Strafford R-VI School District   Early Childhood Center    Elementary School    Middle School  High School


Strafford R-VI School District Policy Manual

Master Index | Section A | Section B | Section C | Section D | Section E | Section F | Section G Part 1 | Section I Part 1 | Section J Part 1 | Section K | Section L                                                                             Section G Part 2 | Section I Part 2 | Section J Part 2
                                                                                                                      Section G Part 3 | Section I Part 3 | Section J Part 3


SECTION K:  SCHOOL - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

 

 

SECTION K:  SCHOOL - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

KB                   Public Information Program

 

KBA                Public’s Right To Know

 

KC                  Community Involvement In Decision Making

 

KDA                Custodial and Noncustodial Parents

 

KG                  Community Use Of School Facilities

 

KH                  Public Gifts To The School

 

KI                    Public Solicitations/Advertising In District Facilities

 

KK                  Visitors to District Property/Events

KKB                Audio And Visual Recording           
 

 

KL                   Public Complaints

 

KLB                Public Complaints About The Curriculum And Instructional or Media Materials

 

KNAJ              Relations With Law Enforcement Authorities

 

 

 


 

FILE:  KB

             Critical

 

 

PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM

 

Open communication with the district's students, parents, patrons and the public in general is essential for the school district to operate effectively.  The district will make a systematic effort to communicate with the public using newsletters, student handbooks, local media and the district's website.

 

Board policies and related documents, including current versions of district handbooks, will be posted on the district's website.  School building and district report cards may be posted on the district website and will be distributed to the public as determined by the superintendent or designee.  Other public information will be available in the district’s buildings or administrative offices for viewing by the public during the office's normal business hours, as required by law and in accordance with policy BDDL.

 

The district will utilize the local radio, newspapers and other media to publicize the district's legal obligations as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and by other applicable law.  Notice of district meetings will be made to representatives of the news media, if requested.

 

The superintendent or designee may adopt administrative procedures to further the goals of this policy.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Note:   The reader is encouraged to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information in support of this policy area.

 

Adopted:         

 

Revised:            February 16, 2005

 

Cross Refs:       BDDL, Release of Information

DCB, Political Campaigns

EFB, Free and Reduced-Cost Food Services

EHB, Technology Usage

IL, Assessment Program

JO, Student Records

 

 

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FILE:  KB

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Legal Refs:        §§ 160.522, 162.1120, 167.645, RSMo.

5 C.S.R. 30-4.040, 50-340.200

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 - 1487

34 C.F.R. Part 300

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504

Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 – 12213

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

 

 

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FILE:  KBA

Critical

 

 

PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO KNOW

 

The Strafford R-VI School District will make district records available to the public in accordance with law.  Any person wishing to access records shall make a request to the custodian of records during regular business hours.  Anyone requesting a copy of a public record will be charged fees for search and duplication in accordance with Board policy on the release of public information.

 

Not all district records are available to the public.  If the opportunity to inspect or copy a record is denied, the custodian of records will provide a written statement explaining why the request was denied in accordance with law if such an explanation is requested.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Note:   The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information.

 

Adopted:           October 19, 2000

 

Revised:            September 14, 2005

 

Cross Refs:       BDC, Closed Meetings, Records and Votes

BDDG, Minutes

BDDL, Release of Information

GBL, Personnel Records

JO, Student Records

 

Legal Refs:       §§ 160.261.9, 167.020.7, 610.010 - .028, RSMo.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g

34 C.F.R. Part 99

29 C.F.R. § 1630.14 (Medical Information of Employees)

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

 

 

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For Office Use Only:   KBA-C.1E (05/05)                     Page 1


 

FILE:  KC

Basic

 

 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING

 

Patrons of the district are encouraged to express ideas, concerns and comments about school programs through written correspondence, service on citizen advisory committees and responses to surveys authorized by the Board, in accordance with Board policies and procedures for receiving public complaints and public participation at Board meetings, and as otherwise authorized or required for district participation in state and federal programs.

 

The Board is mindful that it is accountable to the patrons of the district and shall give substantial weight to the advice it receives from individuals and community groups interested in the district's schools.  The district is also mindful that it must take into account its responsibility for the welfare of the entire district in arriving at decisions.

 

The Board recognizes that many residents of the district may be specially qualified to assist and advise the district because of their training, experience or personal characteristics, and the Board encourages them to take an active part in school affairs.

 

The Board also recognizes that community involvement is not only important at the district level but is often most effective at the school level.  Each school in the district will advise patrons about any avenues for providing input unique to that school and will encourage them to take advantage of those opportunities.

