State law provides that public schools will be operated and maintained by local School Boards. As agents of the state government, School Boards are required to carry out state laws pertaining to public education, and to carry out the policies and regulations of the State Board of Education. See RSA 186:5.
The Contoocook Valley Regional School Board is an instrument of the New Hampshire legislature and derives its authority from the New Hampshire Constitution, New Hampshire Statutes, and regulations of the State Board of Education.
(See also RSA Ch. 197:1, 671:4, and “Powers and Duties of School Boards” as established by the State Board of Education, policy file BBA.)
April 2, 1991
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[post_date] => 2015-08-12 18:45:05
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[post_content] => A. Drug-Free Workplace
- 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:
a. 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:
- 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
Category: Priority-Required by Law
Identical Policy: GBEC
Related Policy: JICH
First Read: May 21, 2019
Second Read: June 4, 2019
Adopted: June 4, 2019
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[post_content] => State law prohibits the use of any tobacco product, E-cigarette, or liquid nicotine in any facility or upon any grounds maintained by the District. Students and minors are further prohibited from possessing such items in or upon any facility, school vehicle, or grounds owned or maintained by the District.
A. Definitions: These definitions shall also include any amendments to the referenced statutes as the same may be amended or replaced from time to time.
“Tobacco product(s)” means any product containing tobacco including, but not limited to, cigarettes, smoking tobacco, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and smokeless cigarettes, as well as any other product or item included in RSA 126-K:2, XI as the same may be amended or replaced from time-to-time.
“Device” means any product composed of a mouthpiece, a heating element, a battery, and electronic circuits designed or used to deliver any aerosolized or vaporized substance including, but not limited to, nicotine or cannabis. Devices may include, but are not limited to, hookah, e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, vape pen, e-hookah, as well as any other object or item defined in RSA 126-K:2, II-a.
“E-cigarette” means any electronic smoking device composed of a mouthpiece, a heating element, a battery, and electronic circuits that provides a vapor of pure nicotine mixed with propylene glycol to the user as the user simulates smoking. This term shall include such devices whether they are manufactured as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, or e-pipes, or under any other product name as well as any other product or item included in RSA 126-K:2, II-a as the same may be amended or replaced from time-to-time.
“E-liquid” means any liquid, oil, or wax product containing, but not limited to, nicotine or cannabis intended for use in devices used for inhalation as well as any other substance included or defined in RSA 126-K:2, II-c.
“Liquid nicotine” means any liquid product composed either in whole or in part of pure nicotine and propylene glycol and manufactured for use with e-cigarettes, as well as any other product or item included in RSA 126-K:2, III-a as the same may be amended or replaced from time-to-time.
“Facility” is any place which is supported by public funds and which is used for the instruction of students enrolled in preschool programs and in all grades maintained by the District. This definition shall include all administrative buildings and offices and areas within facilities supportive of instruction and subject to educational administration, including, but not limited to, lounge areas, passageways, rest rooms, laboratories, classrooms, study areas, cafeterias, gymnasiums, maintenance rooms, and storage areas.
B. Students
No student shall purchase, attempt to purchase, possess or use any tobacco product, device E-cigarette, E-liquid or liquid nicotine in any facility, in any school vehicle, while attending any school-sponsored event, or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.
Enforcement of the prohibition against students shall initially rest with building principals, or their designees, who may also report any violation to law enforcement, for possible juvenile, criminal or other proceedings as provided under state law. Additional consequences may be administered pursuant to printed student conduct rules.
C. Employees
No employee shall use any tobacco product, device, E-cigarette, E-liquid, or liquid nicotine, in any facility, in any school vehicle or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.
Initial responsibility for enforcement of this prohibition shall rest with building principals, or their designees. Any employee(s) who violate(s) this policy is subject to disciplinary action which may include warning, suspension or dismissal. Violations may also be referred to appropriate law enforcement and/or other appropriate agencies for criminal or other proceedings as provided under state law.
D. All other persons
No visitor, contractor, vendor or other member of the public, shall use any tobacco product, device, E-cigarette, E-liquid, or liquid nicotine in any facility, in any school vehicle, or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.
The building principal(s), and where appropriate, other site supervisor (athletic director, vehicle driver, etc.), or their designee(s), shall have the initial responsibility to enforce this section, by requesting that any person who is violating this policy to immediately cease the use of tobacco products, E-cigarette or liquid nicotine. After this request is made, if any person refuses to refrain from using such products in violation of this policy, the principal, site supervisor, or designee may contact the appropriate law enforcement agency(ies) for possible criminal or other proceedings as provided under state law.
E. Implementation and Notice – Administrative Rules and Procedures
The Superintendent shall establish administrative rules and procedures to implement this policy, which rules and procedures may be building level and/or district-wide. Rules and procedures relating to student violations and resulting disciplinary consequences should be developed in consultation with building principal(s).
The Superintendent, working with the building principal(s), shall provide annual notice to employees, students and parents of the pertinent provisions of this policy (e.g., student or staff handbook) along with applicable administrative regulations and procedures, which may include prescribed consequences for violations of this policy. Such notice should include information that violation of this Policy could lead to criminal or other such proceedings.
Signs shall be placed by the District in all buildings, facilities and school vehicles stating that the use of tobacco products is prohibited.
Legal References:
RSA 155:64 – 77, Indoor Smoking Act
RSA 126-K:2, Definitions
RSA 126–K:6, Possession and Use of Tobacco Products by Minors
RSA 126-K:7, Use of Tobacco Products on Public Educational Grounds Prohibited
Category: Priority-Required by Law
See also: ADB, GBEC, GBED, JICG, & JICH
District Revision History:
First Read: March 19, 2019
Second Read: April 2, 2019
Adopted: April 2, 2019
First Read: March 15, 2022
Second Read: April 5, 2022
Adopted: April 5, 2022
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[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. To that end, the Board directs the superintendent to develop a safe schools plan that includes:
1. Procedures that address the supervision and security of school buildings and grounds.
2. Procedures that address the safety and supervision of students during school hours and school sponsored activities.
3. Procedures that address persons visiting school buildings and attending school-sponsored activities.
4. Training programs for staff and students in crisis prevention and management.
5. Training programs for staff and students in emergency response procedures that include practice drills.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Procedures for safe, confidential reporting of security and safety concerns at each school building.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
Legal References:
RSA 193-D, Safe School Zones
RSA 193-F, Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention
NH Code of Admin. Rule. Section Ed. 306.04(a)(2), Promoting School Safety
Category: Recommended
See also EB, EBB, JICK
First Read: April 17, 2018
Second Read: May 1, 2018
Adopted: May 1, 2018
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[post_content] => The Board directs the Superintendent to establish an accountability system in order to collect data needed for evaluation of the district's compliance with state and federal laws on school accountability.
The Superintendent will ensure that the district's statistical reports are filed in a timely manner with the New Hampshire Department of Education.
Legal Reference:
RSA 189:28, Statistical Reports; Failure to File Reports
RSA 193-H:4, Local Education Improvement Plan; Strategic Responses
NH Code of Administration Rules, Section Ed. 306.23, Statistical Reports; Accountability
Category: Recommended
1st Read: June 19, 2012
2nd Read: August 14, 2012
Adopted: August 14, 2012
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[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 CBI
First Read: October 5, 2021
Second Read: October 19, 2021
Adoption: October 19, 2021
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[post_content] => The ConVal School Board will attempt to conduct a review of goals. The Board will establish annual goals and objectives that will serve as a benchmark and criteria for annual reviews.
The following areas of Board operations and relationships are representative of those in which objectives may be set and progress appraised:
1. Relationship with the Superintendent
2. Community relations
3. Board meetings
4. Staff and Personnel Relationships
5. Relationship to Instructional Program
6. Financial Management of Schools
7. Policy development
8. Risk management
9. Other areas the Board determines should be evaluated
While the Board may decide to do so, it is not expected that every area listed above will necessarily be annually reviewed.
The Board desires that the annual self-evaluation and goal setting will clarify the Board’s role within the school community, address areas for the Board to improve, and address areas for which the Board should be commended.
Legal References:
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section ED. 303.01 (g), Substantive Duties of School Boards
Appendix: BA-R1; BA-R2
Category: Recommended
First Read: October 2, 2018
Second Read: October 16, 2018
Adopted: October 16, 2018
[post_title] => BA - Evaluation Of Board Operational Procedures
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[post_content] => Generally
The policies of the Board are intended to establish the general and overall rules within which day-to-day operations of the School District are to be governed. Procedures for carrying out and implementing the broad policies of the Board on a day-to-day basis are to be fashioned and adopted by the administration, under the direction of the Superintendent. As applicable, members of the District community are expected to comply with both Board policy and administrative procedures, subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth herein. However, the failure of the Board or the Administration to comply with policy shall not invalidate any lawful action taken.
Contents of Board Policy and Administrative Procedure
The policies of the Board shall be composed of (1) the policies contained in this Policy Manual; (2) the contents of administrative job descriptions adopted by the Board; (3) all formal Student Handbooks; and (4) all formal Employee Handbooks.
Administrative procedure is not part of Board policy and may be altered by the administration without Board action. Administrative procedure, however, may not conflict with Board policy.
Limitations of Policy
Neither the policies of the Board nor the procedures of the administration are intended, nor shall they be construed, to supersede or preempt any applicable laws, whether constitutional, statutory, regulatory, or common in origin. Consequently, all Board policies and administrative procedures shall be given both an interpretation and application which is lawful. The Board shall have the final interpretation of its policies and the administration shall have the final interpretation of its procedures.
As the Board policies and administrative procedures are limited by legal constraints, so too are the rights of those to whom the Board policies and administrative procedures apply. Neither the policies of the Board nor the procedures of the administration are intended to expand the rights of individuals beyond those established by law or to give to any individual a cause of action not independently established in law. Enforcement of Board policy shall rest exclusively with the Board, and enforcement of administrative procedures shall rest exclusively with the administration.
Board policy and administrative procedure shall not preempt, create, supplant, expand or restrict the rights or liabilities of students, employee, taxpayers, or others within the School District beyond those that are established in law and are not intended to restrict or limit students, employees, or other members of the School District community from pursuing any claims or defenses available under law.
Exceptions
Exceptions to any policy or the application of any policy may be made if requested or recommended in accordance with the following procedures:
a. Any person may request an exception to any Board policy or the application of same by submitting a letter to the Superintendent. The request shall identify: (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the person making the request; (2) the policy for which the exception is being requested; (3) the action that the requesting individual desires, and (4) the rationale supporting the need for an exception.
b. The Superintendent or his/her designee, shall conduct a sufficient investigation of any request for an exception so as to be able to formulate a recommendation for the Board. Among the factors to be evaluated are the relevant facts related to the request, the rationale of both the policy and the request for the exception; and the disposition of prior requests for exceptions to the same or similar policies.
c. Following the Superintendent’s investigation, the Superintendent may place the request for exception on the agenda and shall report to the Board the circumstances surrounding the request and his/her recommended disposition. The person requesting the exception shall be notified in advance of this agenda item, and shall be given a reasonable opportunity to address the Board before the Board determines whether to grant the request for an exception.
d. The Board shall have final and exclusive authority to determine whether to grant any request for an exception and shall be the sole judge of whether the rationale for the exception is sufficient, taking into consideration the recommendation of the Superintendent. Moreover, the granting of exceptions in the same or similar cases shall not constitute binding precedent or practice inasmuch as the prior grant of an exception may establish that the granting of an exception is ill-advised.
e. Exceptions to administrative procedure shall be made in accordance with the procedures established by the Superintendent.
Category R
1st Read: February 21, 2012
2nd Read: April 17, 2012
Adopted: April 17, 2012
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[post_content] => State law provides that public schools will be operated and maintained by local School Boards. As agents of the state government, School Boards are required to carry out state laws pertaining to public education, and to carry out the policies and regulations of the State Board of Education. See RSA 186:5.
The Contoocook Valley Regional School Board is an instrument of the New Hampshire legislature and derives its authority from the New Hampshire Constitution, New Hampshire Statutes, and regulations of the State Board of Education.
(See also RSA Ch. 197:1, 671:4, and “Powers and Duties of School Boards” as established by the State Board of Education, policy file BBA.)
April 2, 1991
[post_title] => BB -- School Board Legal Status
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[post_content] => State law provides that public schools will be operated and maintained by local School Boards. As agents of the state, School Boards are required to implement state laws pertaining to public education and to carry out the rules of the State Board of Education.
The ConVal Board is an agent of the State and derives its authority from the New Hampshire Constitution, New Hampshire Statutes, and Rules of the State Board of Education.
This School Board shall exercise all the powers and duties prescribed to them by applicable state and federal laws, and rules of the New Hampshire State Board of Education.
Ed 303.01 Substantive Duties. Each school board shall:
(a) Adopt policies necessary and desirable to control and effectuate the recruitment, employment, evaluation and dismissal of teachers and other employees and may delegate authority to the superintendent of schools to carry out the provisions of such policies provided that no teacher shall be employed who is not certified or who has not been nominated by the superintendent of schools and elected by the school board;
(b) Adopt policies necessary and desirable to control and effectuate the purchase of equipment, supplies, or services and may delegate to the superintendent of schools the authority to make financial commitments in accordance with such policy;
(c) Provide, through documented planning and public meetings and quorum votes, accommodation for all pupils in approved schools or other facilities in accordance with state law;
(d) Provide required transportation of students consistent with these rules and provide that all school buildings and other learning environments be maintained in a manner consistent with standards of health and safety as required by these rules;
(e) Prepare an annual budget in accordance with RSA 32 and comply with all federal and state laws and rules;
(f) Hold meetings for the transaction of business at least once in 2 months and require the attendance of the superintendent or designee. The board shall cause a written record to be kept of each meeting in accordance with RSA 91-A;
(g) In consultation with the superintendent and in accordance with statutes and rules of the state board of education, determine the educational goals of the district, develop long-range plans and identify measurable and attainable short-term objectives. The school board shall require the implementation of educational programs designed to reflect the goals and objectives and, further, the school board shall review such programs and make public the results of such investigation;
(h) Exercise all powers and perform all duties vested in and imposed upon the school board by law or rules of the state board;
(i) Adopt a rule to ensure that there shall be no unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age, creed, color, marital status, national origin, or disability in educational programs or activities consistent with local standards which may be stricter in specific areas than the broader statewide standards;
(j) Establish a policy on sexual harassment, written in age appropriate language and published and available in written form to all those who must comply, which includes, at a minimum, the elements specified below:
(1) A statement that sexual harassment is against the law and against school district policy;
(2) A definition of sexual harassment with examples of actions that might constitute sexual harassment;
(3) The names and roles of all persons involved in implementing the procedures;
(4) A description of the process so all parties know what to expect, including time frames and deadlines for investigation and resolution of complaints;
(5) A prohibition against retaliation toward anyone involved in a complaint;
(6) A description of possible penalties including termination;
(7) A requirement that a written factual report be produced regardless of the outcome of the investigation;
(8) At least one level of appeal of the investigators recommendation; and
(9) A clear statement that someone can bypass the internal process and proceed directly to the New
Hampshire commission on human rights, with address and phone number, or office of civil rights, with address and phone number; and
(k) Annually evaluate the superintendent based on written criteria established by the school board (s)/SAU board.
(l) Adopt a teacher performance evaluation system, with the involvement of teachers and principals, for use in the school district, pursuant to RSA 189:1-a,III.
Legal References:
RSA 189:1-a, Duty to Provide Education
RSA 195:5, Cooperative School Districts: School Board Powers and Duties
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules-Section Ed. 303.01, Duties of School Board
Category: R
1st Read: October 16, 2018
2nd Read: November 6, 2018
Adopted: November 6, 2018
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[post_content] => The authority of individual School Board members is limited to participating in actions taken by the Board as a whole when legally in session. Board members shall not assume responsibilities of administrators or other staff members. The Board or staff shall not be bound in any way by any action taken or statement made by any individual Board member except when such statement or action is pursuant to specific instructions and official action taken by the Board.
Each Board member shall review the agenda and any study materials distributed prior to the meeting and be prepared to participate in the discussion and decision-making for each agenda item. Each agenda will provide an opportunity for Board members to comment on District activities and/or educational issues. These comments may become topics for future Board discussions.
Board members may occasionally serve on committees or organizations for the purpose of reciprocal communication and reporting back to the Board. Committee assignments will be made by the Chairperson.
Each member is obligated to regularly attend Board and assigned committee meetings. Whenever possible, each Board member shall give advance notice to the Chairperson or Superintendent of his/her inability to attend a Board meeting.
Legal References:
RSA 91-A:2, Meetings Open to Public
RSA 91-A:2-a, Communication Outside Meetings
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules-Section Ed. 303.01, Substantive Duties of School Boards
Appendix: BBA-R
Category R
1st Read: June 4, 2013
2nd Read: June 18, 2013
Adopted: June 18, 2013
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[post_content] => To become a candidate for the ConVal School Board, a person must be a registered voter in the district. No person holding the office of School Board member shall at the time hold the office of school district moderator, treasurer, or auditor. No person employed on a salaried
basis by the ConVal School District shall be a ConVal School Board member. Salaried positions shall include, but are not limited to, the following: teacher, custodian, administrator, secretary, school bus driver (if paid by the district), food service employee, and teacher's aide.
The same qualifications shall exist when the ConVal School Board seeks to fill vacancies.
Category O
Legal Reference:
RSA 197:26, Vacancies
RSA 671:14, School District Elections: Qualifications
RSA 671:18-19, School District Elections: Nominations
RSA 671:33, Vacancies
1
st Read: February 21, 2012
2
nd Read: April 3, 2012
Adopted: April 3, 2012
[post_title] => BBBA - Board Member Qualifications
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bbba-board-member-qualifications
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2018-12-05 14:06:16
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[ID] => 98
[post_author] => 8
[post_date] => 2015-08-12 19:28:42
[post_date_gmt] => 2015-08-12 19:28:42
[post_content] => If, for reasons of health, change in domicile, or any other compelling reason a member decides to terminate service, the Board requests earliest possible notification of intent to resign so that the Board may plan appropriately for a replacement. A letter of resignation should be sent to the chairman with a copy to the District clerk.
Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with RSA 197:26 and RSA 671:33.
Category: O
Legal References:
RSA 197:26, School Meetings & Officers: Vacancies
RSA 671:33, School District Elections: Vacancies
1st Read: February 21, 2012
2nd Read: April 17, 2012
Adopted: April 17, 2012
[post_title] => BBBC - Board Member Or District Officer Resignation
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bbbc-board-member-or-district-officer-resignation
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2015-08-12 19:31:55
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[post_date] => 2015-08-12 19:34:35
[post_date_gmt] => 2015-08-12 19:34:35
[post_content] => School Board members may only be removed from office as provided in RSA 32:12 and RSA 42:1-a. RSA 32:12 prohibits School Board members from violating the provisions of RSA 32 relating to the expenditures of school district money. RSA 42:1-a prohibits school board members from breaching confidentiality standards. Violations of either of these statues may result in the board member being removed from office.
Category: O
Legal Reference:
RSA 32:12, Municipal Budget Law: Penalty
RSA 42:1-a, Oaths of Town Officers: Manner of Dismissal, Breach of Confidentiality
1st Read: February 5, 2013
2nd Read: February 19, 2013
Adopted: February 19, 2013
[post_title] => BBBD - School Board Removal From Office
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bbbd-school-board-removal-from-office
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2015-08-12 19:34:35
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(
[ID] => 2737
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-05-31 13:55:58
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-05-31 17:55:58
[post_content] => In a cooperative school district, the remaining school board members representing the same town as the departed member shall fill a vacancy on the school board, provided that there are at least two such members. If there are fewer than two members representing that town, or if the remaining members are unable, by majority vote, to agree upon an appointment, the selectmen of the town involved shall fill the vacancy by majority vote. If the selectmen are unable to fill the vacancy, the cooperative school district moderator shall make the appointment. A member appointed to fill a vacancy under these circumstances shall serve until the next district election when the voters of the district shall elect a replacement for the unexpired term.
Legal Reference:
RSA 197:26, School Meetings & Officers: Vacancies
RSA 671:33, School District Elections: Vacancies
Category: O
1st Read: February 5, 2013
2nd Read: February 19, 2013
Adopted: February 19, 2013
[post_title] => BBBE -- Unexpired Term Fulfillment
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bbbe-unexpired-term-fulfillment
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2018-05-31 13:55:58
[post_modified_gmt] => 2018-05-31 17:55:58
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[20] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 6646
[post_author] => 9
[post_date] => 2023-04-26 11:58:23
[post_date_gmt] => 2023-04-26 15:58:23
[post_content] =>
A. General Policy
The Board will have one student school board member from Contoocook Valley Regional High School.
Student School Board members (“Student-members”) will not have the right to vote and will be excluded from all non-public sessions the Board enters.
B. Election and Term of Student School Board-Members.
Student-members will serve one-year terms, beginning on September 1, of each year.
Student-members will be chosen by the high school student body under procedures for nomination and election established by the student government of the high school.
C. Responsibilities of Student Government.
The student government of the high school shall establish procedures for:
1. The nomination and election of Student-member candidates;
2. Any public high school student in the school district to petition the Student-member to present proposals and opinions to the School Board;
3. Filling any vacancy that may occur in the Student-member position from that school.
Category R
Legal References:
RSA 189:1-c, School Board Student Member
RSA 194:23-f, High School Student as a Board Member
First Read: March 7, 2023
Second Read: March 21, 2023
Adopted: March 21, 2023
[post_title] => BBBF - Student Board Members
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bbbf-student-board-members
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[post_modified] => 2023-04-26 11:58:23
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(
[ID] => 1185
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2016-03-22 15:10:40
[post_date_gmt] => 2016-03-22 19:10:40
[post_content] => AS A MEMBER OF MY LOCAL BOARD OF EDUCATION, I WILL STRIVE TO IMPROVE PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND TO THAT END I WILL STRIVE TO:
Attend all regular scheduled Board meetings insofar as possible, and become informed concerning the issues to be considered at those meetings;
Recognize that I should endeavor to make policy decisions only after full discussion at publicly held Board meetings;
Render all decisions based on the available facts and my independent judgment, and refuse to surrender that judgment to individuals or special interest groups;
Encourage the free expression of opinion by all Board members, and seek systematic communications between the Board and students, staff, and all elements of the community;
Work with other Board members to establish effective Board policies and to delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the Superintendent of Schools.
Communicate to other Board members and the Superintendent expressions of public reaction to the Board policies and school programs;
Inform myself about current educational issues by individual study and through participation in programs providing needed information, such as those sponsored by my state and national school boards associations;
Support the employment of those persons best qualified to serve as school staff, and insist on a regular and impartial evaluation of all staff;
Avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest, and refrain from using my Board position for personal or partisan gain;
Take no private action that will compromise the Board or administration, and respect the confidentiality of information that is privileged under applicable law or is received in confidence or executive session;
Remember always that my first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of the students attending the public schools.
Category: Recommended
Call Letter Update: October 16, 2018
Adopted: April 2, 1991
Readopted: July 19, 2011
[post_title] => BCA - School Board Member Ethics
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bbfe-school-board-member-ethics
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[post_modified] => 2018-12-05 14:17:55
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[post_date] => 2017-12-20 08:29:12
[post_date_gmt] => 2017-12-20 13:29:12
[post_content] => As elected officials, ConVal School Board members owe a duty of loyalty to the general public in protecting the school district’s interests. Therefore, the Board declares that a conflict of interest is a personal and/or pecuniary interest that is immediate, definite, and demonstrable and which is or may be in conflict with the public interest.
A Board member shall not participate in, or influence in any way, the discussion, bid specifications, or vote on any contract, service, collective bargaining issue, or personnel matter, where the Board member has, or appears to have, a direct personal and/or pecuniary interest. A Board member shall not purchase from sell to, or furnish for hire to the District any labor, equipment, goods, commodities, personal property, real estate, services, or supplies with a value in excess of $200.
As used in this policy, the term “Board member” includes a member of the Board members’ immediate family (i.e., spouse, child, siblings, and parents) and anyone residing in the Board members’ household.
A Board member shall not have any direct personal and/or pecuniary interest in a contract with the school district, nor shall he or she furnish directly any labor, equipment, or supplies to the District.
In the event a Board member is employed by a corporation or business or has a secondary interest in a corporation or business which furnishes goods or services to the School district, the Board member shall declare his interest and refrain from debating, discussing, or voting upon the question of contracting with the company.
It is not the intent of this policy to prevent the District from contracting with corporations of businesses because a Board member is an employee of the firm. The policy is designed to prevent placing a Board member in a position where his interest in the public schools and his interest in his place of employment (or other indirect interest) might conflict, and to avoid appearances of conflict of interest even though such conflict may not exist. Through the use of open competitive bidding or recusal of any Board member who has a conflict of interest, the Board will seek to obtain the best value for the district while avoiding impropriety or the appearance of impropriety.
Hiring Decisions regarding Family Members
Applicants for employment by the District shall be required to disclose if they are the father, mother, brother, sister, wife, husband, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, or brother-in-law of any member of the Board. The related Board member is obligated to disclose the fact that they are related to an applicant who is brought forward to the Board for hiring or appointment, and shall refrain from debating, discussing or voting upon the question of hiring the applicant.
The Superintendent shall refrain from hiring, or nominating to the Board for hire, anyone related to her/him as father, mother, brother, sister, wife, husband, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, or brother-in-law without also disclosing the relationship to the Board and in the case where the Superintendent has the hiring authority, receiving prior consent from the Board to hire the related applicant.
This shall not apply to any person within such relationship or relationships who has been regularly employed by the Board prior to the inception of the relationship, the adoption of this policy, or a Board member’s election.
Vendor Relations
Except as set forth above, the District shall not purchase supplies, materials, or services from a member of the Board or from a member of his or her household or from a firm in which a Board member holds a major interest.
Legal References:
Marsh v. Hanover, 113 NH 667 (1973) and
Atherton v. Concord, 109 NH 164 (1968)
RSA 95:1, Public Officials Barred From Certain Private Dealings
Category: R - Recommended
See also: BBFE
1st Read: September 3, 2019
2nd Read: September 17, 2019
Adopted: September 17, 2019
[post_title] => BCB -- School Board Member Conflict of Interest
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bcb-board-member-conflict-interest
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2019-09-27 11:15:23
[post_modified_gmt] => 2019-09-27 15:15:23
[post_content_filtered] =>
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(
[ID] => 1251
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2016-04-26 10:51:02
[post_date_gmt] => 2016-04-26 14:51:02
[post_content] =>
- 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.
In the event that Board members may be leaving the Board, the candidates to replace them shall be invited and encouraged to attend this meeting.
The election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be done by a roll-call vote at the first meeting of the School Board after the District Voting in March. A plurality of votes cast during this open roll-call vote will be sufficient to elect a candidate.
- Term Limits.
The length of term for these offices shall be one year. A Board member may serve as either Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson, or four terms in a combination of these offices.
- Duties.
The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings and shall not originate or second motions; however, the Chairperson shall have the right to vote on all matters before the Board. The Chairperson shall consult with the Superintendent on the preparation of the agenda for each meeting, shall call special meetings as needed, shall have authority to sign contracts and other instruments as approved by the Board in its name and on its behalf, and shall have such other powers and duties as the Board may determine.
The Vice-Chairperson shall have the powers and duties of the Chairperson in his/her absence or for the duration of the disability, and such other powers and duties as the Board may determine.
- Resignation of Chairperson.
In the event that a Chairperson shall resign or be otherwise unable to serve a full term, the Vice-Chairperson shall assume the role of Chairperson. The Board will decide whether to elect an interim Vice Chairperson. If so, the aforementioned election procedure will be followed.
- Other Officers.
Secretary
The Secretary of the School Board is hired by the Superintendent subject to approval by the Board. The Secretary shall be responsible for Board correspondence when directed by the Chairperson. The Secretary shall attend all board meetings and keep an accurate record of all proceedings which she/he shall sign.
She/He shall have custody of the record books and documents of the School Board, which are to be available for public inspection at all reasonable times. She/He shall be responsible to the Superintendent in performance of duties.
Legal References:
RSA 195:5, Cooperative School District Officers: School Board Powers & Duties
RSA 197:20, School Meetings & Officers: Clerk Duties
RSA 197:22, School Meetings & Officers: Treasurers Bond
RSA 197:23-a, School Meetings & Officers: Treasurers Duties
RSA 671:23, School District Elections: Warrant
RSA 671:6, School District Elections: Other Officers
RSA 671:31, School District Elections: Reports by Clerk
Category: R
1
st Read: May 17, 2016
2
nd Read: June 7, 2016
Adoption: June 7, 2016
[post_title] => BDB -- Board Officers
[post_excerpt] =>
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[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bdba-board-officers
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2016-08-08 16:03:53
[post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-08 20:03:53
[post_content_filtered] =>
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[24] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 3150
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-12-05 14:32:01
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-05 19:32:01
[post_content] => Clerk of the District
The Clerk of the District shall be appointed annually by the School Board. The Clerk shall keep a true record of each District meeting and make any reports to the State of New Hampshire as required by law.
Treasurer
The Treasurer of the District shall be appointed for a five-year term by the Board in cooperative Districts and shall not be a member of the School Board. He/She shall receive such remuneration as the District may determine and perform such duties pertaining to the fiscal affairs of the School District as outlined in the New Hampshire statutes relating to public schools.
A Deputy Treasurer shall be appointed by the Treasurer subject to the approval of the Board.
Legal References:
RSA 195:5, Cooperative School District Officers: School Board Powers & Duties
RSA 197:20, School Meetings & Officers: Clerk Duties
RSA 197:22, School Meetings & Officers: Treasurers Bond
RSA 197:23-a, School Meetings & Officers: Treasurers Duties
RSA 671:23, School District Elections: Warrant
RSA 671:6, School District Elections: Other Officers
RSA 671:31, School District Elections: Reports by Clerk
Category: O
See also BID
1st Read: August 14, 2012
2nd Read: September 18, 2012
Adopted: September 18, 2012
[post_title] => BDC -- Appointed Board Officials
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bdc-appointed-board-officials
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[post_modified] => 2018-12-05 14:32:01
[post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-05 19:32:01
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[ID] => 1183
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2016-03-22 15:04:56
[post_date_gmt] => 2016-03-22 19:04:56
[post_content] => The School Board believes that policy-making is a primary function of the School Board and that the execution of those policies is the primary function of the Superintendent.
Delegation by the Board of its executive powers to the Superintendent provides freedom for the Superintendent to manage the schools within the Board’s policies and frees the Board to devote its time to policy-making and statutory functions.
The Superintendent is responsible for the administration of Board policies, the execution of Board decisions, the operation of school programs, for keeping the Board informed about school operations and issues.
Appendix: BDD-R
Category: Recommended
1
st Read: February 5, 2013
2
nd Read: February 19, 2013
Adopted: February 19, 2013
[post_title] => BDD - Board-Superintendent Relationship
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[post_modified] => 2018-12-05 14:35:30
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(
[ID] => 6023
[post_author] => 9
[post_date] => 2022-04-25 11:10:16
[post_date_gmt] => 2022-04-25 15:10:16
[post_content] =>
Purpose:
The ConVal School Board utilizes standing committees to consider issues, proposals, and tasks in a smaller venue to allow members to delve more deeply into issues than may be possible at full School Board meetings. The committee structure is an efficient way of allowing for more thorough consideration of policy proposals, constructing budgets, initiating new programs, reviewing curricular issues, monitoring of progress toward Board goals, and Board communication. The committees may initiate and investigate any matter within their jurisdiction.
All recommendations of these committees should represent a majority vote of committee members. No vote or discussion of a standing committee – with the exception of the Student Discipline and Grievance Committees — will constitute a School Board decision unless so authorized by Board action at a public meeting.
Additional committees may be created, or existing committees dissolved, by a vote of the Board at the annual Board organizational meeting following the annual Board election.
The following committees currently exist as part of the governance of the Board:
- Budget and Property Education
- Policy
- Selectmen’s Advisory Committee
Committee Organization Each committee should have at least four members. The Chair of the Board, in consultation with Board members, makes committee appointments annually. These appointments are for a term of one year. All appointments will be made promptly after each Board election. An organizational meeting of each committee will be held annually promptly after each Board election and the announcement of committee appointments by the Board Chair.
A Chair for the committee will be selected annually by the appointed members of the committee at the organizational meeting of the committee. Any Board member may attend and participate in any committee meeting at any time. However, the voting members of each committee will be limited to those who have been appointed.
All committee meetings shall be posted publicly.
The Superintendent or designee shall attend committee meetings whenever possible, as non-voting members. The Chair of the committee is responsible for prioritizing issues, setting meeting agendas, dates, and times. A record must be kept of the proceedings of each committee meeting. That record must be approved by the voting membership of the Committee and kept on file at the Board office. The Chair of each standing committee shall be responsible for reporting on the committee’s business at the full Board meeting.
Committee Responsibility and Jurisdiction
Each committee of the Board will be assigned a jurisdiction. This jurisdiction will be reviewed and confirmed annually by the Board following the organizational meetings of all committees. Each committee Chair may periodically initiate review and adjustment of the committee’s jurisdiction when deemed appropriate; any change to a committee jurisdiction must be approved by the School Board. Committee jurisdictions will be posted on the School Board’s website.
A committee of the Board shall not appoint a committee of that committee without approval of the Board.
School Board Member Special Duty Assignments
Individual Board members may be designated to fulfill special assignments on behalf of the whole Board to facilitate the efficient, or confidential, completion of Board responsibilities.
The following special duty assignments will be made to facilitate Board governance:
- Negotiations/Grievance
- Student Discipline
- Review of the Manifest
- Representative to the New Hampshire School Board Association (NHSBA)
- Delegate Assembly
- Strategic Planning
Special Duty Assignment Procedures
The Chair of the Board, in consultation with Board members, makes special duty appointments annually. These appointments are for a term of one year. All appointments will be made promptly after each Board election.
The committees on Negotiation, Employee Grievance, or Student Discipline are not open to participation by Board members who have not been appointed. Nor are meetings of the Negotiations, Employee Grievance, or Student Discipline committee meetings open to the public.
Board members appointed to fulfill a special duty assignment will report to the full Board as requested to do so by the Board Chair. Board member(s) designated to review the Manifest prior to each Board meeting will bear the responsibility of moving for acceptance of the certified manifest at the Board meeting.
The Board member appointed as the representative of the ConVal School Board to the NHSBA Delegate Assembly will review all proposals with the Board prior to the annual Delegate Assembly and seek Board advice regarding their vote at the Delegate Assembly.
Ad-Hoc Committees of the Board
Ad hoc committees of the Board may be appointed by the Chair of the Board. The function of the ad hoc committee will be to study specific issues for a specifically limited period of time, and if appropriate, to make recommendations to the full Board for approval.
The dates, times, and location of ad hoc committee meetings will be posted publicly and the meetings will be open to all members of the Board. No vote or discussion of an ad hoc committee will constitute a decision of the Board, unless such authority is granted by the School Board at a public meeting.
The School Board may form committees with members of the public, students, parents, and/or employees to do specific tasks and make recommendations to the Board. The Board Chair may appoint members of the School Board to such ad hoc committees.
Meetings of ad hoc committees must be properly posted and open to the public. Board members not appointed by the Board Chair may attend and participate in ad hoc committee meetings but may not be voting members of the ad hoc committee.
The Board will establish the charge of the scope of responsibility for such ad hoc committees. Such ad hoc committees are advisory and have only such authority as specified by the Board. The Board will receive reports or recommendations from an ad hoc committee at the direction of the Board Chair.
A record must be kept of the proceedings of each meeting of an ad hoc committee. That record must be approved by the membership of the ad hoc committee and kept on file at the Board offices. The Board retains the right and has the duty to make all final decisions related to such reports or recommendations of an ad hoc committee. The Board reserves the right to limit, create or dissolve an ad hoc committee at any time as it deems appropriate.
First Read: November 7, 2023
Second Read: November 14, 2023
Adopted: November 14, 2023
[post_title] => BDE – Committees and School Board Member Special-Duty Assignments
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(
[ID] => 3156
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-12-05 15:25:37
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-05 20:25:37
[post_content] => The School Board recognizes that the increasing complexity of School District operations frequently requires procurement of professional legal services.
A decision to seek legal advice or assistance on behalf of the School District shall normally be made by the Superintendent or by persons specifically authorized by the Superintendent. Such action shall occur where it is consistent with approved District policy or standard practice and meets an obvious need of the District. It may also take place as a consequence of formal Board direction.
Many types of instances of legal assistance to the District may be considered routine and not necessitating specific Board approval or prior vote. For example, the Superintendent may consult with the school attorney to interpret statutory requirements or regulations, prepare or review contracts and seek legal opinions regarding other District issues.
However, when the administration concludes that unusual circumstances exist, Board authorization for such legal services shall be promptly requested.
1
st Read: February 5, 2013
2
nd Read: February 19, 2013
Adopted: February 19, 2013
[post_title] => BDG --- School District Attorney
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bdg-school-district-attorney
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[post_modified] => 2018-12-05 15:37:11
[post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-05 20:37:11
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[28] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 1845
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2017-04-13 13:06:19
[post_date_gmt] => 2017-04-13 17:06:19
[post_content] => The School Board shall meet at least once a month. Unless otherwise determined by Board action, regular meetings of the Board shall be held at SAU 1, Superintendent’s Office, on the first and third Tuesday of each month in a handicapped accessible location, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Notice of all Board meetings will be posted in two appropriate places or printed in the local newspaper at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. The Superintendent is authorized to post notice of meetings on the District website.
All regular meetings shall be open to the public. The Board will establish the agenda of each meeting. The Board reserves the right to amend the agenda during the meeting, should a majority of the board vote to do so. Additionally, the Board may or may not allow public comments at the meeting. Should the Board offer time for public comments, such comments may be restricted to agenda items only, and the Board may decline members of the public the opportunity to speak on items not on the agenda. Further clarification of public comments policies are located in Policies BEDH, KE, and KEB.
All changes of regular meetings from normal dates shall be advertised at least 24 hours prior to the date of the meeting. Special meetings can be held at the discretion of the Board Chair.
A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum. Provisions for meeting a quorum are established in Board Policy BEDC.
The School Board recognizes that the consistent attendance of Board Members at Board Meetings is essential for the efficient, effective operation of the Board's duties, as well as for fulfilling our individual obligations as elected officials. The Board Secretary is responsible for tracking attendance.
Legal References:
RSA 91-A, Access to Public Records and Meetings
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 303.01(f), Substantive Duties of School Boards
See also BEDH, KE, KEB
1st Read: August 14, 2012
2nd Read: September 18, 2012
Adopted: September 18, 2012
[post_title] => BEA -- Regular School Board Meetings
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bea-regular-school-board-meetings
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2018-12-05 15:36:53
[post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-05 20:36:53
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[29] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 3158
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-12-07 10:53:32
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-07 15:53:32
[post_content] => For the purposes of this policy, an emergency is defined as a situation where immediate undelayed action is deemed by the Chair to be imperative. In the event of an emergency meeting, the Board will post notice of time and place of the emergency meeting as soon as possible and will also use other reasonable means to inform the public that an emergency meeting is to be held. Minutes of an emergency meeting will clearly state the need and purpose for the emergency meeting.
Special meetings may be called at any time by the Board Chair or by the action of a majority. Written notice stating the time and place of any special meeting and the purpose for which it is being called shall be given to each member of the Board at least two (2) days in advance of the meeting. Only business that is stated in the notice will be transacted at the meeting. Exceptions to this procedure would be in cases of emergency as determined by the Chair and/or the Superintendent. In such case of emergency, all members will be contacted by telephone and electronic mail.
Legal Reference:
RSA 91-A:2, II, Meetings Open to the Public
Category: Optional
1st Read: August 14, 2012
2nd Read: September 18, 2012
Adopted: September 18, 2012
[post_title] => BEB -- Special/Emergency Board Meetings
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => beb-special-emergency-board-meetings
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2018-12-07 11:45:02
[post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-07 16:45:02
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[30] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 3162
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-12-07 12:13:26
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-07 17:13:26
[post_content] => The ConVal School Board may meet in non-public session for any of the purposes set out in RSA 91-A:3. Upon a motion to enter a non-public session, the vote to enter non-public session shall be a recorded roll-call vote made in public session. The motion calling for a non-public session shall indicate the general the matter(s) to be discussed and shall cite the applicable statutory exception(s) for entering the non-public session. All discussions held in nonpublic session shall be confined to the matters set out in the motion.
The Board shall record minutes of all non-public sessions. Minutes from a non-public session shall be made publicly available within 72 hours of the non-public session, unless the Board votes to seal the minutes. The Board may seal minutes of a non-public session only by a two-thirds vote. The vote to seal the minutes may occur in either the public or non-public session, but if it occurs in the non-public session, the Chair shall announce the vote when the Board comes out of the non-public session. The Board shall only vote to seal minutes of non-public sessions if divulging such information would:
- 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).
All student disciplinary matters arising under NH RSA 193:13 and Ed 317 shall be heard in non-public session unless the minor student’s parents or the adult student request that the matter be heard in public.
If the Board votes to seal the minutes, then Board members are prohibited from divulging to the public any information discussed in the non-public session. Similarly, Board members are prohibited from discussing any documents that are exempt from disclosure to the public under RSA 91-A:5. By adoption of this policy, the Board directs that sealed minutes of non-public sessions be made available for review by any Board member upon request. However, non-public matters involving individual student
s progress shall not be accessed by an individual Board Member except to the extent that the Board deems there to be a legitimate educational interest in permitting such access.
When non-public minutes are sealed for an unspecified term, the Board, or a designated subcommittee of the Board, shall review the sealed minutes on at least an annual basis to determine if the basis for the seal still exists. Upon review, if a majority of the Board or designated subcommittee believes that the basis for sealing the minutes no longer applies, the matter shall be presented to the Board for a vote on whether to unseal the minutes.
The Superintendent or his/her designated representative will attend all non-public sessions, except those non-public sessions that pertain to the Superintendent’s employment, provided the Superintendent does not have a contractual right to attend the non-public session.
The Board may invite such employees, consultants, and representatives of the District as are deemed necessary to advise or inform the Board on a non-public matter to attend all or a portion of a non-public session.
Legal References:
RSA 91-A:3, Non-Public Sessions
RSA 91-A:4, Minutes and Records Available for Public Inspection
RSA 91-A:5, Exemptions
RSA 42:1-a, Oaths of Town Officers: Manner of Dismissal; Breach of Confidentiality
Category: Recommended
1st Read: December 18, 2018
2nd Read: January 8, 2019
Adopted: January 8, 2019
[post_title] => BEC -- Non-Public Sessions
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bec-non-public-sessions
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2019-01-10 12:20:42
[post_modified_gmt] => 2019-01-10 17:20:42
[post_content_filtered] =>
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[31] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2925
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-09-13 10:02:02
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-13 14:02:02
[post_content] => All School Board Meetings are open to the public. The School Board will announce at least 24 hours in advance (excluding Sundays and legal Holidays) through two public postings and, when possible, by the newspapers and electronic media, the date, time, and place of all regular and special meetings and the major topics to be discussed.
The Board may need to hold an emergency meeting in the case where immediate undelayed action is deemed to be imperative by the Board Chair or presiding Officer of the body or agency, who shall employ whatever means are available to inform the public that a meeting is to be held. The minutes of the meetings shall clearly spell out the need for the emergency meeting.
Legal Reference:
RSA 91-A:2, II, Public Records and Meetings: Meetings Open to the Public
1st Read: June 3, 2014
2nd Read: August 19, 2014
Adopted: August 19, 2014
[post_title] => BEDA -- Public Notification of School Board Meetings
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => beda-public-notification-of-school-board-meetings
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2018-09-13 10:02:02
[post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-13 14:02:02
[post_content_filtered] =>
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[menu_order] => 0
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[32] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2890
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-08-21 08:46:55
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-08-21 12:46:55
[post_content] => The Superintendent shall prepare all agendas for meetings of the Board. In doing so, the Superintendent shall consult with the Board.
Items to be placed on the agenda should be received by the Superintendent at least seven days prior to the meeting. Every Board member has the right to place items on the agenda. Matters not included in the agenda may be presented during the meeting provided the Board agrees to discuss the matter. The Board may choose not to deal with every agenda item.
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 meeting agenda that is to be properly discussed in a non-public session. This shall not preclude the Board from giving notice of its intent to hold or enter into a non-public session and the statutory reason for doing such.
Any Board member, staff member, student, or citizen of the District may suggest items of business. The inclusion of items suggested by staff members, students, or citizens shall be at the discretion of the Board Chairperson.
The Board shall follow the order of business set up by the agenda unless the order is altered by a majority vote of the members present. Items of business not on the agenda may be discussed and acted upon if a majority of the Board agrees to consider them. The Board, however, may not revise Board policies, or adopt new ones, unless such action has been scheduled, or unless there is an emergency.
The agenda and supporting materials should be distributed to Board members at least four days prior to the Board meeting. Board Members shall be expected to read the information provided them and to contact the Superintendent to request additional information that may be deemed necessary to assist them in their decision-making responsibilities. When the final agenda has been established, it will be made available to the public, upon request.
Members of the public who wish to speak at Board meetings regarding an agenda item are encouraged to contact the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting. Additionally, the Board reserves the right to limit public discussion at Board meetings to agenda items only. Supporting materials sent with the agenda are subject to disclosure by the Right-to-Know law. Therefore, both the agenda and the supporting materials may be reviewed by the public prior to the meeting. Any supporting materials that contain confidential information, which is exempt from disclosure and where the Board has a legal duty to maintain the confidentiality of the information, shall be clearly marked as confidential. Board members shall not disclose any materials marked as confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure under the Right-to-Know law.
Notices of meeting shall be consistently posted on the District's web site in a reasonably accessible location.
Legal Reference:
RSA 91-A:5, IX.
Category: Recommended
See Also BEDA, BEDH
First Read: October 16, 2018
Second Read: November 6, 2018
Adopted: : November 6, 2018
[post_title] => BEDB – Agenda Preparation and Dissemination
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bedb-agenda-preparation-and-dissemination
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2018-11-13 09:24:21
[post_modified_gmt] => 2018-11-13 14:24:21
[post_content_filtered] =>
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[33] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2023
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2017-08-10 09:44:14
[post_date_gmt] => 2017-08-10 13:44:14
[post_content] => A simple majority of the ConVal School Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Participating Electronically from a Remote Location
When it is not reasonably practical for a member to attend in person, the member may attend via telephone, skype, or other electronic means. RSA 91-A:2, III. The following is required:
- 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.
