Communication with the Public

It is the desire of the board that two-way channels of communication be kept open at all
times between the school system and the people of the school district.  The board will
continuously attempt to create and maintain schools that reflect the public's wishes, and will do
its best to keep the people informed of the affairs of the school system.

To help achieve the above goals, the board authorizes the superintendent of schools

1. to prepare or guide the preparation of informational
 materials including newsletters (house organs), articles
 for periodicals, newspapers and/or radio release,
 special pamphlets and other assigned materials and to
 maintain close liaison with mass media and publicity
 organizations.

2. to organize or assist in development of speaker's bureaus
 and speaking engagements with civic, PTA, church and
 other groups.

3. to provide staff members with assistance and materials
 for working with educational conventions meeting locally
 and in preparation of material for community and staff
 consumption (handbooks, recruiting leaflets, etc.)

4. to assist in coordinating work with civic and other groups
 which contribute to school system values (Science Fair,
 Art and other exhibits, etc.)

5. to serve as community relations counselor to the board
 and other staff members.
 

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Policy re-affirmed:  January 13, 1993

Community Relations

School Sponsored Media

The superintendent and his staff are encouraged to use all
available school sponsored media, such as publications, radio and TV, to keep the goals,
program, achievements, and needs of the schools before the public.

He may delegate authority to his central administrative staff and to the school principals as
he sees fit.  But the ultimate
responsibility for their performance is his.

It is the board's belief and faith that citizens who are adequately informed will vote more
constructively in school elections.

The administration is responsible for all informational services to and from the public, except
for such matters as the board may from time to time wish to deal with publicly itself.
 

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Policy re-affirmed: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

School Sponsored Media

Materials for systemwide distribution will be developed in the central office and carry the
approval of the superintendent's staff.  Copies of such materials are given  to board members.

The principal of each school is responsible for routine school announcements to parents
such as those concerning closing of school, PTA meetings, clothing and fund drives, lunch
tickets, etc.  He will keep a file copy of all such releases for needed future reference.
 

Rules Approved:  January 1974
Rules re-affirmed January 13, 1992

1111.1

Community Relations

School Directory

The school's directory will be distributed only to those governmental agencies and other
school-related parties which have been authorized by the superintendent.

Under no circumstances will it be distributed for political or commercial use.

A copy of the directory will always be available in the superintendent's office for review by
interested persons.
 

Policy adopted: January 13, 1992

1111.2

Community Relations

Advertising

Neither the facilities, the staff, nor the children of the schools shall be employed in any
manner for advertising or otherwise promoting the interests of any commercial, political, or other
non-school agency, individual or organization, except that

1. the schools may cooperate in furthering the work of any
 non-profit community-wide social service agency; provided
 that such cooperation does not restrict or impair the
 educational program of the schools.

2. the schools may use films or other educational
 materials bearing only simple mention of the producing
 firm and providing such materials can be justified on
 the basis of their actual educational values.

3. the superintendent may, at his discretion, announce or
 authorize to be announced, any lecture, community
 activity, or film of particular educational merit.

4. the schools may, upon approval of the board, cooperate
 with any agency in promoting activities in the general
 public interest, and which promote the education or
 other best interests of the pupil.
 

Policy adopted: January 13, 1992 

1112

Community Relations

Other Media:  Communications from Outside the Schools

Students and faculty of the schools are to be protected from intrusions on their time by
announcements, posters, bulletins, and communications of any kind from individuals and
organizations not directly connected with the schools.

Materials distributed via the schools to pupils by nonschool
connected organizations must not contain advertising which is beneficial to any particular group
or business.

The administration of surveys, questionnaires, and requests for information by nonschool
connected organizations shall be disallowed within the discretion of the superintendent.

In all cases, the above policies will be executed by the superintendent at his discretion, and
when any group or organization is not satisfied with such judgment as per the policy, it may
petition the board in writing.

The superintendent of schools and the principals are urged to interpret this policy strictly.
Exceptions may be made when, in their judgment, the best interests of the students will be
served.  In case of differences of opinion, the decision of the superintendent of schools will be
final.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed date: January 13, 1992

1112.1

Community Relations

Coverage of Board Meetings

Representatives of the media are urged to attend all meetings of the board.  Meeting
announcements, agendas, summaries of the minutes for each meeting, and other related
supporting documents may be furnished media representatives.

The president of the board, the superintendent, administrators, and others as may be
necessary, will be available for interview by media representatives.

In its dealing with the media, the school system will be frank
and open, recognizing the privilege of the media to publish newsworthy information. 

Policy Adopted: January 13, 1992

1120
Community Relations
Board of Education Meetings

The board, as a representative body of the district, wishes to provide an avenue for any
citizen to express his interest in and concerns for the schools.  Accordingly, the public is cordially
invited to attend board meetings.