 

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Note:   The reader is encouraged to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information in support of this policy area.

 

 

Adopted:

 

Revised:            November 18, 2004

 

Cross Refs:       AD, School District Mission

BCE, Board Committees/Advisory Committees to the Board

BDDH, Public Participation at Board Meetings

BF, School Board Policy Process

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

 

 

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FILE:  KDA

Critical

 

 

CUSTODIAL AND NONCUSTODIAL PARENTS

 

The Strafford R-VI School District Board of Education encourages parents to be actively involved in their child’s education.  Further, Missouri law states a preference for continuing and meaningful contact with both parents.  Therefore, in accordance with Board policy, the district will not prohibit parents from accessing records, attending activities or participating in conferences pertaining to their child unless otherwise required by court order or law.

 

Definitions

 

Parent -- A biological or adoptive parent, including parents who are unmarried; a guardian; or an individual acting as a parent in the absence of the parent or guardian.

 

Joint Legal Custody -- Parents share decision-making rights, responsibilities and authority relating to the health, education and welfare of the child.

 

Joint Physical Custody -- Each parent has periods of time, not necessarily equal, during which the child resides with or is under the care or supervision of that parent.

 

Visitation Schedules

 

Visitation schedules and parenting plans are agreements between parents and are not binding on the district.  The district will release a student to either parent in accordance with Board policy unless otherwise directed by a valid court order.

 

Court Appearances

 

The district discourages parents from involving district staff in disputes over custody, visitation schedules, child support and other such issues.  Staff members must stay focused on providing students an education.  To do so, they must maintain good relationships with both parents and should not be asked to support one (1) parent over another.  District employees will not testify or otherwise participate in a custody dispute in their capacities as district employees unless served with a subpoena.  Often, student records can provide the same information as the testimony of a staff member, and parents have access to student records by law.  Parents are encouraged to use records rather than staff testimony in resolving disputes over their child.

 

 

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FILE:  KDA

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Student Records

 

A parent will have access to all records and information pertaining to his or her child unless that parent has been denied custody or visitation rights.  The district will provide access to all such records unless a court order showing the denial of legal custody or visitation is provided to the district.  A court may also order that such records not include the address of the custodial parent or child.  A copy of any court order received by the district pertaining to a student will be forwarded to the principal of the building where the student attends.

 

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Note:   The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information.

 

Adopted:           September 14, 2005

 

Revised:

 

Cross Refs:       BDC, Closed Meetings, Records and Votes

JEDB, Student Dismissal Precautions

JO, Student Records

 

Legal Refs:        §§ 452.375, .376, 610.010, .021, RSMo.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

 

 

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FILE:  KG

Critical

 

 

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

 

As a service to the community and in accordance with state law, the Board of Education may allow the use of public school facilities by individuals, groups and associations for educational, recreational, social, civic, philanthropic, and other similar purposes as the Board deems are for the best interests of the community.

 

Permission to use school facilities including but not limited to the Max Evans Gymnasium, early childhood gym, middle school gym, and high school multipurpose room, auditorium, football, softball and baseball fields will be granted to community organizations and residents by the superintendent, or his or her designee, in keeping with the policies, rules and regulations adopted by the Board.  However, such use will not interfere in any way with the regular programs and activities of the school district.  A majority of an organization’s members must be residents of the school district before the organization’s application for use of school facilities will be considered.  The organization and/or individual applying to use district facilities will sign a contract and a Release/Indemnity Agreement.  The person whose signature appears on the application will be held responsible for fulfilling the terms of the contract and the Release/Indemnity Agreement, and must be a resident of the school district.

 

The use of the new High School Gymnasium for activities that are not school district sponsored will be restricted to the Annual Alumni Basketball and Alumni Volleyball games.

 

The community may use the track for running, jogging, and walking purposes.  No motor vehicles or instruments shall be used which could damage the track surface.

 

A nominal rental fee to cover operational costs (heat, lights, etc.) and custodial service will be charged in accordance with a schedule recommended by the superintendent and approved by the Board.  The fee will not be charged to any school-related organization.  The Board may consider waiving the fee for special public programs.  Use of school equipment shall not be granted unless such equipment is properly supervised by an employee of the district, if deemed necessary by the building principal.

 

The use of playgrounds and buildings during the summer months for recreational purposes shall be governed by the superintendent according to the Board policies, rules and regulations.

 

Where possible, a certificate of insurance or hold-harmless agreement shall be provided by the persons or organizations using school facilities.