Legal References:
RSA 91-A2, Meetings Open to the Public
Category: R
First Read: October 3, 2017
Second Read: October 17, 2017
Adopted: October 17, 2017
[post_title] => BEDC -- Quorum
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bedc-quorum
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2017-10-27 11:40:18
[post_modified_gmt] => 2017-10-27 15:40:18
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(
[ID] => 2025
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[post_date] => 2017-08-10 09:46:35
[post_date_gmt] => 2017-08-10 13:46:35
[post_content] => Except as otherwise provided by law, by regulation of the State Department of Education, or by the School Board, meetings of the Board shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised. However, the Rules of Order may be waived on any subject by a 2/3 vote of all Board members present and voting provided that a quorum is present at the time of the vote.
Adopted: April 2, 1991
Amended: May 7, 2013
[post_title] => BEDD -- Rules of Order
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bedd-rules-order
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2017-08-10 09:46:35
[post_modified_gmt] => 2017-08-10 13:46:35
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[35] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2984
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-09-28 11:27:06
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-28 15:27:06
[post_content] => Under RSA 91-A, the school board, and each of the school board's committees (whether standing or ad hoc, or whether deemed a sub-committee or an advisory committees) is required to keep minutes for every "meeting" as defined under 91-A:2, I. As used below, "Board" shall mean and include the district school board, and each such board committee.
The Board will keep a record of the actions taken at Board meetings in the form of minutes. At a minimum, all minutes, public and non-public, shall include:
1) The names of members participating,
2) Persons appearing before the School Board (any persons other than board members who address the board or speak at the meeting;
3) A brief description of each subject matter discussed;
4) Identification of each member who made a first or second of any motion;
5) A record of all final decisions;
6) When a recorded roll call vote on a motion is required by law or called for by the Chair (or other presiding officer), a record of how each board member voted on the motion; and
7) In the event that a board member objects to the subject matter discussed by the board, if the board continues the discussion above the member's objection, and upon the request of the objecting member, then - and irrespective of whether the objection/discussion occurred in public or non-public session - the public minutes shall also reflect (i) the objecting member's name, (ii) a statement that the member objected, and in the case of non-public session (iii) a "reference to the provision of RSA 91-A:3, II that was the basis for the discussion." (See RSA 91-A:2, II-a.).
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. The preceding sentence, however, shall not apply to minutes of non-public sessions when the Board has sealed such minutes by a recorded roll call vote taken in public session with 2/3 of the board members present supporting the motion. Drafts of non-public minutes will be provided to the Board either at the conclusion of the non-public session and may be approved at the time - prior to any vote to seal, or if sealed, provided to Board at the meeting at which they are to be approved.
Draft minutes of all public meetings, clearly marked as drafts, will be made available for public inspection no later than five (5) business days after each public session. Minutes for non-public sessions shall be kept as a separate document. Draft 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 in accordance with the procedure described in the preceding paragraph.
Notes and other materials used in the preparation of the minutes must be retained until the minutes are approved or finalized.
All minutes, including draft 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.
Approved minutes, except those non-public session minutes, which are sealed, shall be consistently posted on the District's web site in a reasonably accessible location or the web site shall contain a notice describing where the minutes may be reviewed and copies requested. Draft minutes will be available for inspection at the District's administrative office.
Sealed minutes shall be reviewed periodically and unsealed by majority vote of the Board if the circumstances justifying sealing the minutes no longer apply. The Superintendent shall identify and bring to the Board's attention minutes that have been sealed because disclosure would render the proposed action ineffective where the action has been completed and the minutes no longer need to be sealed. The Superintendent will also identify any other sealed minutes where the justification for sealing no longer applies due to the passage of time. Generally, non-public session minutes sealed because divulgence of the information would likely affect adversely the reputation of a person other than a member of the School Board, will remain sealed.
Legal References:
RSA 91-A:2 II, Public Records and Meetings: Meetings Open to Public
RSA 91-A:2,II-a, Effective 1/1/2019
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
Category: Recommended
First Read: December 18, 2018
Second Read: January 8, 2019
Adopted: January 8, 2019
[post_title] => BEDG -- Minutes
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bedg-minutes
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2019-01-10 12:27:48
[post_modified_gmt] => 2019-01-10 17:27:48
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[36] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 973
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2015-12-16 12:21:52
[post_date_gmt] => 2015-12-16 17:21:52
[post_content] => The primary purpose of School Board meetings is to conduct the business of the Board as it relates to school policies, programs and operations. The Board encourages residents – including our students - to attend Board meetings so that they may become acquainted with the operation and programs of the schools. All official meetings of the Board shall be open to the press and public. However, the Board reserves the right to meet and to adjourn or recess a meeting at any time. The Board also reserves the right to enter non-public session at any time, in accordance with the provisions RSA 91-A:3 II.
In order to assure that persons who wish to appear before the Board may be heard and, at the same time, it may conduct its meetings properly and efficiently, the Board adopts as policy the following procedures and rules pertaining to public participation at Board meetings:
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] =>
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[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => district-policies
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[filter] => raw
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[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.
A member of the SAU staff is to be designated and delegated by the Superintendent with the responsibility to maintain the Board’s policy reference files, to draft policy proposals as instructed by the Board and/or Superintendent, to maintain the Board policy manual, and to serve as liaison between the Board, the New Hampshire School Boards Association, State Board of Education, and other sources of policy research information.
Category: Recommended
First Read: March 19, 2019
Second Read: April 2, 2019
Adopted: April 2, 2019
[post_title] => BGA -- Policy Development System
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bfa-policy-development-system
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2019-04-22 12:14:15
[post_modified_gmt] => 2019-04-22 16:14:15
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3168
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => district-policies
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
[40] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2724
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-05-31 12:54:40
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-05-31 16:54:40
[post_content] => Except for policy actions to be taken on emergency measures, the adoption of School Board policies should follow this sequence which will take place at least at two regular or special meetings of the School Board:
1. Announcement and publication of proposed new or revised policies as an item of
information.
2. Opportunity offered to concerned groups or individuals to react to policy proposals.
3. Discussion and final action by the Board on policy proposals.
The final vote to adopt or not to adopt should follow by at least two weeks from the meeting at which policy proposals are first placed on the agenda.
1. Prior to enactment, all policy proposals shall be titled and coded as appropriate to
subject and in conformance with the codification system used in the Board policy manual.
2. Insofar as possible, each policy statement shall be limited to one subject.
3. Policies and amendments adopted by the Board shall be attached to and made a part
of the minutes of the meeting at which they are adopted and shall also be included in
the policy manual of the District marked with the date of adoption and/or amendment.
4. Policies and amendments to policies shall be effective immediately upon adoption
unless a specific effective date is provided in the adopted resolution.
Emergency Procedure
On matters of unusual urgency, the Board may waive the two-week limitation and take immediate action to adopt new or revise existing policies. When such immediate action is necessary, the Superintendent shall inform concerned groups or individuals about the reasons for this necessity.
Category: R
1st Read: February 19, 2013
2nd Read: March 5, 2013
Adopted: March 5, 2013
[post_title] => BGB: Policy Adoption
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bgb-policy-adoption
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2018-05-31 12:54:40
[post_modified_gmt] => 2018-05-31 16:54:40
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=2724
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => district-policies
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
[41] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 3170
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-12-07 15:07:45
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-07 20:07:45
[post_content] => In an effort to keep its written policies up-to-date so that they may be used consistently as a basis for School Board action and administrative decision, the Board will review its policies on a continuing basis.
The Board will evaluate how the policies have been executed by the school staff and weigh the results. It will rely on the school staff, students, and the community for providing evidence of the effect of the policies which it has adopted.
The Superintendent or designee is given the continuing responsibility of calling to the Board’s attention all policies that are out of date or appear to need revision for other reasons.
The Board directs the Superintendent to recall all policy and regulations manuals annually for purposes of administrative updating and Board review.
Category: Recommended
1st Read: June 3, 2014
2nd Read: August 19, 2014
Adopted: August 19, 2014
[post_title] => BGC-- Policy Review and Evaluation/Manual Accuracy Check
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => bfg-policy-review-and-evaluation-manual-accuracy-check
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2018-12-10 13:27:03
[post_modified_gmt] => 2018-12-10 18:27:03
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => http://schoolboard.convalsd.net/?post_type=district-policies&p=3170
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => district-policies
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
[42] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 3172
[post_author] => 10
[post_date] => 2018-12-07 15:29:11
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-07 20:29:11
[post_content] =>
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
1
st Read: February 5, 2012
2
nd 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
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[post_date] => 2018-12-10 15:20:03
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[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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-14 14:19:47
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[post_date] => 2018-12-11 09:59:36
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[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
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[post_name] => cf-school-building-administration
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[post_modified] => 2018-12-11 09:59:36
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[post_content] => Principals
Appointment
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 Contract
All appointments will be on a one-year basis between July 1 and June 30.
Functions
Building 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 186:8
Ed 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
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[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] =>
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[post_modified] => 2015-09-14 16:08:22
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[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
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[post_modified] => 2023-08-03 10:31:09
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[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
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[post_modified] => 2015-09-14 16:41:31
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[post_date] => 2021-11-17 10:42:12
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[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.
DAF-1 ALLOWABILITY
The Superintendent is responsible for the efficient and effective administration of grant funds through the application of sound management practices. Such funds shall be administered in a manner consistent with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, the associated agreements/assurances, program objectives and the specific terms and conditions of the grant award.
- 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.
The term “applicable credits” refers to those receipts or reductions of expenditures that operate to offset or reduce expense items allocable to the Federal award. Typical examples of such transactions are: purchase discounts; rebates or allowances; recoveries or indemnities on losses; and adjustments of overpayments or erroneous charges. To the extent that such credits accruing to/or received by the State relate to the Federal award, they shall be credited to the Federal award, either as a cost reduction or a cash refund, as appropriate.
- 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.
These costs may include: salaries and fringe benefits of employees working directly on a grant-funded project; purchased services contracted for performance under the grant; travel of employees working directly on a grant-funded project; materials, supplies, and equipment purchased for use on a specific grant; and infrastructure costs directly attributable to the program (such as long distance telephone calls specific to the program, etc.).
- “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.
These costs may include: general data processing, human resources, utility costs, maintenance, accounting, etc.
Federal education programs with supplement not supplant provisions must use a restricted indirect cost rate. In a restricted rate, indirect costs are limited to general management costs. General management costs do not include divisional administration that is limited to one (1) component of the District, the governing body of the District, compensation of the Superintendent, compensation of the chief executive officer of any component of the District, and operation of the immediate offices of these officers.
The salaries of administrative and clerical staff should normally be treated as indirect costs. Direct charging of these costs may be appropriate only if
all the following conditions are met:
- 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.
Where a Federal program has a specific cap on the percentage of administrative costs that may be charged to a grant, that cap shall include all direct administrative charges as well as any recovered indirect charges.
Effort should be given to identify costs as direct costs whenever practical, but allocation of indirect costs may be used where not prohibited and where indirect cost allocation is approved ahead of time by NHDOE or the pass-through entity (Federal funds subject to 2 C.F.R Part 200 pertaining to determining indirect cost allocation).
- 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.
The following are examples of when funds are determined to be “obligated” under applicable regulation of the U.S. Department of Education:
When the obligation is for:
- 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.
Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the Federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the Federal award and only with the written approval of the
initial Federal awarding agency or of the NHDOE or other pass-through entity.
For both State-administered and direct grants, regardless of the period of availability, the District shall liquidate all obligations incurred under the award not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of the funding period unless an extension is authorized. Any funds not obligated within the period of performance or liquidated within the appropriate timeframe are said to lapse and shall be returned to the awarding agency. Consistently, the District shall closely monitor grant spending throughout the grant cycle.
DAF-2 CASH MANAGEMENT AND FUND CONTROL
Payment methods must be established in writing that minimize the time elapsed between the drawdown of federal funds and the disbursement of those funds. Standards for funds control and accountability must be met as required by the Uniform Guidance for advance payments and in accordance with the requirements of NHDOE or other applicable pass-through-entity.
In order to provide reasonable assurance that all assets, including Federal, State, and local funds, are safeguarded against waste, loss, unauthorized use, or misappropriation, the Superintendent shall implement internal controls in the area of cash management.
The District’s payment methods shall minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the NHDOE (pass-through entity) and disbursement by the District, regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic fund transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means.
The District shall use forms and procedures required by the NHDOE, grantor agency or other pass-through entity to request payment. The District shall request grant fund payments in accordance with the provisions of the grant. Additionally, the District’s financial management systems shall meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established by the awarding agency.
The Superintendent is authorized to submit requests for advance payments and reimbursements at least monthly when electronic fund transfers are not used, and as often as deemed appropriate when electronic transfers are used, in accordance with the provisions of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 1693-1693r).
When the District uses a cash advance payment method, the following standards shall apply:
- 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.
DAF-3 PROCUREMENT
All purchases for property and services made using federal funds must be conducted in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, the Uniform Guidance, and the District’s written policies and procedures.
Procurement of all supplies, materials equipment, and services paid for from Federal funds or District matching funds shall be made in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local statutes and/or regulations, the terms and conditions of the Federal grant, District policies, and procedures.
The Superintendent shall maintain a procurement and contract administration system in accordance with the USDOE requirements (2 CFR 200.317-327) for the administration and management of Federal grants and Federally-funded programs. The District shall maintain a contract administration system that requires contractors to perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders. Except as otherwise noted, procurement transactions shall also conform to the provisions of the District’s documented general purchase Policy DJ.
The District avoids situations that unnecessarily restrict competition and avoids acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items. Individuals or organizations that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, and/or invitations for bids, requests for proposals, or invitations to negotiate, are excluded from competing for such purchases. Additionally, consideration shall be given to consolidating or breaking out procurements to obtain a more economical purchase. And, where appropriate, an analysis shall be made to lease versus purchase alternatives, and any other appropriate analysis to determine the most economical approach. These considerations are given as part of the process to determine the allowability of each purchase made with Federal funds.
Contracts are awarded only to responsible contractors possessing the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of a proposed procurement. Consideration is given to such matters as contractor integrity, compliance with public policy, record of past performance, and financial and technical resources. No contract is awarded to a contractor who is suspended or debarred from eligibility for participation in federal assistance programs or activities.
Purchasing records are sufficiently maintained to detail the history of all procurements and must include at least the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, and contractor selection or rejection; the basis for the contract price; and verification that the contractor is not suspended or debarred.
To foster greater economy and efficiency, the District may enter into State and local intergovernmental agreements where appropriate for procurement or use of common or shared goods and services.
- 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.
Some of the situations considered to be restrictive of competition include, but are not limited to, the following:
- 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.
Further, the District does not use statutorily or administratively imposed State, local, or tribal geographical preferences in the evaluation of bids or proposals, unless (1) an applicable Federal statute expressly mandates or encourages a geographic preference; (2) the District is contracting for architectural and engineering services, in which case geographic location may be a selection criterion provided its application leaves an appropriate number of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project, to compete for the contract.
To the extent that the District uses a pre-qualified list of persons, firms or products to acquire goods and services, the pre-qualified list must include enough qualified sources as to ensure maximum open and free competition. The District allows vendors to apply for consideration to be placed on the list as requested.
- 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.
When it is impractical or uneconomical to make a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements, a “brand name or equivalent” description may be used as a means to define the performance or other salient requirements of procurement. The specific features of the named brand which shall be met by offers shall be clearly stated; and identify all requirements which the offerors shall fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals.
The Board will not approve any expenditure for an unauthorized purchase or contract.
- Procurement Methods: The District shall utilize the following methods of procurement:
- Micro-purchases
Procurement by micro-purchase is the acquisition of supplies or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed $10,000 To the extent practicable, the District shall distribute micro-purchase equitably among qualified suppliers. Micro-purchases may be made without soliciting competitive quotations if the Superintendent considers the price to be reasonable. The District maintains evidence of this reasonableness in the records of all purchases made by this method.
- Small Purchases (Simplified Acquisition)
Small purchase procedures provide for relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, and other property which is acquired above the
aggregate dollar micro-purchase threshold and not exceeding the competitive bid threshold of $250,000. Small purchase procedures require that price or rate quotations shall be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
- Sealed Bids
Sealed, competitive bids shall be obtained when the purchase of, and contract for, single items of supplies, materials, or equipment which amounts to $250,000 and when the Board determines to build, repair, enlarge, improve, or demolish a school building/facility the cost of which will exceed $250,000.
- 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
Procurement by competitive proposal, normally conducted with more than one source submitting an offer, is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids or in the case of a recognized exception to the sealed bid method.
If this method is used, the following requirements apply:
- 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.
The District may use competitive proposal procedures for qualifications-based procurement of architectural/engineering (A/E) professional services whereby competitors’ qualifications are evaluated, and the most qualified competitor is selected, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable compensation. The method, where price is not used as a selection factor, can only be used in procurement of A/E professional services. It cannot be used to purchase other types of services though A/E firms are a potential source to perform the proposed effort.
- Noncompetitive Proposals
Procurement by noncompetitive proposals allows for solicitation of a proposal from only one source and may be used only when one or more of the following circumstances apply:
- 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.
The method and degree of analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular procurement situation; however, the District shall come to an independent estimate prior to receiving bids or proposals.
When performing a cost analysis, the District shall negotiate profit as a separate element of the price. To establish a fair and reasonable profit, consideration is 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 its record of past performance, and industry profit rates in the surrounding geographical area for similar work.
- 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.
Since this formula generates an open-ended contract price, a time-and-materials contract provides no positive profit incentive to the contractor for cost control or labor efficiently. Therefore, the District sets a ceiling price for each contract that the contractor exceeds at its own risk. Further, the District shall assert a high degree of oversight in order to obtain reasonable assurance that the contractor is using efficient methods and effective cost controls, and otherwise performs in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.
- 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.
The Superintendent shall have the authority to suspend or debar a person/corporation, for cause, from consideration or award of further contracts. The District is subject to and shall abide by the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR Part 180.
Suspension is an action taken by the District that immediately prohibits a person from participating in covered transactions and transactions covered under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1) for a temporary period, pending completion of an agency investigation and any judicial or administrative proceedings that may ensure. A person so excluded is suspended. (See 2 CFR Part 180 Subpart G).
Debarment is an action taken by the Superintendent to exclude a person from participating in covered transactions and transactions covered under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1). A person so excluded is debarred. (See 2 CFR Part 180 Subpart H).
The District shall not subcontract with or award sub-grants to any person or company who is debarred or suspended. For contracts over $25,000 the District shall confirm that the vendor is not debarred or suspended by either checking the Federal government’s System for Award Management (“SAM”), which maintains a list of such debarred or suspended vendors at
www.sam.gov (which replaced the former Excluded Parties List System or EPLS); or collecting a certification from the vendor. (See 2 CFR Part 180 Sub part C).
Documentation that debarment/suspension was queried must be retained for each covered transaction as part of the documentation required under DAF-3, paragraph J. This documentation should include the date(s) queried and copy(ies) of the SAM result report/screenshot, or a copy of the or certification from the vendor. It should be attached to the payment backup and retained for future audit review.
- 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.
Within five (5) days of receipt of a protest, the Superintendent shall review the protest as submitted and render a decision regarding the merits of the protest and any impact on the acceptance and rejection of bids submitted. Notice of the filing of a bid protest shall be communicated to the Board and shall be noted in any subsequent recommendation for the acceptance of bids and awarding of contracts.
Failure to file a notice of intent to protest, or failure to file a formal written protest within the time prescribed, shall constitute a waiver of proceedings.
- 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 .
DAF-4 PROCUREMENT – ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS PERTINENT TO FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
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: (7 CFR Sec. 210.21, 215.14a, 220.16)
- 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.
Under the “Buy American” provision of the National School Lunch Act (the “NSLA”), school food authorities (SFAs) are required to purchase, to the maximum extent practicable,
domestic commodity or product. As an SFA, the District is required to comply with the “Buy American” procurement standards set forth in 7 CFR Part 210.21(d) when purchasing commercial food products served in the school meals programs. 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., food service management companies, group purchasing cooperatives, shared purchasing, etc.).
Under the NSLA, “
domestic commodity or product” is defined as an agricultural commodity or product that is produced or processed in the United States using “
substantial” agricultural commodities that are produced in the United States. For purposes of the act, “
substantial” means that over 51 percent of the final processed product consists of agricultural commodities that were grown domestically. Products from Guam, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands are allowable under this provision as territories of the United States.
- 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
DAF-5 CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND MANDATORY DISCLOSURES
The District complies with the requirements of State law and the Uniform Guidance for conflicts of interest and mandatory disclosures for all procurements with federal funds.
Each employee, board member, or agent of the school system who is engaged in the selection, award or administration of a contract supported by a federal grant or award and who has a potential conflict of interest must disclose that conflict in writing to the Superintendent, who, in turn, shall disclose in writing any such potential conflict of interest to NHDOE or other applicable pass-through-entity.
A conflict of interest would arise when the covered individual, any member of his/her immediate family, his/her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of those parties has a financial or other interest in or received a tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for a contract. A covered individual who is required to disclose a conflict shall not participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a federal grant or award.
Covered individuals will not solicit or accept any gratuities, favors, or items from a contractor or a party to a subcontractor for a federal grant or award. Violations of this rule are subject to disciplinary action.
The Superintendent shall timely disclose in writing to NHDOE or other applicable pass-through-entity, all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuities potentially affecting any federal award. The Superintendent shall fully address any such violations promptly and notify the Board with such information as is appropriate under the circumstances (e.g., taking into account applicable disciplinary processes).
DAF-6 INVENTORY MANAGEMENT - EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES PURCHASED WITH FEDERAL FUNDS
Equipment and supplies acquired (“property” as used in this policy DAF-6) with federal funds will be used, managed, and disposed of in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements. Property records and inventory systems shall be sufficiently maintained to account for and track equipment that has been acquired with federal funds. In furtherance thereof, the following minimum standards and controls shall apply to any equipment or pilferable items acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award until such property is disposed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and Board policies:
- “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.
DAF-7 TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT – FEDERAL FUNDS
The Board shall reimburse administrative, professional and support employees, and school officials, for travel costs incurred in the course of performing services related to official business as a federal grant recipient.
For purposes of this policy, “travel costs” shall mean the expenses for transportation, lodging, subsistence, and related items incurred by employees and school officials who are in travel status on official business as a federal grant recipient.
School officials and district employees shall comply with applicable Board policies and administrative regulations established for reimbursement of travel and other expenses.
The validity of payments for travel costs for all district employees and school officials shall be determined by the Superintendent.
Travel costs shall be reimbursed on a mileage basis for travel using an employee’s personal vehicle and on an actual cost basis for meals, lodging and other allowable expenses, consistent with those normally allowed in like circumstances in the district’s non-federally funded activities, and in accordance with the district’s travel reimbursement policies and administrative regulations.
Mileage reimbursements shall be at the rate approved by the Board or Board policy for other district travel reimbursements. Actual costs for meals, lodging and other allowable expenses shall be reimbursed only to the extent they are reasonable and do not exceed the per diem limits established by Board policy, or, in the absence of such policy, the federal General Services Administration for federal employees for locale where incurred.
All travel costs must be presented with an itemized, verified statement prior to reimbursement.
In addition, for any costs that are charged directly to the federal award, the Superintendent shall maintain sufficient records to justify that:
- Participation of the individual is necessary to the federal award.
- The costs are reasonable and consistent with Board policy.
DAF-8 ACCOUNTABILITY AND CERTIFICATIONS
All fiscal transactions must be approved by the Superintendent who can attest that the expenditure is allowable and approved under the federal program. The Superintendent submits all required certifications.
DAF-9 TIME-EFFORT REPORTING / OVERSIGHT
The Superintendent will establish sufficient oversight of the operations of federally supported activities to assure compliance with applicable federal requirements and to ensure that program objectives established by the awarding agency are being achieved. The District will submit all reports as required by federal or state authorities.
As a recipient of Federal funds, the District shall comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Section 200.430 of the Code of Federal Regulations requires certification of effort to document salary expenses charged directly or indirectly against Federally-sponsored projects. This process is intended to verify the compensation for employment services, including salaries and wages, is allocable and properly expended, and that any variances from the budget are reconciled.
- 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.
The District will also follow any time and effort requirements imposed by NHDOE or other pass-through entity as appropriate to the extent that they are more restrictive than the Federal requirements. The Superintendent is responsible for the collection and retention of employee time and effort reports. Individually reported data will be made available only to authorized auditors or as required by law.
DAF-10 GRANT BUDGET RECONCILIATION AND GRANT CLOSEOUT
- 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.
The District’s internal controls include a process to review after-the-fact interim charges made to a Federal award based on budget estimates and ensure that all necessary adjustments are made so that the final amount charged to the Federal award is accurate, allowable, and properly allocated.
- 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.
Failure to submit all required reports within the required timeframe will necessarily result in the Federal awarding agency reporting the District’s material failure to comply with the terms of the grant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and may pursue other enforcement actions.
The District must maintain all financial records and other documents pertinent to the grant for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report, barring other circumstances detailed in 2 CFR 200.344.
DAF-11 SUBRECIPIENT MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT
When entering agreements involving the expenditure or disbursements of federal grant funds, the District shall determine whether the recipient of such federal funds is a “contractor” or “subrecipient”, as those terms are defined in 2 CFR §200.23 and §200.93, respectively. See also guidance at 2 CFR §200.330 “Subrecipient and contractor determinations”. Generally, “subrecipients” are instrumental in implementing the applicable work program whereas a “contractor” provides goods and services for the District’s own use. Contractors will be subject to the District’s procurement and purchasing policies (e.g.,
DAF-3 relative to federal grant funds
, DJE relative to bidding requirements for non-federal money projects, etc.). Subrecipients are subject to this Policy.
Under the UGG, the District is considered a "pass-through entity" in relation to its subrecipients, and as such requires that subrecipients comply with applicable terms and conditions (flow-down provisions). All subrecipients of Federal or State funds received through the District are subject to the same Federal and State statutes, regulations, and award terms and conditions as the District.
- Sub-award Contents and Communication.
In the execution of every sub-award, the District will communicate the following information to the subrecipient and include the same information in the sub-award agreement.
- 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.
The Superintendent is responsible for having all the District project managers monitor subrecipients. The District will monitor the activities of the subrecipient to ensure the sub-award is used for authorized purposes. The frequency of monitoring review will be specified in the sub-award and conducted concurrently with all invoice submission.
Subrecipient monitoring procedures include:
- 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.
All subrecipients are required to annually submit their audit and Single Audit report to the District for review to ensure the subrecipient has complied with good accounting practices and federal regulations. If a deficiency is identified, the District will:
- 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.
The District will work with subrecipients to resolve any findings and deficiencies. To do so, the District may follow up on deficiencies identified through on-site reviews, provision of basic technical assistance, and other means of assistance as appropriate.
The District will only consider taking enforcement action against non-compliant subrecipients in accordance with 2 CFR 200.339 when noncompliance cannot be remedied. Enforcement may include taking any of the following actions as appropriate:
- 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.
Related Policies: DI, DID, DJ, DJC, DJE, DJF & DK See also: ADB, EFAA, EHB, JICI & JRA
Legal References:
42 USC 1751 – 66 National School Lunch Act
2 CFR Part 180
2 CFR Part 200
200.0 - 200.99; 200.305; 200.313(d); 200.317-.326; 200.403-.406; 200.413(a)-(c); 200.430; 200.431; 200.458; 200.474(b)
200 Appendix II
7 CFR Part 210
210.16; 210.19; 210.21; 215.14a; 220.16
First Read: April 19, 2022
Second Read: May 3, 2022
Adopted: May 3, 2022
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[post_content] => One of the primary responsibilities of the School Board is to secure adequate funds to carry out a high-level program of instruction.
The adopted annual school budget is the financial outline of the District's educational program; it is the legal basis for the establishment of tax rates. The annual school budget process is an important function of District operations and should serve as a means to improve communications within the school organization and with the residents of the community.
The Superintendent will be responsible for preparing, and presenting to the Board for adoption, the annual school budget. The Board expects the Superintendent to work closely with the principals and other administrators to assess the needs of the schools. The principals will confer with appropriate staff in obtaining budgetary requests and information on requirements.
Legal References:
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
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[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 References
RSA 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
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[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 Appropriations
RSA 282-A:71, III, Unemployment Compensation
Category: O
1
st Read: August 18, 2015
2
nd Read: September 1, 2015
Adopted: September 1, 2015
[post_title] => DBJ - Transfer of Appropriations
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[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
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[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
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[ID] => 278
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[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
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[post_name] => dfa-investment
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2022-03-11 11:14:21
[post_modified_gmt] => 2022-03-11 16:14:21
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[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
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[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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-14 17:19:03
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[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] =>
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[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
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[post_name] => dg-depository-of-funds
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2015-09-14 17:19:03
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[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
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[post_name] => dga-authorized-signatures
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[post_modified] => 2022-01-28 11:04:20
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[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
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[comment_status] => closed
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[post_name] => dh-bonded-employees
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[post_date] => 2018-12-11 11:56:35
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[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.
The district’s financial records will provide the following information:
- 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.
The School Board shall receive financial reports and statements showing the financial condition of the School District. These statements/reports shall be prepared a minimum of four times during the school year, two of which shall contain estimates to project cost for the full year. The School Board may ask for a statement or report at any time.
First Read: January 5, 2021
Second Read: January 19, 2021
Adoption: January 19, 2021
[post_title] => DI -- Fiscal Accounting and Reporting
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Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the District’s fund balances in order to maintain and improve financial stability and to protect the District from unforeseen budgetary situations such as emergencies, natural disasters, major infrastructure failures, or unexpected litigation.
Definitions
Within governmental funds, net equity is reported as fund balance, which is the difference between fund assets and liabilities. It is computed by taking the prior year’s ending fund balance and adding to that the current year’s financial position (revenues less expenditures).
In accordance with GASB Statement No. 54, the school board recognizes the following categories of fund balance:
- 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).
The School Board, as the governing body, may commit fund balance by a formal vote prior to the government’s fiscal year-end for that fiscal year. Future modification or rescission of committed funds must likewise be accomplished by a formal vote of the school board prior to fiscal year-end. These amounts cannot be used for any other purpose unless the legislative body or governing body removes or changes the specified use by taking the same type of action that was employed when the funds were initially committed. The district has committed fund balances which represent voted and accumulating capital reserves and trust funds.
- 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.
It is healthy for an entity to end the year with fund balance and is not indicative of “over budgeting”. Auditors recommend that school districts aim to end a fiscal year with unreserved fund balance equal to 2-5% of actual expenditures. What is more important than one year’s stand-alone unreserved fund balance is the cyclical nature of the amount in order to avoid rises and falls in tax rates so that taxpayers have rates that are smooth.
Unreserved Fund Balance Retention
RSA 198:4-b, ll allows a school district to retain up to 5% of the current fiscal year’s net assessment. The “Net Assessment” represents the amount to apportion to the communities of the ConVal District minus the Education Grant.
The Contoocook Valley School District voted to accept RSA 198:4-b, II at the March 9, 2021 meeting, as follows:
Warrant Article 12 – Beginning in fiscal year 2022/2023, shall the School District by this vote authorize, indefinitely until rescinded, to retain year-end unassigned general funds in an amount, in any fiscal year, not to exceed 5 percent of the current fiscal year’s net assessment, in accordance with RSA 198:4 b, II. Such fund balance retained may only be expended after conducting a public hearing by the governing body in accordance with RSA 198:4-b. The initial funding of this warrant article will begin with the June 30, 2023 fund balance.
As a result, beginning in Fiscal Year 24, the school board will have the ability to retain unassigned fund balance up to 5% of the June 30, 2023 district net assessment. This is facilitated by then reducing the unassigned fund balance on the report of Estimated Revenue AFTER the school board votes to retain an amount
up to 5% of the district net assessment.
Board Policy Statement
These policy guidelines will provide direction during the budget process and demonstrate a commitment to maintain adequate reserves for financial stability and for long term financial planning:
The District will maintain an unreserved fund balance, in the general fund, of no more than 2.5% of the net district assessment.
The Board may adjust retained levels of fund balance within the parameters of RSA 198:4-b, only by amending this written policy with a vote of the Board at a properly noticed meeting.
It is the intent of the Board to retain the minimum levels of reserves to meet the fiscal needs of the district.
It is the intent of the School Board to use retained fund balance for emergencies as determined by the School Board. It will always reflect a careful balance of the body’s desire to maintain adequate reserves with its desire to maintain essential services.
Prior to expending retained general funds, the school board shall hold a properly noticed public hearing on the action to be taken with such funds.
If the District is required to use these funds, an annual accounting and report of the activities of the retained general funds shall be presented to the school board of the district and published in the annual report.
Category: R
Legal References:
RRSA 32, Municipal budget Law Governmental
RSA 198:4-b Contingency Fund
Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 54,
Fund Balance Report and Governmental Fund Type Definitions
1st Read: May 18, 2021
2nd Read: June 1, 2021
Adoption: June 1, 2021
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[post_content] => Per NH Statute 198:20-c, and RSA 35:1-c, any town, school district, county, or village district may establish a reserve fund for the maintenance and operation of a specific public facility or type of facility, a specific item or type of equipment, or for any other distinctly-stated, specific public purpose that is not foreign to its institution or incompatible with the objects of its organization.
Such funds shall be subject to all provisions and limitations of this chapter as are applicable to capital reserve funds. The ConVal School District may at any annual or special meeting appropriate such sums of money as it deems necessary to create expendable trust funds for specific purposes for the maintenance and operation of schools and for any other public purpose that is not foreign to the school district's institution or incompatible with the objects of their organization.
The School Board may be named agents to expend such trust funds. Expenditure from such trust funds shall be made only for the purpose for which the trust fund was established.
To that end, expenditures from the District’s various trust funds may not be used solely to reduce the District assessment as a result of the proposed budget for a given year.
Legal Reference:
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
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[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
All assets, or at least a representative sampling must be evaluated once annually to reflect either an increase or decrease in total value.
CAPITALIZATION THRESHOLD
For financial reporting purposes, capitalization thresholds are set at $15,000 per item, or for like-kind (aggregate) purchases, for all classes except Infrastructure assets, which are capitalized and depreciated if over $100,000 per item.
ESTIMATED USEFUL LIFE THRESHOLD
For financial reporting purposes, an asset must have an estimated useful life greater than five years to be considered for capitalization and depreciation.
ACQUISITION OF ASSETS
Capital assets may be acquired through donation, purchase, or may be constructed. The asset value for donations will be the fair market value at the time of the donation. The asset value, when purchased, will be the initial cost plus the trade-in value of any old asset given up, plus all costs related to placing the asset into operation. The asset value of constructed assets will include all costs of construction.
DEPRECIATION OF ASSETS
For all assets that qualify as a depreciable asset, the straight-line, full-year depreciation method should be utilized to depreciate the capital asset, over the estimated useful life of the related asset.
DISPOSITION OF ASSETS
When capital assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the inventory of capital assets should be relieved of the cost of the asset and the associated accumulated depreciation. Assets will be removed on an annual basis in conjunction with the annual update. The appropriate depreciation will be taken for the year of disposal.
Reference DN & DN-F
Category: R
1st Read: May 3, 2022
2nd Read: May 17, 2022
Adopted: May 17, 2022
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[post_content] => The books and accounts of the District shall be audited yearly. The audit to be performed will meet the single audit procedures prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
The School Board shall select the audit firm after hearing the recommendation from the Superintendent or Business Administrator. Such audits will be made in accordance with RSA 197:25.
Legal References:
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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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.
School District property in the form of instructional materials, furniture, equipment, and
supplies other than capital holdings such as land, buildings, and major installations may
be disposed of when declared surplus or obsolete on any one of the following criteria:
- 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.
School Properties Disposal Procedure
The Board authorizes disposition of obsolete items according to the following priority
actions:
- 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.
Any monies received as a result of disposal shall be accounted for and be placed in the District funds as miscellaneous income for the current fiscal year to defray the costs of current year or to roll into surplus.
Fixed asset or Capital asset inventories, if affected, will be amended to reflect changes in value through disposal.
Sale of real estate will be by the vote of the electorate of the School District at an annual or special School District meeting.
Legal Reference:
CFR 34, Sec. 80.32
Category: R
First Read: October 5, 2021
Second Read: October 19, 2021
Adopted: October 19, 2021
DN-R School Properties Disposal Procedure
DN-F Property Disposition Request Form
CROSS REFERENCE: DJE - Bidding Requirements
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[post_content] => The Superintendent will cause the formation of the Joint Loss Management Committee as required by RSA 281-A:64, III, and a Crisis Management Plan that conforms to the national Incident Command System.
The practice of safety shall also be considered a facet of the instructional plan of the District schools by incorporating educational programs in traffic and pedestrian safety, driver education, fire prevention, emergency procedures, etc., appropriately geared to students at different grade levels.
Each Principal shall be responsible for the supervision and implementation of a safety program for his/her school. 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. The principal shall be responsible for developing student safety procedures to be used on school busses, school grounds (including playgrounds), during authorized school activities (such as field trips), within school building(s) (including classrooms and laboratories), off school grounds during school sanctioned activities (including, but not limited to, work-based learning and internships), and in the use of online resources. The building's safety plan shall be on file in the SAU office.
Legal References:
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
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[post_date] => 2018-05-10 12:31:57
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[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.
Legal References:
RSA 193-D, Safe School Zones
RSA 193-F, Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention
RSA 281-A: 64 Safety Provisions
NH Code of Admin. Rule. Section Ed. 306.04(a)(2), Promoting School Safety
Category: Recommended
See also ADD, EB, JICK
First Read: April 17, 2018
Second Read: May 1, 2018
Adopted: May 1, 2018
First Read: September 20, 2022
Second Read: October 4, 2022
Adopted: October 4, 2022
[post_title] => EBB -- Safe Schools
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[post_date] => 2015-09-14 18:51:36
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[post_content] => In the case of an accident occurring on school property or at a school-sponsored function, the supervising adult shall fill out an accident report and submit it to the Principal as soon as possible, but within 24 hours of the accident. This reporting obligation shall be in addition to any reporting required by law or other district policies. One copy shall be submitted to the Principal and the other copy shall be submitted to the SAU office. Both reports shall be filed within 24 hours of the incident.
At the beginning of each school year, the Principal shall review the policy on accidents and accident reporting with staff.
Legal Reference:
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
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[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)
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[post_date] => 2015-09-14 18:59:39
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[post_date] => 2018-12-27 14:05:17
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[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.
The following is the amended text of the fire drill requirement for educational occupancies (the NH amendment is italicized in bold print):
11-7, 1.2.1 – At least one fire drill shall be conducted every month the facility is in session.
Exception No. 1: In climates where the weather is severe, the monthly fire exit drills shall be permitted to be deferred provided that the required number of fire exit drills is achieved and at least four (4) are conducted before the drills are deferred.
Exception No. 2: With the approval of the local fire official, no more than two (2) of the required fire drills may be eliminated and replaced by drills that test emergency response to natural hazards, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. No required fire drills shall be replaced by natural hazard drills unless an emergency response plan is submitted to the local fire official and the New Hampshire Office of Emergency Management.
11-7, 1.2.2 – One additional fire exit drill shall be required within thirty (30) days of operation.
11-7, 1.3 – Drills shall be executed at different times of the day or evening, during the changing of classes, when the school is at assembly, during the recess or gymnastic periods, or during other times to avoid distinction between drills and actual fires. If a drill is called while pupils are going up and down the stairways, such as during the time classes are changing, the pupils shall be instructed to form in file and immediately proceed to the next available exit in an orderly manner.
11-7, 1.4 – Every fire exit drill shall be an exercise in school management for principal and staff with the chief purpose of every drill being the complete control of the class so that staff members can form ranks quickly and silently, and can halt, turn, or direct the students as desired. Great emphasis shall be put upon the execution of each drill in a brisk, quiet, and orderly manner. Running shall be prohibited. If there are pupils incapable of holding their places in line moving at a reasonable speed, provisions shall be made to have them taken care of by the more capable pupils, who will keep them from moving independently of the regular line.
11-7, 1.5 – Monitors shall be appointed form among the more mature pupils to assist in the proper execution of drills. They shall be instructed to hold doors open in the line of march or close doors where necessary to prevent spread of fire or smoke in accordance with 5-2.1.8. There shall be at least two (2) substitutes for each appointment so as to provide for proper performance in case of the absence of regular monitors. The searching of restrooms or other rooms shall be the duty of teachers or other members of the staff. If the teachers are to search, this should be done after they have joined their classes to the preceding lines.
11-7, 1.6 – As all drills simulate an actual fire condition, pupils shall not be allowed to obtain clothing after the alarm is sounded, even when in homerooms, due to confusion that would result in forming lines and the danger of tripping over apparel.
11-7, 1.7 – Each class or group shall proceed to the predetermined point outside the building and remain there while a check is made to see that all are accounted for, leaving only when a recall signal is given.
Adoption: July 18, 2000
[post_title] => EBCB-R --FIRE EXIT DRILLS IN EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES
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[post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:21:03
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[post_content] => The School Board recognizes that bomb threats are a significant concern to the schools. Whether the threat is real or a hoax, a bomb threat represents a potential danger to the safety and welfare of students, staff, and school property.
Any bomb threat will be regarded as a serious matter and will be treated accordingly. In the event a bomb threat is made, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. The building principal or designee, in conjunction with local law enforcement, will make a decision regarding the evacuation of all affected school.
2. An investigation of the threat should be made by local law enforcement authorities or applicable state department.
Any decision to re-enter the school or buildings will be made by the Superintendent, or designee, and only after such clearance has been given by the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Making a bomb threat is a crime. As such, any person found to have made a bomb threat will be subject to arrest and prosecution according to law. Any student suspected of making a bomb threat will be reported to law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible prosecution. Apart from any penalty imposed by law, and without regard to the existence or status of criminal charges, a student who makes a bomb threat shall be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with applicable Board policy.
Legal References:
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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:24:23
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[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
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[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
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[post_modified] => 2020-09-11 17:15:50
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[post_date] => 2022-10-06 10:11:53
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-14 19:32:41
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[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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:15:21
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[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
Parents/Guardians of a student against who a recording is being used as part of a disciplinary proceeding will be permitted to view and listen to the recording. No other individuals shall be entitled to view or listen to the recording without the express authorization of the Superintendent.
Legal References:
RSA 570-A:2, Capture of Audio Recordings on School Buses Allowed
Category: R
See also: EEA, JICK, JRA
First Read: October 3, 2017
Second Read: October 17, 2017
Adopted: October 17, 2017
[post_title] => ECAF - Audio And Video Surveillance On School Buses
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[post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:17:02
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[post_content] => Driving and parking on school property are privileges granted by the School Board, or its designee, to persons who have reasons to be in the schools or on school property.
The assignment of parking areas to staff, students, and visitors to the school will be the responsibility of the school administration.
Vehicle parking and travel on school property is at the risk of the vehicle owner. The Contoocook Valley Regional School District is not responsible for any vehicle damage that may occur while on District property.
Category: O
1st Read: October 1, 2013
2nd Read: October 15, 2013
Adoption: October 15, 2013
[post_title] => ECE - Traffic and Parking
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[post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:23:21
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[post_content] =>
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
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[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.
Lighting
- 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.
Appliances
- 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.
Transportation
- 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.
Teachers
- 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.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Heating
- Set thermostats at the degrees listed below:
Classrooms – 68° Locker and shower rooms - 68°
Office areas – 68° Shops - 65°
Auditoriums – 65° Lavatories, halls, and corridors – 68° or lower
Cafeterias – 68°
- 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.
Cooling
- 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.
Lighting
- 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.
Office Machines
- Wherever available use technology to utilize “sleep mode and auto shutoff” energy-saving enhancements for computers, copiers, and printers.
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS
The following measure should be instituted on a best-return-on-investment basis:
- 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.
TRANSPORTATION
- 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.
June 7, 2011
[post_title] => ECF-R – Energy Management & Conservation
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[post_date] => 2015-09-15 12:25:26
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[post_content] => No school equipment may be used for other than school, school related, civic, or educational purposes.
The Board shall permit school equipment to be loaned to staff members when such use is related to their employment, and to students when the equipment is to be used in connection with their studies or extracurricular activities. A written agreement should be used, which specifies the borrower’s responsibility to return the equipment in the condition in which it was received, and his/her financial responsibility for any loss or damage, which will meet the requirements of all applicable insurances.
Adopted: April 2, 1991
[post_title] => EDC - Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials
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[post_content] => The District shall provide transportation for pupils to schools in the District consistent with provisions of RSA 189:6, RSA 189:6-a, RSA 189:9, and RSA 189:9-a provided that they live one mile or more from the school. Exceptions that are in the best interest of student safety may be made by the Superintendent or designee.
General Operating Policy
Bus routes, stops and schedules shall be established annually, under the direction of the Superintendent or his/her designee in cooperation with the pupil transportation contractor subject to review by the School Board. Routes will be developed annually and posted.
Pupils attending private schools and charter schools shall be entitled to the same transportation privileges within the District as are provided for pupils in public school within the District.
Routes will use the most direct roads safe for bus travel. Where an alternate route may be selected without sacrifice to efficiency or economy, preference will be given to that route serving the larger number of students more directly. School buses will not travel on unsafe roads.
New routes shall be established in the interest of efficiency, or when full capacity of the trips on existing routes has been reached.
School schedules may be adjusted to allow maximum utilization of each bus in the system.
The Superintendent or his/her designee may modify approved routes, stops, and/or schedules during the school year if conditions warrant such a modification. All modifications to any bus route will be reported to the ConVal School Board.
Approved bus stops shall be located at safe and appropriate intervals in places where students may be loaded and unloaded. Drivers may not load or unload pupils at other than authorized bus stops.
The number of bus stops on each trip shall be limited to enable buses to maintain a reasonable average speed and not to exceed the established times of the routes.
Student Conduct on School Buses
Bus drivers have the responsibility to maintain orderly behavior of students on school buses and will report in writing misconduct to the student's Principal. The school principal will have the authority, to suspend the riding privileges of students failing to conform to Board rules and regulations. Parents of children whose conduct on school buses endangers the health, safety, and welfare of other riders will be notified that their children face the loss of school bus riding privileges in accordance with the student discipline code. The Board must approve suspensions of the right to ride the school bus that continue beyond twenty (20) days.
Resolution of Conflicts
Parents who wish to request a change or exemption from any of the Student Transportation policies shall direct that request to the SAU Business Administrator. If the SAU Business Administrator ruling does not satisfy the parent, he/she may appeal the ruling within15 days to the Superintendent. If the parent is again not satisfied by the ruling, he/she may appeal within 15 days to the School Board.
