HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM

It is the District’s objective to provide a safe and healthy educational and work environment through the prevention of occupational injuries and illness. While the initial goal of the District’s Safety and Health Program is to reduce injuries and illnesses to a minimum, the ultimate goal isZERO accidents and injuries.

The District’s Health and Safety Program includes:

1.The establishment of a District Health and Safety Committee to oversee Health and Safety activities.

2.A program of safety and health inspections to access and remediate unsafe working conditions or practices, to control health hazards, and to comply fully with the safety and health standards for every job.

3. Training for all employees in proper safety and health practices, as appropriate to their work.

4.The provision of required personal protective equipment and instructions for its use and care.

5. The provision of mechanical and physical safeguards as required.

6. The development and enforcement of health and safety rules, with the requirement that all employees cooperate with these rules as a condition of employment.

7. The prompt and thorough investigation of every accident to determine the cause and correct the problem so that it can be avoided in the future.

REPORTING OF HAZARDS

The Superintendent will direct appropriate personnel to develop and oversee a written hazard communication program. Such program will include the following:

1. the acquisition, maintenance and review of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for all known hazardous materials on district property;

2. the compilation of a hazardous materials inventory;

3. employee training in hazardous materials management and protection; and

4. the recording of all incidents involving exposure to known hazardous materials. Records of employees who have been exposed to substances with enforceable exposure standards shall be kept for forty years.

The district will comply with the requirements for the visual notification of pesticide spraying as set forth in the Environmental Conservation Law.

It is the responsibility of the entire school community to report any unsafe building or equipment conditions to the main office as soon as possible. In addition, designated administrators will provide notice of hazardous materials to current and former employees within 72 hours of a request.

If students observe other students acting in an unsafe manner, this behavior should be reported to the nearest available staff member.

29 CFR §§1910.1200 and 12 NYCRR Part 800 (Hazard Communication Standard) 
40 CFR 763.95
Public Health Law, Article 48 and Labor Law, Article 28 (Right to Know Law)
Environmental Conservation Law §33 0101
State v. GTE Valeron Corp, 155 AD2d 166 (1990)

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

The Rhinebeck Central School District is committed to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures by reducing pests and pesticides in order to provide a safe environment for students, staff and visitors using the District’s buildings and grounds. The goal of IPM is to reduce pesticide use while providing long-term solutions for pest management.

Structural and landscape pests can pose significant hazards to people, property and the environment. Pesticides can also pose hazards to people (including poisoning or allergic responses in sensitive individuals), property, and the environment. It is therefore the District’s policy to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures for control of pests and to give notification of any pesticide application deemed necessary.

According to New York State law:

1. Schools are required to adopt the least toxic approach to an integrated pest management program (IPM).

2. Schools must provide notification to parents, guardians and school employees at various times of the year and prior to the application of pesticides.

3. The notification can be provided through written notices to parents and staff who register to be notified or through written notification in newsletters, bulletins, calendars or other correspondence currently published by the school district.

PESTS

Pests are living organisms (animals, plants or microorganisms) that interfere with human use of the school site. Pests such as cockroaches, fleas, ants, stinging wasps, termites, and rodents are annoying and can disrupt the learning environment in schools. Pests are known to bite, sting, or transmit disease, and may also cause allergic responses. Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species and the degree to which that population poses a threat to people, property, or the environment.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Pests will be managed to:

• Reduce any potential human health hazard or to protect against a significant threat to public safety;

• Prevent loss or damage to school structures or property;

• Prevent pests from spreading in the community or to plant and animal populations beyond the site;

• Enhance the quality of life for students, staff and others.

Integrated pest management strategies include:

• Non-chemical prevention of pest populations using such methods as sanitation, exclusion, and cultural practices. Selecting the least hazardous methods and materials effective for control of targeted pests.

• Precision targeting of pesticides to areas not contacted or accessible to the children, faculty, and staff.

• Application of pesticides only "as needed" to correct verified problems.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures will determine when to control pests, and whether to use physical, horticultural, or biological means. Chemical controls are used as a last resort. IPM practitioners depend on current, comprehensive information on the pest and its environment, and the best available pest control methods. Applying IPM principles prevents unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage. These principles are implemented by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

It is the policy of this School District to utilize IPM principles to manage pest populations adequately. While the goal of the District’s IPM program is to reduce and ultimately eliminate use of toxic chemicals, toxic chemicals may become necessary in certain situations. The choice of using a pesticide will be based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are unacceptable or are infeasible, alone or in combination. Cost or staffing considerations alone will not be adequate justification for use of chemical control agents. The full range of alternatives, including no action, will be considered. When it is determined that a pesticide must be used in order to prevent pest levels from exceeding action thresholds, the least-hazardous material will be chosen. The application of such pesticides is subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 USC 136 et seq.), School District policies and procedures, Environmental Protection Agency regulations in 40 CFR, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, and state and local regulations.

DISSEMINATION AND EVALUATION

The success of the District’s IPM is dependent upon the full cooperation of administrators, faculty, maintenance/custodial staff, parents, and students. The Superintendent of Schools is directed to develop and implement regulations for implementing the District’s IPM program and procedures. This policy and the accompanying regulations will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

8 NYCRR 155.4 (d)(2) Uniform Code of Public School Building Inspections, Safety Rating and Monitoring 
8 NYCRR 155.24 School Pesticide Neighbor Notification 

FIRST AID

All staff members are responsible for securing first aid for students who become injured or ill while under school supervision. School health personnel are responsible for giving first aid or emergency treatment in case of sudden illness or injury to a student or staff members. Beyond emergency first aid, the medical care of the student is the parent’s responsibility. In case of a student's illness or injury, the school shall attempt to place the student in the care of a parent, guardian, or person designated by the parent or guardian in such cases, as soon as possible, yet the school must retain jurisdiction over and responsibility for the student until this has been done.

The school physician shall develop and distribute Medical First Aid standing orders and procedures for the nurse or other personnel to follow in emergencies. These procedures shall incorporate the following requirements:

1. no treatment except first aid is permitted in school;

2. a master first aid kit shall be kept and properly maintained in each school and each school bus;

3. no drugs shall be administered by school personnel unless authorized by a physician;

4. parents shall be asked to sign and submit an emergency medical authorization which shall indicate the procedure they wish the school to follow in the event of a medical emergency involving their child;

5. in all cases where the nature of an illness or an injury appears serious, the parent or guardian will be contacted if possible, and the instructions on the child's emergency card followed. In extreme emergencies, arrangements may be made for the child's immediate hospitalization whether or not the parent or guardian can be reached.

