TC-9000-1
9000—GENERAL PUBLIC AND ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONS
9010 Informing the Public and Parents/Guardians
9020 News
Media Relations
News
Releases
News Conferences
9060 Information, Marketing and Promotional Campaigns
9170 Solicitations
Solicitations
in Schools
Solicitations of Students
Solicitations by Students
9230 School
Volunteers (Cf.
5175)
9250 Use of
District Facilities
Priority
of Use of Buildings, Facilities and Equipment
Fees
and Rental Charges
Lease
Arrangements
Use
of District Facilities for Prayer or Religious Purposes During the School Day
Religious
Accommodation in the Use of District Facilities
Gymnasium
and Cafeteria
Use
of Intoxicants and Drugs
Responsibility
for Damage
9290 Crowd
Control at School Sponsored Activities
Definition
of Disturbances or Disorders
9300 Tobacco
Products On/In District Premises
Notification
Violations
9350 Public
Gifts and Bequests (Cf. 5270, 8800,
9710, 9715)
Income From Gifts and
Bequests
9370 Materials Distribution in Schools
Use of Students
Political Campaign Materials
Appearances by Political Candidates
Special Interest Materials
Dissemination of Religious Materials
Mailing
Lists (Cf. 8940)
TC –9000-2
9380 Advertising
on District Property
9400 Visitors
to the Schools
Board
Member Visits to Schools
9420 Parental/Guardian
Visitation of Classrooms
9425 Possessing,
Transporting, or Transmitting Dangerous Weapons
9450 Public
Complaints
9710
Relations With Booster Organizations
(Cf. 9350)
9715 Relationships With Parent/Guardian Organizations (Cf. 9350)
9720 Parental/Guardian
Involvement
9840 Student
Teaching and Internships
9920 School
Accreditation
9010 Informing the Public and Parents/Guardians 9010
The District supports the right of the community to know about programs, services, policies and administrative operations of the District. The Superintendent shall develop procedures and techniques for ensuring an open line of communication, subject to legal restrictions, between the staff and District residents.
The District believes it is essential for parents/guardians to be regularly informed of their child’s progress in school and to be actively involved in the educational process. Principals and school personnel are encouraged to use a variety of means to keep District parents/guardians informed about student academic achievement as well as District programs and activities.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9010-R Informing the Public and Parents/Guardians 9010-R
All schools shall do the following activities designed to keep parents/guardians and the community informed:
1. Publish and distribute to the community a school newsletter on a monthly basis.
2. Publish and distribute an annual report to the community.
3. Provide a forum for meeting regularly with parents/guardians and business, civic and religious representatives.
9020 News Media Relations 9020
The District shall cooperate with all responsible news media representatives in order that the public may be informed about the operations of its schools.
News Releases
Routine news and information concerning school events and programs may be released to the news media—both print and broadcast—by or with the approval of the administrator of the school or program concerned. Examples of such routine news are: athletic events, recreation or community education activities, and school social events that relate only to a particular school.
All other news releases prepared for public distribution that represent positions of the District and the Board of Education or are otherwise under the auspices of the Flint Community Schools, prepared either by employees or students of the District, shall be coordinated through the Communications Office and must have the approval of the Superintendent prior to release.
News Conferences
All news conferences shall be called by the Superintendent and shall be scheduled in such a manner that they do not disrupt the regular learning activities of the schools.
Contacts between the news media and students shall be restricted during periods in which students are in the custody of the Flint Community Schools. Only with the expressed consent of principals and/or parents/guardians shall news media representatives directly interview students. Staff members shall observe the following procedures when releasing information to the news media, except in regard to athletic events, recreation or community education activities, and school social events:
1. If a staff member is approached by the news media concerning a feature story or program involving that staff member or his/her building, a request for
9020 News Media Relations 9020-2
approval shall be made to the building principal, who shall request authorization from the Superintendent
2. If a staff member wishes to initiate a feature story for the news media, he/she should discuss the story with the building principal. If it is agreed that the project will be pursued, the principal shall seek the Superintendent’s approval. If the Superintendent approves, he/she shall contact the appropriate media representative(s) or authorize the principal to do so; and
3. Teachers are asked not to contact the media directly, but to work through the building principal on all news releases or feature stories.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9060 Information, Marketing and Promotional Campaigns 9060
All information campaigns of the District shall be under the direction of the Superintendent. District funds shall not be used to produce persuasive information during ballot campaigns.[1]
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9170 Solicitations 9170
All persons seeking to sell, solicit, or display an item relating directly to expenditures of District funds to any school employee on school premises must first secure permission from the building principal or Superintendent before any appointment is made. All such appointments approved by the Superintendent or building principal shall be held before or after regular school hours. All other solicitations of, or by, District employees are prohibited except where expressly approved by the Superintendent.
