CUSTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

Board of Education

Policy Handbook

Approved: 7/14/03

Last Revised: 7/13/09

This document is available in alternate formats upon a 5 working day request.

Examples of alternate formats include: Braille, large print, tape, etc.

Please contact the Custer School District Administration Office at 673-3154 to make a request.

Table of Contents

Section	*Title*	*Sub-Title*	Pages
PART I	PURPOSE, PHILOSOPHY, MISSION & VISION		5
PART II	THE SCHOOL DISTRICT		6-15
		Legal Status	6
		Title I Part A Parental Involvement Policy	6-7
		Enrollment of Youth Experiencing Homelessness	7
		Non-Discrimination	8
		Harassment Policy	8-9
		Americans with Disabilities – Grievance Procedure	9
		Safe and Drug-Free Schools	10-11
		Use of Drug Dogs	12
		Communicable Diseases	12-13
		Conflict Resolution	13-14
		Emergency Closing	14
		Sexual Offenders	15
		Wellness Policy	15-16
PART III	THE SCHOOL BOARD		17-23
		Delegated Duties	17
		Meetings	17
		Voting	17
		Specific Appointments and Requirements	18
		Records and Records Retention	18
		Fixed Assets	19
		Expense Reimbursements	19
		Payment of Bills	19
		Tuition Payments from Other Districts	19
		Policy Adoption	20
		General Admission Prices	20
		Public’s Right to Know	21
		Evaluation of Board Procedures	22
		Evaluation of Superintendent of Schools	22
		Evaluation	23
		Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)	23
PART IV	ADMINISTRATIVE & FISCAL ORGANIZATION		24-37
		Organizational Structure & Chart	24-25
		Investment Policy / Revenues from Investments	26
		Grants Administration	26
		Local Purchasing	26
		Abandoned Trust and Agency Funds	27
		Facility Development Planning / Goals / Vision	27-28
		Educational Specifications	28
		Selection of Architect / Design-Build Team	29
		Procedures for Design-Build Procurement	30-35
		Construction Cost Estimates & Determinations	36
		Construction Mgmt Service / Supervision	36-37
		Rural Schools	37
		Naming School Facilities	37

PART V	CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION			38-48
			Curriculum Development	38
			Religious Instruction	38
			Instructional Materials	39
			Textbook Selection and Adoption	40
			Library Information Resource Management	41-42
			Internet/Network/Electronic Comm. Policy	43-45
			Virtual High School Courses	46
			Homework	46
			Promotion and Retention of Students	47
			Early Graduation	48
			Graduation Exercises	48
PART VI	STUDENTS			49-58
			Directory Information	49
			In-District Reassignment Requests	50
			Admission of Students from Accredited Schools	50
			Admission of Non-Resident Students	51-52
			Admission of Exchange and Foreign Students	52
			Admission of Students from Non-Accredited Schools	53
			Extra-Curricular Activities	54
			Participation of Non-Public School Students in Extra-Curricular Activities	55
			Administering Medications to Students	55-56
			Emergency Care of Injuries	56
			Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs	57
			Student Transportation	57
			Reimbursement for College Classes	58
PART VII		PERSONNEL			59-65
			Employment Policy		59-60
			Family Medical Leave Act		60
			Employee Assistance Program		61
			Fringe Benefits for Non-Represented Employees		62-64
			Substitute Staff Employment		65
			Bus Driver Testing		65
			Family Members Riding in District Transportation		65
PART VIII		COMMUNITY			66-68
			Community Use of School Facilities		66-67
			Joint-Use Agreement		67-68

S:\Policy\New CSD Policy Handbook\CSD BoE Policy Handbook.doc

APPENDICES		*SUB-TITLE*	PAGES
	A	Harassment Report Form	69
	B	Communicable Disease Guidelines	70
	C	Handling Body Fluids in School	71
	D	Conflict Resolution Form	72
	E	Per Diem Rates and Mileage Chart	73
	F	Application for Access to Public Records	74
	G	School Board Self-Evaluation Form	75-81
	H	Superintendent 360° Evaluation Form	82-85
	I	Grant Application Form	86
	J	Five-Year Curriculum Plan	87
	K	Retention Letter to Parents	88
	L	Notice of Directory Information	89
	M	Non-Resident Enrollment Application Form	90
	N	SDHSAA Participation Of Alternative Instruction Students	91-93
	O	Permission for Medication to be Dispensed at School	94
	P	Permission for Prescription Medication to be Self-Administered by Elementary or Middle School Students	95
	Q	Permission for High School Student to Carry Medicine	96
	R	Report of Accident or Incident	97
	S	Consent for Treatment	98
	T	Steps in the Hiring Process	99
	U	Substitute Teacher Pay Rates	100
	V	Bus Driver Testing – Regulation	101-104
	W	Driver Documentation of Receipt of Materials	105
	X	Fees Charged for Commercial Use of School District Facilities	106-107
	Y	Facility Use Rental Agreement	108-109
	Z	Wellness Policy – Approved Foods/Drinks & Standards	110
	AA	Sick Bank Sign-Up Form	111
	BB	Sick Bank Withdrawal Form	112
	CC	Funeral Bank Donation Form	113
	DD	Patron’s Request For Reconsideration Of Library Material	114

PART I

PURPOSE, PHILOSOPHY, AND MISSION

The Custer School District 16-1 Board of Education has a responsibility to the State of South Dakota, the community, and the personnel who are under its employment. It is the purpose of this book to set forth the procedures by which the Board carries out these responsibilities, as well as the specific policies, which have been adopted to provide a continuous and consistent plan of operation.

PHILOSOPHY

The Custer School District 16-1 Board of Education, staff, and community believe education is a joint process in which the student, parent, teacher, staff, church, and community participate and are responsible for the child’s educational growth.

Educational opportunities will be provided allowing each student to develop their potential to the fullest.

Communication, cooperation, and a positive learning environment are key factors for student success. Staff and community will model respect, responsible behavior, sensible decision-making, and life-long learning.

MISSION

To educate every student to his/her potential.

VISION

To provide the highest educational program possible through positive leadership, quality academics, and an array of opportunities for social, emotional, physical and character development so graduates:

a) Go on to compete in the marketplace;

b) Understand the importance of community involvement; and

c) Enjoy life-long learning.

To provide the highest educational program possible so the district can compete successfully in the educational marketplace.

PART II

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

The school district is organized under the laws of the State of South Dakota and has the legal name of Custer School District #16-1.

SCHOOL DISTRICT LEGAL STATUS

The United States Constitution leaves to the individual states responsibility for public education.

In South Dakota, the legislature is charged by the Constitution “to establish and maintain a general and uniform system of public schools” which is open to all children and free from sectarian control. The state constitution also calls for a State Board of Education and a State Superintendent of elementary and secondary education, who is the executive officer of the State Board.

The Constitution outlines the responsibilities of the state Superintendent and the State Board. The State Board of Education is responsible for the adoption of all policies for the government of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, and for the adoption and implementation of regulations for supervising the elementary and secondary schools.

School districts exist for the purpose of operating a school or schools to provide the people of each local community adequate opportunity to avail themselves of a free public elementary and secondary education program.

Established by law.

LEGAL REFS.: United States Constitution, Tenth Amendment

Constitution of the State of South Dakota, Art. VIII, Sec. 1; Art. XXII; Art. XXVI, Sec. 18.

SDCL 13-5-1; 13-5-2; 13-5-14 to 13-5-29; 13-6-1 et seq.

TITLE I PART A PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

The Custer School District will put into operation programs, activities and procedures for the involvement of parents in all of its schools with Title I, Part A programs. Those programs, activities and procedures will be planned and operated with meaningful consultation with parents of participating children. As a component, a school-parent compact will be implemented in Title I schools. The adopted district-wide parental involvement policy will guide the development of each Title I school’s parent involvement policies which will be incorporated into its School Improvement Plan, School-wide Plans, and the Consolidated Application when applicable. Each Title I school will hold Title I parent meetings to review and evaluate the effectiveness of the district and school Parent Involvement Policies in improving student achievement and identifying barriers to parent participation. Parents will also be involved in the development of individual School-wide Plans, Transition planning, and district School Improvement planning that takes place with other programs, such as Head Start, Parents as Teachers, preschool, and other applicable programs. Parents are invited to serve on all of the district and school committees to assist with data analysis and the development of goals. The consolidated application committee, which includes parents, reviews the application each fall and at the same time evaluates the prior application and goals. When applicable, parents will be involved in professional development activities that take place at the school.

Parent Involvement is vital to student academic achievement and student performance. The statutory definition of parental involvement will be used for Title I programs, activities and procedures:

Parental involvement means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring—

(A) that parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;

(B) that parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school;

(C) that parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child; and

(D) the carrying out of other activities, such as those described in section 1118 of the ESEA.

To the extent practicable, the district and its schools will provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and required school reports in an understandable and uniform format, including alternative formats upon request, and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents understand by having the documents translated by a translator. District and school staff will assist parents in understanding the State’s academic content standards, student academic achievement standards, state and local academic assessments including alternate assessments, the requirements of Part A, how to monitor their child’s progress, and how to work with educators, to include providing materials and/or training to help parents work with their children. The school district will work with staff and parents for the purpose of developing positive avenues and methods for meaningful communication.

If the plan for Title I, Part A is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school district will submit any parent comments with the plan when the school district submits the plan to the State Department of Education. The district will involve parents of Title I children in decisions about how the funds reserved for parental involvement are spent consistent with federal law.

Parents who have concerns about the programs being implemented in Title I, or any other federal program, may address those concerns through the district’s Conflict Resolution Policy found in the Board of Education’s Policy Handbook available on the district’s Website, csd.k12.sd.us, and in each school’s Student/Parent Handbook, or from school secretaries.

