Source: http://sachem.syntaxny.com/board_of_education/series_8000
Timestamp: 2018-02-24 09:55:49
Document Index: 747836803

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 409', '§33', 'art 155', '§409', '§27', '§141', '§305', '§3023', '§3623', '§155', '§807', '§807', '§ 3', '§ 240', '§155', '§ 1910', 'art 763', '§ 409', '§409', '§807', '§875', '§4800', '§33', 'art 325', '§155', 'arts 600', 'art 56', '§794', '§3635', '§3635', '§2', '§3624', 'art 217', '§521', 'art 382', '§395', '§1501', '§73', '§3023', '§305', '§1751', '§208', '§899', '§208', '§3023', 'art 455', 'arts 7810']

Sachem Central School District Board of Education | Series 8000
Support Services Goals 8000
Safety Programs 8100
School Building Safety 8110
Reporting of Hazards 8111
Health and Safety Committee 8112
Pesticides and Pest Management 8115
Accident Prevention and Safety Procedures 8120
Safe Use of Hazardous Chemicals 8120.2
First Aid 8121
Accident Reports 8122
Hygiene Precautions and Procedures 8123
Contagious Diseases 8123.1
Emergency Plans 8130
Fire Drills 8132
Bomb Threats 8133
Emergency Closings 8134
Safe Schools 8135
Buildings and Grounds Management 8200
Buildings and Grounds Security 8210
Vandalism 8212
Building and Grounds Maintenance and Inspection 8220
Traffic and Parking on School Property 8240
Authorized Use Of School-Owned Materials And Equipment 8330
Use of Cell Phones 8332
Student Transportation 8410
Transportation of Students With Disabilities 8410.1
School Bus Scheduling and Routing 8411
Transportation for Nonpublic School Students 8413
School Bus Safety 8414
Bus Driver Qualifications and Training 8414.1
Idling Of School Buses And Private Vehicles On School Grounds 8414.2
Alcohol and Drug Testing of Bus Drivers 8414.5
Student Transportation Between High Schools 8414.6
Field Trip and Extracurricular Activity Transportation 8415
Special Use of School Buses 8416
Student Transportation in Private Vehicles 8417
Food Services Management 8500
Free and Reduced Price Food Services 8520
Computer Resources and Data Management 8630
Information Security Breach and Notification Policy 8645
Insurance 8700
Liability Insurance 8720
Energy Management 8800
Recycling Program 8910
Support services, which include safety and maintenance programs, transportation, food services, insurance management and office services, are essential to the successful functioning of the school district. Education is the district's central function, and all support services shall be provided, guided, and evaluated by this function.
In order to provide services that are truly supportive of the educational program, the Board of Education establishes these goals:
providing a physical environment for teaching and learning that is safe and pleasant for students, staff, and the public;
providing safe transportation and nutritious meals for students who use these services; and
providing timely, accurate, and efficient support services that meet district needs and promote district goals.
Adoption date: March 17, 1998
The Board of Education recognizes that the safety of students, employees and the public is paramount in all school operations. The Board is committed to a safety program which is integrated into the educational goals of the district.
All students, employees and the public are to comply with all safety laws or ordinances. Building Principals shall be diligent in the safe operation and maintenance of school premises. Unsafe conditions observed by an employee are to be promptly reported to the administration and will be corrected immediately. All employees are responsible for safety and are to file safety and health hazard reports with the district's Safety Committee whenever hazards on the job are encountered. Principals shall ensure that all school personnel shall be constantly alert to detect and report all unsafe or defective conditions of school property.
The Board authorizes the Safety Committee to identify potential loss areas, select and implement safety and control programs to deal with potential problem areas and monitor the effectiveness of the selected programs.
The Safety Committee is to address and provide guidance on the following principal areas of concern:
accidents and incidents;
inspection of buildings and grounds;
inspection of district vehicles;
establishment of loss control procedures;
implementation of insurer recommendations;
review of safety programs in all areas of school operations; and
providing employees with safety information.
Each of these areas is to be analyzed by using the following risk and safety management steps:
identify problem areas;
select alternative solutions;
choose the appropriate solution;
monitor results and institute change, if necessary.
The programs shall incorporate the following objectives:
accident prevention through effective super­vision of the district's services and student activities while educating students and district employees to develop good safety habits;
fire prevention by avoiding careless misuse of materials;
prevention of boiler explosions through proper maintenance and inspection procedures; and
prevention of burglary, robbery, vandalism, and theft through provisions of proper controls and safeguards related to equipment and money.
The Safety Committee is to meet regularly to review all safety and health hazard reports by employees, accident reports, workers' compensation claims, reports and recommendations of safety and health inspectors, and other matters the Coordinator of the Safety Committee places on the agenda. The Safety Committee is to investigate all federal and state-mandated employee safety and health training requirements and report its findings and recommendations to the Board at least once each month.
Cross-ref: 5450, Student Safety
Revision date: September 21, 1999
appoint a Health and Safety Committee composed of representation from district administration, school staff, bargaining units and parents which shall perform the functions listed in Policy 8112, Health and Safety Committee;
annually review the school facility report card for each building and report in a public meeting on the status of each item contained in the report card. The report card must provide information on a building's age, size enrollment, useful life, safety rating, visual inspection and building condition survey results and other items prescribed by the Commissioner.
The Superintendent of Schools will develop procedures for investigating and resolving complaints related to the health and safety issues in the District's buildings consistent with requirement of State law and regulations.
Cross-Ref: 6100, Annual Budget
Ref: Education Law §§ 409-d (Comprehensive Public School Building Safety Program); 409-e (Uniform Code of Public School Buildings Inspection, Safety Rating and Monitoring)
The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide an environment which is reasonably secure from known hazards. The Board therefore directs the Superintendent of Schools and all professional and support staff members to comply with occupational safety and health regulations, including the Hazard Communication Standard and “Right‑to‑Know” legislation.
The Superintendent will direct appropriate personnel to develop and oversee a written hazard communication program. Such program will include the following:
the acquisition, maintenance and review of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) for all known hazardous materials on district property;
the recording of all incidents involving exposure to known hazardous materials. Records of employees who have been exposed to substances with enforceable exposure standards shall be kept for 40 years.
It is the responsibility of the entire school community to report any unsafe building or equipment conditions to the main office as soon as possible. In addition, designated administrators will provide notice of hazardous materials to current and former employees within 72 hours of a request.
If students observe other students acting in an unsafe manner, this behavior should be reported to the nearest available staff member.
7700, Facilities Renovations
8120, Accident Prevention and Safety Procedures
Public Health Law, Article 48 and Labor Law, Article 28 (“Right‑to‑Know” Law)
Environmental Conservation Law §33‑0101
The Board of Education recognizes the importance of the participation of district staff and parents in promoting a safe, secure and healthy school environment. In accordance with Commissioner's Regulations, the Board will appoint a Health and Safety Committee composed of representation from district officials, staff, bargaining units and parents.
The committee will participate in monitoring the condition of occupied school buildings to assure that they are safe and maintained in a state of good repair. The Superintendent of Schools will ensure that the committee is appropriately involved in all of the activities required by the Commissioner's Regulations. Specifically, the committee will:
Consult with district officials in completing safety ratings of all occupied school buildings;
Monitor safety during school construction projects including periodic meetings to review issues and address complaints related to health and safety resulting from the project.
During construction projects, the Health and Safety Committee will be expanded to include the architect, construction manager and contractor. This expanded committee will:
Participate in the investigation and disposition of health and safety complaints regarding the construction and maintenance project.
Cross-Ref: 7365, Construction Safety
Ref: 8 NYCRR Part 155 (Educational Facilities)
Adoption date: January 16, 2001
The Sachem Central School District (SCSD) is committed to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures by reducing pests and pesticides in order to provide a safe environment for the students and staff of the SCSD. The goal of IPM is to reduce pesticide use while providing long-term solutions for pest management.
Structural and landscape pests can pose significant hazards to people, property and the environment. Pesticides can also pose hazards to people (including poisoning or allergic responses in sensitive individuals), property, and the environment. It is therefore the policy of SCSD to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures for control of pests and to give notification of any pesticide application deemed necessary. This policy has been developed to ensure the health and safety of children, teachers, staff, administration, and all others using the district buildings and grounds.
