East Windsor Public Schools
Board of Education Policies
MISSION-GOALS-OBJECTIVES SERIES 0000
| Number | Policy or Regulation |
|
|
A. School District Legal Status
|
0050 0050.1 0100 |
P P P |
|
|
0200 | P |
| 3. Policies for the East Windsor Public Schools | 0300 | P |
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4. Equal Opportunity Plan/Grievance Procedure
|
0521 | P |
This Code of Ethics is based upon “Standards of Leadership for Members
of Boards of Education” recommended by the CABE Board of Directors in
1977:
1. I will be a staunch advocate of high quality free public education for all Connecticut children. In fulfilling my responsibilities, I will think of “children first”.
2. I will, as an agent of the state, uphold and enforce all laws, rules, regulations, and court orders pertaining to public schools. I will strive to bring any needed change only through legal and ethical procedures.
3. I will strive to help create public schools which meet the individual educational needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.
4. I will work unremittingly to help my community understand the importance of proper support for public education, whether it be in providing adequate finance, optimum facilities, staffing and resources, or better educational programs for children.
5. I will join with my Board, staff, community, and students in becoming fully informed about the nature, value, and direction of contemporary education in our society. I will support needed change in our schools.
6. I will strive to ensure that the community is fully and accurately informed about our schools, and will try to interpret community aspirations to the school staff.
7. I will recognize that my responsibility is not to “run the schools” through administration, but together with my fellow Board members, to see that they are well run through effective policies.
8. I will attempt to confine my Board action to policy?making, planning and appraisal, and will help to frame policies and plans only after my Board has consulted those who will be affected by its actions.
9. I will arrive at conclusions only after discussing all aspects of the issue at hand with my fellow Board members in meeting. I will respect the opinions of others, and abide by the principle of majority?rule.
10. I will recognize that authority rests only with the whole
Board assembled in public meeting, and will make no personal promises or take
any private action which may compromise the Board.
11. I will acknowledge that the Board represents the entire school community,
and will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interests
or partisan political groups. I will never use my position on the Board for
personal gain.
12. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to schools, which, if disclosed, might needlessly injure individuals or the schools.
13. I will insist that all school business transactions be open and ethical.
14. I will strive to appoint the best professional leader available when a vacancy exists in the chief administrative position.
15. I will strive to appoint the best trained technical and professional personnel available, upon recommendation by the appropriate administrative officer.
16. I will support and protect school personnel in the proper performance of their duties. I will strive to ensure that all personnel have not only the requisite responsibilities, but the necessary authority to perform effectively.
17. I will refer all complaints through the proper “chain of command” within the system, and will act on such complaints at public meetings only when administrative solutions fail.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
The United States Constitution leaves to the individual states the responsibility
for public education. The Constitution of the State of Connecticut requires
the Legislature to establish and maintain a system of free public schools
open to all children of the State. To carry out this mandate, the Legislature
has provided for a State Board of Education with broad powers for the general
supervision and control of the educational interests of the State.
The unit of local school management and control is the Board. State statutes designate the town as a school district and, thus, the geographical limits and boundaries of the town are also the territorial limits and boundaries of the East Windsor Public School District.
Legal Reference: United States Constitution, Tenth Amendment
Connecticut State Constitution, Art. VIII, Sec. 1
Connecticut General Statutes
10-1 et seq.i
10-240 et seq.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
The East Windsor school community shall strive to provide a quality education
in an environment that will allow a diverse body of students the opportunity
to learn and achieve to their maximum potential in order to succeed in a global
society.
Goal 1. Every learner shall be enmeshed in a positive educational setting
that expects academic success.
Goal 2. Every learner shall be encouraged to become an active, responsible citizen.
Goal 3. All learners shall develop an understanding of positive lifestyle decisions to enhance their quality of life.
Goal 4. Students, staff and the community shall be provided with a safe orderly school environment along with adequate resources to ensure the success of goals 1, 2 and 3.
