District Policies Archives - ConVal School Board

AA – School District Legal Status

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,

ABA – Community Involvement In Decision Making

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.

AC – Non-Discrimination

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,

ACAC – Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Grievance Process

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,

ACE – Procedural Safeguards Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability

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.

AD – Education Philosophy

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,

ADB – Drug-Free Workplace, Drug-Free Schools

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:

ADC – Tobacco Products Ban Use and Possession In and On School Facilities and Grounds

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,

ADD: Safe Schools

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.

AE – Accountability

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.

AFB — Superintendent Evaluation

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.

BA – Evaluation Of Board Operational Procedures

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.

BAAA – School Board Policies and Administrative Procedures

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,

BB — School Board Legal Status

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,

BBA — School Board Powers and Duties

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.

BBAA – School Board Member Authority

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.

BBBA – Board Member Qualifications

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,

BBBC – Board Member Or District Officer Resignation

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.

BBBD – School Board Removal From Office

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.

BBBE — Unexpired Term Fulfillment

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.

BBBF – Student Board Members

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.

Read More: BBBF – Student Board Members

BCA – School Board Member Ethics

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,

BCB — School Board Member Conflict of Interest

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,

BDB — Board Officers

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.

BDC — Appointed Board Officials

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.

BDD – Board-Superintendent Relationship

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.

BDE – Committees and School Board Member Special-Duty Assignments

Category: O

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.

BDG — School District Attorney

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.

BEA — Regular School Board Meetings

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,

BEB — Special/Emergency Board Meetings

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,

BEC — Non-Public Sessions

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.

BEDA — Public Notification of School Board Meetings

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,

BEDB – Agenda Preparation and Dissemination

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.

BEDC — Quorum

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,

BEDD — Rules of Order

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,

BEDG — Minutes

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”

BEDH – Public Participation at Board Meetings

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 –

BFE — Administration in Policy Absence

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.

BG — School Board Policy Process

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.

BGA — Policy Development System

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,

BGB: Policy Adoption

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:

BGC– Policy Review and Evaluation/Manual Accuracy Check

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.

BGF — Suspension of Policies

The policies of the School Board are subject to suspension only upon a majority vote of the entire Board membership at a meeting for which the proposed suspension has been described in writing,

Read More: BGF — Suspension of Policies

BHC – Board-Employee Communications

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,

BHE – School Board Use of E-Mail

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,

BIA – School Board Member Orientation

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.

BIB — School Board Member Development Opportunities

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.

BIBA – Board Conferences, Conventions, and Workshops

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,

BID — Payment for Services Rendered by School District Officers

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.

BIE — Board Member Indemnification

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.

BK — School Board Memberships

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.

BKA — Liaison with School Board Associations

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,

CA – Administration Goals

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,

CB – School Superintendent

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,

CBB — Apointment of Superintendent

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.

CBC – Superintendent’s Right To Counsel

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.

CBI — Superintendent Evaluation

CF — School Building Administration

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.

CFA – Individual School Administrative Personnel

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,

CFB – Evaluation of Administrative Staff

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.

CH – Policy Implementation

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.

CHCA – Approval of Handbooks and Directives

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.

CHD – Administration In Policy Absence

CM – School District Annual Report

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.

DA – Fiscal Management Plan

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.

Read More: DA – Fiscal Management Plan

DAF – Administration of Federal Grant Funds

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”),

DB – Annual Budget

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;

DBC – Budget Preparation

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.

DBJ – Transfer of Appropriations

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.

DC – Post-Issuance Tax Compliance and Procedures For Tax-Exempt Obligations

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,

DEA – Revenues From Local Tax Sources

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,

DFA – Investment

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.

DFEA – Free Admissions

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.

DFGA – Crowd Funding

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,

DG – Depository of Funds

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.

DGA – Authorized Signatures

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,

Read More: DGA – Authorized Signatures

DH – Bonded Employees

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.

DI — Fiscal Accounting and Reporting

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.

DIA – Fund Balance

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,

DIB – Trust Funds

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,

DID – Fixed Assets

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.

DIE – Audits

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).

DJ – Purchasing

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,

DJC – Petty Cash Accounts

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.

DJD — Local Purchasing

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,

DJE – Bidding Requirements

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.

DK – Payment Procedures

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.

DKA – Payroll Procedures

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.

DM – Cash In School Buildings

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.

DN – School Properties Disposal Procedure

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,

EB – Safety Program

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.

EBB — Safe Schools

EBBB – Reporting Accidents Involving Physical Harm of Students

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,

EBBC – Emergency Care and First Aid (Student Accidents and Accident Reports)

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.