According to New York State law:
Schools are required to adopt the least toxic approach to an integrated pest management program (IPM).
Schools must provide notification to parents, guardians and school employees at various times of the year and prior to the application of pesticides.
The notification can be provided through written notices to parents and staff who register to be notified or through written notification in newsletters, bulletins, calendars or other correspondence currently published by the school district.
The United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the National PTA encourage Integrated Pest Management in schools.
Pests are living organisms (animals, plants or microorganisms) that interfere with human use of the school site. Pests such as cockroaches, fleas, ants, stinging wasps, termites, and rodents are annoying and can disrupt the learning environment in schools. Pests are known to bite, sting, or transmit disease, and may also cause allergic responses. Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species and the degree to which that population poses a threat to people, property, or the environment.
Prevent pests from spreading in the community or to plant and animal populations beyond the site;
Enhance the quality of life for students, staff and others.
Integrated pest management strategies include:
Non-chemical prevention of pest populations using such methods as sanitation, exclusion, and cultural practices. Selecting the least hazardous methods and materials effective for control of targeted pests.
Precision targeting of pesticides to areas not contacted or accessible to the children, faculty, and staff.
Application of pesticides only "as needed" to correct verified problems.
Specific pest management strategies are included in the pest management procedures plan.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures will determine when to control pests, and whether to use physical, horticultural, or biological means. Chemical controls are used as a last resort. IPM practitioners depend on current, comprehensive information on the pest and its environment, and the best available pest control methods. Applying IPM principles prevents unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage. These principles are implemented by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. It is the policy of this School District to utilize IPM principles to manage pest populations adequately. While the goal of this IPM program is to reduce and ultimately eliminate use of toxic chemicals, toxic chemicals may become necessary in certain situations. The choice of using a pesticide will be based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are unacceptable or are infeasible, alone or in combination. Cost or staffing considerations alone will not be adequate justification for use of chemical control agents. The full range of alternatives, including no action, will be considered. When it is determined that a pesticide must be used in order to prevent pest levels from exceeding action thresholds, the least-hazardous material will be chosen. The application of such pesticides is subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 USC 136 et seq.), School District policies and procedures, Environmental Protection Agency regulations in 40 CFR, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, and state and local regulations.
The district has appointed the Safety Compliance Officer as the IPM Coordinator. The IPM Coordinator has primary responsibility for ensuring that this IPM policy is carried out. Duties shall include:
Coordination with custodial, building, and grounds maintenance staff to ensure implementation of pest prevention measures;
Oversight of IPM/pest control contractors or staff engaged in monitoring of pest problems and in pest management actions;
Coordination with principals and district administration to carry out posting and notification, recordkeeping, education, and IPM training provisions in this policy;
Presentation of an annual report to the School Board evaluating the progress of the IPM program.
This School District takes the responsibility to notify students, parents or guardians, and the school staff in compliance with the New York State Neighbor Notification laws.
This School District will provide a written notice to all parents, guardians, and staff at the beginning of each school year that includes the following points:
a statement that pesticide products may be used periodically throughout the school year or summer school session
a statement that schools are required to maintain a list of parents, guardians, and staff who wish to receive 48 hour written advanced notice from the school of an actual pesticide application and registration instructions for those who would like to be added to that list.
the name and telephone number of the school representative to contact for further information.
At least 48 hours prior to an actual application, an additional written notice will be disseminated to all parents, guardians, and staff that have registered to receive the advanced application notification. This notification will explain the following:
the specific date and location of the upcoming pesticide application;
the pesticide product name and EPA product registration number;
The 48-hour notice must also include the following statement:
"This notice is to inform you of a pending pesticide application to a school facility. You may wish to discuss with the designated school representative what precautions are being taken to protect your child from exposure to these pesticides. Further information about the product(s) being applied, including any warnings that appear on the label of the pesticide(s) that are pertinent to the protection of humans, animals, or the environment, can be obtained by calling the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network Information phone number 1-800-858-7378 or the New York State Department of Health Center for Environmental Health info line at 1-800-458-1158."
If a public health emergency exists which does not allow for the full 48 hour prior notification, the School District will make a good faith effort to notify those on the 48 hour list prior to the application.
The 48-hour notification registry and written notification provides parents and staff with an opportunity to receive an accurate and timely accounting of what pesticide products have been and will be used in school buildings and on school grounds.
The following applications are not subject to prior notification requirements:
nonvolatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations or in areas inaccessible to children;
nonvolatile insecticidal baits in tamper resistant bait stations or in areas inaccessible to children;
the use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals from an imminent threat from stinging and biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps, and hornets;
Finally, the School District will provide additional written notification to all parents, guardians, and staff three times each year to inform them of any pesticide applications that have occurred at the following intervals:
within ten days of the end of the school year;
within two school days of the end of winter recess;
within two school days of the end of spring recess;
within two school days of the end of summer school.
Notifications must include the following information for the period since the previous notice:
the dates and locations of pesticide applications;
the products used for each application which required prior notification;
information on emergency applications;
a reminder that persons may add their names to the 48-hour notification registry.
In addition to the requirements specified in the Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law, when possible, the school will post a notice concerning any actual pesticide applications at the entrance of the building. A posted notice will serve to inform individuals not on the 48-hour registry and visitors to the building of the applications.
It is the policy of this school district to reduce exposure to pesticides in the school environment. When pesticides are used to control pests in schools, there is potential for human exposure. Excessive exposure may result in pesticide poisoning or allergic responses in sensitive individuals. Children may be more susceptible to pesticides than adults due to their smaller size and rapid growth and development. Their playful behavior may expose them to more pesticide residues.
When it is determined that a pesticide must be used to meet important management goals, the least hazardous material and method of application will be chosen. The application of such pesticides is subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 USC 136 et seq.), School District policies and procedures, USEPA regulations in 40 CFR, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, and state and local regulations. No routinely scheduled (e.g. seasonal, monthly, or weekly) pesticide applications will be made. Pesticide applications that have the potential to become airborne should not be made while school or school activities are in progress.
PESTICIDE PURCHASE AND STORAGE
Pesticide purchased will be limited to the amount authorized for available use during the year. Pesticides will be stored and disposed of in accordance with the USEPA-registered label directions and state regulations. Pesticides must be stored in an appropriate, secure site not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel. A cabinet in a non-student area with a locked and labeled door is advised. The door label should include a skull and crossbones, Mr. Ugh, or other visual signals for non-English reading adults or children.
Pesticide applicators must be educated and trained in the principles and practices of IPM and the use of pesticides approved by this School District and they must follow regulations and label precautions. Applicators must be certified and comply with this School District IPM Policy and Pest Management Plan.
Individuals that are not certified applicators and trained according to the SCSD IPM Policy are prohibited from applying pesticides. Teachers and staff are prohibited from bringing in any pesticides, including but not limited to, ant traps, pesticide foggers or any other pesticide.
The district will provide written notification to all current district pest control, construction, and landscape contractors of the need to adhere to the district’s IPM policy in any pest control, planning, new construction, repair or maintenance work done for the district. Any pest control contractors hired will be required to inspect for conditions conducive to pest problems and develop appropriate prevention measures, not simply apply control materials. Pest control contractors will be expected to write recommendations for structural improvements or repairs and housekeeping and sanitation measures required to reduce or prevent recurrence of pest problems. Pesticide use by contractors will be done only with the approval of the IPM Coordinator as per this policy.
Teachers, students, administrative personnel, school nurses, custodial staff, pest managers, and the public will be educated about potential school pest problems and the integrated pest management policies and procedures to be used to achieve the desired pest management objectives.
Records of pesticide use shall be maintained on site to meet the requirements of the state regulatory agency and School Board. Additionally, records of all pest control actions are to be maintained including information on the number of pests or other indicators of pest activity that can verify the need for action. Records shall be made available upon request to school staff and the general public.
The success of IPM in the SCSD schools is dependent upon:
Full cooperation of administrators, faculty, maintenance/custodial staff, parents, and students.
