Policy Manual

Caney Valley

Public Schools
Table of Contents

Note to the Reader

Philosophy of the Caney Valley Public Schools

Instructional Focus

Board’s Mission

Goals of the Caney Valley ISD

Basic Commitments

Section 100 – Board of Education:

Composition of the Board of Education...... 100.1

Elections and Vacancies...... 100.2

New Board Members...... 100.3

Continuing Education...... 100.4

Board Officers...... 100.5

Employees of the Board...... 100.6

Prohibition on Nepotism

Treasurer/Activity Fund Custodian

Encumbrance Secretary/Board Minutes Clerk/Superintendent’s Secretary

Payroll Clerk/Business Office Secretary

Independent Auditor

Powers and Responsibilities of the Board of Education...... 100.7

Authority of the Board of Education...... 100.8

Meetings of the Board of Education...... 100.9

Request to be Placed on Board Agenda...... 100.10

Complaint Resolution Procedure...... 100.11

Finance and Funds Management...... 100.12

Planning Annual Budget of the General Fund

Federal Funds

Activity Funds

Fiscal Control

Purchasing Authority

Written Records

E-Rate Procurement

School Facilities and Equipment...... 100.13

Maintenance, Upkeep and Care

Acquisition and Disposition of School Property

Use of School Facilities and Equipment

Recycling

School Hours...... 100.14

Open Records Requests...... 100.15

General Information

Fee Schedule

Board Policy...... 100.16

Section 200 – All District Employees:

Personnel Policies Goals...... 200.1

Employment Renewal/Nonrenewal Notification Dates...... 200.2

Hiring of Personnel...... 200.3

Equal Opportunity Employment

Application Procedure

Felons/Sex Offenders and Employment

Employee Records Investigation

Drug/Alcohol Use Strictly Prohibited...... 200.4

Employee Assistance Program...... 200.5

Smoking/Tobacco Use Strictly Prohibited...... 200.6

Weapons and Firearms Prohibited...... 200.7

Employees Infected with AIDS/HIV...... 200.8

Sexual Harassment...... 200.9

Employee Grievance Procedure...... 200.10

Employee Use of District Property...... 200.11

Employee Use of School Vehicles...... 200.12

Travel/Expense Reimbursement...... 200.13

Credit Card Use and Accounting...... 200.14

Distribution of Campaign Literature...... 200.15

Selling, Merchandising & Supplemental Occupations...... 200.16

Leaves of Absence Without Pay...... 200.17

Retirement Sick Leave Bank...... 200.18

Family and Medical Leave...... 200.19

Sick Leave Donation...... 200.20

Misuse of Sick Leave Benefits...... 200.21

Workers Compensation...... 200.22

Staff Protection...... 200.23

Accident Investigation...... 200.24

Bloodborne Pathogens...... 200.25

Hazard Communication...... 200.26

Network & Internet Acceptable Use...... 200.27

Acceptance of Letters of Resignation...... 200.28

Section 300 – Administrators:

Administrator Contracts...... 300.1

Administrator Evaluations...... 300.2

Administrator Due Process...... 300.3

Section 400 – Certified Personnel:

Contractual Information...... 400.1

Staff Development...... 400.2

Academic Freedom...... 400.3

Sick Leave...... 400.4

Funeral Leave...... 400.5

Personal Business Leave...... 400.6

Jury Duty...... 400.7

When Paid Leave is Exhausted...... 400.8

School Business Leave and Professional Days...... 400.9

Substitute Teachers...... 400.10

Teacher Evaluations...... 400.11

Student Academic Growth and Other Academic Measures

for Implementation of the TLE

Standards of Performance an d Conduct...... 400.12

Oklahoma Minimum Criteria for Effective Teaching Performance...... 400.13

Suspension, Dismissal & Non-Reemployment of Teachers...... 400.14

Reduction in Force...... 400.15

Teacher Transfers...... 400.16

Release from Contract...... 400.17

Section 500 – Non-Certified Personnel:

Definitions...... 500.1

Fair Labor Standards Act Compliance...... 500.2

Dress Code...... 500.3

Sick Leave...... 500.4

Funeral Leave...... 500.5

Personal Business Leave...... 500.6

Vacations and Holidays...... 500.7

Jury Duty...... 500.8

Evaluations...... 500.9

Disciplinary Procedures...... 500.10

Definitions

Suspension, Demotion or Termination of Full-Time Support Employees

Causes for Suspension, Demotion or Termination

Procedures for Suspensions Without Pay, Terminations and Demotions

Section 600 – Student Behavioral Requirements, Student Dress Requirements and Consequences for Violation:

Student Offenses Subject to Disciplinary Action...... 600.1

Weapons and Firearms Prohibited

Drugs/Alcohol Prohibited

Smoking/Tobacco Use Prohibited

Bullying Prohibited

Sexual Harassment Prohibited

Gang Activity Prohibited

Hazing Prohibited

Possession/Use of Wireless Telecommunications Devices

Additional Offenses Subject to Discipline

Student Dress and Appearance Regulations...... 600.2

Searches and Seizures...... 600.3

Suspensions...... 600.4

Authority to Suspend Students

Pre-Suspension Procedures

Short-Term Suspensions

Long-Term Suspensions

Terms and Conditions of Suspension

Violation of Drug Prohibition Policy

School Work During Suspensions

Extracurricular Activities During Suspensions

Returning to School after the Suspension Ends

Appealing Sanctions...... 600.5

Corporal Punishment...... 600.6

Parental Liability for Student Actions...... 600.7

Damages – Liability of Parents

Penalties to Parent for Child with Firearm at School

Section 700 – Student Athletics and Student Activities:

Eligibility for ExtraCurricular Activities and Athletics...... 700.1

Attendance Requirements

Scholastic Eligibility Requirements

Extracurricular Clubs and Organizations...... 700.2

Athletics...... 700.3

General Provisions

Behavior of Participants

Co-Curricular and Interscholastic Programs...... 700.4

Fund-Raising...... 700.5

School-Sponsored Dances...... 700.6

Senior Trips...... 700.7

Co-Curricular Meal & Lodging Expenses...... 700.8

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention...... 700.9

Section 800 – Student Safety and Student Health

Safe School Committee...... 800.1

Disasters and Disaster Drills...... 800.2

Procedures

Severe Weather

Fire

Bomb Threats

Lockdowns

Crowd Control for Emergencies

Dismissal of Students from School & Domestic Relations Matters...... 800.3

Closed Campus Regulations...... 800.4

Child Abuse and Neglect...... 800.5

Questioning by Law Enforcement Officials...... 800.6

Juvenile Sex Offenders...... 800.7

Communicable Diseases...... 800.8

Students with AIDS/HIV...... 800.9

Immunization Requirements...... 800.10

Administering Medicines to Students...... 800.11

Student Self-Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication...... 800.12

Students with Diabetes...... 800.13

Student Wellness...... 800.14

Section 900 – Student Residency, Student Transfers and Student Transportation:

Student Residency...... 900.1

General

Students Living on Indian Lands

Homeless Students/McKinney-Vento Act

Student Transfers...... 900.2

Transfers, General

Open Transfer Policy

Emergency Transfers

Student Transportation...... 900.3

School Bus Program

Use of School-Owned Pickup Trucks in Agriculture Program

Vehicle Use and Parking Permits

Section 1000 – Student Attendance, Student Curriculum & Media and Student Records:

The Curriculum Program...... 1000.1

Grading and Graduation Requirements...... 1000.2

Enrollment from Non-Accredited Private and/or Home Schools...... 1000.3

Concurrent Course Enrollment...... 1000.4

Attendance...... 1000.5

Proficiency-Based Promotion...... 1000.6

Promotion and Retention...... 1000.7

Programs for Children with Disabilities...... 1000.8

Extended School Year...... 1000.9

Alternative Education Academy...... 1000.10

Homebound Education...... 1000.11

Gifted and Talented Program...... 1000.12

Library/Media Center...... 1000.13

Internet Use...... 1000.14

Terms and Conditions

Privileges

Guidelines

Alternatives to Classroom Instruction...... 1000.15

Copyright Guidelines for Television, Video & Audio...... 1000.16

Student Records and Information Dissemination...... 1000.17

Student Records

Directory Information

Collection, Maintenance and Dissemination of Student Information

Procedures to Seek to Correct Education Records

Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

Parents Right to Know Under No Child Left Behind

Parents’ Bill of Rights...... 1000.18

Title I Parental Involvement...... 1000.19

Section 1100 – General Information for Public, Patrons & Parents:

Non-Discrimination...... 1100.1

Disability Accommodations...... 1100.2

Filing a Grievance Based on a Complaint of Discrimination...... 1100.3

Definitions

Pre-Filing Procedures

Filing and Processing Discrimination Complaints

Use of District Facilities...... 1100.4

Regulations

Use of Kitchen and Dining Area

Use of District Playground Facilities During Summer Months

Sanctioning of Student Programs and Parent Organizations...... 1100.5

Orders to Leave School Property...... 1100.6

Appeals Process for Banned Visitors...... 1100.7

Assault on School District Employees or Students...... 1100.8

General

Assaults at Athletic Contests

Smoking/Tobacco Use Strictly Prohibited...... 1100.9

Outside Entities, Solicitation or Distribution on District Property...... 1100.10

