POLICY TITLE: Community Involvement POLICY NO: 1001

Community participation in this district is important for improving the quality of education for the students. Therefore, this board intends to make every effort to identify the desires of the community and to be responsive to those desires.

Patrons of this district are encouraged to express their ideas, concerns, and judgments through:

1. Written suggestions or proposals;
2. Presentations at public hearings;
3. Responses to survey;
4. Comments at meetings of this board; and
5. Service on citizens advisory committees.

The advice and the concerns of the public will be carefully considered. In evaluation of such advice, the first concern of this board shall be the educational program as it affects students.

MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION

No organization may distribute flyers or other materials related to political issues or special interests on school property without having submitted a written request to and received a written approval from the superintendent of schools in advance of the distribution. Only those groups or organizations that have materials directly related to the curriculum and determined by the superintendent to be educationally related may received approval for distribution.

ADVERTISING

No advertising of commercial products or services shall be permitted in school buildings or on school grounds or properties without the approval of the administration.

This policy does not prevent advertising in school publications which are published by school organizations, subject to administration control, nor the use of commercially-sponsored free teaching aids, if the content has been approved by the administration.

Solicitation of sales or use of the name of the school or district to promote any product shall not be permitted.

RELATIONS WITH OTHER POLITICAL AGENCIES

Cooperation with law enforcement agencies is essential for the protection of students, for the maintenance of a safe environment in this district’s schools, and for the safeguard of all school property.

This district shall also cooperate with other state and local public agencies and those agencies’ responsibilities and duties that relate to the public school student.

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ADOPTED: July 8, 1996

LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Section 33-506(1)

POLICY TITLE: Parent Involvement in Educational Process POLICY NO: 1002 

This district’s board of trustees recognizes that while the parents of some students may be divorced or estranged, both have a right to be informed of and involved in their child’s educational process.  The board also recognizes that parents who are estranged or divorced may disagree regarding the education of the child, and/or may attempt to limit one another’s access to their child.  Despite such estrangement, both parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the child’s education, to the extent appropriate. 

Parents are presumed to have joint custody of the student, absent a court order or written agreement between the parents denying or limiting custody for either parent.  For the district’s purpose, the parent with whom the student resides is presumed to be the custodial parent.  If estranged or divorced parents both claim to be the custodial parent, asserting that the student is residing with both parents, enrollment records will be examined.  The parent who enrolled the student will be presumed to be the custodial parent until a court order or written agreement between the parties, identifying the custodial parent, is provided to the school.  

A parent will only be prevented from participating in his/her child’s education if a court order (e.g., divorce decree, custody order, or restraining order) specifically denies visitation rights.  If one parent desires that the district comply with such an order, he/she has the obligation to present a copy of the signed order to the building principal.  Additionally, the district may prohibit either parent (regardless of custodial status and the language of the court order) from entering the school, or otherwise participating in school-sponsored activities, if he or she disrupts the educational process or his/her presence is detrimental to the morals, health, safety, academic learning, or discipline of the student(s).  

PROGRESS REPORTS AND STUDENT RECORDS 

Both parents have the right to receive progress reports and review student records of their minor children.  If the parents are separated or divorced, progress reports will be sent to the custodial parent with the expectation that he/she will share the report with the non-custodial parent.  The school will send copies of the progress report to the non-custodial parent only if that parent submits a written request. 

Both parents have the right to review their minor student’s records.  However, if the custodial parent advises the district, in writing, to delete the minor child’s address from student records supplied to the non-custodial parent, the records will be flagged and the deletion will be made.  Any request to review the student’s records must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.  

PARTICIPATION IN PARENT AND TEACHER CONFERENCES 

Both parents are welcome, and encouraged, to participate in parent and teacher conferences, disciplinary meetings or hearings, Individual Educational Program team meetings, and any other conference called by district personnel regarding the student’s education.  If the parents are separated or divorced, the custodial parent is expected to share scheduling information with the non-custodial parent.  The school will provide scheduling information to the non-custodial parent only if it receives a written request to do so.   