The District discourages all solicitations of and by staff members during regular school hours.
The District discourages all solicitations of and by students during regular school hours.
Solicitations in Schools
Except as approved by the building principal, commercial firms shall not be permitted to solicit students during school hours in attendance centers or on school grounds.
Solicitations from organizations outside the school are forbidden.
Commercial schools, colleges, or other agencies shall be permitted to meet with seniors or solicit prospective students only when the building principal approves the invitation and arrangements. Counseling of students relative to continuation of their schooling or to job placement by outside organizations shall be handled through the guidance department under the supervision of the guidance counselor.
Solicitation of Students
Solicitation of students by anyone within the schools or on school grounds for any cause is prohibited. This prohibition includes the selling of tickets to students for any purpose or cause other than for a school-sponsored activity.
9170 Solicitations 9170-2
Solicitation by Students
Solicitations by students within the schools or on school grounds for any cause is prohibited except as they relate to school-sponsored activities.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9170-R Solicitations 9170-R
Agents, solicitors and salesmen shall not be permitted to take time of teachers or students from normal student or teaching activities.
The students and faculty of the District shall not be used to promote commercial or private financial interests, either through direct sales or through promotion of competitive goods or services.
This rule applies to those activities, promotions and sales originating outside the school. Exception to this rule as written above shall be made in the case of jointly sponsored school activities and school-sponsored parent/guardian-teacher activities.
Materials and projects submitted for consideration under this rule must be made in writing to the Superintendent. Requests shall be considered in light of good taste, appropriateness and the proposal’s direct contribution to the educational values in the school. Consideration shall be given at all times against unreasonably added work and responsibility for staff members.
Any individuals or organizations violating the policy on solicitations shall be reported to the Superintendent. Violators may be denied further access to school premises.
Solicitations of Staff Members
All vendors must secure permission from the building principal to interview a school employee on District property. If any vendor violates this procedure, he/she may be barred from making appointments with school employees. The principal may also recommend to the Superintendent not to purchase products or other such items from said vendor. If a vendor violates District policy and is subsequently barred from soliciting in the school system, the Superintendent shall send appropriate notices to each building principal.
9170-R Solicitations 9170-R-2
The notice will include the name of the vendor, his/her company and reasons for and length of the suspension. The Superintendent may bar a vendor from soliciting sales from District employees for a period of time not to exceed 12 months from the date of suspension. Said notice will be sent to the vendor in question and to his/her immediate employer. The rights of the vendor may be restored, at a time sooner, upon petition by the vendor to the District.
9230 School Volunteers (Cf. 5175) 9230
The Superintendent, central office administrators, building principals, and assistant principals, directors, may accept services of volunteers or persons designated by them to handle this responsibility.
Volunteers may come from all backgrounds and all age groups and may include any persons willing to give their time to one purpose – helping children and school personnel. Volunteers may be involved in virtually every facet of the operation of the school District, working with students on a one-to-one basis or performing tasks not involving children. Tasks may involve services in the library, classroom, school store, athletics, music, school plays, pre-kindergarten programs, or assisting on field trips and similar activities.
The responsible school personnel shall identify appropriate tasks for volunteers, and shall plan inservice activities for them so they may become skilled in performing those tasks.
Volunteers shall be required to make written application for specified services and the appropriate school personnel shall accept such services in writing. The completed form shall be retained in the files of the school official accepting the services of the volunteer[2].
At the discretion of the Superintendent, prospective volunteers may be required to undergo a criminal history check[3] as described in Policy 5175. If necessary, the District shall bear the full cost of the inquiry.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1204a
9230-R School Volunteers 9230-R
General Guidelines
Each school initiates and directs its volunteer program with the assistance and cooperation of the District’s school volunteer program coordinator. The District advisor shall work closely with the principal, staff and volunteer coordinator in the respective schools to recruit, train and place volunteers.
