Falmouth School Committee
- Falmouth School Committee
- Agendas and Minutes
- Watch School Committee Meetings
- Meeting Schedule
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Policy Manual
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SECTION A - Foundations and Basic Commitments
- AA School District Legal Status
- AB The People and Their School District
- AC Nondiscrimination
- ACA Harassment and Discrimination Prevention
- ACAA Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
- ACAB Sexual Harassment
- ACE Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
- AD Mission and Vision Statements
- ADA Core Values
- ADC Tobacco Products on School Premises
- ADDA Background Checks
- ADDA-R-1 DCJIS Model CORI Form
- ADDA-R-2 CORI Requirements - Administrative Guidelines for Volunteers
- ADF School District Wellness Policy
- AE Accountability/Commitment to Accomplishment
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SECTION B - Board Governance and Operations
- BA: School Committee Operational Goals
- BAA: Evaluation of School Committee Operational Procedures
- BB: School Committee Legal Status
- BBA: School Committee Powers and Duties
- BBAA: School Committee Member Authority and Duties
- BBBA/BBBB: School Committee Member Qualifications/Oath of Office
- BBBC: School Committee Member Resignation
- BBBE: Unexpired Term Fulfillment
- BCA: School Committee Member Ethics
- BCB: Conflict of Interest
- BCBA: Nepotism
- BDA: School Committee Organizational Meeting
- BDB: School Committee Officers
- BDD: School Committee – Superintendent Relationship
- BDE: Subcommittees of the School Committee
- BDE-R: Permanent Committees and Other Assignments
- BDF: Advisory Committees to the School Committee
- BDFA: School Councils
- BDFA-E-1: School Success Plans
- BDFA-E-2: Submission and Approval of the School Success Plan
- BDFA-E-3: Conduct of School Council Business
- BDFB: Student Advisory Board Participation at School Committee Meetings
- BDG: School Attorney
- BE: School Committee Meetings
- BEC: Executive Sessions
- BEDA: Notification of School Committee Meetings
- BEDB: Agenda Format
- BEDD: Rules of Order
- BEDF: Voting Method for School Committee Meetings
- BEDG: Minutes
- BEDH: Public Participation at School Committee Meetings
- BEE: Special Procedures for Conducting Hearings
- BG: School Committee Policy Development
- BGB: Policy Adoption
- BGC: Policy Revision and Review
- BGD: School Committee Review of Regulations
- BGE: Policy Dissemination
- BGF: Suspension of Policies
- BHC: School Committee-Staff Communications
- BHD: School Committee Public Relations
- BHE: Use of Electronic Messaging by School Committee Members
- BIA: New School Committee Member Orientation
- BIBA: School Committee Conference, Conventions, and Workshops
- BID: School Committee Member Compensation and Expenses
- BJ: School Committee Legislative Program
- BK: School Committee Memberships
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SECTION C - General School Administration
- CA: Administration Goals
- CB: School Superintendent
- CBE: Salary Increments for the Superintendent of Schools
- CBI: Evaluation of the Superintendent
- CBD: Superintendent’s Contract
- CCB: Line and Staff Relations
- CE: Administrative Councils, Cabinets, and Committees
- CH: Policy Implementation
- CHA: Development of Procedures
- CHC: Procedures Dissemination
- CHCA: Approval of Handbooks and Directives
- CHD: Administration in Policy Absence
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SECTION D - Fiscal Management
- DA: Fiscal Management Goals
- DB: Annual Budget
- DBC: Budget Deadlines and Schedules
- DBD: Budget Planning
- DBG: Budget Adoption Procedures
- DBJ: Budget Transfer Authority
- DD: Funding Proposals and Applications
- DEC: Appropriate use of Federal Grant Funds
- DGA: Authorized Signatures
- DH: Bonded Employees and Officers
- DI: Fiscal Accounting and Reporting
- DIE: Audits
- DJ: Purchasing
- DJA: Purchasing Authority
- DJE: Procurement Requirements (formerly Bidding Requirements)
- DK: Payment Procedures
- DKC: Expense Reimbursements
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SECTION E - Support Services
- EB: Safety Program
- EBAB: Integrated Pest Management
- EBB: First Aid
- EBC: Emergency Plans
- EBC Supplemental: General (Interim) Policy on COVID-19 Related Issues
- EBCA: Distribution of Potassium
- EBCD: Emergency Closings
- EBCFA: Face Coverings
- EC: Buildings and Grounds Management
- ECA: Buildings and Grounds Security
- ECABA: Identification Badges
- ECAC: Vandalism
- ECAF: School Cameras on School Property and Buses