Education Law §§3023; 3212-a; 6527(4)(a); 6909 

USE OF AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS

The use of AEDs is authorized in the buildings and on the grounds of the Rhinebeck Central School District in accordance with Section 917 of the Education Law. Staff members authorized to use AED devices must have current training and certification in CPR and the use of the AED provided by a certified trainer. A physician will be appointed to provide medical oversight for the use of the AEDs.

The county and state departments of health, as well as the local emergency services providers, will be notified of the location and use of AEDs within the District.

The Superintendent of Schools will develop regulations and protocols governing the use of AEDs within the District.

Chapter 61 of the Laws of 2002 

HYGIENE PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES

To prevent and/or minimize the transmission of contagious or communicable diseases or infections within the school community, all employees of the school district shall utilize appropriate precautions when providing first aid or otherwise dealing with situations that involve exposure to blood and other body fluids. Such precautionary measures are to be followed uniformly in all instances and shall be applicable in all buildings and facilities throughout the school district.

The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for developing appropriate procedures to implement this policy and for informing all staff of such procedures and ensuring compliance with them. The failure by any employee to utilize such procedures may form the basis for disciplinary action.

National School Lunch Agreement 
State Sanitary Code, Chapter 1, Part 14 ("Service Food Establishments")

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES

Consistent with Federal regulation, the Superintendent of Schools shall establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

The Exposure Control Plan shall include:

1. a list of job classifications in which occupational exposure to blood or other infectious materials occurs;

2. the schedule and method of implementation required by federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations; and

3. documentation of the route(s) of exposure, and the circumstances under which the exposure incident occurred.

The district shall ensure that a copy of the Exposure Control Plan is accessible to all employees.

The Exposure Control Plan shall be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure.

29 CFR §1910.1030

NALOXONE PROGRAM

In keeping with the District's objective of providing a safe and healthy educational and work environment, the purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures governing the utilization of Naloxone to be administered by licensed nurses of the Rhinebeck Central School District. 

The District's schools shall provide and maintain on-site opioid antagonists, during normal school hours and as practicable.  Any trained nurse (RN or LPN under the direction of an RN), may administer an opioid antagonist during an emergency to any student, staff member, or visitor suspected of having an opioid-related drug overdose, whether or not there is a previous history of opiod abuse or obvious evidence of such.

Subject to the provisions of applicable law and regulations, no school nurse shall be liable for civil damages which may result from acts of omissions relating to the use of the opioid antagonist which may constitute ordinary negligence; nor shall the school personnel be subject to criminal prosecution which may result from acts or omissions in the good faith administration of an opioid antagonist.

TRAINING
School nurses shall be trained in the use of Naloxone by the school district or an appropriate training course that may be recommended.

PURCHASE OR PROCUREMENT OF NALOXONE
The Superintendent of Schools, Building Principal, School Nurse, or designee will be responsible for the purchase or procurement of Naloxone.  The school physician shall prepare non-patient specific orders/protocols for the school nurse to follow.

The school nurse will utilize, as recommended, Intranasal Naloxone or Injectable Naloxone.  At a minimum, the school should have the following supplies:

• 2 Naloxone(2mg/2mL Leur-Jet leur-lock pre-filled syringe)
• 2 MAD nasal atomizer
• 2 each Naloxone 0.4mg/ml single dose 1 mg vials with 1 1/2" syringes for 1M administration
• Latex free gloves, (pair)
• 1 Mask/barrier device
• Step by step instructions

STORAGE
Naloxone will be clearly marked and stored in an accessible place at the discretion of the school nurse.  The school nurse will ensure that all other covering nursing staff are aware of the naloxone storage location.  Only trained nurses will administer naloxone.

Naloxone will be stored in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to avoid extreme cold, heat, and direct sunlight.

Inspection of the Naloxone shall be conducted regularly, as follows:

• By checking the expiration date found on either box or vial;
• By checking the condition of syringes and mucosal atomization devices (considered sterile for approximately 4-5 years).

USE OF NALOXONE
In case of a suspected opioid overdose, the School Nurse shall follow the protocols outlined in the Naloxone training and the instructions in the naloxone kit, as follows:

• Call 911 and Alert the school emergency response team
• Administer rescue breathing if indicated
• Prepare and administer naloxone
• Continue rescue breathing if indicated
• Give another dose of naloxone in 3-5 minutes if no response or minimal breathing or responsiveness
• Naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes, which neccessitates definitive medical care
• Comfort victim; maintain victim and staff safety while awaiting trasport by EMS-withdrawal can be unpleasant.  Turn victim on his/her side in the recovery position.

FOLLOW-UP
       A.  After administration of Naloxone, the School Nurse, or other staff, will follow the reporting protocols.

       B.  The School Nurse or designated staff will:

• Ensure that the overdose victim was transported to the emergency department and that next of kin is notified
• Notify appropriate student support services as appropriate

All survivors, either student or adults, shall be encouraged to seek treatment.  If the victim is a student, the School Counselor and School Social Worker shall provide substance abuse prevention resources to the overdose victim and family, as appropriate, and will follow-up.    

EMERGENCY PLANS

Pursuant to the regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the Superintendent of Schools is directed to develop an emergency management plan for each school and for the district and to ensure that sufficient training in carrying it out takes place.

This District-Wide School Safety Plan shall provide for sheltering, evacuation, early dismissal, written notification to students and staff, an annual drill and coordination with local and county emergency preparedness administrators. The Superintendent shall establish a Committee to oversee the emergency management plan. The District Emergency Coordinator shall be the Superintendent, who will also serve as chairperson of the Committee.

The Superintendent is to provide such plan to the Board for approval in time to ensure that it will be in place, reviewed, and, if appropriate, modified each year by July 1.

The Superintendent is to ensure that copies of the plan are available for public inspection and that there are copies in appropriate places throughout the district.

The Superintendent is to notify the District (BOCES) Superintendent whenever the Plan is activated and results in the closing of a school building in the district.

Education Law §3623(2) 
Executive Law Article 2B
EPA: Chemicals in Your Community, A Guide to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act, (Sept. 1988).
8 NYCRR §§155.3; 155.4; 155.13

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

The Superintendent of Schools may close the schools or dismiss students/staff early when hazardous weather or other emergencies threaten the health or safety of students and personnel. The Superintendent may delegate this authority to another staff member in the event of his/her absence.