Legal References:
RSA 189:6, Transportation of Pupils
RSA 189:8, Limitations and Additions
RSA 189:9, Pupils in Private Schools
RSA 189:9-a, Pupils Prohibited for Disciplinary Reasons
RSA 193:12, Legal Residency Required
RSA 194-B:2, V, Chartered Public Schools; Establishment
Appendix: EEA-R & JICC-R
Category: R
See also: , EEAEC, JICC
1
st Read: November 1, 2016
2
nd Read: November 15, 2016
Adopted: November 15, 2016
[post_title] => EEA - Student Transportation Services
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[post_modified] => 2019-05-17 13:21:39
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[post_date] => 2018-12-28 10:30:35
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[post_content] =>
Procedure for Requesting Bus Stop Change
- Complete form and send to Student Transportation of America (STA) at:
364 Hancock Rd
Peterborough, NH 03458
- 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.
School Bus Stop Change Request Form
Parent:_____________________________________________________
Student’s Name: _______________________________________________Grade:____________
Address:__________________________________________________________
Town:_____________________ State: _____________ Zip: _________________
Phone:__(_____)___________________________________________________
Bus Route #:____________ Current Stop Location:___________________________
Residential____________Commercial____________Industrial____________Other_____
Proposed Stop Location:__________________________________________________________
Reason for Change:___________________________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________________________________
SCHOOL BUS STOP CHANGE EVALUATION FORM
This form is designed to assist the bus company in evaluating current or proposed bus stops. Please use blue or black ink when completing this form.
Reason for Stop Change:___________________________________________________
Location of Proposed Stop:_______________________________________________
Date Evaluated_______________________Time Evaluated:_______am________pm
This area is: Residential________Commercial________Industrial________Other
Posted Speed Limit:__________MPH
During Observation, traffic was: Light________Medium________Heavy________
Types of Vehicles Observed______________________________________________
Number of Students at Stop:_________Grade Level of Students___________________
School Bus Stop Evaluation Data Yes No N/A
- 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?
SKETCH OF SCHOOL BUS STOP
Be sure to include all relevant traffic signals, signs, pavement markings, sight obstructions, student and motorist behavior and roadway deficiencies at the stop.
COMMENTS
Note any unusual pedestrian or vehicular movements that occurred during the observation
Print Name Sign Name Date
Please forward this Evaluation Form to Student Transportation of America
Thank You!!
September 10, 2008
[post_title] => EEA-R -- Student Transportation Services
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[post_content] => The School Board authorizes the use of video devices on District property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students and visitors to District property and to safeguard District buildings, grounds, and equipment. The Superintendent will approve appropriate locations for surveillance devices. Placement of the video cameras will be based on the presumption and belief that students, staff and visitors have no reasonable expectation of privacy in public areas or quasi-public areas or at public events. Such locations may include gymnasiums, libraries, cafeterias, hallways and outside perimeters.
Signs will be posted on school building to notify students, staff and visitors that video cameras may be in use. Parents and students will also be notified through the student handbook.
Copies of video recordings from surveillance cameras will normally be retained for a period of two weeks and thereafter will be erased either by deletion or copying over with a new recording. If a recording contains evidence of any misconduct or crime, it will be retained until the matter has been fully resolved. Any release or viewing/listening of recordings will be in accordance with the law and will take into consideration the privacy rights of students depicted on the recording.
Recordings from surveillance cameras may be reviewed by District personnel for disciplinary or investigative purposes and may be used as evidence in any disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
Recordings from surveillance cameras will not be used in connection with the annual evaluation of teachers under the ConVal Teacher Evaluation Plan.
Recordings from surveillance cameras are not considered educational records under FERPA, unless they are maintained as part of a student disciplinary proceeding.
Category: R
See Also: EEAB Video and Audio Recording For Instructional and Professional
Development Purposes
EEAE (School Bus Safety Program)
Legal References:
RSA 189:65, Definitions
RSA 570-A:2
RSA 189:68(IV) Student Privacy
20 USC 1232g, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
34 CFR Part 99, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Regulations
1st Read: August 9, 2016
2nd Read: August 23, 2016
Adopted: August 23, 2016
[post_title] => EEAA - Video Surveillance on School Property
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[post_modified] => 2016-09-19 07:58:17
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[post_content] => The ConVal School District is committed to the use of technology to enhance the education of its students. The District acknowledges that video, digital video, and audio recording (“recording”) in the classroom may be useful for instructional and/or professional development purposes.
The decision whether or not to conduct video, digital video, or audio recording for educational purposes shall be made in the first instance by the classroom teacher and their request shall be documented in writing and placed on file with the building principal. All such recordings shall be deemed the copy written property of the ConVal School District and shall not be reproduced without the District’s express permission. Recordings shall not be sold. Recordings made for instructional use are intended to provide information for pedagogical and scholarly study. In the case of recording for educational purposes, only the student(s) or instructor, on whose behalf a request for recording is made, will be granted access to that recording. The building principal or an administrator may authorize others to view an existing recording on a case-by-case and as-needed basis.
The decision whether or not to conduct video, digital video, or audio recording for professional development purposes shall be documented in writing and approved by the building principal. All such recordings shall be deemed the copy written property of the ConVal School District and shall not be reproduced without the District’s express permission. Professional development recordings shall not be sold. Recordings made for professional developmental purposes shall, to the extent possible, be made in a manner that focuses upon the educator participating in the professional development activity and which minimizes any student privacy concerns. The recirculation of the recording shall be limited in scope to those individuals participating in the professional development process, and shall only occur with the prior permission of the building principal. To the extent students are included in the recording, steps shall be taken such as video editing and proper camera angles to preserve student privacy. When a recording is no longer necessary for professional development purposes, it shall be erased.
Student recording as an accommodation in their Individualized Education Plan or Section 504 Plan shall not be deemed a school recording. All recordings made as an accommodation, or for instructional recovery or academic study shall be erased at the end of the semester or when they are no longer needed, whichever is the latter event. If the classroom teacher wishes to preserve a recording for future instructional purposes, they shall seek permission from the building principal to preserve the recording.
The District may use audio or video recordings in connection with the instruction of teacher interns or student teachers, after providing written notification to the parent/legal guardian of each student in the class. The notice must include the purpose of, and privacy policy for, the recordings. The Superintendent or his/her designee is authorized to develop procedures and forms pertaining to the use of such recordings.
CONVAL SCHOOL BOARD
The District shall not record a school classroom for the purpose of teacher evaluations, as defined by the ConVal Teacher Evaluation Plan, without first obtaining the written consent of the teacher and each adult student or minor student’s parent or legal guardian. To the extent instruction occurs in quasi-public areas, such as gymnasiums, cafeterias, libraries, hallways or elsewhere on school grounds, and such areas are equipped with surveillance cameras, for security and safety purposes, such recordings shall not be used by administrators in connection with the annual evaluation of teachers under the ConVal Teacher Evaluation Plan, but may be used for any other lawful purpose.
This policy was originally adopted on November 17, 2015 after a public hearing conducted by the ConVal School Board.
Category: O
See Also: EEAA Video Surveillance on School Property
EEAE School Bus Safety Program
Legal References:
RSA 189:68(IV)- (V) 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 34 CFR Part 99, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Regulations
1st Read: August 9, 2016
2nd Read: September 6, 2016
Adopted: September 6, 2016
[post_title] => EEAB – Video and Audio Recording For Instructional and Professional Development Purposes
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[post_content] => The safety and welfare of student riders will be the first consideration in all matters pertaining to transportation. Safety precautions will include the following:
1. Children will be instructed as to the proper procedure for boarding and exiting from a school bus and in proper and safe conduct while aboard.
2. Emergency evacuation drills will be conducted at least two times a year (Oct.-May) to acquaint student riders with procedures in emergency situations.
3. All vehicles used to transport children will be inspected on a regular schedule to see that they meet applicable safety regulations.
4. All drivers will be screened before employment for physical condition, proper license, and experience. The prior driving record of each driver will be checked for drug and alcohol or other convictions and a criminal records check must also be completed.
5. The School Board authorizes use of video and/or audio surveillance on school buses to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all students while riding on school buses. Use of such surveillance will be in accordance with policy ECAF, Audio and Video Surveillance On School Buses.
6. In the event an audio or video recording is used as part of a student discipline proceeding, such video may become part of a student’s education record. If an audio or video recording does become part of a student’s education record, the provisions of Policy JRA shall apply. The Superintendent is authorized to contact the District’s attorney for a full legal opinion relative in the event of such an occurrence.
7. The School District or independent contractor will comply with all state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of school buses and will make these requirements known to bus drivers. It will also cooperate with local safety officials in formulating and accomplishing its school bus safety program.
Legal References:
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
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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
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[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.
Drivers shall make themselves readily available for testing, absent the need for immediate medical attention.
No such driver shall use alcohol for 8 hours after the accident, or until after he/she undergoes a post-accident alcohol test, whichever occurs first.
If an alcohol test is not administered within 2 hours or if a drug test is not administered within 32 hours, the District shall prepare and maintain records explaining why the test was not conducted. Tests will not be given if not administered within 8 hours after the accident for alcohol or within 32 hours for drugs.
Tests conducted by authorized federal, state, or local officials will fulfill post-accident testing requirements provided they conform to applicable legal requirements and are obtained by the District. Breath tests will validate only the alcohol test and cannot be used to fulfill controlled substance testing obligations.
Random Tests
Tests shall be conducted on a random basis at unannounced times throughout the year. Tests for alcohol shall be conducted just before, during, or just after the performance of safety-sensitive functions. The number of random alcohol tests annually must equal 25% of the average number of driver positions. The number of random drug tests annually must equal 50% of the average number of driver positions. Drivers shall be selected by a scientifically valid random process, and each driver shall have an equal chance of being tested each time selections are made.
Reasonable Suspicion Tests
Tests shall be conducted when a supervisor or District official trained in accordance with law has reasonable suspicion that the driver has violated the Districts alcohol or drug prohibitions. This reasonable suspicion must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning the drivers appearance, behavior, speech, or body odors. The observations may include indications of the chronic and withdrawal effects of controlled substances.
Alcohol tests are authorized for reasonable suspicion only if the required observations are made during, just before, or just after the period of the work day when the driver must comply with alcohol prohibitions. An alcohol test may not be conducted by the person who determines that reasonable suspicion exists to conduct such a test. If an alcohol test is not administered within 2 hours of a determination of reasonable suspicion, the District shall prepare and maintain a record explaining why this was not done. Attempts to conduct alcohol tests shall terminate after 8 hours.
A supervisor or District official who makes observations leading to a controlled substance reasonable suspicion test shall make a written record of his/her observations within 24 hours of the observed behavior or before the results of the drug test are released, whichever is earlier.
Enforcement
Any driver who refuses to submit to a post-accident, random, reasonable suspicion, or follow-up test shall not perform or continue to perform safety-sensitive functions.
Drivers who test positive for alcohol or drugs shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
A driver who violates District prohibitions related to drugs and alcohol shall receive from the District the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of substance abuse professionals and counseling and treatment programs available to evaluate and resolve drug and alcohol-related problems. The employee shall be evaluated by a substance abuse professional who shall determine what help, if any, the driver needs in resolving such a problem. Any substance abuse professional who determines that a driver needs assistance shall not refer the driver to a private practice, person, or organization in which he/she has a financial interest, except under circumstances allowed by law.
An employee identified as needing help in resolving a drug or alcohol problem shall be evaluated by a substance abuse professional to determine that he/she has properly followed the prescribed rehabilitation program and shall be subject to unannounced follow-up tests after returning to duty.
Return-to-Duty Tests
A drug or alcohol test shall be conducted when a driver who has violated the Districts drug or alcohol prohibition returns to performing safety-sensitive duties.
Employees whose conduct involved drugs cannot return to duty in a safety-sensitive function until the return-to-duty drug test produces a verified negative result.
Employees whose conduct involved alcohol cannot return to duty in a safety-sensitive function until the return-to-duty alcohol test produces a verified result that meets federal and District standards.
Follow-Up Tests
A driver who violates the Districts drug or alcohol prohibition and is subsequently identified by a substance abuse professional as needing assistance in resolving a drug or alcohol problem shall be subject to unannounced follow-up testing as directed by the substance abuse professional in accordance with law. Follow-up alcohol testing shall be conducted just before, during, or just after the time when the driver is performing safety-sensitive functions.
Records
Employee drug and alcohol test results and records shall be maintained under strict confidentiality and released only in accordance with law. Upon written request, a driver shall receive copies of any records pertaining to his/her use of drugs or alcohol, including any records pertaining to his/her drug or alcohol tests. Records shall be made available to a subsequent employer or other identified persons only as expressly requested in writing by the driver.
Notifications
Each driver shall receive educational materials that explain the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 382, together with a copy of the District’s policy and regulations for meeting these requirements. Representatives of employee organizations shall be notified of the availability of this information. The information shall identify:
- 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.
Drivers shall also receive information about legal requirements, District policies, and disciplinary consequences related to the use of alcohol and drugs.
Each driver shall sign a statement certifying that he/she has received a copy of the above materials.
Before any driver operates a commercial motor vehicle, the District shall provide him/her with post-accident procedures that will make it possible to comply with post-accident testing requirements.
Before drug and alcohol tests are performed, the District shall inform drivers that the tests are given pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 382. This notice shall be provided only after the compliance date specified in law.
The District shall notify a driver of the results of a pre-employment drug test if the driver requests such results within 60 calendar days of being notified of the disposition of his/her employment application.
The District shall notify a driver of the results of random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug tests if the test results are verified positive. The District shall also tell the driver which controlled substance(s) were verified as positive.
Drivers shall inform their supervisors if at any time they are using a controlled substance which their physician has prescribed for therapeutic purposes. Such a substance may be used only if the physician has advised the driver that it will not adversely affect his/her ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
[post_title] => EEAEA-R -- Drug And Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers
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[post_content] => Students using District transportation must understand that they are under the jurisdiction of the School from the time they board the bus until they exit the bus.
Students transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of the District and under control of the bus driver. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reasons for a student to be denied the privilege of transportation in accordance with the regulations of the Board.
The driver of the bus shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the students transported. Each driver has the support of the Board in maintaining good conduct on the bus. If a student is to lose the privilege of riding the bus, advance warning will be given, except for extreme misconduct.
The Superintendent or his/her designee will develop rules and regulations for conduct on buses, and these shall be printed in the Parent-Student Handbook, and made available in another language or presented orally upon request.
Legal References:
RSA 189:6-a, School Bus Safety
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(d)(1), School Safety
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(f)(4), Student Discipline
Appendix: EEA-R & JICC-R
See also: EEA, JICC
Category: Recommended
1st Reading: September 2, 2008
2nd Reading: September 30, 2008
Adopted: September 30, 2008
[post_title] => EEAEC -- Student Conduct On School Buses
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[post_content] => Any use of private vehicles to transport students to or from school, field trips, athletic events, or other school functions, must have prior authorization by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit a parent or guardian from transporting their child to or from school for daily attendance. Nothing in this policy shall limit the authority of the Superintendent or his/her designee from contracting with a private vendor to provide student transportation in a manner consistent with the laws of the State.
The Board specifically forbids any employee to transport students, except the employee’s own children, for school purposes without prior written authorization by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Any employee seeking such permission shall be required to provide proof of a valid driver’s license, (one not subject to suspension) and to disclose whether in the past ten (10) years they have been convicted of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, driving under the influence of intoxicating liquors or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic. Permission shall not be granted to any employee who lacks a valid driver’s license free of suspension, or who has been convicted of the aforementioned offenses. Individuals providing unauthorized student transportation do so without District permission and at their own risk, expense and liability.
Any employee or private citizen using their own or a rented vehicle to provide school-authorized student transportation must have automobile liability insurance of not less than $300,000 Combined Single Limit, provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the District as an Additional Insured and be a designated volunteer. The District will maintain liability insurance, which shall be deemed in excess of the owner's primary insurance for authorized student transportation.
To use a private vehicle for other school purposes, the employee must have the written permission of the Superintendent or his or her designee. Any employee seeking such permission shall be required to provide proof of a valid driver’s license, (one not subject to suspension) and to disclose whether in the past ten (10) years they have been convicted of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, driving under the influence of intoxicating liquors or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic. Permission shall not be granted to any employee who lacks a valid driver’s license (one free of suspension). Permission shall not be granted to any employee or who has been convicted of the aforementioned offenses unless the employee provides the Superintendent or his/her designee with clear and convincing evidence of mitigating circumstances post-conviction, whereupon permission may be granted to the employee to use a vehicle for other school purposes, but not for student transportation.
This permission may be in the form of a standing permit for employees who use their own cars regularly for school purposes. The permit shall state the particular purpose, and whether it includes transportation of students.
For all special trips involving students, including field trips, a special permit must be obtained in advance for the specific trip.
The employee who transports a student without the authorization described above shall be deemed to have acted outside the scope of their authority and the district shall assume no responsibility for indemnification of the employee in the event of a third party claim arising from an accident. The Board specifically forbids any employee to transport students for school purposes without prior authorization by the Superintendent or his or her designee, except in the case of an imminent health or safety emergency involving a student where no other emergency transportation alternative is available In such an event, the employee shall immediately report the circumstances to the Superintendent or his/her designee
No student shall be sent on school errands using any automobile.
Reimbursement for use of private vehicles will be made only when the staff person has prior approval of the responsible administrator and any reimbursement shall be subject to any other applicable reimbursement policies and requirements of the District
Legal References:
New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Section Saf-C 1304.05, Exemption From School Bus Driver's Certificate
NH RSA 259:96-a.
NH RSA 189:6-c.
Category: R – Recommended
First Read: May 7, 2019
Second Read: May 21, 2019
Adopted: May 21, 2019
[post_title] => EEAG -- Use of Private Vehicles to Transport Students and for Other School Purposes
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USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLE FORM
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
As the driver of this vehicle, I will transport _________# of students, from ________________________ to
______________________________________ on ________________ and return.
Photocopies of the following documents have been recorded (completed by school):
(Please resubmit if information changes)
Current Motor Vehicle Registration* _____ YES _____ NO
Current State-Approved Auto Insurance _____ YES _____ NO
Valid Driver’s License _____ YES _____ NO
In addition, all drivers must adhere to the following:
a. Drivers must ensure that all passengers are properly seated and secured by seat belts and child restraints as required by state law. Younger students will be seated in the rear seat of the vehicle. The on/off switch for passenger side air bags will be set to manufacturer’s safety specifications.
b. Drivers will not use hand held communication devices such as, but not limited to, cell phones while operating a moving vehicle. In the event any of these devices are needed to be used, park the vehicle.
c. Smoking is prohibited in the presence of students.
I state from personal review and knowledge that the above vehicle meets all minimum requirements as identified in items 1-5 above and will comply with the above-mentioned a, b, and c.
Driver: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________
Signature
Printed Name: __________________________________________________________
Received by: _________________________________ Date: ____________________
Principal or designee
Ref: EEAG, IJOA
Updated May 2019
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[post_content] => The ConVal School District shall provide a food services program within the appropriate regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and State Department of Education, or any other entity with proper jurisdiction over the program.
All food service personnel will be directly responsible to the Food Service Manager, or in the event of outsourcing, to the contractor and ultimately responsible to Superintendent or designee.
The Food Service Manager (or contractor) is responsible for the planning and preparation of food served in the food service program, ensuring full compliance with the State of New Hampshire’s education rules and regulations. All food will comply with the nutrition standards as set forth by the USDA Guidelines and the District’s Wellness program.
The Food Service Manager (or contractor) will order supplies, keep accurate records of financial transactions connected with the food service program, and prepare all records and reports as required.
The Food Service Manager (or contractor) will be certified by a NH Department of Education approved program.
All food service employees shall, within their first year of employment, obtain a certificate of completion for an approved sanitation course.
The Food Service Manager (or contractor) will make recommendations to the Superintendent, or designee concerning personnel and operational matters related to the food service program.
Please see Policy EFC for free and reduced lunch information and Policy EFDA regarding payment options.
Legal References:
RSA 189:11-a, Food and Nutrition Programs
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.11, Food and Nutrition Services Section 204
of Public Law 108-265, Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004
Category: R
See also: Policy JLCF
1
st Read: November 1, 2016
2
nd Read: November 15, 2016
Adopted: November 15, 2016
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[post_content] => The School District will support the availability and distribution of healthy foods and beverages in all school buildings during the school day.
The Superintendent or designee is responsible for ensuring that all foods and beverages distributed within the district meet nutritional standards established by state and federal law relative to: (1) nutrient density; (2) portion size; and (3) nutrition targets, as defined in pertinent law.
The Superintendent or designee is responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate opportunities to learn food preparation skills that support nationally recognized research-based nutrition standards. The Superintendent or designee is responsible for providing annual communication information about the policy and procedure and related curricula to the school community.
Legal References:
7 CFR 210.10, Nutrition Standards And Menu Planning Approaches For Lunches And Requirements For Afterschool Snacks
NH Department of Education Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)( 23), Availability and Distribution of Healthy Foods
NH Department of Education Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.11(g), (h) Food and Nutrition Services
Category: P
1
st Read: September 3, 2019
2
nd Read: September 17, 2019
Adopted: September 17, 2019
[post_title] => EFA - Availability And Distribution Of Healthy Foods
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[post_content] => The District encourages all parents and guardians (hereinafter "parents") to provide a healthy breakfast and lunch for their student(s). Parents are welcome to send students to school with a "brown bag/lunch box" meal. The District provides the opportunity to purchase (breakfast and) lunch (as well as after school snacks) from the school cafeteria. Each meal meets or exceeds the federal nutrition standards. Payment is expected no later than when the meal is served. Payment may be in cash (check) or as a debit against funds deposited into an established student lunch account.
The school lunch program is required by federal law to operate as a non-profit which must end each fiscal year without a negative balance. Uncollected debt must be paid to the school lunch program from other funds. Therefore, parents of students required to pay the full or reduced price for meals must ensure that the school lunch program is paid for their student's meals. The District's policy is to quickly escalate efforts to bring student meal accounts into positive balance, to avoid circumstances where these accounts build significant debt.
Student Meal Accounts
The District uses a point-of-sale computerized meal payment system which has an account for all students. Parents of students who will be purchasing meals using this system are required to establish and maintain a positive balance in the student's meal account.
Funds may be deposited into a student lunch account by cash, check, or on-line payment. Cash or checks made out to ConVal Food Service should be presented to the Cashier at the cafeteria, the Principal's Office, or the Food Service Office). A check may also be mailed to: 106 Hancock Road, Peterborough NH 03458. The District utilizes the services of K12PaymentCenter.com. The use of checks or on-line payments is encouraged, as each provides a record. Parents are responsible for any fees charged by the on-line service. In accordance with United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") guidance SP 02-2015, there will be no processing fee for deposits to a student meal account made by cash or check.
Bank fees incurred on any check returned for insufficient funds will be charged to the parent. The fee may not exceed $25.00, RSA 358-C:5, I.) In accordance with RSA 358-C:5, notice of the fee charged for a check that is returned for insufficient funds shall be included in any letter sent to a Parent seeking payment because the student meal account has a negative balance.
Each notice to parents will include information on how to verify a student meal account balance, to resolve concerns regarding the accuracy of the account balance, or to obtain information on the school meal program, including the name, title, hours when available, phone number, and e-mail address of an appropriate member of the District staff.
Parental Restrictions on Use of Student Meal Account
Parents who establish a meal account for their student are responsible for establishing with their student any restrictions the parent chooses to place on use of the account. Unless restricted by the parent, a student may purchase a la carte items in addition to the regular meal choices. Some students purchase more than one meal at one sitting. (After school snacks may be purchased.) Parents must monitor the student's use of the meal account to ensure that a sufficient balance is available at all times for their student to charge meals. (The District's on-line payment system K12PaymentCenter.com allows a parent to check their students balance at any time.)
The District's policy is to ensure that students have access to healthy meals and that no student will be subject to different treatment from the standard school meal or school cafeteria procedures. Therefore, the District will allow students to purchase a meal, even if the student's meal account has insufficient funds. This policy applies to all meal offerings generally available at the cafeteria, breakfast, lunch, and after school snacks.
Balance Statements
The Superintendent shall establish a procedure at each school requiring that a low balance statement be sent to parents whenever the balance in a student's meal account falls to or below a set amount that approximates the amount typically necessary to pay for one week of meals.
The notices will be sent by e-mail when practical, otherwise by a note, sealed in an envelope, sent home with the student. Notice prior to the account reaching zero is intended to reinforce the requirement that a positive balance be maintained in the student meal account. If a student meal account falls into debt, the initial focus will be on resuming payments for meals being consumed to stop the growth of the debt. The secondary focus will be on restoring the account to routinely having a positive balance. Only[CA1] those District staff who have received training on the confidentiality requirements of federal and state law, including the United States Department of Agriculture's ("USDA") guidance for school meal programs, and who have a need to access a child's account balance and eligibility information may communicate with parents regarding unpaid meal charges. Volunteers, including parent volunteers will not be used to communicate with parents regarding unpaid meal charges. 42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(6).
Free or Reduced Price Meals
The District participates in the federally supported program to provide free or reduced price meals to students from families whose economic circumstances make paying for meals difficult. Income guidelines for eligibility are based on family size and are updated each year by the USDA. The District will ensure parents are informed of the eligibility requirements and application procedures for free or reduced cost meals as well as the requirements of this policy.
Parents shall be provided with a copy of this policy and an application for free or reduced cost meals annually at the start of the school year through a mailing or in the parents' handbook, upon enrollment of a transfer student during the school year, and as a component of all notices sent to parents seeking payment to correct a negative balance in the student meal account. The communication explaining the availability of the free or reduced price meals shall include all the elements required by federal regulation, 7 C.F.R. 245.5. Each notice shall also identify a member of the District staff, with contact information, who is available to answer questions or assist the parents with applying for free or reduced price meals.
As required by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and USDA guidance, parents with Limited English Proficiency ("LEP") will be provided with information on this policy and the free and reduced price meal program in a language the parents can understand. The District will utilize USDA and community resources to fulfill this requirement. This policy and links to application materials for the free or reduced price meal program will be posted on the school web site and made available to parents at each school.
The District will proactively enroll students found to be categorically eligible into the free or reduced price meal program. The District will seek to enroll eligible students in the free or reduced price meal program upon learning from any source of the student's potential eligibility. When eligibility is established, the District will apply the earliest effective date permitted by federal and state law.
The District will provide a copy of this policy and application materials for free or reduced price meals to town welfare offices/human services offices and other local social service agencies who may have contact with parents who are confronting layoffs or other financial hardship.
Students Without Cash in Hand or a Positive Account Balance
Regardless of whether a student has money to pay for a meal or has a negative balance in the student meal account, a student requesting a meal shall be provided with a meal from among the choices available to all students. The only exception will be where the student's parents have provided the District with specific written direction that the student not be provided with a school lunch program meal, the student has a meal sent from home, or otherwise has access to an appropriate meal. Under no circumstances will a student's selected meal be thrown away because of the status of the student's meal account.
It is the parents' responsibility to provide their student with a meal from home or to pay for school prepared meals. Therefore, the District's policy is to direct communications to parents about student meal debt. When parents chose to provide meals sent from home, it is the parents' responsibility to explain to their student the necessity of the student not using the school meal program.
Initial efforts to contact parents will be by e-mail or phone, however if those efforts are unsuccessful, letters to parents may be sent home in sealed envelopes with the student. Resolution of the problem should seek to ensure the student has ongoing access to an appropriate meal.
Should the student's meal account balance fall below zero, a balance statement requesting immediate payment shall be sent to parents no less than once each month.
If the student's meal account balance debt grows to $50.00 or more a letter demanding immediate payment shall be sent by US Mail to the parent or the parent shall be contacted by the Principal or designee by phone or in person. Where warranted, the Principal or designee may arrange a payment schedule to address current meal consumption and arrearages while the school continues to provide the student with meals.
If the student's meal account debt grows to $50.00 or more the parents will be requested to meet with the principal. When appropriate, the Principal or designee should explore with the parents whether an application for free or reduced cost meals is warranted. Where extenuating circumstances of financial hardship exist and the family is not eligible for free or reduced cost meals, the District will work with the parents to identify and engage governmental and private charitable resources which are available to assist the family.
If a student with a negative balance in his or her meal account seeks to purchase a meal with cash or check, the student will be allowed to do so. There is no requirement that the funds be applied first to the debt.
Unresolved Debt
If the Principal determines that the best available information is that the parents are able to pay the expenses of the student's meals and the parents decline to cooperate with resolving the debt in a timely manner, the Principal shall send a letter to the parents directing them to have their student bring meals from home and cease utilizing the school meal program. The student may resume using the school meal program when a positive account balance is restored in the student's meal account. Note: this does not apply to free or reduced priced meals.
If the student continues to use the school meal program, a second letter shall be sent to the parents using certified mail, return receipt requested. Note: this does not apply to free or reduced priced meals.
If parents continue to fail to provide the student with a meal sent from home, continue to fail to provide funds for their student to use the school lunch program, continue to refuse to cooperate with reasonable requests by District staff to address the overdue debt, and the parent is believed to have the ability to pay, the Superintendent may pursue payment through civil legal action, including filing a claim in small claims court pursuant to RSA Chapter 503. The Superintendent is delegated authority to assess the likelihood that civil action will lead to payment, the resources required to pursue collection, and to pursue such action only when doing so is in the best interest of the District. Note: this does not apply to free or reduced priced meals.
The Superintendent shall try to identify non-profit charities that are willing to contribute funds to the district to assist in keeping a positive balance in the meal account of students whose parents do not qualify for free meals and who due to financial hardship are unable to consistently keep the student meal account in a positive balance. If at the end of the fiscal year uncollected debt in student meal accounts must, as a last resort to fulfill federal requirements, be paid to the school meal program from other District funds, the parents' debt for unpaid meal charges shall be owed to the District. Note: this does not apply to free or reduced priced meals.
Applying the policy set forth above, the Superintendent shall determine if further collection efforts are in the best interest of the District. Any payments collected on debt that has been offset with District funds, shall be credited to the District. All debt collection efforts shall comply with RSA Chapter 358-C, New Hampshire's Unfair, Deceptive or Unreasonable Collection Practices Act.
Staff Enforcement of Policy/Training
A copy of this policy and refresher training shall be provided annually to all food service and school staff responsible for serving student meals or enforcing this policy. New staff with these responsibilities shall be provided with a written copy of the policy and training on the policy during their initial training or orientation. In accordance with federal requirements, a record shall be maintained documenting that new staff receive the policy and training. The record must also document that all applicable staff receive a copy of the policy and refresher training annually.
Student with Special Dietary Needs
Nothing in this policy prohibits providing an appropriate meal to a student with special dietary needs such as, but not limited to, diabetes, provided these needs have been documented in a health plan, Section 504, or IEP. If the meal is medically required, and the student has a negative student meal account balance, or does not have cash to purchase the meal, the necessary dietary needs will be met.
To request meal accommodations for students whose dietary needs qualify them for accommodation under law or to file a school meal program complaint with the District, contact ConVal Food Service at phone number 603 924-3336, ext. 2060.
To file a program complaint of discrimination with the USDA, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This District is an equal opportunity provider.
Nondiscrimination
It is the District's policy that in the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. 7 C.F.R. 245.5(a)(1)(viii). Students will not be denied meals due to the existence of other unpaid charges at the school or for disciplinary reasons.
Assessment for Neglect Reporting
If a student who has been determined to be ineligible for free or reduced cost meals or whose parents have refused to cooperate with filing an application for free or reduced cost meals is consistently not provided with meals, either through a meal sent from home or the payment for a meal through the school meal program, the Principal will assess whether a report of child neglect is warranted to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth, & Families, as required by RSA 169-C:29-31.
Legal References:
15 U.S.C. § 1692-1695 federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(6), Use or disclosure of information
Civil Rights Act of 1964 & 7 C.F.R. Part 15, Subpart A & B
2 C.F.R. §200.426
7 C.F.R §210.09
7 C.F.R §210.10
7 C.F.R §210.15
7 C.F.R. §245.5
USDA SP 46-2016 - No later than July 1, 2017, all SFA's operating the Federal school meal program are required to have a written meal charge policy.
USDA Guidance SP37-2016: Meaningful Access for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in the School Meal Programs
RSA 189:11-a
RSA 358-C , New Hampshire's Unfair, Deceptive or Unreasonable Collection Practices Act;
NH Dept. of Education Technical Advisory - Food and Nutrition Programs
Category: Priority
See also:
JLCF - Wellness
EF - Food Service Management
EFA - Availability and Distribution of Healthy Foods
EFE - Vending Machines
First Read: March 6, 2018
Second Read: March 20, 2018
Adopted: March 20, 2018
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[post_content] => The ConVal School Board recognizes that adequate nutrition is essential to the development, health, and learning of all students. The Superintendent or designee shall facilitate and encourage the participation of students from low-income families in the district's food service program.
The district shall provide at least one nutritionally adequate meal each school day, free of charge or at a reduced price, for students whose families meet federal eligibility criteria.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that meals provided through the free and reduced-price meal program meet applicable state and/or federal nutritional standards in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulation.
The Board shall approve, a plan that ensures that students eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals and milk are not treated differently from other students.
Determination of eligibility is made by the Business Administrator in accordance with all applicable law. Appeal of the decision may be made to the Superintendent.
Confidentiality/Release of Records
All applications and records related to eligibility for the free and reduced-price meal program shall be confidential except as provided by law.
The Board authorizes designated employees to use individual records pertaining to student eligibility for any free and reduced-price meal program for the purposes of:
1. Disaggregation of academic achievement data.
2. Identification of students eligible for school choice and supplemental educational services in any school identified for program improvement under Title I of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Legal References:
42 U.S.C. §1751 et seq., National School Lunch Act
Category: O
1st Read: March 6, 2018
2nd Read: March 20, 2018
Adopted: March 20, 2018
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[post_content] => Prior to the start of each school year, parents/guardians shall be advised of meal prices and payment options, as well as information on participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. In order to participate in the school food service program, a signed statement must be returned to the Food Service Director indicating the person(s) responsible for payment. Accounts due may not exceed $50.00 for either staff or students. Any account in excess of $50.00 unpaid for more than 30 days will be considered overdue and responsible persons who have not contacted the Food Service Director with genuine difficulties or acceptable explanation will receive a Notice of Overdue Account. If no payment is received or contact made with the District within 14 days of this letter, the Food Service Director or Assistant Director will contact the responsible party and seek agreement and resolution. If such agreement or resolution is not possible, or should an agreement previously reached not be honored, the account shall be referred to the Superintendent or designee who may pursue such remedy as he deems appropriate including, but not limited to legal action referral to an outside collection agency. In no case will action be taken against a student because of an overdue account.
1
st Read: September 7, 2010
2
nd Read: February 3, 2011
Adopted: February 3, 2011
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[post_content] => The installation and use of vending machines in the schools will be to complement the school lunch program, and encourage students and staff in good eating habits. Contents of vending machines will be in compliance with Policy JLCF, Student Wellness Policy.
Vending machines may be operated by the school food services department. The funds derived from such sales will accrue to the food service program revenue budget.
Vending machines may also be operated by the school. The funds derived from such operation will accrue to the internal accounts fund for the individual school.
Each machine will be clearly marked with notice of which group will operate the machine. The revenue and sales from each machine will be deposited and accrued to the general operating accounts of each respective group.
The Food Services Director and Principal(s) will submit to the Business Administrator annual financial reports on each account.
Category: O
See Also Policy JLCF
1st Read: June 4, 2013
2nd Read: June 18, 2013
Adopted: June 18, 2013
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[post_content] => The ConVal School District adheres to the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U. S. Code). It is imperative that all staff and students recognize the importance of the law and continuously guard against its infringement. It is our intent, as a public school district, to ensure copyright law observance by all members of the district, and to ensure that plagiarism is understood as one form of non-compliance of copyright.
Fair Use Factors/Criteria
Under the “fair use” doctrine, unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is permissible for such purposes as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research. Fair use, as a legal concept, provides the criteria for determining whether copyright work may or may not be used without securing the permission of the copyright holder. Fair use guidelines also apply to transformative uses of copyrighted materials, i.e., when works are used to create new functionality or meaning.
If duplicating or changing a copyrighted work is to fall within the bounds of fair use, these four standards must be met for any of the foregoing purposes:
a) The Purpose and Character of the Use: The use must be for such purposes as teaching or scholarship in a nonprofit organization or institution.
b) The Nature of the Copyrighted Work: Staff may make single copies of book chapters for use in research, instruction or preparation for teaching; articles from periodicals or newspapers; short stories, essays, or poems; and charts, graphs, diagrams, drawings, cartoons, or pictures from books, periodicals, or newspapers.
c) The Amount and Substantiality of the Portion Used: Copying the whole of a work cannot be considered fair use; copying a small portion may be, if these standards are followed.
d) The Effect of the Use upon the Potential Market for or Value of the Copyrighted Work: If resulting economic loss to the copyright holder can be shown, even making a single copy of certain materials may be an infringement, and making multiple copies presents the danger of greater penalties.
Anyone responsible for duplication in any format may be liable for breach of copyright. Specifics regarding copyright procedures shall be available to anyone using equipment for duplication purposes (see EGAD-R). The individual user shall maintain a record of copyright permissions.
Members of the ConVal community who are uncertain regarding copyright compliance in the use of any materials are encouraged to seek out the advice and assistance of library media specialists and technology integrators. Any members of the ConVal community who observe copyright violations should report such concerns to the building Principal, who will then determine if the Superintendent or other administrators need to be informed.
Legal Reference:
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
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[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.
Legal References:
RSA 91-A:4, Minutes and Records Available for Public Inspection
Category: Recommended
See Also Policy EHB
1
st Read: September 3, 2019
2
nd Read: September 17, 2019
Adopted: September 17, 2019
[post_title] => EH - Public Use Of School Records
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Overview
The ConVal School District provides its students access to a multitude of technology resources. These resources provide opportunities to enhance learning and improve communication within our education community and with the global community beyond our campus. However, with the privilege of access is the responsibility of students to exercise appropriate personal responsibility in their use of these resources.
The ConVal School District policies are intended to promote the most effective, safe, productive, and instructionally sound uses of networked information and communication tools, including preventing unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, information protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The District also makes a good faith effort to protect its students from exposure to Internet materials that are harmful, obscene, violent, or otherwise inappropriate. The District maintains an Internet content filtering system that meets federal standards established in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by blocking access to inappropriate material on the Internet and ensuring the safety and security of minors when using email, social media, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Digital Citizenship
The ConVal School District provides information and technology resources for use in safe, legal, and responsible ways. A responsible digital citizen is one who:
1. Respects one’s self. Users will use online names that are issued to them, and will carefully consider the appropriateness of any information and images that are posted online.
2. Respects others. Users will refrain from using technologies to bully, tease, or harass other people. Users will not masquerade using a false identity or impersonate others.
3. Protects one’s self and others. Users will protect themselves and others by using secure passwords, logging out of a computer when finished, not sharing passwords with others, and by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.
4. Respects and protects intellectual property. Users will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media, etc., and will request to use the software and media others have produced.
5. Respects the District’s technology equipment, network, and resources. Users will avoid bandwidth-intensive tasks, the transfer of unnecessarily large files, and the submission of multiple copies of the same print job to a printer. Users are prohibited from attempting to install or download software onto District-owned computers.
6. Protects the conval.edu and cvsd.me domains from inappropriate use. Users will use District-provided accounts and subscriptions for school work only. Users will respect filters and other security systems and not attempt to defeat them.
To help ensure student safety and citizenship in online activities, all students will be educated about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and about cyberbullying awareness and response.
Expectations
Responsible use of the District’s technology resources is expected to be ethical, respectful, academically honest, and supportive of the School District’s mission. Each computer user has the responsibility to respect every other person in our community and on the Internet. Digital storage and electronic devices used for school purposes are viewed as extensions of the physical school space. Administrators, or their designees, may review files and communications (including electronic mail) to ensure that users are using the system in accordance with District policy. Users do not have any expectation of privacy of any information stored on servers or transmitted through District communication systems. Users should also understand that school servers, as well as non-school servers, regularly record Internet activity in log files and that, if requested under New Hampshire’s “Right to Know” law (RSA 91-A: Access to Public Records and Meetings), the District must provide this information.
Some activities are expressly prohibited by law. Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. The following guidelines are intended to clarify expectations for conduct, but they should not be construed as all-inclusive:
1. Use of electronic devices should be consistent with the District’s educational objectives, mission and curriculum.2. Transmission of any material in violation of any local, federal and state laws is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material, licensed material, threatening or obscene material, and unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information of minors.
3. Intentional or unintentional use of computing resources to access or process proxy sites, pornographic material, explicit text or files, material that is demeaning or degrading, content that is violent or harmful to minors, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network are strictly prohibited.
4. Use of computing resources for commercial activities, product advertisement or religious or political lobbying is prohibited.
5. Users may be held personally and financially responsible for damage done to network software, data, user accounts, hardware and/or unauthorized costs incurred.
6. Files stored on District-managed networks may be inspected at any time and should not be considered private.
7. Protects the conval.edu and cvsd.me domains from inappropriate use. Users will use District-provided accounts and subscriptions for school work only. Users will respect filters and other security systems and not attempt to defeat them.
The School District reserves the right to refuse access to the Internet to anyone. Violating any portion of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from school and/or legal action. The School District will cooperate with law enforcement officers in investigations related to illegal activities conducted through its network.
Jurisdiction
This policy is in effect:
● When CVSD-provided equipment (laptops, tablets, etc.) is used on or off school property;
● When non-CVSD devices access the District’s network or District resources in school or out of school if the use creates a hostile environment at school for any student/employee and/or cause disruption or disorder within a school.
Legal References:
U.S. Pub. L. No. 106-554, Children’s Internet Protection Act (www.ifea.net/cipa.html)
U.S. Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2581-728, enacted October 21, 1998, Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) (15 U.S.C. §§ 6501–6506)
NH RSA 194:3-d, School District Computer Networks.
Category: P
See also JICL
First Read: May 1, 2018
Second Read: May 15, 2018
Adopted: May 15, 2018
[post_title] => EHAA - Internet Safety And Responsible Use Policy For Students
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[post_content] => In accordance with the Contoocook Valley School District Acceptable Use Policy:
No school equipment may be used for other than school, school related, civic, or education purposes.
The Board will permit school equipment to be loaned to staff members when such use is related to their employment and to students when the equipment is to be used in connection with their studies or extra-curricular activities. A written agreement will be used which specifies the borrower’s responsibility to return the equipment in the condition in which it was received, and his/her financial responsibility for any loss or damage.
The equipment described below will be loaned to _____________________________________
(Printed staff member name)
The borrower agrees that use of the equipment will be related to employment activities/ responsibilities. The staff member also agrees to abide by all provisions of the Acceptable Use Procedure for ConVal School District and to abide by all copyright, plagiarism and proprietary information laws when using the equipment. Students may use laptop computers to do assignments of activities ONLY under the direct supervision of the staff member.
The borrower agrees that any loss or negligent damage during the time that the equipment is in the borrower’s possession is the borrower’s financial responsibility. The borrower understands that the equipment will be returned in the same condition in which it was borrowed. Normal “wear and tear” associated with daily use is to be expected.
The borrower also agrees to return the borrowed equipment to the appropriate IT Coordinator twice a year (e.g. December and June) for necessary maintenance and upgrades.
EQUIPMENT
Description Make/Model Number Serial Number
An authorized school representative and the borrower must sign this agreement before the equipment is loaned to the borrower.
______________________________________________ ____________________________
Borrower (Staff member signature) Date
______________________________________________ ____________________________
Authorized School Representative Date
Above equipment has been returned on _________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
Borrower (Staff member signature) Authorized School Representative
[post_title] => EHAA-F: Agreement for Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials
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[post_content] => To accomplish the ConVal School District's mission and comply with the law, the District must collect, create and store information. Accurately maintaining and protecting this data is important for efficient District operations, compliance with laws mandating confidentiality, and maintaining the trust of the District's stakeholders. All persons who have access to District data are required to follow state and federal law, District policies and procedures, and other rules created to protect the information.
A. Definitions
Confidential Data/Information - Information that the District is prohibited by law, policy or contract from disclosing or that the District may disclose only in limited circumstances. Confidential data includes, but is not limited to, personally identifiable information regarding students and employees.
Critical Data/Information - Information that is determined to be essential to District operations and that must be accurately and securely maintained to avoid disruption to District operations. Critical data is not necessarily confidential.
B. Data and Privacy Governance Plan - Administrative Procedures
- 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.
The Data Governance Plan shall include:
(a) An inventory of all software applications, digital tools, and extensions. The inventory shall include users of the applications, the provider, purpose, publisher, privacy statement, and terms of use;
(b) A review of all software applications, digital tools, and extensions and an assurance that they meet or exceed minimum standards set by the New Hampshire Department of Education;
(c) Policies and procedures for access to data and protection of privacy for students and staff including acceptable use policy for applications, digital tools, and extensions used on District hardware, server(s) or through the District network(s);
(d) A response plan for any breach of information; and
(e) A requirement for a service provider to meet or exceed standards for data protection and privacy.
- 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.
C. Information Security Officer
The Superintendent or her/his designee is hereby designated as the District's Information Security Officer (ISO). The ISO is responsible for implementing and enforcing the District's security policies and administrative procedures applicable to digital and other electronic data, and suggesting changes to these policies, the Data Governance Plan, and procedures to better protect the confidentiality and security of District data. The ISO will work with the both District and building level administrators and Data managers (paragraph E, below) to advocate for resources, including training, to best secure the District's data.
The Superintendent will also designate an alternate ISO, who will assume the responsibilities of the ISO when the ISO is not available.
D. Responsibility and Data Stewardship
All District employees, volunteers, contractors, and agents are responsible for accurately collecting, maintaining and securing District data including, but not limited to, Confidential and/or Critical Data/Information.
E. Data Managers
All District administrators are data managers for all data collected, maintained, used, and disseminated under their supervision, as well as data they have been assigned to manage in the District's data inventory. Data managers will monitor employee access to the information to ensure that confidential information is accessed only by employees who need the information to provide services to the District and that confidential and critical information is modified only by authorized employees. Data managers will assist the ISO in enforcing District policies and procedures regarding data management.
F. Confidential and Critical Information
The District will collect, create, or store confidential information only when the Superintendent or designee determines it is necessary, and in accordance with applicable law. The District will provide access to confidential information to appropriately trained District employees and volunteers only when the District determines that such access is necessary for the performance of their duties. The District will disclose confidential information only to authorized District contractors or agents who need access to the information to provide services to the District and who agree not to disclose the information to any other party except as allowed by law and authorized by the District.
District employees, volunteers, contractors, and agents will notify the ISO or designee immediately if there is reason to believe confidential information has been disclosed to an unauthorized person or any information has been compromised, whether intentionally or otherwise. The ISO or designee will investigate immediately and take any action necessary to secure the information, issue all required legal notices and prevent future incidents. When necessary, the Superintendent, ISO or designee is authorized to secure resources to assist the District in promptly and appropriately addressing a security breach.
Likewise, the District will take steps to ensure that critical information is secure and is not inappropriately altered, deleted, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible. Access to critical information will only be provided to authorized individuals in a manner that keeps the information secure.