Meetings of the board are held to carry on the business of the schools, and therefore are not
public meetings, but meetings held in public.

Meetings are closed to the public only for executive sessions to discuss problems that
should be confidential by their very nature and according to Nebraska statutes.  All action,
however, is taken in public meeting.

So that the board may fairly and adequately discharge its overall responsibility, citizens who
wish to make requests, representations, or proposals to the board are requested to direct these
to the superintendent, who will deal with them according to rules adopted by the board.  The
intent of the rules is

1. to allow everyone a fair and adequate hearing.

2. to allow the superintendent to take direct action, or to
 recommend action to the board, when policies have
 alreay been established by the board.

3. to minimize the possibility of the board's making ill-
 advised, illegal, or improper rulings through hasty
 action especially when a policy does not exist, a
 change in policy is proposed, or an exception to policy
 is specifically requested.

4. to see to it that the time so devoted does not interfere
 with the fulfillment of the board's tasks.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed date: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Board of Education Meetings

In accord with its policy confirming the right and desirability of the public to express its point
of view to the board, delegations or individuals are welcome at regular meetings, subject to the
following regulations designed to expedite deliberations and provide for full consideration of
problems and questions.

1. Regular meetings shall be held as constituted by board
 bylaw in the board room of the high school building.

2. Individuals or delegations wishing to present petitions
 or communications to the board shall do so in the
 following manner.

a.  Establish appointment to present communications
   or petitions to the board at least three days before
     the meeting.
b.  Submit communications or petitions in writing at
      the time of requesting an appointment so that they
     may be duplicated ad given to board members in the
     agenda materials.
c.    Limit presentations to five minutes.

3. Only upon the request of the board members shall such
 materials be read aloud at the board meetings.
 Communications which are thus handled shall be read
 by the board secretary, except where such communications
 are in violation of board policy.  Such violation will be
 determined through consultation between the board
 president or secretary and the superintendent of schools.

4. Delegates shall indicate whom they represent and may be
 asked to comment on their questions or problems

5. The board will take questions and problems under
 advisement and issue responses after due deliberations
 usually at the next meeting.

6. If questions or problems relate to personalities, the board
 may go into executive session to receive such presentations.

7. In cases where there is a subject on the agenda that has
 not previously been made public, or in an emergency, of
 which the superintendent and/or board shall be the judge,
 stipulations concerning prior conferences and appointments
 may be dispensed with as provided in the bylaws.

Rules adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed date: January 13, 1992 

1121

Community Relations

Public Participation at Board Meetings

Citizens are encouraged to express concerns to the Board.  "Comments from the Audience "
(Item III (a) in the order of business) is designed specifically for ease of participation by citizens.

In addition, with the concurrence of the Board, the Board President may call for comments
from the audience on any agenda item.

The Board President may establish rules for addressing the Board.  Such rules may include
establishing time limits, prohibiting repetitious comments, and any other rules deemed by the
President as necessary for the orderly conduct of business.

No person will present orally or discuss at an open meeting of the Board complaints against
individual employees of the district.  Established procedures for this purpose should be used.

Persons wishing to distribute written material to the Board will present the material to the
superintendent's office in sufficient time to permit it to be included in the Board packet.

Policy Adopted: January 13, 1992

1140

Community Relations

Use of Students

 All requests from groups or individuals to distribute materials to people in the community by
students will be referred to the office of the superintendent to determine whether the requests
comply with overall school purpose and policy.

Policy Adopted: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Responsibilities of School Personnel

 A good public relations program is made possible through the efforts of the personnel of the
district.  All employees are encouraged to use tact and tolerance in their relationships with
students, parents, and the general citizenry.

 It is expected that the instructional staff will become sufficiently well informed to explain the
school's program, its strengths as well as its problems and needs, to the community.

 The assumption is made that the staff will exhibit high personal and professional standards
of conduct at all times.  One aspect of such conduct is the willingness to offer constructive
criticism whenever justified.

Policy Adopted: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Responsibilities of School Personnel:  Teachers

 The professional status of teachers imposes a serious responsibility for exercising
professional restraint when discussing school matters with non-school acquaintances.  Teachers
represent the school system to the average citizen twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
Their casual opinion is accepted as factual information when expressed to the otherwise
uninformed lay person.  The Board wishes teachers to be well-informed concerning the
educational philosophy, goals, policies and regulations of the school system and be familiar with
and understand the educational program and answer questions of non-school personnel in a
straightforward and informative manner.

Policy Adopted: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Responsibilities of the Board

Members of the board, individually and collectively, recognize and welcome their
responsibilities for listening to comments and suggestions from the residents of the school
district.

Board members individually will refer complaints, suggestions and constructive criticism
about operational matters directly to the superintendent of schools for appropriate consideration
and action.  Comments affecting policy will be routed through regular channels to the board
meeting agenda for consideration by the board as a whole.

Unless so authorized by the board, no board member individually will speak for, or in the
name of, the total board.
 

Policy Adopted: January 13, 1992 

1200
Community Relations

Participation by the Public

Residents of the community who are especially qualified because of training, experience, or
personal characteristics shall be encouraged to take an active part in school affairs.  Such
persons shall be invited to act as advisers individually and in groups as follows:

1. In clarifying the general ideas and attitudes held by our
 residents regarding schools

2. In developing broad policies under which the school system
 is to be managed

3. In establishing administrative arrangements and regulations
 designed to implement the policies.

4. In determining the purposes of courses of study and special
 services to be provided for students

5. In evaluating the extent to which these purposes are being
 achieved by present practices

6. In giving active assistance to the professional staff in the
 actual operation of classes and services where the
 staff deems such aid valuable

7. In solving a specific problem or set of closely related
 problems about which the board must make a decision

8. In the operation of school related agencies

The board and the staff shall give substantial weight to the advice they receive from
individuals and community groups interested in the schools, especially those individuals and
groups that they have invited or created to advise them regarding selected problems.  But the
board and staff shall use their own best judgment in arriving at decisions.
 

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1210
 

Community Relations

School-Community Associations

The board considers school-community associations such as the PTA integral parts of the
school community that can aid substantially in promoting a finer educational program.

Among the many services that such associations can offer, the board especially endorses
any assistance that they can give in developing and maintaining a voluntary aid program in our
schools.
 

Policy Adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1212

Community Relations

Cooperation of School Personnel

Representatives and members of school-community associations shall in all circumstances
be treated by district employees as sincerely interested friends of the schools and as staunch
supporters of public education in the district.

When staff members participate actively in associations or programs, the board requests
that they conduct themselves in such a way as to perpetuate the districtwide orientation of the
association, an outlook which the board deems to be of the highest value in the operation of its
educational program.

Policy Adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Citizen's Advisory Committees for the Board

The board shall seek the advice of the superintendent before establishing or dissolving any
advisory committee.

It shall be the policy of the Laurel-Concord Board of Education to appoint and utilize lay
citizen advisory councils to encourage more involvement from the community served by the
school system.  An advisory council's function will be to advise the Board of Education or its
representatives on school policies and procedures.  Such councils or committees shall become a
link between the community and the school on issues of concern to the school community.  A
functional advisory council is important to many of the school's programs through review and
strengthening of curricula; publicizing and promoting programs, advising on the adequacy and
appropriateness of facilities, equipment and instructional needs; assisting with organizational
activities; and determining community situations and needs.  As the occasion arises, the
Laurel-Concord Board of Education may request a designated advisory council to study and
report to the Board on assigned topics or issues with which the Board is seeking assistance.

The Laurel-Concord Board of Education may create such councils as needed with the
organization, name, and function tailored to fit specific needs.  The Laurel-Concord Board of
Education may dissolve any such council when the designated mission is reached or when the
reason to exist is no longer valid.

Advisory council's jurisdiction will be limited to advisory status only and will not include any
type of administrative function or responsibility.

Specific topics for study or well-defined areas of activity shall be assigned in writing to each
committee immediately following its appointment.  Upon completing its assignment, each
committee shall be dissolved promptly.  Each Committee shall be instructed as to the length of
time each member is being asked to
serve, the service the board wishes it to render, the resources the board intends to provide, the
approximate dates on which the board wishes it to submit reports, and the approximate date on
which the board wishes to dissolve the committee.  Furthermore, the committee shall be
instructed as to its relationship to the Board, to individual board members, to the board member
assigned to provide liaison, to the committee assistant, and to the remainder of the professional
staff.

The board shall have sole power to dissolve any of its advisory committees and shall
reserve the right to exercise this power at any time during the life of any committee.

Structure
The board shall adopt whatever citizen advisory committee structure and organization it
deems appropriate to the assignment at hand.  The type of board-appointed committee shall be
as follows:

1221b
Community Relations
Citizens' Advisory Committees for the Board (cont)

1. A committee of approximately one to five, not necessarily
 limited with more members allowed if deemed necessary,
 technically competent persons chosen for expertness in a
 special field and appointed for brief terms.

2. There shall be a beginning date, purpose and ending date.

Composition

The committees shall have a generally representative membership.  No member shall be
apointed to represent officially an organization, a geographic area, a religious group, an
individual school, or any other such subdivision of the community.  If staff members are
apoointed to any citizens' advisory committee for the board, they shall constitute a minority of
any such committee.

Prospective Members

The superintendent shall maintain a list of lay citizens and staff members who express a
willingness to serve, and who have been or appropriately might be recommended for such
service.  When committee members are needed, he shall submit names of qualified persons,
giving preference to those who have not previously served.
The board may appoint members from this list or any other individuals it deems appropriate.

Joint Meetings

When a committee is ready to submit its final report on each assigned topic, the board shall,
on request, attempt to arrange a joint meeting for the purpose of receiving the report.  A summary
of agreements, requests, and major view points expressed in each joint meeting shall be
prepared by the secretary of the board and copies sent to the board and to the committee.

Correspondence

Correspondence between the board and its committee shall ordinarily be conducted by the
secretary of the board with the advice of the president.  The secretary of the board shall transmit
the contents of any communication from a committee to the board at its next meeting.

Policy Adopted: January 1974
Policy Revised:  November, 1984
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1222

Community Relations

Citizen's Advisory Committees:  For the Staff

The superintendent shall have supervisory control over all aspects of the use of citizens'
advisory committees and individual citizens by the staff.

The superintendent shall inform the board of the establishment of citizens' advisory
committees for the staff.  He shall describe their proposed functions, size, term of office,
composition, and relationship to the professional staff.  The board will also be told who is
appointed to such committees, of any changes in committee membership or function, and given a
final report of accomplishment.

From time to time, the superintendent will provide the board with a summary report and
appraisal of the use of individual citizens by the schools.

Policy Adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1250

Community Relations

Visits to the Schools

The board and staff of the school district welcome members of the community and other
interested persons to visit their schools.  School improvements often come from suggestions
originating in such visits.

The superintendent is authorized to establish such regulations as well

1. encourage visitors to observe our schools.

2. provide for appropriate hospitality for visitors.

3. channel expressions of approval as well as constructive
 criticism to the board.

4.  ensure that such visits will enhance the effect of the
 educational program rather than hinder it.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Visits to the Schools

Under ordinary circumstances, the teacher being visited by a parent would continue with the
regular classroom work.  it is desirable that parent-teacher conferences be held before or after
school so that normal progress of classroom instruction is not disrupted.

Contacts during school hours with nonschool individuals and agencies for materials,
services, or programs may be made only with the approval of the principal.

For the protection of everyone, teachers and students are asked to see that all visitors are
courteously directed to the office.

Employees in school buildings shall report to the principal immediately any person loitering
on or near the school grounds.  The principal shall notify the appropriate law enforcement
agency by telephone immediately upon receiving the report, and he shall notify the
superintendent.

Rules approved:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Loitering or Causing Disturbance

Any person who is not a member of the school staff or student body and who loiters on or
about any school building or grounds without written permission, or who cause disturbances is
guilty of disorderly conduct and may be prosecuted according to law.
 
 

Policy Adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1300

Community Relations

Public Activities Involving Staff, Students or School Facilities

Business on School Property

No staff member shall communicate or distribute, or permit another person to communicate
or distribute, to any school any notice relating to other than school matters without first obtaining
the superintendent's permission.  Unless authorized by the superintendent, he or she shall not
permit the subscription or collection of money on school premises, or allow any article to be
exhibited thereon for the purpose of sale or otherwise, or permit any person to enter the school
for the purpose of photographing pupils, securing the names of pupils, or transacting any private
business.  The making of special appeals in the classroom for charitable relief shall be permitted
at the discretion of the superintendent and in accordance with board policy.

Policy Adopted: January 13, 1992 

1310
Community Relations

Relations between Public and School Personnel

The board recognizes that teachers and other employees of the school district have a dual
role in their relations with the public that complicates decisions from time to time concerning
responsibility.

Teachers, especially, may have to decide between their responsibilities as professionals
employed by the school system on the one hand or as members of the community on the other
when differences of opinion arise concerning goals or operations of the schools.

The board believes that the First Amendment rights of teachers and other employees must
be protected.  The board also believes that the schools and board should not be subject to
unfair, unwarranted, or malicious attacks from within.

To help achieve those two goals, the board instructs the administration to confer and work
with employees or employee groups in setting up a carefully designed procedure for handling
differences of opinion between board and staff which will have at least the following
characteristics.

1. A guarantee of each employee's First Amendment rights.

2. Guidelines for assisting teachers in distinguishing between
 their professional employee responsibilities and their lay
 citizen ones.

3. Procedures, including arbitration, for handling grievances so
 that prosecutor, judge, jury and executioner roles are not
 centered in one person or group.

4. Channels of communication within the school system giving
 employees access to policy positions of the board,
 regulations of the administration, and prompt notification
 of events and pertinent facts.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992 

1311.1

Community Relations

Political Activities

School employees are expected to assume full responsibilities of citizens living in a
democracy.  These may include voting, or
refraining from voting; discussing the social, political, and
economic issues of the day in public meetings; supporting candidates; accepting appointive or
elective public office; or holding
office in political parties.  School employees take such actions as
individuals and not as a representative of the school district.

Leaves of absence for political activity will be arranged
within the framework of the law.  (cf. 4152.7, 4242.5)

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Complaints Concerning School Personnel/Instructional Materials

School Personnel

Constructive criticism of the school is welcome when it is motivated by a sincere desire to
improve the quality of the educational program and to equip the school to perform its task more
effectively.

The board trusts its employees and desires to support their actions in such a manner that
employees are freed from unnecessary, spiteful, or negative criticism and complaints.

The administration shall establish procedures for handling complaints when they are
received.

Instructional Materials

It is recognized that opinions differ concerning appropriateness of instructional materials.
Occasionally an individual or group may find instructional materials used in the schools in conflict
with their views.

The administration shall establish procedures for handling any such complaints when they
are received.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1312(a)

Community Relations

Complaints Concerning School Personnel/Instructional Materials

School Personnel

The normal channel for complaints concerning school personnel shall be from complainant
to employee to principal to superintendent to board.  Every effort will be made to satisfy the
complainant at the earliest possible stage.  Complaints not resolved at the point of origin must be
submitted in writing before further processing.  Upon receipt of the written complaint, the
principal shall provide a copy of the complaint for the teacher and the teacher's file.  A log of the
steps following in resolving the issues in the complaint shall be attached to the written complaint.
Whenever a complaint is made directly to the board as a whole or to a board member as an
individual, it shall be referred to the individual employee about whom the complaint is made.  The
normal channel for complaints will then be followed.

If it appears necessary, the superintendent, the person who made the complaint, or the
employee involved may request a public or executive session of the board for fuller study and a
decision by this body.  All parties involved, including the school administration, shall attend such
a meeting for the purposes of presenting additional facts, making further explanations, and
clarifying the issues.

No hearing (subject to the exception *hereinafter) whether in executive session or in public,
shall be held by the board on such a complaint without the board first having received from the
superintendent his written report concerning such complaint, such report to include, but not be
limited to, the following:

1.  the name of each employee involved

2.   a brief, but specific, summary of the complaint and the facts
 surrounding it sufficient to inform the board and the employee
 of its precise nature, and to allow the employee to prepare
 a defense.

3. a true copy or the signed original of the complaint.

4. a summary of the action taken by the superintendent
 that includes his specific reasons why effective disposition
 at the superintendent's level is infeasible.

 (*Exception:  any written complaint forwarded to the board,
 whether by the district administration or otherwise, which
 meets the informational requirements of subparagraphs 1
 and 2 above, and which further contains within it specific
 allegations of (a) prior submission of the complaint in the
 same or similar form to the superintendent, and (b) the
 failure or refusal of the superintendent to effectively dispose
 of the complaint, shall, subject to board agenda requirements,

Community Relations
Complaints Concerning School Personnel/Instructional Materials (cont)

be heard by the board at its next regularly scheduled session
or any other session scheduled for the purpose of such
hearing).

Administration Help to the Public:
The direct administration shall cooperate with the complainant and aid in the preparation of
any formal complaint, so as to quickly and easily meet the informational requirements of these
rules.  Copies of these rules shall be made freely available.

Instructional Materials
The following procedures have been established for receiving,
considering, and acting upon written complaints regarding instructional materials.

Complaints Concerning School Personnel/Instructional Materials (continued)

All complaints must be presented in writing to the building principal and include the name of
the author, title, publisher, and objections by pages and items.  For other than printed material,
written information specifying the precise nature, of the objection shall be given.  The statement
must be signed and identified so that a proper reply will be possible.

When a complaint is received, the principal will acknowledge its receipt and answer any
questions regarding procedure.  The principal will then notify the superintendent and the
teachers involved.  The superintendent will determine whether the complaint should be
considered an individual request or if a building or district level review committee should be
activated to re-evaluate the material.

An individual student may be excused from using challenged materials after the parent or
guardian has presented written complaint.  The teacher will then assign the student alternate
materials of equal merit.

The building level review committee shall be under the direction of the principal and two or
more members selected by him from school or district personnel directly concerned.

The district level review committee shall be under the direction of the superintendent and
four or more members, selected by him from the administrative and instructional areas directly
concerned.

The use of challenged materials by class, school, or district shall not be restricted until final
disposition has been made by the appropriate review committee, but individuals may be excused
from using challenged materials.

1312(d)

Complaints Concerning School Personnel/Instructional Materials (continued)

In its deliberations, the review committee shall consider the
educational philosophy of the school district, the professional opinions of the teachers of the
same subject, and of other competent authorities, reviews of the materials by reputable bodies,
the teacher's own stated objectives in using the materials, and the objections of the complainant.

The findings of the building review committee and/or district review committee shall be
written and transmitted to the superintendent who will notify interested parties.  

Rules approved:  January 1974
Amended:  April 11, 1990
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1313

Community Relations

Gifts to School Personnel

No school employee is to accept any commission or gift from individuals or companies
seeking to sell equipment or materials to our public schools.  This includes materials for the
construction, repair, and maintenance of the school plant, for the conducting of student classes,
for materials and supplies used in school organizations, such as clubs, senior class, etc.

This prohibition shall not be construed to prevent vendors from paying reasonable costs to
provide opportunities for school officers and employees to see or hear about new ideas,
equipment and/or materials; nor shall it be construed to prevent students from presenting token
and inexpensive gifts to staff members.

The board shall consider as always welcome, and in most circumstances more appropriate,
the writing of letters to staff members expressing gratitude or appreciation.
 

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1314

Community Relations

Soliciting Funds from School Personnel

Because fund-raising drives divert so much time, energy and attention of the staff from their
educatoinal tasks, the board sanctions only one such drive per year.

Tickets to affairs sponsored by or for non-school agencies shall not be sold in any public
school or on school premises by any school or school organization or by any non-school
organizations, except at specified times and places.

The establishment and administration of "flower funds," "sickness and bereavement funds,"
"anniversary funds" and the like shall be a matter of employee discretion.

Policy adopted: January 13, 1992

Instructors shall be encouraged to provide students for public performances when such
performances contribute to educational process and objectives and when it does not interfere
with other scheduled activities or classes within the school.

1.  All performances involving the use of students shall be
 approved by the building principal.

2. The extended use of one particular group shall be discouraged.

3. Students participating in a performance shall conduct them-
 selves in a manner appropriate for their age and in such a
 way as to bring credit to their school.

4. Performances that are scheduled outside school hours are
 preferred.  Performances during school hours should be
 limited to the class period during which the activity is
 usually taught to that particular student.

5. Student organizations may participate in the activities
 of the school district and with patriotic and civic groups
 in the community upon the approval of the principal.
 The time of participation should not seriously interfere
 with the school program.  The board does not believe it
 advisable to use the musical organizations to further
 the public relations of particular institutions or for
 local political rallies.  It does believe that the organizations
 may be used to honor the position represented by certain
 high public office or to honor visiting dignitaries to
 this community.

6. Student organizations or groups shall not be paid for
 participating or performing when they represent the
 school.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed date:  January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Contests for Students

The board of education approves a selective policy of student participation in contests.
However, participation by students in any such activities must be on a purely voluntary basis and
at no time can such participation interfere with the instructional program.  In high school, the
policy of the National Association of Secondary High School Principals relative to contests shall
serve as a guide.

When students agree to participate in any activity sponsored by an outside organization, it
shall be the responsibility of the sponsoring organization to manage the contest and provide the
students with detailed information, instructions and rules.

At no time will pressure be applied to enjoin students to participate in any contest sponsored
by outside organizations.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Gifts to Students

The acceptance of trophies, prizes or awards from persons or organizations not connected
with the schools is not approved unless they conform to the policy of the board of education and
the corresponding administrative regulations providing for awards for distinguished success in
any school activity.

(cf. 5126 -Awards for Achievement)

Policy adopted:  January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Soliciting Funds from and by Students

Laurel-Concord School District shall earnestly seek to educate pupils in the services
performed by the humanitarian agencies and shall encourage pupils to participate in their
financial support as a social and community project.  But soliciting funds in the schools by
outside groups from students for any cause is discouraged.  Special approval must be obtained
from the superintendent of schools and/or from the board.

Pupils may engage in raising funds, under the control of the school, for certain approved
pupil activities, subject to the following conditions:

1. the project has the approval of the principal.

2. the project has been selected by the student body as
 one in which they wish to participate.
 

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed date: January 13, 1992

Community Relation
Advertising and Promotion:  Relations between Public and Students

Pupils must be protected from possible exploitation in considering requests that they be
used in advertising or promoting the interest of any nonschool agency or organization.  Within
that context:

1. the schools may cooperate in furthering the work of any
 nonprofit community wide social service agency, provided
 that such cooperation does not restrict or impair the
 educational program of the schools.

2. the schools may use films or other educational materials
 bearing only simple mention of the producing firm and
 providing such materials can be justified on the basis of
 their actual educational values.

3. the superintendent may, at his discretion, announce or
 authorize to be announced, any lecture, community activity,
 or film of particular educational merit.

4. the schools may, upon approval of the board, cooperate with
 any agency in promoting activities in the general public
 interest, and that promote the education or other best
 interests of the pupil.

5. no advertising material may be distributed to students that
 in the opinion of school authorities would contribute to the
 personal gain  an individual, business or company except as
 follows:
  a.  Educational materials used by staff for
      educational purposes.
  b.  Samples, calendars, supply catalogs, etc., which
      may be distributed to staff for study, purchasing
       or routine classroom use, with administrative
      approval.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed date: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Student Production of Goods and Services

Students may produce services and materials for community organizations or groups only to
the extent that such production furthers such students educational development.  Care must be
exercised by the administration in interpreting this policy to avoid
pupil exploitation.

Policy adopted:  Janaury 1974
Re-affirmed date:  January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Use of School Facilties

Schools belong to the people of the school district and since the plant facilities are
established, maintained and operated by funds largely provided by local taxes, the board accepts
the responsibility for making its plant facilities availabe to responsible organizations,
associations, and individuals of the community for appropriate civic, cultural, welfare or
recreational activities that do not infringe upon, nor interfere with, the conduct and best interests
of the school system.  Among responsible organizations shall be employee organizations
recognized by the board.

Types of Activities Prohibited

1. Promulgating any theory or doctrine subversive to the
 laws of the United States or any political subdivision
 thereof.

2. Advocating governmental change by violence.

3. Any activity that may violate the canons of good morals,
 manners or taste, or be injurious to the buildings,
 grounds or equipment.

4. Any purpose in conflict with school activities.

5. Activities that are discriminatory in the legal sense.

 Also see 5145.31
 

Policy adopted:  January  1974
Re-affirmed date: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Use of School Facilities
Application
The use of all school facilities and grounds must be confirmed by the reservations office in
the Administration building at least seven days in advance of the event.

Application forms are available at the Administration office.
Before completing form please check available dates.  The "Request for Use of School Facilities"
forms must be completed and signed before the booking is confirmed.

Cancellations
The public school program has first priority in the use of facilities.  In the event that a conflict
should develop, the right is reserved to cancel the reservation at least seven days in advance of
the scheduled date.  Renting organizations may cancel confirmed reservations without penalty
up to eight hours in advance of the beginning time.  All costs incurred through tardy cancellation
notification must be paid by the rentee.

Prohibitions
Smoking, tobacco products.

Activities causing undo wear and tear to school properties.  This may include such things as
vehicular activities, fastening of apparatus, marching units in some areas, or potential disorderly
occupancy.

Use of scotch tape on any surface (use masking tape only).

The school will not be responsible for damage or theft of rentee;s properties left
unsupervised on the school premises.

All youth programs require adult supervision.

All evening group meetings are to be scheduled in advance.  The building must be vacated
by 10:00 p.m.  The last teacher to leave the

Use of School Facilities (continued)

building will be held responsible to see that all windows are closed, all lights are turned off, and
that all outside doors are locked.  The use of the building for evening should be kept to a
minimum.

Pupils should not be at school on Saturdays unless under supervision of a teacher.  No
buildings should be in use on Sundays.

1330(a)

Community Relations

Insurance
Special events will require the rentee to provide insurance.  The rentee shall be legally
responsible for all claims by a person or persons filing claims for any personal injury, property
damage, or loss on school grounds or in the building during the period the school facilities are
being rented.  The rentee will provide Certificate of Public Liability Insurance or a
Comprehensive General Liability Form to the Board of Education within two working days of the
date of the event.  Said insurance shall not be less that $250,000-$500,000 which includes
$100,000 property damage insurance.

 A current list of costs is available from the Administrative office.

Rules approved:  May 20, 1982
Re-affirmed date: January 13, 1992

1332

Community Relations

Equal Access to School Facilities

In accordance with federal legislation related to limited open forums, non-curriculum related
student groups may, with the written permission of the principal or the principal's designee, meet
on the school premises at such times and places determined by the principal or the principal's
designee, subject to the following:*

 a) The meeting will be held during non-instructional time.
 b) Facilities are available to accomodate the meeting
  without interfering with other school activities.
 c) The meeting is voluntary and student-initiated.
 d) There is no sponsorship of the meeting by the school
  district or its employees or by any other governmental
  body or its employees.
 e)  Employees of the school district shall be present only in
  a non-participating capacity.
 f) The meeting will not materially and substantially
  interfere with the orderly conduct of educational
  activities within the school.
 g)  Persons who are not regularly enrolled students or
  employees of the District in the Laurel-Concord Public
  Schools will not direct, conduct, control or
  regularly attend meetings held on the school premises.

* For purposes of this policy:

 1. "Limited Open Forum" means:  The opportunity in Junior
  and Senior High Schools, for non-curriculum related
  student groups to meet on school premises during the
  school day.

 2. "Curriculum Related Student Groups" means:  Any group
  sponsored by the District or by the individual school or
  to which the Principal assigns a staff member as sponsor
  on either a pay or non-pay basis.  A Curriculum Related
  Student Group shall not include any student group which
  has a religious or political affiliation or purpose.