Establishment of a school district-wide IPM coordinator and advisory committee.
School-based safety committees shall include pest management and pesticide policy as part of their agenda.
Each school shall designate a staff member to coordinate the IPM program and maintain pest management records.
Ref: 8 NYCRR 155.4 (d)(2) Uniform Code of Public School Building Inspections, Safety Rating and Monitoring
8 NYCRR 155.24 School Pesticide Neighbor Notification
Revised: March 18, 2003
The Board of Education seeks to ensure the safety of students and employees of the district while on district property.
The Board and Administrative staff, in cooperation with students and employees, will take reasonable measures to prevent accidents on the school premises, including the following:
immediately report any conditions involving equipment or buildings which may be dangerous to student or employee health or welfare;
immediately report any unsafe practices by anyone in the building or on the grounds;
ride bicycles only on the roadways, not the sidewalks. Bicycles are to be parked in the rack provided by the school. Pleasure riding on the school grounds is prohibited during school hours. Helmets are mandated by New York State Motor Vehicle Traffic Law; and
observe the 15 mile per hour speed limit on school grounds.
Formal objective investigations of all accidents are to be immediately conducted by the Building Principal and the results of the investigation are to be presented to the Superintendent in a written report. The results of selected investigations should be communicated to employees and students for the purpose of determining how the accident might have been avoided.
Eye safety devices shall be provided for all students, instructors and visitors who are engaged in or observing the use of materials or equipment which may potentially damage the eyesight of those involved. Such activities and materials are listed in Section 141.10 of the Commissioner's Regulations. The Board directs the Superintendent to establish regulations for education in eye safety and for the wearing of appropriate eye safety devices.
8111, Reporting of Hazards
8414, School Bus Safety
Ref: Education Law §§409; 409-a; 409-c; 3212-a
Labor Law §§27; 27-a
8 NYCRR §§141.10; 155.3
8120.2
SAFE USE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
It is the policy of the Board of Education to ensure that the district's educational chemistry laboratory activities protect and promote the health and safety of students, employees and the environment.
To this end, the Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to develop regulations ensuring that all chemistry laboratories promote a safe and stimulating lear­ning environment. Such regulations shall at least meet the minimum standards re­quired by federal and state law.
All participants in any hazardous laboratory activity must wear an eye safety device and all schools must provide safe storage and protection of all chemicals and prepare annual inventory reports.
The district shall implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to limit exposures to hazardous chemical which meets the following standards required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
the plan is readily available for inspection;
it includes standard operating procedures for health and safety to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals;
it includes criteria used to implement chemical exposure control measures;
it includes requirements for properly functioning protective equipment;
it provides for employee training and information;
it includes procedures for obtaining district approval for specific procedures and activities;
it includes provisions for medical consultation and examinations as appropriate;
it designates personnel responsible for implementing the plan, including the assignment of a Chemical Hygiene Committee. The Superintendent will determine whether the establishment of a CHC is appropriate and report to the Board with his/her recommendations;
it provides for additional employee protection for work with potentially hazardous substances;
it provides for a waste disposal program; and
it shall include provisions for district review and update of the CHP on an annual basis.
Ref: Occupational Safety and Health Standards, 29 CFR 1910
Education Law §§305(19); 409-a
School health personnel are responsible for giving first aid or emergency treatment in case of sudden illness or injury to a student or staff members. In case of a student's illness or injury, the school shall attempt to place the student in the care of a parent, guardian, or person designated by the parent or guardian in such cases, as soon as possible, yet the school must retain jurisdiction over and responsibility for the student until this has been done.
no treatment except first aid is permitted in school;
a master first aid kit shall be kept and properly maintained in each school and each school bus;
no drugs shall be administered by school personnel unless authorized by a physician;
parents shall be asked to sign and submit an emergency medical authorization which shall indicate the procedure they wish the school to follow in the event of a medical emergency involving their child;
in all cases where the nature of an illness or an injury appears serious, the parent or guardian will be contacted if possible, and the instructions on the child's emergency card followed. In extreme emergencies, arrangements may be made for the child's immediate hospitalization whether or not the parent or guardian can be reached.
Ref: Education Law §§3023; 3212-a; 6527(4)(a); 6909
All accidents occurring in a classroom, on school property, or on buses, regardless of seriousness, must be reported to the school administration as promptly as possible. All such accidents shall be investigated by the Building Principal or his/her designee (e.g., nurse, etc.). The Principal shall submit a detailed report to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee on an appropriate form.
School Bus Accident Reports
The names of the injured and any witnesses to the accident shall be obtained by the bus driver before the vehicle is unloaded. Every district bus shall contain an envelope in the glove box with accident reports and instruction for handling emergencies.
In the case of a school bus accident involving an animal, the bus driver shall report the accident to the police in the vicinity and give the driver’s name, license number and residence. If no police are in the vicinity, the bus driver shall complete the trip and report the accident to the Transportation Supervisor. The Transportation Supervisor shall report to the Superintendent or his/her designee.
HYGIENE PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES
The Board of Education, in order to promote and ensure the health and safety of all students and staff, adopts the following policy on hygiene and sanitary procedures for dealing with exposure to and contact with blood and other body fluids.
To prevent and/or minimize the transmission of contagious or communicable diseases or infections within the school community, all employees of the school district shall use universal precautions when providing first aid or otherwise dealing with situations that involve exposure to blood and other body fluids. Such precautionary measures will be followed uniformly in all instances and shall be applicable in all buildings and facilities throughout the school district.
The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for developing appropriate procedures to implement this policy and for informing all staff of such procedures and ensuring compliance with them. The failure by any employee to utilize such procedures may form the basis for disciplinary action.
Cross-ref: 5191, Students with HIV-Related Illness
8123.1
The Board of Education believes that effective precautions and work practice controls are the best methods for the containment of potentially infectious materials and provide employees, students and others in the school community with the best protection against such exposure to contagious diseases.
Consistent with this belief and Federal regulation, the Superintendent of Schools shall establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
a list of job classifications in which occupational exposure to blood or other infectious materials occurs;
The Exposure Control Plan shall be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure.
The Board of Education recognizes the necessity of preparing an emergency management plan and practicing it in order to ensure that the safety and health of students and staff, as well as district property, are safeguarded in the event of a true emergency. Pursuant to this concern and the regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the Superintendent is directed to develop such a plan for each school and for the district and to ensure that sufficient training in carrying it out takes place.
Such plan shall provide for sheltering, evacuation, early dismissal, written notification to students and staff, an annual drill and coordination with local and county emergency preparedness administrators. The Superintendent shall establish an Emergency Planning Committee to oversee the emergency management plan. The District Emergency Coordinator shall be the Superintendent, who will also serve as chairperson of the Emergency Planning Committee.
The Superintendent is to provide such plan to the Board for approval in time to ensure that it will be in place, reviewed, and, if appropriate, modified each year by October 1.
It is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of each educational agency located within the district to provide the Superintendent with information about school population, number of staff, transportation needs and the business and home telephone numbers of their key officials.
The Superintendent is to ensure that copies of the plan are available for public inspection and that there are copies in appropriate places throughout the district.
The Superintendent is to notify the District (BOCES) Superintendent whenever the Plan is activated and results in the closing of a school building in the district.
8132, Fire Drills
Ref: Education Law §3623(2)
Executive Law Article 2B
EPA: Chemicals in Your Community, A Guide to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act, (Sept. 1988).
8 NYCRR §§155.3; 155.4; 155.13
The Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools shall be responsible for conducting fire drills in order to instruct students and staff in exiting the school building in an emergency in the shortest time possible and without confusion and panic. Fire drills shall include instruction on fire drill exits and fire alarm boxes, as well as fire drill procedures. Such drills or rapid dismissals shall be held at least twelve times in each year, eight of which required drills shall be held before December 1. At least one-third of all such required drills shall be conducted to provide situational conditions and utilization of alternate fire escape routes as determined by Building Administration. At least two additional drills shall be held during summer school in buildings where summer school is conducted, and one such drill shall be held during the first week of summer school.
Each school of the district shall maintain a detailed floorplan for exiting the building during fire drills and real fires. Such floorplan and a detailed description of exits and routes to follow shall be included in each school's faculty handbook.
