 |
 |
|
SCHOOL DISTRICT
POLICIES
SECTION K: SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS For Office Use Only: K_INDEX.CHL (12/03) It is the theory of the Board of Education that the aims of the program of public information can best be served by operating a fine instructional program in all classrooms throughout the system. The proper interpretation of the instructional program is, however, the responsibility of all persons officially connected with the Chillicothe R-II schools. The media through which information may be made available to the public include all official school publications, newspapers, radio, television, speeches by school personnel and other means approved by the superintendent.
Organization The principal is responsible for the public information program of each individual school. Within each school, there may be an organization or class whose primary purpose is the development of a news publication or bulletin for the school. These organizations serve two important functions. First, they provide valuable training for people interested in the field of journalism. Secondly, they serve as an important means of disseminating information concerning the school to both students and patrons interested in the school. These organizations shall be closely supervised by competent advisors employed by the school. In the interest of coordination and an informed public, information, articles and editorials will be cleared through the principal’s office.
* * * * * * *
Portions © 2000 Missouri School Boards’ Association
FILE: KB Open communication with the district's students, parents, patrons and the public in general is essential for the school district to operate effectively. The district will make a systematic effort to communicate with the public using newsletters, student handbooks, local media and the district's website. Board policies and related documents, including current versions of district handbooks, will be posted on the district's website. School building and district report cards may be posted on the district website and will be distributed to the public as determined by the superintendent or designee. Other public information will be available in the district's buildings or administrative offices for viewing by the public during the office's normal business hours, as required by law and in accordance with policy BDDL. The district will utilize the local radio, newspapers and other media to publicize the district's legal obligations as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and by other applicable law. Notice of district meetings will be made to representatives of the news media, if requested. The superintendent or designee may adopt administrative procedures to further the goals of this policy. ******* Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information. Adopted: 03/15/2005 Cross Refs:
BDDL, Release of Information Legal Refs:
§§ 160.522, 162.1120, 167.645, RSMo. Chillicothe R-II School District, Chillicothe, Missouri
FILE: KBA Not all district records are available to the public. If the opportunity to inspect or copy a record is denied, the custodian of records will provide a written statement explaining why the request was denied in accordance with law if such an explanation is requested.
* * * * * * *
Portions © 2000 Missouri School Boards’ Association
FILE: KBCA Matters pertaining to the Board of Education and the school system at large will be released through the office of the superintendent. The building principal is responsible for matters pertaining to an individual school. When the representative of any news media, both in and out of school, request information concerning any phase of the school or the schools system’s program, the staff member queried should offer all possible cooperation. Staff members should, however, offer information regarding only that portion of the program for which they are responsible. Questions concerning other areas of the schools or its program should be referred to the person responsible. Principals must be informed of such releases.
* * * * * * * For Office Use Only: KBCA-S.CHL
FILE: KC The Board is mindful that it is accountable to the patrons of the district and shall give substantial weight to the advice it receives from individuals and community groups interested in the district's schools. The district is also mindful that it must take into account its responsibility for the welfare of the entire district in arriving at decisions. The Board recognizes that many residents of the district may be specially qualified to assist and advise the district because of their training, experience or personal characteristics, and the Board encourages them to take an active part in school affairs. The Board also recognizes that community involvement is not only important at the district level but is often most effective at the school level. Each school in the district will advise patrons about any avenues for providing input unique to that school and will encourage them to take advantage of those opportunities.
