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SECTION E:   SUPPORT SERVICES


Section E contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on non-instructional services and programs, particularly those on business management such as safety, building and grounds management, office services, transportation, and food services.


Code Category Title
EB P Safety Program
EBBB R Accident Reports
EBBC P First Aid and Emergency Care (Student Accidents and Accident Reports) – taken from J
EBCA R Emergency Plans
EBCA-R Emergency Plans  (Checklist for Developing a School Emergency Plan)
EBCB R Fire Drills
EBCB-R Fire Exit Drills in Educational Occupancies
EBCC R Bomb Threats (review with Police Chief)
EBCD R Emergency Closings
EBCE R School Closings and Cancellations
EC O Buildings and Grounds Management
ECA R Building and Grounds Security
ECAC O Vandalism
EDC O Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials and Equipment
EDC-R Authorized Use of School Owned Materials and Equipment
EEA P Student Transportation  (Also EEAEC & JICC)
EEA-R Student Transportation Services (See also JICC-R)
EEAE P School Bus Safety Program
EEAEC R Student Conduct on Buses  (Also EEA & JICC)
EEAF O Special Use of Buses
EEAG R Use of Private Vehicles To Transport Students
EFC O Free and Reduced Lunch Program
EFE R Vending Machines
EGA P School District Acceptable Use
    Computer Security E-Mail, E-Mail Retention
EGAD R Copyright Compliance
EGAD-R Copyright Compliance
EH P Data Management
EHAA          P Computer Security (EGA)
EHB R Data/Records Retention
EHB-R Data/Records Retention Schedule
El R Insurance Program/Risk Management
EIB R Liability Insurance
EID R Insurance

Categories


O = Optional              These policies should be reviewed to determine whether they meet a particular local need.  Most are informational in nature.

P = Priority                 The subject matter of these policies is required by state and/or federal law.

R = Recommended       While these policies are not required by law, they are highly recommended for effective and efficient school board operation.




Windham School District Policy                                               EB



SAFETY PROGRAM


The Superintendent will cause the formation of the Joint Loss Management Committee as required by RSA 281-A:60: and a Crisis Management Plan that conforms to the national Incident Command System.


The practice of safety shall also be considered a facet of the instructional plan of the District schools by incorporating educational programs in traffic and pedestrian safety, driver education, fire prevention, emergency procedures, etc., appropriately geared to students at different grade levels.


Each Principal shall be responsible for the supervision and implementation of safety for his/her school. General areas of emphasis shall include, but not be limited to: in-service training; accident recordkeeping; plant inspection; driver and vehicle safety programs; fire prevention; catastrophe planning; and emergency procedures and traffic safety problems relevant to students, employees.


The principal shall be responsible for developing student safety procedures to be used on School busses, school grounds (including playgrounds), during authorized school activities (such as field trips), and within school building(s) (including classrooms and laboratories). The building's emergency plan shall be on file in the Superintendent’s office.


        Statutory Reference:

        RSA 281-A:64, III

        RSA 200:40

        ED. 306.10 (a) (2) (d)


        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                               EBBB


ACCIDENT REPORTS


In case of accident, the teacher/nurse to whom the student is assigned must fill out an accident form the day of any accident involving the student.


The report must be given to the Principal, in writing within 24 hours after the accident. Any accident requiring the attention of a physician must be reported to the Superintendent within 24 hours after the accident, for notification to the insurance carrier, and analysis for loss control.


        Revised:     November, 1999

        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                                  EBBC          


FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

(STUDENT ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS)


School personnel have responsibilities in connection with accidents occurring in school which may be classified as follows:

        1.        Administering first aid.

        2.        Summoning medical assistance.

        3.        Notifying administration.

        4.        Notifying parents.

        5.        Filing accident reports.


Teachers must use reasonable judgment in handling accident cases. Extreme caution should be exercised not to minimize any accident.


All Teachers should make a concerted effort to increase their understanding of proper steps to be taken in the event of an accident. Teachers should also have knowledge of the physical condition of Students so that they may be prepared to meet any emergency, which may arise.