EDUCATIONAL DECISIONS 

In the event the parents are unable to agree with one another on decisions regarding their student’s educational program, including, but not limited to, placement, participation in extracurricular activities, and consent to evaluation and services, the custodial parent’s decision will be binding on both parents unless a court order requires otherwise.  In the event the educational decision relates to services provided pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the educational decisions, and the parents’ rights and responsibilities, will be pursuant to the statutory requirements. 

VISITATION WITH THE STUDENT DURING SCHOOL HOURS 

Generally, both parents have the right to attend school programs open to parents and patrons, volunteer in the child’s classroom, or visit the child at the school, or otherwise be in the school setting.  The parent’s right is not negated solely by the fact that he/she is the non-custodial parent.  Such visitation will be limited only if the district has received a copy of a court order specifically restricting the parent’s access to the child by:  1) denying the parent’s visitation rights; or 2) requiring supervision of the parent’s visitation with the child.  The district does not have the responsibility to supervise visitation between a parent and his/her child and, thus, will not allow parent access in the school setting.  

When visiting the school, all parents are required to comply with all district policies and not take any action which disrupts the educational process.  All parents visiting the school must check-in with the school office before proceeding to a classroom or other area of the school.  If a parent takes any action which the administrator considers to be inappropriate or disruptive to the educational process, he/she may be requested to leave and prohibited from returning.   

If a parent wants to visit with his/her child privately, the administrator shall have the authority to grant or deny the request, and, if granted, to determine the place and time of such visit to ensure minimal disruption to the student’s participation in class. 

RELEASE OF THE STUDENT TO SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE CUSTODIAL PARENT 

Only the custodial parent has the right to authorize removal of the child from school property during school hours.  If the custodial parent desires that the student be removed by another individual, he/she must inform the school in writing that he/she is authorizing such party to remove the student.  Such authorization shall be assumed to be generally applicable, unless the custodial parent specifies that it is limited to a specific date and time.  

If the non-custodial parent seeks to remove the child from school, and the custodial parent has not consented, the following steps should be followed: 

1.         The principal or designee will meet with the non-custodial parent and, in his/her presence, telephone the custodial parent and explain the request.  If the custodial parent agrees, the student will be released and the records will reflect that the permission was granted orally.  In the event the custodial parent cannot be reached, the principal may make a decision based upon all relevant information available to him/her. 

2.         If the custodial parent objects to the removal, the principal or designee may allow a visit between the non-custodial parent and student, with the child remaining in the office area for the visit and then returning to class.  The non-custodial parent will not be allowed to leave the office area with the student.  

3.         If the principal or designee has reason to believe that a possible abduction of the child may occur at the school or the parent is disruptive, the superintendent and/or local law enforcement officials will be immediately notified. 

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LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Sections

33-506

33-512

32-717A

Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act of 1974

20 USC 1232g

34 CFR Part 99

Idaho Attorney General Opinion No. 93-2 

POLICY TITLE: News Release, POLICY NO: 1003 POLICY TITLE: News Release, POLICY NO: 1003 POLICY TITLE: News Release, POLICY NO: 1003 POLICY TITLE: News Release, POLICY NO: 1003

Building principals, working in cooperation with the instructional staff, will develop a program designed to provide news releases to all media covering instructional and activity programs.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed as a curtailment of the right of news media to obtain and release information to the public.

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ADOPTED: July 8, 1996

LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Section 33-506

POLICY TITLE: Cooperation With Law Enforcement Agencies POLICY NO: 1004

The board of trustees of this district recognizes that cooperation with law enforcement agencies, including Department of Health and Welfare and the Juvenile Probation Department is essential for the protection of students, maintenance of a safe environment in this district’s schools, and the safeguard of all district property.   

The district will also cooperate with other state and local public agencies insofar as those agencies’ responsibilities and duties relate to public school students. 