 

In case of an emergency, the superintendent reserves the right to cancel, at his or her discretion, any scheduled activity of a nonschool group.

 

 

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FILE:  KG

Critical

 

 

Adopted:            Revised March 1, 2002/Revised February 21, 2006

 

Legal Refs:         § 177.031, RSMo.

 

Strafford R-VI School District

 

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FILE:  KH

Basic

 


PUBLIC GIFTS TO THE SCHOOLS

 

Gifts, Donations and Bequests to the District Foundation

 

The Board of Education encourages the community to direct all gifts, donations or bequests to foundations created to support the district.  Gifts, donations and bequests made to foundations are not considered public funds, which allows the district greater flexibility in using the funds.  Further, a foundation is eligible for grants and gifts not otherwise available to governmental entities.

 

Gifts, Donations and Bequests to the District

 

All gifts, donations and bequests ("gifts") accepted by the district will become the property of the district, to be expended or used at the discretion of the Board of Education and in accordance with Board policies and law for the benefit of the district as a whole.  In general, the superintendent or designee is authorized to accept gifts to the school district, but the Board must take action to accept all contributions that require ongoing annual service, a maintenance fee, significant personnel time, initial or continuing financial commitments from the district or gifts of real property.

 

In deciding whether to accept a gift, the superintendent, the Board or its designee will minimally consider whether the contribution will further the goals of the district, whether it will be used, whether it is appropriate for the school environment and whether it will unequally distribute resources in the district.  No gift will be accepted without verification that there are no encumbrances against the gift.

 

All gifts accepted will be reported to the Board of Education, publicly announced and appropriately acknowledged.  The donor will be officially thanked in the district’s name.

 

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Note:   The reader is encouraged to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information in support of this policy area.

 

Adopted:        April 19, 2004                                                                                                              

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

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FILE:  KI

Critical

 

  

                            PUBLIC SOLICITATIONS/ADVERTISING IN DISTRICT FACILITIES

 

It is the intent of the district to operate a nonpublic forum and, except as allowed in this policy, advertisement is prohibited on district property.  For the purposes of this policy, advertisement includes, but is not limited to, in-person solicitation; signage; verbal announcements using communication equipment; pamphlets; handouts; distribution through district technology; other distribution of information regarding products or services available or for sale; or the solicitation of information including, but not limited to, political campaigning.  This policy does not prohibit speech in circumstances where it is protected by law.

 

General Rule

 

The district may control the content of advertising as allowed by law.  Minimally, advertisement on district property or at district events may not include information or materials that:

 

1.         Are obscene to minors.

 

2.         Are libelous.

 

3.         Are pervasively indecent or vulgar (secondary schools) or contain any indecent or vulgar language (elementary schools).

 

4.         Advertise any product or service not permitted to minors by law.

 

5.         Constitute insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person's race, religion or ethnic origin).

 

6.         Present a clear and present likelihood that, either because of their content or their manner of distribution, they will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities or will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school procedures.

 

District-Sponsored Advertisement

 

This policy is not intended to limit the use of district resources or forums by district personnel to distribute district-sponsored information or advertisements.  District-sponsored groups may distribute advertisement to employees and students as determined appropriate by the superintendent or designee and school principal.  Materials from extracurricular organizations or professional groups created by the district are considered district sponsored.

 

 

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FILE:  KI

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Groups Affiliated with the District

 

The district may allow groups affiliated with the district to advertise on district property in the same manner and to the same extent that district-sponsored groups are allowed to advertise.  For the purpose of this policy, a group is affiliated with the district if it is recognized by the Board and 1) working collaboratively with the district, such as a business partner, or 2) is a group that is created solely to work with the district, its staff, students and parents and to raise funds for district activities such as parent-teacher associations or booster clubs.

 

Curriculum-Related Advertisement

 

District staff may use resources with reasonable advertising content when such resources are consistent with and related to the district's curriculum and compliant with the district's wellness policy and procedures.  District staff may distribute advertisements regarding programs, events, contests and other activities that are not sponsored by the district when those events are consistent with and related to the district's curriculum.  District staff may invite companies, organizations or individuals to advertise during school hours or school events if the school principal determines that the information provided is consistent with and related to the district's curriculum.

 

Distribution Directly to Students

 

Only curriculum-related advertisement, district-sponsored advertisement and advertisement by groups affiliated with the district may be distributed directly to students by placing the item in the student's backpack, folder or other conveyance; handing the material to students; placing the material at the student's assigned place; or instructing the student to pick up material at a designated location.  Placing items in a designated location where they are available to students is not direct distribution if students are not instructed to pick up the materials.

