Code of Conduct - Lorain City School District (2024)

Respect for law and for those persons in authority shall be expected of all students. This includes conformity to school rules as well as general provisions of law affecting students. Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall also be expected of all members of the school community. The Board of Education has zero tolerance of violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior by its students.

Respect for real and personal property; pride in one's work; achievement within the range of one's ability; and exemplary personal standards of courtesy, decency, and honesty shall be maintained in the schools of this District. It is the responsibility of students, teachers and administrators to maintain a classroom environment that:

1. allows teachers to communicate effectively with all students in the class;

2. allows all students in the class the opportunity to learn;

3. has consequences that are fair, and developmentally appropriate;

4. considers the student and the circ*mstances of the situation; and

5. enforces the student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code accordingly.

Students may be subject to discipline for violation of the Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code even if that conduct occurs on property not owned or controlled by the Board but that is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on property owned or controlled by the Board, or conduct that, regardless of where it occurs, is directed at a Board official or employee, or the property of such official or employee.

Student conduct shall be governed by the rules and provisions of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code. This Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code shall be reviewedannually.

Adopted: January 11, 2024

The Board of Education recognizes that each student's mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. The Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices interfere with the educational program of the schools. Students have the right to dress in accordance with their gender identity, within the constraints of the dress code promulgated by the school.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to establisha reasonable dress codein order to promote a safe and healthy school setting and enhance the educational environment. The dress codeshall be incorporated into the Student Code of Conduct or Discipline Code.

Accordingly, the Superintendent shall establish such grooming guidelines as are necessary to promote discipline, maintain order, secure the safety of students, and provide a healthy environment conducive to academic purposes. Such guidelines shall prohibit student dress or grooming practices that:

1. present a hazard to the health or safety of the student or to others in the school;

2. materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program;

3. cause excessive wear or damage to school property;

4. prevent the student from achieving the student's educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.

Such guidelines shall establish the dress requirements for members of the athletic teams, bands, and other school groups when representing the District at a public event.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines to implement this policy that:

1. designate the principal as the arbiter of student dress and grooming at the building level;

2. invite the participation of staff, parents, and students in the preparation of a dress code that may specify prescribed dress and grooming practices, but may not amplify the rationale for prohibition established by Board policy;

3. instruct staff members to demonstrate by example and precept neatness, cleanliness, propriety, modesty, and good sense in attire and appearance;

4. direct staff to enforce the school’s dress code in a nondiscriminatory and uniform manner, including without regard to whether a student is transgender or gender nonconforming.

Students who violate the foregoing rules will not be admitted to class and may be suspended from school.

Adopted: January 11, 2024

The Board of Education is committed to providing students, staff, and visitors with an indoor tobacco and smoke-free environment. The negative health effects of tobacco use for both the users and nonusers, particularly in connection with second hand smoke, are well established. Further, providing a non-smoking and tobacco-free environment is consistent with the responsibilities of teachers and staff to be positive role models for our students.

For purposes of this policy, "use of tobacco" means to chew or maintain any substance containing tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, in the mouth to derive the effects of tobacco, as well as all uses of tobacco or tobacco substitutes, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, or any other matter or substances that contain tobacco, in addition to papers used to roll cigarettes and/or the smoking of electronic, "vapor," or other substitute forms of cigarettes, clove cigarettes or other lighted smoking devices for burning tobacco or any other substance.

The term “tobacco” includes any product that contains tobacco, is derived from tobacco, contains nicotine, or e-cigarettes and other electronic smoking devices (including but not limited to "JUULs"), but does not include any cessation product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use as a medical treatment to reduce or eliminate nicotine or tobacco dependence.

In accordance with Policy 9700.01, tobacco advertising is prohibited on school grounds, in all school-sponsored publications, and at all school-sponsored events.

Tobacco promotional items that promote the use of tobacco products, including clothing, bags, lighters, and other personal articles are not permitted on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at school-sponsored events.

Notification

“No Tobacco” signs will be posted throughout the District as required by R.C. 3794.06 and as specified by the Ohio Department of Health. Students will be provided notice of this policy through student handbooks.

District vehicles will display the international “No Smoking” insignia.

Educational Programming

Tobacco-use prevention education shall be coordinated with the other components of the school health program. Staff responsible for teaching tobacco-use prevention education shall have adequate pre-service training and participate in ongoing professional development activities to effectively deliver education programming. Preparation and professional development activities shall provide basic knowledge about the effects of tobacco use and effects of peer pressure on tobacco use combined with effective instructional techniques and strategies and program-specific activities.

Students who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code and in accordance with policies of the Board.

Adopted: January 11, 2024

The Board of Education believes that the schools should help students learn to respect propertyand develop feelings of pride in community institutions.

The Board charges each student with responsibility for the proper care of school property and the school supplies and equipment entrusted to his/her use.

Students who cause damage to school property shall be subject to disciplinary measures, and their parents shall be financially liable for such damage to the extent of the law,except that students eighteen (18) years of age or older shall also be liable for damage they cause.

The Board authorizes the imposition of fines for the loss, damage or destruction of school equipment, apparatus, musical instruments, library material, textbooks, and for damage to school buildingsand reserves the right, to the extent permitted by law, to withhold a report card or credits from any student whose payment of such fine is in arrears.

The Board may report to the appropriate juvenile authorities any student whose damage of school property has been serious or chronic in nature.

A reward may be offered by the Board for the apprehension of any person who vandalizes school property.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines to implement this policy.

The Board of Education regards the use of bicycles for travel to and from school by students as an assumption of responsibility on the part of those students -- a responsibility in the care of property, in the observation of safety rules, and in the display of courtesy and consideration toward others.

The Board will permit the use of bicycles by students in accordance with the administrative guidelines of the Superintendent.

The Board will not be responsible for bicycles which are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Adopted: January 11, 2024

The Board of Education regards the use of motor vehicles for travel to and from school by students as an assumption of responsibility on the part of those students -- a responsibility in the care of property, in the observation of safety rules, and in the display of courtesy and consideration toward others – and an assumption of liability on the part of those students and their parent(s).

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for the operation and parking of motor vehicles by students which shall include the requirement that studentsare licensed drivers andhave adequate liability insurance.

The Board shall not be responsible for motor vehicles which are lost, stolen, or damaged while on school property.

SAFE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED UTILITY VEHICLES BY STUDENTS

Because of the clear and present danger of accident, the Board of Education prohibits the use of motorized utility vehicles by students on school grounds or for school activity purposes.

Operators shall participate in basic safety training for operation of motorized utility vehicles, as prescribed in the administrative guidelines, prior to operating any such vehicle(s). Individuals authorized to operate such utility vehicles may not allow anyone else to use the vehicle (e.g., other students, relatives, friends, etc.). The utility vehicle may only be used for the specific activity and function that has been assigned.

Adopted: January 11, 2024

Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with and disruptive to the educational process, and prohibited at any time in school facilities, on school property, and/or off school property if the misconduct is connected to or associated with Board-sponsored activities (e.g., extracurricular teams, clubs, or groups) or incidents that have occurred on school property. No administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of the District shall encourage, permit, authorize, condone, or tolerate any hazing activities. The preceding prohibition includes recklessly permitting the hazing of any person associated with the District. Additionally, no student shall plan, encourage, or engage in any hazing.

Hazing is defined as doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any class, team, or organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any class, team, or organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse. No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing shall not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy.

Administrators, employees, faculty members, and teachers, of the District shall be alerted to possible situations, circ*mstances, or events that might include hazing. If hazing or planned hazing is discovered, the students involved shall be informed by the discoverer of the prohibitions contained in this policy and shall be ordered to end all hazing activities or planned activities immediately. All hazing incidents shall be reported immediately to the Superintendent. Additionally, no administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of the District who is acting in an official and professional capacity shall recklessly fail to immediately report the knowledge of hazing to a law enforcement agency in the county in which the victim of hazing resides or in which the hazing is occurring or has occurred. Students, administrators, employees, faculty members, and teachers who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and may be held personally liable for civil and criminal penalties in accordance with law. Likewise, consultants, alumni, and volunteers associated with the District who fail to abide by this policy may be prohibited from continuing their involvement and/or participation in activities associated with the District and may be held personally liable for civil and criminal penalties in accordance with law.

The Superintendent shall distribute this policy to all students, Board employees, consultants, and volunteers, and shall incorporate it into building, staff, and student handbooks. It shall also be posted on the District’s website. This policy shall be the subject of discussion at employee staff meetings or in-service programs.

Board employees, shall not intentionally remain ignorant of hazing or potential hazing activities.

Adopted: January 11, 2024

General Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Board of Education to maintain an education and work environment that is free from all forms of unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all School District operations, programs, and activities. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of unlawful harassment. This policy applies to unlawful conduct occurring on school property, or at another location if such conduct occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.

The Board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against discriminatory harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes") that are protected by Federal civil rights laws (hereinafter referred to as unlawful harassment), and encourages those within the School District community as well as Third Parties, who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify such problems. The Board will investigate all allegations of unlawful harassment and in those cases where unlawful harassment is substantiated, the Board will take immediate steps to end the harassment, prevent its reoccurrence, and remedy its effects. Individuals who are found to have engaged in unlawful harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Other Violations of the Anti-Harassment Policy

The Board will also take immediate steps to impose disciplinary action on individuals engaging in any of the following prohibited acts:

1. Retaliating against a person who has made a report or filed a complaint alleging unlawful harassment, or who has participated as a witness in a harassment investigation.

2. Filing a malicious or knowingly false report or complaint of unlawful harassment.

3. Disregarding, failing to investigate adequately, or delaying investigation of allegations of unlawful harassment, when responsibility for reporting and/or investigating harassment charges comprises part of one's supervisory duties.

Definitions

Words used in this policy shall have those meanings defined herein; words not defined herein shall be construed according to their plain and ordinary meanings.

Complainantis the individual who alleges, or is alleged, to have been subjected to unlawful harassment, regardless of whether the person files a formal complaint or is pursuing an informal resolution to the alleged harassment.

Respondentis the individual who has been alleged to have engaged in unlawful harassment, regardless of whether the Reporting Party files a formal complaint or is seeking an informal resolution to the alleged harassment.

School District communitymeans students and Board employees (i.e., administrators, and professional and classified staff), as well as Board members, agents, volunteers, contractors, or other persons subject to the control and supervision of the Board.

Third Partiesinclude, but are not limited to, guests and/or visitors on School District property (e.g., visiting speakers, participants on opposing athletic teams, parents), vendors doing business with, or seeking to do business with, the Board, and other individuals who come in contact with members of the School District community at school-related events/activities (whether on or off District property).

Day(s): Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “day” or “days” as used in this policy means business day(s) (i.e., a day(s) that the Board office is open for normal operating hours, Monday – Friday, excluding State-recognized holidays).

Bullying

Bullying rises to the level of unlawful harassment when one (1) or more persons systematically and chronically inflict physical hurt or psychological distress on one (1) or more students or employees and that bullying is based upon one (1) or more Protected Classes, that is, characteristics that are protected by Federal civil rights laws. It is defined as any unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school or work performance or participation; and may involve:

1. teasing;

2. threats;

3. intimidation;

4. stalking;

5. cyberstalking;

6. cyberbullying;

7. physical violence;

8. theft;

9. sexual, religious, or racial harassment;

10. public humiliation; or

11. destruction of property.

Harassment

Harassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of technology, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that:

1. places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property;

2. has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits, or an employee's work performance; or

3. has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

Sexual Harassment

For purposes of this policy and consistent with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, "sexual harassment" is defined as:

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:

1. Submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, or status in a class, educational program, or activity.

2. Submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting such individual.

3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity.

Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a person of any gender against a person of the same or another gender.

Sexual Harassment covered by Policy 2266 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Education Programs or Activities is not included in this policy. Allegations of such conduct shall be addressed solely by Policy 2266.

Prohibited acts that constitute sexual harassment under this policy may take a variety of forms. Examples of the kinds of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

1. Unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations, solicitations, and flirtations.

2. Unwanted physical and/or sexual contact.

3. Threats or insinuations that a person's employment, wages, academic grade, promotion, classroom work or assignments, academic status, participation in athletics or extra-curricular programs, activities, or events, or other conditions of employment or education may be adversely affected by not submitting to sexual advances.

4. Unwelcome verbal expressions of a sexual nature, including graphic sexual commentaries about a person's body, dress, appearance, or sexual activities; the unwelcome use of sexually degrading language, profanity, jokes or innuendoes; unwelcome suggestive or insulting sounds or whistles; obscene telephone calls.

5. Sexually suggestive objects, pictures, graffiti, videos, posters, audio recordings or literature, placed in the work or educational environment, that may reasonablyembarrass or offend individuals.

6. Unwelcome and inappropriate touching, patting, or pinching; obscene gestures.

7. Asking about, or telling about, sexual fantasies, sexual preferences, or sexual activities.

8. Speculations about a person's sexual activities or sexual history, or remarks about one's own sexual activities or sexual history.

9. Giving unwelcome personal gifts such as lingerie that suggests the desire for a romantic relationship.

10. Leering or staring at someone in a sexual way, such as staring at a person's breasts, buttocks, or groin.

11. A pattern of conduct, which can be subtle in nature, that has sexual overtones and is intended to create or has the effect of creating discomfort and/or humiliation to another.

12. Inappropriate boundary invasions by a District employee or other adult member of the School District community into a student's personal space and personal life.

13. Verbal, nonverbal or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping that does not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

Not all behavior with sexual connotations constitutes unlawful sexual harassment. Sex-based or gender-based conduct must be sufficiently severe, pervasive, and persistent such that it adversely affects, limits, or denies an individual's employment or education, or such that it creates a hostile or abusive employment or educational environment, or such that it is intended to, or has the effect of, denying or limiting a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program or activities.

Race/Color Harassment

Prohibited racial harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's race or color and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's race or color, such as racial slurs, nicknames implying stereotypes, epithets, and/or negative references relative to racial customs.

Religious (Creed) Harassment

Prohibited religious harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's religion or creed and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's religious tradition, clothing, or surnames, and/or involves religious slurs.

National Origin/Ancestry Harassment

Prohibited national origin/ancestry harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's national origin or ancestry and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's national origin or ancestry, such as negative comments regarding customs, manner of speaking, language, surnames, or ethnic slurs.

Disability Harassment

Prohibited disability harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's disability and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's disability, such as negative comments about speech patterns, movement, physical impairments or defects/appearances, or the like.

Anti-Harassment Compliance Officers

The following individual(s) shall serve as the District’s Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer(s) (hereinafter, “the Compliance Officer(s)”):

Executive Director of Human Resources

2601 Pole Ave.

Lorain, OH 44052

440-830-4013

Executive Director of Educational Technology

2601 Pole Ave.

Lorain, OH 44052

440-830-4094

The names, titles, and contact information of these individuals will be published annually on the School District's websiteandStudent Handbook.

The Compliance Officer(s) are responsible for coordinating the District’s efforts to comply with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including the District’s duty to address in a prompt and equitable manner any inquiries or complaints regarding harassment.

The Compliance Officer(s) will be available during regular school/work hours to discuss concerns related to unlawful harassment, to assist students, other members of the District community, and third parties who seek support or advice when informing another individual about "unwelcome" conduct, or to intercede informally on behalf of the individual in those instances where concerns have not resulted in the filing of a formal complaint and where all parties are in agreement to participate in an informal process.