EBBD – Indoor Air Quality

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,

EBCA – Crisis Prevention and Emergency Response Plans

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,

EBCB – Fire Drills

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.

EBCB-R –FIRE EXIT DRILLS IN EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES

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,

EBCC – Bomb Threats

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,

EBCD – Emergency Closings

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,

EBCE – School Closings

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.

EBCF – Pandemic/Epidemic Emergencies

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.

EBCG/JHCC – Communicable and Infectious Diseases

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,

EC – Buildings and Grounds Management

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.

ECA – Buildings And Grounds Security

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.

ECA-R – Safe School Procedures

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.

ECAC – Vandalism

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.

ECAF – Audio And Video Surveillance On School Buses

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.

ECE – Traffic and Parking

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.

ECF – Energy Management & Conservation Policy

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,

ECF-R – Energy Management & Conservation

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.

EDC – Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials

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,

EEA – Student Transportation Services

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.

EEA-R — Student Transportation Services

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.

EEAA – Video Surveillance on School Property

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,

EEAB – Video and Audio Recording For Instructional and Professional Development Purposes

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.

EEAE – School Bus Safety Program

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.

EEAEA – Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing – School Bus Drivers and Contracted Carriers

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.

EEAEA-R — Drug And Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers

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.

EEAEC — Student Conduct On School Buses

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.

EEAG — Use of Private Vehicles to Transport Students and for Other School Purposes

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.

EEAG/IICA-R Use of Private Vehicle Form

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 &

EF – Food Service Management

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.

Read More: EF – Food Service Management

EFA – Availability And Distribution Of Healthy Foods

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;

EFAA — Meal Charging

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”

EFC – Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Policy

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.

EFDA – Overdue Accounts

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.

EFE – Vending Machines

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,

EGAD – Copyright Compliance

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.

Read More: EGAD – Copyright Compliance

EH – Public Use Of School Records

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,

EHAA – Internet Safety And Responsible Use Policy For Students

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.

EHAA-F: Agreement for Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials

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.

EHAB – Data Governance and Security

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,

EHB – Data/Records Retention

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.

Read More: EHB – Data/Records Retention

EHB-R Data/Records Retention

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,

EI – Risk Management

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.

EIB – Liability Insurance And Pooled Risk Management

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,

FA – Facilities, Development Goals/Priority Objectives

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.

FAA – Annual Facility Plan

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,

FBB – Enrollment Projections

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,

Read More: FBB – Enrollment Projections

FE – Facilities Construction

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.

Read More: FE – Facilities Construction

FEH – Change Orders Procedures

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.

FF – Naming of District Buildings and Facilities and Dedication of Areas

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.

FL – Retirement of Facilities

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,

GADA — Employment References and Verification (Prohibiting Aiding and Abetting of Sexual Abuse)

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,

GBA – Equal Opportunity Employment

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,

GBB – Staff Involvement In Decision Making

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.

GBCA – Staff Conflict Of Interest

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.

GBCD – Background Investigation And Criminal Records Check

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,

GBD – Board-Employee Communications

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,

GBEA – Staff Ethics

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.

GBEB — Staff Conduct

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,

GBEBB – Employee-Student Relations

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,

GBEBC – Employee Gifts And Solicitations

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.

GBEC – Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free Schools

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.

GBED — Tobacco Products Ban Use and Possession in and on School Facilities and Grounds

GBEF – Acceptable Use Policy: Staff

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,

GBG – Employee Protection

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.

GBGA – Staff Health

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,

GBGBA – Use Of Automated External Defibrillator(s)

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,

GBJ – Personnel Records

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,

GBK – Staff Concerns, Complaints, And Grievances

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.

GCA – Teaching Staff Positions

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,

GCB – Teaching Staff Contracts

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.

GCC – Professional Staff Recruiting

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.

GCG – Part-Time And Substitute Professional Staff Employment (Substitute Teachers)

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.

GCI – Professional Staff Development Opportunities

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,

GCN – Evaluation Of Instructional Staff

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.

GCO – Teacher Performance And Evaluation

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.

GCQA – Nonschool Employment By Professional Staff Members

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.

GCQAB – Tutoring For Pay

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.

GCQC – Resignation Of A Staff Member

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.

GDO – Evaluation Of Support Staff

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,

GDQ – Terminiation Of Support Staff Personnel

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,

HP – Employee Job Actions

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.

IC – School Year

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,

IF – Instructional Approach

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.