Services offered by volunteers:
1. Service offered on a regularly scheduled basis;
2. Compiling the school newsletter, arranging transportation for field trips, supervising the playground or lunchroom, etc.;
3. Working on a one-to-one or small-group basis in the classroom;
4. Assisting the media specialist;
5. Assisting with the clerical load of the school; and
6. Assisting with the athletic program.
The District advisor will emphasize the line that separates the certified instructional staff from the volunteers. The following instructional tasks are strictly certified staff responsibilities and are not to be performed by volunteers:
1. Diagnosing student needs;
2. Prescribing instructional materials;
3. Selecting appropriate materials;
4. Counseling with students;
5. Evaluating student programs and achievement; and
6. Initiating or determining the why, the how, the where and the when of any instruction.
The volunteer can be of considerable assistance in accomplishing some tasks; however, it is primarily the teacher’s sole duty to initiate and direct such tasks.
9230-R School Volunteers 9230-R-2
The Role of the Principal
It is the principal’s responsibility:
1. To determine the scope and nature of the volunteer program in the building;
2. To designate a staff member within the school to assist with the development of the program;
3. To acquaint the staff with the program (goals, services available, ways to use services effectively) with help of the volunteer coordinator and the District advisor;
4. To provide whatever orientation is necessary in the acceptance of volunteers by teachers, students and parents/guardians;
5. To provide orientation training, placement and evaluation within the building with the assistance of the volunteer coordinator, staff and District advisor;
6. To provide orientation of school policies and procedures to the volunteers;
7. To provide access to the faculty lounge and cafeteria or provide them with similar space;
8. To provide space within the building for volunteer meetings, bulletin boards, assignment box, materials, etc.;
9. To provide a sign-in, sign-out sheet for all volunteers;
10. To take responsibility for disseminating information to the volunteer coordinator, volunteers and professional staff; and
11. To explore possibilities of providing released time for teacher’s initial involvement in the program.
The Role of the School Staff Member
A teacher should take part in the program only because the teacher has a desire to use the volunteer in an effective way; the teacher shall:
1. Make requests for volunteer services to the principal;
2. Determine what specific duties a volunteer can perform in the particular classroom/department;
9230-R School Volunteers 9230-R-3
3. Write a short job description for each volunteer assignment and gives specific instructions when assigning tasks to a volunteer;
4. Help train and use volunteers in any way that will be helpful to the students;
5. Plan ahead to provide meaningful activities for volunteers;
6. Help volunteers feel comfortable among the staff and students;
7. Meet with volunteers to mutually assess the effectiveness of their services; and
8. Have the option to request the principal to reassign any volunteer.
9250 Use of District Facilities 9250
The District shall encourage the utilization of District buildings and District grounds by properly organized and responsible groups. [4] Such use of any District facility or District grounds, however, shall not interfere with the daily school routine or any school-sponsored student activity. District facilities and equipment shall not be used or made available for political campaigns.
Recognized school employee bargaining units may use District facilities and equipment as outlined in the current negotiated master contract.
Priority of Use of Buildings, Facilities and Equipment
Priority of use shall be as follows:
1. Schools;
2. District organizations and District civic and community organizations; and
3. Non-District organizations.
Fees and Rental Charges
The District shall establish reasonable fees and/or rental charges for the use of any District facility or grounds; such fees and/or rental charges shall cover costs of wages for any school personnel involved and utilities consumed.
9250 Use of District Facilities 9250-2
Lease Arrangements
Any lease arrangement entered into by the District shall conform to state law. Any such lease, however, shall not exceed one year, but the District may extend any such lease if good cause is shown.
Use of District Facilities for Prayer or Religious
Purposes During the School Day
The use of any District facility during instructional time will not be allowed for prayer or religious purposes. This prohibition against religious use includes the use of District facilities by students, District personnel, patrons, churches or any other individual or groups of individuals.
Religious Accommodation in the Use of District
Facilities
The use of District facilities or District grounds by community churches may be allowed by the District on a temporary basis as is afforded community groups elsewhere in this policy.
Gymnasium and Cafeteria
The District's gymnasiums and cafeterias may be rented to community groups only if approved in advance by the Superintendent. All organizations wanting to use these facilities must contact the Superintendent for approval and scheduling.
Religious groups are allowed to use these facilities when proper application is made with and approved by the Superintendent.
Use of Intoxicants and Drugs
The use or possession of intoxicants and/or drugs by any person within a school building, or on a school premise is strictly forbidden at all times.
9250 Use of District Facilities 9250-3
The use of intoxicants and/or drugs by regular school students or on school premises is subject to penalties/discipline according to the Code for Student Conduct.
Non-students who abuse the District's policy on the use of intoxicants and/or drugs will be asked to leave the premises.
Students and non-students will be reported to the local police authorities of the possession, use or selling of drugs.
