The mission of the Warren County School District is to educationally empower all students to think critically and solve problems through a rigorous curriculum that will provide them with the skills necessary to graduate and pursue a career of their interest.
TO PROMOTE STUDENT GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT, AN EFFECTIVE SCHOOL BOARD . . . ensures effective planning occurs by: Adopting and implementing a collaboratie strategic planning process; setting annual goals that are aligned with the strategic plan; linking board actions to the strategic plan; adopting a financial plan that considers short-term and long-term needs; adopting professional development plans for board and staff; adopting a plan to ensure evaluation of student growth and achievement using relevant data; adopting a master facilities plan conducive to teaching and learning; and adopting a plan for curriculum review and development.
Financial Reports
1. IU5 - Mr. Paul Mangione
2. PSBA Liaison - Mr. Arthur Stewart
3. Career Center Advisory - Mrs. Marcy Morgan, Mr. Michael Zamborik
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BOARD/COMMITTEE MEETING DATES |
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1. |
September 16, 2015 |
12:15 p.m.
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Board Visitation |
Warren Area High School
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2. |
September 28, 2015 |
6:00 p.m. |
Personnel/Athletics & Co-Curricular Activities Committee Curriculum, Instruction, & Technology Committee Physical Plant & Facilities Committee Finance Committee
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Central Office - Russell |
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3. |
October 12, 2015 |
7:00 p.m. |
Board Meeting |
Central Office - Russell |
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
The agreement with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford continues the dual enrollment program for the 2015-16 school year, with the understanding that parents and students will be responsible for all costs related to the courses. The agreement is attached.
The attached Planned Instructions were all approved in January 2015. The revision to each of the documents is to change the notation that a Final Exam is required. This will align these courses with Board Policy that requires a Final Exam be given for all grade 9-12 courses.
00622 Competitive Sports Tournament Play
00624 Recreational Activities for Life
00626 Health 9
00628 Walking for Personal Fitness
00629 Weight & Strength Training
00640 Outdoor Adventures
00641 First Aid, CPR, Care & Prevention
Please see attachment.
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Please see attachment.
Please see attachment.
Please see attachment.
The agreement is for 3 years, with an annual fee of $8,800 each year of the term. The license fee is $8,800 which includes one authorized user. The additional $1,000 is for four additional authorized users per year.
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
This item is on the Board's Adds List for 2015-16. The price is from the state contract.
21 of the tables will be purchased with QZAB dollars, and 25 of the tables will be purchased with district dollars
This will ensure that future checks can be written in order to properly disperse the remaining funds and close the account.
More information on the "i love you guys" foundation and both the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and the Reunification programs can be found on their website.
The solicitor has reviewed the MOU.
The proposed agreement has been reviewed by the solicitor.
Dates for the training are pending and will be revised based on WCSD and trainer availability.
I. Definitions
For purposes of this Policy, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
Independent contractor - an individual who provides a program, activity, or service who is otherwise responsible for the care, supervision, guidance or control of children. The term does not include an individual who has no direct contact with children.
Direct contact with children - the possibility of care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with children.
Routine Interaction - regular and repeated contact that is integral to a person’s employment responsibilities.
II. Employment History Review
Independent contractors shall conduct an employment history review, in compliance with state law, prior to issuing an offer of employment to a candidate or prior to an assignment of a current employee to perform work for the District. Failure to accurately report required information shall subject the candidate or employee to discipline up to, and including, denial of employment or termination if already hired, and may subject the candidate or employee to civil and criminal penalties. The independent contractor may use the information for the purpose of evaluating an applicant’s fitness to be hired or for continued employment of a current employee and may report the information as permitted by law.
III. Clearances and Continuing Reporting Obligations
Independent contractors and their employees shall not be permitted to perform any work or service for the District until each has complied with the mandatory background check requirements for criminal history (state and federal) and child abuse and the District has evaluated the results of that screening process. Additionally, an independent contractor or employee of an independent contractor shall be required to submit a new criminal background check (state and federal) and child abuse clearance every thirty-six (36) sixty (60) months as required by law and District Policy 7020.
Independent contractors and their employees shall report, on the designated disclosure form (a copy of which shall be provided to the District), all arrests and convictions as specified on the form. Independent contractors and their employees shall likewise report arrests and/or convictions that occur subsequent to initially submitting the form.
All independent contractors shall adopt policies and procedures that require their employees, who are providing services to the District and who have direct contact with children, to (i) notify the contractor, in writing, within seventy-two (72) hours of the occurrence, of an arrest or conviction required to be reported by law and (ii) to report to the contractor, within seventy-two (72) hours of notification, that the employee has been listed as a perpetrator in the State-wide database, in accordance with the Child Protective Services Law. An independent contractor’s policies and procedures shall also inform its employees that failure at any time to accurately report such arrests, convictions or child abuse may subject the individual to denial of employment/contract, termination if already hired/contracted, and/or criminal prosecution.
If the contractor receives notice of such arrest or conviction or notification that the employee has been listed as a perpetrator in the State-wide database, from either the employee or a third party, the contractor shall immediately report that information to the District’s Superintendent in writing.
Mandatory background check requirements for criminal history and child abuse shall be included in all bidding specifications for contracted services.
Language shall be included in all bidding specifications for contracted services notifying independent contractors that failure to comply with this policy and the requirements for background checks and reporting of employee misconduct by an independent contractor shall lead to cancellation of the contract.
IV. Child Abuse Reporting and Training
As mandated reporters, all independent contractors and their employees shall comply with the child abuse reporting requirements pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. 301, et. seq. and District Policy 7020. Additionally, all independent contractors shall provide their employees who have direct contact with children with the mandated training on child abuse recognition and reporting pursuant to 24 P.S. 12-1205.6 and District Policy 7020.
