MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT #34
Belfast Belmont Morrill Northport Searsmont Swanville
office of the superintendent – po box 363 – belfast me 04915
Telephone: 207 338-1960 FAX: 207 338-4597
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
SECTION K: SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Code |
Description |
Adopted/Revised |
KB |
Parental Invovlement in Education |
June 6, 2005 |
KBA |
Home/School Relations |
August 25, 1998 |
KBF |
Parent Involvement with Title I |
See KB & KBA |
KCB |
Community Involvement in Decision-making |
April 15, 1997 |
KE |
Public Concerns and Complaints |
April 15, 1997 |
KEC |
Procedures for Challenging Instructional/Library-Media Materials |
April 15, 1997 |
KEC-E |
Form for Challenging Instructional/Library Media Materials |
April 15, 1997 |
KF |
Community Use of School Buildings/Facilities |
January 9, 1990 |
KF-E |
Contract for Rental or Use of School Facilities |
|
KHC |
Public Distribution of Non-School Materials |
April 12, 2005 |
KI |
Visitors to the Schools |
March 23, 1999 |
KLG |
Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities |
March 23, 1999 |
KLG-R |
Administrative Procedures Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities |
March 23, 1999 |
Section KB PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION
Parents, students, and schools must share accountability for student learning. The Board encourages parents to provide a home environment conducive to learning, to monitor their student’s learning progress, and to maintain communication with teachers and administrators. Students are expected to attend school regularly, actively participate in their learning, and complete all required assessments.
MSAD~#34 will strive to create and foster a welcoming and comfortable school environment for students and their families. This will be accomplished through frequent community events, such as open houses, exhibitions, cultural opportunities, performances, and a variety of informal and formal activities for students, parents, and community members.
It is the policy of the MSAD~#34 Board of Directors to encourage parent participation in all areas of the education of their child. Parent and student assessment of the educational program is invited in order to provide direction for continuous improvement. The following are some of the ways the District provides for parent involvement and home-school communication:
parent-teacher and/or student-led conferences
reviews of student progress
school open houses
school and classroom newsletters
participation on advisory committees to the Board of Directors
direct student problems and concerns to appropriate school personnel
Parent-Teacher Group (PTG) meetings
public forums on educational issues
opportunities to volunteer in classrooms and in other school events
supporting students with homework
curriculum discussions
information/orientation nights
parenting workshops
designing and reviewing school handbooks
suggestions for home activities to support and extend student learning
assess parent involvement efforts
Legal Reference: 34 CFR Part 25 §200.34
Cross reference: Policy KBA: HOME/SCHOOL RELATIONS
Adopted: September 28, 1993
Revised: April 15, 1997
Revised: June 16, 2005
Section KBA HOME SCHOOL RELATIONS
The MSAD # 34 Board of Directors encourages parent participation in all areas of their child’s education. The district will strive to create and foster a welcoming and comfortable school environment for students and their families. This will be accomplished through close cooperation with the home. Each school will have active and cooperative involvement with the home through the Home/School Compact, a Parent Teacher Group (PTG) and/or other home/school activities.
Because of the importance of the relationship between school and home, parents, teachers and students will be made aware of their responsibilities and encouraged to be active participants in the collaborative and cooperative activities.
In order to help all children achieve high standards, it is the expectation that parents will:
Ensure regular and prompt attendance of students at school.
Know what is expected of each child by grade level.
Attend parent/teacher conferences and open houses.
Become familiar with school district policies.
Read newsletters and other communications from school.
Communicate with teachers about the child (interests, needs, concerns, etc.).
Ask for information pertaining to curriculum, discipline, communications, and policies.
Set aside time and place for homework activities and monitor those activities.
Support/participate in PTG, booster clubs, and other school-based support activities.
Participate in developing and supporting home/school agreements which address students achievement, attendance, discipline, parent/teacher conferences, etc.
In order to help all children achieve high standards, it is the expectation that teachers and other school personnel will:
Make available to parents information regarding the curriculum.
Be prepared to articulate student goals and achievement in understandable terms through the use of assessment results and/or portfolios.
Meet and communicate with parents throughout the year.
