parties, Superintendent and Title IX Coordinator, no more than 10 days after receiving the last of the parties' written statements per Section III.H.5.
I. Finality of Determination of Responsibility.
The determination regarding responsibility becomes final either on the date that the recipient, through the Superintendent, provides the parties with the written determination of the result of the appeal, if an appeal is filed, or if an appeal is not filed, the date on which an appeal of the Initial Determination of Responsibility would no longer be considered timely. The final determination shall be identified as the Title IX Decision.
Once the Title IX Decision is final, the District may implement remedies and disciplinary sanctions. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for effective implementation of any non-disciplinary remedies, with the assistance of building and District administrative personnel, while disciplinary sanctions will be imposed by persons charged with such responsibilities under other Board policies, regulations or administrative procedures.
The District may also proceed against the respondent or complainant pursuant to the District's applicable code of conduct or other Board policies, collective bargaining agreement, individual contract or administrative rules/regulations/procedures. The issue of responsibility for the conduct at issue shall not be subject to further review or appeal within the District.
J. Informal Resolution.
At any time prior to reaching a determination regarding responsibility (but only after the filing of a formal complaint), the District may offer an optional informal resolution process (e.g., mediation, arbitration), provided that the District:
1. Provides written notice to the parties disclosing:
a. The allegations of the formal complaint; b. The requirements of the information resolution process including the circumstances under which it precludes the parties from resuming a formal complaint arising from the same allegations, provided, however, that at any time prior to agreeing to an informal final resolution, any party has the right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the grievance process with respect to the formal complaint; and c. Any consequences resulting from participating in the informal resolution process, including the records that will be maintained or could be shared.
2. Obtains the parties' voluntary written consent to the informal resolution process; and
In no event may the District offer or facilitate an informal resolution process to resolve allegations that an employee sexually harassed a student.
Legal References: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C 1681, et seq20 U.S.C. §1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 34 CFR. Part 99, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Regulations 34 CFR 106.8, Designation of responsible employee and adoption of grievance procedures. 34 CFR 106.30, Definitions 34 CFR 106.44, Recipient's response to sexual harassment 34 CFR 106.4, Grievance process for formal complaints of sexual harassment 34 CFR 106.71, Retaliation RSA 193:38, Discrimination in Public Schools NH Dept of Ed. Rules Ed 303.01 (i), School Board Substantive Duties Ed 303.01(j), Substantive Duties of School Boards; Sexual Harassment Policy Adopted: January 18, 2022 [post_title] => ACAC - Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Grievance Process [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => acac-title-ix-sexual-harassment-policy-and-grievance-process [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-10-06 09:06:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-10-06 13:06:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=5973 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 74 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-08-12 18:38:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-08-12 18:38:42 [post_content] => The ConVal School District will ensure that all students with a handicap or disability are provided all necessary procedural safeguards as are required by law. Such procedural safeguards are found in pertinent federal and state laws and regulations. In addition, all staff, students, parents, and other interested persons are directed to the New Hampshire Department of Education Procedural Safeguards Handbook. Legal References: NH Department of Education Administrative Rules, Ed 1120, Procedural Safeguards 34 C.F.R. Part 104, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Category: Priority/Required By Law 1st Read: September 3, 2019 2nd Read: September 17, 2019 Adopted: September 17, 2019 [post_title] => ACE - Procedural Safeguards Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ace-procedural-safeguards-nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-09-27 11:09:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-09-27 15:09:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=74 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 75 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-08-12 18:38:41 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-08-12 18:38:41 [post_content] => As trustees of the ConVal School District, we recognize that parents, students, the community, and the public school system all share in the responsibility of public education. We believe that: • our public schools are entrusted with developing in all our students the knowledge, skills, character, and values of discipline, responsibility, effort, honesty, fairness, and a desire for lifelong learning, all of which are needed to manage one's life and to serve society's best interests. • all students are entitled to develop their individual powers of intelligence: to think, to know, to reflect, to observe, to imagine, to appreciate, to question, and to judge. Such development should occur in a safe and nurturing environment. • our public schools enhance the common good by instilling in students a sense of the nation's history and tradition, and the connection between the past, the present, and the future. Moreover, public education should educate the students not only to recognize, but also to appreciate the diversity that enriches our rapidly changing world. Finally, public education should instruct students in the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a free, democratic society. • as valued professionals, our teachers and staff are the basis of our educational system and programs. • parent and community involvement are essential to the ConVal School District, and we strive to be responsive to our community. Legal Reference: NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.05, School Philosophy, Goals, and Objectives 1st Read: December 20, 2011 2nd Read: February 7, 2012 Adopted: February 7, 2012 [post_title] => AD - Education Philosophy [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ad-education-philosophy [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-08-12 18:38:41 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-08-12 18:38:41 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 52 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=75 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 76 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-08-12 18:45:05 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-08-12 18:45:05 [post_content] => A. Drug-Free Workplacea. Unlawfully manufacturing, dispensing, distributing, possessing, using, or being under the influence of any controlled substance, including any regulated cannabis infused product or any drug while on or in the workplace, including employees possessing a "medical marijuana" card. b. Distributing, consuming, using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol while on or in the workplace. 2. For purposes of this policy, a "controlled substance or drug" means and includes any controlled substance or drug defined in the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812(c), or New Hampshire Controlled Drug Act RSA 318-B. 3. For purposes of this policy, "workplace" shall mean the site for the performance of work, and will include at a minimum any District building or grounds owned or operated by the District, any school-owned vehicle, and any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities. It shall also include off-school property during any school-sponsored or school-approved activity, event or function such as a field trip or athletic event where students are under the jurisdiction, care or control of the District. 4. As a condition of employment, each employee and all contracted personnel will: a. Abide by the terms of this policy respecting a drug- and alcohol-free workplace, including any administrative rules, regulations or procedures implementing this policy; and b. Notify his or her supervisor of his or her conviction under any criminal drug statute, for a violation occurring on District premises or while performing work for the District, no later than five (5) days after such conviction. 5. In order to make employees aware of dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, the District will endeavor to: a. Provide each employee with a copy of the District drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy; b. Post notice of the District drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy in a place where other information for employees is posted; c. Establish a drug-free awareness program to educate employees about the dangers of drug abuse and drug use in the work place, the specifics of this policy, including, the consequences for violating the policy, and any information about available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation, reentry, or other employee-assistance programs. B. District Action Upon Violation of Policy An employee who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action; up to and including termination of employment. Alternatively, the Board may require an employee to successfully complete an appropriate drug- or alcohol-abuse, employee-assistance rehabilitation program. The ConVal Board will take disciplinary action with respect to an employee convicted of a drug offense in the workplace, within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of a conviction. Should District employees or contracted personnel be engaged in the performance of work under a federal contract or grant, or under a state contract or grant, the Superintendent will notify the appropriate state or federal agency from which the District receives contract or grant moneys of an employee/contracted personnel's conviction, within ten (10) days after receiving notice of the conviction. The processes for disciplinary action shall be those provided generally to other misconduct for the employee/contractor personnel as may be found in applicable collective bargaining agreements, individual contracts, School Board policies, contractor agreements, and or governing law. Disciplinary action shall be applied consistently and fairly with respect to employees of the District and/or contractor personnel, as the case may be. C. Drug-Free School Zone Pursuant to New Hampshire's "Drug-Free School Zone" law (RSA Chapter 193-B), it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, prescribe, administer, dispense, or possess with intent to sell, dispense or compound any controlled drug or its analog, within a "drug-free school zone" at any time during the year. The Superintendent is directed to assure that the District is and remains in compliance with the requirements of RSA 193-B and N.H. Ed. Part 316 with respect to establishment, mapping and signage of the drug-free zone around each school of the District. D. Implementation and Review a. The Superintendent is directed to promulgate administrative procedures and rules necessary and appropriate to implement the provisions of this policy. b. In order to maintain a drug-free workplace, the Superintendent will perform a biennial review of the implementation of this policy. The review shall be designed to (i) determine and assure compliance with the notification requirements of section A.5.a, b and d; (ii) determine the effectiveness of programs established under paragraph A.5.c above; (iii) ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently and fairly enforced; and (iv) and identify any changes required, if any. E. Security of Prescribed Medications Employees are responsible for maintaining the security of all prescribed medications (“medication”) while in the employ of the District. Employees shall only maintain on their person such medications as they may be required to self-administer during the school day. Except in the case of a medical emergency, employees shall not self-administer medication in the presence of students. Employees shall keep medications on their person or temporarily locked in their desk or other secure location during the school day. Employee medications shall not be stored overnight on school property. At no time shall employee medications be visible or left unattended and accessible to students. Legal References:
- All District workplaces are drug- and alcohol-free and are designated part of the Drug-Free School Zone under state law. All employees and contracted personnel are prohibited from:
- 41 U.S.C. §101, et. Seq. - Drug-free workplace requirements for Federal contractors, and Federal grant recipients
- RSA Chapter 193-B Drug Free School Zones
- RSA 126-X:3, Use of Cannabis for Therapeutic Purposes
- At the first meeting of the School Board after the District Voting in March, the Board shall elect a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. Candidates for Chairperson shall have served at least two years as a member of the Board. Candidates for Vice-Chairperson shall have served at least one year as a member of the Board.
- Method of Election. Candidates for each office shall declare in writing their candidacy at the first Board meeting in February of each year. Each candidate shall have the opportunity to speak to their qualifications at the following meeting and answer questions from Board members.
- Term Limits.
- Duties.
- Resignation of Chairperson.
- Other Officers.
- Budget and Property Education
- Policy
- Selectmen’s Advisory Committee
- Negotiations/Grievance
- Student Discipline
- Review of the Manifest
- Representative to the New Hampshire School Board Association (NHSBA)
- Delegate Assembly
- Strategic Planning
- Adversely affect the reputation of a person other than a member of the Board;
- Render a proposed board action ineffective; or
- Pertain to terrorism (matters relating to the preparation for and carrying out of all emergency functions, developed by local or state safety officials that are directly intended to thwart a deliberate act that is intended to result in widespread or sever damage to property or widespread injury or loss of life, including training to carry out such functions).
- The member participating electronically must identify anyone present at the location the member is participating from.
- All votes taken during the meeting must be by taken by roll call vote.
- The public attending the meeting and all members must be able to simultaneously hear or see communication between the member participating remotely and those participating in person. No meeting shall be conducted by electronic mail or any other form of communication that does not permit the public to hear, read, or otherwise discern the meeting discussion contemporaneously at the meeting location specified in the meeting notice.
- Except for an emergency meeting, if a member is allowed to participate electronically from a remote location, there must be a quorum of the school board physically present at the location specified in the meeting notice. Except in an emergency, the members participating electronically from a remote location will not count towards satisfying the quorum requirement.
- When, in an emergency, the quorum requirement is satisfied in part by one or more members participating electronically from a remote location, the facts requiring immediate action before a physical quorum can be gathered shall be included in the minutes of the meeting.
1. Each regular meeting of the Board should have two periods of public comment. 2. The first period of public comment should be prior to the Superintendent’s Report. 3. The second period of public comment should be following New Business. 4. Each speaker will be given 2 minutes to speak. Speakers may not relinquish allotted time to another speaker. This period may be extended by a majority vote of the Board. If the 2-minute period is extended for one speaker, it must be extended for all. 5. The same person may address the Board only once during the same meeting, a second opportunity may be provided by a majority vote of the Board. 6. Consistent with RSA 91-A:3 and the laws pertaining to student and family privacy rights, the Board will not place any matter on the public agenda that is to be properly discussed in a non-public session. Complaints regarding individual employees, personnel, or students, will be directed to the Superintendent in accord with policies KE and KEB. 7. All speakers are to conduct themselves in a civil manner. Speakers may not use threats of physical violence, may not speak or conduct themselves in a way that incites violence or is disruptive, may not be vulgar or obscene, and need to speak to business related to the School Board and operations of the District. The School Board will not permit repetitive, harassing, or frivolous speech or comments that are off topic, antagonistic, obscene, or libelous as such statements will be considered out of order and will not be tolerated. The Board Chair may terminate the speaker’s privilege of address if the speaker does not follow this rule of order. Repeated refusals to comply will result in removal from the meeting.
During these public comment periods, members of the public are allowed to address the Board. However, it is not a question and answer period. In general, the Board will not answer questions asked or respond to comments made by members of the public. Persons appearing before the Board are reminded that members of the Board are without authority to act independently as individuals in official matters. Thus, in most instances, any Board response will be deferred pending consideration by the full Board. In addition, although staff of the District are also members of the public, there are specific Board policies in place - notably GBD - that establishes that the appropriate channel of communication between District staff and the Board is through the Superintendent. Members of the public - including our students - are strongly encouraged to ask questions or provide comments to the Board and the Administration. However, the best way to ensure your questions are addressed is by submitting those questions to the members of the Board or to the Administration, via email, phone call, or regular mail. All of the agendas and minutes of the Board meetings and all of the committees are posted on the Board’s website. Committee meetings are also open to the public, but there are no public comment periods at those meetings. The Chair of the individual committees may, at their sole discretion, allow members of the public to comment at committee meetings. Legal Reference: RSA 91-A:2, Meetings Open to Public RSA 91-A:3, Non-Public Sessions Category: R See also KE, KEB 1st Read: March 16, 2021 2nd Read: April 6, 2021 Adopted: Proposed Revision: March 2021 1st Read: September 6, 2022 2nd Read: September 20, 2022 Adopted: September 20, 2022 [post_title] => BEDH - Public Participation at Board Meetings [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bedh-public-participation-at-board-meetings [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-09-29 10:26:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-09-29 14:26:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=973 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [37] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3163 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-07 14:12:45 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-07 19:12:45 [post_content] => In the absence of established School Board policy or School Board direction, the Superintendent of Schools shall assume responsibility for whatever decision or action is required. When appropriate, principals or other administrative or instructional personnel shall gain the approval of the Superintendent.In situations, which arise within the schools, where the Board has provided no guides for administrative action, the Superintendent shall have power to act but his decisions may be subject to review and ratification by action of the Board at its regular meeting. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to inform the Board promptly of such action.
Category: Recommended 1st Read: June 4, 2013 2nd Read: June 18, 2013 Adopted: June 18, 2013 [post_title] => BFE -- Administration in Policy Absence [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bfe-administration-in-policy-absence [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-12 08:37:01 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-12 13:37:01 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3163 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [38] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3166 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-07 14:23:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-07 19:23:49 [post_content] => The School Board will develop policies and put them in writing so that they may serve as guidelines and goals for the successful and efficient functioning of our public schools. The Board considers policy development its chief function, along with providing the resources such as personnel, buildings, materials, and equipment for the successful interpretation and evaluation of its policies. Policies are principles adopted by the Board to chart a course of action. They tell what is wanted; they may include why and how much. Policies should be broad enough to indicate a line of action to be followed by the administration in meeting a number of problems; narrow enough to give clear guidance. Policies are guides for action by the administration, who then sets the rules and regulations to provide specific directions to School District personnel. It is the Board’s intention that its policies serve as sources of information and guidance for all people who are interested in, or connected with, the public schools. Changes in needs, conditions, purposes, and objectives will require revisions, deletions, and additions to the policies of present and future Boards. The Board will welcome suggestions for ongoing policy development from citizens, students, and staff in the District. Action on such proposals, whatever their source, is taken finally by the Board after receiving the recommendation of the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent or designee bases his/her recommendations upon the outcomes of study and upon the judgment of the professional staff and appropriate study committees. The Superintendent or designee shall seek counsel of the School Attorney when there may be a question of legality or proper legal procedure in the development of a proposed School Board policy. Category: Recommended 1st Read: February 19, 2013 2nd Read: March 5, 2013 Adopted: March 5, 2013 [post_title] => BG -- School Board Policy Process [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bg-board-policy-process [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-12 07:58:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-12 12:58:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3166 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [39] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3168 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-07 14:41:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-07 19:41:25 [post_content] => The Board endorses for use in this District the policy development, codification, and dissemination system of the New Hampshire School Boards Association. This system, is to serve as a general guideline for such tasks as policy research, the drafting of preliminary policy proposals, reviewing policy drafts with concerned groups, presenting new and revised policies to the Board for consideration and action, policy dissemination, policy evaluation, and the maintenance of a continuously and easy-to-use policy manual. Policy Adoption, Dissemination and Review- The Board may adopt, amend, or repeal written policies at any meeting by a majority vote of Board members in attendance, provided that notice of the proposed action was given at a previous Board meeting and that each Board member was notified of the proposed action. For purposes of notification, the meeting agenda delivered to each Board member is deemed sufficient.
- On matters of unusual or unexpected urgency, the Board may waive the second meeting limitation and take immediate action to adopt a new policy or revise an existing policy.
- The Board will allow an opportunity for public comments on policy proposals.
- All policies will be titled, dated, and coded consistent with the classification system used by the New Hampshire School Boards Association.
- Board action regarding the adoption, revision or repeal of policies will be included in the minutes of the meeting at which the official action is taken.
- Policies and amendments will be effective immediately upon adoption, unless a specific effective date is provided in the adopted final policy.
- All written policies and administrative rules and regulations will be open for and available for public inspection, upon request.
- All Board policies will be reviewed and evaluated by the school board on a regular and continuing basis.
- The Superintendent or designee is responsible for notifying the Board of all policy updates and revisions provided by the New Hampshire School Boards Association. The Board will then schedule time for review of such updates and will taken action accordingly regarding the adoption, revision or repeal of such policies.
The policies of the School Board are subject to suspension only upon a majority vote of the entire Board membership at a meeting for which the proposed suspension has been described in writing, or upon a unanimous vote of the entire Board membership when no such written notice has been given.
Those Board policies that pertain to the internal operations of the Board are subject to suspension only upon a two-thirds vote of all members of the Board at a meeting for which the proposed suspension has been described in writing, or upon a unanimous vote of the entire Board membership when no such written notice has been given. 1st Read: February 19, 2013 2nd Read: March 5, 2013 Adoption: March 5, 2013 Suspended: January 18, 2022 [post_title] => BGF -- Suspension of Policies [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bgf-suspension-of-policies [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-04-08 07:37:42 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-04-08 11:37:42 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3172 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [43] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1186 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2016-03-22 15:14:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-03-22 19:14:17 [post_content] => The School Board desires to maintain open channels of communication between itself and the staff. The basic line of communication will, however, be through the Superintendent of Schools. Staff Communications to the Board All communications or reports to the Board or any Board committee from principals, supervisors, teachers, or other staff members shall be submitted through the Superintendent, or designee. Board Communications to Staff All official communications, policies, and directives of staff interest and concern will be communicated to staff members through the Superintendent or designee, and the Superintendent will employ all such media as are appropriate to keep staff fully informed of the Board's problems, concerns, and actions. Visits to Schools Individual Board members interested in visiting schools or classrooms will inform the Superintendent of such visits and make arrangements for visitations through the principals of the various schools. Such visits shall be regarded as informal expressions of interest in school affairs and not as "inspections" or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes. Official visits by Board members will be carried on only under Board authorization and with the full knowledge of the Superintendent and Principals. Social Interaction Staff and Board members share a keen interest in the schools and in education generally, and it is to be expected that when they meet at social affairs and other functions, they will informally discuss such matters as educational trends, issues, and innovations and general District problems. However, employees are reminded that individual Board members have no special authority except when they are convened at a legal meeting of the Board or vested with special authority by Board action. Therefore, discussions of personalities or personnel grievances by either party will be considered unethical conduct. Category: O See also GBD 1st Read: December 18, 2018 2nd Read: January 8, 2019 Adopted: January 8, 2019 [post_title] => BHC - Board-Employee Communications [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bhc-board-employee-communications [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-01-10 12:55:01 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-01-10 17:55:01 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=1186 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [44] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3179 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-10 10:23:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-10 15:23:26 [post_content] => The School Board discourages its members from communicating to each other via electronic communication (e-mail) regarding official school district business. The Board will not use e-mail as a substitute for deliberations at Board meetings, for other communications, or for business properly confined to Board meetings. Communications via e-mail of private or confidential school district matters is strictly prohibited. If an e-mail is originated by a Board member, is communicated to a quorum of the Board, and discusses official school district business, the e-mail will be considered a public document for purposes of the Right to Know Law, RSA 91-A. Legal References: RSA 91-A:2-a, Communications Outside Meetings RSA 189:29-a, Records Retention and Disposition Miller v. Fremont School Board, Rockingham County Superior Court, No. 03-E-152 (2003) 1st Read: February 19, 2013 2nd Read: May 7, 2013 Adopted: May 7, 2013 [post_title] => BHE – School Board Use of E-Mail [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bhe-school-board-use-of-e-mail [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-10 10:57:16 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-10 15:57:16 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3179 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [45] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3188 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-10 13:40:50 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-10 18:40:50 [post_content] => School Board and SAU staff shall make every feasible effort to assist the new member to become fully informed about the Board’s functions, policies, and procedures within six months of being seated on the Board. Workshops will be convened for the primary purpose of orienting the new member to his or her responsibilities, to the Board’s method of operating, and to Districts policies and procedures. Each new member will be given access to the following materials: 1. The previous year’s complete record of minutes. 2. A copy of Revised Statutes Annotated Relating to Public Schools at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XV.htm (RSA) 3. The School Board Member’s Manual – The Essential Guide for Effective Service, 2nd edition; Jeff Stratton, LRP Publications, Horsham, Pennsylvania, 2008. 4. The School Board Policy Manual. 5. The NH School Boards Association Orientation Packet. 6. The current school budget. 7. Negotiated Labor Agreements. New Board members are strongly encouraged to attend the annual New Hampshire School Board Association training. Cateory: Recommmended 1st Read: June 4, 2013 2nd Read: June 18, 2013 Adopted: June 18, 2013 [post_title] => BIA – School Board Member Orientation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bia-school-board-member-orientation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-10 13:42:20 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-10 18:42:20 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3188 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [46] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3190 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-10 13:45:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-10 18:45:37 [post_content] => A record of the actions of School Board meetings will be maintained at the SAU Office. The minutes of the Board will be kept in an official file and will include resolutions and motions. Papers not a part of a formal motion may be omitted if they are referred to and identified by some method. Copies of the draft minutes of a meeting will be sent to the members of the Board before the meeting at which they are to be approved. Corrections to the minutes may be made at the meeting at which they are to be approved. All minutes will be kept in accordance with RSA 91-A:2 and RSA 91-A:3 and will be in the custody of the Superintendent. Minutes of all public meetings will be made available on the District website for public inspection no later than five (5) business days after the meeting and will be designated as DRAFT until they have been approved. Minutes for all non-public sessions will be made available for public inspection within seventy-two (72) hours after the non-public session unless sealed. Legal References: RSA 91-A:2 II, Public Records and Meetings: Meetings Open to Public RSA 91-A:3 III, Public Records and Meetings: Non-Public Sessions RSA 91-A:4 I, Public Records and Meetings: Minutes and Records available for Public Inspection 1st Read: February 5, 2012 2nd Read: May 7, 2013 Adopted: May 7, 2013 [post_title] => BIB -- School Board Member Development Opportunities [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bib-school-board-member-development-opportunities [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-12 11:03:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-12 16:03:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3190 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [47] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3183 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-10 11:19:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-10 16:19:18 [post_content] => In keeping with its stated position on the need for continuing in-service training and development for its members, the Board encourages the participation of all members at appropriate school board conferences, workshops, and conventions. However, in order to control both the investment of time and funds necessary to implement this policy, the Board establishes these principles and procedures for its guidance: 1. A calendar of school board conferences, conventions, and workshops shall be maintained by the Board secretary. The Board will periodically decide which meetings appear to be most promising in terms of producing direct and indirect procedures and/or cost benefits that can be ascribed to participation at such meetings. 2. Funds for participation at such meetings will be budgeted for on an annual basis. When funds are limited, the Board will designate which of its members would be the most appropriate to participate at a given meeting. 3. Reimbursement to Board members for their travel expenses will accord with the travel expense policy for staff members. 4. When a conference, convention, or workshop is not attended by the full Board, those who do participate will be requested to share information, recommendations, and materials acquired at the meeting. April 2, 1991 [post_title] => BIBA – Board Conferences, Conventions, and Workshops [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => biba-board-conferences-conventions-and-workshops [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-10 12:37:16 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-10 17:37:16 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3183 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [48] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3192 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-10 14:47:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-10 19:47:17 [post_content] => All School District officers will be reimbursed in accordance with fees as established by the District. Such fees will be provided for in the School District budget and will be plainly indicated in the annual report. Payment for services rendered in the fiscal year will be included on the manifest every six months. It is the assigned responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools to make certain that all statements are in the hands of the school office personnel to ensure payment. Legal References: RSA 194:10, School Districts: Salaries of District Board and Officers RSA 194:11, School Districts: Payment RSA 195:4,V, Cooperative School Districts: Powers RSA 195:5 II, Cooperative School Districts: School District Powers and Duties 1Kondrat v Freedom School Board, 650 A.2d 316 (1994) Category: O See also BDC 1st Read: November 13, 2012 2nd Read: December 18, 2012 Adopted: December 18, 2012 [post_title] => BID -- Payment for Services Rendered by School District Officers [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bid-payment-for-services-rendered-by-school-district-officers [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-10 14:47:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-10 19:47:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3192 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [49] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3197 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-10 14:58:10 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-10 19:58:10 [post_content] => The members of the School Board and its employees and agents act as agents of the District. None of these individuals should be placed in a position of personal liability for the performance of the responsibilities vested in them by the voters of the District and the state and federal governments. In order to protect the individual members of the Board, its employees and other agents, and the educational interest of the community, the Board will purchase, from public school funds, in the absence of governmental immunity or in coordination with governmental immunity, adequate insurance to indemnify Board members and agents of the District for their official actions in the service of the School District. Nothing herein, however, shall be construed as obligating the Board to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless any person who violates the oath of office, or otherwise engages in criminal activity, official misconduct, fraud, intentional or willful and wanton misconduct, or acts beyond the authority properly vested in the individual. Legal References: RSA 31:104, Powers and Duties of Towns: Liability of Municipal Executives RSA 31:105, Powers and Duties of Towns: Indemnification for Damages RSA 31:106, Powers and Duties of Towns: Indemnification: Civil Rights Act RSA 31:107, Powers and Duties of Towns: Purchase of Insurance 1st Read: June 7, 2022 2nd Read: June 21, 2022 Adopted: June 21, 2022 [post_title] => BIE -- Board Member Indemnification [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bie-board-member-indemnification [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-07-15 06:23:30 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-07-15 10:23:30 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3197 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [50] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3198 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-10 15:11:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-10 20:11:24 [post_content] => It is the policy of the School Board to be a dues-paying member of the New Hampshire School Boards Association. The Board shall seek to participate as fully as possible in the activities of the New Hampshire and National School Boards Associations. The Chairman of the Board shall keep these organizations informed of the Board's concerns and official positions on matters of common interest and concern. The Board will be represented at meetings of the state association by a delegate, appointed by the Chair, who must be a member of the School Board. Category: Recommended 1st Read: June 4, 2013 2nd Read: June 18, 2013 Adopted: June 18, 2013 [post_title] => BK -- School Board Memberships [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bk-school-board-memberships [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-10 15:11:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-10 20:11:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3198 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [51] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3199 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-10 15:20:03 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-10 20:20:03 [post_content] => The School Board Chair will appoint a school board member to act as the liaison with school board associations. The liaison will keep the Board fully informed of the affairs of the New Hampshire and National School Boards Associations (NHSBA) and to keep these organizations informed, as directed from time to time, of the Board's official positions on matters of common interest and concern. In addition to establishing an informational liaison between itself and the school board associations, the Board will officially be represented at the national level through elected delegates of the NHSBA to the governing assemblies of these organizations. Category: Recommended 1st Read: June 18, 2013 2nd Read: September 17, 2013 Adopted: September 17, 2013 [post_title] => BKA -- Liaison with School Board Associations [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bka-liaison-with-school-board-associations [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-10 15:21:44 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-10 20:21:44 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3199 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [52] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 242 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 14:19:47 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 14:19:47 [post_content] => Proper administration of the schools is vital to a successful educational program. The general purpose of the Administration shall be to coordinate and supervise, under the policies of the School Administration Unit Board, the operation of the school district. Administrative duties and functions should be appraised in terms of the contribution made to improving instruction and learning. The School Board shall rely on its chief executive officer, the Superintendent, to provide professional administrative leadership. Vision, initiative, resourcefulness, and wise leadership - as well as consideration and concern for staff members, students, parents, and others - are essential for effective administration. The Superintendent, each principal, and all other administrators shall have the authority and responsibility necessary for his/her specific administrative assignment. Each shall likewise be accountable for the effectiveness with which the administrative assignment is carried out. The Board shall be responsible for specifying expectations of the Superintendent, and for holding the Superintendent accountable for meeting those expectations. In turn, the Superintendent shall be responsible for clearly specifying expectations for all other administrators, and holding each accountable through performance evaluations. Major goals of administration shall be: 1. To manage the District’s various departments, units, and programs effectively. 2. To provide professional advice and counsel to Board and to advisory groups established by Board action. Where feasible, this will be done through reviewing alternatives, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each, and recommending appropriate action from among the alternatives. 3. To implement the management function to assure the best and most effective learning programs, through achieving such subgoals as (a) providing leadership in keeping abreast of current educational developments; (b) arranging for the professional development necessary for the implementation of curriculum, programs, instruction, and assessment that meet learner needs; (c) coordinating cooperative efforts at improvement of learning programs, facilities, equipment, and materials; (d) providing public access to the decision-making process for educational improvement; and (e) implementing procedures to ensure that the differing needs and talents of students are fully considered when planning educational programs. Legal References:N.H. Code of Administrative Rules – Section Ed. 302, Duties of School Superintendents Section Ed. 303, Duties of School Boards Section Ed. 304, Duties of School Principal
Category R 1st Reading: February 19, 2008 2nd Reading: April 15, 2009 Adopted: April 15, 2008 Amended: August 14, 2012 [post_title] => CA - Administration Goals [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => administration-goals [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 14:39:08 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 14:39:08 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 246 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=242 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [53] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 247 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 14:48:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 14:48:52 [post_content] => General: The Superintendent may delegate to subordinates any of his/her powers and duties that the School Board has entrusted to him/her, but in every instance that a power of duty is delegated, he/she shall continue to be responsible to the Board for the execution of the power or duty delegated. The duties of the Superintendent are defined in his/her contract of employment, individual School Board policies, SAU policies, state statutes, and New Hampshire Department of Education Rules. The School Board expects that the Superintendent, as the chief executive officer, has overall responsibility for: 1. The execution of Board policies. 2. The management of the work of all school departments, the duties of which, apart from those required by law, the Superintendent shall assign. 3. The observance of all Board policies by all those persons employed by the District. 4. The enforcement of all provisions of the law relating to the operation of the schools or other educational, social, and recreational agencies or activities under the charge of the Board. 5. Supervision and evaluation of building principals and SAU administrators. Educational Leadership: 1. Provide a consistent and clearly stated philosophical basis for the development of the overall educational program. 2. In consultation with others, establish a set of priorities for the utilization of human, material, and financial resources in the development of the total program. 3. Demonstrate an awareness of the quality of the educational program. 4. Plan to provide the resources necessary for the achievement of the District’s mission and vision. 5. Defend and support subordinates against nonconstructive criticism. 6. Develop a system geared to inform and involve the School Board in the development of the educational program. 7. Bring major efforts for educational change before the public in a format that allows for constructive dialogue. Educational Administration: 1. Develop and support the overall organizational structure of the school system. 2. Clearly define administrative and supervisory roles. 3. Review the basis for decisions and directions of others responsible to him/her (assistant superintendents, principals). 4. Maintain an environment that encourages communication with all stakeholders. 5. Develop and support effective advisory bodies within the organizational structure. 6. Maintain visibility in relation to both staff and public. School Board: 1. Act as advisory and executive officer of the School Board. 2. Attend all regular Board meetings and designated subcommittees as requested. 3. Administer the schools in accordance with School Board policies and regulations. 4. Prepare the annual report to the School Board concerning the operation of the schools. 5. Keep the Boards informed of important legislation relating to schools. 6. Have a working knowledge of the law as it relates to School District operation. 7. Assist the School Board to develop and maintain policy manual and ensure that it is effectively used by all school personnel. Personnel Administration: 1. Responsibility for the administration of all School Board personnel policies. 2. Recommend to the Board appointment of contractual employees deemed best qualified. School Building Development Programs: 1. Utilize the assistance of principals, teachers, students, State Department of Education, and nonprofessional personnel in the total building program. 2. Provide the School Board with facts to assist its members in the multiple decisions a building program entails. 3. Convey to the architect (with assistance from an educational consultant) a clear, concise statement of the educational specifications to be fulfilled in the building. 4. Assist the School Board in presenting the program to the public. 5. Develop a financial plan for costs of construction, preparing bond issues, etc. Business Management: 1. General responsibility for the management of the business affairs of the school district. 2. Responsibility for the preparation for the School Board the annual financial and statistical reports required by the law. 3. Be alert to the acquisition of state and federal revenues not ordinarily anticipated for the School District. 4. Organize and supervise a continuing building operation and maintenance program. 5. Prepare annually a detailed operating budget. 6. Assure that Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) are in place. Salary Negotiations and Master Contract Administration: 1. Provide the School Board with related information to assist its members in effectively negotiating periodic agreement with the ConVal Education Association and the ConVal Administration Association. 2. Act as a resource person in all matters relating to negotiations. 3. Monitor contract negotiation sessions. Public Relations: 1. Develop and maintain a working relationship with the press with regard to news releases and general coverage of school programs. 2. Help to express and interpret the needs and successes of the educational program through public appearances and addresses. Regulatory Reference:N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 302.02, Substantive Duties of Superintendents Appendix CB-R
Category: R 1st Read: September 17, 2013 2nd Read: October 1, 2013 Adopted: October 1, 2013 [post_title] => CB - School Superintendent [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => cb-school-superintendent [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 14:48:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 14:48:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 246 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=247 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [54] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3200 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-10 15:46:57 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-10 20:46:57 [post_content] => The Superintendent of Schools shall be elected by the School Administrative Unit School Board in keeping with the laws of New Hampshire. See RSA 186:11 XXII. Adopted: April 2, 1991 [post_title] => CBB -- Apointment of Superintendent [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => cbb-apointment-of-superintendent [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-10 15:46:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-10 20:46:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3200 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [55] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 249 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 14:55:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 14:55:54 [post_content] => In formal hearings or in situations in which the Superintendent or his/her designee cannot be represented by the School Board’s counsel, she/he shall be entitled to employ the counsel of his/her choice at District expense. The Superintendent or his/her designee will inform the Board as to the choice of counsel. This provision shall not apply in situations involving the employment status of the Superintendent. Category: R 1st Read: July 16, 2013 2nd Read: September 17, 2013 Adopted: September 17, 2013 [post_title] => CBC - Superintendent's Right To Counsel [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => cbc-superintendents-right-to-counsel [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 14:55:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 14:55:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 246 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=249 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [56] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6468 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2022-10-28 10:40:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-28 14:40:56 [post_content] => The School Board shall evaluate the Superintendent annually. The evaluation shall be guided by the definitions of purpose and foundational values stated below. Evaluation of the Superintendent shall be limited to the duties of the Superintendent as stated in School Board policy CB. Purpose. The purpose of evaluation of the Superintendent is to provide the Superintendent with formative feedback to help the Superintendent improve performance. In addition, the process will enable the Board to provide specific support to the work of the Superintendent and to facilitate on- going communication between the Board and the Superintendent on progress toward goal achievement. The summative evaluation may serve as a basis for decisions about compensation and continued employment. Values. The evaluation process shall be planned mutually. It should further the organization’s goals as well as foster growth of the professional skills of the Superintendent. Improving student learning, the performance of the District’s staff, and the efficient and effective management of the organization should form the primary subject matter of each year’s evaluation process. Communication Timeline. A committee of three members of the Board will represent the Board in formal communication with the Superintendent regarding evaluation. Those three members will be the Board Chair, Vice Chair, and the Chair of one of the other School Board Committees chosen by the Board Chairperson. By the end of June each year the Board committee referenced above will meet with the Superintendent for a goal-setting conference. By the end of November, the Board committee will meet with the Superintendent for a “check in” conference. By the end of January each year, the Board committee will meet with the Superintendent to discuss, and summatively assess, the Superintendent’s performance including goal-achievement. Structure of Goals and Evaluation. At the goal-setting conference, the Superintendent and the Board committee will agree on measurable goals for the Superintendent to pursue during the evaluation year. Those goals will be based on School Board goals set for the upcoming year. Forms and Data. Appended to this policy is an Implementation Procedure. Board Review. Following the Board committee’s summative conference with the Superintendent, the Board committee will meet with the full Board and present a review of that conference. At this meeting, the Board may discuss a proposal for the Superintendent’s compensation and future employment. Legal References: N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 303.01(k), Substantive Duties of School Boards, Superintendent Evaluation See also Policy AFB First Read: October 5, 2021 Second Read: October 19, 2021 Adoption: October 19, 2021 [post_title] => CBI — Superintendent Evaluation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => cbi-superintendent-evaluation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-01-18 11:34:28 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-01-18 16:34:28 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=6468 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [57] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3201 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-11 09:59:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-11 14:59:36 [post_content] => The School Board reaffirms the rights and responsibilities of the building principals for the administration of their various programs and buildings within the broad scope of the adopted Board policies. Specifically, the principal of the individual school is the responsible head and professional leader in the development of the educational program and the improvement of instruction in the school of which he/she is the principal and in interpreting that school to the community. All personnel will work through and under the direction of the principal in the performance of their duties within his school. See also ECA, Building and Grounds Security. April 2, 1991 [post_title] => CF -- School Building Administration [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => cf-school-building-administration [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-11 09:59:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-11 14:59:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3201 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [58] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 251 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 15:44:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 15:44:49 [post_content] => PrincipalsAppointment
The principals shall be appointed by the School Board following the nomination of the Superintendent. Should the School Board fail to accept the nomination of the Superintendent, the Superintendent will be directed to present another name in nomination.