* * * * * * *
© 2004, Missouri School Boards' Association, Registered in U.S. Copyright Office
FILE: KDA Definitions Parent -- A biological or adoptive parent, including parents who are unmarried; a guardian; or an individual acting as a parent in the absence of the parent or guardian. Joint Legal Custody -- Parents share decision-making rights, responsibilities and authority relating to the health, education and welfare of the child. Joint Physical Custody -- Each parent has periods of time, not necessarily equal, during which the child resides with or is under the care or supervision of that parent. Visitation Schedules Visitation schedules and parenting plans are agreements between parents and are not binding on the district. The district will release a student to either parent in accordance with Board policy unless otherwise directed by a valid court order. Court Appearances The district discourages parents from involving district staff in disputes over custody, visitation schedules, child support and other such issues. Staff members must stay focused on providing students an education. To do so, they must maintain good relationships with both parents and should not be asked to support one parent over another. District employees will not testify or otherwise participate in a custody dispute in their capacities as district employees unless served with a subpoena. Often, student records can provide the same information as the testimony of a staff member, and parents have access to student records by law. Parents are encouraged to use records rather than staff testimony in resolving disputes over their child. Student Records A parent will have access to all records and information pertaining to his or her child unless that parent has been denied custody or visitation rights. The district will provide access to all such records unless a court order showing the denial of legal custody or visitation is provided to the district. A court may also order that such records not include the address of the custodial parent or child. A copy of any court order received by the district pertaining to a student will be forwarded to the principal of the building where the student attends. ******* Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information. Adopted: 09/20/2005 Cross Refs:
BDC, Closed Meetings, Records and Votes Legal Refs: §§
452.375, .376, 610.010, .021, RSMo. Chillicothe R-II School District, Chillicothe, Missouri
FILE: KG Permission to use school facilities will be granted to community organizations and residents by the superintendent, or his or her designee, in keeping with the policies, rules and regulations adopted by the Board. However, such use will not interfere in any way with the regular programs and activities of the school district. A nominal rental fee to cover operational costs (heat, lights, etc.) and custodial service will be charged in accordance with a schedule recommended by the superintendent and approved by the Board. The fee will not be charged to any school-related organization. The Board may consider waiving the fee for special public programs. The use of playgrounds and buildings during the summer months for recreational purposes shall be governed by the superintendent according to the Board policies, rules and regulations. Where possible, a certificate of insurance or hold-harmless agreement shall be provided by the persons or organizations using school facilities.
* * * * * * *
© 2000, Missouri School Boards' Association, Registered in U.S. Copyright Office
FILE: KH
Gifts, Donations and Bequests to the District In deciding whether to accept a gift, the superintendent, the Board or its designee will minimally consider whether the contribution will further the goals of the district, whether it will be used, whether it is appropriate for the school environment and whether it will unequally distribute resources in the district. No gift will be accepted without verification that there are no encumbrances against the gift. All gifts accepted will be reported to the Board of Education, publicly announced and appropriately acknowledged. The donor will be officially thanked in the district’s name. Memorials Memorials are a special type of gift given in memory of a deceased individual. The district recognizes the following as appropriate forms of memorialization: 1. Memorial scholarship -- Application and award guidelines should be finalized prior to the scholarship being announced. A typed copy of the application and award guidelines along with the timeline for the scholarship implementation is to be kept on file at the office of the building principal or designee. If desired, the Chillicothe R-II School District Foundation may be used as a resource to establish and administer the scholarship. 2. Purchase of library books, educational CD-ROMs, school supplies and equipment -- The district will maintain a "wish list" of these items from which a person establishing a memorial may choose. Books may include a book plate, and equipment/supplies (if applicable) may include an engraved plate. Wording on each plate must be limited to "donated in memory of" or "in memory of", along with the memorialized individual's name and dates of birth and death. All engraved plates may be removed at the end of the ten (10) years and offered to the nearest relative. 3. Funds designated for a particular school activity or department -- The use of such funds must be approved in writing by the building principal and forwarded to the superintendent or designee for final approval. Memorials such as plantings or benches are accepted in accordance with the district's policies on buildings and grounds. As with all gifts, items received as memorials become the property of the Chillicothe R-II School District.
* * * * * * *
© 2003, Missouri School Boards' Association, Registered in U.S. Copyright Office
FILE: KI General Rule The district may control the content of advertising as allowed by law. Minimally, advertisement on district property or at district events may not include information or materials that: 1. Are obscene to minors. 2. Are libelous. 3. Are pervasively indecent or vulgar (secondary schools) or contain any indecent or vulgar language (elementary schools). 4. Advertise any product or service not permitted to minors by law. 5. Constitute insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injuries or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person's race, religion or ethnic origin). 