Draft 2018-2019 Southern Boone School District Calendar

 

Approved 2017 2018 Southern Boone District Calendar-109jlbh

The Tuesday, February 6, meeting is canceled due to bad weather! 

There will be a public open meeting to discuss the calendar on February 8, 2018 at 5:30 pm in the Middle School Annex.

Draft School Calendar 2018 2019-1sc869a

There are many considerations that occur when composing the district’s calendar.  The first and foremost is maintaining a focus on how we, as educators, insure “Excellence in Learning for All”. We also work to balance family needs and child care as well as community considerations. Of course, also in the mix of things, are requirements set by local, state and federal government.   When composing the calendar my goal is to ask parents, employees, and the community questions and to do a lot of listening. I cannot satisfy everyone; however, I can provide an opportunity for everyone to be heard. My end goal is to build a calendar that is fair and honors the traditions of our great school district and community.

The calendar is not set in stone. Up until the board approves the calendar, it can be changed due to public opinion and the needs of the district. Furthermore, the calendar can be amended at any time the majority of the board feels it is necessary.  In summary, your opinion matters.

I built into the calendar two half days at the end of each semester to allow the high school to offer finals. The feedback from high school students, parents and teachers is that this has been highly beneficial. I am not in a position to offer transportation for the through out the day. I am limited with drivers and therefore it has to be all or none in respect to when the students can be taken home; I cannot take part of the students home in the afternoon and then again at 3:00 pm.  The high school teachers have increased the rigor of their tests with several teachers requiring students to perform taught skills as a part of their final. Parents and students have commented on the positive benefit of taking eight finals over two days as opposed to taking eight finals on one day. Lastly, our seniors have reported back to us that finals administered over two days helped prepare them for college.

I realize the burden that the half days create for parents who do not have high school students. However, I have seen the benefit in student achievement and believe this is in the best interest of our kids for the long term.

Up to 6 snow make up days have been built into the calendar. It is my intent to count these as days of attendance and not take off a day of instructional time as the district has done in the past with the first week of Spring Break. If we have over 6 snow days, the members of the board will amend the calendar as needed.

There are several points of interest with this year’s calendar I wish to note.

  • I would say easily 80% of the community feedback I received was highly positive with starting school the day after Labor Day. Twenty percent of the community experienced some type of hardship as a result of the late start of school. The proposed 2018-2019 calendar represents the best compromise I can offer between the traditional start date and the late start. The proposed start date honors families, students and teachers who have affiliations and obligations with the State Fair.
  • The district will continue to release early in the day on Wednesday’s at 2:30 for teacher collaboration.
  • Thanksgiving Break is from November 21 through November 25.
  • Winter Break is from December 21 through January 6 for students.
  • We will observe Martin Luther King Jr. and President’s Day on January 21 and February 18.
  • We will have a week of Spring Break, the same as Missouri University, from March 23 through March 31.
  • April is the month of State assessments in Elementary through High School. There are no breaks scheduled to insure we have time to get everyone’s required testing completed.
  • Senior Graduation is proposed to occur May 19.
  • Project Graduation will be on May 20, with no school for students.
  • The last day with students is proposed as May 23
  • The last day for teachers is proposed as May 23
  • This calendar proposes 166 days of school for students. The calendar surpasses DESE/State requirements.
  • If the District is closed for more than 6 days,due to inclement weather, the Board of Education will amend the calendar for additional instructional days.

Please reply to this posting. Your comments will not be publicly posted. What do you not like about this calendar?  Is there anything else that I should consider when building the calendar?

As a result of input from the community, typically, the calendar will be amended over the next several weeks with revisions. Please check back often.

Draft School Calendar 2018 2019-1sc869a

Approved 2017 2018 Southern Boone District Calendar-109jlbh

There will be a public open meeting to discuss the calendar on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 5:30 pm in the Middle School Annex. I intend to have the calendar approved during the February 20, 2018, regular monthly board meeting at 6:30 in the Middle School Annex.

Thank you for your time and feedback.

Respectfully,

Chris Felmlee

Wellness Policy and Procedure, May 2017

Community Stakeholders,

The district’s Wellness Plan is heavily regulated by state and federal guidelines. However, there are a few areas where we have local control.

By law the district must:

  1. Have goals that promote student wellness for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity and other school-based activities.
  2. Adopt and follow nutrition guidelines.
  3. Allow parents/guardians, students, school health professionals, physical education teachers, school food service representatives, Board members, school administrators and members of the public to participate in the development, implementation and periodic review and revision of the policy.
  4. Inform and update the public about the content and implementation of the policy.
  5. Designate one or more district officials to ensure that each school in the district is in compliance with the policy.
  6. Periodically measure and make available to the public an assessment of the policy that includes:
    • The extent to which each school is compliant.
    • The extent to which the district’s policy compares to model policies.
    • A description of the progress made in meeting the goals.
  7. Provide physical activity in accordance with state law.

The school district works closely with the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) to craft the district’s policy and procedures and insure they are within state and federal law, statute and regulation.  MSBA has reviewed this policy and procedure and it complies with federal regulation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the federal agency that oversees the federal school nutrition programs, recently passed new regulations implementing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. These new regulations became effective on August 29, 2016. According to the regulations, school districts should be working toward compliance now and must fully comply with the new regulations by June 30, 2017. By the 2017–18 school year, school districts must complete the required triennial (at least once every three years) assessment.

One of the major changes required by the new rules is that school districts must have “standards for all foods and beverages provided, but not sold, to students during the school day.…” Previously, the district only had to adhere to standards for foods sold to students on district property during the school day. Foods provided, but not sold, to students include foods used in celebrations or classroom parties and food used as a reward.

The regulations require the district to adopt standards, but it is up to the district to decide which standards to use. The team that created this procedure in conjunction with MSBA chose to use the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, but the district may adopt its own standards. This said, the district’s wellness committee chose to create our own standards based upon the district’s current practice to regulate donated foods for celebrations or classroom parties.  The standards we composed are as follows:

  • No homemade foods (This has been in place for several years already.)
  • All foods, with the exception of fruits and vegetables, must come to school in their original container and include an ingredient label (This is a change in current practice. You now can bring 12 count cupcakes, for example, in original store container without each being individually wrapped.)
  • Foods must be served with gloved hands by an adult
  • Soda and energy drinks will not be allowed during the school day for any student in any building.

Public participation and transparency is important to me. Please review the policy and procedure below and reply with comments. I will not reveal the names of people who ask questions or reply to this post. I will update this post with the questions asked of me with my reply and revisions. Please check this page often as it will be updated daily.

I will hold an open public meeting in the Middle School Annex on June 8, 2017 starting at 5:30. It is my intent to revise the wellness policy and procedures with the input of the public to the extent that the district remains compliant with state and federal regulation.   This policy and procedure will be on the Board agenda and voted on June 22, 2017, during the open meeting starting at 6:30 in the Middle School Annex. Please feel free to call me at (573) 657-2147 if you have questions.

Thank you for your time and support of our educational programs!