While it may be prudent, under certain circumstances, to excuse all students from attending school, to delay the opening hour, or to dismiss students early, the Superintendent has the responsibility to ensure that administrative, supervisory, and operational activity is continued to the extent possible. School closing and delayed starting times will be announced over local radio stations and the internet, and a message to that effect also will be posted on the district’s telephone system. If no report is heard, it can be assumed the schools are in session and are opening on time.

In making the decision to close schools, the Superintendent may consider many factors, including the following, which relate to the safety and health of 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; and

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

Among the other factors the Superintendent may consider are advice from traffic and weather authorities, Building Principals, and school officials.

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 closing.

Education Law §3604(7) 

COVID-19 WORKPLACE AND STUDENT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

The Board recognizes the serious health concerns presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic for all persons in the school community.  Accommodations for student and employees who are at risk for severe COVID-19 illness shall be made, to the extent practicable, through means such as:  additional personal protective equipment (PPE), modified PPE (e.g. masks with transparent parts), increased social distancing, a modified work setting for employees, a modified educational setting for employees and students (e.g. more space, partitions and barriers, fewer persons present), and/or modified work schedules for employees to reduce contact situations.  

Certain students who are medically fragile shall be entitled to remote instruction if the instructional program otherwise calls for in-school presence or a hybrid instructional model.

Employees who present with underlying medical conditions that warrant a need not to be present in school buildings may be assigned to telework where the essential functions of their assignments do not require an in-school presence and they are capable of performing the essential functions of their jobs remotely from their homes. 

All accommodations shall be determined through an interactive process that may involve consultation with medical professionals and the state and/or local county Department of Health officials.  For students with disabilities recognized under IDEA or Title II ADA/§504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the accommodation process shall be conducted through the Committee on Special Education or §504 Team, respectively. 

Those employees and students who present as being uncomfortable in the school environment due to the COVID-1 Pandemic, but who are not at an increased risk of a severe COVID-19 illness related outcome, shall be advised about the efforts undertaken to make the school environment safe in accordance with applicable New York State Department of Health and New York Sate Department of Education Guidelines.  

ACCESS TO BUILDINGS

The following school officials shall have keys/swipe cards to the school buildings:

The Superintendent of Schools

The Superintendent's Secretary

The School Business Official

The High School Principal

The Middle School Principal

The Elementary School Principal

The Director of Special Programs

The Director of Facilities

The Athletic Director

The Custodians/Cleaners

The Tax Collector (when needed)

The Coaches (in season only)

If individuals wish to gain access to school buildings after school hours, and then only for the purpose of conducting school-related business, they must make such arrangements beforehand. Staff members must make prior arrangements with the building principal. Other individuals must make arrangements through the School Business Official as part of the process for arranging for the use of facilities.

VANDALISM

Any incidents of vandalism or theft of district property and the names of the person(s) believed to be responsible shall be reported to the appropriate building administrator, who will then report the incident to the Superintendent of Schools. Upon the determination of the Superintendent, the incident may be reported top the appropriate police agency.

After repair or replacement of property, a bill for labor and materials shall be sent to the parent(s)/guardian(s) with a request for payment. The Board may determine that legal action against a vandal and/or his/her parents/guardians should be brought to recover costs for damages caused by a willful, malicious or unlawful act of the child, as permitted under State law. In such a case, the Board will direct the school attorney to institute and prosecute such suit. The Board will also determine whether to offer monetary rewards, as permitted under State law, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of vandals or thieves of district property. Information pertaining to the investigation will be forwarded to the school attorney and the district attorney, as appropriate.

Family Court Act §§757; 758-a 
General Obligations Law §3-112
Education Law §§1604(35), (38); 1709(36),(38); 2509-g(15)
General Municipal Law §789

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

The district’s buildings are to be maintained in a safe and attractive manner.

Each year, a fire inspection must be carried out at all district buildings, in addition to a safety engineering report made by the district insurance carrier. The Board will direct the appropriate administrator to make every effort to correct reported deficiencies, and to provide for these corrections in the budget for the upcoming year. Periodically, the Building Principals will inspect school premises and note any areas in need of maintenance. During the school year, district staff will note hazards or safety problems and report them immediately to the Director of Facilities.

The buildings are to be kept clean at all times. The Director of Facilities will develop and supervise a schedule of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly cleaning and maintenance activities.

Every effort will be made to conserve energy. Room temperatures will be set by the Buildings and Grounds staff only. Lights will be turned off when not in use. Only minimum lighting for security will be used during non-school hours.

USE OF CREDIT CARDS

The Board of Education permits the use of District credit cards by certain school officials and Board members to pay for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of work-related duties for the District.    A list of those individuals that will be issued a District credit card will be maintained in the Business Office and reported to the Board each year at its annual organizational meeting in July.  All credit cards will be in the name of the school district.  The Board will annually determine the credit limit for such cards.

The terms of use must include that the District preserves its right to refuse to pay any claim or portion thereof that is not expressly authorized, does not constitute a proper District share, or supersedes any laws, rules, regulations or policies otherwise applicable.  In addition, the Board will ensure that no claim shall be paid unless an itemized voucher approved by the officer whose action gave rise or origin to the claim shall have been presented to the Board or sub-committee of the Board, and shall have been audited and allowed. Otherwise, the user of the credit card may be held personally responsible for the payment of any District credit card charge that does not adhere to the process outlined in this policy.  

Credit cards may only be used for legitimate school district business expenditures.  The use of a District credit card should not be used to circumvent the District's policy on purchasing and should only be used when a vendor will not accept a school district purchase order.

Users must take proper care of the credit card and take all reasonable precautions against damage, loss, or theft. &nbspAny damage, loss, or theft must be reported immediately to the Business Office and to the appropriate financial institution.  Failure to take proper care of credit cards or failure to report damage, loss or theft may subject the employee to financial liability.

Purchases that are unauthorized, illegal, represent a conflict of interest, are personal in nature, or violate the intent of this policy shall result in credit card revocation and discipline of the employee.

Each cardholder shall be apprised of the procedures governing the use of the credit card, and a copy of this policy and accompanying regulations shall be given to each cardholder.  Users must submit detailed documentation, including itemized receipts for commodities, services, travel and/or other actual and necessary expenses which have been incurred in connection with school-related business for which the credit card has been used.

The Assistant Superintendent for Support Services shall monitor the use of each credit card monthly and report any serious problems and/or discrepancies directly to the Superintendent and the Board.

Ref: Education Law §§1724(1); 2524(1) (itemized, audited and approved vouchers required)

Opns. St. Compt. No. 79-202 (use of multi-purpose credit cards by municipal employees)

Opns. St. Compt. No. 79-494

Opns. St. Compt. No. 78-897 (gasoline credit cards)

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

Transportation shall be provided to and from school at District expense to those students who are eligible as provided in law and authorized by the Board of Education. Transportation is also provided for District approved extracurricular activities to all students enrolled in out-of-District occupational education programs and for summer programs required by the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), but only to and from the designated school building or the program location.

The goals of the student transportation program are to:

1. Provide efficient, economical, effective and safe service;
2. Ensure that all students whose disabilities, or distance from school requires them to receive necessary transportation do, in fact, receive it;
3. Adapt the system to the demands of the instructional program;
4. Review at least once a year school bus schedules and routing plans to ensure that efficiency and safety are maintained; and
5. Review at least once a year the eligibility for transportation of students residing in the District, to ensure that all entitled to the services receive them in a manner prescribed by law and Board of Education policy.

The Assistant Superintendent for Support Services shall be responsible for administering the transportation program. Some of these duties include determining student eligibility for transportation services consistent with law and Board of Education policy, establishing bus stop locations, providing for safe and efficient bus routes, and administering all reviews and directions necessary for the oversight of the transportation program provided by the District’s transportation service contractor(s). The program shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and policies established by federal, state and local authorities.

Eligibility

1. There are no designated mileage limits for transportation services for students in grades K-5. All students in grades 6-12 who reside more than one (1) mile from the school attended are eligible for District transportation. All non-public school students, who reside within 15 miles of their designated non-public school are eligible for District transportation, in accordance with the following rules:
1. Parents/Guardians must apply to the District in writing by April 1st preceding the ensuing school year, or within 30 days of establishing residence in the District. Late requests will be reviewed by the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, and transportation services will be provided if no additional cost to the District will be incurred. If a reasonable excuse for the late transportation request is provided, as determined by the Board of Education, transportation services will be provided.
   
   
2. Students residing beyond the 15 miles from the school attended will be transported only if a student residing within the 15 miles is receiving transportation to the same school. The student residing beyond 15 miles must be transported from a centralized pickup point, which will be a District public school building The District will provide transportation between a student’s home and the centralized pickup point only where the student’s home is located on an established route leading to the centralized pickup point and where such transportation does not result in an additional cost to the District.
   
   
3. Measurements for determining eligibility for transportation will be made over the nearest available publicly maintained road between home and school.
   
   
4. Late bus service for nonpublic students is not required unless such service is provided to the public school students “in like circumstances”.
   
   
5. Transportation to nonpublic schools shall be provided according to the nonpublic school calendar.
   
   
2. Special Education Students
   Special education students transported to out-of-District locations will follow the calendar of the out-of-District school or agency.
   
   
3. Transportation to School Sponsored Events
   
   
   1. Transportation will not be provided on Saturdays for field trips or extracurricular activities, except for interscholastic athletic contests.
      
      
   2. If the District provides transportation for student athletes participating in interscholastic competition and students attending District sponsored field trips, students will not be authorized to use any other means of transportation when participating in these events, unless the principal or his/her designee authorizes such alternate transportation in advance. The principal shall require written application from each student’s parent/guardian prior to consideration for approval.
      
      
   3. Where the District has provided transportation to students enrolled in the District to a school sponsored field trip, extracurricular activity, or any other similar school event, it shall provide transportation back to either the point of departure or to the appropriate school in the District unless the parent or legal guardian of a student participating in such event has provided the District with written notice, consistent with District policy, authorizing an alternative form of return transportation for such student unless intervening circumstances make such transportation impractical. In cases where intervening circumstances make transportation of a student back to the point of departure or to the appropriate school in the District impractical, representative of the School District shall remain with the student until such student’s parent/guardian has been contacted and informed of the intervening circumstances which make such transportation impractical; and the student has been delivered to his or her parent/ guardian.
      
      
   4. When the District is using motor carriers and drivers such as charter coaches, the following guidelines shall be followed:
      1. The NYS Department of Transportation must be contacted beforehand for information regarding the charter coach company’s equipment and maintenance record.
      2. The driver of the charter coach must be in compliance with Article 19A, Section 509 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
      3. The charter coach company must provide to the District the names of a sufficient number of drivers and recent driver license abstracts for a “pool” of drivers that can be assigned to the charter trip.
         
         
   5. Drivers must be checked to ensure that they are “school bus qualified” as required by Article 19A, Section 509 of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law.
      
      
   6. All adult chaperones/school personnel assigned to the trip must follow both guidelines and protocol developed by the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services through Administrative Regulations before starting out on the trip. These individuals will be authorized to take definite steps to ensure the safe transportation of the students, including terminating the trip if the condition of the equipment or the driver poses a significant threat to the safety of the students.
      
      
   7. Transportation will not be provided on Sundays without the prior approval of the Superintendent of Schools. Such approval will be provided only under extenuating circumstances.
      
      
4. Transportation will be provided between school and a before/after school childcare location for children in Grades K-8 only if the childcare location is within the District.
   
   
   1. A child care location shall mean a place situated within the School District, other than the child’s home, where care for less than 24 hours a day is provided on a regular basis. This includes but is not limited to a variety of child care services such as licensed day care centers, family day care homes, and in-home care by relatives and non-relatives. Childcare locations shall not include non-District sponsored activities for which care is not the primary function, such as private or group lessons, (e.g., music, dance, tutoring, horseback riding, etc.), community activities, scout meetings, non-District sponsored student employment worksites, etc.
      
      
   2. Upon request, the District may transport a student to his/her child care location some days and his/her home on other days where both locations are within the District’s mileage limitations and represent a regular and consistent schedule. The District will not provide for irregular pick-up/drop-off schedules.
      
      
   3. The child’s parent/guardian must request childcare transportation in writing on a form provided by the District no later than August 1st of each school year for which transportation to a childcare location is requested. Where a family moves into the district later than August 1st, or has other change of circumstances, the request must be made within 30 days from that situation. Transportation requests to childcare locations or requests for changes in childcare locations after August 1st will be considered on a space availability basis and only if there are no additional costs to the District.
      
      
5. Bus pass requests are for changes in a pick-up or drop-off point other than on a regular basis. These requests will be reviewed and approved by the building administrator only if there is available seating on the bus, if it will not create additional time for other students on the bus route, or if it will not result in additional cost to the District, and is at an already established bus stop.
   
   Bus passes for middle school/high school students to ride the late bus from BMS/RHS to the elementary school and then to their designated drop-off point will be provided to each student by the staff member supervising the after-school activity in which the student has participated that afternoon or by the building administrator, on an as needed basis.
   