Notify parents of district policies.
Communicate with parents about the activities within the school through the use of newsletters.
Become acquainted with each child and be able to teach each child in whichever ways best meet his/her individual needs.
Send home the homework policy as set by the district.
Communicate the need for volunteers and establish schedules, training, etc. as well as assessments of volunteer activities.
In order to achieve high standards, it is the expectation that students will:
Know and understand expectations and develop individual goals to meet those expectations.
Take home newsletters/notifications and share contents with parents.
Learn to communicate needs, share interests and concerns with parents and teachers.
Be responsible for taking homework assignments home, completing and returning them to school.
Learn to work with a variety of people in various settings.
MSAD # 34 recognizes the value of parent involvement in the educational process for each child and encourages collaboration and cooperation among parents, teachers, and students. Parent and student input in the assessment of the educational program is invited in order to provide direction for continuous improvement.
Replaces IHBD
Adopted: 4/20/97
Revised: 8/25/98
Section KCB COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING
The Board of Directors believes that community participation in the educational process is essential if the schools and the community are to maintain mutual confidence and respect, and are to work together to continually improve the quality of education. Therefore, the Board intends to exert every effort to identify the desires of the community and to be responsive, through the actions of the Board, to those desires.
Members of the community are encouraged to express ideas, concerns, and judgments about the schools to the school staff, the school administration, any advisory groups appointed by the Board, and to the Board of Directors.
Members of the community are encouraged to assume an active role in the MSAD~#34 schools. From time to time, citizens may be invited by the Board to act as advisors individually and in groups, in any areas deemed appropriate by the Board.
The Board and the staff will give substantial weight to the advice they receive from individuals and community groups interested in the schools, especially those individuals and groups that have been invited by the Board to advise the Board regarding specific issues; however, the members of the Board will use their best judgment in arriving at decisions.
Adopted: February 23, 1988
Revised: April 15, 1997
Section KE PUBLIC CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS
All employees of MSAD~#34 are requested to encourage any parent/guardian who has a concern or complaint to follow the following procedure, which should lead to a resolution of the problem with the involvement of as few people as necessary.
Discussion of the concern or complaint must start at the source and proceed up the chain of command as follows:
1.The MSAD~#34 employee should attempt to resolve the concern directly with the parent/guardian.
2.If unresolved at step 1, the MSAD~#34 employee shall refer the concern or complaint to the Principal.
3.If unresolved at step 2, the Principal shall refer the concern or complaint to the Superintendent of Schools.
4.If unresolved at step 3, the Superintendent shall refer the concern or complaint to the Board of Directors, together with a written summary of the concern or complaint and the steps having been taken in an attempt to resolve the problem.
Revised: April 15, 1997
Section KEC PROCEDURES FOR CHALLENGING INSTRUCTIONAL/LIBRARY-MEDIA MATERIALS
Textbooks, other instructional or library-media materials are not to be withdrawn from use on the basis of a citizen complaint without action of the Board of Directors.
When a complaint is made, the teacher or librarian shall hear the complaint but make no determination of its legitimacy. When appropriate, complaints concerning instructional materials should be directed to the principal; the principal should encourage a personal conference, listen to the complaint and attempt to resolve it. The principal should explain the District policy which is that texts cannot be withdrawn except by Board action.
If the complainant requests further action, the principal shall provide the complainant with a Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials form.
The principal shall inform the subject area coordinator (if any) and Superintendent of Schools of the complaint.
Upon receipt of a completed Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials form, the Superintendent shall inform the Board of the complaint and call a meeting of a Review Committee which includes at least one teacher representative of the appropriate subject area and grade level, a building administrator, at least one but no more than three members of the MSAD~#34 Board of Directors as designated by the Board Chairperson, and at least one community and/or parent representative. The Review Committee shall review and evaluate the complaint and challenged materials. Other expert assistance may be sought when appropriate.
The findings of the Review Committee, together with the Superintendent's recommendation, shall be forwarded as a report to the Board of Directors.