ENROLLMENT OF YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

Custer School District:

1. ensures the immediate enrollment of children or youth experiencing homelessness until all enrollment records may be secured, i.e., academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation.

2. keeps a child or youth experiencing homelessness in the school of origin, except when doing so is contrary to the wishes of the child’s or youth’s parent or guardian.

3. ensures the elimination of stigmatization or segregation services and the elimination of other identified barriers for homeless children and youth.

4. provides children or youth experiencing homelessness with services comparable to services offered to other students in the school including the following:

a. Transportation services.

b. Educational serviced for which the child or youth meets the eligibility criteria, such as services provided under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or similar State or local programs, educational programs for children with disabilities, and educational programs for students with limited English proficiency.

c. Programs in vocational and technical education.

d. Programs for gifted and talented students.

e. School nutrition programs. Adopted: 9/8/08

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Custer School District 16-1 does not discriminate on the basis of race or color, national origin, gender, disability, age, religion and creed, or marital status, in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. For inquiries concerning the district’s compliance with Title VI or Title IX Section 504 or the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) acts please contact Dr. Tim H. Creal, Superintendent, 147 N. 5th St., Custer, SD, 57730, (605) 673-3154. For further inquiries contact the Regional Director, Kansas City Office, Office for Civil Rights, US Dept. of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway, Ste 2037, Kansas City, MO, 64114, phone (816)268-0550, TDD (800)437-0833, Fax (816)823-1404, e-mail: ocrkansascity@ed.gov

LEGAL REFS: Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1962, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375; Equal Pay Act, as amended by the Education Amendments of 1972; Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972; Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975; Age Discrimination in Employment Law, P.L. 95-256 Constitution of the State of South Dakota, Art. VI; SDCL 13-37

HARASSMENT

The Custer School District prohibits harassment and hate crimes. These actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances. We firmly believe that all persons are to be treated with respect and dignity. We will respond to harassment and hate crimes in a manner that effectively deters future incidents. We believe the use or threat of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

1. Hate Crimes

Hate crimes are criminal acts or threatened acts in which the victims are targeted based on characteristics such as race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. Examples of hate crimes include threatening phone calls, hate mail, physical assault, threats of harm or violence, arson, vandalism, cross-burnings, bombings, and bomb threats.

2. Harassment

Harassment is unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct directed at the characteristics of a person’s race, color, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. Examples of harassment include unwelcome patting, pinching, or physical contact, anti-gay comments, ethnic or racial slurs, or threats.

3. Sexual Harassment

a. Sexual harassment is illegal, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Any employee or student of the district will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible termination or suspension/expulsion, for violation of this policy.

b. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, solicitation of sexual activity by promise of rewards, physical conduct of a sexual nature, coercion of sexual activity by threat of punishment, verbal sexist remarks or physical assaults constitute sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or inexplicitly, a term or condition of individual’s employment or educational status, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or educational decisions affecting such individual, (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or learning environment, or (4) such activity creates discomfort for those affected.

c. Employees and students are responsible for maintaining a working and learning environment free from sexual harassment. Workshops and activities will be provided by the school district to explain the policy and laws. Careful scrutiny will be undertaken of all allegations of sexual harassment. False allegations that are malicious or ill-founded may constitute libel or slander.

4. Reporting

a. Students who are targets of such conduct should contact the principal or counselor. The student will be requested to complete a reporting form (See Appendix A). The principal or counselor shall report the incident to the Superintendent.

b. Whenever a staff member in the course employment has reason to believe that 1) a hate crime or harassment has been committed or is about to be committed on school property or by any student on or off school property, or 2) a student enrolled in the school has been or is about to become a victim of a hate crime or harassment, the school employee shall immediately notify the Superintendent, school principal, or counselor.

c. The Superintendent shall promptly notify the police when there is any reason to believe that an act of violence has been or is about to be committed against a student or there is otherwise reason to believe that a life has been or will be threatened.

d. All reports will be thoroughly investigated and, if necessary, result in immediate and appropriate disciplinary action. If any employee or student files a written complaint because of dissatisfaction with the handling of the original complaint, it will be applicable to the Conflict Resolution procedure.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES - GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Custer School District has adopted a grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of internal or external complaints alleging any action prohibited in Subpart B (Sections 35.170-35.177) of 28 CFR Part 35, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This procedure may be used by applicants for employment, employees, participants, beneficiaries of services (or their designee), and other interested parties who wish to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in employment practices and policies or the provision of services, activities, programs or benefits by Custer School District.

The complaint should be submitted in writing by the grievant and/or his/her designee no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to:

Superintendent of Schools, ADA Coordinator

Custer School District

147 N. 5th Street

Custer, SD 57730

(605) 673-3154

The complaint must contain specific information about the alleged violation such as date, location, and description of the violation as well as the name, address, and phone number of the complainant.

The ADA Coordinator will meet or contact the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolution within 15 calendar days after receipt of the written complaint. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting or contact, the ADA Coordinator will respond in writing or other appropriate format. The response will explain the position of Custer School District and offer options for substantive and equitable resolution of the complaint.

If the response by the ADA Coordinator does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant or his/her designee may appeal the decision in writing of the ADA Coordinator within 15 calendar days after receipt of the written response to the Superintendent of Schools of Custer School District.

Within 15 calendar days after the receipt of the appeal from the complainant or his/her designee, the Superintendent will meet or contact the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolution. The Superintendent will respond in writing or other appropriate format with a final resolution of the complaint.

Adopted: July 12, 1993

SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS

The safety of students and employees is of a paramount concern to the Board of Education. The Custer School District believes in and promotes a safe and drug-free healthy life-style, free from the use or misuse of any ‘mood-altering’ chemical or ‘mind-altering’ drug. The Custer School District promotes a no-use policy and encourages staff members to model behavior consistent with this policy. This policy is in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and applies to anyone present on school property. The close contact that all staff members have with students provides a unique opportunity to assist students with choices.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Policy Statement

The Custer School District prohibits all employees from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance in the workplace, or to enter the workplace after such consumption or use. Violations of this policy must be reported to the proper law enforcement agency and may be cause for suspension or dismissal.

In-Service Awareness Program

The district, through the Director of Personnel, will provide in-service training and a copy of this policy statement to all administrators, supervisors, and employees to inform them of:

1. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;

2. The district’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;

3. The drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs available; and

4. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for violations of this Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

This in-service shall be repeated annually for all employees.

Conditions of Employment

It shall be a condition of employment for all employees of the Custer School District that they will:

1. Abide by the terms of this policy statement; and

2. Notify the Custer School District of any drug statue conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

Action Upon Conviction

The School District will:

1. Notify the federal agency within ten (10) days after receiving notice of a conviction from an employee as set forth in paragraph 2 of “Conditions of Employment” above.

2. Take appropriate action against the convicted employee--such action may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal, or may require a convicted employee to participate satisfactorily in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. The Board encourages employees to seek assistance voluntarily through the building liaison to gain access to the benefits of the Employee Assistance Program.

Certification

The School District will certify the existence of a drug-free workplace through the completion and execution of the “Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements of grantees other than Individual’s Form” as required for Impact Aid or federal section 5145 requirements.

DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS

Students

The use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs negatively limits a person’s ability to function, and affects the learning ability, process, and environment. The use and unlawful possession of illicit drugs and alcohol is wrong and harmful. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by a doctor. We support education and standards of conduct related to a drug-free environment. Age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol education and prevention programs will be provided for all students, grades K-12, in the Custer School District.

Statement of Purpose

The Custer School District’s Drug-Free Policy has been developed:

1. to encourage the growth of responsible citizenship among the students, staff, and community.

2. to emphasize the school’s concern for the health and well-being of all students.

3. to promote equity and a sense of order and discipline among all students.

4. to establish standards of conduct for all students and foster leadership among peers.

5. to promote positive peer pressure and healthy lifestyles.

6. to provide systemic support and necessary intervention within the school to all students by using the referral process from the school counselor, which may include counseling services.

7. to assist students, through the school referral process, in need of assistance or evaluation through out-of-school agencies regarding their use of mood-altering chemicals and mind-altering drugs.

8. to acknowledge and support existing state laws which restrict the use of mood-altering chemicals and mind-altering drugs.

Violations:

Students shall not possess or use a beverage containing alcohol, use tobacco, or use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell, or give away marijuana, or any other substance defined as a drug, during school hours; anytime on school property, or at school functions.

Consequences:

State law requires schools to hold all students to the same rules and regulations of conduct, regardless of whether the student is older or younger than 18 years of age. Parents/Guardians will be notified, in all instances, within 36 hours. See Student Handbook for consequence.

LEGAL REF: Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, 34 CFR Part 85, Subpart I

Weapons

The Custer School District prohibits the possession or use of firearms, other than law enforcement, within 1,000 feet of school property, unless on private property or in private residences. According to state statute, firearms, or other weapons deemed inappropriate, are illegal. This includes any firearm or air gun, other than starting guns for athletic events, or during courses designed for firearms training, whether or not it is designed, adapted, used or intended primarily for imitative or noise-making purposes, or any other dangerous weapons.

Items, other than firearms, determined to be a weapon are also illegal and will be dealt with in a serious manner. Any knife, including a pocketknife, may be considered a weapon. These situations are Class 1 misdemeanors and will be reported to law enforcement. This prohibition will normally not apply to school supplies, such as pencils, science materials, compasses and the like, unless they are used in a menacing or threatening manner. This is a no tolerance policy. (See Student Handbook for additional information.)

Legal Ref: Safe and Drug Free Schools Act, SDCL 13-32-7.

USE OF DRUG DOGS

1. The Custer Board of Education considers the use of drugs and other controlled substances to pose a serious risk to students.