   
6. Special transportation for students with temporary physical disabilities or limitations
   
   
   1. The District may provide special transportation for students who have temporary physical disabilities or limitations which may create safety problems for such students when going to and from school. Special transportation may be granted by the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services upon recommendation of the student’s physician. A temporary physical disability or limitation is defined as an injury or illness which can be medically treated and remediated.
      
      
   2. Requests for such transportation must be submitted in writing by the parent/guardian to the appropriate building principal. The parental request must be accompanied by a written statement from the student’s physician indicating the type of disability or limitation, predicted length of disability or limitation, and the special safety considerations which would justify granting the request.
      
      
   3. The building principal shall submit his/her recommendation with the attached documentation to the Business Official for a final decision. If needed the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services may consult with school physician for verification for special transportation requirements.
      
      Parents/guardians will be notified in writing of the decision with a copy sent to the building principal. The transportation contractor will receive notification from the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services authorizing such temporary transportation with information limited to what is needed to provide the transportation service.

School Bus Scheduling and Routing

     The Assistant Superintendent for Support Services shall be responsible for the establishment of safe and efficient bus routes and bus stop locations.

1. Authorized bus stops shall be located at appropriate intervals in places where students may embark and disembark the buses, cross highways, and await the arrival of buses allowed by safe road conditions.
   
   
2. Bus routes will be established to minimize, as much as possible, the amount of time that students spend on a bus from the time of loading to the time of discharge.
   
   
3. Fixed bus stops will be established using the following guidelines:
   1. Generally, dead-ends. Cul-de-sacs, and loop streets will not be serviced by school buses;
   2. Numbers of students at bus stops will be varied according to the concentration of riders in an area, the degree of traffic, during the 15 minutes surrounding the pick-up/drop-off, the presence of traffic controls, speed limits, and the existence of any factors that limit the number of students at the bus stop location.
   3. The maximum of 25 students at a stop will be acceptable only where there is adequate waiting space away from heavy traffic areas. No more than 15 students will be the usual number scheduled for pickup at any one point;
   4. Walking distances to pickup points may be varied according to grade level. Grade levels K-5 will not be required to walk distances in excess of three-tenths (.3) mile and grades 6-12 will not be required to walk distances in excess of one (1) mile; unless there is no safe location within said limits, in which case, the bus stop will be located at the safest close location
   5. An effort will be made to minimize crossing of the road by students. However, when doing so is determined not to pose a safety risk, the bus driver will indicate with the appropriate hand signal to the student embarking toward and/or disembarking from the bus that it is safe to cross the road, at which time the student will comply by doing so.
      
      
4. Transportation will be provided on side roads that are maintained by town highway departments unless the lack of maintenance makes it unsafe for drivers and students to be traversing these roads. Examples of unsafe road conditions are roads with unsafe shoulders, roads that are so narrow that a school bus and another vehicle cannot safely pass each other, and roads with steep grades that buses cannot safely negotiate.
   
   
5. Transportation will not be provided on private roads that are unsafe or have not been dedicated and/or maintained by town, county, and/or state highway departments.
   
   
6. Turnarounds and pull-offs will not be established unless adequate space is available and this space is properly maintained by town, county, and/or state highway departments.
   
   
7. Safety of the students is of significant importance and will be considered primary in assigning all routes and bus stops. When considering safety, distinctions will be made between grades K-5 students and grades 6-12 students. Distinction will also be made between various road and traffic conditions on each route and at each bus stop. The School Bus Stop review and evaluation forms will be utilized in this process. Parents shall be responsible for the safety of their children getting to and from their assigned bus stop, and waiting at their assigned bus stop.
   
   
8. Digital maps are used to determine the transportation requirements necessary to satisfy the needs established by State law, Board of Education policy, and voter mandate. These maps clearly show student location, loading and unloading locations, and routes traveled. The maps will be reviewed annually.
   
   
9. All school buses and other vehicles transporting Rhinebeck students will be equipped with radios to enable communication among and between the vehicles, between vehicles and the bus company’s dispatcher, and between vehicles and the District and school offices.

Reviews and Appeals of Bus Stop Locations, route design or structure, and special transportation applications.

1. Requests by parents/guardians for changes in bus stop locations must be made in writing initially to the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services who will utilize the School Bus Stop Review and Evaluation forms established in the administrative regulations to this policy. The written request for a change in the bus stop location must identify the existing bus stop, the reason(s) for the requested change, and the suggested new bus stop location(s).
   1. The review of the bus stop by a three-person review team must be made within ten (10) business days of the parent/guardian’s written request. A written response to the parent /guardian must be made within ten (10) business days.
   2. Appeals of the decision of the three-person Bus Stop review team can be made to the Board of Education upon notification to the Board of Education through the District Clerk at least five (5) business days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting. The appeal to the Board of Education must be made within 30 calendar days of the receipt of written notification of the decision by the three-person Bus Stop review team. The Board of Education will provide a written response to the parent or guardian no later than the next regularly scheduled meeting.
      
      
2. Requests by parents/guardians for changes in a route structure or design and denial of special transportation applications must be made in writing initially to the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services.
1. The Assistant Superintendent for Support Services will render a decision within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the request.
2. Appeals of the decision of the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services can be made to the Board of Education upon notification to the Board through the District Clerk at least five (5) business days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting. The appeal to the Board of Education must be made within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the decision by the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services. The Board of Education will provide a written response to the parent or guardian no later than the next regularly scheduled meeting.
   
   
3. In reviews of all requests for changes every effort must be made to insure that all students in like circumstances are treated equitably.

Education Law §§305(14); 1501-b; 1807; 3602(7); 3623; 3635 et seq. 
Matter of Handicapped Child, 24 EDR 41 (1984) 
Matter of Zakrezewski, 22 EDR 381 (1983) 
Matter of Nowak, 22 EDR 91 (1982) 
Matter of Fox, 19 EDR 439 (1980)

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

The Superintendent of Schools and the Building Principals shall cooperate with governmental agencies on matters of safety. They shall establish and check procedures for loading and unloading procedures and student conduct on buses.  The Superintendent shall arrange for a minimum of three bus drills on each school bus during the school year, with the first occurring during the first week of school, the second between November 1 and December 31, and the third between March 1 and April 30.

The drills must include instruction and practice in the location, use, and operation of the emergency door, fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, and windows as a means of escape in case of fire or accident. Drills must also include instruction in safe boarding and exiting procedures, with specific emphasis on when and how to approach, board, disembark, and move away from the bus after disembarking, and in the importance of orderly conduct by school bus passengers.

