1. MANDATED
REMINDERS
All faculty and staff are required to read, understand, and follow all
approved policies and procedures as identified in Board Policy or
identified as part of the faculty/ staff manual.
This presentation is representative of typical policies and should be
viewed as a supplement to the policies adopted by your district. It is
not intended to replace local district information. Policy numbers may
vary by district.
It is essential you know your role and your rights!
2. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Policy 2260*
Nondiscrimination of pupils
• The district must ensure that curricular content and the
school environment are free of discrimination and
promote mutual respect among students.
• Students must be provided equal and bias free access
to all school facilities, courses, programs, activities and
services.
*Policy numbers may vary by district.
3. Use of Technology
Policy 2360*
Technology is a resource for the purpose of enhancing
the learning process
All faculty and staff must adhere to copyright laws of the
US
Be aware and apply computer security procedures for
equipment and data.
*Policy numbers may vary by district.
4. Staff Reporting Responsibilities
Policy 3159/4281/4159*
• All staff members will report their arrest or indictment
for any crime or offense to the Superintendent within
fourteen calendar days in accordance with the
provisions of N.J.A.C. 6 A:9-17.1.
• Report must include the date of arrest or indictment
and charges lodged against the staff member.
• In some cases the Superintendent will notify the NJ
State Board of Examiners.
*Policy numbers may vary by district.
5. Inappropriate Staff Conduct
Policy 3281/4281*
• School staff’s conduct in completing their professional
responsibilities shall be appropriate at all times. School staff
shall not make inappropriate comments to pupils or about pupils
and shall not engage in inappropriate language or expression in
the presence of pupils. School staff shall not engage in
inappropriate conduct toward or with pupils. School staff shall
not seek to be in the presence of a pupil beyond the staff
member’s professional responsibilities.
6. Inappropriate Staff Conduct
Policy 3281/4281*
• School staff shall not provide transportation to a pupil
in their private vehicle or permit a pupil into their
private vehicle unless these is an emergency or a
special circumstance that has been approved in
advance by the Building Principal/ immediate
supervisor and the parent/legal guardian.
7. Inappropriate Staff Conduct
Policy 3281/4281*
• The Commissioner of Education has determined inappropriate
conduct by a school staff member outside their professional
responsibilities may be considered conduct unbecoming a staff
member. Therefore, school staff members are strongly advised to
avoid such conduct which may include, but is not limited to
communications and/or publications not directly related to academics,
athletics, or clubs using e-mails, text-messaging, Facebook and/or
other social networking sites, or any other medium that is directed
and/or available to pupils or for public display.
8. Sexual Harassment
Policy 3362/4352*
• Sexual harassment includes all unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical contacts of a
sexual nature that would not have happened but for the
employee’s gender.
• The sexual harassment of any employee or student of this
district is strictly forbidden.
9. Sexual Harassment
Policy 3362/4352*
• Hostile environment –Sexual harassing conduct by a school staff
member that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to
limit another staff member’s ability to participate in a workplace
environment or activity or to create a hostile or abusive
workplace environment.
10. Sexual Harassment
Policy 3362/4352*
• Quid Pro Quo Harassment
When a school staff member explicitly or implicitly conditions
another school staff member’s conditions of employment on the
staff member’s submission to unwelcomed sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, or other favors, or other verbal,
nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Quid Pro Quo
Harassment is equally unlawful whether the staff member resists
and suffers the threatened harm or submits and thus avoids the
threatened harm.
11. Sexual Harassment of Students
Policy 5751*
• Is forbidden
• Quid Pro Quo
• Hostile Environment
12. Bullying Law
Policy 5512*
• “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, any
written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication,
as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14.
• Districts must annually establish and implement HIB programs
that survey students.
• Teachers must complete 2 hours of HIB training and 2 hours of
suicide training in a professional development cycle.
13. Bullying Law
• All acts of HIB must be reported verbally to the principal on the
same day it is witnessed or reliable information is received.
• The principal will inform all parents or guardians of all students
involved.
• All acts of HIB will be reported in writing to the Principal in two
(2) days.