2. The Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent, or designee, to arrange with appropriate law enforcement officials for the use of drug detection dogs on school premises, or the use of other legally enforceable means, to detect the illegal possession of drugs by students or staff.

3. To the extent permissible by law, the results of any such actions will be shared with the Board and the community in an appropriate manner.

Adopted: May 13, 1996; revised 6/30/08

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Employees or students who are afflicted with a communicable, contagious, and/or infectious disease, and who are infected with communicable parasites, or who are liable to transmit such a disease or parasite, may be excluded from school attendance. See Appendix B. The Board recognizes the need and right of all children to receive free and appropriate education. The board further recognizes its responsibility to provide a healthy environment for all students and school employees. A determination of whether infected employees or students are excluded from the classroom or school activities shall be made on a case-by-case basis, under the direction of the Superintendent or designee. The situations where the decision requires additional expertise and knowledge, the Superintendent may refer the case to local health care professionals and/or to the advisory committee.

The advisory committee, to review the communicable disease guidelines, may be composed of:

1. the Superintendent of Schools or designee;

2. a representative from the State Health Department; and

3. the school health service’s provider.

In making the determination, the advisory committee shall consider:

1. the behavior, developmental level, and medical condition of the student or medical condition of the employee;

2. the expected type(s) of interaction with others in the school setting;

3. the impact on both the infected employee or student and others in that setting;

4. the South Dakota Department of Health guidelines and policies; and

5. the recommendation of the County Health Officer, which may be controlling.

The advisory committee may officially request assistance from the State Department of Health. If it is determined that the student will not be permitted to attend classes and/or participate in school activities, arrangements will be made to provide an alternate educational program. If it requires personal contact between students and employees, only trained volunteer employees will be utilized. Public information will not be revealed about the employee or student who may be infected. If the employee or student is permitted to remain in the school setting, the following procedure will be followed by the superintendent/principal. Information will be provided, as appropriate, to school employees who have regular contact with the student, as to the student’s medical condition and other factors needed for consideration in carrying out job responsibilities. Health guidelines for school attendance are established and interpreted within the context of the case. The guidelines are not inclusive but are available to be used as a resource. These guidelines will be reviewed, at minimum, every three years, in accordance with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. School personnel will refer to school health professionals for specific judgments in interpreting the guidelines. Instruction in appropriate handling of blood and body fluids will be provided. Hand washing after contamination, food preparation, and health/hygiene care performed in different sink and work areas, maintenance cleaning, and other personal hygiene measures, are part of creating a healthy environment. The proper handling of body fluids is vital to insuring the health and safety of staff and students. Guidelines can be found in Appendix C.

LEGAL REF: SDCL 13-43-12 through 13-43-3.3, SDCL 1-27-3 OTHER REFERENCE: Control of Communicable Diseases in Man, 14th Ed., 1985-Abram Benenson, Ed.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Constructive feedback to the schools is welcomed by the staff and Board of Education. Conflicts are best handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible. Every consideration will be given to attempt to resolve the problem prior to involvement by the Board. If there is a conflict with a staff member, it is important the concerned party meet with the staff member.

1. All conflicts, except harassment, are best resolved at the level the conflict originates. Concerns can be made verbally or in writing. If the conflict is not satisfactorily resolved at that level, then it is the responsibility of the individual having the concern to forward it, in writing, to the next highest level. Concerns made initially, to anyone other than the level at which it originated, shall be referred to the level where the concern originated for initial review and investigation.

2. If there is no resolution, the concerned party may do one of the following:

a. request the principal to set up a meeting of the concerned party, the staff member, and the principal. If no resolution is reached, the concerned party may complete the Conflict Resolution Form (See Appendix D), and present it to the principal; or

b. complete the Conflict Resolution Form. If there is still no solution, a conference will be scheduled with the above parties at the appropriate administrative level.

3. If there is no resolution in section #2, then the concerned party may forward the conflict to the next highest level.

4. If still there is no satisfaction, then the parties involved will be scheduled to meet with the Board of Education. Administration is to assure the conflict resolution process is completed in a timely manner. Concerns regarding Board actions or Board operations will be presented directly to the Board.

5. This form is also used for concerns about the district’s use of Federal Funds and the implementation of Federal Programs including Subtitle B of the Title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Disputes addressing the enrollment, transportation (including inter-district disputes), and other barriers to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness are also addressed under this procedure. Parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth may initiate the dispute resolution process directly at the school they choose, as well as at the district or district’s homeless liaison’s office. Complaints related to federal programs should be directed to the Superintendent of Schools. Unresolved complaints related to the implementation of Federal Funds may be forwarded directly to the South Dakota Department of Education.

Staff members, in the course of an investigation of a complaint, shall be accorded all due process rights.

These rights shall include the right to know the nature and content of the complaint that has been filed,

including the identity of the complainant, the right to review the investigative findings, and the right to

provide verbal and written input, to address the issues raised in the complaint.

Complaints appealed to the Board of Education shall be heard by the entire Board in executive session, as provided by law. The decision of the Board shall be communicated to the complainant and the Superintendent of Schools, who shall implement the decision of the Board. Decisions of the Board may be appealed to circuit court pursuant to SDCL 13-46.

Procedural Process for Investigation and Resolution at Each Level:

1) Discussion among parties directly involved.

2) Investigation is conducted by the supervisor, upon initial receipt of the Conflict Resolution Form. The investigation will include discussion with all parties directly affected, and written results made available for further review by school officials at the next level, if necessary.

3) The review at the next level (or ensuing levels) consists of a determination if the investigation was conducted appropriately and if school policies were followed. If it is determined that the investigation was not appropriately conducted and in accordance with policy, it will be remanded back to the appropriate level for continued investigation and resolution.

Conflicts will be resolved in an expedited manner.

*Conflict Resolution Forms may be obtained from the building secretaries. See also Appendix D of the Board Policy Handbook, which is also available on the district Website www.csd.k12.sd.us.

Adopted: 6/30/08; Revised: 7/13/09

EMERGENCY CLOSING

The Superintendent, or designee, may close or delay the district schools, or dismiss school early when hazardous weather or other emergencies threaten the health or safety of students and/or personnel. The decision will be made as early as possible.
Schools will not be closed merely to avoid inconvenience. However, the Superintendent may close school, delay the opening hour, or dismiss students early. The Superintendent also has the responsibility to see that administrative supervisory and operational activity is continued to the extent necessary. If conditions affect only a single school, only that school will be closed. When schools are closed for emergency reasons, staff members may not be required to report to work.
If school is in operation and the buses do not operate in the rural area, teachers and administrators should realize that rural students are absent, not because of their choosing, and schoolwork and related activities should be governed by this knowledge.
The following factors will be used to determine the closing or delay of schools:

Weather conditions, both existing and predicted.
Driving, traffic, and parking conditions affecting public and private transportation.
Actual occurrence or imminent possibility of any emergency condition that would make the operation of schools difficult or dangerous.
Inability of teaching personnel to report for duty, which might result in inadequate supervision of students.

Notification of school delays will take place using the following:

Parents and emergency contacts will be notified via the phone contact system.
The following media will be contacted to inform the public of a school closing or delay:
KFCR, KZMX , KOTA (ABC), KAT, FOX, KIMM, KKMK, KKLS, KEVN (FOX), KELO (CBS), KTOQ, KNBN (NBC). Adopted: 9/13/90; Revised 2/16/09

SEX OFFENDERS

No person who is registered as a sex offender pursuant to SDCL Chapter 22-24B may knowingly be present on Custer School District property. The school board may, in its sole discretion, waive, subject to any reasonable restriction, limitation, or condition that the school may elect to impose, enforcement of this policy. Upon issuance of any waiver the school board retains the right to revoke or modify the waiver. Waiver forms may be obtained by contacting the district administrative office.
Adopted: 5/14/07

WELLNESS POLICY

Nutrition Education

The district will have a curriculum committee sets basic guidelines and standards that will guide classroom instruction. Students in grades K-8 receive nutrition education every year through the physical education wellness program supported through classroom instruction. Nutrition and wellness will be taught in physical education and health classes. Staff teaching related class such as consumer education classes will coordinate with the physical education and health teachers to ensure coverage. The district may offer nutritional information to the community through various media methods using school staff or local patrons with extensive background in wellness and nutrition.

Physical Activity Component

The district will work to provide physical education activity as much as scheduling will allow so as not to negatively impact the overall learning process. Classroom teachers will look at ways in which to incorporate physical activity into their subject matter. Recess time will be scheduled to allow for elementary students to have an opportunity for moderate to vigorous physical activity. Schools will look at ways in which to offer after school physical activity for those students not participating in any extra-curricular physical activity. The use of physical activity for punishment is discouraged. Students’ participation in physical activity will only be limited under special circumstances (special lessons, make-up test, etc.) The district will encourage students to walk or bicycle to school and will work to ensure that the likely routes are as safe as possible. The district will also develop plans for the use of school facilities by community members.

Wellness

Fundraising: Fundraising efforts are to be supportive of a healthy lifestyle such as those that include physical activity are encouraged. Fundraising activities involving food, healthy/nutritional choices will be encouraged. The district’s goal of 50% of group fundraising activities will be activities other than involving the sale of food/beverages. Most foods and beverages that are sold as a fundraiser will be the type to be taken home and cooked/baked. The school district will make available a list of ideas for acceptable fundraising activities. Concession stand fundraisers at school-sponsored events are encouraged to include healthy choices from the suggested snack list. See Appendix Z.

Snacks: When provided by the district, or other organizations, snacks will meet the Standards for Food and Beverages listed in this document or follow the Snack Suggestions listed in this document. The district encourages healthy classroom snacks such as fruits, vegetables, 1% or skim milk, nuts, grains, and those items meeting the Standards for Foods and Beverages in this document. See Appendix Z.