INTERVIEWING STUDENTS 

This district will allow law enforcement and health and welfare agents to interview students, relative to child protection or criminal investigations, at school facilities, during school hours, upon notice of the need for such interview.  Upon receiving notice of the need for such interview and identification of the interviewer as a law enforcement agent, the superintendent or designee will provide a private room in which the interview(s) may be conducted.  No school official or staff member will be present during the interview unless requested to do so by the law enforcement agent.  

School officials will take no actions to delay or otherwise interfere with law enforcement’s interview, removal into protective custody, or arrest of the student. 

NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS 

Law enforcement is not required to notify the parent that his/her student is being interviewed relative to a child protection investigation.  School officials will not notify the parent regarding the fact that the student is being interviewed by law enforcement, unless given permission to do so by the law enforcement agent.  In the event that a parent inquires regarding the interview, the school officials will refer the parent to law enforcement. 

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LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Attorney General Opinion No. 93-2 

ADOPTED:            February 12, 2002

POLICY TITLE: News Releases, Board Matters and Proceedings POLICY NO: 1006

The superintendent of schools or his or her designated assistant, working under direction of the board of trustees, will develop a system of news and information releases concerning school district and activities of the board of trustees.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed as a curtailment of the right of news media to obtain and release information to the public.

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ADOPTED: July 8, 1996

LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Section 33-506

POLICY TITLE: Student Community Involvement POLICY NO: 1009

PARTICIPATION IN NON-SCHOOL SPONSORED PUBLIC EVENTS

Student groups may participate in non-school sponsored public events with the permission of the building principal. If a public event is outside the local area and is not a regularly scheduled activity of the school, permission to participate must be requested well in advance of the anticipated activity. When school funds are involved, prior approval must come from the board.

CONTESTS FOR STUDENTS

Students shall not be required to enter or participate in any contest sponsored by organizations or groups that are not part of this school district. School administrators and teachers have the authority to evaluate contests and advise individual students on participation.

PARTICIPATION IN FUND DRIVES

Student groups and teachers wishing to participate in money-raising activities in the school or in the community for school purposes or activities must receive prior approval from the building principal.

Students and employees may voluntarily participate in philanthropic fund drives at both the local or national level, but no student or employee shall be required to participate.

No student may use school facilities to promote commercial or private interests or sales.

COMMUNITY YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES

All students are encouraged to become involved in the various community youth group activities available. However, no student, as part of a school program, shall be required to participate in non-school community youth group activities.

SECRET SOCIETIES PROHIBITED

No person, group or organization shall establish a fraternity, sorority or secret society whose membership is comprised in whole or in part of students enrolled in the public elementary or secondary schools in this district, nor shall students enrolled in any of this district’s public schools become a member of such organization, or pledge himself or herself to become a member of any such organization.

A fraternity, sorority or secret society shall be interpreted as any organization, the active membership of which is comprised in whole or in part of students enrolled in this district’s schools, and which exists or perpetuates itself wholly or partly by selecting members on the basis of the decision of its membership rather than upon the basis of the right of any student, qualified by the rules and regulations of the school, to be a member. The definition shall not be construed to include organizations institutionally sponsored by agencies of public welfare, such as the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Campfire Girls, Demolay, the YMCA and YWCA, and similar organizations.

The board may withdraw the rights and privileges of students participating in such secret society or fraternity or sorority, may deny graduation, deprive students of credit, or suspend or expel such students.

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ADOPTED: July 8, 1996

LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Sections 33-1901 et seq.

POLICY TITLE: Public Relations POLICY NO: 1012

Establishing and maintaining good public relations with the community and other governmental organizations requires a concerted effort by the entire school district staff. Each school shall make an effort to inform the public of various educational achievements, activities and goals.

The most important public relations ambassadors are the teachers who work directly with students every day. All employees are encouraged to participate in community activities and demonstrate to the community by their words, attitudes and actions the ideals set forth by this school district.

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ADOPTED: July 8, 1996

LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Section 33-506(1)

POLICY TITLE: Patron Complaint Procedure POLICY NO: 1015

Patrons from this district having concerns or complaints regarding any aspect of this school district and/or the services it provides to the school-age students residing in its boundaries may submit those concerns or complaints in writing following the procedure set forth below:

1. Matters concerning an individual school shall be discussed first with the principal of that school;
2. If the problem is not resolved at the school level, it may then be brought to the superintendent of schools;
3. If the problem is not resolved with the superintendent of schools, it may then be bought before the board in the following manner:
1. The request, concern or complaint shall be submitted in writing to the board at least five (5) days before the regularly scheduled board meeting;
2. Participants shall identify whom they represent and shall be asked to comment on their questions or problems;
3. Personnel complaints against any school district employee shall not be heard in open session;
4. The board reserves the right to set time limitations for presentations and speakers.

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ADOPTED: July 8, 1996

LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Section 33-506(1)

POLICY TITLE: Patron Conduct at District Programs and Activities POLICY NO: 1046

It is the intent of the board of trustees of this district that the district take reasonable actions to provide a safe environment for all participants and spectators at school-sponsored events.  While the board encourages parents, patrons, and visitors to take an interest in the district’s educational programs, including extracurricular activities, and attend those events open to the public, the board has an obligation to maintain an atmosphere of respect, order, and professionalism on district premises and at school-sponsored events.  In addition, this district adopts the sportsmanship standards imposed by the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA).  Individuals attending events sponsored by the district and/or IHSAA are expected to demonstrate respect, order, and good sportsmanship.  Failure to do so may result in revocation of the right to attend such events. 

Any conduct, including, but not limited to, verbal and/or physical assault of another individual, on district premises or at school-sponsored events that is determined by school officials to be disruptive to the educational process or detrimental to the morals, health, safety, academic learning, or discipline of students is prohibited.  

The superintendent or designee has the authority to determine if an individual’s conduct violates this policy.  In the event such disruption or detrimental conduct is determined to have occurred or is occurring, the individual(s) causing the disruption will be notified in writing, or verbally, to immediately depart from the district premises or school-sponsored event.  In the event the individual(s) refuse to depart or, without permission or invitation, return and enter the district premises or school-sponsored event, it will be deemed to be trespassing and may be referred to the prosecuting attorney. 

In the event a student or staff member causes the disruption or detrimental conduct, other appropriate disciplinary action may also be imposed.  

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LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Sections

18-7008

33-512(11) 

ADOPTED:    February 12, 2002

POLICY TITLE: Parental Notification of Teacher Qualifications POLICY NO: 1050

At the beginning of each school year, the district administration will notify parents of each student attending a Title I school that the parents may request, and the administration will provide on parental request, information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, the following:

1.                  Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

2.                  Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualifications for licensing criteria have been waived.

3.                  The teacher’s baccalaureate degree major.

4.                  Any other graduate certificate or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.

5.                  Whether the student is provided service by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. 

TITLE I SCHOOLS 

Additionally, Title I schools in the district must provide the parent/guardian of each enrolled student the following information in a timely manner:

1.                  Information on the level of achievement of the parent’s child in each of the state academic assessments.

2.                  Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned, or has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher of a core academic subject who is not highly qualified. 

NOTICE REQUIREMENTS 

The district or school will provide the notice and information required in this policy in a uniform and understandable written format, including alternative formats upon request, and, to the extent practicable, in a language that the parents can understand.

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LEGAL REFERENCE:

No Child Left Behind Act, Section 1111(h)(6)

34 CFR Part 200.61

ADOPTED:   July 13, 2004

POLICY TITLE: Recruitment of High School Students POLICY NO: 1054

It is the policy of this district that military recruiters shall have access to secondary school students, in the same manner and to the same extent as is provided to postsecondary educational institutions and prospective employers.  

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LEGAL REFERENCE:

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (2001) 

ADOPTED:   May 13, 2003