Such instruction and the conduct of the drills shall be given by a member of the teaching or student transportation staff selected by the Building Principal of each school. Instructors will be assisted by the bus driver.

Students attending public and nonpublic schools who do not participate in the bus drills as required by the Regulations of the Commissioner also shall be provided with drills on school buses, or as an alternative, shall be provided with classroom instruction covering the content of such drills. No drills shall be conducted when buses are en route. The Superintendent shall certify on the annual report to the State Education Department that the district has complied with the above requirements.

The Superintendent of Schools will establish a school bus stop safety committee to review and make recommendations regarding issues involving the safety of school bus stops. The committee will use the guidelines provided by the State Education Department as outlined in the Safe Routes – Safe Stops handbook. This committee will consist of the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, an official from the district’s transportation contractor, and a highway department official. At the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, the committee will report their findings regarding either internal or external questions about the safety of a particular district bus stop.

Education Law §§2; 1501-b; 1502; 3602(7)(b); 3623; 3625-a; 3636 
8 NYCRR §156.3(h)

BUS DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

Only employees of the bus contractor who have acquired the appropriate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and who have complied with the regulations of the Commissioners of Motor Vehicles and Education may drive students to and from home on regularly scheduled routes. No other person may operate a school bus on a scheduled route for the purpose of transporting students to and from home.

For an individual to be qualified as a school bus driver, he or she must:

• be at least 21 years of age;
• have a currently valid commercial driver’s license (CDL);
• pass a required physical examination and physical requirements tests;
• furnish at least three statements, from three different people not related to the applicant by blood or marriage, attesting to his/her good moral character and reliability;
• have completed, or be scheduled to complete, safety programs required by state law;
• act in a manner, both on and off the job, consistent with good moral, ethical and legal conduct as a role model for students;
• not be disqualified to drive a school bus because of a conviction, violation or infraction listed in sections 509-c or 509-cc of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, or under any other provision of Article 19-A of that law; and
• meet all other licensing and training requirements for driving a school bus.

All school bus driver candidates will be fingerprinted so the district can obtain any criminal record from state and federal authorities. In addition, the district will check the driving and employment records of each bus driver, in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Training on school bus safety practices and the special needs of children with disabilities will be given as required by the regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

Bus drivers will display professional conduct at all times, as defined by the school district’s Code of Conduct, on or around buses contracted by the school district, especially while they are driving students and en route to or from school or school activities. Such professional conduct will include the use of appropriate language and refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and other substances prohibited by the Code of Conduct, as well as from cellphone use while driving and other behaviors prohibited by law while driving. In addition, bus drivers will be provided with sexual harassment and Dignity for All Students Act training each year, and will be expected to comply with all requirements and recommendations included in the training.  

Education Law §3624 
Vehicle and Traffic Law, Article 19 A
8 NYCRR §156.3, as amended
15 NYCRR Part 6 

ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING OF BUS DRIVERS

To ensure the safety of its students and to comply with federal regulations, the Board requires alcohol and controlled substance testing of school bus drivers and other covered employees.

The district shall directly, by contract, or through a consortium, ensure the implementation of a program to provide alcohol and controlled substance testing of contract employees who operate a commercial motor vehicle, perform in a safety-sensitive position, and are required to hold a commercial driver’s license. Such employees include:

1. drivers of buses designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver;
2. drivers of commercial motor vehicles whose manufacturer’s rating is 26,001 lbs. or more; or
3. any other employee who may drive a listed vehicle (e.g. a mechanic who performs test drives).

Controlled substance and alcohol test will be conducted at the time of employment and randomly throughout the school year. In addition, testing will be conducted when a supervisor has a reasonable suspicion that an employee has engaged in prohibited alcohol or controlled substance use; after certain accidents; prior to return to duty when the employee has been found to violate district policy and federal regulations; and after the employee’s return to duty.

In accordance with federal and state law, a bus driver will not be permitted to drive if he or she:

1. possesses, consumes or is reasonably believed to possess or have consumed alcohol or a controlled substance, while on duty;
2. uses or is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance within six hours or less before duty;
3. has an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or higher, or tests positive for a controlled substance; or
4. refuses to take a required alcohol or controlled substance test.

Also, no driver shall use alcohol after being involved in an accident in which there was a fatality or in which the bus driver was cited for a moving violation and a vehicle was towed from the scene or an injury was treated away from the scene until he/she has been tested or 8 hours have passed, whichever occurs first.

Any contract employee who is tested and found to have an alcohol concentration of at least 0.02, but less than 0.04, shall be removed from the position until his or her next regularly scheduled duty period, but not less than 24 hours following administration of the test. Any contract employee found to have violated this requirement may be disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the applicable district policy and/or law.

If a driver has an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater, or has engaged in prohibited alcohol or controlled substance use, he or she will be removed from driving duties, and referred to a substance abuse professional. The contract employee may be required to complete a treatment program and/or be disciplined pursuant to District policy. No driver who has abused controlled substances and/or alcohol may return to duty unless he/she has successfully passed a required return to duty test.  Thereafter, the driver will be subject to follow-up testing.

The Superintendent of Schools shall ensure that a copy of this policy, the district’s policy on misuse of alcohol and use of controlled substances, information on alcohol and drug abuse and treatment resources and any other information prescribed by federal regulations is provided to all school bus drivers and other appropriate personnel prior to the initiation of the testing program and to each driver subsequently hired or transferred to a position subject to testing.

Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, 49 U.S.C. §§31136; 31306 
49 U.S.C. §521(b)
49 CFR Part 382
49 CFR Part 40
49 CFR §395.20
Vehicle and Traffic Law, §§509-1; 1192; 1193

BUS ACCIDENTS

The Administration shall implement the following procedures for any accident with buses owned by its contractors.

Regarding Students

1. If a hazardous situation exists, students are to be removed from the bus under supervision. Extremely hazardous situations should be handled by emergency personnel.
2. As well as possible, each student’s wellness is to be ascertained at the site initially by the driver and then by emergency personnel.
3. Upon arriving at school from the accident, students will report to the school nurse.
4. Parents of students involved in the accident will be notified by a telephone call, and those students will take home a letter the next school day.

