AA School District Legal Status
AB The People and Their School District
AC Nondiscrimination/Harassment
ACA Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
ACB Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
AD Development of Philosophy of Education
AE School District Goals and Objectives
AF Commitment to Accomplishment
AFA Evaluation of School Board Operational Procedures (See BK)
AFB Evaluation of the Superintendent (See CBG)
AFBA Evaluation of the Treasurer (See BCCB)
AFC Evaluation of Professional Staff (See GCN)
AFD Evaluation of Support Staff (See GDN)
AFE Evaluation of Instructional Programs (See IM)
AFI Evaluation of Educational Resources
AG Reporting Accomplishments to the Public
SCHOOL DISTRICT LEGAL STATUS
The United States Constitution leaves to the individual states responsibility for public education.
The Ohio General Assembly is under mandate by the Constitution of Ohio to provide for the organization, administration and control of a public school system supported by public funds. The Ohio State Constitution also calls for a State Board of Education and a Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The General Assembly has outlined the duties of the State Board of Education and the Chief State School Officer. It has also established a State Department of Education (through which policies and directives of the State Board and Superintendent of Public Instruction are administered) and has established specific types of school districts.
The Brunswick City School District is classified as a city school district governed by a locally elected Board of Education.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REFS.: U.S. Const. Amend. X
Ohio Const. Art. VI, § 2; § 3; § 4
THE PEOPLE AND THEIR SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Board believes that a full understanding by the public of school issues, the school program and its opportunities for the students is one of the most effective means of developing public support for a superior school system. The Board and the staff shall use every appropriate means to inform the community of the objectives, achievements and needs of the District.
The Board desires to involve citizens of the community in the affairs of the schools and to develop an understanding of community attitudes toward and aspirations for the schools. The Superintendent shall continually identify channels through which local citizens may make their desires and criticisms known to the Board.
Persons requesting information regarding the schools or visiting the schools shall be treated in a courteous manner and may expect a prompt and informative reply to all questions.
Community Involvement in Decision Making
Community participation in the schools is essential to promote and maintain the quality of education for all students.
In addition to electing fellow citizens to represent them on the school board, all citizens may express ideas, concerns and judgments about the schools to the administration, to the staff, to any appointed advisory bodies and to the Board. Ideas should be addressed to the responsible individual in an appropriate fashion.
Residents may be invited by the Board to act as advisors, individually and in groups. The Board and the staff give consideration to the advice they receive from individuals and community groups. Final authority for all decisions rests with the Board.
Staff Involvement in Decision Making
The District functions best when all personnel are informed of the major activities and concerns.
There should be an exchange of ideas and pertinent information among all elements of a school district. Problems and unfavorable attitudes develop when employees are denied information essential for the performance of their respective assignments or when they feel that their ideas and concerns are not heard. Morale is enhanced when employees are assured that their voices are heard by those in positions of administrative authority.
A pattern of decision making and problem solving close to the task also contributes to efficiency and high morale.
While all employees have the opportunity to bring their ideas or grievances to the Board, it is expected that they proceed through the recognized administrative channels. Final authority for all decisions rests with the Board.
Student Involvement in Decision Making
Students share responsibility for developing a climate in the school which is conducive to learning. Through participation in the decision-making process, students can be an important resource for the improvement of the school, the educational system and the community. Periodically, students may be asked to review school policies, rules and regulations.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REF.: OAC 3301-35-03
CROSS REFS.: BF, Board Policy Development and Adoption
CCB, Staff Relations and Lines of Authority
CE, Administrative Councils, Cabinets and Committees
JF, Student Rights and Responsibilities
NONDISCRIMINATION
The Board’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, staff, job applicants, the general public and individuals with whom it does business and applies to race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, economic status, age or disability.
The Board does not permit discriminatory practices and views harassment as a form of discrimination. Harassment is defined as intimidation by threats of or actual physical violence; the creation, by whatever means, of a climate of hostility or intimidation; or, the use of language, conduct or symbols in such a manner as to be commonly understood to convey hatred, contempt or prejudice or to have the effect of insulting or stigmatizing an individual.
Employees or students who engage in discrimination/harassment of another employee or student shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Permission, consent or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to discrimination/ harassment does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.
No one shall retaliate against an employee or student because he/she files a grievance, assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing regarding the charge of discrimination of an individual or because he/she has opposed language or conduct that violates this policy.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REFS.: Civil Rights Act, Title VI; 42 USC 2000d et seq.
Civil Rights Act, (Amended 1972), Title VII; 42 USC 2000e et seq.
Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX; 20 USC 1681
Executive Order 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11375
Equal Pay Act; 29 USC 206
Rehabilitation Act; 29 USC 794
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act; 20 USC 1401 et seq.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act; 29 USC 623
Immigration Reform and Control Act; 42 USC 1324a et seq.
Americans With Disabilities Act; 42 USC 12112 et seq.
Ohio Const. Art. I, § 2
ORC 3323.01
Chapter 4112
OAC 3301-35-02(A)(1); 3301-35-03(A)
CROSS REFS.: ACA, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
ACB, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
GBA, Equal Opportunity Employment
IGAB, Human Relations Education
JB, Equal Educational Opportunities
NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX
The U.S. Department of Education has published regulations for implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in federally-assisted education programs.
Title IX states, in part: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
The Board ensures compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the regulations promulgated through the U.S. Department of Education.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REFS.: Civil Rights Act, Title VI; 42 USC 2000d et seq.
Civil Rights Act, Title VII; 42 USC 2000e et seq.
Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX; 20 USC 1681
Executive Order 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11375
Equal Pay Act; 29 USC 206
Ohio Const. Art. I, § 2
ORC Chapter 4112
OAC 3301-35-03(A)
CROSS REFS.: AC, Nondiscrimination/Harassment
ACB, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
GBA, Equal Opportunity Employment
JB, Equal Educational Opportunities
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
No employee or student shall engage in sexual harassment of any student or employee of the Board.
Sexual Harassment Defined
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when:
1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person's employment or educational development;
2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or education decisions affecting such individual or
3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment.
In addition, the following shall also be deemed to constitute sexual harassment prohibited by this policy:
1. any type of sexual conduct or sexual contact as defined in the Ohio Revised Code
2. sexual slurs; display of sexually provocative pictures; sexual remarks or gestures and/or remarks or gestures with sexual connotations; "jokes" of a lewd nature or with sexual connotations; use of sexually explicit language; or leering, ogling or staring at a person's body parts
3. intentional physical interference with movement or work
Employees or students engaging in sexual harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer
The Superintendent designates with Board approval a Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer, with the responsibility and authority to process all sexual harassment complaints.
Responsibility of Employees and Students
Any student or employee who feels that he/she has been subjected to sexual harassment by another employee or student is required to promptly report the incident(s) to the Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer in writing using the form provided by the Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer. Such forms shall be available upon request in the Superintendent's office.
Responsibilities of the Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer
The Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer shall provide assistance to any employee or student who wishes to file a claim of sexual harassment. Unless withdrawn by the claimant, all claims of sexual harassment shall be investigated. The investigation of a sexual harassment claim shall consist of the following: personal interview with the claimant, personal interview (or attempt to interview) with others identified by the claimant as being in a position to support the claim; personal interview (or attempt to interview) with the individual against whom the claim is made; personal interview (or attempt to interview) with others identified by the individual against whom the claim is made as being able to support his/her position; personal interview with any other persons and/or review of any other information or evidence which is relevant to the claim.
Upon completion of the investigation, the Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer shall take such action as deemed appropriate, including but not limited to the following:
1. counseling the parties involved;
2. requiring attendance at appropriate seminars/workshops;
3. reprimand;
4. transfer or reassignment;
5. recommendation to the Board that the individual against whom the claim is made be terminated;
6. in the event a student is the person against whom a claim is made, disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Conduct Code and/or
7. other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate.
Rights of Individual Who is the Subject of a Sexual Harassment Claim
An individual who is the subject of a sexual harassment claim is encouraged, but not obligated, to be interviewed by the Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer to present his/her position with regard to the claim. Any individual who is the subject of a sexual harassment claim is entitled to be accompanied during his/her interview with the Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer by a representative of his/her choice.
Files and Record of Investigation
Sexual harassment claims and investigation results shall not be made a part of the personal file or student record of any individual, unless disciplinary action is taken against an individual.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REFS.: Civil Rights Act, Title VI; 42 USC 2000d et seq.
Civil Rights Act, Title VII; 42 USC 2000e et seq.
Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX; 42 USC 2000e et seq.
Executive Order 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11375
Equal Pay Act; 29 USC 206
Immigration Reform and Control Act; 42 USC 1324a et seq.
Ohio Const. Art. I, § 2
NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY
The Board maintains that discrimination against a qualified disabled person solely on the basis of disability is unfair. To the extent possible, qualified disabled persons should be in the mainstream of life in a school community. In addition, the District is the recipient of Federal funds and therefore must be in compliance with all laws and regulations which deal with disabled individuals.
Accordingly, employees of the District comply with the law and Board policy to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of disability. The following is expected.
1. No one discriminates against qualified disabled persons in any aspect of school employment solely on the basis of disability.
2. Facilities, programs and activities are made available to qualified disabled persons.
3. Free appropriate public education at elementary and secondary levels, including nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities, are provided to qualified disabled persons.
4. No one excludes any qualified disabled person, solely on the basis of disability, from participation in any preschool education, day care, adult education or vocational education program.
5. Each qualified disabled person is provided with the same health, welfare and other social services which are provided to others.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REFS.: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act; 20 USC 1401 et seq.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973; 29 USC 794
Americans With Disabilities Act; 42 USC 12112 et seq.
ORC 3323.01 et seq.
Chapter 4112
CROSS REFS.: AC, Nondiscrimination/Harassment
ACA, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
AE, School District Goals and Objectives
GBA, Equal Opportunity Employment
IGBA, Programs for Disabled Students
JB, Equal Educational Opportunities
NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY
Grievance Procedure for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Definition
A "grievance" shall mean a complaint by or on behalf of a qualified disabled person which specifically alleges acts of discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by the Brunswick Board of Education, or its employees, against such person. However, this procedure shall not be applicable to complaints from applicants for employment. Normal channels of communication, between qualified disabled persons and building or program administrators or employment supervisors, shall be used whenever feasible, in seeking clarifications and explanations before this grievance procedure is used.
Procedures
1. Step 1
Any person who has a grievance shall first discuss the matter with an appropriate building principal, program administrator or employment supervisor.
2. Step 2
If the discussion at Step 1 does not resolve the grievance to the satisfaction of the grievant, such person shall then have the right to file a written grievance with the appropriate building principal, program administrator or employment supervisor. At the same time, such person shall send a copy of the grievance to the Section 504 Coordinator.
The building principal, program administrator or employment supervisor shall take action on the written grievance within five working days after receipt of said grievance. The action taken and the reasons therefor shall be reduced to writing and copies sent to the Section 504 Coordinator and grievant.
If the grievant is not satisfied with the resolution of the grievance at this level, he/she shall, within seven calendar days, mail, or otherwise present, a written request for review of the decision to the Section 504 Coordinator. In such case the Coordinator shall proceed to Step 3. Failure to act within seven calendar days shall constitute acceptance of the decision at Step 2 by the grievant.
3. Step 3
If the grievant has disagreed with the decision at Step 2, the Section 504 Coordinator shall request the Superintendent, or his/her representative, to review the grievance. The Superintendent or his/her representative shall schedule a meeting within two calendar weeks of the receipt of the request for review. The participants shall include the grievant, the Section 504 Coordinator and the Superintendent. The Coordinator shall also have the discretion to include any other persons, whose presence would, in the judgment of the Coordinator, be helpful and appropriate to the best proper resolution of the grievance and not disruptive or otherwise inappropriate to such proceedings.
The Superintendent shall make a decision within one calendar week of the meeting. The grievant and the Section 504 Coordinator shall receive copies of the decision.
4. Step 4
If the grievant is not satisfied with the resolution of the grievance at Step 3, such person may proceed to the Board of Education by mailing a written request for review addressed to the Board, within 10 calendar days from receipt of the Step 3 decision. Failure to request review of the decision at Step 3 within the stated time shall constitute acceptance of the decision at Step 3 by the grievant. Upon receipt of the request for review, the matter shall be placed upon the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Board of Education. Upon due consideration, the Board shall issue a written decision, copies of which shall be sent to all parties of interest. The action of the Board shall be final.
Clarifications
1. Reprisals
No reprisal of any kind shall be taken against any person involved in any grievance proceedings because of such participation.
2. Preservation of Records
No records of any grievance proceeding shall be entered into any file except on the written request of such student or employee, or if a minor, on the written request of their parents or legal guardians.
3. Proceedings
In the adoption and implementation of these grievance procedures, it shall be understood that the rules of jurisprudence shall not apply. The grievance proceeding shall be kept as informal and confidential as may be appropriate. The Section 504 Coordinator shall have discretion to waive compliance with the stated time limits for seeking further review where, in the judgment of the Coordinator, such waiver would best serve the interests of all persons concerned, and not cause undue delay, the introduction of new issues, or otherwise be inappropriate.
(Approval date: April 26, 1999)
DEVELOPMENT OF PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
The Board’s philosophy of education gives direction to the educational program and daily operations of the District. The philosophy allows for that flexibility necessary in an ever-changing society and provides general criteria to assess the District's programs and operations.
Periodically the Board and the Superintendent evaluate the philosophy of education. Suggestions from both staff and community are considered.
All building and course of study philosophies reflect and extend the Board’s philosophy. The Superintendent disseminates the Board’s philosophy of education to all staff members and directs that it be published in all handbooks.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REFS.: OAC 3301-35-02; 3301-35-03
CROSS REFS.: ADA, Educational Philosophy
BF, Board Policy Development and Adoption
BFG, Policy Review and Evaluation
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
The mission of the Brunswick City School District is to empower all of our students to compete in a multicultural society, excelling as creative thinkers, effective communicators and insightful decision makers through a diverse and superior educational program within a challenging and nurturing environment in partnership with families, individuals and organizations of our community.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REF.: OAC 3301-35-02(A)
CROSS REFS.: AE, School District Goals and Objectives
SCHOOL DISTRICT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Objectives
Objectives express our desired, measurable end results.
1. All of our students will excel at receiving, processing and fluently expressing thoughts, ideas and feelings in a variety of ways to their peers and others unlike themselves.
2. All of our students will excel at using a variety of creative thinking skills to generate strategies to achieve individual and group goals.
3. All of our students will set and achieve personalized goals developed in partnership with family and educators.
Strategies
Strategies are the means by which we will achieve our objectives. We will:
1. Identify, acquire and allocate the resources (including financial) necessary to support and implement the strategic plan.
2. Create an interactive public relations process which results in the exchange of clear and accurate information in order to support its mission.
3. Energize and integrate all aspects of our diverse community to align existing and form new partnerships with the school system to support and implement the objectives and mission of our strategic plan.
4. Insure ongoing employee training and development to help them gain the knowledge, skills and morale necessary to implement the objectives and mission of the strategic plan.
5. Insure an excellent foundation in the basic academic skills, aligning, or creating by need, curriculum, including criteria and procedures for assessment to support the three strategic objectives.
6. Structure a system through which the Board interacts so it can achieve internal harmony and partnership with the community.
7. Provide all students the technological knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the basic academic skills and the three strategic objectives.
Parameters
Parameters set the boundaries within which we will make the decisions necessary to accomplish our mission. We will not initiate any new program or service unless it:
1. is consistent with and contributes to the mission and
2. is accompanied by the staff development necessary to ensure its effectiveness.
We will preserve the right of parents to determine the values for their own children.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REF.: OAC 3301-35-02(A)
CROSS REFS.: ABA, Community Involvement in Decision Making (Also KC)
KA, School-Community Relations Goals
COMMITMENT TO ACCOMPLISHMENT
Evaluation of District operations is a chief responsibility of the Board and is the only means of determining whether the educational goals adopted are being achieved.
The evaluation program may include, but is not limited to, the following areas.
1. curriculum and instruction
2. students, dropouts and graduates
3. school personnel
4. buildings and equipment
5. business operations
6. operations of the Board
7. reward/disciplinary procedures
8. promotion and retention
9. Statewide evaluation criteria established by the State Board of Education
Appraising the success of the instructional program is particularly important. Only through an awareness of the strengths and shortcomings of the program can the Board and the Superintendent have a sound basis for making improvements. The improvements are made by the Superintendent through the implementation of policies adopted by the Board.
In appraising, the Board needs to evaluate its own actions as well as the efforts and accomplishments of the Superintendent and Treasurer.
The Board will make evaluation of its operations a continuing process so that it will stay abreast of accomplishments and needs.
The Board will annually:
1. assess the District’s operations and achievement of goals by information gathered from the Superintendent and Treasurer;
2. evaluate the Superintendent and Treasurer according to job descriptions and Board expectations and
3. evaluate itself according to its established goals and purposes.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.60
3319.01; 3319.02; 3319.08; 3319.081
OAC 3301-35-02; 3301-35-03
CROSS REFS.: AF, all subcodes
BCC, Qualifications and Duties of Treasurer
CBA, Qualifications and Duties of Superintendent
EVALUATION OF EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
The Superintendent evaluates the effectiveness of the educational resources used by the District to achieve the District’s educational goals and objectives.
The individual resource areas are assessed yearly while the overall program is assessed every five years according to professionally recognized criteria and procedures.
Following are the educational resources listed in the State Board of Education Minimum Standards.
1. Professional and support staff are recruited, employed, assigned, evaluated and provided in-service education without unlawful discrimination.
2. Instructional materials and equipment shall support attainment of objectives specified in courses of study.
3. Facilities accommodate the enrollment and the philosophy of education and educational goals of the school.
4. Student health and safety is safeguarded by an organized program of school health services designed to identify student health problems and to coordinate school and community health resources for students.
5. Student cumulative records are maintained.
6. Student admission, placement and withdrawal is processed according to established procedures.
7. Student attendance and conduct is administered according to established objectives and procedures.
8. School guidance services are provided for students in kindergarten through grade 12 in accordance with a written plan adopted by the Board.
9. Student activity programs are operated in accordance with the Board’s philosophy of education and educational goals and safeguard the interest of the school, participants and spectators. Schools will not sponsor interscholastic athletics for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
10. A planned, community relations program is implemented to encourage citizen participation in, and support for, the educational program.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REF.: OAC 3301-35-03
CROSS REFS.: AC, Nondiscrimination/Harassment
FA, Facilities Development Goals
IKE, Promotion and Retention of Students
KA, School-Community Relations Goals
REPORTING ACCOMPLISHMENT TO THE PUBLIC
The Board recognizes its obligation to report to the public. The principle method will be through an annual report of progress, problems and expectations published and distributed in the first three months of the school year. Periodic reports will be made through the various newsletter and reports of meetings of the Board.
Recognition For Accomplishment
The Board appreciates the diligent effort made by its members, staff, students and citizen volunteers in achieving the District's goals and objectives. The Board is mindful, also, that frequently there are exceptional achievements and contributions made by persons representing our schools, which favorably reflect on the whole character of our District.
It is the Board's intent to grant official recognition for such outstanding accomplishments on behalf of the District by individual students, staff members, citizens or Board members.
One form of recognition may be the adoption of a Board resolution citing such service or accomplishment; another form may be letters of commendation from the Board. The Board may invite individuals or groups that have made important school-related contributions or achievements to the Board meeting at which they will be commended.
[Adoption date: April 26, 1999]
LEGAL REFS.: ORC 121.22
3313.15; 3313.16