The Manual and How To Use It
Each local and regional Board of Education in Connecticut is responsible for providing the best possible education to all its students. Boards and their administrators must make complex decisions which respond to the needs of the entire academic community, the best educational practices and theories, and state and federal laws. The school district cannot function effectively within these constraints unless it operates from the basis of sound, carefully deliberated policy.
This manual has been developed specifically for the Scotland Board of Education to help carry out these important responsibilities. The manual is only useful as long as it is up-to-date. Updating is a continuous process. Policies and administrative procedures have been organized in this manual into eight series, an additional series deals with board bylaws. The eight series dealing with the operation of the school system are codified as follows:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Series 0000 Mission – Goals – Objectives
Series 1000 Community Relations
Series 2000 Administration
Series 3000 Business and Non-Instructional Operations
Series 4000 Personnel Certified/Non-Certified
Series 5000 Students
Series 6000 Instruction
Series 7000 New Construction
Some Helpful Definitions
Explicit in the title of this manual is the fact that the publication deals with policies, administrative regulations and bylaws. Basic to the successful functioning of a school board is its ability to separate between what is policy and what is administrative procedure. The following definitions may be instructive.
It may be helpful to think of a Policy as a guide which permits others a degree of discretion in decision making. A policy must be written. It is not enough that the minutes reflect policy. Policy must be available to the public.
The idea for policy can come from any number of sources. Perhaps the best source is to be found in the dynamic interaction between the Board and the Superintendent. However, there are many other legitimate and valuable sources. Teachers work with students continually. Their insights about what needs to happen in your schools are vital in policy development. Parents, community members, state and federal governments, other school district employees, and media, all are possible sources of policy. But the Board, and only the Board, has the responsibility for approving policy and monitoring its implementation.
A Regulation or rule is a specific statement of something that must be done. Typically, it also tells who is going to do it and when. Formulating regulations is the Superintendent’s job. It is how the Superintendent will carry out the intention of the Board as stated in policy. One of the best ways of defining the difference between the policy and regulation is to discuss the issue with the Superintendent. There are no clear cut, hard-and-fast definitions. Discussions between the Board and the Superintendent are always helpful in supporting everyone’s best efforts.
A Bylaw is a rule governing the Board of Education’s internal operation. Bylaws keep the Board in line. Reasonable bylaws build stability into operations of the Board and if observed — even under pressure – may prevent the Board from making decisions which they might regret later.
Philosophy Goals-General Objectives
0050.1 School District Legal Status
0200 Attainment of School District Goals
0521.2 Commitment to Religious Neutrality
Community Relations
1000 Concept, Goals and Roles in Community Relations
1100 Communication with the Public – Distribution of Printed Material
1110.1 Communication with the public – Parent Involvement
1112.5 Media Access to Students
1112.6 Videotaping of Staff and Students
1140 Distrib. of Mat. by Stdnts Use of Stdts Budget Ref. Mat
1180 Memorials for Deceased Stdnts Stff or Evnts
1220 Citizen’s Advisory Committees
1222 Citzns Adv Comm for Stff and Prncpl Adv Comm
1251 Loitering or Causing Disturbance
1252 Motorized Vehicles on School Property
1300 Public Activities Involving Staff, Students or School Facilities
1310 Relations between Public and School Personnel
1311 Staff Participation in Community Activities
1311.1 Political Activities of School Employees
1311.2 Political Activities in the Schools
1312 Public Complaints -General Complaint Procedures -Complaints Regarding Educ. Materials
1312.2 Public Complaints – Complaints About Policies
1313 Gifts to School Personnel
1316 Relations between Public and School Personnel – Conduct on School Property
1321 Public Performances by Students
1324 Solicitating Funds from and by Students
1326 Solicitations by Staff Members
1330 cOMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
1341 Loan of School District Equipment
1411 Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies
1412 Fire & Emergencies Services Department, Town Fire Marshall & Emergency Management Dept.
1430 State and Federal Government
1600 Relations Between Non-Public and other Educational Organizations and the School
1700 No Possession of Firearms or Weapons on School Property
Administration
2000 Concept, Rules and Goals in Administration
2000.1 Board Superintendent Relationship
2100 Administrative Staff Organization
2131 Superintendent of Schools
2210 Administrative Leeway in Absence of Board of Education Policy (2)
2220 Representative and Deliberative Groups
2250 Monitoring of Products and Process Goals
2300 Code of Professional Responsibility (2)
2400 Evaluation of Administrative Personnel (1)
Business and Non-Instructional Operations
3000 Concept and Roles in Business and Non Instructional Operations
3100 Budget and Budgeting System
3121 Approval of the Budget and Delivery to Fiscal Authority
3171 Supplemental Appropriations
3231 Medical Reimburs. for SpEd Students
3260 Sale and Disposal of Books, Equpment and Supplies
3280 Gifts, Grants and Bequests
3290 Funds Management Grants and Other Revenue
3293.1 Authorization of Signature
3300 Expenditures and Expending Authority
3313 Relations with Vendors General and Gifts
3321 Requesting Goods and Services (Requisition)
3323 Purchasing Procedures Soliciting Prices (Bids and Quotations)
3324 Ordering Goods and Services Purchase Orders and Contracts
3326 Paying for Goods and Services
3326.1 Payroll Procedures and Authorized Signatures
3326.3 Board of Education Credit Card
3430 Periodic Financial Reports
3435 Accounts -Fraud Prevention and Investigation
3500 Non-Instructional Operations
3510 Operation and Maintenance of Plant
3514 Equipment-Authorized Use of school-Owned Materials
3516.4 Safety – Sex Offender Notification
3517 Security of Buildings and Grounds
3517.1 Security of buildings and grounds, Site and Building Access, Ident. Badges-Employees
3523.1 Tech. Hardware and Infrastruct. Replace. and Upgrades
3523.3 School Facilities -Playground Equipment
3524 Hazardous Materials In Schools
3524.1 Hazardous Material in Schools -Pest Management and Pesticide Application
3541.221 Transportation Anti-Idling Policy
Personnel
4111 Personnel Certified Recruitment and Selection
4111.1 Personnel Certified Affirmative Action Recruitment and Selection
4111.3 CertifiedNon-Certified Minority Recruitment
4112 Personnel Certified Affirmative Action Minority Recruitment
4112.2 Certified – Certification
4112.5 Certified Non-Certified Security Check Fingerprinting
4112.6 Certified Non-Certified Personnel Records
4112.51 Certified Non-Certified Employment Reference Checks
4112.61 Certified Non-Certified HIPAA Privacy Policies
4112.8 Certified NonCertified Nepotism Employment of Relatives
4115 Personnel Certified Evaluation
4115.3 Certified Evaluation Coaches
4117.4 Personnel Certified Dismissal-Suspension
4118.3 Personnel Certified Duties of Personnel
4118.4 Personnel Certified – NonCertified ,Rights, Respnsibilities Duties electronic Mail
4118.5 Certified Non Certified, Rights, Responsibilities, and Duties
4118.11 – 4218.11 Nondiscrimination
4118.13 Personnel Certified NonCertified Conflict of interest
4118.14 Personnel Certified – Non Certified Non discrimination on the basis of disabilities
4118.21 Personnel Certified Academic Freedom
4118.24 Personnel Certified Non Certified Staff-Student Relationships
4118.51 Certified Non Certified Emplpoyee Use of Technology (2)
4118.112 Personnel Certified Sexual Harassment
4118.231 Personnel Certified Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco
4118.232 – 4218.232 Drug and Alcohol-Free Work Place
4118.234 – 5141.231 Psychotropic Drus Use Students
4120 Personnel Certified Temporary and Part-time Personnel
4121 Personnel Certified Substitute Teachers
4122.1 Certified, Internship in School Administration and Supervision
4126 Personnel Certified Consultants
4131 Certified Staff Development
4135 Certified – Organizations-Units
4138 Certified – Non-School Employment
4147.1 Certified Non Certified , Occupational Exposure to Blood borne pathogens
4148 Certified – Employee Protection
4152.6 Certified Family, Medical and Pregnancy -related Leaves
4153 Certified-NonCertified -Vacations and Holidays
4211 Non-Certified Recrutment and Selection
4211.1 Non-Certified Affirmative Action Recruitment and Selection
4212 Non-Certified Affirmative Action Minority Recruitment
4212.42 Drug and alcohol Testing for Bus Drivers
4214 Non-Certified Transfer – Reassignment
4215 Non-Certified Evaluation – Supervision
4217.4 Non-Certified Dismissal and Suspension
4218.3 Non-Certifed – Job Descriptions