Candidates for position of principal will file a written application with the Director of Human Resources (HR). All applications will be screened by the HR Director and may be selected for interview by the nominating committee.
Terms of ContractAll appointments will be on a one-year basis between July 1 and June 30.
FunctionsBuilding principals shall act as the Chief Administrative Officers for their own school buildings and grounds. They shall be responsible for and shall have authority over the actions of students, professional and non-professional employees, visitors, and persons hired to perform special tasks. They shall perform the powers and duties of Principals prescribed by Part Ed 304 Duties of School Principal School Administration regulations and related RSAs.
All principals shall keep the Superintendent informed of activities in their buildings.
Principals shall attend School Board meetings if requested by the Superintendent or the School Board.
PART Ed 304 DUTIES OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS Statutory Authority: RSA 186:8Ed 304:01 – Substantive Duties
(a) The school principal shall be responsible for the internal organizational structure of the school, the programs of the school, the governance of the student body, the utilization of technology and the utilization of the plant in accordance with local school board policy and/or as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.
(b) The school principal shall evaluate and make recommendations to the Superintendent concerning candidates for professional and non-professional positions in accordance with local School Board policy or as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.
(c) The school principal shall assign, direct, and evaluate all personnel employed with school administrative unit in accordance with local School Board policy, administrative regulations, and as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.
(d) The school principal shall perform any other duties assigned by the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with local School Board policy, state statutes, and regulations of the State Board of Education.
Category: R
1st Read: June 4, 2013 2nd Read: June 18, 2013 Adoption: June 18, 2013
[post_title] => CFA - Individual School Administrative Personnel [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => cfa-individual-school-administrative-personnel [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 15:44:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 15:44:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 246 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=251 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [59] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 253 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 15:48:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 15:48:00 [post_content] => The purpose of appraising the performance and effectiveness of administrators is to promote improvement in the administrative function, to recognize exceptional professional performance, and ultimately to bring continued improvement in the teaching-learning process in the district schools. Each administrator’s performance and effectiveness will be assessed within the scope of that person’s area of responsibility, system-wide goals and objectives, and individual performance objectives. System-wide goals and objectives are developed before the last business day in August by the administrative team for the improvement of the school system. Individual performance objectives will be agreed to by the evaluator and administrator, and may relate to system-wide goals and objectives, area of responsibility, and/or professional growth. The method of appraisal will consist of self-appraisal and appraisal by an assigned evaluator. As a result of the above process, the Superintendent will make recommendations concerning the continued employment of each administrator. Category: R 1st Read: April 3, 2012 2nd Read: May 15, 2012 Adopted: May 15, 2012 [post_title] => CFB - Evaluation of Administrative Staff [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => cfb-evaluation-of-administrative-staff [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 15:48:00 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 15:48:00 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 246 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=253 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [60] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 254 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 16:03:21 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:03:21 [post_content] => The administration of the school system, in all its aspects, shall be delegated to the Superintendent who shall carry out his administrative functions in accordance with the policies adopted by the School Board. The execution of all decisions made by the Board concerning the internal operation of the school system shall be delegated to the Superintendent. Category: R 1st Read: February 5, 2013 2nd Read: February 19, 2013 Adopted: February 19, 2013 [post_title] => CH - Policy Implementation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ch-policy-implementation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 16:03:21 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:03:21 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 246 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=254 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [61] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 256 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 16:05:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:05:56 [post_content] => In order that pertinent ConVal School Board policies, regulations, and school rules and procedures may be known by all staff members, and students, and parents affected by them, district administrators and principals are granted authority to issue staff and student handbooks. It is essential that the contents of all handbooks conform with district-wide policies and regulations. The Superintendent or his/her designee must review all handbooks. In addition, the ConVal School Board will approve handbooks on an annual basis. Category: Recommended 1st Read: December 18, 2018 2nd Read: January 8, 2019 Adopted: January 8, 2019 [post_title] => CHCA - Approval of Handbooks and Directives [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => chca-approval-of-handbooks-and-directives [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-01-10 13:12:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-01-10 18:12:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=256 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [62] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 259 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 16:07:51 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:07:51 [post_content] => In the absence of established School Board policy or School Board direction, the Superintendent of Schools shall assume responsibility for whatever decision or action is required. When appropriate, principals or other administrative or instructional personnel shall gain the approval of the Superintendent. In situations, which arise within the schools, where the Board has provided no guides for administrative action, the Superintendent shall have power to act but his decisions may be subject to review and ratification by action of the Board at its regular meeting. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to inform the Board promptly of such action. Category: R See Also Policy BFE 1st Read: June 4, 2013 2nd Read: June 18, 2013 Adopted: June 18, 2013 [post_title] => CHD - Administration In Policy Absence [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => chd-administration-in-policy-absence [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 16:08:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:08:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 246 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=259 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [63] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 261 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 16:12:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:12:23 [post_content] => An annual report covering the business and educational programs of the school system and the administration’s recommendations for their improvement shall be prepared by the Superintendent and presented to the School Board prior to the annual Deliberative Session. Upon Board approval, the report shall be made available to the public and used as one means for informing parents and citizens, the state education agency, and other school districts in the area of the programs and conditions of the schools. Legal Reference: RSA 193-E:3.I, (a), (b), Delivery of an Adequate Education RSA 193-H:4, School Performance and Accountability RSA 194:31, Register; Reports RSA 197:7 Posting Warrant Category: R 1st Read: June 4, 2013 2nd Read: June 18, 2013 Adopted: June 18, 2013 Reviewed: June 6, 2023 [post_title] => CM - School District Annual Report [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => cm-school-district-annual-report [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-08-03 10:31:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-08-03 14:31:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=261 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [64] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 268 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 16:41:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:41:31 [post_content] => The Board recognizes the importance of excellent fiscal management in managing public resources to achieve the goals of the educational plan of the district. The board will be vigilant in fulfilling its responsibilities to see that these funds are used wisely to achieve the purpose for which they are allocated. The District fiscal management plan seeks to achieve the following goals:1. Engage in thorough advance planning to develop budgets and guide expenditures to achieve the greatest educational returns and the greatest contributions to the educational program. Ensure educational programs are reviewed on an ongoing basis. 2. Establish levels of funding which will provide high quality education for the students of the district. 3. Use the best available techniques and processes for budget development and management. 4. Provide timely and appropriate information to the Board and all staff with fiscal management responsibilities. 5. Establish and implement efficient procedures for accounting, audit, risk management, investing, purchasing delivery, payroll, payment of vendors and contractors, and all other areas of fiscal management.
Category: R 1st Read: September 18, 2012 2nd Read: November 13, 2012 Adopted: November 13, 2012 [post_title] => DA - Fiscal Management Plan [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => da-fiscal-management-plan [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 16:41:31 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:41:31 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=268 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [65] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5677 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2021-11-17 10:42:12 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-11-17 15:42:12 [post_content] => This Policy includes “sub-policies” relating to specific provisions of the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards issued by the U.S. Office of Budget and Management. Those requirements, which are commonly known as Uniform Grant Guidance (“UGG”), are found in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) part 200. The sub-policies include: DAF-1 ALLOWABILITY DAF-2 CASH MANAGEMENT AND FUND CONTROL DAF-3 PROCUREMENT DAF-4 PROCUREMENT – ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS PERTINENT TO FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM DAF-5 CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND MANDATORY DISCLOSURES DAF-6 INVENTORY MANAGEMENT - EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES PURCHASED WITH FEDERAL FUNDS DAF-7 TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT – FEDERAL FUNDS DAF-8 ACCOUNTABILITY AND CERTIFICATIONS DAF-9 TIME AND EFFORT REPORTING / OVERSIGHT DAF-10 GRANT BUDGET RECONCILIATION DAF-11 SUBRECIPIENT MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT NOTICE: Notwithstanding any other policy of the District, all funds awarded directly or indirectly through any Federal grant or subsidy programs shall be administered in accordance with this Policy, and any administrative procedures adopted implementing this Policy. The Board accepts federal funds, which are available, provided that there is a specific need for them and that the required matching funds are available. The Board intends to administer federal grant awards efficiently, effectively and in compliance with all requirements imposed by law, the awarding agency and the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) or other applicable pass-through entity. This policy establishes the minimum standards regarding internal controls and grant management to be used by the District in the administration of any funds received by the District through Federal grant programs as required by applicable NH and Federal laws or regulations, including, without limitation, the UGG. The Board directs the Superintendent or designee to develop, monitor, and enforce effective administrative procedures and other internal controls over federal awards as necessary in order to provide reasonable assurances that the District is managing the awards in compliance with all requirements for federal grants and awards. Systems and controls must meet all requirements of federal and/or state law and regulation and shall be based on best practices. The Superintendent is directed to assure that all individuals responsible for the administration of a federal grant or award shall be provided sufficient training to carry out their duties in accordance with all applicable requirements for the federal grant or award and this policy. To the extent not covered by this Policy, the administrative procedures and internal controls must provide for:- identification of all federal funds received and expended and their program source;
- accurate, current, and complete disclosure of financial data in accordance with federal requirements;
- records sufficient to track the receipt and use of funds;
- effective control and accountability over assets to assure they are used only for authorized purposes and
- comparison of expenditures against budget.
- Cost Principles: Except whether otherwise authorized by statute, costs shall meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards:
- Be “necessary” and “reasonable” for proper and efficient performance and administration of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles.
- To determine whether a cost is “reasonable”, consideration shall be given to:
- whether a cost is a type generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the operation of the District or the proper and efficient performance of the Federal award;
- the restraints or requirements imposed by such factors as sound business practices, arm’s length bargaining, Federal, State, local, tribal and other laws and regulations;
- market prices for comparable goods or services for the geographic area;
- whether the individuals concerned acted with prudence in the circumstances considering their responsibilities; and
- whether the cost represents any significant deviation from the established practices or Board policy which may increase the expense. While Federal regulations do not provide specific descriptions of what satisfied the “necessary” element beyond its inclusion in the reasonableness analysis above, whether a cost is necessary is determined based on the needs of the program. Specifically, the expenditure must be necessary to achieve an important program objective. A key aspect in determining whether a cost is necessary is whether the District can demonstrate that the cost addresses an existing need and can prove it.
- When determining whether a cost is “necessary”, consideration may be given to whether:
- the cost is needed for the proper and efficient performance of the grant program;
- the cost is identified in the approved budget or application;
- there is an educational benefit associated with the cost;
- the cost aligns with identified needs based on results and findings from a needs assessment; and/or
- the cost addresses program goals and objectives and is based on program data.
- A cost is allocable to the Federal award if the goods or services involved are chargeable or assignable to the Federal award in accordance with the relative benefit received.
- Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth as cost principles in Part 200 or in the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
- Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both Federally-financed and other activities of the District.
- Be afforded consistent treatment. A cost cannot be assigned to a Federal award as a direct cost if any other cost incurred for the same purpose in like circumstances has been assigned as an indirect cost under another award.
- Be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
- Be representative of actual cost, net of all applicable credits or offsets.
- Be not included as a match or cost-share, unless the specific Federal program authorizes Federal costs to be treated as such.
- Be adequately documented:
- in the case of personal services, the Superintendent shall implement a system for District personnel to account for time and efforts expended on grant funded programs to assure that only permissible personnel expenses are allocated;
- in the case of other costs, all receipts and other invoice materials shall be retained, along with any documentation identifying the need and purpose for such expenditure if not otherwise clear.
- Selected Items of Cost: The District shall follow the rules for selected items of cost at 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E when charging these specific expenditures to a Federal grant. When applicable, District staff shall check costs against the selected items of cost requirements to ensure the cost is allowable. In addition, State, District and program-specific rules, including the terms and conditions of the award, may deem a cost as unallowable and District personnel shall follow those rules as well.
- Cost Compliance: The Superintendent shall require that grant program funds are expended and are accounted for consistent with the requirements of the specific program and as identified in the grant application. Compliance monitoring includes accounting for direct or indirect costs and reporting them as permitted or required by each grant.
- Determining Whether A Cost is Direct or Indirect
- “Direct costs” are those costs that can be identified specifically with a particular final cost objective, such as a Federal award, or other internally or externally funded activity, or that can be directly assigned to such activities relatively easily with a high degree of accuracy.
- “Indirect costs” are those that have been incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one (1) cost objective, and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefited, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. Costs incurred for the same purpose in like circumstances shall be treated consistently as either direct or indirect costs.
- Administrative or clerical services are integral to a project or activity.
- Individuals involved can be specifically identified with the project or activity.
- Such costs are explicitly included in the budget or have the prior written approval of the Federal awarding agency.
- The costs are not also recovered as indirect costs.
- Timely Obligation of Funds: Obligations are orders placed for property and services, contracts and subawards made, and similar transactions during a given period that require payment by the non-Federal entity during the same or a future period.
- Acquisition of property – on the date which the District makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property.
- Personal services by an employee of the District – when the services are performed.
- Personal services by a contractor who is not an employee of the District – on the date which the District makes a binding written commitment to obtain the services.
- Public utility services – when the District received the services.
- Travel – when the travel is taken.
- Rental of property – when the District uses the property.
- A pre-agreement cost that was properly approved by the Secretary under the cost principles in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles – on the first day of the project period.
- Period of Performance: All obligations must occur on or between the beginning and ending dates of the grant project. This period of time is known as the period of performance. The period of performance is dictated by statute and will be indicated in the Grant Award Notification (“GAN”). As a general rule, State-administered Federal funds are available for obligation within the year that Congress appropriates the funds for. However, given the unique nature of educational institutions, for many Federal education grants, the period of performance is twenty-seven (27) months. This maximum period includes a fifteen (15) month period of initial availability, plus a twelve (12) month period of carry over. For direct grants, the period of performance is generally identified in the GAN.
- The timing and amount of the advance payment requested will be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursement for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.
- The District shall make timely payment to contractors in accordance with contract provisions.
- To the extent available, the District shall disburse funds available from program income (including repayments to a revolving fund), rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries, and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments.
- The District shall account for the receipt, obligation and expenditure of funds.
- Advance payments shall be deposited and maintained in insured accounts whenever possible.
- Advance payments will be maintained in interest bearing accounts unless the following apply:
- The District receives less than $120,000 in Federal awards per year.
- The best reasonably available interest-bearing account would not be expected to earn interest in excess of $500 per year on Federal cash balances.
- The depository would require an average or minimum balance so high that it would not be feasible within the expected Federal and non-Federal cash resources.
- A foreign government or banking system prohibits or precludes interest bearing accounts.
- Pursuant to Federal law and regulations, the District may retain interest earned in an amount up to $500 per year for administrative costs. Any additional interest earned on Federal advance payments deposited in interest-bearing accounts must be remitted annually to the Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System (“PMS”) through an electronic medium using either Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network or a Fedwire Funds Service payment. Remittances shall include pertinent information of the payee and nature of payment in the memo area (often referred to as “addenda records” by Financial Institutions) as that will assist in the timely posting of interest earned on Federal funds.
- Competition: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a manner that encourages full and open competition and that is in accordance with good administrative practice and sound business judgement. In order to promote objective contractor performance and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, the District shall exclude any contractor that has developed or drafted specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids or requests for proposals from competition for such procurements.
- unreasonable requirements on firms in order for them to qualify to do business;
- unnecessary experience and excessive bonding requirements;
- noncompetitive contracts to consultants that are on retainer contracts;
- organizational conflicts of interest;
- specification of only a “brand name” product instead of allowing for an “or equal” product to be offered and describing the performance or other relevant requirements of the procurement; and/or
- any arbitrary action in the procurement process.
- Solicitation Language: The District shall require that all solicitations incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured. Such description shall not, in competitive procurements, contain features which unduly restrict competition. The description may include a statement of the qualitative nature of the material, product or service to be procured and, when necessary, shall set forth those minimum essential characteristics and standards to which it shall conform if it is to satisfy its intended use. Detailed product specifications should be avoided if at all possible.
- Procurement Methods: The District shall utilize the following methods of procurement:
- Micro-purchases
- Small Purchases (Simplified Acquisition)
- Sealed Bids
- In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions shall be present:
- a complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available;
- two (2) or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively for the business; and
- the procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price.
- When sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply:
- Bids shall be solicited in accordance with the provisions of State law and DJE . Bids shall be solicited from an adequate number of qualified suppliers, providing sufficient response time prior to the date set for the opening of bids. The invitation to bid shall be publicly advertised.
- The invitation for bids will include product/contract specifications and pertinent attachments and shall define the items and/or services required in order for the bidder to properly respond.
- All bids will be opened at the time and place prescribed in the invitation for bids; bids will be opened publicly.
- A firm fixed price contract award will be made in writing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where specified in bidding documents, factors such as discounts, transportation cost, and life cycle costs shall be considered in determining which bid is lowest. Payment discounts may only be used to determine the low bid when prior experience indicates that such discounts are usually taken.
- The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids for sound documented reason.
- Bid protests shall be handled pursuant to the process set forth in DAF-3.I.
- Competitive Proposals
- Requests for proposals shall be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Any response to the publicized requests for proposals shall be considered to the maximum extent practical.
- Proposals shall be solicited from an adequate number of sources.
- The District shall use its written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and for selecting recipients.
- Contracts shall be awarded to the responsible firm whose proposal is most advantageous to the program, with price and other factors considered.
- Noncompetitive Proposals
- the item is available only for a single source;
- the public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from competitive solicitation;
- the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes noncompetitive proposals in response to a written request from the District; and/or
- after solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined to be inadequate.
- Contracting with Small and Minority Businesses, Women’s Business Enterprises, and Labor Surplus Area Firms: The District must take necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. Affirmative steps must include:
- Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women's business enterprises on solicitation lists;
- Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;
- Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises;
- Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises;
- Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce; and
- Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the affirmative steps listed in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this section.
- Contract/Price Analysis: The District shall perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of $250,000 (i.e., the Simplified Acquisition/Small Purchase limit), including contract modifications. (See 2 CFR 200.324). A cost analysis generally means evaluating the separate cost elements that make up the total price, while a price analysis means evaluating the total price, without looking at the individual cost elements.
- Time and Materials Contracts: The District shall use a time and materials type contract only (1) after a determination that no other contract is suitable; and (2) if the contract includes a ceiling price that the contractor exceeds at its own risk. Time and materials type contract means a contract whose cost to the District is the sum of the actual costs of materials, and direct labor hours charged at fixed hourly rates that reflect wages, general and administrative expenses, and profit.
- Suspension and Debarment: The District will award contracts only to responsible contractors possessing the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of the proposed procurement. All purchasing decisions shall be made in the best interests of the District and shall seek to obtain the maximum value for each dollar expended. When making a purchasing decision, the District shall consider such factors as (1) contractor integrity; (2) compliance with public policy; (3) record of past performance; and (4) financial and technical resources.
- Additional Requirements for Procurement Contracts Using Federal Funds:
- Clause for Remedies Arising from Breach: For any contract using Federal funds under which the contract amount exceeds the upper limit for Simplified Acquisition/Small Purchases (see DAF-3.C.2), the contract must address administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances where contractors violate or breach contract terms, and must provide for sanctions and penalties. (See 2 CFR 200, Appendix II(A)).
- Termination clause: For any contract using Federal funds under which the contract amount exceeds $10,000, it must address the District’s authority to terminate the contract for cause and for convenience, including the manner by which termination will be affected and the basis for settlement. (See 2 CFR 200, Appendix II (B)).
- Anti-pollution clause: For any contract using Federal funds under which the contract amount exceeds $150,000, the contract must include clauses addressing the Clean Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. (See 2 CFR 200, Appendix II (G)).
- Anti-lobbying clause: For any contract using Federal funds under which the contract exceeds $100,000, the contract must include an anti-lobbying clause, and require bidders to submit Anti-Lobbying Certification as required under 2 CFR 200, Appendix II (I).
- Negotiation of profit: For each contract using Federal funds and for which there is no price competition, and for each Federal fund contract in which a cost analysis is performed, the District shall negotiate profit as a separate element of the price. To establish a fair and reasonable profit, consideration must be given to the complexity of the work to be performed, the risk borne by the contractor, the contractor’s investment, the amount of subcontracting, the quality of the contractor’s past performance, and industry profit rates in the surrounding geographical area for similar work. (See 2 CFR 200.324(b)).
- “Domestic Preference” Requirement: The District must provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, or materials produced in the United States, to the greatest extent practicable. This requirement applies whether the District is purchasing the products directly or when the products are purchased by third parties on the District’s behalf (e.g. subcontractor, food service management companies, etc.). It also generally applies to all purchases, even those below the micro-purchase threshold, unless otherwise stipulated by the Federal awarding agency. See also additional “Buy American” provisions in DAF-4.C regarding food service procurement.
- Huawei Ban: The District may not use Federal funds to procure, obtain, or enter into or renew a contract to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems which substantially use telecommunications equipment or services produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation, or any of their subsidiaries.
- Bid Protest: The District maintains the following protest procedures to handle and resolve disputes relating to procurements and, in all instances, discloses information regarding the protest to the awarding agency.A bidder who wishes to file a bid protest shall file such notice and follow procedures prescribed by the Request for Proposals (RFPs) or the individual bid specifications package, for resolution. Bid protests shall be filed in writing with the Superintendent within seventy-two (72) hours of the opening of the bids in protest.
- Maintenance of Procurement Records: The District shall maintain records sufficient to detail the history of all procurements. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, the basis for the contract price (including a cost or price analysis), and records regarding debarment/suspension queries or actions. Such records shall be retained consistent with District Policy EHB and District Administrative Procedures EHB-R .
- Mandatory Contract Clauses: The following provisions shall be included in all cost reimbursable contracts for food services purchases, including contracts with cost reimbursable provisions, and in solicitation documents prepared to obtain offers for such contracts:
- Allowable costs will be paid from the nonprofit school food service account to the contractor net of all discounts, rebates and other applicable credits accruing to or received by the contractor or any assignee under the contract, to the extent those credits are allocable to the allowable portion of the costs billed to the school food authority;
- The contractor must separately identify for each cost submitted for payment to the school food authority the amount of that cost that is allowable (can be paid from the nonprofit school food service account) and the amount that is unallowable (cannot be paid from the nonprofit school food service account); or
- The contractor must exclude all unallowable costs from its billing documents and certify that only allowable costs are submitted for payment and records have been established that maintain the visibility of unallowable costs, including directly associated costs in a manner suitable for contract cost determination and verification;
- The contractor's determination of its allowable costs must be made in compliance with the applicable departmental and program regulations and Office of Management and Budget cost circulars;
- The contractor must identify the amount of each discount, rebate and other applicable credit on bills and invoices presented to the school food authority for payment and individually identify the amount as a discount, rebate, or in the case of other applicable credits, the nature of the credit. If approved by the state agency, the school food authority may permit the contractor to report this information on a less frequent basis than monthly, but no less frequently than annually;
- The contractor must identify the method by which it will report discounts, rebates and other applicable credits allocable to the contract that are not reported prior to conclusion of the contract; and
- The contractor must maintain documentation of costs and discounts, rebates and other applicable credits, and must furnish such documentation upon request to the school food authority, the state agency, or the department.
- Contracts with Food Service Management Companies: Procedures for selecting and contracting with a food service management company shall comply with guidance provided by the NHDOE, including standard forms, procedures and timelines for solicitation, selection and approval of proposals and contracts.
- “Buy American” Requirement: NOTE - See DAF-3.H.6 regarding “domestic preference” requirements for procurements other than for food service.
- Exceptions: The two main exceptions to the Buy American requirements are:
- The product is not produced or manufactured in the U.S. in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality; or
- Competitive bids reveal the costs of a U.S. product are significantly higher than the non-domestic product.
- Steps to Comply with Buy American Requirements: In order to help assure that the District remains in compliance with the Buy American requirement, the Superintendent, shall
- Include a Buy American clause in all procurement documents (product specifications, bid solicitations, requests for proposals, purchase orders, etc.);
- Monitor contractor performance;
- Require suppliers to certify the origin of the product;
- Examine product packaging for identification of the country of origin; and
- Require suppliers to provide specific information about the percentage of U.S. content in food products
- “Equipment” and “Pilferable Items” Defined: For purposes of this policy, “equipment” means tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of $5,000, or the capitalization level established by the District for financial statement purposes. “Pilferable items” are those items, regardless of cost, which may be easily lost or stolen, such as cell phones, tablets, graphing calculators, software, projectors, cameras and other video equipment, computer equipment and televisions.
- Records: The Superintendent shall maintain records that include a description of the property; a serial number or other identification number; the source of the funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)); who holds title; the acquisition date; the cost of the property; the percentage of the federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired; the location, use, and condition of the property; and any ultimate disposition data, including the date of disposition and sale price of the property.
- Inventory: No less than once every two years, the Superintendent shall cause a physical inventory of all equipment and pilferable items to be taken and the results reconciled with the property records. Except as otherwise provided in this policy DAF-6, inventories shall be conducted consistent with Board Policy DID.
- Control, Maintenance and Disposition: The Superintendent shall develop administrative procedures relative to property procured in whole or in part with Federal funds to:
- prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property; any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated;
- to maintain the property and keep it in good condition; and
- to ensure the highest possible return through proper sales procedures, in those instances where the District is authorized to sell the property.
- Participation of the individual is necessary to the federal award.
- The costs are reasonable and consistent with Board policy.
- Compensation: Compensation for employment services includes all remuneration, paid currently or accrued, for services of employees rendered during the period of performance under the Federal award, including but not necessarily limited to wages and salaries. Compensation for personal services may also include fringe benefits, which are addressed in 2 CFR 200.431 Compensation – fringe benefits. Costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of these regulations, and that the total compensation for individual employees:
- is reasonable for the services rendered, conforms to the District’s established written policy, and is consistently applied to both Federal and non-Federal activities; and
- follows an appointment made in accordance with the District’s written policies and meets the requirements of Federal statute, where applicable.
- Time and Effort Reports: Time and effort reports shall:
- be supported by a system of internal controls which provide reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated;
- be incorporated into the official records of the District;
- reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the District, not exceeding 100% of the compensated activities;
- encompass both Federally assisted and other activities compensated by the District on an integrated basis;
- comply with the District’s established accounting policies and practices;
- support the distribution of the employee’s salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one (1) Federal award, a Federal award and non-Federal award, an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity, two (2) or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases, or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
- Budget Reconciliation: Budget estimates are not used as support for charges to Federal awards. However, the District may use budget estimates for interim accounting purposes. The system used by the District to establish budget estimates produces reasonable approximations of the activity actually performed. Any significant changes in the corresponding work activity are identified by the District and entered into the District’s records in a timely manner.
- Grant Closeout Requirements: At the end of the period of performance or when the Federal awarding agency determines the District has completed all applicable administrative actions and all required work under the grant, the agency will close out the Federal award. If the award passed-through the State, the District will have 90 days from the end of the period of performance to submit to the State all financial, performance, and other reports as required by the terms and conditions of the award.
- Sub-award Contents and Communication.
- Every sub-award will be clearly identified and include the following Federal award identification:
- Subrecipient name
- Subrecipient’s unique ID number (DUNS)
- Federal Award ID Number (FAIN)
- Federal award date
- Period of performance start and end date
- Amount of federal funds obligated
- Amount of federal funds obligated to the subrecipient
- Total amount of the Federal award
- Total approved cost sharing or match required where applicable
- Project description responsive to FFATA
- Name of Federal awarding agency, pass through entity and contact information
- CFDA number and name
- Identification of the award is R&D
- Indirect cost rate for the Federal award
- Requirements imposed by the District including statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
- Any additional requirements the District deems necessary for financial or performance reporting of subrecipients as necessary.
- An approved indirect cost rate negotiated between subrecipient and the Federal government or between the pass-through entity and subrecipient.
- Requirements that the District and its auditors have access to the subrecipient records and financial statements..
- Terms and conditions for closeout of the sub-award.
- Subrecipient Monitoring Procedures.
- At the time of proposal, assess the potential of the subrecipient for programmatic, financial, and administrative suitability.
- Evaluate each subrecipient’s risk of noncompliance prior to executing a sub-award. In doing so, the District will assess the subrecipient’s:
- Prior experience with the same or similar sub-awards.
- Results of previous audits and single audit (if applicable).
- New personnel or new or substantially changed systems.
- The extent and results of Federal awarding agency monitoring.
- Confirm the statement of work and review any non-standard terms and conditions of the sub-award during the negotiation process.
- Monitor financial and programmatic progress and ability of the subrecipient to meet objectives of the sub-award. To facilitate this review, subrecipients are required to submit sufficient invoice detail and a progress report. The District project managers will encourage subrecipients to submit regular invoices.
- Invoices and progress reports will be date stamped upon receipt if received in hard copy. A record of the date of receipt will be maintained for those invoices sent electronically.
- In conducting regular oversight and monitoring, the District project managers will:
- Verify invoices that include progress reports.
- Review progress reports to ensure the project is progressing appropriately and on schedule.
- Compare invoice to agreement budget to ensure eligibility of costs and that costs do not exceed budget.
- Review invoice to ensure supporting documentation is included and invoices costs are within the scope of work for the projects being invoiced.
- Obtain report, certification and supporting documentation of local (non-federal)/in-kind match work from the subrecipient.
- Review subrecipient match tasks for eligibility.
- Initial the progress report and invoice confirming review and approval prior to payment.
- Raise any concerns to the Superintendent.
- The Superintendent, upon recommendation from the project’s manager, will approve the invoice payment and will initial invoices confirming review and approval prior to payment.
- Payments will be withheld from subrecipients for the following reasons:
- Insufficient detail to support the costs billed;
- Unallowable costs;
- Ineligible costs; and/or
- Incomplete work or work not completed in accordance with required specifications.
- Verify every subrecipient is audited in accordance with 2 CFR §200 Subpart F – Audit Requirements.
- Subrecipient Project Files. Subrecipient project files will contain, at a minimum, the following:
- Project proposal;
- Project scope;
- Progress reports;
- Interim and final products; and
- Copies of other applicable project documents as required, such as copies of contracts or MOUs.