Respectfully,

Christopher Felmlee

Superintendent of Schools

Southern Boone School District

District Wellness Program Procedure May 2017 2.0-10c81sh Proposed Procedure

DISTRICT WELLNESS PROGRAM-revision 5 9 2017-1ojab3w Proposed Policy

Changes to Note and Topic for Clarification:

  • The Wellness Committee developed standards that are less restrictive with donated food items for celebrations and classroom parties.
  • All foods sold and provided by the school district must comply with the Smart Snack Standards.
  • The Wellness Committee will publicly post meetings and keep minutes; overall greater transparency and open public involvement.
  • Instructional activities with foods are not regulated with the Smart Snack Standards.
  • I understand frustration with the regulation. It is not the school’s intent to erode parent rights. As a district, we are handed the sample policy from MSBA and did our best to make the policy our own to fit our current practices without disrupting and overburdening the families we serve.
  • “In addition, the Smart Snack standards apply to all foods and beverages provided by the district to students outside the reimbursable school meal program during the school day.” This means all foods provided by the school district (everything that is not donated for classroom parties/celebrations) will meet the Smart Snack Standards; not only the meals we sell in the lunch and breakfast line but also lunch with the Principal and treats in our school stores and so on.
  • “For the purposes of this policy, the school day is the time period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the official school day.” This is set by the feds and state. This is their interpretation of the school day hours. This is the time frame that the district is obligated to insure that all district provided foods meet the Smart Snack Standards. Foods served after 3:30ish until 11:59pm do not have to comply with the Smart Snack standards….
  • A comment was made in regard to the covert manner in which this policy and procedure was crafted.  This web page and public meeting on June 8, is the most transparent way for me to solicit public comment and input. Please let me know if you wish to be a member of the committee and I will add you to the membership. Once this policy is approved we will post our future meeting dates and minutes on the district’s webpage.
  • Do these policies also include food brought by the student for lunch?  Or food brought by a parent for the student’s lunch? No and yes, the policy does not apply per say to what parents pack in their child’s lunch. However, realize we do not allow certain items such as soda, glass bottles and caffeinated drinks. In general, the Smart Snack Standards will not apply to what parents send to school with their child in their lunch box and the district has NO desire to police this!
  • Can you clarify how fruits and vegetables can be packaged? Do they need to be in the original container, or can they be cut at home and brought in a different container? This was discussed by the committee. My understanding is that parents can bring these items in a container cut and ready to be served.

2017-2018 Southern Boone School District Calendar

2017-2018 Southern Boone School District Calendar

There are many considerations that occur when composing the district’s calendar.  The first and foremost is maintaining a focus on how we, as educators, insure “Excellence in Learning for All”. We also work to balance family needs and child care as well as community considerations. Of course, also in the mix of things, are requirements set by local, state and federal government.   When composing the calendar my goal is to ask parents, employees, and the community questions and to do a lot of listening. I cannot satisfy everyone; however, I can provide an opportunity for everyone to be heard. My end goal is to build a calendar that is fair and honors the traditions of our great school district and community.

The calendar is not set in stone. Up until the board approves the calendar, it can be changed due to public opinion and the needs of the district. Furthermore, the calendar can be amended at any time the majority of the board feels it is necessary.  In summary, your opinion matters.

I built into the calendar two half days at the end of each semester to allow the high school to offer finals. The feedback from high school students, parents and teachers is that this has been highly beneficial. The high school teachers have increased the rigor of their tests with several teachers requiring students to perform taught skills as a part of their final. Parents and students have commented on the positive benefit of taking eight finals over two days as opposed to taking eight finals on one day. Lastly, our seniors have reported back to us that finals administered over two days helped prepare them for college.

I realize the burden that the half days create for parents who do not have high school students. However, I have seen the benefit in student achievement and believe this is in the best interest of our kids for the long term.

Up to 6 snow make up days have been built into the calendar. It is my intent to count these as days of attendance and not take off a day of instructional time as the district has done in the past with the first week of Spring Break. If we have over 6 snow days, the members of the board will amend the calendar as needed.

There are several points of interest with this year’s calendar I wish to note.

  • My priority for the school is to allow for the completion of the new classrooms and start the year utilizing our 8 new classrooms and full sized gym in the Primary, 5 classrooms in the Elementary and the new High School weight room. Due to the construction and timeframe constraints I am proposing that the school start date for students will be September 5.
  • The district will continue to release early in the day on Wednesday’s at 2:30 for teacher collaboration.
  • Thanksgiving Break is from November 22 through November 26.
  • Winter Break is from December 22 through January 2 for students.
  • We will observe Martin Luther King Jr. and President’s Day on January 15 and February 19.
  • We will have a week of Spring Break, the same as Missouri University, from March 26 through April 1.
  • Senior Graduation is proposed to occur May 13.
  • Project Graduation will be on May 14, with no school for students.
  • The last day with students is proposed as May 23
  • The last day for teachers is proposed as May 24
  • This calendar proposes 165 days of school for students as opposed to this year’s 172 days. I truly do not want to reduce our instructional time any more than I have too.  Having said this, In spite of attending fewer days in the school year, at 165, we continue to surpass DESE/State requirements.
  • If the District is closed for more than 6 days, due to inclement weather, the Board of Education will amend the calendar for additional instructional days.

Please reply to this posting. Your comments will not be publicly posted. What do you not like about this calendar?  Is there anything else that I should consider when building the calendar?

The calendar will be amended over the next several weeks with revisions. Please check back often.

Thank you for your time and feedback.

Respectfully,

Chris Felmlee

Approved 2017 2018 Southern Boone District Calendar

Bond Issue: April 5, 2016

(This page will be updated often)

On April 5, 2016, the members of the school board and administration will ask voters to support a $7.5 million bond issue. Construction of classrooms is necessary due to the continued growth of the Southern Boone County School District.

Residential construction in Ashland and Hartsburg has increased the number of students attending the school district. On average, the annual growth in student enrollment has been approximately 2.39% (this is a very conservative rate of growth, the district has experienced 9.2% growth comparing enrollment from 2011 to 2016). This year 50 new students have enrolled for a total of 1,598 students.

Student Enrollment

Past, Present and Projected Enrollment
2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Primary 327 347 343 375 377 386 395 404 413 423
Elementary 324 339 352 341 374 382 391 400 409 419
Middle School 348 344 350 364 360 368 376 385 394 403
High School 451 477 466 468 487 498 510 522 534 548
Total 1450 1507 1511 1548 1598 1634 1672 1711 1750 1793
Assuming approximately 2.39% growth within each building. This is a very conservative growth rate.

The property directly behind the Primary and Elementary, on Liberty Lane, is currently under development with 124 new homes. Additional property near these schools have also been platted for residential construction. Successful passage of the bond issue will allow for additional instructional space for students kindergarten through fifth grade and ninth grade through twelfth grade.

The bond issue will cost tax payers 15 cents per $100.00 of taxed assessed value of real estate and personal property. Below is a breakdown of the cost of the 7.5 million dollar bond issue:

  • A family with $150,000.00 of combined personal and real estate property will pay an additional $42.75.
  • A family with $175,000.00 of combined personal and real estate property will pay an additional $49.88
  • A family with $200,000.00 of combined personal and real estate property will pay an additional $57.00
  • A family with $250,000.00 of combined personal and real estate property will pay an additional $71.25

Important Voting Dates to Remember:

  • March 9, 2016 is the last day to register to vote and be able to vote during the April 5, 2016 election
  • April 2, 2016 is the last day to request an absentee ballot
  • April 4, 2016 is the last day to vote with an absentee ballot
  • April 5, 2016 is the election day

Presentation Dates:

  • March 1, 2016 at the Ashland Board of Aldermen meeting  7:00pm
  • March 6, 2016 at the PTA Meeting at 6:30 in High School Library
  • March 9, 2016 at the Hartsburg Town Council Meeting at 7:00pm
  • March 16, 2016 at the Ashland Senior Center for a noon presentation
  • March 22, 2016 at the Ashland Public Library from 6:00 to 7:00pm
  • March 26, 2016 at the Ashland Optimist Club at 7:15am
  • March 28, 2016 at the Hartsburg Grand from 6:00 to 6:30
  • April 4, 2016 at the Middle School Annex from 6:30 to 7:30