4218.112 Non-Certified Sexual Harassment
4218.231 Alcohol, Drugs and Tobbacco
4222 Non Certified, Teacher Aides Paraprofessionals
4233 Non-Certified Travel Reimbursement
4234 Non-Certified Organizations-Units
4237 Non-Certified Non-School Employment
4248 Non-Certified Employee Protection
4253 Non-Certified Vacations and Holidays
Students
5114 Suspension and Expulsion Due Process
5114.2 Participation in Interscholastic Sports Teams
Click to access 5118-non-resident-students.pdf
5118.1 Tution payments during establishment of residence
5121.3 Academic Dishonesty – Plagiarism
5123 Promotion-Acceleration-Retention
5131.6 Alcohol Use, Drugs & Tobacco
5131.8 Off School Grounds Misconduct
5131.21 Threats or Acts of Violence
5131.81 Electronic Devices in School
5131.111 Conduct-Video Surveillance
5131.612 Surrender of Physical Evidence Obtained from Students
5131.911 Bullying-Definition-Gen. Policy-Reporting
5135 Eligi to Part in Inter-Scho athletics at the Mid school
5141.4 Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
5141.5 Suicide Prevention and Intervention
5142.1 Relations with Non-Custodial Parents
5142.2 Safety Student dismissal Precautions
5144.4 Discipline Physical Exercise and Discipline of Students
5145.5 Exploitation and Sexual Harassment
5145.6 Student Grievance Procedures (Title IX)
Instruction
6000 Concept and Roles in Instruction
6114.1 Fire Emergency (drills)
6115 School Ceremonies and Observances
6115.1 Religious Observances and Displays
6121 Nondiscriminiation Instructional Program
6141.32 Technology and Instructon
6141.321 Student Internet Computer Networks
6141.322 Computers Web Sites Pages
6141.323 Internet Acceptable Use Filtering
6141.324 Posting of Student Work Photographs
6141.326 InternetComputer Networks Use
6141.329 One-to-One Device Program
6142 Basic Instructional Program
6142.10 Health Education Program
6142.101 Stdnt Nutrition Phys Activity (School Wellness Policy)
6144.1 Exemption from Instruction
6144.4 Reacting to Political Action- Issues
6145.8 Activity Funds Management
6145.81 Activity Funds Mgmt Student fund raising act. Soliciting and Selling
6156 Use of Computers in Instruction
6159 Individualized Education Program special ed. program
6160 Instructional Resources and Textbooks
6161.1 Evaluation of Instructional Materials and Programs
6161.2 Care of instructional materials-damaged or lost instructional materials
6163 Instructional Resources for Students
6163.1 Selection of School Library Media Resources
6163.3 Live Animals in the Classroom
6164 Individual Services and Diagnostic Counseling
6164.5 Speech, Hearing and Language Services
6164.11 Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol
6171.1 special education Inclusion Policy of Delivery of Sservices to Students with disabilities
6171.2 special ed Preschool Special Education
6172 Title I Parent Involvement
6172.3 Home Schooling Eligibility for School Activities & Offerings
6177 Use of Commercially Produced Video DVDs
6180 Evaluation of the Instructional Program
6200 Adult Continuing Education
Construction of Physical Facilities
7100 New Construction Planning
7115 New Construction Developing Educational Specifications
Bylaws
9000 Role of the Board and Member (Powers, Purposes and duties)
9030 Commitment to Democratic Principles in Relation to Community, Staff and Students
9040 Board Related Respionsibilities
9110 Board of Education Officers
9120 Election of Officers Board of Education Officers
9121 Office of the Chairperson
9122 Office of the Vice-Chairperson
9030 Commitment to Democratic Principles in Relation to Community, Staff and Students
9132 Committees and Advisory Committees
9134 Board Participation in Administrative-Driven Committees
9150 Board Consultants9210 Qualification of Members
9222 Resignation – Removal from Office – Censure
9230 Orientation of Board Members
9240 Board Member Professional Development9250 Remuneration and REimbursement
9272 Code of Conduct on Data Use
9310 Development, Distribution and Maintenance of Manual of Policies, Regulations and Bylaws
9311 Formulation, Adoption, Amendment of Policies
9312 Formulation and Adoption of New, Amended or Revised Bylaws
9313 Administrative Regulations
9314 Suspension of Policies, Bylaws and Regulations
9321 Time, Place and Notification of Hearing Regular Meetings
9321.1 Board of Education Work Sessions
9322 Public and Executive Sessions
9323 Construction of the Agenda
9324 Advance Delivery of Meeting Materials
9325.1 Quorum and Voting Procedures
9325.2 Suggested Order of Business
9325.3 Parliamentary Procedures
9327 Meetings9330 Board – School District Records
9330 Board – School District Records
9360 School Board Legislative Program
9410 Public Announcement of Accomplishments
9420 Recognition of Accomplishments by Citizens, Students, Staff Members or Members of the Board
Some Final Comments on Policy
- Only the Board has the right and responsibility to adopt policy.
- Policy development is never complete. Policy must be reviewed regularly and the Board needs to be open to careful review and change of existing policies.
- The Board should never make policy under pressure.
- The actual act of writing policy is a job for one person. A committee cannot actually write policy.
- When in doubt, talk with an attorney. Your policies may be legally binding.
The development of policy is one of the most important responsibilities of Boards of Education.
Severability
If any chapter, section, subsection or paragraph of this policy manual shall be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid or inoperative in whole or in part by a court of competent jurisdiction, such chapter, section, subsection or paragraph shall, to the extent that it is not unconstitutional, invalid or inoperative, remain in full force and effect and no such determination shall be deemed to invalidate the remaining chapters, sections, subsections or paragraphs or this policy manual.
Statutory Regulation Conflict
In the event that there is any conflict between the Board of Education policy and a mandatory federal or state statute or regulation, such mandatory statute or regulation shall control.
Scotland Elementary School 