All District staff, volunteers, contractors, and agents who are granted access to critical or confidential information/data are required to keep the information secure and are prohibited from disclosing or assisting in the unauthorized disclosure of such confidential or critical data/information. All individuals using confidential and critical data/information will strictly observe all administrative procedures, policies and other protections put into place by the District including, but not limited to, maintaining information in locked rooms or drawers, limiting access to electronic files, updating and maintaining the confidentiality of password protections, encrypting and redacting information, and disposing of information no longer needed in a confidential and secure manner.
G. Using Online Services and Applications
District staff members are encouraged to research and utilize online services or applications to engage students and further the District's education mission. District employees, however, are prohibited from installing or using applications, programs or other software, or online system/website, that either stores, collects or shares confidential or critical data/information, until the ISO approves the vendor and the software or service used. Before approving the use or purchase of any such software or online service, the ISO or designee shall verify that it meets the requirements of the law, Board policy, and the Data Governance Plan, and that it appropriately protects confidential and critical data/information. This prior approval is also required whether or not the software or online service is obtained or used without charge.
H. Training
The ISO will provide appropriate training to employees who have access to confidential or critical information to prevent unauthorized disclosures or breaches in security. All school employees will receive annual training in the confidentiality of student records, and the requirements of this policy and related procedures and rules.
I. Data Retention and Deletion
The ISO or designee shall establish a retention schedule for the regular archiving and deletion of data stored on District technology resources. The retention schedule should comply with, and be incorporated [by reference] into the data/record retention schedule established under Policy EHB and administrative procedure EHB-R, including but not limited to, provisions relating to Litigation and Right to Know holds as described in Policy [EHB].
J. Consequences
Employees who fail to follow the law or District policies or procedures regarding data governance and security (including failing to report) may be disciplined, up to and including termination. Volunteers may be excluded from providing services to the District. The District will end business relationships with any volunteer, contractor, or agent who fails to follow the law, District policies or procedures, or the confidentiality provisions of any contract. In addition, the District reserves the right to seek all other legal remedies, including criminal and civil action and seeking suspension or revocation of an employee's teaching certificate.
The District may suspend all access to data or use of District technology resources pending an investigation. Violations may result in temporary, long-term or permanent suspension of user privileges. The District will cooperate with law enforcement in investigating any unlawful actions. The Superintendent or designee has the authority to sign any criminal complaint on behalf of the District.
Any attempted violation of District policies, procedures, or other rules will result in the same consequences, regardless of the success of the attempt.
Legal References:
15 U.S.C. §§ 6501-6506 * Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
20 U.S.C. § 1232g * Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
20 U.S.C. § 1232h * Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
20 U.S.C. § 1400-1417 * Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
20 U.S.C. § 7926 * Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA)
RSA 189:65 * Definitions
RSA 186:66 * Student Information Protection and Privacy
RSA 189:67 * Limits on Disclosure of Information
RSA 189:68 * Student Privacy
RSA 189:68-a * Student Online Personal Information
RSA 359-C:19-21 * Right to Privacy/Notice of Security Breach
Category: Priority/Required by Law
Related Policies: EHAA, EHB, GBEBD, GBEF, IHBH, JICJ, JICL, JICM, KD, & KDC
First Read: December 19, 2019
Second Read: January 7, 2020
Adopted: January 7, 2020
Reviewed: August 16, 2022
[post_title] => EHAB – Data Governance and Security
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[post_content] => The Superintendent shall develop procedures for a records retention system that is in compliance with RSA 189:29-a, 186-C:10-a, and the New Hampshire Department of Education regulations, as well as all other pertinent state and federal law. These procedures should also address retention/destruction of all other records which are not subject to specific statutes or regulations. The procedures should ensure that all pertinent records are stored safely and are stored for such durations as are required by law. The Superintendent shall develop procedures necessary to protect individual rights and preserve confidential information consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
This policy shall apply to all district records, irrespective of the specific medium of the record, i.e., paper, electronic, digital, cloud, or other media.
Although not exhaustive, the retention of specific records and under specific circumstances are addressed below. However, a review of the procedures referenced above should always occur prior to the destruction of any records.
- Records Pertaining to Students’ Attendance and Scholarship
In accordance with Ed 306.04(h), the District shall maintain complete and accurate records of students' attendance and scholarship permanently safely stored in a fire-resistant file, vault, or safe.
- 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
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 or digital records, which are or may be subject to the litigation hold shall cease. All third-party letters and notices requesting a litigation hold shall promptly be forwarded to legal counsel for the District, and routine destruction of potentially relevant records shall be suspended pending advice of counsel.
The destruction of records subject to a litigation hold shall not resume until the District has received a written directive from legal counsel authorizing resumption of the routine destruction of those records in accordance with the retention requirements of this policy and the associated procedures.
- 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 under this chapter, the requested material shall be preserved for no less than ninety (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 legal counsel representing the District authorizing destruction of the records has been received.
Legal References:
- 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)
Category: Priority – Required by Law
Related Policies: EH, EHAB, JRA
See also: EHB-R (Records Retention Schedule)
1st Reading: June 7, 2022
2nd Reading: June 21, 2022
Adoption: June 21, 2022
[post_title] => EHB - Data/Records Retention
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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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-15 14:51:24
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[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
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[post_name] => ei-risk-management
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[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
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[post_date] => 2022-10-06 09:01:19
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[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.
Decisions pertaining to education specifications of new buildings and those undergoing extensive remodeling will be developed with the input of teachers, students, parents, and the community.
Category O
First Read: May 3, 2022
Second Read: May 17, 2022
Adopted: May 17, 2022
[post_title] => FA - Facilities, Development Goals/Priority Objectives
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[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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-14 18:35:00
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[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
Whenever construction of new school facilities or the closing of any school buildings is being contemplated, the Board may authorize outside studies made of population trends and school enrollment.
Category: R
1
st Read: January 19, 2016
2
nd Read: February 2, 2016
Adopted: February 2, 2016
[post_title] => FBB - Enrollment Projections
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[post_name] => fbb-enrollment-projections
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[post_modified] => 2016-02-03 12:54:40
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[post_content] => Changing educational needs require the planning, design, and construction of new educational facilities as well as to renovate or make additions to existing schools. The size, complexity, and potential cost for such a program requires that the Superintendent develop a comprehensive plan in the following areas:
- 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.
Construction plans, requests for bond money, and all other documents required to begin and/or complete needed school construction projects will be submitted to the appropriate local and state agencies in a timely manner
Category O
First Read: May 3, 2022
Second Read: May 17, 2022
Adopted: May 17, 2022
[post_title] => FE - Facilities Construction
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[post_content] =>
Process for Approval
Change orders that change the approved scope of the project will be submitted to the School Board (or subcommittee) for approval prior to work commencing. Change orders that do not change the scope of the work, but are the result of unforeseen circumstances discovered during the course of the project, will be dealt with in the follow manner:
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
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[post_date] => 2022-10-21 02:33:10
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[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.
C. CRITERIA FOR THE NAMING OF BUILDINGS, FACILITIES, AND AREAS.
The following four criteria are listed in order of priority.
A name for building, facility, or area shall be derived from or refer to:
- 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.
First Read: September 20, 2022
Second Read: October 4, 2022
Adopted: October 4, 2022
[post_title] => FF - Naming of District Buildings and Facilities and Dedication of Areas
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[post_date] => 2015-09-14 18:40:32
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[post_content] => A school will be considered for a comprehensive closing study if any of the following conditions apply:
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/savings
a. 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
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[ID] => 3506
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[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.
Legal References:
20 U.S.C. 7926(a) (§8546(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/Every
Student Succeeds Act
Category: Priority/Required by Law
Related Policies: GBCD, GBJ
First reading: February 19, 2019
Second reading: March 5, 2019
Adopted: March 5, 2019
[post_title] => GADA -- Employment References and Verification (Prohibiting Aiding and Abetting of Sexual Abuse)
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[post_content] => The District will recruit and consider candidates without regard to gender, sexual orientation,
race, color, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, age, or disability. The District will not
discriminate against any employee who is a victim of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault,
or stalking.
The District will employ individuals who meet the physical and mental requirements, and who have
the education, training, and experience established as necessary for the performance of the job
without regard to gender, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, nationality, ethnic origin,
age, or disability, except for reasons related to ability to perform the requirements of the job.
Inquires, 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
his/her designee.
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 grievance procedure. This policy implements PL 94-142, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the American 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 References:
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 II of The Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990
Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (15 or more employees) RSA 186:11, XXXIII, Discrimination
RSA 275:71, Prohibited Conduct by Employer Appendix: AC-R
Category: Recommended
1st Reading: June 18, 2019
2nd Reading: July 23, 2019
Adopted: July 23, 2019
[post_title] => GBA - Equal Opportunity Employment
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[post_content] => The Superintendent will establish channels of communication with employees to exchange ideas and opinions regarding the operation of the schools. He/She should weigh with care the counsel given by employees.
Category: O
1st Board Reading: December 18, 2001
Board Adoption: January 29, 2002
[post_title] => GBB - Staff Involvement In Decision Making
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[post_content] => Employees shall not engage in, or have a financial interest in, any activity that raises a reasonable question of conflict of interest with their duties and responsibilities as members of the school staff. This includes but is not limited to:
- 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.
To avoid nepotism in the supervision of personnel, the Board directs that no employee be assigned to a position where the employee would be supervising or responsible to a relative, or to a member of their household.
Category: P
See also GCQAB, GCQA
1st Read: June 7, 2011
2nd Read: September 6, 2011
Adoption: October 18, 2011
[post_title] => GBCA - Staff Conflict Of Interest
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[post_content] =>
GBCD – Background Investigation and Criminal Records Check
To help assure the safety of District students, it is the policy of the Contoocook Valley School Board that before any person is employed by the School District, or are otherwise placed into positions whereby they have frequent close contact with - or supervision of - students, that the administration conduct proper investigation into such person’s background, including, without limitation, a criminal history records check under RSA 189:13-a – 189:13-c.
A. Definitions. As used in this policy:
- “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.
The administrative supervisor for the applicable activity or program (e.g., building principal, athletic director), shall have the responsibility of determining whether a volunteer position is a “Designated Volunteer”, subject to any additional rules or procedures established by the 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
“Non-Section V Offenses” are all other crimes offenses, whether felonies or misdemeanors.
- “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.
B. Background Investigation
The Superintendent, or his/her designee, shall conduct a thorough investigation into the past employment history, and other applicable background, of any person considered for employment with the District. The Superintendent or her/his designee shall maintain the confidentiality of all criminal history records information received by the District.
The requirement for a background check, including a criminal history records check shall include all potential employees, including substitute teachers, student teachers, selected applicants for employment, designated volunteers, volunteer organizations, or individual or entity which contracts with the District, For Covered Persons who are employed by a third-party contractor or assigned as a Designated Volunteer by a volunteer agency, the Superintendent or Designee may waive the Background Investigation and instead rely on suitable assurances from the contracting company or agency regarding a background investigation.
The requirement for a Criminal History Records Check under paragraph D, below, however, may not be waived.
All decisions regarding employment and the pre-employment process shall conform to the District’s Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity policy including but not limited to cafeteria workers, school bus drivers, custodial personnel, or any other service where the contractor or employees of the contractor provide services directly to students of the district.
The Superintendent or her designee shall be responsible for completing the criminal history records check on the people identified in the paragraph above, except for school bus drivers and transportation monitors, as provided in RSA 189:13-b. The cost for criminal history records checks for employees or selected applicants of entities that contract with the District shall be borne by the contractor.
The Superintendent shall develop a background investigation protocol for use in completing a background investigation and shall keep a written record of all background investigations which have been done. However, the Superintendent shall destroy any criminal history record information within 60 days of receipt. The superintendent of the school administrative unit or chief executive officer of the chartered public school or public academy shall destroy any criminal history record information that indicates a criminal record within 60 days of receiving said information.
As part of the application process, each applicant for a position shall be asked whether he/she has ever been convicted of any crime which has not been annulled, and whether there are any criminal charges pending against him/her at the time of application. The falsification or omission of any information on a job 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 or immediate discharge from employment.
Except as otherwise set forth herein, the District shall either pay the costs associated with the criminal history records check or shall reimburse the individual for the costs associated with the same,
- 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.
The Applicant shall provide the District with a criminal history records release form as provided by the New Hampshire State Police along with a full set of fingerprints taken by a qualified law enforcement agency according to RSA 189:13-a, II.
Refusal to provide the required criminal history records release form (with fingerprints) and any other required releases to authorize the CHRC will result in immediate disqualification of the Applicant/Covered Person and will not be considered for the position.
- 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),
If the Superintendent chooses to nominate, appoint or assign an Applicant who has a history of conviction or pending charges of a Non-Section V Offense, or of past concluded charges of Section V Offenses that did not result in a conviction, then the final hiring decision or appointment of another Covered Person must be approved by the School Board. The Superintendent may share to the Board in non-public session general information about the offense/conviction but is prohibited under RSA 189:13-a from sharing the CHRC report.
- 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.
No selected applicant for employment shall start work until the Superintendent, or his/her designee, has initiated the formal State and FBI Criminal Records Check process.
Any person who is offered conditional employment, by way of individual contract or other type of letter of employment, will have clearly stated in such contract or letter of employment that his/her contract and continuation of employment is entirely conditioned upon the completion of a Criminal Records Check which is satisfactory to the District.
All persons employed under a conditional offer of employment may be covered under the District’s health insurance program, at the sole discretion of the Board, and in accordance with Board policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, if applicable. However, any such coverage will immediately cease and will not be subject to extension under COBRA, if the Board does not tender the person a final offer of employment by reason of application of this Policy.
Final Offer of Employment
A person who has been extended a conditional offer of employment may be extended a final offer of employment upon the completion of a Criminal Records Check which is compliant with the law and satisfactory to the Superintendent and Board.
No person with a conditional offer of employment shall be extended a final offer of employment if such person has been charged pending disposition for or convicted of any violation or attempted violation of RSA 630:1; 630:1-a; 630:1-b; 630:2; 632-A:2; 632-A:3; 632-A:4; 633:1; 633:7, 639:2; 639:3; 645:1, II or III; 645:2; 649-A:3; 649-A:3-a; 649-A:3-b; 649-B:3; or 649-B:4; or any violation or any attempted violation of RSA 650:2 where the act involves a child in material deemed obscene; in this state, or under any statute prohibiting the same conduct in another state, territory, or possession of the United States, or any felony offense, referenced in RSA 189:13-a, V, as amended from time-to-time. In addition to the felonies enumerated in RSA 189:13-a, a person may be denied a final offer of employment if he/she has been convicted of ANY felony. Such determination will be made by the Superintendent or a designee, on a case by case basis.
Any person who has been convicted of any misdemeanor may, at the discretion of the Superintendent or her/his designee, not be hired.
The Superintendent, or designee, will transmit the required, completed forms to the State Police, who will then screen the criminal records check for any selected applicant for employment, or designated volunteer, and will notify the district whether the record of said selected applicant or volunteer contains any felony convictions.
When the District receives a notification of a felony conviction from the State Police on a particular person which it finds unsatisfactory, the Superintendent shall dismiss said person within twenty-four (24) hours of the receipt of such report, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, or legally recognized holidays.
Additionally, a person may be denied a final offer of employment if the Superintendent becomes aware of other conduct which he/she determines would render the person unsuitable to perform the responsibilities of the position involved. Such determinations shall be made on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Criminal Records Checks
The District may require a Criminal Records Check of any employee or designated volunteer at any time.
Notice to the New Hampshire Department of Education
If an applicant's criminal history records information indicates that the applicant has been charged pending disposition for or has been convicted of a crime listed in paragraph V of RSA 189:13-a, the Superintendent shall notify the department of education.
Training
Upon the Department of Education offering such, the Superintendent or her designee shall attend training concerning the reading and interpretation of criminal history records.
The District shall provide every school employee whose position requires a criminal background check under this section with informational materials, training, or other education, either online or in person, concerning child sexual abuse prevention, sexual assault and harassment policy training, warning signs of child abuse, and reporting mandates. For the purposes of this paragraph, school employees include coaches and any other individual subject to a background check. Such training shall be completed within 30 days of employment and renewed every 2 years for all employees.
Legal Reference:
RSA 189:13-a, School Employee and Volunteer Background Investigations
Appendix GBCD-R: Sample Background Check, Criminal History Records Check Protocol
Category: P
See also: See IJOC
First Read: August 2, 2022
Second Read: August 16, 2022
Adopted: August 16, 2022
[post_title] => GBCD - Background Investigation And Criminal Records Check
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[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 BHC
1st Read: December 18, 2018
2nd Read: January 8, 2019
Adopted: January 8, 2019
[post_title] => GBD - Board-Employee Communications
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[post_content] => All employees of the District are expected to maintain high standards in their conduct both on and off duty. District employees are responsible for providing leadership in the school and community. This responsibility requires the employee to maintain standards of exemplary conduct. To these ends, the Board adopts the following statements of standards. District employees will adhere to the standards enunciated in this Policy in the decision-making process involving their interactions with students, the school community, colleagues, parents and the public.
A. Adoption and Incorporation of Standards of Code of Ethics for New Hampshire Educators.
The Board incorporates by reference and adopts as independent ethical standards relative to employment in the District, the provisions of the New Hampshire Code of Ethics for New Hampshire Educators (the “NH Code of Ethics”), as the same may be amended by the State from time to time.
B. Additional Ethical Standards.
In addition to the ethical standards set forth in the New Hampshire Code of Ethics, and without limiting the application thereof to District employment, employees will:
- 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.
C. Dissemination.
The content of this policy should be included in every employee/staff member handbook, and/or otherwise provided annually to each employee, designated volunteer, and contracted party.
Legal References:
N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule – Ed 303.01
N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule – Ed 510.01- 510.05, Code of Conduct for NH Educators
N.H. Dept of Education, Code of Ethics for NH Educators
Related Policies: GBEAB, GBEB, & GBEBB
1st Reading: November 19, 2019
2nd Reading: December 3, 2019
Adoption: December 3, 2019
[post_title] => GBEA - Staff Ethics
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A. General Provisions.
All employees have the responsibility to make themselves familiar with, and abide by, the laws of the State of New Hampshire as they affect their work, all policies and decisions of the Board, and the administrative regulations and directives designed to implement them.
All employees shall be expected to carry out their assigned duties, support and enforce Board policies and administrative regulations, submit required reports, protect District property, and where applicable, provide oversight of students and contribute to the education and development of the District's students.
Employees are advised that failure to abide by this and other school board policies can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, and can result in non-renewal. Any action taken regarding an employee’s employment with the District will be consistent with all rules, laws, and collective bargaining agreements, if applicable.
B. Adoption and Incorporation of Standards of Code of Conduct for New Hampshire Educators.
The Board incorporates by reference, and adopts as independent standards of conduct relative to employment in the District, the provisions of the New Hampshire Code of Conduct for New Hampshire Educators (Ed 510.01-510.05) (the “NH Code of Conduct”), as the same may be amended by the State from time to time. The District reserves the right to take employment action against any employee based upon the District's interpretation of the provisions of the NH Code of Conduct and the District’s independent assessment of whether an employee has violated said provisions. The District’s interpretation, assessment and/or action thereon, are independent of any interpretation by the New Hampshire Department of Education (“DOE”) with respect to those standards, and irrespective of any investigation by or action taken by the DOE relative to a District employee’s conduct.
C. Dissemination.
The content or a copy of this policy should be included in every employee/staff member handbook, and/or otherwise provided annually to each employee, designated volunteer, and contracted party.
Legal References:
N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule – Ed 303.01
N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule – Ed 510.01- 510.05, Code of Conduct for NH Educators
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 511, Denial, Suspension or Revocation of Certified Personnel
N.H. Dept of Education, Code of Ethics for NH Educators
RSA 189:13, Dismissal of Teacher
RSA 189:14-a, Failure to be Renominated or Reelected
RSA 189:14-d, Termination of Employment
Category: Recommended
Related Policies: GBEA, GBEAB & GBEBB
1st Reading: November 19, 2019
2nd Reading: December 3, 2019
Adoption:
December 3, 2019
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[post_content] => Staff members are expected to maintain courteous and professional relationships with students and maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning through consistently and fairly applied discipline and established professional boundaries.
Unless necessary to serve an educational, health-related, or student safety purpose:
- 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.
Staff members who violate this policy may face disciplinary measures, up to and including termination, consistent with state law and applicable provisions of a collective bargaining agreement.
Any employee who witnesses or learns of any of the above behaviors shall report it to the building administrator or Superintendent immediately.
Category: R
1st Read: July 16, 2013
2nd Read: September 17, 2013
Adopted: September 17, 2013
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[post_content] => Gifts
All employees are prohibited from accepting things of material value from companies or organizations that do business with the District. Exceptions to this policy are the acceptance of minor items that are generally distributed by the companies through public relations programs.
Solicitations
No organization may solicit funds from staff members within the schools, nor may anyone distribute flyers or other materials related to fund drives through the schools, without prior approval of the Superintendent. Staff members will not be made responsible, nor will they assume responsibility for, the collection of any money or distribution of any fund drive within the schools unless such activity has the Superintendent's approval.
The School Board expects such fundraising activities to be kept to a minimum. The Superintendent shall seek direction from the Board in instances where prior practice offers no guidance about a particular fund drive.
Category: R
See also KH
1st Read: February 19, 2013
2nd Read: March 5, 2013
Adopted: March 5, 2013
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A. Drug-Free Workplace
1. 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:
a. 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:
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 N.H. Admin. Code, Ed. Part 316
Category: Priority-Required by Law
Identical Policy: ADB
Related Policy: JICH
First Read: May 21, 2019
Second Read: June 4, 2019
Adopted: June 4, 2019
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[post_content] => State law prohibits the use of any tobacco product, E-cigarette, or liquid nicotine in any facility or upon any grounds maintained by the District. Students and minors are further prohibited from possessing such items in or upon any facility, school vehicle, or grounds owned or maintained by the District.
A. Definitions: These definitions shall also include any amendments to the referenced statutes as the same may be amended or replaced from time to time.
“Tobacco product(s)” means any product containing tobacco including, but not limited to, cigarettes, smoking tobacco, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and smokeless cigarettes, as well as any other product or item included in RSA 126-K:2, XI as the same may be amended or replaced from time-to-time.
“Device” means any product composed of a mouthpiece, a heating element, a battery, and electronic circuits designed or used to deliver any aerosolized or vaporized substance including, but not limited to, nicotine or cannabis. Devices may include, but are not limited to, hookah, e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, vape pen, e-hookah, as well as any other object or item defined in RSA 126-K:2, II-a.
“E-cigarette” means any electronic smoking device composed of a mouthpiece, a heating element, a battery, and electronic circuits that provides a vapor of pure nicotine mixed with propylene glycol to the user as the user simulates smoking. This term shall include such devices whether they are manufactured as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, or e-pipes, or under any other product name as well as any other product or item included in RSA 126-K:2, II-a as the same may be amended or replaced from time-to-time.
“E-liquid” means any liquid, oil, or wax product containing, but not limited to, nicotine or cannabis intended for use in devices used for inhalation as well as any other substance included or defined in RSA 126-K:2, II-c.
“Liquid nicotine” means any liquid product composed either in whole or in part of pure nicotine and propylene glycol and manufactured for use with e-cigarettes, as well as any other product or item included in RSA 126-K:2, III-a as the same may be amended or replaced from time-to-time.
“Facility” is any place which is supported by public funds and which is used for the instruction of students enrolled in preschool programs and in all grades maintained by the District. This definition shall include all administrative buildings and offices and areas within facilities supportive of instruction and subject to educational administration, including, but not limited to, lounge areas, passageways, rest rooms, laboratories, classrooms, study areas, cafeterias, gymnasiums, maintenance rooms, and storage areas.
B. Students
No student shall purchase, attempt to purchase, possess or use any tobacco product, device E-cigarette, E-liquid or liquid nicotine in any facility, in any school vehicle, while attending any school-sponsored event, or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.
Enforcement of the prohibition against students shall initially rest with building principals, or their designees, who may also report any violation to law enforcement, for possible juvenile, criminal or other proceedings as provided under state law. Additional consequences may be administered pursuant to printed student conduct rules.
C. Employees
No employee shall use any tobacco product, device, E-cigarette, E-liquid, or liquid nicotine, in any facility, in any school vehicle or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.
Initial responsibility for enforcement of this prohibition shall rest with building principals, or their designees. Any employee(s) who violate(s) this policy is subject to disciplinary action which may include warning, suspension or dismissal. Violations may also be referred to appropriate law enforcement and/or other appropriate agencies for criminal or other proceedings as provided under state law.
D. All other persons
No visitor, contractor, vendor or other member of the public, shall use any tobacco product, device, E-cigarette, E-liquid, or liquid nicotine in any facility, in any school vehicle, or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.
The building principal(s), and where appropriate, other site supervisor (athletic director, vehicle driver, etc.), or their designee(s), shall have the initial responsibility to enforce this section, by requesting that any person who is violating this policy to immediately cease the use of tobacco products, E-cigarette or liquid nicotine. After this request is made, if any person refuses to refrain from using such products in violation of this policy, the principal, site supervisor, or designee may contact the appropriate law enforcement agency(ies) for possible criminal or other proceedings as provided under state law.
E. Implementation and Notice – Administrative Rules and Procedures
The Superintendent shall establish administrative rules and procedures to implement this policy, which rules and procedures may be building level and/or district-wide. Rules and procedures relating to student violations and resulting disciplinary consequences should be developed in consultation with building principal(s).
The Superintendent, working with the building principal(s), shall provide annual notice to employees, students and parents of the pertinent provisions of this policy (e.g., student or staff handbook) along with applicable administrative regulations and procedures, which may include prescribed consequences for violations of this policy. Such notice should include information that violation of this Policy could lead to criminal or other such proceedings.
Signs shall be placed by the District in all buildings, facilities and school vehicles stating that the use of tobacco products is prohibited.
Legal References:
RSA 155:64 – 77, Indoor Smoking Act
RSA 126-K:2, Definitions
RSA 126–K:6, Possession and Use of Tobacco Products by Minors
RSA 126-K:7, Use of Tobacco Products on Public Educational Grounds Prohibited
Category: Priority-Required by Law
See also: ADB, GBEC, GBED, JICG, & JICH
District Revision History:
First Read: March 19, 2019
Second Read: April 2, 2019
Adopted: April 2, 2019
First Read: March 15, 2022
Second Read: April 5, 2022
Adopted: April 5, 2022
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- 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.
Introduction
- 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.
Privileges and Responsibilities
- 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).
Expectations of Privacy
- 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.
Use of Technology Resources
The Contoocook Valley School District’s technology resources are intended for staff to conduct research, gather information, and communicate with others for educational purposes. The specific uses of these technology resources are broadly categorized as follows:
- 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.
Disciplinary Action
- 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.
Disclaimer
- 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.
Legal References:
RSA 194:3-d, School District Computer Networks http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
Category: P
1st Read: September 5, 2017
2nd Read: September 19, 2017
Adopted: September 19, 2017
1st Read: December 7, 2021
2nd Read: December 21, 2021
Adopted: December 21, 2021
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[post_content] => The School Board will indemnify and hold harmless District employees against claims that may be entered against them as a result of carrying out their assigned responsibilities, as provided under RSA 31:105 and 31:106. To protect the District's financial resources, as well, the District will provide for liability coverage for all personnel through policies structured to maintain the statutory immunities as provided in RSA 31:107; professional liability insurance as needed, workers' compensation, and unemployment compensation coverage.
Workers' Compensation
All employees of the District are covered by workers' compensation insurance paid for and provided by the District. This insurance coverage is provided for employees in accordance with the provisions of the insurance carrier.
Legal References:
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
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[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
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[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.
Legal References:
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)
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[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
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[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
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[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.
It is the Board's policy not to intervene in personnel complaints or disputes until the matter has properly followed these guidelines.
The procedure set up for the resolution of "grievances" in collective bargaining agreements between the Board and recognized employee organizations will apply only to grievances as defined in the particular agreement.
Appendix: GBK-R
Category: O
1st Read: February 19, 2012
2nd Read: March 5, 2013
Adoption: March 5, 2013
[post_title] => GBK - Staff Concerns, Complaints, And Grievances
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[post_content] => Responsibilities and Duties of Teachers
The teacher shall be academically qualified in the area he/she is to instruct and should demonstrate a competence at transmitting learning to the student and the manner and means of accumulating, assimilating, and evaluation the knowledge associated with his/her academic field. The teacher should demonstrate an awareness of other academic fields and should possess a reasonable and responsible approach toward the education of the whole child.
The teacher shall constantly be alert to their example presented to students, parents, community, and fellow workers. Relationships shall avoid personal attachments that detract from the obligation to constantly lead and critically evaluate the individual and the situation.
The teacher must be aware of various instructional strategies and participate in exploration of possible changes in method or content of instruction.
The teacher shall demonstrate an ability to control the situations encountered in the performance of duties while exhibiting the proper respect for the dignity and worth of each individual.
The teacher shall demonstrate the ability to define the objectives of instruction and the ability to assess the results of the efficiency and effectiveness of the instruction.
A basic teaching assignment is described as but not limited to the following: The teacher will instruct regular classes; properly prepare lessons and tests; properly correct all assigned work; evaluate student work, use care in filling out requested forms and reports; supervise bus arrivals and departures, playgrounds, cafeteria, hallways as special assignment, and as a general phase of daily work; make use of the extra help periods; accept and adequately perform duties as advisor to classes or clubs (including chaperoning occasional nighttime activities) and report to the assigned building on days as scheduled by the Superintendent and attend other affairs which are periodic in nature, such as teachers' meetings, department meetings, professional development, and community affairs directly related to the School and to actively participate in the School program. Each teacher is required to carry out assignments from the building Principal or other responsible Administrator in conformance with School Board policies and regulations of the Board and the Superintendent.
Subject to Collective Bargaining Provisions and individual teaching contracts.
Category: R
1st Read: September 17, 2013
2nd Read: February 4, 2014
Adopted: February 4, 2014
[post_title] => GCA - Teaching Staff Positions
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => gca-teaching-staff-positions
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[post_content] => Individual contracts are required to protect the interests of the employee and the School District. Every teacher shall be required to execute a contract, with the School District. The individual contracts shall be signed by the employee and the Chairperson of the School Board.
Category: R
Adopted: March 18, 2003
Amended: September 17, 2013
[post_title] => GCB - Teaching Staff Contracts
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
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[post_content] => The School Board and the administrative personnel realize that a sound educational system cannot be built and maintained without definite procedures for the recruitment of personnel.
Staff recruitment is the responsibility of the Superintendent and the Human Resources Director. Principals and other staff will assist the Superintendent and Human Resources Director as
directed. Currently employed personnel share a common responsibility for the procurement of the type of staff needed.
All professional staff selected for employment must be recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the School Board. In selecting nominees for instructional positions, the
Superintendent should consider recommendations of subordinates and will be guided by the following criteria:
- Professional qualifications and credentials, including full state certification
- Successful teaching experience
- Specific requirements of position
- Budget considerations
1st Reading: October 28, 2008
2nd Reading: November 18, 2008
Adopted: November 18, 2008
[post_title] => GCC - Professional Staff Recruiting
[post_excerpt] =>
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[comment_status] => closed
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[post_password] =>
[post_name] => gcc-professional-staff-recruiting
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[post_content] => The Superintendent shall maintain a list of qualified substitute teachers who may be called on to replace regular teachers who are absent. Such a list shall be filed with the principal of each school.
Insofar as possible, the Principal or designee will call teachers on the substitute list for the grades and/or subjects for which they are listed. A teacher whose name does not appear on the substitute list may not be employed in the District except when specifically approved by the Superintendent. Principals will be responsible for seeing that the work of the substitute is as effective as possible and will provide him/her with a planned program.
Substitutes Pay
The rate of pay for a substitute shall be set by the School Board and be subject to periodic review.
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
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[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
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[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
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[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.
Evaluation of all professional staff will normally be conducted by the Superintendent and/or such other persons as he/she may designate.
Legal References:
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
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[post_modified] => 2017-12-20 13:39:30
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[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.
An employee will not perform any duties related to an outside job during his/her regular working hours or during the additional time that he/she needs to fulfill the responsibilities of the position; nor will an employee use any district facilities, equipment, or materials in performing outside work.
A Supervisor who observes that an employee’s outside work activities are adversely affecting his/her job performance should advise the employee to resolve the situation. If the employee
fails to promptly do such, then the supervisor shall make a report to the Superintendent.
Category: O
See also GCQAB, GBCA
1st Read: June 7, 2011
2nd Read: September 6, 2011
Adoption: September 6, 2011
[post_title] => GCQA - Nonschool Employment By Professional Staff Members
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => gcqa-nonschool-employment-by-professional-staff-members
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[post_content] => No teacher, other District employee, or contracted service provider, may receive pay for tutoring one of his/her current pupils. Teachers, other District employees, and contracted service providers shall not tutor for pay any child from his/her building without prior written approval from the building principal. All questions regarding tutoring for pay should be referred to the building principal. Staff members may appeal denials to the Superintendent.
The above does not apply to tutoring assigned by the school administration.
Category: P
See also GCQA, GBCA
1st Read: September 6, 2011
2nd Read: October 18, 2011
Adoption: October 18, 2011
[post_title] => GCQAB - Tutoring For Pay
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => gcqab-tutoring-for-pay
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[post_content] => All staff members who sign a contract or Statement of Employment are expected to honor that work agreement.
Resignations tendered between the time the employee signs the contract and July 1 of a given year will not be accepted unless and until a suitable and fully qualified replacement is hired.
Resignations tendered after July 1 of the year of the contract will not be accepted nor will the employee be released from his/her employment.
However, the School Board recognizes that extenuating circumstances may arise which warrants it giving special consideration to a resignation request. In these instances, the Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, may make exceptions to this Policy, on a case by case basis.
If an employee under contract or Statement of Employment breaches his/her work agreement to the District, or fails to abide by the terms of this Policy, the Board may initiate such legal actions as it deems appropriate, including monetary damages from the employee.
Category: R
1st Read: June 3, 2014
2nd Read: September 2, 2014
Adopted: September 2, 2014
[post_title] => GCQC - Resignation Of A Staff Member
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => gcqc-resignation-of-a-staff-member
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[post_content] => The performance of each member of the support staff shall be monitored throughout the year. The employee's immediate supervisor is responsible for a formal written assessment of the employee' performance based on her/her specifically assigned duties, which will be submitted according to District procedures.
It will be the responsibility of the Superintendent to implement appropriate evaluation procedures for support staff.
Category: R
1st Read: February 19, 2013
2nd Read: March 5, 2013
Adopted: March 5, 2013
[post_title] => GDO - Evaluation Of Support Staff
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => gdo-evaluation-of-support-staff
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[ID] => 349
[post_author] => 9
[post_date] => 2015-09-15 13:32:46
[post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-15 13:32:46
[post_content] => If at any time during the employment of a support staff employee there is an indication that he or she is not carrying out his or her duties as assigned, he or she may be suspended from that duty immediately, and further action, including dismissal, may be recommended by the superintendent.
Suspension
The Superintendent may suspend a support staff employee at any time when deemed necessary.
Dismissal
Support staff personnel may have their employment terminated at anytime pursuant to the dismissal terms of that employee's employment agreement for violation of school policy, for violation of any law, or for other matters deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.
Voluntary Termination
Upon retirement or resignation, support staff personnel should give the immediate supervisor written notice of resignation at least two (2) weeks in advance of the effective date of voluntary termination. This requirement may be waived by the superintendent upon request for justifiable reasons.
Legal Reference:
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] =>
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[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
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[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] =>
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[post_author] => 9
[post_date] => 2015-09-11 12:40:36
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[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
Instruction will also include, where possible, consideration of all available community resources, including but not limited to organizations, businesses, talented individuals, natural resources, and technology to engage each student in achieving the necessary skill and knowledge.
Legal References:
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.26(a)(2), Kindergarten through Grade 8 Curriculum, Instructional Program
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.27(b)(3), High School Curriculum, Instructional Program
Category: R
See also: IFA, IGA, IJ
1
st Read: November 15, 2016
2
nd Read: December 6, 2016
Adopted: December 6, 2016
[post_title] => IF - Instructional Approach
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => if-instructional-approach
[to_ping] =>
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[post_modified] => 2016-12-09 09:42:35
[post_modified_gmt] => 2016-12-09 14:42:35
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[post_date] => 2015-09-11 12:47:04
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[post_content] => The School Board recognizes that each student has unique and distinctive learning styles, and that not all students will excel in traditional classroom settings. To that end, the administration will design the District’s instruction and curricular program to meet the instructional needs of students with different interests and development.
Administrators and teachers should collaborate to consider and address students’ different interests and academic development when planning the District’s educational programs and curriculum.
In order to meet the instructional needs of students with different interests and developments, administrators and staff should explore alternative learning programs such as extended learning opportunities, alternative learning plans, distance education, vocational/technical education, and others.
Legal Reference:
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(6), Instruction Needs of Students with Different Talents
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(j), Instructional Needs of Students with Different Talents
Category: P
See also: IF, IJO
1st Read: February 14, 2017
2nd Read: March 21, 2017
Adopted: March 21, 2017
[post_title] => IFA - Instructional Needs Of Students
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => ifa-instructional-needs-of-students-with-different-talents
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[post_modified] => 2017-03-31 10:10:10
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[post_date] => 2015-09-11 12:49:41
[post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 12:49:41
[post_content] => The School Board will encourage and support the professional staff in its efforts to investigate new curricular ideas, develop and improve programs, and evaluate results.
The Assistant Superintendent is responsible for curriculum and assessment development for the school system. The Assistant Superintendent will establish curriculum committees for the study of curriculum and assessment improvements, including the selection of new assessment instructional materials, as found necessary and desirable.
The Board will make final decisions on curriculum and assessment renewal and adoptions, based on the approved curriculum renewal cycle and assessment framework. The Assistant Superintendent will submit to the Board recommendations developed in conjunction with curriculum committees and the professional staff. The Board in reviewing and evaluating curriculum recommendations may solicit community opinion.
All teachers have professional obligations to the school program beyond regular classroom duties, and these obligations include work on curriculum committees. It is expected that all teachers will make contributions to curriculum development.
Legal Reference:
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
1st Read: November 3, 2015
2nd Read: November 17, 2015
Adopted: November 17, 2015
[post_title] => IGA – Curriculum Development
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => iga-curriculum-development
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2016-02-26 12:44:04
[post_modified_gmt] => 2016-02-26 17:44:04
[post_content_filtered] =>
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[post_author] => 9
[post_date] => 2015-09-11 13:28:11
[post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 13:28:11
[post_content] => The Contoocook Valley School Board, realizing the need for programs dealing with the gifted and talented shall endeavor to provide the level of monetary support it deems proper to enhance programs for the gifted and talented.
Category: O
1st Read: January 7, 2014
2nd Read: January 21, 2014
Adopted: January 21, 2014
[post_title] => IGBB - Programs For Gifted Students
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => igbb-programs-for-gifted-students
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2017-05-18 10:43:09
[post_modified_gmt] => 2017-05-18 14:43:09
[post_content_filtered] =>
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[post_author] => 9
[post_date] => 2015-09-11 13:29:48
[post_date_gmt] => 2015-09-11 13:29:48
[post_content] => It is the policy of the School Board that no basic course of study shall be eliminated or new courses added without approval of the Board, nor shall any significant alteration or reduction of a course of study be made without such approval.
New programs and courses of study shall not be acted upon by the Board without the recommendation of the Education Committee.
Legal Reference:
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] =>
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[post_modified] => 2015-09-11 13:29:48
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[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
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[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] =>
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[post_modified] => 2023-04-07 10:47:23
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[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.
Teaching in the area of character and citizenship will take place throughout the K-12 program.
Category: Priority/Required by Law
Legal References:
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(5), Character and Citizenship
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(i), Character and Citizenship
Revised: September 2017
1st Read: June 15, 2021
2nd Read: July 20, 2021
Adopted: July 20, 2021
[post_title] => IHAK - Character and Citizenship Education
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => ihak-character-and-citizenship-education
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[post_modified] => 2021-09-01 22:30:53
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[post_content] => The School Board will ensure that any instruction relating to religion within the District shall conform to applicable legal requirements.
Category: O
1st Read: October 1, 2013
2nd Read: October 15, 2013
Adopted: October 15, 2013
[post_title] => IHAL - Teaching About Religion
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
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[post_content] => Consistent with Department of Education requirements, health and physical education, including instruction about parts of the body, reproduction, sexuality education, and related topics, will be included in the instructional program. Sexuality education shall include instruction relative to abstinence, consent, and sexually transmitted infections.
Instruction must be appropriate to grade level, course of study, and development of students and must occur in a systematic manner. The Superintendent will require that faculty members who present this instruction receive continuing in-service training, which includes appropriate teaching strategies and techniques.
Parents and legal guardians shall be notified by e-mail, other written means, website/social media postings or phone call, not less than two (2) weeks in advance of use of the curriculum course material to be used for instruction of human sexuality or human sexual education. Such notice will be delivered via email, other direct written means, website/social media posting, or phone call. To the extent practicable, a school district shall make curriculum course materials available to parents or legal guardians for review upon request. Accordingly, the notice will identify and provide contact information for the Principal or other staff member a parent or guardian should contact to arrange an opportunity to inspect the curriculum course material.
Opt-Out Procedure and Form
Parents/guardians, or individual students over eighteen years of age, who do not want their child or themselves to participate in a particular unit of health or sex education instruction are allowed to have their child opt-out of such instruction.
Parents/guardians who wish to have their child opt-out of such instruction are required to complete the district opt-out form and state the particular unit of curriculum in which the student is not to participate. Any student who is made exempt by request of the parent/guardian under this policy may be given an alternative assignment sufficient to meet state requirements for health education. The alternative assignment will be provided by the health or physical education teacher in conjunction with the Principal.
Parents/guardians who do not want their child to participate in a particular health-related program, health unit, or physical education must complete a Health or Physical Education Opt-Out Form. Opt-Out forms are available from either the health education teacher or the Principal. Opt-Out requests must be submitted annually and are valid only for the school year in which they are submitted.
In accordance with the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, 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.
Legal References:
20 U.S.C §1232h, (c)(1)(C), Protection of Pupil Rights
RSA 186:11, IX, Instruction as to Intoxicants and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
RSA 186:11, IX-c, Objectionable Course Material
RSA 186:11, IX-e Notice to Parents/Guardian Required
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.40, Health Education Program
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.41, Physical Education Program
RSA 186:11, IX-b, Health and Sex Education
Appendix IHAM-R, Health or Physical Education Opt-Out Form
Category: P
See also, IHAM-R
1st Reading: January 20, 2011
2nd Reading: February 15, 2011
Adopted: February 15, 2011
1st Read: March 15, 2022
2nd Read: April 5, 2022
Adopted: April 5, 2022
[post_title] => IHAM - Health Education And Exemption From Instruction
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => iham-health-education-and-exemption-from-instruction
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[post_modified] => 2022-04-07 23:11:16
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[post_date] => 2018-08-30 13:28:14
[post_date_gmt] => 2018-08-30 17:28:14
[post_content] => District personnel shall provide students, parents, and legal guardians with information and resources relative to existing drug and alcohol counseling and treatment for students. Information will be published in student/parent handbooks, posted on district websites, distributed along with other course material during drug and alcohol education, and shall be available through the principal's office, school nurses' office, athletic program offices, guidance offices and other locations deemed appropriate by the principal in each school.
The Superintendent shall be responsible to establish and periodically review the District's guidelines for staff members providing education on the effects of alcohol, other drugs, tobacco, and dealing with abuse. The District shall provide age and developmentally appropriate drug and alcohol education to pupils based upon the needs of the pupils and the community, as a component of the kindergarten through grade 12 health education program. An evidence-based prevention program, approved by the Superintendent, may be used for this purpose.
Legal References:
RSA 189:10, Studies
RSA 189:11-d, Drug and Alcohol Education
Ed 306.40, (b)(2) a - Health Education Program.
Category: P - Required by Law
1st Read: August 7, 2018
2nd Read: August 21, 2018
Adopted: August 21, 2018
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[post_content] => The District shall provide a free appropriate public education and necessary related services to all children with disabilities residing within the district, required under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act, and New Hampshire Law.
It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant
to the IDEA.
For students eligible for services under IDEA, the district shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of services to children with disabilities provided in federal and state statutes, which govern special education. For those students who are not eligible for services under IDEA, but, because of a qualifying disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services, the district shall establish and implement a system of procedural safeguards. The safeguards shall cover students’ identification, evaluation, educational safeguards and educational placement. This system shall include notice, and opportunity for the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to examine relevant records, and impartial hearing with opportunity for participation by the
student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), and representation by counsel, the right to be represented by legal counsel and review procedure.
The district recognizes its obligation to provide an education for all students determined to be educationally disabled and in need of special education and related services. This obligation shall begin when a student reaches three years of age and shall continue until the student’s 21st birthday or until such time as he/she receives a high school diploma, whichever occurs first, or until the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team determines that the child no longer requires special education in accordance with federal and state law. At the discretion of the Superintendent and/or his/her designee, students who reach the age of 21 during the academic year may be allowed to complete the remainder of the school year.
The ConVal School District shall take steps to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access to the variety of educational programs and services available to nondisabled children. The District ensures that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities,
are educated with students who do not have disabilities. Special classes, separate classes, separate schooling, or other removal of students with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the uses of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. Placement decisions for children with disabilities shall be made on an individual basis by the IEP Team and in accordance with the procedures described in Section 8 – Pupil Evaluation. The District shall provide a full range of opportunities, programs and services to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities in the least restrictive educational setting.
The District shall ensure that every child with a disability shall have full access to the general curriculum with accommodations and modifications as delineated in the IEP. This includes the provision of non-academic and extra-curricular services. These opportunities shall be provided through public school programs within and outside of the boundaries of the District.
The District shall provide access to vocational training and transition services as appropriate. Vocational and transition services are provided primarily within the District and at the high school level. Other student specific circumstances may be addressed as determined by the IEP team.
Equipment, Materials and Assistive Technology
- The District shall provide appropriate instructional equipment and material, including assistive technology devices and assistive technology services appropriate to implement each student’s IEP.
Personnel Standards
- 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.
Programs and Services (Table 1100.4: Continuum of Alternative Learning Environments)
The District provides educational services to students with disabilities along a continuum of environments including the following:
Regular Classroom
- A child with a disability attends the regular class with supports and services as required by the IEP
Regular Classroom with Consultative Assistance
- A child with a disability attends the regular class with consultative assistance being provided to the classroom teacher.
Regular Classroom with Assistance by Specialists
- 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.