Scope of Construction

Promotional Slide Show: Southern Boone County R-1 2-26

Tri-Fold Handout: Bond Issue Handout

Primary School

The Primary school is at full capacity with classroom student to teacher ratios increasing annually. The average classroom size is 21 students per teacher, kindergarten through second grade. The bond issue will allow for eight new classrooms and a full sized gymnasium with a stage.  The Primary building shares a small gym with the cafeteria and it has become increasingly difficult for the district to meet physical education requirements set by the state.  Time necessary to serve daily meals reduces the amount of physical education instruction offered to each grade level.  The addition of the stage will allow the Primary to host student events at the south campus for both the Elementary and Primary classes. Elementary and Primary student programs must be hosted at the middle school or high school. The new gym will have a wood floor and will be used for extra curricular activities when not being utilized for daily instruction. The Primary and Elementary schools’ multipurpose rooms are not large enough to facilitate grade level programs. The demand by the community for gym utilization continues to grow every year. The additional gym space will be utilized by the community when not in use by the school.

The eight new classrooms will allow the district to expand from 6 sections per grade level to 7 sections per grade level as needed, a classroom for students with special needs, and allow the preschool program and Parents as Teachers to relocate to the Primary School.

The projected completion is fall of 2017.

  • Construction Plans and Floor Layout for the New Primary Classrooms and Gym
  • Primary

Elementary School

The $7.5 million dollar bond issue will allow for four additional classrooms.

Four new classrooms will allow each grade level the potential to expand from 6 sections per grade level to 7 sections per grade level, as growth in enrollment allows, and an additional classroom for students with special needs.  Current elementary teacher to student ratios are 1 to 22 on average with 1 to 23 being the largest class. The projected completion is summer of 2017.

  • Construction Plans and Floor Layout for the New Elementary Classrooms (the floor plans show two bathroom facilities, these will not be included in the construction)
  • Elementary Plans

High School

Weight lifting is one of the high schools most popular classes and is taught six periods a day. The Athletic Booster Club constructed a new weight room for the school over the summer of 2014. The booster club designed the current weight room to be converted to locker rooms for our football, soccer (boy and girls) and track and field programs. Plumbing for the future locker rooms was included when the slab was poured.  Relocating the weight room to the high school will keep students indoors and help maintain a safe learning environment. The new addition will allow construction of locker rooms in the future.

Past Bond Issues

2008 Bond Issue Information (completed)

2006 Bond Issue Information (completed)

2016-2017 District Calendar

The members of the board of education approved the 2016-2017 Calendar on February 15, 2016. Please see the approved calendar at this link: 2016_2017 BOE Approved Calendar

Southern Boone Community,

Please see the proposed DRAFT 2016-2017 Calendar at the bottom of this post.

There are many considerations that occur when composing the district’s calendar.  The first and foremost is maintaining a focus on how we, as educators, insure “Excellence in Learning for All”. We also work to balance family needs and child care as well as community considerations. Of course, also in the mix of things, are requirements set by local, state and federal government.   When composing the calendar my goal is to ask parents, employees, and the community questions and to do a lot of listening. I cannot satisfy everyone; however, I can provide an opportunity for everyone to be heard. My end goal is to build a calendar that is fair and honors the traditions of our great school district and community.

The Process

The calendar is not set in stone. Up until the board approves the calendar, it can be changed due to public opinion and the needs of the district. Furthermore, the calendar can be amended at any time the majority of the board feels it is necessary.  In summary, your opinion matters.

Snow Makeup Days

The Department of Education requires us to build in 6 snow days into the calendar. Over the past 10 years, Southern Boone averages using 5.5 snow days a year. This year, so far, we have used one day as a snow day. Needless to say, so far, this winter has not been typical!

When planning snow days in the calendar we have to keep several things in mind. First, days of lost instruction are better made up before mandatory state assessment (MAP, EOC, and ACT assessments), which is during the month of April and May, as opposed to adding days at the end of school in May. Typically, make up days in May cause difficulty for everyone; especially if school has to be made up after Memorial Day. Having to change the last day of school, with short notice, causes difficulties on families who have made travel arrangements in May. It also effects when the district can offer summer school. It is ideal to provide summer school during the month of June. In summary, it is better for student learning to make up snow days before state required assessments and it is a burden to many when makeup days change the last day of school.

Half Days

I built into the calendar two half days at the end of each semester to allow the high school to offer finals. The feedback from high school students, parents and teachers is that this has been highly beneficial. The high school teachers have increased the rigor of their tests with several teachers requiring students to perform taught skills as a part of their final. Parents and students have commented on the positive benefit of taking eight finals over two days as opposed to taking eight finals on one day. Lastly, our seniors have reported back to us that finals administered over two days helped prepare them for college.

I realize the burden that the half days create for parents who do not have high school students. However, I have seen the benefit in student achievement and believe this is in the best interest of our kids for the long term.

Spring Break

It has been tradition that the district provides spring break at the same time as the University of Missouri. The first week of spring break is for snow makeup days. It is possible that we may have an extended spring break because we did not need to utilize all of our snow days.

Feedback

Please reply to this posting. Your comments will not be publicly posted.  What do you not like about this calendar?  Is there anything else that I should consider when building the calendar?

The calendar will be amended over the next several weeks with revisions. Please check back often.

Thank you for your time and feedback.

Respectfully,

Chris Felmlee

Calendar-2016-17 BOE Meeting Feb 15 2016

 

Comprehensive School Improvement Plan

The Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) is a tool used by administration and members of the board to plan school improvement. The community is encouraged to review the CSIP and provide comment. Please take a moment to review the document in the hyperlink below. I will update the attached CSIP document as revisions are submitted to me. As the CSIP is revised, I will change the revision date.

On Wednesday, December 2, from 3:45 to 6:00 in the Middle School Annex (303 North Main, next to the Public Library), I will meet with interested staff and teacher to review the CSIP and from 5:00 to 6:00 I will meet with parents and stakeholders to discuss potential changes and answer questions. It is my intent to have the members of the board review the CSIP and approve it at the January 18, 2016, board meeting.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this document please call me at (573) 657-2147 or comment in the area below. I will respond to your question or concern as soon as possible.

Thank you for your time!

Respectfully,

Chris Felmlee

Superintendent of Schools

Southern Boone County R-I School District

Revised CSIP Dec 14 2015

Welcome Back to School: Required Training

Building a Community of Learners

Slide Shows:Please view the following: 

Funds Management Training

Special Services Power Point

Staff Welcome Back Letter

Happy New Year and Welcome Back,

I hope that your summer was relaxing, filled with adventures and good health!  The opportunity to recharge over the summer is a necessary component to the important work you do.  It seems like it was just yesterday when we were gathered for the end of the 2014-15 school year and celebrating the various promotion and transition activities with our students and parents. Yet here we are, just a few weeks away from the opening of another new school year. I know we are about to begin year filled with hope, vision, and excitement.  As we begin, I wish everyone the greatest success as we welcome our students and their families to their educational journey of 2015-2016.

I want to recognize all employees for the enthusiasm and caring spirit that is brought to the District, day-after-day, year-after-year. You bring eagerness to one another and excitement to our learners; whether they are in the lunchroom, the hallways, or in the classroom. I truly believe that the energy our students have for learning comes from the inspiring work being done by each of you; on the front lines as well as behind the scenes and throughout the District. The enthusiasm, conversations, and activities stemming from the diverse learning communities exemplify the excellence of this District and our community.

I do not need to remind you of how important your job is for our students and their families.  Your students need your wisdom and your personal care.  My hope is that both you and our students will think of our schools as places where we are Building a Community of Learners to come together to do great things. I hope that you attempt new ideas this year and that you challenge your students with thought provoking and interesting questions.  In turn, the administrative team will continue to provide the infrastructure and human capacity to support your ability to make great things happen.

Over the next few weeks, try to find time to rest, relax, play, enjoy family and increase our appreciation for the wonderful country and state in which we live. As we watch and read the news reports every day, it is easy to see why so many seem to possess such a negative perspective about the future. The opportunity to work in our school district should enable us to cultivate a more positive outlook. To be around young people who possess yet unrealized potential should uplift us all. Each child comes to us with differing abilities, circumstances and aspirations. The work we do relative to molding and shaping the lives of children toward the accomplishment of goals never dreamed could be possible, makes an incredible difference!

It has been, and continues to be, an honor and a pleasure to serve the community and school district as superintendent. Never hesitate to stop by my office, email, or call if you have questions or concerns. God Bless!

Respectfully,

Christopher Felmlee

Back to School In-Service Dates to Remember

Wednesday, August 5, 2015: 8:00 to 3:00: Mentor and Mentee Training Bus Tour of District and Lunch

Thursday, August 6, 2015:     8:00 to 3:00: Mentee Training and Lunch with Principal

Friday, August 7, 2015:          Middle School and High School Staff: 8:00 to 3:30: Mental Health First Aide Training

Elementary and Primary: Employee Staff Pictures from 8:00 to 10:00 and Building Level Meetings

Monday, August 10, 2015:     8:00 to 3:00: Building Level Meetings in the morning

Work in rooms in the afternoon

Lunch: 12:00: Elementary: Sponsored by The Southern Boone Chamber of Commerce

Open House:   4:30 to 6:00: Primary and Elementary

5:30 to 7:00: Middle and High School

Tuesday, August 11, 2015:     8:00 to 10:00: Breakfast provided and staff pictures

10:00 to 12:00: District wide training at the Middle School (all employees: Certified and                                                                                                      Noncertified)

MSTA and NEA representatives please prepare a five minute presentation of services and benefits

12:00 to 1:00: Lunch at the Middle School, sponsored by Central Bank of Boone County

1:00 to 3:00: Building Level Meetings

1:00: Bus Driver Meetings at the Transportation Facility

1:30: Special Education Staff Meeting in the Middle School Annex

1:30: Coaches Meeting in the High School Library

September 25, 2015: PD Day: 8:00 to 3:00: Full day ALICE training and refresher course for all staff who have not received                                               training this school year

 

Required Training

Employees, please log into to your Talent Ed account and sign off the required training. The link can be found at: https://southernboone.tedk12.com/sso/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Fsso%2F%3Fpid%3D9%26productUrl%3D .

Health Information

Universal Precautions and Communicable Diseases

Policy GBE: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBE&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

The district will respond to employee requests for reasonable accommodations when an employee has a disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All employees will receive annual training on universal precautions and the district’s communicable disease policy.

Please ask your building administrator, secretary, or custodian for disposable gloves for classroom use.

Training video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziY7zS9Plng

Student Allergy Prevention and Response

Policy JHCF: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JHCF&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

An individualized health plan (IHP), including an emergency action plan (EAP), may be developed for students with allergies that do not rise to the level of a disability. All staff members are required to follow any Section 504 plan or IHP/EAP developed for a student by the district. Staff members who do not follow an existing Section 504 plan or IHP/EAP will be disciplined, and such discipline may include termination.

Special Education Information

SE and 504- Background, Process, and Responsibility

Policy IGBA:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=IGBA-1&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=I&Z=P

It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities, including those who are in need of special education and related services.

Confidentiality

Policy JO: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JO&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

Student health information shall be protected from unauthorized, illegal or inappropriate disclosure by adherence to the principles of confidentiality and privacy. The information shall be protected regardless of whether the information is received orally, in writing or electronically and regardless of the type of record or method of storage.

All parents may inspect and review their student’s education records, seek amendments, consent to disclosures and file complaints regarding the records as allowed by law. These rights transfer from the parent to the student once the student becomes an eligible student; however, under the Missouri Sunshine Law, parents maintain some rights to inspect student records even after a student turns 18. The district will extend the same access to records to either parent, regardless of divorce, custody or visitation rights, unless the district is provided with evidence that the parent’s rights to inspect records have been legally modified.

Seclusion, Isolation, and Restraint

Policy JGGA: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JGGA&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

Isolation shall never be used as a form of punishment or for the convenience of district personnel.

A student in isolation must be monitored by district personnel who are in close proximity and able to see and hear the student at all times. Monitoring shall be face to face unless personal safety is significantly compromised, in which case technology-supported monitoring may be utilized. The total time in isolation is to be reasonably calculated based on the age of the student and the circumstances and is not to exceed 40 minutes without a reassessment of the situation and consultation with parents/guardians or administrative staff, unless otherwise specified in an IEP, Section 504 plan or other parentally agreed-upon plan to address a student’s behavior.

District personnel who use physical restraint shall only use restraint methods in which they have received district-approved training. Physical restraints should never be used as a form of punishment or for the convenience of district personnel.

School Safety and Student Discipline

Policy JG: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JG&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

The comprehensive written code of conduct of the district is composed of this policy and includes, but is not limited to, the following policies, procedures and regulations: JG-R, JGA, JGB, JGD, JGE and JGF.

The Board authorizes the immediate removal of a student upon a finding by a principal or superintendent that the student poses a threat of harm to self or others, as evidenced by the prior conduct of such student.

Building principals are responsible for the development of additional regulations and procedures regarding student conduct needed to maintain proper behavior in schools under their supervision. Teachers have the authority and responsibility to make and enforce necessary rules for internal governance in the classroom, subject to review by the building principal. The Board expects each teacher to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom. All district staff are required to enforce district policies, regulations and procedures in a manner that is fair and developmentally appropriate and that considers the student and the individual circumstances involved.

Policy JG-R:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JG-R1&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=A

It is the policy of the Southern Boone County R-I School District to report all crimes occurring on district property to law enforcement including, but not limited to, the crimes the district is required to report in accordance with law. A list of crimes the district is required to report is included in policy JGF.

The principal shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and superintendent if a student is discovered to possess a controlled substance or weapon in violation of the district’s policy.

In addition, the superintendent shall notify the appropriate division of the juvenile or family court upon suspension for more than ten days or expulsion of any student who the district is aware is under the jurisdiction of the court.

All students who are suspended or expelled, regardless of the reason, are prohibited from participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity, or being on or near district property or the location of any district activity for any reason, unless permission is granted by the superintendent or designee. In addition, the district may prohibit students from participating in activities or restrict a student’s access to district property as a disciplinary consequence even if a student is not suspended or expelled from school, if appropriate.

Students who are suspended from school will not be allowed to earn full credit for course work completed during the term of the suspension. The district will provide appropriate due process in accordance with law prior to finalizing the student’s grade for a course.

Students in PreK through eighth grade – Are prohibited from using personal electronic devices during the school day, including class change time, mealtimes or instructional class time, unless the use is part of the instructional program, required by a district-sponsored class or activity, or otherwise permitted by the building principal.

Students in ninth through twelfth grade – May use personal electronic devices before and after school, during class change time and during mealtimes, but are prohibited from using them during instructional class time, unless the use is part of the instructional program, required by a district-sponsored class or activity, or otherwise permitted by the building principal.

SB 54 – Amy Hestir Student Protection Act

Policy GBH: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBH&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

Staff members are expected to maintain courteous and professional relationships with students. All staff members have a responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning through consistently and fairly applied discipline and the maintenance of physical and emotional boundaries with students. These boundaries must be maintained regardless of the student’s age, the location of the activity, whether the student allegedly consents to the relationship or whether the staff member directly supervises the student. Maintaining these boundaries is an essential requirement for employment in the district.

Although this policy applies to the relationships between staff members and district students, staff members who inappropriately interact with any child may be disciplined or terminated when the district determines such action is necessary to protect students.

The goal of this policy is to protect students from harm and staff members from allegations of misconduct by requiring staff members to maintain professional boundaries with students. The district does not intend to interfere with or impede appropriate interactions between staff members and students.

As with other forms of communication, staff members must maintain professional boundaries with students while using electronic communication regardless of whether the communication methods are provided by the district or the staff member uses his or her own personal electronic communication devices, accounts, webpages or other forms of electronic communication.

Staff communications must be professional, and student communications must be appropriate. Staff members may only communicate with students electronically for educational purposes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

The district will provide notification to the parents/guardians of students participating in classes or activities for which personal electronic communications have been approved. Staff members may be required to send the communications simultaneously to the supervisor if directed to do so. Staff members are required to provide their supervisors with all education-related communications with district students upon request.

Employees who obtain pictures or other information about identifiable students through their connections with the district are prohibited from posting such pictures or information on personal websites or personal social networking websites without permission from a supervisor.

The district discourages staff members from communicating with students electronically for reasons other than educational purposes.

This policy does not limit staff members from communicating with their children, stepchildren or other persons living within the staff member’s home who happen to be students of the district.

Staff members who violate this policy will be disciplined, up to and including termination of employment. Depending on the circumstances, the district may report staff members to law enforcement and the Children’s Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services for further investigation, and the district may seek revocation of a staff member’s license(s) with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Any person, including a student, who has concerns about or is uncomfortable with a relationship or activities between a staff member and a student should bring this concern immediately to the attention of the principal, counselor or staff member’s supervisor. If illegal discrimination or harassment is suspected, the process in policy AC will be followed.

Any staff member who possesses knowledge or evidence of possible violations of this policy must immediately make a report to the district’s administration. All staff members who know or have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse shall immediately report the suspected abuse in accordance with Board policy. Staff members must also immediately report a violation or perceived violation of the district’s discrimination and harassment policy (AC) to the district’s nondiscrimination compliance officer. Staff members may be disciplined for failing to make such reports.

The district will not discipline, terminate or otherwise discriminate or retaliate against a staff member for reporting in good faith any action that may be a violation of this policy.

Reporting and Investigating Child Abuse/ Neglect

Policy JHG

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JHG&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

The Southern Boone County R-I School District and its employees will take action to protect students and other children from harm including, but not limited to, abuse and neglect, and will respond immediately when discovering evidence of harm to a child. Employees must cooperate fully with investigations of child abuse and neglect. The district prohibits discrimination, negative job action or retaliation against any district employee who, in good faith, reports alleged child abuse or neglect, including alleged misconduct by another district employee.

Employees failing to follow the directives of this policy or state or federal law will be subject to discipline including, but not limited to, termination, and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

The Board of Education requires its staff members to comply with the state child abuse and neglect laws and the mandatory reporting of suspected neglect and/or abuse. Any school official or employee acting in his or her official capacity who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or who observes the child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, shall directly and immediately make a report to the Children’s Division, CD, including any report of excessive absences that may indicate educational neglect. Employees who make such reports to the CD must notify the school principal or designee that a report has been made. The principal or designee will notify the superintendent or designee and the district liaison(s) about the report.

The superintendent or designee shall implement annual training necessary to assist staff members in identifying possible instances of child abuse and neglect, including annual updates regarding any changes in the law. Such training shall:

  1. Provide current and reliable information on identifying signs of sexual abuse in children and danger signals of potentially abusive relationships between children and adults.
  2. Emphasize how to establish an atmosphere of trust so that students feel that their school has concerned adults with whom they feel comfortable discussing matters related to abuse.
  3. Emphasize that all mandatory reporters shall, upon finding reasonable cause, directly and immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect. These reports must be made even if the person suspected of abusing the child is another mandated reporter, such as another school employee.
  4. Emphasize that no supervisor or administrator may impede or inhibit any reporting under state law.
  5. Emphasize that no person making a report in accordance with law shall be subject to any sanction, including any adverse employment action, for making such a report.

In accordance with law, any person who in good faith reports child abuse or neglect; cooperates with the CD or any law enforcement agency, juvenile office, court, or child-protective service agency of this or any other state in reporting or investigating child abuse or neglect; or participates in any judicial proceeding resulting from the report will be immune from civil or criminal liability.

Any person who is not an employee of the district and who in good faith reports to a district employee a case of alleged child abuse by any district employee will be immune from civil or criminal liability for making such a report or for participating in any judicial proceedings resulting from the report.

Technology

Policy EHB:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=EHB&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=E&Z=P

The district’s technology resources may be used by authorized students, employees, School Board members and other persons approved by the superintendent or designee, such as consultants, legal counsel and independent contractors. All users must agree to follow the district’s policies and procedures and sign or electronically consent to the district’s User Agreement prior to accessing or using district technology resources, unless excused by the superintendent or designee.

Use of the district’s technology resources is a privilege, not a right. No potential user will be given an ID, password or other access to district technology if he or she is considered a security risk by the superintendent or designee.

A user does not have a legal expectation of privacy in the user’s electronic communications or other activities involving the district’s technology resources including, but not limited to, voice mail, telecommunications, e-mail and access to the Internet or network drives. By using the district’s network and technology resources, all users are consenting to having their electronic communications and all other use monitored by the district.

Electronic communications, downloaded material and all data stored on the district’s technology resources, including files deleted from a user’s account, may be intercepted, accessed, monitored or searched by district administrators or their designees at any time in the regular course of business.

Users are required to return district technology resources to the district upon demand including, but not limited to, mobile phones, laptops and tablets.

The district’s technology resources are not a public forum for expression of any kind and are to be considered a closed forum to the extent allowed by law. The district’s webpage will provide information about the school district, but will not be used as an open forum.

Any violation of district policies or procedures regarding technology usage may result in temporary, long-term or permanent suspension of user privileges.

Employees may be disciplined or terminated, and students suspended or expelled, for violating the district’s technology policies and procedures. The district will cooperate with law enforcement in investigating any unlawful use of the district’s technology resources. All damages incurred by the district due to a user’s intentional or negligent misuse of the district’s technology resources, including loss of property and staff time, will be charged to the user. The district makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the services, products or access it provides. The district’s technology resources are available on an “as is, as available” basis.

Civil Rights

http://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/food/documents/CivilRightsPresentationJune2014.pdf   Additional Policy: AC

Investigation of Harassment, discrimination and Retaliation Complaints

Policy AC: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=AC&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.11&C=A&Z=P

The Southern Boone County R-I School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from discrimination and harassment in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

All employees, students and visitors must immediately report to the district for investigation any incident or behavior that could constitute discrimination, harassment or retaliation in accordance with this policy. If discrimination, harassment or retaliation that occurs off district property and that is unrelated to the district’s activities negatively impacts the school environment, the district will investigate and address the behavior in accordance with this policy, as allowed by law.