3/27/02
Goals – Objectives Mission Statement MISSION STATEMENT OF THE EAST WINDSOR
BOARD OF EDUCATION
East Windsor Public Schools provide a climate that inspires the school community to achieve their full potential through continuous improvement, mutual trust and respect. A rigorous curriculum taught by outstanding educators motivates students to acquire fundamental, critical thinking, and problem solving skills necessary to become life-long learners and productive members of a global and diverse society. Goals of East Windsor Public Schools Goal 1 Every learner shall be enmeshed in a positive educational setting that expects continuous academic progress. Goal 2 Every learner shall be encouraged to become an active responsible citizen. Goal 3 Every learner shall develop an understanding of positive lifestyle decisions to enhance his/her quality of life. Goal 4 Students, staff and the community shall be provided with a safe, orderly school environment along with adequate resources to ensure success. Policy adopted: June 11, 2005 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS East Windsor, Connecticut
The East Windsor Board of Education strives to meet the following goals:
Goal I - School Climate
Students, staff and the community must work in a safe, orderly school environment which provides adequate resources to encourage maximum growth in each individual. The East Windsor School System will provide:
a. a safe environment;
b. quiet, orderly classrooms and buildings;
c. well-maintained facilities which are aesthetically pleasing;
d. adequate equipment and materials in order to keep abreast of modern techniques
and technology;
e. adequate staffing;
f. a comfortable environment;
g. a courteous environment that promotes learning;
h. a professional development program which promotes maximum growth of staff;
i. opportunity for community and school to communicate effectively.
Goal II - Academic Achievement
East Windsor students must have the opportunity to academically achieve the highest level of their potential to insure that each individual becomes a productive and responsible member of society. East Windsor students will:
a. learn to communicate effectively in speech and writing;
b. listen, view and read with understanding;
c. acquire knowledge of and ability in mathematics;
d. demonstrate skills necessary to locate and effectively use a variety of
sources of information, including printed materials, media, computers and
other technology;
e. demonstrate decision-making, reasoning and problem-solving skills alone
and in groups;
f. demonstrate good study skills and skills necessary for lifelong learning;
g. acquire the knowledge of science and technology, history, social sciences,
the creative and performing arts, literature and language;
h. acquire the knowledge necessary to use computers and other
future technologies for learning and problem solving;
i. acquire an understanding and appreciation of the values and the intellectual
and artistic achievements of their culture and other cultures;
j. take full advantage of opportunities to explore, develop and express their
own uniqueness and creativity;
k. demonstrate strong motivation and persistence to learn;
l. exhibit an inquisitive attitude, open-mindedness and curiosity;
m. learn to use basic skills in every day life;
n. upon completion of a secondary-level program demonstrate the skills, knowledge
and competence required for success in meaningful employment, and be qualified
to enter post-secondary education.
Goal III - Citizenship
Students must be provided the opportunity to develop their own character to become responsible citizens. East Windsor students will:
a. demonstrate the ability to undertake the responsibilities
of citizenship in their communities, state, nation and in the world;
b. demonstrate integrity; stand up for their beliefs about right and wrong;
be their best self; resist social pressure to do wrong;
c. understand how the U.S. government and economy function;
d. respect and appreciate diversity;
e. understand the inherent strengths in a pluralistic society;
f. recognize the necessity for moral and ethical conduct in society;
g. understand and respond to the vital need for order under law;
h. acquire the knowledge to live in harmony with the environment, and actively
practice conservation of natural resources;
i. respect the humanity they share with other people and live and work in
harmony with others;
j. acquire and apply an understanding and appreciation of the values and achievements
of their own culture and other cultures;
k. show understanding of international issues which affect life on our planet
and demonstrate skills needed to participate in a global society;
l. treat others as they would want to be treated;
m. control anger - use emotions as a positive activity.
Goal IV - Healthy Lifestyle
All East Windsor citizens must be provided with a lifetime of learning experiences that will promote positive qualities through involvement in school readiness, development of parenting skills and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, that will foster confidence and enthusiasm to meet one’s personal aspirations. East Windsor citizens will:
a. understand and apply the basic elements of proper nutrition,
avoidance of substance abuse, prevention and treatment of illness and management
of stress;
b. understand human growth and development, the functions of the body, human
sexuality and the lifelong value of physical fitness;
c. understand the responsibilities of family membership and parenthood;
d. develop self-understanding and a positive self-concept;
e. develop positive feelings of self-worth which contribute to self-reliance,
responsible behavior, personal growth, health and safety;
f. understand and develop personal goals and aspirations;
g. demonstrate an ability to make informed career choices;
h. be responsible in their actions and be prepared to take consequences.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
0300
Policies for East Windsor Public Schools
The Board of Education shall maintain a manual of policies as the base for
the governance of the school system. The policies must at all times be in
harmony with applicable laws.
All of the Board of Education's policies shall, in addition, have their sources in the Board-adopted Mission Statement (0100), Goals and Objectives (0200, 0210, 0220) pertaining both to student learning and school system operations.
The Board of Education views its policies as aids to decision making and will to the best of its abilities make all its actions consistent with those policies.