V. Tobacco and Vapor Products
Pursuant to Policy 1415, the Board prohibits tobacco or vapor product use or visible possession (and discourages any possession) by independent contractors and their employees in a school building, on school property, or on any buses, vans or vehicles that are owned, leased or controlled by the District, or utilized by a transportation contractor to transport District students to or from school or a school sponsored activity. The Board further prohibits tobacco or vapor product use or visible possession (and discourages any possession) by independent contractors and their employees while working at a school-sponsored activity that is held off school property. The definition of “tobacco” and “vapor product” are contained in Policy 1415 and are incorporated herein by reference.
Adoption Date - January 26, 2015
Revision Date - May 11, 2015, September 14, 2015
Review Date -
Legal Reference - 24 P.S. 1-111
24 P.S. 1-111.1
24 P.S. 12-1205.6
22 Pa. Code 8.1, et. seq.
23 Pa.C.S.A. 6301, et. seq.
Cross Reference - Policy 7020; Policy 1415
I. Definition
For purposes of this Policy, “direct contact with children” shall be defined as the possibility of care, supervision, guidance, or control of children or routine interaction with children. For purposes of this Policy, “routine interaction” shall be defined as regular and repeated contact that is integral to a person’s employment responsibilities.
II. Clearances
A contractor or employee of a contractor shall not be permitted to transport District students or have direct contact with students of the District until he or she has complied with the mandatory background check requirements for criminal history (state and federal) and child abuse; the contractor has evaluated the results of the criminal background and child abuse checks/clearances; and the contractor has provided the District’s Director of Transportation with copies of all required criminal background and child abuse checks/clearances. Additionally, a contractor or employee of a contractor shall be required to submit a new criminal background check (state and federal) and child abuse clearance every thirty-six (36) sixty (60) months as required by law and District Policy 7020.
Contractors and their employees shall report, on the designated disclosure form (a copy of which shall be provided to the District), all arrests and convictions as specified on the form. Independent contractors and their employees shall likewise report arrests and/or convictions that occur subsequent to initially submitting the form.
III. Reports of Contractor or Employee Crimes/Child Abuse
In addition to the above requirements, contractors shall be responsible to immediately notify the District’s Director of Transportation in writing if a contractor or a contractor’s employee that has direct contact with students of the District:
1. Has been charged with or convicted of a criminal offense that does not appear on the criminal background check/clearance previously provided to the District; or
2. Has been listed as a perpetrator in the state-wide database for any instance of alleged child abuse that does not appear on the child abuse check/clearance previously provided to the District.
Said notification must occur within 72 hours from the time that the contractor acquires knowledge of the charge, conviction, or investigation. The notification shall include the name of the individual, the nature of the offense, the date of the offense, and the status of the disposition. The District will review this information, determine whether the individual will be permitted to continue to transport District students, and provide the contractor with notice of the District’s determination in this regard.
All contractors shall have policies and procedures in place to ensure that contractors are notified by their employees of any such charges, convictions, or alleged child abuse. The policies and procedures shall also include the provision that the failure on the part of employees to at any time report arrests, convictions or child abuse shall subject them to disciplinary action including denial of employment, termination if already hired, and/or criminal prosecution.
IV. Employment History Review
All contractors, pursuant to 24 P.S. 1-111.1, shall conduct an employment history review, in compliance with state law, prior to issuing an offer of employment to a candidate or prior to assignment of a current employee to perform work for the District. Failure to accurately report required information shall subject the candidate or employee to discipline up to, and including, denial of employment or termination if already hired, and may subject the candidate or employee to civil and criminal penalties. Contractors may use the information for the purpose of evaluating an applicant’s fitness to be hired or for continued employment of a current employee and may report the information as permitted by law.
V. Child Abuse Reporting and Training
As mandated reporters, all contractors and their employees shall comply with the child abuse reporting requirements pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. 301, et. seq., and District Policy 7020. Additionally, all contractors shall provide their employees who have direct contact with children with the mandated training on child abuse recognition and reporting pursuant to 24 P.S. 12-1205.6, and District Policy 7020.
VI. Tobacco and Vapor Products
Pursuant to Policy 1415, the Board prohibits tobacco or vapor product use or visible possession (and discourages any possession) by contractors and their employees in a school building, on school property, or on any buses, vans or vehicles that are owned, leased or controlled by the District, or utilized by a contractor to transport District students to or from school or a school sponsored activity. The Board further prohibits tobacco or vapor product use or visible possession (and discourages any possession) by contractors and their employees while working at a school-sponsored activity that is held off school property. The definition of “tobacco” and “vapor product” are contained in Policy 1415 and are incorporated herein by reference.
Adoption Date - March 16, 2011
Revision Date - January 26, 2015, May 11, 2015, September 14, 2015
Review Date -
Legal Reference - School Code – 24 P.S. 1-111; 24 P.S. 1-111.1; 24 P.S. 12-1205.6
22 Pa Code 8.1 et seq., 23.1, and 23.4
Child Protective Services Law – 23 Pa. C.S.A. 6301, et seq.
Cross Reference - Policies 5002, 7020, and 1415
The Superintendent or his/her designee, in conjunction with the Human Resources Office, shall be responsible for advertising, recruiting, interviewing, and screening qualified applicants for all administrative, teaching, support positions, and supplemental employment. In doing so, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall ensure that:
· The broadest possible applicant pool is assembled for each hiring opportunity.
· Each hiring decision will have specific written criteria which communicate minimum, preferred, and non-negotiable qualifications for the successful candidate (including but not limited to certification, licensure, experience, degrees, transcripts, demonstrable skills, references, interviews, testing, criminal history checks, child abuse check, and relevant intangibles). Alternative qualifications may also be taken into consideration.
· Written hiring criteria are used to make ranking decisions.
· All employee contracts as well as state and national laws are followed.
· Unsuccessful finalists are informed of the results.