Responsibility for Damage
Groups availing themselves of the use of the District’s buildings, properties and facilities shall be responsible for any damage incurred through their use beyond reasonable wear and tear and shall be required to reimburse the District for the cost of any repairs made necessary by such damage. They shall be responsible for the good order and conduct of all persons taking part in the activity for which the permit was granted.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1268; 333.12601 et
seq.; AG Opinion #6460; Lamb's Chapel
v Center Moriches Union Free School District
9290 Crowd Control at School-Sponsored Activities 9290
The District shall, to the full extent of its legal powers, ensure that every student and adult has an opportunity to attend school activities without fear or harm of injury to person or property. The District shall not allow persons with disruptive intent to endanger the safety of students, school personnel or other adults; to damage school property; to interfere with school activities or the educational process; or to attempt to close the schools.
Disorder and disruption of school activities shall not be tolerated, and persons attempting such action shall be held accountable. When it becomes necessary to protect students, personnel, patrons and property, the District shall seek the enforcement of all laws and prosecution of those who violate the law. Violation of any law and/or city ordinance shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency, prosecutor and courts for proper disposition.
Prosecution of those causing disorder, disruption or disturbances on school property will be conducted under existing city, county and state laws and ordinances.
Definition of Disturbances or Disorders
For the purpose of this section, state statutes covering disturbance of the peace or disorderly conduct shall be used as a basis for prosecution.
Any city, county, or township ordinance in effect at the time of any disturbance at a school activity shall be used by the District to aid in the prosecution of any individual or groups of individuals responsible for such disturbance.
Upon conviction of any disturbance or disorderly conduct, the individual or groups of individuals will be barred from attending any District-sponsored activity or event held on school property. The length of the ban shall be based on the seriousness of the act or disturbance. The District authorizes its staff members to enforce the ban, if
9290 Crowd Control at School-Sponsored Activities 9290-2
any, by any reasonable force including calling law enforcement officials to aid them in carrying out their assigned duties.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9290-R Crowd Control at School-Sponsored Activities 9290-R
General Procedures
The following guidelines are for the use by principals in the event of disturbances, disorder or demonstration on or near the school site and apply to both students and adults.
The final decision for determining the nature of assistance needed at a disturbance, disorder or demonstration is the responsibility of the school principal. In the absence of the principal, the determination is to be made by the assistant principal or the person designated to be in charge of the building or activity.
The school administration and staff are responsible for handling any problems caused by adults and/or students. The Superintendent shall be notified immediately of any serious problem at the school. The principal shall seek the advice of the Superintendent, as well as inform him/her of any decisions and progress toward resolving the problem.
In the event adults or non-students cause disturbances, the appropriate law enforcement officials shall be called for assistance. The chief administrative police officer or his/her designee should be alerted immediately when problems are suspected. Such official shall direct the activities of the police at the scene of any disturbance. The principal shall serve as liaison when police are on the scene.
Specific Procedures
In the event of a disturbance or disorder, the principal shall make an immediate assessment of the situation to determine the danger or potential danger to students, personnel, patrons or school property. If there is apparent danger to any of the above, steps shall be taken immediately to reduce or eliminate the danger by whatever means necessary as granted under the principal’s authority to discipline or maintain crowd control. The principals shall decide upon a course of action and, to the extent possible, inform the school staff so that all can cooperate in carrying out that decision.
9290-R Crowd Control at School Sponsored Activities 9290-R-2
The principal “on the scene” and in charge shall maintain a “log” in listing the date, time and nature of each incident, the names of persons involved and a description of action taken.
Whenever the situation requires the assistance of the police, the principal or his/her designee shall request such assistance. Police officials and their assessment of the situation will determine police action.
The District wishes to emphasize that any persons who create disturbances or disorders at any school activity shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The principal “on the scene” and in charge shall sign the necessary complaint papers or encourage available witnesses of the act to do so. In any event, a complaint will be signed. The District’s attorney shall take whatever action is necessary to expedite proceedings to prosecute anyone causing a disturbance at a school function.
9300 Tobacco Products On/In District Premises 9300
Tobacco products shall not be used by any person in District buildings or on District property except as allowed by law.[5]
Notification
Copies of the smoking and tobacco-free products policy shall be distributed to all employees and made available to all students and visitors and shall be published in student and staff publications.
Violations
Violation of this policy is a misdemeanor under Michigan criminal law.
Violation by any employee of the District shall be dealt with through progressive discipline.
Students violating this policy may be subject to
discipline as determined by the Code for Student Conduct or by the
courts as a misdemeanor.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 333-12601 et seq.; 750.473; AG Opinion #5336
9350 Public Gifts and Bequests (Cf. 5270, 8800) 9350
The District, will consider the acceptance of gifts from the public. A gift is defined as any donation, present or endowment in the form of cash, merchandise or personal favor.