- ECF: Energy Conservation and Management Policy
- EDC: Authorized Use of School Equipment
- EEA: Student Transportation Services
- EEAA: Walkers and Riders
- EEAE: School Bus Safety Program
- EEAEA: Bus Driver Examination and Training
- EEAEA-1: Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers
- EEAFA: Late Bus Service
- EEAG: Student Transportation in Private Vehicles
- EEAJ: Motor Vehicle Idling on School Grounds
- EFC: Free and Reduced Price Food Services
- EFD: Meal Charge Policy
- EGAD: Printing and Duplication Procedures (Copyrighted Materials)
- SECTION F - Facilities Development
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SECTION G - Personnel
- GBA: Affirmative Action Policy
- GBAA: Equal Employment Opportunity
- GBEA: Staff Ethics/Conflict of Interest
- GBEB: Staff Conduct
- GBEBC: Gifts to and Solicitations by Staff
- GBEBD: Online Fundraising and Solicitations – Crowdfunding
- GBEC: Drug-Free Workplace
- GBED: Tobacco Use on School Property by Staff Members Prohibited
- GBGB: Staff Personal Security and Safety
- GBGE: Domestic Violence Leave (Formerly coded as GCCD)
- GBGF: Family and Medical Leave
- GBI: Staff Participation in Political Activities
- GBJ: Personnel Records
- GBK: Staff Complaints and Grievances
- GCA: Professional Staff Positions
- GCBA: Professional Staff Salary Schedules
- GCBB: Employment of Principals
- GCBC: Professional Staff Supplementary Pay Plans
- GCCC: Professional Staff Family Medical Leave
- GCE: Professional Staff Recruiting/Posting of Vacancies
- GCF: Professional Staff Hiring
- GCG: Substitute Professional Staff Employment
- GCQF: Suspension and Dismissal of Professional Staff Members
- GCRD: Tutoring for Pay
- GDA: Support Staff Positions
- GDI: Support Staff Probation
- GDO: Evaluation of Support Staff
- GDQD: Suspension and Dismissal of Support Staff Members
- SECTION H - Negotiations
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SECTION I - Instruction
- IB: Academic Freedom
- IC/ICA: School Year/School Calendar
- ID: School Day
- IE: Organization of Instruction
- IGA: Curriculum Development
- IGB: Student Services Programs
- IGD: Curriculum Adoption
- IHAI: Occupational Education
- IHAMA: Parent/Guardian Notification Relative to Human Sexuality Curriculum
- IHAM: Health Education
- IHAM-R(2): Health Education (Exemption Procedure)
- IHAMB: Teaching about Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
- IHB: Special Instructional Programs and Accommodations
- IHBAA: Observations of Special Education Programs
- IHBD: Compensatory Education
- IHBEA: English Learners
- IHBF: Homebound Education
- IHBG: Home Education Programs
- IHCA: Summer Schools
- IJ: Instructional Materials
- IJ-R: Reconsideration of Instruction Resources
- IJL: Library Materials Selection and Adoption
- IJNDB: Responsible Use Policy
- IJNDC: School and District Web Pages
- IJNDD: Policy on Social Media
- IJOA: Field Trip Policy
- IJOB: Community Resource Persons/Speakers
- IJOC: Volunteer Program
- IK: Academic Achievement
- IKE: Promotion and Retention of Students
- IKF: Conditions to Receive a Falmouth Diploma
- IKF-A: Graduation in Less than Four Years
- ILD: Student Submission to Educational Surveys and Research
- IMA: Teaching Activities/Presentations
- IMB: Teaching about Controversial Issues/Controversial Speakers
- IMD: School Ceremonies and Observances
- IMG: Animals in Schools
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SECTION J - Students
- JB: Equal Educational Opportunities
- JFABF: Educational Opportunities for Children in Foster Care
- JBB: Educational Equity
- JC: School Attendance Areas
- JCA: Assignments to Schools
- JEB: Entrance Age
- JF: School Admissions
- JFABC: Admission of Transfer Students
- JFABD: Homeless Students: Enrollment Rights and Services
- JFABE: Educational Opportunities for Military Children
- JFBB: School Choice
- JH: Student Absences and Excuses
- JHD: Exclusions and Exemptions from School Attendance
- JI: Student Rights and Responsibilities
- JIB: Student Involvement in Decision-Making
- JIC: Student Discipline
- JICA: Student Dress Code
- JICC: Student Conduct on School Buses and Bus Stops
- JICE: Student Publications
- JICFA: Prohibition of Hazing
- JICFA-E: Hazing
- JICH: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students Prohibited
- JICI: Explosive Devices/Weapons
- JICFB: Bullying Prevention
- JIE: Pregnant Students
- JIH: Searches and Interrogations
- JII: Student Complaints and Grievances
- JIK: Free Speech, Petition, and Assembly
- JJ: Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
- JJA: Student Organizations
- JJE: Student Fundraising Activities
- JJF: Student Activity Accounts
- JJG: Contests for Students
- JJH: Student Late Night or Overnight Travel
- JJH-R: Student Travel Procedures
- JJIB: Interscholastic Athletics
- JJIF: Athletic Concussion Management Policy
- JK: Student Conduct
- JKA: Corporal Punishment
- JKAA: Physical Restraint of Students
- JL: Student Welfare
- JLC: Student Health Services and Requirements
- JLCA: Physical Examinations of Students
- JLCB: Immunization of Student
- JLCC: Communicable Diseases
- JLCD: Administering Medicines to Students
- JLD: Guidance Program
- JP: Solicitation of Funds
- JQ: Student Fees, Fines, and Charges
- JRA: Student Records
- JRD: Student Photographs
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SECTION K - School-Community Relations
- KBA: School/Parent Relations Goals
- KBBA: Non-Custodial Parents’ Rights
- KBE: Relations with Parent/Booster Organizations
- KCD: Public Gifts to the Schools
- KDB: Public’s Right to Know
- KDD: News Media Relations/News Releases
- KE: Public Complaints
- KF: Community Use of School Facilities
- KF-R: Community Use of School Facilities
- KHA: Public Solicitations to the Schools
- KHB: Advertising in the Schools
- KLJ: Relations with Planning Authorities
- KLK: Relations with Local Government Authorities
- KI: Visitors to Schools
- KLG: Relations with Public Safety Authorities
- SECTION L - Education Agency Relations
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SECTION A - Foundations and Basic Commitments
- School Committee Goals 2020-2021
- Committee Roster
- Subcommittee Assignments
- Operating Protocols
- Communication and Involvement with the School Committee
- School Committee Meeting Information
- What is the function of the School Committee?
- How do I become a member of the School Committee?
- Other Frequently Asked Questions
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Policy Manual
- SECTION J - Students
- JIC: Student Discipline
JIC: Student Discipline
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The School Committee believes that all students deserve every opportunity to achieve academic success in a safe, secure learning environment. Good citizenship in schools is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students will be expected to conduct themselves in a way that the rights and privileges of others are not violated. They will be required to respect constituted authority, to conform to school rules and to those provisions of law that apply to their conduct.
Each Principal shall include prohibited actions in the student handbook or other publication to be made available to students and parents/guardians.
Principals and staff shall not use academic punishment of any form as a consequence to inappropriate behaviors/actions by students.
The Principal may, as a disciplinary measure, remove a student from privileges, such as extracurricular activities and attendance at school-sponsored events, based on the student's misconduct. Such a removal is not subject to the remainder of this policy, law, or regulation.
The Superintendent shall provide each Principal with a copy of the regulations promulgated by DESE and shall have each Principal sign a document acknowledging receipt thereof, which shall be placed in their personnel file.
Suspension
In every case of student misconduct for which suspension may be imposed (except for offenses referenced in the note at the end of this policy), a Principal shall consider ways to re-engage the student in learning and avoid using long-term suspension from school as a consequence until alternatives have been tried. Alternatives may include the use of evidence-based strategies and programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and positive behavioral interventions and supports.
Notice of Suspension
Except for emergency removal or an in-school suspension of less than ten (10) days, a Principal must provide the student and the parent/guardian oral and written notice and provide the student an opportunity for a hearing and the parent/guardian an opportunity to participate in such hearing before imposing suspension as a consequence for misconduct. The Principal shall provide both oral and written notice to student and parent/guardian in English and in the primary language of the home if other than English. The notice shall include the rights enumerated in law and regulation. To conduct a hearing without a parent/guardian present, the Principal must be able to document reasonable efforts to include the parent/guardian.
Emergency Removal
A Principal may remove a student from school temporarily when a student is charged with a disciplinary offense and the continued presence of the student poses a danger to persons or property, or materially and substantially disrupts the order of the school, and, in the Principal' s judgment, there is no alternative available to alleviate the danger or disruption. The Principal shall immediately notify the Superintendent in writing of the removal including a description of the danger presented by the student.
The temporary removal shall not exceed two (2) school days following the day of the emergency removal, during which time the Principal shall
- Make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and the student's parent/guardian of the emergency removal, the reason for the need for emergency removal, and the other matters required in the notice as referenced in the applicable regulation;
- Provide written notice to the student and parent/guardian as required above;
- Provide the student an opportunity for a hearing with the Principal that complies with applicable regulations, and the parent/guardian an opportunity to attend the hearing, before the expiration of the two (2) school days, unless an extension of time for hearing is otherwise agreed to by the Principal, student, and parent/guardian;
- Render a decision orally on the same day as the hearing, and in writing no later than the following school day, which meets the requirements of applicable law and regulation.
A Principal shall also ensure adequate provisions have been made for the student's safety and transportation prior to removal.
In-School Suspension - not more than ten (10) days consecutively or cumulatively
The Principal may use in-school suspension as an alternative to short-term suspension for disciplinary offenses.
The Principal may impose an in-school suspension for a disciplinary offense under this provision, provided that the Principal follows the process set forth in regulation and the student has the opportunity to make academic progress as required by law and regulation.
Principal's Hearing-Short Term Suspension of up to ten (10) days
The hearing with the Principal shall be to hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for which the student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the consequences for the infraction.
At a minimum, the Principal shall discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other pertinent information.
The student also shall have an opportunity to present information, including mitigating facts, that the Principal should consider in determining whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate as set forth in law and regulation.
The Principal shall provide the parent/guardian, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the Principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.
The Principal shall, based on the available information, including mitigating circumstances, determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, what remedy or consequence will be imposed.
The Principal shall notify the student and parent/guardian of the determination and the reasons for it, and, if the student is suspended, the type and duration of suspension and the opportunity to make up assignments and such other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal as required by law and regulation. The determination shall be in writing and may be in the form of an update to the original written notice.
If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the Principal shall send a copy of the written determination to the Superintendent and explain the reasons for imposing an out-of-school suspension before the short-term suspension takes effect.
Principal's Hearing - Long Term Suspension of more than ten (10) days but less than ninety (90) days (consecutive or cumulative)
The hearing with the Principal shall be to hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for which the student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the consequences for the infraction.
At a minimum, in addition to the rights afforded a student in a short-term suspension hearing, the student shall have the following rights:
- In advance of the hearing, the opportunity to review the student's record and the documents upon which the Principal may rely in making a determination to suspend the student or not;
- The right to be represented by counsel or a lay person of the student's choice, at the student's/parent's/guardian's expense;
- The right to produce witnesses on their behalf and to present the student's explanation of the alleged incident, but the student may not be compelled to do so;
- The right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the district;
- The right to request that the hearing be recorded by the Principal and to receive a copy of the audio recording upon request. If the student or parent/guardian requests an audio recording, the Principal shall inform all pairticipants before the hearing that an audio record will be made, and a copy will be provided to the student and parent/guardian upon request.
The Principal shall provide the parent/guardian, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the Principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.
The Principal shall, based on the evidence, determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, after considering mitigating circumstances and alternatives to suspension as required by law and regulation, what remedy or consequence will be imposed, in place of or in addition to a long term suspension. The Principal shall send the written determination to the student and parent/guardian by hand-delivery, certified mail, first-class mail, email to an address provided by the parent/guardian for school communications, or any other method of delivery agreed to by the Principal and the parent/guardian.
If the Principal decides to suspend the student, the written determination shall:
- Identify the disciplinary offense, the date on which the hearing took place, and the participants at the hearing;
- Set out the key facts and conclusions reached by the Principal;
- Identify the length and effective date of the suspension as well as a date of return to school;
- Include notice of the student's opportunity to receive education services to make academic progress during the period of removal from school as required by law and regulation;
- Inform the student of the right to appeal the Principal's decision to the Superintendent or designee but only if the Principal has imposed a long-term suspension
Notice of the right of appeal shall be in English and the primary language of the home if other than English, or other means of communication where appropriate, and shall include the following information: The process for appealing the decision, including that the student or parent/guardian must file a written notice of appeal with the Superintendent within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the long-term suspension; provided that within the five (5) calendar days, the student or parent/guardian may request and receive from the Superintendent an extension of time for filing the written notice for up to seven (7) additional calendar days; and that the long-term suspension will remain in effect unless and until the Superintendent decides to reverse the Principal's determination on appeal.