· Factors such as political patronage, nepotism, favoritism, or power manipulation do not enter into the employment recommendation or appointment.
· A reporting mechanism is in place for persons with concerns regarding the hiring process to report their concerns to the administration and Board.
· Candidate confidentiality is protected.
All candidates recommended for employment must meet the requirements and/or other qualifications that are established for the position. All qualified applicants will be given consideration for employment.
Evaluation of the applications shall include a comprehensive review of relevant documents, skills possessed, recommendations from references, personal interviews, testing (if applicable), and any other factors deemed pertinent to the search.
The District, pursuant to 24 P.S. 1-111.1, shall conduct an employment history review in compliance with state law prior to issuing an offer of employment to a candidate. Failure to accurately report required information shall subject the candidate to discipline up to, and including, denial of employment or termination if already hired, and may subject the candidate to civil and criminal penalties. The District may use the information for the purpose of evaluating an applicant’s fitness to be hired or for continued employment and may report the information as permitted by law.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop a written procedure for the screening, interview and selection process and for submitting the recommended candidate to the Personnel Committee and Board.
Board members, after providing notice to each Board Member, may attend and observe, but not participate in, any interview session relative only to the hiring of a director level or higher position. Board Members shall not be permitted to attend, observe, or participate in any interview session that does not involve the hiring of a director level or higher position. This provision shall not govern the hiring of a Superintendent, which shall be governed by Policy 3105 and the School Code.
The position, compensation, and the terms and conditions of employment will be offered through the Superintendent or his/her designee, subject to Board approval. When applicable, the assignment and working conditions will be established using the Board-approved labor agreements.
A majority vote by the members of the Board, duly recorded, shall be required to approve the employment, compensation, and the terms and conditions of employment for all full-time or part-time administrative, teaching, support or supplemental positions.
Except as permitted by law, no candidate shall be employed or utilized until such candidate has complied with the mandatory background check requirements for criminal history (state and federal) and child abuse, and the District has evaluated the results of that screening process. Additionally, once employed an employee shall be required to submit a new criminal background check (state and federal) and child abuse clearance every thirty-six (36) sixty (60) months as required by law and District Policy 7020.
Each candidate shall report, on the designated disclosure form, arrests and convictions as specified on the form. In addition, subsequent to initially submitting the form, all candidates, both prior to an employment decision being made and once employed, are required to:
1. As mandated by 24 P.S. 1-111, notify the District, in writing, of any arrest or conviction for any offense, as outlined in Section 111 of the School Code, within seventy-two (72) hours of such arrest or conviction. An employee or candidate shall also be required to submit a current criminal history background check report if the Superintendent or his/her designee has a reasonable belief that the employee or candidate was arrested or has been convicted of an offense required to be reported by law, and the employee or candidate has not notified the Superintendent or his/her designee.
2. As mandated by 23 Pa.C.S.A. 6344.3, notify the District in writing, within seventy-two (72) hours of notification, that the employee has been listed as a perpetrator in the State-wide database, in accordance with the Child Protective Services Law.
An employee’s, or candidate’s, failure to accurately report arrests, convictions, or alleged child abuse as required by 24 P.S. 1-111 or 23 Pa.C.S.A. 6344.3 may, depending on the nature of the offense, subject the individual to denial of employment, termination if already hired, and/or criminal prosecution.
The Board may consider an applicant’s misstatement of fact or the omission of a material fact with regard to the applicant’s qualifications, experience, criminal history, etc., to constitute grounds to either not hire an applicant or to dismiss an applicant that has already been hired.
Whenever possible, no individual shall commence employment until that individual has been approved by the Board in accordance with this Policy. The Superintendent is authorized to utilize individuals prior to approval by the Board only when such use is necessary to maintain continuity in the educational program. In such case, retroactive employment shall be recommended to the Board by the Superintendent at the next regular meeting.
For all supplemental employment (athletic and non-athletic) in the District, all positions shall be for one academic year only.
The Warren County School District is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be selected without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex or national origin. The District also will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Adoption Date - November 11, 2012
Revision Date - October 13, 2003; June 11, 2012; January 26, 2015; September 14, 2015
Review Date -
Legal Reference - Collective Bargaining Agreements
School Code - 111, 111.1, 508, 1106, 1109, 1109.1, 1109.2, 1111, 1142, 1146, 1152, 1201, 1204.1
Pa. Code - 22 Pa. Code 8.1, et seq., 22 Pa. Code 49.111, 22 Pa. Code 49.121, 22 Pa. Code 49.81-49.85, 22 Pa. Code 49.101-49.105, 22 Pa. Code 403.4; 22 Pa. Code 403.5, 22 Pa. Code 14.105
Other Statutes - 23 Pa.C.S.A. 6301 et seq., 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., 20 U.S.C. 6319, 42 U.S.C. 2000 et seq., 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., Act 151, 24 P.S. 10-1001 et seq., 24 P.S. 10-1071 et seq.
Cross Reference - Policies 3025, 3105, 3120, 7015, 7020, 7105, 7110, and 7610
9646 School Volunteers – 2013/2014 School Year and Beyond
For purposes of this policy, a volunteer is defined as one who voluntarily offers and provides a service to the School District without receiving compensation. an adult applying for or holding an unpaid position that is a “person responsible for a child’s welfare” or that has “direct volunteer contact” with children.
For purposes of this policy, direct contact with children is defined as the possibility of care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with children.
For purposes of this policy, the term “person responsible for a child’s welfare” is defined as a person who provides permanent or temporary care, supervision, mental health diagnosis or treatment, training or control of a child in lieu of parental care, supervision, and control.
For purposes of this policy, the term “direct volunteer contact” is defined as the care, supervision, guidance or control of children, and routine interaction with children.
For purposes of this Policy, “routine interaction” shall be defined as regular and repeated contact that is integral to a person’s volunteer responsibilities.
Volunteers may come from all backgrounds and all age groups and may include any persons willing to give their time to help students and school staffs. Volunteers may be involved in virtually every facet of the operation of the school District, working with students on a one-to-one basis or performing tasks not involving students. Duties may include, but are not limited to, services to the libraries, classrooms, athletic events, music programs, and school plays, and assisting on field trips and similar activities. Volunteers are to be used in a manner that supplements the existing programs.
All volunteers must submit a signed, completed application form.
A volunteer must submit a valid tuberculosis test when required pursuant to applicable Department of Health Guidelines. When tuberculosis testing is required pursuant to applicable Department of Health Guidelines, a valid test shall be provided to the District when a volunteer commences service for the District and shall remain valid for so long as the volunteer remains in service for at least one day per school year.
A volunteer that has direct volunteer contact with children shall be required to comply with the mandatory background check requirements for criminal history (state and federal, unless all of the requirements to exempt the volunteer from the federal criminal history check are met ) and child abuse and shall be required to submit a new criminal background check (state and federal, unless all of the requirements to exempt the volunteer from the federal criminal history check are met ) and child abuse clearance every thirty-six (36) sixty (60) months as required by law and District Policy 7020. In addition, a volunteer that has direct volunteer contact with children is required to:
1. Notify the District, in writing, of any arrest or conviction for any offense, as outlined in Section 111 of the School Code, within seventy-two (72) hours of such arrest or conviction. A volunteer shall also be required to submit a current criminal history background check report if the Superintendent or his/her designee has a reasonable belief that the volunteer was arrested or has been convicted of an offense required to be reported by law, and the volunteer has not notified the Superintendent or his/her designee.
2. Notify the District in writing, within seventy-two (72) hours of notification, that the volunteer has been listed as a perpetrator in the State-wide database, in accordance with the Child Protective Services Law.
A volunteer’s failure to accurately report arrests, convictions, or alleged child abuse as required by law may, depending on the nature of the offense, subject the individual to denial as a volunteer, termination if already approved as a volunteer, and/or criminal prosecution.
A volunteer that is not in compliance with all of the requirements of this policy and applicable law shall not be permitted to serve as a volunteer for the District.
Unless otherwise required by law, volunteers are solely responsible for obtaining any required clearances and for any and all costs and fees incurred in complying with the foregoing requirements; however, reimbursement may be available if an individual program’s budget permits.
Volunteers shall be subject to the child abuse reporting requirements pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. 301, et. seq., and District Policy 7020. Additionally, while training on child abuse recognition and reporting is not mandated for volunteers, volunteers shall be permitted to attend, and encouraged to attend, any training sessions on child abuse recognition and reporting that are provided by the District to its employees.
All volunteers shall be approved by the Board upon the recommendation of the appropriate administrator or building principal, who shall be responsible for supervising all volunteers serving at his or her office or building. In the event of an unforeseen or emergency situation, a volunteer may be approved by the Superintendent, and such emergency approval shall be promptly reported to the Board. In such case, the Superintendent shall require the completion of all of the requirements outlined above, and the Board shall take action on the approval of the volunteer at a subsequent meeting.
Pursuant to Policy 1415, The Board prohibits tobacco or vapor product use or visible possession (and discourages any possession) by volunteers performing a service for the District in a school building, on school property, while performing a service at a school-sponsored activity that is held off school property, or on any bus, van or vehicle that is owned, leased or controlled by the District, or utilized by a transportation contractor to transport District students to or from school or a school sponsored activity. The definitions of “tobacco” and “vapor product” are contained in Policy 1415 and are incorporated herein by reference.
The services of any volunteer may be terminated at any time at the sole discretion of the responsible administrator(s) or building principal. If the services of a volunteer are terminated, timely notification shall be provided to the Superintendent. Under no circumstances will a volunteer be considered an employee of the District.
School personnel will identify appropriate tasks for volunteers and may plan in-service activities for them so they may become skilled in performing those tasks. Under no circumstances will a volunteer’s task include transportation of students. Volunteers who do transport students will be regarded as acting in their capacity as a parent or private individual and not in their capacity as a volunteer. Volunteer help must not be used to replace regularly scheduled personnel. Volunteers will not teach, but may reinforce skills taught by the professional staff.
The Superintendent or his/her designee is responsible for developing procedures for the recruitment of volunteers and establishing guidelines and written procedures covering their use throughout the District, including guidelines and procedures to ensure that volunteers are utilized in compliance with this policy and applicable law.
Adoption Date - November 12, 2012
Revision Date - January 26, 2015; May 11, 2015, September 14, 2015
Review Date -
Legal Reference - 24 P.S. §14-1418(b)
23 Pa.C.S.A. 6301, et. seq.
28 Pa. Code §23.44(b)
March, 2011 Department of Health Guidelines Relative to Tuberculosis Testing of Students and Staff in Pennsylvania Schools
Cross Reference - Policy 7020; Policy 1415
I. Definitions
The following words and phrases, when used in this policy, shall have the meaning given to them in this section:
Bodily injury - impairment of physical condition or substantial pain.
Child - an individual under eighteen (18) years of age.
Child abuse - intentionally, knowingly or recklessly doing any of the following:
2. Fabricating, feigning or intentionally exaggerating or inducing a medical symptom or disease which results in a potentially harmful medical evaluation or treatment to the child through any recent act.
3. Causing or substantially contributing to serious mental injury to a child through any act or failure to act or a series of such acts or failures to act.
4. Causing sexual abuse or exploitation of a child through any act or failure to act.
5. Creating a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to a child through any recent act or failure to act.
6. Creating a likelihood of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child through any recent act or failure to act.
7. Causing serious physical neglect of a child.
8. Engaging in any of the following recent acts:
ii. Unreasonably restraining or confining a child, based on consideration of the method, location or the duration of the restraint or confinement.
iii. Forcefully shaking a child under one (1) year of age.
iv. Forcefully slapping or otherwise striking a child under one (1) year of age.
v. Interfering with the breathing of a child.
vi. Causing a child to be present at a location while a violation of 18 Pa. C.S. § 7508.2 (relating to operation of methamphetamine laboratory) is occurring, provided that the violation is being investigated by law enforcement.
vii. Leaving a child unsupervised with an individual, other than the child's parent, who the actor knows or reasonably should have known: Is required to register as a Tier II or Tier III sexual offender under 42 Pa. C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H (relating to registration of sexual offenders), where the victim of the sexual offense was under eighteen (18) years of age when the crime was committed; has been determined to be a sexually violent predator under 42 Pa. C.S. § 9799.24 (relating to assessments) or any of its predecessors; or has been determined to be a sexually violent delinquent child as defined in 42 Pa. C.S. § 9799.12 (relating to definitions).
9. Causing the death of a child through any act or failure to act.
The term child abuse does not include physical contact with a child that is involved in normal participation in physical education, athletic, extracurricular or recreational activities. Also excluded from the meaning of the term child abuse is the use of reasonable force by a person responsible for the welfare of a child for purposes of supervision, control or safety, provided that the use of force:
1. Constitutes incidental, minor or reasonable physical contact in order to maintain order and control;
2. Is necessary to quell a disturbance or remove a child from the scene of a disturbance that threatens property damage or injury to persons;
3. Is necessary for self-defense or defense of another;
4. Is necessary to prevent the child from self-inflicted physical harm; or
5. Is necessary to gain possession of weapons, controlled substances or other dangerous objects that are on the person of the child or in the child’s control.
Direct contact with children - the possibility of care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with children.
Independent contractor - an individual who provides a program, activity or service who is otherwise responsible for the care, supervision, guidance or control of children. The term does not include an individual who has no direct contact with children.
Perpetrator - a person who has committed child abuse and is a parent/guardian of the child, a spouse or former spouse of the child's parent/guardian, a paramour or former paramour of the child's parent/guardian, a person responsible for the child’s welfare, an individual residing in the same home as the child, an individual fourteen (14) years of age or older who is responsible for the child’s welfare or who resides in the same home as the child, or an individual eighteen (18) years of age or older who does not reside in the same home as the child but is related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity by birth or adoption to the child.
Person responsible for the child's welfare - a person who provides permanent or temporary care, supervision, mental health diagnosis or treatment, training or control of a child in lieu of parental care, supervision and control. The term includes any such person who has direct or regular contact with a child through any program, activity or service sponsored by a school, for-profit organization or religious or other not-for-profit organization.
Program, activity or service - a public or private educational, athletic or other pursuit in which children participate. The term includes, but is not limited to, the following:
5. An enrichment program.
6. A troop, club or similar organization.
Recent act or failure to act - any act or failure to act committed within two (2) years of the date of the report to the Department of Human Services of the Commonwealth or county agency.
School employee - an individual who is employed by a school or who provides a program, activity or service sponsored by a school. The term excludes an individual who has no direct contact with children.
Serious mental injury - a psychological condition, as diagnosed by a physician or licensed psychologist, including the refusal of appropriate treatment, that:
1. Renders a child chronically and severely anxious, agitated, depressed, socially withdrawn, psychotic or in reasonable fear that the child's life or safety is threatened.
2. Seriously interferes with a child's ability to accomplish age-appropriate developmental and social tasks.
Serious physical neglect - any of the following when committed by a perpetrator that endangers a child's life or health, threatens a child's well-being, causes bodily injury or impairs a child's health, development or functioning:
2. The failure to provide a child with adequate essentials of life, including food, shelter or medical care.
Sexual abuse or exploitation - any of the following:
a. Looking at the sexual or other intimate parts of a child or another individual for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire in any individual.
b. Participating in sexually explicit conversation either in person, by telephone, by computer or by a computer-aided device for the purpose of sexual stimulation or gratification of any individual.
c. Actual or simulated sexual activity or nudity for the purpose of sexual stimulation or gratification of any individual.
d. Actual or simulated sexual activity for the purpose of producing visual depiction, including photographing, videotaping, computer depicting or filming.
Paragraph 1. does not include consensual activities between a child who is fourteen (14) years of age or older and another person who is fourteen (14) years of age or older and whose age is within four (4) years of the child's age.
Student - an individual enrolled in a District school under eighteen (18) years of age.
Volunteer - an individual in an unpaid position with a program, activity or service who is individually responsible for the welfare of one or more children or has direct contact with children.
II. Clearances
1. Each candidate for employment shall submit an official child abuse clearance statement and criminal background checks (state and federal) as required by law.
2. Each applicant for transfer or reassignment shall submit an official child abuse clearance statement unless the applicant is applying for a transfer from one position as a District employee to another position as a District employee and the applicant’s official child abuse clearance statement is current.
3. Each volunteer shall submit an official child abuse clearance statement and criminal background checks (state and federal, unless all of the requirements to exempt the volunteer from the federal criminal history check are met) as required by law.
4. Independent contractors shall obtain an official child abuse clearance statement and criminal background checks (state and federal) as required by law and provide copies to the District
In addition to the preceding requirements, school employees, independent contractors and volunteers shall also obtain and submit new criminal background checks (state and federal) and child abuse clearances every thirty-six (36) sixty (60) months as required by law.
2. Provisions of the Educator Discipline Act, including mandatory reporting requirements.
3. District policy related to reporting of suspected abuse and sexual misconduct.
4. Maintenance of professional and appropriate relationships with students.
While training on child abuse recognition and reporting is not mandated for volunteers, volunteers shall be permitted to attend any training session on child abuse recognition and reporting that are provided by the District to its employees.