8130, Emergency Plans
Ref: Education Law §807
The Board of Education recognizes that the potential harm caused by a bomb threat is not limited to serious personal injury and property damage. A bomb threat can also create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic, which, in turn, can result in the disruption of normal activities and the educational process. The Board further recognizes the District's responsibility to ensure the safety of students, staff and other building occupants whenever a bomb threat is received by being properly prepared with an identified plan of action to respond to the threat.
A bomb threat is a criminal act and will be treated as one. Any bomb threat to the District will be taken seriously; no bomb threat will be treated as a hoax or a prank. The District will vigorously pursue disciplinary action against any student or staff member caught reporting a bomb threat consistent with the provisions of the student code of conduct, State law or any applicable collective bargaining agreement. In addition, the District will urge law enforcement officials to prosecute any person caught reporting a bomb threat to the fullest extent of the law. Further, the District may seek restitution from the parent or guardian of any minor child between the ages of 10 and 18 who falsely reports a bomb threat or places a bomb for the expense of responding to the false report or incident.
The Superintendent of Schools shall establish procedures to be followed by all staff and students in the event of a bomb threat. The procedures shall be made a part of each school's emergency management plan. The procedures shall include a requirement that any person receiving information about a bomb threat must immediately notify the building administrator or his/her designee who will, in turn, immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement and initiate the planned actions to move all occupants out of harm's way. All appropriate staff shall be given a copy of the procedures, and the Superintendent shall ensure that all staff receive training on their respective roles and responsibilities in the event of a bomb threat.
The Superintendent must inform members of the Board and the parents/guardians of district students as soon as possible after any incident that activates the school emergency management plan, along with actions taken to protect students, staff and property. The Superintendent is also responsible for notifying the State Education Department and the District Superintendent of each bomb threat incident in accordance with requirements established by the State Education Department.
Ref: Education Law §807 (Fire Drills)
General Obligations Law § 3-112 (Liability of parents and legal guardians for certain damages; liability is limited to $5,000)
Penal Law §§ 240.55; 240.55; 240.60 (Falsely reporting an incident in the third, second and first degree, respectively); 240.61; 240.62 (Placing a false bomb in the second and first degree, respectively)
8 NYCRR §155.17 (School Emergency Management Plans)
Revised Bomb Threat Response Guideline, New York State Education Department and New York State Police, February 1999
The Superintendent of Schools may close the schools or dismiss students/staff early when hazardous weather or other emergencies threaten the health or safety of students and personnel. The Superintendent may delegate this authority to another staff member in the event of his/her absence. Such action is never to be taken lightly, for public education is one of the principal functions of the community and should be maintained at a normal level except in extreme circumstances.
Schools will not be closed merely to avoid inconvenience. While it may be prudent, under certain circumstances, to excuse all students from attending school, to delay the opening hour, or to dismiss students early, the Superintendent has the responsibility to ensure that administrative, supervisory, and operational activity is continued to the extent possible. When there is an emergency closing of the school system, administrators will be present at their building locations. School closing and delayed starting times will be announced over local radio stations. If no report is heard, it can be assumed the schools are in session, and are opening on time.
inability of teaching personnel to report for duty, which might result in inadequate supervision of students.
Among the other factors the Superintendent may consider are advice from traffic and weather authorities, Building Principals, and school officials.
The Board of Education is committed to the prevention of violence against people or property in the schools or at school activities, whether by students, staff or others. While committed to the protection of each person's constitutional rights, including due process rights, the Board does not condone lawlessness. Any individual committing violent acts in or on school property will be disciplined according to applicable Board policy and regulations.
Staff members who implement this or any other Board policy will receive the full support of the Board and the administration.
The Board shall establish an advisory committee to review specific policies, regulations, plans and procedures in order to ensure a comprehensive and effective program to prevent and punish vandalism and violence occurring in the schools and on district property. Simultaneously with the work of the committee, the Superintendent of Schools and appropriate school administrators shall review the practices at each school and shall submit a separate report to the Board including any findings and recommendations on the implementation of committee suggestions on these and other policies, regulations, plans and procedures concerning safety. Members of the advisory committee shall include a Board member, the Superintendent of Schools, appropriate school personnel, a student representative, parents, and other community representatives. All members shall be appointed by the Board.
The advisory committee shall examine the policies, regulations, plans and procedures concerning:
student conduct and discipline;
the maintenance of public order on school property;
the banning of weapons on school property;
school emergency management;
coordination efforts with law enforcement agencies;
searches and seizures by school officials;
training for staff and students in conflict resolution and violence prevention; and
building security measures including procedures governing visitors to the schools and access to school buildings.
The advisory committee shall review these and other policies, regulations, plans, and procedures, as directed, to ensure that they are:
consistent with law and regulation;
clear, complete and enforceable; and
appropriately disseminated to students, staff, parents and are available to the general public.
The advisory committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Board prior to public release. Final reports shall be delivered to the Board at a meeting scheduled by the Board to receive the report.
Any official policy level action is the sole discretion of the Board. The Board is in no way obligated to follow committee recommendations. The Board has the right to accept, reject or modify all or any part of a committee recommendation.
Cross ref: 1240, Visitors to the Schools
1520, Public Conduct on School Property
5162, Student Dismissal Precautions
5305, Eligibility for Extracurricular Activity
5311, Student Rights and Responsibilities
5312, Prohibited Conduct
5312.1, Drug and Alcohol Abuse
5312.2, Dangerous Weapons in School
5313.2, In-School Suspension
5313.3, Suspension
5320, Student Conduct on School Buses
5330, Searches and Interrogations
8130, Emergency Plan
8212, Vandalism
The Plant Facilities Administrator shall serve as chief of the maintenance division and serve under the Superintendent of Schools. He/She shall have charge of all repairs, alterations and improvements to school buildings and grounds. He/She shall also have immediate supervision over the Assistant Plant Facilities Administrator and the work of the custodial, grounds, and maintenance staff.
The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide equipment, supplies and contractual services of high quality.
The Board, through the Superintendent and designated district staff, shall protect the district's investment in plant and facilities through a systematic maintenance program.
Such program shall include periodic preventive maintenance activities, long-range maintenance schedules and emergency repair procedures. It is further expected that all maintenance work will be carried out in a manner that will cause minimal interference with the district educational program.
The Board of Education shall make every effort to provide a safe and secure environment to all persons (staff, students, and/or visitors), who lawfully enter upon district property or who travel lawfully in district vehicles.
The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to establish and implement written regulations which will:
provide staff time and other necessary resources for the effective administration of such regulations;
establish a periodic written review of the activities of the staff to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
establish an on-going mechanism to provide effective review of safety and security concerns of staff, students and affected public;
provide for periodic reports to the Board regarding the significant aspects of safety and security of the district; and
provide information to the Security Department concerning all regulations and changes in procedures.
The Board of Education believes that students and faculty should respect property and take pride in the schools of the district. Any incidents of vandalism or theft of district property and the names of the person(s) believed to be responsible shall be reported to the Superintendent of Schools.
After repair or replacement of property, a bill for labor and materials shall be sent to the parent(s)/guardian(s) with a request for payment. The Board may determine that legal action against a vandal and/or his/her parents/guardians should be brought to recover costs for damages* caused by a willful, malicious or unlawful act of the child. The Board will direct the school attorney to institute and prosecute such suit. The Board will also determine whether to offer monetary rewards** for information leading to the arrest and conviction of vandals or thieves of district property. All information pertaining to the investigation will be forwarded to the school attorney and the district attorney.
Cross-ref: 5311.4, Care of School Property by Students
*State law now permits parental liability for up to five thousand dollars ($5,000)
**State law now permits monetary rewards for up to one thousand dollars ($1,000)
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
To accommodate the District's educational program, the Board of Education is committed to providing suitable and adequate facilities. To this end, proper maintenance and inspection procedures are essential. The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to ensure that proper maintenance and inspection procedures are developed for every school building.