In compliance with regulations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964,
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, the Civil Rights Act of 1987 and the American With Disabilities
Act, the East Windsor Board of Education adopts the following Equal Employment
Opportunity and Equal Education Opportunity Policies.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Both federal and state law prohibit discriminatory practices in hiring and employment. It is the policy of the East Windsor Board of Education to prohibit acts of discrimination in all matters dealing with employees and applicants for positions with the school district and to further the principle of equal employment opportunity in all actions affecting employees and applicants. As an equal opportunity employer, the East Windsor Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation past or present history of mental disorder, mental retardation, learning disability, regarding any individual who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations physical disability (including blindness) or other disability (except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification or need.)
Equal Education Opportunity
Pursuant to the IDEA, Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, no otherwise qualified individual with handicaps shall, solely by reason of such handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program of the East Windsor Board of Education.
Every student has the right to participate fully in classroom instruction and extracurricular activities and shall not be abridged or impaired because of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, pregnancy, parenthood, marriage, or for any reason not related to his/her individual capabilities.
The Equity Coordinator for the East Windsor Board of Education have the responsibility to monitor the compliance of this policy. The location of the Equity Coordinator is set forth below. Further compliance with policy is a responsibility of all district administrators in accordance with the procedures set forth in the attached regulations.
Equity Coordinator
c/o East Windsor Public Schools
East Windsor, Connecticut 06088
(860) 623-3347
Students shall not be discriminated against, including but not limited to, in the areas of:
Admission
Use of School Facilities
Vocational Education
Competitive Athletics
Student Rules, Regulations and Benefits
Financial Assistance
School-sponsored Extracurricular Activities
Enrollment in Courses
Counseling and Guidance
Physical Education
Graduation Requirements
Treatment as a Married and/or Pregnant Student
Health Services
Most Other Aid, Benefits or Services
Employee/or applicants shall not be discriminated against, including but not limited to, the areas of:
Hiring and Promotion
Compensation
Job Assignments
Leaves of Absence
Fringe Benefits
Labor Organization
Contracts or Professional Agreements
Sexual harassment has been established as a form of sexual discrimination and is defined as follows:
"Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or participation in an educational function (2) submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting the 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 environment."
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in regard to either of the preceding policies, you may file a grievance that your rights have been denied or violated.
Nondiscrimination
Policy:
It is the policy of the East Windsor Board of Education to promote a productive workplace and learning environment and not to tolerate verbal or physical conduct by any student, teacher, administrator, or any individual that harasses, disrupts, or interferes with another’s ability to perform their work or education performance, or that interferes with another’s performance, or that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment.
Comment:
(1) Students, teachers, administrators, and other employees are expected to maintain a productive work and learning environment that is free from harassing or disruptive activity. No form of harassment will be tolerated, including harassment for the following reasons: race, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, or sexual orientation. Special attention will be paid to the prevention of sexual harassment.
(2) Each student, teacher, administrator, and other employee has a responsibility to keep the workplace and learning environment free from any form of harassment, and in particular, sexual harassment. As example, this conduct includes but is not limited to:
(a) Unwanted physical contact or conduct of any kind, including sexual flirtations, touching, advances, or propositions;
(b) Verbal harassment of a sexual nature, such as lewd comments, sexual jokes or references, and offensive personal references;
(c) Demeaning, insulting, intimidating, or sexually suggestive comments about an individual’s personal appearance;
(d) The display in any school facility or grounds of demeaning, insulting, intimidating or sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or photographs;
(e) Demeaning, insulting, intimidating, or sexually suggestive
written, recorded, or electronically transmitted messages.
Any display of the above conduct, or other offensive conduct, directed at individuals because of their race, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, or sexual orientation is also prohibited.
If you wish to discuss these regulations or your rights under this policy, or wish to discuss or file a grievance, please contact our system’s Equity Coordinator, or an administrator.
Forms are available in our Guidance Office or from our Equity Coordinator. Contact with the Equity Coordinator should take place within twenty (20) calendar days of the alleged occurrence.
Discrimination Grievance Procedure
Any person who wishes to inquire or to register a complaint concerning alleged discrimination in the East Windsor Public Schools shall have an opportunity to bring such concerns to the attention of the Equity Officer or Superintendent, who has the authority to resolve such complaints. The following grievance procedure shall be utilized by any student, parent or employee in making a complaint or inquiry. Officials shall be governed by this procedure.
A. Purpose
1. Should any student, teacher, administrator, or other employee of the East Windsor Public Schools feel that his/her rights were violated under any of the legal references listed at the end of Board Policy 0521, the following procedures should be followed. It is the purpose of this procedure to secure, at the lowest possible administrative level, equitable solutions to problems which may arise.
B. Definitions
1. “Grievance” shall mean a dispute between an employee, prospective employee, student or parent and the Board or administration over the interpretation or application of a specific provision of the above listed articles based upon an event or condition which affects the employee, prospective employee, student or parent.
2. “Party of Interest” shall mean the aggrieved person or persons and the Board of Education or their designated representative as provided herein.
3. “Days” shall mean days when school is in session.
C. Time Limits
1. The number of days indicated at each step shall be considered as a maximum. The time limit specified may, however, be extended by written agreement of the parties in interest.
2. If the aggrieved person does not file a grievance in writing within twenty (20) days after the person knew, or should have known, of the act or condition on which the grievance is based, than the grievance shall be considered to have been waived.
3. Failure by the aggrieved person at any level to appeal a grievance to the next level within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be acceptance of the decision rendered at that level.
4. Failure by the administrator involved to render a decision within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be a denial of the grievance submitted.
D. Informal Procedure
If a person feels that he/she may have a grievance, he/she will first discuss the matter with the appropriate administrator in an effort to resolve the problem informally.
E. Formal Procedure
1. Level One
a. If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the outcome of the informal procedures, the person shall submit such a claim as a written grievance to Equity Coordinator, c/o East Windsor Public Schools, East Windsor, CT 06088 (860-623-3347). The written statement of the grievance shall contain a statement of the facts, the remedy requested and reference to the provision of Equity guidelines which the person claims has been violated.
b. The Equity Coordinator shall, within five (5) days after receipt of the written grievance, render a decision and the reason therefore in writing to the aggrieved person.
2. Level Two - Superintendent of Schools
a. If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the disposition of such grievance at Level One, the person shall, within three (3) days after the formal presentation, file such written grievance with the Superintendent of Schools.
b. The Superintendent or designee, shall within ten (10) days after receipt of the referral, meet with the aggrieved person for the purpose of resolving the grievance. A full and accurate record of such hearing shall be kept by the Superintendent and made available to any parties in interest upon written request.
c. The Superintendent shall, within five (5) days after the hearing, render a decision and the reasons in writing to the aggrieved person.
3. Level Three - Board of Education
a. If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the disposition of such grievance at Level Two, the person shall, within three (3) days after the decision, or within five days after the final hearing, file the grievance with the Board of Education.
b. The Board of Education shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of the appeal, meet with the aggrieved person for the purpose of resolving the grievance. A full and accurate record of such hearing shall be kept by the Superintendent and made available to any parties in interest upon written request.
c. The Board shall, within five (5) days after such meeting render its decision and the reason therefore in writing to the aggrieved person.
4. Level Four - Appeal
If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the disposition
of the grievance, the person may appeal to the Office of Civil Rights, US.
Department of Health, Education and Welfare, John W. McCormack Post Office
and Courthouse, Room # 222, Post Office Sq., Boston, MA 02109
F. Rights of Persons to Representation
1. Either party or any member of the administration against any participant shall take no reprisal of any kind.
2. A person of his/her own choosing may represent any party in interest at any level of the formal grievance procedure.
3. All documents, communications and records dealing with processing of a grievance shall be filed separately from the personnel file of the participants.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-153 Discrimination on account of marital status.
46a-60 Discriminatory employment practices prohibited.
Federal Law
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964
Section 504 and the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 20 U.S.C. 706(7)(b).
American Disability Act of 1989.
Chalk v. The United States District Court of Central California.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Civil Rights Act of 1987.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
0521
Appendix
EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
EAST WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT
Discrimination Grievance Form
Any student, parent/guardian, employee or employment applicant who feels that he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or handicap may discuss and/or file a grievance with the Equity Coordinator of the East Windsor Public Schools. Reporting must take place within 20 calendar days of the alleged discrimination.
Name of Presenter/Complainant: _____________________________________________________
Employee ________ Employment Applicant _________Student _______Parent/Guardian _______
Home address ____________________________________________________________________
Phone _______________ Date of Claim ________________ Date of Incident _________________
1. Statement of Incident/Issue (include all pertinent information: who, how, where, when, how often, feelings, witness).
2. Please attach any additional information/documentation as necessary.
Signature of Presenter: _____________________________________________________________
Signature of Civil Rights Coordinator: _________________________________________________
Date Received: ____________________
Forms are available from the Equity Coordinator,
Administrators or Guidance Offices.