IV. Duty To Report
School employees, independent contractors and volunteers shall make a report of suspected child abuse if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is the victim of child abuse under any of the following circumstances:
A child is not required to come before the school employee, independent contractor or volunteer in order for that individual to make a report of suspected child abuse.
A report of suspected child abuse does not require the identification of the person responsible for the child abuse.
Any person required to report child abuse who willfully fails to do so may be subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
Any person who intentionally or knowingly makes a false report of child abuse or intentionally or knowingly induces a child to make a false claim of child abuse may be subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
Any person who engages in intimidation, retaliation, or obstruction in the making of a child abuse report or the conducting of an investigation into suspected child abuse may be subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
V. Reporting Procedures
School employees, independent contractors or volunteers who suspect child abuse shall immediately make a written report of suspected child abuse using electronic technologies or an oral report via the statewide toll-free telephone number. A person making an initial oral report of suspected child abuse must also submit a written electronic report within forty-eight (48) hours after the oral report. Upon receipt of an electronic report, the electronic reporting system will automatically respond with a confirmation, providing the District with a written record of the report.
A school employee, independent contractor or volunteer who makes a report of suspected child abuse shall immediately, after making the initial report, notify the school principal and if the initial report was made electronically, also provide the principal with a copy of the report confirmation. The school principal shall then immediately notify the Superintendent or designee that a child abuse report has been made and if the initial report was made electronically, also provide a copy of the report confirmation.
When a report of suspected child abuse is made by a school employee, independent contractor or volunteer as required by law, the District is not required to make more than one (1) report. An individual otherwise required to make a report who is aware that an initial report has already been made by a school employee, independent contractor or volunteer is not required to make an additional report.
When necessary to preserve potential evidence of suspected child abuse, a school employee may, after the initial report is made, take or cause to be taken photographs of the child who is the subject of the report. Any such photographs shall be sent to Children and Youth Services, or other comparable county agency, at the time the written report is sent or within forty-eight (48) hours after a report is made by electronic technologies or as soon thereafter as possible. The school principal shall be notified whenever such photographs are taken.
If the Superintendent or designee reasonably suspects that conduct being reported involves an incident required to be reported under the Safe Schools Act, the Superintendent or designee shall inform local law enforcement, in accordance with applicable law, regulations, Board policy, and the District’s Memorandum of Understanding with law enforcement.
VI. Investigation
The school principal shall facilitate the cooperation with the Department of Human Services of the Commonwealth or Children and Youth Services, or other comparable county agency, investigating a report of suspected child abuse, including permitting authorized personnel to interview the child while in attendance at school.
Upon notification that an investigation involves suspected child abuse by a school employee, the principal shall immediately implement a plan of supervision or alternative arrangement for the school employee under investigation. The plan of supervision or alternative arrangement shall be submitted to Children and Youth Services, or other comparable county agency, for approval.
Adoption Date - January 26, 2015, September 14, 2015
Revision Date -
Review Date -
Legal Reference - 24 P.S. § 111
24 P.S. §1205.6
24 P.S. §1301-A, et. seq.
24 P.S. §1527
24 P.S. §2070, et. seq.
22Pa. Code §10.1, et. seq.
18 Pa.C.S.A. §4304
18 Pa.C.S.A. §4906.1
18 Pa.C.S.A. §4958
23 Pa.C.S.A. §6301, et. seq.
Cross Reference - District Policy 5002, 5404, 7115, 7610, and 9646
The Warren County School District recognizes that student wellness and proper nutrition are related to improving students’ physical well-being, growth, development, readiness to learn, and reducing childhood obesity. The Board is committed to providing a school environment that promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience. In a healthy school environment, students will learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices that can improve student achievement.
To promote a healthy learning environment and a health-conscious curriculum, and to ensure compliance with state and federal law, the Board establishes the following student nutrition goals with the purpose of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity.
Annually the Administration shall recommend that the Board approve at the September Board meeting the membership of the WCSD Student Wellness Advisory Committee. Membership shall include at least one of the following from each attendance area: high school student, parent, teacher, and administrator. In addition, membership shall include a school board member appointed by the Board President, at least one Central Office administrator, a district food service representative, and members of the public.
The Student Wellness Advisory Committee is charged with advising the Board and Administration on student nutrition and health related policy, curriculum, student activities and health issues. The Student Wellness Advisory Committee will meet at least four times in a school year.
The Administration shall develop with advice from the Student Wellness Advisory Committee an administrative procedure supporting the Policy.
To ensure the health and well-being of all students, the District shall provide to students:
1. A comprehensive nutrition program consistent with federal and state requirements.
2. Access at reasonable cost to foods and beverages that meet established nutritional guidelines.
3. Physical education courses and opportunities for developmentally appropriate physical activity during the school day and through extracurricular activities during non-school hours.
4. Curriculum and programs for grades K-12 that are designed to educate students about proper nutrition and lifelong physical activity, in accordance with State Board of Education curriculum regulations and academic standards.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall work in cooperation with each building principal and other applicable staff members to monitor compliance with this Policy and to monitor District programs related to student wellness.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall, if requested by the Board, report to the Board on the District’s compliance with law and policy related to student wellness. The report may include:
1. Assessment of school environment regarding student wellness issues.
2. Evaluation of food services program.
3. Review of all foods and beverages sold in schools for compliance with established nutrition guidelines.
4. Listing of activities and programs conducted to promote nutrition and physical activity.
5. Recommendations for improvement and policy or program revisions.
6. Feedback received from District staff, students, parents/guardians, community members and the Wellness Committee.
The Superintendent or his/her designee and the appointed Wellness Committee shall periodically conduct an assessment on the contents and implementation of this Policy as part of a continuous improvement process to strengthen the Policy and its implementation. The assessment shall include the extent to which District schools are in compliance with laws related to student wellness and shall describe the progress made by the District in attaining the goals of this Policy. The assessment, as well as information about the contents and implementation of this Policy, shall be made available to the public.
Wellness Committee
The Board shall annually, as a part of its October meeting, appoint a Wellness Committee comprised of at least one (1) of each of the following: District administrator, District food service representative, student, parent/guardian, and member of the public. In advance of each October Board meeting, the Administration shall provide the Board with a list of the recommended Committee Members. Even if not a member of the Committee, physical education teachers and school health professionals shall be permitted to participate in the operations of the Wellness Committee.
No School Board Member shall be a member of the Wellness Committee, the Wellness Committee is not a Committee of the Board, and the Wellness Committee’s authority, as it relates to the Board, is strictly limited to only providing information to the Board with respect to this Policy.
As a part of its responsibilities, the Wellness Committee, or a subcommittee thereof, shall address Health and Nutrition Education and Promotion; Physical Activity and Education; and Other School Based Operations, as follows:
1. Health and Nutrition Education and Promotion
Nutrition Education will be provided within the sequential, comprehensive health education program in accordance with curriculum regulations, certification requirements, and the academic standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, and Family and Consumer Sciences. The goal of nutrition education is to teach, encourage and support healthy eating by students because promoting student health and nutrition enhances readiness for learning and increases student achievement.
The District will aim to teach, encourage, and support healthful eating by students. District schools shall promote nutrition by providing appropriate nutrition education in accordance with this Policy and with the goal of providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy lives. Nutrition education shall strive to extend beyond the school environment by engaging and involving families and the community and encouraging parents/guardians to provide healthy meals for their children through letters, take-home materials, or other means.
2. Physical Activity and Education
Based on the District’s belief that age-appropriate physical activity is beneficial for its students to achieve optimal health, wellness, and fitness, District schools shall strive to provide students with opportunities for developmentally appropriate physical activity during the school day (such as recess and physical education) and through extracurricular activities during non-school hours (such as clubs, intramurals, and interscholastic athletics) to assist students and parents in attaining this benchmark.
Physical activity shall not be required as a form of punishment.
Students and the community shall have access to physical activity facilities outside school hours in accordance with applicable Board policies relative to facility usage.
A sequential physical education program consistent with curriculum regulations and Health, Safety and Physical Education academic standards shall be developed and implemented with the goal of providing quality physical education instruction that promotes lifelong physical activity, provides instruction in the skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong participation, and provides students the skills, knowledge and confidence to participate in lifelong, health-enhancing physical activity.
3. Other School-Based Operations
Drinking water shall be available and accessible at no cost to students during meal periods and throughout the school day.
District schools shall provide an adequate space, environment and duration, as defined by the District, for eating and serving school meals. Students shall have access to hand washing or sanitizing before meals and snacks.
Nutrition professionals shall administer the school meals program, and professional development shall be provided to nutrition staff.
Nutrition content of school meals shall be available to students and parents/guardians, and parents/guardians may be involved in menu selections through various means.
To the extent possible, the District shall utilize available funding and outside programs to enhance student wellness.
Withholding Food shall not be used as a form of punishment.
The District shall strive to support the efforts of parents/guardians to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for children by communicating relevant information to parents/guardians if requested.
Nutrition Standards/Guidelines
Foods available in District schools during the school day shall be offered to students with consideration for promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity. Foods provided through the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs shall comply with established federal nutrition standards.
Competitive foods available for sale to students in District schools outside of school meal programs shall comply with established federal nutrition standards and the Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools, as applicable.
Management of Food Allergies in District Schools
The District’s administration shall develop and implement appropriate protocols and procedures to address food allergy management in District schools in order to:
1. Reduce the likelihood of severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
2. Provide a timely and effective response in case of a severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
3. Provide students the opportunity to participate as fully as possible in all school programs and activities.
Safe Routes to School
The District shall access and, as deemed necessary by the District, implement improvements to make walking and biking to school safer for students.
District administrators shall seek and utilize available federal and state funding for safe routes to school, when appropriate.
Adoption Date - June 12, 2006
Revision Date - ____________, 2015
Review Date -
Legal Reference - 24 P.S. 1422.1, 42 U.S.C. 1758b, 24 P.S. 1422, 24 P.S. 1513, 24 P.S. 1512.1, 7 CFR 210.10,
7 CFR 220.8, 42 U.S.C. 1751, et seq.,
42 U.S. C 1773, 7 CFR 210.11, 7 CFR 220.12a,
24 P.S. 504.1, 24 P.S. 1337.1, 24 P.S. 1422.3,
P.L. 111-296, 7 CFR Part 210, and 7 CFR Part 220
Cross Reference - District Policies 1301, 1305, 1415, 5105, 5110, 5501, 5505, 5515, 9135, 9170, 9175, 9535, 9950, 10110, 10410, 10450, 10460, 10495, 10510, 10515, 10610, 10620, 10630, 11007, and 12401
1. DEFINITION/SCOPE OF POLICY.
This Policy shall apply to, and govern, all booster organizations. For purposes of this policy, the term “booster organization” shall refer to any organization comprised of parents or community members that exist to support an extra-curricular or co-curricular activity or to support a school or its programs.
2. PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY.
The Board recognizes and appreciates the cooperation, encouragement, and support given by booster organizations and further recognizes that it is necessary for the Board, pursuant to Section 511 of the School Code, to implement reasonable rules and regulations that govern the operation of booster organizations and their members.
3. ESTABLISHING A BOOSTER ORGANIZATION.
To initiate a booster organization for a particular activity, the following process must be followed:
A. An adult sponsor shall discuss the proposed purpose of the booster organization with the appropriate athletic director and coach (if the proposed purpose of the booster organization is to support a sport) or teacher (if the proposed purpose of the booster organization is not to support a sport).
B. The athletic director or teacher shall then discuss the request with the building principal. If approved by the building principal, a formal written request to establish a booster organization must be submitted by the proposed booster organization to the Board for approval and must contain the following information:
(i) The name of, and a detailed description purpose for, the booster organization.
(ii) The names of any founding members of the proposed booster organization.
(iii) A copy of the proposed Bylaws for the booster organization that contain all of the information specified in Section 4(I) of this Policy.
(iv) The name of the District employee who will serve as the advisor to the organization.
4. GUIDELINES.
Each booster organization shall conform to the following operational guidelines:
I. Organization.
Booster organizations shall be governed by published Bylaws, which must be submitted to the building principal. The Bylaws must be approved minimally by a majority of those involved in the booster organization and must contain language that provides for:
A. The approval of the Bylaws by a majority of the booster organization.
B. The manner in which officers are to be elected.
C. Two (2) signatures are required on all accounts for disbursement of funds.
D. A process is in place for members to vote upon how funds will be used.
E. The purpose and goals of the booster organization.
F. The criteria for membership and voting rights in the booster organization.
G. The mechanism by which an internal audit is conducted annually.
H. How the booster will disperse its money in the event that it is disbanded.
II. Fundraising.
Students are not to be involved in fundraising activities during school hours without the permission of the building principal. Booster organizations may raise funds through activities, subject to the requirement that prior written notification of a planned activity must be provided to the building principal through the completion of an appropriate notification form, which must include:
A. The name of the organization, contact person, and contact information.
B. The date, time, and location of the fundraiser.
C. The purpose and description of the fundraiser.
III. General Expectations.
A. Booster organizations must complete the “Use of Facilities” form and comply with all other requirements of Policy 11401.
B. All gifts to the District shall be donated pursuant to Policy 11501 and, once accepted by the District, shall become the property of the District.
C. Each booster organization associated with an activity that is governed by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 shall provide an audit or treasurer’s report, which accounts for all funds, deposits, expenditures, and financial transactions once each year. A copy of the audit or treasurer’s report shall be submitted to the Director of Business Services no later than ninety (90) days following the conclusion of the season, or June 30 if a year-round activity, and forwarded to the Board upon request. All other booster organizations must maintain records regarding deposits and expenditures and must make any and all such records available to the District within five business days of the District’s request for the records. Audit reports, treasurer’s report, and deposit/expenditure records that are submitted to the District shall be used for Title IX purposes and to conduct any necessary investigations into the financial affairs of a booster organization.
D. Booster organizations shall not be permitted to use the District’s tax-free number for purchases.
E. Students are eligible for membership in a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) because student membership in this organization is nationally recognized. Otherwise, students are not eligible for membership in any booster organization.
F. Each booster organization shall have a District employee that serves as the advisor for the organization. A District employee’s role in the functioning of the booster organization is solely in an advisory capacity, and he/she should not handle money or make purchases in the name of the booster organization. Only the booster organization shall control money or accounts of the booster organization.
G. In the event that a booster organization contracts with any individual or entity for services that take place on School District-owned facilities, the contract must be preapproved by the building principal, the booster organization must carry a minimum $1 million liability insurance policy, and the booster organization must provide certificates of insurance to the Director of Business Services.
H. Prior to July 1 of each year, all booster organizations shall provide to the Superintendent, in writing, a list of the current officers of the organization. Said booster organizations shall also immediately advise the Superintendent, in writing, of any change in the officers that occurs during the year.
IV. Small Games of Chance/Lotteries.
Small games of chance shall be permitted as authorized by the Pennsylvania Small Games of Chance Act. The booster organization is solely responsible for obtaining any necessary permits and for complying with all aspects of the Pennsylvania Small Games of Chance Act. The District shall provide no guidance or assistance of any kind in this respect.
V. Camps.
Any camp sponsored by a booster organization must be preapproved by the building principal and, if a District employee participates, the responsibilities of the employee and the booster organization must be clearly defined.
5. LEGAL COMPLIANCE.
A Booster organization shall comply with all PIAA, NCAA, or other governing organization’s rules or regulations and any applicable local, state, or federal law, regulation, or ordinance.
6. TIME PERIOD FOR AN EXISTING BOOSTER ORGANIZATION TO COME INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY.
Any booster organization established prior to the effective date of this Policy shall not require additional Board approval, but shall have 90 days to establish to the appropriate building principal that it is in compliance with the requirements of this Policy.
7. DISBANDING A BOOSTER ORGANIZATION.
The Board may revoke a booster organization’s authorization to operate if the Board determines that it is in the best interest of the District to do so or if the booster organization, or one of its members, violates any of the requirements contained in this Policy. A booster organization may also disband on its own accord.
8. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY.
The Superintendent or his/her designee is authorized to develop and implement administrative procedures, as deemed necessary, to effectuate this Policy.
9. EXCLUSION FROM LIABILITY.
Each booster organization is its own independent entity, and members of the booster organization are not employees or agents of the District and have no legal authority to act on behalf of the District . Neither the District nor the District’s Board of School Directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives assumes any liability of any kind relative to (i) the conduct, actions or inactions, or operation of a booster organization or its member(s); (ii) the violation of any local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance by a booster organization or its member(s); (iii) the violation of any PIAA, NCAA, or other governing organization’s rule or regulation by a booster organization or its member(s); or (iv) any loss of, damage to, or theft of equipment owned by a booster organization or its member(s).
Adoption Date -
Revision Date -
Review Date -
Legal Reference - 24 P.S. §5-511; 61 Pa. Code §901.701; 10 P.S. §311, et. seq.; 31 Pa. Code §32.23
Cross Reference - Policy 11401; Policy 11501; Policy 4215
The agreement with Clarion University continues the dual enrollment program for the 2015-16 school year, with the understanding that parents and students will be responsible for all costs related to the courses. The agreement is attached.
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
The Board of School Directors is required to advertise the Comprehensive Plan for a 28 day public review period prior to final approval and submission to PDE.
Executive Summary