The School nurse, and specially trained staff members shall stand ready to assist in treatment of accident victims.


Regardless of the seriousness of the accident, the staff member in charge or the school nurse must submit an accident report so that the administrators are informed and a basis is established for the proper processing of insurance claims.


The District makes it possible for parents to subscribe to student accident insurance at low rates. This program is offered each year during September. The District does not provide student accident insurance.




Windham School District Policy                                                  EBBC                     


EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM


Student's Name Last                                                          First                                                                         

                                                                                         Please Print

Address                                                                                                                                                                    


Telephone:                                                                                                                                                                                           

Where can parents be reached if not at home?                                                                                        

             

Mother:  Address                                                                                            Tel.                                                


Father:  Address                                                                                              Tel.                                                                            

List two neighbors or nearby relatives who will assume temporary care of your child if you cannot be reached.


1.           Name                                                                                                                                                            

                           

              Address                                                                                               Tel.                                                           

             

2.           Name                                                                                                                                                            

                           

              Address                                                                                               Tel.                                                            


In case of accident or serious illness, I request the school to contact me.  If the school is unable to reach me, I hereby authorize the school to call the physician indicated below and to follow his instructions.  If it is impossible to contact this physician, the school may make whatever arrangements seem necessary.


Local Physician's Name                                                                                                                                                                  

Address                                                                                                                                                                                                

Office Telephone                                                                 Home Telephone                                                                           


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Signature                                                                                                                       Date


              Reference Policy: JLCE


              Revised:  November, 1999

              Revised:  July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                                             EBCA


EMERGENCY PLANS


The Superintendent shall (a) make recommendations for needed policy statements to the Board; (b) designate an additional staff member to act as school emergency coordinator and as chairman of the school emergency plan review board; and (c) coordinate a school disaster plan with the local police and fire departments.


* Plan will be updated during the 2005-06 school year.


        See Appendix: EBCA-R


        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District                                                             EBCA-R


EMERGENCY PLANS


Checklist for Developing a school Emergency Plan


The following checklist is designed primarily to help school Administrators reveal gaps as they develop their school disaster plans.


                                                                                                                                                    Yes


        1.           Obtain a resolution from the School Board.                                                       


        2.           Appoint a school district disaster coordinator.                                                  


        3.           Contact advisory personnel regarding development of plan.                      


        4.           Correlate plan progress with local emergency operations

                      plan.                                                                                                                            


        5.           Compile information for plan into a written document.                                 


        6.           Review plan with local officials (civil defense, police, others).                       


        7.           Obtain legal advice concerning the status of school


        8.           Present plan to School Board for approval.                                                        


        9.           Notify parents of plan.                                                                                           


        10.         Conduct drills as outlined in school disaster plans.


                      a.     Drills on building evacuation.                                                                         


                      b.     Drills on moving personnel to shelter area.                                                 


        11.         Evaluate drills for efficiency.                                                                                 


        12.         Evaluate warning system when used in drills.                                                   


        13.         Train teachers in disaster preparedness classes.                                                


        14.         Integrate emergency training into curriculum.                                                 


Reference Policy: EBCA


Revised:  July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                               EBCB


FIRE DRILLS


The Principal(s) will schedule fire drills each month during the school year. The purpose of a fire drill is to train students, under staff direction, to move safely, quickly, and quietly from any location within the building to an assigned evacuation area outside.


        See appendix -  EBCB-R - Fire Exit Drills In Educational Occupancies


        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District                                                                  EBCB-R


FIRE EXIT DRILLS


IN EDUCATIONAL


OCCUPANCIES

              See Policy  EBCB




Windham School District                                                                  EBCB-R


FIRE EXIT DRILLS IN EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES


State of New Hampshire Department of Safety

Richard M. Flynn, Commissioner


Division of Fire Safety


Office of the State Fire Marshall


Donald P. Bliss, State Fire Marshall

10 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305 (603) 271-3294, Fax (603) 271-1091


        Information Bulletin 99-2                                                                                      August, 1999


FIRE EXIT DRILLS IN EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES

The 1997 edition of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code has been adopted as part of the New Hampshire State Fire Code (Section Saf-C 8008.03), effective July 2, 1999.


Section 11-7 of the Life Safety Code establishes the requirements for the fire exit drills in educational occupancies.  Section 11-7,1.2.1 has been amended in New Hampshire to encourage schools and communities to plan and practice for events such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes.


Two of the required monthly fire drills may be replaced with two “natural hazard drills”, provided that:


                  *   an emergency response plan has been placed on file with the fire chief and the

                       NH Office of Emergency Management; and


                  *   the fire chief has approved the elimination of the two fire drills. 


The following is the amended text of the fire drill requirement for educational occupancies (the NH amendment is italicized in bold print):


11-7,1,2.1  At least one fire drill shall be conducted every month the facility is in session.


                Exception No. 1: In climates where the weather is severe, the monthly fire

                Exit drills shall be permitted to be deferred provided that the required number

                of fire exit drills is achieved and at least four (4) are conducted before the drills are deferred.


                Exception No 2: With the approval of the local fire official, no more than

                two (2) of the required fire drills may be eliminated and replaced by drills

                that test emergency response to natural hazards such as earthquakes,

                hurricanes, and floods.  No required fire drills shall be replaced by natural

                hazard drills unless and emergency response plan is submitted to the local

                fire official and the New Hampshire Office of Emergency Management.


11-7,1,2.2  One additional fire exit drill shall be required within thirty (30)days of operation.


11-7,1.3 Drills shall be executed at different hours of the day or evening, during the changing of classes, when the school is at assembly, during the recess or gymnastic periods, or during other times to avoid distinction between drills and actual fires. If a drill is called while pupils are going up and down the stairways, such as during the time classes are changing, the pupils shall be instructed to form in file and immediately proceed to the nearest available exit in an orderly manner.


11-7,1.4  Every fire exit drill shall be an exercise in school management for principal and teachers with the chief purpose of every drill being the complete control of the class so that the teacher can form its ranks quickly and silently, and can halt, turn, or direct the class as desired. Great emphasis shall be put upon the execution of each drill in a brisk, quiet, and orderly manner. Running shall be prohibited. If there are pupils incapable of holding their places in a line moving at a reasonable speed, provisions shall be made to have them taken care of by the more capable pupils, who will keep them from moving independently of the regular line of march.


11-7,1.5  Monitors shall be appointed from among the more mature pupils to assist in the proper execution of all drills. They shall be instructed to hold doors open in the line of march or to close doors where necessary to prevent spread of fire or smoke in accordance with 5-2.1.8. There shall be at least two (2) substituted for each appointment as to provide for proper performance in case of the absence of the regular monitors. The searching of toilet or other rooms shall be the duty of the teachers or other members of the staff. If the teachers are to search, this should be done after they have joined their classes to the preceding lines.


11-7,1.6  As all drills simulate an actual fire condition, pupils shall not be allowed to obtain clothing after the alarm is sounded, even when in homerooms, due to the confusion that would result in forming the lines and the danger of tripping over dragging apparel.


11-7, 1.7  Each class or group shall proceed to the predetermined point outside the building and remain there while a check is made to see that all are accounted for, leaving only when a recall signal is given to return to the building or when dismissed.  Such points shall be sufficiently far away from the building and from each other as to avoid danger from any fire in the building, interference with fire department operations, or confusion among different classes or groups.


11-7, 1.8  Fire exit drills in schools shall not include any fire extinguishing operations.


For assistance in developing a natural hazard response plan for the schools in your community, please contact Mr. Gregg Chaplin at the NH Office of Emergency      Management, 107 Pleasant St. Concord, NH 03301, 603-271-2231.


        For further information concerning fire exit drills in schools and other occupancies,

        Please feel free to contact this office at 603-271-2394.  Helpful information can also

        be found in the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code ® Handbook, 1999 edition.


TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964

ARSON HOT LINE   1-800-400-3526


        New appendix, November, 1999




Windham School District Policy                                                  EBCC


BOMB THREATS


In the event of a call or notice that a bomb has been placed in a school or any other District building or establishment, the following procedures are required:


1. Immediate evacuation of the school or buildings.


2. If a thorough search has been conducted and nothing found, the Principal of the school or building or his/her designee should be notified by the senior member of the local protective department that re-entry will be permitted.


3. Investigation of the incident should be made by the local police department, assisted by the State Police, if requested.


Any decision concerning the dismissal of school pupils and subsequent action after the above procedures have been followed is the prerogative of the Superintendent.


Persons calling in "Bomb Scares" and/or false fire alarms will be subject to conviction by the courts and suspension from school pending School Board action.


1. Immediately after a call is received, the Principal shall be notified. The person receiving the call makes a detailed record of the call.


2. The Principal will record the time of the call.


3. After investigation, the decision regarding appropriate will be made by the Principal, after consultation with the Superintendent.


4. The building should be evacuated in each case as determined by the above-mentioned authorities. Fire drill procedures will be followed. Students will get their coats and other belongings when circumstances permit.


5. The overall safety of all students will be the underlying basis for all decisions.


        Revised:     November, 1999

        Revised:     July, 1998


*Pending review with Police Chief




Windham School District Policy                                               EBCD


Also EBCE


EMERGENCY CLOSINGS


The Superintendent is empowered to close the schools or to dismiss students early in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies, which threaten the health or safety of students and personnel. 


Students, parents, and staff shall be informed early in each school year of the procedures which will be used to notify them in case of emergency closing, whether action is taken before or during school hours. When schools are closed for emergency reasons, staff members shall comply with Board policy in reporting for work.


        Revised:     November, 1999

        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                               EBCE


Also EBCD


SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS


The Superintendent is empowered to close the Schools or to dismiss them early in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies, which threaten the health or safety of students and personnel.  Students, parents, and staff shall be informed early in each school year of the procedures which will be used to notify them in case of emergency closing, whether action is taken before or during school hours. When schools are closed for emergency reasons, staff members shall comply with Board policy in reporting for work.


        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                                             EC


BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MANAGEMENT


The Superintendent will have the general responsibility for the care, custodyand safekeeping of all school property, establishing such procedures and employing such means as may be necessary to discharge this responsibility.


At the building level, the Principal will be responsible for overseeing the school plant and for the proper care of school property by the staff and students.


        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                               ECA


BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS SECURITY


The Board requires and encourages close cooperation with local police and fire departments, and with insurance company inspectors.


Records and funds shall be kept in a safe place and under lock and key when required.


Access to school buildings and grounds outside of regular school hours shall be limited to personnel whose work requires it. An adequate key control system shall be established which will limit access to buildings to authorized personnel and will safeguard against the potential of entrance to buildings by keys in the hands of unauthorized persons.


School buildings shall be closed and locked after the last school activity has concluded in the afternoon except in those instances when there is continuous activity into the evening, in which case securing of the building shall be accomplished at the conclusion of such activity.


A building being used by an authorized school or community group in the evening, or on non-school days, shall be opened for such activity and secured again after its conclusion.


No unauthorized person or group shall be granted access to a secured building by any employee. Authorization may be granted only by the Board, by the Superintendent and his/her staff, and by the Principal of the school.


Detailed security regulations are available at the central office.


The building principal is responsible for enforcing this policy.


        Revised:     November, 1999

        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                    ECAC


VANDALISM


Every citizen of the District, students, and members of the police department are urged by the Board to cooperate in reporting any incidents of vandalism to property belonging to the District and the name(s) of the person or persons believed to be responsible. Each employee of the District shall report to the Principal of the school every incident of vandalism known to him or her, and, if known, the names of those responsible.


The Superintendent is authorized to sign a criminal complaint and to file a formal request to the court for restitution for property damaged as part of any criminal action brought by the police.


        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                               EDC


AUTHORIZED USE OF SCHOOL-OWNED MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT


No school equipment may be used for other than school, school-related, civic, or educational purposes.


The Board shall permit school equipment to be loaned to staff members when such use is related to their employment, and to students when the equipment is to be used in connection with their studies or extracurricular activities. A written agreement should be used, which specifies the borrower's responsibilityto return the equipment in the condition in which it was received, and his/her financial responsibility for any loss or damage, which will meet the requirements of all applicable insurance.


        Revised:     November, 1999

        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                               EDC-R


School Administrative Unit 28

19 Haverhill Road • PO Box 510

Windham, NH 03087

603-425-1976

Windham School District


Authorized Use of School Owned Materials and Equipment


Name:                                                                                                                                                           


School / Building:                                                                                                                                   


Information on Items borrowed:

Description:

Serial Number


I am responsible for the items described above while they are in my possession and all items are to be returned to the respective school in the same condition as received.  I have checked my homeowners or apartment insurance policy to protect against any losses, fire, theft, and vandalism while the items detailed above are in my possession.  I understand that if a problem arises, I will report the problem to my Principal (or his designee). I understand that I am personally responsible for the replacement cost of these items should they be lost or damaged.


By signing this document, I agree to abide by this policy for the Pelham or Windham School District.


Employee Signature                                                                          Date


Administrator’s Signature                                                                Date


The above listed materials / equipment is to be returned to the school no later than:


Date:                                                                                                        


(For Office Use Only)


Materials / Equipment Received by:                                                                                                   

                                                                       Administrator’s (or designee’s) Signature

Date:                                                          




Windham School District Policy                                               EEA


                                                                                                                                  Also EEAEC & JICC

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION


The District shall provide transportation for pupils to schools in the District consistent with provisions of RSA 189:6, 189:9 provided they live one mile or more from the school. The following policies shall apply.


        General Operating Policy


        A. Bus routes shall be established by the transportation company. Routes will be developed annually and posted.


        B.  Private school transportation will be integrated where possible and when required by law.


        C.  Bus stops shall be established under the direction of the transportation company. Drivers may not load or unload pupils at other than authorized bus stops.

                         

Student Conduct on School Buses

The bus driver will have responsibility to maintain orderly behavior of students on school buses and will report misconduct to the student's Principal in writing.  Video cameras may be used on buses to support the bus driver's reports of unacceptable conduct.  The school Administrator will have the authority delegated by the Superintendent to suspend the riding privileges of students who are disciplinary problems on the bus by failing to conform to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Board. Parents of children whose pattern of behavior and conduct on school buses endangers the health, safety and welfare of other riders will be notified that their children face the loss of school bus riding privileges in accordance with the student discipline code. Suspensions to continue beyond twenty (20) days must be approved by the Board (RSA 189:9a).


Resolution of Conflicts

A parent who wishes to request a change or exemption from any of the Student Transportation policies shall direct that request first to the SAU Transportation Coordinator. If the parent is not satisfied by the ruling of the SAU Transportation Coordinator, he or she may appeal the ruling within five days to the School Business Administrator. If the parent is again not satisfied by the ruling, he or she may appeal to the Superintendent within the next five-day period. The school board must approve any suspension beyond 20 school days.


Statutory References:

        RSA 189:6                                                  See Appendix: JICC-R & EEA-R

        RSA 189:9                                                  Revised:  November, 1999

        RSA 189:9a                                                Revised:  November, 1999

        RSA 200:40                                                                                                                                                         




Windham School District                                                                  EEA-R

Student Transportation Services

REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS RIDING SCHOOL BUSES


        1.     The driver is in full charge of the bus and the students.  Students shall

                obey the driver promptly.


        2.     Students shall occupy the seat designated for them by the driver.


        3.     Students shall be on time at the point of pickup.  The bus cannot wait

                for those who are not on time.  If a student misses the bus, it is the parent's

                responsibility to transport the student to school.


        4.     Students living outside the walking limits to school are granted the

                privilege of riding the school buses to and from school.


        5.     In an effort to make the school day on the bus both enjoyable and safe,

                it will be necessary for bus students and parents to cooperate with the bus driver and the school in adhering to the rules and regulations given below.


                a.     While waiting for the bus to arrive at the bus stop, please stand 6 (six)

                        feet from the road edge. 


                b.     Approach the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the red

                        lights are flashing.


                c.     Walk onto the bus with care and sit down.  There shall be no more than

                        2 - 3 persons to a seat, depending on the size of the student.


                d.     Feet shall be on the floor and out of the aisle.


                e.     Hands and arms shall be kept out of the aisle and inside the windows.


                f.      Musical instrument cases must be placed in the area designated by the

                        bus driver.


                g.     Standing in aisles or jumping on seat areas is prohibited at all times.


                h.     Students are to remain seated until the bus reaches school, your home

                        or other designated area and the bus comes to a complete stop.


                i.      Physical abuse and/or use of abusive language to others or bus drivers

                        will not be tolerated.


                j.      Talking should be limited to those in your seat.  Please refrain from

                        loud talking, whistling, shouting or singing.  Remember - unnecessary noise is distracting to the driver, and his/her concern is your safety.


                k.     Once the bus is stopped, please depart in an orderly and polite manner.                                                                                                               


THE ROLE OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN TRANSPORTATION


The following guidelines suggest the role for students and parents as they relate to pupil transportation:


1.     Riding the school bus is a privilege.  This privilege may be temporarily denied or permanently revoked if misconduct of your child jeopardizes the safe operations of the school bus or the safety of the children riding this bus.


2.     Parents are responsible for the safety of their children from the time they leave home in the morning until the time they board the school bus; and at the end of the school day from the time the school bus departs the loading/unloading area and the children reach home. Once the child enters the school bus, the authority lies with the bus driver and the school Administrator.


3.     Students should leave home early enough so that they arrive at the designated school bus stop point five (5) minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the school bus.


4.     Parents should be aware of their responsibility not only for their child's behavior while on the school bus, but also their responsibility for damage caused by their child(ren) to the property of others, including the school bus.  When a child walks to and from the bus stop, and while he/she waits at the school bus stop, and when he/she walks home from the school bus stop at the end of the school day, he must show consideration and respect for the property of those citizens whose homes and places of business are located along these routes.


5.     Parents, together with the child, should develop a route to and from the school bus stop, or school, which minimizes the exposure of the child to vehicular traffic.  Shortcuts through isolated fields and woods or across streams or railroad tracks can often be dangerous.  Entering of bandoned houses or deserted buildings by children on their way to or from school should not be condoned.  Injuries incurred as a result of deviation from the normal route of travel may not be covered by school insurance companies.  The route should be direct and uninterrupted.


6.     Parents should walk with younger children to and from the school bus stop, using this opportunity to teach the child(ren) proper pedestrian practice.  If the parents cannot accompany their child(ren), arrangements should be made, if possible, for older children (brother, sister, or neighbor) to escort the younger children to and from the school bus stop or school.


7.     Parents should develop in their child(ren) an awareness of the molestation (personal harassment) problem.   Encourage children not to accept candy, soft drinks, money, toys or rides from strangers or to associate with anyone they do not know.  If your child is confronted with these problems on his way to or from school, he should tell you or his teacher, as soon as possible.  This is a situation that should be referred to the police.


8.     Parents should realize that weather determines how a child is to be dressed.  Encourage your child to wear the type clothing that will not only keep him/her warm and enable him/her to see where he/she is going, but also permit him/her to be seen.  If the child(ren) cannot be seen by the drivers of vehicles, they are in danger.  For example, white clothing is difficult to see in snow, but makes one clearly visible at night.  If the weather is inclement, the child should be dressed for the occasion and leave a few minutes earlier than his/her normal starting time in order to reach the school bus stop or school safely and on time.


9.     In inclement weather announcements regarding the closing of schools of school or delayed opening begin at approximately 6:00 a.m. During severe weather conditions, pertinent information concerning the transportation program will be announced on the radio.


10. The application of common sense is the best method of determining the role of the parents regarding the safety of children traveling to and from school, either as a passenger on a school bus or as a pedestrian.     


OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL BUS SYSTEM


A. Bus routes/stops shall be established by the Transportation Coordinator in conjunction with school and the SAU administration. Routes will be over the most direct roads practicable for bus travel to serve those entitled to transportation service.  Where an alternate route may be selected without sacrifice to efficiency or economy, preference will be given to that route serving the larger number of pupils more directly.  Routes will be designed to employ as nearly as practicable the full carrying capacity of each bus trip.  New routes will be established only when full capacity of the trips on existing routes has been reached or is imminent.


B. Bus schedules shall be established by the Transportation Coordinator and the transportation provider. The purpose of bus scheduling shall be to achieve maximum service with a minimum fleet of buses consistent with rendering reasonably equal service to all patrons.  The measure of service rendered shall be the total time between leaving a bus stop in the morning and returning thereto in the afternoon on a regular bus trip. To the greatest extent possible, routes will minimize and balance the time students spend on buses.


C. Bus stops shall be established by the Transportation Coordinator and school administration under the direction of the Business Administrator. The operator may not permit drivers to load or unload pupils at other than authorized bus stops.  Priority in distance to stops will be given to younger children to the greatest extent possible.


D. Authorized bus stops shall be located at convenient intervals in places where pupils can be loaded or unloaded, cross highways and wait the arrival of buses with the utmost safety permitted based upon highway conditions, terrain, and visibility.  The number of bus stops on each trip shall be limited, consistent with the policy, so as to enable buses to maintain a reasonable timetable and schedule.


E. The process of establishing routes/stops is as follows:


                        1.     Bus coordinator obtains student enrollment list - early July.


                        2.     Coordinator and drivers meet, evaluate past year's routes and stops,

                                find houses of new students, and draft a route/stop proposal.


                        3.     Proposal is reviewed with Superintendent and/or Principal.


                        4.     Routes and stops are published in local newspapers.


                        5.    Late regulations and other factors may necessitate alteration of

                                newly established and publicized routes and stops.


                        6.    The Coordinator reviews routes/stops and requests with the

                                Principal


F. Students entitled to transportation service will be assigned to a school bus and will be expected to adhere to the assignment.  Parent requests for changes in a child's regular bus assignment should be sent to the bus coordinator.  Bus assignment changes will be made based on the following criteria:


                    1.     Request must be written by parent or guardian.


                    2.     Space must be available.


                    3.     Change in a student's regular bus assignment may be approved

                            for the year, the half year or the quarter.  Changes for shorter

                            periods will not be honored by the coordinator.


                    4.     Emergency situations or one-day changes may be authorized on

                            a case-by-case basis by the Principal.  Any such one-time change

                            must be requested in writing and in advance by the parent/guardian.

                            The Principal will coordinate the change directly.


G. Conflict Resolution Process


                    1.     Conflict, requests, and questions are presented to the Coordinator

                            for review.


                    2.     If the Coordinator perceives a safety concern or if there is

                            agreement that a change or addition to the route/stop is justified,

                            the Coordinator will immediately make the change on a temporary

                            basis. 


                    3.     If the Coordinator does not approve the request, and the petitioner wishes to appeal this decision to the Business Administrator for board review.


        Statutory References:

        RSA 189:9

        RSA 189:6-8

        See Policies:  EEA, EEACC & JICC

        See Appendix: JICC-R

        Revised:  November, 1999

        Revised:  July, 1998         




Windham School District Policy                                                  EEAE


SCHOOL BUS SAFETY PROGRAM


The safety and welfare of student riders will be the first consideration in all matters pertaining to transportation. Safety precautions will include the following:


1. Children will be instructed as to the proper procedure for boarding and exiting from a school bus and in proper and safe conduct while aboard.


2. Emergency evacuation drills will be conducted at least two times a year (Oct.-May) to acquaint student riders with procedures in emergency situations.


3. All vehicles used to transport children will be inspected on a regular schedule to see that they meet applicable safety regulations.


4. All drivers will be screened before employment for physical condition, proper license, and experience. The prior driving record of each driver will be checked for drug and alcohol or other convictions and a criminal records check must also be completed.


The School District or independent contractor will comply with all state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of school buses and will make these requirements known to bus drivers. It will also cooperate with local safety officials in formulating and accomplishing its school bus safety program.


        Statutory Reference:

        RSA 189:6a

        RSA 200:40


        See Appendix: JICC-R & EEA-R


        Revised:     November, 1999

        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District                                                               EEAEA-R


Drivers shall inform their supervisors if at any time they are using a controlled substance that their physician has prescribed for therapeutic purposes. Such a substance may be used only if the physician has advised the driver that it will not adversely affect his/her ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.


       New, November, 1999




Windham School District Policy                                                 EEAEC


Also EEA & JICC 


STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES


Students using District transportation must understand that they are under the jurisdiction of the school from the time they arrive at the bus stop, until they exit the bus stop.


Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of the District and under control of the bus driver. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reasons for a pupil to be denied the privilege of transportation in accordance with the regulations of the Board.


The driver of the bus shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the pupils transported. 


The Superintendent or his/her designee will develop rules and regulations for conduct on buses and these shall be printed in the Parent-Student Handbook.


Resolution of Conflicts


A parent who wishes to request a change or exemption from any of the Student Transportation policies shall direct that request first to the SAU Transportation  Coordinator. If the parent is not satisfied by the ruling of the SAU Transportation Coordinator, he or she may appeal the ruling within five days to the School Business Administrator. If the parent is again not satisfied by the ruling, he or she may appeal to the Superintendent within the next five-day period.


        Statutory References:

        RSA189:6-9a

        See appendix: JICC-R  & EEA-R


        Revised:     November, 1999

        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                               EEAF


SPECIAL USE OF SCHOOL BUSES


School bus services may be used for student field trips and school activity purposes. However, such use must necessarily be limited. School buses must be used, first, for regular school transportation.


The administration will develop and the Board will approve specific regulations relating to the use of buses for field trip purposes. The Superintendent, will be granted authority to approve the use of school buses for specific trips. School Board approval is necessary for all out of state trips.


        Revised:     November, 1999

        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                               EEAG


USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS


Any use of private vehicles for transportation of students to or from school on field trips, athletic events, or other school functions, must have prior authorization by the Superintendent or his or her designee. Those providing unauthorized student transportation do so at their own expense and liability.


Any employee or private citizen using their own or a rented vehicle to provide school-authorized student transportation must have auto liability insurance of not less than $500,000 Combined Single Limit and provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the District as an Additional Insured. The District will maintain liability insurance, which will be in excess of the owner's primary insurance for authorized student transportation.


A person under contract to transport one or more children to school, on field trips, to athletic events, or other school functions must have a valid School Bus Driver Certificate from the Department of Safety. This person's vehicle must be approved by the N.H. Department of Safety as meeting all applicable school bus safety standards. (Parents transporting their own children are exempt from this requirement, even if reimbursed by the School District.)


Those providing transportation on an incidental basis, i.e., not specifically as part of a contract to transport, must have a valid driver's license, and a vehicle, which has a current N.H. inspection sticker. A commercial license is required for any vehicle that has a capacity of 16 or more.


The Board specifically forbids any employee to transport students for school purposes without prior authorization by the Superintendent or his or her designee..


No student shall be sent on school errands using any automobile.


Reimbursement for use of private vehicles may be made, but only if the employee or other person has prior approval of the designated administrator.


        Revised:     November, 1999

        Revised:     July, 1998




Windham School District Policy                                               EFC


FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE LUNCH POLICY


In accordance with federal regulations, the District shall make available to all children of low economic means and children of moderate income families experiencing financial difficulties free or reduced-priced lunches through the School Lunch Program in the local school.


Parents who believe their children are eligible may contact the building principal and a determination will be made relative to their eligibility.  Parents may appeal a negative determination to the Superintendent.


        Reference:                                                                                                

        42.U.S.C. 1758

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