Compliance Officers shall accept reports of unlawful harassment directly from any member of the School District community or a Third Party or receive reports that are initially filed with an administrator, supervisor, or other District-level official. Upon receipt of a report of alleged harassment, the Compliance Officer(s) will contact the Complainant and begin either an informal or formal complaint process (depending on the request of the Complainant or the nature of the alleged harassment), or the Compliance Officer(s) will designate a specific individual to conduct such a process. The Compliance Officer(s) will provide a copy of this policy to the Complainant and Respondent. In the case of a formal complaint, the Compliance Officer(s) will prepare recommendations for the Superintendent or will oversee the preparation of such recommendations by a designee. All Board employees must report incidents of harassment that are reported to them to the Compliance Officer within two (2) days of learning of the incident.

Any Board employee who directly observes unlawful harassment is obligated, in accordance with this policy, to report such observations to the Compliance Officer(s) within two (2) days. Additionally, any Board employee who observes an act of unlawful harassment is expected to intervene to stop the harassment, unless circ*mstances make such an intervention dangerous, in which case the staff member should immediately notify other Board employees and/or local law enforcement officials, as necessary, to stop the harassment. Thereafter, the Compliance Officer(s) or designee must contact the Complainant, if age eighteen (18) or older, or Complainant's parents/guardians if the Complainant is under the age eighteen (18), within two (2) days to advise of the Board's intent to investigate the alleged wrongdoing.

Reports and Complaints of Harassing Conduct

Students and all other members of the School District community along with Third Parties are required to report incidents of harassing conduct to a teacher, administrator, supervisor, or other District official so that the Board may address the conduct before it becomes severe, pervasive, or persistent. Any teacher, administrator, supervisor, or other District employee or official who receives such a report shall file it with the Compliance Officer within two (2) days of receiving the report of harassment.

Members of the School District community and Third Parties, which includes students, or third parties who believe they have been unlawfully harassed are entitled to utilize the Board's complaint process that is set forth below. Initiating a complaint, whether formally or informally, will not adversely affect the Complainant's employment or participation in educational or extra-curricular programs. While there are no time limits for initiating complaints of harassment under this policy, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint as soon as possible after the conduct occurs while the facts are known and potential witnesses are available.

If, during an investigation of alleged bullying, aggressive behavior and/or harassment in accordance with Policy 5517.01- Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior, the Principal believes that the reported misconduct may have created a hostile work environment and may have constituted unlawful discriminatory harassment based on a Protected Class, the Principal shall report the act of bullying, aggressive behavior and/or harassment to the Compliance Officers who shall investigate the allegation in accordance with this policy. If the alleged harassment involves Sexual Harassment as defined by Policy 2266, the matter will be handled in accordance with the grievance process and procedures outlined in Policy 2266. While the Compliance Officer investigates the allegation, or the matter is being addressed pursuant to Policy 2266, the Principal shall suspend the Policy 5517.01 investigation to await the Compliance Officer's written report or the determination of responsibility pursuant to Policy 2266. The Compliance Officer shall keep the Principal informed of the status of the Policy 5517 investigation and provide the Principal with a copy of the resulting written report. Likewise, the Title IX Coordinator will provide the Principal with the determination of responsibility that results from the Policy 2266 grievance process.

Investigation and Complaint Procedure

Except for Sexual Harassment that is covered by Policy 2266 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities, any student who believes that they have been subjected to unlawful harassment may seek resolution of the complaint through the procedures described below. The formal complaint process involves an investigation of the Complainant's claims of harassment or retaliation and a process for rendering a decision regarding whether the charges are substantiated.

Due to the sensitivity surrounding complaints of unlawful harassment or retaliation, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint process; however, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint within thirty (30) days after the conduct occurs while the facts are known and potential witnesses are available. Once the formal complaint process is begun, the investigation will be completed in a timely manner (ordinarily, within fifteen (15) business days of the complaint being received).

The procedures set forth below are not intended to interfere with the rights of a student to pursue a complaint of unlawful harassment or retaliation with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Informal Complaint Procedure

The goal of the informal complaint procedure is promptly to stop inappropriate behavior and to facilitate resolution through an informal means, if possible. The informal complaint procedure is provided as a less formal option for a student who believes s/he has been unlawfully harassed or retaliated against. This informal procedure is not required as a precursor to the filing of a formal complaint. The informal process is only available in those circ*mstances where the Complainant and the Respondent mutually agree to participate in it.

Students who believe that they have been unlawfully harassed may initiate their complaint through this informal complaint process, but are not required to do so. The informal process is only available in those circ*mstances where the parties (alleged target of harassment and alleged harasser(s)) agree to participate in the informal process.

The Complainant may proceed immediately to the formal complaint process and individuals who seek resolution through the informal procedure may request that the informal process be terminated at any time to move to the formal complaint process.

All complainants involving a District employee, any other adult member of the School District community, or a Third Party and a student will be formally investigated.

As an initial course of action, if a Complainant feels comfortable and safe in doing so, the individual should tell or otherwise inform the Respondent that the alleged harassing conduct is inappropriate and must stop. The Complainant should address the allegedly harassing conduct as soon after it occurs as possible. The Compliance Officers are available to support and counsel individuals when taking this initial step or to intervene on behalf of the Complainant if requested to do so. A Complainant who is uncomfortable or unwilling to directly approach the Respondent about the alleged inappropriate conduct may file an informal or a formal complaint. In addition, with regard to certain types of unlawful harassment, such as sexual harassment, the Compliance Officer may advise against the use of the informal complaint process.

A Complainant may make an informal complaint, either orally or in writing: 1) to a teacher, other employee, or building administrator in the school the student attends; 2) to the Superintendent or other District-level employee; and/or 3) directly to one of the Compliance Officers.

All informal complaints must be reported to one of the Compliance Officers who will either facilitate an informal resolution as described below, or appoint another individual to facilitate an informal resolution.

The Board's informal complaint procedure is designed to provide students who believe they are being unlawfully harassed with a range of options designed to bring about a resolution of their concerns. Depending upon the nature of the complaint and the wishes of the Complainant, informal resolution may involve, but not be limited to, one or more of the following:

1. Advising the Complainant about how to communicate the unwelcome nature of the behavior to the Respondent.

2. Distributing a copy of this policy as a reminder to the individuals in the school building or office where the Respondent works or attends.

3. If both parties agree, the Compliance Officer may arrange and facilitate a meeting ormediation between the Complainant and the Respondent to work out a mutual resolution.

While there are no set time limits within which an informal complaint must be resolved, the Compliance Officer/designee is directed to attempt to resolve all informal complaints within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the informal complaint. If the Complainant is dissatisfied with the informal complaint process, the Complainantmay proceed to file a formal complaint. And, as stated above, either party may request that the informal process be terminated at any time to move to the formal complaint process.

Formal Complaint Procedure

If a complaint is not resolved through the informal complaint process, if one of the parties has requested that the informal complaint process be terminated to move to the formal complaint process, or the Complainant, from the outset, elects to file a formal complaint, or the CO determines the allegations are not appropriate for resolution through the informal process, the formal complaint process shall be implemented.

The Complainant may file a formal complaint, either orally or in writing, with a teacher, principal, or other District employee at the student's school, the Compliance Officer, Superintendent, or another District official who works at another school or at the district level. Due to the sensitivity surrounding complaints of unlawful harassment, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint process; however, individuals should make every effort to file a formal complaint within thirty (30) days after the conduct occurs while the facts are known and potential witnesses are available. If a Complainant informs a teacher, principal, or other District employee at the student's school, Superintendent, or other District official, either orally or in writing, about any complaint of harassment, that employee must report such information to the Compliance Officer within two (2) business days.

Throughout the course of the process, the Compliance Officer should keep the parties reasonably informed of the status of the investigation and the decision-making process.

All formal complaints must include the following information to the extent known: the identity of the Respondent; a detailed description of the facts upon which the complaint is based (i.e., when, where, and what occurred); a list of potential witnesses; and the resolution sought by the Complainant.

If the Complainant is unwilling or unable to provide a written statement including the information set forth above, the Compliance Officer shall ask for such details in an oral interview. Thereafter, the Compliance Officer will prepare a written summary of the oral interview, and the Complainant will be asked to verify the accuracy of the reported charge by signing the document.

Upon receiving a formal complaint, the Compliance Officer will consider whether any action should be taken in the investigatory phase to protect the Complainant from further harassment or retaliation, including, but not limited to, a change of work assignment or schedule for the Complainant and/or the Respondent. In making such a determination, the Compliance Officer should consult the Complainant to assess whether the individual agrees with the proposed action. If the Complainant is unwilling to consent to the proposed change, the Compliance Officer may still take whatever actions deemed appropriate in consultation with the Superintendent.

Within two (2) business days of receiving the complaint, the Compliance Officer/designee will initiate a formal investigation to determine whether the Complainant has been subjected to offensive conduct/harassment/retaliation. The Principal will not conduct an investigation unless directed to do so by the Compliance Officer.

Simultaneously, the Compliance Officer will inform the Respondent that a formal complaint has been received. The Respondent will be informed about the nature of the allegations and provided with a copy of any relevant policies and/or administrative guidelines, including the Board's Anti-Harassment policy. The Respondent must also be informed of the opportunity to submit a written response to the complaint within five (5) business days.

Although certain cases may require additional time, the Compliance Officer/designee will attempt to complete an investigation into the allegations of harassment/retaliation within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the formal complaint. The investigation will include:

1. interviews with the Complainant;

2. interviews with the Respondent;

3. interviews with any other witnesses who may reasonably be expected to have any information relevant to the allegations;

4. consideration of any documentation or other information presented by the Complainant, Respondent, or any other witness that is reasonably believed to be relevant to the allegations.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Compliance Officer or the designee shall prepare and deliver a written report to the Superintendent that summarizes the evidence gathered during the investigation and provides recommendations based on the evidence and the definition of unlawful harassment as provided in Board policy and State and Federal law as to whether the Complainant has been subjected to unlawful harassment. The Compliance Officer's recommendations must be based upon the totality of the circ*mstances, including the ages and maturity levels of those involved. In determining if discriminatory harassment or retaliation occurred, a preponderance of evidence standard will be used. The Compliance Officer may consult with the Board's legal counsel before finalizing the report to the Superintendent.

Absent extenuating circ*mstances, within ten (10) school days of receiving the report of the Compliance Officer/designee, the Superintendent must either issue a written decision regarding whether the complaint of harassment has been substantiated or request further investigation. A copy of the Superintendent's final decision will be delivered to both the Complainant and the Respondent.

If the Superintendent requests additional investigation, the Superintendent must specify the additional information that is to be gathered, and such additional investigation must be completed within ten (10) school days. At the conclusion of the additional investigation, the Superintendent shall issue a written decision as described above.

The decision of the Superintendent shall be final.

The Board reserves the right to investigate and resolve a complaint or report of unlawful harassment/retaliation regardless of whether the student alleging the unlawful harassment/retaliation pursues the complaint. The Board also reserves the right to have the formal complaint investigation conducted by an external person in accordance with this policy or in such other manner as deemed appropriate by the Board or its designee.

The parties may be represented, at their own cost, at any of the above-described meetings/hearings.

The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, the filing of charges with local law enforcement, or the filing of a civil action in court. Use of this internal complaint process is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.

Privacy/Confidentiality

The District will employ all reasonable efforts to protect the rights of the Complainant, the Respondent, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board's legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. All records generated under the terms of this policy and related administrative guidelines shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Confidentiality, however, cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, the Respondent must be provided the Complainant's identity.

During the course of a formal investigation, the Compliance Officer/designee will instruct all members of the School District community and third parties who are interviewed about the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Any individual who is interviewed as part of a harassment investigation is expected not to disclose any information that is learned or provided during the course of the investigation.

Sanctions and Monitoring

The Board shall vigorously enforce its prohibitions against unlawful harassment/retaliation by taking appropriate action reasonably calculated to stop the harassment and prevent further such harassment. While observing the principles of due process, a violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including the discharge of an employee or the suspension/expulsion of a student. All disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with applicable State law and the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement(s). When imposing discipline, the Superintendent shall consider the totality of the circ*mstances involved in the matter, including the ages and maturity levels of those involved. In those cases where unlawful harassment is not substantiated, the Board may consider whether the alleged conduct nevertheless warrants discipline in accordance with other Board policies, consistent with the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement(s).

Where the Board becomes aware that a prior remedial action has been taken against a member of the School District community, all subsequent sanctions imposed by the Board and/or Superintendent shall be reasonably calculated to end such conduct, prevent its reoccurrence, and remedy its effects.

Retaliation

Retaliation against a person who makes a report or files a complaint alleging unlawful harassment/retaliation or participates as a witness in an investigation is prohibited. Neither the Board nor any other person may intimidate, threaten, coerce or interfere with any individual because the person opposed any act or practice made unlawful by any Federal or State civil rights law, or because that individual made a report, formal complaint testified, assisted or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under those laws and/or this policy, or because that individual exercised, enjoyed, aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected by those laws and/or this policy.

Retaliation against a person from making a report of discrimination, filing a formal complaint, or participating in an investigation or meeting is a serious violation of this policy that can result in imposition of disciplinary sanction/consequences and/or other appropriate remedies.

Formal complaints alleging retaliation may be filed according to the internal complaint process set forth above.

The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution does not constitute retaliation prohibited under this policy.

Allegations Constituting Criminal Conduct: Child Abuse/Sexual Misconduct

State law requires any school teacher or school employee who knows or suspects that a child with a disability under the age of twenty-one (21) or that a child under the age of eighteen (18) has suffered or faces a threat of suffering a physical or mental wound, disability or condition of a nature that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of a child to immediately report that knowledge or suspicion to the county children's services agency. If, during the course of a harassment investigation, the Compliance Officer or a designee has reason to believe or suspect that the alleged conduct reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of the Complainant, a report of such knowledge must be made in accordance with State law and Board Policy.

State law defines certain contact between a teacher and a student as "sexual battery." If the Compliance Officer or a designee has reason to believe that the Complainant has been the victim of criminal conduct as defined in Ohio's Criminal Code, such knowledge should be immediately reported to local law enforcement.

Any reports made to a county children's services agency or to local law enforcement shall not terminate the Compliance Officer or a designee's obligation and responsibility to continue to investigate a complaint of harassment. While the Compliance Officer or a designee may work cooperatively with outside agencies to conduct concurrent investigations, in no event shall the harassment investigation be inhibited by the involvement of outside agencies without good cause after consultation with the Superintendent.

Allegations Involving Conduct Unbecoming the Teaching Profession/Suspension

The Superintendent will report to the Ohio Department of Education, on forms provided for that purpose, matters of misconduct on the part of licensed professional staff members convicted of sexual battery, and will, in accordance with Policy 8141, suspend such employee from all duties that concern or involve the care, custody, or control of a child during the pendency of any criminal action for which that person has been arrested, summoned and/or indicted in that regard.

Education and Training

In support of this Anti-Harassment Policy, the Board promotes preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of unlawful discriminatory practices. The Superintendent shall provide appropriate information to all members of the School District community related to the implementation of this policy and shall provide training for District students and staff where appropriate. All training, as well as all information, provided regarding the Board's policy and harassment in general, will be age and content appropriate.