14. Suicide Prevention
• If you observe, hear, or are concerned about a student’s well being, contact school
leadership immediately.
• Do not wait until the end of the day!
• All faculty members are required to complete two hours of Suicide Prevention Training
within each five year professional development cycle.
• http://www.sptsusa.org/
15. CHILDABUSE and NEGLECT
Policy 8462*
• A child can be abused physically and/or mentally by
a parent(s), guardian, or other person having
custody and control.
• All school personnel and volunteers are required to
immediately report suspected incidences of child
abuse and/or neglect to DYFS (N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10).
16. CHILD ABUSE and NEGLECT
How and When to Report Child Abuse / Neglect
• In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child
has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report
this information to the State Central Registry (SCR). If the child is in
immediate danger, call 911 as well as
1-877 NJ ABUSE.
• A concerned caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child
abuse and can make the report
17. CHILD ABUSE and
NEGLECT
REPORTING•In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to
abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry (SCR).
If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE. A concerned caller does not
need proof to report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report anonymously.
•The person reporting the alleged child abuse is required to inform the school principal or designee
after reporting to DYFS, unless he/she believes they are endangering the welfare of the child or
himself/herself by such notice.
Is it against the laws of New Jersey to fail to report suspected abuse/neglect?
Any person who knowingly fails to report suspected abuse or neglect according to the law or to
comply with the provisions of the law is a disorderly person and subject to a fine of up to $1000 or up
to six months imprisonment, or both.
18. CHILD ABUSE and
NEGLECT
• A person making a report is immune from any liability,
civil, or criminal charge (N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.13).
• The board assures all school personnel and volunteers
that no one will be discharged from employment or
discriminated against in any way as a result of making in
good faith any reports of child abuse and neglect.
19. Substance Abuse
Policy # 5530
• The primary objective of this policy is to devote the energies of the Board of Education and the administrative and
instructional staff of the school district to the prevention of substance use and from its proliferation into our schools, with
the prime concern of protecting non-using pupils, and further, the destruction of the potential marketplace which the
school can easily become.
• There must be a clear procedure to handle the possible drug, alcohol, and anabolic steroid related situations involving
pupils of the District on or off school property.
• The District shall establish curriculum and instruction a minimum of ten clock hours per school year of alcohol and other
drug education in accordance with state code.
• Whenever it shall appear to any teaching staff member, school nurse, or other educational personnel that a pupil may be
under the influence of alcohol or other drugs in school, on a school bus, or at a school function shall report the matter as
soon as possible to the Principal, either the certified school nurse, non-certified nurse, the school physician or the
Substance Awareness Coordinator, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40A.
• The school shall provide intervention and treatment-referral services for pupils who are affected by alcohol or other drug
use. Initial assessment of and intervention/treatment-referral shall be provided by individuals who are certified by the New
Jersey State Board of Examiners as Substance Awareness Coordinators or by individuals who are appropriately certified
by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners and trained in alcohol and other drug abuse prevention.
20. Suspected Gang Activity
Policy #5615
• In the event the Principal or designee, believe any physical or verbal harassing,
intimidating, or bullying conduct was, or is being committed, for the benefit of, at the
direction of, or in association with a group of three or more persons, the school staff
will investigate further to determine if the conduct was committed by those pupils
representing a criminal street gang (hereinafter referred to as a “gang”) as defined in
N.J.S.A. 2C:44-3.h.
• To further ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils in the district and to increase
awareness within the school community regarding potential gang activity, pupils are
prohibited from wearing on school grounds, at any school related or sponsored activity,
on school buses, and any other place where pupils are supervised by school district
staff, any type of clothing or accessory that would indicate a pupil has membership in,
or affiliation with, any gang associated with criminal activities pursuant to N.J.S.A.
18A:11- 9.
• School staff members shall be provided in-service training on gangs and gang related
conduct and activities including, but not limited to, recruitment procedures;
threats/intimidation; clothing; insignia; hand signs; symbols; graffiti; terminology; or
other indicia of gang association.