Read More: IF – Instructional Approach

IFA – Instructional Needs Of Students

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.

IGA – Curriculum Development

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.

Read More: IGA – Curriculum Development

IGBB – Programs For Gifted Students

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.

IGD – Curriculum Adoption

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.

IGDG – Student Activities Fund Management and Fundraising

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,

IGE – Parental Objections To Specific Course Material

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,

IHAK – Character and Citizenship Education

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,

IHAL – Teaching About Religion

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,

IHAM – Health Education And Exemption From Instruction

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.

IHAMA — Teaching About Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco

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,

IHBA – Programs For Pupils With Disabilities

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),

IHBAA – Independent Special Education Evaluations

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.

IHBAB – Developmental Delay

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.

Read More: IHBAB – Developmental Delay

IHBAC- Student Evaluations: Specific Learning Disabilities

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,

IHBAF – Child Find

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,

IHBB – Programs for Gifted Students

IHBBA – Limited English Proficiency Instruction

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.

IHBG – Home Education Instruction

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,

IHBG-R- Home Education Instruction Procedures

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.

IHBH – Extended Learning Opportunities

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.

IHBI – Alternative Learning Plans

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.

IHCA – Summer Activity

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.

IHCD – Advanced Coursework/Advanced Placement Courses & STEM Dual & Concurrent Enrollment Program

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.

IIB – Class Size

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,

IJ – Instructional Materials Adoption

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,

IJK – Supplemental Materials Selection And Adoption

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,

IJL – Library Collection Development

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.

IJO – School, Community, And Home Relations

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.

IJOA – K-12 Field Trip

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.

IJOA-R Request for Educational Field Trip

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.

IJOC – Volunteers

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,

IJOC-R Volunteers

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.

IK – Earning of High School Credit

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.

IKA – Grading System

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.

IKAA – Interdisciplinary Credit

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.

IKB – Homework

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,

IKE – Promotion And Retention Of Students

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,

IKF – High School Graduation

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.

Read More: IKF – High School Graduation

IKFA – Early Graduation

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.

IKFB – Graduation Regalia

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.

IKG – Awards

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,

IL – Evaluation Of Curricular Programs

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.

ILBA – Assessment Of Educational Programs

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.

ILBAA – High School Competency Assessments

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,

ILD – Non-Educational/Non-Academic Questionnaires, Surveys, & Research

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.

IMAH – Physical Activity

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.

IMBA — Distance Education

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,

IMBC – Alternative Credit Options

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,

IMBD: High School Credit for 7th/8th Grade Coursework

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.

IMC – Controversial Speakers And Programs

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.

IMDA – Patriotic Exercises

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.

IMG – Animals In School

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.

IMGA – Service Animals

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,

JBAB — Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students

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.

JCA – Change of Class or School Assignment on the Basis of Best Interest or Manifest Educational Hardship

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,

JCB – Change of School within ConVal School District Schools

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.

JEB – Entrance Age

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.

JEC – Manifest Educational Hardship

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.

JEDB – Student Release Precautions

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.

JFAB – Admission and Tuition of Nonresident Students

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.

JFABD – Admission Of Homeless Children and Unaccompanied Youth

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.

JFABE — Education of Children in Foster Care

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.

JFAM – Education of Military Children & Military Connected Students

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,

JG – Assignment Of Students To Classes And Grade Levels

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.

JH – Attendance, Absenteeism, And Truancy

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.

JH-R: Unexcused and Excessive Excused Absences — Process

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,

JHCB – Immunizations Of Students

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,

JHCC – Communicable Disease Control Policy

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,

JI – Student Rights And Responsibilities

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,

JIA – Student Due Process Rights

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.

JIC – Student Conduct

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.

JICA – Student Dress Code

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,

JICC – Student Conduct On School Buses

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.

JICC-R — Student Conduct on School Buses

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.

JICD -Student Behavior, Conduct, Discipline and Due Process

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,

JICDD – Student Discipline Out-Of-School Actions

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,

JICDDA – Simple Assaults: Parental Notification Policy

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.

JICE — Student Publications

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.

Read More: JICE — Student Publications

JICF – Gang Activity

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.

JICFA – Hazing

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.

JICG – Tobacco Products Ban Use and Possession in and on School Facilities and Grounds

JICH – Alcohol And Substance Abuse

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,

JICI – Dangerous Weapons On School Property

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.

JICJ – Authorized Use Of Personal Electronic Devices

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,

JICK – Pupil Safety And Violence Prevention

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,

JICL – Internet Safety and Responsible Use – for Students

Overview

JIH – Student Searches and Their Property

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,

JIHB — Searches of Student Automobiles on School Property

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,

JJA – Student Activities & Organizations

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.