Retention of Investigatory Records and Materials

The Compliance Officer(s) is responsible for overseeing retention of all records that must be maintained pursuant to this policy. All individuals charged with conducting investigations under this policy shall retain all documents, electronically stored information ("ESI"), and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) created and/or received as part of an investigation, which may include but not be limited to:

1. all written reports/allegations/complaints/grievances/statements/responses pertaining to an alleged violation of this policy;

2. any narratives that memorialize oral reports/allegations/complaints/grievances/statements/responses pertaining to an alleged violation of this policy;

3. any documentation that memorializes the actions taken by District personnel or individuals contracted or appointed by the Board to fulfill its responsibilities related to the investigation and/or the District’s response to the alleged violation of this policy;

4. written witness statements;

5. narratives, notes from, or audio, video, or digital recordings of witness interviews/statements;

6. e-mails, texts, or social media posts that directly relate to or constitute evidence pertaining to an alleged violation of this policy (i.e., not after-the-fact commentary about or media coverage of the incident);

7. notes or summaries prepared contemporaneously by the investigator in whatever form made (e.g., handwritten, keyed into a computer or tablet, etc.), but not including transitory notes whose content is otherwise memorialized in other documents;

8. written disciplinary sanctions issued to students or employees and other documentation that memorializes oral disciplinary sanctions issued to students or employees for violations of this policy;

9. dated written determinations/reports (including summaries of relevant exculpatory and inculpatory evidence) and other documentation that memorializes oral notifications to the parties concerning the outcome of the investigation, including any consequences imposed as a result of a violation of this policy;

10. documentation of any supportivemeasures offered and/or provided to the Complainant and/or the Respondent, including no contact orders issued to both parties, the dates the no contact orders were issued, and the dates the parties acknowledged receipt of the no contact orders;

11. documentation of all actions taken, both individual and systemic, to stop the discrimination or harassment, prevent its recurrence, eliminate any hostile environment, and remedy its discriminatory effects;

12. copies of the Board policy and/or procedures/guidelines used by the District to conduct the investigation, and any documents used by the District at the time of the alleged violation to communicate the Board’s expectations to students and staff with respect to the subject of this policy (e.g., Student Code of Conduct and/or Employee Handbooks);

13. copies of any documentation that memorializes any formal or informal resolutions to the alleged discrimination or harassment.

Adopted: January 11, 2024

The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes aggressive behavior, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, and violence within a dating relationship. The Board will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This policy applies to all activities in the District, including activities on school property, on a school bus, or while enroute to or from school, and those occurring off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school's control, in a school vehicle, or where an employee is engaged in school business.

This policy has been developed in consultation with parents, District employees, volunteers, students, and community members as prescribed in R.C. 3313.666 and the State Board of Education's Model Policy.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means:

1. any intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that a student or group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student(s) and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s); or

2. violence within a dating relationship.

"Electronic act" means an act committed through the use of a cellular telephone, computer, pager, personal communication device, or other electronic communication device.

Aggressive behavior is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough, to negatively impact a student's educational, physical, or emotional well being. This type of behavior is a form of intimidation and harassment, although it need not be based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, or disability. It would include, but not be limited to, such behaviors as stalking, bullying/cyberbullying, intimidating, menacing, coercion, name calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying also means cyberbullying through electronically transmitted acts (i.e., internet, e-mail, cellular telephone, personal digital assistance (PDA), or wireless hand-held device) that a student(s) or a group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental and physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s).

Any student or student's parent/guardian who believes s/he has been or is the victim of aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to the Building Principal or assistant principal, or the Superintendent. The student may also report concerns to teachers and other school staff who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the Building Principal should be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with the Board President.

Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student. Reports may be made to those identified above.

All complaints about aggressive behavior that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated. The Building Principal or appropriate administrator shall prepare a written report of the investigation upon completion. Such report shall include findings of fact, a determination of whether acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying were verified, and, when prohibited acts are verified, a recommendation for intervention, including disciplinary action shall be included in the report. Where appropriate, written witness statements shall be attached to the report.

If the investigation finds an instance of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying/cyberbullying by an electronic act or otherwise, has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial and/or disciplinary action. This may include suspension or up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers, and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials.

If, during an investigation of a reported act of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying/cyberbullying, the Principal or appropriate administrator believes that the reported misconduct may have created a hostile learning environment and may have constituted unlawful discriminatory harassment based on a Protected Class, the Principal will report the act of bullying and/or harassment to one of the Anti-Harassment Compliance Officers so that it may be investigated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Policy 5517- Anti-Harassment.

Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of aggressive behavior is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as aggressive behavior. Retaliation may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.

Deliberately making false reports about harassment, intimidation, bullying and/or other aggressive behavior for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Deliberately making false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.

If a student or other individual believes there has been aggressive behavior, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it and allow the administration to determine the appropriate course of action.

The District shall implement intervention strategies (AG 5517.01) to protect a victim or other person from new or additional harassment, intimidation, or bullying and from retaliation following such a report.

This policy shall not be interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students (i.e., to prohibit a reasoned and civil exchange of opinions, or debate, that is conducted at appropriate times and places during the school day and is protected by State or Federal law).

The complainant shall be notified of the findings of the investigation, and as appropriate, that remedial action has been taken. If after investigation, acts of bullying against a specific student are verified, the Building Director or appropriate administrator shall notify the custodial parent/guardian of the victim of such finding. In providing such notification care shall be taken to respect the statutory privacy rights of the perpetrator of such harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying.

If after investigation, acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying by a specific student are verified, the Building Director or appropriate administrator shall notify in writing the custodial parent/guardian of the perpetrator of that finding. If disciplinary consequences are imposed against such student, a description of such discipline shall be included in the notification.

Complaints

Students and/or their parents/guardians may file reports regarding suspected harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Such reports shall be reasonably specific including person(s) involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of suspected harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. Such reports may be filed with any school staff member or administrator, and they shall be promptly forwarded to the Building Director for review, investigation, and action.

Students, parents/guardians, and school personnel may make informal or anonymous complaints of conduct that they consider to be harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying by verbal report to a teacher, school administrator, or other school personnel. Such complaints shall be reasonably specific including person(s) involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of suspected harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. A school staff member or administrator who receives an informal or anonymous complaint shall promptly document the complaint in writing, including the information provided. This written report shall be promptly forwarded by the school staff member and/or administrator to the Building Director for review, investigation, and appropriate action.

Individuals who make informal complaints as provided above may request that their name be maintained in confidence by the school staff member(s) and administrator(s) who receive the complaint. Anonymous complaints shall be reviewed and reasonable action shall be taken to address the situation, to the extent such action may be taken that (1) does not disclose the source of the complaint, and (2) is consistent with the due process rights of the student(s) alleged to have committed acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying.

When an individual making an informal complaint has requested anonymity, the investigation of such complaint shall be limited as is appropriate in view of the anonymity of the complaint. Such limitation of investigation may include restricting action to a simple review of the complaint subject to receipt of further information and/or the withdrawal by the complaining student of the condition that his/her report be anonymous.

Privacy/Confidentiality

The School District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board's legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. All records generated under this policy and its related administrative guidelines shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Reporting Requirement

At least semi-annually, the Superintendent shall provide to the President of the Board a written summary of all reported incidents and post the summary on the District web site (if one exists). The list shall be limited to the number of verified acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, whether in the classroom, on school property, to and from school, or at school-sponsored events.

Allegations of criminal misconduct and suspected child abuse will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and/or to Child Protective Services in accordance with statute. District personnel shall cooperate with investigations by such agencies.

Immunity

A School District employee, student, or volunteer shall be individually immune from liability in a civil action for damages arising from reporting an incident in accordance with this policy and R.C. 3313.666 if that person reports an incident of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying promptly, in good faith, and in compliance with the procedures specified in this policy. Such immunity from liability shall not apply to an employee, student, or volunteer determined to have made an intentionally false report about harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying.

Notification

Notice of this policy will beannuallycirculated to and posted in conspicuous locations in all school buildings and departments within the District and discussed with students, as well as incorporated into the teacher, student, and parent/guardian handbooks. At least once each school year a written statement describing the policy and consequences for violations of the policy shall be sent to each student's custodial parent or guardian.

The statement may be sent with regular student report cards or may be delivered electronically.

The policy and an explanation of the seriousness of bullying by electronic means shall be made available to students in the District and to their custodial parents or guardians.

State and Federal rights posters on discrimination and harassment shall also be posted at each building. All new hires will be required to review and sign off on this policy and the related complaint procedures.

Education and Training

In support of this policy, the Board promotes preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of aggressive behavior, including bullying and violence within a dating relationship. The Superintendent or designee shall provide appropriate training to all members of the School District community related to the implementation of this policy and its accompanying administrative guidelines. All training regarding the Board's policy and administrative guidelines about aggressive behavior and bullying in general will be age and content appropriate.

Students in grades seven (7) through twelve (12) shall receive age-appropriate instruction in dating violence prevention education, including instruction in recognizing dating violence warning signs and characteristics of healthy relationships. Parents, who submit a written request to the Building Director to examine the dating violence prevention instruction materials used in the school, will be afforded an opportunity to review the materials within a reasonable period of time.

The District shall provide training, workshops, and/or courses on this policy for school employees and volunteers who have direct contact with students, to the extent that State or Federal funds are appropriated for these purposes. Time spent by school staff in these training programs shall apply toward mandated continuing education requirements.

In accordance with Board Policy 8462, the Superintendent shall include a review of this policy on bullying and other forms of harassment in the required training in the prevention of child abuse, violence, and substance abuse and the promotion of positive youth development.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines to implement this policy. Guidelines shall include reporting and investigative procedures, as needed. The complaint procedure established by the Superintendent shall be followed.

Adopted: January 11, 2024

The Board of Education recognizes the right of each student to attend school for the purpose of receiving an education. The disruption of the educational program of the schools by disorder or any other purposeful activity will not be countenanced.

For purposes of this policy, disorder shall be any deliberate activity by an individual or a group, whether peaceful or violent, which interferes with the normal operation of the school.

The Board, having the responsibility for providing an educational program for the students of this District, shall have the authority to preserve order for the proper functioning of that program.

Students shall not be disturbed in the exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to assemble peaceably and to express ideas and opinions, privately or publicly, provided that such exercise does not infringe on the rights of others and does not interfere with the operation of the schools.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for the implementation of this policy.

Adopted: January 11, 2024

The Board of Education recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the whole school community.

As the educational institution of this community, the schools should strive to prevent drug abuse and help drug abusers by educational, rather than punitive, means.

For purposes of this policy, "drugs" shall mean:

1. all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Ohio statute;

2. all chemicals which release toxic vapors;

3. all alcoholic beverages;

4. any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy;

5. anabolic steroids;

6. any substance containing betel nut (areca nut);

7. any substance that is a "look-alike" to any of the above.

The Board prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of any drug or any drug-related paraphernalia as the term is defined by law, or the misuse of a product containing a substance that can provide an intoxicating or mood-altering effecton school grounds,on school vehicles, and/orat any school-sponsored event.

The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines for the identification, amelioration, and regulation of drug use in the schools. Such guidelines shall:

1. emphasize the prevention of drug use;

2. provide for a comprehensive, age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol education and prevention program which:

   1. addresses the legal, social, psychological, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use;

   2. provides information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs and alcohol;

3. include a statement to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful;

4. provide standards of conduct that are applicable to all students and which clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity;

5. include a clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the school standards of conduct and a description of those sanctions;

6. provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and reentry programs available to students and provide procedures to direct students and their parents to the appropriate programs;

7. require that all parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct regarding the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students;

8. require the notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory;

9. provide a biennial review of the School District's program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes as needed and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

The Superintendent shall establish administrative guidelines necessary to implement this policy. Such guidelines shall ensure that the proper notice regarding the use of anabolic steroids is posted in each of the District's locker rooms used by students in grades 7-12.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education encourages students to attend as many school events held after school as possible, without interfering with their school work and home activities. Enthusiastic spectators help to build school spirit and encourage those students who are participating in the event.

However, in order to ensure that students attending as nonparticipants are properly safe-guarded, the Board requires that all elementary and pre-high school students be accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone when they arrive at the event and throughout its duration. Any unaccompanied student will not be allowed to attend the event, and the Board will not be responsible for students if they attend without an adult chaperone.

The Board will continue to provide adequate supervision for all students who are participants in District-sponsored events.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education is committed to protecting students from harm that may or may not be directly associated with the school environment but also recognizes its responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement and public children's services agencies.

When law enforcement or other authorities arrive at the school and wish to interview a student or investigate an alleged violation of law, they must contact the building administrator indicating the nature of their investigation and their desire to question a student or students. In order to avoid disruption of the learning environment and the student's class schedule, such interviews should take place during a student's study hall period or outside of instructional learning, if at all possible.

Investigation of Child Abuse/Neglect by a Public Children's Services Agency or Law Enforcement Agency

Every Board official and employee who, in connection with his/her position, knows or suspects child abuse or neglect must immediately report that knowledge or suspicion to a public children's services or law enforcement agency in accordance with Board Policy 8462.

At the request of the building administrator, an official of a public children's services agency or law enforcement agency may interview a student on school property during school hours in order to investigate a claim of child abuse/neglect involving such student or a member of the student's family. If neither the student nor a member of his/her family is the subject of the child abuse/neglect investigation, such agency should contact the student during non-school hours and investigate the matter off school property, if at all possible, unless the alleged child abuse took place on school property and/or involves an emergency situation.

If the student (or a member of his/her family) is the subject of a child abuse/neglect investigation, or the student is being interviewed regarding alleged child abuse that took place on school property or involves an emergency, the building administrator shall attempt to contact the parent prior to questioning, and s/he will remain in the room during questioning unless compelling reasons for exclusion are provided by the agency.

If an agency investigating child abuse/neglect indicates that the parent is believed to be the perpetrator, the building administrator will not contact either parent prior to the interview. The building administrator will remain in the room during questioning unless compelling reasons for exclusion are provided by the agency.

Investigations of Violations of Law by Law Enforcement Agencies

Such agencies should contact a student during non-school hours and investigate alleged violations of the law off school property if at all possible. An investigation can take place immediately on school property during school hours at the request of the building administrator if the alleged violation of law took place on school property or in emergency situations.

Before the student(s) is/are questioned as a witness to or suspect in an alleged violation of law, the building administrator shall attempt to contact the parent prior to questioning and shall remain in the room during the questioning unless compelling reasons for exclusion are provided by the agency.

In those circ*mstances when an interrogation may expose a student to criminal charges, the building principal should also verify that the student(s) has been informed of his/her right to refuse to answer questions, to be informed that anything s/he says may be used against him/her in court, and to consult with and be advised by legal counsel.

Notification and Release of Records

Attempts to notify the parents regarding investigations of child abuse/neglect and other law enforcement investigations should be documented diligently.

When an authorized law enforcement officer or public children's services agency removes a student, the building administrator shall notify the parent and the Superintendent and or designee.

No school official may release personally identifiable student information in education records to the police or public children's services agency without prior written permission of the parent, a lawfully-issued subpoena, or a court order. (See Board Policy 8330).

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education recognizes that the privacy of students or their belongings may not be violated by unreasonable search and seizure and directs that no student be searched without reasonable suspicion or in an unreasonable manner.

The Board acknowledges the need for in-school storage of student possessions and shall provide storage places, including desks and lockers, for that purpose. Such spaces remain the property of the Board and, in accordance with law, may be the subject of random search. Where locks are provided for such places, students may lock them against incursion by other students, but in no such places shall students have such an expectation of privacy as to prevent examination by a school official. The Board directs the school principals to conduct a routine inspection at least annually of all such storage places.