Consistent with Federal and State Law and Regulations, the following items will be included in the District's buildings and grounds maintenance and inspection procedures:
A comprehensive maintenance plan for all major building systems will be instituted to ensure the building is maintained in a state of good repair. Such plan will include provisions for a least toxic approach to integrated pest management and establish maintenance procedures and guidelines which will contribute to acceptable indoor air quality. The plan shall be available for public inspection.
Procedures will also be established to ensure the safety of building occupants during maintenance activities including standards for exiting and ventilation, asbestos and lead protocols, noise abatement and control of chemical fumes, gases and other contaminants.
Each occupied district building will be assessed every five years by a building condition survey. This survey will be conducted by a team that includes at least one licensed architect or engineer and will include a list of all program spaces and inspection of building system components for evidence of movement, deterioration, structural failure, probable useful life, need for repair and maintenance and need for replacement. Building condition survey reports will be submitted to the Commissioner by January 15, 2001 and January 15th of every fifth year thereafter.
A visual inspection of building system components in each occupied district building will take place annually except for years in which a Building Condition Survey is performed. The inspection will be conducted by a team including a local code enforcement official, the Facilities Director or his/her designee and a member of the Health and Safety Committee. The inspection will be completed by November 15th of each year and will be made available to the public.
A corrective action plan will be developed by a licensed architect or engineer if a deficiency exists in the building.
An annual inspection for fire and safety hazards will be conducted in accordance with a schedule established by the Commissioner of Education. The inspection will be conducted by a qualified fire inspector and the report will be kept in the district office. Any violation of the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code shall be corrected immediately or within a time frame approved by the Commissioner.
A safety rating keyed to the structural integrity and overall safety of each occupied school building will be provided on an annual basis in consultation with the Health and Safety Committee. Safety ratings will be based on the safety rating system developed by the Commissioner and will comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
Building Principals shall, on an on-going basis, undertake their own inspections of school buildings and grounds, searching for any dangerous or hazardous conditions and take immediate steps to remedy the problem.
Cross-Ref: 6200, Annual Budget
Ref: 29 CFR § 1910 et seq (OSHA Hazard Communication)
40 CFR Part 763 (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act)
Education Law § 409-d (Comprehensive Public School Safety Program);§409-e (Uniform Code of Public School Buildings Inspections, Safety Rating and Monitoring); §807-a (Fire Inspections)
Labor Law §§875-883 (toxic substances)
Public Health Law §4800-4808 (Right to Know, toxic substances)
Environmental Conservation Law §33-0725 (Pesticides)
6 NYCRR Part 325 (Pesticides)
8 NYCRR §155.1 (Educational Facilities); 155.4 (Uniform Code of Public School Buildings Inspection, Safety Rating and Monitoring); 155.8 (Fire and Building Safety Inspections)
9 NYCRR Parts 600-1250 (Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code)
12 NYCRR Part 56 (Industrial Code Rule concerning asbestos)
Appeal of Anibaldi, 33 Educ. Dep't Rep. 166 (1993) (district required to monitor student's physical symptoms when air quality caused health problems)
Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint in Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, D.C., June 1995)
IPM Workbook for New York State Schools, Cornell Cooperative Extension Community IPM Program with support from New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, August 1998.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
The Superintendent of Schools is instructed to develop regulations concerning traffic and parking controls on roads, driveways and parking lots accessory to each school and playground in the district. Such regulations shall take into account the need to ensure the safety of all students, school personnel and anyone else on school property or on roads, driveways and parking lots adjacent to such school property.
AUTHORIZED USE OF SCHOOL-OWNED MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
The Board of Education permits the use of district-owned materials and equipment (e.g., laptop computers, cell phones, audio-visual equipment, etc.) by Board members, officers and employees of the district when such material and equipment is needed for district-related purposes.
The Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the School Business Official, shall establish regulations governing the loan and use of such equipment. Such regulations must address:
the individuals who may properly authorize the use of such material and/or equipment;
the lack of authority of the borrower to use such material or equipment for private, non-business
the responsibilities of the borrower for proper use, care and maintenance;
that, regardless of condition or other factors, all loaned equipment must be returned to the district.
The installation of the phone/fax lines will be paid for by the school district. No item may be sold
to or purchased by the borrower unless such equipment has been returned to the district for
evaluation and, if necessary, disposal in accordance with district policy and procedures.
All equipment shall be inventoried and a list shall be maintained of the date such equipment was loaned, to whom it was loaned, and the date of expected and actual return.
Individuals borrowing district-owned equipment shall be fully liable for any damage or loss occurring to the equipment during the period of its use, and shall be responsible for its safe return.
The Business Office shall maintain records of all equipment that is loaned for long-term use (e.g., school year, term of office, etc.) and shall review such list yearly.
Adoption date: July 2, 2007
Revision date: September 18, 2007
The Board of Education recognizes that certain district employees will be required to carry district-owned cellular telephones to meet their job responsibilities. Job titles requiring district-owned cellular telephones shall be listed in Regulations #8332-R. Such list shall be reported to and approved by the Board of Education each year at the district's organizational meeting in July.
The District shall establish the level of service contract for each specific employee. Said contract shall be reviewed and approved by the Board of Education.
The employee shall make every attempt to use their cellular phones for business purposes only. In the event an employee uses a district-owned cellular telephone for other than business purposes, he/she shall reimburse the District for such non-business calls at the charge of ten (10) cents per minutes within thirty (30) days of notice. Authorization to use a district-owned cellular telephone shall be restricted for any employee who is delinquent in reimbursing the District for non-business calls.
All district-owned cellular telephones are to remain the property of the District. District-owned cellular telephones shall be returned immediately upon the employee's termination of employment or upon request. Employees who fail to return a district-owned cellular telephone upon termination of employment or at the District's request will be billed for the actual cost of the cellular telephone and for all charges made after termination of employment of the District's request.
As with any district-owned equipment, employees must take proper care of cell phones and take all reasonable precautions against damage, loss or theft. Any damage, loss or theft must be reported immediately to the Business Office.
At least once each year, the Assistant Superintendent for Business shall evaluate the District's cellular telephone plan and shall recommend any appropriate modifications thereto.
Adoption date: July 5, 2005
See the Revised Policy 8410 Student Transportation
Students with disabilities shall be entitled to special transportation to and from school in accordance with an Individualized Educational Program as established by the Committee on Special Education or in accordance with applicable law until the end of the school year in which the student reaches the age of 21 years.
Students with temporary disabilities who require special transportation accommodations will be provided with such transportation in accordance with applicable law. A referral shall be made to the district Section 504 Committee regarding the student. The committee shall give reasonable notice to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student of a meeting to determine whether the student shall be provided with such transportation. If the committee determines that such transportation will be provided, the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall make the necessary arrangements and notify the Building Principal and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student of the arrangements.
Ref: Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 USC §§794 et seq. (Section 504)
Education Law, §§3635; 4402(4)(a),(c),(d)
Matter of a Handicapped Child, 25 EDR 280 (1986)
Matter of a Handicapped Child, 24 EDR 454 (1985)
The Assistant Superintendent for Business and/or Transportation Supervisor shall establish bus routes and/or stops.
Authorized bus stops shall be located at convenient intervals which best serve the interest of the district in places where students may embark and disembark the buses, cross highways, and await the arrival of buses in the utmost safety allowed by road conditions.
All students from kindergarten to grade 8 who reside more than 1/2 mile and less than 15 miles from the school which they legally attend shall be entitled to student transportation. All students in grades 9 through 12 who reside more than 1/2 mile and less than 25 miles from the school which they legally attend shall be entitled to student transportation. The district may provide transportation for students who reside closer or further from the school they legally attend if provided equally to all students in like circumstance residing in the district. All students entitled to student transportation shall be assigned to board and leave the bus at a specific designated bus stop.
TRANSPORTATION FOR NONPUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
Transportation for students attending nonpublic schools will be provided subject to the receipt of written transportation requests from the parent(s) or guardian(s) of such student residing in the district. Such requests should be received by the Transportation Office no later than the April 1st preceding the beginning of the next school year. If a student moves into the district later than April 1st, the request should be received within thirty days of establishing residence in the district. Such request forms shall be provided by the district. If such form is not used, then the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student shall supply at least the same information required by such form in order that bus scheduling may be expedited.