Gifts shall not be accepted if excessive costs of installation or maintenance would be involved, unless such costs are determined to be within certain budget limitations. In instances were the Superintendent doubts the appropriateness or usefulness of an offered gift, the gift may be declined or the matter may be referred to the Board.
Any money gift that implies the matching of funds by the Board on a percentage basis shall require approval by the Board before acceptance
The Superintendent, on behalf of the Board, shall accept all gifts and those gifts shall become the property of the school District, but may be assigned to a particular school, department or program.
The Superintendent shall set forth criteria to be met in the acceptance of gifts and the procedure for examining and evaluating offers of gifts to the District.
Income From Gifts and Bequests
Income derived from gifts and bequests shall be credited, if possible, to the fund requested by the donor. If the request of the donor cannot be fulfilled, the gift or bequest shall be deposited in the capital fund of the District or any other fund specified by the Board.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9370 Materials Distribution in Schools 9370
The District reserves the right to refuse distribution of
any materials by outside individuals
or groups to the students of the District, [6] as well as the distribution of materials
unrelated to the instructional program or to other approved activities by the
employees or students of the District.
Use of
Students
In the
distribution of informational materials, it is the policy of the District to
limit students to be carriers of school news and information only, or
information relating to the welfare and education of students.
Political
Campaign Materials
The District encourages responsible use of political materials as resources for teaching and learning in the appropriate classroom setting or learning environment. Building principals shall establish rules and regulations governing, and monitoring, the distribution and use of political campaign materials—whether for political candidates or ballot issues—during election campaigns to afford the opportunity for all viewpoints to be considered. No student shall be required to participate in the distribution or receipt of any political materials.
Appearances by Political Candidates
Appearances by political candidates in the schools during election
campaigns are permitted and encouraged, provided that such appearances (1)
contribute to the educational process and do not interfere with the education
of students, and (2) opposing candidates or views have been given an equal
opportunity to participate.
9370 Materials Distribution in Schools 9370-2
Political campaign photographic opportunities involving political
candidates, school staff and/or students are prohibited within the District’s
schools during the hours school is in session. Approval may be granted by building
principals for candidate photo opportunities on school property after regular
school hours. In no instance, however, shall students be photographed with
political candidates without the written permission of the student’s parents or
guardians.
Special Interest Materials
The principal of each building shall establish rules and regulations governing the distribution of special interest materials in the building.
Dissemination of Religious Materials
Materials that have a religious content may be made available to students during non-instructional time. The District shall impose content neutral, time, place, and manner restrictions on the dissemination of religious materials to ensure that students are aware that the materials are not being endorsed or sponsored by the District.
Mailing Lists (Cf.
8940)
No mailing lists
of students or employees of the District shall be given to individuals,
organizations or vendors for the purpose of distributing materials without the
written approval of the Superintendent.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act
9380 Advertising on District Property 9380
The District recognizes the public information—that may not be available through other sources—provided by business and cultural organizations can enhance of education of Flint students.
However, the facilities, the staff or the students of the District shall not be used in any manner to advertise or promote commercial, cultural, organizational or other non-school interests except that the District may:
1. Utilize films and other instructional aids furnished by private sources when the advertising content is reasonable in the judgment of the principal of the school involved;
2. Cooperate through announcements and distribution of program material with nonprofit community organizations that supplement the school program when such cooperation will not interfere with the school program;
3. Permit participation on a student option basis in essay, art, science, and similar contests sponsored by outside interests when such activities parallel the curriculum and contribute to the educational program;
4. Release promotional material for non-school athletic and cultural events only through appropriate school departments;
5. Accept, and within limits solicit, advertising on extracurricular activity schedules and programs at the discretion of the principal of the school involved;
6. Permit other exceptions when, in the judgment of the Superintendent, students of the District will benefit. The Superintendent may refer specific cases to the Board for a decision.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9400 Visitors to the School 9400
School buildings shall post notices informing visitors to make their presence known to the building principal before proceeding to contact any other person in the building or on the grounds.