School authorities are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the students in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search the person or property, including vehicles, of a student, with or without the student's consent, whenever they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or of school rules. The extent of the search will be governed by the seriousness of the alleged infraction and the student's age.

This authorization to search shall also apply to all situations in which the student is under the jurisdiction of the Board.

Administrators are permitted to conduct a random search of any student's locker and its contents at any time, providing proper notice has been posted in the locker areas of each building.

Search of a student's person or intimate personal belongings shall be conducted by a person of the student's gender, in the presence of another staff member of the same gender, and only in exceptional circ*mstances when the health or safety of the student or of others is immediately threatened.

Administrators are authorized to arrange for the use of a breath-test instrument for the purpose of determining if a student has consumed an alcoholic beverage. It is not necessary for the test to determine blood-alcohol level, since the Board has established a zero tolerance for alcohol use.

The Board also authorizes the use of canines, trained in detecting the presence of drugs or devices, when the Superintendent has reasonable suspicion that illegal drugs or devices may be present in a school. This means of detection shall be used only to determine the presence of drugs in locker areas and other places on school property where such substances could be concealed. Canine detection must be conducted in collaboration with law enforcement authorities or with organizations certified in canine detection and is not to be used to search individual students unless a warrant has been obtained prior to the search.

Except as provided below, a request for the search of a student or a student's possessions will be directed to the principal who shall seek the freely offered consent of the student to the inspection. Whenever possible, a search will be conducted by the principal in the presence of the student and a staff member other than the principal. A search prompted by the reasonable belief that health and safety are immediately threatened will be conducted with as much speed and dispatch as may be required to protect persons and property.

The principal shall be responsible for the prompt recording in writing of each student search, including the reasons for the search; information received that established the need for the search and the name of informant, if any; the persons present when the search was conducted; any substances or objects found; and the disposition made of them. The principal shall be responsible for the custody, control, and disposition of any illegal or dangerous substance or object taken from a student.

The Superintendent shall prepare administrative guidelines to implement this policy.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education acknowledges that conduct is closely related to learning - an effective instructional program requires an orderly school environment and the effectiveness of the educational program is, in part, reflected in the behavior of students.

The Board believes that the best discipline is self-imposed and that students should learn to assume responsibility for their own behavior and the consequences of their actions. The Board has zero tolerance of violent, disruptive or inappropriate behavior by its students.

The Board shall require each student of this District to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code adopted by the Board and to submit to such disciplinary measures as are appropriately assigned for infraction of those rules. Such rules shall require that students:

1. conform to reasonable standards of socially-acceptable behavior;

2. respect the person and property of others;

3. preserve the degree of order necessary to the educational program in which they are engaged;

4. respect the rights of others;

5. obey constituted authority and respond to those who hold that authority.

The Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code designates sanctions for the infractions of rules, excluding corporal punishment, which shall:

1. relate in kind and degree to the infraction;

2. help the student learn to take responsibility for his/her actions;

3. be directed, where possible, to reduce the effects of any harm which may have been caused by the student's misconduct.

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Students may be prohibited by authorized school personnel from participating in all or part of co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities without further notice, hearing or appeal rights. A student who has been disorderly on a school bus may be suspended from transportation services consistent with Board policy and the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code.

The Superintendent shall publish to all students and their parents the rules of this District regarding student conduct and the sanctions which may be imposed for breach of those rules.

The Superintendent shall inform the Board periodically of the methods of discipline imposed by this District and the incidence of student misconduct in such degree of specificity as shall be required by the Board.

The Superintendent, principals, and other administrators shall have the authority to assign discipline to students, subject to the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code and, where required by law, to the student's due process right to notice, hearing, and appeal.

Teachers, school bus drivers, and other employees of this Board having authority over students may take such action as may be necessary to control the disorderly conduct of students in all situations and in all places where such students are within the jurisdiction of this Board and when such conduct interferes with the educational program of the schools or threatens the health and safety of others.

Discipline on Board vehicles shall be the responsibility of the driver on regular bus runs. When Board vehicles are used for field trips and other Board activities, the teacher, coach, advisor, or other Board employee shall be responsible for student discipline. If a student becomes a serious discipline problem on a vehicle, the Superintendent and/or his/her designee may suspend the transportation privileges of the student providing such suspension conforms with due process. The procedures for suspension are set forth in the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code and Board Policy 5611- Due Process Rights.

No student is to be detained after the close of the regular school day unless the student's parent has been contacted and informed that the student will be detained. If a parent cannot be contacted, the student should be detained on another day.

Adopted January 11, 2024

In addition to following the requirements and procedures set forth for all students in Policy 5610, the Board of Education shall also abide by State and Federal laws and regulations when disciplining students with disabilities through removal by suspension and/or expulsion.

The Superintendent shall establish administrative guidelines that shall be followed when disciplining any student with a disability.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education recognizes that exclusion from the educational program of the schools, whether by emergency removal, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or permanent exclusion, is the most severe sanction that can be imposed on a student in this District, and one that cannot be imposed without due process. However, the Board has zero tolerance of violent, disruptive or inappropriate behavior by its students.

No student is to be removed, suspended out-of-school, expelled and/or permanently excluded unless his/her behavior represents misconduct as specified in the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code approved by the Board. The Code shall also specify the procedures to be followed by school officials when implementing such discipline. In determining whether a student is to be suspended or expelled, District Administrators shall use a preponderance of evidence standard.In addition to the procedural safeguards and definitions set forth in this policy and the student/parent handbook, additional procedures and considerations shall apply to students identified as disabled under the IDEA, ADA, and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (See Policy 5605 - Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities.)

Students may be subject to discipline for violation of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code even if that conduct occurs on property not owned or controlled by the Board but where such conduct is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on property owned or controlled by the Board, or conduct that, regardless of where it occurs, is directed at a District official or employee, or the property of such official or employee.

For purposes of this policy and the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code, the following shall apply:

1. "Emergency removal" shall be the exclusion of a student who poses a continuing danger to District property or persons in the District or whose behavior presents an on-going threat of disrupting the educational process provided by the District. (See Policy 5610.03 “Emergency Removal”)

2. "Suspension" shall be the temporary exclusion of a student by the Superintendent, Principal, assistant Principal, or any other administrator from the District’s instructional program for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days. Suspension shall notextend beyond the current school year, if at the time a suspension is imposed, fewer than ten (10) days remain in the school year.

   The Superintendent or designee may instead require a student to participate in a community service program or another alternative consequence for a number of hours equal to the remaining part of the period of the suspension. The student shall be required to begin such community service program or alternative consequence during the first full week day of summer break.

   The Superintendent or designee may develop a list of appropriate alternative consequences, and set forth such list in the applicable guidelines.

   In the event, the student fails to complete the required community service or the assigned alternative consequence, the Superintendent may determine the next course of action. Such course of action, however, shall not include requiring the student to serve the remaining time of the suspension at the beginning of the following year.

   The procedures for suspension are set forth in the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code and Policy 5611 - Due Process Rights.

   A student who is suspended shall be permitted to complete any classroom assignments missed because of the suspension, and receive at least partial credit for a completed assignment. Grade reductions on account of the student’s suspension are permitted; however, no student may receive a failing grade on a completed assignment solely on account of his/her suspension.

3. "Expulsion" shall be the exclusion of a student from the schools of this District for a period not to exceed the greater of eighty (80) school days or the number of school days remaining in a semester or term in which the incident that gives rise to the expulsion takes place or for one (1) year as specifically provided in this policy and the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code. Only the Superintendent may expel a student. The procedures for expulsion are set forth in the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code and Board Policy 5611 “Due Process Rights”.

   When making a determination whether or not a student will be expelled or permanently excluded under this policy, the Superintendent shall retain all documents, electronically stored information ("ESI"), and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315 - Information Management (i.e. "Litigation Hold")) created and/or received as part of an investigation.

   See Also

   The Plain Dealer from Cleveland, Ohio

   The documents, ESI, and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) retained may include public records and records exempt from disclosure under Federal (e.g., FERPA, ADA) and/or State law (e.g., R.C. 3319.321) – e.g., student records and confidential medical records.

   The documents, ESI, and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) shall be retained in accordance with Policy 8310, Policy 8315, Policy 8320, and Policy 8330 for not less than three (3) years, but longer if required by the District's records retention schedule.

   1. Firearm or Knife

      Unless a student is permanently excluded from school, the Superintendent/Designee shall expel a student from school for a period of one (1) year for bringing a firearm or knife capable of causing serious bodily injury to a school building or on to any other property (including a school vehicle) owned, controlled, or operated by the Board, to an interscholastic competition, an extra-curricular event, or to any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the Board, except that the Superintendent/Designee may reduce this period on a case-by-case basis in accordance with this policy. Similarly, the Superintendent shall expel a student from school for a period of one (1) year for possessing a firearm or knife capable of causing serious bodily injury at school or on any other property (including a school vehicle) owned, controlled, or operated by the Board, at interscholastic competition, an extra-curricular event, or at any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the Board, except the Superintendent may reduce this period on a case-by-case basis in accordance with this policy. The expulsion may extend, as necessary, into the school year following the school year in which the incident that gives rise to the expulsion takes place. The Superintendent shall refer any student expelled for bringing a firearm (as defined in 18U.S.C. 921(a)(3)) or weapon to school to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system serving the District.

      A firearm is defined as any weapon, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any firearm muffler or silencer, or any destructive device. A destructive device, includes, but is not limited to any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four (4) ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or other similar device.

      A knife capable of causing serious bodily injury is defined as any weapon or cutting instrument consisting of a blade fastened to a handle; a razor blade; or any similar device (including sharp, metal martial arts weapons such as ninja throwing stars) that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury.

      The Superintendent/Designee may, in his/her sole judgment and discretion, modify or reduce such expulsion in writing, to a period of less than one(1) year, on a case-by-case basis, upon consideration of the following:

      1. Applicable State or Federal laws and regulations relating to students with disabilities (for example, where the incident involves a student with a disability and the misconduct is determined by a group of persons knowledgeable about the child to be a manifestation of the student’s disability);

      2. The degree of culpability given the age of the student and its relevance to the misconduct and/or punishment and/or evidence regarding the probable danger posed to the health and safety of others, including evidence of the student’s intent and awareness regarding possession of the firearm or knife; capable of causing serious bodily injury;and/or

      3. The academic and disciplinary history of the student, including the student’s response to the imposition of any prior discipline imposed for behavioral problems.

   2. Violent Conduct

      If a student commits an act at school, on other school property, at an interscholastic competition, extra-curricular event, or any other school program or activity and the act:

      1. would be a criminal offense if committed by an adult;

         and

      2. results in serious physical harm to person(s) as defined in R.C. 2901.01(A)(5), or to property as defined in R.C.2901.01(A)(6)

1. applicable State or Federal laws and regulations relating to students with disabilities (for example, where the incident involves a student with a disability and the misconduct is determined by a group of persons knowledgeable about the child to be a manifestation of the student’s disability);

   or

2. other extenuating circ*mstances, including, but not limited to, the academic and disciplinary history of the student, including the student’s response to the imposition of any prior discipline imposed for behavioral problems.

If at the time of the expulsion, there are fewer days remaining in the school year than the number of days of the expulsion, the Superintendent may apply any or all of the remaining period to the following school year.

3. Bomb Threats

   If a student makes a bomb threat to a school building or to any premises at which a school activity is occurring at the time of the threat, the Superintendent/Designee may expel the student for a period of up to one (1) year. The Superintendent/Designee may extend the expulsion into the next school year or reduce the expulsion as necessary on a case-by-case basis as specified below. The student need not be prosecuted or convicted of any criminal act to be expelled under this provision.

   The Superintendent/Designee may, in his/her sole judgment and discretion, reduce such expulsion to a period of less than one (1) year, on a case-by-case basis, for the following reasons:

1. for students identified as disabled under the IDEA, ADA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, upon recommendation from the group of persons knowledgeable of the student’s educational needs;
   or

2. other extenuating circ*mstances, including, but not limited to, the academic and disciplinary history of the student, including the student’s response to the imposition of any prior discipline imposed for behavioral problems.

If at the time of the expulsion, there are fewer days remaining in the school year than the number of days of the expulsion, the Superintendent may apply any or all of the remaining period to the following school year.

4. "Permanent exclusion" shall mean the student is banned forever from attending a public school in the State of Ohio. (See Policy5610.01)

If a student is expelled for more than twenty (20) school days or for any period of time that extends into the next school year, the Superintendent/Designee shall provide the student and his/her parents with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of those public or private agencies in the community which offer programs or services that help to rectify the student's behaviors and attitudes that contributed to the incident(s) that caused the expulsion.

Suspension or Expulsion of Students in Grades Pre-Kindergarten through 3

Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, except as permitted by law, suspension or expulsion proceedings shall not be initiated against a student in any of grades Pre-kindergarten through three unless the student has committed the following acts:

1. The student brings a firearm or knife capable of causing serious bodily injury to a school building or on to any other property (including a school vehicle) owned, controlled, or operated by the Board, to an interscholastic competition, an extra‑curricular event, or to any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the Board, or possesses a firearm or knife capable of causing serious bodily injury at school or on any other property (including a school vehicle) owned, controlled, or operated by the Board, at interscholastic competition, an extra-curricular event, or at any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the Board.

2. The student commits an act at school, on other school property, at an interscholastic competition, extra-curricular event, or any other school program or activity and the act: 1) would be a criminal offense if committed by an adult; and 2) results in serious physical harm to person(s) as defined in R.C.2901.01(A)(5), or to property as defined in R.C.2901.01(A)(6).

3. The student makes a bomb threat to a school building or to any premises at which a school activity is occurring at the time of the threat.

4. The student engages in behavior of such a nature that suspension or expulsion is necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, the student’s fellow classmates, the classroom staff and teachers, or other school employees.

Prior to suspending or expelling a student in any of grades Pre-K through 3, the Principal shall, whenever possible, consult with a mental health professional under contract. If the events leading up to the student’s suspension or expulsion from school indicate that the student is in need of additional mental health services, the student’s Principal or the District’s mental health professional shall assist the student’s parent or guardian with locating providers or obtaining such services, including referral to an independent mental health professional, provided such assistance does not result in a financial burden to the District or the student’s school.

If a student in any of grades Pre-K through 3 is suspended or expelled, the student shall be afforded the same notice and hearing, procedural, and educational opportunities as set forth in Board policy and the law. The suspension or expulsion of a student in any of grades Pre‑K through 3 shall not limit the Board’s responsibilities with respect to the provision of special education and related services to such student in accordance with Board policy and the law. Further, the Board shall not be limited in its authority to issue an in-school suspension to a student in any of grades Pre-K through 3, provided that the in-school suspension is served in a supervised learning environment.

If the Superintendent determines that a student's behavior on a school vehicle violates school rules, s/he may suspend the student from school bus-riding privileges for the length of time deemed appropriate for the violation and remediation of the behavior. Any such suspension must comply with due process and the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent/Designee to provide for options to suspension/expulsion of a student from school which may include alternative educational options.

The Superintendent/Designee shall initiate expulsion proceedings against a student who has committed an act that warrants expulsion under Board policy even if the student withdraws from school prior to the hearing or decision to impose the expulsion. The expulsion must be imposed for the same duration it would have been had the student remained enrolled.

