Haverhill Public Schools

School Committee

Policies

SECTION A: FOUNDATION AND BASIC COMMITMENTS

AG Communications Policy Section A

ACA Harassment Statement Section A

AF Internet Policy Section A

AC Nondiscrimination Statement Section A

AEB RecoQnition for Accomplishment Section A

ADA School District Goals and Obiectives Section A

SECTION B: SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS

Advisory Committee Section B BDF Agenda Section B BEDB BroadcastinglTaping Committee Meetings Section B BEDJ Committee Member Development Opportunities Section B BIB Committee Member Oath of Office Section B BBBB Committee Officers Section B BDB Committee Operations Goals Section B BA Committee-Superintendent Relations Section B BDD Evaluation of School Committee Section B BM Executive Sessions Section B BEC Executive Sessions-Legal Language Section B BEC-L HPAC Advisory Committee Section B BDF-E Minutes Section B BEDG New Committee Member Orientation Section B BIA News Media at Committee Meetings Section B BEDI Notification of Committee Meetings Section B BEDA Policy Communication Section B BGE Policy Development System Section B BGA Policy Revision and Review Section B BGC Public Participation at Committee Meetings Section B BEDH Public Comment at School Committee Meetings Section B BEDH-1 Quorum Section B BEDC Regular Committee Meetin!:} Section B BEA Reporting School Committee Business Section B BEDK Rules of Order Section B BEDD School Attorney Section B BDG School Board Legal Status Section B BB School Committee Authority Section B BBM School Committee Communications With Staff Section B BHC School Committee Meetin!:}s Section B BE School Committee Member Conflict of Interest Section B BCB School Committee Member Ethics Section B BCA

School Committee Memberships Section B BK School Committee Powers and Responsibilities Section B BBA Special Committee Meetings Section B BEB

Unexpired Term Fulfillment Section B BBBE

Voting Method Section B BEDF

SECTION C: GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Administration in Policy Absence Section C CHD Policy Implementation Section C CH Regulations Communication Section C CHC Regulations Communication Section C CHC-L School Building Administration Section C CF School District Annual Report Section C CMA School District Annual Report Section C CM Superintendent's Consulting Activities Section C CBH Superintendent's Contract Section C CBD-L Superintendent's Powers and Responsibilities Section C CBC Superintendent's Professional Development Opportunities Section C CBG Superintendent's Salary, Compensation and Benefits Section C CBE System Management Team Section C CD Temporary Administrative Arrangements Section C CI

SECTION D: FISCAL MANAGEMENT

Accountino System Section D DIA Annual Budget SectionD DB Audits Section D DIE Authorized Sionature Section D DGA Bonded EmQI(jtees and officers Section D DH Budget Hearing and Reviews Section D DBF Budget Hearing and Reviews Section D DBF-L Budget Implementation Section D DBI Budget Planning, Preparation and Schedules Section D DBC-E Budoet Transfer Authority Section D DBJ Cash in School Section D DM Communication of BudQet Recommendations Section D DBE Expense Authorization Reimbursements Section D DKC Fiscal Accounting Section D DI Fiscal Manaoement Goals Section D DA Funding Proposals Section D DD Funding Sources Outside the School System Section D DDA Gate Receipts and Administration Section D DFD Inventories Section D DID Local Competitive PurchasinQ Section D DJF Payment Procedures Section D DK Payroll Procedures· Section D DKA Purchasino Section D DJ. Purchasino Authority Section D DJA Revenues from State and Federal Tax Sources Section D DEB/DEC Sales Calls and Demonstrations Section D DJGA Types of Funds/Revolvinq Funds Section D DIB-L

SECTION E: SUPPORT SERVICE

Authorized use of school-owned materials Section E EDC Bomb Threats SectionE EBC Crisis Response Readiness Policy Section E ED Emergency Plans Section E EBB Food Service Management Section E EF Safety Drills Section E EBA Safety Program Section E EB School Closing and Cancellations Procedures SectionE EBCA-R School Closings and Cancellations Section E EBCA Security Section E ECA Vandalism Section E ECAC

SECTION F: FACILITIES

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FA Facilities DevelopmenVMaintenance Goals Section F

FB Facilities Planning Section F

FJ-R Guidelines for Renovations/Improvements to schools or School sites Section F

FF Naming New Facilities Section F

FF-2 Naming School Facilities Section F

FJ Site/Facility Renovations or improvements Section F

FeB Retirement of Facilities Section F

SECTION G: PERSONNEL

Access to Personnel Files Section G GBJB Administrative Staff Maternity leave and Child-Rearing Leave Section G GCCBC Administrative Staff Personal Leave Section G GCCBB Administrative Staff Sick Leave Section G GCCBA Administrative Staff Vacations and Holidays Section G GCDB Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug-Free workplace Section G GBEC Arrangements for Substitute Staff Section G GCGB Conference and Training Funds Section G GCIA Evaluation of Professional Staff Section G GCO Gifts to Staff Section G GBEBC Hiring of Administrative Staff Section G GCFB Hiring of Instructional Staff Section G GCFA Instructional Staff Absences Section G GCCA Instructional Staff Contracts/Compensation/Salary Schedules Section G GCBA Instructional Staff Extra Duty Section G GCMD Instructional Staff Maternity Leave Section G GCCAC Instructional Staff Personal/Legal Leave Section G GCCAB Instructional Staff Sabbaticals Section G GCCAF Instructional Staff Sick Leave Section G GCCAA Job Sharing in Professional Staff Positions Section G GCGC Length of Instructional Staff Work Day Section G GCLA Open Hiring/Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Section G GBA Personnel Goals/Priority Objectives Section G GA Posting of Professional Vacancies Section G GCEC Professional Staff Certification Requirement Section G GCFC Professional Staff Continuing Education Section G GCIE Professional Staff Development Section G GCI Professional Staff Fringe Benefits Section G GCBD Professional Staff Orientation Section G GCH Professional Staff Supplementary Pay Plans Section G GCBC ReSignation of Administrative Staff Section G GCQD Resignation of Instructional Staff Section G GCQC Retirement of Professional Staff Section G GCQE School Committee-Staff Communications Section G GSD Staff Concerns and Complaints Section G GBK Staff Conduct with students Section G GBEBB Staff Conduct with stUdents-High School Section G GBEBB-R Staff Conflict of Interest Section G GBEA-2 Support Staff Compensatory Time Section G GDBC

Non-School Employment of professional Staff Section G GCR Support Staff Leaves and Absences Section G GDC Support Staff Vacation and Holidays Section G GOD Support Staff Hiring Section G GDF

Substitute Support Staff Section G GDG Support Staff In-Service Requirements Section G GDMC

Supervision of Support Staff Section G GDN Resignation of Support Staff Section G GDQB Staff Ethics Section G GBEA-1 Staff Health/Health Examinations Section G GBGA Staff Involvement in Decision-Making Section G GBB Staff Meetings Section G GCMC Staff Personal Security Section G GBGB

Tobacco-Free Workplace . Section G GBED

SECTION H: NEGOTIATIONS

HA Negotiations Goals Section H

GB Negotiations Legal Status Section H

HF School Committee Negotiations Agents Section H

SECTION I: INSTRUCTION

Academic Freedom Section IB Alternative Programs Section IGBH Assignment of Students Section IKE Basic Instructional Program Section IHA Class Size Section liB Community Resources Persons/Guest Speakers Section IJOB Curriculum DevelopmenVadoption and review Section IG Evaluation of Instructional Programs Section IKL Evaluation of Instructional Programs Section IL Extra·Currlcular Activities Section IN Field Trips Section IJOA Graduation Requirements Section IKF Graduation Requirements and Early Graduation Section IKAF Health Education Section IHAM Home School Policy Section 10 HomeWork Section IKB Information Technology Section 11M Instructional Materials Section IJ Learning Support Section 1GB Library Resources Section IIA Organization of Instruction Section IE Parent Conferences Section IKAC Physical Education Section IHAE Policy Instructional Goals and Learning Objectives Section IA School Ceremonies and Observances Section IMD School Day Section ID School Year/School Calendar Section IC Special Instructional Programs Section IHB Student Progress Reports Section IKAB Summer School/Night School Section IHCA Teaching Methodologies Section IMA Tests and Examinations Section IKAA Tests and Examinations Section IKAA·L Textbook Selection and Adoption Section IJJ

SECTION J: STUDENTS

Attendance Ages - Entrance to School Section J JEB Administering Medicines to Students Section J JLCD AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) School Attendance Policy $ectlon J JLCCA*E-1 Care of School Property by Students Section J JICB Communicable Diseases Section J JLCC Detention of Students Section J JKB Drug and Alcohol Use by Students Section J JICH First Aid and Emergency Medical Care Section J JLCE Guidance Program Section J JLD Hazing Section J JICFA-E Immunization of Students Section J JLBC Interrogations by Police Section J JIJ Interscholastic Athletics Section J JJI Intramural Programs Section J JJIA Non-Voluntary Transfer of Students Section J JRE Open Enrollment Section J JFB Open Enrollment Section J JFBA Physical Examinations of Students Section J JLCA Physical Restraint Section J JKAA Portable Communication Devices Section J JIK PreQnant Students Section J JIE ReportinQ Child Abuse Section J JLF School Choice/Open Enrollment Section J JFBA School Choice: Admissions of Non-Resident Students Section J JFAB Searches Section J JIH Secret Societies/Gang Activity Section J JICF Student Absences & Excuses - HiQh School Section J JH-R2 Student Absences and Excuses Section J JH Student ctivity Accounts Section J JJF Student Admissions Section J JJ Student Advisory Council Section J JIB Student Attendance Grades 1-8 Section J JHA Student Attendance Monitorlng/AccountinQ Section J JHBB Student Complaints, Grievances, and Threats Section J JII Student Conduct Section J JIC Student Conduct Off School Grounds

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Section J JLC-1 Student Conduct on School Buses Section J JICC Student Discipline Section J JK Student Discipline - Appeal Process Section J JK-4

Student Discipline - Authorizing Persons in the Public Schools to Use such force as is necessary to protect students, other persons and themselves from assaults. Section J JK-5 Student Discipline - Special Needs Students Section J JK-3 Student Dismissal Precautions Section J JUB Student Dress Code Section J JICA

Student Due Process RIQhts Section J JIA-L2 Student Education Records Section J JRA-S Student Fund-Raising Activities Section J JJE Student Government Section J JIBA Student Illness or Injury Section J JLC Student Insurance Programs Section J JLA Student Organizations Section J JJA Student Performances Section J JJC Student Photographs Section J JRD Student Publications Section J JICE Student Records Section J JRA Student Records Section J JRA-R Student Rights and Responsibilities Section J JI Student Safety Section J JLI Student Transportation Services Section J JICC-R1 Student Welfare Section J JL Student Withdrawal from School Section J JFC Students Fees, Fines, and Charges Section J JQ Students of Legal Age Section J JID The Non-Voluntary Transfer of Students Section J JRE Tobacco Use on School Grounds Section J JICG Truancy Section J JHB

Weapons in School Section J JICI

SECTION K: SCHOOL COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Advertising In the schools Section K KHB Business Solicitations in schools Section K KHD Communication Policv Section K KA-1 Community Involvement In education site based decision making In the Haverhill Public Schools Section K KC Community use of school bulldinas Section K KFB Media Relations/Press Releases Section K KDD Parent Involvement Section K KBA Public Gifts To The Schools Section K KCD PubliC Information and Communication Section K KD PubliC Questions/Concerns Section K KE Public Solicitations in schools Section K KHA Questions/Concerns about the curriculum or Instructional materials Section K KEC Relations with Booster Oraanization Section K KJA Relations with Local Governmental Authorities Section K KLK Relations with Planning Authorities Section K KLJ Relations with Police Authorities Section K KLG. School-Community Relations/Goals Secuon K KA Visitors to the school-HIQh School Section K KI-R Visitors to the schools Section K KI

SECTION L: EDUCATION AGENCY RELATIONS

Education AQency Relations Goals Section L LA Relations with Schools and other educational aQencles Section L LB Student Teaching and Internships Section L LOA Student Teaching and Internships: Considerations Section L LOA-1

SECTION A: FOUNDATIONS AND BASIC COMMITMENTS

AC Nondiscrimination Statement

ACA Harassment Statement

ADA School District Goals and Objectives

AEB Recognition for Accomplishment

AF Internet Policy

AG Communications Policy

AC

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Haverhill Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1973, and Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971 the school system has designated a school official(s) as coordinator(s) to publicize anti·discrimination requirements and handle all complaints.

The coordinator/grievance officer for Title VI and Title IX is:

Richard P. Langlois, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Administrative Services Haverhill Public Schools 4 Summer Street Haverhill Massachusetts 01830 978·374·3411

The coordinator/grievance officer for Section 504 is:

Richard P. Langlois, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Administrative Services Haverhill Public Schools 4 Summer Street Haverhill Massachusetts 01830 978·374·3405

ACA

HARASSMENT POLICY

The Haverhill Public School system is committed to maintaining a school environment free of harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Harassment by administrators certified and support personnel, students, vendors and other individuals at school or at school-sponsored events are unlawful and is strictly prohibited. The Haverhill Public School system requires all employees and students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with respect to their fellow employees, students and all members of the school community.

Definition of Harassment

In General: Harassment includes insults, name-calling, off color jokes, threats, comments, innuendoes, notes, display of pictures or symbols, gestures, or other conduct which offends or shows disrespect to others based upon race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

What one person may consider acceptable behavior may be reasonably viewed as harassment by another person. Therefore, individuals should consider how their words or actions might reasonably be viewed by other individuals. It is also important for individuals to make it clear to others when a particular behavior or communication is unwelcome, intimidating, hostile or offensive.

Sexual Harassment: While all types of harassment are prohibited, sexual harassment requires particular attention. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 151C, the term "sexual harassment" includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment, provision of benefits, privileges or placement services, or the basis for evaluation of academic achievement.

2. The individual's response to such conduct is used as a basis for educational, disciplinary, or other decisions affecting that person ...

3. Such conduct interferes with an individual's job duties, education, or participation in extra-curricular activities.

4. Conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or sexually offensive work or educational environment.

Harassment and Retaliation Prohibited

Harassment in any form or for any reason is absolutely forbidden. This includes harassment by administrators, certified and support personnel, students, vendors and other individuals in

ACA

school or at school related events. Retaliation against any individual who has brought harassment or other inappropriate behavior to the attention of school officials or who has cooperated in an investigation of a complaint under this policy is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the Haverhill Public Schools.

Persons who engage in harassment or retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to reprimand, suspension, termination/expulsion or other sanctions as determined by the school administration and/or School Committee, subject to applicable procedural requirements.

Investigation

If any individual or his/her representative complains that he/she has been harassed (or who has witnessed or learned and reported an incident of harassment) in the educational environment, appropriate school officials will investigate the facts and circumstances as reported. In assessing such reports school officials will be careful to consider the viewpoint of the complainant, or reporter, especially in cases involving small children. The complainant will be informed of the grievance procedure.

School officials will promptly look into each complaint of harassment. Such inquiries will be handled at the lowest possible level, most ordinarily at the building level. Central Office staff routinely will serve only in an appellate capacity. If a determination is made that harassment has occurred, school officials will take any appropriate aforementioned action to end the harassment and to ensure that it is not repeated. Confidentiality will be maintained consistent with the school system's obligations under law and under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

In certain cases, the harassment of a student may constitute child abuse by a "caretaker" (e.g. by a school staff member) and under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 119, section 51A, school administrators, teachers, and other school staff must report the suspected child abuse to the Department of Social Services.

The state agency responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting sexual harassment is the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination ("MCAD"), which is located at One Ashburton Place, Room 601, Boston, Massachusetts, 617-727-6000. The agency responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting sexual harassment in the employment context is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") located at One Congress Street, 10th

Floor, Boston, Massachusetts, 617-565-3200. If you believe you have been subjected to sexual harassment, you may file a formal complaint with either or both of these government agencies. Using our complaint process does not prohibit you from filing a complaint with these agencies. Each of the agencies has a short time period for filing a claim: EEOC: 300 days; MCAD: Six months for events occurring on or prior to November 5, 2002; 300 days for events occur after November 5, 2002.

HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISCRIMINATION / HARASSMENT

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE EMPLOYEES

I. WHERE TO FILE A COMPLAINT

Any employee who believes that the Haverhill Public Schools has discriminated against or harassed her/him because of her/his race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities may file a complaint with the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administrative Services. If this is the person who is alleged to have caused the discrimination or harassment, the complaint may be filed with the Interim Superintendent. These individuals are listed below and are hereinafter referred to as "Grievance Administrators".

Mr. Richard Langlois, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Administrative Services Public Schools, 4 Summer Street, Haverhill, MA 01830 (978) 374-3411

Gerald R. Quatrale, Interim Superintendent Haverhill Public Schools, 4 Summer Street, Haverhill, MA, 01830 (978) 374-3405.

II. CONTENTS OF COMPLAINTS AND TIME LINES FOR FILING

Complaints under this grievance procedure must be filed within twenty (20) schools day of the alleged discrimination. The complaint must be in writing. The Grievance Administrator or any person of the grievant's choosing may assist the grievant with filing the complaint. The written complaint must include the following information:

1. The name, school, and position (or address and telephone number if not a student or employee) of the grievant.

2. The name (and address and telephone number if not a student or employee) of the grievant's representative, if any.

3. The name of the person(s) alleged to have caused the discrimination or harassment (Respondent).

4. A description, in as much detail as possible, of the alleged discrimination or harassment.

I I Page 1 of 3

5. The date(s), time, and location of the alleged discrimination or harassment. 6. The name of all persons who have knowledge about the alleged discrimination or

harassment (witness), as can be reasonably determined. 7. A description, in as much detail as possible, of how the grievant wants the

complaint to be resolved.

III. INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT

Respondents will be informed of the charges as soon as the Grievance Administrators deems appropriate based upon the nature of the allegations, the investigation required, and the action contemplated.

The Grievance Administrator will interview witnesses who she/he deems necessary and appropriate to determine the facts relevant to the complaint, and will gather other relevant information. Such interviews and gathering of information will be completed within fifteen (15) schools days of the receiving of the complaint.

Within twenty (20) schools days of receiving the complaint, the Grievance Administrator will meet with the grievant and/or his/her representative to review information gathered and, if applicable, to propose a resolution designed to stop the discrimination or harassment and to correct its effect. Within ten (10) school days of the meeting with the grievant and/or representative, the Grievance Administrator will provide written disposition of the complaint to the grievant and/or representative and to the respondent(s).

Notwithstanding the above, it is understood that in the event a resolution contemplated by the Haverhill Public Schools involves disciplinary action against an individual, the complainant will not be informed of such disciplinary action, unless it directly involves the complainant (Le., a directive to "stay away" from the complainant, as might occur as a result of a complaint of harassment.)

Any disciplinary action imposed upon an individual is subject to applicable procedural requirements.

All the time lines indicated above will be implemented as specified, unless the nature of the investigation or exigent circumstances prevent such implementation, in which case, the matter will be completed as quickly as practicable. If the time lines specified above are not met, the reason(s) for not meeting them must be clearly documented. In addition, it should be noted that in the event the respondent is subject to a collective bargaining agreement which sets forth a specific time line for notice of a complaint, such time lines will be followed.

Confidentiality of grievants/respondents and witnesses will be maintained, to the extent consistent with the Haverhill Public Schools' obligations relating to investigation of complaints and the due process rights of individuals affected.

Retaliation against someone because he/she has filed a complaint under the grievance procedure is strictly prohibited. Acts of retaliation may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion/discharge.

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IV. APPEALS

If the grievant is not satisfied with a disposition by a Grievance Administrator, the grievant may appeal the disposition to the Superintendent within fifteen (15) school days of receipt of the Disposition by the Grievance administrator as listed below:

Gerald R. Quatrale, Interim Superintendent Haverhill Public Schools 4 Summer Street, Haverhill, MA 01830 (978) 374-3405

The Superintendent will issue a written response on the appeal to the grievant within ten (10) school days of receiving the appeal.

Revised 5.99 Revised 8.00 Revised 7-03

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HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISCRIMINATION / HARASSMENT

STUDENTS

I. WHERE TO FILE A COMPLAINT

Any student who believes that the Haverhill Public School has discriminated against or harassed her/him because of her/his race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities may file a complaint with the Building Principal and/or the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Administrative Services. These individuals are hereinafter referred to as "Grievance Administrators".

Richard Langlois, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administrative Services 4 Summer Street, Haverhill, MA 01830 (978) 374-3411

COMPLAINTS OF DISCRIMINATION BASED UPON DISABILITY: A person who alleges discrimination on the basis of disability relative to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a person, who because of a handicap needs or is believed to need special instruction or related services, pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1073, Chapter 766, and/or the individuals with Disabilities Education Act, must use the procedure outlined in the Massachusetts Department of Education's Parents' Rights Brochure rather than this grievance procedure.

A copy of the brochure is available from the following individual:

Mr. Maurice Covino, Director of Special Education Haverhill Public Schools 4 Summer Street, Haverhill, MA 01830 (978) 374-3435

A person with a complaint involving discrimination on the basis of a disability other than that described above may either use the grievance procedure or file the complaint with the U.S. Department of Education at the address provided at the end of this grievance procedure.

II. CONTENTS OF COMPLAINTS AND TIME LINES FOR FILING

Complaints under this grievance procedure must be filed within twenty (20) school days of the alleged discrimination. The complaint must be in writing. The Grievance Administrator or any person of the grievant's choosing may assist the grievant with filing the complaint. The written complaint must include the following information:

Page 1 of 3 1. The name, school, and grade level (or address and telephone number if not a

student or employee) of the grievant. 2. The name (and address and telephone number if not a student or employee) of

the grievant's representative, if any. 3. The name of the person(s) alleged to have caused the discrimination or harassment

(respondent).

STUDENTS CONT:

4. A description, in as much detail as possible, of the alleged discrimination or harassment.

5. The date(s), time, and location of the alleged discrimination or harassment. 6. The name of all persons who have knowledge about the alleged discrimination

or harassment (witness), as can be reasonably determined. 7. A description, in as much detail as possible, of how the grievant wants the

complaint to be resolved.

III. INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT

Respondents will be informed of the charges as soon as the Grievance Administrators deems appropriate based upon the nature of the allegations, the investigation required, and the action contemplated.

The Grievance Administrator will interview witnesses whom she/he deems necessary and appropriate to determine the facts relevant to the complaint, and will gather other relevant information. Such interviews and gathering of information will be completed within fifteen (15) school days of the receiving of the complaint.

Within twenty (20) school days of receiving the complaint, the Grievance Administrator will meet with the grievant and/or her/his representative to review information gathered and, if applicable, to propose a resolution designed to stop the discrimination or harassment and to correct its effect. Within ten (10) school days of the meeting with the grievant and/or representative, the Grievance Administrator will provide written disposition of the complaint to the grievant and/or representative and to the respondent(s).

Notwithstanding the above, it is understood that in the event a resolution contemplated by the Haverhill Public Schools involves disciplinary action against an individual, the complainant will not be informed of such disciplinary action. Unless it is directly involves the complainant (i.e., a directive to "stay away" from the complainant, as might occur as a result of a complaint of harassment. )

Any disciplinary action imposed upon an individual is subject to applicable procedural requirements.

All the time lines indicated above will be implemented as specified, unless the nature of the investigation or exigent circumstances prevent such implementation, in which case the matter

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will be completed as quickly as practicable. If the time lines specified above are not met, the reason(s) for not meeting them must be clearly documented. In addition, it should be noted that in the event the respondent is subject to a collective bargaining agreement which sets forth a specific time line for notice and/or investigation of a complaint, such times lines will be followed.

Confidentiality of grievants/respondents and witness will be maintained, to the extend consistent with the Haverhill Public Schools' obligations relating to investigation of complaints and the due process rights of individuals affected.

STUDENTS CONT:

Retaliation against someone because he/she has filed a complaint under the grievance procedure is strictly prohibited. Acts of retaliation may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion/discharge.

IV. APPEALS

If the grievant is not satisfied with a disposition by a Grievance Administrator, the grievant may appeal the disposition to the Superintendent with fifteen (15) school days of receipt of the disposition by the Grievance Administrator, as listed below:

Gerald R. Quatrale, Interim Superintendent Haverhill Public Schools 4 Summer Street, Haverhill, MA 01830 (978) 374-3405

The Superintendent will issue a written response on the appeal to the grievant within ten (10) school days of receiving the appeal

Revised 5.99 Revised 8.00 Revised 8-02

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ADA

SCHOOL DISTRICT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Objectives:

The Haverhill School Committee reserves the right to set goals and objectives and to establish short and long term directions for the Haverhill Public Schools.

H

Revised 10-98

AEB

RECOGNITION FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT

The School Committee recognizes the role which the efforts of individuals, students, staff members, or citizens play in inspiring excellence. The Committee will, from time to time, recognize outstanding service or accomplishments on behalf of the school district by students, staff members, Committee members, or other citizens. One form of recognition shall be letters of appreciation sent on behalf of the School Committee and/or the administration. The names of individuals or groups so honored will be given to the press in accordance with the Family Education and Privacy Rights Act (FEPA).

Hand N

Revised 10-98

AF

Internet Use Policy

A HAVERHILL SCHOOL COMMITTEE POLICY STUDENT/STAFF ACCESS TO NETWORKED INFORMATION RESOURCES

Rationale:

In a free and democratic society, access to information is a fundamental right of citizenship. The School Committee recognizes that as telecommunications and other new technologies shift the ways that information may be accessed, communicated and transferred, those changes may also alter instruction and student learning. The School Committee generally supports access by students and staff to enrich information resources along with the development of appropriate skills to analyze and evaluate such resources.

Telecommunications, electronic information sources, and networked services significantly alter the information landscape for schools by opening classrooms to a broader array of resources. In the past, instructional and library media materials could usually be screened prior to use by committees of educators and community members intent on subjecting all such materials to reasonable selection criteria. School Committee policy requires that all such materials be consistent with district-adopted guides, supporting and enriching the curriculum while taking into account the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities and developmental levels of the student. Telecommunication, because it may lead to any publicly available fileserver in the world, will open classrooms to electronic information resources which have not been screened by educators for use by students of various ages.

Philosophy:

Network information resources are designed for research and/or education. Electronic research skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees during an Information Age. The School Committee expects that staff will blend thoughtful use of such information throughout the curriculum and that the staff will provide guidance and instruction to students in the appropriate use of such resources. This includes adherence to all copyright laws. Staff will consult the guidelines for instructional materials contained in School Committee policy and will comply with the goals for selection of instructional materials contained therein.

Statement of Policy:

Students are responsible for proper behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on computer networks are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. Network access is provided for students and staff to conduct research and to communicate with others. Access to network services will be provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. It is the policy of the Haverhill Public School System to maintain an environment that promotes ethical and

responsible conduct in all network activities by staff and students. It shall therefore be a violation of this policy for any employee or student to engage in any computer activity that does not conform to the established purpose and general rules and policies of the Haverhill Public School System.

Electronic mail (e-mail) is a key component of our digital infrastructure. The policy regarding its use by our employees and students is intended to make both internal and external electronic cornmunications consistent with public law and recent court decisions. Users should be advised of the following:

Employees and/or students should have no expectations of complete privacy.

E-mail is the property of the Haverhill Public School System, and can be retrieved via Freedom of Information Requests, legal discovery, and by school district management, or the System Administrator(s).

E-mail is for school district business. It may however, be used reasonably for personal correspondence by employees, but only to the extent that it does not impede assigned work duties.

E-mail may in certain instances be considered as an official form of communication. It therefore could appear to bind the School District. Be advised therefore that no personnel may instruct a bidder, vendor, or other party on any business matter without a provision that the communication is informational, subject to verification and therefore non-binding.

No confidential proposal or evaluation information may be transmitted via e-mail.

Haverhill Public School System shall utilize software that makes it possible to identify and block access to Internet sites containing sexually explicit or other material deemed inappropriate for minors.

The Haverhill Public School System has the right to monitor and log any and all aspects of its Computer system inciuding, but not limited to, monitoring Internet sites visited by Users, monitoring file downloads, and all communications sent and received by users.

Summary:

Access to telecomrnunications will enable students and staff to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with people through the world. The School Committee believes that the benefits to students and staff from access in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the disadvantage. But ultimately, parents and guardians of millors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the Haverhill Public School System supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to grant permission for supervised access.

The School Committee authorizes the Superintendent to prepare appropriate procedures fro implementing this policy and for reviewing and evaluating its effect on instruction and student achievement.

Student/Staff Responsibilities:

Students are not to reveal their own or other's personal home address or home phone numbers. You must notify your parent(s)/guardian(s), teacher, and school administrator immediately if any individual is trying to contact you for illicit or suspicious activities.

Learn proper codes of conduct in electronic communication. In news groups, giving out personal information is inappropriate. When using e-mail extreme caution must always be taken in revealing any information of a personal nature. Giving out personal information about another person, including home address or phone number, is strictly prohibited.

Student Guidelines:

1. No student will be allowed to access/use anyon-line service, the Internet, or e-mail system unless a parenUguardian permission slip is on file.

2. No student will access/use anyon-line service, the Internet or e-mail system unless they are under teacher supervision.

3. All use of a school's local area network, Internet connection, or e-mail system must be in support of education and research and consistent with the purposes of Haverhill Public Schools.

4. Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users on the network.

5. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks and other antisocial behaviors are prohibited on the LANllnternet.

6. Malicious use of the LANllnternet to develop programs, that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system and/or damage the software components of a computer or computing system is prohibited.

7. Use of the LANllnternet to access or process pornographic material, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the local area network is prohibited.

8. LANllnternet accounts are to be used only by the authorized owner of the account for the authorized purpose.

9. Students are given Internet access to assist them in their learning. Students

should have no expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send or receive using Haverhill Public School's computer equipment.

10. Any use of the lANllnternet for commercial or for-profit purposes is prohibited.

11. Use of the LANllnternet for personal and private business is prohibited.

12. Any use of the lANllnternet for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.

13. The illegal installation of copyrighted software for use on Haverhill Public School computers is prohibited.

14. Making copies of copyrighted software is prohibited.

15. Use of the LANlinternet for the direct purchase and or sale of any physical item or service is prohibited.

16. Access to the Internet will only be allowed via School District Accounts, unless special permission is given.

17. No student will be given access to Internet or on-line services passwords.

18. Each school will incorporate the user guidelines into their respective discipline codes.

19. From time to time, the Haverhill Public Schools' Technology Coordinator will make a determination whether specific uses of the network are consistent with the acceptable use practice.

20. All student email, chats, and threaded discussions will take place within the Department of Education's Virtual Education Space (VES) in order to protect

and monitor student use.

Staff Guidelines:

1. Staff may use their access time to prepare for on-line activities with students or for the actual on-line activity with students. Personal use is not permitted. staff expressly waives any right of privacy in anything they create, store, send or receive using the Haverhill Public School's computer equipment.

2. Staff may not illegally copy material protected under copyright law or make that material available to others for copying. Staff is responsible for complying with copyright laws and applicable licenses that may apply to software, files, graphics, documents, messages, and other material you wish to download or copy. Staff may not agree to a license or download any

( material for which a registration fee is charged without first obtaining the express written permission of the school department.

3. Computer resources are not unlimited. Network bandwidth and storage capacity have finite limits and all Users must not deliberately perform acts that waste computer resources or unfairly monopolize resources to the exclusion of others. These acts include, but are not limited to, sending mass mailings or chain letters, spending excessive amounts of time on the Internet, playing games, or otherwise crating unnecessary load on network traffic associated with non-business-related uses of the internet.

4. Staff rnay use their access time to prepare for on-line activities with students or for the actual on-line activities with students. Personal use is not permitted.

5. The Haverhill Public School System has the right to monitor and log any and all aspects of the Computer system including, but not limited to, monitoring Internet sites visited by Users, monitoring file downloads, and all communications sent and received by users.

6. Haverhill Public School System shall utilize software that makes it possible to identify and block access to Internet sites containing sexually explicit or other material deemed inappropriate in a school environment.

AG

COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

The Haverhill School Committee affirms its commitment to openness in relationships with its public and encourages citizen and staff involvement in problem solving and decision-making at an early a stage as possible. This involvement should be solicited actively and openly through a wide variety of means.

The School Committee recognizes that citizens have a right to know what is occurring in their public school system. School Committee members and school administrators have an obligation to see that all publics are kept informed on a systematic and timely basis to the end that the District will benefit from an appropriately informed citizenry.

The School Committee believes such an effort should include the following objectives:

1. to develop and maintain an organizational environment where all staff members are aware that they share the responsibility for effective communication of school policies, programs, activities and events to parents and other members of the community.

2. to develop and maintain a written communications plan with attendant procedures which will be available to all employees and the public upon request.

3. to provide the means for furnishing full and accurate information, both favorable and unfavorable, together with interpretation and explanation of school plans and programs to all publics.

4. to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the news media

5. to encourage the Superintendent to establish and convene a Steering Group on Communications which will review and evaluate District-wide efforts in this area.

Revised 7.00

, (

SECTION B: SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS

This section includes bylaws and policies establishing the Committee's internal operating procedures.

BA Committee Operations Goals BAA Evaluation of School Committee

BB School Board Legal Status BBA School Committee Powers and Responsibilities BBAA School Committee Authority BBBB Committee Member Oath of Office BBBE Unexpired Term Fulfillment

BCA School Committee Member Ethics BCB Committee Member Conflict of Interest

BDB Committee Officers BDD Committee-Superintendent Relations BDF Advisory Committee BDF-E HPAC Advisory Committee BDG School Attorney

BE School Committee Meetings BEA Regular Committee Meetings BEB Special Committee Meetings BEC Executive Sessions BEC-L Executive Sessions - Legal Language BEDA Notification of Committee Meetings BEDB Agenda BEDC Quorum BEDD Rules of Order BEDF Voting Method BEDG Minutes BEDH Public Participation at School Committee Meetings BED! News Media At Committee Meetings BEDJ Broadcasting/Taping Committee Meetings BEDK Reporting School Committee Business

BGA Policy Development System BGC Policy Revision and Review BGE Policy Communication

BHC School Committee Communications With Staff

1

BIA New Committee Member Orientation BIB Committee Member Development Opportunities

BK School Committee Memberships

2

BA

COMMITTEE OPERATIONAL GOALS

The Haverhill School Committee is responsible to the people for whose benefit the school district has been established. Further, the Committee's current decisions will influence the course of education in the district's schools for years to come. By virtue of this responsibility, the Committee and each of its members must look to the future and to the needs of all the people.

The Committee's primary responsibility is to establish those purposes, programs, and procedures which will best produce the educational achievement needed by district students. It is charged with accomplishing this while also being responsible for wise management of resources available to the district. The Committee must fulfill these responsibilities by functioning primarily as a legislative body to formulate and adopt policy, by selecting a Superintendent of Schools to implement policy, budget, and by evaluating the results.

In accordance with these principles, the Committee through its mode of operation, shall seek to achieve the following goals:

1. To concentrate the Committee's collective effort on its policy-making and planning responsibilities.

2. To formulate Committee policies, which best serve the educational interests of each student and to provide challenging academic experience.

3. To provide the Superintendent with sufficient and adequate guidelines for implementing Committee policies.

4. To maintain effective communication with the public, the staff, and students in order to maintain awareness of attitudes, opinions, desires, and ideas.

5. To conduct Committee business openly, except where deemed appropriate, as permitted by law, to utilize the advantages of executive session.

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Revised 10.98

3

BAA

EVALUATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Each June, the School Committee shall establish realistic objectives related to Committee procedures and relationships and shall, in the following May, measure its performance against the stated objectives.

The following areas of School Committee operations and relationships are representative of those in which objectives may be set and progress appraised:

1. Committee meetings 2. Policy development 3. Fiscal management 4. Committee role in educational program development 5. Committee member orientation 6. Committee member development 7. Committee office performance 8. Committee-Superintendent relationships 9. Committee-staff relationships

10. Committee-community relationships 11. Legislative and governmental relationships.

N

Revised 10.98

BB

SCHOOL BOARD LEGAL STATUS

The School Committee's powers and duties are derived from and controlled by state statute. In general, the School Committee shall have general charge and management of all public schools, including evening schools, evening high schools and summer schools, and of vocational schools and departments when not otherwise provided for by law. Thus, the School Committee is charged with the development of reasonable rules and regulations for the conduct of the school system.

Since the School Committee is the governing body of the school system, its basic function is policy-making and not administrative in nature.

By law, the School Committee must exercise its powers and duties as a committee. All action must be taken at a duly called meeting at which a majority of the Committee members are present. The decisions and actions of individual members have no legal standing unless these powers have been duly assigned to them by Committee action.