The Superintendent shall set a date for a hearing before the Board of Directors not more than thirty (30) days following receipt of the completed Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials. The Board, the Superintendent, and the complainant may request others to appear and give testimony at the hearing. Upon completion of the hearing, the Board shall render a decision reaffirming or withdrawing the selected materials or adopted textbooks.
Adopted: April 25, 1989
Revised: April 15, 1997
Section KEC-E PROCEDURES FOR CHALLENGING INSTRUCTIONAL/LIBRARY-MEDIA MATERIALS
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF MATERIALS
Author ____________________________ Title ______________________________
Publisher (if known) _____________________________________________________
Request Initiated By ____________________________________Tel.______________
Address ___________________________________________________Zip ________
Complainant Represents: Self _____; Organization _________________________
1. To what are you objecting? Please be specific. ______________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. What do you feel might be the result of students having access to this material? ____
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. For what age group would you recommend this material? ______________________
4. Do you find anything worthwhile in this material? ___________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. Did you read, hear or view the entire work? _____ If not, what parts? ___________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. Are you aware of the judgement of this material by critics? _____ If yes, explain.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
7. What do you believe is its theme? ________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
8. What would you like the school/library to do about this material? _______________
_______________________________________________________________________
9. In its place, what items of equal quality would you recommend that would convey an appropriate perspective on the topic? ______________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Signature of Complainant ______________________________________Date _______
Return form to Superintendent of Schools
Adopted: April 25, 1989
Revised: April 15, 1997
Section KF COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
DEFINITION: “School facilities” are buildings and grounds, parking lots, playing fields and fixed equipment.
It is the Board’s desire that the local taxpayers who provide the school should be able to obtain maximum use of the facilities, to the extent consistent with the primary educational function of the school. It is intended that community uses for educational, recreational, social, civic, philanthropic and like purposes be approved by the administration, in accordance with this policy, the implementing regulations, and a fee schedule approved annually by this Board.
The Superintendent is responsible for developing administrative regulations, which provide for: timely applica-
tions; uses which do not interfere with educational or extracurricular programs of the public school students; preference to local, not-for-profit organizations; and the acceptance of appropriate responsibility and liability.
These factors are to further guide community use:
A certificate of insurance may be required as appropriate to the particular use;
No alcoholic beverages may be brought onto school property at any time;
Tobacco use will not be allowed on school property;
No firearms are allowed on school property at any time;
School facilities may not be used for any illegal purposes;
Community adults and children are free to use outdoor grounds and facilities for recreation whenever not otherwise scheduled. However, formal approval of buildings and grounds use will only be granted to recognized organizations and groups;
Any approval of the use of school facilities requires the signing of a Facility Use Agreement setting forth the conditions of use;
Application for use is to be made through the Principal, with final approval determined by the Superintendent; and
Repeat use may be denied to any group, which has not demonstrated appropriate conduct and care.
Facility use may be granted without rental charge, as follows:
Not-for-profit educational, recreational, cultural and fraternal organizations having a significant number of members whom are community residents;
Not-for-profit groups which present programs that are designed to be educationally, recreationally or culturally beneficial to local citizens, and
Municipal-sponsored groups and organizations.
Other groups shall pay rent (in advance) according to the District’s fee schedule.
The following may be requested of any group:
Reimbursement for incidental expenses (utilities, etc.);
A deposit with the application, refundable after leaving the facility in satisfactory condition;
Reimbursement for property damage and any cleaning and repair costs;
Reimbursement for custodian or other staff costs when necessary to the use of the facility; and
Fees for rental of equipment.
NOTE: Presently, MSAD #34 and the local YMCA have a collaborative relationship regarding the YMCA’s use of the middle and high school facilities during and after school hours and on weekends. Currently, there are no charges for the use of these shared facilities.
Adopted: April 23, 2002
Revised: February 27, 2004
Revised: March 5, 2004
Section KF-E CONTRACT FOR RENTAL or USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
This Agreement is made this _________day of ______________, 20___
between the Assistant Superintendent of Schools, representing MSAD #34 Board of Directors and
_____________________________________________________________________
(Name of individual requesting facility/contact person.)
_____________________________________________________________________
(Name of school and room being requested.)