Parties/Celebrations/Rewards: Celebrations that involve food during the school day should be limited and if possible should occur only once per month. The district will disseminate a list of healthy party and reward ideas, including alternatives to food, to parents and teachers as shown in Appendix Z. Healthy choices of food and beverages that meet the Standards for Food and Beverages will be offered at school-sponsored events outside the school day. See Appendix Z.

School Breakfast/Lunch Programs: The school food service program shall operate in accordance with the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1996 as amended and applicable to the laws and regulation of the state of South Dakota. All schools will comply with USDA regulations and state policies. Schools shall offer varied and nutritious food choices that are consistent with the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Menus should be planned with input from students, family members, and other school personnel and should take into account students’ cultural norms and preferences. Ala carte items available during the school day shall meet the above guidelines and/or Standards for Food and Beverages. See Appendix Z.

Vending Machines: Vending machines with food and beverages will not be available for students in elementary schools. In the event that healthy snacks are not provided by after-school care activities, the school may provide vending services with healthy choices. All foods and beverages sold in vending machines must meet the Standards for Food and Beverages or be approved by the Wellness Committee. See Appendix Z.

Wellness Council / Committee

The district will put in place Wellness Councils/Committees, either at the district level or building level, to plan, implement and assess on-going activities that promote healthy lifestyles, particularly physical activity for all age groups within the school community-compromised of school personnel, community members, and students. The district will designate one or more persons with operational responsibility for insuring the local agency meets the requirements of the local wellness policy and applicable federal requirements.

PART III

THE SCHOOL BOARD

A. Delegated Duties

1. The Custer School District 16-1 Board of Education shall consist of 7 members elected and organized to the laws of South Dakota. Should it be necessary to appoint someone to fill a vacancy on the Board, the appointee shall assume membership on the Board at the meeting following the appointment. Officers of the Custer Board of Education will consist of a President and Vice-President. The Board may appoint members to committees, but in no case shall the committee membership include a majority of the Board members.

2. Meetings

Regular Meetings - Time and Place

The annual meeting of the Custer School Board will occur on the second Monday in July. Newly elected Board members will assume their position(s) at this meeting. Regular school Board meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. The Board reserves the right to change regular meetings due to conflicts. The Board welcomes public input at Board of Education meetings.

Special Meetings

When a special meeting is necessary, notice will be given each member along with the purpose for which the meeting is called. Items may be added to the agenda if all those in attendance agree.

Adjourned Meetings

Such meetings shall serve as a continuation of a regular meeting, and not as a special or called meeting.

Executive Sessions

Executive sessions of the Board shall be in accordance with South Dakota Codified Law.

Budget

The Board of Education will annually develop budget timelines and administrative guidance procedures to present to the Superintendent.

Roles

The President presides over the meeting and has the right to offer resolutions and motions, to discuss questions, and vote on all matters that come before the Board. The president also collaborates with the Superintendent of Schools on issues to come before the Board, such as development of the Board agenda. The Vice-President presides over meetings in the absence of the President.

Voting

1. All members may vote on all motions before the Board.

2. Any Board action may be taken if it is approved by the majority of the members voting, as long as there is a quorum (4) present to vote.

3. The Chairman can make a motion.

4. Parliamentary Authority

a. Board meetings will be conducted in accordance with Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance. Revised 8/13/07

3. The Custer School District Board of Education delegates the detailed and technical duties to the Superintendent of Schools, who is the chief executive officer of the school district. The school Board does not actively operate the school; it employs personnel so the school functions properly.

4. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board adopt the Board Policy Manual as presented by the Superintendent, and that the Superintendent keep the policy manual up-to-date as policies are changed or new policies are adopted by the Board.

5. BE IT RESOLVED, that in the absence of the Superintendent, the Superintendent will designate one or more individuals for the purpose of making administrative decisions. If the Superintendent is otherwise unable to make administrative decisions due to illness or injury, the following chain of command be followed:

1. High School Principal for academic purposes, Business Manager for financial purposes, Special Education Director for special education issues

2. Middle School Principal

3. Elementary School Principal(s)

4. Business Manager

6. BE IT RESOLVED, that the First Western Bank of Custer be the Legal Depository for the School District.

7. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Custer County Chronicle be the Legal Publication for the School District.

8. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Business Manager be the purchasing agent for the School District.

9. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent be the ADA/504 Coordinator, Title I Director, and any other federal programs not designated.

10. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Business Manager be authorized to invest idle funds in Time Certificate of Deposits, Money Fund, Passbook Savings, and Treasury Bills, and to sign checks on the First Western Banks.

11. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education retains legal services from the Law Firm of Tracy Kelley.

12. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools has the authority to cancel school when deemed necessary because of inclement weather.

13. BE IT RESOLVED, that the board grants the Superintendent of Schools the authority to long-term suspend students for a period not to exceed 90 days, in accordance with SDCL 13-32-4.2 and ARSD 24:03:07:02.

14. BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board has authorized membership in the South Dakota High School Activities Association for the Custer High School. It is agreed that this school will conduct its activities in accordance with the constitution, rules, by-laws, interpretations and decisions of the South Dakota High School Activities Association. However, the Board does not forfeit any rights under the law to appeal decisions of said association.

15. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools shall administer the Title IX Policy and shall report to the Board of Education on items concerning Title IX at the regular July meeting.

16. BE IT RESOLVED, that illegal drugs and alcohol are prohibited in the Custer School District’s buildings and property, including school district vehicles. Use of tobacco is prohibited on school property, including school district vehicles.

17. BE IT RESOLVED, that $4,000 be designated to the Trust and Agency Fund, and that the Business Manager or Senior Account Clerk be allowed to sign checks on the Trust and Agency.

18. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board members salary be $60.00 per meeting attended.

B. RECORDS AND RECORDS RETENTION

1. The records of the school and of the School Board are kept by the Business Manager, who is hired by the Board, and functions in conjunction with the Superintendent of Schools.

2. The Custer School District adopts the MANAGING PUBLIC RECORDS, RECORDS RETENTION AND DESTRUCTION SCHEDULES, published by the Bureau of Administration Records Management Program, as a guide for records retention and destruction of school records.

C. FIXED ASSETS

General capital assets are divided into five main classes: land, buildings, improvements other than buildings, equipment, and construction work in progress. The following thresholds will be used in determining if assets shall be included in the District’s capital assets inventory:

1. Equipment, except for Food Service equipment, with an initial cost of $5,000 or more;

2. Buildings shall be recorded when the initial cost exceeds $50,000;

3. Improvements other than buildings shall be recorded when the initial cost exceeds $25,000; and

4. Food Service equipment with an initial cost of $1000 or more.

LEGAL REF: SDCL 5-24-1, 5-24-3, 13-16-6. ARSD: 10:02:01:01

D. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS
1. When approved by administration, the following board adopted rates for per diem allowances will be paid for board members and employees when on authorized school business.

a) Mileage and meals will be paid at state rate. Meals will be paid only for trips requiring an overnight stay. Every attempt will be made to secure lodging at state rate except when staying at the site of the conference, in which case, the rate will be that of the site of lodging. When necessary, administrative approval may be granted for lodging above state rate.

1) Breakfast shall be allowed if an employee leaves his/her post of duty before 5:31 a.m. or returns to his/her post of duty after 7:59 a.m.

2) Noon lunch shall be allowed if an employee leaves his/her post of duty before 11:31 a.m. or returns to his/her post of duty after 12:59 p.m.

3) Dinner shall be allowed if an employee leaves his/her post of duty before 5:31 p.m. or returns to his/her post of duty after 7:59 p.m.

2. See Appendix E for mileage chart and meal rates.

Adopted: August 10, 1989; Revised: December 11, 1995

E. PAYMENT OF BILLS

1. All requests for payment (bills) presented to the Custer School District 16-1 must be submitted, in written form, by the first of each month in order to be paid at that month’s regular Board meeting. Bills submitted after the first of the month will be paid at the following month’s regular Board meeting.

2. Payments received from patrons may have the following charges for returned checks:

First Occurrence $10.00

Second Occurrence $25.00

Third Occurrence $30.00 -Turned over to legal authorities and checks will no longer be accepted for payment of bills.

F. TUITION PAYMENTS FROM OTHER DISTRICTS
The Custer School District will assess tuition to students from other districts using the calculation method suggested by the Division of Education, including using the same inflationary adjustment as provided to schools in the school aid formula. The rates will be figured in January of the prior year, using statistics from the Educational Digests, applying the inflationary adjustment.

G. POLICY ADOPTION
The Custer Board of Education will maintain a current, continuing set of written governing policies, rules, and regulations, which may be amended or suspended by a majority of the Board. Adoption of new policies or adoption of amended policies is the responsibility of the Board. Policies will be adopted and/or amended only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board, when such action has been scheduled on the agenda of a regular or special meeting.

To permit time for study of all new policies or amendments to policies, and to provide an opportunity for others to react, proposed policies or amendments will be presented as an agenda item to the Board in the following sequence:

1. The Board, or its designees, will annually determine a list of policies to be reviewed.

2. First reading - discussion of proposed policy or policies; response from Superintendent; report from the Board or Board policy committee assigned responsibility in that area; Board discussion and directions for any redrafting. The policy will be available at the district office, Hermosa School office, the county library, and will also be posted on the district’s Website to allow for public comment via email. The meeting minutes will reflect what policies are under review, where the policy can be obtained, and a brief summary of the changes.

3. Second reading - discussion, followed by adoption, rejection, or request for changes with a third reading before adoption.

Amendments to the policy at the action stage will not require repetition of the sequence, unless the Board so directs. In emergency instances, the Board may dispense with the above sequence to meet conditions. Policies will be effective upon adoption by the Board. Once adopted, policies of the Board will be distributed to the community, staff, and students.

In the absence of a Board of Education policy, in matters which must be resolved immediately, the Superintendent will judge, evaluate, and resolve the issue.

Adopted: October 9, 1995; Revised: April 11, 2005

H. GENERAL ADMISSION PRICES
Custer School District activity tickets will allow the holder free admission into any school-sponsored event. Admission prices to school-sponsored events will be comparable to those of other schools in the area.

Student activity tickets are $30.00 for high school students (grades 9-12), and $20.00 for middle school and elementary students (grades K-8). Adult activity tickets are $40.00. Activity tickets for Custer School District senior citizen residents (60 years of age and older) are free. In no event will an individual family be required to pay more than $80.00 in aggregate, for activity tickets for immediate family members.

The district will charge admission prices for the following high school extra-curricular activities/events: volleyball matches/tournaments, soccer matches/tournaments, band concerts, choir concerts, plays/musicals, football games, wrestling matches/tournaments, and basketball games/tournaments. Out-of-town students who do not have an activity ticket must pay the full adult admission prices to all school activities.

Prices for single events are: $4.00 for Adults

$3.00 for Students

$2.00 for Senior Citizens (60 and older)

‘Special’ Prices may be set for events such as double-header basketball games and tournaments. Adopted: 10/9/95; Revised: 9/9/96; 7/14/03; 8/9/04

PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO KNOW

The Board of Education is a public servant, and its meetings and records will be a matter of public information, except as such meetings and records pertain to individual personnel or other classified matters protected by law.

The Board supports the right of the people to know about the programs and services of the schools and will make every effort to disseminate information. All requests for information will be acted on fairly, completely, and expeditiously. See Appendix F.

The official minutes of the Board, its written policies and regulations, and its financial records will be open for inspection at the office of the business manager, by any citizen desiring to examine them during hours when the office is open. No records pertaining to individual students or staff members will be released, by the Superintendent or other persons responsible for the custody of confidential files, for inspection by the public or unauthorized persons. The exception to this will be information about an individual employee (or student) that has been authorized in writing for release by the employee (or student, or student's parent).

Each building and program administrator is authorized to keep parents and others in the particular school's community informed about the school programs, activities and issues.

1. A request by a citizen to inspect public records (other than records specifically exempted by law from such inspection, such as employee records, student records and other confidential information) will be made at the office of the superintendent. The request will be made in writing.

2. Those requesting access will be accommodated by district personnel as soon as is reasonably possible, following approval of the request by the superintendent or his designee. However, inspection of records will be limited to the normal working hours of office personnel.

3. Persons requesting to inspect district records will be asked to state or describe which records they wish to examine.

4. Anyone requesting a copy of a public record will be charged a duplicating fee.

5. In the event a request for records or compiling of information requires work by office staff that cannot be accomplished during normal duty hours, an hourly rate of time and one-half of person(s) providing assistance, plus retirement and social security benefits will be charged. Payment will be made in advance.

An eligible student and/or the parents/guardian may be permitted to see records pertaining to the student; and an employee may review their own confidential records, in keeping with policies specifically pertaining to such reviews.

Legal Ref.: SDCL 13-8-43 Adopted: July 12, 1993

EVALUATION OF SCHOOL BOARD OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

1. The Board will review its performance annually to ensure its proper discharge of responsibilities in the community. The Board recognizes that fault-finding and disparaging remarks serve no constructive purpose and therefore, evaluation will be based on a positive approach, which will indicate the strengths of the Board and the areas of needed improvement. See Appendix G.

2. The evaluation will meet local needs and provide for objective examination. Certain conditions are recommended to help the Board meet this goal, and thereby provide for the improvement of school Board leadership. These conditions include:

· Board member involvement in the development of standards by which they will evaluate themselves.

· Scheduling the evaluation at an appropriate time and place that provides the best opportunity for review. At least six board members must be present for the review.

· Developing a composite of individual members’ opinions, and discussion of the results of a Board as a whole.

· Supporting each judgment with as much rational and objective evidence as possible.

3. Upon final discussion of the results, the Board will develop upon short- and long-range priorities to ensure continued proficiency in its areas of excellence, strengthening of adequate or weak areas and elimination of those areas no longer applicable to its performance.

Adopted: 10/11/90; Revised: 10/09/95; 10/11/04; 5/8/06

CUSTER SCHOOL DISTRICT 16-1

EVALUATION OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

The Board of Education shall employ the following procedure for evaluating the Superintendent. This evaluation shall be conducted once each semester for the first two years of the Superintendent’s employment with the district, and once each year thereafter.

Prior to regular Board of Education meetings in December and May, each Board member, as well as a selected number of administrators, certified staff, classified staff, and community members shall independently evaluate the Superintendent using the adopted form. See Appendix H.

Prior to the December and May meetings, the President will direct the Superintendent to distribute the evaluation forms. The individual evaluations will be compiled into a single, composite evaluation.

No later than the January and June Board meetings, the Board shall review the composite evaluation with the Superintendent.

a. The review shall be conducted in Executive Session.

b. Where appropriate, short-term objectives shall be set relative to performance criteria
for which the Superintendent’s performance was found to be below acceptable levels.

A copy of the evaluation shall be placed in the Superintendent’s personnel file. This evaluation process is to be considered confidential.

Adopted: 9/11/95

EVALUATION

1. In order to assure a high quality of performance to advance the instructional programs of the district schools, a continuous program for teacher and administrator evaluation shall be established by the Superintendent in conjunction with the appropriate staff. Assurance that the proper evaluation is taking place will be the responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools, in conjunction with the administrative staff. The Superintendent of Schools will designate who will evaluate each employee at the beginning of each school year.

2. Staff new to the school system will be evaluated at least twice a year during the first three years of employment. The first evaluation must take place during the first semester and the second evaluation must take place prior to April 15^th. Employees in their fourth year of employment or beyond will be evaluated, at minimum, one time in their fourth year of employment and, at minimum, every other year starting in the sixth year.

3. Evaluation forms and processes will be adopted and approved by the Board of Education after submittal by the Superintendent. Each bargaining unit will have input into the evaluation process. The goal of evaluation is to improve work performance by providing feedback to staff members in areas of strengths and areas in need of improvement. It is important that staff members reflect on their performance and do so by completing a self-evaluation on themselves prior to meeting with their supervisor. The formal evaluations will be in written format and will be presented and discussed with the staff member. At such time the staff member will also discuss their self-evaluation, including areas of strengths and areas in need of improvement. Supervisor observation of the staff member’s behaviors is necessary and may be done so at the discretion of the supervisor. Supervisors are encouraged to frequently observe staff members in order to best represent their perception of performance. Copies of the evaluation will be presented to the staff member and placed in the staff member’s personal file.

4. Any staff member not performing to expectations will be placed on a performance improvement plan. The supervisor and staff member will discuss the areas in need of significant change and determine the behavior change and a timeline for the change of behavior.

Revised 7/9/07

AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED)

The Board of Education will ensure that Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s) will be placed in schools as they become available and as staffs are trained. Staff will be trained and receive periodic updates from the school nurse, at each site, on the proper use of the AED’s. The AED’s will be strategically placed at the site in order to be available in the most likely area needed. A minimum of four employees in addition to the School Nurse will be certified to use the AED. Efforts will be made to have as many staff as possible complete this training. Only school employees who have successfully completed approved CPR/AED training will use the AED. A Physician Director will provide oversight to the program.

Adopted 5/8/06

PART IV

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FISCAL ORGANIZATION

Described in this part is the organizational structure for the administrative staff of the Custer School District 16-1.

THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

South Dakota School Standards are consistent with good administrative practice that dictate the Superintendent will be held responsible for the operation of the organization. The Superintendent may delegate authority to proper individuals to assure the most functional and efficient operation of the district.

The following Administrative Organizational Chart shows that the following procedures prevail:

The Superintendent of Schools is the administrative head of the school district and is directly responsible to the Board of Education.

The certified personnel described in this section must have all the educational qualifications as set forth by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The School Board determines qualifications for non-certified staff.

INVESTMENT POLICY / REVENUES FROM INVESTMENTS

1. District funds not in use will be invested in savings accounts, money market accounts, time deposits, or bonds or securities issued and guaranteed by the United States government. Investments will be credited to the respective fund or to the general fund if the Board of Education so designates. Investments are to be made with official depositories as designated by the Board of Education at its annual reorganizational meeting.

2. In accordance with the law, money in any bond redemption fund, may be invested in any of the above mentioned securities, provided the investment becomes due and payable before the payment date of the outstanding bonds for which the monies are reserved.

Adopted: June 8, 1992

GRANTS ADMINISTRATION

1. The professional staff of the school district will be encouraged to seek improvement of the educational program of the schools through all appropriate means, including carefully designed experimental or pilot programs and grant writing.

2. All grants, pilot projects, and experimental programs must support the mission, vision, philosophy, and student exit outcomes of Custer School District.

3. The Board will seek and utilize only those federal, state, and foundation grants which are consistent with the advancement of the educational program of the District, and consistent with the policies of the Board.

4. District employees wishing to apply for grant funds must have approval of their immediate supervisor and the Superintendent. Submission of the Grant Application Fact Sheet (see Appendix I), shall take place four weeks prior to submission of any grant application.

5. The Superintendent has the responsibility of determining if grant proposals are appropriate and fit within the financial scope of the district. The Superintendent has the authority to approve all grant applications and shall present any grant applications requiring board approval in a timely manner.

6. All applications for federal aid shall be prepared under the supervision of the Superintendent. Annually the Board shall authorize the Superintendent and Business Manager to file applications, and sign reports related to federal programs.

Adopted: February 12, 1996 LEGAL REFS.; SDCL 13-11-3.2

LOCAL PURCHASING

1. Business establishments in the Custer School District 16-1 will be given preference, other factors being equal, in purchasing goods and/or services for the Custer Schools.