JJF – Student Activities Fund Management And Fundraising

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,

JJIB — Interscholastic Athletics

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.

JJJ — Access to Public School Programs by Nonpublic, Charter Schools and Home-Educated Pupils

JKA – Corporal Punishment

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,

JKAA – Use Of Restraint, Seclusion, And Physical Contact

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,

JKAA-F1 – Physical Restraint Incident Report

JKAA-F2 Seclusion Incident Report

JKAA-F3 Intentional Physical Contact Incident Report

JKB – Detention Of Students

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,

Read More: JKB – Detention Of Students

JLA – Student Insurance Program

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,

JLC – Student Health Services

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,

JLCA – Physical Examinations Of Students

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.

JLCC – Head Lice Policy

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.

JLCC-R Head Lice Checklist for the Home

Treatment is focused first on the student, and then the environment

A. Treatment of hair as directed by your Primary Care Provider (PCP) – if using an over-the-counter product,

JLCC-R: Head Lice Procedure

Obligations of the District/Administration/School Nurse

On the day of identification, the school nurse, principal, or delegatee will:

notify parent/guardian
provide the parent/guardian/adult student,

JLCD – Administration of Medication in Schools

The ConVal School Board, with the advice of the ConVal professional registered nurses (herein referred to as the school nurse) shall establish specific policies and procedures to give protection and controls to the matter of medications in schools (Ed 311.02)(JLCD-R).

JLCE – Emergency Care and First Aid

All School personnel have responsibilities in connection with injuries and emergencies occurring in school and at school-sponsored events, which may be classified as follows:

(1) administering first aid;

JLCEA – Use Of Automated External Defibrillator(s)

JLCF – Wellness

Category: Priority/Required by Law Related Policies: EF, IMAH, JLC, JLCF & JLCI

The Board recognizes the importance of proper nutrition and developmentally appropriate physical activity as ways of promoting healthy lifestyles,

JLCG – Exclusion of Students Who Present A Hazard

A student may be excluded from school when they exhibit symptoms of a contagious or communicable illness, or is otherwise a hazard to themselves or others. Determinations to exclude a child based upon a contagious or communicable illness,

JLCJ – Concussions And Head Injuries

The Contoocook Valley School District is committed to ensuring the safety of students while at school and when participating in any school-sponsored events. The Board is aware that head injuries,

JLCJA – Emergency Plan for Sports-Related Injuries and Additional Protocols for Athletics Participation

A. Creation of Plan. No later than August 1, 2022, the Superintendent or his/her designee [in consultation with each building Principal, the Athletic Director/Coordinator district athletic trainer(s) and school nurse(s)],

JLCK – Special Physical Health Needs of Students

ConVal School District will meet the special physical health needs of all students, consistent with state and federal law. The ConVal School Board recommends that all pupils participate in developmentally appropriate daily physical activity,

JLCL — Life Threatening Allergies

The Contoocook Valley School District recognizes that students are being diagnosed with life threatening allergies and is committed to the safety and health of all students.

The policy goals are to:
1.

JLD – School Guidance Programs And Services

The School Board is committed to ensuring a high quality school counseling program that is comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, fosters academic achievement, and personal growth, which is provided to all District students in an equitable manner.

JLDBA – Behavior Management And Intervention

It is the policy of the Board to promote an environment that is safe and conducive to learning for all students and staff. To ensure that our students and staff have an environment that is safe and conducive to learning,

JLDBB – Suicide Prevention and Response

The Board is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its students and school community. This policy supports federal, state and local efforts to provide education on youth suicide awareness and prevention;

JLF – Reporting Child Abuse

Each school employee, designated volunteer, or contracted service provider having reason to suspect that a child is being or has been abused or neglected, shall immediately report (or have the Principal or designee report) his/her suspicions to the Division for Children,

Read More: JLF – Reporting Child Abuse

JLF-R: Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect

Contoocook Valley School District

Mandated Reporting Protocol Outline

Any school employee “having reason to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected” must “immediately” report that suspicion to the New Hampshire Division for Children,

JLI – Safety Program

JLIA – Supervision Of Students

The School Board is committed to ensuring that students are appropriately supervised at times when the District is responsible for providing students with a reasonable duty of care and supervision.

JLIE — Student Automobile Use

Improper or unsafe use of a motor vehicle on school grounds can result in suspension from school (in-school or out-of-school) for a period of time not exceed five (5) days.