Regarding Bus Operation

1. The bus operator will call the dispatcher, who will notify the Police and the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services’ office. That office will notify the schools and principals affected by the accident.
2. The police will coordinate the dispatching of emergency personnel.
3. The dispatcher will send another bus to the scene.
4. The bus operator will make a list of students on the bus at the time, if he/she is able. The Assistant Superintendent for Support Services or his/her designee will go to the accident site to verify the roster.
5. Under no condition is the driver to leave the scene of the accident, unless cleared by the police.
6. Accidents “after regular school hours” with sports buses or late buses will be reported through the above steps, except that the dispatcher will call the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, the Superintendent of Schools, the appropriate building administrator, or another available school administrator.
7. If an accident occurs when the bus is taking students home, the dispatcher will notify the bus contractor’s home base, the business office and the Building Principal. The Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, the Building Principal, or his/her designee will call the parents of the students involved.

Within 72 hours of an accident, the bus contractor will provide a copy of all forms used by the Department of Motor Vehicles and the contractor to record the events of the accident, as well as all accident investigation reports.

FIELD TRIP AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY TRANSPORTATION, AND SPECIAL USES OF SCHOOL BUSES

Upon approval of the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services or his/her designee, school vehicles may be used to transport, within a radius of 75 miles from the school:

1. students and chaperones/advisors on field trips or travelling to/from extracurricular activities; and 
2. team members and coaches/supervising adults to interscholastic athletic events

The Assistant Superintendent for Support Services may also grant permission for trips outside of the mileage limitations. General bus procedures should be followed for extra­curricular bus use. Coach buses may be used if school buses are unavailable or if excessive distances dictate.

VEHICLE IDLING

The Board of Education recognizes that emissions that accumulate from school buses and other vehicles on school property can be harmful to students, staff and the environment.  The Board further recognizes that unnecessary idling by school buses and other District vehicles wastes fuel and financial resources.  Idling is defined as the operation of the engine of a vehicle while the vehicle is not in motion and not being used to operate auxiliary equipment that is essential to the basic operation of the vehicle.    

The Board, therefore, prohibits unnecessary idling by school buses, other District owned, contracted for or leased vehicles and visitor vehicles on school property and at school activities. 

The Superintendent of Schools shall develop procedures consistent with this policy and shall ensure that school bus drivers and other appropriate school personnel receive training to implement this policy.  The Superintendent shall also ensure that parents are notified annually of the District’s anti-idling policy. 

“No idling” signs will be posted to alert bus drivers, other employees and parents to turn off vehicles when waiting to drop off or pick up students or when parked. 

1^st Reading   11/27/07
2^nd Reading  12/11/07
Adopted

FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT

The Board of Education shall provide adequate facilities, resources and personnel for the provision of food services for all elementary and secondary students in district schools.

Food service management is the responsibility of the Cafeteria Manager, who supervises the program and reports directly to the School Business Official, who is designated as the Program Officer. The Cafeteria Manager develops the lunch menus, based on the nutrition requirements of a class “A” lunch. The menus are printed monthly but are subject to change without notice.

The budgetary objective of the lunch program is to operate without subsidization by the district’s general fund. The Board, upon recommendation by the administration, shall set the lunch prices as necessary to cover the unreimbursed costs.

Education Law §305(14)(a)

FREE AND REDUCED PRICE FOOD SERVICES

The District shall participate in federally funded school lunch programs, and shall provide free or reduced price food services to qualified district students.

1. Eligibility Determination

The Assistant Superintendent for Support Services shall make final determinations as to which children in attendance at his/her school are eligible to receive such services.

2. Standards of Eligibility

Any child who is a member of a family unit whose income is below the New York State Minimum Scale for family units of the same number shall be eligible to receive such services.

3. Application Procedures

a. Application forms will be available in the main office of each school building.

b. Completed forms must be submitted to the Building Principal of the school which the student attends. The Building Principal will then forward the completed forms to the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services prior to any determination of eligibility.

c. The adult responsible for the child will be informed of the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services determination within one week of receiving a properly completed application.

4. Provision for Anonymity

All reasonable effort will be extended in protecting the anonymity of the student in accordance with federal regulations governing such programs.

5. Provision for Appeal

Upon written request, the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services will hear appeals of determinations regarding such services in compliance with federal regulations governing the National School Lunch Program.

National School Lunch Act of 1946, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1751-1760)
Child Nutrition Act of 1966, Public Law 89-642, 80 Stat. 885, as amended

CAFETERIA MEAL CHARGES

The goal of the Rhinebeck Central School District is to provide student access to nutritious no- or low-cost meals each school day and to ensure that a pupil whose parent/guardian has unpaid school meal fees is not shamed or treated differently than a pupil whose parent/guardian does not have unpaid meal fees.

Unpaid charges place a large financial burden on our school.  The purpose of this policy is to insure compliance with federal requirements for the USDA Child Nutrition Program and to provide oversight and accountability for the collection of outstanding student meal balances to ensure that the student is not stigmatized, distressed and/or embarrassed.

The intent of this policy is to establish procedures to address unpaid meal charges throughout the District in a way that does not stigmatize, distress and/or embarrass students.  The provisions of this policy pertain to regular priced reimbursable school breakfast, lunch and snack meals only.  The District provides this policy as a courtesy to those students in the event that they forget or lose their money.  Charging of items outside of the reimbursable meals (a la carte items, adult meals, etc.) is expressly prohibited. 

MEAL CHARGE IMPLEMENTATION:

Free Meal Benefit - Free eligible students will be allowed to receive a free breakfast and lunch meal of their choice each day.  A la carte items or other similar items must be paid/prepaid.

Reduced Meal Benefit - Reduced eligible students will be allowed to receive a breakfast of their choice for $0.25 and lunch of their choice for $0.25 each day.  A student will be allowed to charge a maximum of TEN (10) meals to their account after the balance reaches zero.  The charge meals offered to students will be reimbursable meals available to all students, unless the student's parent or guardian has specifically provided written permission to the school to withhold a meal.  A la carte items or other similar items must be paid/prepaid. 

Full Pay Students - Students will pay for meals at the school's published paid meal rate each day.  A student will be allowed to charge a maximum TEN (10) meals to their account after the balance reaches zero.  The charge meals offered to students will be reimbursable meals available to all students, unless the student's parent or guardian has specifically provided written permission to the school to withhold a meal.  A la carte items or other similar items must be paid/prepaid.

ONGOING STAFF TRAINING:

• Staff will be trained annually and throughout the year as needed on the procedures for managing meal charges using the NYSED Webinar or the school's training program.
• Staff training includes ongoing eligibility certification for free or reduced price meals.

PARENT NOTIFICATION:

• Reminder letters will be sent monthly via US Postal Service to families who have accrued a negative balance greater than $32.50 dollars per household.
• Parents/guardians will be notified that a student has a negative balance and/or accrued meal charges within TWO (2) days of the charge and then every SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY thereafter via automated email, text message and/or phone calls.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for meal payment to the food service program.  Discreet notices of low or deficit balances will be sent to parents/guardians two times per week via email, text message and/or phone call.  Monthly reminders will be sent via the US Postal Service.