_____________________________________________________________________
(Name of organization requesting facility.)
_____________________________________________________________________
(Address and phone number of organization requesting facility.)
Under the classification of: (Please check one.)
Category A (Municipal, community, non-profit, etc.)
Category B (Groups generally operated for profit)
What is the purpose for renting/use of facility? __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Date(s) rent/use of facility requested: _________________________________________________________________
Time(s) rent/use of facility requested: _________________________________________________________________
Is activity open to the public? Yes No
Admission fee charged in accordance with the attached schedule of rates in the amount of:
______________________________ + _______________________________= __________________
(Facility Fee) (Custodial Fee) (Total Fee)
Signing of this contract indicates acceptance of the rules in the attached “Use of Facility” policy.
Principal of Building Signature:__________________________________________ Date:_____________________
Person Renting/Use of Facility Signature:__________________________________ Date:_____________________
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I, the undersigned, representing __________________________________________,
release and hold harmless Maine School Administrative District #34, their employees, and agents, from any and all liability for any injury to any person or persons using said facilities under our sponsorship.
__________________________________________
(Name of Organization)
__________________________________________
(Authorized Signature)
__________________________________________
(Date)
_____ Copy of insurance certificate enclosed.
Section KHC PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION OF NON-SCHOOL MATERIALS
The District schools are not a forum for the public to communicate with students or employees. In general, except when invited as part of a school-sponsored function, non-school individuals and groups shall not be permitted on school premises to distribute materials or to otherwise communicate with students, parents, or employees.
The Superintendent or Principal may authorize dissemination of information submitted by youth programs and activities, subject to the following conditions:
A. Community organizations include but may not be limited to municipal recreation departments,
local youth athletic programs, and similar organizations providing services to school-aged youth that are age-appropriate and that support the mission and goals of the schools.
B. The materials shall be submitted to the Principal for his/her review.
C. The Principal shall retain the discretion to decline to disseminate any information he/she deems
inappropriate in light of this policy. In the case of a disputed determination, the Superintendent's
decision shall be final.
D. If dissemination of the material is approved by the Principal, the material may be disseminated in any
manner the Principal deems appropriate.
E. Materials distributed on school premises shall not include expression that:
1. Is obscene, indecent, or vulgar;
2. Is libelous;
3. Advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;
4. Contains expressions which may be perceived to injure or harass individuals; (e.g., threats of
violence or harassment based on race, religion, ethnic origin, handicap or gender);
5. May cause a material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or
school activities, including unlawful acts or violation of Board policies or school rules;
6. May be perceived as sponsored or endorsed by the school;
7. Is deemed inappropriate to the age and emotional maturity of students,
F. For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
1. Obscene to minors is defined as:
a) The average person, applying contemporary community standards would find that the
written material, taken as a whole appeals to the prurient interest of minors;
b) The material depicts or describes sexual conduct in a manner that is patently
offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community; and/or
c) The material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.
2. Minor means any person under the age of 18.
3. Libel is a false written statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual's
reputation or lower him/her in the esteem of the community.
4. Distribution means circulation or dissemination of materials by means of handing out free
copies, selling or offering copies for sale and accepting donations for copies. It includes
displaying materials in areas of the school, which are generally frequented by students.
5. Materials include any form of communication including, but not limited to, writing, printing,
recorded tape, film, video, any digital medium, amplified voice, or displays of symbols for the
purpose of communication or expression.
Cross Reference: JICEC- Student Distribution of Non-School Material
Section KI VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS
The School Board encourages the active interest and involvement of parents and citizens in the schools of MSAD # 34. In order to avoid interruption of the instructional program and to promote the safety of students and staff, building principals shall institute administrative procedures concerning visitors to the schools. Such procedures shall be subject to the approval of the Superintendent. It is understood that procedures may vary from school to school due to differing considerations such as the age of the students and building layout and location.
The following general guidelines shall be incorporated in all building-level administrative procedures concerning visitors.
1.The term “visitor” shall apply to any person on school grounds or in school buildings who is not an employee or student of the school district.
2.There shall be a sign on the door(s) of each school indicating that all visitors shall report to the main office or other designated area.