6. Present a clear and present likelihood that, either because of their content or their manner of distribution, they will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities or will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school procedures. District-Sponsored Advertisement This policy is not intended to limit the use of district resources or forums by district personnel to distribute district-sponsored information or advertisements. District-sponsored groups may distribute advertisement to employees and students as determined appropriate by the superintendent or designee and school principal. Materials from extracurricular organizations or professional groups created by the district are considered district sponsored. Groups Affiliated with the District The district may allow groups affiliated with the district to advertise on district property in the same manner and to the same extent that district-sponsored groups are allowed to advertise. For the purpose of this policy, a group is affiliated with the district if it is recognized by the Board and 1) working collaboratively with the district, such as a business partner, or 2) is a group that is created solely to work with the district, its staff, students and parents and to raise funds for district activities such as parent-teacher associations or booster clubs. Curriculum-Related Advertisement District staff may use resources with reasonable advertising content when such resources are consistent with and related to the district's curriculum and compliant with the district's wellness policy and procedures. District staff may distribute advertisements regarding programs, events, contests and other activities that are not sponsored by the district when those events are consistent with and related to the district's curriculum. District staff may invite companies, organizations or individuals to advertise during school hours or school events if the school principal determines that the information provided is consistent with and related to the district's curriculum. Distribution Directly to Students Only curriculum-related advertisement, district-sponsored advertisement and advertisement by groups affiliated with the district may be distributed directly to students by placing the item in the student's backpack, folder or other conveyance; handing the material to students; placing the material at the student's assigned place; or instructing the student to pick up material at a designated location. Placing items in a designated location where they are available to students is not direct distribution if students are not instructed to pick up the materials. Distribution to Staff The district's intercampus mail, staff mailboxes and district e-mail are reserved for communication between employees regarding district business or for distribution of district-sponsored advertisement or advertisement from groups affiliated with the district. Advertising from any other person or group will be made available to staff by placement in staff work areas or on designated bulletin boards not easily accessible to students. Such advertising must be provided first to the school principal and must clearly state that the district does not sponsor or endorse the information. School principals may establish uniform rules about the length of time an advertisement will be available and may limit the number of advertisements available at one (1) time. Distribution by Students Students may distribute district-sponsored advertisements on district property during noninstructional time as allowed by the school principal and group sponsor. Students may distribute noncurricular student publications and other advertisements not sponsored by the district during noninstructional time only in accordance with Board policy IGDBA. Distribution by Student-Initiated Noncurricular Groups Student-initiated noncurricular groups that meet in district facilities shall have the same access to district communication tools and media, including publications, websites and intercom, and are subject to the same provisions on the distribution and content of materials as district-sponsored noncurricular groups. The district may require these groups to clearly state on any advertisement or information that the group is not sponsored by the district. Advertisement in Designated Locations School principals may designate a bulletin board, table or other specific location where information regarding nonprofit community events targeting students and parents may be posted or otherwise advertised. All groups fitting this description will be allowed to submit advertising to be placed at the designated location. Such advertising must be provided to the school principal first and must clearly state that the district does not sponsor or endorse the information. School principals may establish uniform rules about the length of time an advertisement will be available and may limit the number of advertisements available at one (1) time. Distribution at District Events Only district-sponsored advertisement and advertisement from groups affiliated with the district may be distributed at district events, unless the district sells advertisement opportunities as described below. Groups Using District Facilities Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other Title 36 youth groups and their official affiliates who meet in district facilities pursuant to the Board's policy on use of facilities may distribute advertising during any meeting, activity or event held in accordance with that policy and applicable procedures but otherwise have no greater ability to advertise or distribute information in schools than groups not using district facilities. Revenue-Generating Advertising on District Property or in District Publications The district may accept or solicit advertising for use on the district's website and in gymnasiums, athletic fields and other facilities primarily used for extracurricular activities. Any such advertising will be limited to the name, address, phone number, Internet address and logo of the advertiser. The district may accept or solicit advertising on extracurricular activity schedules, programs, newspapers, yearbooks or other district-sponsored publications at the discretion of the principal of the school involved. Advertising generally will be limited to the name, address, phone number, Internet address and logo of the advertiser except that publications may also provide the advertiser with a selection of greetings, phrases or graphics that can be included if the advertiser so chooses. Student publications and the advertising in those publications are district-sponsored speech subject to editorial control over content in accordance with law. All such advertising must be compliant with the district's wellness policy and procedures. Collecting, Disclosing or Using Information for Marketing In general, the district will not collect, disclose or use personal information from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose unless required by law. For the purposes of this policy, "personal information" means individually identifiable information, including a student's or parent's first and last name, a home or other physical address, a telephone number and Social Security number. In the rare case where the district may collect or disclose students' personal information or allow another group or entity to collect or disclose students' personal information for the purpose of marketing or selling that information, the district will directly notify the parents/guardians in accordance with law at least annually at the beginning of the school year of the specific or approximate dates when such information will be collected. Parents/Guardians, upon request, may inspect any instrument used to collect personal information for the purpose of marketing or selling that information before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student. All parents/guardians and students of appropriate age may decline to provide the information requested. This portion of the policy does not apply to the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for or to students or educational institutions, to the extent allowed by law and Board policy. ******* Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information. Adopted: 01/16/2007 Revised: 08/10/2007 Cross Refs:
ADF, District Wellness Program Legal Refs:
§§ 610.010 - .028, RSMo. Chillicothe R-II School District, Chillicothe, Missouri
FILE: KK District Property Parents and patrons of the district are welcome to visit district schools and attend district events; however, all visitors during business hours, including Board members, shall sign or check in at the building office prior to proceeding to the approved destination in the building. Parents who wish to observe class in session are asked to make prior arrangements. The district discourages parents or others from using the school as a site for visiting students and may refuse the use of the school for that purpose. The Board and administration will not tolerate any person whose presence disturbs classes or district activities or hinders the instructional process. Visitors to district property may not possess weapons, including concealed weapons, on district property, on district transportation or at any district function or activity sponsored or sanctioned by the district unless the visitor is an authorized law enforcement official or is otherwise authorized by Board policy. Appropriate Behavior The Chillicothe R-II School District believes that district events are a vital part of the total educational program and should be used as a means for developing positive social interaction, good sportsmanship and appropriate behavior, in addition to knowledge and skills. Well-organized and well-conducted programs contribute to the morale of the student body and strengthen school-community relations. To this end, the Board encourages district patrons to exhibit good sportsmanship, citizenship, ethics and integrity at all district events and at all times while on district grounds. The district will work with the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and other organizations to promote good behavior by the patrons at athletic and other events. The Board will work with parents, alumni associations and local service organizations to keep appropriate behavior a top priority. The superintendent will establish procedures for crowd control at district events consistent with this policy. Persons Prohibited on or Near Property or Transportation The district prohibits all persons who have pled guilty or nolo contendere to or have been convicted of or found guilty of violating the following provisions from being on or within 500 feet of any school building, district property, district activity or any vehicle used to transport students: 1. Any of the provisions in Chapter 566 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. 2. Incest, § 568.020, RSMo. 3. Endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, § 568.045, RSMo. 4. Use of a child in a sexual performance, § 568.080, RSMo. 5. Promoting a sexual performance by a child, § 568.090, RSMo. 6. Sexual exploitation of a minor, § 573.023, RSMo. 7. Promoting child pornography in the first degree, § 573.025, RSMo. 8. Furnishing pornographic material to minors, § 573.040, RSMo. 9. Any offense committed in another state, a foreign country, or under tribal, federal or military jurisdiction that, if committed in this state, would be a violation listed above. Despite the prohibition in this section, the superintendent may grant permission for a parent, guardian or custodian of a student to be on district property for the limited purpose of attending meetings with district staff or other events. Permission will be granted sparingly, if ever, and only in situations where the parent, guardian or custodian will be supervised at all times. If the superintendent does not grant permission, the parent, guardian or custodian may seek permission from the Board. The superintendent will inform the principal and other relevant district staff of the scope of the permission granted. Registered Sex Offenders Sex offenders required to be listed on the Missouri Highway Patrol's sex offender registry, or who have pled guilty, pled nolo contendere, or been convicted of crimes for which the law currently requires offenders to be listed, regardless of when those crimes were committed, are not allowed on district property or at district activities held on district property except to attend meetings of a public governmental body. The superintendent may also make exceptions for parents, guardians or custodians of students enrolled in the district if the person's presence is necessary to transport the student, may benefit the student educationally, or in situations where the parent, guardian or custodian will be supervised at all times. This section may not apply to a student entitled by law to be on school grounds for educational services if the student's presence is necessary to obtain those services. The exceptions cited in this section do not apply if the person is otherwise prohibited or banned from district property by other sections of this policy. Disruptive Conduct If a visitor's conduct becomes disruptive, threatening or violent, the superintendent, principal or designee may require the visitor to leave. In extreme situations, the superintendent or designee may inform the visitor that he or she is not welcome back on district property or at district events indefinitely or for a specific period of time. During any period of prohibition, the visitor will not be allowed on district property except to attend a meeting of a public governmental body. The superintendent may make exceptions for parents, guardians or custodians of students enrolled in the district if the person's presence is necessary to transport the student, may benefit the student educationally, or in situations where the parent, guardian or custodian will be supervised at all times. This paragraph does not apply if the person is otherwise prohibited or banned from district property by other sections of this policy. Enforcement If a visitor prohibited from district property or events under this policy is on district property, district staff will contact law enforcement and/or escort the person from district grounds and inform the person of the district policy prohibiting his or her presence. The superintendent, principal or designee may file a report or sign a complaint with law enforcement on behalf of the district. The Board grants the superintendent or designee the authority to consult an attorney for guidance or to seek a court order banning the visitor from district property. A visitor denied access to district property may request to address the Board on the matter in accordance with Board policy. ******* Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information. Adopted: 09/20/2005 Revised: 01/16/2007; 03/17/2009 Cross Refs: AC,