- Audit Requirements.
- Issue a management decision on audit findings pertaining to the Federal award.
- Consider whether the results of audits or reviews indicate conditions that necessitate adjustments to pass through entity’s own records.
- Methodology for Resolving Findings.
- Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency;
- Disallow all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance;
- Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the sub-award;
- Initiate suspension or debarment proceedings;
- Withhold further Federal awards for the project or program; and/or
- Take other remedies that may be legally available.
RSA 32:4, Preparation of Budgets: Estimate of Expenditures and Revenues RSA 32:5, Budget Preparation RSA 197:5-a, School meetings and Officers: Budget
Category: R 1st Read: September 18, 2012 2nd Read: November 13, 2012 Adopted: November 13, 2012 [post_title] => DB - Annual Budget [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => db-annual-budget [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 16:45:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:45:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=270 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [67] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 272 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 16:47:05 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:47:05 [post_content] => The Superintendent will establish procedures for the involvement of staff in the development of the budget proposal. The School Board will adopt guidelines and a schedule each year for the timely submission of the budget to the Board. Legal ReferencesRSA 195:12, Cooperative School District: Budget RSA 197:5-a, School Meetings & Officers: Budget RSA 32:4, Preparation of Budgets: Estimate of Expenditures and Revenues RSA 32:5, Budget Preparation RSA 40:13, Use of Official Ballot NH Code of Administrative Rules- Section Ed 302:02 (a), Substantive Duties of the Superintendent.
Category: R 1st Read: September 18, 2012 2nd Read: November 13, 2012 Adopted: November 13, 2012 Reviewed: January 5, 2023 [post_title] => DBC - Budget Preparation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dbc-budget-preparation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-01-13 08:53:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-01-13 13:53:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=272 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [68] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 274 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 16:56:13 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:56:13 [post_content] => In the event it becomes necessary to expend an amount greater than what was appropriated for a specific purpose, the Board is authorized to transfer funds from an unexpended balance of one appropriation to a different appropriation that is in deficit. All transfers of appropriations will be made consistent with the provisions of RSA 32:10. The Board authorizes the Superintendent to transfer funds between line items up to $10,000. Any such transfers shall be reported to the School Board at the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board will be advised in advance of any transfer in excess of $10,000. Any transfer of funds shall be done to achieve purposes that align with the expenditure of public funds. In no circumstance shall the total amount spent exceed the total amount appropriated at the School District Annual Meeting. The Superintendent is authorized to develop administrative rules or regulations to accompany this policy. It is the intent of the Board to limit its spending to the amount specified for each line item. However, transfer of funds between line items will be permitted if deemed desirable, except that excess funds may not be transferred from the Unemployment Compensation line item (see RSA 282-A:71, III). Legal References: RSA 32:10, Transfer of AppropriationsRSA 282-A:71, III, Unemployment Compensation
Category: O 1st Read: August 18, 2015 2nd Read: September 1, 2015 Adopted: September 1, 2015 [post_title] => DBJ - Transfer of Appropriations [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dbj-transfer-of-appropriation-2 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-02-01 09:58:12 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-02-01 14:58:12 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=274 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [69] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 276 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 16:58:55 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:58:55 [post_content] => The Contoocook Valley School District from time to time, on a tax-exempt basis, issues (i) bonds and bond anticipation notes to finance capital projects and (ii) municipal leases to finance the lease-purchase of certain equipment, all pursuant to the provisions of New Hampshire RSA Chapter 33, as amended. All bonds, bond anticipation notes, and applicable leases issued by the District will be in compliance with the federal income tax laws included in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code), which require that issuers of tax-exempt debt comply with certain post-issuance requirements set forth in the procedures as outlined by the Internal Revenue Service. Legal References: RSA 33-A Internal Revenue Code (IRC), enacted by Congress in Title 26 of the United States Code (26 U.S.C.). Category: R 1st Read: May 15, 2012 2nd Read: June 5, 2012 Adopted: June 5, 2012 [post_title] => DC - Post-Issuance Tax Compliance and Procedures For Tax-Exempt Obligations [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dc-post-issuance-tax-compliance-and-procedures-for-tax-exempt-obligations [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 16:58:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:58:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=276 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [70] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 277 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:01:10 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:01:10 [post_content] => The expenses of the Contoocook Valley School District payable in each fiscal year shall be apportioned as indicated in the Articles of Agreement. Category: O 1st Read: September 17, 2013 2nd Read: April 15, 2014 Adopted: April 15, 2014 [post_title] => DEA - Revenues From Local Tax Sources [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dea-revenues-from-local-tax-sources [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 17:01:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:01:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=277 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [71] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 278 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:09:50 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:09:50 [post_content] => The School Board authorizes the School District Treasurer working in conjunction with the Superintendent and his/her designee and pursuant to RSA 197:23-a to invest the funds of the District subject to the following objectives and standards or care. Objectives The three objectives of investment activities shall be safety, liquidity, and yield. 1. Safety of principal is the foremost objective in this policy. Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the preservation of capital by mitigating credit and interest rate risk. This will be accomplished by limiting the type of the investments and institutions to those stipulated by statute and fully covered by FDIC insurance or collateral approved pursuant to applicable law. 2. Liquidity of the investment portfolio shall remain sufficient to meet all operating requirements that may be reasonably anticipated. 3. The investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective of attaining a market rate of return throughout budgetary and economic cycles, taking into account the investment risk constraints and liquidity needs. Return on investment is of secondary importance compared to the safety and liquidity objectives described above. Investment Instruments Funds shall be invested in accord with the standards set forth in RSA 197:23-a. Investment maturities for operating funds shall be scheduled to coincide with projected cash flow needs, taking into account large routine expenditures (payroll and accounts payable) as well as anticipated revenues. Competitive Selection of Investment Instruments Before investing any excess funds in investment instruments, with the exception of United States Treasury securities maturing in less than one year, a competitive bid process shall be conducted by the District Treasurer, the Superintendent, or his/her designee. Bids shall be requested from qualified financial institutions for various options with regard to terms and instrument. The District Treasurer, Superintendent, his/her designee shall accept the bid(s) that provide(s) the highest rate of return, within the maturity required, and within the parameters of this policy, taking into consideration all associated costs, requirements, and capabilities. Standards of Care 1. Prudence: The standard of prudence to be used by the District Treasurer and Superintendent or his/her designee involved in the investment process shall be the “prudent person” standard and shall be applied in the context of managing an overall portfolio. They are directed to use the GFOA (Government Financial Officers Association). Recommended 2. Practices and Policy Statements Related to Cash Management as a guide to the prudent investment of public funds. Ethics and Conflicts of Interest: The School District Treasurer and Superintendent or his/her designee involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business activity that could conflict with the proper execution and management of the investment program or that could impair their ability to make impartial decisions. Employees and Investment officials shall disclose any material interests in financial institutions with which they conduct business. They shall further disclose any personal financial institutions with which they conduct business. They shall further disclose any personal financial/investment positions that could be related to the performance of the investment portfolio. Employees and officials shall subordinate their personal investment transactions to those of the School District, particularly with regard to the timing of purchases and sales. 3. Internal Controls: The District Treasurer and Superintendent or his/her designee shall establish a system of internal controls that shall be documented in writing. The internal controls shall be reviewed by the School Board and an independent auditor. The investment of funds will be left to the discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee without prior approval of the Board. Legal Reference: Per the District’s Financial Advisors/Auditors, this policy must be readopted annually. RSA 197:23-a, IV Category: P 1st Read: June 18, 2019 2nd Read: July 23, 2019 Adoption: July 23, 2019 Reviewed: March 1, 2022 [post_title] => DFA - Investment [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dfa-investment [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-03-11 11:14:21 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-03-11 16:14:21 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=278 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [72] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1083 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2016-01-27 10:17:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-01-27 15:17:29 [post_content] => Senior citizens of the District – persons 65 years of age or older – are permitted to attend all activities of the schools, including athletic events, free of charge. Normal ticketing and seating capacity procedures apply. This policy represents a small token of appreciation from the School Board for all that the District’s senior citizens have done for the schools over the years. Category: O 1st Read: January 5, 2016 2nd Read: January 19, 2016 Adopted: January 19, 2016 [post_title] => DFEA - Free Admissions [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dfea-free-admissions [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-01-27 10:20:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-01-27 15:20:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=1083 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [73] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6269 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2022-09-29 10:10:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-09-29 14:10:54 [post_content] => A. Purpose and General Policy Statement. The purpose of this policy is to establish and regulate parameters for use of crowdfunding or other forms of online fundraising and solicitations for classroom, school or district programs. The School Board recognizes that crowdfunding campaigns and other forms of online fundraising have become an increasingly popular method by which teachers and school sponsored activities or organizations can procure funding for specific projects and/or programs. The revenue-raising potential that crowdfunding campaigns may provide may be a benefit for District programs and classrooms. The Board further recognizes, however, that unregulated employee use of crowdfunding campaigns on behalf of the District is not in the best interests of the District, donors or its employees. For purposes of this policy, “crowdfunding” is the practice of using online sites to solicit donations, whether monetary or in-kind, on behalf of the School District. A crowdfunding campaign is considered “to be on behalf of the School District” if it uses imagery, logos or language that would lead a reasonable person to believe that (1) the School District or any school within the District, or program/activity of a school within the District, is associated with the campaign or (2) the campaign has the purpose or effect of providing resources or a benefit to the District. There shall be a presumption that any crowdfunding effort by an employee or designated volunteer to support existing or planned programs of the District must comply with this policy. B. Unapproved Crowdfunding Prohibited. Crowdfunding on behalf of the District is prohibited unless undertaken by an employee or designated volunteer with prior written approval under this policy. No public action towards initiating a crowdfunding campaign on behalf of the District may be taken until the campaign is approved in writing pursuant to this policy. No employee, volunteer, student, or any other individual will be compelled to initiate or participate in a crowdfunding campaign on behalf of the District. Students are permitted to participate in publicizing an employee’s or designated volunteer’s approved crowdfunding campaign but are prohibited from otherwise engaging in crowdfunding on behalf of the District. Employees, designated volunteers or students who participate in crowdfunding on behalf of the District are acting in their capacity as employees, designated volunteers or students and are subject to all rules governing employee, volunteer and student conduct. Except in furtherance of an approved campaign, employees and designated volunteers are prohibited from doing any of the following as part of a crowdfunding campaign: identifying as an employee/designated volunteer of or stating an association with the District; using a District email address, school name, logo, or mascot; or linking to or referencing any school website, social media site, platform, or account associated with the District. Approved crowdfunding campaigns will operate in compliance with all laws and other Board policies and regulations. C. Crowdfunding Request and Approval Procedures.1. Crowdfunding Requests. Any request for approval of a crowdfunding campaign shall be in writing and shall include the following information:
a. the employee/designated volunteer’s name, job title/volunteer position, school, and email address; b. the approved crowdfunding website to be used; c. the nature and quantity or amount of donations being requested; d. the classroom, program, or activity to be benefitted and the educational purpose to be served; e. the exact language that will be used in the crowdfunding campaign, as well as any graphics that will be included; f. the start and end dates of the crowdfunding campaign; and g. a statement of recognition by the requester that any proceeds of the campaign are school property.
The Superintendent may create and make available a form, which may be online, to be used for such requests.
2. Approved Crowdfunding Sites
The Superintendent or designee shall create a list of approved crowdfunding sites. All approved crowdfunding sites must (1) be operated by an entity with no known significant history of fraud, unlawful activity, financial mismanagement, or other misconduct and (2) have a policy requiring all donations on behalf of the District to go directly to the District. The Superintendent/designee shall encourage the use of sites focused on K-12 education. If no site meets these requirements or the Superintendent or designee does not approve any sites, no crowdfunding requests will be approved.
3. Approval Process. The terms of this section control the approval of proposed online crowdfunding campaigns.
a. Review by the Building Principal. To be eligible for approval under this policy, employees/designated volunteers must submit in writing a fully completed approval request form to the building Principal. The building Principal has authority to approve proposed campaigns seeking a dollar value up the amount of $250. Regardless of the amount sought to be donated, the Building Principal has authority to deny a proposed campaign because the campaign is not in compliance with the requirements of this policy or because, in the judgment of the Building Principal, the proposed campaign would produce inequity in the educational environment. If a proposed campaign seeks a dollar value in excess of $250, and the building Principal believes that the proposed campaign is in compliance with the requirements of this policy and should be accepted, the building Principal shall refer the proposed campaign to the Superintendent or designee.
b. Review by the Superintendent. The Superintendent or designee shall review referred approval request forms and seek additional information about proposed campaigns as appropriate. The Superintendent or designee has authority to approve proposed campaigns seeking a dollar value up to $499. Regardless of the amount sought to be donated, the Superintendent or designee may deny a referred campaign because the campaign is not in compliance with the requirements of this policy or because, in the judgment of the Superintendent or designee, the proposed campaign would produce inequity in the educational environment. If a proposed campaign seeks a dollar value in excess of $499 and the Superintendent or designee believes that the proposed campaign is in compliance with the requirements of this policy and should be accepted, the Superintendent or designee shall refer the proposed campaign to the Board.
c. Review by the Board. Subject to the requirements of RSA 198:20-b, only the Board has the authority to approve a campaign that seeks a dollar value in excess of $499. After considering the Superintendent or designee’s recommendation, the Board will decide whether to approve or deny the proposed campaign.
4. Criteria of Approval of Crowdfunding Requests. Crowdfunding requests will not be approved unless the proposed campaign:
a. meets all requirements of applicable Board policies and administrative regulations, and is consistent with the requirements of Title IX, FERPA, the IDEA, and any other applicable state of federal laws or regulations; b. uses a crowdfunding site that has been approved by the Superintendent pursuant to Section C.2, above; c. is consistent with the District’s approved curriculum, mission, vision and goals; d. does not create significant disparities or inequities among similarly situated students; e. does not solicit funds for items or projects that have a religious or political purpose; f. seeks donations that are compatible with the District’s Data and Privacy Governance Plan, as confirmed by the District’s Director of Technology or designee. g. has a specific, pre-determined beginning and ending date; h. does not disparage the District or any of its buildings, programs, representatives, employees, or students; i. does not include pictures or the identifying or confidential information of any District student, unless specifically approved by the student’s parent or guardian in writing and attached to the approval request form; j. furthers the educational mission of the school and is not used for the unrelated personal gain of any individual; k. does not result in donations being delivered directly to the requester; l. is not contingent on the District matching funds or making any expenditure; m. does not request food or beverage items inconsistent with the District Wellness Policy n. does not suggest or state that the donation sought is required for or integral to a student’s special education program, a student’s ability to achieve his or her IEP goals, or the participation of students with disabilities in any school program.
Any crowdfunding campaign that does not fully comply with the requirements of this policy is prohibited. It is the responsibility of the employee/designated volunteer implementing an approved crowdfunding campaign to ensure that all applicable policies, regulations, and laws, including the requirements of the crowdfunding site, are followed. The Board reserves the right to terminate any approved crowdfunding campaign or refuse any donation for any reason and at any time. The approval of a crowdfunding request shall not be deemed an assurance that the subsequent funds shall be accepted by the District. D. Receipt and Allocation of Donations All monetary donations will be made payable to and deposited into an account designated by the SAU business office. All in-kind donations must be inventoried in accordance with Board policy and District procedures. Prior to an expenditure of funds, the Board shall follow any required statutory process under RSA 198:20-b and board policy for the acceptance of gifts and the expenditure of unanticipated revenue. All donations, regardless of their form, obtained through crowdfunding on behalf of the District are school property. As a general matter, the employee who completed an approved crowdfunding campaign should be given preference in the use of the donations obtained. Employees shall only use donations from a crowdfunding campaign for the approved purpose stated in the campaign. The Board reserves the right to transfer donations to a different use at the Board’s sole discretion. E. Record Keeping After donations obtained through an approved crowdfunding campaign have been utilized, the employee must file a written report with the Superintendent or Building Principal detailing how the donations were used and how students benefited. Such records will be forwarded to the District’s business office. Legal References: RSA 198:20-b – Appropriation for Unanticipated Funds Made Available During Year Category: Recommended Related Policies: EHAB, GBEBC, JJE, JLCF, JRA & KCD 1st Read: September 6, 2022 2nd Read: September 20, 2022 Adopted: September 20, 2022 [post_title] => DFGA - Crowd Funding [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dfga-crowd-funding [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-09-29 10:10:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-09-29 14:10:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=6269 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [74] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 284 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:19:03 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:19:03 [post_content] => All income payable to the District and all revenue received will be deposited with the Treasurer, who will credit it to the appropriate account. The School Board will determine when other depositories are needed and will name them by resolution. Depositories will be selected only after careful review of fiscal practices and ability to meet the safety and service criteria of the District. GATE RECEIPTS, FEES AND ADMISSIONS: Admission receipts and fees from school events shall be controlled and reported in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The principal (or designee) is responsible for the administration and supervision of all phases of school events for which an admission or fee is charged. Adequate records shall be maintained by the principal to provide chronological and accounting data for subsequent review and analysis. The Board requires the timely deposit of all receipts, categorized by activity, to an account within the general fund. Money received for interscholastic and co-curricular events may be used to reimburse or purchase goods and/or services not covered under the regular budget, at the discretion of the building principal (or designee), and the approval of the Business Administrator. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES SALES: No equipment or supplies shall be disposed of until permission has been received from the Business Administrator. He/She shall determine whether the material involved has salable value, and if such shall be the case, he/she shall arrange for the sale of the material. If material does not have salable value, the proper disposal of the equipment and/or supplies shall be determined by the Business Administrator. STUDENT ACTIVITIES FUND MANAGEMENT: The principal of the school shall be responsible for the proper administration of the financial activities of the student activities fund in accordance with state law and appropriate accounting practices and procedures. All monies collected shall be deposited to the student activities account at the local banks. All payments made from the student activities account shall have approval of the principal or his/her designee. Monies raised by student organizations or class activities must be expended for the benefit of students. Student activity accounts are subject to auditing at any time by Business Administrator or his/her designee. Category: O 1st Read: November 13, 2012 2nd Read: December 18, 2013 Adopted: December 18, 2013 [post_title] => DG - Depository of Funds [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dg-depository-of-funds [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 17:19:03 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:19:03 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=284 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [75] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 299 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 18:00:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 18:00:20 [post_content] => The Superintendent is directed to create internal controls to ensure that contracts, checks and other official documents are accurate, authorized and signed by the appropriate persons and that necessary actions are taken to prevent mistakes, fraud, embezzlement and District liability, and to comply with applicable state or federal laws and regulations. In general, the Superintendent or their designee may sign documents on behalf of the District or the Board. When a signature of one Board member is required, the Chair, or in his/her absence, the Vice Chair, is authorized to sign on behalf of the Board. Other District personnel and District officials (e.g., Treasurer, school nurses, etc.) are authorized to sign documents or instruments on behalf of the District or School Board as required by any statute, regulation, or Board policy or as directed by the Superintendent. Execution of a document on behalf of the District or the Board is indication by the person so signing that the document is accurate, has been adequately approved by the Board or other District personnel as appropriate and necessary, and is in the best interest of the District. Electronic signatures may be used if in accordance with Board Policy. Legal References: RSA 197:23-a, Treasurer’s Duties RSA 294-E, Uniform Electronic Transfers Act Category: R 1st Read: September 1, 2015 2nd Read: October 6, 2015 Adopted: October 6, 2015 1st Read: January 4, 2022 2nd Read: January 18, 2022 Adopted: January 18, 2022 [post_title] => DGA - Authorized Signatures [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dga-authorized-signatures [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-01-28 11:04:20 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-01-28 16:04:20 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=299 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [76] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 286 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:21:51 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:21:51 [post_content] => State law requires that the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer be bonded. The District will arrange a Public Officials Bond to cover the Treasurer and each Assistant Treasurer, if any, in the amount of $100,000. It is the practice that any employee who administers student activity money shall be bonded. Any employee who administers funds for the District will be bonded appropriately. The District will arrange a Blanket Position Bond, including a Faithful Performance endorsement, in the amount of $100,000 on all employees who administer funds for the District. Legal Reference:RSA 197:22, Treasurer's Bond
Category: R 1st Read: October 16, 2012 2nd Read: May 7, 2013 Adoption: May 7, 2013 [post_title] => DH - Bonded Employees [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dh-bonded-employees [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 17:21:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:21:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=286 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [77] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3202 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-11 11:56:35 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-11 16:56:35 [post_content] => The District’s accounting system will be in conformance with the New Hampshire Financial Accounting Handbook published by the State Department of Education. An adequate system of encumbrance accounting will be maintained. The following purposes must be satisfied by the accounting system:- Administrative Control: The financial records must be adequate to guide the making or deferring of purchases, the expanding or curtailing of programs, and the controlling of expenses. Current data should be immediately available and, in such form, that periodic summaries may be readily made from the data.
- Budget Preparation: The financial records must be adequate to serve as a guide to budget estimates of subsequent years, and to hold expenditures to the amounts appropriated. Accounts are to be kept for each item for which separate budget estimates must be made. An adequate code of expenditure accounts will be used.
- Accounting for Stewardship: The financial records of the district must be adequate to show that those in charge have handled funds within the framework of law and in accordance with Board policy.
- For each account in the district’s budget: the appropriation, appropriation transfers, expenditures, encumbrances, and unencumbered balance.
- For each purchase order: the name of vendor, description of the item involved, the amounts, the call for bids if required, and an abstract of the bids received. Purchase order sets will be pre-numbered, and each set accounted.
- For each purchase: the purchase order information above, plus the record of the receipt and condition of goods, the invoice and the record of payment.
- For each income account: the budget estimate, the estimates as revised periodically, the receipts to date, and the balance anticipated.
- Offsetting revenues received will be credited to the appropriate revenue account as defined by the State Department of Education. Refunds received will offset an expense account. Refunds received on expenses from the prior year will be credited to the Refund from Prior Year revenue account.
- Restricted Fund Balance – Amounts for which constraints have been placed on the use of the resources externally imposed by creditor, grantors, contributors, or laws/regulations of other governments. Any year-end balances in grant or food service funds are restricted fund balances.
- Committed Fund Balance – Amounts that can be used only for specific purposes pursuant to constraints imposed by formal action of the legislative body (School District Meeting).
- Assigned Fund Balance – Amounts that are constrained by the School District’s intent to be used for a specific purpose but are neither restricted nor committed. This intent can be expressed by the School Board or through the Board delegating this responsibility to the Superintendent or their designee. Prior year encumbrances are considered assigned fund balances which reflect goods and services ordered or contracted for which will be received or rendered in the subsequent year. Assigned Fund Balance also includes various rebates received and designated for specific use.
- Unassigned Fund Balance – the portion of fund balance that has not been restricted, committed, or assigned for a specific purpose. Unassigned fund balance may be designated for a specific purpose via a warrant article that was voted upon, such as funding capital reserves or trust funds using year-end unassigned fund balance during the next fiscal year.
NH Statute 198:20-c, Trust Funds Created for Specific Purposes; Expenditures; Administration RSA35:1-c, Establishment of Reserves Authorized
Category: O 1st Read: February 3, 2015 2nd Read: March 3, 2015 Adopted: March 3, 2015 [post_title] => DIB - Trust Funds [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dib-trust-funds [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 17:26:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:26:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=288 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [80] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 289 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:29:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:29:02 [post_content] => CAPITAL (FIXED) ASSETS The ConVal School District has invested in a broad range of capital assets that are used in the school system’s operations. The Superintendent will designate the person responsible for managing the District’s capital assets and maintaining the fixed assets inventory. In accounting for capital assets, the District will implement the standards required by Statement 34 of the Government Accounting Standards Board. Capital assets are real or personal property that have a value equal to or greater than the capitalization threshold of the particular classification of asset, and have an estimated useful life of greater than one year. Capital assets include:- Land
- Land Improvements (not depreciable)
- Land Improvements (depreciable)
- Infrastructure
- Construction in Progress
- Leasehold Improvements
- Buildings and Building Improvements
- Vehicles
- Furniture, Equipment & Machinery
RSA 197:25, Auditors RSA 671:5, School District Elections: Auditors
Category: R Adopted: April 2, 1991 Reaffirmed: August 14, 2001 Reviewed: November 13, 2012 [post_title] => DIE - Audits [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => die-audits-2 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-11 12:07:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-11 17:07:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=301 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [82] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 291 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:35:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:35:46 [post_content] => The function of purchasing is to serve the educational program by providing the necessary supplies, equipment, and services. The acquisition of supplies, equipment, and services will be centralized in the business office, which functions under the supervision of the Superintendent, and through whose office all purchasing transactions are conducted. While the School Board assigns the Superintendent the responsibility for the quality and quantity of purchases made, the Business Administrator shall be responsible for all phases of purchasing in accordance with school board policy; for requisitions, current order purchasing, writing of specifications for bids, deliveries, storages, and other tasks related to the purchases, acceptance and distribution of supplies. The prime guidelines governing this responsibility are that all purchases fall within the framework of budgetary limitations and that they be consistent with the approved educational goals and programs of the District. Category: R Adopted: April 2, 1991 Amended: September 18, 2012 Reviewed: January 5, 2023 [post_title] => DJ - Purchasing [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dj-purchasing [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-01-13 08:54:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-01-13 13:54:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=291 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [83] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 293 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:41:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:41:54 [post_content] => Petty cash funds may be established for schools, the SAU office, and special programs when they will expedite the purchase of minor items and/or provide immediate payment for minor services. Expenditures against these funds must be itemized and documented with receipts and will be charged to the applicable budget code. After a budget item is exhausted, no expenditures against the item may be made from petty cash. Authorization for the disbursement of petty cash funds must be signed by the principal and approved by the Business Administrator. All petty cash accounts will be subject to the annual audit. Category: R 1st Board Reading: August 14, 2001 Board Adoption: September 18, 2001 Amended: September 18, 2012 [post_title] => DJC - Petty Cash Accounts [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => djc-petty-cash-accounts [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 17:41:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:41:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=293 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [84] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3833 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2019-07-18 10:37:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-07-18 14:37:46 [post_content] => It shall be the policy of the school district to purchase locally, provided goods of equal quality and at competitive prices are available from local suppliers. The district purchasing agent should not feel bound to purchase any item locally that can be secured at a saving to the school district from outside sources, nor shall he or she feel bound to purchase locally unless adequate service and delivery can be given by the local supplier. April 2, 1991 [post_title] => DJD -- Local Purchasing [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => djd-local-purchasing [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-07-18 10:37:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-07-18 14:37:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3833 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [85] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 294 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:44:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:44:24 [post_content] => All contracts for, and purchases of supplies, materials, equipment, and contractual services in the amount of $15,000 or more, shall be based, when feasible, on at least three competitive bids. All purchases less than $15,000 in amount may be made in the open market but shall, when possible and reasonable, be based on at least three competitive quotations or prices. All purchases made in the open market shall be completed after careful pricing. When bidding procedures are used, bids shall be advertised appropriately. Suppliers shall be invited to have their names placed on mailing lists to receive invitations to bid. When specifications are prepared, they will be mailed to all merchants and firms who have indicated an interest in bidding. All bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes, addressed to the School Board, and plainly marked with the name of the bid and the time of the bid opening. Bids shall be opened at the time specified and all bidders and other persons shall be invited to be present. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to accept that bid which appears to be in the best interest of the District. The Board reserves the right to waive any formalities in, or reject, any or all bids or any part of any bid. Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the scheduled time for the opening of bids. Any bid received after the time and date specified shall not be considered. The Board also reserves the right to negotiate with a bidder when all bids exceed the budgeted appropriation. The bidder to whom the award is made shall be required to enter into a written contract with the District. Legal References:RSA 194-C:4 II (a), Superintendent Services NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 303.01 (b), Substantive Duties of School Boards
Category: R 1st Read: September 17, 2013 2nd Read: June 3, 2014 Adopted: June 3, 2014 [post_title] => DJE - Bidding Requirements [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dje-bidding-requirements [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 17:44:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:44:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=294 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [86] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 295 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:47:01 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:47:01 [post_content] => In keeping with the District’s desire for efficient fiscal management, the following procedure for payment of its liabilities is in effect: Payment by the Treasurer will be authorized on the basis of two (or more) School Board members. In order that Board Members be fully informed, and have the opportunity to ask questions concerning payment, a copy of the detailed check register will be noticed to the Board in advance, upon completion of the preparation of that manifest. In the event that a Board Member requests that a particular vendor payment be held for additional questions, that Board Member will contact the Business Administrator directly, and that particular check will be held until the matter has been resolved. All manifests, supported by original invoices, must be certified by the Business Administrator and must be approved by a majority of the School Board, immediately following the certification. Moneys drawn on the District’s general fund or any special fund other than activity and principal funds will require the signature of the Treasurer. Payments drawn on the activity and principal funds will require the signature of the building principal or their designee. The activity advisor shall not be an authorized signer. All payments or disbursements involving Federal Grant Funds, shall comply with the provisions of Board policy DAF -Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200). Electronic payments to vendors may be made according to the procedure outlined in policy DGA (Authorized Signatures). Functions of the Treasurer may be carried out in the Treasurer’s absence by a duly appointed Deputy Treasurer. The Board strictly prohibits any person from signing a blank check and physical (paper) checks will be pre-numbered. Legal References: RSA 197:23-a, Treasurer’s Duties RSA 294-E, Uniform Electronic Transfers Act Category: R 1st Read: May 5, 2015 2nd Read: October 6, 2015 Adopted: October 6, 2015 Revised/Re-adopted: 1st Read: April 19, 2022 2nd Read: May 3, 2022 Adopted: May 3, 2022 [post_title] => DK - Payment Procedures [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dk-payment-procedures [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-07-28 06:43:23 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-07-28 10:43:23 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=295 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [87] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 296 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:53:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:53:11 [post_content] => All wages earned by employees will be paid through the business office. Payroll procedures are dependent on accurate accounting of hours worked. The process for this will be established by the Superintendent and carried out by administrative personnel. Compensation records kept by the business office will reflect an accurate history of the compensation and related benefits paid to each employee. Pay Day Schedule The School District pays salaries on a regular schedule throughout the school year. There will be no salary advances. Salary Deductions Salary deductions are allowed within the limits of the accounting software and/or procedures equipment. All salary deductions, other than those regulated by federal or state laws, will be deducted only upon written approval of the employee. Legal Reference:RSA 194-C:4 (II) (a), Superintendent Services
Category: R 1st Read: September 18, 2012 2nd Read: November 13, 2012 Adopted: November 13, 2012 Reviewed: August 17, 2021 [post_title] => DKA - Payroll Procedures [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dka-payroll-procedures [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-05-02 12:17:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-05-02 16:17:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=296 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [88] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 297 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:54:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:54:52 [post_content] => Monies collected by school employees and by student treasurers shall be handled with prudence. All monies collected shall be receipted, accounted for, and directed without delay to the proper location of deposit. In no case shall monies be left overnight in schools, except in safes provided for safekeeping of valuable. All vending machines shall be emptied of cash daily. All schools shall provide for making bank deposits after regular banking hours in order to avoid leaving money in school overnight. This policy shall be well publicized to deter burglary attempts. The School District shall procure and maintain fidelity bonds in reasonable amounts, in order to protect against the loss of money, securities, and checks by actual destruction, disappearance, or wrongful abstraction from within all premises and also while off any premises. Such coverage will include a commercial blanket bond covering employee dishonesty, and may include a comprehensive dishonest, disappearance, and destruction bond, with optional coverages depending on the exposures at various locations. Category: R April 2, 1991 Amended: August 14, 2012 Amended: October 16, 2012 [post_title] => DM - Cash In School Buildings [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => dm-cash-in-school-buildings [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 17:54:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 17:54:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 264 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=297 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [89] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5626 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2021-10-28 13:52:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-10-28 17:52:06 [post_content] => No equipment or supplies shall be disposed of until permission has been received from the Superintendent’s office. The Superintendent and or designee will determine whether the material involved has salable value, and if such shall be the case, authorize the sale of the material. If the material does not have salable value, the proper disposal of the books, equipment, and/or supplies shall be determined by the Business Administrator and disposed of in such a way as to be environmentally safe.- Single items up to $500 in value may be sold by the Business Administrator.
- Single items, which may exceed $500 in value, are to be sold by sealed bids presented to the Business Administrator.
- Items remaining unsold after advertising shall be declared non-salvageable and shall be disposed of in the most expeditious manner, and whenever possible items will be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.
- The material in question exists in quantities exceeding the possibility of effective use by the District.
- The material is unsound, out-of-date, inaccurate, or in an unusable condition.
- The material is occupying space that could be otherwise be used for educational programs and the material is not in current demand or is not anticipated to be in demand in the foreseeable future.
- If the materials were originally purchased with federal grant money, their disposal must follow the procedures that were mandated by the federal grant.
- By selling to the highest bidder or whatever other business arrangement is in the best interest of the School District.
- When practicable, the District shall donate such items to charitable organizations and schools.
- By giving such items to local citizens.
- By removal to a town transfer station and/or environmentally safe facility.
RSA 200:40, Emergency Care RSA 281-A:64, III, Worker’s Compensation, Safety Provisions; Administrative Penalty NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(a)(2), Policy Development, Safety NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(d), Safety, Procedures
Category: P See also Policy JLI 1st Reading: April 15, 2008 2nd Reading: July 22, 2008 Adopted: July 22, 2008 Amended: July 16, 2013 [post_title] => EB - Safety Program [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => eb-safety-program [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 18:48:26 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 18:48:26 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 266 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=305 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [91] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2673 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-05-10 12:31:57 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-05-10 16:31:57 [post_content] => The Board recognizes that effective learning and teaching takes place in a safe, secure and welcoming environment and that safe schools contribute to improved attendance, increased student achievement and community support. The practice of safety shall be considered a facet of the instructional programming of the District schools by incorporating concepts of safety appropriately geared to students at different grade levels. The Superintendent shall be responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive safety plan for the District, taking into account applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and best practices. The general safety plan will include the District-wide Crisis Prevention and Response Plan, and site-specific Emergency Response Plan for each school required under Board policy EBCA. General areas of emphasis shall include, but not be limited to: in-service training; accident recordkeeping; plant inspection; driver and vehicle safety programs; fire prevention; catastrophe planning; and emergency procedures and traffic safety problems relevant to students and employees.- Procedures that address the supervision and security of school buildings and grounds.