ABANDONED TRUST & AGENCY FUNDS

1. This policy is intended to provide clear guidance regarding the treatment of any funds that may remain in any Trust and Agency account upon the termination of the activity for which said account was established, or upon the graduation of any given Senior Class.

2. A Trust and Agency account shall be considered to be inactive, if after ten (10) months there have been no transactions recorded against the account. When an account becomes inactive, the School District Business Manager will attempt to make contact with the individual(s) who had responsibility for the account. If the activity for which the account was established is still ongoing, and if the need for the account still exists, the account will be returned to active status. If, however, the individuals responsible for the management of the account cannot be located, or if the activity for which the account was established is no longer ongoing, the account will be declared abandoned. If available, the individuals responsible for the management of the account will be asked to file a written designation as to the disposition of any excess funds. Should they be unavailable, or otherwise fail to file said designation, any excess funds will be transferred to the Custer High School - Student Council Trust and Agency account.

3. Prior to the graduation of each Senior Class, the officers of the graduating class shall file with the School District Business Manager, by no later than June 1st of the year of their class’ graduation, a written designation as to the disposition of any excess funds. Said designation must provide for the disbursement of said excess funds within the next fiscal year, and must be for a purpose approved by the Building Principal. Should the Senior Class officers fail to file said designation, any excess funds will be transferred to the Custer High School - Student Council Trust and Agency account.

Adopted: June 10, 1996

FACILITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING / GOALS / VISION

1. The Board of Education accepts the premise that school facilities should reflect the philosophical convictions of the District about education. The Board recognizes, however, that education programs are neither unchanging nor simple to incorporate into a facility plan. Anticipation of program change makes necessary the need for flexible use of buildings.

2. School facilities will be functionally compatible with desired school experiences. The program, not the physical setting, will dictate how each facility is used. Student, staff, and patron safety will always be considered in facility development and renovation. The District will work with other agencies [federal and state government] to insure that ADA, fire, life/safety, and special education regulations/codes are being implemented via the required five-year capital outlay plan.

3. Recognizing that funds are limited and that when planning facility improvements priorities must be established to make the best use of tax dollars, the Board of Education will maintain a flexible five-year facility development/renovation plan which includes year-to-year maintenance needs of District facilities and a long range plan for new facility development. The plan and budget shall be updated annually or as needed prior to the final annual budget approval.

4. Development of a facility plan will include the following to assist decision-making:

a. The evaluation of existing facilities in terms of capacity and function.

b. The projection of life expectancy of each facility and maintenance costs.

c. Enrollment projections and community development patterns.

d. Site availability and acquisition.

e. Changing instructional requirements and services.

5. Architects and other facility development experts retained by the Board will be expected to plan for simplicity of design; sound economics, including long-range maintenance costs and efficiency in energy needs; low insurance rates; high educational use; and flexibility.

6. The facility development program will be subject to systematic study, revision, and extension from time to time, and the respective construction projects will be acted upon individually when proposed to implementation.

7. All Board approved facility development plans will be submitted to the appropriate state agencies for approval as required by state statute.

Legal Ref.: SDCL 13-24-9; Approved: October 11, 1994

EDUCATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS

To ensure that facilities being planned are designed best to implement the educational program, the superintendent will provide for the establishment of educational specifications to apply when planning, building or renovating school facilities.

The educational specifications will include:

1. A description of the needs of persons to use the facility.

2. The kinds of educational activities to be provided in the facility.

3. The appropriate kinds and amounts of furniture and equipment needed.

4. The consideration of location of facilities with regard to the educational and administrative needs (e.g., band room and media center; playing fields and locker rooms; front office and general school control; and student traffic patterns).

5. Special site considerations for esthetics, vehicle traffic patterns, and cooperative community use.

6. Required standards of construction to assure that the facility is readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons.

7. Any other kinds of unique information that will give guidance to an architect and facility design team in developing plans.

Adopted: October 11, 1994

SELECTION OF ARCHITECT/DESIGN-BUILD TEAM

The Board will employ a licensed architect to design the plans of each proposed building, building addition, or renovation. For remodeling or the building of new facilities [5,000 square feet or less] the Board does not need to hire a qualified licensed architect.

Should the Board choose to employ a design-build team [architect, construction manager and bond agent], appropriate credentials must be reviewed and reference checks made with other school districts that have utilized their services prior to selection.

In selecting architects/design-build team members, the following criteria will be considered:

1. Experience in school construction.

2. Evidence of relevant experience in special situations, such as facilities for the handicapped and knowledge of the Americans with Disability Act, fire and life/safety codes.

3. Creative design ability.

4. Technical knowledge to control the design so that the best results are obtained for the least amount of money.

5. Executive and business ability to oversee the proper performance of contracts.

6. Proven ability in all of the major phases of planning and construction: pre-design planning, schematic design, design development, bidding, and supervising construction.

7. Ability and temperament to work cooperatively with others.

8. Willingness to consult with staff on educational specifications.

9. Extent and experience of architectural/design-build staff in relation to the scope of the planned project.

10. Fee compensation.

Selection of the architect or design-build team will be made on the basis of the above criteria and will be employed under contract, which meets the current standards of the American Institute of Architects, and other governing agencies deemed appropriate.

The Board will approve procedures that it will use in the selection of architects/design-build team and a statement of the architect's/design build team's responsibilities.

Legal Ref.: SDCL 36-18-7(8-C)

Adopted: October 11, 1994

PROCEDURES FOR DESIGN-BUILD PROCUREMENT

(Best Value Process)

Section 1. Purpose

In order to comply with the requirements of the Design-Build Procurement Act, the Custer School District shall select design-build firms to provide combined design and construction services for authorized projects in accordance with the following procedures. The district may use any or all parts of the Procedures for Design-Build Procurement process in ensuring that it complies with SDCL 5-18.

Section 2. Definitions

For purposes of this procedure the definitions contained in the Design-Build Procurement Act and the following definitions apply:

1) "District" means the Custer School District.

2) Board of Education” means the Custer School District Board of Education.

3) "Firm" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, joint venture, or other legal entity permitted by law to practice engineering, architecture or construction contracting in the State of South Dakota.

4) "Project" means the project described in the public announcement.

Section 3. Minimum Qualification Requirements for Firms Providing Design-Build

Services

Design-builders shall be registered with the Secretary of State as a domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, or joint venture. Design-builders shall be registered with the Department of Revenue for tax purposes. Where required by state or federal law, the design-builder shall be able to provide design or construction services by licensed or registered individuals.

Section 4. Public Announcement Procedures

Except in emergencies, the District shall publish an announcement in accordance with SDCL §5-18-3. The announcement shall set forth a general description of the project requiring design-build services. The announcement shall define the procedures for interested firms to apply for consideration and set forth the deadline for submitting applications. The public announcement shall further state whether design-builders will be pre-qualified for the project.

Section 5. Technical Review Committee

There shall be a Technical Review Committee (Committee) comprised of individuals capable of evaluating designs and design documents. The make-up of the Committee shall be as follows:

1) Representative of the criteria developer

2) Member(s) of the Board of Education

3) Buildings and Grounds Supervisor

4) Superintendent of Schools

5) School Business Manager

6) Other representatives may be appointed by the Board

The Committee shall have responsibility for determining the most qualified offers as provided in Section 7, and rating and scoring Qualitative Proposals as provided in Section 8.

Section 6. Design Criteria Package and Request for Proposals

(1) District shall prepare a design criteria package using a criteria developer. The criteria developer shall be a private practitioner selected in accordance with Board procedures for selecting architectural firms. By way of example, the design criteria package may include the following:

a) background information and project description

b) site survey

c) material quality standards

d) programmatic space needs

e) conceptual design criteria

f) procurement, design and construction schedules

g) site development requirements

h) stipulation of responsibilities for permits and utility, stormwater, and road connections

i) stipulation of responsibility for meeting environmental regulations

j) soil borings and geotechnical information

k) performance specifications

l) statement of required compliance with codes and general technical specifications

m) site aerial photos

n) location maps

o) any state facility standards or design guidelines

p) environmental impact statement

(2) A project exempted from the provisions of SDCL §36-18 does not require a registered criteria developer. All other projects require a registered architect or engineer as the criteria developer.

(3) The purpose of the design criteria package is to furnish sufficient information for firms to prepare proposals. The firm submitting the successful proposal shall develop a detailed project design based on the criteria in the design criteria package. Moreover, the firm shall construct the facility in accordance with the design criteria package.

(4) The Request for Proposals ("RFP") shall consist of the design criteria package, critical procurement dates, instructions to proposers, proposal forms, provisions for contracts, general and special conditions, and basis for evaluation of proposals. The RFP shall include very detailed instructions regarding format of proposals and submission requirements.

Section 7. Pre-qualification of Design-Builders

(1) The District shall determine whether to pre-qualify design-builders on a project by project basis. Prequalification is not mandatory.

(2) The District shall issue a Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") by advertisement in accordance with SDCL §5-18-3. The RFQ shall contain the following:

a) a general description of the project;

b) a description of the areas of qualification required for performance of the work, such as experience, management resources, and financial capability;

c) the basis upon which the most qualified offerors will be determined; and

d) any other requirements the Custer School District deems necessary.

Firms desiring to submit proposals on the design-build project shall submit a statement of qualifications setting forth the qualifications of the entities involved in the firm, and providing any other information required by the RFQ.

(3) The Committee shall determine the relative ability of each firm to perform the services required for each project. The Committee shall base its determination upon the following:

a) experience with comparable projects;

b) financial and bonding capacity;

c) managerial resources;

d) the abilities of the professional personnel;

e) past performance;

f) capacity to meet time and budget requirements;

g) knowledge of local or regional conditions;

h) recent and current project workload; and

i) the ability of the design and construction teams to complete the work in a
timely and satisfactory manner.