M.G.L. CH. 71, S. 37.

BBA

SCHOOL COMMITTEE POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Committee is the overall policy-making group for the schools, with responsibility to take such action as provided by law. It is the committee of laypersons who can represent to the Superintendent the needs and wishes of the public and, in turn, evaluate the proposals for changes in policies and programs made by the Superintendent and the school personnel. It is responsible for carrying out certain mandatory laws relating to schools.

The School Committee recognizes as its three main functions the following:

1. Policy-making--that function which plans what shall be done, establishes guidelines for accomplishing the tasks, and provides budgetary requests and support for their achievement.

2. Executive--that function which is concerned with placing plans and policies into operation. The School Committee of Haverhill customarily delegates this function to its chief executive officer, the Superintendent. It is his/her responsibility to establish procedures through which the plans and policies are put into practice, to furnish professional and creative leadership to the School Committee and school staff, and to report progress, problems, and results to the Committee.

3. Appraisal--that function which attempts to determine the desires of the public in matters of public education, the results achieved through the educational program, and the efficiency of school operations.

Specific Responsibilities

In carrying out its three main functions, the School Committee shall:

1. Exercise all powers and perform all duties required by law or by regulation of the State Board of Education.

2. Select a Superintendent to serve as chief executive officer, support him/her in the discharge of his/her duties and evaluate him/her on an annual basis.

3. Adopt policies for the Superintendent to use as guidelines in his/her administration of the school system.

4. Review administrative rules and regulations in sensitive areas, including those pertaining to accounting procedures for school funds.

5. Determine, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, the programs of instruction to be provided in the schools.

6. Determine, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, instructional and non­instructional positions required for carrying out the total school program.

7. Determine the schedule of salaries of all classifications of employees upon consultation with the Superintendent, fulfilling all statutory requirements relating to negotiations processes.

8. Determine and approve the annual financial budget after receiving recommendations from the Superintendent and school staff, and present it to the City Council; recommend to the voters of the City the appropriations for capital expenditures as the need arises.

9. Determine school housing needs for the educational program, approve sites and educa­tional specifications for needed buildings, and provide leadership in communicating these needs to the community.

10. Annually set the school calendar and the hours of daily opening and closing of school.

11. Hear communications from citizens and organizations on matters of school policy; explain the needs of the school system to the public.

12. Determine policies regarding age of school entrance, promotion of pupils from grade to grade, and requirements for graduation from various units of the system.

13. Provide for the protection and promotion of health and safety of pupils and school personnel.

14. Represent the community's attitude toward the public schools and represent the schools to the public.

15. Appoint the Superintendent of Schools, and subject to the recommendation of the Superintendent, appoint an individual to any assistant superintendent position which has been established. The School Committee may approve or disapprove the appointment of an Assistant Superintendent, but shall not unreasonably withhold its approval. If the Superintendent requests, the Committee shall explain its disapproval of a recommended candidate. The School Committee shall also retain legal counsel for the district, in consultation with the Superintendent.

16. Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.

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Revised 10.98 Revised 1.99

2 of 2

BBAA

SCHOOL COMMITTEE AUTHORITY

The School Committee shall act as a unit; that is, decisions relative to school matters and policy shall be settled by a formal vote of the full Committee at a legally called meeting. Individual members, when not in a legally called meeting, shall have no authority to take action on School Committee matters except as empowered to act under the Committee rules.

N

BBBB

COMMITTEE MEMBER OATH OF OFFICE

At the first regular meeting in January the oath of office shall be administered by the City Clerk to new members of the School Committee, when such new members assume office or at such time as when other elected officials are sworn in.

H

BBBE

UNEXPIRED TERM FULFILLMENT

If a vacancy occurs in the School Committee by failure to elect, or otherwise, the City Council and the remaining members of the School Committee shall meet in joint convention and elect a suitable person to fill the vacancy until the first Monday in January following the next regular municipal election; and, if there should be a vacancy on said first Monday, it shall be filled at such regular municipal election for the balance of the unexpired term. The mayor, if present, shall preside at the convention. (Cite: M.G.L. ch. 34 Section 36).

H

Revised 10.98

BCA

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER ETHICS

CODE OF ETHICS

1. A School Committee member in his/her relations with his/her community should:

a. Realize that his/her primary responsibility is to the children.

b. Recognize that his/her basic function is to be policy-making and not adminis­trative.

c. Remember that he/she is one of a team and must abide by, and carry out, all Committee decisions once they are made.

d. Be well informed concerning the duties of a Committee member on both a local and state level.

e. Remember that he/she represents the entire community at all times.

f. Accept the office as a Committee member as a means of unselfish service with no intent to "play politics," in any sense of the word, or to benefit personally from his/her Committee activities.

2. A School Committee member in his/her relationship with his/her school administration should:

a. Endeavor to establish sound, clearly defined policies which will direct and support the administration.

b. Recognize and support the administrative chain of command and refuse to act on complaints as an individual outside the administration.

c. Act only on the recommendations of the chief administrator in relevant matters of employment or dismissal of school personnel.

d. Give the administrator full responsibility for discharging his/her professional duties and hold him/her responsible for acceptable results. Power to dismiss school personnel is limited to dismissal of the superintendent. (See M.G.L. ch. 71, Sections 37, 42, and 59B).

1 of 2

SCA

e. Refer all complaints to the administrative staff for solution and only discuss them at Committee meetings if such solutions fail.

f. Preserve the right and obligation of teachers to teach controversial issues fairly and without bias.

3. A School Committee member in his/her relations to his/her fellow Committee members should:

a. Recognize that action at official meetings is binding and that he/she alone cannot bind the Committee outside of such meetings.

b. Realize that he/she should not make statements or promises of how he/she will vote on matters that will come before the Committee.

c. Uphold the intent of Executive Sessions and respect the privileged communica­tion that exists in executive session.

d. Not withhold pertinent information on school matters or personnel problems. either from members of his own Committee or from members of other Commit­tees who may be seeking help and information on school problems.

e. Make decisions only after all facts on a question have been presented and discussed.

Revised 10.98

20f2

BCB

COMMITTEE MEMBER CONFLICT OF INTEREST

A School Committee member shall not have any direct personal and pecuniary interest in a contract with the school district, nor shall he or she furnish directly any labor, equipment, or supplies to the district.

In the event a Committee member is employed by a corporation or business or has a secondary interest in a corporation or business which furnishes goods or services to the school district, the Committee member shall declare his interest and refrain from debating, discussing, or voting upon the question or contracting with the company. Such disclosure shall be made in writing and shall be kept open to inspection by the public.

It is not the intent of this policy to prevent the district from contracting with corporations or businesses because a Committee member is an employee of the firm. The policy is designed to prevent placing a Committee member in a position where his interest in the public schools and his interest in his place of employment (or other indirect interest) might conflict, and to avoid appearances of conflict of interest even though such conflict may not exist.

Vendor Relations

The district will not purchase supplies, materials, or services from a member of the School Committee or from a member of his or her household or from a firm in which he or she holds a major interest.

Several sections of M.GL CH. 268A. Sections 19, 20

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Revised 10.98

BOB

COMMITTEE OFFICERS

THE ORGANIZATION SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS:

a. Chairman - The Mayor of the city shall be ex-officio chairman of the committee.

b. Secretary - The Superintendent of Schools shall be ex-officio secretary of the Committee.

c. President - A president shall be chosen from the elected members of the Committee at the first regular meeting in January of each year after the opening of the new municipal year. He/she shall preside in the absence of the mayor.

d. Chairman Pro-tem - In the absence of the Mayor and the President, the Superintendent shall call the Committee to order and preside until a chairman pro-tempore is chosen.

H

BOD

COMMITTEE-SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONS

The Superintendent will keep the Committee informed in all matters relating to the operation of the schools which require action by the Committee or its members and regarding other matters which the Superintendent deems appropriate.

He/she will administer the schools in conformity with the adopted policies of the Committee, the State Board of Education, and state law making such administrative rules and regulations as may be necessary. He/she will be ultimately responsible for all areas reporting directly to him/her which include instruction, business management, personnel, pupil personnel, technical, vocational and continuing education, employee relations, information and community services, and federal and special programs. He/she will coordinate these functions to obtain the efficient operation of schools for the benefit of the total community.

The responsibilities of the Superintendent in a cooperative climate with the Committee are identified as:

Committee

1. To select a competent, established educational leader as Superintendent.

2. To serve as a policymaking body.

3. To allow the Superintendent to administer the schools.

4. To exercise sound judgment in business affairs of the school department.

Superintendent

To administer effectively and provide the professional, educational leadership necessary.

To recommend sound policy and implement adopted policies by formulating and enforcing rules and regulations.

To make Committee policy effective through efficient administration.

To keep the Committee informed on financial matters, do sound long-range planning, and keep current expenditures within the approved budget.

1 of 2

5. To deal always in an ethical, honest, straight-forward, open-and-above board manner with the Superintendent and the community.

6. To provide necessary personnel within budget limitations.

7. To approve an organizational pattern for the administration.

8. To take legal action required by the law.

9. To examine and approve an annual budget.

10. To function as a Committee rather than as individuals.

11. To carry on communications with staff members through the Superintendent.

12. To hold the Superintendent accountable for results.

13. To remember that schools exist for the benefit of the students

and the community.

14. To fulfill such other duties required by regulations of the

State Board of Education and state law.

N

To deal always in an honest, straight- forward, open-and­above board manner with the Committee, the staff, and the community.

To present personnel needs to the Committee.

To make assignments for each position within the Committee's authorization.

To recommend to the Committee all action required by law.

To recommend to the Committee an annual budget.

To deal with the Committee as a whole rather than with individual members.

To see that the staff can have necessary communication through The Superintendent with the Committee.

To accept responsibility for results.

To remember that schools exist for the benefit of the students and the

community.

To fulfill such duties required by regulations of the State Board of

Education and state law.

BDF

ADVISORY COMMITTEES

The School Committee encourages the use of committees of citizens to examine school issues and to recommend courses of action. Such committees serve in an advisory capacity under guidelines established by the School Committee.

See Also Policy KC on School Councils

H

Remained unchanged 1.99

(

BDF-E

HPAC ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Haverhill Parent Advisory Council for Chapter 766

HPAC is a volunteer organization. Membership is open to any Haverhill resident. Its purposes are as follows:

1. To foster better understanding and communications among staff, parents, administra­tors, and the School Committee concerning all aspects of special education.

2. To serve as consultants and/or advisors to parents concerning all aspects of Chapter 766 procedures.

3. To serve as advocates for equal opportunities for all special needs children and parents.

4. To provide parental input into educational programs and policies.

HPAC holds an open meeting on a monthly basis. For further information, contact the office of the Executive Director of Special Education.

H

Revised 10.98

BOG

SCHOOL ATTORNEY

The School Committee shall conform to Chapter 71. Section 37E and 37F of the M.G.L. concerning retention of legal counsel and expenditure of funds for same.

When such legal counsel is deemed necessary. it shall be requested by a majority vote of the School Committee or by the Superintendent of Schools.

N

!

(

BE

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS

OPEN MEETING LAW - The School Committee shall abide by the "Open Meeting Law." (Sections 23a, 23b and 23c of Chapter 39 of the General Laws)

H

BEA

REGULAR COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Regular meetings of the School Committee shall be held on the second and the fourth Thursdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. When the regular meeting night falls on a holiday, the meeting shall be held on a day and at a time determined by the vote of the Committee.

Items for the Agenda must be submitted to the Superintendent of Schools sufficiently in advance in order that the School Committee will receive the information at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the meeting.

SUMMER MONTHS - The Committee may, at its discretion, discontinue its regular sessions during the months of July and August and delegate authority for payment of bills to the Superintendent or his/her designee to be approved at the next regular meeting.

H

BEB

SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Except in an emergency, special meetings shall be called by the secretary or when so directed by the chairperson at written request of a majority of the Committee. At least forty-eight hours notice of special meetings shall be given each member. Such notice shall specify the business to be acted upon at the special meeting. Special meetings must comply with the open meeting law.

H

BEC

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

All Executive Sessions are to be held in compliance with the General Laws, Chapter 39, Section 23A.

School board meetings are required by law to be held in public session, except when the board ... "shall vote to go into executive session. Such ... session may be held for the purpose of deliberating, discussing or voting on those matters .... which if made public might adversely affect the public security, the financial interest of the district .... or the reputation of any person; .... ". The minutes of an executive session meeting may remain closed so long as their publication would defeat the lawful purposes of the executive session, but no longer. There­fore, several things are clear. It is permissible to vote on appropriate matters in "executive session" so long as such votes are taken and recorded by roll call. The minutes of an "executive session" may remain closed, but only as long as their publication would defeat the lawful purposes of the executive session.

The School Committee should not take advantage of the provisions of the statute except when duly permitted. Pursuant to M.G.L. ch.39, three registered voters, the Attorney General or the District Attorney may file a claim with the Supreme Judicial Court or Superior Court that the School Committee has failed to comply with the open meeting law. In the event a violation is found, the court may order the Committee to comply in subsequent meetings, to release records, to reinstate and compensate an employee in the instance of dismissal. The court may also invalidate actions taken at the meeting and order civil fines of no greater than $1,000 for each meeting held in violation.

The above law applies except in cases where a board is governed by express provisions of another general or special state law, sometimes the case in special city charters.

The Secretary of the School Committee shall seal minutes of Executive Session, until they are made public.

N Revised 10.98

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS LEGAL LANGUAGE

BEC·L

As used in this section and in section twenty-three B, the word "board" shall include every board, commission, committee and sub-committee, however elected, appointed or otherwise constituted, of any district, city or town. It shall also include the governing board of every local housing, redevelopment or similar authority. All board meetings shall be open to the public and to the press unless the board shall note to go into executive session. Such executive session may be held only for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on those matters which by general or special statute, or federal grant-in-aid requirements cannot be made public, and those matters which if made public might adversely affect the public security, the financial interest of the district, city, town or local housing authority, or the reputation of any person; provided, however, that the meetings of any such board which shall be investigating any board or agency of a municipal government, or any legislation which could ultimately change or alter the existing governmental structure of a city or town, shall, at all times, be open to the public and to the press, notwithstanding a vote of such board to go into executive session.

Except in an emergency, a notice of each board meeting shall be filed with the clerk of the municipality in which the board acts, and the notice or a copy thereof shall, at least forty-eight hours, including Saturdays but not Sundays and legal holidays, prior to such meeting, be publicly posted in the office of such clerk or on the principal official bulletin board of such municipality. The secretary of a regional school district committee shall be considered to be its clerk, and notices of its meetings shall be filed with its secretary and posted in his office or on the principal official bulletin board of the district. If the meeting shall be of a board of a newly organized municipality having neither clerk nor official bulletin board, the officer calling the meeting shall file the notice thereof with the clerk of each city and town within such municipality, and each such clerk shall post the notice in his office or on the principal official bulletin board of his city or town. For the purposes of this section, "emergency" shall mean a situation where immediate, undelayed action is deemed by the board to be imperative.

Every board shall maintain accurate records setting for the action taken at each meeting. A summary of all matters voted shall be made available with reasonable promptness after each meeting; provided, however, that votes taken in executive session may remain secret so long as their publication would defeat the lawful purposes of the executive session, but no longer. The records of each meeting shall become a public record and be available to the public upon being approved; provided, however, that the records of any executive session may remain secret so long as their publication would defeat the lawful purposes of the executive session, but no longer.

M.G.L. Chapter 39, Section 23a (For further information, see Chapter 39, Sections 23b and 23c)

N

BEDA

NOTIFICATION OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The Superintendent shall give notice in writing to each member of the Committee of all meetings of the Committee and sub-committees. This notice shall be given to the members at least forty-eight hours prior to a meeting in an emergency hour at which the meeting is called. The Superintendent shall post the dates and times of said meetings in accordance with the General Laws regarding such meetings. Notification of emergency meetings will state the hour at which the emergency meeting is called.

H Revised 4.98 Revised 5.98 Revised 10.98

BE DB

AGENDA

ORDER OF BUSINESS - The following shall be the order of business:

I. Roll Call.

II. Public Comment

III. Presentations

IV. Report of the Superintendent of Schools

V. Old Business

VI. New Business

VII. Approval of items by consensus

VIII. Executive session (if needed)

IX. Adjournment.

Agenda preparation and dissemination:

SCHOOL COMMITIEE BUSINESS - No item shall be brought before the School Committee without it having first been filed with the Superintendent of Schools in time to be submitted to the School Committee forty-eight hours previous to a School Committee meeting unless there is an emergency item that either the Superintendent or a member of the School Committee may find it necessary to present. Committee members should make every attempt to submit items before the 48-hour limit, and if items were submitted after that time, the Committee should be informed by a supplementary agenda or a telephone call.

A copy of the School Committee agenda shall be made available to the news media.

Revised 3.31.05

BEOC

QUORUM

Four members shall constitute a quorum. If no quorum were present within a reasonable time, the presiding officer may declare the meeting adjourned to the time of the next regular meeting or to such other time as may be designated.

H

BEDD

RULES OF ORDER

The rules of parliamentary practice contained in Roberts Rules of Order shall be the rules of order governing the deliberations of the Committee. A copy of Robert Rules of Order, a copy of School Committee Regulations, and a copy of General Laws Relating to Education shall be available to members at rneetings.

H

(

BEDF

VOTING METHOD

In any matter requiring a vote of the School Committee, the vote shall be by hand, voice, or roll call, and no secret or written ballot shall be used.

M.G.L. Chapter 39, Sec. 23A; Chapter 41, Sec. 11

N

BEDG

MINUTES

In compliance with state law, the School Committee shall maintain accurate minutes of the actions taken at each meeting, and a summary of all matters voted shall be made available to the public with reasonable promptness. The votes taken in executive session may remain secret so long as their publication would defeat the lawful purposes of the executive session, but no longer. (M.G.L., Chapter 39, S238)

The School Committee also directs the secretary to include in the minutes a record of all motions made, with the names of the persons presenting the motion and seconding it. This is to be recorded whether or not action is taken on the motion.

The Committee additionally directs the secretary:

1. To file back-up data and supporting information relative to items on the open meeting agenda in the office of the Superintendent.

2. To keep the data referred to in (1) above for at least three years or until released by the School Committee.

3. To record in the minutes only the official action taken by the Committee and a record of members "for" and "against" motions except in cases of unanimous votes. The minutes shall reflect official action taken by the Committee and a record of the members' votes on each motion except in cases of unanimous votes.

4. While the minutes will not be verbatim transcripts, they will contain a summarized version of pertinent discussions.

5. Minutes of School Committee meetings shall be kept in perpetuity. Consistent with state regulations, minutes shall be committed to microfilm/microfiche after 3 years. (M.G.L. Ch. 66, Section 15)

N

Revised 4.98 Revised 5.98 Revised 10.98

BEDH

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS

School Committee Meeting Discussion with Citizens of the Community

1. Any citizen may request that an item which is of interest to him/her be placed on the agenda for a particular meeting. Such request should be in writing and should be received by the Superintendent of Schools at least one week prior to the date of the meeting. Such request should contain background statements which would explain scope and intent of the agenda item.

2. Any citizen who wishes to speak on an agenda item after publication of the agenda can indicate his/her wish to speak to the Committee about that item by notifying the Superintendent of Schools any time prior to the meeting, at which time the Superintendent will notify the chairperson of the intent of the speaker.

3. Any citizen who has not had the opportunity to review the agenda in advance of the meeting may upon request to the Chairperson be heard once on a topic on the agenda. The citizen shall limit his/her talk to no more than five minutes except by majority consent of the Committee members present.

4. No person shall present orally or discuss at any meeting the School Committee complaints against individual members of the School Committee or of the Haverhill Public Schools until such time as charges or complaints shall be presented to the School Committee in writing and shall be signed by the person or persons making the complaint.

5. It shall be in order for any School Committee member to direct questions to the speaker through the Chairperson in order to clarify the discussion.

6. A group of citizens appearing at a meeting to express favor or opposition to a particular agenda item should designate one member of the group as spokesperson to be heard on the topic under discussion. Other members of the group may be heard if they feel that they can contribute additional information regarding the topic under discussion.

7. At the beginning of each meeting the public shall be invited to make general comments concerning issues not related to the agenda using the following structure:

a. When they arrive at the meeting, individuals wishing to speak will put their name on a list held by the secretary

b. A "Public Comment" item will come just before consensus on the agenda c. Comments by members of the public will be limited to 3 to 5 minutes, based on the

number of people signed up to talk d. The maximum length of time for an individual to speak during the Public Comment

portion will be 5 minutes

e. Topics for public comment should be relative to the responsibility of the School Committee: policy, curriculum, budget, health and safety, superintendent performance and goals

f. The presiding officer will do everything in his or her power to assure that public comment does not stray into areas of discipline of students and staff, derogatory comments about others, and complaints about operations, procedures and personnel over which the School Committee does not have control.

( BEDI

NEWS MEDIA AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Local news media representatives are welcome to attend all regular and special meetings of the School Committee. Postings of all regular and special School Committee meetings as well as sub-committee meetings will be made according to the requirements of the open meeting law.

N

BEDJ

BROADCASTING & TAPING OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Media coverage is authorized for regular meetings. Such meeting shall also be electronically taped.

H

BEDK

REPORTING SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUSINESS

No report shall be issued in the name of the Committee without its prior approval. Such reports are presented by the Superintendent in behalf of the School Committee.

N

Revised 4.98

( BGA

POLICY DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM

The Haverhill School Committee adopts the policy codification system of the National School Boards Association.

Any School Committee member, staff member or community resident may suggest new or revised policy for School Committee consideration, subject to the following:

a. Anyone suggesting a new policy or a change in an existing policy shall provide the Superintendent of Schools with a written statement of the policy along with justification for the proposal.

b The suggested policy or amended existing policy will be placed on a regular School Committee agenda for discussion.

c. If, after a first reading, the policy is approved by a majority vote, it will be placed on the next regular School Committee agenda for a second reading and a vote for final approval..

d. The policy, if approved, will take effect beginning with the next regular School Committee meeting following adoption.

e. No existing policy may be waived except by a majority of those present.

f. A policy of the School Committee is to remain in full force unless specifically changed by a majority vote of the School Committee.

g. Procedure for Updating Policy Manual:

The Superintendent's office is responsible for maintaining and keeping current the list of the holders of Policy Manuals. Each manual will be kept up-to-date through the distribution of new or revised policies as determined by the School Committee to each Manual holder. When new or revised policies are incorporated into the Policy Manual, the effective date of the new or revised policy will be inserted as a footnote.

N

Revised 10.98

(

(

(

BGC

POLICY REVISIONS AND REVIEW

The School Committee will follow through the policies it has formulated. It shall evaluate how the policies have been executed by the school staff, and shall weigh the results. The School Committee shall rely on the school staff, students, and the community for providing evidence of the effect of the policies which it has adopted.

The School Committee shall also strive to keep its policies up-to-date. To achieve this end, it directs the Superintendent to review all policies on a regular basis.

N

(

BGE

POLICY COMMUNICATION

It is the intention of the School Committee that complete and up to date manuals of School Committee policy shall be available in the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Policy Manual to be at all Meetings

The Superintendent shall be responsible for a copy of the Policy Manual being present at all School Committee Meetings.

Distribution of Student Policies to the Students

In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 37H, all policies relating to the conduct of students shall be published and distributed to all students at the beginning of each year in all schools Such publication and distribution shall be the responsibility of the principals of the individual schools.

N

Revised 10.98

( SHC

SCHOOL COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS WITH STAFF

The School Committee wishes to maintain open channels of communication between itself and the staff. The basic line of communication will, however, be through the Superintendent.

Staff Communication to the School Committee:

All communications or reports to the Committee or any of its subcommittees from principals, supervisors, teachers or other staff members will be submitted through the Superintendent. This procedure does not deny the right of any employee to appeal to the Committee from administrative decisions on matters, provided that the Superintendent has been notified of the forthcoming appeal and that it is processed in accordance with the Committee's policy on complaints and grievances.

School Committee Communications to Staff:

All official communications, policies and directives of staff interest and concem will be communicated to staff members through the Superintendent. The Superintendent will develop appropriate methods to keep staff fully informed of the Committee's problems, concerns and actions.

Visits to School:

Individual School Committee members interested in visiting schools or classrooms will inform the Superintendent of such visits and make arrangements for visitations through the principals of the various schools. Such visits will be regarded as informal expressions of interest in school affairs and not as "inspections'" or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes. Official visits by Committee members will be carried on only under Committee authorization.

N

( BIA

NEW COMMITTEE MEMBER ORIENTATION

A new member-- or any person designated for appointment as a new member of the School Committee -- is to be afforded the Committee's and the staff's fullest measures of courtesy and cooperation. Committee and staff shall make every feasible effort to assist the new member to become fully informed about the School Committee's functions, policies, procedures, and problems.

1. A meeting of the Superintendent of Schools and new members will be convened within one month after the election for the primary purpose of orienting the new member(s) to the School Committee's responsibilities, method of operating, and to school district policies and problems.

Suggested topics for discussion in orientation meeting:

a. Policy Manual and its use b. School Committee Ethics (Policy BCA) c. Conflict of interest (Policy BCB) d. Conduct of meetings (Policies BE-BEC) e. Policy-making as opposed to administrative duties (Policies BGA-BGE) f. How hearings are conducted_ g. How to handle citizen complaints (Policy BEDH) h. Duties of the various administrators (See appropriate job descriptions) i. Main issues presently being dealt with j. Pending issues

2. The new member is to be provided with copies of all appropriate school publications and aids.

N

,

BIB

COMMITTEE MEMBER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The School Committee places a high priority on the importance of a planned and continuing program of in-service education for its members. The central purpose of the program is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of public school governance in our community. The School Committee will attempt to plan specific in-service activities designed to assist Commit­tee members in their efforts to improve their skills as members of a policymaking body; to expand their knowledge about trends, issues, and new ideas affecting the continued welfare of our local schools; and to deepen their insights into the nature of leadership in a modern democratic society.

School Committee in-service needs shall be determined, approved and funds shall be budgeted annually to support those needs. Individual School Committee members shall be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs incurred through participation in approved activities. The Committee as a whole shall retain the authority to approve or disapprove the participation of members in planned activities. The public should be kept informed through the news media about the Committee's continuing in-service education and about the programs anticipated for short and long-range benefits to our schools.

The School Committee regards the following as the kinds of activities and services appropriate for implementing this policy:

1. Participation in School Committee conferences, workshops, and conventions held by the state and national school committee associations.

2.District-sponsored training sessions for Committee members.

3.Subscriptions to publications addressed to the concerns of Committee members.

N

, (

BK

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS

Membership shall be maintained by the School Committee in the Massachusetts School Committee Association.

Attendance at regional, state and national conferences sponsored by School Committee associations shall be encouraged and expenses shall be paid out of available funds at the discretion of the School Committee.

N

(

(

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION C: GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

CBC

CBD-L

CBE

CBG

CBH

CD

CF

CH

CHC

CHC-L

CHD

CI

Superintendent's Powers and Responsibilities

Superintendent's Contract

Superintendent's Salary, Compensation and Benefits

Superintendent's Professional Development Opportunities

Superintendent's Consulting Activities

System Management Team

School Building Administration

Policy Implementation

Regulations Communication

Regulations Communication

Administration in Policy Absence

Temporary Administrative Arrangements

( CBC

SUPERINTENDENT POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Committee shall maintain a current job description for the Superintendent which shall be reviewed at the renewal of contract or before.

CBD·L

SUPERINTENDENT'S CONTRACT

A School Committee may award a contract to a Superintendent of Schools or a School Business Administrator for a period not exceeding six years which may provide for the salary, fringe benefits and other conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, severance pay, relocation expenses, reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of duties or office, liability insurance, and leave for said Superintendent or business administrator. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a school committee from voting to employ a superintendent of schools who has completed three or more year's service to serve at its discretion. Amended by St.1947, c.597, s.1; 8t.1950, c.283; St.1953, c.372; St.1956, c.132, s.1; St.1972, c.464, s.1; St.1973, c.847, s.6; St.1988, c.153, s.2.

Chapter 71, Section 41, M.G.L.

N

CBE

SUPERINTENDENT'S SALARY, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Superintendent shall be elected, and his/her salary fixed, by a majority vote of the Committee. He/she shall be entitled, as a minimum, to all monetary fringe benefits granted to employees under the contract with the Haverhill Public Schools Administrative and Supervisory Group.

Before any employee retires from the school system of the City of Haverhill, he/she must take vacation time accrued before his/her retirement date, otherwise, he/she must forfeit the vacation pay.

H

(

(

CBG

SUPERINTENDENT'S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The School Committee encourages the Superintendent to make every effort to stay abreast of educational trends and to seize opportunities for exploring new ideas and programs that may be used to advantage in the school district.

For the benefit of the entire school system, the School Committee encourages the Superintendent to set aside time each year to attend certain seminars and conferences and visit other school systems in which promising ideas are emerging.

N

( CBH

SUPERINTENDENT'S CONSULTING ACTIVITIES

The Superintendent may undertake consultative work, speaking engagements, writing, lecturing or other professional duties and obligations, provided such activities do not interfere with the meeting of his/her responsibilities as Superintendent.

N

( CD

MANAGEMENT TEAM

An administrative team represents a means of establishing smooth lines of organization and communications, common agreements, and definite patterns of mutuality among administra­tors and the School Committee as they unite to provide effective educational programs for the community. There are two primary parties involved in the leadership of a school district, namely the School Committee, whose responsibility is policy-making, and the Administrative Team, whose major responsibilities include first advising the Committee in establishing policies and then guaranteeing their effective implementation. A close, harmonious working relationship between these two parties is obviously vital to the successful operation of the school system.

It should also be clear that an effective Administrative Team has, in addition to its assigned legal and primary role of policy implementation, a vital leadership function to perform. An effective Administrative Team provides a collective means of strengthening school system leadership, giving individual administrators needed assistance, opportunities and job satisfac­tion.

The School Committee hereby adopts the Administrative Team concept as part of its formal operating policy in the District.

N

( CF

SCHOOL BUILDING ADMINISTRATION

The official in charge of each school building will be the building principal, responsible to the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee:

The principal's duties include, but are not limited to, informing teachers and other employees of the policies and regulations of the Committee and procedures issued by the Superintendent and district-level administrators. Responsibilities also include informing the Superintendent and central office administrators of developments, situations, and activities at the building level.

The most important responsibility of the principal is to serve as instructional leader of the school. This requires that major portions of his/her time be spent in:

1. maintaining a positive school climate 2. goals clarification for staff 3. classroom observation and evaluation of staff 4. analysis of instructional and related needs and taking action to meet them 5. planning and carrying out school in-service programs 6. communicating with staff, student, and school community about the school's programs, needs and achievements 7. establishing and serving as chairperson of the school council.

Assistant Principals: Assistant principals will be responsible to their respective principals. Their duties will be specified by the respective principals subject to the approval of the Superintendent or a designee.

• Job descriptions for Principals and Assistant Principals shall be kept in the Superintendent's office.

N

(

(

CH

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

In adopting policy for the school system, the School Committee individually and collectively accepts a responsibility to abide by the policy and recognizes the School Committee's responsibility to make such policy as is necessary, delegating to the school administration the implementation of the policy subject to such regulations as the School Committee may suggest. In the absence of regulations or policy, necessary action shall be implemented at the discretion of the school administration. The School Committee accepts the concept of the School Committee as the policy-making party and the school administration as the responsible party for the implementation of that policy.

N

CHC-1

REGULATIONS COMMUNICATION

Regulations will be appropriately coded and included as regulations in the Committee's policy manual, which will be available in the Superintendent's office and in each school building. Members of the Committee will receive copies of all new or revised district regulations for insertion in their copies of the manual. All regulations affecting students and staff will be made known to them.

Rules and regulations are the detailed directions needed to put policies into effect. These are generally formulated by the administration or its designee and will be consistent with school policies. The Committee may review rules and regulations as circumstances warrant.

N

( CHC-2

REGULATIONS COMMUNICATIONS

1. The rule must be publicized to students. Whether it is issued orally or in writing, school authorities must take reasonable steps to bring the rule to the attention of students.

2. The rules must have a legitimate educational purpose. The rule may affect an individual student's learning situation or the rights of other students in the education setting.

3. The rule must have a rational relationship to the achievement of the stated educational purpose.

4. The meaning of the rule must be reasonably clear. Although a rule of student conduct need not meet the strict requirements of a criminal statute, it must not be so vague as to be almost completely subject to interpretation of the school authority invoking it.

5. The rule must be sufficiently narrow in scope so as not to encompass constitutionally protected activities along with those which constitutionally may be proscribed in the school setting.

6. If the rule infringes on a fundamental constitutional right of students, a compelling interest of the school or state in the enforcement of the rule must be shown.

H

(

(

CHC-L

REGULATIONS COMMUNICATION

The Superintendent of every school district shall publish the district's policies pertaining to the conduct of teachers and students. ... Copies of these policies shall be provided to any person upon request and without cost by the principal of every school within the district.

In each school building containing grades 9-12, inclusive, the principal, in consultation with the school council, shall prepare and distribute to each student a student handbook setting forth the rules pertaining to the conduct of students.

Chapter 71, Section 37H, M.G.L.

(

(

CHD

ADMINISTRATION IN POLICY ABSENCE

In the absence of established School Committee policy or School Committee direction, the Superintendent shall assume responsibility for whatever decision or action is taken. In such instances, principals or other administrative or instructional personnel shall gain the approval of the Superintendent before taking any action.

In the situations which arise within the schools where the Committee has provided no guides for administrative action, the Superintendent shall have power to act, but his/her decisions shall be subject to review and ratification by action of the Committee at its regular meeting. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to inform the Committee promptly of such action and of the need for policy.

N

CI

TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

In the event the Superintendent is on temporary absence from duty, the Superintendent will designate another administrator to serve as acting Superintendent.

A temporary absence is defined as a vacation period, attendance at national conventions, and/or any other periods when the Superintendent would be out of immediate contact or presence in the district for over twenty-four hours.

When so appointed, the Acting Superintendent will assume all duties which are the responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools, with particular emphasis on emergency and day-to-day decision-making. The Acting Superintendent will not be expected to deal with matters requiring long-term planning or preparation unless specifically so assigned by the Superintendent.

The Acting Superintendent will take special care to keep the School Committee chairpersons informed as to any departure from normal routine.

To ensure within a school, continuous administrative control, each principal will name a staff member to be in charge in the event of his or her absence. In buildings where an assistant principal is employed, he or she will serve in the capacity of acting principal.

N

SECTION 0: FISCAL MANAGEMENT

DA Fiscal Management Goals

DB Annual Budget DBC-E Budget Planning, Preparation and Schedules DBE Communication of Budget Recommendations DBF Budget Hearing and Reviews DBF-L Budget Hearings and Reviews OBI Budget Implementation DBJ Budget Transfer Authority

DO Funding Proposals DDA Funding Sources Outside the School System DDB Title I Supplement not Supplant

DEB/DEC Revenues from State and Federal Tax Sources

DFD Gate Receipts and Admissions

DGA Authorized Signatures

DH Bonded Employees and Officers

, 01 Fiscal Accounting ( DIA Accounting System

DIB-L Types of Funds/Revolving Funds DID Inventories DIE Audits

OJ Purchasing DJA Purchasing Authority DJF Local Competitive Purchasing DJGA Sales Calls and Demonstrations

OK Payment Procedures DKA Payroll Procedures DKC Expense Authorization Reimbursements

OM Cash in School Buildings

DA

FISCAL MANAGEMENT GOALS

The School Committee recognizes that money and money management comprise an integral part of the whole school program. To make that support as effective as possible, the policy of the Committee is:

1. to encourage advance planning through the best possible budget procedures 2. to explore all practical and legal sources of dollar income 3. to guide the expenditure of funds so as to achieve the greatest educational returns 4. to pursue maximum efficiency in accounting and reporting procedures 5. to advocate a level of per pupil expenditure needed to provide a quality education. 6. to provide timely, accurate, and appropriate information to all staff with fiscal

management responsibilities.

As trustee of city, state, and federal funds allocated for use in local education, the School Committee has the responsibility to protect the funds and use them wisely.

It is the stated philosophy of the School Committee that its priorities for fiscal management and program development should reflect the broadest possible input from members of the staff and that the budget-setting process be as orderly and efficient as possible.

N

Revised 4.99

DB

ANNUAL BUDGET

The budget is the single most important document in the school system. It is an educational program cast in dollar terms and reflects what goes on in classrooms. It is based on decisions made in the planning process during which programs are evaluated, objectives for program are generated, priorities in programs established, and alternative funding levels considered.