If the district determines that discrimination, harassment or retaliation have occurred, the district will take prompt, effective and appropriate action to address the behavior, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.

Employees who violate this policy will be disciplined, up to and including employment termination. Students who violate this policy will be disciplined, which may include suspension or expulsion. Patrons, contractors, visitors or others who violate this policy may be prohibited from school grounds or otherwise restricted while on school grounds. The superintendent or designee will contact law enforcement or seek a court order to enforce this policy when necessary or when actions may constitute criminal behavior.

In accordance with law and district policy, any person suspected of abusing or neglecting a child will be reported to the Children’s Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services.

The compliance officer is the Assistant Superintendent. In the event the compliance officer is unavailable or is the subject of a report that would otherwise be made to the compliance officer, reports should instead be directed to the acting compliance officer, the Superintendent.

Drug Free Work Place

Policy GBEBA:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBEBA&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

The Board of Education shall not tolerate the manufacture, use, possession, sale, distribution or being under the influence of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages or unauthorized prescription medications by district employees on any district property; on any district-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or district activities; off district property at any district-sponsored or district-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the supervision of the school district; or during any period of time such employee is supervising students on behalf of the school district or is otherwise engaged in school district business.

Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension, termination and referral for prosecution. Employees may be required to satisfactorily participate in rehabilitation programs.

Compliance with this policy is mandatory.

Staff Conduct

Policy GBCB: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBCB&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

The Board of Education expects that each professional and support staff member shall put forth every effort to promote a quality instructional program in the school district. In building a quality program, employees must meet certain expectations that include, but are not limited to, the following:

Become familiar with, enforce and follow all Board policies, regulations, administrative procedures, other directions given by district administrators and state and federal laws as they affect the performance of job duties.

Maintain courteous and professional relationships with pupils, parents/guardians, other employees of the district and all patrons of the district.

Keep current on developments affecting the employee’s area of expertise or position.

Transact all official business with the appropriate designated authority in the district in a timely manner.

Transmit constructive criticism of other staff members or of any department of the school district to the particular school administrator who has the administrative responsibility for improving the situation.

Care for, properly use and protect school property.

Attend all required staff meetings called by district administration, unless excused.

Keep all student records, medical information and other sensitive information confidential as directed by law, Board policy, district procedures and the employee’s supervisor.

Immediately report all dangerous building conditions or situations to the building supervisor and take action to rectify the situation and protect the safety of students and others if necessary.

Properly supervise all students. The Board expects all students to be under assigned adult supervision at all times during school and during any school activity. Except in an emergency, no employee will leave an assigned group unsupervised.

Obey all safety rules, including rules protecting the safety and welfare of students.

Submit all required reports or paperwork at the time requested. Employees will not falsify records maintained by the school district.

Refrain from using profanity.

Dress professionally and in a manner that will not interfere with the educational environment.

Come to work and leave work at the time specified by the employee handbook or by the employee’s supervisor. Employees who are late to work, stop working before the scheduled time or work beyond the scheduled time without permission may be subject to discipline, including termination.

School employees, other than commissioned law enforcement officers, shall not strip search students, as defined in state law, except in situations where an employee reasonably believes that the student possesses a weapon, explosive or substance that poses an imminent threat of physical harm to the student or others and a commissioned law enforcement officer is not immediately available.

School employees shall not direct a student to remove an emblem, insignia or garment, including a religious emblem, insignia or garment, as long as such emblem, insignia or garment is worn in a manner that does not promote disruptive behavior.

State law prohibits teachers from participating in the management of a campaign for the election or defeat of a member of the Board of Education that employs such teacher.

Employees will not use district funds or resources to advocate, support or oppose any ballot measure or candidate for public office.

Employees will not use any time during the working day for campaigning purposes, unless allowed by law.

Interrogations, Interviews, and Searches

Policy JFG:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JFG&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

School lockers, desks and other district property are provided for the convenience of students and, as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice.

It is a privilege, not a right, to park on school grounds. The school retains the authority to conduct routine patrols of any vehicle parked on school grounds.

The administration will contact law enforcement officials to perform a search if the administration reasonably suspects that a student is concealing controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, weapons, stolen goods or evidence of a crime beneath his or her clothing and the student refuses to surrender such items. Law enforcement officials may be contacted for assistance in performing a search in any case in which a student refuses to allow a search or in which the search cannot safely be conducted.

The school resource officer (SRO) may interview or question students regarding an alleged violation of law. A school resource officer may also accompany school officials executing a search or may perform searches under the direction of school officials.

References

Policy GBLB: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBLB&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

Only the superintendent or a person or persons specifically designated by the superintendent may respond on behalf of the district to a reference request for a current or former employee. District employees must direct reference requests to the superintendent or designee. Upon request, employees will assist the superintendent or designee with the preparation of accurate reference information.

Employees other than the superintendent or designee may provide personal references at the request of a current or former employee, but by doing so, they are acting outside of the scope of their employment. Employees may not use district letterhead or otherwise indicate that the reference is sponsored by the district. The district will not endorse any reference provided outside the directives of this policy and is not responsible for providing legal advice or protection for unauthorized employees who provide references.

Staff Grievance

Policy GBM:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBM&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

District employees are encouraged to discuss concerns with supervisors and the administrative staff so that issues may be addressed in a timely fashion.

The employee will receive a written response or report regarding his or her grievance, but the grievant and persons investigated in the course of the grievance are not entitled to view or receive copies of the investigation file or notes taken during the investigation, unless required by law. If an employee is disciplined as a result of the grievance, the discipline may be recorded in the employee’s personnel file and discussed with the employee. Information recorded in an employee’s personnel file will not be shared except as provided in Board policy or required by law.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!

 

 

Proposed 2015 2016 Budget

During the June 25, 2015 meeting with the board they approved the proposed budget.  Please see the attachments. The first is a slide presentation of the budget and the second is the line by line budget. Never hesitate to call me at (573) 657-2147 if you have questions about any of this information. I would be happy to review this with you anytime.

Respectfully,

Chris Felmlee

Superintendent

Southern Boone County R-I School District 2015 2016 Proposed Budget

Proposed 2015 2016 Budget

Southern Boone County R-I Opportunities for Excellence

The members of the board of education approved revisions to the Opportunities for Excellence program. The administration formalized procedures overseeing the program. The attached handbook was adopted at the September 17, 2014 board of education meeting.

The Opportunities for Excellence Program compensates dedicated teachers for time spent working directly with students to improve academic achievement outside of contracted time. The program will provide students with additional learning support in order to achieve at higher levels. Every Opportunities for Excellence activity must focus on addressing the needs found in the Building Improvement Plans and or the District’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

Should you have questions about the program feel free to share this with me through he blog or call me directly at (573) 657-2147.

Respectfully,

Chris

Southern Boone County R-I Opportunities for Excellence

First Days of School Inservice

This is the in service presentation given on August 8, 2014.

Excellence in Education: A Community Commitment

Health Information

Universal Precautions and Communicable Diseases

Policy GBE: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBE&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

The district will respond to employee requests for reasonable accommodations when an employee has a disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All employees will receive annual training on universal precautions and the district’s communicable disease policy.

Student Allergy Prevention and Response

Policy JHCF: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JHCF&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

An individualized health plan (IHP), including an emergency action plan (EAP), may be developed for students with allergies that do not rise to the level of a disability. All staff members are required to follow any Section 504 plan or IHP/EAP developed for a student by the district. Staff members who do not follow an existing Section 504 plan or IHP/EAP will be disciplined, and such discipline may include termination.

Special Education Information

SE and 504- Background, Process, and Responsibility

Policy IGBA:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=IGBA-1&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=I&Z=P

It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities, including those who are in need of special education and related services.

Confidentiality

Policy JO: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JO&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

Student health information shall be protected from unauthorized, illegal or inappropriate disclosure by adherence to the principles of confidentiality and privacy. The information shall be protected regardless of whether the information is received orally, in writing or electronically and regardless of the type of record or method of storage.

All parents may inspect and review their student’s education records, seek amendments, consent to disclosures and file complaints regarding the records as allowed by law. These rights transfer from the parent to the student once the student becomes an eligible student; however, under the Missouri Sunshine Law, parents maintain some rights to inspect student records even after a student turns 18. The district will extend the same access to records to either parent, regardless of divorce, custody or visitation rights, unless the district is provided with evidence that the parent’s rights to inspect records have been legally modified.

Seclusion, Isolation, and Restraint

Policy JGGA: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JGGA&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

Isolation shall never be used as a form of punishment or for the convenience of district personnel.

A student in isolation must be monitored by district personnel who are in close proximity and able to see and hear the student at all times. Monitoring shall be face to face unless personal safety is significantly compromised, in which case technology-supported monitoring may be utilized. The total time in isolation is to be reasonably calculated based on the age of the student and the circumstances and is not to exceed 40 minutes without a reassessment of the situation and consultation with parents/guardians or administrative staff, unless otherwise specified in an IEP, Section 504 plan or other parentally agreed-upon plan to address a student’s behavior.

District personnel who use physical restraint shall only use restraint methods in which they have received district-approved training. Physical restraints should never be used as a form of punishment or for the convenience of district personnel.

School Safety

Student Discipline

Policy JG: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JG&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

Policy JG-R:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JG-R1&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=A

JG

The comprehensive written code of conduct of the district is composed of this policy and includes, but is not limited to, the following policies, procedures and regulations: JG-R, JGA, JGB, JGD, JGE and JGF.

The Board authorizes the immediate removal of a student upon a finding by a principal or superintendent that the student poses a threat of harm to self or others, as evidenced by the prior conduct of such student.

Building principals are responsible for the development of additional regulations and procedures regarding student conduct needed to maintain proper behavior in schools under their supervision. Teachers have the authority and responsibility to make and enforce necessary rules for internal governance in the classroom, subject to review by the building principal. The Board expects each teacher to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom. All district staff are required to enforce district policies, regulations and procedures in a manner that is fair and developmentally appropriate and that considers the student and the individual circumstances involved.

JG-R

It is the policy of the Southern Boone County R-I School District to report all crimes occurring on district property to law enforcement including, but not limited to, the crimes the district is required to report in accordance with law. A list of crimes the district is required to report is included in policy JGF.

The principal shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and superintendent if a student is discovered to possess a controlled substance or weapon in violation of the district’s policy.

In addition, the superintendent shall notify the appropriate division of the juvenile or family court upon suspension for more than ten days or expulsion of any student who the district is aware is under the jurisdiction of the court.

All students who are suspended or expelled, regardless of the reason, are prohibited from participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity, or being on or near district property or the location of any district activity for any reason, unless permission is granted by the superintendent or designee. In addition, the district may prohibit students from participating in activities or restrict a student’s access to district property as a disciplinary consequence even if a student is not suspended or expelled from school, if appropriate.

Students who are suspended from school will not be allowed to earn full credit for course work completed during the term of the suspension. The district will provide appropriate due process in accordance with law prior to finalizing the student’s grade for a course.

Students in PreK through eighth grade – Are prohibited from using personal electronic devices during the school day, including class change time, mealtimes or instructional class time, unless the use is part of the instructional program, required by a district-sponsored class or activity, or otherwise permitted by the building principal.

Students in ninth through twelfth grade – May use personal electronic devices before and after school, during class change time and during mealtimes, but are prohibited from using them during instructional class time, unless the use is part of the instructional program, required by a district-sponsored class or activity, or otherwise permitted by the building principal.

SB 54 – Amy Hestir Student Protection Act

Policy GBH: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBH&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

Staff members are expected to maintain courteous and professional relationships with students. All staff members have a responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning through consistently and fairly applied discipline and the maintenance of physical and emotional boundaries with students. These boundaries must be maintained regardless of the student’s age, the location of the activity, whether the student allegedly consents to the relationship or whether the staff member directly supervises the student. Maintaining these boundaries is an essential requirement for employment in the district.

Although this policy applies to the relationships between staff members and district students, staff members who inappropriately interact with any child may be disciplined or terminated when the district determines such action is necessary to protect students.

The goal of this policy is to protect students from harm and staff members from allegations of misconduct by requiring staff members to maintain professional boundaries with students. The district does not intend to interfere with or impede appropriate interactions between staff members and students.

As with other forms of communication, staff members must maintain professional boundaries with students while using electronic communication regardless of whether the communication methods are provided by the district or the staff member uses his or her own personal electronic communication devices, accounts, webpages or other forms of electronic communication.

Staff communications must be professional, and student communications must be appropriate. Staff members may only communicate with students electronically for educational purposes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

The district will provide notification to the parents/guardians of students participating in classes or activities for which personal electronic communications have been approved. Staff members may be required to send the communications simultaneously to the supervisor if directed to do so. Staff members are required to provide their supervisors with all education-related communications with district students upon request.

Employees who obtain pictures or other information about identifiable students through their connections with the district are prohibited from posting such pictures or information on personal websites or personal social networking websites without permission from a supervisor.

The district discourages staff members from communicating with students electronically for reasons other than educational purposes.

This policy does not limit staff members from communicating with their children, stepchildren or other persons living within the staff member’s home who happen to be students of the district.

Staff members who violate this policy will be disciplined, up to and including termination of employment. Depending on the circumstances, the district may report staff members to law enforcement and the Children’s Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services for further investigation, and the district may seek revocation of a staff member’s license(s) with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Any person, including a student, who has concerns about or is uncomfortable with a relationship or activities between a staff member and a student should bring this concern immediately to the attention of the principal, counselor or staff member’s supervisor. If illegal discrimination or harassment is suspected, the process in policy AC will be followed.

Any staff member who possesses knowledge or evidence of possible violations of this policy must immediately make a report to the district’s administration. All staff members who know or have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse shall immediately report the suspected abuse in accordance with Board policy. Staff members must also immediately report a violation or perceived violation of the district’s discrimination and harassment policy (AC) to the district’s nondiscrimination compliance officer. Staff members may be disciplined for failing to make such reports.

The district will not discipline, terminate or otherwise discriminate or retaliate against a staff member for reporting in good faith any action that may be a violation of this policy.

Technology

Policy EHB:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=EHB&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=E&Z=P

The district’s technology resources may be used by authorized students, employees, School Board members and other persons approved by the superintendent or designee, such as consultants, legal counsel and independent contractors. All users must agree to follow the district’s policies and procedures and sign or electronically consent to the district’s User Agreement prior to accessing or using district technology resources, unless excused by the superintendent or designee.

Use of the district’s technology resources is a privilege, not a right. No potential user will be given an ID, password or other access to district technology if he or she is considered a security risk by the superintendent or designee.

A user does not have a legal expectation of privacy in the user’s electronic communications or other activities involving the district’s technology resources including, but not limited to, voice mail, telecommunications, e-mail and access to the Internet or network drives. By using the district’s network and technology resources, all users are consenting to having their electronic communications and all other use monitored by the district.