Regular Classroom plus Resource Room Help
A Child with a disability attends the regular class and receives assistance in the Resource Room Program:
- 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.
Regular Classroom plus part-time special class
- A child with a disability attends a regular class and a self-contained special
education classroom
Self-Contained Special Education Class (Ed 1113.10(c))
- 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.
Full-time or part-time Special Day School
- A child with a disability attends a public or privately operated special day program
full-time or part-time
Full-time Residential Programs
- The child attends a privately or publicly approved residential program on a full-time basis.
Preschool Programs
Children in preschool programs shall be grouped by age levels with a range of not more than three years. Children with disabilities shall be provided with appropriate special education and related services through the District’s preschool programs and services. Please note: the maximum number of preschool children in an early childhood program
shall be 12, regardless of the number of staff members assigned to the program (Ed 1113.10(d)(3)).
- 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 School Aged Children (Ed 1111.05)
A child with a disability receives all or a portion of his/her special education program at home in accordance with Ed 1111.05.
- 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.
Facilities and Location
- 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.
Length of School Day
- 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)
When, due to a student’s limited physical and/or emotional stamina, the special education placement team recommends a school day of less than the minimum hours listed above, written consent shall be obtained from the Superintendent of Schools and the parent prior to implementing a shortened school day. A copy of the written consent shall be sent to the Sate Director of Special Education, a copy to the parent, and another placed in the student’s school records. If it would cause a serious adverse effect upon a child’s educational progress pursuant to RSA 193:1 1(c), the Superintendent shall not excuse a child from the required minimum school day. The District’s obligation to provide a free appropriate public education to a child shall still be in effect even if the child attends school for a shortened school day.
Length of School Year
The District shall provide a standard school year of at least 180 days or the equivalent number of hours per Ed 1113.15. Students with disabilities in need of extended school year programming shall be provided for through the IEP process. Extended School Year Programming shall not be limited only to the summer months.
Supervision and Administration
The Superintendent, Director Special Education, and the building Principals or their designees shall supervise the services and programs provided to students with disabilities.
Paraprofessionals shall work under the direct supervision of appropriately certified personnel and be supervised by the professional under whom they work as often as deemed necessary by the District, but no less than once each week. Paraprofessionals shall implement plans designed by the supervising professionals and monitor the behavior of student(s) with whom they work. They may not design or evaluate the effectiveness of programs. Paraprofessional performance will be evaluated through a predetermined review process.
Legal References:
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
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[post_date] => 2017-10-11 15:39:26
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[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.
Parents have a right [34 C.F.R. 300.502(b)(2) to request an independent educational evaluation at school district expense when the parent disagrees with the school district’s evaluation. The provision for independent educational evaluation cannot be invoked by a parent who has refused to consent to a district evaluation.
The schools in SAU #1 may deny a request for an independent educational evaluation at public expense and initiate a due process hearing to demonstrate that the district’s evaluation was appropriate.
A parent always has the right to get an independent educational evaluation at his or her own expense. The team must consider the results of any independent educational evaluation, regardless of who pays for it, if the evaluation meets the district’s criteria in decisions about the provision of a free and appropriate public education for the child.
Category: P
See also IHBA
1
st Board Reading: October 17, 2006
Board Adoption: November 7, 2006
[post_title] => IHBAA - Independent Special Education Evaluations
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[post_content] => The Developmental Delay disability category has enhanced the identification process for children in early childhood age range by more accurately assessing specific areas of delay, creating a shift from less descriptive disability categories.
New Hampshire Department of Education RSA 186 C:2, I-a defines “Developmentally Delayed Child” as follows: a child at least three years of age or older but less than ten years of age, who, because of impairments in development, needs special education or special education and related services, and may be identified as being developmentally delayed provided that such a child meets the criteria established by the State Board of Education. The child must be experiencing developmental delays in one or more of the following areas: physical development; cognitive development; communication development; social or emotional development; or adaptive development. Ed 1102.01(s)(1).
The following principles shall apply to the identification of a child who may be experiencing a developmental delay:
- 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.
The evaluation of a child who is suspected of having a developmental delay shall include some or all of the following components: (ages three through six until seventh birthday)
- 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
Category: O
1st Read: August 14, 2012
2nd Read: September 4, 2012
Adopted: September 4, 2012
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[post_content] => It shall be the policy of the ConVal School District to evaluate students suspected of having a specific learning disability in a manner consistent with the procedures and standards included in the Checklist entitled, “NH Specific Learning Disability Eligibility Checklist.” The Superintendent or his/her designee is directed to review and revise the checklist, on an as needed basis, to ensure that it complies with Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to the education of children with disabilities.
The “Specific Learning Disability Evaluation Procedures” will be utilized to determine whether a student has a specific learning disability. The Superintendent or his/her designee is directed to review and revise these procedures, on an as needed basis, to ensure that they comply with Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to the education of children with disabilities. At a minimum, the procedures must require the use of multiple sources of data to identify whether a child has a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in educational performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, intellectual development, and or state approved grade-level standards.
A student’s Individualized Education Program Team is responsible for deciding whether the student has a specific learning disability as defined by federal and state laws and regulations. In making that determination, the Team must use professional judgment, based on a review of multiple sources of information, including but not limited to, evaluative data, teacher input, and whether the student responds to research-based interventions and instruction.
Legal References:
20 U.S.C. §1414(b)(6) (2004) 34 C.F.R. §§ 300.8(a)(10), 300.307-300.311 (2006) RSA 186-
C:16 NH Code of Administrative Rules, Ed 1106.01 (b), (d)-(e)1107.01(a), 1107.02,
1107.04(a)-(b), Table 1100.1 (2008)
Category: P
1
st Read: February 2, 2016
2
nd Read: March 1, 2016
Adopted: March 1, 2016
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[post_date] => 2022-10-06 10:28:46
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[post_content] => The Contoocook Valley School District ensures that all children with disabilities who are two and-a-half (2.5) years of age or older but less than twenty-one (21) years of age, within its geographic boundaries, including children with disabilities who are homeless, wards of the State, or attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are or may be in need of special education and related services, are identified, located and evaluated.
Legal References:
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 1105, Child Find
1st Reading: February 17, 2009
2nd Reading: March 17, 2009
Adopted: March 17, 2009
1st Read: August 16, 2022
2nd Read: September 6, 2022
Adopted: September 6, 2022
[post_title] => IHBAF - Child Find
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[post_date] => 2015-09-11 14:14:08
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[post_content] => The Contoocook Valley School Board, realizing the need for programs dealing with the gifted and talented shall endeavor to provide the level of monetary support it deems proper to enhance programs for the gifted and talented.
Category: O
1st Reading: August 16, 2022
2nd Reading: September 6, 2022
Adopted: September 6, 2022
[post_title] => IHBB - Programs for Gifted Students
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[post_content] => If the District receives federal funding for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Programs, the following will
be provided:
- 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
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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
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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
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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, i
ncluding 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
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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.
Evaluation Criteria
At a minimum, all Alternative Learning Plans must meet the following criteria:
- 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
If the submitted plan is rejected, the Principal will provide the student/parents with a rationale as to why the proposal was rejected. Students whose application has been denied by the Principal may appeal that decision to the Superintendent.
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. The principal will be responsible for certifying completion of the plan or program and the award of credits, consistent with the District's policies on graduation.
If a student is unable to complete the Alternative Learning Plan for valid reasons, the principal will evaluate the experience completed to date and make a determination for the award of partial credit or recommend an alternative experience. The principal will determine the validity of such reasons on a case-by-case basis.
If a student ceases to attend or is unable to complete Alternative Learning Plan for insufficient reason (lack of effort, failure to follow through, indecision, etc.), the principal may determine that the student's transcript be adjusted to reflect the experience as a failure.
In order to certify completion of curricular programs and activities based upon specific instructional objectives aligned to the standards, the principal will develop appropriate mechanisms to document student progress and program completion on student personnel
records.
Legal References:
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
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[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
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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.
Legal References:
RSA 188-E:25 through RSA 188-E:26-28
Ed 306.14(a)(6), Advanced Coursework
Category: Priority/Required by Law
Identical policy: IHCD
Related policy: IKF
District Policy History:
First Read: April 5, 2022
Second Read: April 19, 2022
Adoption: April 19, 2022
[post_title] => IHCD - Advanced Coursework/Advanced Placement Courses & STEM Dual & Concurrent Enrollment Program
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[post_content] => The ConVal School District will adhere to all state laws and regulations pertaining to class size. In the event of scheduling conflicts, staffing shortages, space limitations, fiscal limitations, or other issues that prevent a classroom from adhering to class size regulations, the Superintendent or designee will contact the New Hampshire Department of Education and seek alternative compliance allowances through the applicable State procedures.
The School Board recognizes the many instructional benefits based on reasonable class sizes. To that end, the Board recommends and will make reasonable efforts to support the following class size guidelines:
| 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 |
* When considering combining multiple grades into one class, the guidelines for the lowest grade will be used.
**Except for classes that benefit from an increased number of students—e.g., Concert Band.
When class sizes fall below or exceed these guidelines, the staff, administration, and School Board will review all available options and recommendations. Staffing needs, safety, class schedules, as well as material and space allocation will be considered as part of the final decision in adjusting class sizes.
Legal Reference:
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.17, Class Size
Category: R
1
st Read:
August 7, 2018
2
nd Read: August 21, 2018
Adopted: August 21, 2018
[post_title] => IIB - Class Size
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[post_content] => The School Board is responsible for approving and providing all instructional materials used in the District. Since the Board is a policy-making body, it delegates to the Superintendent or his/her designee the authority for the selection of instructional materials in accordance with the policy below, but reserves its right to review these materials.
Administrators and teachers may select instructional materials from a variety of media, including, but not limited to, books, online/internet materials, equipment, newspapers, other media, and instructional technologies. All core instructional materials will be selected through the process outlined in IJ-R and IGD-R. Instructional materials will be selected on the ability to:
- 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.
Basic instructional course material in the fundamental skill areas of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies should be reviewed at intervals not exceeding five (5) years. Instructional materials must be sequential, and compatible with previous and future offerings.
Legal References:
Ed 306.08, Instructional Resources
Ed 306.14(b)(4), Instructional Materials and Resources (until July 1, 2015)
Ed 306.141(a)(4), Instructional Materials and Resources (after July 1, 2015)
Category: R
See also IJ-R & IGD-R
1st Reading: November 3, 2015
2nd Reading: November 17, 2015
Adopted: November 17, 2015
[post_title] => IJ - Instructional Materials Adoption
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MOVIES AND VIDEOS
Purpose
The School Board believes that movies, videos, other audiovisual materials and multimedia materials are important tools in the educational process. At the same time, the Board believes that the use of movies and videos should be limited so that they are used legally and appropriately in achieving legitimate educational objectives. Therefore, it is the Board's purpose to have a policy that promotes the appropriate educational use of movies videos in schools by maximizing classroom instructional time, encouraging parental participation in the education process, and fostering community values.
Policy
It is Board policy to establish course curriculum and work in partnership with parents to promote an appropriate learning environment that reflects community values. Therefore, the following guidelines represent Board policy regarding how and when movies and videos may be used as an instructional strategy to supplement approved course curriculum.
Educational Relevance
The showing of movies and videos must be limited to a specific educational purpose. General selection criteria should include quality of the overall work, fair and accurate representation of the facts, the reputation and significance of the writer, director and/or performer, and critical acclaim of the work itself.
Administrator's Authorization
At least five (5) days prior to the showing a full length movie, the instructor/teacher shall submit to the principal, in writing, the following information on the particular film:
- 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)
Age Appropriate Movies
Elementary Level: Only G rated movies may be shown without parental permission. However, parents must be notified that the movie will be shown in class. Any PG rated movie to be shown at the elementary level requires a signed, written consent from a parent/guardian that must be kept on file before the student may view the video.
Junior High Level/Middle School: Only G rated movies may be shown without parental permission. Any movie with a PG rating to be shown at the junior high/middle school requires parental/guardian notification. Any movie with a PG-13 rating to be shown at the junior high/middle school requires a signed, written consent from a parent/guardian that must be kept on file before the student may view the video.
High School: Only G, PG, and PG-13 rated movies may be shown without parental permission. Only certain segments having a valid educational purpose of any R rated movie may be shown. Any segment of an R rated movie to be shown at the high school requires a note signed by a parent/guardian that must be kept on file before the student may view the video.
The Board discourages the showing of any R rated movie in school. However, the Board also recognizes that some segments of certain R rated movies may have a valid educational purpose. Therefore, R rated movies are not to be shown in their entirety, and segments may be shown only if no other means of instruction can present the information. Signed, written permission must be granted by a parent/guardian before the student may view the video.
Copyright
All District employees must comply with federal copyright laws, as well as publisher licensing agreements. A rented or privately owned movie or video may only be shown in the classroom provided "fair use" exceptions are satisfied:
- 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;
Category: R
See also EGAD, IJ
1st Read: February 4, 2014
2nd Read: March 4, 2014
Adopted: March 4, 2014
[post_title] => IJK - Supplemental Materials Selection And Adoption
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[post_content] => The ConVal Regional School District, in partnership with its member communities, will inspire all learners to achieve academically, contribute to the global community, and thrive as independent and productive citizens. To this end, the mission of the ConVal School District is to provide a diverse collection of educational and library materials and services to meet the educational, curricular, informational, recreational, and cultural needs of the school community.
The responsibilities of the Library include providing materials to support, supplement, and enrich curriculum, by providing a wide range of viewpoints that reflect our school community’s informational needs and interests. The ConVal School District Libraries follow the guidelines set forth in the
Library Bill of Rights and the
Freedom to Read Statement. These documents affirm the rights of ConVal students and staff to free and convenient access of ideas, information, and creative expression.
Responsibility for Selection
Responsibility for the selection of library materials rests with the professional staff of the district. Selection and acquisition of materials reflect the thought and consideration of trained professionals, as well as school and community needs.
Selection Objectives
The ConVal School District shall provide materials that:
- 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.
Criteria for Selection
Materials will be evaluated by the following criteria as they apply. Materials shall:
- 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.
Selection Process
- 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.
Special Selection Considerations
Gifts to the school or the library may be accepted if they meet the criteria established for the selection of all library instructional materials. If the gift is a monetary one, items will be acquired based on the same criteria as set forth in this selection policy.
Challenged Materials
Residents of the ConVal School District, who are not in agreement with an item library collection and wish to review that item, must follow the reconsideration of library materials process as outlined below. No material under reconsideration shall be removed pending a final decision. In the interim, however, access to the materials may be restricted for the child(ren) of a parent making the request.
- 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.
Collection Maintenance
The library media specialists will evaluate the collection on a continuing basis to identify materials in need of repair, replacement, or withdrawal. A variety of criteria are considered when withdrawing materials, including:
- 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.
Disposal of Withdrawn Materials
Any materials withdrawn may be donated to a nonprofit institution, or sold or donated to staff, students, or community members. Materials deemed unusable will be disposed of.
Resource Sharing
Resource sharing currently occurs with all libraries in the district. The school libraries and the public libraries within the district also work together to support each other through a variety of resource- sharing methods. The participating libraries will establish procedures and protocols for resource sharing.
Legal Reference:
NH School Minimum Standards Ed 306.08 Instructional Resources
Category: R
1st Read: February 4, 2013
2nd Read: March 4, 2013
Adopted: March 4, 2013
1
st Read: January 17, 2023
2
nd Read: March 7, 2023
Adopted: March 7, 2023
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[post_content] => The School Board bears full responsibility for informing the general public about the operations of the school system. The Board also encourages citizen involvement in the work of the schools to help solve educational problems. An effective school, community, and home relations program encompasses the following ideas and practices:
- 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.
The ultimate goal of school community is to improve the quality of education for all children in a democratic society. In order to achieve this goal, and to evaluate progress toward it, the Board sets the following objectives:
- 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.
Category: P
See also KA
1st Read: June 19, 2012
2nd: Read: August 14, 2012
Adoption: August 14, 2012
[post_title] => IJO - School, Community, And Home Relations
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[post_content] => Field trips that support curriculum goals shall be encouraged and shall be planned carefully as an integral part of instructional units. Trips organized by school officials will be considered as school activities and all of the regular school rules and regulations shall be in effect. Annual budgetary provisions may limit the extent of field trips.
Overnight and even more extensive trips require considerably more planning, detail and supervision than area school day trips. The value of these trips is recognized, but only as they relate to established school curriculum.
Proposed trips requiring students to be away from home overnight shall only be authorized by the Contoocook Valley School Board. The principal shall exercise extensive review of trip proposals before recommending approval through the Superintendent to the School Board. Students participating in extended field trips are expected to pay the full cost of standard trip-related expenses for these experiences although school personnel are encouraged to help students earn and/or obtain the resources they might require.
Category: R
See also IJOC: Volunteers
1
st Read: January 19, 2016
2
nd Read: April 19, 2016
Adopted: April 19, 2016
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[post_content] =>
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
Private Vehicle form
- Ratio of adults to students: ________________________ to_______________________
___________________________________________ __________________________________________
Staff Signature Date Principal Signature Date
School Use Only: All items listed below must be completed before the Principal (or designee) will sign:
- 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
For SAU Use:
School Board approval required for trips of more than two (2) days (refer to field trip policy IJOA).
Proposal forms must be submitted to the Principal by April 1, to the Superintendent by May and approved by the School Board no later than the August meeting for trips during the new school year
Date Received at SAU Office: ______________
Date Approved/Not Approved by School Board: ______________ (for over-night or swimming trips only
(Please Circle One)
Superintendent/Board Chairman Signature__________________________________________________________
[post_title] => IJOA-R Request for Educational Field Trip
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[post_content] => The District recognizes the valuable contribution made by volunteer assistance of parents and other citizens. The Superintendent is responsible for developing and implementing procedures for the selection and utilization of volunteers, as required by state regulation. School district employees who desire the assistance of a volunteer should request a volunteer through proper administrative channels.
Designated Volunteers
Designated volunteers will be required to undergo a background investigation and a criminal records check. “Designated volunteer” means any volunteer who:
- 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.
Designated volunteers are subject to the provisions of Policy GBCD – Background Investigation and Criminal Records Check.
Volunteer Application & Selection
Persons wishing to volunteer at the District should complete a Volunteer Application form describing their skills, interests and availability. Such forms will be made available through the Principal’s office.
Volunteer selection shall be made based on the qualifications and availability of the volunteer. Volunteers shall be assigned only to those teachers who have requested volunteer assistance. Staff should request volunteers through administrative channels for selected activities and as resource persons.
Assignment shall be made by the school administrator or designee.
Volunteers shall be provided appropriate training at the building level consistent with their tasks and existing district standards. This training shall be developed under the leadership of the principal. Exceptions would be district-wide programs established by the administration whereby general volunteer programs would be defined.
A volunteer may be asked to terminate his/her services when circumstances, in the judgment of the administrator, necessitate termination. A building administrator’s decision to terminate service is not subject to appeal.
Volunteer Duties
Selected volunteers will serve in the capacity of assistants and will not be assigned to roles that require specific professional training. Instructional services shall be rendered only under the supervision of certified staff.
All volunteers will sign a confidentiality agreement and shall not discuss the performance or actions of a student except with the student’s teacher, counselor, or principal.
The Confidentiality Agreement is included as Appendix IJOC-R.
Assignments shall be limited to assisting staff members with duties such as routine supervisory, tutorial, clerical, housekeeping and material preparation tasks. Assignments shall be limited to situations that will be supervised by a certified staff person.
In some instances, volunteers may perform clerical and material preparation tasks away from the school site.
Volunteers with special talents, hobbies or experiences may share those with students on a scheduled basis in a suitable educational setting.
Volunteers will refer to their immediate supervisor or other regular staff member for final solution of any student problems which arise, whether of an instructional, medical or behavioral nature.
Volunteers will receive orientation, including: (1) general job responsibilities; (2) information about school facilities, routines, and procedures, including safety and evaluation; (3) work schedule and place of work; and (4) expected relationship to regular staff.
Volunteers will receive appropriate training at the building level, consistent with their tasks and existing District standards. This training shall be developed under the leadership of the principal.
Coaches
Volunteer coaches of individual sports must be certified in that sport and be in compliance with all other regulations and standards as set by NHIAA.
Legal References:
RSA 189:13-a, School Employee and Volunteer Criminal History Records Check
Appendix: IJOC-R
Revised: April 2011
Revised: November 1999, July 2004, August 2007
Category: P
See also ABA, GBCD
1st Read: June 7, 2011
2nd Read: July 19, 2011
Adopted: July 19, 2011
Reviewed: August 2, 2022
[post_title] => IJOC - Volunteers
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Volunteer Duties
A. Complete an application form describing their skills, interests and availability.
B. Serve in the capacity of assistants and not be assigned to roles which require specific professional training. Instructional services shall be rendered under the supervision of certified staff.
C. Sign a confidentiality agreement, and refrain from discussing the performance or actions of a student except with the student's teacher, counselor or Principal.
D. Refer any student problem that arises, whether of an instructional, medical or operational nature, to a regular staff member.
E. Receive orientation, including (1) general job responsibilities; (2) information about school facilities, routines, and procedures, including safety and evaluation; (3) work schedule and place of work; and (4) expected relationship to regular staff.
F. Receive appropriate training at the building level, consistent with their tasks and existing District standards. This training shall be developed under the leadership of the Principal in consultation with the volunteer coordinator.
G. The school district employee with whom the volunteer is working is should have assignments and activities clearly defined and in writing.
H. Receive evaluation and acknowledgment for their services.
I. Volunteer services may be discontinued when:
- 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.
[post_title] => IJOC-R Volunteers
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A. Demonstration of Mastery
Students can earn course credit by demonstrating mastery of the required coursework and material. Mastery is defined in Board policy ILBAA as “a high level of demonstrated proficiency with regard to a competency.”
Student assessment of mastery outside of normal classwork is the responsibility of the building Principal.
Credit will be awarded upon satisfactory demonstration and mastery of the required course competencies. Additionally, credit may also be awarded if a student is able to demonstrate learning experience in compliance with the district-specified curriculum and assessment standards.
B. Transfer Credits from Other Approved Schools
Students can receive credits toward graduation for courses from another approved school subject to this Section.
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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:14:08
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[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
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[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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:17:55
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[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
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[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
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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.
B. Passage of Civics Exam
The district will develop a competency assessment of United States government and civics, consistent with pertinent and applicable law. This assessment will be administered to students as part of the high school course in history and government of the United States and New Hampshire. Students must attain a passing grade on this assessment to be eligible to receive a high school diploma or other graduation certificate.
Effective for students graduating in 2024, the district will also administer the 128 question civics (history and government) naturalization examination developed by the 2020 United States Citizen and Immigration Services (“U.S. Citizenship Test”). This exam may be modified for a student with a disability in accordance with the student’s individualized education program. Students must earn a grade of 70 percent or better to be eligible to receive a high school diploma or other graduation certificate.
Under RSA 189:11, II, the Superintendent will submit the composite results of either the locally developed civics competency assessment or the U.S. Citizenship Test to the N.H. Department of Education.
C. Federal Student Aid Application
Effective starting with the Class of 2024, as a requirement for receiving a high school diploma, each student who is at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, or the parent/guardian of such a student who is under 18 years of age, shall either:
- 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.
The District shall provide to each student and, if applicable, the parent/guardian, any support or assistance necessary to comply with the requirement above.
The District shall award a high school diploma to any student who is unable to meet the requirement above if the student has met all other graduation requirements and the building Principal attests that the District has made a good faith effort to assist the student or parent/guardian in filing an application or waiver.
The Board supports early graduation as a means to earn a high school diploma (see Board policy IKFA. Parental involvement for students under the age of 18 is required. The high school principal shall approve such requests if he/she determines that all state and local graduation requirements will be met and that early graduation is related to career and/or educational plans of the student making the request. Upon approval by the high school principal, the minimum 4-unit requirement per year for enrolled students shall be waived and the student shall be awarded a high school diploma.
D. Alternative Learning Plans
As an alternative to satisfying the provisions of this policy and related State requirements, students may also graduate from high school and obtain either a high school diploma or its equivalent by participating in an alternative learning plan or program. The provisions of Board policy IHBI, Alternative Learning Plans, shall apply in such an event.
Legal References:
RSA 189:11
RSA 193:26-a, Graduation Requirements: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rule – Ed 306.27
Category: R
See also ILBAA, IMBC
1st Reading: February 1, 2022
2nd Reading: February 15, 2022
Adoption: February 15, 2022
[post_title] => IKF - High School Graduation
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[post_content] => The Board supports early graduation as a means to earn a high school diploma. Parental involvement for students under the age of 18 is required. The high school principal shall approve such requests if he/she determines that all state and local graduation requirements will be met and that early graduation is related to career and/or educational plans of the student making the request. Upon approval by the high school principal, the minimum 4-unit requirement per year for enrolled students shall be waived and the student shall be awarded a high school diploma.
Legal References:
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.27(ad), Early Graduation
Category: Priority/Required by Law
First Read: May 1, 2018
Second Read: May 15, 2018
Adopted: May 15, 2018
[post_title] => IKFA - Early Graduation
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[post_date] => 2016-10-12 10:34:19
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[post_content] => Acceptable attire and regalia for graduation ceremonies will be determined by the building Principal, and published in advance in the school handbook. Exceptions and changes will be made only at the discretion of the building Principal.
A student shall have the right to wear a dress uniform issued to the student by a branch of the United States Armed Forces while participating in the graduation ceremony, provided that:
I. The student has fulfilled all of the requirements for receiving a high school diploma in the state of New Hampshire and the school district and is otherwise eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony;
II. The student has completed basic training for and is an active member of a branch of the United States Armed Forces.
A student wearing a dress uniform shall not be required to wear any other piece of regalia, or to wear the uniform in a manner inconsistent with the customs and regulations of his/her branch of service.
The policy language regarding military uniforms shall be included in the school handbook.
Category: R
Legal Reference:
NHRSA 189:71 Military Uniform
See also IJOC:
1st Read: September 20, 2016
2nd Read: October 4, 2016
Adopted: October 4, 2016
[post_title] => IKFB – Graduation Regalia
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[post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:30:59
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[post_content] => The Contoocook Valley School District offers a variety of awards sponsored by groups and individuals. Any new award must be approved by the Contoocook Valley School Board. The Board will not accept the offer of any award which is discriminatory on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or disability.
A complete list of awards is available at the high school guidance office.
Category: O
1
st Read: January 3, 2017
2
nd Read: February 14, 2017
Adopted: February 14, 2017
[post_title] => IKG - Awards
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[post_modified] => 2017-02-21 09:39:47
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[post_content] => The Superintendent or his/her designee will evaluate the curriculum programs in accordance with Board policies and state guidelines. The Superintendent will report annually to the Board on the progress the District is making towards the attainment of its educational goals and improving student performance.
The ConVal School District is committed to a major curriculum review in all curriculum areas at least once in every five years. Each review will involve personnel from all levels (elementary, middle, and high school.) Results will be published and reported to the School Board.
Five Year Curriculum Review Process Schedule:
Year 1 – Evaluate current curriculum and programs and programs and review program options
Year 2 – Pilot and review programs
Year 3 – Systematic adoption of new program
Year 4 – Implementation with review and refining
Year 5 – Continue implementation with review and refining
Legal References:
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
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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.
Interpretation of Assessment Instruments
The Superintendent or SAU designee will ensure that data from the student assessment program is compiled, analyzed, summarized, and reported to the Board annually. The Superintendent or designee is responsible for the scores of individual students and they shall be made available only to appropriate personnel within the school in which the student is enrolled and to parent(s)
or legal guardian(s) of each student as provided by law. Interpretation of test results shall be made available to parents and students.
The Board will provide funding for the student assessment program, including professional development for teachers in the use of tools to understand assessment results, to adjust instruction to meet personalized needs of students, and to monitor progress. The Superintendent will provide an ongoing evaluation of the assessment program, and will provide regular reports to the Board showing the effectiveness of the curriculum on improving student performance.
Evaluation of Assessment Instruments
The Superintendent will evaluate the instructional programs annually in accordance with Board policies and state guidelines. He/she shall have the responsibility to report annually to the Board on the progress the District is making towards the attainment of its educational goals.
Legal References:
RSA 193-C, Statewide Education Improvement and Assessment Program
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.24(b)(1), Local Assessment
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.24(c)(4), Evaluation of Curriculum
Category: R
1
st Read: November 17, 2015
2
nd Read: December 1, 2015
Adopted: December 1, 2015
[post_title] => ILBA - Assessment Of Educational Programs
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[post_content] => For the purposes of assessment of high school course work through the demonstration of student mastery of course competencies, the following definitions are established:
(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
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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.
B. New Hampshire Law
Under RSA 186:11, IX-d, prior notice and prior consent (opt-in) is required for any non-academic survey designed to elicit information about:
- 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.
C. Federal Law
1. Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
Under the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, prior written consent is required only if the non-academic survey, analysis, or evaluation or its administration is paid for or in any way uses federal funds from the federal Department of Education and reveals information concerning the following:
a. Political affiliations;
b. Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or the family;
c. Sexual behavior and attitudes;
d. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior;
e. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
f. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
g. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student's parent/guardian; or
h. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).
2. Federal Exception
Non-academic surveys which do not require consent and notice under New Hampshire law (section B) but might otherwise require notice and consent under the federal law (section C.1 above). However, the federal requirement exempts to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:
a. College or post-secondary education recruitment, or military recruitment;
b. Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products;
c. Curriculum and instructional materials used by schools;
d. Tests and assessments used by schools to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students, or to generate other statistical data for educational purposes;
e. The sale of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities; and
f. Student recognition programs.
Caution: This exception only applies if the non-academic survey is otherwise exempt under New Hampshire law (section B, above).
D. Notification and Inspection
When school personnel intend on administering a non-academic survey the school shall provide ten (10) day notice to parents/guardians. Included in the notice will be information regarding the purpose of the non-academic survey; how the survey will be administered; how it will be utilized; and the persons or entities that will have access to the results of the completed survey. Parents or guardians wishing to inspect a non-academic survey will be able to do so in the school's administrative office. Parents/guardians may refuse to give consent for their student to participate, with or without first reviewing the non-academic survey. The school will not penalize students whose parents/guardians decline to provide written consent. The school will take reasonable precautions to protect student privacy during their participation in any non-academic survey.
E. Consent Exception for Youth Risk Behavior Survey Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Neither state nor federal law requires prior written consent for administration of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control, United States Department of Health and Human Services, concludes that federal law, including the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, also does not require prior written consent from parents or guardians because students are not required to participate and the survey is not paid for by the United States Department of Education.
However, New Hampshire law nonetheless requires the District to provide parents/guardians with notice at least ten (10) days before the Youth Risk Behavior Survey is administered. Parents may inspect the Youth Risk Behavior Survey at the school's administrative office. Parents or guardians may opt their student out of participating in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey by providing the Principal with written notice. District staff administering the Youth Risk Behavior Survey shall insure students understand that participation is voluntary and that students who opt-out will not be penalized.
Legal References:
20 U.S.C. § 1232h; 34 CFR Part 98, Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
RSA 186:11, IX-d
2017 CDC YRBS Guidance Manual
Category: Priority - Required by Law
See also Appendix ILD-R
First Read: June 1, 2021
Second Read: June 15, 2021
Adopted: June 15, 2021
[post_title] => ILD – Non-Educational/Non-Academic Questionnaires, Surveys, & Research
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[post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:44:55
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[post_content] => The Board recognizes that developmentally appropriate daily physical activity, exercise and physical education are ways to promote a healthy lifestyle. The Board recommends that all students in elementary through high school participate in developmentally appropriate physical activity and exercise at for at least 30 to 60 minutes each day as a way to minimize health risks.
- 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.
Legal References:
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
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[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
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[post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:49:01
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[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.
Students earning credit via alternative methods will participate in all assessments required by the statewide education improvement and assessment program.
The Board directs the Superintendent to establish regulations and procedures for implementing this policy that will include:
- 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.
It is the policy of the Board that alternative methods for the awarding of credit may include:
- 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 Education Rule Ed 315).
- Demonstration of mastery of required coursework and material, pursuant to Board policy IK.
- Extended learning opportunities under the provisions of Board policy IHBH
- Distance, online, or virtual learning opportunities under the provisions of Board policy IMBA
College Credit, including credit earned through Dual and/or Concurrent Enrollment under Board policy IHCD/LEB
- Early Graduation under Board policy IKFA
- 7th and 8th grade coursework meeting the standards of Board policy IMBD
If a student demonstrates knowledge and abilities on a placement pre-test developed by the school district for a particular course, the student shall not receive credit for the course, but shall be allowed to take a more advanced level of the subject or an elective.
Funding
Unless otherwise recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board, under ordinary circumstances students or their parents/guardians are responsible for all related expenses including tuition and textbooks. The District may pay the fee for expelled students who are permitted to take courses in alternative settings. If paid by the District and the course is not completed, the student must reimburse the district for the expenses.
Legal References:
RSA 193-A, Home Education
RSA 193-E:3-f, Approval of Courses and Programs
N.H. Dept. of Education Administrative Rules:
Ed 306.04(a)(13), Alternative Means of Earning Credit
Ed 306.14(a)(14), Alternative Means Of Demonstrating Achievement Of Graduation Competencies
Ed 306.21, Alternative Programs
Ed 306.26(f), Credit for 7th & 8th Grade Course Work
Ed 306.27(ad), Early Graduation
Ed 315, Home Education Programs
Category: Priority/Required by Law
Related Policies: IHBG, IHBH, IHCD/LEB, IK, IKFA, ILBAA, IMBA & IMBD
District Policy History:
1st Read: June 3, 2014
2nd Read: August 19, 2014
Adopted: August 19, 2014
District Revision History:
1st Read: March 15, 2022
2nd Read: April 5, 2022
Adopted: April 5, 2022
[post_title] => IMBC - Alternative Credit Options
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[post_content] => Students in 7th or 8th grade may take advanced courses and apply the credit of those courses toward high school graduation, provided the course demonstrates content requirements consistent with related high school courses and the student achieves satisfactory standards of performance. School Board policies relative to assessment, mastery and competency shall apply.
The Assistant Superintendent and High School Principal shall approve such course work and credit prior to the student enrolling in the class in order for such credit to be applied toward high school graduation.
Legal References:
Ed 306.26(f), Granting High School Credit for 7th/8th Grade Coursework (until July 1, 2017)
Ed 306.261(e), Granting High School Credit for 7th/8th Grade Coursework (after July 1, 2017)
Category: Priority/Required by Law
1st Read: June 18, 2019
2nd Read: July 23, 2019
Adopted: July 23, 2019
[post_title] => IMBD: High School Credit for 7th/8th Grade Coursework
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[post_date] => 2015-09-11 15:51:00
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[post_content] => A goal of education is to prepare our students to participate constructively in a democratic, pluralistic society in which many different opinions are held and differing causes are espoused. It is important that students develop an understanding of ideas and of people who may seem unfamiliar to them. It is also important that students develop judgment and the capacity to discern the difference between fact and opinion. Books, files, and other media are valuable for giving students exposure to many differing ideas; but for effective learning, it is also useful to invite appropriate guest speakers to meet with groups of students as part of the educational process.
The School Board, in an effort to uphold the students’ freedom to learn, while also recognizing obligations and responsibilities that the exercise of this freedom entails, establishes the following guidelines:
- All guest speakers must be invited through the school principal and an attempt shall be made to engage speakers for both sides of the issues and documented through district procedure. The teacher/sponsor and any member of administration are expected to exercise judgment and to fully investigate proposed guest speaker.
- In accordance with district procedure, an appropriate record shall be made of each guest speaker and of their presentation.
- The ideas presented and the guest speaker invited to present them shall have a demonstrable relation to the curricular or co-curricular activity in which the participating students are involved.
- Prior to their appearance or participation, the guest speaker shall be given, in writing, and shall agree to abide by the following Board regulations:
- Profanity, vulgarity, and lewd comments are prohibited.
- Smoking is not permitted.
- The teacher/sponsor responsible for inviting the guest speaker, or any member of the school administration, has the right and duty to interrupt or suspend the proceedings if the conduct of the guest speaker is judged to be in poor taste or interfering with the legitimate educational purpose and goals of the school district.
Category: P
District review/revision history:
1st Read: November 5, 2013
2nd Read: December 3, 2013
Adopted: December 3, 2013
First Read: November 16, 2021
Second Read: December 7, 2021
Adopted: December 7, 2021
[post_title] => IMC - Controversial Speakers And Programs
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[post_content] => In accordance with federal law, the District shall offer an education program(s) each year on Constitution Day to commemorate the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall establish administrative guidelines ensuring that the District observes Constitution Day properly and in a manner befitting the importance of the event.
Further, during the weeks of Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the District will devote time for exercises of a patriotic nature, including a discussion of the words, meaning, and history of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner.
Category: R
Legal Reference:
RSA 189:18, Patriotic Exercises
Section 111 of Division J of Public Law 108-447 (2004)
1st Read: October 4, 2016
2nd Read: October 18, 2016
Adopted: October 18, 2016
[post_title] => IMDA - Patriotic Exercises
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[post_content] => The Board recognizes that under the proper conditions, animals can be an effective teaching aid. In order to protect both children and animals, the following guidelines are adopted for use in all schools in the district.
- The bringing of animals into the classroom must not violate city/state/federal ordinances.
- The only animals and animal products (e.g., owl pellets for dissection) allowed in a classroom must be for a specific and appropriate educational purpose and shall be allowed for the amount of time necessary to achieve the educational goal. No other animals will be authorized in school buildings.
- Precautions should be taken to minimize transmission of all diseases and injuries (e.g., Salmonella, rabies, ringworm, bites, scratches, etc.)
- All animals must be in good physical condition and vaccinated against transmittable diseases. Dogs, cats, and ferrets require proof of current rabies vaccination. Animals are to be kept clean and free of intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, mites, and lice.
- Certain groups of people may be more susceptible to diseases, including infants, children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Parents must be consulted to determine special considerations needed for children who are immunocompromised, who have allergies, or who have asthma.
- The teacher will be responsible for the proper control of animals brought to school for instructional purposes, including the effective protection of children when animals are in the school. This will include keeping the animal in an appropriate cage or container, supervising human-animal contact, and handling fecal material in a sanitary manner.
- No animals are to be allowed to run freely in the classrooms, food areas, or activity areas.
- Areas should be designated for animal contact. Such areas should be properly cleaned regularly and after animal contact. Food or drink should not be consumed in these areas.
- All fecal material must be cleaned from the cage of any mammal or bird on an as needed basis (at a minimum of one time per week), and appropriate sanitizer used. Reptiles, fish, and insects must be cared for in a manner to minimize odor and maintain health. Persons cleaning cages must wear gloves, masks, and glasses or goggles. Cleaning should be performed by people older than 5 years and under the supervision of an adult.
- All persons must wash their hands after contact with animals, animal products, or their environment. Hand hygiene should be stressed, using verbal and written educational
materials.
- Wild or exotic animals are not permitted in classrooms, unless under the control of a professional animal handler.
The principal shall be advised of any animals to be housed in the classroom. At the principal's discretion, permission to keep the animal may be denied.
Teachers must be contacted prior to having animals in their classroom. No animal shall be at school unless the teacher involved is familiar with the appropriate care, feeding, and handling of that animal and of any potential dangers caused by that animal. It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to become familiar with each animal as it relates to the well being of the individual students in that particular classroom.
It will be the responsibility of the teacher to provide care for classroom-housed animals in the event of an emergency school closing that might cause disruption of the routine care of the animals.
Animals on School Grounds
Children, parents, and staff will be instructed to keep their own animals off the school grounds during school hours. Any animal brought onto school grounds must be leashed or otherwise contained. Owners are responsible for the appropriate behavior of their pet and for the cleanup and removal of any animal waste. Owners asked to remove their animal must do so promptly. Otherwise, the appropriate town official will be called and requested to take suitable action.
Legal References:
National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc., Compendium of
measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2006.
http://www.nasphv.org/documentsCompendia.html
Category: O
See also IMGA
1st Read: December 6, 2011
2nd Read: December 20, 2011
Adopted: December 20, 2011
[post_title] => IMG - Animals In School
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[post_content] =>
Purpose
This policy addresses the use of service animals within school buildings and on school grounds. As established and defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and its accompanying regulations, individuals with disabilities shall be permitted to bring their service animals in school buildings or on school grounds in accordance with this policy. Conditions relative to pets and non-service animals within the school building and on school grounds are found in Board Policy IMG.
“Service Animal” Defined
In accordance with 28 CFR 35.104 (effective March 15, 2011) a “service animal” is defined as:
Any animal that is individually trained to do or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or who have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or task for the purpose of this definition.
This definition shall be construed to include a “hearing ear animal,” “guide animal,” or “service animal,” as those terms are currently defined in NH RSA 167-D:3.
Permissible Inquires
The District will not make the inquiry about the nature or extent of an individual’s disability in determining whether to allow a service animal in a school building or on school grounds. When
it is not patently obvious as to the role of the service animal, the District may ask whether the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal as been trained to perform.
When a student or employee’s disability requires the presence of a service animal in a school building or on school grounds during the school day, the District shall also require annual submission of proof of current vaccinations and immunizations of the service animal and a current veterinary health certificate.
Access to the School Buildings and Grounds
In accord with federal regulations, individuals with disabilities shall be permitted to be accompanied by their service animal in all areas of District schools, where members of the public, participants in services, programs, or invitees, as relevant, are allowed to go.
Animals for Children with Educational Disabilities or a Section 504 Plan
If a student with an educational disability or a Section 504 Plan seeks to bring an animal on a school campus that is not a service animal, the request shall be referred to the IEP or Section 504 Team to determine whether the animal is necessary for the student to receive a free and appropriate education (FAPE).
Management of Service Animals
Service animals must be under control of their handlers. A service animal shall have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless either the handler is unable because of a disability to use a harness, leash, or other tether, or the use of a harness, leash, or tether would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks, in which case the service animal must be otherwise under the handler’s control (e.g., voice control, signals, or other effective means).
Care of and Responsibility for Service Animals
The District is not responsible for the care or supervision of a service animal. The owner or handler of the service animal shall be solely responsible for:
- Supervision and care of the animal, including feeding, exercising, clean-up and stain removal;
- Restraint of the animal at all times;
- Damages to the school buildings, property and vehicles caused by the animal;
- Injuries to students, employees, volunteers and visitors caused by the animal; and
- Annual submission of documentation of vaccinations and immunizations.
Animals for Employees
Use of a service animal by a qualified employee with a disability will be allowed when such use is necessary to enable the employee to perform the essential functions of his/her position or to enjoy the benefits of employment in a manner comparable to those similarly situated non-disabled employees.
Circumstances Under Which a Service Animal Will Be Prohibited from Campus
The Superintendent or other designee may ask an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from the campus or school event, or may even deny a request for use of a service animal on campus or at a school event if:
- The animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take effective action to control it;
- The animal is not housebroken;
- The presence of the animal will require a fundamental alternation of the program or will significantly disrupt or interfere with the educational process;
- When the animal is to be used regularly during the school day or at school events, the handler fails to submit proof of current vaccinations and immunizations of the service animal and a current veterinary health certificate;
- To the extent applicable, the handler fails to comply with NH RSA 167-D.
If an animal is properly removed or prohibited from the premises, the District will continue to give the individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in District services, programs, or activities without having the service animal on the premises.
A decision to remove or prohibit a service animal from District schools may be appealed to the Superintendent of Schools.
Legal References:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act – 29 U.S.C. 794
Americans with Disabilities Act – 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability, Title 28 CFR Part 35, Part 36
NH RSA 167-D
Category: P
See also IMG
1st Read: June 7, 2011
2nd Read: July 19, 2011
Adopted: July 19, 2011
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[post_content] =>
PURPOSE
District policy requires that all programs, activities, and employment practices be free from discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. This policy is designed in keeping with these mandates to create a safe learning environment for all students and to ensure that every student has equal access to all school programs and activities. This policy sets out guidelines for schools and district staff to address the needs of transgender and gender nonconforming students and clarifies how state law should be implemented in situations where questions may arise about how to protect the legal rights or safety of such students. This policy does not anticipate every situation that might occur with respect to transgender or gender nonconforming students, and the needs of each transgender or gender nonconforming student must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In all cases, the goal is to ensure the safety, comfort, and healthy development of the transgender or gender nonconforming student while maximizing the student's social integration and minimizing stigmatization of the student.
The Board directs the Superintendent to create a procedure to ensure that transgender and gender non-conforming students are supported and there are no institutional structures that create discriminatory practices. The procedure will be reviewed annually by the Administration and updated to consistent legal and regulatory requirements.
First Read: November 7, 2023
Second Read: November 14, 2023
Adopted: November 14, 2023
[post_title] => JBAB — Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students
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General Assignment Authority
The Superintendent has the general authority to assign students to the schools within the District and shall do such in a manner consistent with the Articles of Agreement, and Board Policies. No student shall attend a school to which they have not been assigned. This policy shall not be construed to limit the Superintendent’s discretion to make other in-District assignments consistent with applicable Board policies and administrative rules.
Class Assignment Authority and Change of Class Assignment.
The principal of each school in the District and his/her designees shall have the authority to assign students to their classes and schedule. The principal shall have the authority to change a student’s class assignment or schedule when he/she deems it in the best interests of the student or school to do such, provided such change is consistent with any applicable Individualized Education Plan or Section 504 Plan. The principal shall have the broad discretion and authority to make or change a student’s class assignment for reasons such as, but not limited to, student discipline, a remedial measure to address bullying or conflict between students, student safety concerns, pedagogical reasons, balancing enrollment, addressing staffing concerns, or providing interim supportive measures to students or staff.
The Superintendent shall also have the broad discretion and authority, consistent with state law and Board policies, to change a student’s assigned class or schedule, and may, when appropriate, modify or change an assignment made by a principal when she/he deems such to be appropriate. This policy, however, does not limit the Superintendent’s discretion to make other in-District class and schedule assignments consistent with applicable Board policies and administrative rules. The decision of the Superintendent as to a student’s class assignment or schedule shall be final and shall not be appealable.
Nothing herein shall override the authority of an IEP Team under the IDEA to make a placement, to assign a student to particular classes, or to modify their schedule when deemed necessary to provide a Free Appropriate Education at Public Expense (FAPE). Nothing herein shall override the authority of the Title IX Coordinator to change a student’s class assignments or schedule as part of a supportive measure under Title IX.
A. “Best interest” reassignment to another school
In circumstances where the best interests of a student warrant a change of school assignment, the Superintendent or his/her designee is authorized to reassign a student from the public school to which he/she is currently assigned to another public school, either in or out of the District, a public academy in another district, or an approved private school. The Superintendent also has the authority to approve a request from another Superintendent to accept a transfer of a student from another school district to a school within the District. . This section sets out the procedures for a “Best Interest” reassignment.
