Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
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.
Principles for Governance and Leadership
Pennsylvania school boards are committed to providing every student the opportunity to grow and achieve. The actions taken by the Board ultimately have both short and long-term impact in the classroom. Therefore, school directors collectively and individually will...
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Executive Summary
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Executive Summary
The Board may hold an executive session, which is not an open meeting, before, during, at the conclusion of an open meeting, or at some other time. The presiding officer shall announce the reason for holding the executive session; the announcement can be made at the open meeting prior to or after the executive session. It is highly recommended, from a public relations standpoint, that an Executive Session be held immediately prior to the regular Board Meeting.
The Board, or a Committee thereof, may hold an executive session (which is not open to the public or media) during an open/public meeting or at the conclusion of an open/public meeting, or the executive session may be announced for a future time. The reason for holding the executive session must be announced at the open/public meeting occurring immediately prior to, or subsequent to, the executive session. If the executive session is not announced for a future specific time, members of the Board, or the Committee thereof, shall be notified 24 hours in advance of the date, time, location, and purpose of the executive session.
Executive sessions can be held by the Board, or a Committee thereof, for all purposes permitted by law, including the following:
1. Discussion of personnel/employment issues.
2. Matters relating to collective bargaining, labor relations, or arbitration.
3. To consider the purchase or lease of real property.
4. To consult with an attorney or other professional adviser concerning litigation or potential litigation.
5. To discuss matters that are privileged under law. must be discussed in private to protect a lawful privilege or confidentiality.
6. To plan, review, or discuss matters related to school safety, the disclosure of which, if conducted in public, would either (i) be reasonably likely to impair the effectiveness of the safety measure or (ii) create a reasonable likelihood of jeopardizing the safety or security of an individual or a school, including a building, public utility, resource, infrastructure, facility, or information storage system.
Official actions based on discussion held in executive session shall be taken at an open/public meeting.
Adoption Date - September 13, 1999
Revision Date - October 10, 2005; August 13, 2018
Review Date -
Legal Reference - 65 Pa.C.S.A. §708
Cross Reference - Policies 2350, 2610, and 3121
In compliance with the State Retirement Law, the Board shall deduct five and one-fourth percent (5.25%) (or any other applicable percentage provided by the Retirement Board) from the full amount of each warrant issued to any full-time employee. Money deducted from pay warrants is transmitted quarterly (or as established by the Retirement Board) as directed by the Public School Retirement Board.
Other deductions may include the following:
Federal income tax
F.I.C.A. or Social Security
Local wage tax (Borough and School)
Retirement contributions
Group health and accident insurance
Hospitalization insurance
PSEA, NEA and PSSPA dues (fair share fees shall not be deducted)
Charitable organizations and others
U.S. Savings Bonds
Credit Union
United Way
Domestic Relations
The federal and state governments supply income tax tables for the purpose of computing withholding tax according to information furnished by each employee on Form W-2, U.S. Treasury, Internal Revenue Service.
Adoption Date - September 13, 1999
Revision Date - August 13, 2018
Review Date -
Legal Reference - Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 (No. 16-1466)
Cross Reference -
I. School Safety and Security Coordinator
The Superintendent shall appoint a school administrator as the District’s School Safety and Security Coordinator, who shall report directly to the Superintendent.
The School Safety and Security Coordinator shall:
1. Oversee any school police officers, school resource officers, and/or school security guards that are utilized by the District.
2. Oversee and review the District’s policies and procedures regarding school safety and security and monitor compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding school safety and security.
3. Coordinate the school safety and security training required by Article II of this Policy.
4. Coordinate school safety and security assessments, as deemed necessary, that evaluate the District’s facilities and programs used to identify potential safety and security threats.
5. Serve as the District’s liaison with the School Safety and Security Committee (as established by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency), PDE, law enforcement, any other organizations relevant to school safety and security.
6. No later than June 30th of each year, submit a report to the Board, during executive session, on the District’s current safety and security practices that identify strategies to improve school safety and security. The report shall also be submitted to the School Safety and Security Committee (as established by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency) and shall not be subject to disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law.
7. Organize a tour of each of the District’s buildings and associated grounds at least every two years, or when a building is first occupied or reconfigured, with law enforcement and first responders that are primarily responsible providing services to the school for the purpose of discussing and coordinating safety and security measures for the school.
II. School Safety and Security Training
The District shall provide its employees with mandatory training on school safety and security that addresses situational awareness; trauma-informed education awareness; behavioral health awareness; suicide and bullying awareness; substance use awareness; and emergency training drills, including fire, natural disaster, active shooters, hostage situations and bomb threats. Each employee must complete a minimum of 3 hours of training every 5 years, which may be completed via the internet or distance learning.
Adoption Date - August 13, 2018
Review Date -
Revision Date -
Legal Reference - 24 P.S. §13-1309-B; 24 P.S. §13-1310-B; 65 P.S. §67.101, et. seq.
Cross Reference - Policies 5105, 10510, 10970, and 11201
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 promoting student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience.
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 meeting 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.
Recordkeeping
The District shall retain records documenting compliance with this Policy as required by 7 CFR 210.15.
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. The drinking water at each school may be tested annually for lead. In any year that the drinking water at each school is not tested for lead, the administration shall discuss lead issues in school at a public meeting.
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, as required by applicable federal regulations.
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 and beverages 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 (USDA Smart Snacks in School). Fundraising activities held during the school day involving the sale of competitive foods shall be limited to foods that meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, unless an exemption is approved by the Superintendent of his/her designee. The District may allow a limited number of exempt fundraisers as permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education each school year, as follows: up to five (5) exempt fundraisers in elementary and middle school buildings, and up to ten (10) exempt fundraisers in high school buildings.
Marketing/Contracting
Any foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students on the school campus during the school day shall meet or exceed the established federal nutrition standards (USDA Smart Snacks in School). To the extent feasible, contracts shall be reviewed and modified to ensure compliance with established federal nutrition standards, including applicable marketing restrictions.
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 - October 12, 2015; September 1, 2017; August 13, 2018
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; 7 CFR Part 220; 24 P.S. 742
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
As a part of the Board’s commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its students, staff, and school community, this policy is intended to provide education on youth suicide awareness and prevention; to establish methods of prevention, intervention, and response to suicide or suicide attempt; and to promote access to suicide awareness and prevention resources.
The District shall notify District employees, students, and parents/guardians of this policy and shall post the policy on the District’s website.
SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION EDUCATION
Protocols for Administration of Student Education
Students shall receive age-appropriate education on the importance of safe and healthy choices, coping strategies, how to recognize risk factors and warning signs, as well as help-seeking strategies for self or others including how to engage school resources and refer friends for help.
Lessons shall contain information on comprehensive health and wellness, including emotional, behavioral, and social skills development.
Protocols for Administration of Employee Education
All District employees shall receive information regarding risk factors, warning signs, response procedures, referrals, and resources regarding youth suicide prevention.
As part of the District’s professional development plan, professional educators in school buildings serving students in grades six through twelve shall participate in four hours of youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years.
Additional professional development in risk assessment and crisis intervention shall be provided to school counselors, District mental health professionals, and school nurses.
METHODS OF PREVENTION
The methods of prevention utilized by the District include, but are not limited to, early identification and support for students at risk; education for students, staff and parents/guardians; and delegation of responsibility for planning and coordination of suicide prevention efforts.
Suicide Prevention Coordinators
A District-wide suicide prevention coordinator, and a suicide prevention coordinator at each school, shall be designated to be responsible for planning and coordinating implementation of this policy.
Early Identification Procedures
Early identification of individuals with exhibiting one (1) or more suicidal risk factors or of individuals exhibiting warning signs is crucial to suicide prevention efforts.
Risk factors refer to personal or environmental characteristics associated with suicide including, but not limited to:
Behavioral Health Issues/Disorders:
1. Depression.
2. Substance abuse or dependence.
3. Previous suicide attempts.
4. Self-injury.
Personal Characteristics:
1. Hopelessness/low self-esteem.
2. Loneliness/social alienation/isolation/lack of belonging.
3. Poor problem-solving or coping skills.
4. Impulsivity/risk-taking/recklessness.
Adverse/Stressful Life Circumstances:
1. Interpersonal difficulties or losses.
2. Disciplinary or legal problems.
3. Bullying (victim or perpetrator).
4. School or work issues.
5. Physical, sexual or psychological abuse.
6. Exposure to peer suicide.
Family Characteristics:
1. Family history of suicide or suicidal behavior.
2. Family mental health problems.
3. Divorce/death of parent/guardian.
4. Parental-Child relationship.
Warning signs are indications that someone may be in danger have an increased risk of suicide, either immediately or in the near future. Warning signs include, but are not limited to:
1. Expressions such as hopelessness, rage, anger, seeking revenge, feeling trapped, anxiety, agitation, no reason to live or sense of purpose.
2. Recklessness, or risky behavior, or self-injury.
3. Increased alcohol or drug use.
4. Withdrawal from friends, family, or society.
5. Dramatic mood changes.
Referral Procedures
If a student is identified by a District employee as being at increased risk of suicide, either immediately or in the near future, because (i) he/she has been identified as having one (1) or more of the risk factors specified above or (ii) has been identified as exhibiting a warning sign specified above, indicating he/she may be in danger of suicide, either immediately or in the near future, the District employee shall refer the student to the designated District representative for the implementation of further assessment and intervention.
METHODS OF INTERVENTION
The methods of intervention utilized by the District include, but are not limited to, responding to suicide threats, suicide attempts in school, suicide attempts outside of school, and family intervention for a completed suicide by a student.
Procedures for Students identified as having an Increased Risk of Suicide
A District-approved suicide assessment instrument may be used by trained mental health staff such as counselors, psychologists, social workers.
Parents/Guardians of a student identified as being at increased risk of suicide, either immediately or in the near future, because the student has been identified as exhibiting a warning sign specified herein, shall be notified by the school. If the school suspects the student’s risk status is the result of abuse or neglect, school staff shall notify Children and Youth Services pursuant to District Policy 10960.
The District shall identify mental health service providers to whom students can be referred for further assessment and assistance, which may include hospital emergency departments, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and primary care providers.
The District shall create an emotional or mental health safety plan to support a student and the student’s family if the student has been identified as being at risk of suicide.
DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES
If a student has been identified as being at increased risk of suicide, either immediately or in the near future, because he/she has been identified as exhibiting a warning sign specified herein, the District shall document the reasons for referral and the warning sign(s) identified as indications the student may be at risk. The District shall document observations, recommendations and actions/responses conducted throughout the intervention and assessment process including verbal and written communications with students, parents/guardians, and mental health service providers.
Information, documents, and reports shall be provided, as appropriate, to the Superintendent, school counselors, District mental health professionals, and school nurses.
METHODS OF RESPONSE TO SUICIDE OR SUICIDE ATTEMPT BY A STUDENT OR STAFF
The District’s methods of response to a student or staff suicide or a suicide attempt include, but are not limited to:
1. Identifying and training the school crisis response/crisis intervention team.
2. Determining the roles and responsibilities of each crisis response team member.
3. Notifying students, employees, and parents/guardians or spouses.
4. Referrals to appropriate mental health service providers.
5. Working with families.
6. Responding appropriately to the media.
7. Collaborating with community providers.
Re-Entry Procedures
A District-employed mental health professional, the building principal, or a the school’s suicide prevention coordinator shall meet with the parents/guardians of a student returning to school after an absence that a parent/guardian has identified as being due to mental health and if appropriate, meet with the student to discuss re-entry and applicable next steps to ensure the student’s readiness to return to school. When authorized by the student’s parent/guardian, a designated District employee may also coordinate with the appropriate outside mental health care providers as necessary to ensure the student’s readiness to return to school.
DOCUMENTATION Procedures
The District shall document the reasons for referral, including specific warning signs and risk factors identified as indications the student may be at risk. The District shall document observations, recommendations and actions/responses conducted throughout the intervention and assessment process including verbal and written communications with students, parents/guardians, and mental health service providers.
Information, documents, and reports shall be provided, as appropriate, to the Superintendent, school counselors, District mental health professionals, and school nurses.
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Resources
A listing of resources regarding suicide awareness and prevention is attached to this Policy.
Adoption Date - August 10, 2015
Revision Date - September 1, 2017, August 13, 2018
Review Date -
Legal Reference - 24 P.S. §1526
22Pa. Code §12.12
Cross Reference - Policy 10960
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