The Board may temporarily deny admittance to any student who has been expelled from the schools of another Ohio district or an out-of-state district, if the student’s expulsion period set by the other district has not expired. The expelled student shall first be offered an opportunity for a hearing. This provision also applies to a student who is the subject of a power of attorney designating the child’s grandparent as the attorney-in-fact or caretaker authorization affidavit executed by the child’s grandparent and is seeking admittance into the schools of this District in accordance with Policy 5111.

The Board may temporarily deny admittance to any student who has been suspended from the schools of another Ohio district, if the student’s suspension period set by the other district has not expired. The suspended student shall first be offered an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.

When a student is expelled from this District, the Superintendent/Designee shall send written notice to any college in which the expelled student is enrolled under Postsecondary Enrollment Options at the time the expulsion is imposed. The written notice shall indicate the date the expulsion is scheduled to expire.

If the expulsion is extended, the Superintendent/Designee shall notify the college of the extension.

The Superintendent/Designee may require a student to perform community service in conjunction with or in place of a suspension or expulsion. The Board may adopt guidelines to permit the Superintendent/Designee to impose a community service requirement beyond the end of the school year in lieu of applying the expulsion into the following school year.

A copy of this policy is to be posted in a central location in each school and made available to students and parents upon request. Key provisions of the policy should also be included in the parent-student handbook.

Adopted January 11, 2024

In accordance with the law, the Board of Education may seek to permanently exclude a student, sixteen (16) years of age or older, who has been convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for the reason of the following offenses:

1. carrying a concealed weapon or conveying or possessing a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance on property owned or controlled by a board of education or at an activity held under the auspices of this Board

2. possessing, selling, or offering to sell controlled substances on property owned or controlled by a board of education or at an activity under the auspices of this Board

3. complicity to commit any of the above offenses, regardless of where the complicity occurred

In accordance with law, any student, sixteen (16) years of age or older, who has been convicted or adjudicated delinquent for committing the following offenses may be subject to permanent exclusion:

1. rape, gross sexual imposition or felonious sexual penetration

2. murder, manslaughter, felonious or aggravated assault

3. complicity to commit offenses described in paragraphs A and B, regardless of where the complicity occurs

The above statement of policy on permanent exclusion is to be posted in a central location in each school as well as made available to students, upon request.

If the Superintendent has adequate evidence that a student, sixteen (16) years old or older at the time of the offense, has been convicted of or is an adjudicated delinquent resulting from any of the above offenses, s/he shall submit a written recommendation to the Board that the student should be permanently excluded from the public schools by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The recommendation is to be accompanied by the evidence, other information required by statute, and the name and position of the person who should present the District's case to the State Superintendent. The Board, after considering all the evidence, including the hearing of witnesses, shall take action within fourteen (14) days after receipt of the Superintendent's recommendation.

If the Board adopts the resolution, the Superintendent shall submit it to the State Superintendent, together with the required documents and the name of the person designated by the Board as its representative to present the case to the State Superintendent. A copy of the resolution shall be sent to both the student and his/her parents.

If the Board fails to pass the resolution, it shall so notify the Superintendent, in writing, who, in turn, shall provide written notification of the Board's action to both the student and his/her parents.

If the State Superintendent rejects the Board's request, the District Superintendent shall readmit the student in accordance with statute and District guidelines.

If the State Superintendent acts on the Board's request, his/her actions and those of the District shall be in accord with the procedures described in statute.

Adopted January 11, 2024

It is the purpose of this policy to allow for an alternative to out-of-school suspension. The availability of in-school discipline options is dependent upon the financial ability of the Board of Education to support them.

In-school discipline will only be offered at the discretion of the Principal/Designeefor offenses found in the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code.

The Superintendent is to establish administrative guidelines for the proper operation of such programs. As long as the in-school disciplinary alternatives are served entirely in the school setting, they will not require any notice, hearing or appeal rights. Any student who is issued an in-school disciplinary assignment shall serve such assignment in a supervised learning environment within the school setting and shall be permitted to complete any classroom assignments missed because of the in-school discipline.

Adopted January 11, 2024

If a student's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property, or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process taking place either in a classroom or elsewhere on school premises, then the Superintendent, Principalor assistant Principalmay remove the student from curricular activities or from the school premises. A teacher may remove the student from curricular activities under the teacher's supervision, but not from the premises. If a teacher makes an emergency removal, the teacher will notify a building administrator of the circ*mstances surrounding the removal in writing, as soon as practicable. Because such removal is not subject to the normal suspension and expulsion procedures, no prior notice or hearing is required for any removal under this policy.

A due process hearing will be held on the next school day after the removal is ordered. Written notice of the hearing and the reason for the removal and any intended disciplinary action will be given to the student as soon as practical prior to the hearing. If the student is subject to out-of-school suspension, the student will have the opportunity to appear at an informal hearing before the Principal, Assistant Principal, Superintendent or designee and has the right to challenge the reasons for the intended suspension or otherwise explain his/her actions. Within one (1) school day of the decision to suspend, written notification will be given to the parent(s)/guardian(s) or custodian of the student. This notice will include the reasons for the suspension, the right of the student or parent(s)/guardian(s) to appeal to the Board or its designee and the student's right to be represented in all appeal proceedings. If it is probable that the student may be subject to expulsion, the hearing will take place on the next school day after the date of the initial removal and will be held in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Policy 5611- Due Process Rights. The person who ordered or requested the removal will be present at the hearing.

A student in any of grades pre-kindergarten through 3 may be removed only for the remainder of the school day, and shall be permitted to return to any curricular and extra-curricular activities on the next school day (following the day in which the student was removed or excluded).When a student in any of grades pre-kindergarten through 3 is removed and returned to his/her curricular and extra-curricular activities the next school day, the Principal is not required to hold a hearing (or provide written notice of same).

The Principal shall not initiate suspension or expulsion proceedings against a student in any grades pre-kindergarten through 3 who was removed unless the student has committed one (1) of the following acts:

1. The student brings a firearm or knife capable of causing serious bodily injury to a school building or on to any other property (including a school vehicle) owned, controlled, or operated by the Board, to an interscholastic competition, an extra‑curricular event, or to any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the Board.Similarly, the Principal can initiate suspension or expulsion proceedings if the student possesses a firearm or knife capable of causing serious bodily injury at school or on any other property (including a school vehicle) owned, controlled, or operated by the Board, at interscholastic competition, an extra-curricular event, or at any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the Board.
   
2. The student commits an act at school, on other school property, at an interscholastic competition, extra-curricular event, or any other school program or activity and the act:1)would be a criminal offense if committed by an adult; and 2)results in serious physical harm to person(s) as defined in R.C.2901.01(A)(5), or to property as defined in R.C.2901.01(A)(6).
   
3. The student makes a bomb threat to a school building or to any premises at which a school activity is occurring at the time of the threat.
   
4. The student engages in behavior of such a nature that suspension or expulsion is necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, the student’s fellow classmates, the classroom staff and teachers, or other school employees

If the Superintendent or Principal reinstates a student prior to the hearing for emergency removal, the teacher may request and will be given written reasons for the reinstatement. The teacher cannot refuse to reinstate the student.

In an emergency removal, a student can be kept from class until the matter of the misconduct is disposed of either by reinstatement, suspension or expulsion.

Adopted January 11, 2024

Students on a bus or other authorized Board of Education transportation vehicles are under the authority of and directly responsible to the bus/vehicle driver. The driver has the authority to enforce the established regulations for bus/vehicle conduct. Disorderly conduct or refusal to submit to the authority of the driver will be sufficient reason for refusing transportation service to any student.

A student may be suspended from school bus/vehicle riding privileges for all or part of a school year for any violation of established regulations for bus conduct and/or for conduct occurring on the bus/vehicle in violation of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code.

Before a suspension from bus/vehicle riding privileges is imposed, the Superintendent or other designated District personnel will provide a student with notice of an intended suspension and an opportunity to appear before the Superintendent or other designated District personnel. Disciplinary suspension periods will be commensurate with the infraction(s) committed as determined by the Superintendent or designated District personnel.

Any additional guidelines regarding conduct on school buses/vehicles, as well as general information about the school transportation program, will be made available to all parents and students and posted in a central location.

(Note: This policy must be posted in a central location in each school building and made available to students upon request in order to be effective, i.e. to take advantage of the ability to suspend students from bus privileges for more than ten (10) days without the full panoply of rights otherwise available under 3313.66. Furthermore, this policy and any guidelines should be incorporated into student handbooks.)

Adopted January 11, 2024

Participation in extra-curricular activities, including interscholastic sports, is a privilege and not a right. Therefore, the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent, principals, and assistant principalsand other authorized personnel employed by the District to supervise or coach a student activity program,to prohibit a student from participating in any particular or all extra-curricular activities of the District for offenses or violations of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code for a period not to exceed the remainder of the school year in which the offense or violation of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code took place.

In addition, student athletes are further subject to the Athletic Code of Conduct and may be prohibited from participating in all or part of any interscholastic sport for violations therein.

Students prohibited from participation in all or part of any extra-curricular activity are not entitled to further notice, hearing, or appeal rights.

This policy shall be posted in a central location in each school building and will be available to students upon request.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education recognizes that studentshave limited constitutional rightswhen it comes to their education.

Accordingly, the Board establishes the following procedures which District Administrators shall use when dealing with students:

1. Student subject to suspension:

   When a student is being considered for an out-of-school suspension by the Superintendent, Principal, or other administrator:
   

   1. The student will be informed in writing of the potential suspension and the reasons for the proposed action.
      
   2. The student will be provided an opportunity for an informal hearing to challenge the reason for the intended suspension and to explain his/her actions.
      
   3. An attempt will be made to notify parents or guardians by telephone if a suspension is issued.
      
   4. Within one (1) school day of the suspension the Superintendent, Principal, or other administrator will notify the parents, guardians, or custodians of the student. The notice will include the reasons for the suspension and the right of the student, parent, guardian, or custodian to appeal to the Board or its designee; the right to be represented at the appeal; and the right to request the hearing be held in executive session if before the Board. The notice shall also specify that if the student, parent, guardian, or custodian intends to appeal the suspension to the Board or its designee, such notice of appeal shall be filed, in writing, with the Treasurer of the Board or the Superintendent within ten (10)calendar days after the date of the notice to suspend. If the offense is one for which the District may seek permanent exclusion, then the notice will contain that information.
      
   5. Notice of this suspension will also be sent to the:
      
      1. Superintendent;
         
      2. student's school record (not for inclusion in the permanent record).
         
   6. If a student leaves school property without permission immediately upon violation (or suspected violation) of a provision of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code or prior to an administrator conducting an informal hearing as specified above, and the student fails to return to school on the following school day, the Principal, assistant Principal, Superintendent, or any other administrator, may send the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) notice of the suspension, and offer to provide the student and/or his/her parents an informal hearing upon request to discuss the reasons for the suspension and to allow the student to challenge the reasons and to explain his/her actions, any time prior to the end of the suspension period.

Appeal of Suspension to the Board or its designee

The student who is eighteen (18) or older or the student's parent(s) or guardian(s) may appeal the suspension to the Board or its designee. They may be represented in all such appeal proceedings.

A verbatim record will be kept of the hearing which may be held in executive session at the request of the student, parent, or guardian, if held before the Board.

Appeal to the Court

Under Ohio law, appeal of the Board's or its designee's decision may be made to the Court of Common Pleas.

2. Students subject to expulsion:

   When a student is being considered for expulsion by the Superintendent:
   

   1. The Superintendent will give the student and parent, guardian, or custodian written notice of the intended expulsion, including reasons for the intended expulsion.
      
   2. The student and parent or representative have the opportunity to appear before the Superintendent or designee to challenge the proposed action or to otherwise explain the student's actions. The written notice will state the time and place to appear, which must not be earlier than three (3) school days nor later than five (5) school days after the notice is given, unless the Superintendent grants an extension upon request of the student or parent.
      
   3. Within one (1) school day of the expulsion, the Superintendent will notify the parents, guardians, or custodians of the student and Treasurer of the Board. The notice will include the reasons for the expulsion and the right of the student, parent, guardian, or custodian to appeal to the Board or its designee; the right to be represented at the appeal; and the right to request the hearing be held in executive session if before the Board. The notice shall also specify that if the student, parent, guardian, or custodian intends to appeal the expulsion to the Board or its designee, such notice of appeal shall be filed, in writing, with the Treasurer of the Board or the Superintendent within fourteen(14) calendar days after the date of the notice of expulsion. If the offense is one for which the District may seek permanent exclusion, then the notice will contain that information.
      

A verbatim record will be kept of the hearing which may be held in executive session at the request of the student, parent, or guardian, if it is held before the Board.

The procedure to pursue such appeal will be in accordance with regulations approved by the Superintendent. Notice of appeal must be filed, in writing, within fourteen(14) calendar days after the date of the Superintendent's decision to expel with the Treasurer of the Board or the Superintendent.

While a hearing before the Board may occur in executive session, the Board must act in public.

Appeal to the Court

Under State law, the decision of the Boardor its designee may be further appealed to the Court of Common Pleas.

3. Students subject to emergency removal:

   Students whose conduct warrants emergency removal shall be dealt with in accordance with the rights and procedures outlined in Policy 5610.03 - Emergency Removal.
   

4. Students subject to permanent exclusion:

   Students whose conduct is that for which permanent exclusion is warranted shall be dealt with in accordance with the rights and procedures outlined in Policy 5610.01- Permanent Exclusion of Nondisabled Students.
   

5. Students subject to suspension from bus riding/transportation privileges:

   Student whose conduct warrant suspensionfrom bus riding and/or transportation services shall be dealt with in accordance with the rights and procedures outlined in Policy 5610.04 - Suspension of Bus Riding/Transportation Privileges.

In determining whether disciplinary action set forth in this policy is to be implemented, District Administrators shall use a preponderance of evidence standard. Further, any individual charged with making a disciplinary determination under this policy shall retain all documents, electronically stored information ("ESI"), and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315 - Information Management (i.e. "Litigation Hold")) created and/or received as part of an investigation.

In addition, this statement of due process rights is to be placed in all student handbooks in a manner that will facilitate understanding by students and their parents.

These procedures shall not apply to in-school disciplinary alternatives including in-school suspensions. An in-school suspension is one served entirelyin a supervised learning environment within a school setting. Nor shall these disciplinary alternative procedures apply to students who are prohibited by authorized school personnel from all or part of their participation in co-curricular, interscholastic, and/or noninterscholastic extra-curricular activities.

Adopted January 11, 2024

While recognizing that students may require disciplinary action in various forms, the Board of Education does not condone the use of unreasonable force and fear as an appropriate procedure in student discipline.

Professional staff should not find it necessary to resort to physical force or violence to compel obedience. If all other means fail, staff members may always resort to removal of the student from the classroom or school through suspension or expulsion procedures.

Professional staff as well as classified staff may, within the scope of their employment, use and apply reasonable and necessary force and restraint to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others, to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects upon or within the control of the student, in self-defense, or for the protection of persons or property.

Corporal punishment is not permitted. If any employee threatens to inflict, inflicts, or causes to inflict unnecessary, unreasonable, irrational, or inappropriate force upon a student, s/he may be subject to discipline by this Board and possibly charges of child abuse as well. This prohibition applies as well to volunteers and those with whom the District contracts for services.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The educational program offered by this District is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in the schools during the days and hours that the school is in session.

A student in grades 9 through 12 may be considered a full-time equivalent student provided the student is enrolled in at least five (5) units of instruction, as defined by State law, per school year.