- Procedures that address the safety and supervision of students during school hours and school sponsored activities.
- Procedures that address persons visiting school buildings and attending school-sponsored activities.
- Training programs for staff and students in crisis prevention and management.
- Training programs for staff and students in emergency response procedures that include practice drills.
- Training programs for staff and students in how to recognize and respond to behavior or other information that may indicate impending violence or other safety problems.
- Training and support for students that aims to relieve the fear, embarrassment and peer pressure associated with reporting behavior that may indicate impending violence or other safety problems.
- Procedures for safe, confidential reporting of security and safety concerns at each school building.
- Procedures for regular assessments by school security/safety professionals and law enforcement officers to evaluate the security needs of each school building and to provide recommendations for improvements if necessary.
- Procedures for regular assessments of school climate to determine whether students feel safe and to provide recommendations for improvements in school climate at each district building.
- Procedures to provide for regular communications between district officials, law enforcement officers, fire department officials, city and county officials and local medical personnel to discuss crisis prevention and management strategies, including involvement by these parties in the development and revision of crisis prevention and management plans.
- Training programs for staff and students in safety precautions and procedures related to fire prevention, natural disaster response, accident prevention, public health, traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety, environmental hazards, civil defense, classroom and occupational safety, and special hazards associated with athletics and other extracurricular activities.
- Procedures for the reporting of criminal activity to law enforcement. Each building principal shall be responsible for the supervision and implementation of the safe school program at his or her school. The principal shall submit annually, in the manner and by the date specified by the State Board of Education, a written report to the Board of Education concerning the learning environment in the school during that school year. The report shall contain, at a minimum, the information required by law.
- District and building level procedures to assure timely safe schools reporting to law enforcement the N.H. Department. of Education and the School Board as required under RSA 193-D:4.
NH Code of Administrative Rules – Section Ed. 306.12(b)(1), School Health Services Appendix KFD-R, NH Department of Safety Incident Report Form
Category: R See also Policies EBBC & JLCE 1st Reading: July 16, 2013 2nd Reading: September 17, 2013 Adopted: September 17, 2013 [post_title] => EBBB - Reporting Accidents Involving Physical Harm of Students [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ebbb-reporting-accidents-involving-physical-harm-of-students [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 18:51:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 18:51:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 266 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=306 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [93] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 307 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 18:57:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 18:57:11 [post_content] => All school personnel have responsibilities regarding injuries and emergencies as follows: 1. Administering first aid and/or summoning medical assistance 2. Notifying administration 3. Notifying parents/guardians 4. Filing accident reports School personnel must use reasonable judgment in handling accident cases. Caution should be exercised not to minimize or maximize any injuries or emergency. Personnel will understand the proper steps to be taken in the event of an injury or emergency, including appropriate activation of EMS and obtaining additional staff assistance when possible. Personnel shall also understand their role as it relates to the District’s Emergency Response Plan. If a school nurse or licensed practical nurse is not available to a school for any reason, at least one other person who has a current first aid and cardiopulmonary certification (CPR), including AED training, (automated external defibrillator) will be available (per Ed 306.12). Also required is annual training of the Health Office delegatee and other authorized staff in assisting in the administration of an Epi-pen, a metered dose inhaler, and/or an opioid antagonist. Being available means they must be on school grounds during school hours or present at scheduled school activities so that they can provide emergency care immediately, without prior notification to parents/guardians. However, parents/guardians shall be promptly notified after emergency assistance has been provided. All accidents judged to be other than minor require an accident report to be filled out and filed with the Principal and SAU Office within 24 hours of the incident per policy EBBB. The District makes it possible for parents to subscribe to student accident insurance at low rates. The program is offered each year during September. The District does not provide student accident insurance. At the beginning of each school year, the Principal shall review the policy on accidents and accident reporting with staff. Each school may adopt procedures consistent with this policy for its effective implementation. (Include in Staff Handbook) Legal Reference: RSA 200:40, Ed 306.12 See also: JLCE Category: P 1st Read: February 16, 2016 2nd Read: April 5, 2016 Adopted: April 5, 2016 [post_title] => EBBC - Emergency Care and First Aid (Student Accidents and Accident Reports) [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ebbc-first-aid-and-emergency-care-student-accidents-and-accident-reports [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-05-17 12:19:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-05-17 16:19:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=307 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [94] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 308 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 18:59:39 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 18:59:39 [post_content] => In order to ensure that all school buildings have adequate indoor air quality, the Board directs the Superintendent to address methods of minimizing or eliminating emissions from buses, cars, delivery vehicles, and other motorized vehicles. The Superintendent may delegate the implementation of these methods to the Facilities Director. The Board encourages the Superintendent to utilize methods and recommendations established by various State agencies. In addition to addressing methods eliminating emissions, the Facilities Director is directed to annually investigate air quality in school buildings using a checklist provided by the New Hampshire Department of Education. In support of this policy, the Superintendent is authorized to establish regulations and/or administrative rules necessary to implement anti-idling and clear air measures aimed at improving indoor air quality. Legal References: RSA 200:11-a, Investigation of Air Quality RSA 200:48, Air Quality in Schools NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(a)(24), Air Quality in School Buildings NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section 306.07(a)(4), School Facilities Category: Priority/Required by Law 1st Reading: November 5, 2019 2nd Reading: November 19, 2019 Adoption: November 19, 2019 [post_title] => EBBD - Indoor Air Quality [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ebbd-indoor-air-quality [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-11-20 13:24:33 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-11-20 18:24:33 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=308 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [95] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 309 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:03:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:03:20 [post_content] =>Category: Recommended Related Policies: ADD, EB, EBCD, EG, JICK & JLCJA
Related Administrative Procedures: EBCA-R & EG-R
The Board recognizes that schools are subject to a number of potentially dangerous events, such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, acts of terrorism, and other violent events. No school is immune from these events no matter the size or location. The Board is committed to the prevention of these events, to the extent possible, in the schools and at school-sponsored activities.
- Site-specific Emergency Operations Plan (RSA 189:64). Each school shall develop a site-specific school emergency operations plan (“EOP”) based on and conforming with the Incident Command System and the National Incident Management System and pursuant to RSA 189:64.
Each Emergency Operations Plan will address hazards as including, but not limited to: acts of violence, threats, natural disasters, fire, hazardous materials, medical emergencies, and other hazards deemed necessary by the School Board or local emergency authorities.
School building principals shall annually review their site-specific EOP and submit updated plans (or report of no changes) to the Superintendent or designee for review by August 1.
If, after such review, the plan remains unchanged, then the Superintendent or designee in conjunction with the building principal shall notify the New Hampshire Department of Safety and/or the New Hampshire Department of Education by October 15 that the plan is unchanged. If an Emergency Operations Plan is updated/revised, the Superintendent or designee in conjunction with the building principal shall submit the updated Emergency Operations Plan to the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management of the Department of Safety by October 15.
All-hazard and fire evacuation drills shall be conducted annually pursuant to Board policy EBCB.
- District-wide Crisis Prevention and Response Plan.
The Superintendent, in consultation with appropriate personnel, and in coordination with local emergency authorities, shall develop a District-wide Crisis Prevention and Response Plan (the “District Crisis Plan”). The District Crisis Plan shall serve as a compilation of each site-specific Emergency Operations Plan for each District school and shall include the current Sports Injury Emergency Action Plan as required under Board policy JLCJA and RSA 200:40-c.
The District-wide Crisis Plan will include provisions addressing coordination of crisis prevention and responses between and among the different schools, grounds, school buses, and other facilities of the District.
The District Crisis Plan shall be updated and provided to the Board for review by October 31 each year (i.e., after the site-specific EOP’s are submitted to the state).
- Coordination. The Superintendent will establish a relationship with local and state emergency services
(e.g., police, fire, ambulance, etc.). Unless otherwise provided in a site-specific EOP, the District-wide Crisis Prevention and Response Plan or the District Communication Plan, the Superintendent, or his/her designee, will serve as the coordinator/liaison with these authorities. Additionally, the Superintendent should designate personnel to explore the availability of any training or support provided by the New Hampshire Departments of Education and/or Safety associated with risk assessment, crisis management, and other matters related to this policy.
Legal References:
RSA 189:64, Emergency Response Plans
RSA 193-D, Safe School Zones
RSA 193-F, Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention
RSA 200:40-c, Emergency Plans for Sports Related Injuries
N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule, Ed. 306.04(a)(2), Promoting School Safety
1st Read: May 16, 2023
2nd Read: May 16, 2023
Adopted: May 16, 2023
[post_title] => EBCA - Crisis Prevention and Emergency Response Plans [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => crisis-prevention-and-emergency-response-plans [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-09-19 09:25:45 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-09-19 13:25:45 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=309 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [96] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 310 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:18:57 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:18:57 [post_content] => Fire drills will be scheduled by the building principal pursuant to state statute and/or the New Hampshire Department of Safety. Exceptions to the frequency of such drills may be granted pursuant to state law. The purpose of a fire drill is to train students, under staff direction, to move safely, quickly, and quietly from any location within the building to an assigned evacuation area outside. The building principal is responsible for creating fire drill routes and procedures, and for maintaining all documentation relative to fire drills. Legal Reference:NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section SAF-C 6008.04, 6008.05, State Fire Code, Building Safety
Category: R 1st Read: September 17, 2013 2nd Read: October 1, 2013 Adopted: October 1, 2013 [post_title] => EBCB - Fire Drills [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ebcb-fire-drills [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 19:18:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:18:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 266 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=310 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [97] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3250 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-27 14:05:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-27 19:05:17 [post_content] => State of New Hampshire Department of Safety Richard M. Flynn, Commissioner Office of the State Fire Marshall 10 Hazen Dr. Concord NH 03305 (603) 271-3294, Fax (603) 271-1091 Information Bulletin 99-2 August 1999 FIRE EXIT DRILLS IN EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES The 1997 edition of the NTFPA 101 Life Safety Code has been adopted as part of the New Hampshire State Fire Code (Section SAF-C 8008.03), effective July 1, 1999. Section 11-7 of the Life Safety Code establishes the requirements for fire exit drills in educational occupancies. Section 11-7, 1.2.1 has been amended in New Hampshire to encourage schools and communities to plan and practice for events such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Two of the required monthly fire drills may be replaced with “two natural hazard drills” provided that:- An emergency response plan has been placed on file with the fire chief and the NH Office of Emergency Management.
- The fire chief has approved the elimination of the two fire drills.
RSA 158:9, Possession of Explosives RSA 644, Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses
Category: Recommended 1st Read: September 17, 2013 2nd Read: March 4, 2014 Adopted: March 4, 2014 [post_title] => EBCC - Bomb Threats [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ebcc-bomb-threats [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-07-18 11:13:26 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-07-18 15:13:26 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=311 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [99] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 312 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:24:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:24:23 [post_content] => The Superintendent shall establish criteria and procedures for emergency closings of the schools. Students, parents, and staff shall be informed early in each school year of the procedures which will be used to notify them in case of emergency closing, whether action is taken before or during school hours. When schools are closed for emergency reasons, staff members shall comply with Board policy in reporting for work. Category: R 1st Read: September 17, 2013 2nd Read: October 1, 2013 Adopted: October 1, 2013 [post_title] => EBCD - Emergency Closings [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ebcd-emergency-closings [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 19:24:23 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:24:23 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 266 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=312 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [100] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 313 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:26:28 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:26:28 [post_content] => No school, office, or system event cancellation or delay will be made without the direct authorization of the Superintendent of Schools. In the event the Superintendent is unavailable, such decisions will be made by the Assistant Superintendent or designee. Announcements: When the Superintendent decides it is necessary to delay opening or close any facility or school or cancel any school event, the Superintendent will initiate all related communications to the public by radio, television, website, or other available means. Delayed Opening of Schools: The Superintendent may delay the opening of schools upon determining that weather conditions appear extremely hazardous to operate school buses at the regular early morning hours, but that travel conditions will appreciably improve later in the morning. The public announcement will report the time of the delayed opening. Schools and offices shall close on the regular schedules. After-school activities and events will not be affected by a delayed opening. Closing of Schools for the Entire Day: When the Superintendent determines that weather or other conditions exist or will develop that would make it unwise to open one or more schools any time during the day, the announcement communicated to media sources shall state either the specific school(s) that are closed or that all schools are closed. If school is closed for the entire day, all evening programs may be canceled. Afternoon and Evening Program Cancellations: When schools are open to the end of the school day, but weather or other conditions deteriorate in the late afternoon, the Superintendent may decide to cancel afternoon and evening programs. Schools and offices should plan and communicate alternate dates and times to hold programs or events. Weekend Closings: When weather or other conditions are predicted or develop that would make it hazardous to operate weekend programs or events, the Superintendent is responsible for decisions regarding cancellations and for notifying the appropriate media. Students, parents, and staff shall be informed early in each school year of the procedures which will be used to notify them in case of emergency closings, whether action is taken before or during school hours. When schools are closed for emergency reasons, staff members shall comply with Board policy in reporting for work. Category: R See Also Policy EBCD 1st Read: August 24, 2020 2nd Read: September 1, 2020 Adopted: September 1, 2020 [post_title] => EBCE - School Closings [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ebce-school-closings [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-09-11 17:15:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-09-11 21:15:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=313 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [101] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6288 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2022-10-06 10:11:53 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-06 14:11:53 [post_content] => The Board recognizes that a pandemic/epidemic is a serious threat that stands to affect students, staff, and the community as a whole. The Board establishes this policy in the event the town/ municipality and/or school district is affected by a pandemic or epidemic. At all times the health, safety and welfare of the students shall be the first priority. The District shall follow the advice and recommendations from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (“NH DHHS”), the New Hampshire Department of Education, and the United States Public Health Services Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”). Planning and Coordination Planning for a pandemic requires a multi-faceted effort, and school preparedness should include input from a team of individuals to address their specific areas of expertise. The Superintendent shall designate one or more employees to serve as a liaison between the school district and local and State health officials. This designee is responsible for communicating with health officials to identify local hazards, determine what crisis plans exist in the school district and community, and to establish procedures to account for student well-being and safety during such a crisis. The designee shall work with local health officials to coordinate their pandemic/epidemic plans with that of the school district. The Board encourages the designee to become a member of the Health Alert Network through the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services. With fiscal concerns in mind, the district may purchase and store supplies necessary for an epidemic/pandemic response, including but not limited to disinfectant products, face masks, water, examination gloves, and other supplies as recommended by the school nurse. The Superintendent may engage with such other local medical professionals as may assist the District in its local response to a health crisis. Response In the event anyone within the school is discovered or suspected to have a communicable disease during a pandemic that may result in transmission to other students, faculty, or staff, that person shall be immediately isolated pending further medical examination. The New Hampshire Communicable Disease Control Section of the Department of Health and Human Services shall be notified immediately. Infection Control Any student or staff member found to be infected with a communicable disease that may bear risk of transmission will be excluded from school until that individual's primary care physician or other medical personnel indicating that the individual does not bear the risk of transmitting the communicable disease provide medical clearance. Staff members who are forced to miss excessive days of work shall first use any leave entitled to them through the Family and Medical Leave Act and/or accrued sick leave. If a staff member has still not received medical clearance to resume his/her work duties, absences in excess of a staff member's allotted leave will not affect the employees right to continued employment. Continuance of Education Consistent with State Department of Education, the Superintendent is authorized to develop a plan of alternate means of educating students in the event of prolonged school closings and/or extended absences. Such a plan may include providing students with assignments via mail, electronic mail communication, digital platform(s), local access cable television, and/or the school district's website as well as any appropriate combination of on-site and off-site education services, supports, and instruction. The Superintendent is authorized to amend the traditional class schedule and schedule of days. Such a plan may include extending the school day, having school days held on Saturdays, the use of previously scheduled vacation days, and/or extend the school year beyond the previously established end of school year. Category O Legal References: Influenza Pandemic Public Health Preparedness & Response Plan, New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services, Updated March 2, 2006, www.dhhs.nh.gov/DHHS/CDCS/LIBRARY/Policy-Guideline/dphs-influenza-plan.htm Revised: February 2007 New Policy: August 2006 First Read: June 21, 2022 Second Read: July 19, 2022 Adopted: July 19, 2022 [post_title] => EBCF - Pandemic/Epidemic Emergencies [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ebcf-pandemic-epidemic-emergencies [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-10-06 10:20:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-10-06 14:20:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=6288 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [102] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6267 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2022-09-29 09:51:50 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-09-29 13:51:50 [post_content] => Students and employees of the District are expected to attend the schools of the district without being infected with serious communicable diseases. Nonetheless, the Board recognizes that staff, students, volunteers and others may come in contact with bloodborne pathogens, viruses and other communicable diseases during the school day or school sponsored activities, or may carry those pathogens, viruses and diseases unknowingly into the school community. The Board adopts this policy as a means to minimize risk and respond to these health concerns while respecting the rights of all students and employees, including those who are infected. As described in Board policy JLCG, RSA 200:39 permits the exclusion from school of students who exhibit symptoms of contagion, or are a hazard to him/herself or others. As provided in this policy, determinations as to inclusion or exclusion of students or employees with communicable diseases from school will take into account the educational implications for the student and others with whom he or she comes into contact, recommendations from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (“NHDHHS”), the New Hampshire Department of Education, and the United States Public Health Services Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”). Diseases which will implicate this policy, include, but are not necessarily limited to, HSV related diseases such as Chickenpox, Shingles, Hepatitis B, and Infectious Mononucleosis, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), or Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and other diseases which are from time-to-time identified by public health agencies such as the CDC and NHDHHS. 1. Students. It is the policy of the District that students with communicable diseases should not be excluded from attending school in their regular classrooms so long as their attendance results in a situation where the risk of transmission of illness to students or employees of the School District, or hazard to themselves, is negligible. All decisions regarding inclusion or exclusion shall be made consistent with this section and the procedures set forth in section B of this policy. 2. Employees. It is the policy of the School Board that employees (which for the purposes of this policy will include individual consultants/contractors, and volunteers) with communicable diseases not be excluded from attending to their customary employment and duties so long as they are physically able to perform tasks assigned to them and so long as their employment results in a situation where the risk of transmission of illness to students or other employees of the District, or hazard to themselves, is negligible. 3. Special Circumstances and Conditions. The School Board recognizes that some students or employees, because of age, disability or other special conditions, may pose greater risks for the transmission of communicable diseases than other persons infected with the same illness. Examples include children who display biting behavior and students and employees who are unable to control their body fluids or have uncovered wounds. These conditions need to be taken into account and considered in assessing the risk of transmission of the disease and the resulting effect upon the educational program of the student or employment of the employee. In the instance of diseases causing suppressed immunity, attendance may be denied to a child with suppressed immunity in order to protect the welfare of the child with suppressed immunity when others in the school have an infectious disease which, although not normally life threatening, could be life threatening to the child with suppressed immunity. A. PROCEDURES WHEN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE IS SUSPECTED: 1. Reporting. School District employees, including contracted individuals and/or agencies who are performing contracted responsibilities for the School District, and who become aware of a communicable disease or other potentially serious health problem regarding themselves, or of students or other employees, unless prohibited by statutory confidentiality, they will report it to the school nurse, or building Principal/designee. 2. Response. The health risk to others in the school district environment from the presence of a student or employee with a communicable disease shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. In all cases in which the school nurse, or other person designated by the Superintendent, becomes aware that a student or employee of the School District has contracted a communicable disease of the kind in section A of this policy, s/he will take the following steps:a. The parent/guardian(s) of a student will be contacted in order to discuss the situation and determine whatever facts are available; the same information will be communicated promptly among the Superintendent/designee, school nurse and Principal/designee.
b. Upon receiving written consent from the parent(s) or guardian of a student or, in the case of an employee, the employee or his/her health care agent (i.e., adult to whom authority to make health care decisions is delegated under an advance directive meeting the requirements of RSA 137-J:20), the school nurse/Superintendent’s designee will attempt to confer with the treating physician, if any, in order to determine any significant medical facts concerning the diagnosis of the disease or factors affecting the possible transmission of the disease.
c. Notify and consult with the health care professionals knowledgeable about the particular disease. Following such consultation, the school nurse, Superintendent or his/her designee, shall determine the immediate, short-term action to be taken relative to educational placement of the student or work assignment for the employee.
d. When a communicable disease of the kind identified in section A of this policy is suspected or confirmed in an individual, the school nurse shall consult with the Superintendent or designee and appropriate public health officials, to determine whether a student or employee shall be excluded from school or from attending to their customary employment, and whether additional measures are required to protect other members of the school population. Factors specific to individuals, such as biting behaviors, lack of control of body fluids, existence of uncovered wounds or other medically identifiable conditions may also be considered. Recommendations regarding the least restrictive educational placement for a student or continued attendance at work for an employee may be sought on a case by case basis. In addition to the information obtained in steps a-c, decisions to exclude shall consider criteria from NHDHHS Bureau of Infectious Disease included in its publication “When Children Should be Excluded or Dismissed from a Childcare Setting”, or the American Academy of Pediatrics’ “Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases”, or other general or specific guidance from the NHDHHS or the United States Centers for Disease Control.
i. Decisions regarding students. Unless the school nurse is unavailable, the ultimate decision to exclude a child from school under this Policy due to a contagious or communicable illness shall be made by the school nurse after consulting with the Superintendent/designee and Principal/designee. If the school nurse is unavailable, a decision to exclude shall be made by the Superintendent/designee. If the student is a student with an IEP, 504 Plan, or other such individualized learning plan, then decisions regarding alternative settings shall be made according to the applicable laws, regulations and policies. Students who are aggrieved by the education plan determinations may appeal said determinations pursuant to state and federal special education law if the infected student is eligible for or claims that s/he is eligible for special education or special education and related services. Excluded students who do not claim that they are eligible for special education or special education and related services, but who are aggrieved by the Superintendent's determinations, may appeal said determinations to the Board.
ii. Decisions regarding employees. Determinations regarding exclusion or reassignment of employees shall be made by the Superintendent/designee. Absent significant risk to the employee or risk of transmission to students or other employees, the Superintendent shall not alter the job assignment of the infected person. Volunteers are subject to any directives issued by the administration, as are contractors and consultants, subject to the terms of their respective agreements. If the Superintendent/designee, after taking the steps above, determines that there is a medically recognized risk of transmission of disease in the School setting or that a significant health problem restricts the infected person's ability to work, or presents a substantial hazard to the employee, the Superintendent/designee shall, if necessary, develop an individually tailored plan to accommodate the staff member if possible. Additional persons may be consulted if necessary for gaining additional information, but the infected person must approve of the notification of any additional persons who are informed of the infected person's identity. The Superintendent/designee may consult with legal counsel to ensure that any official action is consistent with state and federal law. If an individually tailored plan is necessary, said plan should be medically, legally, educationally and ethically sound.
iii. Testing, Social Distancing and Other Extraordinary Measures. Some infectious diseases, viruses, etc., may be so dangerous and or the risk of casual transmission so great, that effective response will require broader measures. Based upon specific recommendations of local, state and/or federal health authorities, the Superintendent is authorized to implement such additional, extraordinary emergency measures as may be necessary and appropriate to address the health risk: e.g., school closure, population exclusion (stay-at-home type instructions), mandatory screenings, mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE’s), social distancing orders, administrative leaves or temporary adjustments in duties. These provisions are intended to complement, not replace any provisions of Board policy Pandemic/Epidemic Emergencies. Such measures should be taken with prior notice to the Board, if practicable, or as soon as possible thereafter. The Board Chair may determine that the circumstances, or the measures implemented by the Superintendent, warrant a special or an emergency meeting of the School Board.
3. Practices to Minimize Contamination in Schools. Good hygiene practices as recommended by local, county and state health authorities are to be followed at all times when handling blood or other body fluids of any student or employee. Parents and employees are not generally required to advise the school if their child has a communicable disease. (Some exception may exist under specific legislation or Executive/emergency orders, in which, such legislation or Executive orders shall supersede this policy to the extent necessary to remove any conflict.) Because the District may not rely on self-reporting, it is appropriate to adopt procedures for the handling of body fluids from any child or employee. This also eliminates the need to notify all maintenance, transportation and building personnel if the District becomes aware of a student or employee with communicable diseases. It is recommended the following procedures be used on a routine basis when blood or any other body fluids including vomitus and fecal or urinary incontinence are involved.a. Gloves should be worn when cleaning up any body fluids. b. Spills should be cleaned up, the affected area washed with soap and water and disinfected with bleach (one-part bleach to ten parts water), or another disinfectant. c. All disposable materials, including gloves and diapers, should be discarded into a plastic bag before discarding in a conventional trash system. The mop should also be disinfected with the bleach solution described in B above. d. Toys and other personal non-disposable items should be cleaned with soap and water followed by disinfection with the bleach solution before passing to another person. A normal laundry cycle is adequate for other non-disposable items. e. Persons involved in the clean-up should wash their hands afterward. Additional precautions may be recommended or required in certain instances (e.g., social distancing, masks, etc.).
4. Confidentiality and Data Privacy. Public concern regarding communicable diseases is neither an excuse nor defense for the violation of data privacy rights of students or employees who have or are rumored to have such illnesses.A. Personally identifiable health information regarding students is private data and is not to be disseminated to the public or to staff without the strict observance of student privacy rights. B. Personally identifiable health data and information regarding employees is private data and may not be released to the public nor to fellow employees without strict observance of privacy rights of public employees. C. Parents of other children attending the school, or other school employees, may only be notified of a possible exposure to a communicable disease to the extent permitted, or required, under applicable law, regulations or Executive order. In general, such information will not identify the particular student or employee who has the disease. D. Any District employee who violates the confidentiality provisions of this policy shall be subject to discipline. A confidentiality breached by an independent contractor/consultant, could result in termination of the contract for cause.
5. Staff and Student Education. The School Board recognizes that the education of its residents, staff, and students regarding the risks involved in the spread of infectious diseases in the school setting will help to minimize the risk of transmission to other students and employees while protecting the rights of infected students and employees.A. All school district employees should receive instruction regarding appropriate hygienic practices for use in school settings, precautions to be employed where contagious diseases may be encountered and community resources for referral and information. B. Any information provided as part of a student’s instruction pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases shall comply with Board policy IHAM.
6. Implementation The Superintendent is authorized to implement this policy through and procedures, or administrative directives which s/he deems necessary or appropriate. The Contoocook Valley School District will work cooperatively with the Division of Public Health Services of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to enforce and adhere to the Public Health Code (Chapter He-P 300 Diseases) for the prevention, control, and containment of communicable disease in schools. To ensure adherence to current law and medical practices, these policies and administrative regulations will be reviewed annually by the school nurses. Legal References: RSA 189:1-a, Duty to Provide Education RSA 189:31, Removal of Teacher RSA 186-C, Special Education RSA 193:1, Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil RSA 193:3, Change of School or Assignment, Manifest Educational Hardship or Best Interest, Excusing Attendance RSA 200:32, Physical Examination of Student RSA 200:36, Medical Examination of School Personnel RSA 200:39, Exclusion from School Statutory Authority: RSA 141-C:6 NHDHHS Bureau of Infectious Disease’s: “When Children Should be Excluded or Dismissed from a Childcare Setting,” may be found at: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/childrendismissed.pdf 1st Read: September 6, 2022 2nd Read: September 20, 2022 Adopted: September 20, 2022 [post_title] => EBCG/JHCC - Communicable and Infectious Diseases [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ebcg-jhcc-communicable-and-infectious-diseases [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-09-29 09:59:47 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-09-29 13:59:47 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=6267 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [103] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 314 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:28:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:28:29 [post_content] => The Superintendent will have the general responsibility for the care, custody and safekeeping of all school property, establishing such procedures and employing such means as may be necessary to discharge this responsibility. At the building level, the Principal will be responsible for overseeing the school campus and for the proper care of school property by the staff and students. Legal References:RSA 198:15-b, Amount of Grant
Category: O 1st Read: September 17, 2013 2nd Read: October 1, 2013 Adopted: October 1, 2013 [post_title] => EC - Buildings and Grounds Management [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ec-buildings-and-grounds-management [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-27 14:48:44 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-27 19:48:44 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=314 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [104] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 315 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:30:19 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:30:19 [post_content] => The School Board will cooperate closely with local law enforcement and fire departments, and with insurance company inspectors. Records and funds will be kept in a safe, locked location. Access to school buildings and grounds outside of regular school hours will be limited to school personnel whose work requires it. An adequate key control system will be established to limit access to buildings to authorized personnel. School buildings will be closed and locked after the last school activity has concluded each day. A building being used by an authorized school or community group in the evening, or on non-school days, will be opened for such activity and secured again after its conclusion. A school district employee may be required on school grounds during the course of the activity. Classroom windows and doors are to be locked when the building is closed. In addition to this policy, the Superintendent is charged with establishing further safety and security provisions as may be necessary. The building principal is responsible for enforcing this policy. Category: R See ECA-R 1st Read: September 1, 2015 2nd Read: October 20, 2015 Adopted: October 20, 2015 [post_title] => ECA - Buildings And Grounds Security [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => eca-buildings-and-grounds-security [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-07-18 11:21:08 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-07-18 15:21:08 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=315 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [105] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2306 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2017-12-11 15:24:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-12-11 20:24:36 [post_content] => Introduction The procedures set forth below are designed to safeguard access to ConVal Schools for individuals who have legitimate reasons for being in the schools. These procedures have been established to properly identify all visitors to District buildings and regulate access in an effort to protect all students and staff. An effective access control policy will enhance the overall security of District buildings and prepare each building to respond to an emergency event. Employee Identification 1. All permanent employees will be issued photo identification/proximity reader cards by the District at the time of initial employment or transfer to a new position, including continuing and long-term substitutes. IDs will be provided either through the Human Resources Office. In a limited number of instances, the Superintendent or designee may authorize the Human Resources Office to issue an identification card to a contractor providing services to the District on a regular basis. 2. All temporary or seasonal employees will be issued an ID card, valid for the term of their employment with the District. This ID must be worn at all times, while on District property. 3. At the beginning of his/her shift, a substitute will report to the main school office where he/she may be asked to surrender their car keys in order to be issued keys to lock classroom doors. Classroom keys must be returned at the end of the day to the administrator or their designee. 4. Official photo identification must be worn at all times by employees so that the ID is easily recognizable to other employees, visitors and students. Additionally, employees with keys to classroom doors shall wear those keys on lanyards at all times to provide immediate access to the keys in the event of a lockdown. Alternatives to lanyards may be approved by a school administrator. 5. Should an employee forget to bring his or her ID card and keys to school, the main office will issue a lanyard with a proximity reader/non-photo identification card and keys which can lock any classroom door. The employee may be asked to render his/her driver’s license or other form of identification to the school secretary at the time the lanyard is provided. The identification will be returned to the employee when the lanyard is returned at the end of the day. 6. Upon receipt of a personnel action form terminating a staff member from the employ of the ConVal School District, the HR Office or school principal will remove the employee from the access control system. The principal shall also retrieve the ID card and keys from the employee at the time of separation from the District and forward it to the Human Resources Office. 7. Each employee must immediately report the loss of an employee identification card to the principal or principal’s designee. The school office must then make arrangements with the Human Resources Office or school principal’s office, as appropriate, for the employee to obtain a new identification card. 8. An employee will be provided with one free replacement card once every three years. Thereafter, the employee will be charge $10 for each additional replacement of his or her identification card within the three-year period. The District will reissue identification cards to all employees on an annual basis. 9. Employee identification may be accepted for access at every school, although employees other than ConVal School maintenance personnel must sign in on the visitor logs in schools to which they are not routinely assigned, as a record of who is in the building. 10. There will be a zero tolerance policy for employees releasing their issued employee identification cards to other unauthorized staff members, students or members of the public. Staff members found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Visitor Identification 1. All visitors are required to sign in at the school’s main office. 2. All schools will have a visitor log located in the main office for visitors to sign before proceeding further into the school. The visitor log shall consist of the date of the visit, the visitor’s full name, the time in and the time out, who he/she is visiting, and the purpose of the visit. 3. Each visitor will be required to display an official numbered school visitor pass on the outside of his/her clothing above the waist at all times until he/she signs out to leave the building. The pass will be a disposable sticker, and must include the visitor’s name as well as the school and date of the visit. 4. It is the responsibility of each visitor to sign out of the building each day and, if applicable, return his/her pass to the school office. 5. All visitor login sheets and other documents pertaining to visitor entry should be kept on file with the school for the duration of the school year. 6. All visitors to all school building main entrances and kitchen/loading dock doors will be screened by main office personnel viewing CCTV monitors and requesting visitors to state their names and business prior to entering the building. 7. School personnel have the authority to deny a visitor access to the building, and to request further identification before he or she is permitted to enter the building. In all cases where access is denied, an administrator shall be notified immediately of the circumstances of the denial. Personnel should not step outside of the building to conduct additional screening. If there is any indication that the visitor may be agitated, dangerous or unstable, the applicable Police Department should be immediately notified. Vendor/Contractor Identification 1. Any vendor or contractor requiring access beyond the main office, kitchen or loading areas shall be required to sign in as a visitor and receive a numbered temporary visitor’s pass. Vendors shall present appropriate identification, such as an employee’s identification badge or driver’s license. 2. When delivery supplies or working inside a District building, the principal may require the vendor to be accompanied by authorized school personnel. Occupancy Accountability 1. Each school must develop a procedure to access lists of all students present in the building at the point an emergency incident occurs at the school. These lists must be readily accessible and transferable during an emergency event. Each school should designate a primary and alternate staff member responsible for this task during any incident that requires occupancy information. 2. Any lists of adults present in the building shall be readily accessible and transferable during an emergency event, with a primary and alternative staff member responsible for this task during any incident that requires occupancy information. Access Control During the School Day – Classroom and Building Doors 1. All classroom doors must be shut and locked when classrooms are unoccupied. Custodial and mechanical closets must also be locked at all times unless ConVal maintenance staff is present. 2. Doors may be unlocked for morning entry points for arriving students and dismissal passage at the end of the school day. All entrances must be locked during the school day from the start of classes until dismissal. 3. Building administrators have the discretion to temporarily unlock doors during the school day for special school events that may require usage of these doors by parents and other visitors to the events. 4. All school doors opened for arriving students, student dismissals, visitors for special events and other occasions during the school day shall be monitored by school staff. 5. All schools, where applicable, will develop a system utilizing theatre style roping systems to funnel visitors into the main office for screening upon building entry. 6. Unauthorized opening of perimeter doors exposes buildings to undue risk and defeats the purpose of the security system developed by the District. Because of the seriousness of this violation, the Director of Facilities and school administrators must make all reasonable attempts to identify and take appropriate disciplinary action against offenders. School Dismissals 1. All schools must establish a dismissal process that allows for an orderly school dismissal, monitored by school personnel at each perimeter door utilized for the dismissal. 2. Schools shall follow the procedures for early dismissal of students as outlined in procedure JH-R, Student Attendance Procedures. 3. Any other special circumstances for dismissal, whether temporary or permanent, and requiring an older sibling, relative or neighbor to accompany a student must be authorized in writing and signed by the student’s parent or guardian. After School Activities and Security Procedures 1. Following the dismissal of students, all school doors not designated as after school entrances should be secured by the school personnel at those doors. Within 30 minutes after dismissal school maintenance/custodial/school staff will insure that these school doors are secured and locked. 2. If schools do require access for after school activities, unique procedures for each school must be developed to allow for specific doors to remain open for those activities. 3. Each after school/weekend activity will have a designated advisor who is responsible for ensuring the supervision of participants Access Control Program Administration 1. All access control technology and equipment will be purchased and maintained through the Facilities Department. Requests for repairs to access control technology and equipment must, therefore, be made through the Department’s work order process. 2. Any serious violations of access control policies and/or procedures may, in fact, be illegal and constitute trespassing or a violation of other criminal statutes. In circumstances where a criminal violation may exist, a report must be made immediately to the applicable Police Department. 3. In consultation with the Director of Facilities the Superintendent may authorize periodically conduct internal reviews or audits at the District or school level to assure compliance with policies and procedures. Keys 1. All new ConVal School District keys must be stamped with an identification number in order to be correctly tracked and inventoried. 2. All schools will be responsible for maintaining a key log provided by the Facilities Department. The key log will note each numbered key issued, who the key was issued to, what areas the key will unlock, and when the key was returned. 3. The school principal is responsible for ensuring that all keys are appropriately issued to new employees and documented through the key log, and for ensuring that all keys are appropriately returned and signed back in when an employee leaves the employ of the School District or transfers to another building. 4. An employee must immediately report a lost or missing key to the school principal or designee. 5. Inside master keys and outside master keys shall only be issued to administrative and maintenance staff. Outside master keys may only be issued to those staff members who have a pin code to arm/disarm the security alarm system. 6. There will be a zero tolerance policy for employees releasing their issued key(s) to other unauthorized staff members, students or members of the public. Staff members found in violation of this policy will be subjected to disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal. Alarm Codes 1. All requests to issue new alarm system pin codes or remove existing codes from the alarm system shall be approved by the Facilities Department. Staff members who do not hold an outside master key or have after-hours access privileges assigned to their access control employee identification card will not be issued an alarm system pin code. 2. It is the duty of the principal to immediately notify the Facilities Department of any staff member holding an alarm system pin code who leaves the employ of the District or transfers to another building. 3. Alarm system pin codes will only be issued to administrative staff, maintenance staff, and select school athletic staff. 4. There will be a zero tolerance policy for employees releasing their issued pin code to other staff members, students or members of the public. Staff members found in violation of this policy will be subjected to disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal. August 2016 [post_title] => ECA-R – Safe School Procedures [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => eca-r-safe-school-procedures [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-12-11 15:24:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-12-11 20:24:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=2306 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [106] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 316 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:32:41 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:32:41 [post_content] => Vandalism is defined as the willful damaging, destruction or defacing of school-owned property. This definition also applies to any deliberate tampering with or misuse of district computer network services or equipment. It shall also include the willful damaging, destruction or defacing of property used by the school district in conjunction with related services such as school buses, on field trips, and other school-sponsored events that may occur off-campus. Students found to have vandalized school property will face discipline in accordance with applicable School Board policies. The Building Principal is authorized to report such acts of vandalism to local law enforcement authorities. Additionally, the District may seek financial reimbursement from either the student(s) or the students’ parent/legal guardians for such damage caused. If the vandalism is caused by someone other than a student of the District, the District may proceed with all legal remedies available to it under the law, including criminal prosecution. When vandalism is discovered, the administration is directed to take such steps as are necessary to identify the vandals. If students have taken part in vandalism, the Building Principal shall:1. Identify the students involved; 2. Notify the students’ parents/legal guardians; 3. Decide upon disciplinary and/or legal action; 4. Take any constructive actions needed to guard against further student misbehavior; and 5. Seek appropriate restitution.