 

Distribution to Staff

 

The district's intercampus mail, staff mailboxes and district e-mail are reserved for communication between employees regarding district business or for distribution of district-sponsored advertisement or advertisement from groups affiliated with the district.

 

Advertising from any other person or group will be made available to staff by placement in staff work areas or on designated bulletin boards not easily accessible to students.  Such advertising must be provided first to the school principal and must clearly state that the district does not sponsor or endorse the information.  School principals may establish uniform rules about the length of time an advertisement will be available and may limit the number of advertisements available at one (1) time.

 

 

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FILE:  KI

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Distribution by Students

 

Students may distribute district-sponsored advertisements on district property during noninstructional time as allowed by the school principal and group sponsor.  Students may distribute noncurricular student publications and other advertisements not sponsored by the district during noninstructional time only in accordance with Board policy IGDBA.

 

Distribution by Student-Initiated Noncurricular Groups

 

Student-initiated noncurricular groups that meet in district facilities shall have the same access to district communication tools and media, including publications, websites and intercom, and are subject to the same provisions on the distribution and content of materials as district-sponsored noncurricular groups.  The district may require these groups to clearly state on any advertisement or information that the group is not sponsored by the district.

 

Advertisement in Designated Locations

 

School principals may designate a bulletin board, table or other specific location where information regarding nonprofit community events targeting students and parents may be posted or otherwise advertised.  All groups fitting this description will be allowed to submit advertising to be placed at the designated location.  Such advertising must be provided to the school principal first and must clearly state that the district does not sponsor or endorse the information.  School principals may establish uniform rules about the length of time an advertisement will be available and may limit the number of advertisements available at one (1) time.

 

Distribution at District Events

 

Only district-sponsored advertisement and advertisement from groups affiliated with the district may be distributed at district events, unless the district sells advertisement opportunities as described below.

 

Groups Using District Facilities

 

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other Title 36 youth groups and their official affiliates who meet in district facilities pursuant to the Board's policy on use of facilities may distribute advertising during any meeting, activity or event held in accordance with that policy and applicable procedures but otherwise have no greater ability to advertise or distribute information in schools than groups not using district facilities.

 

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FILE:  KI

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Revenue-Generating Advertising on District Property or in District Publications

 

The district may accept or solicit advertising for use on the district's website and in gymnasiums, athletic fields and other facilities primarily used for extracurricular activities.  Any such advertising will be limited to the name, address, phone number, Internet address and logo of the advertiser.

 

The district may accept or solicit advertising on extracurricular activity schedules, programs, newspapers, yearbooks or other district-sponsored publications at the discretion of the principal of the school involved.  Advertising generally will be limited to the name, address, phone number, Internet address and logo of the advertiser except that publications may also provide the advertiser with a selection of greetings, phrases or graphics that can be included if the advertiser so chooses.

 

Student publications and the advertising in those publications are district-sponsored speech subject to editorial control over content in accordance with law.

 

All such advertising must be compliant with the district's wellness policy and procedures.

 

Collecting, Disclosing or Using Information for Marketing

 

In general, the district will not collect, disclose or use personal information from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose unless required by law.  For the purposes of this policy, "personal information" means individually identifiable information, including a student's or parent's first and last name, a home or other physical address, a telephone number and Social Security number.

 

In the rare case where the district may collect or disclose students' personal information or allow another group or entity to collect or disclose students' personal information for the purpose of marketing or selling that information, the district will directly notify the parents/guardians in accordance with law at least annually at the beginning of the school year of the specific or approximate dates when such information will be collected.  Parents/Guardians, upon request, may inspect any instrument used to collect personal information for the purpose of marketing or selling that information before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student.  All parents/guardians and students of appropriate age may decline to provide the information requested.

 

This portion of the policy does not apply to the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for or to students or educational institutions, to the extent allowed by law and Board policy.

 

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For Office Use Only:   KI-C.1D (5/07)                   Page 4


FILE:  KI

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Note:    The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information.

 

Adopted:           May 16, 2001

 

Revised:            November 21, 2002/May 15, 2008

 

Cross Refs:       ADF, District Wellness Program

DCB, Political Campaigns

GBCB, Staff Conduct

IGBC, Parent/Family Involvement in Instructional and Other Programs

IGDA, Student-Initiated Group Use of District Facilities

IGDBA, Distribution of Noncurricular Student Publications

JHDA, Surveying, Analyzing or Evaluating Students

JO, Student Records

 

Legal Refs: