3000 Business

3000 Concept and Roles in Business & Non-Instructional Operations

3160.3 Transfer of Funds Between Budget Categories

The Superintendent shall be responsible for administering and monitoring the budget through the course of the year. The Superintendent and the Business Manager shall maintain a system of appropriate expenditures and encumbrance accounting that is organized to conform to the requirements for State and Federal Accounting Reports. In the absence of a Business Manager, the Assistant Business Manager or such other person in the central office as shall be designated by the Superintendent with Board of Education approval, shall fulfill the duties of the Business Manager as defined herein. A monthly budget status report shall be provided which shows the appropriated budget, expenditures to date (to include\encumbered and expended amounts), projected expenditures, the difference between the projected expenditures and the appropriation, and general comments indicating the reason for the difference.

Based upon the above reports, when necessary budget transfers shall be made according to the following:

Transfers within a line item of the budget may be made by the Business Manager with the approval of the Superintendent. The Board of Education must be informed of such transfers at its next regular meeting. For example, the need to transfer a teacher from one school to another would result in a request to reallocate the corresponding salary line item from one school department to another.
Transfers between line items of the budget may be made by the Business Manager with the approval of the Superintendent and the Board of Education. For example, funds from the electricity budget (line item 410) are needed to cover a deficit in the heat energy (line item 626) account.
For Emergency, reference Policy 3321(a)

In either transfer case, the Business Manager shall maintain a list of all transfers and submit them to the Board of Education and a written explanation of a transfer will be provided to the Board of Selectmen on a monthly basis at their regular meeting as part of the monthly budget status report. All transfer requests must be submitted to the Superintendent and Board of Education in a timely fashion and approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

The Superintendent is authorized to make transfers for emergency reasons such as for health and safety or as necessary to avoid disruption of the education process. The urgency must be such that it prevents a meeting of the Board of Education to consider the transfer and provided that the transfer shall not exceed $15,000. The limit applies to each emergency transaction and is non-cumulative for the year. Transfers made in such instances shall be presented for approval at the next meeting of the Board of Education.

References:

CGS 10-222 Appropriations and budget (as amended by Public Act No. 98-141)
Financial Accounting for Local and State School Systems 2003
Winsted, the City of Winsted Charter as Amended 2001 – Section 1104

3171.1 Non-Lapsing Education Fund

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY REGARDING:
BUSINESS AND NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS
Non-Lapsing Education Fund (Non-Regional School Districts)
POLICY: 3171.1
AMENDED: 11-15-2022
SUPERSEDES/AMENDS: (3171.1 New 1-14-20)
SEE ALSO:

The Winchester Board of Education (Board) may request the town's Board of Selectman deposit into a non-lapsing account any unexpended funds from the Board's prior fiscal year general operating budget, provided such deposited amount does not exceed two percent (2%) of the total budgeted appropriation for education for such prior fiscal year pursuant to C.G.S. 10-248a.

Any expenditure from the Non-Lapsing Education Fund shall be authorized solely the Board of Education. Each expenditure from such account shall be made only for educational purposes.

The Board of Selectman shall create the non-lapsing account and be responsible for the accounting of the funds in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The account shall be subject to the annual audit as required by State statute. The Board of Education shall review the fund balance on an annual basis.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-51 (d) (2) Fiscal year. Budget. Payments by member towns; adjustments to payments. Investment of funds. Temporary borrowing. Reserve funds. (as amended by PA 21-2, JSS, Section 363)

10-222 Appropriations and budget

10-248a Unexpended education funds account (as amended by PA 19-117. Section 285)

Policy adopted:

3171.1 Appendix

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

This Agreement, made and entered into this _____ day of _________, 20__ by and between the Board of Education of the town/city of Winchester herein by __________, its Chairperson (hereinafter referred to as "BOE") and the Board of Selectman of ____________ acting herein by ____________, its Chairperson, duly authorized (hereafter referred to as "BOS).

WHEREAS, C.G.S. 10-248a, specifically authorizes the BOS to establish a non-lapsing account to deposit unexpended funds from the prior fiscal year's budgeted appropriation for educational purposes capped at two percent (2%) of the BOE operating budget for that year; and

WHEREAS, the BOE is desirous of establishing a non-lapsing account in accordance with the statutes; and

WHEREAS, although the BOS is not compelled by statute to establish such a non-lapsing account, the BOS is desirous of doing so to provide the BOE with an incentive to reduce costs, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein, and

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the BOS establishing a non-lapsing account in accordance with C.G.S. 10-248a, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. The BOS shall vote to establish a non-lapsing account for the deposit of unexpended education funds from the fiscal 20__/20__ year to be used by the BOE in accordance with C.G.S. 10-248a.

2. The funds deposited in said account shall be and are subject to the additional appropriation process established pursuant to the Charter of the town/city of Winchester that requires approval by the BOS.

3. The BOE agrees that its request for appropriation for any of such funds shall be for the sole purpose and strictly limited to educational purposes. The funds shall not be used for any other purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the BOE may request an appropriation for reasons other than those set forth above in the event of an emergency.

4. The BOE acknowledges that the BOS is not compelled to establish said fund but is desirous of doing so only upon the consideration of the terms and conditions as set forth in paragraph 3.

5. The BOE hereby agrees to waive its right to request an appropriation for any funds established in the non-lapsing account established pursuant to this Agreement for any purpose other than as specifically set forth herein.

6. This Agreement shall become effective and binding upon the parties hereto upon the approval hereof by the affirmative vote of the board of each respective part and the subsequent execution hereof.

7. This Agreement shall be executed in duplicate with an original to remain on file in the office of each of the parties hereto.

8. This Agreement does not bind the BOS to agree to deposit unexpended funds of the BOE in any future year but any such authorization to do so shall be in accordance with the terms herein.

9. This Agreement may not be modified orally but only by written agreement between the parties hereto upon affirmative vote of the respective boards.

10. This Agreement shall terminate upon the following events (i) by agreement of the parties hereto; (ii) upon the non-lapsing account established herein having a zero (0) balance; (iii) 120-day written notification prior to the start of a new fiscal year from the BOS to the BOE.

In Witness whereof, the parties hereto subscribe their names on the date and year first above written.

BOARD OF EDUCATION BOARD OF SELECTMAN

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Signature Signature

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Chairperson (print name) Chairperson (print name)

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Date Date

3232 Individual with Disabilities Education Act Fiscal Compliance

3250 Materials-Service Fees, Charges

3260 Sale and Disposal of Books, Equipment and Supplies

3280 Gifts, Grants, and Requests

3281 School Fundraisers

3281.1 Crowdfunding

Board of Education Policy Regarding:
Business - Crowdfunding
Policy # 3281.1
Amended: 8/8/2023
Supersedes / Amends: 11/12/2019

Introduction

The Board of Education recognizes that crowdfunding campaigns have become an increasingly popular method by which teachers and organizations can procure funding for specific projects and/or programs. The revenue-raising potential that crowdfunding campaigns may provide may be a benefit for District programs and classrooms. The District further recognizes, however, that unregulated employee use of crowdfunding campaigns on behalf of the District can subject both the District and employees to significant potential legal liability.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to effectively regulate and establish parameters for use of crowdfunding campaigns for District purposes, on behalf of the District, or for the purpose of supplementing District programs.

Definitions

Campaign, for the purposes of this policy, is a fundraising effort designed to raise funds to meet an advertised goal or need.

Crowdfunding, for the purposes of this policy, the practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions, typically via the Internet, for a particular purpose or cause.

Eligible Organizations, for purposes of this policy, include any school-sponsored student organization that has been formally recognized/approved by the Board and granted permission to engage in crowdfunding on behalf of the District, subject to the requirements of this policy. District-affiliated organizations including, but not limited to, parent/teacher organizations and booster groups are not subject to the requirements of this policy.

Guidelines

1. Prohibition on Unapproved Crowdfunding on Behalf of the District

District employees, including coaches and activity sponsors, may not engage in crowdfunding campaigns related to their roles or duties as a District employee or otherwise benefiting the District, including District programs, initiatives, mission, students, or staff without prior written authorization from a designated administrator.

Approved crowdfunding campaigns must operate in compliance with all laws and all other Board Policies and Administrative Guidelines.

Only employees and/or eligible organizations with written approval from the District pursuant to this policy are permitted to utilize crowdfunding campaigns for District purposes or programs. Groups, clubs, and/or organizations that have not been granted formal recognition/approval by the Board may not be granted permission to engage in crowdfunding campaigns on behalf of the District.

Employees and/or eligible organizations that have not obtained written approval pursuant to this policy may not solicit funds or items on behalf of the District on a crowdfunding website; give the appearance of soliciting funds or items on behalf of the District on a crowdfunding website; use the District's name, logo, mascot, or other identifying information in a crowdfunding post; or link to or reference any of the District's websites, social media sites, or other site, platform or account associated with the District.

Absent written approval by the District of a crowdfunding project pursuant to this policy, employees are prohibited from identifying on a crowdfunding site that they are an employee of the District, if such identification may lead a reasonable reader to infer from the crowdfunding post that the funds designated will be utilized by or within the District or for a District program. Employees may not utilize their District email address for any crowdfunding campaigns, unless the campaign has been approved by the District.

2. Procedures

Employees and Eligible Organizations. Employees and eligible organizations wishing to utilize crowdfunding for District purposes or programs are required to obtain written permission for doing so by submitting a pre-approval request form, consistent with the requirements of this policy, to building administration. Written permission must be received before proceeding with any crowdfunding efforts.

It shall be the responsibility of building administration, as applicable, to approve all crowdfunding requests. The pre-approval request form shall be available in school offices and/or on the District’s website. Crowdfunding requests that are incomplete, not submitted in writing, and/or that do not meet the requirements of this policy shall not be considered for approval.

Any employee/eligible organization must submit a written request for approval of a crowdfunding project. The written request for approval must be provided directly to building administration, as applicable, via the designated approval form and must contain the following:

The name, job title, school, and email address of the requester, or, if the applicant is an eligible organization, the names of and contact information for two members of the eligible organization who shall be responsible for overseeing the crowdfunding campaign;

The crowdfunding website or physical location (site) to be used;

The items being requested and/or the amount of funds targeted to be raised;

The classroom, program, and/or activity to be benefited;

The exact language that will be included in the post/advertising for the crowdfunding campaign; and

The start and projected end dates of the post/advertising.

Crowdfunding requests shall not be approved unless they meet the following conditions:

Crowdfunding campaigns must meet the requirements set forth in this policy, including obtaining written approval and posting on a District-approved crowdfunding site;

Where crowdfunding proceeds are in the form of funds, such funds must be sent to building administration, as applicable, who shall ensure the appropriate accounting and holding of such funds until they are used for their stated purpose;

Funds for crowdfunding, rather than items are preferred. Where items are received from a crowdfunding project instead of monetary funds, all items become the District’s property and must be delivered directly to the building administration of the building in which they will be used;

All crowdfunding campaigns involving classroom materials, projects or resources must be consistent with the District-approved curriculum;

Before building administration accepts technology related items, the building administration is responsible to confirm acceptability with the Coordinator of Technology and Media Services.

All crowdfunding campaigns, including the solicitation of donations, online posting, selection of items, and/or use of funds must be consistent with all applicable laws and board policies; and

All crowdfunding campaigns must have specific, pre-determined beginning and ending dates.

Crowdfunding Projects MAY NOT:

Disparage the District or any of its buildings, programs, students, or employees or paint the District or any of its employees, students, or programs in a negative light;

Include pictures of District students in the crowdfunding post or on the posting individual's home or biography page on the crowdfunding site;

Include identifying information of any District student on the crowdfunding site;

Be used for personal gain of any individual other than the District-related benefits associated with the campaign's purpose;

Result in funds and/or items being provided/delivered directly to the individual who requested the funds;

Solicit funds for items or projects that are religious or political in nature or that have a religious or political purpose;

Violate Title IX or any other applicable state or federal law;

Be contingent on additional District spending or require "matching" funds from the District or another organization;
a. Request food items that do not meet the "smart snacks" standards of the USDA regulations for school nutrition; or

Contain language that suggests or states that an item or items for which the donations are being sought are required for or otherwise integral to a student's special education program, necessary for a student to achieve their IEP goals, or necessary to ensure participation of a student or students with disabilities in school or any program offered by the District.

3. Designation of Approved Crowdfunding Sites

All crowdfunding sites that are approved by the District must meet all of the following requirements:

The site must be operated by a legitimate corporation or limited liability company with no significant history of fraud, unlawful activity, financial mismanagement, or other misconduct.

The site must have a policy that requires all funds raised by an individual on behalf of the school to go directly to the school, not the individual who posted/advertised the fundraising request.

To the extent that no crowdfunding sites available meet all of the requirements above, the District shall not approve requests for crowdfunding.

Sites designed for crowdfunding by schools and/or educators shall be given preference, if they meet the requirements of this section.

4. Additional Requirements and Regulations

Where a crowdfunding campaign requires the electronic transfer of funds, building administration in consultation with the Director of Business Affairs shall ensure that such transfer is made properly and in accordance with acceptable standards of practice. Where such transfer cannot be properly achieved, the campaign should not be approved.

The District reserves the right to refuse funds that have been raised through an approved crowdfunding campaign if it discovers that the project violated this policy or was in violation of the crowdfunding site's requirements, policies, and/or regulations.

The District reserves the right to terminate any pre-approved crowdfunding campaign for any reason or withhold approval for any crowdfunding campaign project for any reason.

Items obtained through crowdfunding must fulfill the purpose of the approved crowdfunding campaign.

The Director of Business Affairs shall be promptly notified of any unused funds and determine the appropriate way to expend or return the unused funds.

It shall be the responsibility of the individual whose crowdfunding campaign is approved by building administration, as applicable, to ensure that all applicable laws and rules, including rules and requirements established by the crowdfunding site, are followed.

All items/materials obtained through District-approved crowdfunding are the property of the District. While preference shall be given for the items/materials to be used and maintained by the employee who originally obtained them through crowdfunding (where applicable), the District reserves the right to transfer such items/materials to another classroom and/or teacher, where necessary.

Delegation of Responsibility

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that procedures and guidelines are in place to monitor all crowdfunding requests. The Superintendent or designee shall disseminate and explain information to building administration and post information on the District website. Building administration will be responsible for forwarding all information to their staff and eligible organizations.

Crowdfunding Request Form

3290 Grants and Other Revenue

3321 (a) Purchasing Procedures

The following guidelines are designed to clarify purchasing policies and procedures. The objectives of these policies are:

To protect the Board and Town's interest at all times.
Maintain the efficient and economical expenditure of town funds.
To secure the best possible price and quality for materials, supplies, equipment, and services.
To purchase the best quality or service for the appropriate price.
To obtain discounts whenever possible.

PURCHASE ORDERS

The Purchase Order is an instrument designed to expedite, control, and centralize purchasing for the Winchester Board of Education. The Purchase Order is the vendor’s authorization to deliver and charge for the desired goods or services. It is the Board’s commitment for the value of those goods or services. A purchase order is required for all purchases.

The Superintendent shall pre-authorize all purchases exceeding $5000.

BIDS AND QUOTATIONS

All purchases over $2,000 are to be done on a competitive basis. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the dollar amount of the purchase involved.

Procedure

A. All purchases must have a purchase order prior to purchase.

B. Purchases of $2,001 to $5,000: Oral or written quotations based on specifications must be obtained from at least two (2) suppliers before placing an order.

C. Purchases of $5,001 to $20,000: Written quotations based on specifications must be obtained from at least three (3) suppliers before placing order.

D. Purchases In Excess Of $20,000:

1. Invitation for Bids. An invitation for bids shall be issued and shall include specifications, and all contractual terms and conditions applicable to the procurement.

2. Public Notice. An invitation to bid shall be published in a newspaper having circulation in the greater Hartford region OR on the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services Procurement website. The public notice shall state the place, date, and time sealed bids will be opened.

3. Bid Opening. Bids shall be opened publicly in the presence of one or more witnesses at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids. The amount of each bid, and such other relevant information, together with the name of each bidder shall be recorded; the record and each bid shall be open to public inspection. Bids returned later than the time or date specified cannot be considered, and will be returned to the bidder unopened.

4. Bid Acceptance and Bid Evaluation. Bids shall be unconditionally accepted without alteration or correction. Bids shall be evaluated based on the requirements set forth in the invitation for bids, which may include criteria to determine acceptability such as inspection, testing, quality, workmanship, delivery, and suitability for a particular purpose.

5. Award of Contract. The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, the purpose of this being to protect the public interest and not the private interest of any bidder.

Contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, who shall be determined by the following factors in addition to price:

The ability, capacity, and skill of the bidder to perform the contract.
Whether the bidder can perform the contract or provide the service promptly, or within the specified time, without delay or interference.
The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience and efficiency of the bidder.
The quality of performance of previous contracts or services to the town or others.
The previous and existing compliance by the bidder with laws or ordinances relating to the contract or service.
The sufficiency of the financial resources of the bidder.
The ability of the bidder to provide an acceptable certificate of insurance.
The ability of the bidder to provide labor, material, and performance bonds as may be required (In lieu of a bid bond, other forms of surety may be acceptable).

When the award is not given to the lowest bidder, a full and complete statement of the reasons for placing the award elsewhere shall be prepared and filed with the other papers relating to the transaction.

E. Exceptions to Bids and Quotations

(a) Contracts for professional services (legal, engineering, architectural, auditing, etc.).

(b) Purchases made through regional or state agencies, purchasing consortia, or other public entities that permit school districts to participate in their bidding process.

(c) When the nature of the services to be performed are best provided by one source because of the sources expertise or prior knowledge, or when one material is most suitable and that material is only reasonably obtainable from one source.

(d) Reordering of stock when the continued purchase of the identical item is in the best interest of the Board of Education and there is only one source for that product reasonably available.

(e) When Federal or State laws or regulations prescribe procedures different than those found in these Purchasing and Bidding Procedures.

EMERGENCIES

The Board of Education may waive the procedures outlined herein, and prescribe alternative procedures for particular situations.

The BOE authorizes the superintendent to transfer funds up to15K with 24-hours’ notice to all BOE members in case of an emergency. Emergency transfers over $15,001 may necessitate a special BOE meeting.

3324 Purchase Orders and Contracts

3440 Inventories

3410 Non-Instructional Operations - System of Accounts

3430 Non-Instructional Operations - Periodic Financial Reports

3432/3433 Budget & Expense Reporting

3514 Equipment - Authorized Use of School - Owned Materials

3515.1 Advertising in the Schools

3516(a) Safety

Board of Education Policy Regarding:
Business / Non-Instructional Operations
Safety – Safe and Secure School Facilities, Equipment, and Grounds
Policy # 3516(a)
Amended: 8/8/2023
Supersedes/Amends: 3516 - 8/13/2013, 12/8/2020

Goal: It is the goal of the Board of Education (Board) to ensure that all facilities, grounds, equipment, and vehicles meet accepted injury and violence prevention standards for design, installation, use, and maintenance.

Safety and Hazard Assessments: Schools/District shall develop and implement a written school security and safety plan to conduct regular safety and hazard assessments of all classrooms, buildings, school grounds, gymnasiums, playgrounds, sports-related equipment, buses, and other vehicles used to transport students.

The school security and safety plan shall be an all-hazards approach to emergencies at schools and shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Involvement of local officials, including the First Selectman/Mayor/Town Manager, Superintendent of Schools, law enforcement, fire, public health, emergency

2. A command center organization structure based on the federal National Incident Management System and a description of the responsibilities of such command center

3. A requirement that a school security and safety committee be established of each school, in accordance with the provisions of C.G.S. 10-222m.

5. A requirement that local law enforcement and other local public safety officials evaluate, score, and provide feedback on fire drills and crisis response drills conducted pursuant to C.G.S. 10-231.

6. A requirement that the Board of Education submit annual reports to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection regarding fire drills and crisis response drills.

7. Procedures for managing various types of emergencies.

8. A requirement that the Board of Education conduct a security and vulnerability assessment for each school in the district every two (2) years and develop a school security and safety plan for each school based upon the school security and safety plan standards developed by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. (DESPP)

P3516(b)

Business/Non-Instructional Operations

Safety - Safe and Secure School Facilities, Equipment, and Grounds (continued)

9. A requirement that the Safe School Climate Committee of each school, established pursuant to C.G.S. 10-222k, collect and evaluate information relating to instances of disturbing or threatening behavior that may not meet the statutory definition of bullying and report such information, as necessary, to the district’s Safe School Climate Coordinator and the school’s school security and safety committee.

10. A requirement that each school provide an orientation pertaining to the security and safety plan to each employee and provide violence prevention training as prescribed in the school security and safety plan. (The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is required to make such standards available to the Board of Education. The Department of Education is required to distribute such standards to all public schools.)

The Board will annually submit each school’s security and safety plan to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, with the required documentation in the manner requested.

The plan shall include provisions for reporting hazards to appropriate staff, prompt repairs or upgrade of identified hazards and other shortcomings, and appropriate communication of repair/upgrade plans to staff, students, and family members.

Safety and hazard assessments shall be conducted annually for building facilities and grounds. The district shall report annually on safety and hazard assessments to the Superintendent of Schools or their designee. Written inspection reports shall be kept on file for 10 years. District shall correct identified hazards before being used by students, staff, or community members.

Maintenance: District shall develop maintenance plans for all classrooms, buildings, school grounds, gymnasiums, playgrounds, sports-related equipment, buses, and other vehicles used to transport students. The plan shall include provisions for reporting maintenance needs to appropriate staff, schedules of maintenance activities, and communication of details to appropriate staff, students, and family members. Maintenance reports shall be kept on file for 10 years.

Supervision of Students: All school-related activities shall be supervised by adults to enforce safety rules and prevent injuries. At least one adult trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and infection control shall always be available when students are present on school grounds to respond to injuries and medical emergencies. All adults supervising playgrounds, athletic fields, gymnasiums, science classrooms, industrial arts classrooms, and cafeterias shall have easy access to appropriate first aid supplies. Supervising adults shall be informed of any relevant medical guidance on file with the school concerning limits on the participation of individual students in physical activity. Such information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

P3516(c)

Business/Non-Instructional Operations

Safety - Safe and Secure School Facilities, Equipment, and Grounds (continued)

Staff Training: The District will provide regular training and information to all school employees pertaining to the District’s school emergency management systems and protocols, including violence prevention training and emergency response procedures.

School Security and Safety Committee

Each school year thereafter, each District school shall have a school security and safety committee under the jurisdiction of the Board. Such committee is responsible for assisting in the development of the school security and safety plan for the school and administering the plan.

Membership must consist of a local police officer, a local first responder, a teacher at the school, a school administrator, a mental health professional (guidance counselor, school counselor, social worker, school psychologist, school nurse, or child mental health specialist), a parent/guardian of an enrolled student and any other person the Board finds necessary.

Parents/guardians on the committee shall not have access to information about disturbing or threatening student behavior reported to the committee, as such access may compromise student confidentiality.

P3516(d)

Business/Non-Instructional Operations

Safety (continued)

Use of School Security Consultants

When determined necessary, the District will utilize qualified school security consultants operating in Connecticut. Such consultants used will be listed on the registry maintained by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and published on its website.

(cf. 3517 – Security of Buildings and Grounds)

(cf. 4131/4231 – Staff Development)

(cf. 4148.1/4248.1 – School Security and Safety Committee)

(cf. 5142 – Student Safety)

(cf. 6114 – Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness)

(cf. 6114.7 – Safe Schools)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-203 Sanitation

10-207 Duties of medical advisers

10-220f Safety Committee

10-222k District safe school climate coordinator. Safe school climate specialist. Safe school climate committee.

10-222m School security and safety plans. School security and safety committees

10-22n School security and safety plan standards

10-231 Fire Drills

29-389 Stairways and fire escapes on certain buildings.

52-557b Immunity from liability for emergency medical assistance, first aid or medication by injection. School personnel not required to administer or render P.A. 13-3 An Act Concerning Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety

3516.4 Sex Offender Notification

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility for the health and safety of the students enrolled within the district and for those youngsters receiving services or participating in programs or events on school district property. Therefore, the Board is desirous of taking appropriate precautionary measures in situations where the District has been advised by law enforcement officials that a convicted sex offender resides within the District.

Where school officials are advised that an individual convicted of a sexual offense resides within the school district, the District shall give notice in accordance herewith in order to minimize the possibility that the released and registered sex offender will come into contact with students within the district. In addition, the Board believes that cooperation with local law enforcement officials will best promote and protect the safety and well being of its students.

Whenever information is received from local law enforcement officials pursuant to PA 98-111 (CGS 52‑102r) that a registered convicted sex offender is residing within the school district, such information may be disseminated after consideration of various factors to the following entities:

(a) Building Principals;

(b) Appropriate administrative and teaching staff;

(d) Custodians;

(e) Athletic coaches;

(f) Supervisors of school related organizations or programs which regularly meet or are conducted on school district property;

(g) Bus drivers;

(h) PTA Presidents (limited information).

The Superintendent may also disseminate such information to such additional individuals or groups of individuals who, in the opinion of the Superintendent, have a legitimate need to be notified of such information in order to protect the health, safety or welfare of school district students.

(cf. I 110.1 ‑ Parent involvement)

(cf. 1212 ‑ School volunteers)

(cf. 1250 ‑ Visits to Schools)

(cf. 1251 ‑ Loitering or Causing Disturbance)

(cf. 1411 ‑ Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies)

(cf. 3516 ‑ Safety)

(cf. 3517 ‑ Security of Buildings and Grounds)

(cf. 3517.1 ‑ Site and Building Access)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

Public Act No. 98‑111 An Act Concerning the Registration of Sexual Offenders.

United States Code, Title 42

14071 Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Program Act.

3517(a) Security of Buildings and Grounds

Board of Education Policy Regarding:
Business / Non-Instructional Operations
Security of Buildings and Grounds
Policy # 3517(a)
New: 12/8/2020
Supersedes / Amends:

Buildings constitute one of the greatest investments of the school district and the community. It is in the best interest of students and taxpayers to protect that investment adequately.

Security includes:

1. Developing at each school, in compliance with the requirements of C.G.S. 10-222m, a school security and safety plan, in partnership with other community groups, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, fire safety officials, emergency medical services, as well as health and mental health professionals. Such plan shall be based upon the school security and safety plan standards developed by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) pursuant to C.G.S. 10-222n.

2. Training and practice necessary and essential for implementation of the crisis response plan. Law enforcement and other local public safety officials shall evaluate, score and provide feedback on fire drills and crisis response drills, pursuant to C.G.S. 10-231.

3. Controlling access to school grounds and facilities.

4. Conducting a security and vulnerability assessment for each District school every two years and developing a school security and safety plan for each District school based upon the security and safety plan standards developed by DESPP.

5. Submitting annual reports to DESPP regarding fire drills and crisis response drills.

6. Establishing a School Security and Safety Committee at each school, responsible for assisting in the development of the school’s security and safety plan and its implementation. (Membership as required by C.G.S. 10-222k)

7. Developing procedures for managing various types of emergencies.

8. Minimizing fire hazards.

9. Reducing the probability of faulty equipment.

10. Guarding against the chance of electrical shock.

11. Keeping records and funds in a safe place.

12. Protecting against vandalism and burglary.

The Superintendent of Schools is directed to establish such rules and regulations as may be needed to provide for security as outlined above.

(cf. 3516 – Safe and Secure School Facilities; Equipment and Grounds)

(cf. 4148.1/4248.1 – School Security and Safety Committee)

P3517(b)

Business/Non-Instructional Operations

Security of Buildings and Grounds

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

29-389 Stairways and fire escapes on certain buildings.

P.A. 13-3 An Act Concerning Gun Violence Protection and Children’s Safety

10-220f Safety Committees

10-222k District safe school climate coordinator. Safe school climate specialist. Safe school climate committee.

10-222m School security and safety plans. School security and safety committees.

10-222n School security and safety plan standards

10-231 Fire drills

R3517

Business/Non‑Instructional Operations

Security of Buildings and Grounds

Only persons having legitimate school business and prior approval of building administration are allowed access to school facilities. Incidents of illegal entry, theft of school property, vandalism or damage to school property from other causes will be reported by phone to the office of the Superintendent, as soon after discovery as possible. A written report of the incident will be made within 24 hours of discovery.

Keys

All keys used in a school shall be the responsibility of the Principal. Requests for permanent issuance of keys shall be made only in those instances where the employee regularly needs a key in order to carry out normal activities necessitated by the position which the employee holds. When the need for a particular key is of a temporary nature, a key shall be issued on that basis and shall be returned immediately following termination of the need for its use.

All keys shall be issued through the office of each Principal. A receipt showing the number of the key and room(s) or building(s) which it opens shall be signed by the person to whom the key is issued. This receipt shall be filed in lieu of the key and shall be returned to the employee upon return of the key.

Each Principal shall set up a key control system with a record of the number of each key filed.

The person issued a key shall be responsible for its safekeeping and shall pay for a duplicate key if lost. Duplicate keys are obtained only through the district business office. The Board of Education prohibits the duplication of school keys by other methods.

Keys shall be used only by authorized employees and shall never be loaned to students.

The greatest care shall be given to master and sub‑master keys. Master keys shall never be loaned.

Building Checks

Building checks are to be made on Saturdays, Sundays, and at such other times as is necessary by the Superintendent’s designee. A building check shall consist of:

1. Checking all entrances to the building to determine that they are secure;

2. Checking all boilers to see that they are functioning properly;

3. Checking for running water; and

4. Checking internal areas – audiovisual storage, office areas, and kitchen.

3518 (a) Green Cleaning

The Board of Education is committed to procuring and using environmentally preferable cleaning products in school buildings and facilities. Consistent with state law, no person shall use a cleaning product inside a school unless such cleaning product meets guidelines or environmental standards approved by the Department of Administrative Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. Such cleaning product shall, to the maximum extent possible, minimize the potential harmful impact on human health and the environment.

Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Product

For the purpose of this policy, the term "environmentally preferable cleaning product" includes, but is not limited to:

general purpose cleaners, floor finishes, bathroom cleaners, floor strippers, carpet cleaners, hand cleaners, glass cleaners, soaps

The term "environmentally preferable cleaning product" does not include:

(a) Any disinfectant, disinfecting cleaner, sanitizer or any other antimicrobial product regulated by, the federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 USC 136 et seq.; or

(b) Any product for which no guideline or environmental standard has been established by any national or international certification program approved by the Department of Administrative Services, or which is outside the scope of or is otherwise excluded under guidelines or environmental standards established by such a national or international certification program

Notice of Green Cleaning Program

Annually, the Board of Education shall provide the staff of each school and the parents and guardians of each child enrolled in each school with a written statement of the school district's green cleaning program. '

Such notice shall include:

1. The types and names of environmentally preferable cleaning products being applied in schools;

2. The location of the application of such cleaning products in the school buildings and facilities;

3. The schedule of when such cleaning products are applied in the school buildings and facilities;

4. The statement, "No parent, guardian, teacher, or staff member may bring into the school facility any consumer product which is intended to clean, deodorize, sanitize, or disinfect” and;

5. The name of the school administrator, or a designee, who may be contacted for further information.

3524.1 Pesticide Application

The intent of this policy is to ensure that students, employees and parents/guardians receive adequate notice, in conformity with applicable statutes, prior to pesticide application in school buildings and on school grounds. Further, the District will only employ certified pesticide applicators for any non-emergency pesticide use in school buildings or on school grounds.

The application of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of schools with students in grade eight or lower must be according to an integrated pest management plan (IPM). Such application is prohibited starting July 1, 2010 except in emergencies. An emergency application may be made to eliminate a human health threat in any school with students through grade eight as determined by the Superintendent of Schools.

The District shall:

Provide notice of planned pesticide application to students, parents/guardians and employees in the manner required by law.
Post the areas scheduled to receive pesticide application(s).
Maintain written records for five years of all pesticide applications.
Provide continuing instruction to those students who, based upon written medical request, find it necessary to absent themselves during the period of application.
Inform annually parents/guardians and staff of the District’s pest application/management policy.
Establish a registry of parents/guardians and staff who want to receive advance notice of all pesticide use and provide such notice as required by law.

Pest control applicators employed by the District shall provide the school contact person (Supervisor of Maintenance, Head Custodian) with notice at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the date and time the pesticide application is to occur, including in such notice the brand name, concentration, rate of application, pesticide label, material safety data sheet, list of the area or areas where the pesticide is to be applied and any use restrictions required by the pesticide label. Prior to the application, the applicator shall provide the school contact person with a written pre-application notification containing the following information:

The brand name, rate of application and any use restrictions required by the label of the herbicide or specific pesticide.
The area or areas where the pesticide is to be applied.
The date and time the application is to occur.
The pesticide label and the material safety data sheet.

In case of pesticide applications performed for or by public health agencies or emergency applications because of immediate threat to the public health, the licensed applicator shall give the school site office oral and, if possible, written notice, with posting of the area to be treated.

The Superintendent or his/her designee may require the pest control applicator to make the required postings in accordance with all applicable statutes and with District policy and regulations. The name and address of the applicator shall be a part of any posting.

Someone other than a certified pesticide applicator may apply a pesticide in an emergency to eliminate an immediate human health threat when:

1. it is impractical to obtain the services of a certified pesticide applicator; and

2. a restricted use pesticide is not used, as defined in C.G.S. 22a-47.

Pesticide purchases shall be limited to amounts authorized by the Superintendent or his/her designee for use during the year. Pesticides shall be stored in a secure site not accessible to students or unauthorized staff. They shall be stored and disposed of in accordance with EPA registered label directions and applicable state statutes.

DEFINITIONS

Pesticides are defined as fungicides used on plants, insecticides, herbicides or rodenticides, but not sanitizers, disinfectants, antimicrobial agents or pesticide baits.

Integrated pest management is the use of all available pest control measures, including the judicious use of pesticides when warranted to maintain a pest population at or below an acceptable level while decreasing the unnecessary use of pesticides. Such plan is consistent with an applicable model plan provided by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection under section 22a-66l.

Lawn care pesticides are pesticides registered by the EPA and labeled according to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act for lawn, garden and ornamental use.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-231b Pesticide applications at schools. Authorized applicators. Exception, as amended by P.A. 09-56

10-231c Pesticide applications at schools without an integrated pest management plan

22a-46. Short title: Connecticut Pesticide Control Act.

22a-54. Pesticide applicators, certification, classification, notice, fees, reciprocity; financial responsibility; aircraft, tree, public employee applicators.

22a-58. Records to be kept by distributors and applicators.

23-61a. Definitions. Tree protection examining Board within Department of Consumer Protection. Regulations.

23-61b. Licensing for arboriculture; examination; fees; renewal; suspension, revocation. Nonresidents. Records. Pesticides.

P.A. 09-56 An Act Concerning Pesticide Applications at Child Day Care Centers and Schools

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 7 U.S. Code 136 et seq.

3541 Transportation Guideline

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY REGARDING:
BUSINESS AND NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS
Transportation Guidelines
Policy #3541
Amended: 8/8/2023
Supersedes/Amends: 1/1/1996, 9/9/2008

ARTICLE I - RESPONSIBILITIES

A. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibility for the transportation and safety of children to and from school is a divided function. Local boards of education are charged with providing the service; the State Board of Education provides consultative services and hears appeals; the Motor Vehicle Department establishes rules and regulations on equipment and operation of buses and makes annual inspections. The Department of Public Works, Roads Division, under the auspices of the Winchester Board of Selectmen, is responsible for the maintenance of town roads and sidewalks. Local police are responsible for crossing protection, enforcement of traffic regulations, and enforcement of sidewalk clearance of snow and ice. The Board of Education will provide a summary of bus requirements for students to each family at the beginning of the school year.

B. BUS CONTRACTORS

When the Winchester Board of Education contracts for service, the bus contractor will:

Maintain buses in safe condition in accordance with statutes and Motor Vehicle Department regulations.

Submit to the Winchester Board of Education within one month of the award of a contract, a list of persons who are to operate the school buses.

Employ only licensed drivers to serve as substitutes.

Prior knowledge and consent of the Winchester Board of Education is required for any portion of a contract to be subcontracted.

Provide an adequate number of reserve drivers.

Require each driver to hold a public service operator's Type C License and to be familiar with the rules and regulations concerning the operation of school buses.

Establish a regular schedule for servicing buses. Indicate items to be covered, i.e. oil, grease, tires, battery, etc.

C. BUS OPERATORS

The school bus operator will:

a. Hold a proper state driver's license.

b. Have a public service operator's Type C license.

2. The school bus driver will:

a. Know and observe the statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to the operation and equipment of school buses.

b. Make and log the completion of a daily inspection before starting out, checking brakes, windshield wipers, stoplights, directional signals, tires, and make sure that the windshield, lenses on lights, rear windows, and inside of the bus are clean.

c. Promptly report in writing to a designated supervisor the need for repairs or any irregularity in mechanical performance.

d. Successfully complete a Red Cross basic first aid course.

3. The school bus operator should refuse to take out a bus that contains a mechanical defect which could lead to an unsafe condition.

4. The school bus operator will:

a. Be in complete charge of the bus and all passengers while the bus is in operation.

b. Provide a written report of any serious student behavior problems or persistent student disregard of rules and regulations. Disciplinary measures are the responsibility of school authorities.

c. Maintain a list of students assigned to the bus and provide passage consistent with the capacity of the vehicle for those students.

d. Be aware at all times of the position of the bus on the highway.

e. The school bus operator must not stop the bus in an intersection to receive or discharge passengers.

f. The school bus operator should discharge students only at their approved bus stop unless requested by the building principal.

g. Obey motor vehicle rules and all traffic regulations.

h. Be sure that the bus is empty of all children at the end of their run.

D. PUPIL RESPONSIBILITY

1. While waiting for the school bus and boarding it:

a. On the way to school, pupils will:

Be at their stop at the designated time. The bus runs on schedule.

Wait for the bus on the shoulder of the highway (or on the sidewalk) and not on the paved roadway.

Wait until the bus comes to a full stop before trying to get aboard.

Wait their turn. There should be no crowding.

Obey the directions of the bus driver.

b. Upon leaving school, pupils will:

Follow the directions of the teacher.

Obey the directions of the bus driver.

While riding in the bus, pupils will:

a. Remain in their seat while the bus is in motion.

b. Observe the usual rules of good conduct so as to ensure one’s own safety and the safety of others.