Any person who visits a building and/or grounds of the District will be under the jurisdiction of the building principal who shall be responsible for developing rules and regulations governing the presence of visitors in the buildings.[7]
The principal has the authority to request aid from any law enforcement agency if any visitor to the District’s buildings or grounds refuses to leave or creates a disturbance. Violation of this rule may lead to removal from the building or grounds and denial of further access to the building or grounds. Violators of this District policy and its rules may be subject to governmental trespass laws.[8]
Board Member Visits To Schools
Individual Board members who are interested in visiting schools or classrooms shall inform the Superintendent of such visits and shall make necessary arrangements with the building principal. These visits shall not be considered to be in an official capacity as a Board member, as observations, as supervisory or administrative in nature, but shall be regarded as informal expressions of interest in the school. Board members must be aware, that as individuals on such visits, they are in a similar capacity of any parent/guardian or citizen of the community and should take any concerns to the building principal.
9400 Visitors to the School 9400-2
If during a visit, a Board member observes a situation about which he/she believes is of concern to the Board, it should be reported to the Superintendent at his/her earliest convenience. Such a report shall not be considered an official communication from the principal.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed
9420 Parental/Guardian Visitation of Classrooms 9420
The District recognizes the central role parents/guardians play in the education of their children, and supports active parental/guardian involvement in the educational process. Parents/guardians are encouraged to maintain regular contact with their child’s instructors. To familiarize themselves with their child’s learning environment, parents/guardians are also encouraged to come to planned conferences, school open houses, and visitation days.
Parents/guardians may also visit their child’s classes on other days, subject to the following guidelines.
The District adopts the following regulations for parent/guardian visitations:
1. All parent/guardian visitations are subject to the approval of the principal, who is charged by the Board with the responsibility of guaranteeing the learning environment and privacy of students. Parents/guardians are asked to understand the District’s responsibility to safeguard the learning environment for all students, and be sensitive to the disruption that can be caused by having visitors frequently observe the classroom and place demands on teacher time. The District also has an obligation to protect the privacy rights of all students and their families by ensuring that the frequency of visitations by one parent/guardian does not allow that parent/guardians to develop inappropriate knowledge of the behavior or academic progress of other students.[9]
2. Visitors are required to check in at the school office prior to the start of the, visitation and to follow individual school procedures for visitor sign-in, passes, escorts, etc.
3. To protect the privacy of other
students, the parents/guardians shall
agree to keep any information gained on the behavior or performance of other
students strictly confidential.
9420 Parental/Guardian Visitation of
Classrooms 9420-2
4. Visitation shall not be allowed during testing or other student examinations or evaluations.
5. Teachers are expected to use the time between classes for preparation, meetings with students, and discussion with colleagues. Visiting parents/guardians are to refrain from using classroom observations for impromptu parent/guardian-teacher conferences either during or outside of class time. An appointment should be made with the teacher if parents/guardians wish to discuss their child’s educational progress. Teachers shall at all times refrain from discussing the behaviors or achievement of other students with visiting parents/guardians.
Parents/guardians who fail to abide by these regulations or who intentionally disrupt the educational process of the school may be asked to leave and/or be denied permission for future visits.
The Superintendent shall ensure that the provisions of this policy are published in the appropriate handbook(s) and that copies are provided to visitors.[10]
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9425 Possessing, Transporting or Transmitting Dangerous Weapons 9425
No person shall possess, transport or transmit a dangerous weapon on District property, property used by the District for a school-related purpose, or in a motor vehicle used for a District-related purpose unless: (a) Prior permission has been granted by the Superintendent; or (b) The person is an on-duty law enforcement officer or, if off duty, the officer is otherwise required by the law enforcement agency to carry a weapon.[11]
A dangerous weapon, within the meaning of this policy, shall include but not limited to, by way of description, such things as a firearm, knife, black jack, baton, iron bar, brass knuckles, martial arts devices and incendiary and/or explosive devices. A person who violates this policy will be reported to law enforcement authorities.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9450 Public Complaints 9450
The District recognizes that situations may arise that are of concern to parents/guardians and the general public. Such concerns are best dealt with through communication with appropriate staff members of the system – the faculty, principals, or the central office personnel.
The following are considered proper procedures to be followed by persons with questions or complaints:
1. Matters concerning individual students should first be addressed to the
student’s teacher.
2. Unsettled matters from (1) above or problems and questions concerning
individual teachers or other staff members or questions concerning entire
school buildings should be directed to the principal of the school.
3. Unsettled matters from (2) above or problems and questions concerning the
District in general should be directed to the appropriate administrator via the Superintendent.
4.
Matters not settled satisfactorily by
the Superintendent may be forwarded to the Board.[12] Complaints to the Board, or appeals from the
rulings of the Superintendent will be presented to the Superintendent in
writing for presentation to the Board.
5.