If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the Principal shall send a copy of the written determination to the Superintendent and explain the reasons for imposing an out-of-school suspension before the suspension takes effect.
Superintendent's Hearing
A student who is placed on long-term suspension following a hearing with the Principal shall have the right to appeal the Principal's decision to the Superintendent.
The student or parent/guardian shall file a notice of appeal with the Superintendent within the time period noted above (see Principal's hearing- Suspension of more than ten (10) days). If the appeal is not timely filed, the Superintendent may deny the appeal, or may allow the appeal in their discretion, for good cause.
The Superintendent shall hold the hearing within three (3) school days of the student's request, unless the student or parent/guardian requests an extension of up to seven (7) additional calendar days, in which case the Superintendent shall grant the extension.
The Superintendent shall make a good faith effort to include the parent/guardian in the hearing. The Superintendent shall be presumed to have made a good faith effort if they have made efforts to find a day and time for the hearing that would allow the parent/guardian and Superintendent to participate. The Superintendent shall send written notice to the parent/guardian of the date, time, and location of the hearing.
The Superintendent shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the student committed the disciplinaiy offense of which the student is accused, and if so, what the consequence shall be. The Superintendent shall arrange for an audio recording of the hearing, a copy of which shall be provided to the student or parent/guardian upon request. The Superintendent shall inform all participants before the hearing that an audio recording will be made of the hearing, and a copy will be provided to the student and parent/guardian upon request. The student shall have all the rights afforded the student at the Principal's hearing for long term suspension.
The Superintendent shall issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the hearing which meets the requirements of law and regulation. If the Superintendent determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the Superintendent may impose the same or a lesser consequence than the Principal but shall not impose a suspension greater than that imposed by the Principal's decision. The decision of the Superintendent shall be the final decision of the district with regard to the suspension.
Expulsion
Expulsion is defined as the removal of a student from school for more than ninety (90) school days, indefinitely, or permanently as allowed by law for possession of a dangerous weapon; possession of a controlled substance; assault on a member of the educational staff; or a felony charge or felony delinquency complaint or conviction, or adjudication or admission of guilt with respect to such felony, if a Principal determines that the student's continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school.
Any student expelled from school for such an offense shall be afforded an opportunity to receive educational services and make academic progress.
Academic Progress
Any student who is suspended or expelled shall have the opportunity to earn credits, make up assignments, tests, papers, and other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of their removal from the classroom or school. The Principal shall inform the student and parent/guardian of this opportunity in writing, in English and in the primary language of the home, when such suspension or expulsion is imposed.
Any student who is expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days, whether in school or out of school, shall have an opportunity to receive education services and make academic progress toward meeting state and local requirements through the school-wide education service plan.
The Principal shall develop a school-wide education service plan describing the education services that the district will make available to students who are expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days. The plan shall include the process for notifying such students and their parents/guardians of the services and arranging such services. Education services shall be based on, and be provided in a manner consistent with, the academic standards and curriculum frameworks established for all students under the law.
The Principal shall notify the parent/guardian and student of the opportunity to receive education services at the time the student is expelled or placed on long-term suspension. Notice shall be provided in English and in the primary language spoken in the student's home if other than English, or other means of communication where appropriate. The notice shall include a list of the specific education services that are available to the student and contact information for a district staff member who can provide more detailed information.
For each student expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days, whether in school or out-of-school, the district shall document the student's enrollment in education services. For data reporting purposes, the school shall track and report attendance, academic progress, and such other data as directed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Reporting
The district shall collect and annually report data to DESE regarding in-school suspensions, short- and long-term suspensions, expulsions, emergency removals, access to education services, and such other information as may be required by DESE.
The Principal of each school shall periodically review discipline data by selected student populations, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, English learner status, and student with a disability status in accordance with law and regulation.
LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 71:37H; 71:37H ½; 71:37H ¾; 76:17; 603 CMR 53.00