3.All visitors who wish to visit classrooms, observe aspects of the instructional program or meet with staff members are expected to schedule such visits in advance. Teachers and other staff may not use instructional time to discuss individual matters with visitors.
4.Individual School Board members shall follow the same procedures as other visitors and shall state whether they are visiting the schools on personal business or in connection with Board duties.
5.Visitors shall comply with all applicable Board policies and school rules. Visitors who violate these policies/rules and/or disrupt the safe and orderly operation of the school shall be asked to leave the premises.
6.The building administrator/designee has the authority to refuse entry to school grounds or buildings to persons who do not have legitimate, school-related business and/or who may disrupt the operations of the schools. This may include but not be limited to the media, profit-making businesses, fundraisers and other organizations seeking access to students and/or staff.
7.School staff shall report unauthorized persons on school grounds or in school buildings to the building administrator/designee. Unauthorized persons shall be directed to leave the premises immediately.
8.The building administrator/designee may request the assistance of law enforcement as necessary to deal with unauthorized persons or violations of the law by visitors to the schools.
Cross Reference: Policy BCA, Board Member Code of Ethics
Policy EBCA, Crisis Response Plan
Policy JLIB, Student Dismissal Precautions
Policy KLG, Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies
Adopted: March 23, 1999
Section KLG RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES
The School Board recognizes that a cooperative relationship with law enforcement authorities is desirable for the protection of students and staff, maintaining a safe school environment, and safeguarding school property.
School administrators and staff shall have the primary responsibility for maintaining proper order in the schools and for disciplining students for violations of Board policies and school rules. However, the Board authorizes the Superintendent/administration to seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities when they believe there is a substantial threat to the welfare and safety of the schools, students and/or staff. The Superintendent/ administration shall also inform law enforcement authorities when they have reason to suspect that a student or staff member may have violated a local, state or federal law.
The Board strongly discourages law enforcement authorities from using the schools as a venue to arrest and/or to interrogate students for activities not related to or affecting the schools. The Superintendent/administration retain the authority to deny law enforcement access to students for non-school-related investigations.
The Board authorizes the Superintendent and administration to work with local law enforcement authorities to develop administrative procedures to guide interactions between the schools and law enforcement. Such procedures should safeguard the rights of students and parents, be consistent with Board policies, and minimize disruptions to the instructional program. These administrative procedures are subject to the approval of the Board.
The Superintendent shall include law enforcement authorities in the development and implementation of the school district’s crisis response plan. The Board also encourages the Superintendent/administration to include law enforcement authorities in the development and/or implementation of instructional programs/activities related to student safety.
Cross Reference: KLG-R – Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Administrative Procedure
EBCA – Crisis Response Plan
JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety
JIH – Questioning and Searches of Students
JRA – Student Records
Adopted: March 23, 1999
Section KLG-R RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
The following procedures are intended to guide the involvement of law enforcement authorities in the schools:
A. Law enforcement authorities may enter school premises:
1. In the event of an emergency endangering student or staff safety;
2. At the request of the Principal or Superintendent
3. When there is a warrant to arrest a student, which cannot be executed outside of school hours. The Principal or Superintendent are not obligated to make students or school facilities available to law enforcement for non-school-related investigations/arrests;
4. In exigent circumstances as authorized by law.
B. The Principal or Superintendent shall attempt to contact the student’s parents/guardians prior to allowing law enforcement authorities to interrogate, search or arrest a student at school, except when there are reasonable grounds to believe that a health or safety emergency requires the interrogation, search or arrest to take place without prior notice.
C. Law enforcement authorities are responsible for ensuring that a student is informed of his/her rights prior to an interrogation, search or arrest conducted by law enforcement authorities.
D. A student may be removed from school by law enforcement authorities when there is a court order, an arrest warrant or when a warrantless arrest is authorized by law. The Principal or Superintendent shall attempt to notify the student’s parents/guardians as soon as possible of the student’s removal from school.
E. The Principal or Superintendent shall release student information to law enforcement authorities only as allowed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Cross Reference: JRA – Student Records
Adopted: March 23, 1999
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