JRA — Student Records, Privacy, Family and Adult Student Rights

A. General Statement. It is the policy of the School Board that all school district personnel will follow the procedures outlined herein as they pertain to the maintenance of student records.

KA – School, Community, and Home Relations

KB – Title I Parent Involvement in Education

The School Board endorses the family and community engagement goals of the Every Student Succeeds Act and encourages regular collaboration between family members, community members, and school leadership.

Pursuant to federal law,

KCB – Community Involvement in Decision Making

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 these resources are involved in supporting the improvement of the local educational program.

KD — Official School District Social Media Accounts, Websites, and Platforms Used for Public Information

The ConVal School Board recognizes the value of technology such as social media accounts, websites and platforms in promoting community involvement and collaboration. The purpose of any official digital district social media platform shall be to further the district’s vision and mission,

KDA – Public Information Program

The School Board will do its best to keep the people informed of the affairs of the district. To achieve its goals for good school-community relations and maintenance of open two-way channels of communication with public,

KDCA – Student Involvement in Public Information Program

One of the strongest links of communications between the District and the public is the pupil in the classroom. Failure to provide parents with appropriate information may lead to misinformation about the schools.

KE – Public Complaints

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 to attend Board meetings so that they may become acquainted with the operation and programs of the schools.

KEB – Public Complaints About School Personnel, Employees, Students, or Administration

Constructive criticism of the schools is welcome through whatever medium when it is motivated by a sincere desire to improve the quality of the education program and to equip the schools of this district to do their task more effectively.

KEC– Instructional and Educational Media

Statement of Intent

It is the policy of the ConVal School Board to require that curricular and instructional materials be chosen on the basis of their educational value and alignment with the curricular framework of the District.

KED – Facilities or Services – Grievance Procedure (Section 504)

This policy contains grievance procedures which address alleged violations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The District’s Civil Rights Coordinator is charged with efforts to comply with these laws.

KF – Community Use of Schools

When not in use for school purposes, school buildings and grounds, or portions thereof, may be used for education, discussion, civic, social, recreational, or entertainment purposes; and other such purposes that promote the welfare of the community,

KFA – Public Conduct On School Property

For purposes of this policy, “school property” means any buildings, vehicles, property, land, or facilities used for school purposes or school-sponsored events, whether public or private.

The School District expects mutual respect,

KFD – Use of Automated External Defibrillator(s)

KH – Public Solicitations in the Schools

As a general policy, there will be no commercial solicitation within the schools for any purpose whatsoever. No enterprise may be represented in the schools and there will be no sale of goods or services on the premises.

KHB – Advertising on School Property by Community or Outside Groups

I. General Policy Statement:

The Contoocook Valley School District Board of Education encourages community members and business owners to provide financial support for school activities. One permissible method of showing support is to buy advertisements or sponsor banners,

KI – Visitors in Schools

All persons, other than staff and pupils enrolled in the school, who may come to the school for any reason during the school day are considered visitors and must report and sign in at the school office.

KL – Legislative Representative

One person from the School Board shall serve as legislative contact with the New Hampshire School Boards Association in order to keep the Board abreast of happenings and upcoming legislation relating to education.

KMA – Relations With Parent Organizations

The Contoocook Valley School Board recognizes that parent-teacher organizations are a source of interest in the public schools. The District looks to the PTO as a means of promoting a finer educational program by achieving better understanding among the pupils,

KMB – Relations With Booster Organizations

The Contoocook Valley School Board recognizes that the endeavors and objectives of booster organizations and similar groups can be a valuable means of stimulating interest in and endorsement of the aims and achievements of our public school system.

KNAN – Relations With Planning Authorities

The Contoocook Valley School Board will participate in local and state planning functions that could directly affect district schools and their immediate environment.

The Superintendent will keep the Board informed of planning matters bearing directly on the operation of district schools or school-sponsored programs,

LC – Relations with Education Research Agencies

The potential contribution of appropriate educational research to teaching and school
administration is recognized by the School Board, and it will cooperate, to the extent feasible,
with colleges,

LDA – Student Teaching and Internships

The School Board recognizes the student teacher program as in important aspect of a future teacher’s education. Therefore, the Board will cooperate with institutions of higher education in training student teachers.

LEB – Advanced Coursework/Advanced Placement Courses & STEM Dual & Concurrent Enrollment Program

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.

LK – Legislative Representative

One person from the School Board shall serve as legislative contact with the N.H. School Boards Association in order to keep the Board abreast of happenings and upcoming legislation relating to education.