(4) After considering the factors in (3) above, the Committee shall select the three to five firms deemed to be most highly qualified to perform the required services. The Committee will report its selection of most highly qualified firms to the Board of Education. If three or fewer responsible firms submit a statement of qualifications, the Committee shall submit the names of all responsible firms to the Board of Education. The Board shall finalize the firms to be issued RFP’s.

(5) The Custer School Business Office shall issue RFP’s to the most highly qualified firms selected by the Board.

Section 8. Competitive Selection of Design-Build Services

(1) Each firm submitting a proposal shall submit a Qualitative Proposal, Management Plan, and Price Proposal. In the case of prequalification, only prequalified firms may submit proposals. Proposals shall include one lump sum cost for all design and construction of the proposed project, preliminary design documents, and other data requested in response to the RFP. Each firm shall segment its proposal into three separate packages;

A. Qualitative Proposal. Each firm shall submit a Qualitative Proposal that includes preliminary design drawings, proposed technical solutions, and other data requested in response to the RFP. Nothing contained in the Qualitative Proposal shall identify the design-builder. Each firm shall submit its qualitative Proposal in a sealed package identifying the project and firm on the outside of the package and labeled "Qualitative Proposal."

B. Management Plan. Each firm shall submit a Management Plan that includes the firm's approach to design-build, project management philosophy, plan for executing the project, project schedule development and monitoring approach, project controls and how the firm plans to achieve the project requirements. Each firm shall submit its Management Plan in a sealed package identifying the project and firm on the outside of the package and labeled "Management Plan."

C. Price Proposal. Each firm shall submit its Price Proposal in a sealed package identifying the project and firm on the outside of the package and labeled "Price Proposal." The Custer School District shall secure price proposals until the time provided in Section 9.

(2) The Custer School Business Manager shall assign an identifying number to each Qualitative Proposal. The Business Manager shall submit the Qualitative Proposals to the committee with only the assigned number to identify whose proposals they are. The School Business Manager shall submit the Management Plan to the Committee members for review and scoring only after they have turned in their scores for the qualitative proposal.

(3) During or after its review of the Management Plans, the committee may conduct oral interviews. The Committee may score oral interviews separate from the Management Plans if so provided in the criteria package. Firms may not supplement or amend their proposals during oral interviews.

(4) The committee members shall rate each firm’s proposal based upon criteria established for the project. The criteria may include the following format (included herein as an example only), but shall be adjusted for the particular characteristics of the project:

1. Preliminary Design and Proposed Technical Solutions.

Maximum Score: 500

a) Geotechnical

b) Architectural features

c) Aesthetics

d) Structural System

e) Exterior Finish Materials

f) Roofing Systems

g) Site Layout and Features

h) Landscape Provisions

i) Mechanical System

j) Plumbing System Materials

k) Interior Finish Materials

l) Interior Hardware and Fixtures

m) Interior Door Units and Wall Systems

n) Floor and Ceiling Systems

o) Lighting/Electrical Systems

p) Power Systems

q) Data Systems

1. Project-Specific Management Plan.

Maximum Score: 500

1. Past Performance 190 points

Relevance of past performance

Quality of past performance

Demonstrated commitment of team members and key personnel

Performance problems (including claims and litigation)

2. Key Personnel, Consultants and Subcontractors 160 points

Proposed organization

Key personnel

Subs/consultants

3. Management Approach 150 points

Understanding of Project

General approach

Coordination of team members/subcontractors

Estimating and cost control approach

Scheduling and schedule control

Quality design control

Construction site utilization plan

Legal Structure information

Total Maximum Score: 1000

(5) The committee may develop, adjust, and refine the criteria and the points assigned to each based on the project type and experience. If prequalification is used, the committee may assign minimal weight to the management criteria, or omit it entirely, if it is sufficiently determinative in selection of the most qualified offerors under Section 7. The committee may omit schedule as a criterion when it is a fixed requirement in the RFP. Thus, the Technical criteria score may comprise the entire score.

(6) The committee members shall submit their criteria scores for each firm to the Custer School District Business Manager. The Business Manager will average the scores of the committee members for each firm to arrive at a single score for each firm.

Section 9. Best Value Selection and Award for Design-Build Services

(1) Best and Final Offer: After the committee turns in all criteria scores, the Custer School District may seek best and final offers (BAFO) using the following procedures:

(a) The Custer School Business Manager may discuss with each firm, significant

weaknesses, deficiencies, and other aspects of its proposal that could be altered or explained to enhance materially the proposal’s potential for award. Discussions may include technical approach, management plan, and terms and conditions. The primary objective of discussions is to maximize the Custer School District’s ability to obtain best value, based on the requirement and the evaluation factors set forth in the RFP. The scope and extent of discussions are a matter of the Business Manager’s judgment; however, the Business Manager shall maintain the confidentiality of each proposal during this process.

(b) At the conclusion of discussions, each firm may submit a revised final proposal.

(2) The Custer School Business Manager shall set a date for publicly opening the sealed BAFO Price Proposals or, if the BAFO process is not used, sealed Price Proposals. The Business Manager shall give all firms submitting price proposals at least seven days written notice of the opening date. The notification shall include the date, time, and place of the opening of price proposals and date for award of the project.

(3) The Custer School District Business Manager shall publicly open the sealed BAFO Price Proposals or Price Proposals and divide each firm’s proposed price by the qualitative score given by the Committee to obtain an "adjusted price". The firm selected will be that firm whose adjusted price is lowest. An example of the "best value" selection formula follows:

Firm	Qualitative Score	Proposed Price	Adjusted Price
A	90	$6.9 million	$7.67 million
B	79	$6.3 million	$7.97 million
C	84	$6.8 million	$8.09 million

(Award to Firm A at $6.9 million)

(4) Instead of requiring Qualitative Proposals, Management Plans, and Price Proposals, the Custer School District may establish a fixed dollar budget for the design-build project in the RFP. With a fixed price established for all proposers, each firm would submit only Qualitative Proposals and Management Plans. The Custer School District would award the project to the firm receiving the highest score.

(5) The Board of Education will award the contract, or reject all bids. The Business Manager will notify all proposers in writing of the Custer School District's intent to enter a contract with that firm. The District reserves the right to reject all proposals.

(6) The Custer School District shall enter a contract with the firm selected as provided above. At the time of the award, the District may negotiate changes clarifying the design

criteria and scope of work.

Section 10. Protests

(1) Any person adversely affected by the decision of the Custer School District to award a contract may file a notice of protest with the Business Manager. Any protester should file its protest within 72 hours after the Business Manager mails out notice of the District’s intent. The protesting party should also file a formal written protest within five working days after filing the notice of protest. The formal protest should state with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based.

(2) The Business Manager shall review all formal protest and supporting facts and law within five working days after receipt of the protest and render a written decision within an additional ten working days. The decision of the Business Manager my be appealed to the Board of Education.

(3) Nothing in this procedure precludes an aggrieved party from exercising its rights to pursue a protest in circuit court.

Taken from South Dakota web site: www.state.sd.us/boa/ose/Design Build/DBProcedures. Last updated 11/15/1999.

Adopted: February 14, 2000 Revised: 12/08/03

CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES AND DETERMINATIONS

Preliminary and Final Estimates

After the architectural firm has been selected, a cost ceiling estimate indicating the maximum cost of the new construction or renovation project will be submitted by the architect. After final plans have been made concerning building design and building size or remodeling needs a final cost estimate will be drawn up by the architect. If a construction manager and architect are employed they will work as a team to develop the preliminary cost estimate and the construction manager will provide detailed cost estimates at the schematic design phase, the design development phase and prior to letting bids on the contract documents. New estimates shall be provided whenever a major design change occurs.

Periodic and Final Computations During Construction

At monthly intervals during the construction period, the Board Building Committee, superintendent, business manager, and construction manager [if employed] and architect [only if the design-build concept is utilized] will review earlier projected costs and actual construction expenditures to determine the financial position of the project at that particular point. Upon completion of the project, a final computation of building expenditures will be made to determine the cost of each aspect of the total building project or remodeling program.

Change Order Authorization and Process

The superintendent and/or business manager are permitted by the Board to approve change orders up to the sum of $1,000 per request with the concurrence of the architect or construction manager in charge of the project. The Board Building Committee shall be informed of all change order requests and approvals as soon as possible after they occur. Any change order requests which total over $1,000 must be approved by the Board of Education.

The Board of Education will be informed of and act on all administratively approved change orders at the next regular monthly meeting.

Approved: October 11, 1994

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES/SUPERVISION

The Board shall have the option of either utilizing a construction manager, if the design-build team approach is used, or a construction supervisor, if the traditional architect-general contractor approach is used, on any major building renovation, remodeling, addition or new construction.

If the Board chooses to retain a construction manager, the selection criteria as outlined in Policy (Selection of Architect/Design-Build Team). The construction manager shall be responsible for performing all estimates, bidding, budgeting, scheduling, project coordination, and construction supervision. The construction manager will work with the architect to insure each project design meets the Board's budget and design criteria.

The construction manager will work on the Board's behalf to make certain that the interests of the public are protected and that the contractors and suppliers comply strictly with the approved plans and specifications. The construction manager will report monthly or more often, if needed, to the Board Building Committee which is comprised of three Board members and the District superintendent, business manager, and maintenance supervisor.

If the Board chooses to use a construction superintendent, the Board shall appoint either the District business manager or maintenance supervisor to this capacity. The construction superintendent will be a competent person who has no other interest in the construction project.