21. MEGAN’S LAW
GUIDELINES
The statute mandates three levels of notification
depending upon the offender’s degree of risk of re-
offense.
Low Risk – Tier One
Moderate Risk – Tier Two
High Risk – Tier Three
Notification Procedures
• Schools located in an area where the students are likely to
encounter a Tier 2 or Tier 3 offender will receive a notice form
from the prosecutor’s office.
22. MEGAN’S LAW
GUIDELINESTier Two (Moderate Risk)
Notification is given to schools and registered community organizations which have direct
supervision over children and/or women and which have been determined to be “likely to
encounter” the particular offender.
Principals should notify:
school level administrative staff, teachers, aides, support staff, and custodial staff.
Principals should not notify:
organizations using the facility, parent organizations, other schools, press, students, or
parents/guardians of students.
ALL STAFF MUST BE TOLD THAT THIS INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL!
23. MEGAN’S LAW GUIDELINES
Tier Three (High Risk)
In addition to the notice for Tier Two offenders, notice must also be given to
members of the general public who are “likely to encounter” the particular
offender.
Principals should notify:
everyone listed on the Tier Two notification plus: parents/guardians of
students.
Principals should not notify:
organizations using the facility, parent organizations, other schools, press,
or students. The prosecutor’s office will provide the notice that will be
mailed home and the principal will provide the cover letter, which must be
reviewed by the prosecutor’s office before mailing.
24. MEGAN’S LAW
GUIDELINES
Consequences of Improper Dissemination
School personnel receiving notice must understand that they
are receiving sex offender notifications in their official capacity
and are not to disseminate information about an offender to
anyone outside the school. Improper dissemination of the
information about an offender may lead to disciplinary action
being taken. Moreover, law enforcement will carefully
investigate all allegations of criminal conduct taken by any
person against the offender, the offender’s family, employer or
school. Where appropriate, criminal prosecution will occur.
25. Social Networking
Policy 3282*
• The Commissioner of Education has determined inappropriate conduct
outside a staff member’s professional responsibilities may determine them as
unfit to discharge the duties and functions of their position. Staff members
should be advised communications, publications, photographs, and other
information appearing on social networking sites deemed inappropriate by
the Board could be cause for dismissal of a non-tenured staff member or to
certify tenure charges against a tenured staff member to the Commissioner of
Education.
26. Social Networking -3282*
• Should not make statements that would violate any of the district’s
policies, including its policies concerning discrimination or
harassment;
• Must uphold the district’s value of respect for the individual and
avoid making defamatory statements about the school district,
employees, pupils, or their families;
27. Social Networking -3282*
May not disclose any confidential information about the school district or
confidential information obtained during the course of his/her employment, about
any individual(s) or organization, including pupils and/or their families;
Shall not use social networking sites to post any materials of a sexually graphic
nature;
Shall not use social networking sites to post any materials which promote violence;
28. Social Networking - New (3282)
• Shall not use social networking sites which would be detrimental to
the mission and function of the district;
• Are prohibited from using their school district title as well as adding
references to the district in any correspondence including, but not
limited to, e-mails, postings, blogs, and social networking sites
unless the communication is of an official nature and is serving the
mission of the district. This prohibition also includes signature lines
and personal e-mail accounts.
29. Social Networking -3282
Shall not post updates to their status on any social networking sites
during normal working hours including posting of statements or
comments on the social networking sites of others during school time
unless it involves a school project. Employees must seek approval
from the Superintendent of Schools for such use; and
Shall not post or publish any information the Commissioner of
Education would deem to be inappropriate conduct by a school staff
member.
30. RIGHT TO
KNOW
IN THE WORKPLACE, your employer must make available to you:
• The Workplace Survey of hazardous substances present in the
facility.
• The Environmental Survey of environmentally hazardous
substances used, stored, or released from the facility.
• Fact sheets on the hazardous substances present in your
workplace.