Electronic communications, downloaded material and all data stored on the district’s technology resources, including files deleted from a user’s account, may be intercepted, accessed, monitored or searched by district administrators or their designees at any time in the regular course of business.

Users are required to return district technology resources to the district upon demand including, but not limited to, mobile phones, laptops and tablets.

The district’s technology resources are not a public forum for expression of any kind and are to be considered a closed forum to the extent allowed by law. The district’s webpage will provide information about the school district, but will not be used as an open forum.

Any violation of district policies or procedures regarding technology usage may result in temporary, long-term or permanent suspension of user privileges.

Employees may be disciplined or terminated, and students suspended or expelled, for violating the district’s technology policies and procedures. The district will cooperate with law enforcement in investigating any unlawful use of the district’s technology resources. All damages incurred by the district due to a user’s intentional or negligent misuse of the district’s technology resources, including loss of property and staff time, will be charged to the user. The district makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the services, products or access it provides. The district’s technology resources are available on an “as is, as available” basis.

Civil Rights

http://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/food/documents/CivilRightsPresentationJune2014.pdf

Additional Policy: AC

Investigation of Harassment, discrimination and Retaliation Complaints

Policy AC: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=AC&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=A&Z=P

The Southern Boone County R-I School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from discrimination and harassment in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

All employees, students and visitors must immediately report to the district for investigation any incident or behavior that could constitute discrimination, harassment or retaliation in accordance with this policy. If discrimination, harassment or retaliation that occurs off district property and that is unrelated to the district’s activities negatively impacts the school environment, the district will investigate and address the behavior in accordance with this policy, as allowed by law.

If the district determines that discrimination, harassment or retaliation have occurred, the district will take prompt, effective and appropriate action to address the behavior, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.

Employees who violate this policy will be disciplined, up to and including employment termination. Students who violate this policy will be disciplined, which may include suspension or expulsion. Patrons, contractors, visitors or others who violate this policy may be prohibited from school grounds or otherwise restricted while on school grounds. The superintendent or designee will contact law enforcement or seek a court order to enforce this policy when necessary or when actions may constitute criminal behavior.

In accordance with law and district policy, any person suspected of abusing or neglecting a child will be reported to the Children’s Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services.

The compliance officer is the Assistant Superintendent. In the event the compliance officer is unavailable or is the subject of a report that would otherwise be made to the compliance officer, reports should instead be directed to the acting compliance officer, the Superintendent.

Drug Free Work Place

Policy GBEBA:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBEBA&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

The Board of Education shall not tolerate the manufacture, use, possession, sale, distribution or being under the influence of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages or unauthorized prescription medications by district employees on any district property; on any district-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or district activities; off district property at any district-sponsored or district-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the supervision of the school district; or during any period of time such employee is supervising students on behalf of the school district or is otherwise engaged in school district business.

Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension, termination and referral for prosecution. Employees may be required to satisfactorily participate in rehabilitation programs.

Compliance with this policy is mandatory.

Staff Conduct

Policy GBCB: http://policy.msbanet.org/soboone/showpolicy.php?file=GBCB-C.1B

The Board of Education expects that each professional and support staff member shall put forth every effort to promote a quality instructional program in the school district. In building a quality program, employees must meet certain expectations that include, but are not limited to, the following:

Become familiar with, enforce and follow all Board policies, regulations, administrative procedures, other directions given by district administrators and state and federal laws as they affect the performance of job duties.

Maintain courteous and professional relationships with pupils, parents/guardians, other employees of the district and all patrons of the district.

Keep current on developments affecting the employee’s area of expertise or position.

Transact all official business with the appropriate designated authority in the district in a timely manner.

Transmit constructive criticism of other staff members or of any department of the school district to the particular school administrator who has the administrative responsibility for improving the situation.

Care for, properly use and protect school property.

Attend all required staff meetings called by district administration, unless excused.

Keep all student records, medical information and other sensitive information confidential as directed by law, Board policy, district procedures and the employee’s supervisor.

Immediately report all dangerous building conditions or situations to the building supervisor and take action to rectify the situation and protect the safety of students and others if necessary.

Properly supervise all students. The Board expects all students to be under assigned adult supervision at all times during school and during any school activity. Except in an emergency, no employee will leave an assigned group unsupervised.

Obey all safety rules, including rules protecting the safety and welfare of students.

Submit all required reports or paperwork at the time requested. Employees will not falsify records maintained by the school district.

Refrain from using profanity.

Dress professionally and in a manner that will not interfere with the educational environment.

Come to work and leave work at the time specified by the employee handbook or by the employee’s supervisor. Employees who are late to work, stop working before the scheduled time or work beyond the scheduled time without permission may be subject to discipline, including termination.

School employees, other than commissioned law enforcement officers, shall not strip search students, as defined in state law, except in situations where an employee reasonably believes that the student possesses a weapon, explosive or substance that poses an imminent threat of physical harm to the student or others and a commissioned law enforcement officer is not immediately available.

School employees shall not direct a student to remove an emblem, insignia or garment, including a religious emblem, insignia or garment, as long as such emblem, insignia or garment is worn in a manner that does not promote disruptive behavior.

State law prohibits teachers from participating in the management of a campaign for the election or defeat of a member of the Board of Education that employs such teacher.

Employees will not use district funds or resources to advocate, support or oppose any ballot measure or candidate for public office.

Employees will not use any time during the working day for campaigning purposes, unless allowed by law.

Interrogations, Interviews, and Searches

Policy JFG:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=JFG&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=J&Z=P

School lockers, desks and other district property are provided for the convenience of students and, as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice.

It is a privilege, not a right, to park on school grounds. The school retains the authority to conduct routine patrols of any vehicle parked on school grounds.

The administration will contact law enforcement officials to perform a search if the administration reasonably suspects that a student is concealing controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, weapons, stolen goods or evidence of a crime beneath his or her clothing and the student refuses to surrender such items. Law enforcement officials may be contacted for assistance in performing a search in any case in which a student refuses to allow a search or in which the search cannot safely be conducted.

The school resource officer (SRO) may interview or question students regarding an alleged violation of law. A school resource officer may also accompany school officials executing a search or may perform searches under the direction of school officials.

References

Policy GBLB: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBLB&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

Only the superintendent or a person or persons specifically designated by the superintendent may respond on behalf of the district to a reference request for a current or former employee. District employees must direct reference requests to the superintendent or designee. Upon request, employees will assist the superintendent or designee with the preparation of accurate reference information.

Employees other than the superintendent or designee may provide personal references at the request of a current or former employee, but by doing so, they are acting outside of the scope of their employment. Employees may not use district letterhead or otherwise indicate that the reference is sponsored by the district. The district will not endorse any reference provided outside the directives of this policy and is not responsible for providing legal advice or protection for unauthorized employees who provide references.

Staff Grievance

Policy GBM:

https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=GBM&Sch=37&S=37&RevNo=1.01&C=G&Z=P

District employees are encouraged to discuss concerns with supervisors and the administrative staff so that issues may be addressed in a timely fashion.

A grievant will receive a written response or report regarding his or her grievance, but the grievant and persons investigated in the course of the grievance are not entitled to view or receive copies of the investigation file or notes taken during the investigation, unless required by law. If an employee is disciplined as a result of the grievance, the discipline may be recorded in the employee’s personnel file and discussed with the employee. Information recorded in an employee’s personnel file will not be shared except as provided in Board policy or required by law.