In accordance with statute, the Superintendent shall require, from the parent of each student of compulsory school age or from an adult student who has been absent from school or from class for any reason, a written statement of the cause for such absence. The Board of Education reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each single absence or prolonged absence.

The Board considers the following factors to be reasonable excuses for time missed at school:

1. personal illness(a written physician's statement verifying the illness may be required)
   
2. appointment with a health care provider
   
3. illness in the family necessitating the presence of the child
   
4. quarantine of the home
   
5. death in the family
   
6. necessary work at home due to absence or incapacity of parent(s)/guardian(s)
   
7. observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday
   
8. out-of-state travel (up to a maximum twenty-four (24) hours per school year that the student's school is open for instruction) to participate in a District-approved enrichment or extracurricular activity

   Any classroom assignment missed due to the absence shall be completed by the student.
   

9. such good cause as may be acceptable to the Superintendent
   
10. medically necessary leave for a pregnant student in accordance with Policy 5751
    
11. college visitation
    

    The District requires verification of the date and time of the visitation by the college, university, or technical college.
    

12. absences due to a student's placement in foster care or change in foster care placement or any court proceedings related to their foster care status
    

13. absences due to a student being homeless

Attendance need not always be within the school facilities, but a student will be considered to be in attendance if present at any place where school is in session by authority of the Board.

At the discretion of the Superintendent, a student may be excused for a longer period of time than ten (10) days if a child's parent or guardian has recently died or become totally or partially incapacitated and there is no older brother or sister living in the home who is out of school. (The Superintendent may request a certificate of a physician attesting to the physical condition of the parent or guardian.)

Contacting the Parent/Guardian of an Absent Student

When a parent, guardian, or other person having care of a student has failed to initiate a telephone call or other communication notifying the school or building administration of the student's excused or unexcused absence within 120 minutes after the beginning of the school day, the attendance officer or designee for each school building shall make at least one (1) attempt to contact the parent, guardian, or other person having care of any student who is recorded as absent without legitimate excuse within 120 minutes after the beginning of each school day by a method designated by the Superintendent in accordance with Ohio law (see AG 5200).

Excessive Absences

When a student of compulsory school age is absent from school with combined nonmedical excused absences and unexcused absences in excess of thirty-eight (38) or more hours in one (1) school month, or sixty-five (65) or more hours in a school year, that student is considered excessively absent from school. The District or school shall notify the child's parent or guardian of the child's absences, in writing, within seven (7) school days after the date of the absence that triggered the notice requirement.At the same time written notice is given, any appropriate intervention action listed herein may be taken.

The following “medical excuses” will not count toward a student’s excessive absence hours: (1) personal illness; (2) illness in the family necessitating the presence of the child; (3) quarantine of the home; (4) health care provider appointments (doctor, dentist, mental health provider, etc.); (5) medically-necessary leave for a pregnant student in accordance with Policy 5751; (6) death in the family; or (7) other set of circ*mstances the Superintendent deems on a case-by-case basis to be a good and sufficient cause for medical absence from school.

A medically excused absence occurs any time a student is out of school due to illness or medical visit (physician, dentist, mental health, etc.). A medical excuse for personal illness will be accepted in the form of doctor’s note within five (5) school days of the absence or parent call-in on the day of the absence due to illness or doctor’s visit. A student may have up to ten (10) medically excused absences without a doctor’s note, but with a phone call from a parent/guardian. This policy will be extended beyondten (10 ) if the student or someone in the student’s family is in quarantine due to recognized pandemic/epidemic (e.g., COVID-19) or experiencing symptoms of the pandemic/epidemic.

Habitually Truant

A student will be considered habitually truant if the student is of compulsory school age and absent without a legitimate excuse for thirty (30) or more consecutive hours, for forty-two (42) or more hours in one (1) school month, or for seventy-two (72) or more hours in one (1) school year.

Legitimate excuses for the absence of a student who is otherwise habitually truant include but are not limited to:

1. the student was enrolled in another school district;
   
2. the student was excused from attendance in accordance with R.C 3321.04; or
   
3. the student has received an age and schooling certificate.

Absence Intervention Team

To the extent required by law as determined on an annual basis, within ten (10) days of a student becoming habitually truant, the Principal shall assign the student to an absence intervention team.

Within fourteen (14) school days after the assignment of a student to an absence intervention team, the team shall develop an intervention plan for that student in an effort to reduce or eliminate further absences. Each intervention plan shall vary based on the individual needs of the student, but the plan shall state that the attendance officer shall file a complaint not later than sixty-one (61) days after the date the plan was implemented, if the child has refused to participate in, or failed to make satisfactory progress on, the intervention plan. Within seven (7) school days after the development of the plan, reasonable efforts shall be made to provide the student's parent/guardian/custodian, with written notice of the plan.

As part of the absence intervention plan, the Principal may, in his/her discretion contact the appropriate juvenile court and ask to have a student informally enrolled in any alternative to adjudication described in R.C. 2151.27(G).

Each absence intervention team may vary based on the needs of each individual student but shall include a representative from the child's building, another representative from the child's building who knows the child, and the child's parent or parent's designee, or the child's guardian, custodian, guardian ad litem, or temporary custodian.The team also may include a school psychologist, counselor, social worker, or representative of a public or nonprofit agency designed to assist students and their families in reducing absences.

The members of the absence intervention team shall be selected within seven(7) school days of the student meeting the habitually truant threshold.Within the same period of seven (7) school days, the Principal shall make at least three (3) meaningful, good faith attempts to secure the participation of the student's parent/guardian/custodian, guardian ad litem, or temporary custodian on that team.A good faith attempt to secure the participation of the parent shall include, but not be limited to, contacting (or attempting to contact) the parent by telephone, email, or regular mail. If the student's parent responds to any of those attempts, but is unable to participate for any reason, the Principal shall inform the parent of the parent's right to appear by designee.If seven (7) school days elapse and the student's parent/guardian/custodian, guardian ad litem, or temporary custodian fails to respond to the attempts to secure participation, the attendance officer shall investigate whether the failure to respond triggers mandatory abuse or neglect reporting to the public children services agency.At the same time, the absence intervention team shall continue to develop an intervention plan for the child notwithstanding the absence of the child's parent/guardian/custodian, guardian ad litem, or temporary custodian.

Intervention Strategies

In order to address the attendance practices of a student who is habitually truant, the intervention team may, as part of an intervention plan, take any of the following intervention actions:

1. provide counseling to the student
   
2. request or require the student's parent to attend a parental involvement program
   
3. request or require a parent to attend a truancy prevention mediation program

Reporting Requirements

The attendance officer shall file a complaint in the juvenile court against a student on the sixty-first (61^st) day after the implementation of an absence intervention plan or other intervention strategies, provided that all of the following apply:

1. The student is habitually truant.
   
2. The school district or school has made meaningful attempts to re-engage the student through the absence intervention plan, other intervention strategies, and any offered alternatives to adjudication, if applicable.
   
3. The student has refused to participate in or failed to make satisfactory progress on the plan, as determined by the absence intervention team, or any offered intervention strategies or alternative to adjudication.

If the student, at any time during the implementation phase of the absence intervention plan or other intervention strategies, is absent without legitimate excuse for thirty (30) or more consecutive hours or forty-two (42) or more hours in one school month, the attendance officer shall file a complaint in juvenile court against that student, unless the absence intervention team has determined that the student has made substantial progress on the absence intervention plan.

In the event that the sixty-first (61st) day after the implementation of the absence intervention plan or other intervention strategies falls on a day during the summer months, the absence intervention team and/or(x) the attendance officer may extend the implementation ofthe plan and delay the filing of the complaint for an additional thirty (30) days from the first day of instruction of the next school year.

The Superintendent is authorized to establish an educational program for parents of truant students which is designed to encourage parents to ensure that their children attend school regularly. Any parent who does not complete the program is to be reported to law enforcement authorities for parental education neglect, a fourth class misdemeanor if found guilty.

Whenever any student of compulsory school age has sixty (60) consecutive hours in a single month or a total of ninety (90) hours of unexcused absence from school during the school year, s/he will be considered habitually absent under R.C. 3321.13(b)(2). The Board authorizes the Superintendent to inform the student and his/her parents, guardian, or custodian of the record of absences without a legitimate excuse as well as the District's intent to notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, if appropriate, and the Judge of the Juvenile Court of the student's unexcused absences and habitually absent status.

If a student who is habitually truant violates the order of a juvenile court regarding the student’s prior adjudication as an unruly child for being a habitual truant, s/he may further be adjudicated as a delinquent child.

The District shall report to the Ohio Department of Education, as soon as practicable, and in a format and manner determined by the Department, any of the following occurrences:

1. when a notice that a student has been absent with or without legitimate excuse for thirty-eight (38) or more hours in one (1) school month, or sixty-five (65) or more hours in a school year is submitted to a parent/guardian/or custodian;
   
2. when a child of compulsory school age has been absent without legitimate excuse from the public school the child is supposed to attend for thirty (30) or more consecutive hours, forty-two (42) or more hours in one school month, or seventy-two (72) or more hours in a school year;
   
3. when a child of compulsory school age who has been adjudicated an unruly child for being a habitual truant violates the court order regarding that adjudication;
   
4. when an absence intervention plan has been implemented for a child under this policy.

This policy was developed after consultation with the judge of the juvenile court of LorainCounty/Counties, with the parents, guardians, or other persons having care of the students attending school in the District, and with appropriate State and local agencies.

Tracking Remote Attendance

Consistent with the District's remote learning plan (e.g., Blended Learning, On-Line Learning, etc.), the District will provide a variety of instruction models, including both teacher-led remote learning and self-directed remote learning.

Student attendance in teacher-led remote learning (synchronous web-based instruction) shall be tracked in the same manner as hourly, in-person instruction. Teachers shall determine hourly attendance by evidence of student login and logoff data.Teachers are encouraged to verify meaningful attendance in a method selected by the teacher, such as an ungraded quiz at the close of a lesson, a survey or poll questions (unrelated to the lesson and unpredictable) at the end of the lesson, or asking students questions at random throughout a session.

In addition to the reasons listed at the beginning of this policy, absences from teacher-led remote learning (synchronous web-based instruction) may be considered excused under the following circ*mstances, with written notice from a parent/guardian:

1. temporary internet outage for individual students or households;
   
2. unexpected technical difficulties for individual students or households, such as password resets or software upgrades occurring during a teacher-led remote learning lesson;
   
3. computer/device malfunction;
   
4. malfunction of a District-owned device for which the District is providing technical assistance, repair, or replacement.

Attendance in self-directed remote learning (asynchronous) shall be tracked by evidence of participation, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. daily logins to learning management systems;
   
2. daily interactions with the teacher to acknowledge attendance, which may include, but are not limited to, messages, emails, telephone calls, video chats or other formats that enable teachers to engage with students; and
   
3. assignment completion.

The teacher will determine the number of hours a typical student would take to complete an assignment and report those hours of attendance when the assignment is completed. A teacher should adjust the number of hours of attendance based on the length of time the student actually spent on the assignment, as reported by the student, parent, or other person with knowledge.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education desires to cooperate with those parents who wish to provide for religious instruction for their children but also recognizes its responsibility to enforce the attendance requirements of the State.

Students may be provided "released time" from school to attend a course in religious instruction conducted by a private entity off District property, provided that the following requirements are met, such students will not be considered absent when the:

1. student's parent or guardian gives consent in writing;
   
2. sponsoring entity maintains attendance records and makes them available to the District;
   
3. sponsoring entity provides and assumes liability for the student; and
   
4. student assumes responsibility for any missed school work.

Transportation of students to and from Released Time instruction is the complete responsibility of the sponsoring entity, the parent, guardian, and/or student. The Board of Education, its members, and employees are immune from liability for any injuries arising from transportation to and from Released Time instruction. Further, no Board funds will be expended for, and no District personnel shall be involved in the provision of religious instruction.

Students shall not be excused from a core curriculum subject course to attend Released Time instruction.

High school students may earn up to two (2) units of high school credit for coursework completed during Released Time instruction. Such credits may substitute for credits required pursuant to R.C. 3313.603(C)(8).

The Board will evaluate the course based on secular criteria including, but not limited to:

1. the number of hours of instructional time;
   
2. a review of the course syllabus that reflects course requirements and materials used;
   
3. the assessment methods used in the course; and
   
4. the instructor's qualifications, which shall be similar to the qualification of other teachers in the District.
   

The decision as to whether to provide credit for a specific Released Time religious instruction course will be neutral as to religious content and will not involve any test for religious content or denominational affiliation.

Staff members shall not promote or discourage participation in release time programs for any religious instructional program.

Nothing herein shall constitute an endorsem*nt of religion or infringe upon an individual's First Amendment rights.

Adopted January 11, 2024

It is necessary that a student be in attendance throughout the school day in order to benefit fully from the educational program of the District.

The Board of Education recognizes, however, that from time-to-time compelling circ*mstances require that a student be late to school or dismissed before the end of the school day.

As agent responsible for the education of the children of this District, the Board shall require that the school be notified in advance of such absences bywritten orpersonalrequest of the student's parent, which shall state the reason for the tardiness or early dismissal. Justifiable reasons shall be determined by the District.

If one (1) parent has been awarded custody of the student by the courts, the parent of custody shall provide the school with a copy of the custody order and inform the school in writing of any limitations in the rights of the noncustodial parent. Absent such notice, the school will presume that the student may be released into the care of either parent.

No student who has a medical disability which may be incapacitating may be released without a person to accompany him/her.

No student shall be released to anyone who is not authorized such custody by the parents.

Presentation of photo identification is required of anyone authorized such custody. (see Form 5230 F1)

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education establishes the following entrance age requirements for students, which are consistent with statute and sound educational practice, and directs that all eligible students be treated in an equitable manner.

Preschool

A child is eligible for entrance into preschool when s/he attains the age of three (3)on or before August 1 of the year in which s/he applies for entrance and has not yet attained the age at which s/he will be admitted tokindergarten.

Kindergarten

A child is eligible for entrance into kindergarten if s/he attains the age of five (5) on or beforeSeptember 30th of the year in which s/he applies for entrance. The Board may admit a younger child to kindergarten if the child satisfies the Board's early entrance criteria. A child under age six (6) who is enrolled in kindergarten will be considered of compulsory school age.

The Board will admit to kindergarten any child who has not attained the entrance age requirement of this District, but who was properly enrolled in a public or chartered nonpublic school kindergarten before transferring to the District.

First Grade

A child is eligible for entrance into first grade if s/he attains the age of six (6) on or beforeSeptember 30th of the year in which s/he applies for entrance. Any student who has successfully completed kindergarten in accordance with R.C. 3321.01(B) shall be admitted to first grade.The Board may admit to first grade a younger child if the child satisfies the Board's early entrance criteria.

Required Documents

The Superintendent shall require that each child who registers for entrance to school provide:

1. his/her birth certificate or similar documentation authorized by law as proof of age and birthdate;

   Acceptable forms of documentation include: foreign birth certificate; religious, hospital, or physician’s certificate showing date of birth; entry in a family bible; baptismal record; adoption record; affidavit from a parent; previously verified school records; or other documents permitted by law.
   

2. a certified copy of any custody order or decree together with any modification in such an order or decree.