- Procedure
a. In order to initiate consideration of a reassignment based upon the child’s best interests, the parent/guardian shall submit to the Superintendent a written request stating why and/or how the child’s best interests warrant reassignment. In order to facilitate a determination, such application may also include any additional information described in 4 below. The written request should be mailed or delivered to the SAU office or emailed to the Superintendent at the email address provided on the District’s website.
b. Upon such request, the Superintendent shall schedule a meeting (the “reassignment meeting”) with the parent/guardian, to be held within 10 days of receiving the request.
c. Prior to or at the reassignment meeting, the parent/guardian shall make a specific request that the student be re-assigned to another public school within the District, a public school in another district, an approved private school within the district, a public academy, or an approved private school in another district.
d. At the reassignment meeting, the parent/guardian may present documents, witnesses, or other relevant evidence supporting the parent's belief that reassignment is in the best interest of the student.
e. The Superintendent may present such information as he or she deems appropriate.
f. In determining whether reassignment is in the student’s best interest the Superintendent shall consider the student's academic, physical, personal, or social needs.
- The Superintendent’s Finding on Reassignment
In order for a student to be reassigned there must be a finding by the Superintendent that reassignment is in the student’s best interests, after taking into consideration the student’s academic, physical, personal, or social needs.
a. Within five school days of the reassignment meeting, the Superintendent shall deliver to the parent/guardian a written determination as to whether or not reassignment is in the child’s best interest. Delivery of the written determination should be done in a manner to produce evidence of the delivery (e.g., courier, email, fax).
b. If the Superintendent finds it is in the best of the interest of the student to change the student's school or assignment, the Superintendent shall initiate:
i. A change of assignment within the student's current assigned school;
ii. The student's transfer to another public school, public academy, or approved private school within the District; or
iii. The student's transfer to a public school, public academy, or approved private school in another district.
c. If the Superintendent does not find that it is in the best interest of the student to change the student's school or assignment, the parent/guardian may request a hearing before the School Board to determine if the student is experiencing a manifest educational hardship as provided in Section B of this policy.
- The Tuition Determination
If a student is to be reassigned to a public school in another school district or approved public academy as a result of a best interest determination, the Superintendent shall work with the Superintendent or administrator of the receiving school district/approved school to establish a tuition rate for such student. Pursuant to RSA 193:3, I(g), if the Superintendent has made a finding that it is in the best interest of the student to be reassigned, then the School Board shall approve the tuition payment consistent with the Board's ordinary manifest approval procedures.
If the student is reassigned to an approved private school as a result of a best interest determination, that school may charge tuition to the parent/guardian or may enter into an agreement for payment of tuition with the school district in which the student resides. The Superintendent shall consult with legal counsel regarding tuition obligations in such an instance. Any such Agreement shall be subject to approval by the school board on behalf of the School District and shall be at the sole discretion of the School Board with due consideration given to the fiscal impact of such approval on the District and shall not be granted if in the opinion of the School Board there are other viable public-school options for reassignment.
The Superintendent shall assure that the reassignment approval is placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
- Transportation:
Transportation for a student reassigned to a school in another district under this Section A (best interest) shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
- Tuition for Students Reassigned by Other Districts.
Pursuant to RSA 193:3, I. It is the general policy of the Board that the tuition amount to be charged to another district for any student reassigned by that district to a school within this District under the best interest standard of 193:3, I, shall be the lesser of the tuition charged for non-residential students under Board policy JFAB or as computed under the formula set out in RSA 193:4. The Superintendent, however, is authorized to reduce the tuition amount below those thresholds or for other good cause shown (e.g., reciprocal assignments between the two districts).
- Final Decision.
The decision of the Superintendent shall be final and any appeal shall be limited to the process set forth in paragraph B., herein.
- Annual Review
A reassignment on the basis of best interest of the student shall be limited to no longer than the end of the ensuing school year, and shall be subject to review by the Superintendent prior to any subsequent school year to determine that the reassignment remains in the best interest of the student, with the understanding that the Superintendent may, at his/her discretion, waive the review when he/she deems such to be appropriate..
B. Manifest Educational Hardship – Determination by School Board and Appeal to State Board.
If, after following the procedure outlined in Section A of this policy, the Superintendent did not find that it was in the best interest of the student to reassign the student as requested by the student’s parent/guardian, then the parent/guardian may within thirty (30) days submit a request to the Superintendent for a hearing before the School Board in accord with paragraph 2 herein, to determine if the student is experiencing a manifest educational hardship.
- “Manifest Educational Hardship” Defined. As provided in RSA 193:3, II (a), "manifest educational hardship" means that a student has a documented hardship in his or her current educational placement; and that such hardship has a detrimental or negative impact on the student's academic achievement or growth, physical safety, or social and emotional well-being. Such hardship must be so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it interferes with or limits the ability of the student to receive an education.
- Procedure for Determination of Manifest Educational Hardship.
a. Within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Superintendent’s written determination described that reassignment is not in a student’s best interest as described in paragraph A.2.a, above, the parent/guardian requesting a manifest educational hardship hearing shall submit a written application to the Superintendent detailing the specific reasons why they believe that the current assignment constitutes a manifest educational hardship.
b. The Superintendent shall duly notify the school board that the parent/guardian has requested a manifest educational hardship hearing, upon which the school board shall schedule a hearing to be held no more than 15 days after the request has been received by the Superintendent. The Board shall provide at least two (2) full days notice of the hearing. The Board will conduct the hearing in non-public session, unless the parent/guardian requests the hearing be held in public session, subject to RSA 91-A:3, II(c).
c. Prior to or at such hearing, the parent/guardian shall provide to the Superintendent a specific request in writing that the student attend another public school or approved private school in the District, or attend a public school, public academy, or approved private school in another school district. The Superintendent shall provide such request to the School Board at the hearing. Although not required, the parent/guardian may include this request as part of the original hearing request.
d. At such hearing, the parent/guardian may present documents, witnesses, or other relevant evidence supporting their belief that the student is experiencing a manifest educational hardship. The Superintendent may present such information as he or she may deem appropriate to assist the School Board in reaching its decision. The parties (or their appointed designee) shall have the right to examine all evidence and witnesses. The formal rules of evidence shall not apply. The Superintendent will assure the means for the Board to establish an adequate record of the hearing.
e. The parent/guardian shall have the burden of establishing the presence of a manifest educational hardship by clear and convincing evidence, which means that the evidence is highly and substantially more likely to be true than untrue, and the Board must be convinced that the contention is highly probable
f. The Board will render its decision in writing within seven (7) days after the hearing and will forward its written decision to the parent/guardian via means producing proof of delivery (e.g., courier, email, etc.). The decision will conform to the requirements of NH Dept. of Education Rule Ed 320(c)-(e).
- Finding of Manifest Educational Hardship. If the School Board finds that the student has a manifest educational hardship, the School Board shall grant the parent's or guardian's request to reassign the student to another public school or approved private school in the District, or to a public school, public academy, or approved private school in another district.
- Finding that Manifest Educational Hardship Was Not Established – Appeal to the New Hampshire State Board of Education. If the School Board finds that the parent/guardian has not met their burden of proof, the parent/guardian may appeal the local Board decision to the New Hampshire State Board of Education (“SBOE”), within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Board’s written decision in accordance with NH Dept. of Ed. Rule Ed 204.01(g). If a parent/guardian believes that denial of a re-assignment under this policy upon the child’s disability, the parent/guardian may appeal to the SBOE or file a complaint with the N.H. Human Rights Commission under RSA 354-A:28.
- Tuition for Students Reassigned Upon Finding of Manifest Educational Hardship. If, after a finding of a manifest educational hardship - by either the School Board or the State Board - a student of the District is assigned to attend school in another district, or a student from another district is assigned to a school in this District, the district in which the student resides shall pay tuition to the district to which the child is reassigned.Such tuition shall be computed according to RSA 193:4. The school board of the district in which the student resides shall approve the tuition payment consistent with its ordinary manifest approval process.
- Transportation: Transportation for a student reassigned to schools in another district under this section B (manifest educational hardship) shall not be the responsibility of the District unless otherwise ordered by the SBOE.
- Review. A reassignment on the basis of manifest educational hardship shall be limited to no longer than the end of the ensuing school year and shall be subject to review by the School Board prior to any subsequent school year to determine that the manifest educational hardship still exists, with the understanding that the Board may, at its discretion, waive the review when it deems such to be appropriate.
C. Admission Requirements. Students reassigned under this Policy shall meet the admission requirements of the school to which the student is to be reassigned.
D. Statutory Reassignment Limit. The total reassignments or transfer made under this policy in any one school year will not exceed one (1) percent of the average daily membership in residence of a school district, or five (5) percent of the average daily membership in residence of any single school, whichever is greater, unless the School Board votes to exceed this limit.
E. Count of Reassigned Pupils, Tuition Payment and Rate, and Transportation. Pupils reassigned under this policy will be counted in the average daily membership in residence of a given pupil's resident school district. Said pupil's resident district will forward any tuition payment due to the District to which the pupil was assigned.
F. Notice to the Department of Education. The Superintendent of the pupil's resident SAU will notify the Department of Education within thirty (30) days of any reassignment made under this policy.
G. Special Education Placements. A placement made relative to a student's special education needs and services shall not be deemed a change of school assignment for purposes of this section.
Legal Reference:
RSA 193:3, III. (Change of School Assignment)
RSA 193:3, I, II, Manifest Educational Hardship
RSA 193:14-a, Change of School Assignment; Duties of State Board of Education
Ed320.01et seq.
Category: P
1st Read: September 6, 2022
2nd Read: September 20, 2022
Adopted: September 20, 2022
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[post_content] => In circumstances where the best interests of a student warrant a change of school assignment within the ConVal School District schools , the Superintendent or his/her designee is authorized to reassign a student from the public school to which he/she is currently assigned to another ConVal public school. Procedures for Reassignment of Students within the District:
- The parent or legal guardian will submit a written request for student enrollment transfer to the home and receiving building principal. The written request will include a summary of the unique circumstances leading to the request for transfer. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Superintendent; priority in decision making given to the child, the school, and the district.
- Once the request is received by the building principals, the home principal will schedule a meeting with the parent/guardian. This meeting shall occur within five days of receipt of the written request. All requests will be shared with the Director of Student Services.
- If the home principal supports the transfer request, he/she will communicate the decision to the receiving building principal. Both administrators must support the request for the transfer to move forward. Once approved by both administrators, each will generate a joint, written notification to the Superintendents that outlines the agreement.
The Superintendent, within 10 school days of receipt of the agreement summary, shall review the submitted summary and approve or disapprove the agreement. A written placement decision shall be shared with the parent/guardian, as well as the two building principals.
4. If the home or receiving principal does not approve the request, the home principal will send a written denial, documenting the justification, to the parent/guardian within 15 days of receipt of the transfer request.
5. The parent may appeal the denial to the Superintendent. An appeal must be received within 10 days of receipt.
6. The Superintendent’s reassignment decision shall be in writing, and shall be final and binding.
7. Parent/guardian requests must be made each year to the home and receiving principals, no later than March 15th. If the request is not received by March 15th, the student will attend school in the town in which the parent/guardian resides.
Legal Reference:
RSA 193:14-a, Change of School Assignment; Duties of State Board of Education
Category: O
1st Read: September 6, 2022
2nd Read: September 20, 2022
Adopted: September 20, 2022
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[post_date] => 2015-08-13 18:16:25
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[post_content] => A student shall enter grade one if his/her chronological age will be six (6) before September 30 of the school year of entry.
A child may only enter Kindergarten if his/her chronological age will be five (5) before September 30 of the school year of entry.
The Superintendent is hereby authorized to grant a waiver for exceptions to Kindergarten entrance age. Decisions of the Superintendent may be appealed to the School Board.
Incoming transfer students in grades K - 8, inclusive, will be initially placed in accordance with the data forwarded by the sending District. Such placement is tentative and subject to reassignment by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.
Nothing in this policy shall supersede the responsibility and authority of a District IEP Team to determine and make an educational placement in accord with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (“IDEA”), as amended and reauthorized, as well as the corresponding state laws pertaining to the education of children with educational disabilities. Nothing in this policy shall supersede the responsibility and authority of a District Section 504 Team to make a placement decision in accord with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Legal Reference:
RSA 193:1, Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil
Category: P
First & Second Read Waived
Adopted: June 5, 2018
[post_title] => JEB - Entrance Age
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[post_content] => The Superintendent will assign resident students to a public school within the District.
The School Board recognizes that in unusual and extraordinary circumstances, a parent/guardian may wish to request a change in the student’s school assignment to another public school within the District or a public school in another district. When the parent/guardian believes that the assignment that has been made will result in a manifest educational hardship to the student, the Board will consider these requests, according to the procedure outlined below.
Procedure for Consideration of a Manifest Educational Hardship Request
The following procedures will be utilized when a parent/guardian seeks a change of assignment within the District, or a waiver of assignment from attending any school in the District based on an assertion that the current assignment constitutes a manifest educational hardship:
1. The parent/guardian will make a written request with the Superintendent’s office, detailing the specific reasons why they believe that the current assignment constitutes a manifest educational hardship.
2. The Board will hold a hearing on the matter within thirty (30) days of receipt of the written request. The Board will hear the matter in non-public session, unless the parent/guardian requests the hearing be held in public session, subject to RSA 91-A:3, II(c).
3. The parent/guardian may use whatever information they deem is necessary and appropriate to support their request. At a minimum, however, the parent/guardian must submit information demonstrating to the School Board that the current assignment is detrimental or has a negative effect on the student’s educational or personal development.
4. In determining whether the current assignment of the student constitutes a manifest educational hardship, and what the corresponding appropriate action should be, the Board will consider all information presented by the parent/guardian, the recommendations of the Superintendent, and any other information which the Board deems relevant and useful.
5. The Board reserves the legal right to make a determination on whether a given request constitutes a manifest educational hardship, and what the corresponding action should be, on a case by case basis.
6. The Board will render its decision in writing within fifteen (15) days after the Board meeting in which the parent/guardian addressed the Board, and will forward its written decision to the parents or guardians via US mail.
7. If a parent or guardian disagrees with the decision of the Board, he/she may appeal to the State Board of Education in accordance with the provisions of Ed 200.
Tuition and Transportation
The Superintendents involved in the reassignment of schools under this policy shall jointly establish a tuition rate for each student. Tuition payments shall be the responsibility of the pupil’s resident school district. Some or all of the tuition may be waived by the Superintendent of the receiving district for good cause shown or pursuant to other board policy, if applicable.
The cost of transportation shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Legal References:
RSA 193:3, Change of School or Assignment; Manifest Educational Hardship
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 320, Manifest Educational Hardship
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 200, Rules of Practice and Procedure
Category: P
See also JCA
1st Read: June 3, 2014
2nd Read: August 19, 2014
Adopted: August 19, 2014
[post_title] => JEC - Manifest Educational Hardship
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[post_content] => All school personnel are to be instructed to refuse requests for students to leave the school grounds once they have come to the school or have been deposited there from the school buses or other vehicles. Students shall not leave the school grounds from the time they arrive until the time of their departure for home except as follows:
- No school or grade may be dismissed before the regular hour for dismissal except with the approval of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.
- No teacher may permit any individual pupil to leave school prior to the regular hour of dismissal except by permission of the principal or his/her indicated representatives.
- No pupil may be permitted to leave school prior to the dismissal hour for any reason unless permission of the parent or guardian has been first secured, nor sent home unless a responsible adult is at the home.
As provided by the ConVal High School Student Handbook, any student being released during the school day must be released through the school office when he/she leaves and must report to the office when he/she returns, except that students who are ill may also be released through the nurse’s office. Students will be released only when legally authorized by the parent or legal guardian.
Category: R
1
st Read: November 15, 2016
2
nd Read: December 6, 2016
Adopted: December 6, 2016
[post_title] => JEDB - Student Release Precautions
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[post_content] => Students who are not residents of the Contoocook Valley School District may attend District schools so long as there is space available, and upon payment of established tuition fees, this includes students in Foster Care. Except as set forth in paragraph 3, below, admission of nonresident students shall be subject to approval by the School Board upon the recommendation of the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall establish criteria for the admission of nonresident students. Such students shall be assigned to a school by the Superintendent of Schools. An application for admission shall be granted on an annual basis; if the nonresident student wishes to continue to attend District schools, then the parent or legal guardian must reapply prior to the start of each school year.
When a nonresident student or foster student is enrolled in the District, the District shall immediately notify the district of residence of the name, date of birth, address, and grade assignment of the student. Such notification shall be made at the beginning of each school year for which the child is enrolled.
The District acknowledges the provisions of RSA 193:3, which states that the District in which the student resides shall retain all responsibility for the provision of special education and related services pursuant to RSA 186-C. The Superintendent’s decision on whether to enroll a nonresident student will not be based, in whole or in part, on whether that student is a student with a disability as defined by applicable State or Federal law.
Students who are not residents of the District, who are admitted by the Superintendent, shall be charged tuition, except under the following circumstances:
- To bring into the school system on occasion, students from other countries who are the guests of district residents under exchange programs that have been recognized for purposes of school attendance by the Superintendent.
- Seniors whose families move during their senior year may complete the current school year in the District, tuition free. If the student does not graduate at the conclusion of that school year then the student must apply to enroll in the District and if admitted, he/she shall be required to pay tuition. All other students who move during the school year and are admitted by the Superintendent as a nonresident student for the remainder of the school year, shall pay tuition on a pro-rata basis.
- Children of Contoocook Valley School District employees who are not district residents, will be permitted to attend a school in the Contoocook Valley School District. Such students will attend at a reduced tuition so that the District’s share of that student's costs will not exceed two-thirds (2/3rds) of the District's per student costs for the previous school year. The Superintendent’s decision regarding admittance is non-grievable.
- Except as set forth above, or unless enrolled through separate agreement with another school system or agency, all nonresident day students shall be charged tuition at a rate set by the School Board. Tuition shall be billed quarterly in advance to the district of residence or the parent responsible for payment. When a district of residence is responsible for tuition, prior approval must be granted by that district’s school board, and the districts may elect to enter into an agreement for payment of tuition.
Conditions and Procedures for Students Who Are Reassigned Through Mutual Agreement of Superintendents
- The Superintendent of a different SAU may make a written request to the Superintendent for a change of school assignment.
- The Superintendent will fully consider this written request, will meet with the parent/guardian, if necessary, and will make a decision concerning the reassignment request.
- The Superintendent’s decision will be based on the best interests of the pupil, as determined by the Superintendents. The Superintendent may develop administrative regulations concerning the factors that will be considered in making such a determination.
- If the Superintendents of the districts determine that the best interests of the pupil warrant a reassignment, he/she may seek Board approval of reassignment of the pupil to a school district in another SAU, subject to the pupil meeting the admission requirements of such school, and subject to the agreement of the Superintendent of the receiving SAU.
- The Superintendent will seek School Board approval of any student being reassigned to the ConVal School District.
- The Superintendent will issue a written decision to the parent/guardian. The Superintendent’s decision will be final and binding.
- The total reassignments or transfer made under this policy in any one school year will not exceed one (1) percent of the average daily membership in residence of a school district, or five (5) percent of the average daily membership in residence of any single school, whichever is greater.
Count of Reassigned Pupils, Tuition Payment and Rate, and Transportation:
Pupils reassigned under this policy will be counted in the average daily membership in residence of a given pupil's resident school district. Said pupil's resident district will forward any tuition payment due to the District to which the pupil was assigned. Said pupil’s resident or sending district will be charged tuition, which shall include the cost of any special education programming and services.
The Superintendents involved in the reassignment of a pupil will jointly establish a tuition rate for each such pupil.
The District acknowledges the provisions of RSA 193:3, which states that the District in which the student resides shall retain all responsibility for the provision of special education and related services pursuant to RSA 186-C.
Role of the Department of Education
The Superintendent of the pupil's resident SAU will notify the Department of Education within thirty (30) days of any reassignment made under this policy.
Manifest Educational Hardship Change of Assignment
When a parent/guardian believes that an initial assignment has been made which will result in a manifest educational hardship to the pupil, the parent/guardian may seek a change of assignment in accordance with applicable provisions of RSA 193:3 and Board Policy JEC – Manifest Educational Hardship.
All Non-Resident Students Admitted to the ConVal School District
Nonresident students who are admitted to the District shall comply with all District policies, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to the District’s code of conduct and its bullying policy.
The provisions of this policy may be modified on a case-by-case basis, as needed, pursuant to separate contracts, agreements, and other binding arrangements.
Legal Reference:
RSA 186-C:13, Special Education; Liability of Expenses
RSA 193:3, Change of School or Assignment
RSA 193:12, Legal Residence Required
Category: Category: Priority/Required by Law
1st Read: December 18, 2018
2nd Read: January 8, 2019
Adoption: January 8, 2019
[post_title] => JFAB - Admission and Tuition of Nonresident Students
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[post_content] => It is the Board's intent to remove barriers to the identification, enrollment and retention in schools of homeless children and youth. All staff shall take reasonable steps to ensure that homeless students and children are not segregated or stigmatized and that educational decisions are made in the best interests of those students.
A. Homeless Students
Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (“McKinney-Vento”), and guidance provided by the New Hampshire Department of Education (“NHDOE”), the term “homeless children and youths” means “individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.” Under both section 752(2) of McKinney-Vento and the NHDOE guidance*, the term includes children and youth who are:
- sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason;
- living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
- living in emergency or transitional shelters;
- abandoned in hospitals;
- have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
- living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
- are migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.
Additionally, as used in this policy, the terms “unaccompanied youth,” “school of origin,” “enrollment,” and “attendance area school” shall have the same meanings as set forth in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (“McKinney-Vento”) and guidance provided by the New Hampshire Department of Education (“NHDOE”). For purposes of this policy and its accompanying regulation, “homeless students” shall refer to and include “homeless children and youth” and “unaccompanied youth.”
*Note: under RSA 193:12, IV, the definition of “homeless children and youth” also includes children “awaiting foster care placement”, see RSA 193:12, IV (a). That criterion, however, was removed from McKinney-Vento in 2015 as well as NHDOE guidance documents regarding McKinney-Vento. Under both McKinney-Vento, and NHDOE guidance, children who are awaiting foster care may fall within the definition of a homeless student if they meet other criteria as set forth above. See also Policy
JFABE.
Each homeless student shall have access to and shall be provided education services for which the student is eligible comparable to services provided to other students in the school, including career and technical education programs, gifted education programs, and school nutrition programs. Transportation services for homeless students shall be provided in accordance with applicable law and as generally described below.
B. Enrollment and School Stability
Enrollment of a homeless student shall be immediate even if the homeless student lacks records routinely required prior to enrollment or has missed application or enrollment deadlines (academic, immunization, etc.). The District shall make arrangements to obtain any necessary records and to have the student receive any necessary immunizations. When feasible, the District shall seek immunization through no- or low-cost health care providers. If an expense is incurred, the District shall seek reimbursement through Medicaid if possible.
If a homeless student becomes permanently housed during the school year, the student shall no longer be considered homeless and may only continue enrollment in the District for the remainder of that school year.
C. Homeless Liaison
The Superintendent shall appoint a staff member to serve as the local liaison for homeless students and their families/guardians (the “Homeless Liaison” or the “District Homeless Liaison”). The District shall provide training and other technical assistance to Homeless Liaison and other appropriate District staff regarding the District’s obligations to homeless students. Duties of the District Homeless Liaison shall be as provided in state and federal law, as well as local policies and procedures. The duties shall include, among others: procedures for identification, enrollment, transportation, dispute resolution for homeless students, as well as direct assistance shall be made in accordance with the accompanying regulation and applicable law.
Among other things, the District Homeless Liaison shall:
a) assist in requesting the student’s records;
b) mediate and assist with disputes concerning school enrollment and homelessness determinations;
c) assist in making transportation arrangements;
d) ensure that homeless students receive the educational services for which they are eligible or entitled;
e) coordinate with other Districts, entities, institutions and agencies to help assure that homeless children and youths are identified by school personnel;
f) ensure that unaccompanied youth and/or parents of homeless students are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to homeless students;
g) work to assure that parents/guardians of such students are provided with opportunities to participate in the education of their children (excepting instances when court or other protective orders indicate otherwise);
h) ensure that unaccompanied youth and/or parents of homeless students are informed of all transportation services including transportation to the school of origin;
i) assure that notice is publicly disseminated of the educational rights of homeless children and youths;
j) coordinate with other Districts and with local social services agencies and other agencies or programs providing services to homeless students
as needed;
k) assist any unaccompanied youth with enrollment, credit accrual, and career and college readiness decisions;
l) work with the Superintendent or designee to monitor regulations and guidance related to this policy that may be issued by applicable state and federal agencies (e.g., DCYF, NHDOE, and the U.S. Department of Education).
D. Enrollment Determinations for Homeless Students
Enrollment determinations shall be based upon the best interests of the homeless student, with the presumption that keeping the homeless student in the school of origin is in the homeless student’s best interests, except when doing so is contrary to the request of the parent/guardian, or if applicable, unaccompanied youth.
E. Transportation of Homeless Students
Under McKinney-Vento, homeless students are entitled to transportation to their school of origin or the school where they are to be enrolled. If the homeless student is located outside of District boundaries but a determination has been made that the student shall remain in the school of origin within the District, or, if a homeless student is located within this District, but a determination had been made that the student shall remain in the school of origin outside of the District, then the two Districts shall agree on a method to apportion cost and responsibility for the student’s transportation or share the cost and responsibility equally.
F. Dispute Resolution
For any decision in the enrollment process of a homeless student, including any determination whether a living situation meets the definition of homeless, if the decision is in conflict with the wishes of the homeless student’s parent/guardian, or, if applicable, the unaccompanied youth, the District shall provide a written explanation, in a manner and form understandable to the student’s parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth. District personnel receiving enrollment requests or information pertaining to homeless students should immediately refer those request to the District Homeless Liaison and Superintendent’s office.
In the event of a dispute, the District shall immediately enroll the student in the school in which the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth seeks to enroll, which enrollment shall continue pending resolution of the dispute. Additionally, while enrollment disputes are pending, students have the right to participate fully in school and receive all services for which they would be eligible, as the definition of enrollment includes “attending classes and participating fully in school activities.”
- Notification of Appeal Process
If the District seeks to place a homeless child in a school other than the school of origin or the school requested by the parent, or the District has determined that the living situation does not qualify as homeless (“eligibility decision”), the District shall inform the parent or the unaccompanied youth of the right to appeal. The District shall provide the parent or unaccompanied youth with written notice including:
a. succinct explanation of the child’s placement/eligibility decision and contact information for the District Homeless Liaison,
as well as the NHDOE State Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youth;
b. Notification of the parent’s right to appeal(s);
c. Notification of the right to enroll in the school of choice pending resolution of the dispute;
d. A description of the dispute resolution process including a petition/appeal form that can be returned to the school to initiate the process and timelines; and
e. A summary of the McKinney-Vento Act.
While the Superintendent or Homeless Liaison may prepare and make available forms for the process, use of such forms is not required to initiate the appeal process.
2.
Appeal to the District Homeless Liaison – Level I
a. If the parent or unaccompanied youth disagrees with the District’s placement decision, he/she/they may appeal by filing a written request for dispute resolution/appeal (“appeal”) with the school, the District Homeless Liaison, or Superintendent. The request for dispute resolution should be submitted within fifteen business days of receiving notification of the District’s placement.
b. If the appeal/request for dispute resolution is submitted to the school or Superintendent, it will be immediately forwarded to the Homeless Liaison.
c. The District Homeless Liaison must log the complaint including a brief description of the situation and reason for the dispute and the date and time of the appeal was filed. Upon receipt, the District Homeless Liaison will forward a copy of the appeal document to the Superintendent.
d. Within five business days of the receiving the appeal, the Homeless Liaison must provide the parent or unaccompanied youth with a written decision and notification of the parent’s right to further appeal, with a copy to the Superintendent. At this time, the Homeless Liaison will also provide to the parent or unaccompanied youth an “appeals package” consisting of a copy of the written decision, a copy of the original appeal document, and copies of any additional materials provided to the Homeless Liaison by the parent or unaccompanied youth.
3. Appeal to the Superintendent – Level II
The parent or unaccompanied youth may appeal the Level I decision to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee, using the appeals package provided at Level I.
a. The Superintendent/designee will arrange for a personal conference to be held with the parent or unaccompanied youth within five business days of receiving the Level I appeals package. (Upon the request of the parent or unaccompanied youth, this conference may be held telephonically).
b. Within five business days of the conference with the parent or unaccompanied youth, the Superintendent/designee will provide that individual with a written decision with supporting evidence and notification of their right to appeal to NHDOE.
c. The Superintendent/designee shall provide a copy of the Superintendent’s decision to the District’s Homeless Liaison, as well as the NHDOE State Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youth.
G. Records
The District shall maintain copies of all written decisions, appeals and notifications concerning eligibility or enrollment requests made under this policy for the same period as it does for Title I records.
Legal References:
20 U.S.C. 1232g (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – “FERPA”)
20 U.S.C. 1701-1758 (Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 – “EEOA”)
20 U.S.C. 6313(c)(3) (reservation of Title I funding for homeless children and
youths)
42 U.S.C. §11431 and §11432 (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act – Education for
Homeless Children and Youth)
Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982)
RSA 193:12, Legal Residence Required
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(19), Homeless Students
Category: Priority/Required by Law
Related Policies: EEA & JFABE
1st Reading: November 19, 2019
2nd Reading: December 3, 2019
Adoption: December 3, 2019
[post_title] => JFABD - Admission Of Homeless Children and Unaccompanied Youth
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[post_content] => It is the ConVal School Board's intent to remove barriers to the identification, enrollment and retention in school of children who are in foster care. All staff shall take reasonable steps to ensure that children in foster care are not segregated or stigmatized and that educational decisions are made in the best interests of those students.
A. Definition.
Under guidance issued jointly by NHDOE and the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services, and for the purposes of this Policy, “foster care” shall mean “24 hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians for whom the child welfare agency has placement and care responsibility. This includes children in foster family homes, shelters, relative foster homes, group homes and residential facilities, regardless of whether the foster care facility is licensed or whether payments are made by the state.” To the extent required under applicable law, a child in foster care under this policy also includes children whom an appropriate child welfare agency indicates are awaiting a foster care placement. (Note: children awaiting foster care may also qualify as homeless under policy
JFAB.)
The District shall coordinate with other districts and with local child welfare agencies and other agencies or programs providing services to students in foster care as needed. The coordination requirements apply to both situations (i) when a student who is a resident of the District is placed in foster care in another district, or (ii) when a student residing in another district is placed foster care in a home within this District.
The Superintendent is responsible for providing any required assurances to applicable state and federal agencies that the District is complying with applicable requirements related to ensuring the educational stability of children in foster care; and for reasonably monitoring compliance with such assurances. In doing such, the Superintendent is entitled to reasonably rely upon the information and assurances provided to her/him by District staff, including the District’s “Foster Care POC.”
B. District Point of Contact with Child Welfare Agencies.
The Superintendent shall designate a staff member to serve as the District’s point of contact (the “Foster Care POC”) between the New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families (“DCYF”), NHDOE, other districts, and other child welfare agencies. The main duty of the Foster Care POC is to facilitate the prompt and appropriate placement, transfer, and enrollment of students in foster care, pursuant to applicable state and federal statutes, regulations and guidance. Additionally, the Foster Care POC shall work with the Superintendent or designee to monitor regulations and guidance related to this policy that may be issued by applicable state and federal agencies (e.g., DCYF, NHDOE, and the U.S. Department of Education).
The District shall provide training opportunities and other technical assistance to the Foster Care POC and other appropriate district staff regarding the District’s obligations to students in foster care.
C. Best Interest Enrollment Determinations, Disputes and Enrollment.
Generally, a student in foster care will remain in his/her school of origin, unless there is a determination that it is not in the student’s best interest. The Foster Care POC shall assist DCYF or any other child welfare agency to make a “best interest determination” education decision, particularly the determination of whether or not it is in the best interest of the student in foster care to remain in his/her school of origin or to enroll in a new school. Unless local procedures are established in accordance with state and federal law, the District will use the model procedures prepared jointly by the NHDOE and DCYF.
If the determination is that the best interests of a child is not to remain in the school of origin, and instead placed within a new school within this District, the child in foster care shall be immediately enrolled in the new school (“receiving school”), even if any documents or records otherwise required for enrollment are not immediately available.
If there are disputes regarding a determination regarding the best interest determination for a child in foster care, it is expected that DCYF and the separate school districts, both sending and receiving, will work collaboratively at the local level to resolve the issue. Should there be no resolution, RSA 193.12, V-b, requires the Department of Health and Human Services to request in writing that the two Superintendents involved resolve the dispute. If the residency dispute remains unresolved after 10 days after such request, the Department of Health and Human Services shall request that the Commissioner of the Department of Education determine the residence of the child for purposes of school enrollment.
If a school within the District is a receiving school, such receiving school shall accept the student’s certified coursework as if it had been completed at the receiving school. To the extent such coursework is not aligned with the curriculum, the awarded credit may be elective, but it must be counted toward required credits for advancement or graduation.
D. Transportation.
When the District is notified that a student in foster care needs, or may need, transportation to a District school, the Foster Care POC will take steps to establish an individualized plan that addresses transportation to maintain the student in his/her school of origin will be arranged, provided and funded for the duration of time that the student in foster care is attending his/her school of origin.
In establishing such a plan, the Foster Care POC and other district staff shall follow any existing transportation procedures, systems-level plan or agreement that the District, acting in collaboration with DCYF and/or other departments of human services, has adopted or otherwise expressly agreed to implement for the cost-effective transportation of the student. Out of District transportation of children in foster care shall be provided in accordance with DCYF’s or other child welfare agency’s authority to use child welfare funding for school of origin transportation.
If there are disputes regarding the provision or funding of transportation, the school district foster care point of contact and child welfare agency representative will contact their respective Supervisor and Superintendent of the school to resolve the dispute. To the extent feasible and appropriate, the school districts involved should ensure that a child remains in his or her school of origin while the disputes are being resolved to minimize disruptions and reduce school transitions.
Legal References:
-20 U.S.C. 1232g (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – “FERPA”)
-20 U.S.C. 1701-1758 (Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 – “EEOA”)
-20 U.S.C. 6311 (g)(1)(E) and 6312(c)(5) (provisions in ESSA regarding obligations to students in foster care)
-42 U.S.C. 671 (a)(10) and 675 (1)(G) (child welfare agency requirements related to supporting normalcy for children in foster care and ensuring educational stability of children in foster care)
-42 U.S.C. §11431 and §11432 (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act – Education for Homeless Children and Youth)
-Public Law 110-351, The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
-34 C.F.R. 200.30 (f)(1)(iii) (ESSA’s definition of “foster care”)
-Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982)
-RSA 193:12, Legal Residence Required
-“N.H. Guidance on ESSA and Foster Care to Ensure that the Educational Needs of Children and Youth in Foster Care are Being Addressed”, January 2017,NHDOE and NHDHHS
“Non-Regulatory Guidance: Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care,” U.S. Department of Education and US Department of Health and Human Services, June 23, 2016
Category: Recommended
Related Policies: EEA & JFABD
1st Reading: November 19, 2019
2nd Reading: December 3, 2019
Adoption: December 3, 2019
[post_title] => JFABE -- Education of Children in Foster Care
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A. Statement of Purpose and Definition.
It is the Board’s intent to remove barriers to the identification, enrollment, retention, and support in schools of military-connected students.
“Military-connected student” as used in this policy includes any student who is a dependent of a current or former member of:
- The US military serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard on active duty as defined in RSA 110-D:3:
- NH National Guard;
- A reserve force of the US military;
- A member of such military or reserve force killed in the line of duty; and
- By implication, all children are defined as “children of military families” as defined in RSA 110-D:3, III.
B. Residency.
A student shall be considered a resident of the school district if they are a military-connected student whose parent is transferred or is pending transfer to a military installation within New Hampshire while on active military duty pursuant to an official military order. See RSA 193:12, III-a.
Parents of military-connected students shall provide proof of residence in the school district within 10 days after the published arrival date provided on official documentation. Parents of such military-connected students may use the below addresses to establish residency:
- a temporary on-base billeting facility;
- a purchased or leased home or apartment; or
- federal government or public-private venture off-base military housing.
C. Admission & Enrollment.
For incoming military-connected students, the District will:
- Enroll and appropriately place students based on unofficial records, pending validation by official records. RSA 110-D:5, I.
- Request the student’s official education records from the student’s previous school. Sending schools shall send records within 10 days. RSA 110-D:5, II.
- Enroll students in the grade level commensurate with their grade level from their previous school at the time of transition, regardless of age. RSA 110-D:5, IV. See also paragraphs D.1-2, below.
- Obtain required immunization records within 30 days from the date of enrollment. RSA 110-D:5, III.
- Facilitate the opportunity for inclusion in cocurricular activities, regardless of application deadlines, to the extent the students are otherwise qualified and eligible. RSA 110-D:7, II.
For a transitioning military-connected student, who while residing with the custodial parent was a student in a District school, who as part of the transition is placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in another district or jurisdiction than that of the custodial parent, the student may continue to attend the same school in this District tuition free. RSA 110-D:7, I.
D. Support for military-connected students and families.
Upon notification of a student’s military-connected status or upon request of the parent, the district (beginning no later than school year 2023-24) will provide appropriate support services to military-connected students whose parent or guardian is being called to or is serving on active duty. These support services will include, without limitation,
- access to licensed counseling services;
- information regarding existing federal and state military support services;
- any other service, agency, or resource necessary to support or provide assistance to the student.
E. Placement of transferring military-connected students.
When a military-connected student transfers to the District before or during the school year, the District will:
- Honor student placement in educational courses based on the student’s enrollment in their previous school and/or educational assessments conducted at their previous school. The Principal/Superintendent may direct that the student undergo subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment of the student in the course(s) and may waive course/program prerequisites or other preconditions. RSA 110-D:6, I.
- Honor student placement in educational programs based on current educational assessments conducted at the student’s previous school. Such programs include, but are not limited to, gifted and talented programs, remedial services, English Language Learner (ELL). This does not preclude the school, as directed by the Principal, from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student. RSA 110-D:6, II.
- Initially provide comparable services to a student with disabilities based on their current Individualized Education Program (IEP) and will make reasonable accommodations and modifications to address the needs of the incoming student with disabilities. This does not preclude the District from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student. RSA 110-D:6, III; 20 U.S.C.A. § 1400; 29 U.S.C.A. § 794; 42 U.S.C.A. §§12131-12165.
F. Absences.
A military-connected student whose parent or legal guardian has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or a combat support posting, shall be granted additional excused absences at the discretion of the Superintendent to visit with their parent or legal guardian relative to such leave or deployment of the parent or guardian. RSA 110-D:6, V.
The Superintendent or designee may require that the absence be pre-approved and may consider whether the student is in good standing, if the student has a prior record of good attendance.
G. Graduation
In order to facilitate the on-time graduation of children of military families (RSA 110-D:8):
- The Superintendent will waive specific courses required for graduation if similar course work has been satisfactorily completed in another local education agency and will provide reasonable justification for denial. If the Superintendent does not grant the waiver to a student who would qualify to graduate from their previous school, the District will provide an alternate means of acquiring the required coursework so that graduation may occur on time.
- If a military-connected student transfers at the beginning or during their senior year and is ineligible to graduate from the District but would be eligible in their previous district, and after all alternatives have been considered, the previous and current District will coordinate the receipt of a diploma from the previous district.
Legal References:
RSA 110-D, Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
RSA 110-E, Military-Connected Students
RSA 193:12, III-a Legal Residence Required
RSA 194-D, XI Open Enrollment Schools
Legal References Disclaimer: These references are not intended to be considered part of this policy, nor should they be taken as a comprehensive statement of the legal basis for the Board to enact this policy, nor as a complete recitation of related legal authority. Instead, they are provided as additional resources for those interested in the subject matter of the policy.
Category: Recommended
Related Policies: JF, JFA, JFAA, JH, JJA, JLCB & JLDFirst Read: November 1, 2022
Second Read: November 15, 2022
Adopted: November 15, 2022
[post_title] => JFAM - Education of Military Children & Military Connected Students
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[post_content] => All students who are included under the compulsory attendance law must be enrolled and are required to attend all classes prescribed by the state and the district unless exempt by school authorities.
Beginning in grade 1, students will be placed in the grade level and class that best meets their academic needs and in which they can be expected to master established district instructional and learning objectives, after consultation between the building principal, the student’s teacher(s), and the student’s parent/guardian. However, the building principal is ultimately responsible for making the decision regarding grade level and classes.
Students who are entering Kindergarten will be placed in a class by the building principal. In making this decision, the principal may consult with the student’s parent/guardian.
Students transferring into the school district will be placed in the grade level and class that best meets their needs, after review of the records from the student’s prior school, and after consultation between the building principal and the student’s parents. However, the building principal is ultimately responsible for making the decision regarding grade level and classes.
Students receiving special education services will be placed in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and nothing in this policy shall be deemed to supersede those requirements.
The decision of the building principal regarding student placement in grades one through twelve may be appealed to the Superintendent, and then to the School Board. The School Board will give significant consideration to the principal’s and Superintendent’s recommended placement.
Legal Reference:
NH Code of Administrative Rules Section Ed. 302.02(l), Duties of Superintendent
NH Code of Administrative Rules Section Ed. 306:14(e), Instructional Program; Appropriate
Assignment of All Incoming Students
NH Code of Administrative Rules Section Ed. 1111, Placement of children with Disabilities
RSA: 193:1 Compulsory Attendance
Category: P
See also JEB
1st Reading: May 3, 2011
2nd Reading: June 7, 2011
Adopted: June 7, 2011
[post_title] => JG - Assignment Of Students To Classes And Grade Levels
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Absences
School-aged children enrolled in the District must attend school in accordance with all applicable state laws and Board policies. The educational program offered by the District is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation in order for students to achieve academic standards and consistent educational progress.
Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in the District during the days and hours that school is in session.
The Board considers the following to be excused absences:
1. Illness
2. Recovery from an injury
3. Required court attendance
4. Medical and dental appointments
5. Death in the immediate family
6. Observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday
7. Such other good cause as may be acceptable to the Principal or permitted by law
Any absence that has not been excused for any of these reasons will be considered an unexcused absence.
In the event of an illness, parents must call the school and inform the school of the student’s illness and absence. For other absences, parents must provide written notice or a written excuse that states one of these reasons for non-attendance. The Principal may require parents to provide additional documentation in support of their written notice, including but not limited to doctor’s notes, court documents, obituaries, or other documents supporting the claimed reason for non-attendance.
If parents wish for their child to be absent for a reason not listed above, the parent must provide a written explanation of the reason for such absence, including why the student will be absent and for how long the student will be absent. The Principal will make a determination as to whether the stated reason for the student’s absence constitutes good cause and will notify the parents via telephone and writing of his/her decision. If the Principal determines that good cause does not exist, the parents may request a conference with the Principal to again explain
the reasons for non-attendance. The Principal may then reconsider his initial determination. However, at this juncture, the Principal’s decision shall be final.
Family Vacations/Educational Opportunities
Generally, absences other than for illness or injury during the school year are discouraged. The school principal or his/her designee may, however, grant special approval of absence for family vacations, provided written approval is given in advance. Parents are asked to write a note to their child's teacher at least two weeks before the trip. This advance planning will allow the teacher enough time to work with parents and the student regarding homework
completion.
Truancy
Truancy is defined as any unexcused absence from class or school. Any absence that has not been excused for any of the reasons listed above will be considered an unexcused absence.
- Ten half-days or five full days, or any equivalent combination thereof, of unexcused absence during a school year constitutes habitual truancy.
- A half-day absence is defined as a student missing more than two hours of instructional time and less than three and one-half hours of instructional time.
- Any absence of more than three and one-half hours of instructional time shall be considered a full-day absence.
The Principal or Truant Officer is hereby designated as the District employee responsible for overseeing truancy issues.
Intervention Process to Address Truancy
The Principal shall ensure that the administrative guidelines on attendance properly address the matter of truancy by including a process that identifies students who are habitually truant, as defined above.
When the Principal or designee identifies a student who is habitually truant or who is in danger of becoming habitually truant, he/she shall commence an intervention with the student, the student’s parents, and other staff members as may be deemed necessary.
The intervention shall include, but is not limited to:
1. Investigation of the cause(s) of the student’s truant behavior;
2. Modification, when appropriate, of his/her educational the student’s program to meet particular needs that may be causing the truancy;
3. Development of a plan, involving the parents, designed to reduce the truancy;
4. Alternative disciplinary measures, but still retains while still retaining the right to impose discipline in accordance with the District’s policies and administrative guidelines on student discipline;
Parental Involvement in Truancy Intervention
When a student reaches habitual truancy status or is in danger of reaching habitual truancy status, the Principal or designee will send the student’s parent a letter which includes:
1. A statement that the student has become or is in danger of becoming habitually truant;
2. A statement of the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the student attends school; and
3. A request for a meeting between the parents and the Principal to discuss the student’s truancy and to develop a plan for reducing the student’s truancy.
Developing and Coordinating Strategies for Truancy Reduction
The Board encourages the administration to seek truancy-prevention and truancy-reduction strategies along the recommendations listed below.
1. Coordinate truancy-prevention strategies based on the early identification of truancy, such as prompt notification of absences to parents.
2. Assist school staff to develop site attendance plans by providing development strategies, resources, and referral procedures.
3. Encourage and coordinate the adoption of attendance-incentive programs at school sites and in individual classrooms that reward and celebrate good attendance and significant improvements in attendance.
However, these guidelines shall be advisory only. The Superintendent is authorized to develop and utilize other means, guidelines, and programs aimed at preventing and reducing truancy.
Parental Notification of Truancy Policy
The Superintendent shall also ensure that this policy is included in or referenced in the student handbook and is made available to parents annually at the beginning of each school year.
Legal References:
RSA 189:34, Appointment
RSA 189:35-a, Truancy Defined
RSA 193:1, Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil
RSA 193:7 Penalty
RSA 193:8, Notice Requirements
RSA 193:16 Bylaws as to Nonattendance
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04 (a)(1), Attendance and Absenteeism
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04 (c), Policy Relative to Attendance
and Absenteeism
Category: P
1st Read: June 7, 2011
2nd Read: July 19, 2011
Adoption: July 19, 2011
[post_title] => JH - Attendance, Absenteeism, And Truancy
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School Administration:
After three days absent (unexcused) no matter what grade, a letter is sent to the parent/guardian. This letter refers to:
New Hampshire state law,
RSA 193:1 Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil…requires:
A parent of any child at least 6 years of age and under 18 years of age shall cause such child to attend school ... Such child shall attend full time when school is in session unless: [the child] has been temporarily excused upon the request of the parent for purposes agreed upon by the school authorities and the parent. Such excused absences shall not be permitted if they cause a serious adverse effect upon the student's educational progress.
After fifth unexcused absence, five-day letter is sent to request a meeting with the parent/guardian.
- Meeting with parents and developing a plan:
- Elementary: School Social Worker, School Counselor and/or principal (K-4), Special Education Coordinator (if special ed.), & Principal/Building Administrator
- Middle school: (5-8) Special Education Coordinator (if special ed.) & Principal/Building Administrator
- High School: School Counselor, Student Support Counselor, Special Education Administrator (if special ed.)
All letters and plans need to be copied to the Director of Student Services.
If absenteeism continues:
-
- Second meeting with parents/guardian.
- Adjust plan as necessary for one calendar month and inform parents of next steps.
- If the plan is still not working, the “team” and parents need to meet with the Assistant Superintendent and Director of Student Services.
Process for Excessive Excused Absences:
Five consecutive days requires a doctor’s note (if there is no note, the absences become unexcused and the unexcused process is followed).
Cumulative days require:
1. 15 days excused absences (cumulative) – request a meeting.
2. 25 days excused absences (cumulative) – Assistant Superintendent and Director of Student Services will contact parent/guardian via letter to schedule a meeting.
12/20/19
[post_title] => JH-R: Unexcused and Excessive Excused Absences -- Process
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[post_date] => 2015-08-13 18:59:47
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[post_content] => The school nurse shall ensure that all students shall be immunized prior to school entrance in accordance with current state rules and regulations.
Category: P
1st Read: June 7, 2011
2nd Read: July 19, 2011
Adoption: July 19, 2011
[post_title] => JHCB - Immunizations Of Students
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[post_content] => 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 insure adherence to current law and medical practices, these policies and administrative regulations will be reviewed annually by the school nurses.
Legal Reference:
Statutory Authority: RSA 141-C:6
Category: R
1
st Read: February 2, 2016
2
nd Read: March 1, 2016
Adopted: March 1, 2016
[post_title] => JHCC - Communicable Disease Control Policy
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[post_content] => The privileges and rights of all students shall be guaranteed.
A primary responsibility of the Contoocook Valley School District and its professional staff to its students shall be the development of an understanding and appreciation of our representative form of government, the rights and responsibilities of the individual and the legal processes whereby necessary changes are brought about consistent with the United State Constitution, its amendments and the New Hampshire Constitution.
The school is a community and the rules and regulations of a school are the laws of that community. All those enjoying the rights of citizenship in the school community must also accept the responsibilities of citizenship. A basic responsibility of those who enjoy the rights of citizenship is to respect the laws of the community.
Students shall have the right to peaceably and responsibly advocate change of any law, policy, or regulation. Students may exercise their right to freedom of expression through speech, assembly, petition, and other lawful means. The exercise of this right must not interfere with the rights of others. Freedom of expression may not be utilized to present material which tends to be obscene or slanderous, or to defame character, or to advocate violation of federal, state, and local laws, or official school policies, rules, and regulations.
Students may present complaints to teachers or administration officials. Adequate opportunities shall be provided for students to exercise this right through channels established for considering such complaints.
Student rights and responsibilities relative to student conduct and student discipline shall be published in the Parent-Student Handbook, and will be made available in another language or presented orally upon request. Student disciplinary procedures will be implemented pursuant to the provisions of Board Policies JIA and JICD.
Legal References:
RSA 189:15, Regulations
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(3), Student Discipline
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(f), Student Discipline
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 317.04(b), Disciplinary Procedures
Category: P
See also JICD
1st Read: October 6, 2009
2nd Read: November 17, 2009
Adoption: November 17, 2009
[post_title] => JI - Student Rights And Responsibilities
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[post_content] => Students facing discipline will be afforded all due process rights given by law. The Superintendent or designee appointed in writing, is authorized to suspend any student for ten days or less for violations of school rules or policies. The School Board, or representative thereof, designated in writing, is authorized to continue the suspension in excess of 10 days following a hearing with the aforementioned representative. Any suspension in excess of 10 days may be appealed to the Board committee charged with discipline review.
In addition to the provisions of this policy, the Board recognizes the application of all pertinent provisions of RSA 193:13 and associated Department of Education rules.
If a student is disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the New Hampshire RSA 186-C, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other law providing special rights to disabled students, those laws shall govern and shall supersede these local policies to the extent these local policies are inconsistent with those laws. Accordingly, any suspension or expulsion of a child with a disability as defined in Ed 1102.01(t) shall be in accordance with Ed 1124.01.
Student due process rights shall be printed in the Parent-Student Handbook and will be made available in another language, as necessary, or presented orally upon request.
Legal References:
RSA 189:15, Regulations
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(3), Policy Development, Discipline
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(f), Student Discipline
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 317.04(b), Disciplinary Procedures
Appendix: JICD - R
Category: Recommended
See also JIC, JICD, JICDD, & JICK
1st Read: October 15, 2019
2nd Read: November 5, 2019
Adopted: November 5, 2019
[post_title] => JIA - Student Due Process Rights
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[post_content] => Students have a responsibility to know and respect the rules and regulations of the school.
Students shall receive annually, at the opening of school, a publication (student handbook) listing the rules and regulations to which they are subject. Such publication will be made available in another language or presented orally upon request.
Legal References:
RSA 189:15, Regulations
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(f)(4), Student Discipline
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.06, Culture and Climate
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 317.04(b), Disciplinary Procedures
See Appendix: JICD – R
Category: P
See also JICD
1st Reading: July 16, 2013
2nd Reading: September 17, 2013
Adopted: September 17, 2013
Reviewed: February 1, 2022
[post_title] => JIC - Student Conduct
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[post_date] => 2015-08-13 19:20:43
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[post_content] => The Board recognizes that student individual dress is primarily a parental responsibility that should reflect concern for health and safety of students, staff and others. When the dress of an individual student constitutes a health problem, is unsuitable for school wear, is a danger to any person, or causes a substantial and material disruption or substantial disturbance, the principal shall take appropriate action to correct the situation.
The dress code within each school shall be administered fairly, consistently, and equally to all students. The dress code shall not be enforced in a manner that discriminates against a particular viewpoint or results in a disproportionate application of the dress code relative to students’ gender, gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, household income, or body type or size.
Enforcement must accommodate clothing worn by students as an expression of religious beliefs or worn by students with disabilities consistent with the student’s needs to accommodate their disability (e.g., protective helmets). Enforcement shall not indirectly discriminate against students based on hair texture and or hairstyles, including, but not limited to, braids, locks, and twists.
School standards are included in the Student Handbook and otherwise communicated to students annually.
Notwithstanding District or School standards, some courses and school activities may require adjustments to attire and hairstyle or may require specific attire to ensure safety during academic activities (e.g., science labs or PE).
Students who do not meet the school dress code will be given an opportunity to correct the situation by either changing the clothing, removing the clothing (if appropriate), wearing it inside-out, or other means as determined by the school administration so the student is in compliance with the dress code as outlined in the appropriate student handbook. Students who repeatedly do not meet the dress code may face more severe consequences.
School staff shall not confront students on dress-code violations in a manner that unnecessarily disciplines or publicly shames the student. When a school staff member or school administrator discusses a dress code violation with a student, it is recommended that another adult should be present and at least one of the two adults should be the same sex as the student.
Legal References:
U.S. Constitution, 1st Amendment
RSA 189:15, Regulations
RSA 193:38, Discrimination in Public Schools
Category: R
1st Read: September 2, 2014
2nd Read: November 18, 2014
Adopted: November 18, 2014
1st Read: September 19, 2023
2nd Read: October 3, 2023
Adopted: October 3, 2023
[post_title] => JICA - Student Dress Code
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[post_content] => Students using District transportation must understand that they are under the jurisdiction of the School from the time they board the bus until they exit the bus.
Students transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of the District and under control of the bus driver. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reasons for a student to be denied the privilege of transportation in accordance with the regulations of the Board.
The driver of the bus shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the students transported. Each driver has the support of the Board in maintaining good conduct on the bus. If a student is to lose the privilege of riding the bus, advance warning will be given, except for extreme misconduct.
The Superintendent or his/her designee will develop rules and regulations for conduct on buses, and these shall be printed in the Parent-Student Handbook, and made available in another language or presented orally upon request.
Legal References:
RSA 189:6-a, School Bus Safety
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(d)(1), School Safety
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(f)(4), Student Discipline
Appendix: EEA-R & JICC-R
Category: R
See also EEA, EEAEC & JIC
1st Reading: September 2, 2008
2nd Reading: September 30, 2008
Adopted: September 30, 2008
[post_title] => JICC - Student Conduct On School Buses
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[post_content] => The School Board and staff members are very concerned about safety as we transport pupils. Cooperation from both parents and students is requested as we attempt to keep the buses safe for all concerned.
Students using district transportation should understand that they are under the jurisdiction and code of conduct/disciplinary rules of the school from the time they board the bus until they are deposited as school or are deposited at the stop nearest their home.
General Rules:
- The school bus is an extension of the school, and all school rules and regulations which pertain to student conduct, behavior or discipline in the schools are applicable to student conduct on a school bus. Accordingly, in addition to specific rules of conduct and discipline provided below, the ordinary school and District rules and regulations regarding student behavior/conduct/discipline, will simultaneously apply to all students using District transportation, and may result in separate disciplinary actions as permitted under the applicable statutes.
- The school bus driver is in complete charge of the school bus and the pupils, and shall have the same authority in maintaining discipline as a teacher in the classroom.
- The District will install on school buses, and will use video surveillance cameras on a random basis.
Student Conduct:
- Students will stay on curb or off pavement at side of road until bus stops, door is opened and lights are flashing.
- Students will board bus in single file and fill seats from front to rear unless assigned seats by the driver.
- Students will cross the road or street in front of the bus only after the bus has come to a complete stop and upon direction of the driver (10 foot minimum crossing distance).
- Students will go directly to an available or assigned seat when entering the bus, and shall move in toward the window. At that time they must fasten their seat belt if available.
- Students shall remain seated until they have reached their designated stop and the bus has come to a complete stop; aisles and exits must be kept clear at all times and emergency doors will be used for emergencies only.
- Students will not lower windows without permission of driver. Hands and heads must never be extended from open windows.
- No smoking at all on any bus including charter trips.
- No profane language, obscene gestures, excessive noise, fighting, wrestling, or acts of physical aggression will be tolerated.
- Once a student has boarded the bus, he/she may not get off except at his/her destination (exemption will be made only with a note from principal).
- Students may ride only the bus to which they have been assigned (exemption will be made only with a note from a principal).
- The law allows and you are expected to sit three passengers to a seat.
- No eating or drinking on the bus.
- No marking or defacing the bus; students will be held responsible for any and all damage to the bus perpetuated by them.
- No throwing things in the bus, at the bus, or out the window.
- Always cross the street in front of the bus.
- You are due at your bus stop before the bus is due – the driver will not wait for you.
- Anything that would create a safety hazard for the passengers or vehicle will not be permitted.
- Only authorized riders will be permitted on the buses.
Disciplinary Action:
- Any infraction of the rules of student conduct should be brought to the attention of the principal.
- Depending on the nature of the infraction, there may be circumstance (for example: infractions involving student safety, alcohol, controlled substances, as defined or scheduled in RSA 318-B) which may result in immediate suspension from school transportation/bus services – such disciplinary action to be at the discretion of the appropriate school administrator, as permitted under RSA 189:9-a; in such circumstance, the Superintendent, and all school principals are authorized to suspend the right of pupils from riding in a school bus when said pupils fail to conform to the reasonable rules and regulations of the District; any suspension from school bus services to continue beyond twenty days must be approved by the School Board; said suspension shall not begin until the next school day following the day notification of suspension is sent to the pupil’s parent or legal guardian.
- If a student has been denied the right to ride a school bus for disciplinary reasons, the parent or guardian of the pupil has a right of appeal within ten days of suspension to the authority who ordered the suspension
- In addition to suspension of transportation rights, a student may also be subject to other general disciplinary rules and procedures applying to general student conduct.
- Until the appeal is heard, or if the suspension of the student’s right to ride the school bus is upheld, it shall be the parents’ or guardians’ responsibility to provide transportation to and from school for the pupil for the period of transportation services suspension.
- A student or his or her parent/guardian may appeal any decision regarding busing services to the New Hampshire Department of Education.
1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000
Adopted: May 16, 2000
(Included in Student Handbook)
[post_title] => JICC-R -- Student Conduct on School Buses
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Introduction
The School District is committed to promoting a safe, healthy, and supportive school and learning environment for all students. To achieve this goal, the District plays a significant role in supporting positive student conduct and behavior with respect to students, district personnel, and members of the community. This expectation extends to when students are on District property, on property within the jurisdiction of the School District (including vehicles), or while attending school activities.
In order to promote a safe, healthy, and supportive school and learning environment, this policy prohibits student conduct and behavior that causes material or substantial disruption to the school environment, interferes with the rights of others, presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors, constitutes a crime or a violation of the Safe School Zones Act, or violates the District’s established expectations for student conduct and behavior. Responses to violations of established expectations for student conduct and behavior will be designed to maximize academic, emotional, and social success while at the same time ensuring the safety of all students, staff and school visitors. To attain this objective, the Board endorses the adoption of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) as the underlying framework for implementing a system of graduated responses which incorporates in-school support and disciplinary consequences.
Established Expectations for Student Conduct and Behavior
The School Board delegates to the Superintendent, in consultation with building administrators, the responsibility of adopting and implementing age-appropriate expectations for student conduct and behavior for each school. These will include school-wide approaches, as well as small group and individualized interventions that target a student’s specific areas of need.
In-School Support
Whenever appropriate, and consistent with safety concerns, the ConVal School District shall seek to improve student conduct and behavior through alternatives other than the use of exclusionary discipline practices (i.e., suspension or expulsion).
The District maintains a proactive, progressive response system of age-appropriate supports which are designed to promote acceptable behavior, correct student misconduct, reduce incidents of future misconduct, and safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of students and staff. The following are examples of in-school supports that may be offered to students before, in conjunction with, or after disciplinary consequences:
A. Elementary School In-School Supports
The options for support that may be to students at the elementary schools may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Preventive Classroom Management - Preventive classroom management includes the implementation of a variety of strategies that support students to be successful in the classroom (e.g., having an organized classroom, establishing clear routines and procedures, setting high expectations, stating expected behaviors positively, modeling expected behaviors).
- In-Class Regulation Support - Students are supported to build and practice a “toolbox” of regulation strategies that they can select from when they feel dysregulated (e.g., breathing strategies, movement/sensory activities, mindfulness strategies, positive time away from the class).
- Precorrection - A precorrection is a quick reminder that describes the expected behavior for a task, activity, or transition that is about to happen. The goal of precorrection is to proactively prompt expected behavior before problem behaviors occur.
- Positive Reinforcement - Recognizing when a student exhibits an expected behavior (e.g., offering behavior-specific praise).
- Active Adult Supervision - Staff circulate among and interact with students, acknowledging when students demonstrate expected behaviors by providing positive reinforcement.
- Conference - Teachers or administrators meet with students and/or their parents/guardians to debrief a particular situation or incident in order to support students to reflect on a particular situation or incident, etc.
- Reflection - Students reflect on what happened, what they were thinking/feeling, what action they took, what their action accomplished, and what they would do differently next time.
- Adult Mentorship - Staff members serve as mentors who coach students to make positive behavior changes, monitor the students’ behavior, and provide the presence of a trusted adult at school (e.g., Check In/Check Out).
- Social Skills/Behavior Instruction - A social skills curriculum is targeted to address specific areas of need for an individual student or a small group of students (e.g., asking for help, taking turns, sharing, initiating play, making friends).
- Reinforcement Systems - Reinforcement systems include providing instruction on the expected or desired behavior and then developing a plan for reinforcing that behavior such as:
- Token Economies - Students earn tokens when they exhibit the expected behavior. Tokens can be used to obtain an item or a preferred activity.
- School-to-Home Communication - When students meet a daily/weekly goal for behavior, the school calls home or sends a positive note home.
- Schedule Modification - This involves modifying student schedules to better support their readiness to learn and demonstrate appropriate behaviors (e.g., build regular movement breaks into a student’s schedule, build a weekly time with the school counselor into the student’s schedule).
- Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) - FBA is an assessment that is designed to uncover the reason(s) why students are engaging in problem behaviors.
- Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) - Following an FBA, intervention plans are designed to support students in reducing problem behaviors through the use of appropriate replacement behaviors.
- Wrap-Around Services - This intervention involves developing a plan of support that organizes systematic and integrated services across school, home, and community settings.
B. Middle and High School In-School Support
In addition to the supports listed for elementary school, the options for support that may be offered to students at the middle and high school include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Social Skills/Behavior Instruction - A social skills curriculum targets specific areas of need for an individual student or a small group of students (e.g., organizational skills and goal setting, interpersonal communication skills, problem-solving, coping with feelings).
- Peer Mediation/Peer-to-Peer Problem Solving - Trained students serve as neutral mediators helping peers to address interpersonal issues by going through a process that focuses on identifying any underlying root causes and then deciding on fair ways to resolve the issue or conflict.
- Restorative Meeting - Restorative meetings focus on implementing a victim-sensitive process for problem solving that shows the school community members involved how they can deal with the consequences of the wrongdoing and repair the harm done.
- Counselor Intervention - The School Counselor and Student Support Counselor provide social-emotional support and/or services that enable students to progress consistent with the educational, social-emotional, career, and transitional goals of all students. Support services are provided in 1:1 meetings, in small groups, and in co-taught, in-class environments.
- Schedule Modification - This involves modifying student schedules to better support their readiness to learn and demonstrate appropriate behaviors (e.g., rearrange class schedule).
- Youth Employment and Empowerment Services (YEES) - YEES is a state-certified program that facilitates communication between the family, school, and community and coordinating resources that are available to identified students.
- Wrap-Around Services - Involves developing a plan of support that organizes systematic and integrated services across school, home, and community settings.
In-school support is not considered a disciplinary consequence. Any educator or staff member may refer a student to an administrator for in-school support. The examples listed above are not exclusive, and administrators may implement other supports that they deem appropriate. The decision to provide in-school support is final and not appealable. Except in the case where support requires parental consent and the parent has withheld consent, a student’s refusal to accept or participate in an in-school support may constitute cause for the administrator implementing a disciplinary consequence or an additional disciplinary consequence.
Graduated Disciplinary Consequences
The ConVal School District maintains a system of graduated disciplinary consequences that are available for implementation when responding to student misconduct that does not warrant suspension or expulsion. When an administrator determines that a disciplinary consequence is warranted, the administrator may determine, at their sole discretion, an appropriate consequence. Administrators will seek to implement graduated disciplinary consequences (sanctions) when doing so will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of students or staff.
The following are examples of graduated disciplinary consequences that may be administered. When appropriate, graduated disciplinary consequences may be paired with in-school support.
A. Elementary School Graduated Disciplinary Consequences
The graduated disciplinary consequences that may be administered at elementary schools include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Planned Ignoring - The student remains in the setting, but the teacher appears to ignore the student misbehavior rather than allow it to gain time and attention.
- Withdrawal of Materials - If a student misuses a material, the material is taken away for a specified amount of time.
- Time Away from Activity/Group - Students are able to observe, but cannot participate in, an activity for a specified amount of time.
- Loss of Privilege - Students are not allowed to use a specific material or piece of equipment as a result of a misbehavior. For example, if a student repeatedly walks up the slide on the playground, the student may be told that they cannot use the slide for the rest of the day or week. Students may not be allowed to participate in a particular activity. For example, a student may not attend an extra-curricular activity as a result of their misbehavior.
- Apology - Students need to provide a verbal or written apology to those impacted by their misbehavior.
- Restitution/Community Service - Students are responsible for repairing the harm or damage done as a result of their inappropriate behavior.
- Parent Contact - The teacher and/or the administrator contacts a parent/guardian to let them know about their child’s inappropriate behavior, as well as any disciplinary consequences that will be implemented as a result of their inappropriate behavior.
- Time in Office - Students are removed from the classroom and need to spend time in the office so that the administrator can talk with the student about their inappropriate behavior.
- Administrator Letter to Parent - Inappropriate behavior by students is documented and shared with parent(s)/guardian and becomes part of their disciplinary record.
- During-School Detention
- After-School Detention
B. Middle and High School Graduated Disciplinary Consequences
In addition to the graduated disciplinary consequences identified for elementary school students, graduated disciplinary consequences that may be administered for middle and high school students include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Temporary Removal from Class
- Academic Consequence — Such action may include requiring students to redo an assignment or retake an assessment for a reduced grade when caught cheating.
- Police Report - A report to police is made when a student may have committed a criminal act on school property or while attending a school-sponsored activity.
- Superintendent Involvement
These graduated disciplinary consequences shall be administered in a manner which does not result in the student’s loss of access to their educational programming. Any staff member may refer a student to the administrator for disciplinary consequences. The decision of an administrator shall be final and shall not be appealable.
Neither in-school supports nor graduated disciplinary consequences shall be deemed a precondition for a suspension or expulsion which is permitted under the law without prior in-school supports or graduated discipline.
Suspension of Students
It is the stated objective of the ConVal School District to reduce the need for suspensions and expulsions through the use of responses such as in-school supports and graduated disciplinary consequences. The District reserves suspension for those matters which threaten to disrupt the educational community, which disrupt the educational community, which represent repeated or significant violations of the conduct or behavioral standards of the District, which threaten to endanger the health, safety, or welfare of students or staff, or which endanger the health, safety, or welfare of students or staff.
There are three forms of suspension: short-term suspension of five (5) days or fewer, short-term suspensions between six (6) and ten (10) days, and long-term suspension for more than ten (10) days.
As required by RSA 193:13(a), educational assignments shall be made available to the suspended pupil during the period of suspension.
Standards for Short-Term Suspension up to Five (5) School Days [Level One]
A short-term suspension of up to five (5) school days shall be reserved for:
- Misconduct that presents a low level of detriment to the health, safety, or welfare of the student committing the act and a low level of detriment to the health, safety, or welfare of other students or staff.
- Repeated and willful disregard of the rules of the school that has not been remediated through in-school support and graduated lesser forms of discipline.
- Such other infraction as the school administrator deems to warrant a short-term suspension of up to five (5) days.
Examples of misconduct which may result in a suspension of up to five (5) days include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Nicotine Products/Paraphernalia
- Social Media Violations/Harassment
- Vandalism
- Bullying
- Physical Assault
- Fighting
- Sexual harassment without unwanted physical contact
- Possession of a controlled drug without a valid prescription
- Repeated violation of any conduct standard
- Conduct that is repeatedly disruptive to classroom or school activities
- Dishonesty, including cheating on school assignments or assessments
- Knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information during an investigation or grievance process or to cause an investigation or grievance process
The examples provided above are not an exhaustive list, and any similar form of misconduct may result in a suspension of up to five (5) school days. The school administrator shall have discretion in determining the number of days that the misconduct warrants, up to five (5) days.
In addition, school administrators shall have the discretion to refrain from issuing a suspension when they determine that student conduct may be remediated through in-school support and/or a lesser consequence. In considering the length of the suspension, school administrators shall consider:
- The extent to which the conduct presented a threat or risk to, the health, safety, or welfare of other students or school personnel, the integrity of the educational process, or the functioning of the school.
- Whether the conduct was disruptive to the school environment and if so, the nature and extent of the disruption.
- The extent to which the misconduct is a repeat incident.
The administrator may implement the suspension on the day of the infraction, depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Suspensions of no more than five (5) days may be made by an assistant principal. Prior to such suspension, the person ordering the suspension must, orally or in writing, inform the student of the charge(s) and give the student an opportunity to respond to the charges. If the student refutes the charge(s), evidence of the misconduct shall be presented to the student. A suspension of five (5) days or fewer is not appealable.
Standards for Short-Term Suspension up to Ten (10) School Days [Level Two]
A short-term suspension between six (6) and ten (10) school days shall be reserved for:
- Behavior or misconduct that threatens significant harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student, or other students or staff;
- Behavior or misconduct that results in significant harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student, or other students or staff; or
- Repeated and willful disregard of the expectations for behavior that has not been remediated through in-school supports and graduated lesser forms of discipline (which may include a Level One suspension).
- Misconduct that involves or threatens disruption of the school environment.
- Such other infraction as the principal deems to warrant a short-term suspension between six (6) and ten (10) days.
Examples of misconduct which may result in a Level Two suspension, include but are not limited to, the following:
- Multiple Level One infractions, whether in combination or repeated infractions
- Drug/alcohol policy violations
- Assault resulting in physical injury
- Repeated bullying
- Repeated sexual harassment
- Sexual harassment involving unwanted physical contact
- Disruption of the school day (Threats of Violence)
The examples provided above are not an exhaustive list, and any similar form of misconduct may result in a suspension of between six (6) and ten (10) school days. The school administrator shall have discretion in determining the number of days that the misconduct warrants. In addition, the school administrator shall have the discretion to issue lesser forms of discipline when they determine that the student conduct may be remediated through in-school supports and/or a lesser consequence. In considering the length of the suspension, the school administrator shall consider:
- The extent to which the conduct presented a risk to the health, safety, or welfare of other students or school personnel.
- Whether the conduct was disruptive to the school environment, and if so, the nature and extent of the disruption.
- The extent to which the misconduct is a repeat incident and whether prior disciplinary measures have been unsuccessful.
The administration reserves the right to implement the suspension during the day of the infraction, depending on the nature and severity of the violation and/or the potential results of the violation. Prior to such suspension, the person ordering the suspension must, orally or in writing, inform the student of the charge(s) and give the student an opportunity to respond to the charges. If the student refutes the charge(s), evidence of the misconduct shall be presented to the student.
The decision of the School administrator is final and there is no right of appeal of a suspension of ten (10) days or fewer.
Interventions after Suspension
Students who are suspended for bullying shall be provided with targeted interventions, which shall also be considered remedial measures. These may include, but are not limited to, the in-school supports bulleted above. Students who engage in repeated bullying after such targeted interventions may be subject to long-term suspension or expulsion, depending on the misconduct.
Standards for Long-Term Suspensions [11 to 20 days] [Level Three]
The Superintendent is designated and authorized by the School Board to extend a suspension for a period of ten (10) additional consecutive school days up to a total of twenty (20) consecutive school days (including the prior ten (10) days) following a hearing before the Superintendent for the following misconduct:
- Misconduct that threatens or results in significant harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student, other students, or the school staff.
- Misconduct that causes, or threatens to cause, substantial disruption to the school environment.
- Criminal conduct on school property or at a school function
The Superintendent or their designee is authorized to extend a suspension for a period from an eleventh (11
th ) day up to a total of twenty (20) days based on the extreme nature of a situation.
Examples of misconduct which may result in a total suspension of up to twenty (20) days include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Any substantial threat to the school community
- Persistent and continual disregard of district policies
- An act that constitutes an act of theft, destruction, or violence as defined in RSA 193-D [The Safe School Zones Act]
- Bullying pursuant to school district policy when the student has not responded to targeted interventions and poses an ongoing threat to the safety or welfare of another student
- Possession of a firearm [pending an expulsion recommendation], BB gun, paintball gun, or look-alike weapon
- The sale of drugs, either on or off campus
- Sexual assault, other than a felony if committed by an adult
- Possession of a knife or other weapon on campus or at a school activity
- Physical injury to staff or another student
- Any misconduct which is pending the Superintendent’s recommendation for an expulsion hearing
A student who repeats any of the long-term suspension infractions listed above may be referred to the School Board for an expulsion hearing. A student who has been referred to the School Board for expulsion may be subject to either a Level Two or Level Three suspension as an interim disciplinary measure, pending the hearing before the School Board.
Any time a student is suspended more than ten (10) school days in any school year, upon the student's return to school the District shall develop an intervention plan designed to proactively address the student’s misconduct.
Prior suspensions for drug/alcohol, weapons, or fighting violations may be considered aggravating factors in making disciplinary decisions.
When the District contemplates a suspension, which will result in cumulative suspension days for the school year of more than twenty (20) days in total, the District shall arrange for and provide alternative educational services to the student for the duration of their suspension. The alternative educational services shall be designed to enable the student to advance from grade to grade.
No student shall be penalized academically solely by virtue of missing class due to suspension.
Before any long-term suspension [more than 10 days] may be implemented, except as provided for below, students and their parent/guardian must be informed in writing of the charges, and a hearing must be scheduled before the Superintendent or designee, at which the student shall be permitted to be represented by a parent, other adult, or counsel (at student expense) to refute any charges or evidence against them, offer evidence, explanations or mitigating circumstances, cross-examine witnesses, and call witnesses of their own. The long-term suspension process shall comply with the requirements of Ed 317, as amended from time to time by the New Hampshire Department of Education. The failure on the part of students and/or their parent/guardian to show at a hearing without just cause shall constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing.
Long-term suspensions are appealable to the School Board unless determined by the Board. Any appeal of a long-term suspension to the Board shall be made in writing and received by the Superintendent within ten (10) days after the issuance of the decision being appealed.
The Board shall hold a hearing on the appeal. The long-term suspension shall remain in force while the appeal is pending, unless the Board stays the suspension while the appeal is pending. The Board may affirm, reverse, shorten, lengthen, or otherwise modify the terms of the long-term suspension, and, when appropriate under the law of the state, may expel the student. The decision of the School Board shall be in writing.
Standards for Expulsion of Students
Expulsion decisions may only be made by the School Board after written notice of the Superintendent’s recommendation for expulsion has been provided to the student’s parent/guardian or to the adult student. The written recommendation shall set forth the basis for the Superintendent’s recommendation.
Additionally, expulsion may only occur after a hearing by the Board which affords the minimum due process required by the regulations of the State Board of Education. The hearing shall be conducted in a nonpublic session unless the parent/guardian or adult student requests a public hearing.
Any student may be expelled from the District by the Board for an act that poses an ongoing threat to the safety of students or school personnel and that constitutes:
- A repeated act that would otherwise warrant long-term suspension but for its repetition
- Any act of physical or sexual assault that would be a felony if committed by an adult
- Any act of violence pursuant to RSA 651:5, XIII
- Criminal threatening pursuant to RSA 631:4, II(a)
- An act of theft, destruction, or violence in a Safe School Zone
- Possession of a pellet or BB gun, paintball gun, rifle, or handgun
- Any act of similar or greater severity as those acts listed above
Furthermore, any student who brings or possesses a firearm as defined in section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code on school campus, on school transportation, or to any District activity or event as defined in RSA 193-D:1 without written authorization from the Superintendent or designee shall be expelled from school by the local school board for a period of no less than twelve (12) months.
In considering whether expulsion is warranted, the Board shall consider:
- The student's age
- The student's disciplinary history
- Whether the student is a student with a disability
- The seriousness of the violation or behavior committed by the student
- Whether the school district has implemented positive behavioral interventions subsequent to a ten (10) day suspension
- Whether a lesser intervention would properly address the violation or behavior committed by the student
A student expelled from school in another New Hampshire school district or another state shall not be eligible to enroll in the ConVal School District for the period of such expulsion. If the expulsion is for an indefinite period, the student or their parent/guardian may petition the School Board for enrollment provided they reside in the District or agree to pay tuition. If the student is denied enrollment, the expulsion may be appealed to the State Board of Education. The Superintendent is authorized to modify an expulsion and any reenrollment requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Any expulsion shall be subject to review by the School Board if requested prior to the start of each school year. Any parent/guardian or adult student has the right to appeal any such expulsion by the School Board to the State Board of Education at any time while the expulsion remains in effect.
Implementation and Notice
The Superintendent shall ensure that established expectations for student conduct and behavior shall be published annually in each school’s student handbook, which are submitted, reviewed, and approved annually by the School Board.
These expectations will be made available to parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year, and be publicly available on the school or district website. Expectations for student conduct and behavior will also be made available in another language or presented orally upon request.
Additionally, building principal(s) shall ensure student awareness of the established expectations for student conduct and behavior and other District policies through print, postings and/or periodic announcements.
The Superintendent shall designate personnel to explore and pursue relevant State or Federal grants, technical assistance, and professional development opportunities available to facilitate the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for social, emotional, and behavioral health and wellness.
Consistent with the Board's statutory authority, and other Board policies regarding review of administrative rules, regulations and procedures, the School Board retains the authority to modify, supersede, or suspend any provision of the established expectations for student conduct and behavior.
Parental Notification of Simple Assaults
Pursuant to RSA 193-D:4, I (b), the Superintendent is directed to adopt and implement procedures requiring notice to parents/guardians of each student involved in a simple assault (victim and perpetrator) occurring during the school day, when such assault causes: any form of bodily injury, including bruising or discoloration, or would otherwise constitute a disciplinable offense. For purposes of this policy, "simple assault" shall have the same meaning as that provided in RSA 631:2-a (a simple assault occurs when one purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury or unprivileged physical contact to another; or recklessly causes bodily injury to another or negligently causes bodily injury to another by means of a deadly weapon).
Disciplinary Removal of Students with Disabilities
If a student is disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the New Hampshire RSA 186-C, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other law providing special rights to students with disabilities, those laws shall govern and shall supersede these local policies to the extent these local policies are inconsistent with those laws. Accordingly, any class or activity removal, suspension or expulsion of a child with a disability as defined in Ed 1102.01(t) shall be in accordance with Ed 1124.01 and federal law.
First Read: August 2, 2022
Second Read: August 16, 2022
Adopted: August 16, 2022
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[post_content] => The ConVal School Board recognizes that out-of-school and off-campus student conduct is not normally the concern of the Board. However, the Board also recognizes that some out-of-school and off-campus conduct may have an adverse effect upon the school, school property, or school staff.
Therefore, it shall be the policy of this Board that the Board or school administrators may impose disciplinary measures against students for some out-of-school or off-campus conduct.
Discipline may be imposed if such out-of-school conduct causes a significant disruption or substantial interference with the school's educational mission, purpose, or objectives. Additionally, any off-campus or out-of-school behavior that has a strong potential to disrupt normal school operations may also be met with appropriate disciplinary actions.
Out-of-school and off-campus student conduct that may subject a student to discipline includes, but is not limited to:
- Damaging school property;
- Violence at or near the school's bus stop, during bussing times;
- Drinking alcohol, using tobacco products, or using illegal drugs at or near the school bus stop, during bussing times;
- Damaging the private property of school staff or employees; or
- Any other activity the Board or administration determines impedes the general welfare of scholastic activities or the safety or welfare of the student body.
Cyber-Bullying and Internet Threats
Reports and/or allegations of cyberbullying will be addressed in accordance with the provisions of Board policy JICK.
Consistent with applicable law, the District will not require or request that a student disclose or provide to the District the student's user name, password or other authenticating information to a student's personal social media account.
However, the District may request to a student or a student's parent/guardian that the student voluntarily share printed copies of specific information from a student's personal social media account if such information is relevant to an ongoing District investigation.
Legal References:
RSA 189:70, Educational Institution Policies on Social Media
Revised: September 2015
Revised: May 2006, August 2007, August 2008, September 2010
Category: Recommended
See Also JIA, JIC, JICK
First Read: May 7, 2019
Second Read: May 21, 2019
Adopted: May 21, 2019
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[post_content] => In cases of all assaults, the building principal, or assistant, shall notify the involved students parents by telephone and letter about the incident. The letter from the building or assistant principal shall describe the incident and the seriousness and harm done or potential harm and the School District s response to the incident to the extent permitted by confidentiality laws and regulations.
Additionally, simple assault as that term is used in New Hampshire criminal statutes, includes and knowing and unprivileged physical contact with another person. While simple assaults may result in injury, many, if not most, which occur in the school setting do not. Recognizing that under the statutory definition, simple assault can be very minor contact, building or assistant principals will consider the District s policies, rules and regulations concerning student conduct and discipline when making a determination about whether or not to file a Safe School Zone Offense Report with local Law Enforcement officials. The District will err in the direction of filing a report when there is any question. Law Enforcement and school officials can then jointly determine the best action to be taken.
Statutory Reference: RSA 193-D:4, I (b)
See Also: Memorandum of Understanding
1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000
Adopted: May 16, 2000
[post_title] => JICDDA - Simple Assaults: Parental Notification Policy
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[post_content] => The School Board may authorize school-sponsored publications, such as annual yearbooks, student newspapers, and Internet web-sites. All publications will conform to rules established by the Superintendent and the building principal. Any publication not approved by the Board will not be considered a school publication and shall not be distributed on school property. Further, school district resources shall not be used for the production, printing, posting, or assembly of any non-approved publication.
All school publications will be under the supervision of the school principal or his/her designee. The principal or his/her designee has the right to limit or edit the contents of any school publication. There is the assumption that nothing published in student publications will be libelous, slanderous, obscene, advocate illegal activities, infringe on copyrighted material, or otherwise cause substantial disruption to school activities and functions. The school principal or his/her designee will review all school-sponsored publications before they are printed, posted or distributed to ensure the publication conforms to these standards.
Legal References:
Hazelwood School District et al. v. Kuhlmeier et al., 484 U.S. 260 (1988)
Category: R
1st Read: November 5, 2013
2nd Read: December 3, 2013
Adopted: December 3, 2013
[post_title] => JICE -- Student Publications
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[post_content] => Gangs which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons
or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational
process. The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner
of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol or any other attribute which
indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group, present a clear and present danger to
the school environment and educational objectives of the community are forbidden.
Incidents involving initiations, hazing, intimidation, and/or activities of such group affiliations which are
likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or
mental harm to students are prohibited.
Any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia, or exhibiting behavior or gestures
which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect
the attendance of another student will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and
expulsion.
The Superintendent may provide in-service training in gang behavior and characteristics to facilitate staff
identification of students at-risk and promote membership in authorized school groups and activities as
an alternative.
NOTICE: The prohibitions set forth by this policy shall be printed in the Student Handbook for the middle
and high schools.
Category: R
1st Read: February 2, 2016
2nd Read: March 15, 2016
Adopted: March 15, 2016
[post_title] => JICF - Gang Activity
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[post_content] => This District does not permit or condone student hazing. It is the policy of the District that no student organization, or any person associated with any organization sanctioned by the District shall engage or participate in hazing.
For the purposes of this policy, student hazing is defined as any act directed toward a student, or any coercion or intimidation of a student to act or to participate in or submit to any act, when:
- Such act is likely or would be perceived by a reasonable person as likely, to cause physical or psychological injury to any person; and
- Such act is a condition of initiation into, admission into, or continued membership or association with any District sanctioned organization.
“Student hazing” includes, but is not limited to, an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical or psychological health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, or affiliation with any organization sanctioned by the District..
Any student hazing activity shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if the student willingly participates in such activity.
Students or employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action which may include expulsion for students and employment termination for employees. Depending on the nature of student hazing, it may also warrant an investigation under the District’s Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Act Policy JICK, (Anti-bullying Policy) and/or the District’s anti-discrimination policies.
The Superintendent shall take reasonable measures within the scope of the District's authority to prevent student hazing. All hazing reported to the District, or which any District staff member has knowledge, of shall be promptly reported to law enforcement, as required by RSA 631:7, Student Hazing.
It is the policy of the District that no student or employee of the District shall participate in or be a member of any secret fraternity or secret organization that is directly related to a District school or to any District school activity.
A copy of this policy will be furnished to each student and teacher in the School District, including being printed in the student handbook.
Legal Reference:
RSA 631:7, Student Hazing
New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(7), Student Hazing
See also Policy JICK
First Read: August 17, 2021
Second Read: September 7, 2021
Adoption: September 7, 2021
[post_title] => JICFA - Hazing
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[post_content] => State law prohibits the use of any tobacco product, E-cigarette, or liquid nicotine in any facility or upon any grounds maintained by the District. Students and minors are further prohibited from possessing such items in or upon any facility, school vehicle, or grounds owned or maintained by the District.
A. Definitions: These definitions shall also include any amendments to the referenced statutes as the same may be amended or replaced from time to time.
“Tobacco product(s)” means any product containing tobacco including, but not limited to, cigarettes, smoking tobacco, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and smokeless cigarettes, as well as any other product or item included in RSA 126-K:2, XI as the same may be amended or replaced from time-to-time.
“Device” means any product composed of a mouthpiece, a heating element, a battery, and electronic circuits designed or used to deliver any aerosolized or vaporized substance including, but not limited to, nicotine or cannabis. Devices may include, but are not limited to, hookah, e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, vape pen, e-hookah, as well as any other object or item defined in RSA 126-K:2, II-a.
“E-cigarette” means any electronic smoking device composed of a mouthpiece, a heating element, a battery, and electronic circuits that provides a vapor of pure nicotine mixed with propylene glycol to the user as the user simulates smoking. This term shall include such devices whether they are manufactured as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, or e-pipes, or under any other product name as well as any other product or item included in RSA 126-K:2, II-a as the same may be amended or replaced from time-to-time.
“E-liquid” means any liquid, oil, or wax product containing, but not limited to, nicotine or cannabis intended for use in devices used for inhalation as well as any other substance included or defined in RSA 126-K:2, II-c.
“Liquid nicotine” means any liquid product composed either in whole or in part of pure nicotine and propylene glycol and manufactured for use with e-cigarettes, as well as any other product or item included in RSA 126-K:2, III-a as the same may be amended or replaced from time-to-time.
“Facility” is any place which is supported by public funds and which is used for the instruction of students enrolled in preschool programs and in all grades maintained by the District. This definition shall include all administrative buildings and offices and areas within facilities supportive of instruction and subject to educational administration, including, but not limited to, lounge areas, passageways, rest rooms, laboratories, classrooms, study areas, cafeterias, gymnasiums, maintenance rooms, and storage areas.
B. Students
No student shall purchase, attempt to purchase, possess or use any tobacco product, device E-cigarette, E-liquid or liquid nicotine in any facility, in any school vehicle, while attending any school-sponsored event, or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.
Enforcement of the prohibition against students shall initially rest with building principals, or their designees, who may also report any violation to law enforcement, for possible juvenile, criminal or other proceedings as provided under state law. Additional consequences may be administered pursuant to printed student conduct rules.
C. Employees
No employee shall use any tobacco product, device, E-cigarette, E-liquid, or liquid nicotine, in any facility, in any school vehicle or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.
Initial responsibility for enforcement of this prohibition shall rest with building principals, or their designees. Any employee(s) who violate(s) this policy is subject to disciplinary action which may include warning, suspension or dismissal. Violations may also be referred to appropriate law enforcement and/or other appropriate agencies for criminal or other proceedings as provided under state law.
D. All other persons
No visitor, contractor, vendor or other member of the public, shall use any tobacco product, device, E-cigarette, E-liquid, or liquid nicotine in any facility, in any school vehicle, or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.
The building principal(s), and where appropriate, other site supervisor (athletic director, vehicle driver, etc.), or their designee(s), shall have the initial responsibility to enforce this section, by requesting that any person who is violating this policy to immediately cease the use of tobacco products, E-cigarette or liquid nicotine. After this request is made, if any person refuses to refrain from using such products in violation of this policy, the principal, site supervisor, or designee may contact the appropriate law enforcement agency(ies) for possible criminal or other proceedings as provided under state law.
E. Implementation and Notice – Administrative Rules and Procedures
The Superintendent shall establish administrative rules and procedures to implement this policy, which rules and procedures may be building level and/or district-wide. Rules and procedures relating to student violations and resulting disciplinary consequences should be developed in consultation with building principal(s).
The Superintendent, working with the building principal(s), shall provide annual notice to employees, students and parents of the pertinent provisions of this policy (e.g., student or staff handbook) along with applicable administrative regulations and procedures, which may include prescribed consequences for violations of this policy. Such notice should include information that violation of this Policy could lead to criminal or other such proceedings.
Signs shall be placed by the District in all buildings, facilities and school vehicles stating that the use of tobacco products is prohibited.
Legal References:
RSA 155:64 – 77, Indoor Smoking Act
RSA 126-K:2, Definitions
RSA 126–K:6, Possession and Use of Tobacco Products by Minors
RSA 126-K:7, Use of Tobacco Products on Public Educational Grounds Prohibited
Category: Priority-Required by Law
See also: ADB, GBEC, GBED, JICG, & JICH
District Revision History:
First Read: March 19, 2019
Second Read: April 2, 2019
Adopted: April 2, 2019
First Read: March 15, 2022
Second Read: April 5, 2022
Adopted: April 5, 2022
[post_title] => JICG - Tobacco Products Ban Use and Possession in and on School Facilities and Grounds
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[post_content] => The ConVal School District recognizes that substance misuse and abuse is a complex problem. For this reason, the district takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue through education as a means of prevention, strategies of intervention, policy and enforcement.
This policy refers to any and all illegal substances or items misused with the intention of producing an altered state. No student shall possess, ingest, sell, provide, or be under the influence of substances not prescribed to him or her by a medical practitioner.
The above restrictions shall apply in any of the following situations:
On school property before, during or after school hours, en route to or from school in a school bus or other school authorized vehicle, en route to or from a curricular, co-curricular, extracurricular or athletic activity in a school bus or other authorized vehicle at a curricular, co-curricular, extracurricular or athletic activity.
Reasonable Suspicion
Given reasonable suspicion of substance misuse or abuse, school administrators may conduct reasonable searches of students, including their person and their personal effects. Please refer to policy JIH: Lockers Student Searches and Their Property.
School Violations
Each school level (high school, middle school, and elementary) will develop their own age appropriate procedures.
Procedures will be published in the handbook of each level.
Other Provisions
In all cases where there has been a violation, a school administrator will call a parent or guardian. The student will be released to the parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached or is unwilling to come to the school, the local Police Department will be called; informed of the facts, and requested to take protective custody of the student.
Prescription Drugs/Other Medication
Any student who is required to carry a prescription drug or other medication during school hours shall do so under the provisions of Board Policy JLCD.
Requests for Help
District counseling services will be available upon request to any student who is having problems with substance misuse or abuse. Also, when a student has violated Alcohol and Other Substance Use Policies, the student will be referred to a student assistance counselor. The counselor will provide counseling on an individual basis, or in small groups, and/or assist in making appropriate referrals to outside agencies. Conversations will be kept confidential per the ASCA ethical standards of practice.
Legal References:
21 U.S.C. § 812(c), Controlled Substances Act
RSA 318-C, Controlled Drug Act
RSA 571-C:2, Intoxicating Beverages at Interscholastic Athletic Contests
1st Read: June 20, 2017
2nd Read: July 18, 2017
Adopted: July 18, 2017
[post_title] => JICH - Alcohol And Substance Abuse
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[post_date] => 2015-09-04 14:18:59
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[post_content] => This Policy applies to school employees and students. This policy does not apply to any School Resource Officer(s) or other law enforcement officials that are present in the ConVal School District. Weapons are not permitted in school buildings, on school property, in school buses or vehicles used to transport students, at school-sponsored activities, or in a Safe School Zone as defined in RSA 193-D at any time without the advanced written authorization of the Superintendent of Schools or designee. No employee or student shall possess, bring, or conceal, or aid, abet, or otherwise assist another person(s) in possessing, bringing, or concealing, any weapon on school property, in school buildings, in school busses or vehicles used to transport students, at school-sponsored activities, or in a Safe School Zone as defined in RSA 193-D.