Complaints to one or more Board
members against any action of any employee of the District, or against any
administrative regulation or policy will be referred to the Superintendent for
investigation, appropriate action, or recommendations as the situation might
justify. The Superintendent shall then
rely on the hierarchy (1 though 4) above in seeking resolution of the matter.
9450 Public Complaints 9450-2
The Board, at its next regular meeting, or at a special meeting, will then
consider the grievance of the complaint and dispose of the matter according to
its best judgment.[13]
The Board considers it the obligation of employees of the District to entertain the questions of parents/guardians or the public. However, the policy shall not be construed to create an independent right to a hearing before the Board.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 15.261 et seq.
9710 Relations With Booster Organizations 9710
All school-associated organizations, such as booster groups that are formed to promote and assist in the financing and operation of a given activity for the improvement of student education, must be approved and recognized by the District. These organizations must keep on file in the Superintendent's office a record of officers, bylaws, mailing addresses, and other pertinent information.
Booster organizations shall handle their own accounting and bookkeeping procedures and maintain their own separate accounts for income and expenditures.
Equipment and material purchased by these organizations and presented to the school shall become the property of the school and under the control of the District.
District policy on "Gifts to the School" (9350) shall be followed in all purchases by such organizations for the
benefit of the school.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9715 Relationships With Parent/Guardian Organizations 9715
The District looks upon school/parent/guardian organizations as an integral part of the school community that can aid substantially in promoting a quality educational program.
Each school /community organization should request official recognition by the District and, in so doing, present its purposes and goals along with its constitution and bylaws to assist the Board in its deliberations as to whether or not the organization should be recognized as a bona fide community/school group supported by the District. Once recognized, such organizations shall work closely with the Board and school personnel in any projects carried on for the benefit of the school or school program.
Parent/guardian organizations shall handle their own accounting and bookkeeping procedures and maintain their own separate accounts for income and expenditures.
The District encourages active support and cooperation with school /community organizations by administrators, teachers and other employee groups.
District policy on "Gifts to the School" (9350) shall be followed in all purchases by such organizations for the benefit of the school.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9720 Parental/Guardian Involvement 9720
In order to assure collaborative relationships between students’ families and the school Board and District personnel, and to enable parents/guardians to become active partners in education, the Superintendent shall develop administrative procedures to:
1. Keep parents/guardians thoroughly informed about their child’s school and education.
2. Encourage involvement in their child’s school and education.
3. Establish effective two-way communication between all families and the Board and District personnel.
4. Seek input from parent(s)/guardian(s) on significant school-related issues.
5. Inform parents/guardians on how they can assist their child’s learning.
The Superintendent shall periodically report to the Board on the implementation of this policy.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
9840 Student Teaching and Internships 9840
The District recognizes the student teaching program is an important aspect of a future teacher’s education. Therefore, the District will cooperate with institutions of higher education in training student teachers.
All persons involved in this program must recognize that the first and primary responsibility of the District is to the students within its schools. If at any time a student teacher become unacceptable, the District reserves the right to refuse the student teacher further teaching experience within the District.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1531b
9840-R Student Teaching and Internships 9840-R
When placing student teachers and interns in the District, the Superintendent and staff shall:
1. Provide for placement of student teachers and interns with outstanding teachers who shall serve as supervisors;
2. Protect the District’s students from being overexposed to student teaching, and protect teachers from excessive supervisory responsibilities toward student teachers and interns;
3. Ensure placement of student teachers and interns without regard to race, color, sex, age, creed, national origin or disability; and
4. Make provisions with higher education institutions to provide for cooperative selection of students to be placed in the District’s schools.
Student Teacher Selection
Prospective student teachers shall complete a standard application form and be interviewed by the building principal who shall determine whether or not the student is acceptable.
Supervising Teacher Selection
The building principal shall be responsible in determining those teachers on staff who may be designated as supervising teachers. This shall be done with the prior approval of the teaching staff.
The duties and responsibilities of supervising teachers and building principals regarding student teachers and interns can be found in the appropriate staff/faculty handbooks on file in the District and school offices.
If at any time a student teacher or intern becomes unacceptable, the District reserves the right to refuse that student teacher or intern further teaching experience within the District.
9840-R Student Teaching and Internships 9840-R-2
Student teachers shall not be used as substitute teachers in case of teacher illness or other personal reason. However, special arrangements may be made with the universities to allow student teachers or interns to substitute in order to provide the opportunity for the supervising teacher to attend approved in-service programs or workshops.
A written contract shall be negotiated with and signed by a duly authorized representative of the university and shall include an agreement whereby the District is relieved of its responsibility and liability for Worker’s Compensation claims that result from accidents to student teachers and interns performing their assigned responsibilities within the District.