If such documents are not provided, the child may be admitted under the Superintendent's guidelines. Appropriate law enforcement authorities shall be notified in the event that required documents are not provided in accordance with the provisions of R.C. 3313.672. However, a child who is placed in a foster home or residential facility (i.e., a group home for children, children's crisis care facility, children's residential center, residential parenting facility that provides twenty-four (24) hour child care, county children's home, or district children's home) will not be denied admission solely because the child does not present a birth certificate, comparable certification, or other comparable document upon registration. Such protected child will be admitted under temporary enrollment for a period of up to ninety (90) days to present the required documentation. The protected child and/or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian will be so informed at the time of the child's initial admission.

Each child entering the District's kindergarten or first grade program for the first time must be properly screened for any medical or health problems as well as those related to hearing, vision, speech and communications. The cost for such screening shall be paid bythe District.

Any parent may provide the District with a written statement indicating that s/he does not wish to have his/her child screened.

Early Entrance Criteria

The District provides early admission to kindergarten and first grade for qualified students. Copies of the referral forms for evaluation for early entrance to kindergarten or first grade will be available in each school building. Any student residing in the District may be referred by an educator employed by the District, a preschool educator who knows the child, the child's parent or guardian, or a pediatrician or psychologist who knows the child. The referral shall be made to the principal of the school for evaluation for possible early admission.

Before a student is evaluated for early entrance, the principal (or his/her designee) of the school to which the child may be admitted shall obtain written permission from the child's parent/guardian.

Evaluations related to referrals submitted to the school principal between August 15th and April 15th will ordinarily be completed and a written report issued within forty-five (45) calendar days of submission of the referral to the school principal. Evaluations related to referrals submitted to the school principal between April 16th and August 14th will ordinarily be completed and a written report issued within forty-five (45) days of the start of the school year.

Children referred for early entrance will be evaluated in a prompt manner. The principal of the school to which the child may be admitted shall convene an acceleration evaluation committee to determine whether early entrance is appropriate for that child. The acceleration evaluation committee shall include the following:

1. a parent/legal guardian or a representative designated by the parent/guardian
   
2. a gifted education coordinator or gifted education specialist, or, if neither is available, a school psychologist or a guidance counselor with expertise in the appropriate use of academic acceleration
   
3. the principal or assistant principal of the school to which the child may be admitted
   
4. a teacher at the grade level to which the student may be admitted
   

The acceleration evaluation committee shall be responsible for conducting a fair and thorough evaluation of the student. The acceleration evaluation committee will also consider the student's own thoughts on possible accelerated placement in its deliberations.

Children considered for early entrance shall be evaluated using an acceleration assessment process approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

A meeting will be conducted with the parent/guardian following the evaluation to inform him/her of the committee's decision and, if appropriate, to discuss the results of the evaluation and the nature of the kindergarten or first grade program.

The parent/guardian will be provided with a written summary of the outcome of the evaluation process. This notification shall include instructions for appealing the outcome of the evaluation process.

Appeals must be made in writing to the Superintendent within thirty (30) calendar days of the parent/guardian receiving the results of the evaluation. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall review the appeal and notify the parent/guardian of his/her decision within thirty (30)calendar days of receiving the appeal. The Superintendent or his/her designee's decision will be final.

If a child is recommended for early entrance, the acceleration evaluation committee will develop a written acceleration plan for that child. The plan will specify:

1. placement of the child in the accelerated setting;
   
2. strategies to support successful early entrance; and
   
3. an appropriate transition period for accelerated students.

A school staff member will be assigned to oversee the implementation of the acceleration plan and to monitor the child's adjustment to the early entrance.

At any time during the transition period, a parent/guardian of the child may request in writing that the child be withdrawn from the accelerated placement. In such cases, the principal shall remove the child without repercussions.

Also, at any time during the transition period, a parent/guardian may request in writing an alternative accelerated placement. In such cases, the principal shall direct the acceleration evaluation committee to consider other placement options and to issue a decision within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the request. If the student will be placed in a different setting from that initially recommended, the acceleration plan shall be revised accordingly, and a new transition period shall be specified.

At the end of the transition period, the accelerated placement shall become permanent. The child's records shall be modified accordingly, and the acceleration plan shall become part of the student's permanent record to facilitate continuous progress through the curriculum.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education shall permit the enrollment of students from any Ohio district in a school or program of this District, provided each enrollment is in accordance with laws and regulations of the State concerning Inter-District Open Enrollment, the provisions of this policy, and the administrative guidelines established to implement this policy.

The following definitions shall apply:

Adjacent District

A school district whose border is contiguous to a border of this District.

Adjacent-District Student

A resident student of an adjacent district who enrolls, or seeks to enroll, in this District.

Home District

The school district from which the student emanates.

Open Enrollment

State-mandated options, policies, and regulations concerning the Board's authority to adopt resolutions regarding intra-district and inter-district enrollment policies and guidelines. Inter-district open enrollment permits the admission of students to this District from adjacent districts or any other district in Ohio.

District Student

A student who resides in this District and is referred to in the statute as a Resident Native Student.

Other-District

Any school district in Ohio.

Other-District Student

A resident student of any other district who enrolls, or seeks to enroll, in this District.

Tuition Student

A non-resident student who is enrolled in this District on a tuition basis.

Program

Any one of the specific course offerings of this District.

Program Size

The restrictions on a number of students in a program due to circ*mstances unique to that specific program, the terms of a collectively-bargained, negotiated agreement, and/or financial or operating conditions of the District.

Racial Balance

"Racial" refers to minorities classified as African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, or Native-American students. "Balance" refers to the percentage of "racial" students in a District program, classroom, or school.

Racially Isolated Building

A racially isolated building refers to a School District building in which the racial composition of the students varies significantly from the overall composition of the School District.

Maintaining Appropriate Racial Balance

Given our diverse society and the importance of preparing students for education, work, and citizenship, the Board is committed to providing students with equal educational opportunities, promoting educational diversity in the District, and providing students with the educational benefits of a diverse student body. To that end, the Board will give individual consideration to each applicant seeking enrollment under this policy, so that all factors that may contribute to student body diversity are meaningfully considered in admissions decisions. It is the intent of the Board to maintain an appropriate racial balance as required by law.

The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines for the implementation of this policy in ways that comply with relevant State laws and guidelines and establish procedures that provide for the following:

1. Nondiscrimination on the basis of grade level, including preschool disabled; academic ability; English language proficiency; or any level of artistic, athletic, or extra-curricular skills. A student's application cannot be denied because of disciplinary action in his/her home school, except for a suspension or expulsion for ten (10) consecutive days or more that occurs in the current semester or the semester immediately preceding the application. If the District does not currently provide services required for a disabled, adjacent-district student, his/her application may be denied.
   
2. Application procedures including the criteria by which applications from adjacent-district and other-district students shall be reviewed and prioritized. District students and any adjacent-district or other-school district students previously enrolled under the provisions of this policy shall be given priority.
   
3. Maintenance of appropriate racial balance in District schools, classrooms, and programs.
   
4. Communications with applicants and their parents concerning this policy and the District's guidelines, including the timelines for application and notification of acceptance or rejection.
   
5. Athletic eligibility complies with State regulations and the provisions set forth by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
   
6. Any transportation provided by the District for an adjacent-district or other-district student takes place within established bus routes and bus stops within the District.
   
7. Set District capacity limits by grade level, school building, and educational program.

The Board reserves the right to object to the Open Enrollment of a District student to another district in order to maintain an appropriate racial balance. If the Board of a student's home school district objects to a transfer of one of its students to this District for the same reason, this Board will deny the transfer unless the tuition fee is paid for the student.

This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board to determine whether to adopt a resolution to continue the policy or to rescind Inter-District Open Enrollment. Additionally, the Superintendent shall annually review the level of diversity existing within the District's programs, grades and/or schools to assess whether the application of this policy has resulted in an adverse effect on racial balance. As a part of his/her review, the Superintendent will be responsible for determining whether there is a legal basis for the Board to use the "maintenance of appropriate racial balance" language of R.C. 3313.98. Should this review indicate that the racial balance in one or more of the District's programs, grades and/or schools has been adversely affected, the Superintendent shall consult with legal counsel to determine what, if any, appropriate steps should be taken, including, but not limited to, policy revisions or other actions necessary to comply with State and Federal law. The Board reserves the right to modify the conditions under which Inter-District Open Enrollment would continue for any particular program, classroom, or school.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education shall permit any eligible, elementary or middle school student in the District to apply for enrollment in any District program or school, provided the student's application meets the requirements of the State and the conditions established in District guidelines.

The following definitions shall apply:

Home School

The school to which the student has been assigned prior to any request for transfer.

Open Enrollment

State-mandated options, policies, and regulations concerning the Board's authority to adopt resolutions regarding intra-district and inter-district enrollment policies and guidelines. Intra-district open enrollment permits the admission of students to any appropriate school or program in the District.

Home-School Student

A District student who resides in the home-school attendance area.

Nonhome-School Student

A District student who enrolls (seeks to enroll) in a program or school in another attendance area within the District.

Program

Any one (1) of the specific course offerings of this District.

Program Size

The restrictions on a number of students in a program due to circ*mstances unique to that specific program, a collectively-bargained, negotiated agreement, or financial or operating conditions of the District.

Racial Balance

"Racial" refers to minorities classified as African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, or Native-American students. "Balance" refers to the percentage of "racial" students in a District program, classroom, or school.

Racially Isolated Building

A racially isolated building refers to a School District building in which the racial composition of the students varies significantly from the overall racial composition of the School District.

Maintaining Appropriate Racial Balance

Given our diverse society and the importance of preparing students for education, work, and citizenship, the Board is committed to providing students with equal educational opportunities, promoting educational diversity in the District, and providing students with the educational benefits of a diverse student body. To that end, the Board/Administration will give individual consideration to each applicant seeking enrollment under this policy, so that all factors that may contribute to student body diversity are meaningfully considered in admissions decisions. It is the intent of the Board to maintain an appropriate racial balance as required by law.

The Superintendent shall consult with legal counsel to determine the appropriate steps that should be taken, including, but not limited to, any necessary policy revisions and other actions necessary to comply with State and Federal law(i.e., to appropriately apply the requirements of maintaining appropriate racial balance to the racially isolated building(s) in the District). The Superintendent shall then make the appropriate recommendations to the Board.

The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines for the implementation of this policy in ways that comply with relevant State laws and guidelines and establish procedures that provide for the following:

1. Nondiscrimination on the basis of grade level, including preschool disabled; academic ability; English language proficiency; or any level of artistic, athletic, or extra-curricular skills. A student's application cannot be denied because of disciplinary action in his/her home school, except for a suspension or expulsion for ten (10) days or more that occurs in the current semester or the semester immediately preceding the application.
   
2. Application procedures including the criteria by which applications from non home-school students shall be reviewed and prioritized. Home-school students shall be given priority over nonhome-school students. Further, a student shall submit an application only if s/he wishes to attend an alternate school in the District.
   
3. Maintenance of appropriate racial balance in District schools, classrooms, and programs.
   
4. Communications with applicants and their parents concerning this policy and the District's guidelines, including the timelines for application and notification of acceptance or rejection.
   
5. Athletic eligibility shall comply with State regulations and the provisions set forth by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
   
6. Any transportation provided by the District for a nonhome-school student takes place within established bus routes and bus stops within the District.
   
7. Set District capacity limits by grade level, school building and educational program.
   

The Superintendent shall annually review the level of diversity existing within the District's programs, grades and/or schools to assess whether the application of this policy has resulted in an adverse effect on racial balance. As a part of his/her review, the Superintendent will be responsible for determining whether there is a legal basis for the Board to use the "maintenance of appropriate racial balance" language of R.C. 3313.97(C). Should this review indicate that the racial balance in one (1) or more of the District's programs, grades and/or schools has been adversely affected, the Superintendent shall consult with legal counsel to determine what, if any, appropriate steps should be taken, including, but not limited to, policy revisions or other actions necessary to comply with State and Federal law.

Adopted January 11, 2024

Students attending a "persistently dangerous" school, as defined by State law have the right to transfer to another "safe" school in the District. If there is not another "safe" school in the District providing instruction at the students' grade level(s), the Superintendent shall contact neighboring districts and request that they permit students to transfer to a school in one of those districts.

Furthermore, a student who is a victim of a "violent crime" on school property also has the right to transfer to another school. If there is not another school in the District providing instruction at the student's grade level, the Superintendent shall contact neighboring districts and request that they permit that student to transfer to a school in one of those districts providing instruction at the student's grade level.

The Board of Education authorizes such transfers in accordance with AG 5113.02.

Children who transfer in accordance with this policy will be permitted to remain at the school of transfer until completing the highest grade at the school.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education directs that the assignment of students to schools within this District be consistent with the best interests of students and the best use of the resources of this District.

The Board shall determineperiodicallythe school attendance areas of the District and shall expect the students within each area to attend the school so designated.

The Superintendent shallperiodicallyreview existing attendance areas and recommend to the Board such changes as may be justified by:

1. considerations of safe student transportation and travel;
   
2. convenience of access to schools;
   
3. financial and administrative efficiency;
   
4. the effectiveness of the instructional program;
   
5. a wholesome and educationally sound balance of student populations.

No assignment to schools or attendance schedules shall discriminate against students on the basis of gender, race, religion, disability, or national origin.

The Superintendent may assign a student to a school other than that designated by the attendance area when such exception is justified by circ*mstances and is in the best interest of the student.

1. Every effort shall be made to continue a student in the elementary school to which s/he is initially assigned.
   
2. Wherever possible and advisable in the interests of the students, siblings shall be assigned to the same building.

The Superintendent shall assign incoming transfer students to such schools, grades, and classes as may afford each student the greatest likelihood of realizing fullest educational potential.

The principal shall assign students in his/her school to appropriate grades, classes, or groups. This action shall be based on consideration of the needs of the student as well as the administration of the school.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education affirms that, while statute requires attendance of each student from six (6) years of age, or five (5) years of age if enrolled in kindergarten, and not formally withdrawn, until eighteen (18) years of age, it is in the best interests of both students and the community that they complete the educational program that will equip them with skills and increase their chances for a successful and fulfilling life beyond the schools. A child enrolled in kindergarten is deemed to be of compulsory school age unless the child's parent or guardian, at the parent or guardian's discretion and in consultation with the child's teacher and principal, formally withdraws the child from kindergarten.

The Board directs that whenever a student wishes to withdraw, effort should be made to determine the underlying reason for such action and the resources of the District should be used to assist the student in reaching his/her career goals. No student under the age of eighteen (18) will be permitted to withdraw without the written consent of a parent and in compliance with State law.

Whenever a student under the age of eighteen (18), withdraws from school without moving out of State, transferring to another approved school, being granted an age and schooling certificate, or enrolling in and attending an approved program, the Superintendent shall notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the Judge of the Juvenile Court.

Such notification is to be given within two (2) weeks after the Superintendent confirms the student is not properly enrolled in and attending another approved school or program or has moved out of State.

The Superintendent shall ensure, through administrative guidelines, that proper procedures are established so that such notification complies with the provisions of R.C. 3321.13 (B)(1).

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for withdrawal from school which:

1. inform the student of alternative programs;
   
2. assure the timely return of all District-owned supplies and equipment in the possession of the student.

In accordance with Policy 5610, the Superintendent shall initiate expulsion proceedings against a student who has committed an act that warrants expulsion under Board policy even if the student withdraws from school prior to the hearing or decision to impose the expulsion. Any resulting expulsion shall be imposed for the same duration it would have been had the student remained enrolled.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education recognizes the value to a student to participate in the interscholastic athletic program providing it does not interfere with his/her academic program and s/he meets all of the requirements of the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

The Board will send the necessary release to the Commissioner of the OHSAA for a student who has transferred to another district but resides in this District, providing the student meets all other eligibility requirements.