PARENT OUTREACH:

• Staff will communicate with parents/guardians with TEN (10) or more meal charges to determine eligibility for free or reduced price meals.
• School staff will make two documented attempts to reach out to parents/guardians to complete a meal application in addition to the application and instructions provided in the school enrollment packet. 
• School staff will contact the parent/guardian to offer assistance with completion of meal application to determine if there are other issues within the household causing the child to have insufficient funds, offering any other assistance that is appropriate.

PAYMENTS:

• Students/Parents/Guardians may pay for meals in advance via www.myschoolbucks.com or with a check payable to Rhinebeck Central School District Food Service Department.  Further details are available on our webpage at www.rhinebeckcsd.org.  Funds should be maintained in accounts to minimize the possibility that a child may be without meal money on any given day.  Any remaining funds for a particular student may/will be carried over to the next school year. 
• Refunds - A written or e-mailed request for a refund of any money remaining in the account of a withdrawn and graduating student account must be submitted.  Students who are graduating at the end of the year will be given the option to transfer to a sibling's account with a written request.
• Unclaimed Funds must be requested within one school year.  Unclaimed funds will then become the property of the Rhinebeck Central School District Food Service Program.
• Balances Owed - Collection of owed balances will follow the procedures set forth below:
  • The Food Service Director shall review monthly all accounts with unpaid funds.
  • Automated email, text message and/or phone calls will be sent to families two (2) times weekly alerting them of a negative balance of their child's lunch account.
  • Reminder letters will be sent monthly via US Postal Service to families who have accrued a negative balance greater than $32.50 per household.
  • If the balance becomes greater than $350.00 per household, or if no payments are made on the debt, a meeting will be scheduled with District Administrators to discuss possible options.
  • Finally, if the $350.00 per household debt goes unresolved or prior to such time at the discretion of the Superintendent, the District may request attorney/collections intervention, including potentially filing in Small Claims Court.

MINIMIZING STUDENT DISTRESS:

• School will not publicly identify or stigmatize any student on the lunch line or discuss any outstanding meal debt in the presence of any other students.
• Students who incur meal charges will not be required to wear a wristband or hand stamp, or to do chores or work to pay for meals.
• Schools will not throw away a meal after it has been served because of the student's inability to pay for the meal or because of previous meal charges.
• Schools will not take any action directed at a pupil to collect unpaid school meal fees.
• Schools will deal directly with parents/guardians regarding unpaid school meal fees.

ONGOING ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION:

• School staff will conduct direct certification with NYSSIS or using NYSED Roster Upload at least monthly to maximize free eligibility.
• School staff will provide parents/guardians with free and reduced price application and instructions at the beginning of each school year in school enrollment packet.
• Schools using the electronic meal application will provide an explanation of the process in the school enrollment packet and instructions on how to request a paper application at no cost.
• Schools will provide at least two additional free and reduced price applications throughout the school year to families identified as owing meal charges.
• Schools will use administrative prerogative judiciously, only after using exhaustive efforts to obtain a completed application from the parent/guardian only with available information on family size and income that falls within approvable guidelines. 
• Schools will coordinate with the Foster/Homeless/Migrant/Runaway Coordinator at least monthly to verify eligible students.

1^st Reading:    1/13/15, 07/10/18   

2^nd Reading:    2/10/15, 07/31/18

Adopted

SCHOOL DISTRICT COMPLIANCE WITH COPYRIGHT LAW

Infringement on copyrighted material, whether prose, poetry, graphic images, music, video or computer code, is a serious offense against federal law. Therefore all reproduction of copyrighted material will be conducted strictly in accordance with applicable provisions of law. Unless otherwise allowed as "fair use" under federal law, permission must be acquired from the copyright owner prior to reproduction of material in any form.

The Superintendent of Schools and other Administrators are hereby directed to develop and submit to the Board for approval such guidelines, rules and regulations as he/she may deem appropriate to carry out this policy.

Computer Software

The district licenses the use of its computer software from a variety of outside companies. The district does not own this software or its related documentation and unless authorized by the software developer, does not have the right to reproduce it.

With regard to use in local area networks or on multiple machines, district staff shall use the software only in accordance with the license agreement. The staff, upon learning of any misuse of software and related documentation within the school, shall notify the Building Principal, who shall then notify the Superintendent. All copies of software (as permitted under the copyright law) shall be maintained in the libraries as a backup to the software package used by staff.

17 U.S.C. §§101; 106; 107; 117; 201; 302 
Basic Books, Inc. v. Kinko’s Graphics Corp., 758 F. Supp. 1522 (SDNY 1991)
H.R. Rep. No. 94-1476, 94th Cong., 2d Sess. (1976) 

INSURANCE

The district shall purchase insurance coverage necessary to protect the district to an optimum extent from loss of property and judgments and awards arising out of liability claims. Records of all insurance policies shall be kept in the Central Office. The Board of Education shall approve the selection of a broker who shall advise it in the administration of the insurance program. All actions involving the purchase of insurance shall be subject to Board approval.

The Superintendent of Schools shall have general knowledge of the provisions of all insurance policies carried by the district. At time of accident or loss, he/she shall see that action is taken necessary to protect the interests of the school district.

The Board shall purchase with district funds the type and amount of insurance appropriate to protect itself as a corporate body, its individual members, its appointed officers, and its employees from financial loss arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of alleged negligence or other act resulting in accidental bodily injury to any person or accidental damage to the property of any person within or without the school buildings while the above-named insured are acting in the discharge of their duties within the scope of their employment and/or under the direction of the Board. Such purchase will take into account the price of insurance, appropriate deductibles, and other relevant factors.

Premiums for such accident insurance as is deemed appropriate for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, participating in interscholastic, intramural, and physical education sports activities, or while engaged in practice preparation for such games, sports, or contests, will be paid from the General Fund.

The Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services shall annually review the insurance program for the purpose of recommending to the Board adjustments in coverage resulting from, but not limited to, expansion of the district's risks, relevant new laws, and superseding conditions which make changes in coverage appropriate.

Education Law §§1709(8)(8-a)(8-b); 3023; 3028; 3811 
General Municipal Law §§6-n; 50-c and 50-e
Lynd v. Heffernan, 286 AD 597 (3d Dept. 1955)
Surdell v. City of Oswego, 91 Misc.2d 1041 (1977)