All late requests, however, shall be considered by the Board of Education on the basis of each case's merits. Criteria used by the Board in judging whether to accept a late request may include but not be limited to the following:
whether transportation will require an additional cost, and, if so,
the reasonableness of the excuse for the late request.
Refusal of the request for transportation shall be in writing and mailed to the parent(s) or guardian(s) making the request.
Ref: Education Law §3635
Appeal of Boyle, 31 EDR 208 (1991)
Matter of Ward, 29 EDR 153 (1989)
Matter of Alletto, 25 EDR 14 (1985)
The Board of Education believes that the safety of all students must be protected. The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to establish rules and regulations that will maintain order and safety on school buses and at school bus stops.
Students shall be returned to their original bus stops when they are dismissed from their school at the end of each day. However, when a student’s conduct is so obnoxious and extreme as to present a danger to the rest of the bus passengers, the bus driver will pull the bus to the side of the road and notify the students that the bus will not proceed until order is restored. In no event shall a student be removed from a bus by a bus driver. The responsible student(s) shall be reported on the appropriate form.
No animals, other than animals for the aid of students with disabilities, shall be allowed on district buses.
Parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be responsible for the actions and safety of students when they are:
walking to and from bus stops or the school;
being transported in any vehicle other than a district vehicle going to and returning from school; and
The district shall be responsible for the safety and order of students after they have boarded the district vehicle. However, all personnel of the district and those personnel contracted for the transportation of students shall cooperate in every practical way to maintain decorum and efficiency at bus stops.
The Superintendent and Building Principals shall cooperate with governmental agencies on matters of safety. They shall establish and check loading and unloading procedures at each school and student conduct on buses.
Emergency Bus Drills
The Superintendent shall arrange for a minimum of three bus drills on each school bus during the school year, with the first occurring during the first week of school, the second between November 1 and December 31, and the third between March 1 and April 30.
Such instruction and the conduct of the drills shall be given by a member of the teaching or student transportation staff selected by the Building Principal of each school. Instructors will be assisted by the bus driver, where needed.
Students attending public and nonpublic schools who do not participate in the bus drills as required by the Regulations of the Commissioner also shall be provided with drills on school buses, or as an alternative, shall be provided with classroom instruction covering the content of such drills.
No drills shall be conducted when buses are en route.
The Superintendent shall certify on the annual report to the State Education Department that the district has complied with the above requirements.
8416, Special Use of School Buses
Ref: Education Law §§2; 1501-b; 1502; 3602(7)(b); 3623; 3625-a; 3636
Only employees who have the appropriate license for the vehicle operated and who have complied with the regulations of the Commissioners of Motor Vehicles, Transportation and Education may drive students to and from home on regularly scheduled routes. No other person may operate a school bus on a scheduled route for the purpose of transporting students to and from home.
To ensure the adequate and effective training of bus drivers, no person shall be allowed to operate a school bus without first receiving all of his/her training under the direct supervision of a State Education Department‑approved school bus driving instructor. While a trainee engages in pre‑service training, which takes place prior to a driver transporting children, no direct supervision is mandated; however, all training must be approved by a Department-approved instructor.
None other than the above‑mentioned persons may drive a school owned vehicle having a student capacity greater than 15 passengers. School vehicles having capacities of fewer than 15 passengers may be driven by employees hired as bus drivers as well as State Education Department-certified members of the instructional staff. The latter, however, may not drive on regularly scheduled routes. State Education Department certified staff members transporting students in school‑owned vehicles must also comply with requirements of the Commissioners of Motor Vehicles, Transportation and Education.
All school bus drivers must acquire the appropriate Commercial Drivers License pursuant to New York State law. Volunteer bus drivers (who operate a bus designed to carry 14 or fewer passengers and drive less than 30 days per year) are exempt from this (CDL) requirement. Such drivers may not drive regularly scheduled routes.
Upon completion of the established training procedures, the school district shall verify compliance with the direct supervision requirement through the use of their recordkeeping systems.
The Board also recognizes the importance of the contact time and relationships between bus drivers and students. In regard to this, opportunities for in‑service programs for staff concerning the danger signs of child abuse and neglect will be extended to include the bus driving staff.
Ref: Education Law §3624
Vehicle and Traffic Law, Article 19‑A
8414.2
IDLING OF SCHOOL BUSES AND PRIVATE VEHICLES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
All district-owned and district-hired school buses shall turn off their engines when students are loading or discharging, or awaiting loading or discharging, at all schools within the district or at any school or other location to which district students are transported.
The heavy duty vehicle is forced to remain motionless during traffic conditions over which the driver has no control such as an official traffic control device or signal, at the direction of a police officer or school official.
b. The diesel or non-diesel engine is being used to provide power for an auxiliary purpose such as wheelchair lifts, safety equipment, loading or discharging.
c. To operate a heater or air conditioner to maintain a specific temperature for student comfort.
d. Performing maintenance, repair or inspection functions of a heavy duty vehicle.
All privately-owned passenger vehicles, including cars, minivans, pick-up trucks, and SUV’s, shall not idle while on school property.
Ref: 6 NYCRR Subpart 217-3
Commissioner’s Regulations 156.3(h)
Adoption date: January 21, 2009
ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING OF BUS DRIVERS
The Board of Education recognizes the dangers inherent in alcohol and drug use by employees especially those in safety-sensitive positions. To ensure the safety of its students and in compliance with federal regulations, the Board requires alcohol and controlled substance testing of school bus drivers.
The district shall directly, by contract, or through a consortium, implement and conduct a program to provide alcohol and controlled substance testing of employees in safety-sensitive positions. Any employee whose job requires a commercial drivers license and/or who drives a school bus designed to transport 15 or more passengers will be subject the testing.
Drug and alcohol tests will be conducted at the time of employment and randomly throughout the school year. In addition, testing will be ordered if the supervisor has “reasonable suspicion” that the employee has engaged in prohibited drug or alcohol use. All employee drug and alcohol testing records shall be kept confidential.
In accordance with federal law, a bus driver will not be permitted to drive if he/she:
possesses alcohol or uses alcohol or drugs, while on duty;
uses alcohol four hours or less before duty;
has an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher, or tests positive for drugs;
Uses alcohol within eight hours after being involved in an accident in which there was a fatality or in which the bus driver received a moving violation.
If a driver has engaged in prohibited alcohol and/or drug use, he/she will be removed from driving duties and subject to disciplinary procedures and penalties pursuant to district policy and/or collective bargaining agreement and may result in termination. No driver who has abused drug and/or alcohol may return to duty unless he/she has completed any necessary treatment program and successfully passed a required alcohol and/or drug test. Thereafter, the driver will be subject to follow-up testing.
The Superintendent of Schools shall ensure that a copy of this policy, the testing requirements of the federal regulations, and information on alcohol and drug abuse and treatment resources are provided to all school bus drivers and other appropriate personnel at the start of each school year.
The Superintendent shall establish regulations necessary to implement this policy.
Ref: Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, 49 USC §521 (b); 49 CFR Part 382
49 CFR §395.20
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOLS
The Board of Education believes that student transportation plays a vital part in the endeavor to ensure equal educational opportunity at both high schools. In the event that programs cannot be replicated at both schools, students may be bused between the schools to allow them to take courses not offered at one school. The Board affirms the goal of providing a safe transportation system for district students. Transportation between the high schools when necessary shall be provided at district expense by contract and/or other district-owned buses to those students who are eligible to attend classes at both buildings.
Students will not be allowed to transport themselves or other students between the two schools. Transportation will be provided back to the home school so that students may participate in after-school activities. Due to limited parking space, students may only park in their home school student lot providing they have a parking sticker.
If an athletic program can only be maintained at one school, students will be bussed to that school by district transportation.
Adoption Date: December 21, 2004
FIELD TRIP AND EXTRACURRICULAR
Upon approval of the Director of Transportation, school buses may be used to transport students on field trips or for extra-curricular activities within a radius of 50 miles from the school as the regular transportation schedule permits. Transportation contracted by the district may also be used when district vehicles are unavailable and the event is of such importance as to warrant an expenditure for such purpose and provide budget funding. The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall make such determination.