The Board, however, does not condone a student transferring to another district, while still residing in this District, for the express purpose of participating in the other district's athletic program. Therefore, it will not take the necessary formal action to release the student from the District.

Adopted January 11, 2024

In order to comply with the requirements of R.C. 3324.10 that boards of education adopt and implement a policy commencing with the 2006-2007 school year that addresses at least whole grade and subject area acceleration, and early high school graduation, the Board expressly combines herein and incorporates by reference:

1. Policy 5112- Entrance Requirements
   
2. Policy 5410- Promotion, Academic Acceleration, Placement, and Retention
   
3. Policy 5464- Early High School Graduation

Students and/or parents who are interested in student evaluation and consideration for whole grade or subject area acceleration or early high school graduation should contact the building principal and/or the student's guidance counselor. Parents who wish to have their child evaluated and considered for early admission to kindergarten should contact the building principal and/or District Office.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education recognizes that the personal, social, physical, and educational growth of children will vary and that they should be placed in the educational setting most appropriate to their needs at the various stages of their growth.

It is the Board's intent that each student be moved forward in a continuous pattern of achievement and growth that is in harmony with his/her own development.

Such pattern should coincide with the system of grade levels established by this Board and the instructional objectives established for each.

The promotion and retention provisions of this policy shall be in compliance with the terms of Ohio's Third Grade Reading Guarantee (Policy 2623.02).

Promotion:

A student will be promoted to the succeeding grade level when s/he has:

1. completed the course and State-mandated requirements at the presently assigned grade;
   
2. in the opinion of the professional staff, achieved the instructional objectives set for the present grade;
   
3. demonstrated sufficient proficiency to permit him/her to move ahead in the educational program of the next grade;
   
4. demonstrated the degree of social, academic, emotional, and physical maturation necessary for a successful learning experience in the next grade.

Academic Acceleration:

Academic acceleration may involve whole-grade acceleration or individual subject acceleration. Academic acceleration occurs when a student is not only doing the caliber of work necessary to be promoted to the next grade or enrolled in the next course in the academic sequence, but also demonstrates the ability to do the caliber of work required of students in that next grade level/subject/course. An acceleration evaluation committee will determine whether the student will be permitted to skip a grade level (i.e., whole-grade acceleration), or take a subject at a higher grade level or skip a course in the usual and customary academic sequence (i.e., individual subject acceleration).

Any student residing in the District may be referred by a staff member or a parent/guardian to the principal of his/her school for evaluation for possible accelerated placement. Students may refer themselves or a peer through a staff member who has knowledge of the referred child's abilities. Copies of referral forms for evaluation for whole-grade or individual subject acceleration will be available at each school building.

The principal of each school (or his/her designee) will solicit referrals of students for evaluation for accelerated placement, and notify all staff s/he supervises of the referral process.

Students referred for accelerated placement will be evaluated in a prompt manner. The building principal will schedule the evaluations. Normally, changes in a student's schedule will occur only at the start of agrading period.

Before a student is evaluated for accelerated placement, the principal (or his/her designee) shall obtain written permission from the student's parent/guardian.

Evaluations related to referrals that occur during the school year will ordinarily be completed and a written report issued within forty-five (45) calendar days. Evaluations related to referrals that occur at the end of a school year or during the summer will be completed and a written report issued either before the end of the school year, if possible, or within forty-five (45) calendar days of the start of the next school year.

Upon referral, the student's principal (or his/her designee) shall convene an acceleration evaluation committee to determine the appropriate learning environment for the referred student. This committee shall include the following:

1. a parent/guardian, or a representative designated by that parent/guardian
   
2. a gifted education coordinator or gifted intervention specialist, or if neither is available, a school psychologist or guidance counselor with expertise in the appropriate use of academic acceleration may be substituted
   
3. a principal or assistant principal from the child's current school
   
4. a current teacher of the referred student
   
5. a teacher at the grade level or course to which the referred student may be accelerated

The acceleration evaluation committee shall be responsible for conducting a fair and thorough evaluation of the student. The acceleration evaluation committee will consider the student's own thoughts on possible accelerated placement in its deliberations. In the event that career-technical programs are considered for acceleration, a career-technical educator shall be consulted as a part of the evaluation.

Students considered for whole-grade acceleration will be evaluated using an acceleration assessment process approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

Students considered for individual subject acceleration will be evaluated using a variety of data sources, including measures of achievement based on State academic content standards (in subjects for which the State Board of Education has approved content standards) and consideration of the student's maturity and desire for accelerated placement.

The acceleration evaluation committee shall issue a written decision on the outcome of the evaluation process to the principal and the student's parent/guardian. This notification shall include instructions for appealing the decision.

Appeals must be made in writing to the Superintendent within thirty (30) calendar days of the parent/guardian receiving the committee's decision. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall review the appeal and notify the parent/guardian of his/her decision within thirty (30)calendar days of receiving the appeal. The Superintendent or his/her designee's decision shall be final.

If the student is recommended for whole-grade or individual subject acceleration, the acceleration evaluation committee will develop a written acceleration plan. The parent/guardian shall be provided with a copy of the plan. The plan shall specify:

1. placement of the student in an accelerated setting;
   
2. strategies to support a successful transition to the accelerated setting;
   
3. requirements and procedures for earning high school credit prior to entering high school (if applicable); and,
   
4. an appropriate transition period for accelerated students.

A school staff member will be assigned to oversee implementation of the acceleration plan and to monitor the adjustment of the student to the accelerated setting.

At any time during the transition period, a parent/guardian of the student may request in writing that the student be withdrawn from accelerated placement. In such cases, the principal shall remove the student from the accelerated placement without repercussions.

At any time during the transition period, a parent/guardian may request in writing an alternative accelerated placement. In such cases, the principal shall direct the evaluation committee to consider other accelerative options and to issue a decision within fifteen (15)calendar days of receiving the request. If the student will be placed in a different accelerated setting from that initially recommended, the student's acceleration plan shall be revised accordingly, and a new transition period shall be specified.

At the end of the transition period, the accelerated placement shall become permanent. The student's record shall be modified accordingly, and the acceleration implementation plan shall become part of the student's permanent record to facilitate continuous progress through the curriculum.

Retention:

A student may be retained at his/her current grade level when s/he has:

1. in the opinion of the professional staff, failed to demonstrate proficiency inmathematics and reading;
   
2. in the opinion of the professional staff, failed to achieve the instructional objectives set forth at the current grade level that are requisite for success at the succeeding grade level;

A student may be placed at the next grade level when retention would no longer benefit the student.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for promotion, placement, and retention of students that:

1. require the recommendation of the relevant staff members for promotion, placement, or retention;
   
2. require that parents are informed in advance of the possibility of retention of a student at a grade level;
   
3. assure that efforts will be made to remediate the student's difficulties before s/he is retained;
   
4. require that a student be retained if s/he is truant for ten percent (10%) or more of the required school days and has failed at least two (2) courses of study, unless the principal and the teachers of the failed subjects determine that the student is academically prepared to be promoted;
   
5. provide parents the opportunity to request the promotion, placement, or retention of their child;
   
6. provide parents the opportunity to appeal the decision about their child's promotion, placement, or retention.

Adopted January 11, 2024

For purposes of this policy, "personal communication device" (PCD) includes computers, tablets (e.g., iPad-like devices), electronic readers ("e-readers"; e.g., Kindle-like devices), cell phones, smartphones (e.g., iPhones, Android devices, Windows Mobile devices, etc.), and/or other web-enabled devices of any type.

Students may use PCDs before and after school, during their lunch break, in between classes as long as they do not create a distraction, disruption or otherwise interfere with the educational environment, during after school activities (e.g., extra-curricular activities), or at school-related functions. Use of PCDs, except those approved by a teacher or administrator, at any other time is prohibited and they must be powered completely off (i.e., not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight.

Students may not use PCDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet web sites that are otherwise blocked to students at school.

During after school activities, PCDs shall be powered completely off (not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight when directed by the administrator or sponsor.

Under certain circ*mstances, a student may keep his/her PCD "On" with prior approval from the Principal.

Except as authorized by a teacher, administrator or IEP team, students are prohibited from using PCDs during the school day, including while off-campus on a field trip, to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person. Using a PCD to capture, record and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted. Students who violate this provision and/or use a PCD to violate the privacy rights of another person may have their PCD confiscated and held untilthe end of the school day and/ora parent/guardian picks it up,and may be directed to delete the audio and/or picture/video file while the parent/guardian is present. If the violation involves potentially illegal activity, the confiscated-PCD may be turned over to law enforcement.

PCDs, including but not limited to those with cameras, may not be activated or utilized at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These locations and circ*mstances include, but are not limited to, classrooms, gymnasiums, locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes. The Superintendent and Principal are authorized to determine other specific locations and situations where use of a PCD is absolutely prohibited.

Students are expressly prohibited from using covert means to listen-in or make a recording (audio or video) of any meeting or activity at school. This includes placing recording devices, or other devices with one - or two-way audio communication technology (i.e., technology that allows a person off-site to listen to live conversations and sounds taking place in the location where the device is located), within a student's book bag or on the student's person without express written consent of the Superintendent. Any requests to place a recording device or other device with one- or two-way audio communication technology within a student’s book bag or on a student’s person shall be submitted, in writing, to the Principal. The District representative shall notify the parent(s), in writing, whether such request is denied or granted within five(5) days.

Students shall have no expectation of confidentiality with respect to their use of PCDs on school premises/property.

Students may not use a PCD in any way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated. See Policy 5517.01- Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior. In particular, students are prohibited from using PCDs to: (1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation/transgender identity), disability, age, religion, ancestry, or political beliefs; and (2) engage in "sexting" - i.e., sending, receiving, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form. Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child services as required by law.

Students are also prohibited from using a PCD to capture, record, and/or transmit test information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty. Likewise, students are prohibited from using PCDs to receive such information.

Possession of a PCD by a student at school during school hours and/or during extra-curricular activities is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise abuses this privilege.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the PCD. The Principal will also refer the matter to law enforcement or child services if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g., child p*rnography, sexting). Discipline will be imposed on an escalating scale ranging from a warning to an expulsion based on the number of previous violations and/or the nature of or circ*mstances surrounding a particular violation. If the PCD is confiscated, it will be released/returned to the student's parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequences that are imposed, unless the violation involves potentially illegal activity in which case the PCD may be turned-over to law enforcement. A confiscated device will be marked in a removable manner with the student's name and held in a secure location in the building's central office until it is retrieved by the parent/guardian or turned-over to law enforcement. School officials will not search or otherwise tamper with PCDs in District custody unless they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of the law or other school rules. Any search will be conducted in accordance with Policy 5771- Search and Seizure. If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a PCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis.

A person who discovers a student using a PCD, recording device,or other device with one- or two-way audio communication technology in violation of this policy is required to report the violation to the Principal.

Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCDs. The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education sponsors student publications and productions as means by which students learn, under adult direction/supervision, the rights and responsibilities inherent when engaging in the public expression of ideas and information in our democratic society.

For purposes of this policy, school-sponsored student media shall include both student publications and productions. School-sponsored student mediadoes not include student expression related to classes that are not directly associated with student publications/productions. The term publication shall include distribution, transmission, and dissemination of a student publication regardless of its medium. Student publications shall include any written materials, (including, but not limited to, banners, flyers, posters, pamphlets, notices, newspapers, playbills, yearbooks, literary journals, books, and t-shirts and other school-sponsored clothing).

The term performance shall include presentation and broadcast of a student production. Student productions shall include vocal, musical, and/or theatrical performance, impromptu dramatic presentation, or any electronic media (including, but notlistened to, radio and television programs, videoblogs (vlogs), podcast,and other video or audio productions that are recorded for re-broadcast or broadcastin real time using any available broadcast technology). The Board expressly prohibits the use of Social Media related to student productions.

Only District-approved social media (as defined in Bylaw 0100) may be used to host school-sponsored student media, in accordance with Policy 7544. School-sponsored student media must also comply with Policy 7540.02.

For purposes of this policy, school community is defined to include students, Board employees (i.e., administrators, and professional and classified staff), and parent/family members.

The following speech is unprotected and prohibited in all school-sponsored student publications and productions: speech that is defamatory, libelous, obscene, or harmful to minors (as that term is defined in Children's Internet Protection Action (CIPA)); speech that is reasonably likely to cause substantial disruption of or material interference with school activities or the educational process; speech that infringes upon the privacy or rights of others; speech that violates copyright law; speech that promotes activities, products or services that are unlawful (illegal) as to minors as defined by State or Federal law; and speech that otherwise violates school policy and/or State or Federal law. The Board authorizes the administration to engage in prior review and restraint of school-sponsored publications and productions to prevent the publication or performance of unprotected speech.

Student expression relates to classrooms or educational settings not otherwise directly associated with school-sponsored student publications/productions are nonpublic forums. As nonpublic forums, the content of such student expression can be regulated for legitimate pedagogical school-related reasons. School officials shall routinely and systematically review and, if necessary, restrict the content of these student expressions prior to publication/performance in a reasonable manner that is neutral as to the viewpoint of the speaker.

Nonpublic forum student expression may be published/performed outside the school community (i.e., to the general public).See Board Policy 9160 – Public Attendance at School Events.

All other school-sponsored student publications and productions, including classroom and/or other curricular, or extra-curricular/club-relatedpublications and/or productions, are nonpublic forums. As nonpublic forums, the content of these other student publications and productions can be regulated for legitimate pedagogical school-related reasons. School officials shall routinely and systematically review and, if necessary, restrict the content of all school-sponsored student media except those publications/productions listed above, prior to publication/performance in a reasonable manner that is neutral as to the viewpoint of the speaker.

Adopted January 11, 2024

While in some instances that possession and use of electronic equipment or devices by a student at school may be appropriate, often the possession and use of such equipment or devices by students at school can have the effect of distracting, disrupting and/or intimidating others in the school environment and leading to opportunities for academic dishonesty and other disruptions of the educational process. Consequently, the Board of Education will supply any electronic equipment or devices necessary for participation in the educational program. Students shall not use or possess any electronic equipment or devices on school property or at any school-sponsored activity without the permission of the principal.

Examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to:

1. personal digital assistants (PDAs),
   
2. lasers,
   
3. laser pens or pointers,
   
4. radios,
   
5. "boom-boxes",
   
6. portable CD/MP3 players,
   
7. portable TV's,
   
8. electronic games/toys,
   
9. pagers/beepers, other paging devices,
   
10. recording devices, or other devices with one- or two-way audio communication technology.

Students may use the following electronic equipment/devices on school property for an educational or instructional purpose (e.g. taking notes, recording a class lecture, writing papers) with the teacher's permission and supervision:

1. cameras (photographic and/or video)
   
2. laptops
   
3. tablets (e.g., iPad-like devices)
   
4. smartphones
   
5. e-readers (e.g., Kindle-like devices)
   
6. personal digital assistants (PDAs)
   
7. portable CD/MP3 players with headphones
   

Students may use the following electronic equipment/devices while riding to and from school on a school bus or other vehicle provided by the Board or on a school bus or Board-provided vehicle during school-sponsored activities, at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, sponsor/advisor/coach, orbuilding principal:

1. tablets (e.g., iPad-like devices)
   
2. smartphones

Adopted January 11, 2024