31. Hygienic Management
Policy #7420*
• The Superintendent shall prepare, in consultation with the school medical inspector,
regulations, first aid and emergency medical procedures that utilize universal precautions
in the handling and disposal of blood and body fluids, whether or not pupils or staff
members with HIV infection are present. School staff members and volunteers shall be
provided the supplies for implementing the procedures. In particular, school nurses,
custodians, and teachers shall be trained in proper handling procedures.
• The Board also recognizes that certain school employees who work in laboratories may be
exposed to hazardous chemicals in the course of their duties. the Board will establish
practices that are capable of protecting employees from health hazards presented by
hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. The plan shall contain the locations of
hazardous chemicals and shall enunciate a plan capable of protecting employees from
associated health hazards and keeping exposure of employees below specified limits.
32. School Integrated Pest Management
Policy #7422*
• The New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management Act of 2002 requires school districts
to implement a school integrated pest management policy that includes an Integrated Pest
Management Plan. In accordance with the requirements of the Act, the Board shall ensure
implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures to control pests and
minimize exposure of children, faculty, and staff to pesticides.
• The school community will be educated about potential pest problems and IPM methods
used to achieve the pest management objectives.
• The Building Principal of each school, working with the IPMC, is responsible for timely
notification to pupils, parents or legal guardians and the school staff of pesticide treatments
pursuant to the School Integrated Pest Management Act.
33. ElectronicSurveillanceinSchoolBuildings
Policy#7441*
The Board of Education authorizes the use of electronic surveillance systems in school buildings
and on school grounds to enhance the safety and security for school district staff, pupils,
community members, and other building occupants and to protect the school district’s buildings
and grounds.
In addition to posting, the district shall notify school staff members, parent(s) or legal
guardian(s), and pupils that electronic surveillance may be used in school buildings and on
school grounds through publication in pupil and staff handbooks, school calendars, notice sent
home with pupils, or any other effective means to publish the district’s use of electronic
surveillance equipment in school buildings and on school grounds.
34. Emergency And Crisis Situations
Policy #8420*
The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide for the safety and security in each school building in the
district. The district will develop and implement written plans and procedures to provide for the protection of health,
safety, security, and welfare of the school population; the prevention of, intervention in, response to and recovery from
emergency and crisis situations; the establishment and maintenance of a climate of civility; and supportive services for
staff, pupils, and their families.
• The Superintendent of Schools or designee shall consult with law enforcement agencies, health and social services
provider agencies, emergency management planners, and school and community resources, as appropriate, in the
development of the school district’s plans, procedures, and mechanisms for school safety and security.
• A copy of the school district’s school safety and security plan shall be disseminated to all school district employees.
New employees shall receive a copy of the school district’s safety and security plan, as appropriate, within sixty
days of the effective date of their employment. All employees shall be briefed in writing, as appropriate, regarding
updates and changes to the school safety and security plan.
• The school district shall develop and provide an in-service training program for all school district employees to
enable them to recognize and appropriately respond to safety and security concerns, including emergencies and
crisis, consistent with the school district’s plans, procedures, and mechanisms for school safety and security and
the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.1. New employees shall receive this in-service training, as appropriate, within
sixty days of the effective date of their employment. This in-service training program shall be reviewed annually and
updated, as appropriate.
35. Preparedness for Toxic Hazard
Policy # 8431*
The Board of Education is concerned for the safety of the pupils and staff members assigned to district schools and will
take reasonable steps to protect pupils and staff members from hazards that may result from industrial accidents
beyond the control of school officials.
The Board will appoint an employee to serve as Toxic Hazard Preparedness (THP) Officer. The THP Officer will, in
accordance with procedures prepared by the Superintendent, identify potential sources of toxic hazard and develop a
plan that includes preventive and remedial measures to be followed in the event pupils and staff members are exposed
to a toxic hazard.
The plan for toxic hazard preparedness developed by the THP Officer and approved by this Board will be disseminated
to the public. Teaching staff members will be instructed in the specific measures to be taken when toxic hazard is
present and in the recognition of toxic hazards in the environment. A teaching staff member who detects a toxic hazard
in school shall immediately notify the school Principal and the school nurse or, in the absence of either, the person
authorized to perform that office.