B102.1 Number of Members The Board of Education shall consist of seven (7) elected Board Members.

B102.2 Qualifications and Election of Members No person shall be eligible to be a candidate for membership, or to be a member of the Board unless they are a qualified elector of the Unified School District. The Board shall be elected by the qualified voters of the entire district. Three members shall be elected at the General City Election held in April of each alternate odd-numbered year and four of whom are elected on the alternate odd-numbered year. There shall be three members from District 1 (City of Norton Wards 1 & 2), three members from District 2 (City of Norton Ward 3 & Rural Area) and one member at large.

B102.3 Terms of Office Members shall be elected for a term of four years. Terms of office shall begin on the first of July, succeeding their election. The members of said Board of Education shall qualify within ten days after their election by filing their oaths of office with the County Clerk, County of Norton.

B102.4 Resignations and Methods of Replacement The Board shall have power to fill any vacancy which may occur in its membership, and such appointee shall serve for the unexpired period term following the procedure outlined by K.S.A. 25-2022.

B102.5 Authority of Members Board Members shall have authority only when acting as a Board regularly in session, or when empowered by Board action to act as a Committee.

B102.6 Compensation for Members Members of the Board may be paid their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. When a Board Member's private automobile is used for transportation in the conduct of Board business, they shall be reimbursed at the rate of 26¢ per mile.

B102.7 Life Time Activity Pass Retiring members of the USD 211 Board of Education who have served two terms, or a total of eight years, shall receive a life time activity pass good for regular season home events. Such passes will be subject to the same restrictions for use as the current home activity pass distributed to the district’s employees.

B103 Functions and Duties

B103.1 General Functions

A. Legislative The legislative authority includes policy making action and the approval of rules and regulations needed to put policies into operation.

B. Judicial The School Board serves in a quasi judicial function when it acts on appeals of parents, students, or employees on decisions made by the Superintendent of Schools.

C. Executive The Board of Education has final authority within the provision of the statutes for the operation of the schools. No section of these policies and procedures may be construed to limit the statuary powers of the Board of Education.

D. Appraisal The Board is responsible for evaluating both the effectiveness of its policies and their implementation.

B103.2 Duties of the Board

A. To represent all of the people of the District.

B. Select a Superintendent of Schools.

C. Evaluate the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with State Statutes.

D. Review and adopt an Annual Budget.

E. Engage in a strategic planning process which sets long and short term goals and prioritizes resources to meet those plans.

F. Receive, evaluate, and act upon recommendations of the Superintendent.

G. Consider reports of curriculum development and instructional progress within the schools.

H. Elect teachers and other employees duly recommended by the Superintendent.

I. Consider monthly and annual reports of business transactions and financial status as submitted by the Clerk and Treasurer.

J. Assume responsibility for the duties of its employees.

K. Consider communications from citizens or groups which concern the policies or operation of the schools.

L. Approves bills for expenditures which have been audited and certified by the Clerk and Treasurer of the Board.

M. Keep the public informed of the purposes, value, conditions and needs of public education within the community and establish communication for broader participation in improving the public schools.

N. Hold hearings on appeals from decisions of the Superintendent of Schools.

O. Such other matters as may come before it in order to fulfill its obligation to the district.

B104 Officers

B104.1 Officers of the School Board At the first meeting in July each year, the Board shall elect a President and a Vice-President from its members, each of whom shall serve for one (1) year. The Board shall appoint a Clerk and Treasurer who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.

B104.2 Voting Procedure for Election of Officers or Appointment of Vacant Board Positions Election of officers and appointment for vacant board positions will be conducted under the same procedures as regular business of the board.

B105 Duties of Board Officers

B105.1 Duties of The President The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board, shall appoint all committees whose appointment is not otherwise provided for and sign all warrants drawn upon the Treasurer by order of the Board for all Unified District monies. The President shall work with the Superintendent in determining the agenda for regular meetings. The President may also call for special meetings of the Board.

B105.2 Duties of the Vice-President In the absence of the President, or his inability to act, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President.

B105.3 Duties of the Clerk of the Board The Clerk is appointed by and is directly responsible to the Board of Education with the following responsibilities as required by law:

A. The Clerk shall keep an accurate journal of the proceedings of the Board. These minutes will be open and available for public inspection during regular business hours.

B. The Clerk shall have the care and custody of the records, books and documents of the Board.

C. The Clerk shall countersign all warrants drawn upon the Treasurer by order of the Board.

D. The Clerk shall keep an accurate account of all monies paid to the Treasurer for the account of the Board, and all monies paid on orders drawn on the Treasurer by the Board.

E. The Clerk shall prepare and submit to the Board such reports as may be required by law, or requested by the Board.

F. The Clerk will record all contracts creating a liability against the School District.

G. The Clerk will, within five (5) working days after each Board meeting, send the minutes of the meeting to all members of the Board, the Superintendent, and the school attorney.

H. On the day of any special or adjourned board meeting, the Clerk will notify each board member by telephone or otherwise of such meeting. An agenda will be mailed to each school board member in advance of regular meetings.

I. The Clerk shall receive student fees, money from the sale of textbooks or other school properties, the use of buildings or from other sources and regularly deposit all monies collected in the approved depositories of the Board of Education unless otherwise directed by the Board.

J. The Clerk shall maintain and update, as needed, the Policy Manual of the Board of Education.

K. Before entering upon the discharge of duties, the Clerk of the Board of Education shall give bond in the sum of $2,500.00 with good and sufficient sureties, to be approved by the Board of Education, conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of office. Expense involved in securing the bond will be paid by the Board.

L. The Clerk will be custodian of documents representing investment securities the Board may own, and when requested, report to the board as to maturing dates of such securities.

M. The Clerk shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Education. This includes secretarial duties for the Superintendent of Schools.

B105.4 Duties of the Treasurer The Treasurer is appointed by and directly responsible to the Board of Education with these responsibilities:

A. The Treasurer shall receive all monies belonging to the Board in accordance with the provisions of Kansas Statutes.

B. The Treasurer shall prepare and submit in writing a monthly report of the finances of the Board and such other reports as the Board may require.

C. The Treasurer shall pay money belonging to the Board only upon warrants signed by the President, or in his absence, by the Vice-President and countersigned by the Clerk.

D. Before entering upon the discharge of his/her duties, the Treasurer shall furnish a Corporate Surety Bond in an amount fixed by the Board. The amount of such required Bond is $10,000.00. Expenses involved in securing the bond will be paid by the Board.

E. Other duties as specified by the Board of Education or the Superintendent.

B105.5 Duties of the Attorney of the Board

A. Election. An attorney may be appointed at the regular meeting in July for a term of one (1) year.

B. Meetings. The Attorney shall attend Board meetings upon request of the Board, give advice and counsel when called upon, and shall attend to all legal matters pertaining to the Board.

C. Legal Counsel. The Attorney shall be available for counsel and advice to the President of the Board, and to the Superintendent of Schools and his staff when called upon to do so.

D. Agenda. The Attorney shall familiarize himself with the agenda so as to give legal advice regarding action taken by the Board while in session.

E. Parliamentarian. The Attorney shall act as parliamentarian upon request by the Board of Education.

B106 Meetings

B106.1 Time and Place of Meetings Regular meetings of the Board shall be held on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are set for 7:30 p.m. with a four hour maximum limit for board business. All meetings will be held at the Unified School District Office, U.S.D. 211, 105 E. Waverly, Norton, Kansas unless otherwise specified by Board action.

B106.2 Special Meetings Special meetings may be called at any time by the President of the Board or by joint action of any three (3) members thereof. Written notice, stating the time and place of any special meeting with authorization and purpose for which called, shall, unless waived, be given each member of the Board at least two (2) days in advance of said meeting, and no business other than that stated in the notice shall be transacted at such meeting. If all members are not present, a "waiver of notice of meeting" will be signed by all members present.

B106.3 Meetings Open to Public All meetings of the Board will be open to the public and the order of business will provide an opportunity for the public to address the Board, however, by majority vote of the Board an executive session may be called if deemed necessary for:

A. Personnel matters of non-elected personnel.

B. Consultation with the Board Attorney.

C. Matters relating to Employer-employee negotiations.

D. Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, etc.

E. Confidential student matters.

F. Discuss acquisition of property.

G. Matters of student/staff security. No binding action shall take place during executive session. B106.4 Organizational Meeting The meeting of the Board for organization will be held the second Monday of July of each

year. Officers will be elected at this time. B107 Order of Business and Procedures B107.1 Order of Business and Rules of Order

The normal order of business at the regular meeting the Board will be as follows:

A. Call to order.

B. Approval of minutes of previous meeting.

C. Approval of Expenditures.

D. Approval of Financial Report.

E. Comments from the public.

F. Business.

G. Adjournment.

Executive session may be called at the request of the Board and will be open only to those persons designated by the Board.

Board established rules of order shall govern the proceedings of the Board. If not previously established, Roberts Rules of Order will be followed.

B107.2 Motion Making Procedures

A. The President will present agenda items for discussion. The President may designate the Superintendent or other staff members authority to present agenda items.

B. Once items are introduced, an open and complete discussion will be conducted by board members. This discussion may result in no motion being made or an item tabled until a future date.

C. After discussion any board member may be recognized by the President and offer a motion from various available options.

D. Any motion made may be killed by the lack of a second. Motions may be amended.

E. Any member recognized by the President may second the motion.

F. After a motion and a second to the motion the President will call for further discussion.

G. The motion will be voted upon and recorded.

H. If a motion fails, a new motion may be in order. If no new motion is made, the next item on the agenda will be presented by the President.

B107.3 Quorum A majority of the members of the Board (4) is required to carry on the business of the Board.

A majority of the Board (4) is required to pass any order of business.

B107.4 Recording of Vote

A. The official vote on decisions will be by show of hands or, if requested, roll call vote. Negative votes will be recorded. Abstention votes will be counted as having voted against the motion.

B. If a member announces a conflict of interest with regard to an issue, the member may leave the meeting until the vote on the issue is concluded. The member who abstains from voting shall not be counted as having voted.

B107.5 Record of Proceedings The official minutes of the Board will be recorded by the Clerk, approved by the Board in regular session, signed by the Clerk, stored in a safe place, and will be made available as is any other public document, to any citizen desiring to make an examination of such minutes for a just cause during regular business hours of the Unified Office. Minutes of the Board meeting are official only after they have been approved by the Board.

B107.6 Handling of Complaints Complaints to individual board members shall be handled as follows:

If parents have a concern about their child, they will:

A. First contact the child's teacher.

B. If not satisfied, contact the building principal.

C. If not satisfied, contact the superintendent.

D. If not satisfied, request a place on the board agenda in order to address the board. If employees have a concern, they will:

A. Contact the principal or immediate supervisor.

B. If not satisfied, contact the superintendent.

C. If not satisfied, request a place on the board agenda in order to address the board.

Other complainants will be:

A. Referred to the appropriate supervisor or administrator.

B. If not satisfied, contact the superintendent.

C. If not satisfied, request a place on the board agenda in order to address the board.

B108 Loyalty Oath In accordance with State Law, every employee of the Board of Education shall be required to sign the following oath:

"I do solemnly swear (I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Kansas and faithfully discharge the duties of . So help me God (And this I do under the pains and penalties of perjury)."

B109 Establishment of a Joint System of Public Recreation Pursuant to K.S.A. 12-1925 and following approval by the voters of the district at an election held in August of 1988, the board of education, by approval of this policy resolution, hereby establishes the Norton Recreation Commission. The board may levy an annual tax not to exceed one mill for such recreation system upon proper certification by the recreation commission as required by B109.6 and state law.

B109.1 Effective Date of Establishment The date of establishment of the Norton Recreation Commission shall be December 1, 1988 or upon approval of an establishing resolution by the Norton City Council whichever comes later.

B109.2 Method and Terms of Appointment of Members

B109.21 Initial Appointment The recreation commission shall consist of five members. Two persons shall be appointed by the school district and two members by the city council, and the persons so selected shall select one additional person. Any person who is a resident of the school district is eligible for appointment.

Of the members of the commission first selected by the school district, one shall serve for a term of one year, and one for a term of four years; one of those first selected by the governing body of the city shall serve for a term of two years and one for a term of three years. The additional member shall serve for a term of four years.

B109.22 Succeeding Members Upon expiration of initial term of membership, the members of the commission shall be selected in the same manner as the member such person is succeeding and the term of office shall be for four years.

B109.23 Vacancies Whenever a vacancy occurs in the membership of the commission, a successor shall be selected to fill such a vacancy in the same manner as, and for the unexpired term of, the member such person is succeeding.

B109.3 Officers The commission shall elect a chairperson and secretary from their membership. The treasurer of the school district shall serve as ex officio treasurer of the recreation commission.

B109.4 Powers of the Recreation Commission (K.S.A. 12-1928) The Norton Recreation Commission shall have the power to:

A. Make and adopt rules and regulations for the operation of the recreation system;

B. Conduct the activities of the recreation system on any property under its custody and management, or, with proper consent, on any other public property and upon private property with consent of the owners;

C. Receive any gift or donation from any source;

D. Receive, accept and administer any state or federal grant;

E. Purchase insurance;

F. Sue and be sued;

G. Enter contracts;

H. Employ a superintendent of recreation and any other employees which may be necessary for proper operation of the recreation system.

I. Create and establish employee benefits contribution funds;

J. Acquire title to personal property by purchase, bequest, gift, or other donation and acquire title to real property by devise, gift or other donation;

K. Perform any other acts necessary to carry out the provisions of K.S.A. 12-1928.

B109.5 Duties of the Ex Officio Treasurer The treasurer of the school district, acting as ex officio treasurer of the recreation commission, shall keep an accurate record of all money and property received and disbursed and shall make a report thereof monthly to the commission, or as often as the commission requires.

B109.6 Annual Budget

A. The recreation commission shall prepare an annual budget for the operation of the recreation system which will run concurrent with the school district's fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Prior to the certification of its budget to the school district the commission shall meet for the purpose of answering and hearing objections of taxpayers relating to the proposed budget.

B. The recreation commission shall give at least 10 days' notice of the time and place of the meeting by publication in a weekly or daily newspaper having a general circulation in the taxing district. Such notice shall include the proposed budget and shall set out all essential items in the budget as required by the director of the division of accounts and reports.

C. The public hearing shall be held not less than 10 days prior to the date on which the recreation commission is required to certify its budget to the school district. The commission shall certify its budget to the school district not later than August 1 of any year.

D. Following the public hearing, the budget shall be adopted or amended and adopted by the recreation commission.

E. The school district shall not be required to levy a tax in excess of the maximum tax levy set by the school district by current resolution. Whenever the recreation commission determines that the tax currently being levied for the commission is insufficient to operate the recreation system, and the commission desires an increase, the commission shall request that the school district authorize an increase by adopting a resolution declaring it necessary to increase the annual levy. The school district may authorize the increase by resolution but such increase shall not exceed one mill per year.

F. The maximum annual levy for the recreation commission general fund shall not exceed a total of four mills.

B109.7 Audit All financial records of the recreation commission shall be audited annually as provided in

K.S.A. 75-1122, and amendments thereto, and a copy of the audit report shall be filed with the board of education. The cost of each audit shall be borne by the recreation commission.

B109.8 Current Members and Terms of the Recreation Commission The members of the Norton Recreation Commission, the governing body they were appointed by, and the date of expiration of their terms are as follows:

Terry Petrie. Sr. City of Norton 11/30/07 Don Jones U.S.D. 211 11/30/04 Joan Bolt Recreation Commission 11/30/04 Tammy Black U.S.D. 211 11/30/05

Lyman Rowh City of Norton11/30/06

CHAPTER II

THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

A200 Policies

A201 Underlying Policies or Purposes

A. To delegate to the Superintendent of Schools the Administrative functions of the Board of Education, with the Board retaining its legislative and judicial functions.

B. To provide administrative staff as may be needed to assist the Superintendent of Schools in his administrative functions.

C. To establish qualifications of such personnel as are in keeping with the requirements of the particular position.

D. To give formal approval to the administrative structure and relationships of the school system as developed by the Superintendent of Schools and his staff.

B200 Implementing Rules, Regulations and Procedures

B201 The Unified Administration The term "Unified Administration" will apply to those officers and to those controls that operate over the school system as a whole, or over some administrative division of the System. Other administrative services are those involving the administration of a school and the administration of Special Services.

B202 The Superintendent of Schools The Superintendent of Schools is the chief Administrative Officer of the school system and as such is directly responsible to the Board of Education for the administration of its policies, rules and regulations.

B202.1 Qualifications of the Superintendent The Superintendent's educational requirements shall conform to the certification standard of the State of Kansas, and to other criteria determined by the Board of Education.

B202.2 Appointment and Term of the Superintendent The Superintendent of Schools, hereinafter referred to as superintendent may be appointed by the Board of Education for a period of time not to exceed a three year contract. The board shall evaluate the superintendent in accordance with current legal requirements for the first four years of employment and annually thereafter. The board may extend the superintendent’s contract in January or February for an additional year. The superintendent's term will begin on July 1, at such annual compensation as the board and superintendent shall agree.

Evaluating the Superintendent The board shall adopt an evaluation system that provides a basis for formal evaluation of the superintendent’s performance. The system shall include the evaluation form used and the process necessary to complete the form.

The superintendent’s evaluation shall be confidential and be made available only to the board, the superintendent and others as provided by law. The evaluation instrument shall be on file at the district office with the clerk. Any revisions in the evaluation system shall include input from the superintendent.

B202.3 Duties of the Superintendent

A. The Superintendent is the Chief Executive Officer of the Board in charge and control of the public schools of the District subject to the policies, rules, regulations, orders and bylaws of the Board, and applicable state and federal statutes.

B. To secure and recommend qualified candidates for all district positions.

C. To prepare an annual budget and regularly report to the board regarding fiscal management of the district.

D. To supervise all areas of the educational environment of the unified school district and to recommend necessary improvements to the Board.

B204.4 Duties of Building Principals The Principal is responsible for:

A. The organization, administration and supervision of the instructional program within the school. The Principal shall cooperate with staff members in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs which improve instruction.

B. The Principal has responsibility for the general welfare of the students within the school. Those duties shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Supervision and discipline of students during the school day, on school trips and during any activity or function sponsored by the school.

2. Attendance

3. Development and progress of individuals as they are affected by the instructional

program.

C. Evaluation of Teacher Performance

D. Awareness of and compliance with legal and governmental agencies such as:

1. The Board of Education.

2. The Kansas State Department of Education.

3. Health and Welfare Agencies.

4. State and Local Fire Departments.

5. Law Enforcement.

6. Civilian Defense.

7. Federal Government.

regulatory requirements of various

E. Ensuring the maintenance of a safe, clean, attractive and well kept school plant.

F. Striving to develop and maintain appropriate relationships with parents, patrons and the community.

G. Accurate preparation of all cumulative records, attendance registers, and other reports required by the Board of Education, Superintendent, and Kansas State Department of Education.

H. Keeping the Superintendent Office informed of all pertinent information regarding all phases of the school operation.

I. Submitting budget requests for each school year to the Superintendent. These requests will reflect cooperative planning on the part of the Principal and faculty.

J. Approving all requisitions for supplies and equipment for the building before they are sent to the Unified Office.

K. Maintaining activity fund accounts using proper accounting procedures. Monthly reports of receipts and expenditures will be made to the Superintendent.

L. The calendar of events of the school.

M. Principals will be responsible for becoming acquainted with policies of the board as published in the school district policy manual and the master contract.

N. Other duties, properly assigned by the Superintendent or Board of Education.

B204.5 Continuing Education of Principal The Principal shall be expected to participate in continuing education experiences which maintain state certification and administrative skills, including participation in national, regional, and state educational meetings.

Because of the nature of their duties, they may be allowed to attend one national or regional meeting every third year. Requests for attendance at national or regional meetings during the summer months will be considered by the board on an individual basis.

B205 Director of Maintenance

B205.1 Appointment The Director of Maintenance is appointed by the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent. The term of office is for twelve (12) months between July 1 -June 30, with two weeks vacation. The Director of Maintenance is directly responsible to the Superintendent.

B205.2 Qualifications The Director of Maintenance will have a background of experience necessary to administer his assigned duties and responsibilities. Experience in general maintenance and knowledge in purchasing, upkeep, repair and operation of school district facilities is required.

B205.3 Duties of the Director of Maintenance

A. Employ, train, supervise, and evaluate all custodial and maintenance personnel.

B. Purchase all custodial supplies for all facilities to be placed in a central storage.

C. Recommend to the Superintendent purchases of all maintenance equipment.

D. Provide for upkeep and repair for all district facilities.

E. Demonstrate fiscal responsibility to budgets as provided by the Superintendent.

F. Control and improve appearance of all buildings and grounds.

G. Process all necessary forms and purchase orders for the maintenance department.

H. Provide necessary inservice for all custodians through workshops and seminars and to provide training for new custodians.

I. Keep all facilities by need or upon request in supplies. To ensure delivery of all freight to the proper building.

J. Exercise general control of all buildings and custodial personnel and to work with the building principals for custodial improvement.

K. Keep the Superintendent fully informed on all matters relating to facilities management.

B206 Director of Transportation

B206.1 Appointment The Director of Transportation is appointed by the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent. The Director of Transportation is directly responsible to the Superintendent.

B206.2 Duties of the Director of Transportation

A. Employ (with approval of the Superintendent), train, supervise, and evaluate all transportation personnel.

B. Establish yearly bus routes, and time schedules for adverse and regular routes.

C. Provide buses and drivers for all activities and personnel as requested by the Principals and Activities Director, and to provide for activity trips and payment schedule for extended trips.

D. Provide for repairs and maintenance on all district owned vehicles.

E. Recommend the purchase of transportation supplies and equipment to the Superintendent and supervise delivery.

F. Control transportation budget as provided by Superintendent.

G. Care for all transportation and communications equipment.

H. Recommend purchases of all district vehicles and to bid such vehicles as approved by the Board of Education.

I. Provide an adequate list of substitute drivers.

J. Provide Reports as requested by the Board, Superintendent, Kansas State Department of Education or other government agencies.

K. Process all transportation forms and purchase orders with the district treasurer.

L. Provide inservice training, defensive driving, Red Cross training, and monthly safety meetings for drivers.

M. Keep the Superintendent fully informed on all matters relating to transportation.

N. Establish appropriate relationships with transportation personnel and with the general public. The Director will have a bus drivers license and must complete a defensive driving course and Red Cross course.

O. Monitor the efficiency of the transportation system and services and recommend district transportation improvements to the Superintendent.

P. Monitor bus radio during regular routes and activity routes.

Q. Ensure that semester evacuation drills are conducted.

C200 USD 211 Early Retirement Benefit for Certified Building & District Administrators

The USD 211 Board of Education (hereinafter known as “the Board”) supports a program of early retirement for its building principals and superintendent, (hereinafter known as “the administrator”) as outlined below. Early retirement is entirely voluntary on the part of the qualifying administrator but shall require Board action for approval.

A. Rights of the Board of Education. The USD 211 Board of Education maintains the sole right to unilaterally terminate this plan at any time and for any reason(s). The Board also reserves the right to open or close this benefit and/or to make any modifications to it. If the Board exercises their right to terminate, open/close or otherwise modify it, they shall notify the current administrators in writing on or before April 1 of the action being taken. Termination of the plan shall be effective on the July 1 following the notification to current administrators. Termination of the plan shall not affect administrators who are currently receiving benefits unless affected by “B” below. Modification and/or closing the benefit shall not affect administrators currently receiving the benefit.

B. Illegality of Benefit. If any provision of this early retirement benefit is determined to be in violation of any federal and/or state laws and/or regulations, then the entire plan shall immediately terminate and shall be of no further force or effect unless revised and readopted by the Board. Termination shall not affect those employees who are currently receiving benefits unless such termination is required by the law(s) and/or regulation(s) in question. If such termination is necessary, the Board will make good faith effort to revise the benefit so as to conform with the law(s) and/or regulation(s) so as to be able to restore the benefit for the affected, retired, administrator(s).

C. Eligibility. An administrator is eligible for early retirement if he/she:

1. Is a full time administrator at the time the request for early retirement is made;

2. Is KPERS 85 eligible and retired; and

3. Has a minimum of twenty (20) years of service as a certified employee in USD 211. Certified employee is defined as: An employee whose position requires them to hold a current teaching certificate in order to maintain employment.

D. Application. An administrator may apply for early retirement by giving written notice to the superintendent. Such written notice shall be given on or before the first of May (May 1) preceding the school year in which early retirement is being requested. The written notice shall contain the following information:

1. A statement of the administrator’s desire to take early retirement.

2. The anticipated date of retirement. A request for an effective retirement date during a school year, or further in advance of the succeeding school year shall require special consideration and action of the Board of Education. In normal practice the effective date of retirement shall be the thirtieth day of June (June 30) following the administrator’s written notification to the superintendent.

3. The administrator’s birthday and age on the date of retirement.

4. The number of years of certified employment the administrator has with USD 211.

5. A primary beneficiary in the event of the administrator’s death prior to his/her completion of the benefit program.

6. Whether or not the administrator desires to remain a member of the district’s health insurance group.

7. Information as may be necessary for the electronic deposit of the benefit. Following final Board action on any application for early retirement the superintendent shall notify the administrator in writing of the final disposition and amount of the monthly retirement benefit to be paid.

E. Residence. It shall be the responsibility of the administrator during the period for which he/she is eligible to receive benefits to maintain a current mailing address, telephone number, email address (if one is available), and current beneficiary on file with the USD 211 Clerk of the Board.

F. Payment of Benefits & Conditions of continued eligibility. The benefit shall be a monthly benefit. It shall be paid to the administrator beginning with the August following the end of the administrator’s last contracted year. All payments shall be made on or before the same date of the month as is made to the district’s active employees.

The administrator shall cease to be eligible if any or all of the following take place:

1. The administrator reaches the age of 65; and/or

2. The administrator becomes deceased prior to having received the entire benefit.

If death should occur to the administrator prior to the administrator having received the maximum number of monthly payments for which he/she was eligible, the board shall pay the monthly benefit to the administrator’s named beneficiary for the remainder of the benefit year in which the administrator became deceased; or, for which they were eligible had they lived--whichever is the less time. (A benefit year is defined as being August through July.)

G. Calculation of the monthly benefit. An average of the administrators salary shall be determined using the current year plus the previous two years. Using the table below, the percentage which corresponds to the years of service shall be used to calculate the annual amount of the benefit. The monthly amount shall be computed by dividing the annual amount by twelve (12) and rounding to the closest dollar. Salary is defined as the contracted salary plus that amount contributed for the years in question by the Board for the purchase of the administrator’s health insurance. years of service percent of salary

20 6.5 21 7.0 22 7.5 23 8.0 24 8.5 25 9.0 26 9.5 27 10.0 28 10.5 29 11.0 30 11.5 31 12.0 32 12.5 33 13.0 34 14.5 35 and beyond 15.0

H. Unused sick leave. The administrator shall be paid an amount for unused sick leave as calculated per the current master contract and/or current BOE policy. This payment shall be made to the administrator as per the current negotiated agreement and/or current Board policy.

I. Health Insurance. If the administrator opts to remain a member of the district’s health insurance group, the cost of the health insurance premium shall be borne by the administrator. Membership in the district’s health insurance group shall cease upon the administrator:

1. Attaining the age of medicare eligibility; and/or

2. Failing to make the premium payments on a timely basis; and/or

3. Becoming covered or is eligible to be covered by another employer.

CHAPTER III

EDUCATIONAL AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAM POLICIES

A300 Underlying Policies of Purposes Purposes and objectives of education. (See Chapter I)

B300 Implementing Rules, Regulations and Procedures

B301 Organization

B301.1 Organization of Schools The Norton Community Schools are organized on the K-6-2-4 plan for classification as follows:

A. Elementary School, comprising grades kindergarten through sixth -Eisenhower School.

B. Junior High School, comprising grades seven and eight -Norton Junior High School.

C. Senior High School, comprising grades nine, ten, eleven and twelve -Norton Community High School.

B302 School Schedules

B302.1 Length of School Year and Day

A. The calendar of each successive year, including the opening and closing dates of school, shall be adopted on recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and approved by the Board of Education. Such adoption will take place not later than the regular meeting of the Board of Education in April.

B. The school year shall consist of at least 184 days with a minimum of 465 hours for kindergarten, 1086 hours for grade twelve and 1116 hours for grade one through eleven.

C. The Principal shall, with the consent of the Superintendent, develop a daily opening and closing schedule for the building.

D. School will be dismissed not later than 2:30 p.m. for Board approved holidays. When a scheduled holiday begins on Monday, school will be dismissed early on the preceding Friday. Approved holidays are Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Easter (Good Friday only), and Memorial Day (when applicable).

B302.2 Extended School Year The board may extend the regularly scheduled academic year upon the recommendation of the Superintendent because of the following types of circumstances which are stated by way of illustration and not by way of limitation: adverse weather conditions, building maintenance problems, personnel problems, public health reasons, or budgetary problems.

B303 Curriculum

B303.1 Philosophy The curricular structure shall be coordinated and integrated vertically and horizontally in such a way as to contribute to continuity in the instructional program from kindergarten through grade twelve. The Board of Education encourages the development of pilot programs designed to explore, evaluate and to adapt new techniques for curricular improvement through appointed staff committees.

B303.2 Development and Revision of Curriculum

A. Curriculum committees will develop goals and objectives in each subject area K-12. Committee members will be appointed from the staff and, when appropriate, parents and community. The committee may obtain the services of an outside consultant.

B. Curriculum Committees will:

1. Develop and revise curriculum guides

2. Recommend selection of textbooks and materials to aid in improvement of instruction

3. Assist with workshops and in-service for the district in the subject area

4. Measure success in attainment of reaching goals and objectives

5. Study data from school profiles to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum and recommend changes needed to increae student performance.

C. Committee recommendations will be submitted to the administration which will approve, reject or modify any recommendations and return them to the committee for appropriate study.

D. Following administrative approval, the proposals will be submitted to the Board of Education for approval, rejection, modification or further study.

B303.3 Role of the Teacher

A. The Teacher-Pupil Relationship. The Board of Education accepts the principle that the relationship between the teacher and the pupil should be one of cooperation, understanding and mutual respect. As the facilitator of learning experiences within the classroom, the teacher is expected to exercise good interpersonal relationships with pupils. The teacher has a responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning, to help develop an open and inquiring mind, and motivate each pupil to perform at his capacity.

B. Teaching American Ideals and Values. A primary responsibility of the school is the presentation of the nature and meaning of the democratic values we live by thus developing a deep and abiding loyalty to those values that result in personal commitments. Pupils should have a thorough understanding of our American heritage of individual liberty, and the social, political, and economic benefits derived from it.

C. Rights and Responsibilities of Teachers.

1. Teachers should realize that freedom to teach does not mean license to shock or indoctrinate. Teachers must use professional judgment in deciding what issues will be discussed in their classrooms.

2. Teachers have the right to express an opinion providing the pupils understand it is the teacher's opinion and does not have to be accepted by the pupil as an authoritative answer. No pupil should feel embarrassed because his opinion varied from that of the teacher or his fellow classmates.

3. It is the duty of teachers to teach students to arrive at decisions based on a rational examination of evidence rather than on an emotional reaction.

B303.4 Class Size -Elementary

A. Optimum Enrollment. The optimum enrollment should be 25 pupils per class.

B. The Numerical-Standards for Regular Classes.

Kindergarten 20-25 pupilsGrades 1, 2, 3, 4 20-25 pupilsGrades 5, 6, 7, 8 24-28 pupils

B303.5 Staffing for Junior and Senior High Schools The following shall serve as guidelines in staffing junior and senior high schools.

A. Teacher Ratio. Staffing is to be planned with a teacher ratio of 50 teachers per thousand pupils based on high school pupils earning six units of credit per year. A normal work load is 6 periods per teacher per day.

B. Special Education. Staffing for special education classes shall be in addition to regular class staffing.

C. Part-Time Pupils.
Part-time pupils shall be counted proportionately.

B303.6 Class Time Allotments and Course Load -Elementary

A. Length of School Day. The statutes require the school day to be six (6) hours in length for 186 days or 1,116

hours for grades 1-6. Kindergarten shall be held for a full day every other day.

B. Determination of Time Allotments. Time allotments for the various subjects and activities shall be submitted by teachers to the building principal for approval.

B303.7 Field Trips

A. Authorization. Field trips, which are an integral part of the curriculum, are permissible. All field and school trips must have the approval of the principal and superintendent.

B. Responsibility of the Principal. It will be the responsibility of the principal to see that every teacher or sponsor of a field trip or school trip exercises the kind of control which will minimize the hazards of travel and maximize the safety of pupils when on the trip.

C. Supervision. All school trips shall be accompanied by a school official. In the event of an overnight trip, there must also be a sufficient number of adult chaperones.

B303.8 Course Load -Secondary

A. Minimum Load. Pupils in grades 7-8 will carry a full course load of eight (8) units. Any exception to this recommended minimum must be approved by the principal. Pupils in grades 9-12 will carry a minimum of six (6) units.

B. Maximum Load. The maximum course load for pupils in grades 9-12 is seven (7) courses. Any exception to this recommended maximum must be approved by the principal.

C. Reduced Work Load.

1. All students shall be expected to carry a normal load of classroom work and to participate in all classroom activities.

2. The principal may permit a student to restrict activities or carry less than a normal load for health or other legitimate reasons. A physician's certificate may be required for students requesting a reduced load for reasons of health.

B303.9 Alternative Credits Pupils who desire to complete secondary school in an accelerated manner may do so by completing graduation requirements through an increased semester load, summer school, correspondence, college work and adult education. Such work must have advance approval by the principal.

A. Correspondence Courses. Pupils in grades 9-12, with approval of local school authorities, may earn credit by correspondence from accredited school approved by the State Department of Public Inspection, provided work is supervised by a teacher with a valid Kansas certificate.

B. Adult Education (Students). Pupils may enroll in approved adult education courses that meet Kansas State Department of Education specifications, and thereby earn credit toward secondary school graduation requirements provided that approval has been granted by the principal.

C. College Courses. Pupils may, with the approval of the principal, enroll in one or more college courses. Credit earned from the satisfactory completion of such courses may be applied at the secondary school or college level with the mutual consent of the two schools involved.

D. On-Line Learning Opportunities Students may apply for permission to enroll in an on -line course for credit. Applications for the next academic year shall be submitted to the principal no later than May 1. The student and the student’s parents shall be informed of the administrator’s decision in writing no later than July 1.

Students may not enroll in an on-line course as an alternative to any course offered by the high school, except with the permission of the principal, as an attempt to earn credit for a class already attempted but failed by the student.

The following guidelines shall be used by the administration:

1. Only approved courses shall be posted on student transcripts.

2. Approval of any course shall be based upon the course content and rigor, its length and scope, its method of assessing knowledge acquired by the student, the qualifications of the instructor and other appropriate factors.

3. Enrollment in an on-line course will be allowed only if an appropriately certified staff member is available and willing to supervise the student’s participation in the course.

4. Suspended or expelled students may also apply for permission to enroll in on-line course work.

Approval by the administration shall also be based on Kansas State Department of Education regulations and/or guidelines in effect at the time the student request is made.

E. Limitations. Pupils will be allowed to carry extra credit courses only upon approval of the principal and within accrediting rules and regulations.

F. Schools are authorized to accept for appropriate credit:

1. Secondary courses offered by the United States Armed Forces Institute. (USAFI)

2. USAFI subject examination and end-of-the-course tests.

3. Courses in the Coast Guard Institute.

4. One unit (required) of physical education for basic or recruit training.

B303.10 Graduation Requirements.

A. Course Credit. Course credit is allowed only for grades A, B, C, & D. Pupils may repeat courses in which they made failing grades, but it is not necessary to repeat courses not required for graduation. If a pupil fails a course and later makes up that course with a passing grade a student's grade point average will be figured from the passing grade and the course failed earlier will be omitted.

B. Graduation from High School. Pupils may be graduated from high school whenever the principal determines that the pupil has met local requirements for graduation.

The only formal recognized graduation exercises authorized by the Board of Education of Norton Community Schools will be the commencement activities at the senior high level.

C. Graduation Requirements. 4 units of English 3 units of Social Science (1/2 unit must be American Government; 1 unit must be American History) 2 units of Science (1 unit must be a Lab Science) 1 unit of P.E. (1 unit must be completed your freshmen year) 2 units of Math 9 units of electives 21 units total

D. Band Policy concerning boys who are in football.

1. The individual will enroll in band for the entire first semester. A program of lessons and practice will be in effect for obtaining credit. For those who are unable to take lessons, other work duties will be assigned to enable the student to receive credit.

The student will receive full credit for the semester. Or

2. The individual will enroll at the end of the football season. This is at the start of the concert band.

The student will receive 3/4 credit for the year.

E. Honor Rolls. The faculty of each secondary school shall establish honor rolls for the recognition of outstanding academic achievement of students. The types of honors, qualifications, and determination of grade point averages shall be prescribed in the student handbooks.

B303.11 Graduation Exercises.

A. Senior High Participation in Graduation Exercises.

1. The Senior High School Principal will be responsible for the commencement exercises within Board and Administration policy.

2. Pupils may not participate in the commencement exercises, if they do not complete requirements for graduation by the date of commencement.

B. Receiving a Signed Diploma.

1. A graduating senior is not to receive a diploma signed by the principal,

Superintendent or the President of the Board of Education until the principal is satisfied that all requirements for graduation have been fulfilled.

2. Those not graduating due to deficiencies, but meeting requirements at a later date will receive a diploma following completion of necessary work.

C. Baccalaureate. A combined commencement-baccalaureate will be held for all graduating seniors appropriate to a pluralistic society. The principal shall excuse any graduating senior who finds such attendance in violation of their religious preference.

B303.12 Early Graduation Norton Community High School may allow early graduation after three and one-half years of high school has been completed if the following guidelines are met. Since NCHS does offer various work study, vocational and comprehensive programs, early graduation is discouraged for most pupils.

A. To qualify for early graduation, a minimum of twenty-one (21) credits must have been completed in three and one-half (3 1/2) years.

B. To qualify for early graduation, any student must have completed state required courses and Board of Education requirements with passing grades. Students must have completed 3 1/2 units of English credit and 1/2 unit of Journalism or Speech.

C. To qualify, students must present clear and concise plans for future educational plans or employment--a written communication outlining proposed plans.

D. To qualify, students must have above average grades in scholastic aptitude or have vocational readiness.

E. To qualify, students must apply for early graduation prior to entering grade 12.

F. Students meeting requirements may receive their diploma at regular commencement or in absentia.

G. Once students have met early graduation requirements and graduated, that student may not participate in extra curricular activities.

H. To request early graduation, a note of request from the student's parents must be submitted to the school counselor to determine if a student qualifies.

I. The principal will be the final authority in determining early graduation for each student on an individual basis. He may refer cases to the Superintendent for a final decision.

B303.13 Textbooks.

A. Selection. Basic textbooks and/or workbooks are adopted by the Board of Education. The administration shall establish procedures by which textbooks and/or workbooks may be reviewed and screened prior to their adoption.

B. Textbook Fees. Textbooks shall be financed yearly by a rental fee collected from parents, and the payment shall be amortized to cover at least the anticipated four-year life of the book. In payment of the rental fees, each pupil has the right to use a textbook and/or workbook. Textbook fee rates shall be recommended to the Board of Education by the Superintendent of Schools.

C. Materials not covered by Textbook Rental. Certain materials such as workbooks, notebooks, laboratory and shop materials and other special course materials may not be included in the textbook rental fees.

D. Enrollment Fees. All students will rent their books under the present book rental programs. The fees for the books and locks will be assessed during enrollment. All rental books will be distributed on the first day of school. Book rental fees shall be determined and published by the board of education prior to the beginning of each school term.

E. Supplementary Texts. Basic textbooks shall be supplemented with other instructional materials as determined by budget allocations made each year.

F. Refunds to students. In case a pupil moves from the district before March 30, an adjustment on rental charge will be made by the school. In case shop fees are not entirely used, the remainder will be refunded each participant.

G. Books and/or Supplies Lost or Mutilated. Any damage in excess of normal wear or loss of such materials must be paid for before credit will be allowed or final grade card issued. Padlocks will be furnished for lockers for physical education classes and athletics. $3.50 will be charged for locks if lost.

H. Free Textbooks. Whenever the parents or guardian of any child attending any of the public grade or high schools in the State of Kansas are unable to purchase textbooks or provide rental fees for said child, the district board or board of education of the district in which said child resides shall, if written application is made and said board finds the application meritorious, furnish said child with the regular adopted textbooks free of costs. (72-4107A)

I. Student Fees and Charges Building principals shall be authorized to collect fees approved by the board or to seek restitution for any school property lost, damaged or destroyed by a student.

J. Debt Collection Building principals shall attempt to collect the justifiable value owed by a student of school property lost, damaged or destroyed by a student. If, after the attempt to collect, the amount remains unpaid, the principal shall report the matter to the superintendent who shall consult with the school board’s attorney, and they shall jointly recommend a course of action to the board.

K. Forwarding Pupil Records Administrators shall forward student’s school records upon request and may not withhold them for any reason.

L. Fee Schedules The Principals shall prepare a schedule of enrollment fees and other fees to be approved in advance of enrollment by the board. The fee schedule shall include a list of all items for which a charge is to be collected, the amount of each charge and the due date.

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The Superintendent shall develop for board approval the following in advance of enrollment:

1. classifications of students exempt from the fee or charge

2. a system for accounting for and disposing of fees

3. an appeal procedure to be used by students or parents to claim exemption from paying the fees or charges.

B303.14 Material Selection and Adoption Policy

A. It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide educational materials and equipment that support and enrich the curriculum and further achievement of the district's instructional goals.

The selection of textbooks, supplementary books and reference books is carried on continuously in order to keep up with the great expansion of knowledge and rapid changes going on in the world today.

Insofar as possible, all textbooks should present balanced views concerning the international, national and local issues and problems of our times.

Textbooks should: Provide information to stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and ethical standards; Provide experiences that will help students develop abilities in critical thinking and reading; Provide materials that will develop and foster an appreciation of American

cultural diversity and development; Provide an effective basic education for all students; and, Provide sufficient flexibility for meeting the special needs of individuals/groups.

The Superintendent will develop and implement administrative procedures for the selection of textbooks which will meet the above criteria. This process shall include review of available material by professional staff members.

B. Instructional Materials and Media Centers. The Board of Education affirms the "Library Bill of Rights" as endorsed by the American Library Association as follows: ". . . that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use."

C. Responsibility for Selection.

1. The Board of Education is legally responsible for all materials selected.

2. The Board of Education delegates to the Superintendent of Schools the responsibility for the selection of all instructional media center materials. Through the Superintendent of Schools, authority for the selection is given to the Librarian with the building Principal's approval.

3. Faculty and students are encouraged to recommend materials for selection.

D. Criteria for Selection.

1. Criteria for selection of nonfiction:

a.

Qualifications of the author in subject field

b.

Scope and authority of the subject matter

c.

Quality of writing (style, readability)

d.

Date of publication

e.

Reputation of publisher

f.

Arrangement of materials (indexes, bibliographies)

g.

Relationship to collection

h.

Physical qualities (binding, print, size, illustrations)

i.

Price

2. Criteria for selection of fiction:

a.

Style

b.

Appeal: popular, limited

c.

Characterization: constructive and true portrayal of character and life

d.

Literary merit

e.

Relationship to the collection, i.e., types:
mystery, western, fantasy, science fiction, romance

f.

Publisher

g.

Price

1. Standard selection aids for current fiction and nonfiction:

2. Recognized authorities, such as Children's Catalog, Junior High School Catalog, Senior High School Catalog, Basic Book Collection for Elementary Grades, Basic Book Collection for Junior High School, Basic Book Collection for Senior High Schools, School Library Journal, Book list, English Journal, and Kansas Reading Circle, recommended bibliographies in subject areas, and periodicals which review books and audiovisual materials for school use will be used in the process of selection.
1. Selection of material other than books and selection aids:

1. Periodicals: Periodicals are purchased to keep the library up-to-date with current thinking, to provide materials not available in books, and to supplement the book collection. Precedence is given to those titles listed in Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature.

2. Non print Media or Software: The selection of this type of format is dictated by instructional or recreational use, facility of storage, and cost. This type of material is ordered on an approval basis for preview and returned if not sufficiently meeting selection criteria. Professional reviewing sources such as Previews serve as a guide to films selected for previewing. Recordings are reviewed in School Library Journal and Book list.

3. Audio-Visual Equipment or Hardware: Selection is based on standards proposed by the Association of Education Communications and Technology and the American Association of School Librarians, including usefulness, safety, sturdiness, and cost.

E. Complaints. If an individual or group in the community objects to the content of any item media center, the following procedures shall be followed:

Step I A conference between the complainant and the educator involved (teacher, librarian, building principal). If a solution is not agreed to,

Step II A written and signed Citizen's Request For the Reconsideration of Curriculum Material (forms available from the building principal or librarian) must be completed and presented to the principal. The principal shall confer with staff members concerned who may have ordered or used this material, thus determining the basis for selection and its significance to the curriculum and the individual needs of students.

A conference shall be scheduled with the complainant, the principal and staff members in an effort to reevaluate the material. If the solution is not agreed to,

Step III The Citizen's Request For the Reconsideration of Curriculum Materials form shall be filed with the Superintendent of Schools, and the final decision shall rest with the Board of Education, which is legally responsible for the selection of school materials.

B303.15 Inservice Education, Professional Development Council

The board of education shall establish a professional development council whose purpose it shall be to advise the board in matters concerning the planning, development, implementation, and operation of the inservice education plan.

A. The professional development council shall:

1. Be representative of the employed certified personnel; and,

2. include at least as many teachers as administrators and both shall be selected solely by the group they represent.

3. Serve as the District Steering Team for School Improvement and Accreditation,

with one member from each Building School Improvement Team as an active member.

B. The council shall:

1. Develop operational procedures;

2. develop a plan which shall be approved by the board of education based upon criteria established by and available from the state board of education; and

3. recommend to the governing body of the education agency approval or disapproval of individual plans for renewal of certification.

4. Represent the Building School Improvement Teams in staff development decisions and in planning inservice.

5. Facilitate the school improvement planning process at the district level.

B304 Health Certifications

In accordance with K.S.A. 72-5213, every employee shall be required to submit a certification of health signed by a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery on a form prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Environment.

If at any time there is reasonable cause to believe that any employee is suffering from an illness detrimental to the health of pupils or impeding their ability to satisfactorily perform their duties, the board may require a new certification of health. The expense of subsequent certifications of health required by the board will be borne by the board.

B305 Special Education

B305.1 Special Education Program.

A. Unified School District 211 is a member of the North Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative (NCKSEC). In conjunction with the NCKSEC a comprehensive program of special education services will be made available, in compliance with all state and federal laws.

B. The superintendent of schools shall serve as the district's representative to the NCKSEC Board of Directors. The superintendent shall keep the board informed of special education programs, policies, and procedures.

B305.2 Homebound Instruction. A program of homebound instruction will be made available to all students currently enrolled in the Norton Community School District who, because of physical limitations, are unable to attend school. Inability to attend school should be verified and

such program should be made available in a manner consistent with the rules and regulations of the State Department of Education.

B305.3 Private Tutoring and Use of School Facilities.

A. No school district employee or other persons shall use the (A) facilities, (B) property,

(C) equipment or (D) district name of Unified School District #211 for private reimbursement or gain without approval. If fees or costs are assessed students or those which in general concern considerable numbers of people; are related to basic principles or at the moment, are under consideration by the public.

B. The topic should be within the emotional, intellectual and social capacities of the class.

C. There should be adequate and appropriate materials available which present all sides of the issue.

D. The issue should be of importance and interest to students.

E. The topic should be one which the teacher can handle from both a personal and academic point of view.

F. The topic should be one which is in harmony with the nature of the course of study and one which is in keeping with the general aims and objectives of the schools.

B310 Site Councils

B310.1 A site council shall be established in each building in the district.

B310.2 Composition and Terms of Site Council Membership

The membership of each council shall be composed of 11 persons including the building principal, three certified staff members, one noncertified staff member, four parents of pupils attending the school, one representative of the business community, and one community leader.

All council members will serve for two year terms, except that one-half of the initial appointees will serve a one year term in order to maintain continuity of membership.

B310.3 Appointment to the Site Councils

The principal shall, after consultation with the faculty, submit suggested names of individuals to be named to a council for the board’s consideration. The board shall approve all appointments to the site council.

Replacements to the councils will be recommended to the board of education by the site council. The board shall approve all replacement membership to the site councils.

Whenever possible appointments to the site councils should be made to balance the group according to variables which will allow membership to mirror the school and the community.

B310.4 School Site Councils

A site council shall be established in each district building. Each council shall be responsible for providing advice and counsel for evaluating state, school district, and school site performance goals and objectives and in recommending methods that may be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives. Discussions may include allocations of the school budget and administrative and management functions.

The membership of each council shall include, at a minimum, the building principal, and representatives of: teachers and other school personnel, parents of pupils attending the school, and the business community and/or community leaders.

Each principal shall submit, for the board’s consideration, names of individuals to be considered for appointment to the site council. The board shall appoint site council members. Each council shall report to the board at least one time a year. As may be required, the superintendent shall submit reports to the State Board of Education evaluating the effectiveness of each school site council. Reports shall be shared with the board of education before submission to the state.

B310.5 Meeting and Reporting

Each site council shall establish, subject to board approval, when, where, and the minimum number of meetings that are to be held.

Each council shall report to the board at least once per year on the council’s effectiveness in facilitating educational improvement and involvement.

The superintendent shall submit reports which evaluate the effectiveness of each school site council to the State Board of Education as required.

B311 Adult Education. The Board of Education will cooperate in the establishing of a program of adult education as a service to the community. A class will be organized for any group that is self-supporting.

B312 Religion and the Curriculum. The school desires to recognize various religious beliefs and carry on the curriculum as established. The school recognizes the separation of church and State. Toward this end the following procedures will be followed:

A. Pupils may or may not participate in exercises as conducted in the various classrooms.

B. Participation in activities where special holidays or occasions may be recognized in the activity may be optional with the child.

C. Pupils who have religious beliefs which prohibit participation in certain assembly programs, may be excused and report to the principal. Permission to leave the building may be granted by the principal.

D. Pupils may be excused from participating in portions of the regular education program provided the parent or guardian submit to the principal documentation of the following:

1. The child is a member of a bona-fide, established, and organized religion.

2. The doctrine of the religion prohibits participation in the objectionable aspect of the curriculum.

B313 Drug Free Workplace

A. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace.

B. Any employee convicted of any criminal drug offense for a violation occurring in the workplace will face disciplinary action up to and including termination and/or may be required to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

C. Employees must notify the superintendent of schools of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.

D. The district will maintain an awareness program of the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace.

B314 Nondiscrimination

A. The Board of Education agrees to comply with Titles IV, V and VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended all requirements imposed by or pursuant to regulations of the United State Department of Education. The Board agrees that no person (on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or handicap) shall be excluded from any participation in, denied the benefit of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment with U.S.D. 211 for which the school district receives federal financial assistance.

The following titles require specific compliance on the part of the employees of U.S.D. 211.

Title V No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States as defined in section 706(6) of this title, shall, solely by reason of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Title VI Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs

Title VII Equal Employment Opportunity

Title IX Discrimination based upon sex is prohibited

B. Grievance Procedure. Any student or employee of this district who believes he or she has been discriminated against, denied a benefit or excluded participation, in any district education program or activity, on the basis of sex or a handicap in violation of this policy, may file a written complaint with the compliance administrator designated below. The compliance administrator shall cause a review of the written complaint to be conducted and a written response mailed to the complainant within ten working days after receipt of the written complaint. A copy of the written complaint and the compliance administrator's response shall be provided each member of the Board of Education. If the complainant is not satisfied with such response, he or she may submit a written appeal to the Board of Education indicating with particularity the nature of disagreement with the response and his or her reasons underlying such disagreement. The Board of Education shall consider the appeal at its next regularly scheduled Board meeting following receipt of the response. The Board of Education shall permit the complainant to address the Board in public or closed session, as appropriate and lawful, concerning his or her complaint and shall provide the complainant with its written decision in the matter as expeditiously as possible following completion of the hearing.

C. Exemptions. (Title IX only) This policy does not apply to the following organizations:

1. YMCA, YWCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls.

2. Voluntary youth service organizations which are exempt from taxation under Sec 501 (a) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and the membership of which has been traditionally limited to members of one sex and principally to persons of less than nineteen years of age.

UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 211 Superintendent of Schools, Compliance Administrator 105 E. Waverly Norton, KS 67654

B315 Harassment Prohibited

A. It is the policy of U.S.D. 211 to maintain an environment, for students and employees, free of intimidation, insult, and harassment based upon race, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry or handicap. Any such incident should be reported to the building principal or any other school administrator.

B. No employee shall engage in comments, jokes, or other verbal or physical actions which are vulgar, offensive, or profane, or that may insult someone's religion, race, sex, handicap, age, or national origin or ancestry, or which may be reasonably perceived to constitute sexual harassment within the meaning of the law. Any employee who violates this policy will be disciplined.

C. Any student or employee who believes that they have been subjected to actions prohibited by this policy should immediately report the incident to the building principal or any other school administrator. A report may instead be made to the attorney for the board of education who shall immediately inform the board of education president and, if appropriate, the superintendent of schools.

D. Whenever such a report is made, the administrator, board of education attorney, and board of education president shall conduct an investigation. The committee will present their findings, at the earliest possible convenience, to the complainant. In the case where discipline will be recommended for an employee, the results of the investigation and recommendations for discipline will also be presented to the board of education.

B316 Athletic Program.

A. The Board of Education of Norton Community Schools approves of a program of competitive athletics. The program will be available to students from grades 5-12. In grades 7-8, it is suggested that competition with other schools should be on a limited basis. In grades 5-6 athletics will be organized on a intramural basis. Major emphasis should be placed on the involvement of all students in activities who express an interest.

B. The Athletic Program should be as nearly self-sufficient financially as possible, with the fee rate being such as to not be prohibitive to interested spectators and patrons. However, in some cases, program subsidy will be provided.

B317 Limitations on Scheduling of School Activities Recognizing the benefit of having one school night free from school activities, it shall be board policy that no school related events (except those scheduled by the MCL and KSHSAA) shall be scheduled on Wednesday nights other than those on Wednesday nights preceding recesses or vacations unless specifically approved on a case by case basis by the Superintendent. Night sessions are to be interpreted as events which begin after 6:00 p.m. or which extend beyond 7:00 p.m.

B318 Commercialism

A. It is the policy of U.S.D. 211 that schools will not endorse, sponsor, or participate in programs that may be considered to provide a commercial benefit to a non-school organization, business, or agency. It shall be the responsibility of the building principal to determine the appropriateness of any such activity proposed for the school.

B. Efforts shall be made to coordinate fund-raising activities by school organizations in order to limit the total number of fund-raisers each year as well as the number of fund-raisers occurring simultaneously.

C. Non-school groups will not be allowed to raise funds at school activities.

B 319 School Activities and Contests In general, the Board of Education endorses only those contests approved by the Kansas State High School Activities Association and discourages any contest involving cash or equivalent award. However, in questions concerning contest, school participation will depend upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools after consultation with the building principals.

Disorder and disruption of school activities will not be tolerated, and persons attempting to endanger the safety of students, school personnel or other adults; to damage school property; or to interfere with school activities or the educational process will be asked to leave the premises.

The school administration and staff are responsible for handling any problem caused by adults or students. The final decision for determining if assistance is needed is the responsibility of the school principal. In the absence of the principal, the determination shall be made by the assistant principal or person designated to be in charge of the building or activity. The superintendent shall be notified of any serious problem at the school.

B320 USD and League Passes

A. Mid-Continent League Passes. Each unified school district is allowed seventy-five passes by the league. Each pass admits one person to an activity.

These passes are for out of town league events only. The following tickets are assigned:

Board of Education Members and Spouses
Superintendent of Schools
NCHS Principal
NJHS Principal
Elementary Principal
Activity Bus Driver-Unified Office

All other tickets will be numbered and checked out from the Director of Activities at least two days in advance of a contest. If there are more requests than tickets available, a teacher will have preference over a spouse of a teacher. Tickets checked out must be checked back into the Activities office unless other arrangements have been made.

B. USD Home Activity Passes. Activity passes for home events only will be assigned to the following persons and their families. By families this includes all children from birth until graduation from

high school. If members of a family cannot come together the gate keeper will request proper identification if the child is not known. The following receive home passes:

Board of Education Members Coaches/NJHS and NCHS School Personnel Working Activity Events Chain and Down Marker Crew Local Doctors Other activity passes as deemed appropriate by the administration.

The Activities Director will have full supervision over this policy.

B321 Press Release All press releases of Norton Community Schools will be cleared through the Superintendent's Office. Exceptions to this rule will be (1) announcements or results of activities of any of the schools by the principal or person delegated by the principal; (2) Board action announced by the Board President; (3) announcements and communications from the NTA.

B322 Use of the Internet and Electronic Mail by Students and Employees:

A. Use the computer, the Internet, and e-mail in such a way as to benefit yourself, your education, your class, your school, your profession, and your community.

B. Use the computer to help send and access information.

C. No profane, abusive, or impolite language should be used to communicate nor should materials which are not in line with the rules of appropriate use.

D. Notify a responsible person (teacher, administrator, network administrator) immediately if materials are encountered which violate the rules of appropriate use or which make you feel uncomfortable.

E. Honesty with others while on-line is expected.

F. For your security, use only your system ID and not your name, address or password. Log-on ID should not be shared with others.

G. Obey all copyright laws.

H. Signing on to Listservs, UseNet news, and discussion groups is only allowed with permission

I. Never download and/or install any commercial software, shareware, or

freeware unless directed to do so by school personnel.

J. A student’s or employee’s Internet account assigned by the District is the property of USD 211. There is no expectation of privacy by either the students or employees when using the District’s computers and/or internet/ e-mail capabilities. Authorized school personnel may review communications to insure that students and staff are using the system responsibly and filtering software which records attempts to access inappropriate materials and sites will be utilized by the District.

K. USD 211 retains the right to discipline any student up to and including expulsion and any employee up to and including termination for the inappropriate use of the District’s computers and/or internet/e-mail connections.

L. Before a student may use the District’s internet capabilities, both the student and a parent/guardian must sign the Permission Agreement form indicating that the student may use the internet and that he/she is aware of and agrees to abide by the rules of appropriate use above.

M. Upon a District employee’s initial assignment of an internet/e-mail account, a Permission Agreement must be signed by the employee. Failure or refusal to do so will forfeit the employee’s access to District’s internet/e-mail systems.

N. USD 211 will not be held responsible for the unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of the District’s internet/e-mail capabilities by either its students or employees.

B323 Printing and Duplicating Services

The copyright laws of the United States make is illegal for anyone to duplicate copyrighted materials without permission. Severe penalties are provided for unauthorized copying of all materials covered by the act unless the copying falls within the bounds of the “fair use” doctrine.

Any duplication of copyrighted materials by district employees must be done with permission of the copyright holder or within the bounds of “fair use.”

The legal or insurance protection of the district shall not be extended to school employees who violate any provisions of the copyright laws.

CHAPTER IV

PUPIL PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION

A400 Underlying Policies or Purposes

A. To make available to each child residing within the boundaries of the Unified School District #211 a minimum of thirteen (13) years of education in the public schools.

B. To establish a minimum administrative structure that will provide for the educational and personal welfare of each individual student.

C. To develop the means of classifying, evaluating, reporting and pupil control that are in keeping with the purposes of the schools as specified in the educational philosophy of the Board of Education.

D. To provide the opportunity for the maximum growth of each individual child attending the schools in Unified School District #21 1.

B400 Implementing Rules, Regulations and Procedures

B401 Admission

B401.1 Resident Students Any child of specified age who actually resides within the boundaries of the Norton Community Schools shall be permitted to attend the public schools of Unified School District #211, without tuition, unless otherwise prohibited by the policies, rules and regulations of the Board of Education.

B401.2 Non-Resident Students Non-resident students may be admitted to Norton Community Schools on approval of the Board of Education. Tuition may be charged as established by the Board of Education. Such tuition charges must be paid in advance either on a semester or yearly basis.

B401.3 Age

A. Kindergarten. Any child who will attain the age of five (5) years on or before the thirty-first day of August of any school year shall be eligible to enter kindergarten.

B. Elementary. Any child who will attain the age of six (6) years on or before the thirty-first day of August of any school year shall be eligible to attend the elementary grades in the school district of his residence except as herein otherwise provided. Any child who shall have completed a kindergarten course maintained by a public school district shall be eligible to enter first grade, regardless of age.

C. Part-time students may enroll with the administration’s permission if they complete all paperwork in a timely fashion and are in attendance no later than September 18. Part-time students may be admitted only to the extent that staff, facilities, equipment and supplies are available.

D. Admission of Students Over Twenty-One (21) Years of Age. Students over twenty-one (21) years of age may be admitted to the Norton Community Schools on recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools.

B401.4 First Time Enrollments - K.S.A. 72-53,106

A. The parents and/or guardians of any student, grades kindergarten through 12, enrolling in the district for the first time, shall furnish evidence regarding the true nature of that student's identity to the enrolling officer. For purposes of this policy, parent means the natural parents, adoptive parents, step-parents and foster parents. Guardian means a person acting as a parent or conservator, a person liable by law to care for or support the child, a person who has actual care and control of the child and provides a major portion of support or a person who has actual care and control of the child with written consent of a person who has legal custody of the child.

The proof of identity for students enrolling for the first time in the district may include, but may not be limited to, such items as the student's birth certificate, a copy of a court order placing the student in the custody of the Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services, a certified transcript of the student, immunization records, passports, or baptismal certificates.

If the identity of the student is not proven by documentary evidence within 30 days, the enrolling officer shall notify the local law enforcement agency as required by law.

B. Investigations. School personnel shall provide law enforcement personnel with access to school premises when such persons are conducting an investigation in order to determine the identity of the student. School personnel shall be present at all times during an investigation unless such school personnel agree their continued presence is not in the best interest of the student. All school personnel shall observe strict confidentiality regarding the investigation.

Information acquired about a student during any investigation regarding the identity of that student cannot be used for any other purpose other than establishing the students identity.

B401.5 Immunization Law - State of Kansas - K.S.A. 72-5208 to 5211a

A. Any pupil entering school for the first time in the State of Kansas and other pupils as may be designated by the Secretary of the state health department, prior to admission to and attendance in school, shall present to the school board through the principal, certification from a physician or local health department that the pupil has received, or is in the process of receiving and will have completed within 90 days after admission to school, such tests and inoculations as are deemed necessary by the secretary by such means as are approved by the secretary. Physicals are required for all Kindergarten students and out-of-state transfers under nine (9) years of age.

B. Required Inoculations:

Five (5) doses of DPT/DT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus)Four (4) doses of oral polio vaccineTwo (2) dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)

As an alternative to the certification required the pupil shall present:

1. Certification from a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child to be such that the tests or inoculations would seriously endanger the life or health of the child.

2. A written statement signed by one parent or guardian that the child is an adherent of a religious denomination whose religious teachings are opposed to such tests or inoculations.

3. A written statement signed by one parent or guardian that such tests or inoculations are in the process of being received and will be completed within 90 days after admission to school.

C. Any pupil not complying with the state immunization law will be excluded from school attendance until (s)he is in compliance. When pupils are excluded from school, written notice shall be given to one parent or guardian stating:

1. The reason the student is being excluded from school.

2. That the student will continue to be excluded from school until in compliance with the immunization law.

3. That a hearing shall be afforded the parent or guardian upon request.

D. Children who start their immunizations late should only be required to obtain the necessary immunizations as stated on the table located on the back of the Kansas Certificate of Immunization..

B402 Attendance

B402.1 Attendance Policy

A. Purpose. Regular attendance is an important contributing factor to school success. Sickness of a student, severe afflictions in the family or extremely inclement weather are considered examples of legitimate excuses for non-attendance or tardiness. The responsibility for student attendance remains with the parents and legal guardians within school guidelines that conform to Kansas statutes 72-1111 and 72-1113.

B. Compulsory School Attendance Law K.S.A. 72-1111. Every parent or person acting as a parent, in the state of Kansas, having control over or charge of any child who has reached the age of seven (7) years and is under the age of eighteen (18) years, shall require such child to attend continuously a public school or a private, denominational or parochial school taught by a competent instructor, each school year, for such period as the public school of the school district in which the child resides is in session.

C. Enforcement of Compulsory School Attendance 72-1113.

1. Each board of education shall designate one or more employees, who shall report to the secretary of social and rehabilitation services, or a designee thereof, all cases of children who are seven or more years of age but less than 13 years of age and who are not attending schools as required by law, and to the appropriate county or district attorney, or a designee thereof, all cases of children who are 13 or more years of age but less than 18 years of age and are not attending school as required by law. The designation shall be made no later than September 1 of each school year and shall be certified no later than 10 days thereafter by the board of education to the secretary of social and rehabilitation services, the county attorney, and the commissioner of education or their designees.

2. Students 16 or 17 years of age may be exempted from compulsory attendance regulations if the parent(s) or person acting as parent attend(s) the counseling session required by law and signs the appropriate consent and waiver form; if the student earns a GED; or if the student is exempted from compulsory attendance requirements pursuant to a court order.
1. Whenever a child is required by law to attend school and such child is not enrolled in a public or nonpublic school, the child shall be considered to be not attending schools as required by law.

2. The building principal (or designee) shall report students who are inexcusably absent from school to the appropriate authority.

Truancy is defined as any three consecutive unexcused absences, any five unexcused absences in a semester or seven unexcused absences in a school year, whichever comes first. School year means the period from July 1 to June 30. Students who are absent without excuse for a significant part of any school day shall be considered truant.

Prior to reporting to either S.R.S. (if the student is under 13) or the county or district attorney (if the student is over 13), the student’s parent(s) or guardian shall be notified that the student’s failure to attend school without a valid excuse shall result in the student being reported truant.

Law enforcement officers may return truant children to the school where the child is enrolled. If a truant child is returned to school by a law enforcement official, the principal shall notify the parent or guardian.

1. Each board of education shall adopt rules for determination of valid excuse for absence from school and for determination of what shall constitute a "significant part of a day."

2. Each board of education shall designate one or more employees, who shall each be responsible for determining the acceptability and validity of offered excuses for absence from school of specified children, so that a designee is responsible for making such determination for each child enrolled in school.

3. Prior to making any report as required by this policy, the designated employee of the board shall serve written notice thereof, by first class mail, or personal delivery, upon a parent or person acting as a parent of the child. The notice shall inform the parent or person acting as parent that continued failure of the child to attend school without a valid excuse will result in a report being made to the secretary of social and rehabilitation services or the county attorney. If an acceptable response is not received by the day following the day in which the notice was delivered personally or within three school days after the notice was mailed, the designated employee shall make a report in accordance with the provisions of subsections C(1).

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7. Law enforcement officers may return truant children to the school where the child is enrolled, to the child’s parent or guardian or to another location designated by the board to address truancy issues.

If a truant child is returned to school by a law enforcement official, the principal shall notify the parent or guardian.

B402.2 Attendance Regulations

A. After a child is absent five days in a semester for any reason (excused or unexcused) the parents will be notified by letter. A copy of the district's attendance policy will be mailed.

B. A student with twelve (12) or more absences for any reason in any one semester will receive "no credit" grades in all classes for days starting with the twelfth absence.

C. Parents or students who believe that unusual circumstances exist in cases of excessive absenteeism (such as prolonged illness) may appeal for a hearing with the building principal.

D. The school requires parent contact for each case of student absenteeism in one of three ways to determine excused absence.

1. Written note of absence

2. Telephone call

3. Personal contact

E. Make Up Work. Getting work made up after missing classes is the responsibility of the student. The student must take the initiative to contact each teacher to determine work to be done. For excused absences, other than prior approval absence, a student is allowed one day for each day missed to get work in. If, after this time, the work is not handed in, the student will receive a zero for work not finished. Under unusual circumstances, the principal may extend this time if deemed necessary.

Students are encouraged to make up work before any absence.

F. Tardy Students. It is the student's responsibility to be on time for all classes. Students entering school late must check through the office before entering class. Disciplinary measures for tardiness will be established by the building principal.

G. Student Participation when Absent. Students absent from school the day of an activity will not be allowed to participate that day without permission from the principal.

B402.3 Types of Absences

A. Excused Absences.

1. Illness. An absence in which the pupil has been ill and notification has been made to the school office on the day of the absence. Written excuses are accepted from parents or guardians.

2. Leaving School. Students becoming ill or leaving school during school hours must check out through the office before leaving the building to be excused.

3. Funerals. An absence for funerals of the immediate family and prior notification has been made to the school office by parents or guardians. Absences for other funerals will be handled on an individual basis by the building principal.

4. Family Emergency and Personal Business. An absence involving family matters that involves a child being away from school with parents or guardians. Notification should be made to the building principal who will handle requests on an individual basis.

5. School Sponsored Activities. An absence that will be excused if work is made up for time missed.

6. Prior Approval. An absence where parents wish to remove their children from school for other reasons than the above and students are under the direct parental supervision. Parents must contact the building principal for prior approval and all make up work must be completed prior to the absence. If such work is not made up such work will be recorded as zero for the time missed. Any deviations because of unforeseen circumstances on make up work policy may be adjusted by the building principal.

B. Unexcused Absences. An unexcused absence is one in which the child spends time away from school without knowledge and consent of school authorities. No make up work will be allowed.

A student is unexcused when:

1. Absent without the knowledge of parents or guardian and building principal.

2. Parents or guardians fail to contact the school to request an excused absence.

3. Parents remove their children from school for reasons not listed or as required for prior approval requests.

B402.4 Leaving School

A. In case of illness or injury in which it does not seem advisable for the child to remain in the classroom, the parent will be contacted by telephone to come to school and pick up their child. In cases where parents are not available by telephone, emergency numbers which parents have given to the school will be used and those individuals will be asked to come to school and pick up the child.

If parents are contacted, but for some reason they are unable to pick up their child or to authorize someone to do so, the school will provide transportation as permitted by available personnel and equipment. If parents cannot be contacted or are not available, the child will remain at school during school hours and will return home by their regular means.

In cases where medical aid is deemed immediately advisable, an ambulance will be called at the parents expense and the child will be sent to the emergency room of the hospital.

Under no circumstances are ill or injured children allowed to walk home during school hours.

B. Noon Hour. Students in grades 11-12 are allowed to leave the school premises during the noon hour break. Students in Kindergarten through tenth grade may only leave if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Should the conduct of students during this period necessitate, a closed noon hour may be implemented by the administration

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C. Leaving Sch