Category: O See Also Policies JICD, JICDD 1st Read: February 4, 2014 2nd Read: March 4, 2014 Adopted: March 4, 2014 [post_title] => ECAC - Vandalism [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ecac-vandalism [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 19:32:41 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 19:32:41 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 266 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=316 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [107] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 318 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:15:21 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:15:21 [post_content] => Video cameras may be used on school buses to monitor student behavior. Audio recordings in conjunction with video recordings may also be captured on school buses, in accordance with the provisions of RSA 570-A:2. Notification of such recordings is hereby established in this policy and in Policy JICK – Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention. The Superintendent or his/her designee will ensure that there is a sign prominently displayed on the school buses informing the occupants of the school buses that such video and audio recordings are occurring. The Superintendent is charged with establishing administrative procedures to address the length of time, which the recording is retained, ownership of the recording, limitations on who may view and listen to the recording, and provisions for erasing or destroying the recordings. All recordings shall be retained for a period not to exceed ten (10) days, unless the Superintendent, or designee, determines that the recording is relevant to a disciplinary proceeding. Recordings may be viewed only by the following persons and only after expressly authorized by the Superintendent:- Superintendent or designee
- Business Administrator
- Building Administrator
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Transportation Contractor Official
The ConVal School Board believes that every effort should be made to conserve energy and natural resources while exercising sound financial management. Energy systems include, but are not limited to, electricity, heating oil, liquid propane gas, gasoline, and water.
The implementation of this policy is the joint responsibility of the ConVal School Board, District administrators, teachers, support personnel, and students. Its success is based on cooperation at all levels.
The ConVal School Board and the Superintendent will provide leadership in developing an awareness of energy needs and costs, and will support short- and long-range strategies in the areas of facilities management, energy awareness, and conservation.
Key expectations to maximize energy conservation within the School District include the following:
1. The School District will maintain accurate records of energy consumption and cost, and will provide information to the local media on the goals and progress of the energy conservation program.
2. Each school principal will be responsible for adhering to energy management in his/her school, and will support energy audits and conservation programs. Judicious use of the various energy systems of each school will be the joint responsibility of the principal, staff, and facilities personnel to ensure that an efficient energy posture is maintained on a daily basis.
3. Students and employees will be expected to contribute toward energy efficiency targets within the District.
4. Custodial and school staff members are responsible for ensuring that all nonessential equipment (lights, machines, energy-using equipment, etc.) has been turned off each evening.
5. The Superintendent or designee will maintain administrative guidelines to be followed in implementing an ongoing energy conservation program.
Category: R
See Also Policy ECF-R
1st Read: May 3, 2011
2nd Read: June 7, 2011
Adoption: June 7, 2011
[post_title] => ECF - Energy Management & Conservation Policy [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ecf-energy-management-conservation-policy [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 12:23:21 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:23:21 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 266 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=320 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [110] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3258 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-28 09:55:27 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-28 14:55:27 [post_content] => The following operating procedures include clear areas of responsibility for the conservation of electricity and fuel in ConVal District schools. Those areas are administration, building maintenance, building improvements, and transportation. In all cases, operating procedures will be continually reviewed in an effort to achieve the most efficient use of energy resources. ADMINISTRATION Each school principal is responsible, as pertains to his or her building, in implementing, adhering to, and monitoring all energy conservation procedures approved by the Board. The following measures to conserve fuel and electricity will be instituted in the schools by all staff members: Heating- During times when public use of school buildings is occurring, maintain thermostats at night set-back temperature settings for areas not in use.
- Allow sunlight to shine through windows on cold days and keep it out on warm, humid days.
- Close drapes and blinds after school hours to reduce heat loss through window areas in the winter and to keep heat out in summer.
- During the heating season keep classroom doors closed.
- Avoid blocking heating vents with furniture, draperies, and books.
- No supplemental electric heaters are permitted.
- Operate ventilation fans in kitchens and home economics classrooms only when cooking equipment is in operation.
- Post “TURN OFF LIGHTS” signs near or on each electrical switch.
- Turn off incandescent and fluorescent lights as soon as they are not needed.
- Reduce the use of corridor lighting after school hours.
- All non-essential appliances must be removed from classrooms by the end of the 2010-11 school year end.
- Curtail use of cooking electrical equipment, such as toasters and hot plates, except when needed for classroom instruction, in a nurse’s office, or in a Life Skills classroom.
- Encourage all students to ride school buses, form car pools or walk to school; discourage single-occupancy use of student cars.
- Emphasize compliance with the state’s no-idling law (Env-A 1100) with staff, students and parents.
- Turn off classroom lights, closet lights, computers, printers, and any other electrical equipment when leaving at the end of the day.
- Close all windows at the end of the school day; close curtains or shades during cool months when leaving for the day.
- Set thermostats at the degrees listed below:
- Lower all thermostatic control settings to 60° during the evening, on weekends, and other times when buildings are not in use. Lower temperature below 60° when schools are closed for an extended period, such as Christmas vacation.
- Install night set-backs on all heating plants.
- Utilize seven-day timers on heating plants and exterior lighting. Set timers up to minimize occupied or “on” times.
- Equip all facilities with automatic outside temperature control devices.
- Analyze the amount of fresh air being introduced into the school’s ventilation system. Fresh air should be reduced to the minimum level that meets state and local code standards.
- During unoccupied hours air-handling equipment should only operate to maintain unoccupied temperature set points. Establish a planned routine preventive maintenance program for all equipment.
- Assign all major inspection schedules to trained maintenance personnel.
- Maintain fans, pumps and compressors in the best possible operating condition.
- Carry out annual combustion analysis to assure optimum efficiency.
- Perform regular maintenance on boilers, including routine cleaning.
- Seal all openings around windows and doors through which warm air could escape.
- Reduce the capacity of showerheads to cut down on the amount of water used.
- Lower the temperature setting for hot water to the lowest acceptable level as determined by ASHRAE standards.
- Install low flow aerators on all kitchen and bathroom faucets.
- As soon as possible, convert to cold water detergents for cleaning purposes.
- Where the means of mechanical cooling is present, the thermostat set point should be set at 78° in classroom areas and 74° in the administrative areas.
- Instruct school custodians to turn off lights room by room as they complete their cleaning assignments.
- Reduce classroom lighting levels to an appropriate foot-candle maximum.
- As lamps are replaced, utilize “watt-miser” warm white fluorescent tubes.
- Reduce lighting levels in gymnasiums and multipurpose rooms.
- Decorate all rooms (walls, ceiling, and floors) with colors that reflect light.
- Reduce wattage on security lights.
- Wherever available use technology to utilize “sleep mode and auto shutoff” energy-saving enhancements for computers, copiers, and printers.
- Where applicable, when considering renovations or upgrades to doors, windows, exterior walls, ENERGY STAR-rated materials and energy-efficient construction practices should be given priority.
- Work with transportation contractor to design bus routes that maximize fuel efficiency by utilizing buses to their maximum capacity and reducing the number of pickup points.
- Require transportation contractor to maintain all District vehicles and equipment to manufacturers’ recommendations, promoting the most fuel efficiency possible.
- Complete form and send to Student Transportation of America (STA) at:
- The proposed stop evaluation will be completed by the bus company.
- You will be notified within ten days of decision, if request is denied you may appeal the decision to the business administrator.
- You may appeal the decision of the business administrator to the superintendent within the next ten-day period.
- Final appeals may be made to the ConVal Budget & Property Committee.
- Is the bus stop located at least 100’ prior to a right-turn lane?
- Is the stop located in a right-turn lane?
- Is the stop located at least 100’ after an acceleration/merge lane?
- Is the stop at least 100’ from railroad tracks?
- Is the stop visible minimum 500’ in a 35 MPH or higher speed zone?
- Is the stop visible a minimum 750’ in a 35 MPH or higher speed zone?
- Is the stop located on a roadway that is used by heavy, commercial traffic?
- Is the stop located near a retention pond or small body of water with a physical barrier between the stop and water, i.e. a guardrail or fence?
- Is the stop located near an access/egress driveway of a commercial strip mall or apartment complex which would cause students to walk across traffic moving at 5 MPH or faster?
- Is the stop free of obstructions that lessen student, motorist and school bus driver visibility including shrubbery, utility poles, walls, fences, trees, parked cars and/or other obstructions?
- Does the stop location allow for sufficient water drainage/runoff?
- Is the stop located within ¼ mile of another bus stop for the same route?
- Is there sufficient room at the stop away from the roadway for students to safely wait for the school bus?
- Is there sufficient room at the stop for students to de-board the bus then walk at least 15’ away from the bus before it departs the stop?
- In the absence of a sidewalk, is there a space/path minimum 4’ wide that provides access/egress to/from the stop?
20 U.S.C. §1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act RSA 189:6-a, School Bus Safety RSA 570-A:2, Interception and Disclosure of Telecommunication or Oral Communications Prohibited
Category: R Appendix EEA-R, JICC-R See Also Policies EEA, JICC 1st Read: April 15, 2014 2nd Read: May 6, 2014 Adopted: May 6, 2014 [post_title] => EEAE - School Bus Safety Program [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => eeae-school-bus-safety-program [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-28 11:50:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-28 16:50:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=328 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [117] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 329 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:50:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:50:36 [post_content] => 1. Statement of Policy The School Board believes that the safety of students while being transported to and from school or school activities is of utmost importance and is the primary responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. This policy applies to two categories of drivers: a. school bus drivers (see RSA 189:13-b; 263:29 & 29-a); b. “contracted carriers”: drivers of vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, which are a contract carrier of passengers that has been contracted by the school (see RSA 376:2). Each driver, as well as others who perform safety-sensitive functions with commercial vehicles that transport students, must be mentally and physically alert at all times while on duty. To that end, the Board has established this policy related to the fitness for duty of transportation personnel. The Superintendent/designee shall adopt and enact any procedures necessary or appropriate to assure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. 2. Medical Examination of School Bus Operators In accordance with RSA 200:37, before employing any person as a school bus driver, directly or through a vendor, the District shall require that such persons submit a certificate signed by a licensed physician setting forth the physician’s findings as a result of the examination to determine the physical condition of drivers in accordance with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 391.41-391.49. Such certificate shall be submitted to the District prior to the commencement of such employment and the District shall retain a copy of such certification. Every 2 years thereafter, either prior to the commencement of the school year or prior to the reemployment of such persons as a school bus driver, the School District shall require submission of a like certificate, except that school bus operators attaining the age of 70 shall be required to undergo an annual examination and to submit a certificate annually. This provision does not apply to contracted carriers. 3. Certification No person shall be employed as a school bus driver, directly or through a vendor, unless the person has received a School Bus Driver’s Certificate from the NH Department of Motor Vehicles as required by RSA 263:29. Contracted carriers shall comply with all applicable provisions of RSA 376:2, as well as have a valid commercial driver’s license and operate a vehicle with a valid state inspection sticker. 4. Criminal Background Investigation Before employing any person as a school bus driver, directly or through a vendor, or as a contracted carrier, the School District shall require a criminal background investigation as set forth in RSA 189:13-a and School District policy GBCD. For a school bus driver employed directly by or who volunteers for the District, then the employee will pay for the investigation. If the District contracts with a vendor to provide transportation services, either the vendor or the driver will pay for the investigation at the discretion of the vendor. 5. Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing In compliance with the United States Department of Transportation’s Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 391, all commercial driver’s license holders and personnel performing safety-sensitive functions related to the transportation of the students of this School District will be required to submit to drug and alcohol testing. Testing procedures and facilities used for the tests shall conform to the requirements of the 49 C.F.R. Part 40. The District and any transportation contractor transporting students on behalf of the District shall utilize the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to comply with all requirements for drug and alcohol testing and reporting, in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Parts 382 and 391. The term “CDL holder” means someone who is required as part of their job duties to hold a Commercial Driver’s License. The term “safety-sensitive function” refers to all tasks associated with the operation and maintenance of commercial vehicles. A “commercial vehicle” is any vehicle capable of carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver. If the School District employs the transportation personnel directly, the District will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing requirements. If the School District contracts with a vendor to provide student transportations services, the vendor shall be the employer and provide assurance to the District on an annual basis that they are in compliance with the Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing requirements. The Drug and Alcohol Testing will include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing as defined by Department of Labor Regulations. The School District supports a zero-tolerance policy related to substance abuse. Therefore, any personnel who have a confirmed positive test for drugs or a confirmed alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater will be terminated from employment. Legal References: Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, 49 U.S.C. §5331 RSA 200:37, Medical Examination of School Bus Operators RSA 263:29, School Bus Driver’s Certificate RSA 189:13-a, School Employee & Volunteer Background Investigations RSA 376:2, VII, Motor Carriage of Passengers 49 C.F.R. § 40.1-40.13 (2001), Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Program 49 C.F.R. Part 382, Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing 49 C.F.R. Part 391, Qualifications of Drivers First Read: November 2, 2021 Second Read: November 16, 2021 Adopted: November 16, 2021 District review/ revision history: Category: Priority/Required by Law Related Administrative Procedure: EEAEA-R [post_title] => EEAEA - Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing - School Bus Drivers and Contracted Carriers [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => eeaea-mandatory-drug-and-alcohol-testing-school-bus-drivers-and-contracted-carriers [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-11-17 10:36:41 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-11-17 15:36:41 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=329 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [118] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3264 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2018-12-28 12:41:27 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-28 17:41:27 [post_content] => School bus and commercial vehicle drivers shall be subject to a drug and alcohol testing program that fulfills the requirements of the Code of Federal regulations, Title 49, Part 382. Other persons who drive vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, are likewise subject to the drug and alcohol testing program. Testing procedures and facilities used for the tests shall conform with the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, §§ 40, et seq. Pre-Employment Tests Tests shall be conducted before the first time a driver performs any safety-sensitive function for the District. Safety-sensitive functions include all on-duty functions performed from the time a driver begins work or is required to be ready to work, until he/she is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work. It includes driving; waiting to be dispatched; inspecting and servicing equipment; supervising, performing, or assisting in loading and unloading; repairing or obtaining and waiting for help with a disabled vehicle; performing driver requirements related to accidents; and performing any other work for the District or paid work for any entity. The tests shall be required of an applicant only after he/she has been offered the position. Exceptions may be made for drivers who have had the alcohol test required by law within the previous 6 months and participated in the drug testing program required by law within the previous 30 days, provided that the District has been able to make all verifications required by law. Post-Accident Tests Alcohol and controlled substance tests shall be conducted as soon after an accident as practicable on any driver:- who was performing safety-sensitive functions with respect to the vehicle, if the accident involved loss of human life; or
- who receives a citation under state or local law, for a moving traffic violation arising from the accident.
- the person designated by the District to answer driver questions about the materials;
- the categories of drivers who are subject to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 382
- sufficient information about the safety-sensitive functions performed by drivers to make clear what period of the work day the driver is required to comply with Part 382;
- specific information concerning driver conduct that is prohibited by Part 382;
- the circumstances under which a driver will be tested for drugs and/or alcohol under Part 382;
- the procedures that will be used to test for the presence of drugs and alcohol, protect the driver and the integrity of the testing processes, safeguard the validity of test results, and ensure that test results are attributed to the correct driver;
- the requirement that a driver submit to drug and alcohol tests administered in accordance with Part 382;
- an explanation of what constitutes a refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test and the attendant consequences;
- the consequences for drivers found to have violated the drug and alcohol prohibitions of Part 382, including the requirement that the driver be removed immediately from safety-sensitive functions and the procedures for referral, evaluation, and treatment;
- the consequences for drivers found to have an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater but less than 0.04; and
- information concerning the effects of drugs and alcohol on an individuals health, work, and personal life; signs and symptoms of a drug or alcohol problem (the drivers or a coworkers); and available methods of intervening when a drug or alcohol problem is suspected, including confrontation, referral to an employee assistance program, and/or referral to management.
ConVal School District
Use of Private Vehicle Form All drivers transporting Contoocook Valley School District students to and from curriculum and extra-curricular activities must follow the minimum requirements and provide an original document* (for photocopying items 1-3) and indicate confirmation of items 4 & 5:- Valid Driver’s License*.
- Current Motor Vehicle Registration*.
- Current State approved automobile insurance* providing minimum liability coverage of $300,000 in the event of an accident. It must be understood that the required insurance is the minimum and represents the primary insurance on the vehicle and occupants.
- Current Motor Vehicle Inspection _____YES _____ NO
- At least one working seat belt per vehicle occupant. _____ YES _____ NO
US Code Title XVII, Public Law 94-533, United States Copyright Act of 1976. See also: http://www.copyright.gov/title17/circ92.pdf
Category: R See EGAD-R 1st Read: January 7, 2013 2nd Read: January 21, 2014 Adopted: January 21, 2014 [post_title] => EGAD - Copyright Compliance [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => egad-copyright-compliance [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 13:46:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:46:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 266 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=351 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [129] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 352 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 14:12:38 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 14:12:38 [post_content] => The Superintendent is hereby designated the custodian of all District governmental records, including but not limited to, minutes, documents, writings, letters, memoranda, e-mails, or other written, typed, copied, electronic or developed information received, possessed, assembled, or maintained by this District.-
- All requests, in accordance with RSA 91-A:4, are to be forwarded to the Superintendent immediately upon receipt. If the requested governmental records exist, are properly disclosed to the public, and are readily available, the requested records shall be promptly made available for inspection or if requested, copies provided. No fee shall be charged to inspect governmental records. A fee may be charged for copies that reflects the actual cost of making a paper copy or the actual cost of the electronic media onto which a copy is placed for delivery.
- If the existence or location of the requested governmental records, in accordance with RSA 91-A:4, is uncertain, if a determination needs to be made as to whether some or all of the requested records are confidential or exempt from disclosure, if legal advice is needed regarding the request, or if redacted copies must be prepared to provide the properly disclosed records while preserving the confidentiality of information which is not properly disclosed, the Superintendent will within five (5) business days of the request respond to the requestor in writing acknowledging receipt of the request and providing a statement of the time reasonably necessary to determine whether the request shall be granted or denied.
- The Superintendent or designee may contact the person making the request, if the request is unclear or will be time consuming and onerous to fulfill, to determine if the person will clarify the request or agree to narrow the request. Any clarification or narrowing of the request shall be documented in writing and a copy provided to the person making the request.
- In accordance with RSA 91-A:4, if the Superintendent finds the requested governmental records exist and to be public in nature, he or she shall notify the person making the request and make the records or a copy of the records available for inspection. If requested, copies will be provided at cost. If the requested governmental records, in accordance with RSA 91-A:4 do not exist, the party requesting the information will be informed in writing that the requested governmental records do not exist.
- If the Superintendent finds the information not to be public in nature, he or she shall inform the requesting party in writing that the governmental records requested are not a public record and cannot legally be disclosed.
- If the Superintendent is unable to ascertain whether or not the information requested is public in nature, or whether the Right-to-Know law requires preparation of a copy of the governmental record that discloses public information while redacting confidential information/information exempt from disclosure, he or she is hereby authorized to request, on behalf of the Board, an opinion from the Board's attorney as to the nature of the information. Such opinion requests will be made promptly following the request for the information. The Superintendent shall notify the person making the request in writing that additional time will be needed to determine if the request will be granted or denied. Upon receipt of an opinion from legal counsel, the Superintendent will promptly notify the person making the request of the outcome of the determination and where legally appropriate make the records available for inspection or copying.
- Data Governance Plan. The Superintendent, in consultation with the District Information Security Officer ("ISO") (see paragraph C, below) shall create a Data and Privacy Governance Plan ("Data Governance Plan"), to be presented to the Board no later than June 30, 2019. Thereafter, the Superintendent, in consultation with the ISO, shall update the Data Governance Plan for presentation to the Board no later than June 30 each year.
- Policies and Administrative Procedures. The Superintendent, in consultation with the ISO, is directed to review, modify and recommend (policies) create (administrative procedures), where necessary, relative to collecting, securing, and correctly disposing of District data (including, but not limited to Confidential and Critical Data/Information, and as otherwise necessary to implement this policy and the Data Governance Plan. Such policies and/or procedures will may or may not be included in the annual Data Governance Plan.
- Records Pertaining to Students’ Attendance and Scholarship
- Special Education Records
-
- Upon a student’s graduation from high school, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) may request in writing that the District destroy the student’s special education records, including any final individualized education program.
- The parent(s)/guardian(s), or adult student who has graduated or is over the age of 21, may, at any time prior to the student’s twenty-sixth birthday, request, in writing, that the records be retained until the student’s thirtieth birthday.
- Absent any request by a student’s parents or adult student who has graduated or is over the age of 21, to destroy the records prior to the twenty-sixth birthday, or to retain such records until the student’s thirtieth birthday, the District shall destroy a student’s records and final individualized education program within a reasonable time after the student’s twenty-sixth birthday, provided that all such records be destroyed by the student’s thirtieth birthday.
- A permanent record of a student’s name, address, and phone number, his or her grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed may be maintained without time limitation. 34 CFR 300.624.
- The District shall provide parents/guardians, or where applicable, the adult student, with a written notice of the District’s document destruction policies upon the student’s graduation with a regular high school diploma or at the transfer of parental rights to the adult student, whichever occurs first.
- The District shall provide public notice of its document destruction policy at least annually. The method of destruction for digital, electronic, and cloud-based records shall be thorough enough to ensure that they are deleted and no longer accessible.
- Litigation Hold
- Right-to-Know Request Hold
- RSA 91-A, Right to Know Law
- RSA 186-C:10-a Retention of Individualized Education Programs
- RSA 189:29-a, Records Retention and Disposition
- NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(4), Records Retention
- NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(h), Records Retention
- NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 1119.01, Confidentiality Requirements
- 20 U.S.C. 1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
LOCAL RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE
Litigation Hold On receipt of notice from legal counsel representing the District that a litigation hold is required, the routine destruction of governmental records, including paper and electronic records, which are or may be subject to the litigation hold shall cease. The destruction of records subject to a litigation hold shall not resume until the district has received a written directive from the attorney representing the district authorizing resumption of the routine destruction of those records. Right-to-Know Request - Hold On receipt of a Right-to-Know law request to inspect or copy governmental records, the Superintendent shall cease any destruction of governmental records which are or may be the subject of the request. The records shall be retained regardless of whether they are subject to disclosure under RSA Chapter 91-A, the Right-to-Know law. If a request for inspection is denied on the grounds that the information is exempt, the requested material shall be preserved for no less than 90 days and until any lawsuit pursuant to RSA 91-A:7-8 has been finally resolved, all appeal periods have expired, and a written directive from the attorney representing the District authorizing destruction of the records has been received. Retention Periods The recommended retention periods in the NHSBA sample regulation, except where another statute or rule are cited, are based on the New Hampshire requirements for municipalities as set forth in RSA 33-a:3-a where a category of records is listed in that statute which is not addressed in school law, consideration of the civil statutes of limitation in New Hampshire, and the guidance last issued several years ago by the New Hampshire Department of Education. Where different retention periods are required or recommended by different sources of legal authority, the longest retention period is recommended, but the shorter period is cited with the source of legal authority. The General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) 20 U.S.C. 1232f requires that district "shall keep records which fully disclose the amount and disposition by the recipient of [federal] funds, the total cost of the activity for which the funds are used, the share of that cost provided from other sources, and such other records as will facilitate an effective financial or programmatic audit . . . . for three years after the completion of the activity for which the funds are used." Therefore, while other authorities suggest that a purchase order, with accompanying documentation, may need to be retained only until the records are audited, plus 1 year, if the purchase is in part or in whole with federal funds the record must be retained for three years after the completion of the activity for which the funds are used, a much longer period of time. We have tried to flag with an "*" categories of records which may include documents related to the use of federal funds and require retention of those documents for a longer period. Districts will need to decide whether to simply apply the longer period to all documents in the category or to have a system of segregating for longer retention those documents related to use of federal funds. The NHSBA is engaged in an ongoing effort to identify legal authority, where it exists, for the retention period for each category of records. We plan to issue further updates as this work progresses. This update is being released now, even though that research is not yet complete, because the existing sample regulation has retention periods which we know are not consistent with current law and regulation. Prior to destroying any class of records for which no definitive legal authority regarding retention is identified, we recommend that each District consult with local legal counsel and your insurance carrier for any recommendations they may have on retention periods. The recommended retention period is a minimum. Unless destruction is required by law, where governmental records have historical value or other considerations warrant retention, the records may be retained for a longer period or permanently. Special Education Records Dept of Education Administrative Rule 1119.01, Confidentiality Requirements, section (b)(1) "An LEA shall not destroy a student's special education records prior to the student's 25th birthday, except with prior written consent of the parent or, where applicable, the adult student, pursuant to 34 CFR 300.624(b). The LEA must maintain a copy of the last IEP that was in effect prior to the student's exit from special education until the student's 60th birthday. An LEA may retain and store the student's special education records in electronic form or any other form. An LEA shall provide a parent or adult student a written notice of its document destruction policies upon the student's graduation with a regular high school diploma or at the transfer of rights or whichever occurs first. The LEA shall provide public notice of its document destruction policy at least annually." * = If record related to federal funds: Federal Funds Records of amounts and disposition/use of federal funds, 20 U.S.C. 1232f, (a): "Each recipient of Federal funds under any applicable program through any grant, subgrant, cooperative agreement, loan, or other arrangement shall keep records which fully disclose the amount and disposition by the recipient of those funds, the total cost of the activity for which the funds are used, the share of that cost provided from other sources, and such other records as will facilitate an effective financial or programmatic audit. The recipient shall maintain such records for three years after the completion of the activity for which the funds are used." (emphasis added). Electronic Records The state law on preservation of electronic records, RSA 33-A:5-a Electronic Records, does not explicitly apply to school districts, but does provide guidance: "Electronic records as defined in RSA 5:29, VI and designated on the disposition schedule under RSA 33-A:3-a to be retained for more than 10 years shall be transferred to paper or microfilm, or stored in portable document format/archival (PDF/A) on a medium from which it is readily retrievable. Electronic records designated on the disposition schedule to be retained for less than 10 years may be retained solely electronically if so approved by the record committee of the municipality responsible for the records. The municipality is responsible for assuring the accessibility of the records for the mandated period." See Policy EH, EHB, GBJ & JRA Revised: May 2017 [post_title] => EHB-R Data/Records Retention [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ehb-r-data-records-retention [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-28 14:14:02 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-28 19:14:02 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3267 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [135] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 356 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 14:51:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 14:51:24 [post_content] => The School Board recognizes its responsibility for properly managing the resources of the school system. This responsibility includes concern for the safety of students, employees and the public, as well as concern for protecting the system's property from loss. No new policy or procedure will be adopted or approved by the board without first giving careful consideration to the school system's risk exposure. The Superintendent or, by designation, the Business Administrator, shall be responsible for establishing a risk management and insurance program covering all property and program risks related to the performance of the educational and service missions of the system. This risk management and insurance program shall include means for identifying, eliminating, reducing, retaining, or transferring risk. Only when a particular risk cannot be eliminated or feasibly retained by the system shall it be transferred by the purchase of insurance. The Board realizes that the assumption of some predictable risks is the most economically feasible method of treating certain exposures. When it is in the apparent best interest of the system, the board may budget for and retain limited and predictable risks of financial loss, through the use of contingency funds, deductibles, etc. or participation in pooled risk management programs with other School Districts. When the purchase of commercial insurance is deemed necessary, such purchase will be made on the basis of service offered by the insurer, the reliability and financial stability of the insurer, and the price of the insurance as competitively determined. The Board does not recognize any obligation to purchase insurance from a particular agent, broker, or insurer representative or from any group of agents, brokers, or insurer representatives other than an obligation based on the above stated considerations. The Board charges the Business Administrator with the responsibility for preparing an annual risk management audit report for review by the board. The report shall include a description of the system's current risk management program and a summary of the existing insurance coverages. Minimum information to be maintained for planning, budgeting, loss control and overall financial management, includes at least the following: 1) policy roster; 2) losses incurred and paid; 3) property valuations; 4) inspection and maintenance records for all property; 5) emergency plans. The Board authorizes the Superintendent to seek professional risk management advice, if necessary, in order to develop, implement, maintain, and audit an effective risk management program for the system. Legal Reference:RSA 194:3,III, Powers of Districts
Category: R Adopted: April 2, 1991 Amended: September 17, 2013, October 1, 2013 [post_title] => EI - Risk Management [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ei-risk-management [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 14:51:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 14:51:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 266 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=356 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [136] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 357 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 14:54:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 14:54:46 [post_content] => The School Board may procure liability insurance to protect against such risks of loss, cost, or damage to itself, its employees or its pupils, or other loss. Such insurance may include general liability coverage, automobile liability coverage, errors and omissions liability coverage, and other coverage as the Board may determine. Liability limits for all coverage will correspond to those limits established by applicable law. The Board may also participate in a pooled risk management program. The pooled risk management program may be utilized for: the defense of claims and indemnification for losses arising out of the ownership, maintenance, and operation of real or personal property and the acts or omissions of school officials, school employees, or agents of the school district; the provision of loss prevention services including, but not limited to, inspections of property and the training of personnel; and the investigation, evaluation, and settlement of claims by and against the school district. Membership in a pooled risk management program will conform to the provisions set forth in RSA 5-B and related statutes. The school district’s carrier and attorney shall review all contract forms to be entered into by the Board or its agents with the insurance agent or broker, to identify any contractual liability being assumed by the district, and attempt to reduce or transfer such liabilities. Each contractor will provide evidence of Worker’s Compensation coverage, and a Certificate of Insurance showing the liability policy endorsed to name the district as an additional insured. Any accidents or occurrences, no matter how minor, that could indicate liability on the part of an employee or official of the district, shall be promptly reported to the administration and by them to the insurer. Legal References:RSA 5-B, Pooled Risk Management Programs RSA 507-B:4, Limit of Liability Marcotte v. Timberlane/Hampstead School Dist., 143 N.H. 331 (1999)
Category: R Adopted: April 2, 1991 Amended: September 17, 2013 [post_title] => EIB - Liability Insurance And Pooled Risk Management [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => eib-liability-insurance-and-pooled-risk-management [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-12-28 14:21:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-28 19:21:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=357 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [137] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6282 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2022-10-06 09:01:19 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-06 13:01:19 [post_content] => As the Board seeks to incorporate the most appropriate and cost-effective risk management techniques for less prevention and control, and to overcome deficiencies in its physical plant, it will strive to provide new and remodeled facilities that will offer the best possible physical environment for learning and teaching. The Board specifically recognizes the need and importance of regular and substantial capital maintenance, renovation, improvement and expansion consistent with realistic fiscal constraints. The Board aims specifically toward:- Facilities, including buildings, ground, and playing fields, that will accommodate organization and instructional patterns that support the district’s educational philosophy and instructional goals.