The Transportation Supervisor may also grant permission for trips outside of the mileage limitations. General bus procedures should be followed for extra­curricular bus use.
The Board of Education directs the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee to review all requests prior to granting permission for any special use of school buses.
Permission for all such use may be granted based after review of such factors as the nature and legality of the use, the anticipated time a particular bus will be needed and the ability of the district to meet its normal transportation commitments.
Cross-ref: 8414, School Bus Safety
Ref: Education Law §§1501‑b; 1502; 3635; 4105(3)
Transportation Law Article 2‑F; §73(c)
The Board of Education recognizes that, in special circumstances, district employees may need to use private vehicles for school purposes. In particular, the Building Principal or designee may authorize the transportation of students in private vehicles for the following reasons:
to transport a student or students to district‑sponsored events when regular district transportation is unavailable.
District administrators will exercise caution in authorizing transportation of students in private vehicles, since the district potentially assumes liability for any accident claim which exceeds the driver’s automotive liability coverage. Any teacher or parent using a private vehicle to transport students on a regular basis must provide evidence of liability insurance, with the district named as an additional insured, in an amount deemed adequate by the Superintendent of Schools or the Assistant Superintendent for Business.
Cross-ref: 8720, Liability Insurance
Ref: Education Law §§3023; 3635
The Board of Education recognizes that school cafeterias are a part of the total school program. The Board shall therefore provide adequate facilities, resources and personnel for the provision of food services for all elementary and secondary students in district schools.
Food service management is the responsibility of the Director of Food Services. The school food service should be operated in the most economical, efficient and satisfactory method given the student's needs and the district's resources.
Cross-ref: 8520, Free and Reduced Price Food Services
Ref: Education Law §305(14)(a)
The Board of Education recognizes that the nutrition of district students is an important factor in their educational progress. The Board therefore shall participate in federally funded school lunch and breakfast programs, and shall provide free or reduced price food services to qualified district students. The Board directs the administration that this policy be executed without cumbersome clerical or administrative procedure in order that all qualified students may participate in the school lunch and breakfast program.
The Administrator for Federal Funds Research and Development shall make final determinations as to which children in attendance at his/her school are eligible to receive such services.
Standards of Eligibility
Any child who is a member of a family unit whose income is below the New York State Minimum Scale for family units of the same number shall be eligible to receive such services.
Students may be referred by a teacher or other school official to the Building Principal. The school nurse shall investigate the case to obtain pertinent data on the financial need of the family, the number of minor children in the family and the health of the child. To accomplish this investigation, the school nurse may:
(1) meet with the student’s teacher(s);
(2) involve the parent(s) or guardian(s) through a conference;
(3) request that the Principal initiate a conference with the parent(s) or guardian(s); and/or
(4) initiate any other appropriate conference.
An application form must be completed and signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student, and approved by the designated official.
Application forms will be available in the main office of each school building.
Completed forms must be submitted to the Principal of the school which the student attends prior to any determination of eligibility.
The adult responsible for the child will be informed of the Principal's determination within one week of receiving a properly completed application.
Provision for Anonymity
Upon approval of the application, the Building Principal or school nurse will notify the kitchen and school lunch office of the approval of the application and introduce the recipient to the cashier, who will visually acknowledge the student thereafter. The cashier shall be instructed on a procedure to follow to ensure that the recipient status of the child is not made conspicuous. All reasonable effort will be extended in protecting the anonymity of the student in accordance with federal regulations governing such programs. The application shall be kept confidentially in the student’s educational records.
Upon written request, the Superintendent of Schools or the Board will hear appeals of determinations regarding such services in compliance with federal regulations governing the National School Lunch Program.
Cross-ref: 8500, Food Service Management
Ref: National School Lunch Act of 1946, as amended (42 USC §§1751-1760)
Child Nutrition Act of 1966, Public Law 89-642, 80 Stat. 885, as amended
Revision date: September 22, 1999
COMPUTER RESOURCES AND DATA MANAGEMENT
The purpose of this policy is to address the varied uses of administrative computer resources in the school district. The Board of Education recognizes that computers are a powerful and valuable tool and as such are an integral part of administering and managing the schools' resources, including the compilation of data and recordkeeping for personnel, students, finances, supplies and materials. This policy outlines the Board's expectations specifically with regard to the district's Pentamation Financial Management system and Pentamation Student Management System.
The Superintendent designates the Director of Information Systems as the responsible individual who will oversee the use of district computer resources. The Director of Information Systems will prepare in-service programs for the training and development of district staff in computer skills, appropriate use of computers and for the incorporation of computer use in administrative areas.
The Superintendent, working in conjunction with the designated purchasing agent for the district, and the Director of Information Systems, will be responsible for the purchase and distribution of administrative computer software throughout the district.
The Superintendent, working with the Director of Information Systems, shall establish regulations governing the use and security of the district's administrative computer resources. The security and integrity of the district administrative computer network and data is a serious concern to the Board and the district will make every reasonable effort to maintain the security of the system. All users of the district's administrative computer resources shall comply with this policy and regulation, as well as the district's Instructional Computer Network Policy #4526. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, as well as suspension and/or revocation of computer access privileges.
All users of the district's administrative computer resources must understand that use is a privilege, not a right, and that use entails responsibility. Users of the district's computer network must not expect, nor does the district guarantee, privacy for electronic mail (e-mail) or any use of the district's computer network. The district reserves the right to access and view any material stored on district equipment or any material used in conjunction with the district's computer network.
Management of Computer Records
The Board recognizes that since district data is managed by computer, it is critical to exercise appropriate control over computer records, including financial, personnel and student information. The Superintendent, working with the Director of Information Systems and the district's business official, shall establish regulations and procedures governing management of computer records. The regulations will address:
•system administration,
•separation of duties,
•remote access,
•data back-up (including archiving of e-mail); and
•disaster recover plans.
Review and Dissemination
Since computer technology is a rapidly changing area, it is important that
this policy be reviewed periodically by the Board and the district's external auditor. The regulation governing appropriate computer use will be distributed annually to staff and students and will be included in both employee and student handbooks.
Cross-Ref: 6600, Fiscal Accounting and Reporting
8635, Security Breach and Notification
Adoption Date: May 8, 2007
Information Security Breach and Notification Policy
Sachem Central School District recognizes the value in protecting the private information of individuals in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Furthermore in accordance with New York State Technology Law §208, the District is required to notify affected individuals when there has been or is reasonably believed to have been a compromise of an individual's private information by an unauthorized person without valid authorization as identified in consideration of the following:
Indications that the information is in the physical possession and control of an unauthorized person, such as a lost or stolen computer or other device containing information, or
b. Indications that the information has been downloaded or copied; or
c. Indications that the information was used by an unauthorized person, such as fraudulent accounts opened or instances of identity theft reported.
"Private information" shall mean **personal information in combination with any one or more of the following data elements, when either the personal information or the data element is not encrypted or encrypted with an encryption key that has also been acquired:
2. Driver's license number or non-driver identification card number; or
3. Account number, credit or debit card number, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password which would permit access to an individual's financial account.
"Breach of the security of the system," shall mean unauthorized acquisition or acquisition without valid authorization of computerized data which compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of personal information maintained by the District. Good faith acquisition of personal information by an employee or agent of the District for the purposes of the District is not a break of the security of the system, provided that private information is not used or subject to unauthorized disclosure.
Identification of a Security Breach:
d. any other factors which the district shall deem appropriate and relevant to such determination.
For any computerized data owned or licensed by the School District that includes private information, the District shall disclose any breach of the security of the system following discovery or notification of the breach to any New York State resident whose private information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by a person without valid authorization. The disclosure to affected individuals shall be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with the legitimate needs of law enforcement, or any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity of the data system. The District shall consult with the State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination (CSCIA) to determine the scope of the break and restoration measures.