In all instances, the student teacher or intern shall be under the direct supervision of the building principal.
9920 School Accreditation 9920
The District shall make every effort through its policies and decisions to operate an educational program meeting the criteria of the Michigan Accreditation Plan as provided by the State Board of Education and the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. District administrators and staff shall cooperate fully with these associations in their periodic evaluations of the schools in the District and shall keep the Board informed on the status of these evaluations. The Superintendent shall keep the Board informed regarding weaknesses that might endanger accreditation and shall make recommendations for correcting such weaknesses.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1204a; 380.1278a
[1] MCL 169.257 (§ 57 of Campaign Finance Act) (“A public body or an individual acting for a public body shall not use or authorize the use of funds, personnel, office space, property, stationary, postage, vehicles, equipment, supplies, or other public resources to make a contribution or expenditure to support a campaign for or against the election of candidates or ballot issues.”).
Section 57 does not prohibit the “production of factual information concerning issues relevant to the function of the public body.” A school board does not exceed its legitimate authority when it uses public funds to finance a presentation of facts to educate voters on the ramifications of a ballot proposal. 1979 OAG 5597.
[2] It is important that the names of all current volunteers be on file at the district’s central office, because MCL 380.1311a now requires a district to permanently expel any student that physically assaults a school volunteer.
[3] MCL 380.1230.
[4] This policy creates a limited open forum by allowing public use of school facilities by organized and responsible groups. See Widmar v Vincent, 454 U.S. 263 (1981). Under this policy, the board may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on the use of its facilities.
The U.S. Supreme Court has held that denying a church access to school facilities to show a film on family values due to the film’s religious viewpoint is unconstitutional. (Lamb’s Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District, 113 S. Ct. 2141). The Supreme Court held that the denial violated the First Amendment free speech clause. The court recognized that the district could legally preserve its property for school purposes. The district, however, allowed use for “social, civic, and recreational” purposes, but discriminated on the basis of viewpoint – all views from a religious standpoint were prohibited. This viewpoint discrimination is forbidden by the First Amendment.
The Supreme Court specifically did not address whether permitting a church to use facilities for religious services violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
[5] If a person uses tobacco on school property in violation of MCL 750.473, he or she shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $50.
[6] School boards may refuse to allow the distribution or posting of any material requested by non-school related organizations. Hedges v Wauconda Community Unit School District No. 18, 9 F.3d 1295 (7th Cir. 1993). Schools are “nonpublic forums,” meaning they need not open their doors to private speakers but may not discriminate against disfavored viewpoints or subjects, e.g. religion.
[7] Unlike Michigan, many states have enacted school trespass or loitering statutes which are specifically directed and limited in scope to school grounds or buildings. The following is an example from Maryland:
“It is a misdemeanor for
any person having no lawful business to pursue at a public educational
institution or having acted in a manner disrupting or disturbing to the normal
educational functions of the institution to refuse or fail to leave school
grounds after being requested to do so by an authorized employee of the
institution.”
[8] MCL 750.522 (“Any person who shall willfully enter, upon the lands or premises of another without lawful authority, after having been forbidden so to do by the owner or occupant, [or] agent . . . of the owner or occupant . . . shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”).
[9] The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. 1332g) protects the privacy interests of parents/guardians and students with regard to education records and defines “record” as any information recorded in any way that personally identifies a particular student.
[10] Boards should recognize this as a sensitive community
issue. MASB encourages boards to consult
with teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians before adopting rules on
parent/guardian visitation. The board
may choose to include all of the above guidelines, or to adopt only a subset.
Depending on provisions in the collective bargaining agreement, some items in this model policy may have negotiation/labor relations implications.
[11] MCL 750.237a (“[A]n individual who possesses a weapon in a weapon free school zone is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by . . . imprisonment for not more than 93 days, community service for not more than 100 hours [or] a fine of not more than $2,000.”).
[12] Section 8(a) permits closed sessions by a board to hear complaints or charges brought against an employee of board member (MCL 15.268(a). The relationship between open and closed meetings when dealing with a complaint against an employee in described in a 1986 Attorney General’s opinion. A closed session to consider a complaint against an individual is proper only when requested by the individual against whom the complaint has been made. Once the individual makes the request, the public body may meet in closed session to hear and deliberate upon the complaint. However, the public body must meet in open session to make a decision on the matter and any decision or vote by the public body must be reflected in the minutes of the open meeting. 1986 OAG 6353.
[13]
See Note 12.