Questions from/Statements to Media Representatives...... 1100.11

Weapons and Firearms Prohibited...... 1100.12

Section 1200 – Forms Appendix, District Employees:

Property Check-Out Request...... 1200.1

Mandatory Referral and Release of Information...... 1200.2

Safety Sensitive Positions...... 1200.3

Employee Affirmation of Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy...... 1200.4

Applicant Affirmation of Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy...... 1200.5

Release of Information (Alcohol/Drug Testing)...... 1200.6

Reasonable Suspicion Report Form...... 1200.7

Applications for Family/Medical Leave – Releases & Certifications...... 1200.8

Application for FMLA Intermittent Leave or Reduced Schedule...... 1200.9

Notice of Intention to Return from Leave...... 1200.10

Request for Extended Leave of Absence...... 1200.11

Authorization and Release – Felony Records Search...... 1200.12

Authorization and Release – National Felony Check...... 1200.13

Travel and Expense Voucher...... 1200.14

Employee Grievance Report Form...... 1200.15

Job Descriptions...... 1200.16

Superintendent Evaluation Instrument...... 1200.17

Support Employee Evaluation Instrument...... 1200.18

Section 1300 – Forms Appendix, Students:

Transfer Application form...... 1300.1

Transfer Student Consent to Cancellation of Transfer...... 1300.2

Parental Authorization to Administer Medicine...... 1300.3

Parental Authorization for Student-Administered Asthma Meds...... 1300.4

Student Contract & Application for Internet Access...... 1300.5

Student Drug Testing Consent Form...... 1300.6

Section 1400 – Forms Appendix, Public, Patrons & Parents:

Request to Address Board of Education...... 1400.1

Facilities Use Contract...... 1400.2

Request for Additional Caney Valley School Employees...... 1400.3

Rules for Kitchen and Dining Room Use Compliance Form...... 1400.4

Citizen’s Request for Reconsideration of Educational Materials...... 1400.5

Americans With Disabilities Act Grievance Form...... 1400.6

Public Record Access Request – OK Open Records Act...... 1400.7

Proposal for Fundraising...... 1400.8

Policy/Personnel Complaint/Grievance...... 1400.9

Note to the Reader:

While every attempt has been made to ensure that this policy manual is up to date, it is inevitable that, from time to time, certain situations might arise which could affect its accuracy:

  • The board has formally adopted a new policy that has not yet been physically inserted into this manual.
  • The board has formally changed an existing policy and such changes have not yet been inserted into this manual.
  • There has been a change in state or federal law rendering an existing policy invalid, but the policy has not yet been physically removed from this manual.
  • There has been a change in state or federal law mandating a new policy and the new policy has not been drafted and/or inserted into this manual.
  • There has been a change in state or federal law requiring editing of an existing policy and such editing has not yet been done to this policy manual.
  • There has been a change in the current year’s Negotiated Agreement (if applicable, where a Negotiated Agreement is in place) which has not yet been made to the corresponding section(s) in this manual.

In the event that the reader notices any such inaccuracy and wishes to make it known to the board or superintendent, he/she should submit a brief, written notice to the superintendent’s office, citing the section, page number and observed inaccuracy. Upon notification, the policy will be examined and the inaccuracy verified or discounted. If needed, appropriate action will be taken to correct the situation.

The new and/or revised policy will take precedence over any outdated policy.

The new law and/or revised law will take precedence over any outdated law.

The language contained in the current year’s Negotiated Agreement (if applicable, where a Negotiated Agreement is in place) will take precedence over any conflicting policy language.

Note: This manual contains board policies representative of issues and/or regulations the district’s employees and patrons are most likely to need to access on a day-to-day basis. Policies mandated by law for inclusion here are placed in this manual as well. In addition to the policies mentioned above, there may be other board and/or administrative material which has been formally acted upon and/or state or federal law or regulation which has been enacted which constitutes official board policy which is not included in this manual due to its length, its tendency to have to be amended regularly, etc. This manual is provided in as concise a format as possible and is intended to be easily accessible by those wishing to use it. In the event the reader does not find printed in this manual the information he/she desires to access, he/she should contact the superintendent’s office for further assistance regarding such material.

Board Policy Development

It is the intent of the Caney Valley School Board to develop policies and put them in writing so that they may serve as guidelines and goals for the successful and efficient functioning of the Caney Valley Public Schools.

The Board considers policy development and the successful administration, application and execution of its policies to be one of its chief functions.