Prohibition Against Illegal Discrimination and Harassment Legal Refs: §§
566.149, RSMo. Chillicothe R-II School District, Chillicothe, Missouri
FILE: KKB The district has established limits on the use of recording equipment in order to minimize disruption and protect instructional time essential to improving student achievement. Any recording activity, even activity permitted under this policy, will be prohibited if the activity creates a disruption to the education process. Definitions Visual Recording -- Registering visual images on film, tape, digitally or by other mechanical or electronic means. Audio Recording -- Registering sounds on tape, digitally or by other mechanical or electronic means. Outside Entity -- Any individual, group, organization or corporation other than the administration, officers, staff or students of the Chillicothe R-II School District or individuals authorized to act for the district. Recording by Outside Entities The Chillicothe R-II School District prohibits the use of video or audio recording equipment on district property or at district activities by outside entities without permission from the superintendent or designee unless otherwise authorized by law. This prohibition shall not apply to: 1. Performances or activities to which the general public is invited such as athletic competitions, concerts and plays. 2. Recording of staff for the sole purpose of professional training or development. 3. Open meetings of the Chillicothe R-II School District Board of Education or committees appointed by or at the direction of the Board. 4. Outside entities, including student-initiated groups, using or renting district facilities in accordance with Board policies and established administrative procedures. Recording by District Personnel The district may make audio or visual recordings to provide security, to maintain order, for professional staff development use or for other purposes related to furthering the educational mission of the district. This may include the use of video equipment in school buildings and on district transportation. No recording equipment will be placed in areas of the building where the occupant would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restroom facilities or locker rooms. Recordings by or on behalf of district personnel that include students will be considered student records and will be maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws. Recording by Students The Chillicothe R-II School District prohibits the use of video or audio recording equipment on district property or at district activities by students except: 1. If required by a school-sponsored class or activity. 2. At performances or activities to which the general public is invited such as athletic competitions, concerts and plays. 3. At open meetings of the Board of Education or committees appointed by or at the direction of the Board. 4. As otherwise permitted by the building principal. Recording of Meetings The Board of Education prohibits the use of audio, video or other recording devices at meetings held pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other meetings between district employees and parents/guardians. Exceptions to this prohibition will be made only in accordance with Board policy and law. Requests for such exceptions must be made within a reasonable period of time prior to the scheduled meetings. This prohibition does not apply to conversations held within view of district security cameras. ******* Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information. Adopted: 04/15/2008 Cross Refs: BDA,
Board Meetings Legal Refs:
§§ 610.010 - .035, RSMo. Chillicothe R-II School District, Chillicothe, Missouri
FILE: KL If a complaint has been made and appealed in accordance with administrative procedures, the parent/guardian or member of the public may appeal the issue to the Board by submitting a written request to the superintendent or the secretary of the Board. The Board will address the complaint in an appropriate and timely manner.
* * * * * * *
© 2003, Missouri School Boards' Association, Registered in U.S. Copyright Office
FILE: KLB The Board encourages community input and comments regarding the district's instructional, media and library materials and directs the district staff to answer all questions regarding the selection of the materials. The superintendent or designee will create procedures to efficiently address community member questions or concerns and to provide for an adequate review of the materials, if necessary.
* * * * * * *
FILE: KNAJ Relationships between the schools and officials of law enforcement agencies in investigative matters concerning pupils will take into consideration the respective roles of the schools and law enforcement agencies in assisting and protecting the interests of the community, and ensuring the rights of all concerned. Districts may work with local law enforcement agencies to develop drug and alcohol use prevention and drug and alcohol trafficking suppression programs. School staff will fully cooperate in the prosecution of any crime or threat affecting the school district, to the extent allowed by law. School districts may report or disclose education records to law enforcement and juvenile justice authorities if the disclosure concerns law enforcement's or juvenile justice authorities' ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are released. The officials and authorities to whom such information is disclosed must comply with applicable restrictions set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (b)(1)(E). ******* Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information. Adopted: 08/18/1998 Revised: 01/16/2007 Cross Refs: JFG,
Interrogations, Interviews and Searches Legal Refs: §§ 161.504, 167.020, .115, RSMo. Chillicothe R-II School District, Chillicothe, Missouri
© 2000, Missouri School Boards' Association, Registered in U.S. Copyright Office SECTION A: FOUNDATIONS AND BASIC COMMITMENTS | SECTION B: SCHOOL BOARD GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS SECTION C: GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION | SECTION D: FISCAL MANAGEMENT | SECTION E: SUPPORT SERVICES SECTION F: FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT | SECTION G: PERSONNEL | SECTION I: INSTRUCTIONS | SECTION J: STUDENTS SECTION K: SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS | SECTION L: EDUCATION AGENCY RELATIONS |