The term “weapon” includes, but is not limited to, firearms (rifles, pistols, revolvers, guns of any form, pellet guns, air rifles, BB guns, etc.) including any device from which a shot or projectile of any nature can be fired, explosives, incendiaries, martial arts weapons (as defined by RSA 159:24), crossbows, slingshots, electronic defense or aerosol self-defense weapons (as defined by RSA 159:20), or any other device, instrument, material or substance which is used or threatened to be used in a manner likely to produce, or which is reasonably known to be capable of producing, death or bodily injury. Replicas (look-a-likes) of weapons may be treated as weapons within this Policy if they are used to frighten, harass, intimidate, or otherwise harm any person.
Additionally, this list is not intended to be exhaustive or all-inclusive. The principal may determine that any instrument, object or substance is a “weapon” within the intent of this Policy, if the principal believes that such instrument, object or substance was used or was intended to be used to inflict bodily harm on any person.
Violations of the policy will result in both disciplinary action and notification to the police. Disciplinary action may include suspension, expulsion, or termination.
Additionally, any student who is determined to have brought a firearm (as defined by Title 18 U.S.C. 921) to school will be expelled for not less than one year (365 days). The determination of whether to modify the expulsion shall be left to the discretion of the Superintendent upon review of the specific case in accordance with other applicable law.
Pursuant to the provisions of 20 U.S.C. § 7151, Gun-Free Schools Act, the Board requires the Superintendent to contact local law enforcement authorities and/or the Division of Children and Youth Services and notify them of any student who brings a firearm or weapon on school property.
The Superintendent or other building administrators may exercise his/her best judgment in determining the scope of this policy as it relates to inadvertent or unintentional violations of this policy by staff or students, provided such inadvertent or unintentional violation of this
policy does not affect the safety of students, school staff or the public.
When school is not in session, and school property is being used for a municipal event, such as voting, the municipal entity responsible for conducting the event shall determine whether otherwise lawful weapons will be permitted at that event.
The Superintendent shall ensure that all students will receive written notice of this policy at least once each year and will determine the method of notifying students (student handbook, mailing, etc.). The Superintendent will determine the method of notifying employees of this policy.
Legal References:
18 U.S.C. § 921, Et seq., Firearms
20 U.S.C. § 7151, Gun-Free Schools Act RSA 193-D, Safe School Zones RSA 193:13, Suspension and Expulsion of Students
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 317, Standards and Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils Including Procedures Ensuring Due Process
Category: P – Required
See also KFA
1st Read: September 20, 2022
2nd Read: October 4, 2022
Adopted: October 4, 2022
[post_title] => JICI - Dangerous Weapons On School Property
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[post_content] => Each school will develop and implement procedures for digital devices that are in compliance with all School District Policies.
Category: R
1st Read: May 19, 2015
2nd Read: June 16, 2015
Adopted: June 16, 2015
[post_title] => JICJ - Authorized Use Of Personal Electronic Devices
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I. General Statement of Policy and Prohibition Against Bullying and Cyberbullying
The Contoocook Valley School District is committed to providing all pupils a safe school environment. Conduct constituting bullying or cyberbullying will not be tolerated, and is prohibited by this policy in accordance with RSA 193-F. This policy applies to all pupils and school-aged persons on school property and participating in school functions, regardless of their status under the law.
The Superintendent is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented.
II. Definitions
The following definitions apply to this policy:
A. Bullying: a single significant incident or pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another pupil which:
1. Physically harms a pupil or damages the pupil's property;
2. Causes emotional distress to a pupil;
3. Interferes with a pupil's educational opportunities;
4. Creates a hostile educational environment;
5. Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.
Bullying also includes actions motivated by an imbalance of power based on a pupil's actual or perceived personal characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs, or motivated by the pupil's association with another person and based on the other person's characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs.
B. Cyberbullying: bullying (as defined above) undertaken through the use of electronic devices.
C. Electronic devices: include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, pagers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and websites.
D. Perpetrator: a pupil who engages in bullying or cyberbullying.
E. School property: all real property and all physical plant and equipment used for school purposes, including public or private school buses or vans.
F. Victim: a pupil against whom bullying or cyberbullying has been perpetrated.
G. Educational opportunities: the curricular and extra-curricular programs and activities offered by the District.
H. Interference with educational opportunities: a single significant incident or pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof which impedes a pupil 's ability to participate in, or access, the educational opportunities offered by the District. The determination as to whether an incident or a pattern of incidents interferes with a pupil's educational opportunities shall be made by the person investigating the reported incident(s).
I. Hostile educational environment: a single significant incident or pattern of incidents that is so severe and pervasive that it effectively denies a student equal access to the District's educational opportunities. The determination as to whether an incident or pattern of incidents has created a hostile educational environment shall be made by the person investigating the reported incident(s).
J. The determination as to whether a single significant incident or a pattern of incidents causes a "substantial disruption to the orderly operation of the school" shall be made by the person investigating the reported incident(s), and shall be based on the totality of the circumstances, and may include disruptions to curricular or extra-curricular programs and activities offered by the District.
In accordance with RSA 193-F:4, the Contoocook Valley School District reserves the right to impose discipline for bullying and/or cyberbullying that:
Occurs on, or is delivered to, school property or a school-sponsored activity or event on or off school property; or
Occurs off of school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct interferes with a pupil's educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or school¬-sponsored activity or event.
III. Reporting Procedure
The Principal of each school is responsible for receiving oral or written reports of bullying or cyberbullying. The Principal may designate, in writing, an additional person to receive such reports.
Student or Parent Reports
1. Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of bullying or cyberbullying, as defined in Section II, above, should immediately report the alleged act(s) to the Principal; however, if the student prefers, he/she may inform any school employee or volunteer.
2. Students or parents who have witnessed or who have reliable information that a pupil has been subjected to bullying or cyberbullying should immediately report the same to the Principal, or, if the student or parent prefers, he/she may inform any school employee or volunteer about the alleged bullying or cyberbullying.
3. Forms to report incidents of alleged bullying or cyberbullying shall be available at the Principal's office. Use of the form is encouraged, but not required. If the Principal or his/her designee receives the report verbally, he/she shall reduce the report received to writing within twenty-four hours of receiving the information.
Reports by Staff, Volunteer, or Employees of a Company Under Contract with the School District, or with any school in the Contoocook Valley School District
1. Any school employee, volunteer, or employee of a company under contract with the Contoocook Valley School District, who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been subjected to bullying, or cyberbullying as defined in Section II above, shall report such incident to the Principal or his/her designee as soon as reasonably possible.
IV. Notice to Parents/Guardians
Within 48 hours of receiving a report of alleged bullying or cyberbullying, the Principal, or his/her designee, shall give notice of the report of the alleged incident to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the victim and the perpetrator. The report shall be made by telephone or in writing; if made by telephone, a record of the report shall be made. The record should include, at a minimum, the date and time of the call. Any such notification under this policy must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), 20 U.S.C. 1232g. At a minimum, the notice shall advise the individuals involved of the nature of the incident, the date and time the report was received, and the procedures described in this policy. In accord with FERPA, the notice shall not contain any personally identifiable information obtained from student education records.
V. Waiver of Notification Requirement
The Superintendent may, within the 48 hour time period referenced in Section IV of this policy, grant the Principal or his/her designee a written waiver from the notification requirement in Section IV of this policy, if the Superintendent or his/her designee deems such waiver to be in the best interest of either the victim or the perpetrator. The granting of a waiver does not negate the responsibility to follow the other procedures set forth in this policy.
1. The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for investigating reports of bullying or cyberbullying. The superintendent reserves the right to appoint another individual to conduct the investigation.
2. Investigations shall be initiated within five (5) school days of the date that the incident is reported to the Principal or his/her designee, and shall be completed within 10 school days.
3. If the Principal or his/her designee requires additional time to complete the investigation, the Superintendent or his/her designee may extend the time period for the investigation by up to seven (7) school days. Any such extension shall be in writing, and the Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide all parties involved with written notice of the granting of the extension.
4. Upon completion of the investigation, the Principal or his/her designee shall draft a written investigation report. The report must include, at a minimum, a description of the scope of the investigation, the findings, and the actions taken (i.e., the response to remediate, discipline, non-disciplinary interventions, etc).
5. Upon completion of the investigation, the Principal or his/her designee shall report all substantiated incidents of-bullying or cyberbullying to the Superintendent or his/her designee.
6. Within ten (10) school days of the completion of the investigation, the Principal or his/her designee shall provide the parents of the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator with written notice of the results of the investigation (i.e., substantiated or unsubstantiated) and the available remedies and assistance. The notice shall comply with FERPA, and other State and Federal laws concerning student privacy.
VI. Response to Remediate Substantiated Incidents of Bullying or Cyberbullying
The Principal or his/her designee shall develop a response to remediate any substantiated incident of bullying or cyberbullying. The response should be designed to reduce the risk of future incidents, and where appropriate, to offer assistance to the victim or perpetrator.
In those cases where a perpetrator or victim is identified as a student with an educational disability, the Principal's response to remediate any substantiated incident of bullying or cyberbullying shall be presented to the IEP Team. The IEP Team is permitted to amend or augment the response in a manner necessary to ensure that the perpetrator and/or victim receives a free, appropriate public education, while still taking appropriate measures to remediate bullying.
VII. Discipline and/or Interventions
If, after investigating pursuant to Section VI of this policy, the Principal or his/her designee concludes that a pupil engaged in bullying or cyberbullying, that student may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, suspension and expulsion. Any such disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance to applicable board policy and legal requirements.
VIII. Prohibition Against Retaliation and False Accusations
All individuals are prohibited from retaliating or making false accusations against a victim, witness, or anyone else who in good faith provides information about an act of bullying or cyberbullying. The Principal or his/her designee shall investigate claims of retaliation or false accusations, and if substantiated, the retaliator and/or the false accuser may be subject to discipline, including but not limited to, suspension or expulsion.
Students who falsely accuse other students of bullying or cyberbullying may also be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, suspension and expulsion. Any such disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance to applicable board policy and legal requirements.
At the discretion of the Principal or his/her designee, students who commit an act of bullying or cyberbullying or falsely accuse another of the same as a means of retaliation or reprisal may, either in addition to discipline or in lieu of discipline, receive non¬disciplinary interventions. Interventions are not considered disciplinary in nature.
Nothing in this policy shall supersede the disciplinary procedures of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including the protections offered through the manifestation determination process.
IX. Training
The Superintendent shall ensure that school employees, regular school volunteers, and employees of a company under contract with the Contoocook Valley School District, and/or any of the schools within the Contoocook Valley School District, who have significant contact with pupils annually receive training on this policy for the purpose of preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying or cyberbullying.
The School District shall provide age-appropriate educational programs for pupils and parents in preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying or cyberbullying.
X. Notice of Policy
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide written notice of this policy to students, parents, legal guardians, school employees, school volunteers, and employees of companies under contract with the Contoocook Valley School District, or any school within the Contoocook Valley School District, through appropriate references in the student and employee handbooks, by publishing a copy of this policy on the District/SAU website, by providing companies under contract with the Contoocook Valley School District, with a copy of the policy, by providing training on the policy in accord with RSA 193-F, or through other reasonable means.
At the commencement of each school year, this policy shall be provided to all students. All students who enroll during the course of the school year shall receive a copy of this policy at the time they enroll.
XI. Capture of Audio and Video Recordings on School Buses
Pursuant to RSA 570-A:2, notice is hereby given that the ConVal School Board authorizes audio recordings to be made in conjunction with video recordings of the interior of school buses while students are being transported to and from school or school activities.
XII. Report to the Department of Education
The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for reporting substantiated incidents of bullying to the Superintendent or his/her designee.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall, on an annual basis, or as requested, report substantiated incidents of bullying and cyberbullying to the School Board and/or Department of Education. The reports shall not contain any personally identifiable information pertaining to any pupil.
Legal Reference:
RSA 193-F, Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000
RSA 570-A, Wiretapping and Eavesdropping (if applicable -- see Note and Section XIII, above)
NH Ed R. 306.04(a)(8), Student Harassment
Category: P
See also, JBAA, JIC, JICD, IHBA
1st Read: November 16, 2010
2nd Read: December 7, 2010
Adoption: December 7, 2010
Amended: April 3, 2012
[post_title] => JICK - Pupil Safety And Violence Prevention
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Overview
The ConVal School District provides its students access to a multitude of technology resources. These resources provide opportunities to enhance learning and improve communication within our education community and with the global community beyond our campus. However, with the privilege of access is the responsibility of students to exercise appropriate personal responsibility in their use of these resources.
The ConVal School District policies are intended to promote the most effective, safe, productive, and instructionally sound uses of networked information and communication tools, including preventing unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, information protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The District also makes a good faith effort to protect its students from exposure to Internet materials that are harmful, obscene, violent, or otherwise inappropriate. The District maintains an Internet content filtering system that meets federal standards established in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by blocking access to inappropriate material on the Internet and ensuring the safety and security of minors when using email, social media, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Digital Citizenship
The ConVal School District provides information and technology resources for use in safe, legal, and responsible ways. A responsible digital citizen is one who:
- Respects one’s self. Users will use online names that are issued to them, and will carefully consider the appropriateness of any information and images that are posted online.
- Respects others. Users will refrain from using technologies to bully, tease, or harass other people. Users will not masquerade using a false identity or impersonate others.
- Protects one’s self and others. Users will protect themselves and others by using secure passwords, logging out of a computer when finished, not sharing passwords with others, and by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.
- Respects and protects intellectual property. Users will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media, etc., and will request to use the software and media others have produced.
- Respects the District’s technology equipment, network, and resources. Users will avoid bandwidth-intensive tasks, the transfer of unnecessarily large files, and the submission of multiple copies of the same print job to a printer. Users are prohibited from attempting to install or download software onto District-owned computers.
- Protects the conval.edu and cvsd.me domains from inappropriate use. Users will use District-provided accounts and subscriptions for school work only. Users will respect filters and other security systems and not attempt to defeat them.
To help ensure student safety and citizenship in online activities, all students will be educated about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and about cyberbullying awareness and response.
Expectations
Responsible use of the District’s technology resources is expected to be ethical, respectful, academically honest, and supportive of the School District’s mission. Each computer user has the responsibility to respect every other person in our community and on the Internet. Digital storage and electronic devices used for school purposes are viewed as extensions of the physical school space. Administrators, or their designees, may review files and communications (including electronic mail) to ensure that users are using the system in accordance with District policy. Users do not have any expectation of privacy of any information stored on servers or transmitted through District communication systems. Users should also understand that school servers, as well as non-school servers, regularly record Internet activity in log files and that, if requested under New Hampshire’s “Right to Know” law (RSA 91-A: Access to Public Records and Meetings), the District must provide this information.
Some activities are expressly prohibited by law. Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. The following guidelines are intended to clarify expectations for conduct, but they should not be construed as all-inclusive:
- Use of electronic devices should be consistent with the District’s educational objectives, mission, and curriculum.
- Transmission of any material in violation of any local, federal, and state laws is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material, licensed material, threatening or obscene material, and unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information of minors.
- Intentional or unintentional use of computing resources to access or process proxy sites, pornographic material, explicit text or files, material that is demeaning or degrading, content that is violent or harmful to minors, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network are strictly prohibited.
- Use of computing resources for commercial activities, product advertisement, or religious or political lobbying is prohibited.
- Users may be held personally and financially responsible for damage done to network software, data, user accounts, hardware, and/or unauthorized costs incurred.
- Files stored on District-managed networks may be inspected at any time and should not be considered private.
- Protects the conval.edu and cvsd.me domains from inappropriate use. Users will use District-provided accounts and subscriptions for school work only. Users will respect filters and other security systems and not attempt to defeat them.
The School District reserves the right to refuse access to the Internet to anyone. Violating any portion of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from school, and/or legal action. The School District will cooperate with law enforcement officers in investigations related to illegal activities conducted through its network.
Jurisdiction
This policy is in effect:
- When CVSD-provided equipment (laptops, tablets, etc.) is used on or off school property;
- When non-CVSD devices access the District’s network or District resources in school or out of school if the use creates a hostile environment at school for any student/employee and/or cause disruption or disorder within a school.
Legal References:
U.S. Pub. L. No. 106-554, Children’s Internet Protection Act (www.ifea.net/cipa.html)
U.S. Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2581-728, enacted October 21, 1998, Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) (15 U.S.C. §§ 6501–6506)
NH RSA 194:3-d, School District Computer Networks.
Category: P
See also EHAA
First Read: May 1, 2018
Second Read: May 15, 2018
Adopted: May 15, 2018
[post_title] => JICL - Internet Safety and Responsible Use - for Students
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[post_content] => The Superintendent, principal, security personnel of the school or other authorized personnel may detain and search any student or students on the premises of the public schools, or while attending, or while in transit on school vehicle, to any event or function sponsored or authorized by the school under the following conditions:
1. When any authorized person has reasonable suspicion that the student may have on the students' person or property alcohol; dangerous weapons; controlled dangerous substances as defined by law or stolen property if the property in question is reasonably suspected to have been taken from a student, a school employee, or the school during school activities; or any other items which have been or may reasonably be disruptive of school operations or in violation of student discipline rules and applicable provisions of the student handbook.
2. School lockers and school desks are the property of the school, not the student. Students who use school district lockers, desks, and other storage areas or compartments have no reasonable expectation of privacy from school employees as to the contents of those areas. Lockers, desks, and other storage areas or compartments may be subjected to searches at any time with or without reasonable suspicion. Students are not to use any school area or property to store anything that should not be at school. Students shall not exchange lockers or desks. Students shall not use any lockers or desks other than those assigned to them by the principal or designee. A shared locker or storage area implies shared responsibility.
3. Authorized personnel may conduct a search of the student’s person or the student’s belongings, as noted above, whenever a student freely and voluntarily consents to such a search. Consent obtained through threats or coercion is not considered to be freely and voluntarily given.
4. Strip searches are forbidden. No clothing except cold weather/outdoor garments and footwear will be requested to be removed before or during a search.
5. Authorized personnel conducting a search shall have authority to detain the student or students and to preserve any contraband seized. Contraband seized during the course of a search will be preserved and held in accordance with applicable administrative rules and procedures.
6. Any searches of students as outlined herein will be conducted by authorized personnel of the same sex as the student being searched. Two authorized persons shall be present during any search of a student or student property.
CONVAL SCHOOL BOARD
7. Items that may be seized during an unauthorized search, in addition to those mentioned in Paragraph 1 above, shall include but not be limited to, any item, object, instrument, or material commonly recognized as unlawful or prohibited by law or by district policy. For example: prescription or non-prescription medicines, switchblade knives, brass knuckles, billy clubs, and pornographic literature are commonly recognizable as unlawful or prohibited items. Such items, or any other items which may pose a threat to a student, the student body, or school personnel shall be seized, identified as to ownership if possible, and held for release to proper authority.
In conducting searches of students and property, school officials should consult with legal counsel and law enforcement authorities to be aware of circumstances when involvement of the police is advisable and/or necessary.
Searches of student automobiles are governed by Board Policy JIHB.
Category: R
Legal References:
NH Constitution, Pt.1, Art.19
1State v. Drake, 139 NH 662 (1995)
State v. Tinkham, 143 NH 73 (1998) Appendix JIH-R
1st Read: August 9, 2016
2nd Read: August 23, 2016
Adopted: August 23, 2016
[post_title] => JIH – Student Searches and Their Property
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[post_content] => Parking of student automobiles on school property is a privilege and not a right. This policy shall serve as notice to both parents and students that, as part of this privilege, the district regulates what may be stored in vehicles and may search students' automobiles while parked on school property if the district has reasonable suspicion that a violation of school rules, the law or policy has occurred. Students who park in school parking lots and parents/guardians who allow their minor child to park on school property are deemed to have given consent to having their automobiles searched in the event of such reasonable suspicion.
The school parking lots are deemed part of the Safe School Zone. Students are prohibited from the storage of prohibited drugs, drug paraphernalia or weapons in vehicles that are parked in the Safe School Zone. All employees, volunteers and students are responsible for enhancing safety and the effective implementation of district policies on school property and thus are required to timely report to the building principal when they have reason to believe that prohibited drugs, drug paraphernalia, or weapons are present in a student's vehicle.
Any student/parent who bars a search shall have their student’s parking privilege revoked. When a student/parent bars access, and there is reasonable suspicion of a potential violation of the law, the principal shall contact law enforcement.
The building principal, shall, when any information rises to the level of reasonable suspicion, inform the student, (and when not an adult student, their parent/guardian), of his/her intent to search the vehicle and may conduct a search of the vehicle. The principal shall contact law enforcement when it appears that the student conduct not only violates District policy(ies) but is criminal in nature.
A student shall not be permitted to park on campus if they or their parent/guardian indicate that they do not intend to permit a search of the vehicle in the event of reasonable suspicion that there has been a violation of school rules, the law, or District policy.
When the principal conducts a search of a vehicle, he/she shall fill out a vehicle search form, which will be maintained by the District.
The District may post notices regarding this policy indicating that student parking is by permission only and subject to search.
Legal Reference:
NH Constitution, Pt.1, Art.19
Appendix JIHB-R
Category: Recommended
See also: JIH, JIHB-R
1st Read: September 18, 2018
2nd Read: October 2, 2018
Adopted: October 2, 2018
[post_title] => JIHB -- Searches of Student Automobiles on School Property
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[post_content] => The ConVal School District encourages pupils who attend nonpublic schools, public charter schools, or who are home educated to access to the District’s curricular courses and co-curricular programs in the same way as that of students who attend ConVal schools.
All pupils residing in the District, whether they are home educated, or are attending public chartered school or nonpublic schools, shall have access to curricular courses and co/extra-curricular programs offered by the District in accordance RSA 193:1-c and these administrative regulations.
The District will comply with the provisions of RSA 193:1-c allowing pupils who attend nonpublic schools, charter schools, or are home educated equal access to the District's curricular courses and co/extra-curricular programs. The District recognizes that any School Board policies regulating participation in curricular courses and co/extra-curricular programs cannot be more restrictive for non-public, public chartered school, or home educated pupils than the policy governing the District's resident pupils.
Legal References:
RSA 193:1-c, Access to Public School Programs by Nonpublic, Public Chartered Schools or Home Educated Pupils.
RSA 193-A, Home Education
Category: O
See also: IHBG - Home Education Instruction
IHBG-R, Administrative Procedure to Accompany Policy IHBG
Home Education Participation in District Programs and Activities
First Reading: February 19, 2019
Second Reading: March 5, 2019
Adoption: March 5, 2019
[post_title] => JJA - Student Activities & Organizations
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[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
See also IGDG
Category: R
1st Read: February 4, 2014
2nd Read: March 4, 2014
Adopted: March 4, 2014
[post_title] => JJF - Student Activities Fund Management And Fundraising
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[post_date] => 2016-08-08 07:41:18
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[post_content] => The Contoocook Valley School Board believes individual students will benefit through opportunities to grow physically and intellectually through their experience in self-discipline and their contribution to team effort made possible through competitive interschool and intramural team and individual sports activities.
It is the Board’s policy to provide interscholastic athletic competition in a variety of sports. Students shall be allowed to participate in school-sponsored sports on the basis of their physical condition and desire. Qualified personnel should be provided for coaching and supervising such programs. In addition, it is the policy of the Board to provide intramural athletic activities as an outgrowth of class instruction in physical education and commensurate with the grade level of the students involved.
The purpose of school athletics is both educational and recreational. The athletic program should encourage participation by as many boys and girls as possible and should be carried on with the best interests of the participants as the first consideration. This should be done without unreasonable interference with other obligations in the school community.
It is recognized that a well-organized and well-conducted athletic program is a potent factor in the morale of a school student body and an important phase of good community-school relations. Too great an emphasis on winning contests or too consistent a record of losing them are both harmful to the development of good attitudes among students and the public.
Policy Conditions
- Students must provide written documentation that they have passed a physical at least once in the preceding 24 months prior to participation on the team. Students and parents should note that this may require a student to take and pass a physical during the school year, even if the student has already participated on a school athletic team during that school year.
This requirement does not apply to students participating in intramural athletics.
- The athletic program is an integral part of the school curriculum and comes under the
authority of the principal to the same degree as do all other phases of the curriculum.
- Those teachers having direct responsibility for the conduct of the athletic program of the school are required to conform in all ways to the general education program as laid down by the Board and administration, including such matters as schedules, financial expenditures, relationships with other schools, and health and safety regulations.
- The High School is a member of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA), and in all athletic matters will adhere firmly to the rules and regulations of that body and to the philosophy of sports which NHIA encourages. The eligibility of students to participate in the athletic program is determined in accordance with NHIAA regulations.
- Expenditures for the athletic program are incorporated as part of the general budget of the Board. Coaches of each sport will submit their budgetary needs to the athletic director for the next school year, and the latter will present the total athletic budget request to the principal for approval and inclusion in the general budget. No expenditures for athletic purposes may be made in excess of those approved in the budget without approval of the Superintendent.
- District participation in interscholastic athletics shall be subject to approval by the Board. This shall include approval of membership in any leagues, associations, or conferences, of rules for student participation, and of annual sports schedules.
- Insurance against accident or injury shall be provided by the parents for students engaging in interscholastic athletics, who shall provide evidence of such insurance prior to the start of practice.
CVHS ATHLETIC RULES – NHIAA
The Board hereby adopts the recommendations of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association regarding student academic standing and eligibility to participate on school athletic teams.
Scholastic Standing
- No pupil who has failed to pass four (4) units of work* during the previous ranking period** shall represent the school in any interscholastic contest. A minimum of four (4) units of work per marking period is required for participation in interscholastic athletics.
Definitions:
- Basic Ranking Period
Not less than six (6) weeks
- Previous Basic Ranking Period
Indicates the last prior ranking period of the school year.
- Passing Grade
As determined by the NHIAA individual member high schools.
Summer School: A student athlete may not regain athletic eligibility by making up academic deficiencies or failures of the regular school year during the summer months.
- Incompletes: Incompletes are not to be considered passing grades for purposes of eligibility.
* A unit of work reflects a course that meets the equivalent of 5 times per week.
** This is interpreted as the school’s previous ranking period not the student’s previous ranking period.
Category: O
See Also: JJA
1
st Read: April 5, 2016
2
nd Read: April 19, 2016
Adopted: April 19, 2016
[post_title] => JJIB -- Interscholastic Athletics
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[post_content] => The ConVal School District encourages pupils who attend nonpublic schools, public charter schools, or who are home educated to access to the District’s curricular courses and co-curricular programs in the same way as that of students who attend ConVal schools.
All pupils residing in the District, whether they are home educated, or are attending public chartered school or nonpublic schools, shall have access to curricular courses and co/extra-curricular programs offered by the District in accordance RSA 193:1-c and these administrative regulations.
The District will comply with the provisions of RSA 193:1-c allowing pupils who attend nonpublic schools, charter schools, or are home educated equal access to the District's curricular courses and co/extra-curricular programs. The District recognizes that any School Board policies regulating participation in curricular courses and co/extra-curricular programs cannot be more restrictive for non-public, public chartered school, or home educated pupils than the policy governing the District's resident pupils.
Legal References:
RSA 193:1-c, Access to Public School Programs by Nonpublic, Public Chartered Schools or Home Educated Pupils.
RSA 193-A, Home Education
Category: R
See also: IHBG - Home Education Instruction
IHBG-R, Administrative Procedure to Accompany Policy IHBG
Home Education Participation in District Programs and Activities
First Reading: February 19, 2019
Second Reading: March 5, 2019
Adoption: March 5, 2019
[post_title] => JJJ -- Access to Public School Programs by Nonpublic, Charter Schools and Home-Educated Pupils
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[post_content] => No teacher, administrator, student, or other person will subject a student to corporal punishment or condone the use of corporal punishment by any person under his or her supervision or control, except in self-defense or in exigent circumstances. Permission to administer corporal punishment will not be sought or accepted from any parent, guardian, or school official.
Provisions for the use of physical restraint, medical restraint and/or mechanical restraint are established Board Policy JKAA.
Legal References:
RSA 627:6, II, Physical Force by Persons With Special Responsibilities
Category: R
1st Read: February 3, 2015
2nd Read: March 3, 2015
Adopted: March 3, 2015
[post_title] => JKA - Corporal Punishment
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[post_content] => The District and all of its employees and contractors have a duty to maintain an orderly, safe environment that is conducive to learning and the District’s educational mission. Positive behavioral interventions based on the results of behavioral assessment, shall serve as the foundation for any program used to address the behavioral needs of students. When reasonable to do such, staff shall first seek to address a student’s behavioral needs through positive behavioral interventions and supports before resorting to restraint or seclusion.
In circumstances defined by this policy, restraint or seclusion of a student will become necessary for the District to fulfill its duty to maintain a safe and orderly environment. However, restraint or seclusion shall only be used when needed to protect the student or others from a substantial and imminent risk of serious bodily harm.
Restraint
The use of restraint in schools shall be limited to physical and restraint, and only to the extent permitted by State Law and this policy. "Physical restraint'' shall be deemed to have occurred when a manual method is used to restrict a child's freedom of movement or normal access to his or her body. This includes any manual method that immobilizes a student or restricts their freedom of movement of the torso, head, arms, or legs. Mechanical restraints may be used in the transportation of children when case-specific circumstances dictate that such methods are necessary.
A physical restraint shall only be used:
1. To ensure the immediate physical safety of a person or persons when there is a substantial and imminent risk of serious bodily harm to the child or others; and,
2. By trained personnel using extreme caution when all other interventions have failed or been deemed inappropriate.
The determination of whether the use of restraint is justified shall be made with consideration of all relevant circumstances, including whether continued acts of violence by a child to inflict damage to property will create a substantial risk of serious bodily harm to the child or others.
A restraint shall not be imposed for longer than is necessary to protect the child or others from a substantial and imminent risk of serious bodily harm. Children in restraint shall be the subject of continuous direct observation by personnel trained in the safe use of restraint. No period of restraint of a child may exceed 15 minutes without the approval of the principal or a supervisory employee designated by the principal to provide such approval. No period of restraint of a child may exceed 30 minutes unless a face-to-face assessment of the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the child is conducted by the principal or by a supervisory employee designated by the principal who is trained to conduct such assessments. The assessment shall also include a determination of whether the restraint is being conducted safely and for a purpose authorized by state law. Such assessments shall be repeated at least every 30 minutes during the period of restraint. Each such assessment shall be documented in writing and such records shall be retained by the facility or school as part of the written notification and record-keeping requirements set forth in state law.
Prohibited Forms of Physical Restraint
All district employees and contractors are prohibited from using or threatening to use:
1. Any physical restraint or containment technique that:
a. Obstructs a child’s respiratory airway or impairs the child’s breathing or respiratory capacity, or restricts the movement required for normal breathing;
b. Places pressure or weight on, or causes the compression of, the chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back, or abdomen of a child;
c. Obstructs the circulation of blood;
d. Involves pushing on or into the child’s mouth, nose, eyes, or any part of the face or involves covering the face or body with anything, including soft objects such as pillows, blankets, or wash clothes; or,
e. Endangers a child’s life significantly or exacerbates a child’s medical condition.
2. The intentional infliction of pain, including the use of pain inducement to obtain compliance.
3. The intentional release of noxious, toxic, caustic, or otherwise unpleasant substances near a child for the purpose of controlling or modifying the behavior of or punishing the child.
4. Any technique that unnecessarily subjects the child to ridicule, humiliation, or emotional trauma.
Restraints shall not be used explicitly or implicitly as punishment for a child’s behavior.
Mechanical Restraint
The proper use of seat belts or safety belts while transporting students shall not be deemed mechanical or physical restraint. "Mechanical restraint'' occurs when a physical device or devices are used to restrict the movement of a child or the movement or normal function of a portion of his or her body. Mechanical restraint shall only be used in the transportation of children when case-circumstances dictate that such methods are necessary to safely transport the child.
Whenever a child is transported to a location outside a school, the principal or their designee shall ensure that all reasonable and appropriate measures consistent with public safety are made to transport or escort the child in a manner which:
(a) Prevents physical and psychological trauma; (b) Respects the privacy of the child; and (c) Represents the least restrictive means necessary for the safety of the child.
The use of mechanical restraint shall be documented, and notice of such restraint shall be provided to the parents/guardian of the child. The individual or individuals responsible for implementing a mechanical restraint shall be trained in the proper use of the mechanical restraint.
Actions not Deemed Restraint
In accord with state law, the following actions shall not be considered restraint:
(1) Brief touching or holding to calm, comfort, encourage, or guide a child, so long as limitation of freedom of movement of the child does not occur.
(2) The temporary holding of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, or back for the purpose of inducing a child to stand, if necessary, and then walk to a safe location, so long as the child is in an upright position and moving toward a safe location.
(3) Physical devices, such as orthopedically prescribed appliances, surgical dressings and bandages, and supportive body bands, or other physical holding when necessary for routine physical examinations and tests or for orthopedic, surgical, and other similar medical treatment purposes, or when used to provide support for the achievement of functional body position or proper balance or to protect a person from falling out of bed, or to permit a child to participate in activities without the risk of physical harm.
(4) The use of seat belts, safety belts, or similar passenger restraints during the transportation of a child in a motor vehicle.
(5) The use of force by a person to defend himself or herself or a third person from what the actor reasonably believes to be the imminent use of unlawful force by a child, when the actor uses a degree of such force which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary for such purpose and the actor does not immobilize a child or restrict the freedom of movement of the torso, head, arms, or legs of any child. However, such use of force shall require a report to the parents/guardians of intentional physical contact, as discussed below.
Prohibition of Medical Restraint
Medication restraint is defined in the law as occurring when a child is given medication involuntarily for the purpose of immediate control of the child's behavior. All schools are prohibited from using medication of any kind as a form of restraint.
This prohibition shall not be interpreted to prohibit the administration by a school nurse of a lawfully prescribed medication for purposes other than medication restraint; provided such occurs in accord with the District’s policies on the administration of medication in the schools and state law pertaining to the administration of medication by a school nurse.
Seclusion
Seclusion means the involuntary placement of a child alone in a place where no other person is present and from which the particular child is unable to exit, either due to physical manipulation by a person, a lock, or other mechanical device or barrier. The fact that the place has a window or other device for visual observation does not serve as an exception to this definition.
Seclusion may only be used when a child’s behavior poses a substantial and imminent risk of physical harm to the child or other others, and may only continue until that danger has dissipated.
Seclusion shall only be used by trained personnel after other approaches to the control of behavior have been attempted and been unsuccessful, or are reasonably concluded to be unlikely to succeed based on the history of actual attempts to control the behavior of a particular child. Each use of seclusion shall be directly and continuously visually and auditorially monitored by a person trained in the safe use of seclusion.
Seclusion shall not be used as a form of punishment or discipline. Seclusion shall not be used in a manner that unnecessarily subjects the child to the risk of ridicule, humiliation, or emotional or physical harm.
Rooms used for seclusion must meet the minimum requirements set forth in RSA 126-U, including having doors which are either not equipped with locks, or are equipped with devices that automatically disengage the lock in case of an emergency. See more specifically RSA 126-U:5.
Parents or guardians should notify their child’s school principal if a court has appointed a guardian ad litem to represent their child’s interests.
Events not deemed Seclusion
Seclusion shall not be deemed to include:
The voluntary separation of a child from a stressful environment for the purpose of allowing the child to regain self-control, when such separation is to an area which a child is able to leave; or
Circumstances in which there is no physical barrier between the child and any other person or the child is physically able to leave the place.
Internal and External Reporting
The District shall follow the provisions of RSA 126-U and ED1202.02 with regard to the internal reporting of physical restraint or seclusion as well as the external reporting to parents/guardians. Parents or guardians should notify their child’s school principal if a court has appointed a guardian ad litem to represent their child’s interests.
Oral Reporting
Unless prohibited by court order, the building level administrator shall, as soon as reasonably possible, verbally notify the parent or guardian whenever seclusion or restraint has been used on a child. In no event shall this oral notice be later than the time of the return of the child to the parent or guardian or the end of the school day. Notification shall be made in a manner calculated to give the parent or guardian actual notice of the incident at the earliest practicable time. Any incident of seclusion or restraint involving any injury to anyone (student, employee, or other) shall also be immediately reported to the Superintendent or her designee.
Internal Written Reporting and Notification Form
Within five (5) business days of the use of seclusion or restraint, the school employee that used the seclusion or restraint shall submit a written report to the school principal which contains the information required in RSA 126-U:7 and ED1202.02. The District administration shall develop a
reporting and notification form to be used for this written report.
Written Notification of Parents
Unless prohibited by court order, the principal or his or her designee shall, within two (2) business days of receipt of the internal written report set forth above, send or transmit by first class mail or electronic transmission to the child's parent or guardian and the guardian ad litem the information contained in the internal written reporting and notification form referenced above. The District administration may develop a parental notification form, or may elect to use a single reporting and notification form for both internal and external reporting, but the form shall meet all the requirements of NH RSA 126-U:7(II), RSA 126-U:11 (notification of restraints exceeding 15 and 30 minutes) and ED1202.02. Each notification prepared under this section shall be retained by the school or facility for review in accordance with rules adopted under RSA 541-A by the state board of education and the department of health and human services.
Reporting of Serious Bodily Injury
If an incident of restraint or seclusion results in serious injury or death the Superintendent shall, in addition to the notice set forth above, also notify the commissioner of the department of education, the attorney general, and the state's federally-designated protection and advocacy agency for individuals with disabilities. Such notice shall include the written notification required for the parents under RSA 126-U:7(II) and ED1202.02.
Intentional Physical Contact
Whenever a school employee or contractor has intentional physical contact with a student which is in response to a student’s aggression, misconduct, or disruptive behavior, the school principal or his/her designee shall make reasonable efforts to promptly notify the student’s parent/guardian. Such notification shall be made no later than the time of the return of the student to the parent/guardian or the end of the business day, whichever is earlier. Notification shall be made in a manner calculated to give the parent/guardian actual notice of the incident at the earliest practicable time. The administration of the District shall develop a form for providing the required written notice to parents, and the content of the notice shall comply with RSA 126-U:7(V) and District policy/procedures.
Other Physical Contact
The following physical contact need not be reported as intentional physical contact:
(a) When a child is escorted from an area by way of holding of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, or back to induce the child to walk to a safe location. However, if the child is actively combative, assaultive, or self-injurious while being escorted, the event shall be reported as intentional physical contact;
(b) When actions are taken such as separating children from each other, inducing a child to stand, or otherwise physically preparing a child to be escorted.
(c) When the contact with the child is incidental or minor, such as for the purpose of gaining a misbehaving child's attention. However, blocking of a blow, forcible release from a grasp, or other significant and intentional physical contact with a disruptive or assaultive child shall be subject to reporting as intentional physical contact.
An incident reported as physical restraint or seclusion need not be reported as intentional physical contact.
Procedures and Forms
The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall develop written procedures and forms regarding implementation of this policy. The procedures shall be consistent with this policy and all applicable laws and regulations.
IEP Team Review of Record
Upon information that restraint or seclusion has been used for the first time upon a child with a disability as defined in RSA 186-C:2, I or a child who is receiving services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the school shall review the individual educational program and/or Section 504 plan and make such adjustments as are indicated to eliminate or reduce the future use of restraint or seclusion.
A parent or guardian of a child with a disability may request such a review at any time following an instance of restraint or seclusion and such request shall be granted if there have been multiple instances of restraint or seclusion since the last review.
Internal Duty to Report and Complaints
Notice is given in accord with State Department of Education regulations, and RSA 126-U, that the District’s employees have a duty to report to the school administration any violation of RSA 126-U (“Limiting the Use of Child Restraint in Schools and Treatment Facilities”) when that employee has reason to believe that the action of another constitutes a violation of RSA 126-U and rises to the level of misconduct or suspected misconduct pursuant to ED 510. The District expressly prohibits any form of harassment or retaliation for the making of such a report in good faith. Any person may make a complaint of a violation of RSA 126-U to the school principal. Schools shall document receipt of any such complaint, including any complaint they determine does not meet the criteria for a violation of RSA 126-U. The documentation shall include the evidence the principal relied upon, and it shall be forwarded to, and maintained by the District’s administration. The District’s administration, may, at its election, review the building level disposition of the complaint to ensure compliance with RSA 126-U, the state regulations, and this policy.
Legal References:
RSA 627:6, II Physical Force By Persons With Special Responsibilities Ed 1113.04-1113.05
RSA 126-U Limiting the Use of Child Restraint Practices in Schools and Treatment Facilities Revised 10-4-10
ED1200 Restraint and Seclusion for Children
Catetory: Priority/Required by Law
1st Read: November 6, 2018
2nd Read: November 27, 2018
Adopted: November 27, 2018
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[post_date] => 2023-06-12 22:18:56
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[post_content] =>
JKAA-F2 Seclusion Incident Report
[post_title] => JKAA-F2 Seclusion Incident Report
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[post_date] => 2023-06-12 22:20:07
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[post_content] =>
JKAA-F3 Intentional Physical Contact Incident Report
[post_title] => JKAA-F3 Intentional Physical Contact Incident Report
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[post_date] => 2015-09-04 15:14:58
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[post_content] => A school administrator or teacher may detain a student for disciplinary reasons during school hours. Further, a school administrator or teacher may detain a Student for disciplinary reasons after school hours, provided the parent has been notified of the detention and, in the case of bus students, arrangements have been made for the student's transportation home. In cases where transportation is required, 24-hour notice will be given so that transportation may be arranged.
Parents may be asked to arrange for the transportation of the detained student.
Detention in one day is to be limited to 60 minutes.
Category: R
1st Read: February 3, 2015
2nd Read: March 3, 2015
Adopted: March 3, 2015
[post_title] => JKB - Detention Of Students
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[post_date] => 2015-08-13 18:56:01
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[post_content] => The Board recommends that all students have accident insurance for their parents’ protection. The school does not provide insurance covering medical payment for student accidents. Although arranging for such insurances is the responsibility of the student and parents or guardians, the Board will name an insurance carrier each year to offer group rates. Participation in the group plan is purely optional.
Please note that students participating in interscholastic athletics will be required to have accident insurance; proof of accident insurance is necessary if a student is to take part in interscholastic sports.
Category: O
1
st Read: April 5, 2016
2
nd Read: April 19, 2016
Adopted: April 19, 2016
[post_title] => JLA - Student Insurance Program
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[post_date] => 2015-09-04 15:18:43
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[post_content] => The School Board may appoint one or more school nurses to carry out appropriate school health-related activities including, but not limited to: providing direct health care to students; providing leadership, care coordination and qualitative improvement of school health services; promoting a healthy school environment and control/surveillance of infectious diseases; promoting health; serving in a leadership role for health policies and programs; and serving as a liaison between school personnel, family, community, and health care providers. he school nurses’ responsibilities also include, but are not limited to: assessing and responding to individual student health needs through Individual Healthcare Plans, maintaining accurate health records, participating on 504, IEP or other school teams (as needed or required), health promotion, disease and injury prevention initiatives, student wellness, and other responsibilities and services as dictated by law or Board policy. Finally, the school nurse will assist the administration in developing/updating forms necessary and appropriate for health-related issues.
A school nurse shall be a registered professional nurse licensed in New Hampshire, and certified by the New Hampshire Department of Education working within the nursing scope of practice as defined by New Hampshire Board of Nursing.
The Board may employ or contract with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) to work under the direct supervision of the school Registered Nurse (RN) within their respective scopes of practice. As provided by New Hampshire law, the school nurse is responsible for the delegation of health care tasks.
Responsibilities of the school nurse, LPN, and LNA are outlined in the job descriptions for their respective positions. In addition, the Superintendent or his/her designee may assign additional duties to the school nurse, LPN, or LNA within the respective scopes of practice.
Personnel qualified to carry out appropriate school health-related activities as defined by EBBC/JLCE shall be available to each school in the District. All injuries or illnesses occurring during the school day shall be reported to the school nurse or the building principal. Accidents shall be reported in accordance with Board Policy EBBC. Students attending school during the extended day, night, or summer school programs, or any other time when the school nurse is not in the building, are to report all illnesses and injuries to the supervising adult. Students will not be allowed to leave school due to injury or illness without first notifying either the school nurse, principal or designee as well as the student’s parent/guardian or emergency contact on file.
Emergency medical care will be provided pursuant to the guidelines of Board Policy EBBC/JLCE. Any pupil who is required to take prescribed medication during the school day will do so in a manner consistent with District policies and procedures, including policy JLCD and appendix JLCD-R, and the provisions of Department of Education Rule 311.02.
Legal References:
RSA 200:27, School Health Services
RSA 200:29, School Nurse
RSA 200:31, School Health Personnel
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Sec. Ed. 306.12, School Health Services
Category: P
See also EBBC, JLCE
1st Read: September 6, 2022
2nd Read: September 20, 2022
Adopted: September 20, 2022
[post_title] => JLC - Student Health Services
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[post_date] => 2015-09-04 15:20:57
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[post_content] => Each child must have a complete physical examination within one year preceding first entry to school. The Board also requires physical exams be completed prior to entrance to middle school and again prior to entrance to high school. No medical examination shall be required of a child whose parent or guardian objects thereto in writing on the grounds such medical examination is contrary to his/her religious tenets and teachings.
Parents of students transferring to the District must present proof of meeting the physical examination requirement prior to or upon first entry into the District’s schools. Failure to comply with this provision may result in exclusion from school for the child.
All students participating in athletics must have a physical examination in accordance with the provisions of Board Policy JJI.
Legal References:
RSA 141-C:20-c, Exemptions
RSA 200:32, Physical Examination of Pupils
RSA 200:38, Control and Prevention of Communicable Diseases: Duties of School Nurse
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 311.03, Physical Examination of Students
No Child Left Behind Act, Title X, Sec. 1061
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, 20 U.S.C. §1232h; 34 C.F.R. Part 98
Category: P
1st Read: September 1, 2009
2nd Read: October 6, 2009
Adoption: October 6, 2009
[post_title] => JLCA - Physical Examinations Of Students
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Screening
Based on recommendations from the National Association of School Nurses, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students with nits and/or head lice should not be excluded from school. School-wide screening for nits alone is not an accurate way of predicting which children will become infested with head lice. Conducting screenings for live lice has not been proven to have a significant decrease on the incidence of head lice in a school community. Head lice infestation poses little risk to others and does not result in additional health problems. The school nurse may check a student’s head if the student is demonstrating symptoms.
When a student has been identified as having live lice or nits, the school nurse, principal or principal’