Converse quietly. Students will not shout at other pupils or the driver.

Students will obey the bus driver and refrain from throwing objects or engaging in behavior that may damage or deface bus seats, equipment, or the property of others.

Secure permission of driver before opening windows of the bus.

Speak respectfully to the driver and fellow students.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke on the bus.

3. When leaving the school bus:

a. At school, pupils will:

Take their turn, and not crowd.

Go directly to their room or the place previously designated.

b. At their home bus stop, pupils will:

Watch their step getting off the bus.

If across the highway from home, stand on the shoulder of the road at the front of the bus until the driver signals that it is safe to cross; then cross in front of the bus. Traffic experts do not consider this good practice in any other traffic situation. Pupils will learn that this procedure applies to travel on school buses only.

If it is not necessary to cross the highway, stand aside on the shoulder of the road until the bus moves on; then, when they can see traffic in both directions, walk on the shoulder of the road, (or on the sidewalk) to their home.

c. At the destination of a trip away from school, pupils shall obey the instructions of the teacher(s), chaperone(s), and the driver.

4. Any student who acts in an unruly, dangerous or disruptive manner while being transported by the Winchester Board of Education or one of its contractors, to or from any school or any school activity shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include suspension of transportation services and/or suspension from school.

E. PARENT/GUARDIAN/DESIGNEE RESPONSIBILITY

1. Parent/Guardian/Designee will:

a. Keep at hand, for ready reference the school schedule showing when the bus is due at their stop.

b. Have the responsibility to insure that children reach the school bus promptly and safely.

c. Accompany younger children (K - 3) to and from the bus stop for the first few days.

d. Instruct children:

(1) To walk facing traffic, if they must walk on the roadway.

(2) To look both ways before crossing the roadway.

(3) To wait on the sidewalk or, if no sidewalk exists, to wait on property adjacent to the roadway.

e. At all times set a good example in observing traffic rules and regulations.

ARTICLE II - PUPIL ELIGIBILITY

A. REGULAR TRANSPORTATION

1. Students shall be expected to walk up to the following distances on public roads to their designated school or transportation pick-up point unless the Superintendent of Schools, his/her designee, or the Winchester Board of Education determines that the walk is unduly hazardous (Note: The determination of walking distances for students is made by the District Business Manager with the help of the Company Contract manager):

Pre-Kindergarten All buss Kindergarten – Grade 2 0.5 miles

2. Students in other grades may be expected to walk up to the following distances on public roads to school or designated transportation pick up points, unless the Superintendent of Schools or the Winchester Board of Education determines that the walk is unduly hazardous:

Grade 3 - Grade 5 One mile

Grade 6 - Grade 8 One and one-half miles

Grade 9 - Grade 12 Two miles

Any walking route to either bus stop or school which is not in excess of any of the above distances can be considered unduly hazardous. Additional standards for determining whether a walk is unduly hazardous are set forth in this policy under Article IV.

Special exceptions to these rules based on weather conditions between November 15th and April 15th may be made by the District Business Manager or designee with the assistance of the Company Contract Manager.

B. SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION

A parent may, in writing, ask the Superintendent of Schools, via the Building principal, to make an exception to the existing policy. Criteria for the exception remain at the judgment of the Winchester Board of Education. Criteria for special transportation are categorized below:

1. Special Education Placements - The Winchester Board of Education assumes the cost of transporting special education youngsters designated under 10-76 of the State Statutes, which meet the general policy as stated above.

2. Other Handicapped Pupils - Special transportation is provided for these students when designated by a Planning and Placement Team.

3. Physically Handicapped and Section 504 Pupils - Transportation may be arranged for students suffering from either temporary or long-term physical disabilities. Such transportation is authorized by a physician’s office statement filed with the District pupil personnel office.

4. State Vocational Pupils - In compliance with Section 10-97, transportation is provided for Winchester pupils attending non-district technical or vocational schools, i.e., Oliver Wolcott or Regional #7.

5. Other Than Legal Residence - The Winchester Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools or designee to permit bus transportation to and/or from destinations other than legal residence of a student when such transportation is required by regular and daily day care needs, or unanticipated family emergencies. The Superintendent of Schools is authorized to permit such transportation, provided that:

a. There is sufficient room on another bus.

b. The alternative pick-up or delivery is at a regular stop on a regularly scheduled bus route, which is determined on an annual basis.

c. The purpose of the alternative transportation is not recreational, social, or related to after school youth activities.

d. Parent or guardian must authorize, in writing, an alternate bus stop.

6. Multiple students in the same household: If bus transportation to a specific school is provided to one bus-eligible child, other children in the household may be transported to the same school provided space is available on the bus.

ARTICLE III - TRANSPORTATION APPEALS

A. PROCEDURE

1. Whenever a parent or guardian makes a written request to the Superintendent of Schools or their designee for transportation for their /child(ren), a route modification, or a bus stop change, the parent shall be provided with a copy of both the Transportation Policy and the REQUEST FOR TRANSPORTATION form to be completed by the parent or guardian.

2. Upon receipt of the completed REQUEST FOR TRANSPORTATION form, the Superintendent of Schools or their designee shall review the request to determine eligibility for transportation, investigate or cause to be investigated the reasons cited as justification for the request, and assess any and all pertinent data which will aid in reaching a decision. No bus route or bus stop decision should be made or altered by the bus contractor, the bus driver, the principals, or others except in accordance with this policy.

3. Within ten (10) school days following the receipt of a REQUEST FOR TRANSPORTATION form, the Superintendent of Schools or their designee shall reach a decision to grant or deny the request. The Superintendent's decision must be forwarded to the parent or guardian, in writing, within fifteen (15) school days of the receipt of a REQUEST FOR TRANSPORTATION form. In the event the Superintendent of Schools receives a REQUEST FOR TRANSPORTATION form during the summer months when school is not in session, the Superintendent shall reach a decision to grant or deny the request within fourteen (14) calendar days following the receipt of the REQUEST FOR TRANSPORTATION form and such decision shall be forwarded to the parent or guardian, in writing, within twenty (20) calendar days of the receipt of a REQUEST FOR TRANSPORTATION form.

4. If the decision of the Superintendent of Schools is to grant the request, transportation shall be provided, a route modification made, or a bus stop changed as soon as practicable, but in no event later than five (5) school days following the decision of the Superintendent of Schools. If the Superintendent's decision is made during the summer months when school is not in session, the decision shall be implemented prior to the commencement of the school year. The Superintendent of Schools will notify the Winchester Board of Education of all granted exceptions at the next regular meeting.

5. If the decision of the Superintendent of Schools or their designee is to deny the request, the parent or guardian is to be advised of the reasons for such denial and informed that they may appeal the decision by requesting a hearing before the Winchester Board of Education as provided in Section 10-186 of the Connecticut General Statutes. A copy of the PETITION TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION form must accompany any letter of denial of a request.

6. Upon receipt of a PETITION TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION form, or a hearing request in writing, the Winchester Board of Education shall hold a hearing within ten (10) school days following receipt of the form or request.

7. The parent or guardian shall be informed, in writing, not less than five (5) school days prior to the hearing of the date, time, place, and nature of the hearing. The notice shall also include a statement of the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held; a reference to the particular sections of the statutes and board policy involved; and a short and plain statement of the matters asserted. If it is not possible to state the matters in detail at the time the notice is served, the notice may be limited to a statement of the issues involved. Upon application of the parent or guardian, a more definite and detailed statement shall be furnished.

8. The hearing before the Winchester Board of Education will be in compliance with the provisions of Section 4-177 to 4-180 inclusive of the Connecticut General Statutes. The Winchester Board of Education has ten (10) school days to render its decision.

9. If the decision of the Winchester Board of Education is to reverse the decision of the Superintendent of Schools, i.e., grant the request, transportation shall be provided, a route modification made, or a bus stop changed as soon as is practicable, but in no event later than five (5) school days following the decision of the Winchester Board of Education. In the event the decision of the Winchester Board of Education occurs during the summer months when school is not in session, such decision shall be implemented at the beginning of the school year.

10. If the decision of the Winchester Board of Education is to uphold the decision of the Superintendent of Schools, the parent or guardian is to be advised that they may appeal the decision by requesting a hearing before the State Board of Education.

NOTE: A parent or guardian may request a hearing with the Winchester Board of Education pursuant to Section 10-186 without initiating an administrative review by the Superintendent of Schools by filing a written request for such a hearing with the Winchester Board of Education.

ARTICLE IV - HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

In review and evaluation of each request for a route modification or bus stop change, the Superintendent of Schools or their designee will confer with the Winchester Police Department to identify any potential hazards that may hinder the safety of the pupils walking to and from school or a bus stop.

The following criteria will be considered in evaluating whether a situation may be unduly hazardous:

1. A line of sight obstruction caused by a hill, curve, or structure, or other object which requires vehicles to travel at reduced speeds and in which the sight distance is not within the established safe braking distance;

2. Any street with posted speed limits in excess of 30 MPH not having traffic control devices at places where those streets must be crossed; such devices include, but are not limited to, traffic lights, stop signs, crossing guards;

3. Where the width of the road is excessively narrow and there is no suitable level area off the road for walking;

4. Where the history of vehicular accidents is found to be excessive and create a hazard for pedestrian children;

5. Number of cars traveling on the street during the hours before and after school;

6. The availability of crossing guards and/or traffic control devices.

A route may be considered hazardous and an exception granted to any provision of this policy wherein a peculiar condition or combination or conditions renders such condition a hazard based upon reasonable judgment.

LEGAL REFERENCE

CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTES

Section 10-220

Section 10-186

Section 10-187

Section 10-281

Section 10-97

Section 83-119

3541.1 Mileage Reimbursement

3541.22 Bus Drivers

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY REGARDING:
BUSINESS AND NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS
Bus Drivers
Policy #3541.22
Amended: 8/8/2023
Supersedes/Amends: 2/12/2013

The District may contract with a Student Transportation Services Contractor (“Bus Contractor”) for school transportation and may also operate school transportation vehicles (STVs) that carry ten or fewer students. The Superintendent of Schools, or designee, shall approve all bus drivers and drivers of school transportation vehicles (STVs) employed by the District. The Bus Contractor, upon initial employment of a driver, shall provide to the Superintendent or designee a written certification that each driver is in all respects qualified to drive a school bus.

Each driver, whether employed by the District or by the Bus Contractor, shall have an annual physical examination as per current CT DOT/CTSDE requirements, shall hold all appropriate licenses, and shall have State Police clearance before being deemed eligible to transport students. Drivers shall also be subject to an alcohol and drug testing program. Documentation in support of compliance shall be filed with the Superintendent or designee prior to the first day of employment by the District and the Bus Contractor, as to its drivers, shall obtain such documentation within 30 days of employment.

A motor vehicle operator’s license endorsement is not required to be held by a parent or other volunteer who transports one or more students in connection with a school-sponsored event or activity. Incidental, unplanned, and/or emergency operation of a motor vehicle by a paid teacher, coach, or other school employee or agent to transport students does not require the operator to hold an operator’s license endorsement. (The vehicle does not meet the statutory definition of an “activity vehicle.”) An operator’s license bearing one or more appropriate endorsements must be held by any person who does not fall under the definition of “carrier” but who transports students in a service bus.

Any school bus driver or STV driver who tests positive for drugs or alcohol shall be prohibited from further employment as a driver after the first positive test.

All drivers prior to employment shall be subject to state and national criminal history checks. The Bus Contractor shall review at least twice monthly information provided by the DMV Commissioner regarding the withdrawal, suspension or revocation of the licenses of drivers employed by the Bus Contractor.

The Bus Contractor shall require each regular driver to participate annually in a locally developed first aid seminar of at least three hours duration. Whenever practical, substitute bus drivers shall also be required to participate in the first aid experience. Drivers employed directly by the District shall whenever practical also participate in the first aid experience.

If necessary, the Superintendent or designee may remove a driver employed by the Bus Contractor from their assignment by notification to the Bus Contractor that a particular driver’s eligibility has been revoked pursuant to this policy.

The Superintendent is directed to prepare administrative regulations applicable to drivers employed by the District that are substantially similar to the Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing Program adopted by the District’s Student Transportation Service Contractor, provided such program has been approved by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall have the right to deny employment to any individual with an alcohol or drug related conviction.

Definitions:

Student Transportation Vehicle: Any motor vehicle, other than a registered school bus, used by a carrier for the transportation of students to or from school, school programs or school sponsored events.

Carrier: Any local or regional school district, any educational institution providing elementary or secondary education, or any person, firm, or corporation under contract to such district or institution engaged in the business of transporting students, or; any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of transporting primarily persons under the age of twenty-one for compensation.

(cf. 3541.23 – Bus Contractor Compliance)
(cf. 4212.42 – Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers)

3541.5 Records and Reports – Transportation Complaints

3542.1 Food Service

3550 Buildings and School Grounds - Alterations And/Or Renovations