The Board accepts the definition of policy set forth by the National School Boards Association:

“Policies are principles adopted by the School Board to chart a course of action. They tell what is wanted; they may include why and how much. Policies should be broad enough to indicate a line of action to be followed by the administration in meeting a number of problems; narrow enough to give clear guidance. Policies are guides for action by the administration, who then sets the rules and regulations to provide specific directions to school district personnel.”

It is the Board's intention that its policies serve as sources of information and guidance for all people who are interested in, or connected with, the Caney Valley Public Schools.

The policies of the Caney Valley School Board are framed and are meant to be interpreted, in terms of Oklahoma and federal laws, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education and all other regulatory agencies within our local, county, state and federal levels of government. The policies are also framed and are meant to be interpreted, in terms of those educational objectives, procedures and practices that are broadly accepted by leaders and authorities in the public education field.

Changes in needs, conditions, purposes and objectives will require revisions, deletions, and additions to the policies of present and future boards. The Board will welcome suggestions for ongoing policy development.

The Board Policies Committee is composed of the following members:

  • Rick Peters – Superintendent of Schools
  • Debra Keil – Principal, Senior High School
  • Travis Lashbrook – Principal, Middle School
  • Anita Prather – Principal, Elementary School

Philosophy of Caney Valley Public Schools

We believe that education is a long-term investment on the part of the state. We recognize that our duty is to provide for children and experiences which lead to emotional and social adjustment in a democratic way of life.

The purpose of the school system is to help all the children in attendance to develop their capacities to the highest degree possible to the end, that each may become an effective member of society. This means that the schools are responsible for assisting youth in finding their place in the world's work, in achieving those attitudes and skills essential to the discharge of their responsibilities as citizens.

The attainment of this purpose necessitates the cooperation with all agencies in community life. The Board of Education, realizing its responsibilities in the fulfillment of these objectives, shall hold regular monthly meetings in order to formulate policies and regulate what they deem will best meet the purposes and objectives.

Instructional Focus

The main focus of the Caney Valley Schools must be directed toward the student. It is the intent of the board of education that the corporate resources of the entire school community be utilized to guarantee that every student in the Caney Valley Public Schools will be provided an equal opportunity to attain a level of education equal to his/her ability and level of motivation.

It is the belief of the board that the process of educating the children and youth of Caney Valley is a corporate and cooperative venture in which all involved - community, board, faculty, staff, administration and students - must be involved as both participants and recipients, and that each individual must assume his/her share of the responsibility for the success of the educational program.

The purpose of the various administrative personnel within the Caney Valley school system to provide an environment which will permit teachers to work with maximum effectiveness and to furnish them with a variety of tools and specialized assistance in developing and carrying out a program of education which will best meet the needs of girls and boys in the world in which we live. The board will attempt to provide the necessary facilities, personnel, equipment, and materials for educating all students to whom it is responsible.

Mission Statement

The Caney Valley Board of Education is responsible on behalf of the people of this district to establish, maintain, and continually improve the public schools. As the designee to carry out the responsibility for the school district in implementing this mandate, the Board of Education must act in a regulatory and service capacity through its Superintendent of Schools.

The Caney Valley Board of Education, representing the citizens of this school district, will provide a cohesive plan of resources to assure that ALL children graduate and can effectively read, think, and communicate as productive citizens in the twenty-first century.

To accomplish this mission, the Board will involve the State Department of Education, citizens, teachers, students of this district, and other educational agencies in developing long range plans.

Goals of the Caney Valley ISD

  • To provide a climate for the students which promotes reflective, constructive thinking and encourages problem solving and creativity.
  • To stimulate students to recognize and develop their potential through a curriculum that is designed to meet their intellectual and occupational needs.
  • To aid individual growth toward a positive self-concept, self-respect, and self-reliance, self-discipline, and self-realization.
  • To teach, using democratic procedures and principles, responsible citizenship with respect for law, authority, public and private property, concern for others, and for our country.
  • To educate students, with the help of the family unit and the community, to become effective, knowledgeable consumers and responsible members of society.
  • To encourage good hygiene and physical fitness through the optimal use of leisure and recreational time.
  • To provide each student opportunities to understand and appreciate our American heritage and the various cultures contained within it.
  • To provide each student with opportunities to develop a greater capacity to appreciate the beauty in literature, art, music and nature through joint efforts of school and community.
  • To help students develop awareness of and responsibility toward the conservation of energy and natural resources.
  • To provide a well-rounded staff which continues striving for professional growth.

Basic Commitments

If Caney Valley Schools is to successfully accomplish its mission, it is essential that all members of the School board, faculty, staff, and administration commit themselves to certain basic philosophical positions. The following items are of primary importance: