BLUE SPRINGS RIV SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board of Education Policies
2024-25
The following policies have been adopted by the Blue Springs R-IV Board of Education. Please read this document carefully with the understanding that these are the behavioral guidelines for our schools.
Not all policies are listed or fully stated in the student handbook. The complete and updated Board of
Education policies are available at the District website.
2.7 Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation Prohibited (February, 2023)
The District is committed to providing equal opportunity in all areas of admission, recruiting, hiring, retention, promotion, contracted services, and access to programs, services, activities, and facilities. The District further commits itself to the policy that there shall be no unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against any person because of race, color, religion, disability, age, sex, gender, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. The District also prohibits retaliatory action, harassment, or discrimination against individuals who make complaints of, report, or otherwise participate in the investigation of any such unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Persons who believe that they have been discriminated, harassed, and/or retaliated against in violation of this policy or any other district policy should report the alleged discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation to the appropriate district compliance coordinator as identified in this policy below. All complaints of violation of this policy will be promptly investigated by the District, and appropriate action will be taken.
For purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall apply:
Discrimination: Adverse conduct directed at an individual or group based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. The encouragement, cooperation, coercing, or support of adverse conduct that is based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic that is protected by law is discrimination.
Harassment: Harassment is conduct, including but not limited to, intimidation, ridicule or insult, toward an individual or group because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic that is protected by law and is so severe or pervasive that it:
1) Affects an individual’s ability to work in, participate in, or benefit from an educational program or activity; and
2) Creates an intimidating, threating, abusive hostile or offensive environment; or
3) Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably altering the work or educational environment.
Retaliation: Adverse conduct including, but not limited to, conduct of a coercive, intimidating, threatening, discriminatory, or harassing nature because of an individual’s good faith complaint, participation in the investigation, testifying, or resolution of discriminatory or harassing conduct based on an individual’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic that is protected by law.
Compliance Coordinators
To ensure that these obligations are met, the board designates the following individual to act as the district’s non-discrimination laws compliance coordinators, who shall also be the appointee for all laws specifically mandating such an appointment:
Title IX Complaints:
Director of Compliance
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816)874-3200
title9@bssd.net
Harassment, Discrimination, or Retaliation Complaints:
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816)874-3200
Student Disability Related Inquiries:
Assistant Superintendent of Special Services
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Facility Related Inquiries:
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Reporting and Complaint
Any employee of the district or member of the board of education who becomes apprised of a possible violation of this policy must report the matter to the appropriate compliance coordinator and/or building principal. Students must report any matter of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to the building principal. In the event the building principal is the subject of the report, reports should instead be directed to the appropriate compliance coordinator who will assume the building principal’s duties for the purpose of that complaint.
Grievance Procedure and Resolution of Complaints
The administration will establish an effective grievance
procedure and take any other actions necessary to carry out this policy, with due regard for the substantive and procedural rights of all parties concerned.
Confidentiality and Records
To the extent permitted by law and in accordance with board policy, the district will keep confidential the identity of the person filing a grievance and any grievance or other document that is generated or received pertaining to grievances. Information may be disclosed if necessary to further the investigation, appeal, or resolution of a grievance, or if necessary to carry out interim or disciplinary measures. The district will disclose information to the district's attorney, law enforcement, the CD and others when necessary to enforce this policy or when required by law. In implementing this policy, the district will comply with state and federal laws regarding the confidentiality of student and employee records. Information regarding any resulting employee or student disciplinary action will be maintained and released in the same manner as any other disciplinary record. The district will keep any documentation created in investigating the complaint including, but not limited to, documentation considered when making any conclusions, in accordance with the Missouri Secretary of State's retention manuals and as advised by the district's attorney.
Public Notice and Dissemination
A copy of this policy will be posted in a public area of each building used for instruction and/or administrative offices. A copy of this policy will also be distributed annually to employees, parents or guardians, and students. The administration is directed to further publicize this policy and provide for such training or instruction as necessary to ensure district wide compliance with anti-discrimination laws, including instruction in recognizing behavior indicative of a violation of this policy.
2.10 Discrimination Grievance Procedures (February, 2023)
The following policies and procedures are established in order to assist in the fair, prompt, and equitable resolution of student, parent/legal guardian, or employee discrimination or harassment grievances. A grievance hereunder is a claim by a student, parent/legal guardian, or employee that a violation of Title VI (race, color or nation origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), Title II of the Americans with Disability Act (disabilities), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Boy Scouts Act or their regulations, has occurred in the programs, activities or facilities of the District. Whenever a grievance occurs, the following procedure will be followed and every effort will be made to secure an appropriate resolution as early as possible.
(1) As used herein, the term "grievant" means the individual student, parent/legal guardian, or
employee filing a grievance under this policy and includes both the complainant and the accused; the term "days" shall mean days when school is in session except that when a grievance is filed on or after May 16, "days" shall refer to Mondays through Fridays, excepting legal holidays.
(2) At each step of the grievance process, the grievant shall be entitled to identify witnesses and present other relevant information. The District will take necessary steps to correct any conduct which was proven to be discriminatory or harassing and the effects caused by the conduct and to prevent recurrence.
(3) If a formal complaint under Title IX is received, the additional requirements of 34 CFR Section 106.45 shall be followed, are incorporated in this grievance procedure, and are controlling if there is a conflict between the federal regulations and this policy.
(4) The inclusion of time limits in this policy is for the purpose of insuring prompt action. However, a specified time limit may be extended by mutual agreement or as determined by the investigating officer in the presence of extenuating circumstances. Any grievance or appeal not filed within the time limits set forth in this policy, unless there is a mutually agreed extension of time, shall be deemed denied.
Procedures
Level One
A grievant may, within ten (10) days after the occurrence of the event which is the subject of the grievance, make an appointment with and discuss the matter with the appropriate principal. The name and contact information for the principal is located on the district website. Every effort will be made to resolve the grievance informally at this level. The principal shall conduct any necessary investigation. The principal shall notify the grievant of the outcome of the investigation within ten (10) working days after the initial discussion. While the grievant is encouraged to use the informal process,
Level One is optional and may be bypassed by the grievant.
Level Two
In the event the grievant proceeds with Level One and is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level One, the grievant shall reduce the grievance to writing, sign it, and submit it to the appropriate compliance coordinator within ten (10) days after receiving the response at Level One. See Board Policy 2.7 for the identity of the appropriate compliance coordinator.
If the grievant does not pursue the grievance through Level One, the grievant shall, within ten (10) days of the occurrence of the event which is the subject of the grievance, reduce the grievance to writing, sign it, and submit it to the appropriate compliance coordinator. See Board Policy 2.7 for the identity of the appropriate compliance coordinator.
A written grievance shall contain a detailed description of the factual circumstances upon which the grievance is based and an explanation of how such facts result in discrimination. The compliance coordinator may designate another appropriate administrator to conduct any necessary investigation. The compliance coordinator or the compliance coordinator’s designee will issue a written response to the grievant no later than thirty (30) working days after receipt of the written grievance.
Level Three
In the event the grievant is not satisfied with the Level Two resolution, within five (5) days after receiving the response, the grievant may submit an appeal to the superintendent. The superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will meet with the grievant, conduct an additional investigation if necessary, and respond in writing to the grievant within ten (10) days of the receipt of the appeal on the grievance. If the superintendent is the subject of the grievance, an appeal of the compliance coordinator’s decision may be made to the Board of education as outlined in Level Four.
Level Four
Within five (5) days after receiving the Level Three decision, the grievant may appeal the superintendent’s decision to the Board by notifying the Board secretary in writing. The grievant shall provide the original grievance, responses and appeals from previous levels, supporting documents, exhibits, any relevant new information, and a list of potential witnesses and/or their statements to the board members for their consideration. If the written grievance, as submitted, provides all the relevant information to render a decision, the board may decide the grievance without a formal hearing.
If the Board decides to hear the grievance, it will occur in closed executive session. The board may place the appeal on the agenda of the earliest practical closed executive meeting of the board following receipt of the grievance. The Board shall hear evidence from the grievant. The Board will consider all relevant evidence presented in connection with the grievance and may request individuals to testify before the Board. Within thirty (30) days after the hearing of the grievance, the Board of Education shall determine what action, if any, should be taken to resolve the grievance. The decision of the Board of Education shall be final and the grievant shall be informed of the decision in writing.
Rev. 4/12, 11/18, 02/23
2.8 Sexual Harassment (February, 2023)
The Blue Springs School District is committed to a positive and productive working and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. Because sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination and compromises the attainment of education and work excellence, the Blue Springs School District strictly prohibits sexual harassment of its employees or students. Such behavior may occur between members of the same or opposite sex.
This policy applies to all acts of sexual harassment at any event on district property, and at any event or location when the behavior involves district employee(s) or students, including but not limited to: (a) those acts by school district employee(s) directed toward and affecting other district employee(s), (b) those acts by school district employee(s) directed toward and affecting district student(s), (c) those acts by school district students(s) toward other student(s), (d) those acts by district student(s) directed toward and affecting district employee(s), and (e) those acts by non-district employees or students directed toward district employees or students.
Definitions of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is generally defined as any unwelcome sexual advance(s), request for favors and/or other verbal, physical and/or visual contact of a sexual nature when:
1. submission is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education;
2. submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s employment or education; or
3. the conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment or education, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or educational environment.
Definitions of a Hostile Environment
Any “intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or educational environment” means an environment in which:
1. Unwelcome sexually-oriented jokes, innuendoes, obscenities, pictures/posters, leering, or any action with sexual connotation makes a student or employee feel uncomfortable, or
2. Any aggressive, harassing behavior in the work place or school that affects working or learning, whether or not sexual in connotation, and is directed toward an individual because of their sex.
3. Any action with sexual connotation which makes a student or employee feel uncomfortable.
4. Any behavior that adversely affects work or learning that is directed toward an individual because of their sex.
Sexual Harassment Includes, But is Not Limited To
Persistent request for dates or other social activity when such requests are refused.
Grabbing, touching or brushing another person when that person verbally or physically objects, or grabbing, touching, or brushing another who may not be mature enough to voice objection to the harasser, when the conduct is directed toward an individual because of their sex.
Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, or posters where others may see them.
Circulating sexually suggestive letters, electronic messages, notes, or other such written material.
Offering or implying special treatment in employment or school, in hope of, or in exchange for sexual favors.
Physical conduct such as pushing, impeding or blocking movement because of the sex of the victim.
Hazing, or daring to perform unsafe work or learning tasks because of the sex of the victim.
Unwelcome, persistent leering or staring at another person because of their sex.
Making lewd or offensive sexually oriented comments or suggestions.
Uninvited and repeated sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions.
Uninvited and repeated comments of a sexual nature.
The effect of the behavior on the victim regardless of the intent of the accused, determines whether or not harassment has occurred.
Prevention of Sexual Harassment
It is the practice of the district to provide annual in-service education and/or training about sexual harassment for employees and students.
Students Reporting Incidents of Sexual Harassment
Students who believe they have been or are being sexually harassed should immediately contact a teacher, counselor, or other school employee, their principal, or the district Title IX coordinator. The district staff member receiving the report of sexual harassment shall immediately notify the appropriate individual/coordinator or commence an inquiry, if appropriate, under board of education policy.
Employees
Employees who believe they have been or are being sexually harassed should inform the individual that his/her behavior is unwelcome, offensive or inappropriate. Should the behavior continue, the employee should report the incident(s) to their immediate supervisor, or the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
Any person who receives a report of sexual harassment or witnesses sexual harassment behavior being inflicted upon another must report it to their immediate supervisor, or the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
Prohibition Against Retaliation
The district strictly prohibits retaliation against any employee or student because he or she has made a report of alleged sexual harassment, or against any employee or student who has testified, assisted, or participated in the investigation of a report. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of reprisal or adverse action. Retaliation is itself a violation of federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and may lead to separate disciplinary action against the offender.
Violation
Employees who violate this policy will be disciplined, up to and including employment termination. Students who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with board policy 5.64 which includes possible expulsion.
Confidentiality
A report of sexual harassment and the investigation are to be disclosed in accordance with this policy, or the Title IX grievance policy.
Rev. 12/99, 4/04, 10/07, 02/23
2.9 Sexual Harassment Under Title IX (February, 2023)
Harassment Prohibited
The district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities, including employment and admissions, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), as amended. Sexual harassment under Title IX is conduct on the basis of sex within the scope of the district's education programs or activities that satisfies one or more of the following:
1. An employee of the district conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit or service of the district on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the district's education program or activity; or
3. "Sexual assault" as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), "dating violence" as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), "domestic violence" as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8) or "stalking" as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).
Retaliation Prohibited
No person employed by or associated with the district will intimidate, threaten, coerce or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing under Title IX. Intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination constitutes retaliation. Complaints alleging retaliation must be filed with the Title IX coordinator.
Title IX Coordinator
The district Title IX Coordinator shall have the responsibility to coordinate district efforts to receive and respond to complaints in accordance with Title IX, as amended, and regulations related to Title IX. The District’s Title IX Coordinator is:
Title IX Complaints:
Director of Compliance
1801 NW Vesper Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
Phone:(816) 874-3200
Fax: (816) 224-1764
Email: title9@bssd.net
The Coordinator’s responsibility shall also include compliance with all requirements of the law or regulations including training of staff as required by 34 CFR Section 106.45, public notice, and record keeping.
Complaints of Sexual Harassment under Title IX
Any person who believes they have been or are being sexually harassed should immediately report to the Title IX coordinator or by any other means which will result in the Title IX coordinator receiving the complaint such as reporting the sexual harassment to a building principal. Any person who receives a report of sexual harassment or retaliation or witnesses sexual harassment or retaliation occurring shall report it to the Title IX coordinator. In the event the Title IX coordinator is unavailable or is the respondent to a complaint, reports should instead be directed to the Assistant Superintendent for Administration.
Response to Complaints
Upon being notified of a complaint, the Title IX Coordinator must promptly contact the complainant to discuss the availability of supportive measures as provided for in Title IX, consider the complainant's wishes with respect to supportive measures, inform the complainant of the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a formal complaint, and explain to the complainant the process for filing a formal complaint. A recipient's response must treat complainants and respondents equitably by offering supportive measures as defined in 34 C.F.R. Section 106.30.
If the person makes a formal complaint by notifying the Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, or by electronic mail, by using the contact information for the Title IX Coordinator of the complaint and requesting an investigation, the Coordinator must follow the grievance process in 34 C.F.R. Section 106.45. The grievance process must be followed before the imposition of any disciplinary sanctions or other actions that are not considered supportive measures against the respondent. At any time prior to reaching a determination regarding responsibility, the Coordinator may facilitate an informal resolution process, such as mediation, that does not involve a full investigation and adjudication as provided for in Section 106.45.
Once a formal complaint is lodged with the Title IX Coordinator and deemed appropriate for investigation under Title IX, the complaint will be assigned to an unbiased investigator. The investigator shall follow the investigatory procedure established by 34 C.F.R. Section 106.45 and submit an investigative report to the decision-maker. The decision-maker will make a determination on the matter and issue a written decision based upon clear and convincing evidence.
The range of disciplinary sanctions and remedies may include, but may not be limited to, supportive measures, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, expulsion for students, and/or termination for employees. Complainants and respondents shall be treated equitably by providing remedies to a complainant where a determination of responsibility for sexual harassment has been made. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for the effective implementation of any remedies. If the investigation results in a recommendation that a student be suspended or expelled, procedures outlined in board policy and Missouri law governing student suspension and expulsion will be followed. If the investigation results in a recommendation that an employee be suspended without pay or terminated, procedures outlined in board policy and/or state law will be followed.
Confidentiality and Record Keeping
Except as required by law, as permitted by the FERPA statute or regulations or to carry out the purposes of Title IX, including the conduct of any investigation, hearing or judicial proceeding arising thereunder, the district will keep confidential the identity of any individual who has made a report or complaint of sex discrimination. The district shall maintain records of Title IX complaints as required by Section 106.45.
2.17 Civility (February, 2023)
The board of education is committed to providing a safe, harassment-free environment for students and staff, which promotes mutual respect, civility and orderly conduct among district employees, parents and the public. The district prohibits uncivil behavior. This policy is not intended to deprive any person of his or her freedom of expression, but rather to maintain a safe, orderly educational environment for our students and staff.
Uncivil behavior shall be defined as any behavior that is (1) physically or verbally threatening, either overtly or implicitly, as well as behavior that is aggressive, hostile, volatile, coercive, intimidating, violent, harassing or bullying, and (2) directed toward employees, students, parents, patrons, visitors or anyone having business with the district, on or off district property. Examples of uncivil behavior include, but are not limited to, the use of profanity, disrupting or threatening to disrupt school or office operations, threatening the health or safety of others, willfully causing property damage, loud or offensive language that might provoke a violent reaction, personally insulting remarks, attacks regarding a person’s race, gender, nationality, religion, disabling condition or any other personal characteristic, or behavior that is out of control. Uncivil behavior may be verbal or nonverbal and can occur during face-to-face or written communications, telephone conversations, voice mail messages and any other electronic means or medium of communication.
If any individual engages in uncivil behavior, the district employee may notify the individual that the meeting and/or communication is terminated. If the uncivil behavior occurs on school district property or during a school district activity, the district employee may direct the individual to leave promptly. The district employee will notify their supervisor as soon as possible about the incident. The supervisor shall make a determination on the method of any future communication which may include advising the individual that they are not allowed on school district property and/or at school district activities until further notice and that any future communication be directed only to the supervisor. In addition, the superintendent or designee shall be notified of the incident and may inform the individual that he or she is not allowed on district property or at district events indefinitely or for a specific period of time. If an individual violates this policy for a second time or more, the superintendent or designee may impose a permanent prohibition on the individual being at district events or on district property. If the individual refuses to comply with the district notice that they are not allowed to come on school property, the district will notify law enforcement and file a report charging the individual with trespass. Rev. 9/01, 2/06, 12/13, 02/23
5.1.14 Student Immunization (September 2013)
Students not in compliance for immunizations with Missouri statutes and rules (RSMo 167.181) and the Blue Springs School District policies relating to students (Section 5:5.14) will not be allowed to enroll, pick up their schedules, or attend school. Proper immunization records or documentation for exemption must be presented. Students whose immunizations are “in progress” may continue to attend school as long as the immunization process is being accomplished in the prescribed manner. Forms for exemptions are available at the Jackson County Health Department and/or physician’s offices. Immunization records and/or exemptions are maintained in the student’s school health record.
Students who are in the household of an active-duty member of the military and who cannot provide immediate proof of immunization will be given 30 days to satisfy the requirements of law. (RSMo 160.2000)
Homeless students have the right to enroll immediately even if lacking medical or immunization records. The enrolling school and the homeless liaison should work together to get immunization records as soon as possible. If a student has not been immunized, initial doses should be administered as soon as possible. Rev. 5/97, 9/13, 7/16
5.14 Technology Resources (October 2001)
Please refer to District website for technology resources policy. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration
5.14.1 Student Access to Technology Resources (September 2003)
Student access to and use of technology resources shall be in accordance with district policy and procedures. Student access and use will be monitored. The district will provide filtering devices to screen objectionable and obscene materials. Even though filtering devices are used, it should be understood that students may encounter such materials. The district will include education for students in ap-propriate online behavior as a part of the curriculum.
Student use of technology resources may be permitted upon submission of the Acceptable Use and Procedures form signed by parents of minor students (under 18 years of age) and by students. See Appendix 5(20) and/or Appendix 5(22)
5.14.2 Student Issued Devices (August, 2020)
As a part of the board of education’s commitment to excellence in education, the district will issue a district-owned device to students who are in designated grade levels and actively attending classes in person or virtually. The devices are issued for the individual student’s use only and only for educational purposes. The student’s use shall be governed by board policies as revised, amended or newly adopted, including but not limited to, Policy 5.14, Technology Resources; Policy 5.14.1, Student Access to Technology Resources; Appendix 5(13) or 5(14), pages 1-2, Standard of Student Conduct as signed by parent/student; Appendix 5(20) pages 1-4, Student Technology Resources Acceptable Use and Procedures; Technology User Agreement, Student Issued Devices; Student/Parent Handbook; and any applicable laws or regulations. The device is at all times the property of the district so that there is no expectation of privacy regarding student use. The student’s use will be filtered and logged and subject to review by district personnel. Rev. 9/2018, 8/2020
5.18 Nondiscrimination (June, 2016)
Anti-Discrimination Law Compliance
The board of education is prohibited from and hereby declares a policy against, engaging in unlawful discrimination, including harassment, creating a hostile environment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Prohibitions
As part of this obligation, the board is also prohibited from, and declares a policy against:
(1) Retaliatory actions based on making complaints of prohibited discrimination or participation in an
investigation, formal proceeding or informal resolution concerning prohibited discrimination;
(2) Aiding, abetting, inciting, compelling or coercing discrimination; and
(3) Discrimination against any person because of such person’s association with a person protected from discrimination due to one or more of the above-stated characteristics.
Compliance Coordinators
To ensure that these obligations are met, the board designates the following individual to act as the district’s nondiscrimination laws compliance coordinators, who shall also be the appointee for all laws specifically mandating such an appointment:
Staff Related Inquiries, including Title IX:
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Fax (816) 224-1764
Student Related Inquiries, including Title IX:
Assistant Superintendent of Administration
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Fax (816) 224-1425
Student Disability Related Inquiries:
Assistant Superintendent of Special Services
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Fax (816) 228-1056
Facility Related Inquiries:
Director of Buildings and Grounds
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Fax (816) 228-4818
Reporting and Complaint
Any employee of the district or member of the board of education who becomes apprised of a possible violation of this policy must report the matter to the appropriate compliance coordinator and/or building principal. Students must report any matter of alleged discrimination to the building principal. In the event the building principal is the subject of the report, reports should instead be directed to the appropriate compliance coordinator who will assume the building principal’s duties for the purpose of that complaint.
Grievance Procedure and Resolution of Complaints
The administration will establish an effective grievance procedure and take any other actions necessary to carry out this policy, with due regard for the substantive and procedural rights of all parties concerned.
Confidentiality and Records
To the extent permitted by law, any public record held by this school district that is generated or received pursuant to this policy shall be closed and available only to the board acting as a quorum, a committee appointed by the board to carry out this policy on a permanent or ad hoc basis, the compliance coordinators and other administrators whose duties require access to the record in order to carry out this policy. Such persons may share access, on an individual basis, to such records with complainants or participants in a grievance or other resolution, only to the extent such disclosure promotes the purposes of this policy and is not prohibited by FERPA or any other law. Certain other limited disclosures may be required when material in the records is integral to an action affecting a constitutionally recognized property or liberty interest.
Public Notice and Dissemination
A copy of this policy will be posted in a public area of each building used for instruction and/or administrative offices. A copy of this policy will also be distributed annually to employees, parents or guardians, and students. The administration is directed to further publicize this policy and provide for such training or instruction as necessary to ensure district wide compliance with anti-discrimination laws, including instruction in recognizing behavior indicative of a violation of this policy. Rev. 12/01, 12/10, 6/16
5.34.5 Classification of Records (March, 2021)
Please refer to the District website for the classification of records policy BP 5.34.5. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration
5.35 Collection of Information (December 2009)
Generally, the district will not collect, disclose, or use personal student information for the purpose of marketing or for selling that information or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose. In any case where the district may collect student information to disclose or use that information for marketing or selling purposes, the parent of a student (parent includes a legal guardian and other person standing in loco parentis such as a grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives, or a person who is legally responsible for the welfare of the child) shall have the right to inspect, upon request, any instrument used in the collection of personal information before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student. A parent should notify the building principal at least three business days before the instrument is administered of their request to inspect. This paragraph does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following: (a) college or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment; (b) book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products; (c) curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary schools and secondary schools; (d) tests and assessments used by elementary schools and secondary schools to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students (or to generate other statistically useful data for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments) and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments; (e) the sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities; and (f) student recognition programs.
5.35.1 Physical Screenings or Examinations (December 2009)
In general, the district will not conduct physical examinations of a student without parental consent unless the health or safety of the student or others is in question or unless by court order. Parents will be notified in advance when any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening administered by the district will be conducted that is required as a condition of attendance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student or other students. The term “invasive physical examination” means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening. The district will conduct physical examinations or screenings permitted or required by state law which would include, but not be limited to, vision, hearing, dental, scoliosis, and lice. Parents shall have the right to opt out of any physical examinations or screenings permitted or required by state law.
5.35 Consent (December 2009)
In accordance with the law, no student shall be required, as part of any applicable program partially or wholly funded by the U.S. Department of Education, to submit to a survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals any of the following information without the prior consent of the student (if the student is an adult or emancipated minor) of, in the case of an unemancipated minor, without the prior consent of the parent: (a) political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; (b) mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family; (c) sex behavior or attitudes; (d) illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; (e) critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; (f) legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; (g) religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or (h) income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program). The district will take measures to protect the identification and privacy of the students participating in a protected information survey, regardless of the source of funding. These measures may include limiting access to the completed surveys and the survey results as allowed by law.
5.35 Right to Inspect (December 2009)
A parent may inspect, upon request, all instructional materials, including teacher’s manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any applicable educational program. Instructional material does not include academic tests or academic assessments. A parent shall also have the right to inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed by a school to a student. A parent should notify the building principal at least three business days before the survey is administered of their request to inspect.
5.35 Notice and opt Out (December 2009)
In accordance with the law, parents will receive prior notice and an opportunity to opt out of any of the following: (a) activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or for selling that information (or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose); (b) the administration of any survey containing one or more items described in clauses (a) through (h) of Section
5.35.3, above; and (c) any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance, and is not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, or of other students.
5.47 MOCAP Virtual Instruction (January, 2023)
Virtual instruction courses may be available to full-time enrolled students, including virtual courses offered through the Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP). Students enrolling with a non-hosted virtual education provider (not hosted by another Missouri Local Education Agency (LEA) or institution of higher learning) must apply for courses using the district process and will remain enrolled as students of the district even after placement in virtual courses. Students enrolling with a virtual program provider sponsored by another Missouri Local Education Agency (LEA) or institution of higher education (hosted provider) must meet residency requirements in the district before enrolling with the hosted provider. Students enrolling in full-time virtual courses with a hosted provider will be unenrolled from the district once acceptance by the hosted provider occurs. Students returning to the district from enrollment with a hosted or non-hosted provider will not be allowed to return to that same virtual provider for the remainder of the current school year.
To be considered eligible to enroll in virtual instruction, a student must be enrolled full-time in the district. A district counselor must approve in advance the course as academically acceptable based on district course and graduation requirements. Counselor course consideration will also be based upon the appropriateness of the course for the student, which shall include consideration of the student’s prior participation in virtual courses. Virtual course approval shall be consistent with the determination that is made for such a course request by a district student enrolling in a similar course offered in-person by the district.
If the district disapproves a student’s request to enroll in a course or courses provided by MOCAP or another virtual provider, the reason shall be provided in writing, and it shall be for good cause. Good cause shall be a determination that doing so is not in the best educational interest of the student and shall be consistent with the determination that would be made for such course request regarding a similar in-person course offered by the district. As stated above, the determination of course appropriateness may be based upon the student’s prior participation in virtual courses. If a student’s request for placement in a virtual course is denied, that decision may first be appealed to the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, then to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee.
For students enrolled with non-hosted providers to receive credit for a virtual instruction class, the student must remain enrolled in the district throughout the course and must complete all required assessments which include, but is not limited to, MAP testing, End-of-Course testing, college or career assessments before credit is earned. All grades and credits earned through a non-hosted provider will be accepted as if earned within the district. Rev. 1/19, 12/20, 1/23
5.5 Admission and Attendance Regulations
Please refer to bssd.net website for admission and attendance regulations policy. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration.
5.51.4 Proof of Residency and Required Admission and Enrollment Information
Please refer to bssd.net website for residency and required admission and enrollment policy. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration.
5.53 Individual School Attendance Eligibility
Please refer to bssd.net website for individual school attendance eligibility policy. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration.
5.6 Student Discipline Please refer to the District website for the student discipline policies. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration
5.61 Policy Goals and Definitions (May 2024
1. The adoption of the foregoing Policy of Student Discipline shall revoke and replace Section 5.6 "Discipline" of the Policies of the board of education.
2. It is the position of the Blue Springs School District that academic achievement and student discipline are very closely related. The district's goal is to establish a standard of conduct which, when obeyed, shall maintain an atmosphere where orderly learning is possible and encouraged. The ultimate goal of the district policy is to help students develop self-discipline. Therefore, pursuant to the Excellence in Education Act of 1985 and the Safe Schools Act of 1996, it is with these goals in mind that the district adopts this Policy of Student Discipline.
3. While this district policy is designed to comply with Section 5.2 of the Excellence in Education Act of 1985 and the Safe Schools Act of 1996 of a student's failure to obey the standard of conduct established by the board, it is impossible to conceive or list every action which would warrant disciplinary consequences; nevertheless, this policy specifically identifies those major violations which could lead to a student's suspension or expulsion. Minor behavior disruptions which might arise are not outside the scope of this policy; however, the consequences for such minor disruptive behavior shall be administered by the building principal or other district personnel responsible for the supervision of the disruptive student in accordance with the Student Information and Policies Guide found in the Student Handbook.
4. In addition to establishing a standard of conduct and identifying the consequences for major deviations from that standard, this policy also establishes certain procedural rights guaranteed to the student prior to their disciplinary suspension or expulsion as required by Section 167.171 RSMo, Missouri's Administrative Procedures and Review Act, the Excellence in Education Act of 1985 and various applicable case law standards.
5. Teachers and other authorized district personnel responsible for the care, supervision and discipline of students, shall not be civilly liable when acting in conformity with this policy.
6. A written copy of this district policy shall be available for public inspection in the Office of the Superintendent at 1801 NW Vesper Street in Blue Springs during normal business hours.
7. Definitions: For purposes of this policy the following words shall include the meanings set forth:
a. Board: Shall mean generally the duly elected Blue Springs R-IV School District Board and include any committee of board members appointed by the president of the board, which shall have full authority to act under this policy in lieu of the board.
b. Superintendent: Shall mean generally the administrative head of the R-IV School District and include for purposes of this policy any designee appointed by the superintendent to administer student discipline.
c. Notices: All notices, where writing is required, shall be sent jointly to the student and their parent(s) or others having custodial care of the student in accordance with information, designations and addresses provided and found in the latest school records.
d. Violation: In policy 5.64, Violative 5-47 5.6 (continued) Conduct & Its Consequences "consequences" are defined according to first violation and subsequent consequences with consideration of the severity up to possible expulsion. Consequences may be extended through the summer and completed during the fall of the succeeding year.
e. The Board of Education directs the superintendent or designee to compile and maintain records of any serious violation of the district’s discipline policy for each student enrolled in the district. Such records shall be made available to all district employees with a need to know and shall be provided to any school district in which the student subsequently attempts to enroll within five business days of receiving the request, in accordance with state law. If a student is placed in another school by the Children’s Division, the records will be transferred to the new school within two business days after notification by the CD. Personally identifiable student records will only be released or destroyed in accordance with state and federal law.
5.62 Standard of Student Conduct ( (May, 2024)
Students, parents, teachers, administrators and community residents share the responsibility for creating the positive school environment necessary to promote excellence in education. Individual student self-control and motivation is a primary key to creating that environment. Therefore, the standard of student conduct for the Blue Springs R-IV School District is that each student will act to respectably further his or her education, and no student will interfere with the education, welfare or property of another.
A Standard of Conduct form shall be signed at the beginning of each school year by each student and by each student's parent/guardian for grades kindergarten - 12. See Appendix 5(13)& 5(14).
This standard of student conduct is designed to foster student responsibility, respect for the rights of others, and to insure the orderly operations of Blue Springs R-IV Schools. The standard sets consequences for conduct which is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools or which tends to impair the morale or good conduct of the students. This standard, though fundamentally the same for students in kindergarten through grade Twelve, shall be applied so as to meet the specific, emotional, developmental and intellectual needs of the various age groups.
5.63 Student Accountability and Consequences (May, 2024)
Student Accountability All school district personnel responsible for care and supervision of the students are authorized to hold every student strictly accountable for any disorderly conduct in violation of the standard of student conduct. The discipline authority, standard of conduct and consequences of violative conduct administered by district personnel as described in this policy shall apply equally to students:
a. in school;
b. on any property of the school;
c. during any school-sponsored activities, including extracurricular activities regardless of where located;
d. on any school bus going to or returning from school, or any school - sponsored activities; or
e. during intermission or recess periods.
2. Possible Consequences The following are common consequences resulting from violations of conduct and the district personnel authorized to impose those consequences:
a. In-Room Discipline In-room discipline is a broad category of consequences which include, but are not limited to, in-room detention during recess or other break periods, revocation of otherwise common privileges, and other effective minor disciplinary measures which can be imposed by any district personnel, but shall be overseen by the room teacher, if any, responsible for the supervision of that student during the imposition of the in-room disciplinary consequence.
b. Corporal Punishment Corporal punishment shall not be permitted in the Blue Springs R-IV School District.
c. In-School Detention In-school detention is the removal of a violating student from their regular school environment. The student shall remain within a designated area and shall continue his or her studies and testing in supervised solitude. In-school detention shall be imposed by the building administration.
d. Suspension
1. The term "suspension" refers to an exclusion from school that will not exceed a specific period of time and shall be subject to the due process procedures set forth for "suspensions." Ten (10) school days or less: A suspension of ten (10) days or less is the removal of the violating student from school property for that length of time determined and may be imposed by the building principal, the superintendent or their administrative designee, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 5.65(2)(b), infra. Appeal of disciplinary action can only occur in the case of a suspension by the superintendent for more than ten school days. (Mo. Ann. Stat. § 167.171)
Students shall not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities, attend any school function, or be on any Blue Springs School District property during the length of the suspension. Suspension may be extended if a student is found to be on school property or in attendance at a school function while on suspension.
Any student who is suspended for violation of a Safe Schools Act offense shall not be allowed within 1000 feet of District property unless residing within that distance or given prior permission by District officials. In such case the parent/guardian must request permission in writing and accompany the student if permission is granted. Students violating this provision shall be subject to further disciplinary action.
2. Eleven (11) to one hundred eighty (180) school days: A suspension of eleven (11) to one hundred eighty (180) school days is the removal of the violating student from school property for that length of time determined and may be imposed by the superintendent, who may consider the recommendation of their administrative designee. This consequence shall conform to the procedure set forth in Section 5.65 (2) (b), infra.
The superintendent, or their designee, may impose one or all of the following conditions on any student suspended for eleven (11) to one hundred eighty (180) school days which must be successfully completed prior to readmission to the sending school:
a. They have had no arrests or charges brought against them by any law enforcement agency.
b. They have not been on school property or at school sponsored activities during their absence.
c. They have enrolled in and successfully completed an appropriate counseling program for the behavior they have exhibited; example, if it is a drug or alcohol related violation, that they have been in drug or alcohol rehabilitation, or if it is a weapons charge that they have attended appropriate counseling sessions on behavior and anger control.
The district shall conduct a conference upon the student’s return to school after a suspension of 11-180 school days. The conference shall include the student, his/her parent(s)/guardians, and appropriate school officials who are directly involved with the conduct that resulted in suspension.
3. When a student is involved in more than one specific conduct violation, the student is subject to the consequences specified for each separate violation. Such consequences to be served consecutively or concurrently as deemed appropriate by the administering authority
e. Expulsion The term "expulsion" refers to exclusion for an indefinite period and shall be subject to the due process procedures set forth for "expulsions." Repeated Conduct The regular progression of disciplinary consequences may be disregarded and more severe disciplinary consequences imposed in the event of repeated conduct of a same or similar nature. Repeated conduct includes conduct which may have occurred in any current or prior school years.
4. Discipline of Students with Disabilities The district will comply with all state and federal laws governing the discipline of students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, applicable regulations and state and local plans for compliance with the law. In addition to the process outlined in special education law, students with disabilities will receive the same due process afforded other students. Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with the district's discipline code applicable to all students, subject to the modifications mandated by law. 5.64 Violative Conduct and Its Consequences
Please refer to bssd.net website for violative conduct and consequences policy. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration.
5.64(2)(a)(9) Bullying
In alignment with Missouri State Statute 160.775: A person is bullied when they are exposed, repeatedly and over time, to unwanted intimidating, aggressive, or harassing behavior that would cause a reasonable student to fear for their property or safety, or which behavior substantially disrupts the educational environment.
5.65 Administration and Review of Suspension/Expulsion Consequences (December 2001)
1. Authorization
The board of education believes that the right of a student to attend free public schools carries with it the responsibility of the student to attend school regularly and to comply with the lawful policies, rules and regulations of the school district. This observance of school policies, rules, regulations and standards of conduct is essential for permitting others to learn at school.
Therefore, the board authorizes the administrative prerogative to remove a student from his present school setting because of a willful violation of school rules and regulations or willful conduct which materially or substantially disrupts the rights of other students or the property of the school. Such action shall be taken in accordance with due process and with due regard for the welfare of both the individual and the school. School attendance may be temporarily denied to individual by the administrative act of summary suspension, but expulsion can be implemented only through specific action by the board of education.
2. Suspension (December 2001)
a. Suspension for Ten (10) School Days or Less The board authorizes the summary suspension of students by building principals, or the superintendent or his administrative designee for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days, provided such action is in accordance with due process and state statutes. Any suspension by the building principal or the superintendent's administrative designee shall be immediately reported to the superintendent, who may revoke the suspension at any time.
Any student suspended or dismissed from school shall be denied entrance to any school grounds and/or facilities until the period of his/her suspension has expired.
Any student seen on the grounds or in a school building during the period of suspension should be reported to school authorities that, in turn, should notify the local police authorities of his/her presence on school property. In such cases, the suspension may be extended.
No student shall be suspended for ten (10) school days or less, unless:
1. The student shall be given oral or written notice of the charges against him; and
2. If the student denies the charges, he shall be given an oral or written explanation of the facts which form the basis of the proposed suspension; and,
3. The student shall be given an opportunity to present his version of the incident before any consequences are imposed. A student has the right to bring forward witnesses on his behalf.
4. Prompt notification will be given to the parent or others having custodial care of the student, of the administrator's action and the reasons for such action.
5. No further due process requirements need be met except in the possible case of ten (10) school days or less suspension by the board, in which event a hearing must be held pursuant to Section 167.161 RSMo and Section 5.65 (4), infra.
b. Suspension for Eleven (11) to One Hundred Eighty (180) School Days (May 1997)
1. Right to Appeal
Right to Appeal The board authorizes the summary suspension of students by the superintendent only for a period from eleven (11) to one hundred eighty (180) school days, provided such action is in accordance with due process and statutes.
In the case of a suspension by the superintendent for more than ten (10) school days, the student or their parents or others having custodial care of the student may appeal the decision of the superintendent to the board or to a committee of board members appointed by the president of the board, which shall have full authority to act in lieu of the board. In the event of an appeal, a hearing before the board shall be held as soon as practicable.
2. Students with Disabilities
In the event the student has a disability, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 requires the school personnel to determine on a case-by case basis whether a change of 5-79 5.6 (continued) placement has occurred. If a change of placement has occurred, a meeting to determine whether the behavior is a manifestation of student’s disability must occur. A change of placement can occur when removals exceed more than ten (10) days consecutively or the student has had a series of removals that constitute a pattern as determined by the public agency on a case-by-case basis.
3. Due Process Rights
a. No student shall be suspended from eleven (11) to one hundred eighty (180) school days, unless:
1) The student shall be given oral or written notice of the charges against him; and
2) If the student denies the charges, he shall be given an oral or written explanation of the facts which form the basis of the proposed suspension; and
3) The student shall be given an opportunity to present their version of the incident before any consequences are imposed. A student has the right to bring forward witnesses on their behalf.
4) Prompt notification will be given to the parents or others having custodial care of the student, of the administrator's action and the reasons for such action, and the right to a hearing before the board. This notice shall be promptly made by certified mail, addressed to the student's parents or others having custodial care of the student at their last address shown on school records.
b. In the event of an appeal to the board, the superintendent shall promptly transmit to it a full report in writing of the facts relating to the suspension, the action taken by him and the reasons therefore.
c. In the event of a board appeal, the suspension shall be stayed until the board renders its decision, unless in the judgment of the superintendent, the student's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting academic process, in which case the student may be immediately removed from school property, and the second notice described in section 5.65(2)(b)(3)(d), infra., shall follow as soon as practicable.
d. In the event the student, parents or others having custodial care of the student exercise the student's right to a board hearing, which right must be evidenced by a written request to the secretary of the board of education from the student, parents, or others having custodial care, within seven (7) days of the receipt of the superintendent's notice of suspension described in section 5.65(2)(b)(3)(a)(4),supra, the person seeking the hearing will receive a second notification advising them of:
1) the date, time and place of the hearing;
2) the nature of the charges;
3) the right to call and examine witnesses and introduce exhibits;
4) the right to cross-examine witnesses;
5) the right to have the hearing proceedings recorded and preserved;
6) the right to be represented by counsel;
7) the right to subpoena witnesses;
8) the right to present oral arguments or written brief at the close of the hearing;
9) the right to written findings of fact, conclusions of law and decision; and
10) the right to judicial review.
4. Suspension Hearing Before the Board Any suspension hearings before the board shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure set forth in Section 5.65(4), infra.
4. Suspension Hearing Before the Board Any suspension hearings before the board shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure set forth in Section 5.65(4), infra.
3. Expulsion
a. Authority The board may expel a student for conduct which is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools or which tends to impair the morale or good conduct of the students. The board alone may expel a student, only after notice to parents or others having custodial care and a hearing upon the charges preferred. The board may originate the expulsion disciplinary hearings upon the recommendations of the superintendent.
b. Due Process Rights Before any student can be expelled the board must notify the parents or others having custodial care of the student. That notification shall be made by certified mail, addressed to the student's parents or others having custodial care of the student at the last address shown on school records and shall advise them of:
1. the date, time and place of the hearing;
2. the nature of the charges;
3. the right to call and examine witnesses and introduce exhibits;
4. the right to cross-examine witnesses;
5. the right to have the hearing proceedings recorded and preserved;
6. the right to be represented by counsel;
7. the right to subpoena witnesses;
8. the right to present oral arguments or written brief at the close of the hearings;
9. the right to written findings of fact, conclusions of law and decision; and
10. the right to judicial review.
c. Expulsion Hearing Before the Board
An expulsion disciplinary hearing shall be held as soon as practicable. In the interim, the student shall remain in school, unless the student's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an on-going threat of disrupting the academic 5-82 5.6 (continued) process, in which case the student may be immediately removed from school property. Any expulsion hearing before the board shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 5.65(4), infra.
d. Presence on School Property While Expelled (December 2001) Any student who is expelled by the Blue Springs R-IV Board of Education is forbidden from attending any school function or being on any Blue Springs School District property until such time the student has been accepted for readmission [See 5.65(5)] or the graduation date for the student’s class has passed if the student had remained enrolled in school, whichever occurs first. School administrators have the right to have expelled students removed from school grounds and/or functions.
4. Appellate Suspension and Expulsion Hearings (December 2001)
In all hearings, whether initiated by the board of education, or by a student, or by his parents or others having custodial care of the student as an appeal, the following procedures will be followed:
a. The hearing will be closed unless mutually agreed upon by both the student and student's parents or others having custodial care of the student and the district that the hearing will be open. At the hearing, the board or their counsel will present the charges and such testimony and evidence to support such charges.
The student, his parents or others having custodial care of the student or their counsel shall have the right to: present witnesses; introduce exhibits; cross-examine witnesses called in support of the charges; present oral arguments, and/or present written briefs. The hearing will be recorded. A written transcript will be prepared and provided upon request.
b. At the conclusion of the hearing, the board of education shall deliberate in executive session and shall render a decision to dismiss the charges; refer the student to the superintendent of schools for appropriate disciplinary action; or to expel the student from the schools of the district. The administration or its counsel, by direction of the board of education, shall promptly prepare and transmit to the student and his parents or others having custodial care of the student written Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Decision.
c. The student, his parents or others having custodial care of the student may waive the right to appear personally before the board of education at the hearing. If a student, his parents or others having custodial care of the student choose to waive the right to appear personally before the board of education at the hearing a Waiver of Hearing form must be completed and submitted to the superintendent of schools or his/her designee prior to the date and time of the scheduled hearing. See Appendix 5(15).
If a waiver is requested, the board will take action on the expulsion at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. A decision shall be rendered as per Section b of this policy.
5.815 Student Speakers (February 2015)
The district recognizes that students are provided the opportunity to speak at certain school events to which the public has been invited. The district hereby establishes a limited public forum at all school events to which the public is invited and at which a student is to publicly speak. The district shall not discriminate against a student’s voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint when speaking in this limited public forum. Student expression on an otherwise permissible subject shall not be excluded from the limited public forum because the subject is expressed from a religious viewpoint. The district shall use a method, based on neutral criteria, for the selection of student speakers at school events to which the public is invited and graduation ceremonies. The district shall ensure that a student speaker does not engage in obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd, threatening, or indecent speech. The district shall state, in writing, orally, or both, that the student’s speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position or expression of the district. The school district disclaimer shall be provided at all graduation ceremonies. The school district shall also continue to provide the disclaimer at any other public event at which a student speaks publicly for as long as a need exists to dispel confusion over the district’s non-sponsorship of the student’s speech.
5.91 Suicide Awareness and Prevention (May 2018)
The Blue Springs R-IV School District is committed to maintaining a safe environment to protect the health, safety and welfare of students. The purpose of this policy is to assist in providing such an environment through youth suicide awareness and prevention. Starting no later than the sixth grade, the district will use a risk assessment tool for determining whether a student is at risk of suicide. Appropriate staff will receive training in risk assessment and using this tool to assist in making these determinations. Students who are considered to be at possible risk of suicide shall be referred to the school counselor to determine the next appropriate strategy. Strategies for helping the student may include, but are not limited to, changing academic schedules, periodic contact with the school counselor, referral for grief counseling or professional mental health evaluation and counseling. Staff shall notify a parent or legal guardian of a student who is considered at possible risk of suicide. When a suicide death of a student occurs, the superintendent or designee will determine appropriate procedures for informing the school community. Staff and students who need attention will be provided support and resources available through the district crisis team, other district counselors, social workers, and outside mental health resources as needed
5.92 Safety (February 2002)
The board authorizes the use of video cameras on district property and in district vehicles to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors to district property, and to safeguard district facilities and equipment. Video cameras may be used in locations as deemed appropriate by the superintendent or his/her designee.
5.96 Medication at School
Please refer to bssd.net website for medication at school policy. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration.
5.97 Student Allergy Prevention and Response
Please refer to bssd.net website for student allergy prevention and response policy. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration.
6.45 Bus Discipline
Please refer to bssd.net website for bus discipline policy. If internet access is not available, please refer to the building administration.
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
1. The rights to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of a student’s privacy rights. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the School principal (or appropriate official), clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures and rights after the hearing decision will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her task. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of
FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20202-4605
STANDARD COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE FOR IMPROVING AMERICA’S
SCHOOLS ACT PROGRAMS
This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Goals 2000:
Educate America Act and the Improving America’s Schools Act (IASA).
What is a complaint for purposes of this policy?
A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regulation has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by school district personnel or by Department of Education personnel.
Who may file a complaint?
Any parent or guardian, surrogate parent, teacher, administrator, school board member, or other person directly involved with an activity, program, or project operated under the general supervision of the Department may file a complaint. Such a complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide specific details of the situation and indicate the law or regulation that is allegedly being violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted.
What types of complaints are recognized?
There are two types of complaints:
1. A complaint alleging that a local school district is violating, misapplying, or misinterpreting a law or a regulation of the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education: and,
2. A complaint alleging that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is violating, misapplying, or misinterpreting a law or regulation.
How are complaints filed?
1. Complaints against local school districts.
A complaint alleging that local school district officials have violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted a state or federal law or regulation must first be filed and resolution pursued in accordance with local district policy. If the issues cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file a complaint with the Department. Before accepting such a complaint, the Department will ask for evidence of an attempt to resolve the complaint at the local level, the Department may require the parties to do so and may provide technical assistance to facilitate such resolution. A question about local school district policies, rules, or practices, which are not based on federal or state laws or regulations, is not a complaint within the meaning of this policy and must be settled at the local school district level.
2. Complaints against the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
A local school district official, a local board of education, or any person directly affected by actions of the Department may file a written complaint alleging that the Department or its personnel have violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted a state or federal law or regulation directly with the Department.
How does the Department hear and resolve complaints?
1. Any formal complaint against the Department or an unresolved complaint against a local school district related to the IASA is to be addressed to the Director of the Grants management section.
2. Within thirty days after receiving a complaint or appeal, the section director will resolve the complaint and inform interested parties in writing of the decision. In resolving the complaint, the section director may rely upon statements of the parties involved or may conduct an independent investigation. The section director may grant an extension of the thirty-day limit for just cause.
3. If a complainant disagrees with the decision of the section director, the complainant may, within ten working days, appeal to the Deputy Commissioner of Education. This appeal must be in writing and state why the complainant disagrees with the decision.
4. Within thirty days after receiving an appeal, the Deputy Commissioner of Education will render a final administrative decision and notify the complainant in writing.
5. If the complainant disagrees with the decision of the Deputy Commissioner of Education in a matter relating to federal law or regulation, the complainant may request a review of the decision by the United States Secretary of Education in accordance with 34 CSR Part 76, section 76.781.
What other recourse is available in resolving complaints?
In some circumstances, complainants may have additional recourse in the courts or through the Administrative Hearing Commission.
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