*Note: The notification requirement may be delayed if a law enforcement agency determines that such notification impedes a criminal investigation. The required notification shall be made after the law enforcement agency determines that such notification does not compromise the investigation.
b. Electronic notice, provided that the person to whom notice is required has expressly consented to receiving the notice in electronic form; and a log of each such notification is kept by the District when notifying affected persons in electronic form. However, in no case shall the District require a person to consent to accepting such notice in electronic form as a condition of establishing any business relationship or engaging in an transaction;
c. Telephone notification, provided that a log of each such notification is kept by the District when notifying affected persons by phone; or
d. Substitute notice, if the District demonstrates to the State Attorney General that the cost of providing notice would exceed $250,000, or that the affected class of subject persons to be notified exceeds 500,000, or that the District does not have sufficient contact information. Substitute notice shall consist of all of the following:
2. Conspicuous posting of the notice on the District's website page; and
Regardless of the method by which notice is provided, the notice shall include contact information for the District and a description of the categories of information that were, or are reasonably believed to have been, acquired by a person without valid authorization, including specification of which of the elements of personal information and private information were, or are reasonably believed to have been, so acquired.
In the event that more than 5,000 New York State residents are to be notified at one time, the District shall also notify consumer reporting agencies, as defined pursuant to State Technology Law Section 208, as to the time, content and distribution of the notices and approximate number of affected persons. Such notice shall be made without delaying notice to affected New York State residents. A list of consumer reporting agencies shall be compiled by the State Attorney General and furnished upon request to school districts required to make a notification in accordance with Section 208)(2) of the State Technology Law, regarding notification of break of security of the system for any computerized data owned or licensed by the District that includes private information.
NEW YORK STATE SECURITY BREACH REPORTING FORM
Pursuant to the Information Security Breach and Notification Act
(General Business Law §899-aa; State Technology Law §208)
Name of Entity: ________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________________ State: ________ Zip Code: _____________________
Sector (please select one): [ ]Local Government [ ]State Government [ ]Federal Government
[ ] Not-for-profit [ ]Commercial [ ]Educational
Type of Business (please select one): [ ]Biotech/Pharm [ ]Education [ ]Financial Services
[ ]Health Care [ ]Insurance [ ]Retail/Internet [ ]Telecom. [ ]Transportation
[ ]Other __________________________________________________________
Persons Affected: Total: ________________ Dates: Breach Occurred: _________________________
NY residents: ___________ Breach Discovered: ________________________
Consumer Notification: ____________________
Reason for delay, if any, in sending notice: _________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information Acquired (please select all that apply): [ ]Name; [ ]SSN; [ ]Driver's license no.;
[ ]Account number; [ ]Credit or Debit card number; [ ]Other (specify): ______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Manner of Notification to Affected Persons (Attach Copy): [ ]Written; [ ]Electronic (email);
[ ]Telephone; [ ]Substitute notice (provide justification). List dates of any previous (within 12 months) breach notifications: _____________________________________________________________________________
Credit Monitoring or Other Service Offered: [ ] Yes; [ ] No; Duration: _____________________________
Service: ________________________________________ Provider: ____________________________________
Submitted by: ________________________________ Title: ________________________________
Firm Name (if other than entity): __________________________________________________________________
Telephone: __________________________________ Email: _____________________________________
New York State Entities for Notification of Information Security Breach:
New York State Attorney General’s Office:
E-mail: breach.security@oag.state.ny.us
New York State Office of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure Coordination (CSCIC)
30 South Pearl Street, Floor P2
Fax: 518-474-9090
E-mail: info@cscic.state.ny.us
New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB):
E-mail: security_breach_notification@consumer.state.ny.us
Adoption Date: May 5, 2010
The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility as trustees of public funds and public property entrusted to its care. The Board also recognizes that it is responsible to protect the district against loss or damage to district property and loss due to judgments and/or awards resulting from litigation. The district shall purchase insurance coverage necessary and reasonable to protect the district to an optimum extent from loss of property and judgments and awards arising out of liability claims and to protect employees within the scope of their employment. Such insurance protection shall comply with at least the minimum statutory requirements. Records of all insurance policies shall be kept in the Business Office.
The Superintendent of Schools or designee shall have general knowledge of the provisions of all insurance policies carried by the district. At time of accident or loss, he/she shall see that action is taken necessary to protect the interests of the school district.
The Board shall purchase with district funds the type and amount of insurance appropriate to protect itself as a corporate body, its individual members, its appointed officers, and its employees from financial loss arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of alleged negligence or other act resulting in accidental bodily injury to any person or accidental damage to the property of any person within or without the school buildings while the above-named insured are acting in the discharge of their duties within the scope of their employment and/or under the direction of the Board. Such purchase will take into account the price of insurance, appropriate deductibles, and other relevant factors.
Premiums for such accident insurance as is deemed appropriate for students in grades prekindergarten through twelve, participating in interscholastic, intramural, and physical education sports activities, or while engaged in practice preparation for such games, sports, or contests, will be paid from the General Fund.
The Superintendent shall annually review the insurance program for the purpose of recommending to the Board adjustments in coverage resulting from, but not limited to, expansion of the district's risks, relevant new laws, and superseding conditions which make changes in coverage appropriate.
The district shall carry liability insurance in accordance with the Education Law, under the terms of which all employees and Board of Education members are protected from financial loss arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of alleged negligence or other act resulting in bodily injury to any person or in property damage within or without the school buildings, provided such employee or Board member was acting in the discharge of his/her duties within the scope of his/her employment and/or under the direction of the Board at the time of the accident, and provided that such employee or Board member delivers the original or a copy of any summons, complaint, process notice, demand or pleading with which he/she is served to the Board within 10 days of such service.
The Board shall protect district employees, practice or student teachers or authorized participants in volunteer programs from any financial loss, including fees for an attorney, arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of any act or omission to act by such employee, teacher or volunteer, within or without the school building provided for such employee, teacher or volunteer when such employee, teacher or volunteer, at the time of the act or omission, was acting within the scope of his/her employment or under the direction of the Board. The Board shall provide an attorney or pay attorney’s fees for the defense of a criminal action against such a district employee, teacher or volunteer.
The district shall provide non-ownership automobile liability insurance to ensure adequate protection for district employees and the district when private automobiles are used on school business. Nothing contained in this policy shall be construed to replace the personal automobile liability insurance coverage of employees. The non-ownership automobile liability insurance shall act as excess coverage in cases where the individual automobile insurance policy of the employee is insufficient.
Cross-ref: 8417, Student Transportation in Private Vehicles
Ref: Education Law §3023
The Board of Education will direct the Superintendent of Schools to develop and implement both immediate and long-range plans designed to conserve district energy resources. Such plans will include the designation of an energy manager to oversee energy consumption levels of all facilities, including transportation.
The energy manager also will make recommendations for operations and maintenance procedures, as well as any capital expenditures necessary to achieve maximum cost-efficiency of all district energy use. He/She will work with the Superintendent to develop contingency plans in the event of an energy shortage.
The Board will apply for any applicable grants to initiate and/or sustain its energy conservation program. Progress reports on the implementation of energy conservation measures will be made to the Board on an annual basis.
Cross-ref: 7700, Facilities Renovations
Ref: National Energy Conservation Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-619)
Federal Institutional Conservation Program (10 CFR Part 455)
State Energy Law, Articles 3; 5; 8; 11; 16
9 NYCRR Parts 7810-7816 (State Energy Conservation Construction Code)
The Board of Education recognizes that the problem of solid waste disposal directly affects our environment and the quality of life-sustaining resources. The Board also believes that one function of the schools is to set an example in the stewardship of our natural resources and to develop responsible citizenship in students. Therefore, the district will act to make resource conservation an integral part of the physical operations of the district.
In its efforts to improve and encourage responsible solid waste management in the school and in the community, the Board supports a program of recycling and reuse of such waste materials. The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to develop and implement a district-wide recycling program which will take into consideration the following:
resource conservation, including waste reduction, and encouraging the use of all products to their fullest extent prior to disposal;
minimization of the use of non-biodegradable products whenever possible;
a differentiation between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste materials;
separation of waste materials into categories for recycling (i.e., paper, glass, aluminum, iron, plastic, etc.) and delivery of such materials to an appropriate recycling agency in cooperation with recycling efforts in the community;
whenever financially viable, the purchase and/or use of recycled products; and
participation of district students and staff on all levels in the recycling program. Such participation shall take into consideration any appropriate health, safety, and risk management concerns.