 3. "Non-Curriculum Related Student Groups: shall mean:  Any
  student group which is not a curriculum related student
  group.
 

Leg. Ref.  Title VIII, Equal Access Act Sect. 8d
Policy Adopted:  January 13, 1992

 1340

Community Relations

Access to School Procedures and Materials

Ideas, operating procedures, records and publications developed in or for the school district
shall be made available to outside nonprofit or profit organizations for use or distribution when
such use or distribution will reflect favorably upon the school district and the community.  No
outside organization shall be granted exclusive access to or control over the material made
available to it.

Records containing privileged or confidential information about staff or pupils will be
restricted to the extent permitted by law in the interests of the person or persons involved.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1341
   6161

Community Relations

Availability of Textbooks

 The Laurel-Concord Public School District #54 shall make available a list of current
textbooks used.  The district will provide textbooks upon request to individuals of the district for
use in approved and/or accredited non-public schools following the guidelines and requirements
of Rule 4 of NDE.  These will be made available as long as funding is available to purchase
these textbooks.

Policy adopted:  November 13, 1989
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

1400

Community Relations

Relations between Other Governmental Agencies and the Schools

Cooperative relationships will be maintained with governmental agencies established to
provide for the welfare, health and safety of all citizens including the students in our schools.

Policy adopted:  January 13, 1992

1411(a)
5145.1
Community Relations

Police Department
When pupils become involved with law enforcement officers, the officer is to be requested to
confer with the pupil at a time when he is not under the jurisdiction of the school, if this can be
arranged.  The following steps shall be taken to cooperate with the authorities:

1. Ask the officer to properly identify himself.

2. Notify parents immediately, if possible.  The principal
 should make every effort to inform parents or guardians
 of the interest of the police authorities.

3. Have the pupil's parent or guardian present if the
 conference is held in the school.

Police Officer's Rights with Regard to Pupils

Attorneys generally agree on the following interpretations to three key questions:

1. Have police officers the right to question pupils within
 the school?

 Police officers have no absolute right to enter the school
 premises and demand to interrogate any pupil.   A spirit of
 cooperation should be extended to any bona fide police or
 law enforcement official who comes to a school seeking
 to interrogate pupils.

2. Have they the right to take pupils from the school?

 Police officers have no right to remove a pupil from
 the school for purposes of interrogation, and this should
 not be allowed in the absence of the specific consent of
 parent or guardian

 However, police officers, counselors of the juvenile court,
 or other authorized law enforcement officials have an
 absolute right to enter the school to take a child into
 custody or to make a lawful arrest of a pupil.  The officer
 should be made to display either an order signed by a judge
 of the juvenile court authorizing him to take the child
 into custody, or to display a warrant for the child's arrest.
 The officer or counselor need not display a warrant if the
 officer or counselor shall have reason to believe that the
 child committed a violation of law.   The officer's or
 counselor's oral statement to this effect shall be
 sufficient.  (A witness to this statement is desirable).

Police Department (continued)

 If the child is arrested or taken into custody at a school,
 the school officials should make every effort to notify the
 parents immediately.

3. Have they the right to serve a subpoena?

 While the police officers have the legal right to serve a
 subpoena at school, the serving officials should be
 strongly urged to serve these subpoenas at the home of
 the pupil whenever possible.

In all of these situations, every possible step should be taken
to ensure a minimum of embarrassment or loss of class time for the pupil.

The office of the superintendent should be notified immediately when any of the above
actions have occurred.

Rules approved:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Health Department

Communicable Disease Control

The public schools shall cooperate with the health department in developing procedures for
the control of communicable disease in the schools.  All procedures shall conform to the
regulations for communicable disease control set up by the state health department.

School Clinics

A limited number of school immunization clinics may be held.  The need for a school clinic is
based on estimated school and community immunization levels, and shall be determined by the
superintendent.

Legal Reference:  79-444.91  Board of education, governing authority; student protection; exception

 Policy adopted: January 13, 1992

Community Relations

Relations between Area, State, Regional, and National Associations and Schools

The board supports the concept of membership for this school district in associations which
will enable our school to benefit from cooperative development and supervision of our
educational program.

The board, in entering into any such membership, recognizes and agrees that any
administrative or legal action contemplated by the board in the name of the schools must
conform to the published policies, rules and regulations of the association.

If conflict between the policies, rules and regulations of this school district and those of any
association in which this district maintains membership should arise, the board reserves the right
to decide in the best interest of the school district whether its policies, rules and regulations
should be placed in harmony with those of the association, or the membership should be
terminated.

Policy adopted:  January 1974
Re-affirmed Date: January 13, 1992