Sound and intelligent budgeting is a most important ingredient in assuring quality education and in striving to meet goals that are worthy and realistic and at the same time accept the need to maintain public confidence that public schools are genuinely working in the best interests of students while taking into careful account the community's ability to pay.

School Committee requirements: The operating budget for the school system will be prepared and presented in line with state policy and will be developed and refined in accordance with these same requirements.

The Superintendent will serve as budget officer but he may delegate portions of this responsibility to members of his staff as he deems appropriate. The three general areas of responsibility for the Superintendent as budget officer will be budget preparation, budget presentation, and budget administration.

Revised 11.98

( DBC-E

BUDGET PLANNING, PREPARATION AND SCHEDULES

The School Committee recognizes the value of planning in the development of a fiscal budget. It encourages the Superintendent to solicit information from a broad spectrum of the community and its constituent groups for the purpose of aiding in the preparation of the

annual budget.

The School Committee directs that budget deadlines and schedules reflect the need to meet those statutory targets that are in compliance with state law with public hearings and submission to the Mayor. Consistent with this, the following recommended schedule shall be followed:

October Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Executive Director of Business plan budget process.

Budget meeting with Administrative Council; guidelines and forms distributed; Principals, Supervisors, Department Chairpersons, and site councils work with

staff and complete forms.

October/November Ongoing consultation with Business Office

December Budget proposals and school improvement plans due in central office

February Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director of Business, and Executive Director of Personnel and Labor Relations review budget proposals

and school improvement plans with administrators.

Budgets compiled and printed. Superintendent's recommended budget distributed to School Committee

March School Committee reviews and adopts budget; conducts public hearing

April School Committee sends adopted budget to City Council

May City adopts Budget

Appropriate planning for programs must take place prior to casting these programs into dollars. Preparation of a budget is a two step process. Curriculum planning should take place prior to

budget preparation to establish programmatic needs and priorities and to make available curriculum guides for budget preparation.

N

Revised 11.98

DBE

COMMUNICATION OF BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS

It is the responsibility of the Haverhill School Committee and School Department to sufficiently communicate the objectives and needs of the schools to the public so that local support of education can provide all children with equal and suitable educational programs.

The financial condition of the district, along with its needs and goals, will be communicated to the citizens through an ongoing public information program by the Department.

The budget as approved by the School Committee shall be published and distributed to:

School Committee members Mayor City Clerk's Office City Council members City Auditor Public Library Appropriate School Administrators Building Administrators· Site Councils· News Media Haverhill Education Association

( ·It is not necessary to duplicate the entire budget for the Site Councils or Administrators, only those sections relevant to them will be duplicated and issued.)

N

Revised 4.99

(

DBF

BUDGET HEARING AND REVIEWS

The Haverhill School Committee shall hold a public hearing on its proposed annual budget in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L., Chapter 71, Section 38n.

N

Revised 11.98

DBF·L

BUDGET HEARINGS AND REVIEWS

The School Committee of each city, town or regional school district shall hold a public hearing on its proposed annual budget not less that seven days after publication of a notice thereof in a newspaper having general circulation in such city, town or district. Prior to such public hearing said committee shall make available to the public at least one copy of said proposed budget for a time period of not less than forty-eight hours either at the office of the Superinten­dent of Schools or at a place so designated by said Committee. At the time and place so advertised or at any time or place to which such hearing may from time to time be adjoumed, all interested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard for or against the whole or any part of the proposed budget. Such hearing shall be conducted by a quorum of the School Committee. For the purposes of this section a quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of said School Committee.

M.G.L., Chapter 71, S.38n

N

( OBI

BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION

All expenditures of school funds made by the Superintendent of Schools or any other member of the school system shall be consistent with the budgetary accounts as established and appropriated by the School Committee.

Expenditure of funds for substitution of budgetary items not to exceed $1000 may be approved by the Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent or Executive Director of Business. Items in excess of $1000 must be presented to the School Committee for prior approval.

H

Revised 11.98

DBJ

BUDGET TRANSFER AUTHORITY

In keeping with the need for periodic reconciliation of the school department's budget, the School Committee will consider requests for transfers of funds as they are recommended by the Superintendent.

The Committee wishes to be kept abreast of the need for these adjustments so that it may act promptly and expediate financial record keeping for the school system.

N

Revised 4.99

( DD

FUNDING PROPOSALS

The School Committee will encourage the administration to seek and secure all possible sources of state, federal, and other special funds that will enhance the educational opportunities for the children in our schools.

The Superintendent will keep informed of all possible funds available to the school system under the various state and federal programs and in what manner these funds can best be used in the school system.

The Superintendent will be responsible for seeking out and coordinating the development of proposals for all specially funded projects. All proposals for state, federal or private foundation projects that would obligate the Haverhill School Committee for future funding must receive prior approval.

The Superintendent is authorized to sign all reports for these projects and will be responsible for the proper expenditure of funds received for such projects.

M.G.L. 44:53A P.L. 874 Impact Aid Board of Education 603, CMR 32:00; 34:00

H

Revised 11.98

(

(

DDA

FUNDING SOURCES OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM

Grants from Private Sources

Subject to the prior approval of the School Committee, the School Department may accept gifts, grants and bequests for the furtherance of public education provided there are no discriminatory restrictions as to sex, religion, race, creed, color, national origin, age, or physical handicap.

N

Reviewed 11.98

(

Title I Supplement Not Supplant Requirement

2004-2005

DDB

Title I funds may not take the place of or supplant public education services that are provided

to all students. The policies and procedures listed will assist Haverhill in demonstrating that it

uses Title I funds only to supplement, and to the extent practical, increase the level of funds

that would in the absence of Title I funds, be made available from non Federal sources for the

education of children participating in Title I programs.

Title I Schools in Haverhill:

• School-wide Program Schools: Pentucket Lake, Silver Hill, Burnham, Golden Hill and

Tilton.

• Targeted Assistance Schools: Consentino Middle School.

Student Selection Criteria:

The following multiple, objective, educationally related criteria are used by schools to select the

eligible pool of Title I participants in targeted assistance schools. Eligible students are those

identified by the school as failing, or most at risk of failing, to meet Massachusetts' challenging

student academic achievement standards. If all eligible students cannot be served, schools

shall select those most in need from this pool to be served. Schools may align these examples

of criteria listed below, with additional objective, educationally related criteria.

• Students performing at or below the fortieth percentile on the grade five Iowa Test of Basic

Skills.

• Students who have fallen into the warning or low needs improvement category of the

Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System test.

• Teacher/administrator's recommendation for students automatically eligible:

o Any student who is identified as homeless in any school in the district.

o Any student who is identified as migrant.

o Any student in a local institution for neglected or delinquent youth or attending a

community day program for children.

( School Criteria:

A school must be able to provide the school district with the student selection criteria it uses in

addition to the school district's student selection criteria. These might include among other

items, additional criterion - referenced tests in a particular subject, teacher developed tests

and teacher judgment for students in grades preschool through grade two if in a targeted­

assistance school.

Targeted Assistance Funds:

Program Design:

The district will review each targeted assistance school to ensure that the Title I Program

supplements the regular education program and serves only those students who have been

identified and selected for Title I services.

Evidence:

One or more of the following:

o Written school design plan.

o School district review notes.

o School supplied evidence.

o Information demonstrating that students with disabilities and students who are Limited

English Proficient (LEP) are receiving required non-Title I services specific to their needs.

Student Selection:

Haverhill Public Schools will review each targeted assistance school to ensure that the schools

have identified and selected students for Title I services based on Haverhill's established

student selection criteria and any additional school-established student selection criteria.

Evidence:

o School-developed selection criteria.

o List of students identified as eligible for services.

o List of students selected for services.

o Data supporting identification and selection.

o Student exit data (for those deemed no longer needing service).

o Documentation that LEP and special education students are selected on the same basis as

other students.

Students Served:

( School district staff will visit and review schools to ensure that students being served by Title I

funds are those who have been identified as needing services based on the student selection

criteria.

Evidence:

o Title I Program description.

o Student participation list.

o School schedule for Title I services.

o Notes/student attendance from Title I staff.

o Discussion with regular education and Title I staff.

Staffing:

Haverhill will maintain records that demonstrate that the Title I Program receives staff services

commensurate with staff payment. Coordination of records to what is actually taking place will

be carried out through means such as spot checks, reviews and interviews with staff and

students.

Evidence:

o For one hundred percent Title I funded staff, the staff's daily schedule of activities.

o For split-funded staff, the staff's daily schedule with clear delineation of time spent on the

Title I Program.

o Other documentation that demonstrates accurate charges to the Title I Program (e.g.

detailed position descriptions for split-funded staff).

Professional Development:

Haverhill will maintain a description of the professional development provided at the district

level that is funded by Title I funds.

Evidence:

o The described professional development is aligned with the needs of the Title I students.

o List of participants (school district staff will insure the participating staff are those who will

impact Title I participants).

o The professional development does not duplicate that which the school district provides for

non-Title I purposes that, in the absence of Title I funds, would be provided to all staff

(descriptions of all other professional development will be available).

( Schools will maintain or provide to the school district a description of the school-level

professional development paid for by Title I funds.

Evidence:

• The described professional development is aligned with the needs of the Title I students.

• List of participants (school district staff will ensure participating staff are those who will

impact Title I participants).

Parental Involvement:

Haverhill Public Schools will maintain a description of the school district parental involvement

activities paid for by Title I funds.

Evidence:

• The described parental involvement activities are aligned with the needs of the Title I

students.

• List of participants (school district staff will review to insure they are parents of Title I

students, although others may be invited to participate).

• The parental involvement activities do not duplicate those that the school district provides

for non-Title I parents that, in the absence of Title I funds, would be provided to all parents.

(Descriptions of all other parent involvement activities will be available).

Schools will maintain a description of school-level parental involvement activities paid for by

Title I funds.

Evidence:

• The described parental involvement activities are aligned with the needs of Title I students

and parents.

• List of participants (school district staff will review to insure they are parents of Title I

students, although others may participate).

Guidance and Counseling:

The Haverhill Public Schools will demonstrate that guidance or counseling services paid for by

Title I funds are provided to Title I participants and are supplemental to other available

( guidance and counseling services.

Evidence:

• List of participants (school district staff will review to insure they are Title I students).

• Description of services that demonstrate they meet the needs of Title I students and

• parents.

• The guidance and counseling services do not duplicate those that, in the absence of Title I

funds would be provided to all students and parents.

Haverhill Public Schools will demonstrate that Title I funds supplement those funds that are

required to be provided to the school-wide program schools.

Evidence:

• School budget.

• School district budget.

• Back up documentation demonstrating that the schools are receiving the proper amount of

funds for free public education, including funds for services for LEP students and children

with disabilities.

( DEB/DEC

REVENUES FROM STATE AND FEDERAL TAX SOURCES

All receipts of monies by the school system, either from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the federal government shall be forthwith turned over to the City Treasury and reported to the School Committee at its next meeting. All expenditures and balances of these funds shall be shown in the school system's financial statement.

Reviewed 11.98

(

(

DFD

GATE RECEIPTS AND ADMISSIONS

1. All athletic agreements which are signed on a percentage basis shall be reviewed by the administration and submitted to the School Committee for approval.

H

2. Admission receipts of school events shall be adequately controlled. The principal is responsible for the administration and supervision of all phases of school events for which an admission is charged, except athletic events, which are under the responsibility of the Athletic Director.

The Superintendent of Schools shall be advised of prices to be charged for school events including the criteria for free admissions or guest passes.

N

(

(

DGA

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES

The Superintendent of Schools, the Assistant Superintendent, the Executive Director of Business and/or the Assistant Director of Business will sign payrolls presented for approval.

M.G.L. 41 :52

N

Revised 4.99

( DH

BONDED EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS

Each employee of the school systems who is assigned the responsibility of receiving and dispensing school funds will be bonded individually or covered by a blanket bond. The cost of the bond will be paid by the city.

M.G.L. 40:5

Revised 11.98

( 01

FISCAL ACCOUNTING

The Superintendent will be ultimately responsible for receiving and properly accounting for all funds of the school system.

The accounting system used will conform with state requirements and with good accounting practices, providing for the appropriate separation of accounts, funds, and special monies.

The School Committee will receive periodic financial statements from the Superintendent showing the financial condition of the school department. Such other financial statements as may be determined necessary by either the Committee or the administration will be presented.

Board of Education 603 CMR 10.00

Revised 11.98

( CIA

ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

The system of accounts shall provide for the appropriate separation of accounts, funds and special monies as prescribed by local, state and federal authorities.

The system of accounts shall be used for all business transactions and budgeting documenta­tion to establish uniformity of systems and procedures.

N

Reviewed 11.98

(

(

DlB·L

TYPES OF FUNDSI REVOLVING FUNDS

Revolving accounts may be established by the School Committee in accordance with M.G.L. Ch71, s.47, s.71E.

N

Reviewed 11.98

( DID

INVENTORIES

Administrative and supervisory personnel shall keep a detailed account of all school property in their charge. The inventory shall be corrected at a time stipulated. A copy of this record and an account of books and supplies used during the term shall be sent to the Superintendent or his/her designee with the requisition for books, supplies, and equipment. Administrative and supervisory personnel shall see that such equipment and supplies when furnished are properly recorded and economically and carefully used. They shall see that the school label or stamp is placed on all books before they are loaned to students. A separate inventory shall be kept of all textbooks, supplies and equipment purchased with federal monies.

H

Reviewed 11.98

DIE

AUDITS

An audit of the school department's accounts should be conducted annually. In addition, the Committee may request a private audit of the school system's accounts at its discretion.

The Committee will consider recommendations made by the auditor for maintaining an efficient system for recording and safeguarding the school department's assets.

Reviewed 11.98

OJ

PURCHASING

All purchases for the Haverhill Public Schools shall be made in accordance with City by-laws and state purchasing procedures set forth under the General Laws of Massachusetts.

Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Executive Director of Business shall act as the Purchasing Agent.

With the advice of the Executive Director of Business, the Superintendent shall establish procedures to assure that purchasing practices are congruent with state laws and local ordinances.

N

Revised 12.98

(

(

DJA

PURCHASING AUTHORITY

Authority for purchasing is defined by the annual budget recommended by the Superintendent and adopted by the School Committee. The Superintendent will administer and authorize purchases in accordance with the budget.

The purchase of items and services on budgetary lists requires no further School Committee approval except when, by law or School Committee policy, the purchases or services must be put out to bid.

Purchase of new budgetary items exceeding $1000 must be approved by the School Committee.

H

Revised 4.99.

( DJF

LOCAL COMPETITIVE PURCHASING

Service contracts shall be approved by the School Committee.

Any repair under $100 may be taken care of by the administrator in charge. For any repair over $100 but under $500, a request shall be made in writing to the Superintendent, stating company or companies, who in the opinion of the professional person in charge are best qualified to do the work. Such a request shall state the name of local concerns--if there are any who do the work and their estimate. If a local concern is not acceptable, the reasons why should be so stated. Repairs over $500 shall be presented to the School Committee for prior approval except in emergency situations.

Billing shall be in accordance with the procedures drawn up by the Superintendent.

H

Revised 4.99

( DJGA

SALES CALLS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

Representatives of firms doing business or seeking to do business with the school system will have limited access to staff and will be govemed by the procedures outlined by Central Office and promulgated by building administrators and other supervisory personnel.

H

Revised 11.98

OK

PAYMENT PROCEDURES

All claims for payment from school system funds will be processed in accordance with regulations developed by the Superintendent with approval of appropriate city departments.

Payment will be authorized against invoices properly supported by approved purchase orders, with properly submitted vouchers, or in accordance with salaries and salary schedules approved by the School Committee.

As an operating procedure, the Committee will receive monthly lists of bills for payment from system and grant funds. The lists will be certified as correct and approved for payment by the School Committee and then forwarded to the city auditor for processing and subsequent payment by the city treasurer.

The Superintendent with the assistance of the Executive Director of Business will be responsible for assuring that budget allocations are observed and that total expenditures do not exceed the amount allocated in the budget for all items.

The school building administrators will be responsible for observing budget allocations in their respective schools.

M.G.L. 41:41, 41:52, 41:56

H

Revised 12.98

DKA

PAYROLL PROCEDURES

Compensation records kept by the Business Office will reflect an accurate history of the compensation and related benefits accorded each employee.

The School Committee requires the maintenance of the system of records that validate staff time for payroll.

N

Revised 12.98

( DKe

EXPENSES AUTHORIZATION/REIMBURSEMENT

Personnel employed in special assignments which require them to travel to more than one school in one day shall receive a travel allowance in accordance with established practices.

Personnel shall be reimbursed for all expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with the law of Massachusetts and the policies of the School Committee after being approved by the Superintendent of Schools. Whenever required in advance by the Superintendent to travel out of the city, personnel shall be reimbursed at the rate per mile set by the School Committee for other employees. Personnel will also be reimbursed for reasonable expenses (including meals, lodgings, and/or transportation and fees) incurred for professional improvement sessions, conferences or other professional improvement sessions which have been approved in advance by the Superintendent.

Requests for reimbursement of conference expenses incurred within the state exceeding $150 must be submitted by the Superintendent' to the School Committee for approval on a form listing the complete cost of the conference, including the cost for a substitute if one is needed. Requests for reimbursements of conference expenses below $150 which do not exceed

budgetary appropriation shall be approved at the discretion of the Superintendent.

Membership Dues. Administrative personnel are eligible to receive reimbursement for professional membership in associations as approved in the budget document.

Revised 11.98

, I

(

OM

CASH IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS

Monies collected by school employees and by student treasurers shall be handled with good and prudent business procedures. All monies collected shall be receipted, accounted for, and directed without delay to the proper location of deposit.

In no case, shall monies be left overnight in schools, except in safes provided for safekeeping of valuables, and even then not to exceed more than a few dollars. All schools shall provide for making bank deposits after regular banking hours in order to avoid leaving money in school overnight.

Procedures regarding student activity accounts and other school accounts will be implemented in accordance with state guidelines.

Insurance. All school department employees are bonded through the City of Haverhill.

N

Revised 11.98

(

EB EBA EBB EBC EBCA EBCA·R

ECA ECAC

ED EDC

EF

SECTION E: SUPPORT SERVICES

SAFETY PROGRAM SAFETY DRILLS EMERGENCY PLANS BOMB THREATS SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS PROCEDURES

SECURITY VANDALISM

CRISIS RESPONSE READINESS POLICY AUTHORIZED USE OF SCHOOL·OWNED MATERIALS

FOOD SERVICES MANAGEMENT

( EB

SAFETY PROGRAM

The Haverhill School Committee directs that procedures be implemented to insure the safety of all students, employees and others present on school property. The Superintendent of Schools will have overall responsibility for the safety program and its ultimate effectiveness.

The School Committee will comply with safety requirements established by governmental authorities and will insist that its staff adhere to recommended safety practices.

The issue of safety will also be considered a facet of the instructional program of the schools, with areas such as accident prevention, fire prevention, emergency procedures and traffic and pedestrian safety all receiving attention.

Revised 7.99 Revised 9.99

( EBA

SAFETY DRILLS

Principals are responsible for the training of their students and staff in fire safety by means of fire drills and appropriate instructions so that students may be able to leave the building quickly without confusion. Fire drills shall be held in each school at least once a month. A record of these drills should be kept by all principals.

The Supervisor of Transportation and the Building Principals are responsible for providing appropriate safety instructions regarding the boarding, riding, and possible evacuation of buses.

Revised 7.99 Revised 9.99

( EBB

EMERGENCY PLANS

The School Committee, in its effort to provide safe, secure facilities for students and staff, has directed that an Emergency Plan be developed and maintained under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools. The Emergency plan will focus on three major components: prevention, intervention and aftervention, the latter being a study of the existing conditions as well as the appropriateness and adequacy of interventions used. The Emergency Plan will include both district and building intervention strategies, as well as provision for regular training of staff in emergency planning. The Emergency Plan will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Superintendent of Schools.

Revised 7.99

( EBC

BOMB THREATS

The Haverhill School Committee considers bomb threats to be particularly serious offenses against the efficient operation and good order of a school system. Under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, all principals will have a system-wide plan ready to implement in the event of a bomb threat. Principals shall immediately inform the Superintendent of Schools and the Police and the Fire Departments of any bomb scare or comparable threat.

Revised 7.99

( EBCA

SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS

The Superintendent shall be responsible for closing schools or delaying opening times because of hazardous weather conditions or other emergencies. If conditions affect only a single school, only that school will be closed.

In making the decision to close schools, the Superintendent will consider many factors, including the following principal ones relating to the fundamental concern for the safety and health of the children:

1. Weather conditions, both eXisting and predicted.

2. Driving, traffic, and parking conditions affecting public and private transportation facilities.

3. Actual occurrence or imminent possibility of any emergency condition that would make the operation of schools difficult or dangerous.

4. Inability of teaching personnel to report for duty, which might result in inadequate supervision of students.

Students, parents and staff will be informed early in each school year of the procedures that will be used to notify them in case of emergency closings. When schools are closed for emergency reasons, staff members will comply with School Committee policy in reporting for work.

Revised 7.99

( EBCA-R

SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS

Procedures

School closing and delayed opening announcements will be televised on channels 4, 5, 7, and 32 during the early morning news programs and will be broadcast on radio stations WCCM -AM 800, WBZ-AM 1030, and WRKO-AM 680. Neither the Haverhill Police Department nor the schools should be called for "no-school" information.

Revised 7.99

( ECA

SECURITY

While the Haverhill School Committee recognizes the importance of welcoming the public to its schools, school security requires that all access to building and grounds is to be governed by properly established procedures. For the safety of students, staff and facility, unauthorized access is strictly prohibited.

Excepting scheduled school functions such as dances, performances, and sporting events, access to school buildings and grounds outside of regular school hours will be limited to personnel whose work requires such access. It is the responsibility of the custodial staff and/or building security under the direction of the principal to make provision for building security during non-school hours.

Revised 7.99 Revised 9.99

( ECAC

VANDALISM

The Haverhill School Committee regards vandalism as an act of criminal mischief which requires prosecution. Students and their parents will be held accountable for all acts of vandalism. Additionally, vandalism which contains the elements of a hate crime will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The School Committee also recognizes that acts of vandalism committed against public and private property are costly and require positive action through educational programs. Consequently, the Committee will support various programs aimed at reducing the amount of vandalism.

Every citizen of the community, staff members, and students are urged by the School Committee to cooperate in reporting any incidents of vandalism to property under control of the school department, and the name(s) of the person or persons believed to be responsible. Each employee will report to the principal of the school every incident of vandalism known to him/her and, if known, the names of those responsible.

The Committee also encourages that damage cause by vandalism be dealt with expeditiously.

Revised 7.99 Revised 10.99

( ED

CRISIS RESPONSE READINESS POLICY

The Haverhill School Committee is dedicated to creating a safe learning envirorunent for all students and staff. In compliance with federal mandated regulations requiring that crisis response systems be in place for all school systems, the Committee authorizes the Superintendent to develop operational plans for crisis intervention and response, and to effectively communicate such plans to the students and staff of the school district. The Committee further requires that plans for closure and follow-up be implemented.

As assurance that such plans exist, a district crisis response team will be organized by the Superintendent to oversee the development, training, preparation, management and communication of the district's crisis response system. This team will oversee a comprehensive approach to crisis readiness in all schools and provide guidance and resource for the building level.

It is further noted that the Haverhill Public Schools will coordinate its crisis readiness efforts with the City of Haverhill Emergency Management Agency to assist in the establishment and maintenance of a broader, collaborative crisis response system for the city.

Approved 03/31105

( EDC

AUTHORIZED USE OF SCHOOL-OWNED MATERIALS

The School Committee wishes to be of assistance, whenever possible, to other town departments and community organizations. Therefore, permission to use school equipment may be granted by the superintendent or his/her designee upon request by responsible parties or organizations.

School equipment may be used by staff members when the use is related to their school employment, and by students when the equipment is to be used in connection with their studies or extracurricular activities.

Proper controls (including written documentation) will be established by the superintendent to assure the user's responsibility for, and return of, all school equipment.

Revised 7.99

( EF

FOOD SERVICES MANAGEMENT

The Haverhill Public Schools will participate in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program and other food programs that may become available to assure that all children in the schools receive proper nourishment. The Food Services Program is designed to provide a variety of well-balanced meals at a minimum cost to students. Children are encouraged to participate.

The Haverhill Public Schools and the schools' cafeteria department will continue to exhibit sensitivity to pupils who receive free or reduced meals. Procedures employed in the application process and the distribution of tickets will seek to maintain confidentiality for pupils receiving free or reduced price meals.

Revised 7.99

(

(

SECTION F: FACILITIES

FA FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT/MAINTENANCE GOALS

FB FACILITIES PLANNING

FCB RETIREMENT OF FACILITIES

FF NAMING NEW FACILITIES

FF-2 NAMING SCHOOL FACILITIES

FJ SITE/FACILITY RENOVATIONS OR IMPROVEMENTS FJ-R GUIDELINES FOR RENOVATIONISIIMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOLS OR

SCHOOL SITES

( FA

FACILITIES DEVELOPMENTI MAINTENANCE GOALS

Recognizing that the development of a quality educational system rests on a sound facility program, the goal of the Haverhill School Committee is to provide those facilities needed for the number of students in the system. Throughout, those facilities should support the educational mission and vision of the school department by providing a safe learning environment which is clean and well maintained.

All new construction and renovations of existing facilities will proceed in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

Revised 12.99

( FB

FACILITIES PLANNING

The Superintendent of Schools will, on a continuous basis, inform the School Committee as to building requirements. The Superintendent may report the need for either new facilities or renovations of facilities, the School Committee may authorize studies pursuant to same. These studies should involve as many constituent community groups as possible. On the basis of the findings, the School Committee may seek authorization for either new school constructions, renovation of existing facilities, or other alternatives.

If the decision is reached to initiate new school construction, or major rehabilitation projects, the Mayor shall create a School Building Committee to oversee the project to its conclusion. The School Building Committee acts as the administrative authority for the project, subject to approval of various actions by the School Committee and/or City officials.

The School Building Committee has the following responsibilities:

1. To review thoroughly with the superintendent and the School Committee the educational requirements in relation to school buildings.

2. To review previous studies and initiate needed studies with or without consultative assistance.

3. To employ the services of architects and cost estimators and such other professional assistance as it may deem necessary.

In managing any school construction project, the Superintendent should consult facets of the educational community and other interested parties and agencies for suggestions for possible inclusion in the educational specifications.

Revised 12.99

FCB

RETIREMENT OF FACILITIES

When a school building becomes inadequate by virtue of age, condition, size of site, lack of need, other overriding limitations, and cannot reasonably and economically be brought up to the current educational standards, the building should be considered for a closing study. The superintendent will recommend to the School Committee which facilities appear to justify further analysis.

The School Committee may seek both professional advice and the advice of the community in making its recommendations as to the retirement of any school facility. This will permit the public, which originally acquired the property, to benefit from its recycling or retirement.

A closing study will include direct involvement by those neighborhoods considered in the study and will be concerned with all or some of the following factors:

1. Review of in depth demographic studies and grouping and consideration of alternatives.

2. Age and current physical condition of the facilities, its operating systems, and program facilities.

3. Adequacy of site, location, access, surrounding development, traffic patterns, and other environmental conditions.

4. Reassignment of children, including alternative plans according to committee policy.

5. Transportation factors, including numbers of children bussed, time, distance, and safety.

6. Alternative uses of the building.

7. CosUSavings a. Personnel b. Plant Operation c. Transportation d. Capital Investment e. Alternative Use

8. Continuity of instructional and community programs.

9. Feelings and opinions of the neighborhood in which the school is located.

Revised 12.99

(

(

FF

NAMING NEW FACILITIES

The naming of school facilities is an important piece of community business performed by the School Committee. To that end, the School Committee designates the following procedures to be used in each case, whether it is "new school (FF) or a specific area of an existing school (FF2):

1. Prior to the naming of a facility, a public announcement of the intent to name the facility will be made by the School Committee at its regular meeting.

2. The Superintendent of Schools will direct that news releases be distributed to local news media announcing the intent to name the facility, and inviting members of the community to suggest names in writing to the Superintendent of Schools. These suggestions will be forwarded to a sub-committee charged with making final recommendations to the School Committee.

3. Members of the community may appear before the Sub-Committee to have the opportunity to present their suggestions in person. The Superintendent of Schools shall present other names which have been submitted to him/her by staff and by members of the community not present at the meeting.

4. The sub-committee shall present to the Committee a list of all names suggested along with a recommendation. The official naming of the school facility will then be made by the School Committee.

Revised 12.99

FF-2

NAMING SCHOOL FACILITIES

Procedures for Naming Specific Areas in the Schools

1. All schools are included.

2. Nominations will be accepted on appropriate forms available at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

3. Consideration will be given to the naming of a gym, library, aUditorium, playground, flagpole, ballfield, greenhouse, or other specialty area for any school facility, which has not been dedicated in the past.

4. Emphasis will be placed upon the significance of the reason for nomination or contribution to the schools made by the individual being nominated. It is, therefore, a good idea for the nominator to concentrate on the reason(s) for the nomination rather than on the number of signatures collected for a nomination.

5. The Facility Subcommittee of the School Committee will invite the Co-chairs of the School Site Councils to participate in decisions made at their respective facilities.

Revised 12.99

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FJ

SITE/FACILITY RENOVATIONS OR IMPROVEMENTS

Playground Equipment

The School Committee believes that playground equipment on school grounds maximizes the benefit to the children of the community and provides a safe environment for play. Although the size and configuration of some sites may necessarily prohibit the construction of playground equipment, the school system supports such endeavors. Playground equipment provides a setting in which children can explore, discover, create, and gain mastery of new movements.

Those interested in constructing playground equipment must follow the administrative guidelines which follow governing any proposed alterations to school sites.

Revised 12.99

( FJ·R

GUIDELINES FOR RENOVATIONS/IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOLS OR SCHOOL SITES

Prior to the alteration of any school facility or site, or the replacement or installation of equipment thereon:

1. The principal will obtain approval from the Superintendent to initiate such plans. 2. The Superintendent will consult the Business Manager. 3. Appropriate school staff will be consulted. 4. If necessary, the appropriate city department will be consulted. 5. Professional consultants must be authorized by the principal. 6. Contacts with sales representatives must be authorized by the principal. Information

may be sought in regard to:

a. manufacturer's warranties b. proof of product liability insurance c. installation warranties d. warranties and liability insurance for installation e. cost of equipment, freight, insurance, and installation f. materials g. space recommendations and offsets h. time lag between delivery and installation and security during time lag i. life expectancy of equipment j. recommended maintenance schedule and annual cost of inspections and maintenance.

6. Preliminary plans should include the following information:

a. location of utilities b. accountability for parking, snow removal, site security c. type and amount of equipment d. manufacturer's warranties e. proof of liability insurance f. installation warranties g. warranties and liability insurance for construction or installation h. surface preparation and materials i. time schedule j. maintenance requirements k. references I. plans for financing the project

7. Submit the entire package of material to the Superintendent for his/her review and final approval of the School Committee. The package should include the recommendations of the school principal and other appropriate personnel including city agencies. A favorable vote of the School Committee is required before funds may be collected or expended for the specified project.

Revised 12.99

GA

GBA GBB GBD GBEA GBEB GBEBB GBEBC GBEC GBED GBGA GBGB GBI GBJ GBK

GCBA GCBB GCBC GCBD

" GCCA ( GCCAF

GCCC GCD GCE GCF GCFB GCFC GCGB GCGC GCH GCI GCIE GCJ GCK GCl GCO GCQA GCQC GCQD GCQE GCQF GCR

GDA GDB

SECTION G: PERSONNEL

PERSONNEL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STAFF INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION-MAKING SCHOOL COMMITTEE-STAFF COMMUNICATIONS STAFF ETHICS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST STAFF CONDUCT STAFF CONDUCT WITH STUDENTS GIFTS TO AND SOLICITATION BY STAFF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE TOBACCO USE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY BY STAFF MEMBERS STAFF HEALTH STAFF PERSONAL SAFETY STAFF PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES PERSONNEL RECORDS STAFF CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF COMPENSATORY SCHEDULES EMPLOYMENT OF PRINCIPALS PROFESSIONAL STAFF SUPPLEMENTARY PAY PLANS PROFESSIONAL STAFF BENEFITS/PRINCIPALS PROFESSIONAL STAFF ABSENCES PROFESSIONAL STAFF SABBATICALS PROFESSIONAL STAFF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE PROFESSIONAL STAFF VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS PROFESSIONAL STAFF RECRUITING/POSTING OF VACANCIES PROFESSIONAL STAFF HIRING HIRING OF ADMINISRATIVE STAFF PROFESSIONAL STAFF CERTIFICATION REQUIRMENT SUBSTITUTE STAFF JOB SHARING IN PROFESSIONAL STAFF POSITIONS PROFESSIONAL STAFF ORIENTATION PROFESSIONAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONOAL STAFF CONTINUING EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL TEACHER STATUS PROFESSIONAL STAFF ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS PROFESSIONAL STAFF SCHEDULES EVALUATION OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF REDUCTION IN PROFESSIONAL STAFF WORK FORCE RESIGNATION OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF RESIGNATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF RETIREMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS NON-SCHOOL EMPLOYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF

SUPPORT STAFF POSITION SUPPORT STAFFCONTRACTS AND COMPENSATION PLANS

GOBC GOBO GOC GOD GOE GOF GOJ GOK GOMC GON GOO GOP GOQC GOQO

.GE

GF

SUPPORT STAFF SUPPLEMENTARY COMPENSATION SUPPORT STAFF FRINGE BENEFITS SUPPORT STAFF LEAVES AND ABSENCES SUPPORT STAFF VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS SUPPORT STAFF RECRUITING/POSTING OF VACANCIES SUPPORT STAFF HIRING SUPPORT STAFF ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS SUPPORT STAFF TIME SCHEDULES SUPPORT STAFF IN-SERVICE REQUIREMENTS SUPERVISION OF SUPPORT STAFF EVALUATION OF SUPPORT STAFF SUPPORT STAFF PROMOTIONS RESIGNATION AND RETIREMENT OF SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL OF SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS

MILITARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE

CRIMINAL RECORD INFORMATION POLICY

( GA

PERSONNEL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Consistent with the over-riding District objective of maximizing student achievement and enrichment, the Haverhill School Committee will act to insure the maintenance of a staff of professional educators and support personnel of the_highest quality and greatest efficiency in sufficient quantity to support a quality educational program. To this end, specific District personnel goals include:

... the development and implementation of strategies and procedures for staffrecruitment, screening, and selection which will result in the employment of individuals with the highest capabilities, most relevant training, the strongest commitment to quality education, and the greatest probability of contributing effectively to the District's learning program.

... encouragement of the development of a staff assignment strategy/procedure which will maximize student learning .

.. . support the positive programs of staff development that contribute directly to the learning program and enhance each staff member's career development objectives .

... provision of an environment in which staff collaboration helps to define the learning program .

.. . causing the development of personnel evaluation procedures which involve positive reinforcement and authentic appraisal as a means of inducing staff improvement.

( GSA

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Haverhill School Committee subscribes to the fullest extent to the principle of the dignity of all people and of their labors and will take action to ensure that any individual within the District who is responsible for hiring and/or personnel supervision understands that applicants are employed, assigned, and promoted without regard to their race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Every available opportunity will be taken to assure that each applicant for a position is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit, and ability.

(

(

GBB

STAFF INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION·MAKING

The Haverhill School Committee encourages employees to contribute their ideas for the betterment of the District. The staff will be asked for help in developing policies and regulations, in establishing goals and objectives, and in planning curriculum, services, budgets, and facilities.

( GBD

SCHOOL COMMITTEE·STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

The Haverhill School Committee wishes to open channels of communication between itself and the staff. The basic line of communication will, however, be through the Superintendent of Schools.

Staff members also are reminded that Committee meetings are public meetings. As such, they provide an excellent opportunity to observe at first hand the Committee's deliberations on problems of staff concern.

Staff Communications to the School Committee

All communications or reports to the Committee, or any of its subcommittees, from principals, supervisors, teachers, or other staff members will be submitted through the Superintendent. This procedure does not deny the right of any employee to appeal to the Committee from administrative decisions on important matters, except those matters that are outside the Committee's legal authority, provided that the Superintendent has been notified of such an action in advance.

Staff communications which convey complaints to the School Committee should be communicated through the Superintendent, as well, and processed in accordance with the Committee's policy on public concerns (policy subsection KE) and as outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreements.

School Committee Communications to Staff

All official communications, policies, and directives of staff interest and concern will be communicated to staff members through the Superintendent, or, upon direction of the School Committee, the President. The Superintendent will employ all such media as are appropriate to keep staff fully informed of the Committee's problems, concerns, and actions.

Visits to Schools

As per established protocols, individual Committee members interested in visiting schools or classrooms will inform the appropriate Principal of such visits and make arrangements for visitations through the principals ofthe various schools. Such visits shall be regarded as informal expressions of interest and/or participation in school affairs and not as "inspections" or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes. Official visits by Committee members will be carried on only under School Committee authorization and with the full knowledge ofthe Superintendent and principals.

( Social Interaction

Staff and School Committee members share a keen interest in the schools and in education generally, and it is expected that when they meet at social affairs and other functions, they informally may discuss such matters as educational trends, issues, innovations, as well as general District problems. Staff members must remember, however, that individual Committee members have no special authority except when they are present at a legally convened meeting of the School Committee, or vested with special authority by Committee action.

( GBEA

STAFF ETHICS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Haverhill School Committee expects members of its staff to be familiar with the codes of ethics that apply to them and to adhere to said ethical standards in their relationship with students, parents, coworkers, and other members of the School Department.

No employee of the School District will engage in or have a financial interest in, directly or indirectly, any activity that conflicts, or raises a reasonable question of conflict, with his/her duties and responsibilities as a member of the School Department. Nor will any staff member engage in any type of private business during school time, or on school property during duty time.

No employee of the School District will not engage in outside work of any type where information concerning customer, client, or employee or originates from privileged information available to them from school sources.

Moreover, to avoid any possible conflict of interest in the supervision and evaluation of employees, at no time mayan administrator responsible for the supervision and/or evaluation of employee be immediately related to that employee as defined in M.G.L. c. 268A.

In order to avoid the appearance of any possible conflict of interest in the engagement of personnel, it is the policy of the Haverhill School Committee that, when an immediate relative of a member of the School Administration is hired, disclosure of the relationship be brought to the Superintendent by principals, as appropriate, and to the School Committee by the Superintendent.

LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 71 :52;268a: 1 et seq

(

(

GBEB

STAFF CONDUCT

All staff members are responsible for making themselves familiar with and abiding by all laws of the Commonwealth, policies of the School Committee, and regulations promulgated by the District Administration as the same e effect their work.

In the area of personal conduct, the Committee expects that teachers and other staff will conduct themselves in a manner that both reflects credit on the School District and sets forth a model worthy of emulation by the students. Since conduct extends to presentation, the School Committee expects that staff persons will present themselves as employees in a way which is responsible and appropriate.

All staff persons are expected to carry out their assigned responsibilities with conscientious concern and productive effect.

Essential to the success of ongoing District operations and the instructional program are the following specific responsibilities which are required of all personnel.

I. Reliable and prompt attendance at work.

2. Support and enforcement of the policies of the Committee and the attendant regulations and school rules for the same.

3. Diligence in preparing and submitting required reports, etc. promptly at the times specified.

4. Care and protection of District property and resources.

5. Concern for and attention to their own and the District's legal responsibility for the safety and welfare of the students, including the need to ensure that students are under direct supervision.

6. Meet their obligations as state mandated reporters.

LEGAL REFS: M.G.L. 71:37h; 119:51A; 264:11; 264:14.

( GBEBB

STAFF CONDUCT WITH STUDENTS

All staff members are expected to regard each student as an individual, affording to each the rights and respect due to any individual. Staff shall be seen as resources, aides, and guides in the learning process. Staff members shall strive to provide the fullest measure of self-determination for each student in regard to his/her learning program, consistent with District goals and with optimal opportunities for all students. Students should be treated with courtesy and consideration.

( GBEBC

GIFTS TO AND SOLICITATIONS BY STAFF

Routine presentation of gifts to staff from students, parents, school suppliers, and others is discouraged. This should not be interpreted as intending to discourage acts of generosity in unusual situations.

Consistent with the above, School District employees are not to accept personal gifts from business organizations supplying, or seeking to supply, the District with goods, materials, equipment, or services. This restriction does not proscribe the acceptance of gifts for the School District, in accordance with District policy.

Solicitations

The School Committee realizes that many worthwhile charitable drives take place within the community some of which are supported by school employees. The solicitation of funds from staff members by school personnel and on school time must be held to a minimum. To this end, solicitations of funds for charitable purposes will be made among school staff members only with the express permission of the relevant building administrator, or the District Administration. When such solicitations are made, pressure will not be exerted to obtain contributions.

( GBEC

DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE

The Haverhill School Committee recognizes that alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse (ATODA) is a significant public health issue and supports a comprehensive school and community effort to address the issue. To assure that the educational goals of the system are fully realized and that the professional well being of individual staff members is secured, the School Committee directs the Administration to develop procedures to offer help to District employees who may have developed ATODA problems. While encouraging sensitivity toward employee problems in this vein, nothing in this policy should be construed as relieving District employees of their ultimate responsibility for his/her work performance and for behavior related to maintaining acceptable work standards.

All District employees shall be informed in writing of this policy. Reciprocally, employees will acknowledge in writing their receipt and understanding of the policy. The Administration shall include in the regular in-service programs information relevant to the dangers associated with ATODA. Administration also shall maintain and make available to staff a resource directory, detailing in-school and outside community ATODA support services.

( The School District will provide a drug-free work place and certifies that it will:

1.Notifyall employees in writing that the unlawful manufacture, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the District's workplace and specify the actions which will be taken should an employee be found in violation of such prohibitions.

2.Establish a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; the District's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; and available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and

employee assistance programs.

3.Make it a requirement that each employee whose employment is funded by a federal grant be given a copy of the statement as required.

4. Notify the employee in the required statement that as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement, and will notify the District of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.

5. Notify the federal agency within ten days after receiving notice from an employee or otherwise receiving notice of such conviction.

( 6.Take one of the following actions within thirty days of receiving notice with respect to any employee who is so convicted; take appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination; or require such

employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

7.Make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of all of the provisions of this policy.

( GBED

TOBACCO USE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY BY STAFF MEMBERS

Smoking, or any other use of tobacco products, within the school buildings, the school facilities, or on any school property or buses, by any individual, including school personnel, is prohibited.

Staff members who violate this policy will be referred to their immediate supervisor.

(

(

GBGA

Through its overall safety program and various policies pertaining to school personnel, the Haverhill School Committee seeks to assist employees in the maintenance of good health.

Prior to employment by the School District, all employees will submit evidence of freedom from tuberculosis, as specified by state law. Prospective candidates who will be taking the written examination for a teaching position must also file with the Superintendent's Office a record of having passed a physical examination taken not more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of the written examination. Additional physical examinations will also be required of bus drivers and food handlers as law or state regulations require.

The Superintendent may require an employee to undergo an independent medical examination (lME) by a physician provided by the School Department whenever an employee's health appears to be a hazard to children, others, or themselves in the school system. The Superintendent also may require a medical certificate to verify the need of an employee to take sick leave, or to return to work.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A paramount concern of the Haverhill School Committee is the protection of the health of employees, students, and the public and the right of AIDS-infected employees to continue to engage in as many of their normal pursuits as their condition allows. In this regard, the School Committee subscribes to the policy and procedures established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Office of Employee Relations.

( GBGB

STAFF PERSONAL SAFETY

As a part of an overall security program, the Haverhill School Committee wishes to enhance workplace security. To that end, it seeks to assure the safety of employees as they perform the duties attendant upon their work.

The School Committee directs the Administration to develop school safety procedures which will contribute to this objective. Those procedures should be subject to periodic review and testing.

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GBI

STAFF PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

The Haverhill School Committee recognizes that employees of the School District have the same civic responsibilities and privileges as other citizens. Included among these are campaigning for an elective public office, campaigning for another candidate, campaigning for issues, and holding an elective or appointive office.

In connection with any campaign, an employee will ot use school system facilities, equipment or supplies, during his campaign with school personnel or students during the working day, use any time during the working day for campaigning purposes. Under no circumstances, willi students be pressured into campaigning.

GBJ

PERSONNEL RECORDS

Information about staff members is required for the daily administration of the school system, for implementing salary and other personnel policies, for budget and financial planning, for responding to appropriate inquiries about employees, and for meeting the School Committee's education reporting requirements. To meet these needs, the Superintendent will direct the implementation of a comprehensive and efficient system of personnel records maintenance and control under the following guidelines:

1. Personnel information for each present and former employee will be maintained accurately in the central administrative office. In compliance with applicable laws and regulations, this information will be arranged into distinct

folders corresponding to personnel, medical, and payroll files.

2. The Superintendent, or his/her designee, will be the official custodial of personnel files and will have overall responsibility for maintaining and preserving the confidentiality of the files consistent with provisions of the law.

3. Personnel records are considered confidential under the law and will not be open to public inspection. Access to personnel files will be limited to persons

authorized by the Superintendent to use the files for the reasons cited above. Additional access to personnel files will only be considered in response to a subpoena.

the

4. Consistent with the provisions of M. G. L. Chapter 71, Section 42C; each employee will have the right, upon written request, to review the contents of his/her own personnel file. All such inspections of personnel records require the presence of the Executive Director of Personnel, or his/her

designee. A nominal fee, compliant with state regulations, may be charged.

5. Employees may make written objections to any information contained in their file. Any written objection must be signed by the staff person and will become a part of the employee's personnel file. Further, no negative comment will be

placed in a staff member's file unless it is signed by the person making

afforded the comment and the staff member is informed of the comment and

opportunity to include his/her own written response in the file.

6. Lists of school employees' names and home addresses will be released only to governmental agencies as required for official report or by law.

LEGAL REFS: From Educational Rights & Privacy Ref Sauce: M.G.L. 4:7; 71 :426

( GBK

STAFF CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

Any staff member, who may have a concern or complaint about the implementation of any policy or procedure, or the refusal of any other adult to obey the same, may:

1. Communicate the concern/complaint in writing to the building principal or another person so designated to receive the same if a building principal is not in charge at the time.

2. The person receiving the concern/complaint will respond in writing to the complainant within fifteen (15) school days that the concern/complaint has been investigated and that the provisions of the School Committee policy either are or will be enforced. (During summer vacation, the time frame will be construed as fifteen working days.)

3. Should the complainant not be satisfied with the response, an appeal may be

respond in reviewed and are or will be

made in writing to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall writing within fifteen days that the concern/complaint has been

that the provisions of the School Committee policy either enforced.

4. This policy should not be construed to allow the processing of problems which routinely would be handled within the framework of negotiated grievance

procedures.

i

GCBA

PROFESSIONAL STAFF COMPENSATORY SCHEDULES

Teachers

The Haverhill School Committee will adopt a salary schedule for regular teaching personnel as a part of the collective bargaining process with the teachers' bargaining unit. The schedule will be designed to recognize and reward training and experience and encourage additional study for professional advancement.

Principals

Salaries should be reviewed annually prior to July 1. The School Committee, with the advice of the Superintendent, will establish levels of compensation for each position based on the circumstances, dynamics, and requirements of each position. Consideration may be given to individuals for exceptional performance as a basis for establishing merit increases for principals. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to present evidence to the School Committee to support recommendations for merit increases.

Administrators

Salaries will be reviewed by the School Committee and any adjustments to be made will be accomplished through the collective bargaining process. The Superintendent may, upon the request of the School Committee, survey other school systems to determine salaries being paid for comparable positions in other systems.

LEGAL REFS: M. G. L. 71: 40; 71 :43 Collective Bargaining Agreements

( GCBB

Employment of Principals

Principals, non-unit personnel are not subject to collective bargaining, shall be employed by the Haverhill School Department under individual contracts of employment. Said contracts shall be negotiated by the superintendent and submitted to the Haverhill School Committee for its approval of the compensatoryibenefit terms prior to the presentation of a final contract of employment to each principal.

Contracts issued to principals will be up to three years in length, and may be reissued by the superintendent at levels of compensationibenefits, determined by the School Committee.

As a condition of employment, each principal must maintain current certification, adhere to policies and goals of the School Committee and directives of the Superintendent, and must submit, with the School Council, on an annual basis as detelmined by the Superintendent, the educational goals and school improvement plan for the school building( s) under hislher direction.

Revised 5/09

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GCBD

PROFESSIONAL STAFF BENEFITS/PRINCIPALS

Principals shall be appointed by the Superintendent and their salaries fixed in accordance with guidelines approved by the Haverhill School Committee. At a minimum, principals shall be entitled to all monetary fringe benefits granted to employees under the contract with the Haverhill Public School Administrative and Supervisory Group.

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GCCA

PROFESSIONAL STAFF ABSENCES

Absences: Professional staff shall not be absent from duty except in cases of illness or personal emergency unless permission has been obtained from the Superintendent. If a teacher is obliged to be absent from duty, the teacher shall notify the person designated by the principal of such inability at least one hour in advance of teacher reporting time in order to permit the hiring of a substitute. Under normal circumstances, if a teacher is to be out for several days, assignments for all classes should be left or forwarded, consistent with the collective bargaining agreement. The teacher shall notify the principal of the intention to return to duty in enough time to permit the principal to notify the substitute on service not to report for duty.

In order to provide for continuity of instruction, teachers are to make no personal business commitments during contractual hours without the prior approval of the building principal.

Tardiness: Teachers who find that they will be unable to reach school on time for any reason shall telephone the main office so that provisions may be made for coverage, including the taking of attendance.

Sick/Personal Leave: Provisions for sick/personal leave are detailed in the respective collective bargaining agreements.

Routine dentistry, optical care and physical examinations are excluded from sick leave coverage. In addition, the School Committee is not liable for sick leave benefits if any individual is injured as a result of employment outside of his/her assigned responsibilities within the Haverhill School Department for which he/she is covered by Worker's Compensation and is thereby disabled from performing his/her professional duties.

In addition to regular sick leave, provision for which is made in the contract, professional staff who have, by reason of a continuing illness depleted their sick leave allowance may request from the School Committee an extended sick leave allowance. In such consideration, and at the sole discretion of the School Committee, the allowance may be a grant not to exceed 150 working days in total. Eligibility for such extended sick leave will be determined by a physician selected by the Committee. Said physician must certify that the illness of the professional staff is one likely to require a medically approved absence from school duties for a protracted period of time.

GCCAF

PROFESSIONAL STAFF SABBATICALS

Upon recommendation by the Superintendent, sabbatical leaves may be granted to professional staff members for study and/or travel. The Superintendent shall outline the conditions on which sabbaticals will be considered, including benefits which may be expected to accrue to the School Department from sabbaticals, unless defined further in collective bargaining instruments.

GCCC

PROFESSIONAL STAFF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

The Haverhill School Department shall comply with the mandatory provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. The Superintendent shall issue and, from time­to-time, amend regulations setting forth the rights and procedures granted by the Act, and shall ensure compliance with those regulations.

LEGAL REF: P. L. 103-3, "Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993."

( GCD

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS

Vacations:

Generally, provision for annual vacation leave allowance for professional staff members is made in the collective bargaining agreements.

Beyond that, all twelve-month employees shall work no more than 227 days and are entitled to a four-week (twenty work days) vacation during the summer months (July and August) and six additional days during the regular school year. The specific dates of their vacation leave are to be determined mutually by the twelve-month personnel in consultation with the Superintendent. However, the Superintendent may, in his/her discretion, allow twelve-month personnel to take their vacation at any time of the year. The Superintendent may grant vacation leave to members of this group during times other than the regularly scheduled vacation periods provided that the absence of such a person will not hamper or cause hardship or interfere with the operation of the staff, school, or district for which the administrator is responsible.

Vacation time, in addition to that set forth above, shall be at the discretion of the Superintendent. The decision of the Superintendent on such matters shall be final.

Beginning in 2005, the Superintendent may also approve a maximum of ten (10) vacation days for carryover into the next fiscal school year. All requests for carryover of vacation days must be submitted in writing, with reason(s) for said request, to the Superintendent for approval prior to June 1st

• Request to carryover more than ten (10) vacation days may be approved by the School Committee upon recommendation by the Superintendent.

Effective June 1, 2005, any and all restrictions on the carryover of vacation days will not prohibit any existing professional staff with accumulated vacation days beyond the annual allotment from continuing to carryover their accumulated vacation days It is also understood that staff will make every effort to take their annual allotment of vacation days in the year in which they are accrued.

Holidays:

Administrative staff members will not be required to work on legal holidays. Paid holidays for staff will be established when the School Committee approves the calendar for the school year and will include all legal holidays.

LEGAL REF: Collective Bargaining Agreements

( GeE

PROFESSIONAL STAFF RECRUITINGJPOSTING OF VACANCIES

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent, with the assistance of administrative staff, to determine the personnel needs of the school system and it is the responsibility of the principal, in consultation with the Superintendent, to determine the needs of the individual schools. In addition, school councils may review personnel requirements as a means of evaluating the needs of a school. Any recommendations for the creation of a new position must be approved by the School Committee.

The search for good teachers and other professional employees will extend to a wide variety of educational institutions and geographical areas. It will take into consideration the characteristics of Haverhill and the need for a heterogeneous staff from various cultural backgrounds.

Recruitment procedures will not overlook the talents and potential of individuals already employed by the Haverhill School Department. Any current employee may apply for any position for which he/she has certification and meets other stated requirements.

Openings in the Haverhill School Department will be posted in sufficient time to permit current employees to submit applications. All professional positions to be filled in the Haverhill School Department, including, but not limited to, promotional positions, teaching, counseling, summer and evening school positions, shall be posted in each of the buildings for not less than ten (10) school days prior to being filled unless the parties to the contracts mutually agree to a shorter period. Such postings shall include the qualifications and job descriptions of the position being posted.

Any teacher desiring to be notified of parallel or promotional vacancies/openings between the close of the school year in June and the opening of school in August/September, will be notified if a written request and self-addressed, stamped envelopes are submitted.

LEGAL REF: Collective Bargaining Agreements

( GCF

PROFESSIONAL STAFF HIRING

Through its employment policies, the Haverhill School Committee will strive to attract, secure, and hold the highest qualified personnel for all professional positions. The District's goal is to employ and retain personnel who are motivated, will work always to do their best, and are committed to providing the best educational environment for the students of the District.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent, and of persons to whom he/she delegates this responsibility, to determine the personnel needs of the school system and to locate suitable candidates. No position, however, may be created without the approval of the School Committee. It will be the duty of the Superintendent and/or his/her designee to see that persons considered for employment in the District meet all certification requirements and the requirements of the School Committee for the particular position for which a nomination and/or election is made.

Since the process often defines the outcome, it is the anticipation of the Haverhill School Committee that the process of hiring professional staff will be based on collaboration and team efforts. The administrator responsible for the hiring of a professional staff person (In the case of District-wide positions and principals, it is the

( Superintendent. For building-based staff, it is the principal.) will establish and use a representative screening committee to assist in the process. This general expectation, however, should not inhibit the Superintendent, principals, or Executive Director of Personnel when a spot decision is necessary to select a candidate to fill a position in those areas where scarcity of candidates makes a placement especially difficult.

The Haverhill Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities.

Minimum pre-requisites for teaching in the Haverhill Public Schools:

1. All candidates must hold, or be eligible for, certification by the State Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the specialty area in which they will be employed. A copy of this certification must be submitted to the Personnel Office.

2. All candidates must submit a report made and signed by a registered physician relative to the candidate's freedom from tuberculosis in a communicable form as a result of examination(s) made no more than ninety days previous.

3. Additionally, applicants must submit a certificate of health, verification of previous teaching/administrative experience (where appropriate), and a Criminal

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History Systems Board (CORI) form. Also. a formal application and 1-9 forms must be presented.

Residency:

In the selection of personnel for employment by the Haverhill Public Schools, preference will be given to a Haverhill resident when the qualifications and attributes of that candidate are equal to those of non-resident candidates. The resident applicant must fully satisfy the qualifications and meet the requirements stated in the Position Announcement to be eligible for an interview.

LEGAL REFS: M. G. L. 69: 6; 71 :38; 71: 38G; 71: 39; 71: 45; 71: 55B Massachusetts Board of Education Requirements for Certification of Teachers, Principals, Supervisors, Directors, Superintendents, and Assistant Superintendents in the Public Schools of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, revised 1994 603 CMR 7:)0 and 44:00

( GCFB

HIRING OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Principals:

"The Superintendent of a school district shall appoint principals for each public school within the district ... " Chapter 71, Section 59B.

The law further states that "this section shall not prevent one person from serving as the principal of two or more elementary schools or the use of teaching principals in elementary schools."

Principals shall be employed under individual contract and, as such, shall be eligible to receive threshold benefits as listed in Policy GCBD.

Contracts may be of variable lengths and threshold benefit levels may be exceeded only with the approval of the School Committee and upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.

As a condition of employment, each principal must submit annually a statement of goals and school improvement plans prior to May 15 of each calendar year.

The salary to be paid each principal will be in accordance with guidelines approved by the School Committee.

Supervisors and Directors:

Supervisors and Directors shall be elected for such subjects and duties as the School Committee may deem advisable.

Requisites for Hiring Administrators:

"Possession of the necessary professional license, and completion of at least five years or demonstrated, successful teaching experience in a school-based (or alternative) setting. Such teaching experience should be at a level and area of expertise which prepares the prospective administrator/supervisor for success."

GCFC

PROFESSIONAL STAFF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that every teacher be certified by the Bureau of Certification of the State Department of Education for the position to which the teacher is appointed. Certification should be acquired previous to appointment, but if this has not been done, the teacher must apply for such certification immediately upon beginning service. A copy of the teacher certification card must then be placed on file in the Central Office. Receiving professional teaching status is dependent upon obtaining proper certification. If certification cannot be acquired, an application for waiver must be made. Certification and recertification and the updating of said actions are the responsibility of the teacher.

GCGB

SUBSTITUTE STAFF

Lists of qualified substitute teachers will be established. These will consist of persons who meet the qualifications established by the Haverhill School Committee and meet the approval of the Superintendent.

Each building principal is authorized to employ substitute teachers necessary to take the place of teachers who are temporarily absent. Periodically, each principal will submit to the Superintendent a list of qualified sUbstitutes for approval.

The School Department will employ as substitute teachers, to the extent possible, persons who meet the requirements for teacher appointments and will assign substitute teaching positions on the basis of areas of competence. All substitute teachers are expected to provide educational services, rather than to assume merely a student-supervisory role. They will be provided with as much support as possible by building administrators and teachers.

Each substitute will be provided with a handbook from the Haverhill School Department and will acknowledge receipt of the same in writing.

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GCGC

JOB SHARING IN PROFESSIONAL STAFF POSITIONS

The Haverhill School Committee generally supports the concept of job-sharing. All job­sharing positions lie within the exclusive authority of the School Committee and must be recommended by the Superintendent. Such arrangements are not subject to the grievance or any other appeal procedure as to whether approval will be granted or not granted by the School Committee.

Job-sharing arrangements may be continued or discontinued from one year to another upon the exclusive determination of the School Committee on the basis of recommendations from the Superintendent.

The Superintendent is authorized to develop and implement terms and procedures to guide the practice of job-sharing consistent with the collective bargaining agreement.

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GCH

PROFESSIONAL STAFF ORIENTATION

The Haverhill School Committee recognizes that an appropriate orientation program can aid in the assimilation of new staff members into the school system. It will, therefore, be the responsibility of the Superintendent, or his/her designee, to provide for an orientation for all new professional staff members.

Orientation of personnel new to the school system may extend over a period of time and will provide a broadly based effort to supply information and background details which will improve the new staff person's understanding of the District's framework, including state laws relating to the public schools, policies of the School Committee, and the instructional program.

The building principal, or the immediate supervisor, shall orient all teachers to the evaluation procedures and standards during the first two weeks of their assignment to their respective building or program. No formal observations shall take place until such orientation has been completed.

( Gel

PROFESSIONAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT

All staff members will be encouraged to obtain and be provided with suitable opportunities for the development of increased competencies beyond those they may attain through the performance of their assigned duties and assistance from supervisors.

Opportunities for professional growth may be provided through such means as the following:

1. Planned in-service programs and workshops offered within the school system from time-to-time; these may include participation by outside consultants.

2. Membership on curriculum development committees drawing personnel from within and without the school system.

3. Released time for visits to other classrooms and schools and for attendance at conferences, workshops, and other professional meetings.

4. Leaves of absence for graduate study, research, and travel.

5. Partial payment of tuition for approved courses.

The Superintendent will have authority to approve or deny released time for conferences and visitations, and reimbursements for expenses, provided such activities are within the budget allocations for the purpose.

Requests for such allowances will be made from the teacher to the principal, who, in turn, will submit them to the Superintendent for approval. The Superintendent may request that the staff person submit a report on the professional improvement activity in order that other personnel may profit by them. The Superintendent shall exercise judgment to limit time away from school for any single staff member.

LEGAL REF: Collective Bargaining Agreement

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GCIA

APPROVAL OF CONFERENCE AND TRAINING FUNDS

Basic Philosophy: The School Committee believes that conferences and attending training away from the district can be an important element of personal development for an educator. Training and development provided at conferences and away training have the potential for improving teaching, learning and achievement. The education reform statute requires that districts provide teachers with adequate opportunity to accomplish approved development goals and to earn professional development points needed for re-licensure. The opportunity for educators to meet with peers and experts at training sessions and conferences is recognized as valuable.

School Committee Interest: The Committee is responsible to assure that public funds whether local or grants, are used in the most financially efficient and operationally effective manner. It is important that opportunities for attending conferences and training courses be widely and equitably distributed among staff. It is critically important that conferences and courses support grant requirements, the established district goals and the current curriculum. In approving funds for travel and attendance at conferences and training the School Committee must confirm that procurement and contract procedures and policies are followed.

The Process: Monthly, the administration will provide a conference and training report to the School Committee listing the course and conference attended by employees. The list will include the course/conference title, a very brief description if needed, and the number of people who attended. For conference and training courses costing more than $250, a form will be presented to the School Committee as part of the consent agenda prior to attendance. Conferences which have obvious public sensitivity should be accompanied by a full explanation that will anticipate questions which might be posed by the public or a school committee member. School Committee members who have questions about a conference/training consent item will discuss with a central office administrator prior to the meeting and obtain additional information or state his/her objection. This advanced notification is essential to give the administration a chance to withdraw the item, prepare a response or arrange for an individual to attend the meeting and address concems.

Employee Responsibility: Employees attending conferences and training costing $250 or more will be required to complete a conference/training report which provides an evaluation of the event, outlines the benefits of attendance, summarize any key information or concepts gained and discusses how the information can be shared with others. These reports will be collected, evaluated and maintained by the curriculum department. Conference/training reports will be placed in the attendee's personnel folder; a copy will be maintained by the curriculum department for two years.

( GCIE

PROFESSIONAL STAFF CONTINUING EDUCATION

In-service training as approved by the Haverhill School Committee may count for in­service credit. With the approval of the Superintendent. the School Committee will reimburse tuition of teachers who are unable to attend mandatory in-service courses due to disabling illness.

Instructors of approved in-service courses are given in-service credit equal to the credit approved by the School Committee for successfully completing such courses. In­service credit may be given to teachers who train prospective teachers.

Professional development points will be awarded in accordance with the provisions of state law and regulations. Within these boundaries, further criteria for the allowance of professional development credit will be established by the Superintendent.

( GCJ

PROFESSIONAL TEACHER STATUS

Teachers and certain other professional employees who have served in the School District for three consecutive years shall be entitled to professional teacher status. The Superintendent, upon recommendation of the principal (or supervisor), may award such status to a teacher who has served in the principal's school for not less than one year or to a teacher who has obtained such status in another public school district in the Commonwealth. The Superintendent will base his/her decisions on the results of evaluation procedures conducted according to School Committee policy.

At the end of each of the first three years ofa teacher's employment, it will be the responsibility of the Superintendent to notifY each professional staff person promptly in writing ofthe decision on reemployment. Such notification will be in accord with the respective collective bargaining agreements.

A teacher who attains professional teacher status will have continuous employment in the service of the Haverhill School Department. A teacher with professional teacher status whose position is abolished by the School Committee may be continued in the employ of the School Department in another position for which he/she is legally qualified.

Nothing in these provisions will be considered as restricting the Superintendent from changing teaching assignments, or altering or abolishing supervisory assignments, except that, by law, no teacher may be assigned to a position for which he/she is not qualified.

LEGAL REFS: M. G. L. 71: 38; 71: 38G; 71: 38H; 71: 41; 71: 42; 71: 43 Collective Bargaining Agreement

( GCK

PROFESSIONAL STAFF ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS

The basic consideration in the assignment of professional staff members will be the needs of the students and the instructional program.

Consequently, the assignment and transfer of professional staff members will be accomplished by the Superintendent on the basis of the needs of the School Department, the employee's qualifications, preferences, and interests, as well as the employee's expressed desires.

Care will be taken by the Superintendent to assure that all schools are staffed with effective teachers.

Within an individual school, the building administrator will have the authority to assign classes and courses, provided that this is done with full regard for the teacher's area of certification and the policies outlined above.

LEGAL REF: Collective Bargaining Agreement

GCl

PROFESSIONAL STAFF SCHEDULES Administrators:

The nature of the duties and responsibilities of administrators and supervisors will require their hours of work to vary and extend as necessary to meet the requirements of their positions.

During the course of the contract year, all administrators will be expected to work during the hours and on the days that the Superintendent's Office is open unless special scheduling arrangements have been made with the Superintendent. On school days cancelled due to inclement weather or other emergencies, all staff members, except those who work only on teacher workdays, are expected to report to work as soon as they are able to unless other arrangements are made by the Superintendent.

The working year for administrators and principals will be established through their respective contracts.

Teachers:

Generally, the working day for teachers will be determined by the hours established for students. Teachers shall be in their respective rooms at the time designated in the collective bargaining agreement and shall report themselves to the principal if not so present. They shall observe strictly the prescribed hours for opening and closing school. Teachers shall remain in their buildings for the time prescribed in the collective bargaining agreement. Furthermore, teachers shall be required to remain after regular school hours without additional compensation for the length of time specified in the collective bargaining agreement Monday through Thursday of each week to remediate students, meet with parents/staff, or meet with administration unless required to be in attendance at a meeting scheduled during that time at the request of administration. The schedule for the additional time after regular school hours may be flexibly arranged at the discretion of the principal so long as the requisite amount of time for each of the required days is met. This may result in a schedule of an additional hour on a given day or two days of an additional half hour as determined by the principal. Consideration will be given to teachers to allow for course work for professional development. Under no circumstance is any teacher to absent himself/herself from the building during regular school hours except by special permission granted by the principal or assistant principal.

lEGAL REFS: M. G. L. 71: 80 Collective Bargaining Agreement (HEA)

( GCO

EVALUATION OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF

In order to assure a high quality ofteacher and administrator performance and to advance the instructional program of the schools, a continuous program for teacher and administrator evaluation is mandated by the Haverhill School Committee.

The primary purpose of the evaluation program is the improvement of administrative practice and teaching performance and instruction. Both the evaluator and the person being evaluated shall keep this objective in mind. It should be noted that the process also is used to assist in making employment decisions.

Generally, the evaluation process will include:

I. The development and periodic review oftecbniques and procedures for making evaluations.

2. Interpretation ofthe information gained in the evaluation process in terms of the objectives of the instructional program.

3. The application of the information gained to the planning of staff development and in-service training activities.

4. Regular reports made to the Superintendent concerning the outcomes of evaluations.

Consistent with applicable state laws and regulations, evaluation procedures also will proceed along lines prescribed in the relevant collective bargaining agreements.

LEGAL REFS: M. G. L. 69: 1 B; 71: 38; 71: 38Q; 150E; 152B Collective Bargaining Agreements

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GCQA

REDUCTION IN PROFESSIONAL STAFF WORK FORCE

Should the Haverhill School Committee find it necessary, for any reason, to reduce staff, it will follow procedures outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreements.

In such circumstances, the Superintendent will make recommendations on staff reductions to the School Committee based on the program imperatives of instruction.

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GCQA

REDUCTION IN PROFESSIONAL STAFF WORK FORCE

Should the Haverhill School Committee find it necessary, for any reason, to reduce staff, it will follow procedures outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreements.

In such circumstances, the Superintendent will make recommendations on staff reductions to the School Committee based on the program imperatives of instruction.

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GCQE

RETIREMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS

Periodically, the Superintendent will inform the Haverhill School Committee of the professional staff members who have indicated an intention to retire at the end of the current school year. No further School Committee action is necessary unless approval is needed for the payment of or participation in continued benefits.

Before any employee retires from the Haverhill School Department, the employee must take vacation time accrued before the retirement date; otherwise, the vacation pay will be forfeited, unless other arrangements are made with the Superintendent. Intentions to retire should be promptly reported to the Superintendent by March 1 to facilitate budget planning for the subsequent year.

LEGAL REF: Age Discrimination in Employment Law, P. L. 95-256

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GCQF

SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS

The Superintendent will strive to assist staff to perfonn their duties efficiently. However, the Superintendent and/or principal may dismiss any employee in accordance with state law and any applicable provisions of collective bargaining agreements. The Haverhill School Committee acknowledges the constitutional rights of the District's employees and assures them the protection of due process of law. To guarantee these rights, a system of constitutionally and legally sound procedures will be followed in each case ofthe suspension or dismissal of an employee.

When the Superintendent or a principal determines that sufficient cause exists to suspend or dismiss a professional employee from service in the school system, he/she will:

1. Be certain that each case is supported by defensible records.

2. Determine if the individual is to be suspended immediately with the understanding that the suspension will be subject to restoration of salary and

3.

position if an appeal is decided in favor of the individual.

Follow the procedures for suspension or dismissal that are contained in applicable laws as well as those in the pertinent collective bargaining agreements.

4. Provide the individual with a written statement that will:

a. Indicate whether the action the Superintendent is taking is suspension or dismissal.

b. State the reason for the action, where required by state law.

c. Guarantee that all procedures will be in accord with due process of law.

d. Inform employees who have a right to request a hearing under appropriate laws that they may be represented a t such a hearing by counsel of their

choice.

LEGAL REFS: M. G. L. 71: 42; 71: 42D Collective Bargaining Agreements

( GCR

NON-SCHOOL EMPLOYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Employees shall not engage in any employment that would compromise or embarrass the school system.

Employees shall not engage in any other employment or in any private business during their normal duty time with the School Department.

The personal life of a staff member shall be the concern of, and warrant the attention of, the School Committee only as it may directly prevent the staff member from properly performing the assigned functions during duty hours or violate local, state, or federal laws, or be prejudicial to his/her effectiveness in his/her professional position.

( GOA

SUPPORT STAFF POSITIONS

Education is a cooperative enterprise in which all employees of the school system must participate intelligently and effectively for the benefit children. The Haverhill School Department will employ support staff persons in positions that function to support the educational program.

All support staff positions will be established initially by the Haverhill School Committee through the budgetary process.

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GOB

SUPPORT STAFF CONTRACTS AND COMPENSATION PLANS

Reviews of support staff contracts will be conducted as a part of the collective bargaining process with representatives of recognized bargaining units. The master agreements with these units will be considered appendices to this manual and will have the full force of School Committee policy.

The rates of pay for personnel not covered by collective bargaining agreements will be set by the Haverhill School Committee upon a recommendation from the Superintendent.

LEGAL REF: M. G. L. 71: 38

( GDBC

SUPPORT STAFF SUPPLEMENTARY COMPENSATION

Support staff persons will be paid overtime wages for work performed in excess of forty (40) hours in a workweek unless otherwise provided for in a collective bargaining agreement.

In calculating hours for the purpose of allowing overtime work and pay, supervisors will consider sick leave, vacation time, and holidays as time worked.

Every effort will be made to minimize overtime by scheduling duties during the regular word day. Overtime will be authorized only by the Superintendent, or his/her designee, and only to cover emergency situations. All such work will be assigned on a fair and equitable basis by a principal or other supervisor.

( GDBD

SUPPORT STAFF FRINGE BENEFITS

Certain fringe benefits may be established through negotiations with employee bargaining units. Because the Haverhill School Committee wishes to be fair with all of its employees, benefits granted to employees who are not members of a collective bargaining group generally will be comparable to those granted to employees in similar positions that are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

LEGAL REFS: M. G. L. 71: 378; 71: 48B

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GDC

SUPPORT STAFF LEAVES AND ABSENCES

All leaves and absences for support staff will be determined by administration in accordance with the relevant collective bargaining agreement between the bargaining unit and the Haverhill School Committee.

Further, the Haverhill School Department will abide by the provisions of the "Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993" and all relevant U. S. Department of Labor regulations pertaining to leaves and absences.

LEGAL REFS: M. G. L. 149: 1050; 71: 41A P. L. 103-3,"Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993"

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GDD

SUPPORT STAFF VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS

All support staff vacations and holidays, allowed by the Haverhill School Committee, will be determined by administration in accordance with the relevant collective bargaining agreements.

However, it should be noted that support staff may request a maximum of five (5) vacation days for carryover into the next fiscal school year. All requests must be approved by their immediate supervisor and submitted in writing, with reason(s) for said request, to the Superintendent for approval prior to June 1st

• All vacation days carried over must be taken in the following year and may not be carried over for a subsequent year. The decision of the Superintendent on these matters is final.

( GDE

SUPPORT STAFF RECRUITING/POSTING OF VACANCIES

The Haverhill School Committee will establish and budget positions for support staff in the school system on the basis of need.

The recruitment and selection of candidates for such positions will be the responsibility of the principal for building-based positions and the Superintendent for district-wide positions. In making the latter selections, the Superintendent will confer with principals and other supervisory personnel, as appropriate.

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GDF

SUPPORT STAFF HIRING

All candidates for support staff positions will be considered on the basis of their merits, qualifications, and the needs of the school system. In each instance, those playing a role in the selection process will seek to employ the best-qualified person for the job.

Vacancies in positions will be filled by the Superintendent and/or the principal in accordance with the law and all applicable regulations.

In the selection of support personnel for employment in the Haverhill Public Schools, preference will be given to a Haverhill resident when the qualifications and attributes ofthat candidate are equal to those of non-resident candidates. The resident applicant must fully satisfY the qualifications and meet the requirements stated in the Position Announcement to be eligible for an interview.

LEGAL REFS: M. G. L. 71: 55B; 71: 59B

( GDJ

SUPPORT STAFF ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS

The Superintendent, or his/her designee, will make district-wide assignments and transfers of support staff for the efficient operation of the Haverhill School Department as necessary subject to any relevant provisions of collective bargaining agreements.

The preferences of employees will be taken into consideration in making assignments and transfers; however, the best interests of students and the educational program will be given priority.

Within an individual school building, the principal may assign support staff to tasks appropriate to their positions and qualifications.

( GDK

SUPPORT STAFF TIME SCHEDULES

The workday and the work year for members of the support staff will be set forth in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.

Specific time schedules for support staff members will be set by the appropriate administrators in line with relevant school opening and closing times, student schedules, and so on. When such changes are to be made, every effort will be made to provide reasonable advanced notice to the affected staff. Administrators will inform the Superintendent of the assigned schedules so that there may be continuity, as needed, throughout the school system.

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GDMC

SUPPORT STAFF IN-SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

All courses to be submitted for salary credit must be approved by the supervising administrator and Superintendent as being relevant to the educational responsibility of the educational support staff person.

All support staff who have acquired the necessary credits will be placed at the proper step and rate.

( GDN

SUPERVISION OF SUPPORT STAFF

Custodians are under the immediate supervision of a senior building custodian who, in turn, is under the general supervision of the building principal. Where no senior building custodian is assigned, a custodian may serve under the supervision of a principal, or his/her designee.

Itinerant support staff supervision will be provided/coordinated through the relevant program supervisor or coordinator, where building supervision is impractical.

All instructions regarding procedures, extra work, and/or overtime work shall come from the principal of the respective building with prior approval of the Superintendent, or his/her designee.

( GOO

EVALUATION OF SUPPORT STAFF

A program of continuous observation and evaluation will be developed to find the right employees to fill vacancies, determine assignments and equitable work loads, and establish wage and salary policies that encourage employees to put forth their best efforts.

Each employee will be informed of the basis upon which the evaluation will take place in advance of the evaluation. Where appropriate, all evaluations will be conducted in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and job descriptions.

GOP

SUPPORT STAFF PROMOTIONS

When support staff vacancies are to be filled, preference will be given to qualified applicants from within the school system, provided their qualifications (proven and potential ability, Civil Service status, training, experience, and personal characteristics) are equal to those of other applicants. However, the best qualified person from among all who apply within and without the school system will be selected.

(

RESIGNATION AND RETIREMENT OF SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS

Personnel intending to resign shall give their immediate supervisor written notice thereof as outlined in the relevant collective bargaining agreements.

All full-time non-instructional personnel are required to participate in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Retirement System.

GDQC

Periodically. the Superintendent will present to the Haverhill School Committee the names of support staff persons who have indicated their intentions to retire.

( GDQD

SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL OF SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS

Support staff employees employed by the Haverhill School Department may be suspended or terminated by the Superintendent and/or the principal of the school building in which they serve consistent with the terms of the pertinent collective bargaining agreements. However, employees so suspended or terminated may request the Superintendent to review the circumstances of the action.

Support staff employees generally will be given notice of their dismissal two weeks prior to the effective date, unless governed by Civil Service rules and regulations in which case, the applicable rules will be applied.

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GE

MILITARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The Haverhill Public Schools recognizes our nation's need for strong National Guard and Reserve units. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws chapter 33, section 59, a local acceptance statute, municipal employees are entitled to receive his/her regular pay from the city while serving his/her annual tour for the National Guards or Reserves for a period of 17 days. A municipal employee's right to his/her full pay during such time is well established.

In accordance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) 1994, 38 U.S.C. s 4301, et. seq. ("USERRA"), a federal statute, the Haverhill Public Schools will provide reemployment and benefit preservation rights to employees who leave work to serve the military. USERRA clarifies and strengthens the Veterans Reemployment Rights Act 38 U.S.C. Chapter 43 ("VRRA"), by guaranteeing that those who work in the "uniformed services" retain their civilian employment and benefits. Under USERRA, the Haverhill Public Schools, employer,

1. May not discriminate against employees with military service obligations; 2. Must provide employees with leave and reinstatement rights; and 3. Must continue (or allow employees to continue) certain benefits.

Leave under USERRA is unpaid, except that a person may elect to use any vacation, annual or similar accrued paid leave. An employee on military leave may not be required to use their accrued paid leave.

In general, an employee returning from military leave is guaranteed reemployment and other rights as long as s/he complies with certain notification and other requirements. Veterans are protected by USERRA if they meet the following criteria:

1. The person held a civilian job. 2. The person gave notice that he or she was leaving the job for military service

(unless military necessity or other exigent circumstances precluded the notice). 3. The period of service was five years or less. 4. The person must not have been discharged from service under dishonorable or

other punitive conditions. 5. The person must have reported back to his/her civilian job in a timely manner or

submitted a timely application for reemployment.

The position to which a veteran is reinstated is determined by priority, based on the length of military service. The rules governing reinstatement are outlines in USRRA.

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HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS CRIMINAL RECORD INFORMATION POLICY

GF

The purpose of this Policy is to establish a policy for the Haverhill Public Schools ("HPS") regarding the review of criminal records of candidates under consideration for employment or volunteer service and current employees and volunteers. Under M.G.L. c. 71, §38R, the HPS must request criminal offender record information (CORI) from the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) for both present and future employees or volunteers in any HPS program who have direct and unmonitored contact with children. HPS also must obtain CORI on all bus or taxi cab drivers transporting children in the district. CHSB has authorized the HPS to receive CORI regarding such individuals.

POLICY

In order to insure that employees or volunteers or taxicab drivers having contact with children in the HPS are suitable for serving in their positions, a COR I check will be performed and reviewed regarding such individuals whose service entails the potential for direct and unmonitored contact with HPS students. CORI checks will be completed and reviewed prior to commencement of employment or volunteer service, and at least every three years thereafter, including but not limited to at least once prior to the granting of professional teacher status. It is the Policy of the HPS that convictions of certain crimes pose an unacceptable risk to the student population of the HPS. HPS will refuse to employ or continue to employ, or to accept or continue to accept the volunteer services of any individual whose CORI check, in the judgment of the Superintendent or his designee, reveals a criminal conviction which disqualifies the individual from having direct and unmonitored contact with children, as set forth below.

A. SCOPE OF POLICY

This Policy applies to candidates for and current occupants of positions which have the potential for direct and unmonitored contact with HPS students, including but not limited to teachers, teacher aides, school nurses, counselors, coaches or other extracurricular staff or supervisors, food service employees, custodians, and certain other professional, administrative, and support staff. This Policy also includes volunteers, interns, student teachers, or other persons regularly offering support to any school program or facility in either a paid or unpaid capacity.

1. Applicants for employment

An applicant for employment is defined as any person under consideration for hire as an employee to provide services to students where the position has the potential for direct and unmonitored contact with students. A person who has access to areas where students may be unsupervised, such as classrooms, restrooms, elevators, corridors, locker rooms, libraries, offices, cafeterias, playgrounds, gymnasiums, school buses, or any other area within a school facility or vehicle will be considered to have the potential for unsupervised contact. Persons who may during the course of employment

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HA

HB

HF

SECTION H: NEGOTIATIONS

NEGOTIATIONS GOALS

NEGOTIATIONS LEGAL STATUS

SCHOOL COMMITIEE NEGOTIATIONS AGENTS

( HA

NEGOTIATIONS GOALS

The School Committee recognizes that education is a public trust; it therefore is dedicated to providing the best possible educational opportunities for the young people of this community. In negotiations, this objective may be best attained if there is a climate of mutual trust and understanding between the negotiating parties.

The School Committee believes that the best interests of public education will be served by establishing procedures that provide an orderly method for the School Committee and representatives of the staff to discuss matters of common concern.

It is further recognized that nothing in negotiations will compromise the School Committee's legal responsibilities nor will any employee's statutory rights and privileges be impaired.

Reviewed 12.99

( HB

NEGOTIATIONS LEGAL STATUS

All negotiations between the School Committee and recognized employee groups are conducted subject to Chapter 150E of the Massachusetts General Laws. The legal status of negotiations is defined in part by Section 2 of that chapter, as follows:

Employees shall have the right of self-organization and the right to form, join, or assist any employee organization for the purpose of bargaining collectively through representatives of their own choosing on questions of wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment, and to engage in lawful, concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, free from

interference, restraint, or coercion. An employee shall have the right to refrain from any or all of such activities, except to the extent of making such payment of service fees to an exclusive representative as provided in section twelve.

Basic to all employer/employee negotiations is the concept of "bargaining in good faith." It is the legal responsibility of both the school committee and employee organizations to bargain in good faith as they conduct negotiations. However, such obligation does not compel either party to agree to a proposal or make a concession.

( Established by law

LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 150E:1 et seq

Reviewed 12.99

( HF

SCHOOL COMMITTEE NEGOTIATIONS AGENTS

The School Committee is responsible for negotiations with recognized employee bargaining units. The Committee may hire or appoint a negotiator to bargain in good faith with recognized bargaining units to help assure that mutually satisfactory agreements on wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment will be developed.

The School Committee will determine the fee or salary for his/her services as appropriate.

The duties of the negotiator will be as follows:

1. To negotiate in good faith with recognized bargaining units to arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement on wages, hours, and working conditions of employees represented by the units.

a. The negotiator may recommend members of the administration to serve on the negotiation team. They will not be members of any unit that negotiates with the Committee, and their participation in negotiations must be recommended by

the superintendent and approved by the Committee.

b. He/she will direct accumulation of necessary data needed for negotiations, such as comparative information.

c. He/she will follow guidelines set forth by the Committee as to acceptable agreements and will report on the progress of negotiations.

d. He/she will make recommendations to the Committee as to acceptable agreements.

2. The negotiator will interpret the signed negotiated contracts to administrators and may be called upon to offer advise on various aspects of contract administration during the terms of the contracts with employee organizations.

LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 71:37E

Reviewed 12.99 Revised 12.99

SECTION I: INSTRUCTION

IA Policy, Instructional Goals and Learning Objectives

IB Academic Freedom

IC/ICA School Year and School Calendar

ID School Day

IE Organization of Instruction

IG Curriculum Development, Adoption and Review 1GB Learning Support IGBH Alternative Programs

IHA Basic Instructional Program IHAE Physical Education IHAF Health Education IHB Special Instructional Programs

IHCA Summer School and Night School

( IIA Library Resources IlAA Information Technology liB Class Size

IJ Instructional Materials IJJ Textbook Selection and Adoption IJOA Field Trips IJOB Community Resource Persons and Guest Speakers

IKAA Tests and Examinations IKAB Student Progress Reports IKAC Parental Conferences IKE Assignment of Students IKF Graduation Requirements IKFA Graduation Requirements and Early Graduation IKL Evaluation of Instructional Programs

IL Haverhill Public Schools District Policy

IMA Teaching Methodologies IMD School Ceremonies and Observances IN Extra-Curricular Activities

10 Home School Policy

POLICY INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES See Policy ADA - School District Goals and Objectives

IA

( IB

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

The Haverhill School Committee seeks to educate students In the democratic tradition, nourishing recognition of individual freedom and social responsibility, as well as meaningful awareness of and respect for the Constitution of the United States, the Bill of Rights and other documents securing the foundation of democracy.

Teacher must be able to think, investigate, and evaluate student performance, and present information and ideas in an atmosphere of freedom and confidence. The education of youth in a democratic society requires that students have the opportunity to learn from a variety of sources and viewpoints.

This freedom must be exercised within the ethical boundaries of the teaching profession. These boundaries include:

1. A commitment to present within the classroom accurate information as understood by the teacher in relation to the teacher's area of professional competence.

2. A concern for the welfare, growth, and total development of the student.

( 3. Application of good taste and judgement in selecting and employing materials and methods of instruction.

4. Adherence to established scope and sequence for various subjects, curriculum guides and frameworks, and guidelines pertaining to instruction on controversial subjects.

Academic freedom and teaching responsibility are essential to the purpose and operation of the Haverhill School District and will be upheld by the School Committee and the school administration.

LEGAL REF: Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts M.G.L. 71:2

IC

SCHOOL YEAR/SCHOOL CALENDAR

The school year shall begin on a date to be established by the School Committee on an annual basis, and close on the day in June which completes the legal school session in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Education.

State regulations governing structured leaning time for all students will be followed as applicable. Moreover, the calendar will set forth the days school will be in session, holidays, and vacation periods, in-service days and parental conference dates.

The Superintendent may require teachers to attend on the day immediately preceding the first day of school.

LEGAL REFS: M.G.L. 4:7; 151G; 71:1; 71:4; 71:4A; 71:73; 136:12 Board of Education Regulations for School Year and School Day effective 9-1-75

Board of Education, Student Learning Time Regulations, 603 CMR27.00, Adopted 12-20-94

( 10

SCHOOLOAY

The length of the school day at various levels. as well as the specific opening and closing times of the school. will be recommended by the Superintendent and adopted by the Haverhill School Committee. and will be in accordance with applicable state regulations and current collective bargaining agreements.

The Superintendent is authorized to make minor changes in opening and closing times to simplify transportation scheduling. however. major changes will remain subject to approval by the School Committee.

Parents and guardians will be informed of the opening and closing times set by the School Committee.

LEGAL REFS: M.G.L. 15:IG; 71:1; 71:59 Board of Education Regulations for School Year and Day effective 9-1-75

( IE

ORGANIZATION OF INSTRUCTION

The Haverhill School Committee offers a diversified educational program compatible with the needs of the community, its students, and state standards.

The organizational plan is designed to facilitate the philosophy of educating each student as his/her fullest potential. Generally instruction will be organized into elementary, middle and high school divisions. Every effort shall be made to build incremental learning with the divisions and from one division to another.

The organization also is designed to meet the standards of accreditation as required by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 74:2

( IG

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT/ADOPTION AND REVIEW

The School Committee recognizes that curriculum development is critical to the promotion of student achievement as defined by local, state, and national benchmarks. It is an ongoing process that involves the shared commitment of the Committee and all educators in their collective efforts to:

• meet the academic, social, and personal needs of all students • facilitate students' transition to work and/or other post-secondary pursuits • reflect on the courses of study offered to the students • provide effective instruction to students • address all local, state, and federal curricular requirements

To this end, curriculum development efforts will invite staff, parent, and community input and be guided by the following quality criteria:

• foundation in research and practice • aligned, where appropriate with state curriculum frameworks • clearly state learner standards and outcomes • suggested Instructional standards • multiple forms of assessment • integrated/interdisciplinary approaches • extensive use of technology • support professional development • a user friendly environment • respect for diversity

The implementation of new curriculum will be supported by Instructional materials aligned with learner outcomes and will be monitored by the Administration through classroom observation, data collection, and teacher supervision. This supervision may include but not be limited to, a review of lesson plans, effective teacher planning, and teacher assessments.

The Haverhill School Committee will rely on the Superintendent and the professional staff to design and implement Instructional programs and courses of studies that will advance the academic goals of the District. The School Committee will be kept informed of all new courses and substantive revisions in curriculum. The Superintendent will present the School Committee with report s on curriculum changes under consideration. Its acceptance of these reports will constitute its adoption of curriculum for official purposes.

LEGAL REFS: M.G.L. 71 :1:69 :IE: 603 CMR 26:05

1GB

LEARNING SUPPORT

To support classroom and shop instruction and learning needs of the students, various auxiliary educational support services will be available. Auxiliary education services include, but are not limited to aides, psychologists, counselors, and technical instructors.

It is the responsibility of the Haverhill School District to identify those students who may not be meeting the District's learning standards for whom intervention may be appropriate. Subject to budget constraints, support services will be made available to those students who are not learning at expected levels.

(

IGBH

AlTERNATIVE PROGRAMS

It is the philosophy of the Haverhill School District to provide programs for all of its students when economically feasible, or when resources permit. Where additional programs and/or environments could facilitate meeting the needs of students, as well as the philosophy and objectives of the District, altemative programs may be established.

Alternative programs are defined as provisions within the public educational system which offer choices among diverse educational environments based on student needs, talents, and interests, occupy a significant proportion of an individual student's time; and meet the District's philosophy and objectives.

IHA

BASIC IN~IONAL PROGRAM

Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Haverhill School Committee will provide students of the District with those subject considered to be essential to the development of fundamental

. learning and living skills which are required by state law. Included will be those subjects which will most readily enable students to reach the District's learning standards. Instruction in these subjects will be presented through an inclusive perspective which reveals the contributions of all persons and groups, absent any stereotypical views based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or age.

LEGAL REFS: M.G.L. 71:1; 71:2; 71:3; 71:13 . 603 CMR 26.05

( IHAE

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Pursuant to state law, instruction in physical education shall be made available to all students. In meeting this requirement, it is the objective of the Haverhill School Commillee to provide

activities that will:

• aid in the development of the entire student so that a well trained mind may function in a healthy body

• encourage student participation in vigorous physical activity while in school thereby teaching the value of those activities so that they will carry over into the activities of daily life

• increase the understanding of students in the mailer of physical fitness and its connection to good health

Procedures will need to be made to provide that clothing be safe and appropriate for physical educational activities as determined by the instructor.

LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 71:1; 71:3 Board of Education Regulations Pertaining to Physical Education

Clothing must be safe and appropriate for physical education activities as determined by the instructor. It is not intended that stUdents will wear their daily clothes.

( IHAF

HEALTH EDUCATION

The Haverhill School Committee is committed to providing a sound, comprehensive health education program as a part of each student's general education. Health education will be offered as a separate discipline to students enrolled in the middle and high schools.

The health education program will emphasize an up-to-date approach to the presentation of health information, skills, and the knowledge necessary for students to understand and appreciate the healthy functioning and proper care of the human body. Students will be presented with information regarding the complex social, physical, and mental health problems common to the human condition. Instruction will be pOinted to helping students make intelligent choice on behaviors In mailers affective their physical, emotional, and mental well­being.

Among other things, health education will address directly issue pertaining to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. In doing so, it shall include instruction as to the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs on the human body, as well as the emotional, psychological and social dangers of the use of such substances. The program shall offer information on effective techniques for resisting peer pressure designed to induce students to use illicit drugs or alcohol.

In the event that specific subjects in the health education program, primarily involving issues surrounding human sexuality, are objectionable to a student, or a student's parenUguardian on religious or other grounds, arrangements may be made to exempt the student from the specific program elements which are held to be objectionable. A request for exemption must be submilled in writing by the parenUguardian to the principal in advance of Instruction in that part of the health curriculum to which objection is made. The request must state the basis for the objection.

LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 71:1

( IHB

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

Recognizing the many differences eXisting among the students of the School District, a goal of the Haverhill School Committee is to induce the use of inclusion and integrative programs to help students achieve the District's learning standards. The School Committee also expects that these technologies will assist the students in gaining independence and learning enabling them to operate as much as possible in the mainstream of School society.

In keeping with this goal, the Haverhill School Committee offers a variety of programs to assist students with their individual learning needs. These programs shall be organized and operated as to meet the mandates of:

IDEA Rehabilitation Acts of 1973 Chapter 766 and Board of Education Regulations pursuant thereto Education Reform Act of 1993 Section 504

Revised 5-02

( IHCA

SUMMER SCHOOL/NIGHT SCHOOL

The Haverhill School Committee authorizes the Administration to offer a summer school program on ground deemed expedient by the Administration. The summer school program should be arranged primarily to benefit those students of the Haverhill School District in meeting the District's learning standards.

At the discretion of the Administration, students from other schools in the District may be accepted into the summer school program on a tuition basis.

Likewise, the Administration is authorized to develop and offer a night school curriculum for the benefit of the community at large. Regarding finances, the operation of the night school shall be self-sufficient, supported by the revenue it derives.

LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 71:18

( IIA

LIBRARY RESOURCES

The primary objective of the library/media operations is to enrich and support the educational/Instructional program of the schools. For that reason efforts must be made to provide a wide range of materials on many levels of difficulty with a diversity of appeal and the presentation of different points-of-view which can be made accessible to all.

Final approval and authority for the distribution of those fund appropriated by the School Committee for the library/media purposes rests with the principals, subject to the approval of the Superintendent. The School Committee encourages principals to seek suggestions in the matter from a wide spectrum of the school community including library staff, teachers, coordinators, administrators, students, and the site councils.

Those circulation records that detail individual library users and their choice of reading/media material shall not be made available to anyone except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized by law.

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Haverhill School District will provide access for employee and students to informational systems/networks, including access to external networks, for limited educational purposes. Educational purposes are defined as classroom/academic activities, professional development, and high quality self-discovery activities of an educational nature.

The purpose of the access is to assist in preparing students for success in life and work by making available a wide range of information, as well as the ability to communicate with others. The information systems/networks will be used to increase communications (staff, parent, and students), enhance productivity, and assist staff in upgrading existing skills, and acquiring new skills through a broad exchange of information. The information systems/networks also will be used to provide information to the community, including parents, government agencies, and businesses about the School District and its activities.

The Superintendent of his/her designee shall implement, monitor, and evaluate the District's information systems/networks for Instructional and administrative purposes. He/she shall develop, implement, and administer regUlations, procedures, and user agreements, consistent with the educational purposes and mission of the Haverhill School District. These shall be consistent with laws and regulations governing copyright.

Access to the information systems/networks is a priVilege, not a right. All users shall be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all administrative regulations and procedures governing use of the systems/networks and shall agree in writing to comply with such regulations and procedures. Noncompliance with applicable regulations and procedures may result in suspension or termination of user privileges, or other disciplinary outcomes as specified in such regulations and procedures. Violation of law may result in criminal prosecution as well as disciplinary action by the Haverhill School District.

The District will not be liable for users' inappropriate use of electronic resources, or violations of copyright restrictions, users mistakes of negligence, or costs improperly incurred by users. Neither shall the Haverhill School District be held responsible for ensuring the accuracy or usability of information found on external networks.

Electronic mail transmissions and other use of electronic resources by stUdents and employees shall not be considered to be confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate Instructional and administrative use.

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INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The Haverhill School Committee realizes that Instructional materials consistent with the needs of the educational program must be available to each student and teacher. Provision for the same will be made by the School Committee through the budgetary process, subject to its constraints. The task of selecting Instructional materials for programs is delegated to the professional staff operating under the oversight of the Superintendent. Since such material are of the utmost importance in supporting instruction, among the guidelines to be observed in their selection are the following:

1. They must present balanced views of international, national, and local Issues and problems of the past, present, and future.

2. They must stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic appreciation, and ethical values.

3. They must help students develop abilities in critical reading and thinking.

4. They must help develop and foster an appreciation of cultural diversity and development in the United States and throughout the world.

5. They must facilitate an effective basic education that does not countenance discrimination on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, disabilities, or sexual preference.

6. They must allow sufficient flexibility for meeting the special needs of individual students and groups of students.

LEGAL REFS: M.G.L. 71 :48; 71 :49; 71 :50

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TEXTBOOK SELECTION AND ADOPTION

Responsibility for the review and selection of textbooks to be purchased rests with the Superintendent, or his/her designee. He/she shall establish procedures to accomplish the same. In making selections the Superintendent. or his/her designee, will consult with principals, teachers, coordinators, parents and other school community constituents present a recommendation to the School Committee for approval.

LEGAL REFS: M.G.L. 71:48; 308:7:71:50

CROSS REFS: IIA Library Resources IJ Instructional Materials

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE PERSONS I GUEST SPEAKERS

Community resources persons and guest speakers offer additional sources of information and experience which may be useful in supplementing the Instructional program. Such incremental resources may be brought in only with the prior approval of the principals, or his/her designee.

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TESTS AND EXAMINATIOINS

The students of the Haverhill School District shall be subjected to testing regimens as determined by the professional staff, acting under the general direction of the Executive Director of Curriculum and instruction. A variety of testing protocols, including both standardized and teacher-made tests may be used. Testing shall be designed to improve student achievement and to measure knowledge, skills and aptitudes gained in both academic and applied instruction. Testing also should be diagnostic with the purpose of improving curriculum and instruction.

The Education .Reform Act of 1993 established testing procedures to accomplish a "comprehensive diagnostic assessment" of certain stUdents. The Administration shall expedite the testing of those stUdents deSignated by the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).

LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 69:11

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IKAB

STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS

It shall be the continuous duty of teachers to evaluate and record the progress of students based on established criteria. At regular intervals determined by the Superintendent with the assistance of the principals, teachers shall prepare progress reports to communicate student progress to the individual students and their parenUguardian. The Haverhill School Committee views these reports as a vital part of the communication process operating among teachers, students, and parents.

In addition to periodic reports, parents/guardians should be notified when the performance of a student requires special attention.

Major changes in the reporting system of the School District shall be preceded by a cooperative study and evaluation by the teachers, parents, and site councils, with the results submitted to the Haverhill School Committee for approval by the Superintendent after his/her review.

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PARENTAL CONFERENCES

Arrangements shall be made by the Administration of the School District for parental and student conferences after report cards have been issued. Student and parents are urged to consult with teachers at any time, especially if difficulty is being experiences with a particular subject.

LEGAL REF: Collective Bargaining Agreements

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ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS

The Haverhill School Committee expects that students normally will progress annually from class to class. Exceptions may be made when, in the judgment of the professional staff, such exceptions are in the best interest of the student involved.

Promotion (and graduation) will be based on student improvement, achievement, attendance capability, and the professional judgment of the particular teacher and the principals. In evaluating student achievement, each teacher will make use of all available information, including results of teacher-made tests and other measures of skill and content mastery, standardized test results, and teacher observation of student performance. The principal will direct and aid teachers in these evaluations and review grade assignments in order to ensure uniformity of evaluation standards.

Fundamentally, promotion will bear a close relationship to successful student performance vis-a-vis District learning standards. Those students deemed capable of reasonably meeting those expectations who fail to do so, may be retained. In the case of students failing to meet District expectations, promotion may become conditional upon successful attendance at summer school. Principals will be able to assess mandatory attendance at summer school as a condition for promotion.

As concerns promotion/retention of students on Individual Education Plans (EPI), referrals will be made to the Special Education Administration.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

On the recommendation of the Superintendent, The Haverhill School Committee will, from lime-to-lime, establish and update requirements for graduation from Haverhill High SchooL!

In order to graduate from the High School, a student must have completed successfully a course of study with the number of credits and distribulion of units prescribed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Department of Education.

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EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

The Haverhill School Committee regards comprehensive and objective evaluation of the programs to be of primary importance. The purpose of such evaluation will be:

1. To determine students' educational needs, provide information for planning, and communicate students' progress.

2. To indicate program effectiveness in meeting District learning standards.

3. To measure curricular programs in terms of community needs.

4. To demonstrate the relationship between achievement and the expressed goals of the Haverhill School District.

5. To provide data for public information

Evaluation of programs shall be directed by the Superintendent, assisted by the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction and the principals. Among other things, these evaluations may employ various testing programs, outside research agencies, teacher and parent information, and information about attendance and dropout rates of Haverhill stUdents.

It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent to report periodically to the Haverhill School Committee on program evaluations and the progress the District is making in the attainment of its educational goals.

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HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT POLICY

HOME EDUCATION

The Haverhill School Committee recognizes and respects the right of parents or guardians to educate their child (ren) at home. The School Committee appreciates the personal and cultural uniqueness of each family and desires to ensure that the process by which school officials approve and review home education programs is both lawful and equitable. Therefore, the School Committee establishes this home education policy.

Parent(s) or guardian(s) planning to undertake a home education program for their child (ren) between their sixth and sixteenth birthday shall inform the Superintendent by completing and submitting the Notice of Intent to Pursue a Program of Home Education form prior to commencing a home education program.

Home education programs will be considered in an equitable, objective, and timely manner. Factors that may be considered by the Superintendent in deciding whether or not to approve a home educational proposal are:

1.

2.

3.

The academic background, life experience andlor qualifications of those who will be instructing the child (ren), as they relate to the educational program. This information will not be used to deny any application.

An overview of the educational program that is to include subjects and Instructional materials. In order to meet the specific educational needs of their child (ren), parent(s) or guardian(s) may adjust the material to achieve the goals of the educational program without further notification to the Superintendent's office.

A statement concerning Instructional hours that will be followed.

Following completion of each school year, parent(s) or guardian(s) shall submit assessment documentation to the Superintendent (usually between June and September) and notify the Superintendent if the home education program is to continue the next year. Assessment methods corresponding to the type of educational program being followed may include one or more of the following:

• Daily logs, journals, progress report, portfolios, or dated work samples • An independent report made by someone acceptable to both the Superintendent and parent(s) or

guardian(s) • Standardized test results • Consultations with the Superintendent or appropriate school principal • Any other method agreed to by both the Superintendent and home educator(s)

(continued) Haverhill Public Schools District Policy - Home Education (continued)

A student being educated in a home-based program within the District shall be allowed to

participate in activities of an extra-curricular nature with the approval of the responsible school principal. Arrangements for such participation are to be in accordance with generally accepted local and state policies governing such programs i.e., athletics, M.I.A.A. regulations, etc.

Beginning a Home Education Program During the School Year

Should the process of initiating a home education program occur during the school year, the parent(s) or guardian(s) shall inform the Superintendent as soon as possible before the student is removed from school. The parent(s) or guardian(s) should then complete and submit to the Superintendent the Notice of Intent to Pursue a Program of Home Education form in accordance with Massachusetts Annotated Laws ch. 76, § 1.

Approval Confirmation

The School Committee meets monthly. Notices confirming approval of home education programs (initial and continuing) will be sent out as soon as possible. When questions concerning a home education program are not resolved via phone or e-mail contact, a parent/administrative meeting may be scheduled.

Drafted: 10/99; Revised: 2/03

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TEACHING METHODOLOGIES

It is the wish of the Haverhill School Committee that the best strategies and methods for bringing about learning be utilized throughout the Haverhill School District. The Instructional staff is expected to keep abreast of new and promising Instructional ideas and practices and to apply those which have the potential to improve the learning program in Haverhill schools. The School Committee will make every effort though the budget process, to provide resources for Instructional improvement.

Teaching methodologies should be encouraged that are conducive to rational thought, inquire, and respect for the dignity of the individual. These methods should assist students in learning how to think rather than what to thing and, further should provide students with the opportunity to identify, express, and defend their opinions without penalty or fear of reprisal or ridicule.

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SCHOOL CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES

The Haverhill School Committee acknowledges those provisions of the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and laws appertaining to each regarding the separation of church and state. In the spirit of that acknowledgement, schools shall refrain from presentations or displays which might be interpreted as promoting a particular religious point-of-view in the devotional sense.

As a part of the Instructional program, religious topics may only be addressed as an element of a subject discipline (e.g., history, literature) in a manner which is secular. No effort shall be made to present religious information, or perspectives, in a manner designed to persuade, or proselytize.

Schools may conduct seasonal music programs, not for their religious content, but rather as a means of familiarizing students with cultural features of their peers.

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Haverhill School Committee is committed to the concept of providing a basis for the development of well-rounded students. In pursuit of this objective, the School Committee authorizes the Superintendent to propose and, with Committee approval, manage a broad range of extra-curricular activities.

In planning and developing a program of extra-curricular activities, the Superintendent is encouraged to make provision for clubs and competitions which will augment student achievement.

HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT POLICY HOME EDUCATION

10

The Haverhill School Committee recognizes and respects the right of parents or guardians to educate their child (ran) at home. The School Committee appreciates the personal and cultural uniqueness of each family and desires to ensure that the process by which school officials approve and review home education programs is both lawful and equitable. Therefore, the School Committee establishes this home education policy.

Parent(s) or guardian(s) planning to undertake a home education program for their child (ren) between their sixth and sixteenth birthday shall inform the Superintendent by completing and submitting the Notice of Intent to Pursue a Program of Home Education form· prior to commencing a home education program.

Home education programs will be considered in an equitable, objective, and timely manner. Factors that may be considered by the Superintendent in deciding whether or not to approve a home educational proposal are:

4.

5.

6.

The academic background, life experience andlor qualifications ofthose who will be instructing the child (ren), as they relate to the educational program. This information will not be used to deny any application.

An overview of the educational program that is to include subjects and Instructional materials. In order to meet the specific educational needs of their child (ren), parent(s) or guardian(g) may adjust the material to achieve the goals ofthe educational program without fhrther notification to the Superintendent's office.

A statement concerning Instrnctional hours that will be followed.

Following completion of each school year, parent(s) or guardian(s) shall submit assessment documentation to the Superintendent (usually between June and September) and notify the Superintendent if the home education program is to continue the next year. Assessment methods corresponding to the type of educational program being followed may include one or more of the following:

• Daily logs, journals, progress report, portfolios, or dated work samples • An independent report made by someone acceptable to both the Superintendent and parent(s) or

guardian( s) • Standardized test results • Consultations with the superintendent or appropriate school principal • Any other method agreed to by both the Superintendent and home educator(s)

Continued

( Haverhill Public Schools District Policy - Home Education (continued)

A student being educated in a home-based program within the District shall be allowed to participate in activities of an extra-curricular nature with the approval of the responsible school principal. Arrangements for such participation are to be in accordance with generally accepted local and state policies governing such programs i.e., athletics, M.I.A.A. regulations, etc.

Beginning a Home Education Program During the School Year

Should the process of initiating a home education program occur during the school year, the parent(s) or guardian(s) shall inform the Superintendent as soon as possible before the student is removed from school. The parent(s) or guardian(s) should then complete and submit to the Superintendent the Notice of Intent to Pursue a Program of Home Education form in accordance with Massachusetts Annotated Laws ch. 76, § 1.

Approval Confirmation

The School Committee meets monthly. Notices confirming approval of home education programs (initial and continuing) will be sent out as soon as possible. When questions concerning a home education program are not resolved via phone or e-mail contact, a parent/administrative meeting may be scheduled.

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. SECTION J: STUDENTS

Attendance Ages - Entrance to School

Student Admissions School Choice: Admission of Non-Resident Students Open Enrollment Open Enrollment Policy Student Withdrawal from School

Student Absences & Excuses - High School Attendance Policy Grades 1-8 Truancy Student Attendance Monitoring/Accounting

Student Rights and Responsibilities Student Due Process Rights Student Advisory Council Student Government Student Conduct Student Conduct Off School Grounds Student Dress Code Care of School Property by Students Student Conduct on School Buses Student Transportation Services Bus Accident Policy Student Publications Secret Societies/Gang Activity Hazing Tobacco Use on School Grounds Drug and Alcohol Use by Students Weapons in School Students of Legal Age Pregnant Students Searches Student Complaints, Grievances, and Threats Interrogations by Police Portable Communication Devices

Student Organizations Student Performances Student Fund-Raising Activities Student Activities Account Interscholastic Athletics Intramural Programs

Student Discipline

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JKAA JKB

JL JLA JLC JLCA JLCB JLCC JLCCA JLCD JLCE JLD JLF JU JUB

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JRA JRA-R JRD JRE

Student Discipline - Special Needs Students Student Discipline - Appeal Process

. Student Discipline - Authorizing Persons in the Public Schools to Use Such Force As Is Necessary to Protect Students, Other Persons, and Themselves From Assaults Physical Restraint of Students Detention of Students

Student Welfare Student Insurance Programs Student Health Services and Requirements Physical Examinations of Students Immunization of Students Communicable Diseases AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) School Attendance Policy Administering Medicines to Students First Aid and Emergency Medical Care Guidance Program Reporting Child Abuse Student Safety Student Dismissal Precautions

Student Fees, Fines, and Charges

Student Records Student Records Student Photographs Non-Voluntary Transfer of Students

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ATTENDANCE AGES· ENTRANCE TO SCHOOL

Kindergarten:

In any given year, the Kindergarten program is open to children who will be five years old on or before August 31't of that year. The pre-K program is open to any child who will be at least 3 years old on or before August 31 st during that year. Attendance in both programs is optional.

Children whose birthday occurs after the August 31 cut-off date for Kindergarten only may be eligible for early admission. A developmental screening is administered by the Supervisor of Early Childhood in' the spring before the Kindergarten year. Children who demonstrate outstanding abilities based on this screening will be eligible for early admission.

First Grade:

Children attaining the age of 6 on or before August 31't are eligible to attend first grade in the fall semester of that year. Absent kindergarten attendance there is no early admission to first grade.

Revised 4.00

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STUDENT ADMISSIONS

High School:

Students who have completed the 8th grade course of study shall be admitted to the High School as regular members. Other candidates for admission presenting credentials of equivalent or satisfactory preparation may, at the discretion of the Superintendent and of the Principal of the High School, be admitted on probation. The Superintendent is authorized to determine by examination the qualifications of any candidate whose preparation is in doubt.

Students who demonstrate serious academic deficits may be deferred from entering the high school if the middle schools can better accommodate the student's educational needs.

Adults who are residents of the City of Haverhill may apply for enrollment in the regular day courses at the high school for credit towards their high school diplomas or for enrichment. Enrollment in any class shall be based on class size limitations and course availability, and shall be at the discretion of the High School Principal, with high school-age students being accommodated first.

Revised 10.99

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SCHOOL CHOICE: ADMISSION OF NON·RESIDENT STUDENTS

It is the policy of the Haverhill Public Schools to accept non-resident students under the provisions of Chapter 76, Section 128 of the M.G.L. The residence of a student shall be that of his/her legal parent or guardian. All questions of residence shall be determined by the Superintendent.

M.G.L. Chapter 76, Sections 6 and 128

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Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99

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OPEN ENROLLMENT

The School Committee authorizes the opportunity for students to attend a school other than the one serving their neighborhood. Subject to space availability and a specified administrative procedure and application process, the School Committee endorses the concept of Open Enrollment for Haverhill pupils.

Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99

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OPEN ENROLLMENT

1. Students may request to enroll at any school in the district if it has been declared by the Superintendent that a vacancy exists in the school's enrollment or anticipated enrollment for the school year. Requests for specific teachers are not permitted. Class size guidelines (See Policy liB) as established by the School Committee are a primary consideration in the declaration of a vacancy. The Superintendent may approve applications to enroll in a school outside of the designated attendance area under the following provisions:

• Students who live within the designated boundaries of a school will have first priority for enrollment in that school.

• Students who move from one attendance area to another after January 1 of the school year may complete the school year at the original school of enrollment. A student whose parents are planning to move to another attendance area within the district during the school year may be admitted to the new school upon submission of evidence of the anticipated move. Such evidence will be a rental lease or purchase contract. If the proposed move is not made within the first 90 days of attendance, the student may be required to withdraw and enroll at the appropriate school starting with the next semester.

• Parents or legal guardians of students receiving daily child care with a private sitter or at a day care center within a school attendance area other than the one of residence must apply for open enrollment in order for the student to attend a school in the attendance area where the childcare is provided. A vacancy must exist before approval is granted.

• Child care arrangements outside of the normal school attendance area will receive special consideration in so far as is practical and within the intent and stipulations of this policy. If these arrangements are to be considered, they must be documented to the principal and superintendent.

2. If the total number of requests that meet the above criteria exceed space available, then the following factors, not listed in order of priority, are considered:

• whether or not a sibling is in the school requested; • supporting data regarding school progress and adjustment to a new school selling

provided by the school (pre-referral procedures, disciplinary reports, report cards, absenteeism, teacher's records, etc.);

• factors which may involve racial balance considerations; • any other data that would help make the best placement for an individual child; • any other data regarding the impact of additional children on the receiving class or school.

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Upon enrollment at a school outside the student's attendance area, the student should plan to remain in that school for the full academic year. Once accepted as an open enrollment student, every effort will be made to permit the student to complete the highest grade in that building. Having one child in a building on open enrollment does not automatically admit other children from the same family. Completion of the highest grade of a school does not automatically permit a transfer to the appropriate receiving school, if that school is outside the student's home attendance areas.

3. Parent or Guardians will:

A. Obtain application from any elementary or middle school after April 1.

B. Submit a completed application prior to May 15; incomplete applications will not be processed. Subsequent to May 15, students will be accepted on a space-available basis.

C. Be notified by August 15 (or sooner if possible) as to the status of their Open Enrollment application. Student applications may be denied or placed on a waiting list pending a determination of the application and/or vacancies.

4. Students assigned to a school are given first priority for a place in that school.

( 5. This plan permits Open Enrollment, Grade 1 though Grade 8, but does not permit requests for specific teachers or classrooms.

6. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent.

7. Any or all approved open enrollment requests may be rescinded and/or amended if, in the opinion of the Superintendent, overcrowding of facilities or other undesirable conditions develops.

Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99

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STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

A student who leaves any public school on account of a change in residence or other satisfactory reason shall be given a Massachusetts Transfer Card. This card shall admit the student to the receiving school.

A student's transfer would not be considered complete until transcripts have been requested from the receiving school. The Attendance Department shall conduct follow-up activities to determine that a transferred student has indeed registered at his/her new school.

Students who are withdrawing from high school must obtain an official book discharge slip from their assistant principal. The discharge slip must be signed by every teacher from whom the student received books or equipment showing that all materials have been returned.

The School Committee directs that concerted efforts be made by appropriate personnel to discourage students from withdrawing from the high school for the purpose of discontinuing their formal education and for those students who cease their attendance at school.

M.G.L. Chapter 76 Section 18

Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99

Revised 12.99

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STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

High School

CLASSIFICATION OF ABSENCES

A. Excused Absence. (Absence approved by home and school)

1. Illness of student or other medical reason classified as an emergency (i.e., an appointment which cannot be scheduled during non-school hours); 2. Death in the family; 3. Religious holiday; 4. Court appearance/subpoena; 5. School field trip, suspension, representing school at an event, etc. 6. Emergencies (to be determined by school administration). 7. Surgery, accident, or prolonged illness.

B. Unexcused Absence. (Absence approved or unapproved by home, not approved by school)

By state law, parents/guardians do not have the option of keeping a student out of school for other than legal reasons (those cited in statutes). Even if an absence meets with the approval of the parents, the superintendent or designee will make the final determination as to whether it is classified as "excused." Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to, the following:

family vacation working class "skip day" . oversleeping truancy

missed bus car problems appointments (non-emergency) skipping a class(es) working at elections

Note: Students who are unable to attend the regular school session because of illness or an unexcused reason may not attend or participate in any extra-curricular activities sponsored by the school that day.

C. Tardiness to Class. A tardiness to class, which is not excused by school administration, which will cause a student to miss fifteen (15) minutes (or more) of a class period will be counted as an unexcused absence from that class. Other tardiness to class will be handled by the classroom teacher or, if chronic in nature, by the Assistant Principal.

D. Teachers' Obligations. Teachers are required to record both absences and tardiness from every class. The Assistant Principal is responsible for determining whether the student's absence is excused or unexcused and for taking appropriate action.

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PENALTIES TO BE ASSESSED.

A student who has been ruled absent (unexcused) for the third time in a marking period will have his/her name reported to the attendance clerk in the main office by the Assistant Principal. A letter will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian informing them of the possible impending administrative failure if this type of absence from class continues, and the student will be notified by the Assistant Principal.

A student who has been ruled absent (unexcused) for the sixth time in a marking period will fail for that quarter with a comment symbol to denote "Administrative Failure--Unexcused Absence." The student will get credit for the quarter if, and When, the average for the year reaches a minimum of 65.

Since the marking system at Haverhill High School allows for a student to receive a passing grade/credit based on the average of the four marking periods (two marking periods if in a semester course), It is incumbent upon a student to do his/her best work in each marking period to make certain a passing grade will still be attainable.

REVIEW PROCESS

A parent/guardian/student has the right to dispute the classification of "unexcused absence." However, any dispute must be made in a timely fashion. The following procedures should be followed:

Within ten school days of the notification given after the third unexcused absence mailing, or within ten school days of the Issuance day of school report cards, a letter should be written to the High School Principal, 137 Monument Street, Haverhill, MA 01832 requesting a review and the reasons for that request. Upon receipt of this request, the High School Principal will refer the request to the Attendance Review Board (Student's Assistant Principal, Student's Guidance Counselor, and a faculty member). A review will be conducted and the findings submitted to the principal for a final decision. Parent/guardian/student will be notified in writing of this decision.

MAKEUP PROVISIONS

Students who have been absent from classes will be permitted to make up work without the assessment of penalty. Makeup is the responsibility of the student and should be completed on the following schedule:

Absent one (1) day: Work to be made up by the end of the next school day after receiving assignments (or at next afternoon makeup session for that teacher) unless special arrangements are made with the expressed permission of the teacher.

Absent two (2) to five (5) days: Work to be made up by the end of the next consecutive 5 school days following return to school (or at afternoon makeup sessions of teachers)

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( unless special arrangements are made with the expressed permission of the teacher.

Absence more than five (5) consecutive days: Arrangements to be made with each classroom teacher. Makeup work has priority over extra-curricular activities and jobs.

Notification of extended absences (if known in advance) should be made to the Special Education Department in order that the student may receive tutoring while absent (if eligible).

Any decisions made in following the provisions of this attendance policy will not violate any state or federal legislation nor will decisions be made that will violate the civil rights of a student/parent/guardian.

If it is necessary for anyone other than the parent or guardian to sign an excuse for absence or any other school document, he/she must indicate the relationship to the student beside his/her signature (i.e., Mrs. Henry White, Aunt). If the parent cannot sign his/her name, he/she must make his/her mark beside the signature which someone else may write for him/her. Parents who do not write English are welcome to use their native language. Absence notes must be brought to the homeroom teacher on the day the student returns to school. Students who fail to do so will be assigned a detention.

TARDINESS TO CLASS

Students who are late arriving to class should have a pass frorn the teacher or administrator who detained them. A student who does not have a late pass will be admitted to class, and a tardy report will be filed with the appropriate administrator.

TARDINESS TO SCHOOL

Students who arrive at their homeroom after the 7:27a.m. bell rings are considered tardy. They are admitted to homeroom and marked tardy on the daily attendance form. Students who are tardy to school AFTER the homeroom period has ended must report at once to the Main Office and comply with the following procedures:

1. Fill out a regular tardy slip:

a. Name and homeroom b. Stamp on both stubs the time arrived (use time clock) c. Sign the tardy book, noting the date, time and reason for tardiness d. Leave a portion of the tardy slip with one of the main office staff.

2. Immediately report to your Assistant Principal:

a. Leave the second half of your tardy slip with your Assistant Principal

3 of 4 b. Obtain an admit to class slip signed by your Assistant Principal.

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On the day following tardiness, students are required to bring to their homeroom a note from their parent or guardian explaining the reason for such tardiness.

Revised 10.99

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ATTENDANCE POLICY GRADES 1·8

Several of the most important life skills that a school can help develop in students are those of Dependability (good attendance to school and classes); Punctuality (being on time and meeting time schedules); and Responsibility (knowing school rules and observing them).

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 2, regarding school attendance states that all children between the ages of six and sixteen are required to attend school regularly. The statute defines regularly as not more than seven absences in any six·month period. The law further pOints out that good attendance is the joint responsibility of the student, the parent/guardian, and the school. Specific reference is made in the MCAS Performance Appeal Process and the No Child Left Behind Act which defines the standard of attendance for schools and districts to make Adequate Yearly Review.

Only absences, tardiness or dismissals due to ...

1. Student illness or other medical condition 2. Death in the family 3. Religious holidays 4. Court appearance/subpoena 5. Out of school suspensions 6. Legitimate family emergency

..... with documentation shall be considered excused. Examples of unexcused absences and/or tardiness include caring for siblings, oversleeping, missed bus, chronic car problems and restrictions from field trips. Family trips or vacations scheduled when school is in session are considered unexcused absences by state law. Whenever possible, doctors and other personal appointments should be scheduled after school. Students with five (5) unexcused absences and every subsequent unexcused absence may receive a detention or equal consequence. Participation in classroom activities is considered critical to the learning process. If a student is restricted from a field trip and not in attendance, that day will be considered unexcused. Excessive absence will likely be reflected in the student's grade and may have an impact on advancement and promotion.

It will be the responsibility of the student to gather and make up all work when they return to school. Time allowed to make up work will be equal to days absent. Students absent from school will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities on that day, except with the permission of the administration for exceptional circumstances.

Section 2 Part B Subsection 1 Tardiness

Students arriving to school fifteen (15) minutes after the designated report time for homeroom are considered tardy and should report to the secretary to get an admittance slip. According to the following Tardy/Dismissal Chart, students who arrive to school after mid day will be marked absent for the day. If a student arrives late to school, they must bring with them a signed note from their parent or guardian explaining the reason for the student's tardiness.

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Students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/designee upon return. Failure to bring in a note will classify that tardy as unexcused. If a student accumulates five unexcused incidents of tardiness, parent will be contacted to address absences/tardiness and students may receive a detention for every subsequent day they are late without a note. Chronic tardiness may result in the student being placed on restriction. Parents may be contacted by administration and/or the attendance counselor. When necessary, chronic absences/tardiness will be reported to the Juvenile Court and/or the Department of Social Services as stipulated by law.

Section 2 part B Subsection 2 Dismissal

Students seeking dismissal from school before the end of a regular school day must bring a parent/guardian note to the office at the beginning of the school day requesting dismissal. The note should include the date and time of the dismissal, the reason for the dismissal, and the signature of a parent or guardian. Prior to the dismissal, the parent/guardian/designee will be required to sign the student out of school at the main office. Students will not be dismissed to anyone other than a parent, guardian or designee without specific written instruction and/or a verbal confirmation by telephone. Students will not be dismissed to a minor. Students dismissed prior to mid day (see Tardy/Dismissal Chart) shall be marked absent/dismissed for the day. Students may not arrange for their own dismissal.

Tardv/Dismissal Chart

Schools Students Report

Middle Schools, Bradford Elem., Silver Hill 8:30 AM

Primary Schools Golden Hill, Pentucket Lake 9:00 AM

Late Time

8:45AM

9:15 AM

Section 2 Part B Subsection 3 Absence

Mid.day Time

11:38 AM

12:08 PM

Dismissal Time

2:45 PM

3:15 PM

Upon return to school due to an absence a child is required to present a written note to his/her homeroom teacher. The note should include the date(s) of the absence, the reason for the absence and the signature of a parent or guardian. If a note is not delivered to school within two days of the absence, the student will receive a detention and the parent will be notified. If a student is absent five or more consecutive days, a doctor's note may be required upon return for readmission.

Section 2 Part B Subsection 4 Truancy

Truancy, or absence from school without permission, may result in after school detentions or suspension from school. Chronic offenders will be referred to the attendance department.

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Students with chronic absenteeism may receive in school restrictions, possibly fail to be promoted, and in some instances may be referred to summer school, the Juvenile Court or the Department of Social Services.

The Haverhill Public Schools seeks to promote good school attendance. The district employs a Supervisor of Attendance and a Middle School Attendance Counselor to encourage regular compliance with state statute and to offer assistance to students and parents in matters regarding school attendance. Concerned individuals may contact the Supervisor of Attendance at 978·374·5730 and/or the Middle School Attendance Counselor at 978·374"5631.

Section 2 Part B Subsection 5 School Arrival and Departure

Students should not be in the building more than five minutes before homeroom begins, unless a teacher or a staff member has granted permission. After arriving on school grounds, students are not to leave unless a staff member has given permission. Students are required to leave school grounds promptly following dismissal. No student shall be in the building or on school property for more than fifteen minutes after the close of school without permission.

Revised 10.05

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TRUANCY

Students who absent themselves from classes or other assigned attendance areas without permission are truant and will be disciplined accordingly.

Principals or their designees who have reason to believe that a child has been truant, should notify the parents/guardians and the Supervisor of Attendance in a timely manner Similarly, if a student leaves school grounds without permission during the regular school day, the parents/guardians and the Supervisor of Attendance will be informed immediately.

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STUDENT ATTENDANCE MONITORING! ACCOUNTING

Teachers are required to record both absences and tardiness from every class .. The Assistant Principal is responsible for determining whether the student's absence is excused or unexcused and for taking appropriate action.

Daily attendance forms shall be properly completed by school personnel.

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STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Committee has the responsibility to afford students the rights that are theirs by virtue of guarantees offered under the federal and state constitutions and statutes. In connection with rights, there are responsibilities that must be assumed by students.

Among these rights and responsibilities are the following:

1. Civil rights - including the rights to equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination; the responsibility not to discriminate against others.

2. The right to attend free public schools; the responsibility to attend school regularly and to observe school rules essential for permitting others to learn at school.

3. The right to due process of law with respect to suspension, expulsion, and decisions the student believes injure his/her rights.

4. The right to free inquiry and expression; responsibility to observe reasonable rules regarding these rights.

5. The limited or confidential right to privacy, which includes privacy in respect to the student's school records.

It is the School Committee's belief that as part of the educational process students should be made aware of their legal rights and of the legal authority of the School Committee to make, and delegate authority to its staff to make rules regarding the orderly operation of the schools.

Students have the right to know the standards of behavior that are expected of them, and the consequences of misbehavior.

The rights and responsibilities of high school students, including standards of conduct, will be made available to students and their parents through handbooks distributed annually.

LEGAL REFS; M.G.L.71:37H; 71:82 through 71:86

Reviewed 11 .98 Revised 10.99

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STUDENT DUE PROCESS RIGHTS

Principals may suspend or expel students in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Sections 37H and 37H)I,.

Revised 11.98

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STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCILS

Student Advisory Council to School Committee.

The School Committee, elected by the citizens of Haverhill, develops policies relative to the administration of the public schools in this city. Haverhill High School students have a direct line of communication to the School Committee through the Student Advisory Council. This committee of five students, elected from the student body, attends School Committee meetings, is available to advise the School Committee on matters that affect students, and keeps the student body informed of School Committee decisions. The Student Advisory Committee shall elect a chairperson who should be an ex-officio non-voting member of the School Committee.

Regional Advisory Council to Massachusetts Board of Education.

Every year, Haverhill High School students elect two representatives to the Regional Advisory Council. These students meet regularly with representatives from other schools to discuss common problems and make recommendations to the Massachusetts State Board of Education.

Haverhill High School Site Council Membership

Each year the Haverhill High School Student Council will elect two student members to the High School Site Council.

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Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT

The Student Government at Haverhill High School represents all students. To be nominated for an elective office and placed on the ballot at Haverhill High School, students must obtain the signatures of 25 classmates, two teachers, and theIr Assistant Principal. To hold any school office, a student must: a. carry at the time of election, and continue to carry, the minimum number of units required toward promotion to the class the student will be representing; b. be passing in enough subjects to guarantee promotion; and c. have no suspension(s) during the term of office. An officer shall be dropped from office after a suitable warning if his/her marks do not remain passing or if he/she has received a suspension(s) from school. Students absent from school on election days cannot vote.

In May of each year, each class elects a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Executive Committee members to lead and represent the class during the following year.

Class officers plan social and fund-raising activities for their class, and make many important decisions that affect the welfare of their classmates.

In May of every year, each class also elects ten representatives to the Student Council. The Student Council represents the entire student body regarding concerns about school policies and expresses these concerns to the school administration through an Assistant Principal. In addition, the Student Council shall, with the Council's Advisor, plan social activities, promote school spirit, run all student elections, sponsors school assemblies, and serve as guides at school functions.

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Revised 7.98 Revised 8.98

Revised11.98

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STUDENT CONDUCT

Good citizenship in schools is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others.

Students will be expected to conduct themselves in a way that the rights and privileges of others are not violated. They will be required to respect constituted authority, to conform to school rules and to those provisions of law that apply to their conduct.

Individual school principals and their Site Councils are responsible for developing a Code of Conduct for their respective schools. Said Code of Conduct shall serve as the official document for all questions involving student behavior and disciplinary measures, and should be published in each school's handbook.

Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99 Revised 12.99

STUDENT CONDUCT OFF SCHOOL GROUNDS

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Most incidents of student misconduct which occur off school property and/or school time are not subject to discipline. Exceptions include:

• incident(s) is(are) clearly the result or continuation of events which were initiated or occurred in the school building or on school grounds; or

• incident occurred or was initiated off school grounds and/or school time and the return or enrollment of the student would have a detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school.

The intent of this policy is to insure and support the safety and well being of students and employees of the school system.

Federal and state laws and regulations, MIAA regulations, as well as school discipline codes regarding student conduct. are in effect at all school sponsored events and activities.

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STUDENT DRESS CODE

It is expected that all Haverhill students will be dressed appropriately while in school. Clothing. footwear and hair should conform to reasonable standards for health. safety and cleanliness.

In addition. students are not permitted to dress in a manner that is disruptive to the educational process or environment of the school.

Students who do not comply with the dress code must arrange for their own transportation home to make necessary changes in clothing. Modifications to this policy may be announced by the Principal when extenuating circumstances make it necessary.

Reviewed 7.98 Revised 8.98 Revised 1.99 Revised 10.99

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CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY BY STUDENTS

All students are responsible for maintaining a good appearance and condition of all school property (books, equipment, desks, etc.). Students not only have a responsibility to use public facilities wisely, but they also have a responsibility to report those who willfully destroy public property. Any student defacing or destroying any part of the building or its equipment will pay full value.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are issued by each teacher. At the high school, students sign a receipt slip for each book they receive. They are liable for damage to the book. Writing on or in a book is damage; defacing or breaking a cover is damage. Students are obliged to erase all pencil marks and clean soiled places.

Students will be charged for lost books and/or equipment.

Reviewed 7.98 Revised 8.98 Revised 11.98

Revised 10.99

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STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

The Haverhill Public Schools provide bus transportation for stUdents who live beyond the

specified distance from their assigned school and for students in certain areas where walking

would be deemed hazardous. All primary grade students who live more than one mile from

school, middle school students who live more than 1 1/2 miles from school and high school

students who live more than 2 miles from school are eligible to ride a bus.

The privilege of tiding the bus is one that the student must respect and protect. Conduct while a

passenger on a school bus must be such that It does not annoy other riders, does not distract the

driver and does not create a safety hazard.

The Transportation Coordinator and administrators in charge of each school should prepare and

publish regulations for conduct while riding .on a school bus, and such regulations should be

. published in the appropriate document for all students and their parents.

All violations of such regulations shall be reported by the driver or other interested parties to the

appropriate building principal who then shall determine disciplinary action. At no time should a

driver unilaterally deprive a stUdent of his or her right to ride the bus.

Revised 7.98; Revised 8.98; Revised 11.98; Revised 10.99

EARLY ELEMENTARY PICK UP AND DEPARTURE BUS POLICIES

Pickup and departure for children is within one-to-two blocks of home whenever possible. Bus

riders must be met at the bus stop by a person as named on the emergency contact list provided

to the child's school. If someone else will be meeting the child, helshe must have a signed and

dated note to be given to the bus driver, and said note shall be verified by the principal of the

child's school, and the bus driver shall request identification to verify the identity of the pick up

person, If the pick up person is an adult. The bus driver cannot leave until all students are picked

up. Any a.m. Kindergarten child not met by anyone at the bus stop will be returned to the child's

school. The transportation department and principal will attempt to contact the student's

emergency contact on file. Any p.m. Kindergarten child not met by anyone at the bus stop and

parents or emergency contact on file cannot be reached the child will be taken to the Registration

Center at Burnham School, where· the child will be supervised by transportation department

personnel. If the child's parents or registered emergency contact on file is not reached by

5:00 p.m., the police will be contacted.

Reviewed 7.98; Revised 0211.10; Revised 02.25.10

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STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

School Committee Responsibilities:

1. To approve an adequate budget appropriation to support legally mandated transportation as well as allowing for transportation of students affected by hazardous conditions and/or other special circumstances.

2. To prepare specifications for bus transportation and carry out negotiations with bus contractors prior to entering into approved contract arrangements.

3. To support the establishment and maintenance of regulations including disciplinary procedures having to do with proper behavior of students who ride school buses.

4. To hear complaints from concerned parties about the transportation procedures and regulations and/or appeals of administrative decisions.

5. To work with other branches of city government in effectuating policies and regulatory action that will facilitate the safe carrying out of student bus transportation.

6. To suggest improvements and constructive changes in transportation procedures so as to develop the most safe, efficient and fiscally sound operation.

7. To undertake periodic review of School Committee regulations regarding student transportation.

Parent Responsibilities:

1. To cooperate fully with school principals, the transportation coordinator, school bus contractor, and bus drivers to ensure prompt, safe, and responsible transportation to all entitled student riders.

2. To encourage and insist upon proper bus behavior on the part of their own children.

3. To refrain from requesting or seeking to arrange school bus transportation for relatives, friends, or other ineligible riders or seek temporary changes of bus assignments to accommodate personal reasons.

4. To make certain that children are waiting on time at the scheduled stop and that their child's behavior is proper during the wait.

5. To inform the school principal if there are health problems affecting a child's riding a school bus.

6. To notify the school principal beforehand when a student rider is not to take the bus and/or some adult including the parent is to provide transportation.

7. To make appropriate arrangements for a student to get to school if the student missed the scheduled bus transportation or is temporarily denied transportation for disciplinary reasons.

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8. To report promptly to the school principal any matters of his/her proper concern regarding school bus transportation.

9. To make certain that kindergarten and transitional students are supervised at their scheduled stops before school and upon returning from school.

• Emergency arrangements may be made by the school principal to accommodate special unavoidable situations.

Bus Drivers' Responsibilities:

1. All bus drivers will wear nametags clearly indicating the driver'S last name. Drivers are to insist that students address them by name.

2. The driver shall adhere to all commonly accepted rules of the road.

3. The driver shall be at the wheel while students are loading and unloading. When the driver is not at the wheel, the engine shall be shutoff and the ignition key kept by the driver.

4. The driver shall adhere as closely as possible to the time schedule arranged for his/her route.

5. Buses shall stop to load or unload students only at approved designated stops and buses are to be. brought to a full stop before taking on or discharging students.

6. The driver shall require the riders to remain seated, if seats are available.

7. Drivers may require students to change their seating location for disciplinary or other proper reasons.

8. Bus drivers are expected to use proper language at all times.

9. Schedules are to be kept as nearly as possible. If the bus is on time and student is not at the deSignated stops, the driver shall not wail.

10. The bus driver shall not leave the bus at any time when there are students aboard or at any school and/or student pick-up location without first stopping the engine, removing the ignition key, and setting the brake.

11. Drivers are to instruct students who are Observed misbehaving to cease such behavior.

12. The bus driver shall not put any student off the bus. The privilege of riding the bus shall be denied only by the school principal or bus coordinator following proper notification to the student and the student's parents. .

13. The bus driver is to report a misbehaving student to the principal, assistant principal or head teacher of the student' school.

14. If a misbehaving student refuses to identify himself/herself, the bus driver should notify the principal/designee or head teacher at the first school stop following the misbehavior and identify the offender(s).

15. The bus driver may select a student to leave the bus at a school location and notify an administrator if the driver wishes to report student misbehavior or for any necessary reason.

16. The bus driver and school principal are jOintly responsible for maintaining proper

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discipline on the school bus.

Rules Governing Who Shall Be Provided with School Bus Transportation:

Transportation shall be provided to neighborhood Kindergarten and elementary stUdents who live 1 mile from school. All Kindergarten students attending the Early Childhood Center at Haverhill High School shall be provided bus transportation. Transportation shall be provided to middle school students who live 1.5 miles from school and to high school students who live 2 miles from school.

Transportation shall be provided to children living in hazardous areas as approved by the safety committee.

Transportation shall be provided to students who present medical certificates requiring transportation because of medical problems.

Transportation shall be provided to special education students as required by Chapter 766. Transportation of parochial school students who are residents of the City of Haverhill and in need of services under Chapter 766 shall be provided transportation from parochial schools to public schools.

Transportation shall be provided to interscholastic teams to various athletic events and shall purchase the necessary liability insurance therefore.

Transportation may be provided in other situations as approved by the School Committee.

Transportation may be denied to any student who does not comply with published rules.

Revised 10.99

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BUS ACCIDENT POLICY

In the event of a school bus accident, the police or emergency response personnel on the scene will be in charge of control of the accident site, the bus and its occupants.

The districts Bus AccidenVEmergency Protocol will be followed by school personnel.

Revised 10.05

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STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

It is the policy of the Haverhill School Committee to encourage and permit freedom of expression on the part of students to the extent provided in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71 , Section 82.

Each official school publication shall have a faculty advisor who shall advise students as to the content of the publication and shall counsel said students as to the propriety of the inclusion of submitted material including, but not limited to, any and all advertisements.

The school principal, while recognizing the importance of student opinion and expression, retains the right to review all material and exercise final editorial prerogative in accordance with the standards set forth in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 82.

The sale and distribution or consumption of such student publications during school hours or on school property shall be permitted so long as in the opinion of the school principal, such distribution is not disruptive to the school environment.

Revised 1.99 Revised 10.99

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SECRET SOCIETIES/GANG ACTIVITIES

Gang-related activity on school property or at school-related events is strictly prohibited. Such activity includes bur is not limited to the use of hand signals, graffiti, or possessing any apparel, jewelry, accessory; or engaging in any manner of grooming, any of which by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group.

Incidents involving initiations, hazings, intimidations, and/or related activities which may cause bodily danger, physical harm, or mental harm to stUdents are prohibited.

Any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia or exhibiting behavior or gestures or grooming which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or adversely affect the attendance of another student shall be subject to disciplinary action.

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Reviewed 7.98 Revised 1 .99

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HAZING

CH. 269. S.17. CRIME OF HAZING, DEFINITION; PENAL TV

Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing as defined herein shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

The term "hazing" as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Not withstanding any other provisions of this section to be contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

CH.269, S.18. DUTVTO REPORT HAZING.

Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime, shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

Ch. 269, S. 19. HAZING STATUTES TO BE PROVIDED; STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE AND DISCIPLINE POLICY REQUIRED.

Each secondary school and each public and private school or college shall issue to every group, or organization under its authority or operating on or in conjunction with its campus or school, and to every member, plebe, pledge or applicant for membership In such group or organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen. An officer of each such group or organization, and each individual receiving a copy of said sections seventeen and eighteen shall sign an acknowledgment stating that such group, organization or individual­has received a copy of said sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each secondary school and each public or private school or college shall file, at least annually, a report with the Board of Education, certifying that such institution has complied with the provisions of this section and also certifying that said school has adopted a disciplinary policy with regards to the organizers and participants of hazing. The Board of Education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the Attorney General any such institution which fails to make such a report.

M.G.L. Chapter 269, Sections 17 -19 Revised 11.98 1 of 2

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HAZING

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOTIFICATION OF HAZING LAW

On behalf of __ :--;---_--;---:--;---;--_:--,.--___ --:---::--;--_____ _ (name of student group, team or organization)

I certify that the ____ ----,,----,-_________________ _

(name of student group, team or organization)

has received a copy of M.G.L. Chapter 269, Sections 17-19, an Act Prohibiting the Practice of Hazing, and has distributed a copy of the law to its members, plebes, pledges and applicants for membership; and that the __ -::_-;-_________ -.,--....,-____ _

(name of student group, team or organization)

understands and agrees to comply with the law.

Date: ________ Signed: __ =---:-_:-:-=~--:-------(Designated officer)

Witness: _______________ _

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Reviewed 7.98

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TOBACCO USE ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

In accordance with state law. individuals are not permitted to smoke or use tobacco products in school buildings. on school buses. on school grounds. or at any school-related activity. Students. staff. and visitors who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action including sanctions.

All off-campus activities to which students are invited as participants. honorees. or beneficiaries shall be conducted consistent with this no tobacco use policy.

M.G.L. Chapter 71. Sect. 37H H

Revised 5-01

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DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS

The purchasing, selling, distributing, consumption of, or possession of any alcoholic beverages or any controlled sUbstances or related paraphernalia is prohibited on school property or at school-sponsored or school-related events.

Further, a student may be barred from any school-sponsored or school-related event if he or she has been drinking alcoholic beverages prior to attendance at or participation in said event. The School Committee expects that school principal(s) will respond to such violations as prescribed by law.

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Revised 7.98 Revised 8.98 Revised 1.99 Revised 10.99

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WEAPONS IN SCHOOL

Possession of weapons such as firearms, knives, clubs, or other articles which may be determined to be dangerous are prohibited in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses, and other locations while under school control.

Whoever observes violation of this policy should immediately notify the Principal or designee in his/her absence. The Principal should immediately notify the student and parents/guardians of the policy violation and follow the notification in writing outlining the allegations.

Penalties for violating the weapons' policy are:

1. The principal has the authority to expel or suspend the student.

2. Immediate notification of Police Department for appropriate action.

The threat of violence and/or the suggestion of weapons by a student shall be immediately reported to the Principal who will then act in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. The outcome of all such circumstance shall be reported to the Superintendent.

Ref: Federal Gun-Free School Act

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STUDENTS OF LEGAL AGE

Students who are 18 years of age or older may legally assume full responsibility for their actions as they apply to Haverhill High School.

Students must fill out an "Age of Majority" Form and return it signed to the appropriate Assistant Principal.

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Reviewed 7.98 Revised 8.98

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PREGNANT/PARENTING STUDENTS

Pregnant students will be encouraged to continue in school in all instances when continued attendance has the sanction of the expectant mother's physician. The physician's approval of this continued attendance must be on file at the school.

Similarly, school-age mothers, unless they receive adequate assistance, might drop out of school without acquiring the necessary education or without marketable skills.

Every effort will be made to see that the educational program of these students is disrupted as little as possible; that health counseling services, as well as instruction are offered; that return to school after delivery is encouraged; and that every opportunity to complete high school is provided.

LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 71:84

Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99

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SEARCHES

Students and their personal belongings, Including student vehicles, are subject to search by school personnel to the extent school personnel have a reasonable basis for suspecting that the search would reveal evidence that the student has violated the law or school rules. In the event of search of a student or his/her belongings, parents will be notified as soon as practical following the search.

Except as otherwise necessary due to exigent circumstances, searches will be conducted by a school administrative staff member in the presence of another adult. In all cases, the nature of the search must be reasonably related to the object sought and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and gender of the student.

In the event a student is found to be in possession of an object or SUbstance which may give rise to a crime, such object or substance will be given to the police. Other objects or substances which are prohibited by school rules or which are otherwise disruptive to the school environment may be held by school officials for later return to the student's parents.

When school officials refer a student to the police, the student's parents will be notified as soon as practical.

School lockers and desks, which are assigned to students for their use, remain the property of the school department and students shOUld, therefore, have no expectation of privacy in these areas. Such areas are subject to canine searches and to random searches by school officials at any time.

Reviewed 8.98 Revised 1.99 Revised 10.99

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STUDENT COMPLAINTS, GRIEVANCES, AND THREATS

The School Committee expects if a student (or students) has a problem, request, or grievance, he/she should refer It directly to a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, conflict mediator, principal/designee, or to a Student Council representative depending on the issue, which is of concern.

The Haverhill High School Student Council has lines of communication with the administration and School Committee.

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Revised 7.98 Revised 8.98 Revised 10.99

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INTERROGATIONS BY POLICE

Absent emergency circumstances or unless incident to a student's arrest, school officials will permit police to interrogate a student at school only after notifying the student's parents or guardian.

New Policy 1.99

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PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICES

Students are not permitted to have portable communication equipment such as cellular phones. laser pointers. and pagers. whether operational or not. in their possession on school district premises.

New Policy 1.99 Revised 12.99

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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

All organizations composed of public school students and bearing the school name or organized in connection therewith and meeting on school grounds must be approved by the School Committee.

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STUDENT PERFORMANCES

Instructors are encouraged to arrange for individual students and groups to provide public performances when such performances contribute to educational objectives.

1. All occasions involving students will be approved by the building principal.

2. Students participating in a performance will conduct themselves in a way as to bring credit to their school.

3. Performances that are scheduled outside school hours are preferred.

4. School personnel who supervise student performances should consider the issue of safety to be of the highest priority.

Student organizations may participate in the activities of the school district and with patriotic and civic groups in the community upon the approval of the principal. They will not be paid for participating or performing when they represent the school.

Revised 8.98 Revised 10.99

Revised 4.00

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STUDENT FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES

At the individual school level, fund raIsing projects, collection of material, and product promotion for outside agencies are allowed if approved by the School Principal. A group or individual has the right to appeal a decision to the Superintendent and School Committee.

The Superintendent or his/her representative shall maintain a calendar on which will be recorded all past and present fund-raising activities including the nature of the activity, its duration and a final accounting of the money raised. The School Committee expects an annual report of all fundraising activities.

All school fund raising activities will be congruent with all state laws, regulations, including those that cover the bidding process and accounting procedures, and will take place in a manner so as not to interfere with classroom activities or instruction.

H Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99

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STUDENT FUND-RAISING FUND ACTIVITIES

FORM USED FOR GRADES K-12

Teacher's Name, _______________ Date _____ _

Club or Organization ____________________ _

I hereby request permission to conduct the following fund-raising activity:

for the following purpose:

from ___________ to ______________ _

( If merchandise is to be sold, please complete the following:

Vendor's Name: ______________________ _

Cost of merchandise to public: $ ___ _ Cost of merchandise to club: $, ____ _

Teacher's Signature: _______________ _

Principal's Signature: _______________ _

Superintendent's Signature: _____________ _

JJE

If your fund raising activity is approved, please submit to Central Office at the end of your fund­raising activity the financial information listed below:

Receipts: $ ______ _ Expenditures: $ ______ _ Profit: $ _____ _ Signed: __________ _

Date:

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STUDENT ACTIVITY ACCOUNTS

Student funds may be raised to finance the activities of authorized student organizations. Student activity funds are considered a part of the total fiscal operation of the district and are subject to procedures established by the office of the Superintendent. The funds shall be managed with sound business practices and in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.

In compliance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 47, the school committee:

1. authorizes the prinCipals to accept money for recognized student activity organizations which currently exist or as from time-to-time may be revised.

2. authorizes the City Treasurer to establish and maintain a Student Activity Agency Account.

3. authorizes Student Activity Checking Accounts for use by the principals with specific maximum balances established as follows:

Elementary Schools (including Early Childhood Center) $10,000 Middle Schools $15,000 High School $20,000

4. directs principals be bonded to an amount determined by the City Treasurer.

Revised 12.99

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INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

The Interscholastic Athletic Program at Haverhill has been developed as an integral part of the educational program. It is the School Committee's desire to see that athletics provide a setting in which students' physical, social, and emotional development is understood and enhanced.

The rules and regulations which govern interscholastic athletics are contained in the Haverhill High School Interscholastic Sports' Handbook which should be read and understood by all staff members and students involved in interscholastic sports.

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JJI

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

Discipline and Training Rules

The Haverhill School Department has invested a great amount of their financial resources into our athletic program. It is a privilege for students to be a member of one of our teams. All regular school rules and regulations are in effect for our athletes. In addition, the Athletic Department will implement some stronger discipline measures and training rules. We feel that it is necessary for our student athletes to be held accountable for the following standards of behavior.

Group I.

1. Flagrant or continued defiant attitude toward a member of the staff will result in expulsion from the team for the remainder of the season. An offense of this nature could result in a suspension from all sports for a period of one year.

2. Smoking, drinking, or possessing alcoholic beverages, or use or possession of narcotics will result in immediate suspension from the team. The individual will be subject to the penalties that are stated in the M.I.AA Rules and Regulations.

3. Malicious destruction or damage to school property and facilities or the property and facilities of opponents will result in an expulsion from the team and a review of future eligibility.

4. Stealing property of team members (Haverhill or opponents) will result in expulsion from a team. Failure to turn in equipment at the end of a season will render a student ineligible to participate in any other sport until all items are returned. Graduating seniors who do not return equipment will have their names submitted to the Assistant Principal for appropriate action.

5. Officials and opponents must be treated with respect. Failure to do so could result in suspensions from the team for up to three days. A coach may recommend an additional review by the Athletic Director.

Group"

1. All athletes are expected to be in school by 7:25 a.m. and must stay in school for the entire school day. Those athletes who do not abide by this rule will not be allowed to practice or play that day. Extenuating circumstances will be dealt with by the Athletic Director on an individual basis.

2. Students who are chronically tardy or absent in season or out of season will not be allowed to participate in our programs.

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3. Students cannot play or practice on a day in which they are absent from school. If an emergency exists, please see the Athletic Director. Students absent on Friday may not partiCipate in a Saturday game or practice unless permission is granted by the Athletic

Director.

4. Students who have been suspended from their regular classes are not eligible to practice with a team until the.day following their last day of suspension. Students must also miss the next scheduled contest. A student who is suspended a second time will be ineligible to participate in sports for the remainder of the school year.

5. All M.I.A.A. rules for academic eligibility will be followed in addition to the following rule: M.I.A.A. rules say that to be eligible for the fall marking period, students are required to have passed for the previous athletic year, the equivalent of 4 one year major English

courses. This rule will be supplemented to include the passing of the equivalent of 4 one­year major English courses for the last term of the previous school year.

Coaches are to report serious infractions of discipline in writing to the Athletic Director and Principal within 24 hours of the incident. All decisions and expulsions will come from both of these individuals. Coaches may temporarily suspend an athlete until major decisions are finalized.

I have read the rules of Haverhill High School athletics and will abide by them.

Date Athlete's Signature

Sport Parent's/Guardian's Signature

Please cut off on the dotted line. Keep the top half and the first page. Return the signed section to your coach.

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INTRAMURAL PROGRAMS

Physical education, like many phases of education is for all students. The physical education program is to teach the skills of the games. Athletics, as part of the physical education program, is for all the children, not for a chosen few with exceptional ability.

This is a voluntary program. No child is required to participate; however, children are to be encouraged to do so.

Coaches must know the health status of every child who reports for the activity. No child is to participate in after-school activities without the written consent of the parents.

Children with chronic medical conditions which inhibit their participation or subject them to risk, will be required to provide a physician's certificate of approval in order to participate.

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STUDENT DISCIPLINE

The Haverhill School Committee affirms the right of every student in the Haverhill Public Schools to have the benefit of an education in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and which is characterized by care and respect. Recognizing that more time spent on discipline can mean less time spent on learning, the School Committee expects that efforts will be made to encourage good behavior and discourage bad behavior. Teaching and learning can only take place when everyone behaves with care and respect of others. Students and teachers cannot work together where there is fear, disorder, or violence.

The school Committee recognizes that discipline is the dual responsibility of the home and the school. Discipline, most simply stated, is the practice enforcing simple rules that facilitate learning and minimize disruption. Helping students to learn behavior patterns that will enable them to be responsible contributing members of society is a natural part of the education process that is shared between home and school.

Essential elements to an appropriate effort in this area include:

1. A consistent approach to the handling of disciplinary situations, as determined and enunciated by the principals and their respective site councils.

2. Supervision that encourages appropriate behavior among students.

3. Clear communication including, but not limited to a student handbook distributed to students, staff, and parents which specifies behavior consistent with a Code of Conduct.

4. Timely communication with parents when disciplinary issues arise.

5. Recognizing and helping students who are having difficulty meeting behavior guidelines.

In order to ensure that all students and staff are made aware of their specific rights and responsibilities, a student handbook shall be developed by each school with input sought from its Site Council. The school principal shall be responsible, at the start of each school year, for distribution of and orientation to the handbook.

The practice of discipline throughout the school system will adhere to School Committee Policy and will be under the general direction of the Superintendent of Schools for purposes of cogency and consistency. Additionally, the School Committee directs all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including due process and right of appeal be an integral part of all disciplinary procedures.

Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99 Revised 12.99

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STUDENT DISCIPLINE

SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

The Haverhill Public Schools will comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations when disciplining students who have been identified as having special needs in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws c. 71 B (Chapter 766) and 42 U.S.C. 1400, et seq. (Individuals with Disability in Education Act) and related laws and regulations.

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STUDENT DISCIPLINE Appeal Process

JK·4

Parents who wish a hearing on a student suspension shall so request to the building principal who will then schedule a hearing with the parent{s) and child.

Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

AUTHORIZING PERSONS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO USE SUCH FORCE AS IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT STUDENTS, OTHER

PERSONS, AND THEMSELVES FROM ASSAULTS.

Section 37G.

JK-5

The provisions of this section shall not preclude any member of the School Committee or any teacher or any employee or agent of the School Committee from using such reasonable force as is necessary to protect students, other persons, and themselves from an assault by a student. When such an assault has occurred, the principal shall file a detailed report of such with the School Committee.

Further, when an assault has occurred, the School Committee supports the filling of complaints against the perpetrator(s).

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PHYSICAL RESTRAINT

603 CMR 46.00 was promulgated by the Board of Education to govern the use of physical restraint on students in publicly funded elementary and secondary school programs. The purpose of 603 CMR 46.00 is to ensure that every student participating in a Massachusetts public education program is free from unreasonable use of physical restraint.

Physical restraint shall be used only in emergency situations, after other less intrusive alternatives have failed or been deemed inappropriate, and with extreme caution and for the following reasons:

o To protect a student and/or a member of the school community from innninent, serious, physical harm; and

o To prevent a student from harming him or herself.

The use of physical restraint is prohibited as a means of punishment; or as a response to property destruction, disruption of school order, a student's refusal to comply with a school rule or directive, or verbal threats that do not constitute a threat ofinnninent, serious or physical harm.

In accordance with 603 CMR 46.00, restraint is defined as follows:

1. Extended restraint: A physical restraint the duration of which is more than twenty (20) minutes. Extended restraints increase the risk of injury and, therefore, require additional written documentation.

2. Physical escort: Touching or holding a student without the use of force for the purpose of directing the student.

3. Physical restraint: The use of bodily force to limit a student's freedom of movement.

4. Restraint - Other: Limiting the physical freedom of an individual student by mechanical means or seclusion in a limited space or location, or temporarily controlling the behavior of a student by chemical means. The use of chemical or mechanical restraint is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by a physician and approved in writing by the parent or guardian. The use of seclusion restraint is prohibited in public education programs.

603 CMR 46.03 requires that public education programs develop written procedures regarding appropriate responses to student behavior that may require immediate attention. Such procedures are anuually reviewed and provided to school staff and parents. Such procedures include methods for preventing student violence, self-injurious behavior and suicide. It further requires that school policy be established that explains the program's method of restraint, a description of the training

requirements, reporting requirements and follow-up procedures, and a procedure for receiving and investigating complaints regarding restraint practices.

To ensure procedural compliance with 603 CMR 46.03, the Haverhill School Committee commits to the following:

o Required training for all stqfJ. Each principal or supervisor shall provide training regarding the school's restraint policy within the first month of each school year and, for employees hired after the school year begins, within a month of their employment. Such training shall include information on the following: restraint policy, intervention, types of restraint, administration of restraint, and identification of program staff certified to administ er restraint.

o In-depth staff training in the use of physical restraint. Each Principal or Supervisor shall annually identi/Y program staff that serve as authorized school-wide resources for proper administration of physical restraint. These individuals are trained and certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention (C.P.I.) which includes appropriate procedures for preventing the need fur physical restraint, description and identification of dangerous behaviors, instruction regarding documentation and reporting, and demonstrated proficiency with prevention techniques.

o Advisement of right of referral to law enforcement agencies. Nothing in the regulations prohibits any illdividual from reporting to appropriate authorities a crime committed by a student; law enforcement authorities from detaining a student or other person alleged to have committed a crime or posing a risk; or an individual's responsibilities as a mandated reporter pursuant to MGL c. 119, §51A to report neglect or abuse of a child to the appropriate state agency.

o Proper administration of restraint. Dilly school personnel who have received training shall administer physical restraint on students. If possible, the administration of restraint should be witnessed by at least one adult not participating in the restraint. However, the training requirements shall not preclude an employee or agent of a public education program from using reasonable furce to protect students, other students, or themselves from assault or imminent, serious, physical harm. Administering physical restraint shall be restricted to only the amount of furce necessary to protect the student of others from physical harm or injury. The person administering the restraint is to use the safest method available and appropriate as learned through in-depth training. The use of physical restraint should cease as soon as possible. If, due to unusual circumstances, a restraint continues for more than twenty (20) minutes, it shall be considered an "extended restraint" for purposes of reporting requirements in 603 CMR 46.06.

o Sqfety requirements. No restraint shall be administered so as to prevent the student's breathing or speaking. Restraint shall be administered in such a way so as to prevent or minimize physical harm. Program staff should review and consider any medical or psychological limitations that the student may have. All incidents of restraint must be debriefed to include restraint staff, student, and witnesses.

( o Reporting Requirements. Program staff must report the use of physical restraint after

administration of a physical restraint that results in any itUury to a student or staffmember, or any physical restraint of duration longer than five (5) minutes. The program staff member administering the restraint must verbally infurm their supervisor of the restraint as soon as possible, and by written report no later than the next school working day. The report shall be provided to the principal or supervisor who will maintain a record of such incidents, and which shall be made available for review by the Department of Education, upon request. Upon notification of a restraint, the principal or supervisor shall notiJY parents verbally as soon as possible and by written report postmarked no later than three (3) school working days fullowing the use of restraint. The contents of the report are prescribed in 603 CMR 46.06. When a restraint has resulted in a serious itUury to a student 01' program staff member or when an extended restraint has been administered, the program shall provide a copy of the written report to the Department of Education within five (5) school working days of the administration of the restraint. The program shall also provide the Department of Education with a record of physical restraints maintained by the program administrator for the thirty (30) day period prior to the date of the reported restraint.

o Special Circumstances - Students with Disabilities. Restraint administered to a student with a disability pursuant to an IEP or other written plan developed in accordance with state and federal law to which the public education program and the student's parent have agreed shall be deemed to meet the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 46.02 (except the limitations on chemical, mechanical, and seclusion restraint), the training requirements set forth in 603 CMR 46.03, and the reporting requirements set forth in 603 CMR 46.06 shall apply.

Approved 03/31105

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DETENTION OF STUDENTS

Pre-K through Grade12

While principals and teachers may employ detention as a means of exercising discipline, students are not to be kept after school for any reason unless the parent has been personally contacted and approves of the child being retained and accepts responsibility for the child's going home after the regular school closing time.

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STUDENT WELFARE

Supervision of Students

School personnel assigned supervision are expected to act as reasonably prudent adults in providing for the safety of the students in their charge.

In keeping with this expected prudence, no teacher or other staff member will leave his/her assigned group unsupervised except as an arrangement has been made to take care of an emergency.

During school hours or while engaging in school-sponsored activities, students will be released only into the custody of parents or other persons authorized in writing by a parent or guardian.

Teachers or other school personnel shall not request nor permit a student to leave school property during school hours without permission of the principal.

Student Safety

Instruction in courses in industrial arts, science, homemaking, art, physical education, health, and safety will include and emphasize accident prevention.

Safety instruction will precede the use of materials and equipment by students in applicable units of work and instructors will teach and enforce all safety rules set up for the particular courses. These include the wearing of protective eye devices in appropriate activities.

Safety on the Playground and Playing Field

The District shall provide safe play areas. Precautionary measures which the District requires shall include:

• A periodic inspection of the school's playground and playing fields by the principal of the school and others as may be deemed appropriate;

• Instruction of students in the proper use of eqUipment; • Supervision of both organized and unorganized activity.

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STUDENT INSURANCE PROGRAM

A noncompulsory accident insurance administered by an insurance company may be made available to students. The District does not assume any responsibility regarding service, claims, or other matters relating to the insurance program.

All students participating in competitive athletics shall be required to be covered by a medical insurance plan.

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STUDENT ILLNESS OR INJURY

In case of illness. or injury, the parent or guardian will be contacted and asked to call for the students or provide the transportation.

Transportation of an ill or injured student is not normally to be provided by the school. If the parent cannot provide transportation and the student is ill or injured, an ambulance may be called. Expense incurred as a result of emergency ambulance use will not be borne by the District.

In case of serious injury or illness where school officials are unable to contact parents, the school nurse will determine whether an ambulance to transport the ill or injured student to the hospital.

Revised 10.99 Revised 12.99

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JLCA

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OF STUDENTS

It is the policy of the Haverhill School Committee that physical examinations of students will follow the prescriptions of Massachusetts state laws and regulations.

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IMMUNIZATION OF STUDENTS

Students entering school for the first time, whether at kindergarten or through transfer from another school system, will be required to present a physician's certificate attesting to immunization from communicable diseases. The only exception to these requirements will be made on receipt of a written statement from a doctors that immunization would not be in the best interests of the child; or, the student's parent or guardian stating that vaccination or immunization is contrary to the religious beliefs of the student or parent.

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JlCC

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

The District is required to provide educational services to all school age children who reside within its boundaries. By law, however, admission to school may be denied to any child diagnosed as having a disease whereby attendance could be harmful to the welfare of other students and staff, subject to the District's responsibilities to handicapped children under the law.

The School Committee recognizes that communicable diseases which may afflict students range from common childhood diseases, acute and short-term in nature, to chronic, life­threatening diseases such as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Management of common communicable diseases shall be in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Health guidelines. A student who exhibits symptoms of a communicable disease may be temporarily excluded from school attendance. The District reserves the right to require a physician's statement authorizing the student's return to school.

The Education placement of a student who is medically diagnosed as having a life­threatening communicable disease shall be determined on an individual basis in accordance with this policy and accompanying administrative procedures. Decisions about the proper educational placement shall be based on the student's behavior, neurological development, and physical condition; the expected type of interaction with others in school setting; and the susceptibility to other diseases and the likelihood of presenting risks to others. A regular review of the placement decision shall be conducted to assess changes in the student's physical condition, or based on new information or research that may warrant a change in a student's placement.

In the event a student with a life-threatening communicable disease qualifies for services as a handicapped child under state and federal law, the procedures for determining the appropriate educational placement in the least restrictive environment shall be used in lieu of the procedures designated above.

Neither this policy nor the placement of a student in any particular program shall preclude the administration from taking any temporary actions including removal of a student from the classroom as deemed necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the student, staff, and others.

In all proceedings related to this policy, the District shall respect the student's right to privacy. Only those persons with a direct need to know shall be informed of the specific nature of the student's condition. The determination of those who need to know shall be made by the Superintendent in consultation with the child's medical provider.

Revised 9.99 Revised 10.99

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AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME)

For one's own protection and the protection of others in the school system, all employees are to consider and apply the concept of universal precautions in the performance of their duties. Since the school department can access only that information which parents choose to provide to it as regards to the issue of children with AIDS, the Haverhill School Committee mandates:

1. the application of universal precautions on the part of all staff with respect to student health issues

2. periodic training of staff on these precautions

Revised 9.99 Revised 10.99

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JlCD

ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS

Medication may not be administered to students while at school unless such medicine is given to them by the school nurse acting under specific written request of the parent or guardian and under the written directive of the student's personal physician. When the school nurse is not present, a student who needs medication during the school day may be called to the office at the scheduled hour and reminded by the secretary to take the medicine. This provision only applies when the correct dosage of the medication has been placed in an individual container clearly marked with the student's name, the dosage to be administered, and the time and/or conditions under which the medicine is to be taken. In addition, the student must be able to recognize the medicine that he or she is taking. No one but the school nurse, and those others listed In the medical administration plan acting within the above restriction, may give any medication to any student.

Revised 9.99 Revised 10.99

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JLCE

FIRST AID

Building administrators shall maintain a state of readiness with respect to the potential need for administering First Aid and/or CPR in their buildings. Periodic training of staff will occur with the goal of having staff in e<)ch building who are current in First Aid/CPR techniques. First Aid shall be administered in accordance with the procedures in the manual entitled "Standing Orders for Administration of First Aid."

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GUIDANCE PROGRAM

Guidance services constitute an integral part of the educational program. These services should be under the professional direction and coordination of qualified school counselors and administrative leadership of the respective principals.

The guidance program tries to assist all students to mature in self-understanding, self­responsibility, decision-making ability, development of values, and attainment of the attitudes and skills required for productive citizens in our society.

The program consists of specialized services appropriate to the age and maturity of the stUdents. These services also entail participation by all members of the school staff and are an integral phase of the school system's program of stUdent support services. It is essential that the guidance program be coordinated with, and make full use of, the resources of the home and community.

It is the objective of the Haverhill School Committee to provide for an adequate guidance program by allocating resources sufficient to achieve this goal.

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REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

All staff should have an awareness of the signs of child abuse and neglect and the principals shall, on a yearly basis, inform all professional staff of their obligations to report cases of child abuse and neglect as specified in M.G.L. Chapter 119; 851A-51F.

M.G.L. Chapter 119: 851A-51F M.GL Chapter 71; 8371

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STUDENT SAFETY

All schools are to have signs posted at the main entrance(s) indicating that all visitors must report to the office immediately upon entering the school.

Unless authorized by the principals. teachers or other school personnel may not permit any person to enter the school for the purpose of photographing students. interviewing. or in any other way associating with students.

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STUDENT DISMISSAL PRECAUTIONS

Elementary/Middle School:

No students shall be dismissed before the close of school except upon the request of the parent or guardian (in person or in writing, appropriately identified) or except in cases of illness or emergency.

It is extremely important that request for dismissal actually comes from a parent or guardian. Although it is necessary for the teacher and principal to use discretion in caring for any situation not covered by rules, the following stipulations are to be observed carefully:

Any request over the telephone supposedly from a parent should be verified by calling the home number again before dismissing. Children should not be allowed to take such requests over the telephone without verification by an appropriate staff member. In case of written notes, the handwriting should be verified by comparison with signatures on report cards and other evidence. No student will be allowed to leave school with anyone that is not known to be a proper person, nor shall a stUdent leave school without the expressed authorization of the school nurse or principal (or designee).

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide the school with a copy of any existing restraining order against a parent in order to prevent attendance/dismissal problems. The schools must also be notified of any change in status of a restraining order.

High School:

Students who wish to be dismissed some time during the school day must bring a note from their parent/guardian and take it to the assistant prinCipal before school. The assistant principal will then issue an official dismissal slip. Half of the slip will be kept by the assistant principal and the other half will be given to the stUdent to show to the teacher in charge of the room at dismissal time. The stUdent will leave the dismissal slip in the main office before leaving the building.

Only in case of illness or emergency will dismissals be granted during the day without presentation of a note from home before school. In this case, a note must be brought the following morning, signed by a parent or guardian, stating the time the student arrived home. Any student who leaves the building without being properly dismissed by school administration or the school nurse will be considered truant. Students are not to go home for absence notes or any other errands during school hours. Students who have study periods must not request dismissals because of that fact. Study periods can and should be used for preparation of lessons.

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STUDENT FEES, FINES AND CHARGES

The Haverhill School Committee provides students with books and other educational materials at taxpayers' expense. Students who do not return their books or other articles in satisfactory condition must pay for the book(s) or other material. Parents and guardians will be held responsible for books and materials issued to their children. Students may be denied certain privileges for the loss or damage of school property.

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JRA

STUDENT RECORDS

In order to provide students with appropriate instruction· and educational services, it is necessary for the school system to maintain extensive and sometimes personal information about them and their families. It is essential that pertinent information in these records be readily available to appropriate school personnel, be accessible to the student's parents or legal guardian and/or the student in accordance with law, yet be guarded as confidential information.

The Superintendent will provide for the proper administration of student records in keeping with state and federal requirements. The temporary record of each student will be destroyed five years after the student transfers, graduates or withdraws from the school district. Former students desiring information from their records may obtain it by requesting such information from the principal before the date of destruction.

The Committee wishes to make clear that all individual student records of the school system are confidential. This extends to giving out individual addresses and telephone numbers.

LEGAL REFS.

Revised 11.98 Revised 10.99

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, P.L. 93-380, Amended P.L. 103-832, 1994 M.G.L. 66:10 71:34A, B,D,E Board of Education Student Record Regulations adopted 2/1077 and June 1995 603 CMR: Dept. of Education 23:00 through 23:12 also Mass. Dept. of Education publication Student Records; Questions, Answers and Guidelines, Sept. 1995

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STUDENT RECORDS

603 CMR 23.00 is promulgated by the Board of Education pursuant to its powers under M.G.L.c.71, &34D which directs that "the Board of Education shall adopt regulations relative to the maintenance of student records by the public elementary and secondary schools of the Commonwealth," and under M.G.L.C.71 &34F which directs that "the Board of Education shall adopt regulations relative to the retention, duplication and storage of records under the control of School Committees, and except as otherwise required by law may authorize the periodic destruction of any such records at reasonable times" 603 CMR 23.00 was originally promulgated on February 10, 1975, and was reviewed and amended in June, 1995.603 CMR is in conformity with federal and state statutes regarding maintenance of and access to student records, and are to be construed harmoniously with such statutes.

Application of Rights

(1 )

(2)

(3)

(4)

603 CMR 23.00 is promulgated to insure parents' and students' rights of confidentiality, inspection, amendment, and destruction of students records and to assist local school systems in adhering to the law, 603 CMR 23.00 should be liberally construed for these purposes.

These rights shall be the rights of the student upon reaching 14 years of age or upon entering the ninth grade, whichever comes first. If a student is under the age of 14 and has not yet entered the ninth grade, these rights shall belong to the student's parent.

If a student is from 14 through 17 years or has entered the ninth grade, both the student and his/her parent, or either one acting alone, shall exercise these rights.

If a student is 18 years of age or older, he/she alone shall exercise these rights, subject to the following: The parent may continue to exercise the rights until expressly limited by such student. Such student may limit the rights and provisions of 603 CMR 23.00 which extend to his/her parent, except the right to inspect the student record, by making such request in writing to the school principal or superintendent of schools who shall honor such request and retain a copy of it in the student record. Pursuant to M.G.L. c.71, & 34E, the parent of a student may inspect the student record regardless of the student's age.

Notwithstanding 603 CMR 23.01(1) and 23.01(2), nothing shall be construed to mean that a School Committee cannot extend the provisions of 603 CMR 23.00 to students under the age of 14 or to students who have not yet entered the ninth grade.

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Definition of Terms

The various terms as used in 603 CMR 23.00 are defined below:

Access: shall mean inspection or copying of a stUdent record, in whole or in part.

Authorized school personnel shall consist of three groups:

(1 )

(2)

(3)

School administrators, teachers, counselors and other professionals who are employed by the School Committee or who are providing services to the student under an agreement between the School Committee and a service provider, and who are working directly with the student in an administrative, teaching, counseling, and/or diagnostic capacity. Any such personnel who are not employed directly by the School Committee shall have access only to the stUdent record information that is required for them to perform their duties.

Administrative office staff and clerical personnel, including, operators of data processing equipment or equipment that produces microfilm/microfiche, who are

either employed by the Sohool Committee or are employed under a School Committee service contract, and whose duties require them to have access to stUdent records for purposes of processing information for the student record. Such personnel shall have access only to the student record information that is required for them to perform their duties.

The Evaluation Team which evaluates a student.

Eligible student: shall mean any student who is 14 years of age or older or who has entered 9th grade, unless the School Committee acting pursuant to 603 CMR 23.01 (4) extends the rights and provisions of 603 CMR 23.00 to students under the age of 14 or to students who have not yet entered 9th grade.

Evaluation Team: shall mean the team which evaluates school-age children pursuant to M.G.L. c.71B (St. 1972,c.766) and 603 CMR 28.00

Parent: shall mean a student's father or mother, or guardian, or person or agency legally authorized to act on behalf of the child in place of or in conjunction with the father, mother, or guardian. The term as used in 603 CMR 23.00 shall include a divorced or separated parent, subject to any written agreement between parents or court in order governing the rights of such a parents that is brought to the attention of the school principal.

Release: shall mean the oral or written disclosure, in whole or in part, of information in a student record.

School-age child with special needs: shall have the same definition as that given in M.G.L. c. 71 B (St. 1972, c.766) and 603 CMR 28.00.

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School Committee: shall include a School Committee, a board of trustees of a charter school, a board of trustees of a vocational-technical school, a board of directors of an educational collaborative and the governing body of an M.G.L.c.71B (Chapter 766) approved private school.

Student: shall mean any person enrolled or formerly enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school or any person age three or older about whom a School Committee maintains information. The term as used in 603 CMR 23.00 shall not include a person about whom a School Committee maintains information relative only to the person's employment by the School Committee.

The student record: shall consist of the transcript and the temporary record, including all information, recording and computer tapes, microfilm, microfiche, or any other materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics concerning a student that is organized on the basis of the student's name or in a way that such student may be individually identified, and that is kept by the public schools of the Commonwealth. The term as used in 603 CMR 23.00 shall mean all such information and materials regardless of where they are located, except for the information and materials specifically exempted by 603 CMR 23.04.

The temporary record: shall consist of all the information in the student record which is not contained in the transcript. This information clearly shall be of importance to the educational process. Such information may include standardized test results, class rank (when applicable), extracurricular activities, and evaluations by teachers, counselors, and other school staff.

Third party: shall mean any person or private or public agency, authority, or organization other than the eligible student, his/her parent, or authorized school personnel.

LEGAL REFS:

Revised 11.98

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, P.L. 93-380, Amended P.L.113-382,1994 M.G.L. 66:10 71:34A,B,D,E Board of Education Student Record Regulations adopted 2/10/77 and June 1995.

30f3

JRD

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS

Individual schools may arrange, in cooperation with either the school's parent organization, student council, designated student committee, or a staff committee, to take individual student and/or class group pictures. Awarding of the photographic services shall be conducted through bidding procedures.

Individual and/or class group pictures may be taken at the school facility and during the regular school day hours. The pictures shall be made available for purchase by students and/or parents on a voluntary basis. The building principal or his/her designee shall have final authority in authorizing the picture-taking program and will be responsible for overseeing the process.

Students may be required to have an individual picture taken for the cumulative file or identification purposes; however, no student shall be pressured or required to purchase photographs.

The purpose of the policy is to:

Enhance the safety of students through visual identification in an emergency situation.

Facilitate the social, educational, and administrative activities conducted in the school.

Provide a service to parents and students.

Allow any excess monies realized from the picture-taking program to be used by the sponsoring group as authorized by the building principal.

Revised 10.99 Revised 4.00

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NON-VOLUNTARY TRANSFER OF STUDENTS

Periodically it may be necessary to transfer a student from a school where he or she was originally assigned. Usually, the reason for such movement is to reduce class size.

The district administration will make every effort to anticipate and avoid circumstances where transfers are necessary When avoidance is not possible, decisions to move students should be made expeditiously to minimize disruption to the students, classrooms, and families. Every attempt should be made to adjust class sizes to the target number specified by the School Committee within 10 days of the start of school.

When it is necessary to reduce class size for any reason, the school principal will seek out volunteers by the most effective means such as letter and personal phone calls. If there are insufficient volunteers to accomplish the goal of moving students, open enrollment students will be sent back to their appropriate school. If volunteers and open enrollment transfers are not sufficient to make the reduction goal, students without siblings attending school will be selected using a fair and equitable method of selection based on transportation availability and other considerations.

Transfers that separate siblings attending the same school should be the last resort to reduce class size. If siblings must be separated, and the reason for going to this option is financial, then the superintendent must notify the School Committee and give them the option to reallocate resources to avoid the separation of siblings.

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KA KA-1

KBA

KC

KCD

KD KDD

KE KEC

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KHA KHB KHD

KI KI-R

KJA

KLG KLJ KLK

SECTION K

SCHOOL COMMUNITY RELATIONS

SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS/GOALS COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION SITE BASED DECISION MAKING IN THE HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PUBLIC GIFTS TO THE SCHOOLS

PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION MEDIA RELATIONS/PRESS RELEASES

PUBLIC QUESTIONS/CONCERNS QUESTIONS/CONCERNS ABOUT THE CURRICULUM OR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS

PUBLIC SOLICITATIONS IN SCHOOLS ADVERTISING IN THE SCHOOLS BUSINESS SOLICITATIONS IN SCHOOLS

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL":"HIGH SCHOOL

RELATIONS WITH BOOSTER ORGANIZATIONS

RELATIONS WITH POLICE AUTHORITIES RELATIONS WITH PLANNING AUTHORITIES RELATIONS WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES

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KA

SCHOOL·COMMUNITY RELATIONS GOALS

The Haverhill School Committee believes that the public schools belong to the community which created them by consent and supports them by taxation. Further, the Committee believes that excellence in education and gains in student achievement are best obtained though the informed support and mutual confidence of the community and 1Is School Committee. Moreover, it believes that this confidence is sustained by active community participation in and understanding of the aims and efforts of the schools. To fulfill these beliefs, the Haverhill School Committee declares its intent:

1. To assure effective, accurate, and meaningful community communications which facilitate dialogue, encourage involvement in District programs, and create advocacy for the schools. Said communication is the responsibility of the School Committee, the Superintendent of Schools, and any other instrumentalities as may be designated.

2. To support volunteer/advisory programs which provide mutually enriching experience and exchanges for the students, staff, and community participants.

3. To inaugurate recognition programs that publicly honor the contribUtions of students, employees, and community partners, and express pride in our individual and collective accomplishments.

4. To encourage community service initiatives which enable the District's staff and stUdents to demonstrate their commitment to the community.

5. To fully and enthusiastically support site councils and other advisory committees, as part of the community advisory continuum.

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KA·1

COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

Haverhill Public Schools belong to and derive their strength from the people of the community. The School Committee believes that for a community to be supportive of its schools, the

people must be knowledgeable about the aims and efforts of the district.

The School Committee recognizes that citizens have a right to know what is occurring in their public school system, that School Committee members and school administrators have an obligation to see that all publics are kept informed on a systematic and timely basis, and that the District will benefit from seeing that citizens get important information, both good and bad, directly from the system itself.

The School Committee believes such an effort should include the following objectives:

1. To maintain an effective two-way communication system between the District and the various publics which includes:

a. Dissemination of accurate, timely information about school policies, programs, procedures, achievement, decisions, and critical issues.

b. Programs and practices designed to provide an open climate which will elicit ideas, suggestions, and reactions from the community and employees alike.

c. Establishment and maintenance of an effective working relationship with the news media.

2. To develop and maintain an organizational environment where all staff members are aware that they share the responsibility for communication of school policies, programs and activities to parents and members of the educational and wider community.

3. To develop and maintain a written plan of communication policies and procedures which will be available to all employees and the public upon request.

4. To support the establishment of a Communications Steering Committee to review and evaluate District-wide two-way communications efforts.

5. To provide the means for furnishing full and accurate information, both favorable and unfavorable, together with interpretation and explanation of school plans and programs to all publics.

The Haverhill School Committee affirms its commitment to openness in relationships with its public and encourages citizen and staff involvement in problem solving and decision-making at as early a stage as possible. This involvement should be solicited actively and openly through a wide variety of means.

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KBA

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

The School Committee recognizes that a child's education is a responsibility shared by the school and the family during the entire period the child spends in school. To support the goal of the school district to educate all students effectively, schools and parents should work together toward this goal.

Although parents are diverse in culture, language, and needs, they share the school's commitment to the educational success of their children. The Haverhill Public Schools, in

. collaboration with parents, shall establish programs and practices that enhance parent involvement and reflect the specific needs of students and their families.

To this end, the School Committee supports the development, implementation and regular evaluation of a parent involvement program in each school as established through the individual Site Councils, which will involve parents in a variety of roles. The parent involvement programs will be comprehensive and coordinated in nature. They will include, but not be limited to, the following components of successful parent involvement programs:

• communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful • responsible parenting is promoted and supported • parents play an integral role in assisting stUdent learning • . community resources are utilized to strengthen school programs, family practices and

student learning • parents are included as participants in school decisions and governance through school

councils and other parent organizations ' • parent/family volunteerism is encouraged

The School Committee supports professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance understanding of effective parent involvement strategies. The Committee also recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental participation.

In addition to programs at the school level, the School Committee supports the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of a program to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the school district, using to the degree possible, the components listed above. The School Committee encourages the maintenance of a formal parent-teacher organization in each school. To that end, the Committee will officially recognize a parent/teacher organization at each school.

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION SITE-BASED DECISION-MAKING IN THE HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

I. CONTEXT AND PURPOSE

A. Site-based decision-making is a process in which representative members of the educational community at the school level collaborate in identifying and resolving

problems, defining goals, formulating policy, and implementing programs, leading to school Improvements. The site-based management process leads to school

improvement by placing each school at the center of planning, goal setting, and budgeting.

B. The purpose of site-based decision-making is to create a climate in schools where parents, faculty, administration, students (at the high school level) and other community participants, working together, share the responsibility and

accountability for school improvement, better stUdent performance, increased productivity and job satisfaction among staff, and the increased commitment of parents and the broader community.

C. School councils are established to assist principals in planning for and implementing goals and practices, which enhance student achievement. Councils are the

principal instruments for achieving the site-based decision-making called for In the 1993 Education Reform Act.

II. FORMATION AND COMPOSITION OF SCHOOL COUNCILS

A. All schools must form school councils no later than forty (40) school days after the first day of school. Every council must be comprised of representatives of the

major constituencies of the school community: faculty, staff, parents, community members, and, at the high school level, stUdents. The principal is responsible for defining the composition, terms of office and formation of councils, consistent with a representative process approved by the Superintendent and the Haverhill School Committee. The principal is also responsible for convening the first meeting of the council.

B. Following are guidelines for the size and composition of school councils:

a. School Members (parents, administrators, teachers, students). The number of parent representatives shall be equal to the total number of teachers and administrators (including the principal) selected from the specific school. The Haverhill High School Council shall include at least one student.

b. Non-school Members. Not more than fifty per cent (50%) of any

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school council can consist of non-school members. These members may be drawn from such groups as non-certificate employees, municipal government, business and labor organizations, institutions of higher education, human service agencies, or other interested groups.

c. Council Profile: The membership of each council shall be broadly representative of the racial and ethnic composition of the school building and community.

C. All constituencies are expected to select members to serve on councils who are representative of grade levels, programs, and departments, as well as being reflective of the school's demographic (i.e., gender, race, ethnicity) and

geographical enrollment mix. Each school's parent organization will conduct an election of parent representatives from among all parents at the school. Should there be no parent- teacher organization available for this purpose, the principal is responsible for developing a representative election process, subject to approval by the Superintendent and School Committee. Teacher representatives will be chosen through an elective process. At Haverhill High School, a student representative shall be chosen in an election open to all students.

D. Considerations relating to length of terms of council members shall include the importance of continuity and experience through longer membership, as well as the

value of fresh perspectives and increased participation through a turnover of membership. To meet these expectations, it is suggested that council

membership be staggered initially (e.g., one third of each membership category to be selected for one, two, and three years in.the initial year of the council). Thereafter eligible members can be re-elected for full three-year terms.

E. In the conduct of business, school councils must produce an agenda, keep minutes, and operate in accordance with the Open Meeting Law and use Roberts Rules of Order for procedural purposes.

III. MANDATE OF SCHOOL COUNCILS/SCOPE OF DECISION-MAKING

A.While school councils have a major advisory responsibility in assisting principals, their responsibility extends beyond the offering of advice. They are deliberative, decision-making bodies, designed to share in the making of decisions which are the

formal prerogative of principals, to whom the law has given increased decision­making responsibilities for the operational management of the schools. To

enhance the collaborative nature of the interchange between councils and principals, it is important in the decision-making process to communicate clearly at the outset who will make final decisions (e.g., council, principal, superintendent, etc.) and to understand the constraints that will affect the scope or outcome of the decision. Among these constraints are budget, staffing, time, regulations, and the distinction between decision-making and the ability to implement a decision.

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B. School councils are to participate in matters that relate to the operation of the school, including: planning and establishing priorities and objectives; budget development; implementation of the instructional program within the parameters of system-wide adoption of curriculum objectives, textbooks, and programs; fund­raising; purchasing (in accordance with the limits of discretion available to schools within the context of regular school department procedures); facilities

management; parent-teacher relations and parent/community involvement; solicitation and use of outside professional resources; and disbursement of such funds as may be spent at the discretion of the school, including external funding from both private and public sources. Where more than one school is involved as a prospective site for the delivery of services and/or the implementation of programs supported by external funding, the site placement and the solicitation of such funding and planning for its use will continue to be determined at the central office level, albeit in close and regular consultation with the schools.

Limitations of the school council. Student records must remain confidential. Curricu­lum and textbooks will continue to be adopted on a system-wide basis,. All School Committee policies and regulations and directives of the Superintendent are to be followed unless the relevant authority has given the school council express permission to do otherwise.

C School councils may participate in the process of recommending staff to fill vacancies as they occur in the building (including in-transfer requests) by interviewing eligible candidates as determined by the personnel screening process, and making recommendations to the principal. Transfers remain at the discretion

of the Superintendent.

D. Within the strategic plan and annual goals set by the School District, (ie: District Implementation Plans), schools will be expected to develop annual in-service plans which will allow them to decide the specific nature and content of activities for

building-based in-service, and to distribute funds within a staff development budget allocation provided on an annual basis by central office. Inasmuch as the

development of professional improvement plans is an annual responsibility of each School District, and school, it is a fit subject for the advice of school councils.

E. School councils are expected to comply with School Committee policy, administra-tive procedures, federal and state laws, and regulations and/or collective

bargaining agreements. A process for requesting waivers from any of these policies and mandates will be available to schools. The principal retains statutory authority for daily operation of the schools.

IV. GENERAL SCHOOL COUNCIL OPERATING PROCEDURES

A. Decisions made by school councils are binding, provided such decisions involve matters that are within the authority of the school council and consistent with School Committee policy, directives of the Superintendent, negotiated agreements and

state and federal law.

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B. The Haverhill School Committee anticipates that ordinarily the decisions of school councils will be reached by consensus, stipulated herein as the preferred process

for making decisions. School councils may choose to practice a dual-level of decision- making, wherein consensus is recommended for major issues such as adopting a school improvement plan, while majority votes may be used on procedural questions and issues. Decisions reached by majority vote are advisory to the principal. Should a school council reach an impasse on a decision, a request for facilitation may be made to the Superintendent.

C. Following are stipulations concerning operating procedures for school councils:

o the principal (or designee) is the co-chair of the school council. A second co­chair is to be elected at the first meeting of the council.

o school councils are expected to meet formally on a regular basis during the school year.

o a majority of members being present shall constitute a quorum, provided the principal, at least one teacher and one parent are in attendance.

D. School councils are responsible for developing their own operating procedures. Each council will set forth its operating procedures, governance structure and scope of decision-making (i.e. those specific areas it will add ress as a decision-making body) in a formal governance document called a Charter, for which a standard

. format will be provided. These will be submitted to the District Steering Committee for Site- Based Management and the Superintendent for review. All Charters are subject to approval by the Haverhill School Committee upon a favorable recom-mendation from the Superintendent.

v. SCHOOL PLANNING

A. School councils shall be an integral part of the planning process at the school level. In meeting this responsibility, school councils will focus on six main areas:

o adoption of educational goals for the school consistent with local, district, and state performance standards. o Identification of educational needs of stUdents attending the school. o review of the annual school budget. o implementation of strategiC planning. o formulation of a School Improvement Plan. o annual review of school student handbooks to consider changes in disciplinary policy.

B. School Improvement Plans shall address the· following components:

o needs assessments, recommendations and planning for educational needs, class sizes, and other areas of importance as deterrnined by the principal. 'professional development for all staff and the allocation of any professional development funds in the school budget.

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• enhancement of parental involvement and volunteer activities in the life of the school. • school safety and discipline. • a school environment characterized by tolerance, understanding, and respect for all groups, as well as accommodation for culturally and linguistically diverse student populations. • extra-curricular activities. • inclusion of special needs and bilingual students within the regular educational programs.

• all elements of the District Strategic Plan which are to be implemented at that school level. • any additional subjects the principal, in consultation with the school council, shall consider appropriate.

C. School plans will be considered binding and the principal and/or school council will be required to present them to an "annual meeting" of that school's community, as well as their annual progress reports. In general, School Improvement Plans must be stated in outcomes-based terminology, include strategies to achieve goals and objectives, establish monitoring of performance, and provide for evaluation of achievement on measurable criteria.

D. School improvement plans are subject to the approval of the Superintendent and the School Committee, and will form the basis of annual school assessments. Plans must be submitted to the Superintendent no later than May 15 or each school year. If said plans are not reviewed by the School Committee within 30 days of being received, said plans shall be deemed to have been approved. Approval shall not be granted until all items have been addressed to the satis­faction of the School Committee. The Superintendent's office will monitor progress towards school goals. Unsatisfactory performance, in this regard, will require the submission of a detailed plan for improvement.

E. Schools that show progress in meeting the student performance and school effectiveness goals delineated in their plans will be recognized appropriately for their success.

VI. THE DISTRICT STEERING COMMITTEE

A. The Superintendent will convene a District Steering Committee for Site-Based Management which will serve the following functions:

• oversee and support the process of implementing site based decision-making, including the development of a District School Improvement Plan consistent with

the educational goals and policies of the Haverhill School Committee. • review administrative guidelines and recommend changes in process and proce­dures as needed. • conduct annual policy review; regarding site-based decision-making. • consider requests from school councils for waivers from departmental regulations,

School Committee policies and state/federal mandates making recommendations to the Superintendent on the same.

• plan and oversee the training provided to school councils. • develop a program of positive incentives for schools participating in site-based

management including rewards for improved school performance. • distribute occasional newslelters.

B. The membership of the District Steering Commiltee shall reflect the makeup of a school site council.

C. The work of the District Steering Committee will be supported by staff from the Superintendent's office.

VII. TRAINING FOR SCHOOL COUNCILS

A. The District recognizes the need to provide school councils with the training and facilitation required in order for them to function most effectively as decision­making bodies. This training is in addition to regularly-scheduled inservice training provided by the Central Office. Representatives chosen to serve on school councils will receive training, the elements of which may include:

• team-building. • strategic planning. • collaborative problem solving. • decision-making by consensus. • active listening. • other subjects to be determined on the basis of requests from school councils.

B. The District Steering Committee will be responsible for providing the support necessary for this training and in ensuring that the school councils are held accountable for the training taking place.

C. Each school council shall develop its own orientation process for new members.

D. The School District also recognizes the need to make situational and/or ongoing facilitation available to school councils on an as-needed basis.

E. Moreover, the School District will provide inservice sessions for Central Office administrators and program supervisors to facilitate the realignment of the traditional relationships which may have existed between central administration and the individual schools.

F. Training also will be made available to principals to assist them in taking full advantage of the opportunities of site-based management and to meet the need of including school councils in decision-making as it relates to the local school.

G. Orientation and inservice also will be available to members of the Haverhill School Committee.

VIII. ROLE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE

A. The School Committee must approve the provisions of the School District's policy regarding site-based decision-making/site-based management, and any changes therein. The Committee also will receive reports on the process of implementing the policy and will participate in policy review.

B. It is understood that in establishing this policy, nothing therein is intended to alter, amend, supersede or abrogate any aspect of the School Committee's legal authority, or any provision of the collective bargaining agreements which it has negotiated with the agents of the District employee groups. Waivers from these traditional authorities may be sought only as detailed in Part III, Section E and Part VIII, Section C of the instant policy.

C. The SUperintendent and the School Committee must approve and submit jointly any requests from school councils to the state for waivers from its regulations and/or mandates.

D. The Superintendent is responsible for promulgating administrative guidelines for the implementation of this policy. As above, the Superintendent will appoint and

convene a District Steering Committee which will have an advisory function in matters of policy development and implementation as regards the

development of site-based decision-making.

E. All School Improvement plans and requests for waivers must be approved by the Superintendent before being brought before the School Committee for final approval.

F. The Superintendent's Office will be responsible for providing staff support for participating schools, system-wide coordination, monitoring school council implementation, managing the linkage between schools and the Central Office, disseminating information, coordinating external fund raising, contracting for training and other services to support the implementation of this policy, and identifying staff to support the work of the District Steering Committee for Site­Based Management.

IX. CONFLICT OF INTEREST - REMOVAL FOR CAUSE

A. Applicants (and members of the applicant's family) for staff positions in a building shall not currently hold an elected position on the school council for that building.

B. Only one family member may serve at anyone time as an office holder on the same school council and/or parent teacher organization, and no one person shall hold office in more than one of the aforementioned organizations at anyone time.

C. Removal for cause of a member of the school council may take place upon the recommendation of any member of said council, a majority vote of said council accompanied by the approval of the action from both the principal and the

Superin - tendent. Upon the vote for removal and prior to final action by the Superintendent, the member to be removed may request and is entitled to a

( hearing before the Superintendent. Said hearing shall be held consistent with the Open Meeting Law. The member to be removed may present information and witnesses on his/her behalf and the Superintendent may request additional information and/or witnesses to be present at the hearing. The decision of the Superintendent shall be binding and final with no right of appeal or grievance.

(revised 11.11.00)

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KCD

PUBLIC GIFTS TO THE SCHOOLS

The Superintendent will have authority to accept gifts and offers of equipment for t:lle schools in the name of the School Committee when the gift is of educational value. In the case of gifts from industry, business, or special interest groups, the acceptance will be approved if the education value of the gift outweighs its commercial content, if t:lle advertising is in good taste, and if the materials are unavailable elsewhere for a reasonable cost.

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KD

PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

The Haverhill Public Schools engage in public relations Initiatives designed to provid for effective communications. with the stud.e~ts, the staff, the parents and the citi2:e h: of the city and has the following characteristics:

1. appropriate channels for communication

2. communicates pertinent information for an understanding of the school district to the public

3. provision is made for a two-way communication with all elements of the commUnit as well as with the students, staff and parents within the school organization Y

4. contributes toward the development of better understanding among ali groups in the community.

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KDD

MEDIA RELATIONS

The School Committee encourages a policy of sound relations with the press and other communication media in the community and surrounding geographic area. The Superintendent shall plan for periodic releases to the press and other communication media which will provide information to the community concerning its schools and various phases of the school program.

PRESS RELEASES

The School Committee and the school administration will cooperate in furnishing information on the operation of the Haverhill Public Schools to all news media to the extent that such news releases may further the understanding of the public school program.

No information concerning the official business of the School Committee shall be released to the news media by any member of the School Committee without prior consultation with the entire School Committee nor shall any information be released to any news media which will, in any way, demean the character or intentions of any School Committee member or school employee, nor shall such communication violate the privacy of any individual.

Comments about School Committee issues shall be stated as personal opinion.

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PUBLIC QUESTIONS/CONCERNS

The Haverhill School Committee encourages parents or members of the community who have questions or concerns about school·related issues to contact appropriate school staff. The Committee believes that the opportunity to directly discuss a situation of concern will often resolve it. Such conversations must take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect. In some instances such concerns may be submitted in writing to the appropriate school personnel.

The School Committee believes that such concerns are best handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible. Individuals with concerns about Instruction, discipline, or learning materials should contact the staff person closest to the issue first, continuing through the following channel of communications until the issue is addressed as permitted by law, regulations and collective bargaining:

1. Teacher 2. Curriculum supervisors and/or assistant principals (when applicable) 3. School principal and/or appropriate supervisor 4. Superintendent 5. School Committee

Concerns brought to the attention of individual School Committee members will be referred through these channels before further action by the Committee.

In handling the concerns of community members, the Committee expects professional staff to:

• Receive concerns courteously • Make a prompt reply to each individual • Maintain a record of such communication and resolution

Revised 3.99 Revised 8.99 Revised 9.99 Revised 10.99

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QUESTIONS/CONCERNS ABOUT THE CURRICULUM OR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

KEC

The Haverhill School Committee, though it is ultimately responsible for all curriculum and instructional materials (including library books), recognizes the need and right of students to free access to many different types of books and materials. It also recognizes the right of the professional staff to select books and other materials supportive of the school system's educational philosophy and goals.

Criticism of a book or other materials may be expected from time to time. When parental concems arise regarding curriculum or instructional materials, the School Committee would expect those concerns to be addressed through the approaches outlined in "KE Public Questions/Concerns."

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KFB

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS

The School Committee of Haverhill encourages the use of the schools as community centers within the limits of good management and practical considerations. It is incumbent upon the users to manage their activities as effectively as possible, first, because of the investment involved, and secondly because of civic pride.

Permission for the use of facilities must be obtained though the office of the Superintendent, after initial approval of the principal. School facilities will be used according to the regulations and rental fee schedules recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the School Committee.

KHA

PUBLIC SOLICITATIONS IN SCHOOLS

The School Committee will place limits on commercial activities and fund-raising activities in the schools for the following reasons:

1. The school system should provide students, parents, and employees some measure of protection from exploitation by commercial and charitable fund-raising organizations.

2. The school system should not give the public the impression of generally endorsing or sanctioning commercial and fund-raising activities.

3. Commercial and fund-raising activities may disrupt school routine and cause loss of instructional time.

Following these guiding statements, the superintendent and principals may permit occasional commercial or fund-raising activities related to the schools with the following exceptions:

1. No direct solicitation of students or employees may take place without permission of the Principal and Superintendent.

2. No general or class distribution of commercial or fund-raising literature may take place without permission of the Principal and Superintendent.

KHB

ADVERTISING IN THE SCHOOLS

School staff is not to allow the schools to be made a medium for communicating any kind of advertisement. No staff member shall communicate or distribute or permit another person to communicate or distribute to any school or class any notice relating to other than school matters without obtaining the Superintendent's permission.

No posters, notices, or bills shall be distributed at any time or in any manner within the school premises or adjacent territory or posted upon the walls or fences on school property unless duly authorized by the school principal and the Superintendent of Schools.

KHD

BUSINESS SOLICITATIONS IN SCHOOLS

Teachers are not to receive any agent, examine any books, apparatus, or other articles presented by agents upon the school premises unless prior approval has been received from the principal and may not allow any visitors to intrude upon the regular duties of the school.

Unless authorized by the Principal, a teacher shall not permit the subscription or collection of money on school premises or allow any article to be exhibited thereon for the purpose of sale or otherwise, or securing the names of students or transacting any private business.

Unless authorized by the principals, teachers may not permit any person to enter for the purpose of photographing students.

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VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS

The Haverhill School Committee encourages parents and other guests to visit schools to observe and learn about the instructional programs taking place therein. Such visIting can· prove beneficial in promoting greater home-school cooperation and better community understanding of how we carry out the School District's mission and goals.

Since the principal is responsible for each building, all visitors are required to enter each school by the main entrance, checking in first at the office of the principal. The following guidelines shall govern school and classroom visits:

1. Parental requests for classroom visits will be welcomed provided the educational process is not disturbed. Classroom visits for the purpose of comparing the teaching styles of instructors with a view to requesting.a student assignment to a particular teacher are strongly dIscouraged. Request for classroom visits should be made at least forty-eight hours in advance to allow proper arrangements to be made.

2. The principal has the authority to determine the number, times, and dates of observation visits to be made by a requestor. This will be done in consultation with staff members so as to provide adequate notice to the staff members of upcoming visits.

3. For security purposes, all visitors are to report to the principal's office upon entering and leaving the building, signing a log showing arrival and departure times. The principal of each school shall post signs informing visitors of .these reqUirements at the main entrance of the building. Teachers and other staff are encouraged to ask visitors if they have registered in the principal's office.

4. Under ordinary circumstances, classroom observations will be discouraged during the first three weeks of school and during the month of June.

5. Any student who wishes to have a guest in school MUST ask permission of one of the administrative staff 24 HOURS in advance of the proposed visit. If permission is granted, the guest is expected to follow the standards of behavior required of all students. Upon arrival, the guest must register with the principal's office. Any guest who fails to comply with student regulations will be asked to leave the school building and grounds immediately. Notwithstanding the above, student visitors to Haverhill High School shall be governed by section KI-R of this policy.

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VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

High School

1. H.H.S. graduates and others on legitimate business In the building must obtain visitors' passes in the main office and sign the Visitors' Register.

2. Students may bring visitors to H.H.S. subject to the following regulations:

a. The visitor will attend classes and study rooms with the host student throughout the entire day.

b. The host student is responsible for his/her visitor and should accompany him/her at all times.

c. The visitor is expected to obey all H.H.S. policies, regulations, and proce-d ures as set forth by the Haverhill School Committee regarding student behavior and discipline.

d. The following pre-registration procedure must be followed:

At least one week before the Visit, the host student must obtain a Visitor's Request Form. The host will complete the form, obtain the necessary signa­tures, and retum the form to his/her unit administrator. Administration reserves the right to approve or disapprove any request for visitors.

e. On the day the visitor arrives, he/she must have parental approval in writing and must obtain a Visitor's Pass from the Main Office before going to home­room.

f. No visitors will be allowed during the following times:

1) When other area schools are on vacation; 2) During mid-year and final examinations; 3) Any other time specified by the school administrators.

3. Anyone on school grounds or in the school buildings without a legitimate reason and without a visitor's pass will be considered a trespasser and the police will be notified.

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RELATIONS WITH BOOSTER ORGANIZATIONS

The School Committee recognizes that the endeavors and objective of booster organizations and similar groups can be a valuable means of stimulating interest in and endorsement of the aims and achievements of our public school system.

Generally, actions initiated by boosters provide the atmosphere and climate to foster and encourage community-school relationships.

Booster-proposed plans, projects, or activities must be evaluated and promoted in light of their stated contribution to the academic as well as the athletic and fine arts programs of the schools. Care must be taken to avoid compromising or diluting the responsibilities and authorities of the School Committee.

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RELATIONS WITH POLICE AUTHORITIES

Cooperation with law enforcement agencies is essential for the protection of students, for maIntaining a safe environment in the District schools, and for safeguarding all school properly. For this purpose, the School Committee enters into a "Memorandum of Understanding" on an annual basis.

Relationships between the schools and officials of law enforcement agencies in investigative mailers concerning pupils will take into consideration the respective roles of the schools and law enforcement agencies in assisting and protecting the interests of the community, and ensuring the rights of all concerned.

The School Committee also recognizes the potential enrichment that law enforcement agencies can make in the educational program. In that vein, the School Commillee supporls the use of community resource officers.

Efforls should be made to develop and maintain a healthy altitude toward law enforcement agencies and personnel to promote beller understanding and communication.

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RELATIONS WITH PLANNING AUTHORITIES

The School Committee will participate in local and state planning functions that could directly affect District schools and their immediate environment.

The Superintendent or designee will keep the School Committee informed of planning matters bearing directly on the operation of District schools or school-sponsored programs, and will undertake action on behalf of the School Committee to influence matters in the best interests of the students, the schools and the District.

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RELATIONS WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES

The School Committee and its administrative officers welcome all who seek to serve the residents of the community and will participate with them in the planning and execution of such projects as will be mutually beneficial for students.

It is School Committee policy that administration inform elected and appointed officials of the local and county government of the desire to work cooperatively for improved services.

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LOA LOA·1

SECTION L

EDUCATION AGENCY RELATIONS

EDUCATION AGENCY RELATIONS GOALS

RELATIOINS WITH SCHOOLS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES

STUDENT TEACHING AND INTERNSHIPS STUDENT TEACHING AND INTERNSHIPS: CONSIDERATIONS

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EDUCATION AGENCY RELATIONS GOALS

Recognizing the place and importance of an educational system in its larger environment. which includes other organizations and institutions devoted to and influencing education. the Haverhill School Committee believes that much is to be gained by promoting cooperative endeavors with those organizations and agencies.

To the end that contributions to education be maximized within the School District as well as in the larger educational environment. the School Committee establishes the following broad goals:

1. To encourage liaison with other educational agencies.

2. To promote connections with non-educational agencies which significantly influence education.

3. To supply educational services to and with other educational agencies.

Revised 7.00

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RELATIONS WITH OTHER SCHOOLS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES

The Haverhill School Committee encourages cooperation with other schools, educational organizations, and local, state, regional, and federal agencies to:

1. universally improve student achievement. 2. seek solutions to educational problems of common concern. 3. offer support services of high quality to students. 4. equalize educational opportunity for all children. 5. acquire state and federal grants. 6. promote local involvement in state and federal decision-making.

Cooperation may extend, but not be limited to: research, curriculum development and coordination, exchange of information and data, coordination of school calendars and activities, provision of special services, including transportation, and construction of facilities which may be used efficienlly on a cooperative basis. In all such cooperative endeavors, the best interests of Haverhill school children must be served. To assure this policy condition, when reporting recommendations for"such undertakings to the School Committee, the Superintendent will include information demonstrating the benefits of cooperation with other schools and agencies in matters of mutual interest.

The Haverhill School Committee encourages the Superintendent to seek out opportunities for beneficial cooperation. Among the schools and educational agencies with which such arrangements may be sought are:

Institution of higher learning: Research, teacher training, and student achievement all benefit from collaboration with local and regional colleges and universities. The School Committee supports the on-going development and implementation of articulation agreements which serve to enhance student development.

Career resources agencies: Recognizing that not all stUdents are college-bound and that all stUdents will benefit from exposure to career opportunities, the Haverhill School Committee encourages the administration to pursue school/career partnerships. Similarly, the Haverhill School Committee wishes to assure that age-appropriate stUdents have access to information and agents of the armed services to whatever degree is useful.

Private schools: In accordance with state law, the Haverhill School Committee will approve a private school when it is satisfied that the instructional program of the school meets the expectations of the Haverhill School Department in thoroughness, efficiency, and stUdent achievement.

The Haverhill School Committee, realizing that many worthwhile contributions are made to the community by parochial and other private schools, encourages cooperation with these schools in matters of mutual benefit when this cooperation is not expressly prohibited by law.

Home Schools: While committed to the centrality and objectives of public education, the

( Haverhill School Committee recognizes and respects the rights of parents to educate their child(ren) at home. The Haverhill School Committee appreciates the personal and cultural uniqueness of each family and desires to ensure that the process by which school officials review and approve home education programs is lawful.

Parent(s) or guardian(s) planning to undertake a home education program for their child(ren) between their sixth and sixteenth birthday shall inform the Superintendent before removing their child(ren) from public school. Parents should complete the Notice of Intent to Pursue a Program of Home Education and submit it to the Superintendent's Office, clo Executive Director of Student Services. At the time of submission, the home educator should schedule an appointment with the Executive Director of Student Services. The purpose of this meeting will be to help ensure that the application is complete and that there is a mutual understanding between the home educators and school officials concerning the methods that will be used to pursue home education and to assess student educational progress. Incomplete applications will not be approved.

Home education programs will be considered in an objective and timely manner. Factors that may be considered by the Superintendent in deciding whether or not to approve a home education proposal are:

1. An overview of the educational program that is to include subjects and instructional materials. In order to meet the specific educational needs of their child(ren), the parent(s) or guardian(s) may adjust the material to achieve the goals of the educational program without further notification to the Superintendent's Office.

2. A statement concerning the instructional hours that will be followed.

3. A mutually agreeable method of assessment which corresponds to the type of educational program being followed and which may include one or more of the following:

a) Daily logs, journals, progress, reports, portfolios or dated work samples. b) An independent report made by someone acceptable to both the Superintendent

and parent(s) or guardian(s). c) Standardized test results. d) Consultations with the Superintendent or appropriate school principal. e) Any other method agreed to by both the Superintendent and home educator(s).

Documentation must be provided to support a conclusion by school officials that the above criteria are, or will be, sufficiently met. If home educator(s) fail to comply with the School District's periodic assessment reporting procedures, school officials may rescind approval of the particular home school plan.

A student being educated in a home school program within the School District shall be allowed to participate in activities of an extra-curricular nature with the approval of the responsible school principal. Arrangements for such participation are to be in accordance with generally accepted local and state policies governing such programs (e.g., with respect to athletics, M.I.A.A. regulations).

Whittier Regional Vo-Tech High School: The Haverhill School Committee has a particular

( interest in maintaining a healthy interchange with Whittier Tech. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Whittier Tech School Committee includes two members appointed by the Haverhill School Committee. Additionally, students from the City of Haverhill attend Whittier Tech. These students remain a part of the larger community of Haverhill school children in whom the Haverhill School Committee has a continuing interest.

Professional associations: The Haverhill School Committee wishes to promote professional improvement across the entire system. To that end, it encourages active membership by professional staff in those organizations which will induce professional improvement. Within the limits of the School Department budget, the Haverhill School Committee will assist the leadership of the School Department in obtaining access to such organizations. The members of the Haverhill School Committee are committed to their own growth which leads them to seek membership and participation in the activities of appropriate professional organizations.

Government jurisdictions: To enhance reciprocal relations between it and the governmental jurisdictions with which it interacts, the Haverhill School Committee seeks to establish active and direct connections to those various jurisdictions. To facilitate those connections at the local and state level, the President of the School Committee is directed to appoint members of the School Committee as liaison to local and state government. It also will seek the establishment of joint committees with the Haverhill City Council when the mutual interests of the two bodies may make such action appropriate.

Revised 7.00

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STUDENT TEACHING AND INTERNSHIPS

The Haverhill School Committee encourages the Administration to cooperate with institutions of higher leaming in the placement of student teachers in the School District. The Superintendent will devise procedures to accomplish this goal.

Revised 5.00

Revised 7.00

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STUDENT TEACHING AND INTERNSHIPS: CONSIDERATIONS

Typically, the Haverhill School Department involves student teachers in two ways: field experience and student teaching. Requests for field experience are handled at the building level. Candidates may contact principals directly to make these arrangements.

Requests for student teaching placements involve a more formal process. The basic steps include:

1. A sending school is required to forward a letter to the Curriculum Coordinator requesting student teacher placements. This letter should include names of students, grade level(s) being requested, and any additional information that may impact the requested placement.

2. Student teachers are required to interview with the building principal and the cooperating teacher prior to placement.

3. Student teachers may be requested to meet with the Curriculum Coordinator for an exit interview upon completion of their student teaching assignment.

4. In all arrangements made with colleges and universities, the School district will have the right to accept, reject, and/or terminate individuals.

Student teachers are expected to meet the same general expectations as other Haverhill teachers, including fulfillment of the Code of Ethics. The goal is to build a professional relationship with the sending schools and the individual student candidates.

Revised 7.00

Academic Freedom Section I IB Access To Personnel Files Section G GBJB AQcounting System Section 0 DIA AccountinQ System Section 0 DJGA AdministerinQ Medicines to Students Section K JLCD Administration in Policy Absence Section C CHD Advertising in the schools Section K KHB Advisory Committee Section B BDF AQenda Section B BEDB

JLCCA* AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) School Attendance Policy Section K E-1 Annual Budget Section 0 DB A\tendance Ages - Entrance to School Section J JEB Audits Section 0 DIE Authorized SiQnature Section 0 DGA Bpnded Employees and officers Section 0 DH BroadcastinQrraping Committee Meetings Section B BEDJ Budget Hearing and Reviews Section 0 DBF Budget Hearing and Reviews Section 0 DBF-L Budget Implementation Section 0 OBI BudQet PlanninQ, Preparation and Schedules Section 0 DBC-E BudQet Transfer Authority Section 0 DBJ Business solicitation in schools Section K KHD Care of School Property by Students Section J JICB Cash in School Section 0 OM Committee Member Development Opportunities BIB Committee Member Oath of Office Section B BBBB Committee Officers Section B BOB Committee Operations Goals Section B BA Committee-Superintendent Relations Section B BOD Communicable Diseases Section K JLCC Communication of Budget Recommendations Section 0 DBE

Community involvement in education site based decision making in the Haverhill Pubic School Section K KC

Community use of school building Section K KFB Detention of Students Section K JKB Drug and Alcohol Use by Students Section J JICH Education AQency Relations Goals Section L LA Employment Of Principals Section G GCBB Evaluation of School Committee Section B BAA Executive Sessions-Legal Language Section B BEC-L Expense Authorization Reimbursements Section 0 DKC Facilities DevelopmenUMaintenance Goals Section F FA Facilities PlanninQ I Section F FB First Aid and Emergency Medical Care Section K JLCE Fiscal Accounting Section 0 01 Fiscal Management Goals Section 0 DA FundinQ Proposals Section 0 DO FundinQ Sources Outside the School System Section 0 DDA

Gate Receipts and Administration Section D DFD Guidance Program Section K JLD Guidelines for Renovationsllmprovements to schools or School sites Section F FJ-R Harassment Statement Section A ACA

JICFA-HazinQ Section J E HIPAC Advisory Committee BDF-E Immunization of Students Section K JLCB I nternet Policy Section A AF InterroQations by Police Section J JIJ Interscholastic Athletics Section J JJI Intramural Programs Section J JJIA Inventories Section D DID Local Competitive Purchasing Section D DJF Media Relations/Press Releases Section K KDD Minutes Section B BEDG NaminQ New Facilities Section F FF Naming School Facilities Section F FF-2 Negotiations Goals Section H HA Negotiations Legal Status Section H GB New Committee Member Orientation Section B BIA News Media at Committee MeetinQs Section B BEDI Nondiscrimination Statement Section A AC Notification of Committee Meetings Section B BEDA Open Enrollment Section J JFB Parent Involvement Section K KBA Payment Procedures Section D DK Payroll Procedures Section D DKA Physical Examinations of Students Section K JLCA Policy Communication Section B BGE Policy Development System Section B BGA Policy Implementation Section C CH Policy Revision and Review Section B BGC Portable Communication Devices Section J JIK Pregnant Students Section J JIE Public gifts to the school Section K KCD Public information and communication Section K KD Public Participation at Committee Meetings Section B BEDH Public Questions/Concern Section K KE Public solicitations in schools Section K KHA Purchasing Section D DJ PurchasinQ Authority Section D DJA Questions/Concerns about the curriculum or instructional materials Section K KEC Quorum Section B BEDC Recognition for Accomplishment Section A AEB Regular Committee MeetinQ Section B BEA

, ReQulations Communication Section C CHC ReQulations Communication Section C CHC-L Relation With Schools and other Educational Goals Section L LB

Relations with planninQ authorities Section K KLJ Relations with booster oraanizations Section K KJA Relations with local governmental authorities Section K KLK Relations with police authorities Section K KLG Reporting Child Abuse Section K JLF ReportinQ School Committee Business Section B BEDK Retirement of Facilities Section F FCB

DEB/D Revenues from State and Federal Tax Sources Section D EC Rules of Order Section B BEDD Sales Calls and Demonstrations Section D DJGA School Attorney Section B BDG School Board Legal Status Section B BB School Building Administration Section C CF School Choice/Open Enrollment Section J JFBA School Choice: Admissions of Non-Resident Students Section J JFAB School Committee Authority Section B BBAA School Committee Communications With Staff Section B BHC School Committee MeetinQs Section B BE School Committee Member Conflict of Interest Section B BCB School Committee Member Ethics Section B BCA School Committee Memberships Section B BK School Committee Negotiations Aaents Section H HF School Committee Powers and Responsibilities Section B BBA School District Annual Report Section C CMA School District Annual Report Section C CM School District Goals and Objectives Section A ADA School-Community Relations/Goals Section K KA Searches Section J JIH Secret Societies/Gang Activity Section J JICF Site/Facility Renovations or Improvements Section F FJ Special Committee Meetings Section B BEB Student Absences & Excuses - Hiah School Section J JH-R2 Student Absences & Excuses - Primary and Middle School Section J JH-R1 Student Absences and Excuses Section J JH Student Activities Account Section J JJF Student Admissions Section J JF Student Advisory Council Section J JIB Student Attendance Monitoring/Accounting Section J JHBB Student Complaints, Grievances, and Threats Section J JII Student Conduct Section J JIC Student Conduct Off School Grounds Section J JLC-1 Student Conduct on School Buses Section J JICC Student Discipline Section K JK Student Discipline-Appeals Process Section K JK-4

Student Discipline-Authorizing Persons in the Public Schools to use such lorce as is necessary to protect students, other persons, and themselves form assaults Section K JK-5

Student Discipline-Special Needs Students Section K JK-3

Student Dismissal Precautions Section K JUB Student Dress Code Section J JICA Student Due Process RiQhts Section J JIA-L2 Student Fees, Fines and Charges Section K JQ Student Fund-Raising Activities Section J JJE Student Government Section J JIBA Student Health Services and Requirements Section K JLC Student Insurance ProQrams Section K JLA Student Organizations Section J JJA Student Performances Section J JJC Student Photographs Section K JRD Student Publications Section J JICE

Student Records Section K JRA Student Records Section K JRA-R Student Rights and Responsibilities Section J JI Student Safety Section K JU Student Teaching and Interships Section L LOA Student TeachinQ and Interships: (CONSIDERATIONS) Section L LDA-1

JICC-Student Transportation Services Section J R1 Student Welfare Section K JL Student Withdrawal from School Section J JFC Students of LeQal Age Section J JID Superintendent's ConsuitinQ Activities Section C CBH Superintendent's Contract Section C CBD-L Superintendent's Powers and Responsibilities Section C CBC Superintendent's Professional Development Opportunities Section C CBG Superintendent's Salary, Compensation and Benefits Section C CBG System ManaQement Team Section C CD

Temporary Administrative Arrangements Section C CI Tobacco Use on School Grounds Section J JICG Truancy Section J JHB Unexpired Term Fulfillment Section B BBBE Visitors to the high school Section K KI-R

Visitors to the schools Section K KI Voting Method Section B BEDF Weapons in School Section J JICI