- Meeting all safety requirements through the remodeling and renovation of older structures.
- Providing building renovations to meet requirements on the availability of public school facilities to handicapped persons whenever possible.
- Building design, construction, and renovation that will lend themselves to low maintenance costs and the conservation of energy.
- Facilities that will also lend themselves to utilization by the community in ways consistent with the overall goals of the district.
- Keeping the community informed about the condition of district facilities as well as the perceived needs in the areas of capital improvement expansion and acquisition.
Category O
First Read: May 3, 2022 Second Read: May 17, 2022 Adopted: May 17, 2022 [post_title] => FA - Facilities, Development Goals/Priority Objectives [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => fa-facilities-development-goals-priority-objectives [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-10-06 09:36:38 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-10-06 13:36:38 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=6282 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [138] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6284 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2022-10-06 09:14:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-06 13:14:46 [post_content] => FAA - ANNUAL FACILITY PLAN A. Drafting and Adoption. Each year, the School Board shall adopt an updated Facility Plan. The first Facility Plan shall be adopted no later than November 15, 2021, with an updated plan approved by the Board by June 1 of 2023 and each year thereafter. The Facility Plan shall be developed and drafted by the Superintendent or his/her designee, and it shall be proposed to the School Board for comment and adoption at least 30 days prior to the adoption deadlines articulated above. B. Contents of Facility Plan. The Facility Plan shall account for each facility owned by the District and document the use of each such facility. For each then unused facility, the plan shall specify any uses intended within the next two years of the annual plan approval relative to academic purposes, extracurricular activities, administrative functions, and/or sports. Facilities for which no current or intended use is included on the plan shall be referred to in this policy as “Unused Facilities”. C. Annual Report to N.H. Department of Education. The Superintendent shall submit a report of Unused Facilities to the New Hampshire Department of Education, with the first such report due January 1, 2022 and subsequent reports due July 1 each year thereafter. Pursuant to RSA 194:61, such Unused Facilities are then encumbered by a right of first refusal (“ROFR”) available to every approved charter school operating in New Hampshire. The specifics of the ROFR are described in RSA 194:61, III-VII. Category: Recommended Related Policies: FA Legal References: RSA 194:61, Unused District Facilities First Read: May 3, 2022 Second Read: May 17, 2022 Adopted: May 17, 2022 [post_title] => FAA - Annual Facility Plan [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => faa-annual-facility-plan [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-10-06 09:14:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-10-06 13:14:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=6284 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [139] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 302 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 18:35:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 18:35:00 [post_content] => Enrollment projections will be prepared every five years under the direction of the Superintendent and will be reviewed and brought up to date annually. The projections will take into consideration the following:- School registration figures
- Review of forthcoming changes in town planning and zoning
- Review of current and planned community land development and housing projects
- Educational program spatial requirements and assessment of the adequacy of existing facilities to accommodate present or proposed educational programs.
- Cost/benefit considerations relating to facility modernization, renovation, or new construction.
- An annual six-year capital improvements program showing population projections, new capital projects needed, and associated costs. Use of a community-based advisory committee is encouraged to assist in the creation and review of this program.
- Community use of schools and school-related facilities.
- An annual report reviewing projects underway or completed.
1. Change orders totaling $5,000 or less than 10% of the original project budget will be recommended to the Superintendent of Schools (or Business Administrator) for approval, and the Board informed at the first opportunity;
2. Change orders that, in the aggregate, comprise $50,000 or 10% or more of the original project budget will be submitted to the School Board (or subcommittee) for approval prior to work commencing.
Construction Change Orders The School Board employs a Facilities Director who shall be directly responsible to the Board for review of architect and/or contractor’s activities in his/her supervision of building construction. This review shall include adequacy of field inspection of the contractor’s operations, administrative activities of the architect relating to construction, and any other matters relating to the interest of the School District. The Facilities Director shall make periodic reports to the Superintendent, Business Administrator, and School Board, certifying by his/her personal knowledge that the work of the construction contractor and/or the architect is being performed in accordance with plans, specifications, and contracts. In the event of a large project, the Board, at its discretion, may employ a Clerk of the Works to supervise the project. Other Change Orders Other projects that may require change orders shall be reviewed by other appropriate personnel, such as the Business Administrator or the District Systems Administrator. This review will include review of the initial bid/proposal specifications, timelines for completion, and any other matters relating to the interest of the School District. Legal References:RSA 199:3, 4, 4a, Transfer of Building
Category: R 1st Read: August 19, 2014 2nd Read: September 2, 2014 Adopted: September 2, 2014 [post_title] => FEH - Change Orders Procedures [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => feh-change-orders-procedures [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 18:38:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 18:38:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 267 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=303 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [142] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6327 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2022-10-21 02:33:10 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-21 06:33:10 [post_content] => A. PURPOSE AND GENERAL POLICY The purpose of this policy is to establish a process and guidelines for the naming of School District school buildings or facilities, and naming or dedication of areas of buildings or facilities. The naming of a building or facility, or the designation of an area of a building or facility falls within the authority of the School Board. The School Board recognizes that the official names of district buildings and facilities are important to the district’s identity, and must stand the test of time. For purposes of this policy, “buildings and facilities” shall mean and include every school, building, stadium, field, playground, or other real estate owned or leased by the district, or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the School Board. An “area” of a building or facility, refers to identifiable spaces within or adjacent to a building or facility, including but not limited to spaces such as libraries, media centers, gymnasiums, theaters, auditoriums, playgrounds, cafeterias, hallways, wings, etc. The Board retains the authority in its sole discretion to name, rename, in whole or in part, any building or facility, or name or dedicate any area of a building or facility. Such naming, renaming, or dedication may be considered at any time the Board chooses, including proposals prior to construction, when construction is in progress, or after acquisition by the district. B. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR NAMING OF BUILDINGS OR FACILITIES OR FOR DEDICATION OF SPACES.- The naming of school buildings or facilities or dedication of building or facility spaces is the ultimate responsibility of the School Board. Individuals or groups may submit a written naming or dedication proposal to the School Board. Naming or dedication proposals should include information relating to the criteria below, along with any other information the person or group making the proposal deems appropriate for the Board’s consideration.
- If the Board determines that a naming or dedication proposal requires further study, or if the naming or dedication is at the Board’s initiative, the Board may establish a committee to evaluate the proposal, or to determine a specific process for naming a specific building or facility or dedicating an area of a specific building or facility.
- The final decision to name or rename a building or facility, or to dedicate or re-dedicate any building or facility area shall be made by the Board by way of formal resolution, which may be approval of a written proposal or Board committee recommendation.
- In making a naming or dedication decision the Board shall apply the criteria set forth below.
- The community, location, road, or street where the public-school building is located;
- A significant and distinguishable landmark or geographical feature which is associated with the school's location;
- The mascot of a district school;
- A person who made significant contributions to the district in which the school building or facility is located, following these criteria: a. Deceased a minimum of ten years; b. Exceptional service to or on behalf of public-school students or schools; c. Outstanding citizenship and character;
- A person who made a significant philanthropic or financial contribution made by the person to the school district.
1. The school building is inadequate by virtue of age, condition, size of site, or other overriding limitations and cannot reasonably and economically be brought up to the current educational standards.
2. The school has substantially under capacity for a two-year period and is projected to remain so. “Substantially under capacity” is the difference between program capacity and student membership such that the students in the grouping could be housed in one school less. (Instructional programs drawing the majority of students from outside of the regular boundary area of the group of schools will not be considered for this purpose.)
Although use for local community students will be the primary function of a school, unusual circumstances may prevail which will require alternate use of a particular location or building. A closing study of such a school may be authorized by the Board. A closing study will include direct involvement by those communities considered in the study and will be concerned with the following factors: 1. Review of the in-depth demographic studies and grouping, and consideration of alternative. 2. Age and current physical condition of the building, its operating systems and program facilities. 3. Adequacy of site, location, access, surrounding development, traffic patterns, and other environmental conditions. 4. Reassignment of children, including alternative plans, according to Board policy. 5. Transportation factors including numbers of children bused, time, distance, and safety. 6. Alternate uses of the building. 7. Costs/savingsa. Personnel b. Plant Operation c. Transportation d. Capital Investment e. Alternate Use 8. Continuity of instructional and community programs.
Adopted: April 2, 1991 [post_title] => FL - Retirement of Facilities [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => fl-retirement-of-facilities [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 18:40:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 18:40:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 267 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=304 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [144] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3506 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2019-03-11 08:28:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-03-11 12:28:44 [post_content] => The ConVal District shall act in good faith when providing employment references and verification of employment for current and former employees. The School District, and its employees, contractors, and agents, are prohibited from providing a recommendation of employment, and/or from otherwise assisting any school employee, contractor, or agent in obtaining a new position or other employment if he/she or the District has knowledge of, or probable cause to believe that the other employee, contractor, or agent ("alleged perpetrator") engaged in illegal sexual misconduct with a minor or student. This prohibition does not include the routine transmission of administrative and personnel files. In addition, this prohibition does not apply if:- The information giving rise to probable cause has been properly reported to a law enforcement agency with jurisdiction;
- The information giving rise to probable cause has been reported to any other authorities as required by local, state or federal law (for instance New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families "DCYF"), and
- At least one of the following conditions applies
- The matter has been officially closed;
- The District officials have been notified by the prosecutor or police after an investigation that there is insufficient information for them to proceed;
- The school employee, contractor, or agent has been charged with, and acquitted or otherwise exonerated; or
- The case or investigation remains open and there have been no charges filed against or indictment of the school employee, contractor, or agent within four years of the date on which the information was reported to a law enforcement agency.
- Employees shall not participate for financial remuneration in outside activities wherein their position on the staff is used to sell goods or services to pupils or their parents.
- Employees who have patented or copyrighted any device, publication, or other item shall not receive royalties for use of such item in the district schools.
- Employees shall not engage in any type of work where the source of information concerning customer, client, or employer originates from information obtained through the school system, except as provided by the parents.
- School employees shall not solicit or sell for personal gain any educational materials or equipment in the attendance areas served by the school to which they are assigned. Nor will any employees make available lists of names of students or parents to anyone for sales purposes.
- Neither staff members nor members of their household shall engage in commercial transactions with the school district in an amount in excess of $5000 per fiscal year, without the express approval of the School Board.
- Employees shall not provide private standardized individually administered evaluations to students enrolled in the District.
- Employees shall not provide private educational services to students enrolled in the District, except as set forth in Policy GCQAB, Tutoring for Pay.
- “Applicant” shall mean and include an applicant for employment or any person seeking to serve in any position falling within the term “Covered Person” as defined below, who is selected by the District for further consideration for such position.
- “Background investigation” means an investigation into the past employment and other background of an Applicant with the intent of determining whether:
- The applicant/covered person is qualified for the position for which he/she has applied, will/would be assigned, or will/would perform, and
- The applicant has been found guilty of any criminal activity or conduct that would make him/her ineligible or unsuitable for employment or service in the district.
- “Conditional offer of employment” means an offer of employment extended to a selected Applicant subject to a successful completed criminal history record check (defined below) which is satisfactory to the SAU or school district.
- “Contractor” means a private business or agency or an employee or employees of the contractor which contracts with a SAU, school district, or charter school to provide services including but not limited to:
- cafeteria workers,
- school bus drivers,
- custodial personnel,
- any other direct service or services to students of the district or charter school.
- “Covered Person” shall mean every employee, stipended position (e.g., coach, trainer, drama coach, etc.), candidate, designated volunteer (whether direct or through a volunteer organization), or any other service where the contractor or employees of the contractor provide services directly to students of the District,[[1] delete fn.] or any applicant/person seeking to serve in any of those positions. NOTE: Only those volunteers who meet the definition of “Designated Volunteer” below are considered “Covered “Employees”. See Board policy {**}IJOC for additional provisions relating to all volunteers. All Covered Persons are required to undergo training as provided in Board policy {**}GBCE.
- “Criminal History Records Check” or “CHRC” means a criminal history records inquiry under RSA 189:13-a – 13-c, conducted by the New Hampshire State Police through its records and through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- “Designated Volunteer”[[2] delete fn.] is any volunteer who:
- Comes in direct contact with students on a predictable basis (e.g., library volunteer, [overnight] field trip chaperone;
- Meets regularly with students (e.g., community mentor, volunteer assistant coach);
- Meets with students on a one-on-one basis [without the presence of a teacher or other such professional staff member]; OR
- Any other volunteer so designated by the School Board or Superintendent.
- “Educator Candidate” means a student at an institution of higher education in New Hampshire who has been selected to participate in a K-12 educator preparation program. (RSA 189:13-c, I(b)). This definition includes both Educator Candidates who are placed as student teachers in the district, and those who might be in the District for a different purpose (e.g., Methods, etc.).
- “Section V Offense(s)” are those criminal offenses listed in RSA 189:13-a, V, as that list may be amended by the Legislature from time to time. The current of offenses may be accessed at: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XV/189/189-13-a.htm
- “Designee” shall mean, a person designated by the Superintendent to receive and inspect results of the Criminal History Records Check. Under RSA 189:13-a, II, the Designee for purposes of CHRC may only be an assistant superintendent, head of human resources, the personnel director, the business administrator or the finance director.
- False Information. The falsification or omission of any information on a job application, during the pendency of the application, or in a job interview, including, but not limited to, information concerning criminal convictions or pending criminal charges, shall be grounds for disqualification from consideration for employment, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or immediate discharge from employment.
- Criminal History Records Check
- General. As part of the District’s Background Investigation, each Applicant must submit to a Criminal History Records Check (“CHRC”) through the State of New Hampshire in full compliance with RSA 189:13-a. No Covered Person/Applicant shall be employed, extended a Conditional Offer of Employment, or begin service in the District, until the Superintendent, or his/her designee, has initiated a CHRC.
- Special Provisions for Educator Candidates, Bus Drivers & Bus Monitors .
- Educator Candidate. Educator Candidates who are placed in the District as a student teacher shall undergo a CHRC prior to beginning in the District. For Educator Candidates in the District under a status other than student teacher (e.g, observation, Methods Course or Practicum student), the Superintendent or Designee will determine whether to require a CHRC using the same parameters included in the Designated Volunteer definition, above.
- Bus Drivers and Bus Monitors. Pursuant to RSA 189:13-a, VI and RSA 189:13-b, criminal history records checks for bus drivers and bus monitors shall be processed through the New Hampshire Department of Education (“NHED”).[[2]delete fn] Although NHED will conduct the CHRC, the Superintendent or designee shall require a Background Investigation in accordance with paragraph B.
- Results of Criminal History Records Check. The results of the CHRC shall be delivered to the Superintendent or designee who shall be responsible for maintaining their confidentiality. The Superintendent or Designee shall destroy all results and reports of any CHRC within sixty (60) days of receiving said information.
- Pending Charges or Convictions for Section V Offenses. If the results of the CHRC disclose that the Applicant has either been convicted of or is charged pending disposition of a violation or attempted violation of a Section V offense, that person shall not receive an offer or final offer of employment. Additionally, the Superintendent (not the Superintendent’s Designee), shall notify NHED through its Investigator or the Chief of the Governance Unit or as otherwise directed by NHED.
- Non-Section V Offenses and/or Past Charges of Section V Offenses. If the results of a CHRC disclose that the Applicant has been charged (whether pending or previously concluded) with a Non-Section V Offense, or has been previously charged with a Section V Offense which the charge has been disposed of other than by a conviction, the Superintendent or Designee shall take such information into account prior to hiring or assigning such Applicant. In making a determination regarding such an Applicant, the Superintendent or Designee shall consider all reliable information, and assess whether, in light of the totality of the circumstances, the Applicant’s suitability for the position sought with student safety being the priority consideration. (Circumstances the Superintendent should consider, include, but are not limited to, nature and date of the charge, information about reduced charges, age at time of charge, relationship of the nature of the charged offense to the duties of the position sought),
- Fees for Criminal History Records Check. Any applicant for whom the Board requires a CHRC check, or, in the instance of third party contractors/organizations, the Covered Person’s employer/organization, shall pay the actual fees and costs associated with the fingerprinting process and/or the submission or processing of the CHRC, unless otherwise determined by the Board.
- Conditional Employment Persons who have been selected for employment may be hired on a conditional basis, pending a successful completion of the State, FBI Criminal Records Check, and any other records checks as deemed necessary by the Superintendent.
- Make the wellbeing of students the fundamental value of all decision-making and actions.
- Maintain a reasonable standard of care for the supervision, control and protection of students commensurate with their assigned duties and responsibilities.
- Maintain just, courteous, and proper relationships with students, parents, staff members, and others.
- Fulfill their job responsibilities with honesty and integrity.
- Obey all local, state, and national laws.
- Obey and implement the School Board’s policies, administrative rules and regulations.
- Avoid using position for personal gain through political, social, religious, economic, or other influence.
- Maintain the standards and seek to improve the effectiveness of the profession through research and continuing professional development.
- Honor all contracts until fulfillment or release.
- Maintain all privacy and confidentiality standards as required by law.
- Exhibit professional conduct both on and off duty.
- Staff members shall not make derogatory comments to students regarding the school and/or its staff.
- The exchange of purchased gifts between staff members and students is discouraged.
- Staff members shall not fraternize through written, verbal, or social/electronic media with students except on matters that pertain to school-related issues.
- Staff members shall not associate with students in any situation or activity which could be considered sexually suggestive or involve the presence or use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.
- Dating between staff members and students is prohibited.
- Staff members shall not use insults or sarcasm against students as a method of forcing compliance with requirements or expectations.
- Staff members shall maintain a reasonable standard of care for the supervision, control and protection of students commensurate with their assigned duties and responsibilities.
- Staff members shall not send students on personal errands.
- Staff members shall, pursuant to law and School Board policy JLF, immediately report any suspected signs of child abuse or neglect.
- Staff members shall not attempt to counsel, assess, diagnose or treat a student’s personal problem relating to sexual behavior, substance abuse, mental or physical health and/or family relationships but should refer the student to the appropriate staff member or agency for assistance.
- Staff members shall not disclose information concerning a student, other than school directory information, to any person not authorized to receive such information. This includes, but is not limited to, information concerning assessments, grades, behavior, mental or physical health, and/or family background.
- Staff members shall not be alone with a student in a room with a door closed, a locked door, or with the lights off.
- Staff members are strongly discouraged from socializing with students outside of school on social networking websites.
- For purposes of this policy, the term “staff” refers to Contoocook Valley School District employees, including administrative staff, teachers, paraprofessionals, maintenance personnel, food services employees, student teachers, methods students, interns, contracted service personnel, and any volunteers working within the school district.
- It is the responsibility of the individual staff member to familiarize him/herself with and abide by the rules of this Acceptable Use Policy, any applicable Staff Handbook, and all other relevant school policies.
- Pursuant to New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated 194:3-d and the guidelines issued by the New Hampshire Department of Education, this Acceptable Use Policy shall serve as a statement on the appropriate use of the technology resources available to all staff of the school district.
- These technology resources include, but are not limited to, the District network, including cabling, routers, wireless access points, and switches; the District’s electronic e-mail and voice mail systems; computer hardware in the form of desktops, laptops, and other mobile devices, including District owned cellular phones; digital peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, digital still and digital video cameras; projection devices, such as interactive whiteboards, projectors, televisions/displays; as well as all software applications and web access tools.
- The primary purposes of these technology resources are:
- to support the educational mission of the Contoocook Valley School District;
- to provide improved avenues of communication between staff, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders;
- to establish a web presence for the Contoocook Valley School District.
- As such, the technology resources have a designated educational purpose and are not intended for recreational and entertainment use.
- The use of the technology resources of the Contoocook Valley School District is a revocable privilege and not a right. All use of technology resources must be consistent with the District’s contractual obligations, including limitations defined in software and other licensing agreements, including End User License Agreements (EULAs).
- Every member of the staff is responsible for appropriate and professional behavior when using technology resources, just as they are in the classroom, in offices, or at any District function. Every member of the staff shall be responsible for promptly reporting any known loss of District electronic information or records to the District’s Chief Information Security Officer [CISO].
- Every member of the staff that will have District-owned equipment loaned to them must sign and date an Agreement for Authorized Use of District-Owned Equipment (GBEF-F).
- While the school district recognizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality and privacy of student records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), staff members do not have any expectation of privacy of any information stored or transmitted through district-owned communication systems or other technology resources. Student identifying information should not be included in electronic communications, except as permitted by FERPA.
- District technology resources owned by the District are intended to be used for educational purposes and District business only. Staff members shall have no expectation of privacy when using the internet or electronic communications. The District reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store (at any time and with and/or without prior notice) all usage of District technology resources, including all internet and electronic communications access and transmission/receipt of materials and information. All material and information generated through district technology resources shall remain the property of the District.
- Electronic records shall be maintained and secured in accord with the District’s Data Privacy and Governance Plan as amended from time-to-time, as well as state and federal law regarding student and personnel records maintenance, privacy and security.
- Staff are expected to comply with all password protection and two-factor authentication requirements and should not disclose passwords or authentication information to any third party without permission from the District’s CISO or his/her designee.
- Approved – Approved uses of District technology resources are those uses that are related to a staff member’s employment duties or are expressly approved by the Superintendent or designee.
- Allowed – Allowed uses of District technology resources are those uses that are infrequent and de minimis and which do not interfere with the staff member’s job duties and are not otherwise prohibited by this Policy or applicable law.
- Prohibited – Prohibited uses of District technology resources are those uses that violate this Policy or applicable law, including but not limited to use in connection with employment outside of the District or other business activity, personal use that would exceed that which is reasonably considered de minimis, any use intended to harass, intimidate, or threaten another person, any use that interferes with another employee’s ability to perform his/her job or that creates a hostile work environment for another employee, and any use that involves accessing, downloading, storing or sending sexually explicit material or any material or communication that is derogatory or offensive based on an individual’s gender, race, religion, national origin, age, or sexual orientation. Use of District technology resources by staff members to communicate with students for any purpose other than legitimate educational purposes is considered a prohibited use.
- Staff are expected to seek prior approval of new technology, software or web-based resources before utilization of the same.
- Engaging in prohibited use shall constitute a violation of this Acceptable Use Policy and result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
- Such discipline will be administered consistent with Board policies and/or all applicable provisions of the Master Agreement/Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- The Contoocook Valley School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the technology services it is providing. While the District will make every effort to preserve data, the responsibility for it lies with the staff, except in those cases where web-based services are employed (e.g. EasyIEP, PowerSchool, etc.) and/or data are stored externally.
- The District will not be held responsible for any damages staff may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions.
- The District will not be responsible for personal property used to access District computers or networks or for District-provided Internet access.
RSA 31:105, Indemnification for Damages RSA 31:106, Indemnification; Civil Rights Suits RSA 31:107, Purchase of Insurance RSA 281-A:2,IX, Definitions RSA 281-A:9, Termination Notices RSA 281-A:11, Self-Insurance for Public Employers
Category: R 1st Read: February 19, 2013 2nd Read: March 5, 2013 Adopted: March 5, 2013 [post_title] => GBG - Employee Protection [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gbg-employee-protection [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 12:31:27 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:31:27 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 257 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=323 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [158] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 324 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:33:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:33:43 [post_content] => I. Medical Examination of School Personnel All school personnel shall be required to have a pre-employment post offer medical examination by a licensed physician. Any person who objects to all or part of any medical examination because of religious beliefs shall be exempt from the examination, except that no such exemption shall be granted if state or local authorities determine that such exemption would constitute a hazard to the health of persons exposed to the unexamined individual. II. Additional Examinations The Superintendent or designee may request a medical examination for any employee if at any time he/she has reason to believe that the employee's physical or mental health may be inimical to the welfare of pupils or other employees. The cost of such examination will be borne by the District. III. Responsibility It is the responsibility of the building principal to report any violation of the above policy to the Superintendent or designee. It is HR responsibility to keep accurate records as evidence of compliance with the above policy. Legal Reference:RSA 200:36, Medical Examination of School Personnel RSA 200:37, Medical Examination of School Bus Operators
Category: R 1st Read: February 19, 2013 2nd Read: March 5, 2013 Adopted: March 5, 2013 [post_title] => GBGA - Staff Health [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gbga-staff-health [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 12:33:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:33:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 257 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=324 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [159] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 325 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:38:50 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:38:50 [post_content] => The Board authorizes the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs, which are located in every building) in emergency situations. The use, administration, and maintenance of the AED are subject to the following conditions:- Location of the AEDs: The Superintendent, building principal and school nurse shall select and approve the locations for the AEDs.
- Authorized Employees/Training of Users: AEDs will be administered only by those employees designated by the principal, in consultation with the school nurse. Employees will be authorized after they have successfully received and completed appropriate training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED use. Such training may be provided by the school nurse or from another source acceptable to the school nurse and principal.
- Maintenance: AEDs will be maintained by the school nurse or his/her designee. Maintenance shall be done according to the AED manufacturer's specifications. The school nurse will maintain a record of all maintenance that has been performed on the AEDs.
- Registration of AEDs: In accordance with RSA 153-A:33, the school nurse or designee shall register the AEDs with the New Hampshire Department of Safety. Sample registration forms in Appendix KFD-R or at www.state.nh.us/safety/ems/aed_public_registry_packet.pdf.
- Incident Reporting: The school nurse or designee shall report all instances of AED use with the New Hampshire Department of Safety. See sample incident report forms in Appendix KFD-R or at www.state.nh.us/safety/ems/aed_public_registry_packet.pdf.
- Liability Limited: The District, and persons administering the AED(s), shall enjoy the limitations of liability as specified in RSA 153:A-31, as well as other sources of law. All employees of the District are expected to comply with the administration of this policy. Any violation of this policy shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
RSA 153-A:28-33, Automated External Defibrillation State of NH, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, 271-4568
Appendix KFD-R Category: R See also JLCEA, KFD 1st Read: February 19, 2013 2nd Read: March 5, 2013 Adopted: March 5, 2013 [post_title] => GBGBA - Use Of Automated External Defibrillator(s) [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gbgba-use-of-automated-external-defibrillators [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 12:38:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:38:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 257 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=325 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [160] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 327 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:54:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:54:59 [post_content] => The District will not disclose any employee’s personally identifiable data or information to any person outside of the District, except as may be required by law. Such data or information may be shared with District employees, as necessary. Personnel Files The Contoocook Valley School District keeps certain records relating to staff's employment in a personnel file. The documents contained within these files are the property of the District and must be maintained for government and District record-keeping purposes. Some employment records are kept in separate files, such as records relating to medical conditions and leave, records relating to investigations, and records relating to 1-9 requirements. Except as otherwise required by the Right to Know Law, all files connected with an employee are considered strictly confidential, and access will be limited only to those who have a job-related need to know the information and who have been authorized to see the file in question. If an employee wishes to view the contents of his or her personnel file, the employee should make prior arrangements to report during off-duty time or, with permission from his or her immediate supervisor, during work time to the Human Resources office and file a written request with the records Human Resource, or other designated individual. Human Resources will verify the employee's identity and show him or her to an area where they can view the contents of their file. If the employee would like to receive a copy of a District record relating to their employment, they should let Human Resources know which document(s) need to be copied. Copies are ten cents per page*, payable in advance. The employee may not take or alter any document found within their personnel file. If the employee disagrees with one of the documents, the employee may ask the Human Resources Director for permission to add a document containing their comments regarding the document with which they disagree. The personnel files will be maintained in District archives in accordance with all applicable legal requirements. *Copy Charges 1. The District may assess a charge of 10 cents per page for each standard 8 ½ x 11 or 8 ½ x 14 black and white copy produced. 2. If a record is maintained in color and can be produced in color, and the requestor then requests a color copy, the District may assess a charge of 25 cents per page for each 8 ½ x 11 or 8 ½ x 14 color copy produced. 3. Delivery of copies of records to a requestor is anticipated to be by hand delivery. If the copies of records are requested to be delivered through the United States Postal Service, for example, the cost incurred in delivering the copies may be assessed in addition to any other permitted charge. Legal Reference: RSA 91-A:5, Access to Public Records RSA 189:65, VII-a, Student and Teacher Information Protection and Privacy RSA 189:67, Limits on Disclosure of Information Appendix GBJ-R Category: R See also GBEC 1st Read: September 18, 2018 2nd Read: October 2, 2018 Adopted: October 2, 2018 [post_title] => GBJ - Personnel Records [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gbj-personnel-records [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-10 15:07:06 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-10 19:07:06 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=327 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [161] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 332 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:56:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 12:56:56 [post_content] => In order to promote efficiency in the administration of schools and to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations, all personnel must observe a chain of command when bringing staff concerns or complaints to the administration's attention. The following guidelines should be followed:- All personnel employed by the School Board shall be responsible to the Board through the Superintendent and no dispute or other personnel issue shall be brought to the Board without first having gone to the Superintendent for determination.
- Likewise, no dispute or other personnel issue shall be brought to the Superintendent without first having been presented to the building Principal for determination.
- Building personnel working under the immediate direction and/or supervision of someone other than the building Principal will inform their immediate supervisor of any dispute or personnel issue s/he intends to bring to the principal.
- Professional qualifications and credentials, including full state certification
- Successful teaching experience
- Specific requirements of position
- Budget considerations
All part-time and substitute employees must undergo a Criminal History Records Check prior to any employment. See policy GBCD for Criminal History Records Check information.
Legal Reference:RSA 189:13-a, School Employee and Volunteer Background Investigations
Category: R See also GBCD 1st Read: February 19, 2013 2nd Read: March 5, 2013 Adopted: March 5, 2013 [post_title] => GCG - Part-Time And Substitute Professional Staff Employment (Substitute Teachers) [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gcg-part-time-and-substitute-professional-staff-employment-substitute-teachers [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 13:05:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:05:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 257 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=338 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [166] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 340 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 13:06:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:06:29 [post_content] => A program of professional development will be established to provide an opportunity for the continuous professional growth of the staff. Staff members will become knowledgeable regarding new developments and changes in their fields, and will utilize research-based practices. It shall be the responsibility of the Assistant Superintendent to implement appropriate professional development opportunities. Category: R 1st Read: February 19, 2013 2nd Read: March 5, 2013 Adopted: March 5, 2013 [post_title] => GCI - Professional Staff Development Opportunities [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gci-professional-staff-development-opportunities [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 13:06:29 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:06:29 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 257 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=340 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [167] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 341 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 13:08:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:08:25 [post_content] => The administration will evaluate teachers a minimum of one time during their certification cycle. A report of completion of evaluation with recommendations will be made annually to the School Board between February 1 and March 31. Teachers who have not completed five full years of service at the time of the annual evaluation report to the School Board shall be considered non-tenured teachers. Legal References:RSA189:14-a School Boards, Transportation and Instruction of Pupils; Failure to be Renominated or Reelected.
Category: R 1st Read: September 17, 2013 2nd Read: October 1, 2013 Adopted: October 1, 2013 [post_title] => GCN - Evaluation Of Instructional Staff [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gcn-evaluation-of-instructional-staff [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 13:08:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:08:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 257 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=341 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [168] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 343 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 13:12:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:12:56 [post_content] => The School Board intends to seek and maintain the best qualified staff to provide quality education for students. Accordingly, the Board will adopt and the Superintendent will implement a teacher performance evaluation system. Input will be sought from teachers and administrators with respect to the evaluation system, procedures, and criteria. The goal shall be to have a system of ongoing appraisal of the performance of staff which provides:- A systematic process whereby the performance and effectiveness of a teacher shall be evaluated through a written evaluation procedure.
- Opportunity for all staff members to analyze their strengths and weaknesses as they relate to the teaching-learning process and to discuss objectively the contributions they have made to the school system.
- Opportunity for the administrative staff to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of individual staff members and to use this knowledge to develop supervisory service to assist individuals in developing objectives to improve their competence. These may relate to the teaching-learning process and/or other professional responsibilities.
- Effective means by which administrators may make recommendations concerning the continued employment of personnel, the granting of a continuing contract, and/or other recommendations to the School Board.
- Identification of performance deficiencies.
- Identification of superior staff who should receive public recognition.
RSA 189:1-a, Duty to Provide Education RSA 189:14-a, Failure to be Renominated or Reelected N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 302.02(n), Substantive Duties of Superintendents N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 304.01(b), Substantive Duties of School Principals
Category: P/Priority 1st Read: February 21, 2012 2nd Read: April 3, 2012 Adopted: April 3, 2012 Amended: November 5, 2013 [post_title] => GCO - Teacher Performance And Evaluation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gco-teacher-performance-and-evaluation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-12-20 13:39:30 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-12-20 18:39:30 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=343 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [169] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 345 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-15 13:17:03 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:17:03 [post_content] => The Board expects all employees to give the responsibilities of their positions in the district precedence over any type of outside work. The outside work done by a staff member is of concern to the Board insofar as it may:- Prevent the employee from performing job-related responsibilities in an effective manner.
- Be prejudicial to his/her effectiveness in the position; or might compromise or embarrass the school district.
- Raise a question of conflict of interest --- for example, where the employee’s position in the District gives him access to information or another advantage useful to the outside employer.
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section 204.01, Board Hearings
Category: R 1st Read: February 19, 2013 2nd Read: March 5, 2013 Adopted: March 5, 2013 [post_title] => GDQ - Terminiation Of Support Staff Personnel [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gdq-terminiation-of-support-staff-personnel [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-15 13:32:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:32:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 257 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=349 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [174] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 255 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-14 16:04:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:04:17 [post_content] => Strikes and other forms of job action are unlawful, and a violation of Board Policy. However, if a work stoppage occurs, the Board will keep schools open so long as the health and safety of the students and employees can be assured. Action Regarding Work Stoppage The initial decision as to whether or not schools will remain open will be made by the Superintendent or his/her designee in consultation with the Chairperson of the Board. If this consultation is not possible, the Superintendent or his/her designee is authorized to make the decision. There will be an emergency meeting of the Board during the evening the work stoppage has occurred. If prior warning of a possible stoppage is forthcoming, the Superintendent is authorized to call an emergency School Board meeting to be held in the usual meeting place at 7:30 P.M. on the designated date. It is expressly understood that no Board member other than the Chairperson (or designee) will issue any press release or statements in regard to the work stoppage. Legal Reference:RSA 273-A:13, Strikes Prohibited
Category: R 1st Read: May 7, 2013 2nd Read: May 21, 2013 Adopted: May 21, 2013 [post_title] => HP - Employee Job Actions [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => hp-employee-job-actions [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-14 16:04:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-14 16:04:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 252 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=255 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [175] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 192 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 12:36:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 12:36:24 [post_content] => The school year shall include a minimum of 180 instructional days for students and additional days for the teaching staff, emergency days, etc. Any days that the schools are closed for emergency reasons will be made up at the end of the school year or during recess periods, as approved by the Board upon the Superintendent's recommendation. Alternatively, the school year may consist of the number of hours as required by New Hampshire Department of Education Rules. In the event schools are closed for excessive days for emergency reasons, the Superintendent may recommend to the School Board a revised schedule that satisfies all Department of Education requirements, but which may amend the number of days in the school year. Legal References:RSA 189:1, Days of School RSA 189:24, Standard School NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.18, School Year NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.19, School Calendar NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.27 (q), High School Schedule for Seniors/Graduation
Category: R See also ICA 1st Read: October 1, 2013 2nd Read: October 15, 2013 Adopted: October 15, 2013 [post_title] => IC - School Year [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ic-school-year [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 12:36:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 12:36:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=192 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [176] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 194 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 12:40:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 12:40:36 [post_content] => It is the policy of the School Board that instruction will be aligned with the goals, mission, and policies of the School District. Additionally, the District’s instructional program will comply with the rules of the NH Department of Education and all applicable state statutes and federal law. Instruction will be focused on meeting the instructional needs of all students. The instructional program will include:- Procedures for diagnosing learner needs
- Methods and strategies for teaching that incorporate learner needs
- Research-based learning opportunities
- Techniques for evaluating student outcomes
- The provision of remedial instruction as needed
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 302.02(f), Substantive Duties of Superintendents NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 303.01(g), Substantive Duties of School Boards
Category: R See also IGD-R, IJ-R 1st Read: October 1, 2013 2nd Read: January 7, 2014 Adopted: January 7, 2014 [post_title] => IGD - Curriculum Adoption [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => igd-curriculum-adoption [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 13:29:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 13:29:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=199 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [181] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 200 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 13:31:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 13:31:48 [post_content] => The School Board authorizes the establishment of Student Activity Funds. Such funds shall be organized and managed consistent with the provisions of this policy. Student activity funds may be raised and spent to promote the general welfare, education of the student body and/or the extracurricular activities of student clubs, groups and organizations. The Business Administrator shall be responsible for the proper administration of the financial activities of the Student activities fund in accordance with state law and appropriate accounting practices and procedures. The Business Administrator is charged with establishing administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of this policy. Student activity accounts are subject to auditing at any time by the Business Administrator or his/her designate. Student fundraising activities must be for the support of the school mission. Fundraising will not be school sponsored unless it is approved by the Superintendent. All fundraising money must be deposited in the school activity accounts which shall be maintained according to standards and procedures established by the Superintendent or his/her designee, and these accounts shall be audited annually.See Also Appendix JJF-R
Category: R See also JJF 1st Read: May 6, 2014 2nd Read: June 3, 2014 [post_title] => IGDG - Student Activities Fund Management and Fundraising [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => igdg-student-activities-fund-management-and-fundraising [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 13:31:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 13:31:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=200 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [182] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 201 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 13:34:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 13:34:11 [post_content] => In the event a parent/guardian finds specific course material objectionable, the parent/guardian may notify the building Principal of the specific material to which they object and request that the student receive alternative instruction, sufficient to enable the student to meet state requirements for education in the particular subject area. This request shall be in writing. The building Principal and the parent/guardian must mutually agree to the alternative instruction. The alternative instruction agreed upon must meet state requirements for education in the particular subject area. School District staff will make reasonable efforts, within the scope of existing time, schedules, resources and other duties, to accommodate alternative instruction for the student. Alternative instruction may be provided by the school through approved independent study, or through another method agreed to by the parent/guardian and the building Principal. Any cost associated with the alternative instruction shall be borne by the parent/guardian. Parents/guardians who wish for particular instructional material be reviewed for appropriateness may submit a request for review in accordance with Board policy KEC. In accordance with the federal Protection of Pupil Rights statute, as a School District that receives federal Department of Education funds, the Superintendent shall develop procedures to allow the parent/guardian of a student to inspect any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for the student. The procedures will provide reasonable access to instructional material within a reasonable period of time after the request is received. NOTE regarding human sexuality and human sexual education: In addition to the protections under this policy, per RSA 186:11-c and Board policy IHAM, parents/guardians are afforded additional affirmative rights with respect to instruction of human sexuality or human sex education, including, among other things, the right to receive a minimum of 2 weeks advance notice of all materials to be used with respect to such instruction. Legal References: RSA 186:11, IX-b & IX-c State Board of Education; Duties. 20 U.S.C §1232h, (c)(1)(C), Protection of pupil rights RSA 193:40, Prohibition on Teaching Discrimination Category: Priority/Required by Law Related policies: IHAM & KEC District review/revision history: First Read: January 17, 2023 Second Read: March 7, 2023 Adopted: March 7, 2023 [post_title] => IGE - Parental Objections To Specific Course Material [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ige-parental-objections-to-specific-course-material [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-04-07 10:47:23 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-04-07 14:47:23 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=201 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [183] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5514 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2021-09-01 22:25:50 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-09-02 02:25:50 [post_content] => Those in charge of curriculum development will have the responsibility for integrating into the curriculum, as appropriate, the following principles:- Pursuant to Part 2, Article 83 of the New Hampshire Constitution, humanity, benevolence, and truth and honesty with self and others.
- Fairness, integrity, and justice.
- Respect, courtesy, and human worth.
- Community service.
- The rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
- Each individual’s dignity and worth.
- Respect for persons, property, and self.
- Each individual’s right to learn and freedom to achieve.
- Each individual’s right to equal opportunity, regardless of age, gender, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, and disability.
- Each individual’s right to personal liberties.
- All individuals’ responsibility for their own actions.
- The obligation to exercise self-discipline, where and when appropriate.
- Each individual’s responsibility to the group as well as to society.
- Democratic government based on the principles of majority rule and protection of individual rights.
- Devotion to the rule of law.
- Problem solving through reason and orderly processes.
- Tolerance of others’ beliefs and their freedom to express their own.
- Each individual’s right to work, to pursue an occupation, and to gain satisfaction from personal efforts.
- The District shall provide appropriate instructional equipment and material, including assistive technology devices and assistive technology services appropriate to implement each student’s IEP.
- Teachers of students with disabilities, prior to employment, shall have valid New Hampshire certification or Statement of Eligibility with an endorsement appropriate for the disabilities of the students they serve.
- Additionally, special education teachers within the District must meet highly qualified teacher requirements for their respective teaching assignments, as designated by federal and state guidelines.
- A child with a disability attends the regular class with supports and services as required by the IEP
- A child with a disability attends the regular class with consultative assistance being provided to the classroom teacher.
- A child with a disability attends the regular class with direct services provided by specialists or paraprofessionals working under the direction of professional teaching staff.
- When the regular education setting, with accommodations, modifications, supplementary aides and services is inadequate to meet the needs of a student with a disability, the student may receive assistance (by team agreement) in a resource setting within the public school system for a portion of the school day.
- The student can spend no more than 60% of the school day in this setting.
- Instruction provided in the resource setting will ensure each student continued access to the general curriculum.
- The total number of students with disabilities being served in the resource room at any given time shall not exceed 12 students without the assistance of support personnel. The maximum number of children in a Resource Room shall not exceed20 (Ed 1113.10(f)(4). The District shall ensure that the resource settings are staffed with personnel who meet state certification requirements and federal “Highly Qualified Teacher” requirements as applicable.
- A child with a disability attends a regular class and a self-contained special education classroom
- A child with a disability attends a special education class for more than 60% of their day.
- The class is organized either by the needs of the students or by the degree of severity of the disability.
- Self-contained special education classes serve students according to chronological age with a range of not more than four years.
- The number of students in a self-contained classroom cannot exceed 12.
- A teacher-student ratio of 1:8 or 2:12 shall be provided unless the severity of disabilities warrants the assignment of additional staff. Maintaining this ratio can be accomplished through the assignment of two teachers or a teacher and a paraprofessional.
- A child with a disability attends a public or privately operated special day program full-time or part-time
- The child attends a privately or publicly approved residential program on a full-time basis.
- Early Childhood Program: A preschool child with a disability attends an early childhood program
- Home: a preschool child with a disability receives some or all of his/her supports and services in the child’s home
- Special Education Program: a preschool child with a disability attends a special education program
- Service Provider Location: a preschool child with a disability receives supports and services from a service provider
- Separate School: a preschool child with a disability attends a publicly or privately operated separate day school facility designed specifically for children with disabilities
- Residential Facility: a preschool child with a disability attends a publicly or privately operated residential school or residential medical facility on an inpatient basis
- Home instruction for children at least six years of age but less than 21 years of age shall include no fewer than ten hours per week of specially designed instruction as specified in the child’s IEP so that the child will progress in the general curriculum and meet IEP goals.
- Home instruction may include related services in addition to the ten hours of specially designed instruction and will be delivered in accordance with the NH Rules.
- Home-based programs shall not exceed 45 days in a school year unless individual circumstances warrant an extension to this time period. If the IEP team determines that home instruction should be implemented for more than 45 days of a school year, the District will complete the following requirements:
1. Describe, in writing, the specific circumstances resulting in the need for the home instruction; 2. Develop an IEP which includes all the required elements; and 3. Develop a written plan of the transition of the child into a less restrictive environment
- Home Instruction shall NOT include parent designed home education programs as authorized in Ed 315.
- Home instruction shall be implemented by personnel qualified in accordance with 34CFRL300.156 and Section 2122 in the ESEA.
- Instructional areas for children with disabilities shall be located in classrooms with students of a similar chronological age and shall be comparable to other classrooms within the school. They shall be located in facilities that are, in the judgment of the IEP team, in the least restrictive environment.
- The physical space used for classrooms and other instructional programs and school activities for children with disabilities shall be of sufficient size to accommodate program modifications and accommodations necessary to implement the children’s IEPs and provide for all other learning activities.
- Preschool level – The IEP team shall determine the length of the school day for preschool students with disabilities.
- Elementary/Middle/High School: the school day shall be a minimum of 180 days in each year or the equivalent number of hours approved by the Commissioner of Education, NHDOE, consistent with the provisions of RSA 189:1, 189:2, 189:24, and 189:25 and Ed 306.18-306.21. (Ed 1113.15)
20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 34 C.F.R. § 300 et seq., Assistance to the States for the Education of Children with Disabilities RSA 186-C, Special Education N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 1100, Standards for the Education of Students With Disabilities Appendix JICD-R
Category: R See also JICD 1st Reading: May 19, 2009 2nd Reading: June 16, 2009 Adopted: June 16, 2009 [post_title] => IHBA - Programs For Pupils With Disabilities [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ihba-programs-for-pupils-with-disabilities [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 14:01:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 14:01:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=206 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [188] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2182 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2017-10-11 15:39:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-10-11 19:39:26 [post_content] => The State and Federal special education laws require that the SAU #1 school districts evaluate children with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services. The districts evaluate children upon referral for special education and re-evaluate educationally disabled children at least once every three years or when conditions warrant a re-evaluation. The schools in SAU #1 are committed to ensuring that each child’s IEP team bases its decision on high quality, reliable and educationally sound special education evaluations. As a result, the SAU #1 schools have established the following list of criteria for all special education evaluations the district conducts, obtains or funds. Unique circumstances may justify deviation from these criteria. If a parent or district staff member is aware of such unique circumstances, they should inform the student’s special education teacher, building LEA or district special education administrator immediately.- The evaluation must comply with the relevant provisions of the State and Federal Special Education Laws, including 34 C.F.R. 300.530-300.536 and NH Code of Administrative Rules Ed 1107.
- The evaluator must hold a valid license or certification in the field related to the known or suspected disability. The evaluator must have extensive training and experience in evaluation in the area(s) of concern and be able to interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results.
- All tests administered will be the current version of the test. The test must be norm referenced for the individual evaluation appropriate for the age and educational level of the child and measure the same cognitive, motoric and achievement skills as district tests, and meet the same standards of technical adequacy for reliability and validity.
- The cost of the evaluation shall not exceed the usual and customary rate for such evaluations. The school district will not pay for the evaluation until it receives the evaluator’s report.
- The evaluator must review educational records located in the student’s local public school and other relevant educational records.
- The evaluator must either: a) observe the child in one or more educational settings; or b) make at least one contact with the child’s general education teacher for the purpose of determining how the student is progressing in the general curriculum. In addition, evaluators are encouraged to make additional contacts with other involved general and special education teachers and related service providers.
- The evaluator must be permitted to directly communicate and share information with members of the IEP team, the district’s Special Education Administrator or the administrator’s designees. The evaluator must also release the assessments and results, including any parent and teacher questionnaires, to members of the IEP team, the Special Education Administrator or the administrator’s designees.
- All evaluation reports will include the appropriate standardization and reporting methods as designed by the test publishers.
- The district shall be entitled to inspect and obtain copies of the evaluator’s records directly pertaining to the student being evaluated, including any records created by third parties. However, those records will not be deemed accessible to any school district personnel other than the evaluator, unless and until the district exercises its right to inspect or obtain copies of those records from the evaluator.
- The developmental delay identification shall generally be used for students age three to seven years as a diagnostic tool when a student is suspected as having a more specific qualifying disability, but the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team is not yet able to identify a more specific educational disability.
- When, and if the IEP Team determines that it has sufficient information that a child has a more specific educational disability, that designation should be used if it is more descriptive of a young child’s strengths and needs. The designation of developmental delay, as opposed to the designation of a more specific educational disability shall only be used past age seven when the IEP Team has determined that it still lacks sufficient information to determine whether a child has a more specific educational disability.
- The assessment process for Developmental Delay shall view the whole child within the context of the family and community, and with reference to typical developmental perspectives.
- Developmental Delay should not be used as a secondary identification.
- The five developmental domains to be assessed shall include: Physical, Cognitive, Communication, Social/Emotional, and Adaptive.
- The relevant assessments are listed in the Developmental Delay Assessment Resource Packet. These assessments may vary depending upon the nature of the determination by the IEP Team that the child may have one of the other educationally disabling conditions.
- A history of the child’s developmental, social, and medical history
- A vision and hearing screening
- Observations in an environment natural to the child, which is completed by appropriately trained specialists familiar with Child Development
- Physical development assessment using standardized (norm-referenced or age referenced), diagnostic instruments and procedures individually administered by appropriate specialists. Assessment of Cognitive/Intellectual Functioning individually administered by appropriate specialists using appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures
- Communication/language skills assessment of receptive and expressive skills combined, using appropriate norm-referenced or age-referenced instruments individually administered by a Speech and Language Pathologist/Specialist
- Social/emotional development assessment using direct and indirect observation data compiled by an appropriate specialist
- Adaptive behavior skills assessment by an appropriately trained specialist through an appropriate standardized diagnostic instrument using the child’s primary caretaker and/or other familiar person (with parental consent) as an informant
- Parents will be notified of their student’s placement in a language program and their options associated with that placement. Notification will include the reasons for identifying the child as LEP and the reasons for placing the child in the specific program.
- Students will participate in regular assessments in a manner that will yield an accurate assessment. Students who have been educated in the United States for one year are required to participate in a state reading/language arts assessment in English and all students are required to take math state assessment.
- As designated by statute, New Hampshire is an English only state. All instruction in the LEP will be done in English.
- Evaluation of the program and the academic success and language achievement of the students in the program. Parents will be notified of:
A. Their child’s level of English proficiency and how such level was assessed. B. The status of their child’s annual academic achievement. (ACCESS) C. The method of instruction used in the program in which the child is placed, 1:1 or small group. D. Information as to how the program will meet their child’s educational strengths, assist him/her to learn English, and meet age-appropriate academic achievement standards. E. Exit requirements for the program. F. If the child has a disability, a statement as to how the LEP will meet objectives of the child’s IEP as documented in related services.
Legal Reference:P.L. 107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
Appendix IHBBA-R 1st Reading: May 27, 2008 2nd Reading: September 2, 2008 Adopted: September 2, 2008 [post_title] => IHBBA - Limited English Proficiency Instruction [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ihbba-limited-english-proficiency-instruction [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 14:16:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 14:16:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=211 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [194] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 213 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 14:21:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 14:21:42 [post_content] => Eligibility The School Board recognizes the right of parents to pursue home education within the parameters RSA 193-A and other applicable state laws and regulations. Enrollment Procedures Any parent commencing a home education program for a child who withdraws from the School District shall notify the New Hampshire Department of Education, the Superintendent, or a non-public school within five (5) business days of commencing the home education program. Such notification shall include the names, addresses and birth dates of all children who are participating in the home education program. If notice is provided to the Superintendent, he/she will acknowledge receipt of notification within fourteen (14) days. Annual notification of intent to home education is not required. If requested by the parent, the Superintendent will assist parents in making such notification and in complying with applicable statutory requirements. State attendance laws and District attendance policies shall apply to all students within the District until the commissioner of education, the Superintendent, or principal of a non-public school receives notice from a student’s parent/guardian of the commencement of a home education program, consistent with the requirements of RSA 193-A:5. Evaluation Procedures Parents electing to request the School District’s participation in the annual evaluation must make arrangements to do so with the appropriate building Administrator prior to the end of the public school year, provided the School District is acting as the participating agency. In this case, the Superintendent shall provide evaluation services, if the parent so requests. If the District is not acting as the participating agency, the Superintendent shall provide evaluation services at his/her discretion. The Superintendent will review the results of the annual education evaluation of children in home educational programs. If the home-educated child has not demonstrated educational progress, the Superintendent will notify the parent in writing that educational progress has not been achieved. Likewise, the Superintendent or his/her designee will notify the parent in writing within 21 days of the evaluation if the child has demonstrated educational progress. The Superintendent will ensure that the evaluation includes all information, dates and signatures required by state statute and/or regulation. Parents shall maintain a portfolio of records and materials relative to the home education program and must provide for an annual evaluation documenting the child’s demonstration of educational progress at a level commensurate with the child’s age and ability, in accordance with RSA 193-A and NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 315. Re-enrollment into the School District Parents deciding to re-enroll their children into the school district following a period of home education will make arrangements with the Principal for an evaluation to determine appropriate placement in the District’s program. Placements will be consistent with the School Board policy governing student placements (NHSBA Sample Policy JG) and are subject to the same appeal process. Parents should be attentive that when re-enrolling a student, there may be discrepancies between the home schooling level of achievement and the scope and sequence of the District’s curriculum. Graduation/Diplomas The School Board will not award certificates or diplomas to home educated student. Students must enter the regular school program and complete all necessary graduation requirements of the District and the state to be eligible for a certificate or diploma. Participation in school curricular and co-curricular activities Regulations regarding the participation of home education students in District curricular and extra-curricular programs are established in Appendix IHBG-R. The Superintendent is charged with establishing such regulations. Consistent with RSA 193:1-c, any regulations shall not be more restrictive for non-public or home educated pupils than they are for students enrolled in the District. Legal References:RSA 193-A, Home Education RSA 193:1, Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil RSA 193:1-a, Dual Enrollment RSA 193:1-c, Access to Public School Programs by Nonpublic or Home Educated Pupils NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 315, Procedures for the Operation of Home Education Programs Appendix IHBG-R
Category: R See also JG, JH 1st Read: November 5, 2013 2nd Read: December 3, 2013 Adopted: December 3, 2013 [post_title] => IHBG - Home Education Instruction [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ihbg-home-education-instruction [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 14:21:42 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 14:21:42 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=213 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [195] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3846 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2019-07-23 14:20:19 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-07-23 18:20:19 [post_content] =>ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE TO ACCOMPANY POLICY IHBG
HOME EDUCATION PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES 1. DEFINITIONS A. “Home Schooler” shall mean a “child” as defined in RSA 193-A:1 who resides within the towns of the ConVal District and participates in a home education program. However, this policy may, at the discretion of the Superintendent, apply to students who are over sixteen years of age. B. “Parent” shall mean a parent, guardian, or person having legal custody of a child. C. “Applicable School” shall mean the school within the ConVal School District, which the home schooler would be attending, but for his or her participation in a home education program. D. “Applicable Principal” shall mean the principal of the applicable school or his or her designee. E. “Educational Program” shall mean a course, class, co-curricular activity, field trip, use of the media center, or other programs or resources offered by or sponsored by the ConVal School District. F. “The District” shall mean the ConVal School District. G. “Superintendent” shall mean the Superintendent of SAU 1 or his/her designee. H. “Interscholastic Activity” shall mean participation on a competitive athletic team organized at a ConVal Middle School or the High School under the auspices of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association and shall also be deemed to include an activity such as Ocean Bowl, and any other competitive activity which has games or contests with other schools not within the ConVal School District. 2. REQUESTS FOR PARTICIPATION A. A home schooler may participate in educational programs and interscholastic activities to enhance his/her home education program, subject to the provisions of this policy, and is encouraged to do so. B. All requests by a home schooler for participation in an educational program or interscholastic activities shall be made in writing by the parent, through the applicable principal to the Superintendent. C. After consulting with the applicable Principal (who shall consult with appropriate staff), the Superintendent shall grant or deny the request in writing, based upon the following criteria and the special rules for participation in educational programs and/or interscholastic activities: I. Whether granting the request would involve any expenses (other than nominal expenses) to the District. II. Whether granting the request would result in a substantial administrative or staff burden. III. Whether granting the request is administratively and academically feasible. IV. Whether space is available in an educational program. V. Whether the parent and home schooler demonstrate a willingness to follow the rules and regulations of the District, including those rules and regulations included herein. VI. Whether the request for participation is academically appropriate for the home schooler as well as for other students who will also be participating in the educational activity. VII. Whether the home schooler would require special services of any type. VIII. Whether the request for participation is so extensive that the home schooler should be enrolled as a full time student in the ConVal School System. IX. Whether any other factors exist why the request should be granted or denied. D. The parent may appeal the decision of the Superintendent to the ConVal Board of Education, in writing, within ten days of the date of the Superintendent’s decision. The Board or a designated sub-committee of the Board, shall, at its next regularly scheduled meeting, hear the appeal. In addition to relevant documentary materials, the only evidence permitted before the Board, or a designated sub-committee of the Board shall be the oral or written testimony of the Superintendent, the parent of the home schooler (as defined in paragraph 1) and the home schooler. 3. WAIVERS, PERMISSION, NOTICE AND RESPONSIBILITY A. All home schoolers participating in educational programs including co-curricular activities and/or interscholastic activities must follow all applicable rules, policies and procedures, specifically including requirements for physical exams and immunization. During his or her period of participation in school activities, each home schooler shall abide by all rules of the school as the rules pertain to all students; and the parents of the home schooler shall execute standard waivers and permissions and shall be subject to the rules, regulations, and notices as are in effect for all children and parents. B. Neither the District, nor any of its agents or employees, is responsible for notifying the home schooler or his/her parents of any changes in schedule affecting the home schooler. It is the responsibility of the home schooler and his/her parents to inquire concerning schedules. However, such agents or employees are not precluded from making such notifications. C. At the request of a parent, the District shall cause, the parent to be placed on the mailing list for any applicable school to receive such notices as are ordinarily distributed either by the mail, email or through students. D. The District shall not be responsible for providing transportation for any home schooler unless such can be done at no additional cost to the District and without undue administrative burden to the District. E. The District shall not be responsible for investigating or notifying the parent in the event that a home schooler does not attend an educational program. It is the responsibility of the parent(s) of the home schooler to assure the attendance of the home schooler at an educational program. The parent shall execute an appropriate waiver as prepared by counsel for the District, ensuring that the District is not responsible for the consequences, direct or indirect, of any home schoolers’ failure to attend or participate in an educational program. 4. DISCIPLINE AND TERMINATION A. Home schoolers participating in educational programs including co-curricular activities and/or interscholastic activities shall be subject to the same standards and code of conduct as any other participants in programs of the District. B. The District reserves the right to terminate the participation of a home schooler in district programs at any time for the reasons set forth below. An appeal by a parent under this paragraph shall be handled in the same manner as an appeal regarding an original request for participation. (Paragraph 2.) I. Failure of the home schooler to abide by all applicable rules and regulations, including all rules of student conduct. II. Failure of the home schooler to participate in scheduled activities, or significant absences of the home schooler. III. If an unforeseen significant expense occurs or comes to light related to the home schoolers participation. IV. Failure to pay any required fees. V. Failure of the home schooler to progress academically or to put forth reasonable effort in an academic program. VI. Failure of the home schooler or parent to abide by the procedures set forth herein. VII. Such other reason deemed sufficient by the Superintendent as occurs in the course of the home schoolers participation. 5. DIPLOMAS AND RELATED MATTERS A. The ConVal School District shall not issue a diploma, certificate of graduation, or similar document for any home schooler unless the home schooler has: 1) Attended CVHS for at least one (1) years 2) Accumulated sufficient credits to meet State and Local graduation requirements B. Only students who are enrolled in three or more classes shall be eligible to be listed on the Honor Roll. Only full-time students shall be eligible for the National Honor Society. A home schooler shall be eligible for a scholarship or academic award based only on academic work done within a ConVal School District program. 6. SPECIAL RULES FOR PARTICIPATION IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES The following rules shall apply to a home schoolers request to participate in an interscholastic activity: A. A home schooler requesting to participate in an interscholastic activity shall be subject to the same standards of eligibility as a student in the ConVal School System who wishes to participate, including health requirements, the requirements of physical examinations, academic requirements and standards of ability as set by the applicable coach or other District agent or official. B. A home schooler shall be permitted to participate in an interscholastic game, official event or contest held on a school day. The principal or his/her designee shall be responsible for ensuring that the home schooler meets all NHIAA or official event requirements for such participation. C. A home schooler shall be permitted to participate in an interscholastic activity only after the Superintendent is provided with sufficient proof that the home schooler has been and continues to make appropriate achievement in the home educational program. The Superintendent shall determine and be the sole judge of what constitutes reasonable and acceptable proof of academic progress. D. The decision of a coach or other official as to whether or not a home schooler may participate in an interscholastic activity based upon ability or any other factor that the coach or other official deems appropriate shall be final. 7. SPECIFIC MATTERS A. The Superintendent may request an appropriate academic assessment of the home schooler, at the parents’ expense, prior to granting or denying the request to participate in a specific academic program. The Superintendent shall determine placement within any academic program. (For example, a student would ordinarily not be allowed to participate in French III until it is established that he or she has demonstrated sufficient proficiency in the French language to do so. Reference Policy JCA). B. Requests for the use of the library, audiovisual materials, and the like shall ordinarily be granted in the absence of substantial reasons to the contrary. If it is determined that it is appropriate to loan school materials to a home schooler, the parent is responsible for all costs for loss or damage, and the District may require a security deposit in reasonable amount. C. If deemed advisable by the applicable principal, requests for participation in field trip activities may be granted upon condition that a parent of a home schooler accompanies the field trip as a chaperon. The applicable principal may waive this condition. D. Requests for participation in activities that are purely social, such as school dances, will be determined in accordance with the school’s guest policies or practices. E. Requests for counseling, psychological services, guidance services and advice on post-secondary educational options shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. F. As a service to our home school families the ConVal School District will provide special education testing and evaluations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. However, requests for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other special services shall generally be denied. 1st Board Reading: February 3, 2004 Adopted: March 2, 2004 [post_title] => IHBG-R- Home Education Instruction Procedures [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ihbh-r-conval-high-school-extended-learning-opportunities-course-criteria-and-application-procedures [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-12-08 09:59:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-12-08 14:59:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3846 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [196] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 214 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 14:28:01 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 14:28:01 [post_content] => Purpose The Board encourages students to pursue Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) as a means of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction or study that is outside the traditional classroom methodology. Extended Learning Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, online courses/distance education, or other opportunities approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee, in conjunction with Board policies. The purpose of Extended Learning Opportunities is to provide educational experiences that are meaningful and relevant, and that provide students with opportunities to explore and achieve at high levels. In order to maximize student achievement and meet diverse pathways for learning, this policy permits students to employ Extended Learning Opportunities that are stimulating and intellectually challenging, and that enable students to fulfill or exceed the expectations set forth by State minimum standards and applicable Board policies. Roles and Responsibilities All programs of study must meet or exceed the proficiencies and skills identified by the New Hampshire State Board of Education, applicable rules and regulations of the Department of Education, and all applicable Board policies. All programs of study proposed through this program shall have specific instructional objectives aligned with the State minimum standards and the District’s curriculum standards. All Extended Learning Opportunities will comply with applicable laws and regulations, including child labor laws and regulations governing occupational safety. Students wishing to pursue programs of study under these guidelines must first present their proposal to the school’s ELO Coordinator(s) for approval. The name and contact information for the school’s ELO Coordinator(s) will be found in the Student/Parent Handbook and by contacting the Principal’s Office and/or the Guidance Department. The designated ELO Coordinator will assist students in preparing the application form and other necessary paperwork. The Principal and/or designee will have primary responsibility and authority for ensuring the implementation of Extended Learning Opportunities and all aspects of such programs. The Principal will determine who will be responsible for approving student eligibility and such approval will include a consideration of the overall benefits, costs, advantages and disadvantages to both the student and the district. Students approved for an extended learning opportunity must have parental/guardian permission to participate in such a program. Such permission will be granted through a Memorandum of Understanding for Educational Services signed by the parent/legal guardian and returned to the district before beginning the program. All extended learning opportunities, including the cost of fees, books, and transportation, not initiated and designed by the District, shall be the financial responsibility of the student or his/her parent/legal guardian. High School Extended Learning Opportunities Extended Learning Opportunities may be taken for credit or may be taken to supplement regular academic courses. If the Extended Learning Opportunity is taken for credit, the provisions of Policy IMBC, Alternative Credit Options, will apply. The granting of credit shall be based on a student’s mastery of course competencies, as defined by Policies ILBA, Assessment of Educational Programs, and ILBAA, High School Competency Assessments as evaluated by Highly Qualified Teachers. Extended Learning Opportunities may also be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements for advanced classes based on competencies evaluated by a Highly Qualified Teacher. The Principal and/or designee will review and determine credits that will be awarded for extended learning opportunities towards the attainment of a high school diploma. Parents/Guardians and/or students may appeal decisions rendered by the Principal within the provisions below (see appeal process). Students electing independent study, college coursework, internships, or other extended learning opportunities that are held off the high school campus will be responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the off-campus site. Students approved for off-campus extended learning opportunities are responsible for their personal safety and well-being. Extended learning opportunities at off-campus sites will require a signed agreement among the school, the student, and a designated agent of the third-party host. The agreement should specify the roles and responsibilities of each party. Program Integrity In order to insure the integrity of the learning experience approved under this program, the student will be required periodically or upon demand to provide evidence of progress and attendance. The Principal, or designee, will be responsible for certifying course completion and the award of credits consistent with the District’s policies on graduation. If a student is unable to complete the extended learning opportunity for valid reasons, the Principal, or designee, or assigned Highly Qualified Teacher will evaluate the experience completed to date and make a determination for the award of partial credit or recommend an alternative experience. If a student ceases to attend or is unable to complete the extended learning opportunity for insufficient reason (lack of effort, failure to follow through, indecision, etc.), the school’s existing grading procedures will be followed. In order to certify completion of co-curricular programs and activities based upon specific instructional objectives aligned to the standards, the school will develop appropriate mechanisms to document student progress and program completion on student grade report records. Students transferring from other schools who request acceptance of course credits awarded through similar extended learning opportunity programs shall have their transcripts evaluated by the Guidance Counselor and Principal. Legal References:NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(a)(13), Extended Learning Opportunities NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.26(f), Extended Learning Opportunities – Middle School NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.27(b)(4), Extended Learning Opportunities – High School
Category: R See also IHBI, ILBA, ILBAA, IMBC 1st Read: October 28, 2008 2nd Read: December 2, 2008 Adopted: December 2, 2008 [post_title] => IHBH - Extended Learning Opportunities [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ihbh-extended-learning-opportunities [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-04-15 10:16:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-04-15 14:16:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=214 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [197] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 215 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 14:35:35 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 14:35:35 [post_content] => Purpose In an effort to reduce the number of students who do not complete the requirements to graduate from high school and earn a diploma, the Board establishes a program for Alternative Learning Plans for students to obtain either a high school diploma or its equivalent. The start of a multi-year plan can be initiated at any point in the students high school enrollment. Alternative Learning Plans may include, but are not limited to, extended learning opportunities, independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, online courses/distance education, or other opportunities approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee, in conjunction with Board policies. The purposes of Alternative Learning Plans are to provide students with educational experiences that are meaningful, to provide students with opportunities to explore and achieve at high levels, and to meet State and District requirements to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. In order to maximize student achievement, this policy permits students to employ Alternative Learning Plans that fulfill or exceed the expectations set forth by State minimum standards and applicable Board policy. Alternative Learning Plans may include Extended Learning Opportunities taken for credit or taken to supplement regular academic courses. If the Alternative Learning Plan includes Extended Learning Opportunities taken for credit, the provisions of Policy IMBC will apply. The granting of credit shall be based on a student's mastery of course competencies, as defined by Policies ILBA and ILBAA. Highly Qualified Teachers must authorize the granting of credit for learning accomplished through Extended Learning Opportunities. If credit is not granted, the extended learning opportunity may be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements for other courses. Roles and Responsibilities Teachers, guidance counselors and administrators should inform students of the District's promotion of Alternative Learning Plans and similar programs. Students expressing interest in pursuing such a plan or program should be referred to the guidance department, principal, or the principal's designee(s). The guidance counselor or principal's designee is responsible for assisting students and their parents/guardians in preparing Application Forms and other necessary paperwork for Alternative Learning Plans. The Alternative Learning Plan components will be determined through a team consisting of student, school personnel, parent/guardian and other appropriate people based on individual student need. Students approved for Alternative Learning Plans must have parental/guardian permission to participate in such a program. Such permission will be granted through a Memorandum of Understanding for Educational Services signed by the parent/legal guardian and returned to the district before beginning the program, as a part of the approved Alternative Learning Plan. For Alternative Learning Plans that require off-campus attendance, the District will require a signed agreement among the school, the student, and a designated agent of the third-party host. The agreement should specify the roles and responsibilities of each party. The principal or principal's designee and the designated team will have primary responsibility and authority for approval and implementation of Alternative Learning Plans and will oversee all aspects of such programs. Alternative Learning Plan components shall have specific instructional objectives aligned with the State minimum standards and District curriculum standards. All Alternative Learning Plans will comply with applicable laws and regulations, including child labor laws and regulations governing occupational safety. Approved Alternative Learning Plans and credits awarded toward the attainment of a high school diploma or its equivalent shall be reviewed and approved by the principal. Parents/guardians and/or students may appeal decisions rendered by the principal within the provisions set forth below. Students engaged in Alternative Learning Plans will remain as enrolled students of their district. Alternative Learning Plans that are approved by the district become the responsibility of the district to implement, and may include associated costs. Approval Process- The student/parent/guardian seeking an Alternative Learning Plan shall meet with the guidance counselor or principal to discuss Alternative Learning Plan options and initiate the formation of an Alternative Learning Plan team. In the case of a Special Education student, the team will include the IEP Team. The Team, including student and parent/guardian, will meet to design the Alternative Learning Plan designed to enable the student to remain enrolled in school and complete educational requirements.
- The Principal will review the paperwork and will determine whether or not to approve the Alternative Learning Plan. If Special Education, the Principal will review the paperwork in conjunction with the IEP Team. The Principal’s decision will be made within ten (10) days of receipt of the paperwork. The student and parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the decision. If additional information is requested, the information must be submitted within ten (10) days of receipt of the request.
- It is the student's responsibility to maintain academic standing and enrollment in the approved program. Any failure to complete an approved program may jeopardize the student's ability to remain in the program and receive credit towards obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent. In the case of a Special Education student, the program placement determination will be made by the IEP Team. The student and parent/guardian recognize that in the event the student withdraws from an approved program, the District cannot guarantee placement in an equivalent District-offered course.
- The District reserves the right to determine the number of credits to be awarded. The course name and actual grade earned will be noted on the student's official transcript.
- Provides for proper administration and supervision of the program or plan
- Provides that certified school personnel oversee and monitor the program
- Requirement that each extended learning opportunity, if included in the Alternative Learning Plan, meets rigorous standards, including the minimum standards established by the State Board of Education and all other applicable District standards
- Includes age-appropriate academic rigor and the flexibility to incorporate the pupil's interests and manner of learning
- Are developed and amended, if necessary, in consultation with the pupil, a school guidance counselor, the school principal and at least one parent or guardian of the pupil
RSA 193:1, Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance By Student NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(a) (13), Extended Learning Opportunities NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.27(6)(4), Extended Learning Opportunities - High School
Category: P See Also: IKF, IMBA, IMBC 1st Reading: October 28, 2008 2nd Reading: March 31, 2009 Adopted: March 31, 2009 [post_title] => IHBI - Alternative Learning Plans [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ihbi-alternative-learning-plans [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-01-17 09:30:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-01-17 14:30:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=215 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [198] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 216 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 14:39:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 14:39:11 [post_content] => The Board recognizes that student learning is an ongoing process and that it is important for students to engage in learning activities even when not attending school. Therefore, the Board encourages students to have a plan for summer activities that support student learning. Such activities may include a summer book reading list, attending an education-themed summer camp, engaging in extended learning opportunities, or other activities that support student learning. Legal Reference:NH Code of Administrative Rules Section Ed. 306.14(h), Instructional Program; Summer Activities That Support Student Learning
Category: P 1st Read: September 21, 2010 2nd Read: January 20, 2011 Adopted: January 20, 2011 [post_title] => IHCA - Summer Activity [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ihca-summer-activity [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 14:39:11 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 14:39:11 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=216 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [199] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 217 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 14:40:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 14:40:48 [post_content] => A. Advanced Course Work/Advanced Placement Courses Any student who is capable of and wishes to do advanced course work or take advanced placement classes while in high school should be permitted to do so. School district administrators and school counselors will aid students who wish to enroll in such courses. If advanced course work or advanced placement courses are not available within the School District, administrators or school counselors are instructed to assist students in identifying alternative means of taking such classes. This may include taking courses through the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program, at a different public school, a private school, through distance education courses, or other suitable means. Any student who has met the coursework prerequisites may enroll in a course. Credit may be given, provided the course comports with applicable District policies and state standards. The District will not be responsible for any tuition, fees, or other associated costs incurred by the student for enrollment in such courses. B. STEM Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program High School and Career Technical Education Center qualified students in grades 10 through 12 may participate in the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program, through which a student may earn both High School and College credits by enrolling in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), STEM-related courses designated by the Community College System of New Hampshire ("CCSNH"), and/or career and technical education courses. The Superintendent shall be responsible for coordinating any agreements with CCSNH, and other measures necessary to implement and maintain the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program within the District. The Superintendent shall also designate a point of contact for the program who can provide for student counseling, support services, course scheduling, managing course forms and student registration, program evaluation, course transferability, and assisting with online courses. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall establish regulations for the program which, among other things, will:- Require compliance with measurable educational standards and criteria approved by the CCSNH;
- Require that courses meet the same standard of quality and rigor as courses offered on campus by CCSNH;
- Require that program and courses comply with the standards for accreditation and program development established by the
- National Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships;
- Establish criteria for student eligibility to participate in the program;
- Establish standards for course content;
- Establish standards for faculty approval;
- Establish program coordination and communication requirements;
- Address tuition, fees, textbooks and materials, course grading policy, data collection, maintenance, and security, revenue and expenditure reporting, and a process for renewal of the agreement;
- Require annual notification to high school students and their parents of Dual and Concurrent Enrollment opportunities.
Grade Level | Number of Students |
Kindergarten | 15 – 18 |
Combination Kindergarten/Grade 1* | |
Grade 1 | 18 – 20 |
Combination Grade 1/Grade 2* | |
Grade 2 | |
Grade 3 | 20 – 22 |
Combination Grade 3/Grade 4* | |
Grade 4 | |
Combination Grade 4/Grade 5* | |
Grade 5 – Grade 8 | 22 – 25** |
Grade 9 – Grade 12 |
- Enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, reading levels and maturity levels of the students served:
- Stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical standards;
- Enable students to solve problems, to think creatively and to make intelligent decisions in their daily lives;
- Present various perspectives so that young citizens may develop analytical reading and critical thinking skills.
- Title and brief description
- Purpose for showing the movie/video
- Match with course objectives
- Proposed date(s) of viewing
- When and how parents will be notified, or if necessary, grant consent
- Audience rating (G, PG, PG-13)
- The movie or video is shown in the course of face-to-face teaching activities;
- The showing of the movie or video is directly related and of material assistance to the curriculum and lesson objectives;
- Enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, and maturity levels of the students served;
- Will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical standards;
- Provide materials that will enable students to make informed decisions;
- Provide materials so that students may develop the practice of critical analysis;
- Provide materials representative of diverse cultures, experiences, and identities;
- Place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selections of materials of the highest quality in order to ensure a comprehensive collection, appropriate for the users.
- Encourage a love of reading, self-education, and lifelong learning;
- Support the educational goals, objectives, and teaching strategies of the ConVal School District;
- Support curriculum as well as national, state, and district standards;
- Be relevant to today’s world, current and up to date;
- Be appropriate for the age, reading level, diverse learning needs, and development of those for whom the materials are selected;
- Include fiction materials that have literary merit and nonfiction that is current and accurate;
- Represent differing viewpoints with the goal of providing a balance in the collection;
- Have a format and appearance suitable for their intended use;
- Encourage higher-level thinking skills;
- Represent a variety of formats in an effort to incorporate emerging technologies.
- During the selection process, the existing collection shall be evaluated and assessed for literary, curricular, and recreational needs. Professionally prepared selection tools and other appropriate sources will be used in the process of adding to the collection. These selection tools may include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Reviews from reputable sources, including but not limited to professional journals and national awards lists;
- Recommendations for purchases from library media specialists, teachers, administrators, parents, and students.
- All matters of concern regarding an item in the library’s collection shall be reported to the school principal. The Assistant Superintendent and school library media specialist shall be made aware of the concern within five (5) business days.
- The school principal will contact the resident to discuss the matter and explain the District policy.
- Administration may schedule a meeting with the resident and staff member(s) involved with the selection of the item in question in order to review the selection criteria and process as well as its intended use.
- If the concern remains unresolved, the resident shall be supplied with a packet of materials consisting of: The District’s library goals and objectives, library materials selection policy statement, and support documents. They will also be advised of the procedure for handling formal reconsideration. This packet shall also include a Request for Reconsideration Form which shall be completed and returned before formal reconsideration will be given.
- If the formal request for reconsideration has not been received by the Assistant Superintendent within ten (10) business days, the item review shall be considered closed.
- Upon receipt of a completed Request for Reconsideration Form, the Assistant Superintendent shall inform the Superintendent and establish a Reconsideration Committee.
- At a minimum, the Reconsideration Committee shall consist of the Assistant Superintendent, a Principal or Assistant Principal, a teacher, a library media specialist, two parents (other than the requesting resident), and a school board representative from the Education Committee. The Assistant Superintendent, at their discretion, may choose to appoint additional members.
- The committee shall be provided with the request for reconsideration and will:
-
- Read and/or examine the materials referred to it;
- Check the general acceptance of the materials by reading reviews;
- Weigh values and faults against each other and form opinions based on the materials as a whole and not on passages, statements, or images pulled out of context;
- Meet to discuss the material and prepare a report containing their decision on the disposition of the matter;
- File a copy of the report in the specific school and administrative offices.
- The Assistant Superintendent shall notify the resident of the decision and provide a copy of the committee’s report.
- The resident may appeal the decision in writing to the Superintendent within five (5) business days. The Superintendent shall review the report, relevant materials, and the item under reconsideration.
- Should the Superintendent uphold the decision, the resident may file a final appeal to the School Board. They will:
- Present a written notice of appeal within five (5) business days;
- Attach a copy of the original written request and a copy of the committee’s report;
- Request a hearing date with the School Board.
- The School Board shall review the report, relevant materials, and the item under reconsideration.
- Physical condition – materials are worn, torn, or spoiled, or if pages or parts are missing or have significant defects that significantly reduce the overall value;
- Timeliness of information – materials contain information that is out of date, factually inaccurate, or contain representations that are outmoded or perpetuate sexual, racial, or cultural stereotypes;
- Technical quality – if non-print, the materials whose visual and/or audio quality has deteriorated;
- Duplication – multiple copies of the same title that are no longer circulating;
- Circulation History - materials are no longer circulating or of interest.
- A positive attitude toward the schools, as expressed by all members of the school staff in their daily contacts with other staff members, parents, and people of the community.
- A systematic, honest, and continuing effort to discover what the citizens think and what they want to know; to interpret the schools’ programs, problems, and accomplishments; to correct misinformation, and to supply all desired information.
- An active partnership between the school and the community, in which professional educators and laymen work together toward improvement of the total educational program and the overall quality of life in the school district.
- An active interest on the part of every staff member in the needs of the community to find ways to make the school district a better place to live.
- To develop public understanding of all aspects of school operation; to ascertain public attitudes toward issues in education; and to discover the public’s aspirations for the education of their children.
- To secure adequate financial support for a sound educational program.
- To help citizens feel a more direct responsibility for the quality of education provided by their schools.
- To earn the goodwill, respect, and confidence of the public with regard to the schools’ staff and services.
- To foster public understanding of the need for constructive change, and solicit public feedback on how we can achieve our educational goals.
- To encourage citizen involvement in the work of the schools and the solving of educational problems.
- To promote a spirit of cooperation between the schools and the community, and to set up channels for sharing the leadership in improving community life.
REQUEST FOR EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP
At least two weeks before the proposed day of any field trip if transportation is involved, the teacher shall supply the following information to the principal in duplicate. School: _____________ Grade: _______________ Date: ____________ Teacher: ________________________________ Trip:_____________________________________________________________ Reason:__________________________________________________________ Date of Trip: ___________________ Estimated Miles: ________________ Bus or Private Vehicle: ______________________________________________ Departure Time: ___________________ Return by: __________________ Number of Pupils: ___________________ Number of Adults: ____________ Names of Chaperones (or see next page): ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Comments: _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ See Policy IJOA CONTOOCOOK VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT FIELD TRIP PROPOSAL- Name: ______________________________________ Grade: ________________ School: _____________
- Number of students attending: ______________________ School Nurse Required: _________________
- Destination: ___________________________________________________________________________
- Reason for Trip (how does this trip relate to your curriculum)______________________________________
- Transportation: Bus or private vehicle (circle one) – private vehicles will require completion of the Use of
- Ratio of adults to students: ________________________ to_______________________
- Bus Form
- Fee Paid by:
- Chaperones identified (attach list)
- Permission slips signed and attached
- Attending student list to front office
- Kitchen notified if lunch affected
- Specialist/services notified
- Posted on School Calendar
- School Nurse Notified
- CPR/First Aid Trained: Name
- Comes in direct contact with pupils on a regularly scheduled basis; or
- Meets with students on a one-on-one basis; or
- Any other volunteer so designated by the School Board or Superintendent.
- Program and/or duties are no longer needed;
- They are replaced by paid staff; or
- In the sole judgment of the administration, their conduct does not meet the standards of the District.
1. Awarding of Credit for Similar Courses from an Approved School The building Principal shall grant credit for any similar courses or programs that have been satisfactorily completed at any other approved schools. For the purposes of this paragraph B, when reviewing the issue of whether a course or program is "similar", the Principal shall consider District course descriptions and curricula, course syllabi, District and graduation competencies per Board policy ILBAA, and any other relevant information provided by the parent/guardian of the transferring student, and/or the approved school at issue. Approved schools include New Hampshire public schools, charter schools, public academies, approved public or private tuition program schools, and all schools in Vermont and Maine that are members of an interstate school district with schools in New Hampshire.
2. Denial of Award Credit for Courses from Another School The building Principal will provide a timely and written notification of denial to award credit. The written denial shall include a justification for denial, including discussion of criteria set out in paragraph B.1 and any other factors that support the Principal's denial. Upon written request by the parent/guardian, such denial can be submitted for review to the Superintendent, who may override or modify the Principal's denial. Any further review shall be subject to the provisions of Board policy BAAA.
Legal References: RSA 193-E:3-f, Approval of Courses and Programs N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule - Ed 306.02(e), Credit N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule - Ed 306.04(a)(15), How Credit Can Be Earned N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule - Ed 306.04(a)(16), How A Credit Used To Track Achievement Of Graduation Competencies N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule - Ed 306.27, High School Curriculum, Credits, Graduation Requirements, and Co-Curricular Program Category: Priority/Required by Law Related Policies: BAAA, IKF, ILBA, ILBAA & IMDB District Revision History: 1st Reading: December 2, 2008 2nd Reading: January 4, 2009 Adopted: January 4, 2009 1st Read: March 15, 2022 2nd Read: April 5, 2022 Adopted: April 5, 2022 [post_title] => IK – Earning of High School Credit [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ik-earning-of-high-school-credit [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-04-07 23:26:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-04-08 03:26:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=5974 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [210] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 226 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:14:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:14:08 [post_content] => The Superintendent and the building Principals will develop a grading system appropriate for the grade levels of the respective schools. The grading system will be approved by the Board and published in the Parent-Student Handbook. All grading decisions shall be made at the building level and the decision shall be final. Category: R See Also: IHBH 1st Reading: December 2, 2008 2nd Reading: January 4, 2009 Adopted: January 4, 2009 [post_title] => IKA - Grading System [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ika-grading-system [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 15:14:08 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:14:08 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=226 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [211] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 227 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:16:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:16:02 [post_content] => High school students may earn course credit in one content area required for graduation, and apply said credit in a different content area through the awarding of interdisciplinary credit. Interdisciplinary credit may be counted only once in meeting graduation requirements. The high school Principal is charged with approving courses for interdisciplinary credit if: (1) the course has been adopted by a faculty team/committee; and (2) the course addresses the objectives for the subject area in which the credit is to be counted. Legal References: NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(14), Earning of Credit NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.14(f), Awarding of Credit NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.27(d), Mastery of Required Competencies NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.27(p), Counting Credits Category: P See Also: IK & IKA 1st Read: September 21, 2010 2nd Read: January 20, 2011 Adoption: January 20, 2011 [post_title] => IKAA - Interdisciplinary Credit [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ikaa-interdisciplinary-credit [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 15:16:02 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:16:02 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=227 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [212] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 228 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:17:55 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:17:55 [post_content] => The term “homework” refers to an assignment to be completed outside of class. The purposes of homework are to improve the learning processes, to aid in the mastery of skills, and to create and stimulate interest on the part of the student. Homework is a constructive tool in the teaching/learning process when geared to the needs and abilities of students. Purposeful assignments not only enhance student achievement, but also develop self-discipline and associated good working habits. As an extension of the classroom, homework must be planned and organized, and should be evaluated and returned to students in a timely manner. Homework is a learning activity which should increase in complexity with the maturity of the student. With increased maturity, learning should become an independent activity. This should be established through consistent assignments which encourage students to investigate for themselves and to work independently, as well as with others. Teachers should generate meaningful homework assignments. Each assignment’s purpose should always be clearly understood by the students and the parents. If homework is to be used by teachers as part of a student’s grade, the teacher will explain to students and parents how such homework assignments relate to the teacher’s overall grading system. The information for any homework assignment should be clear and specific so that the student can complete the assignment independently. Homework should not require the use of reference materials not readily available in most homes or school libraries, and should require the use of those materials only when the student has had instruction in the use of them. Homework is never to be used as a form of punishment. Legal References:NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.14(b), Policy on Homework
Category: P 1st Read: September 7, 2010 2nd Read: January 20, 2011 Adoption: January 20, 2011 [post_title] => IKB - Homework [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ikb-homework [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 15:17:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:17:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=228 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [213] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 229 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:19:34 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:19:34 [post_content] => The Superintendent or his/her designee and the building principals shall develop guidelines for the promotion and retention of students. These guidelines shall be published in the Parent Student Handbook. Criteria to be considered regarding the promotion of students should include, but is not limited to, a student’s mastery of course level competencies, grades, and teacher recommendations. Legal References:NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.14(d), Promoting Students
Category: P See also ILBA 1st Reading: December 2, 2008 2nd Reading: March 31, 2009 Adoption: March 31, 2009 [post_title] => IKE - Promotion And Retention Of Students [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ike-promotion-and-retention-of-students [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 15:19:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:19:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=229 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [214] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 230 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:26:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:26:31 [post_content] => High School Graduation Students earn a high school diploma through the successful completion of a course of study that includes the 26 subject credits and/or related competencies required by the District for graduation. Methods for earning credit are outlined in Board policy IK, while competencies are defined in Board policy ILBAA. This policy outlines the specific requirements before a student will receive a diploma or other graduation credential. The Board reserves the right to impose additional academic requirements necessary to graduate and or receive a diploma. A. Credit Requirements- Awarding of Credit. Credit will be awarded in accordance with Board policy IK, Earning of Credit. Additionally, a unit of credit or fraction thereof shall be given upon satisfactory completion of a course or learning experience in compliance with the district-specified curriculum and assessment standards. In some cases, course credit may also be awarded based on demonstrated mastery of the required competencies for the course. Assessment of mastery will be the responsibility of the Principal, and will be in accordance with Board policy ILBAA, High School Competency Assessments. Credit will be awarded only once for a specific required course with the same content during the secondary school experience.
- Required Subjects and Credits. A minimum of twenty-six (26) credits are required to graduate and earn a high school diploma, as outlined below. Effective starting with the class of 2023.
English | 4 credits |
Social Studies (including 1 in US History, .5 in US/NH Gov., .5 in Economics, 1 in Global Studies) | 3 credits |
Science (1 in Biological, 1 in Physical) | 3 credits |
Mathematics (including Algebra I)* | 4 credits |
Physical Education | 1 credit |
Health | 1 credit |
Digital Literacy/Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) | .5 credit |
Arts Education | .5 credit |
Elective Offerings | 9 credits |
Total: | 26 credits |
*Starting with the Class of 2023, students must complete 4 credits of Math, including Algebra I. Students must also be enrolled in a math class every semester until the Algebra I requirement is met. Students who have successfully completed the Algebra I credit prior to entering high school will be deemed to have met the Algebra I requirement. The Algebra I requirement may be waived by the Special Education Director through the IEP process.
- Alternative Credit Options. The Principal may approve the granting of credit earned through alternative methods outside of regular classroom-based instruction. Such alternative methods of instruction may include extended learning opportunities, distance education, alternative learning plans, or others approved by the Superintendent or designee. Awarding of credits to be applied toward high school graduation requirements will be determined by the high school Principal on a case-by-case basis. Such credit will be granted pursuant to the provisions of Board policy IMBC, Alternative Credit Options and other applicable Board policies.
- file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the U.S. Department of Education; or
- file a waiver on a form created by the N.H. Board of Education with the District indicating that the parent/guardian or, if applicable, the student, understands what FAFSA is and has chosen not to file an application.
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.24(c)(4), Evaluation of Curriculum
Category: P See also ILBA 1st Reading: December 2, 2008 2nd Reading: March 31, 2009 Adoption: March 31, 2009 [post_title] => IL - Evaluation Of Curricular Programs [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => il-evaluation-of-curricular-programs [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 15:36:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:36:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=232 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [219] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 233 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:40:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:40:18 [post_content] => ILBA – ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS The Superintendent or his/her SAU level designee will develop and manage an assessment framework and program that provides ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the curriculum on improving student performance. The program must adhere to the processes for selection, use and interpretation of assessment instruments, including both local and statewide assessment tools. The program must be aligned with the goals of the School District and be designed to assess each student’s progress toward meeting the defined curriculum objectives. Administration and Use of Assessment Instruments The assessment program will include an approximate schedule for statewide assessments. The schedule will be distributed to staff and the Board at the beginning of the school year. Each building principal will provide assurance that test procedures are followed at the school level, including the distribution and collection of test materials, test security, use of test results and testing dates as well as other pertinent requirements. Disabled students must be provided the opportunity to participate in all student assessments. Any modifications in administration should be made and documented during the Individualized Education Program (IEP) review. Assessment Results Assessment results will be analyzed and used with other data for the following purposes:- To identify individual student strengths and weaknesses in skill development;
- To diagnose strengths and weaknesses of groups;
- To individualize instruction;
- To report progress to parents;
- To select curriculum materials;
- To set the pace of instruction;
- To select methods of instruction;
- To counsel students;
- To help determine revisions needed in the curriculum.
(1) "Competencies" means student learning targets that represent key content-specific concepts, skills, and knowledge applied within or across content domains. Specific and required types of competencies include district competencies and graduation competencies.
(2) "District competencies" mean specific types of competencies that are common across the district and organized in developmental progressions that lead to achievement of graduation competencies.
(3) "Graduation competencies" means specific types of competencies that are common across the district and define learning expectations for each student for graduation from high school.
(4) "Mastery" means a high level of demonstrated proficiency with regard to a competency.
Course credit will be awarded through the demonstration of a student's mastery of the competencies of the course. Course credit granted through demonstration of mastery will be counted through traditional methods. Grades and credit granted through demonstration of mastery will be included in the student's grade point average. Students must be enrolled in the particular course in order to receive course credit. Students who are involved in an approved extended learning opportunity to satisfy course requirements in whole or in part shall demonstrate mastery through a method or methods as approved by the course instructor, as specified in Policy IHBH. Credit may be used to fulfill prerequisites for other courses and/or subject area credit requirements for graduation. Credit will not be granted, however, for a course in a subject area lower in course sequence than one for which the student has already earned credit. The Superintendent shall establish rules for implementing this policy in cooperation with the high school Principal and shall be responsible for ensuring that all high school courses include appropriate competency assessments. Competency Assessments will be selected, conducted, and reviewed in conjunction with the provisions of Policy ILBA. Assessments shall be aligned with clearly defined educational standards that specify what students should know and be able to do. The assessment items and tasks shall be valid and appropriate representations of the standards students are expected to achieve. Assessment standards, tasks, procedures, and uses shall be fair to all students. Legal References: Ed 306.02(d), Competencies Ed 306.02(g), District competencies Ed 306.02(j), Graduation competencies Ed 306.02(l), Mastery Ed 306.04(a)(16), Tracking Achievement of Graduation Competencies Ed 306.04(a)(25), (26), Graduation competencies Ed 306.141(a)(6), Achievement of District and Graduation Competencies District Policy History: 1st Reading: October 28, 2008 2nd Reading: December 2, 2008 Adopted: December 2, 2008 District Revision History: 1st Read: March 15, 2022 2nd Read: April 5, 2022 Adoption: April 5, 2022 [post_title] => ILBAA - High School Competency Assessments [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ilbaa-high-school-competency-assessments [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-04-07 23:16:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-04-08 03:16:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=234 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [221] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5621 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2021-10-27 10:43:28 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-10-27 14:43:28 [post_content] => Separate federal and state laws require that written consent be obtained from a parent or guardian before a student participates in a non-educational survey or questionnaire that asks about information not directly related to a student's academics. While similar, the two laws are not co-extensive, with slightly different scope, procedures and exceptions. A. General- For the purpose of this policy, "non-academic survey" shall include a survey, questionnaire, analysis, evaluation or any other document which seeks any information in the categories listed in sections B (as to state law) or C (as to federal law), below. However, non-academic surveys should not be deemed to include questions directed to an individual student by a school counselor, nurse, or appropriate personnel, under circumstances indicating such questions are reasonably necessary for such person's compliance with applicable laws or regulations, and the discharge his or her duties.
- All non-academic surveys must have the prior approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee.
- Non-academic surveys conducted for other agencies, organizations or individuals must have both the recommendation of the Superintendent and the approval of the School Board as to content and purpose. The results of such approved non-academic surveys must be shared with the School Board.
- No non-academic survey requesting sexual information will be administered to any student in kindergarten through grade six unless required by federal or state law or regulation. School personnel administering any such questionnaire or survey will not disclose personally identifiable information.
- As used below, the consent and notification provisions apply to a child's parent/legal guardian(s), unless the student is an adult or an emancipated minor who consents.
- A student's social behavior;
- family life;
- religion;
- politics;
- sexual orientation;
- sexual activity;
- drug use; or
- any other information not related to a student's academics.
- Encourage parents/guardians to support their children’s participation in enjoyable physical activities, and recognize that parents/guardians act as role models for active lifestyles;
- Support special programs such as student and staff walking programs, family fitness events, and events that emphasize lifelong physical activity;
- Encourage the integration of health and physical activity across the school curriculum;
- Encourage student-initiated activities that promote inclusive physical activity on a schoolwide basis;
- Support committing adequate resources that include physical education program funding, personnel, safe equipment, and facilities;
- Encourage professional development opportunities for all school staff that will assist them to effectively promote enjoyable and lifelong physical activity among youth, and that will assist school staff to recognize their influence as role models for active lifestyles;
- Establish relationships with community recreation and youth sports programs and agencies to coordinate and complement physical activity programs;
- Encourage physical activity recess periods; and
- Support a tracking and evaluation method to ensure that all students are engaging in developmentally appropriate daily physical activity.
RSA 189:11-a, Food and Nutrition Programs NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 310, Appropriate Daily Physical Activity
Category: P 1st Read: September 7, 2010 2nd Read: January 20, 2011 Adopted: January 20, 2011 [post_title] => IMAH - Physical Activity [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => imah-physical-activity [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2015-09-11 15:44:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:44:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 191 [guid] => http://schoolboard.sau1.wpengine.com/?post_type=district-policy&p=235 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [223] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3433 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2019-02-14 10:30:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-02-14 15:30:06 [post_content] => Students enrolled in the district may take advantage of distance education opportunities. Distance education means correspondence, video-based, internet/online-based or other similar media that provides educational opportunities, including courses, as a means to fulfill, or further supplement, curriculum requirements and/or current course offerings. Such opportunities will be implemented under the provisions set forth in Policy IHBH, Extended Learning Opportunities, and Policy IHBI, Alternative Learning Plans. The written approval of the building principal is required before students enroll in an online or virtual course that is intended to become part of their educational program. (Note: Written approval from the building principal is not required before students enroll in a Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) course as VLACS is a fully-accredited, state-approved public school.) Students applying for permission to take an online course may be required to complete prerequisites and/or provide teacher/counselor recommendations. Assistant Superintendent approved distance education curriculum/courses must satisfy both state and local standards; be delivered by staff licensed in the state where the course originates; and contain provisions for feedback and monitoring of student progress. The district requires that a syllabus, including prerequisites, specific learning goals/activities, student evaluation criteria, and teacher responsibilities be submitted for review before the course is approved. Additionally, the district requires students to develop and submit a plan for completing the distant education course before the course is approved. The plan must include (a) a detailed timeline for completing the course, (b) when the distance education course will be taken (i.e., during the school day, outside of the school day, or a combination of the two), and (c) the identification of any support that the school or district is able to provide. After a distance education course has been approved, the principal will assign a teacher to provide identified support and monitor student progress. One teacher may supervise no more than ten students participating in distance education courses. Approved distance education courses must comply with all federal and state statutes pertaining to student privacy and to public broadcasting of audio and video. Confidentiality of student record information will be maintained throughout the process. This includes information shared between school district representatives and the virtual school or online teacher, information shared between the school district or online teacher with students and parents, and information shared between school district representatives, the virtual school or online teacher and others. The school district will provide safeguards for students participating in online instruction activities, and Policy EHAA/JICL, Internet Safety and Responsible Use for Students, will apply. Credit for the course is not recognized until an official record of the final grade has been submitted to the principal or designee. Students who violate any part of the policy or engage in any other activity that school authorities consider inappropriate are subject to disciplinary action consistent with Board policies and the student handbook. Legal References: Ed 306.04(a)(12), Distance Education Ed 306.22, Distance Education Category: Recommended First Read: January 22, 2019 Second Read: February 5, 2019 Adopted: February 5, 2019 [post_title] => IMBA -- Distance Education [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => imba-distance-education [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-02-14 10:30:06 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-02-14 15:30:06 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3433 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => district-policies [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [224] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 236 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:49:01 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 15:49:01 [post_content] => The Board encourages increased educational options for students. Credit may be earned through alternative methods outside of regular classroom-based instruction offered by the district schools. Awarding of credits to be applied toward high school graduation will be determined by the high school principal, and will be granted only if the request fulfills the following: The request is submitted with a plan to achieve competency that meets or exceeds the rigorous academic standards required by the school for students enrolled in a credit course offered by the school.- The plan includes clear expectations for performance.
- The plan includes clearly defined methods and expectations for assessment.
- Verification of the plan's merit can be evaluated in a timely fashion and does not cause unnecessary burden on the resources of the administration.
- Definitions of allowable alternative learning opportunities
- Reasonable limits on the number of approved alternative courses that can be administered each school year, both school-wide and per student
- The number of alternative credits each student may use toward graduation requirements
- Application and approval process
- Criteria for determining which requests satisfy a particular subject area requirement
- Identification of person(s) responsible for approval, supervision, and monitoring progress
- Requirements that alternative opportunities meet the same rigorous academic outcomes as traditional classroom delivery
- Assurance of student safety including physical and technological
- Assurance of equal access for all students
- Assurance that approved alternative learning opportunities are consistent with all policies of this board
- The procedure will be made available to the public through the ConVal School District website and the ConVal Regional High School Student Handbook.
- Competency testing in lieu of enrollment under the provisions of Board policy ILBAA
- Interdisciplinary credit
- Satisfactory completion of course requirements at:
- an approved school under the provisions of Board policy IK;
- an approved home education program (see Board policies IK and Board policy IHBG, and N.H. Dept. of Educat