The construction superintendent will work on the Board's behalf to make certain that the interests of the public are protected and that the general contractor complies strictly with the approved plans and specifications. The construction superintendent will report monthly or as needed to the Board Building Committee which is comprised of three Board members and the District superintendent, business manager, and maintenance supervisor. The general contractor will retain supervision of the actual construction project and the workers whom he/she has employed to complete the actual building of the renovation/remodel/structure. Approved: October 11, 1994

RURAL SCHOOLS

1. The Custer School District serves many rural communities, all with strong rural school traditions. The district commits itself to the preservation and enhancement of those rural schools, to the extent that its resources will allow. Rural schools will be staffed, equipped, and maintained in a manner consistent with and comparable to the resources allocated to all other schools in the district.

2. In the event that the Board of Education determines that it may be in the best interest of the district to close a rural school, the Board shall take the following action:

a) The Board of Education shall give notice of intent to close the rural school by December 1^st of the year immediately preceding the intended closure.

b) The Board of Education shall invite the patrons of the rural school to develop alternatives to closure for the Board’s consideration, prior to a final decision of the Board.

Legal Reference: SDCL 13-23 ; Adopted: December 9, 1996; Revised: November 24, 1997

NAMING SCHOOL FACILITIES POLICY

The Board of Education of the Custer School District has sole authority to name or rename any school facilities. Custer School District has been fortunate to have many teachers, administrators, and patrons over the years who have positively influenced the youth of our district: education in this district is much larger than one individual or one building. Therefore, the board will only consider naming any facility, or part of a facility, if that facility or area was totally funded through an individual, organization, or business. When such conditions are present, the following guidelines will be used to determine if the facility will be named or renamed.

The request must be presented in writing to the Superintendent of Schools and include the requested name for the facility, the reason(s) the facility should be named such, a biography of the individual, organization, or business after which the facility will be named, a letter of permission by the individual, organization, or business, and any other pertinent information.
The Superintendent of Schools will present the request to the Board of Education at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
The Board, or Board designated committee, will review the request and make a recommendation to the full Board of Education.
The Board or committee will review the request taking into consideration the moral character of the individual, the individual’s contribution to the education of the students of the Custer School District, the connection of the individual, organization, or business to the facility, and the possible community reaction to the naming of the facility.

The district reserves the right to design and install any signage for the facility.

Adopted 10/9/06

PART V

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

1. The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to prepare students to live and work in our democratic society. Furthermore, it recognizes its role to ensure students have equal learning opportunities via a dynamic curriculum. The Board believes it is essential the District continually develop and modify its curriculum to meet the changing and diverse needs of the students we serve.

2. The Board directs the Superintendent to periodically review the curriculum, and to advise the Board on curriculum issues.

3. Curriculum in the District shall be developed according to the following guidelines:

a) The curriculum shall reflect the best available current relevant research literature.

b) The curriculum shall reflect the mission, vision, and philosophy of the District.

c) The curriculum shall foster academic excellence in students, as well as the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor growth of students.

d) The curriculum shall emphasize the needs of both college-bound and non college-bound students.

4. The principals, as the educational leaders of their buildings, shall take the lead in ensuring that the adopted curricula are implemented.

5. The Superintendent, in cooperation with the district administrative and teaching staff, shall implement an ongoing cycle of curriculum review, and meet yearly with the Board to approve any new courses of study. (See Appendix J for the Multi-Year Curriculum Cycle).

6. No basic course of study shall be eliminated or significantly altered, or any new courses added, without the approval of the Board.

7. The Superintendent shall communicate district curriculum expectations to staff, students, parents, and the community.

Adoption Date: March 11, 1996

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

The Custer School District will have the following times free of any school activities so that there will be no conflict with any scheduled religious instruction. On Wednesdays, no school activities will be scheduled past 6:00 p.m. No school activities will be scheduled on Sundays. Any exception to this policy must be approved through the Superintendent.

Adopted: April 13, 1989

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Classroom Instruction

The Custer School District Board of Education believes it is generally recognized that in a Democratic society, political perspective will infiltrate into curricula and classroom discussions. The board also believes in the importance of developing critical thinking skills in preparing students for participation in our political system, and as such, rational academic discussion will be encouraged. It is important in such discussions that all perspectives are given time for consideration and due the proper respect. Instructors make every effort to provide an unbiased forum for such discussions and avoid the impression of trying to influence student thought to their personal perspective. Additional consideration is given to insure discussion remains on the academic level and not digress into personal attacks or emotional outbursts. While all curricula material is previewed to be free of bias, it is the responsibility of the instructor to recognize the occasional occurrence of the exclusion of popular counterpoints and when possible, provide academic responses.

Instructional Materials

The Board believes that materials appropriate to the needs of the school program must be available to each student and teacher. These will be furnished by the Board subject to budgetary constraints.

The task of selecting instructional materials and programs will be delegated to the professional staff of the school system. Because instructional programs and materials are of great importance, only those that meet the following criteria will be approved by the Board:

1. Present balanced views of international, national, and local issues and problems of the past, present, and future.

2. Provide materials that stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literacy appreciation, aesthetic, and ethical values.

3. Help students develop abilities in one or more of the following areas: critical reading, thinking, problem solving, decision making, communication, accountability, and group processes.

4. Help develop and foster an appreciation of cultural diversity and development in the United States and throughout the world.

5. Provide for all students an effective basic education that does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex, or physical abilities.

6. Allow sufficient flexibility for meeting the special needs of individual students and groups of students.

7. Reinforce the time-honored traditions of family and country.

Approved: December 13, 1990; 5/8/06

TEXTBOOK SELECTION AND ADOPTION

The Board will officially adopt textbooks and textbook programs for use in the district schools upon the recommendation of the superintendent.

Responsibility for the review and selection of textbooks to be recommended will rest with textbook and/or curriculum committees as appointed by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Membership on such committees shall include representation by teachers who will use the texts, administrators and other staff members as found desirable. Students and parents may also be asked to serve on the committee.

Principles that apply generally to the selection of instructional materials and library materials will apply to the selection of textbooks and books. The State Board of Education will have the power to review any books or other instructional material selected for use in the district schools.

Additionally, basic textbooks and textbooks programs will be chosen:

· to advance the educational objectives of the school system and particular objectives of the course or program.

· to contribute toward continuity, integration and articulation of the curriculum.

· to establish a general framework for the particular course or program.

Because the instructional purposes of textbooks, as stated above, are of such importance, particular care will be taken in their selection as to content.

The Board directs the staff and members serving on selection committees to consider the following when selecting texts:

1. The textbook’s success in addressing the required content standards;

2. The pluralistic and multi-ethnic characteristics of the global community in which we live and interact.

3. The accuracy and richness of texts regarding United States history;

4. The gender equity concept and the legal issues involved;

5. The needs to expand beyond textbook and textbook programs to other educational experiences and materials;

6. The necessity of dealing with problems and issues of the times as well as various points of view, and the historical context surrounding those problems and issues;

7. The physical characteristics, durability, format, readability, and price of the text and/or textbook program.

Adopted: December 13, 1990

LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICY

Mission Statement

The Custer School District Library will provide resources to support the curriculum and recreational needs of the students and staff of the school community and to assist in the development of information literacy of its clients.

Operations

Authority and responsibility for selection of all print and non-print materials is the responsibility of the District Librarian who welcomes suggestions from library aides, staff, students, and parents. The final decisions rest with the District Librarian who works closely with the superintendent on developing the budget that strives to address the needs of the students and staff.

Selection of materials is a continuous, year-long process, based on the needs of a constantly changing and evolving curriculum, and on the extremely diverse interests of students and teachers. It is the policy of the Custer School District to select materials for the libraries according to the following guidelines.

School and curriculum needs and requests
Appropriateness for the learning level and understanding of the students
Timeliness and importance of contemporary society
Accuracy, presentation of subject, view point of author
Readability, literary merit, organization of material
Suitable format, whether print or non-print
Price
Representation of various interest and viewpoints
Reputation and significance of the author or publisher
Extent to which the material is available elsewhere in the community
Attention of critics, reviewers, and reputable vendors or sources

Non-fiction is chosen in consideration of these elements: concern with subject of significance, accuracy; sufficient scope; presentation of an informative point of view; current interest of relevance and acceptable format; and effectiveness in presentation.

The library does not serve as a censor of the reading of any member of the community. It should be clearly understood and emphasized that the library does not endorse all opinions expressed in the materials which are stocked. It should also be recognized that some materials chosen may be offensive, shocking, or boring to some readers but may be meaningful and significant to others. Works being considered should be viewed as a whole not in isolated parts.

Special Formats

Magazines- The library may subscribe to print magazines of interest to the students in each school building, but magazines in general will be kept for only the current 12-month period unless a title has its own specialized index and its articles are not likely to be available through standard online databases.
Newspapers- The library may subscribe to a small selection of newspapers including at least one local paper and one state/regional newspaper. These subscriptions will be sent to the individual school buildings and will be based upon interest and demand at each site.

Databases- Electronic databases may be of two types: those that provide the full-text of articles from more than a thousand magazine and journal titles; and those that provide other types of information and serve as more user-friendly and current references sources. Databases will be selected based on cost effectiveness as well as their ability to support curriculum-related requests and student research.

Gifts

The Library accepts gifts of books and appropriate audiovisual titles in useable condition with the understanding that once they are given to the library they are the property of the school district and the Librarian decides which materials will be kept and added to the collection. Monetary gifts are accepted for the purchase of materials to be selected by the Librarian. The Librarian reserves the right to decline gifts that have restrictive or inappropriate conditions placed upon them, that are in poor condition, or do not meet the district needs.

The library will, if requested, provide a written acknowledgment of receipt of gifts, but in accordance with income tax regulations will not place a value of the donation. (On File)

De-Selection and Evaluation

The process and decision to deselect an item takes into account the same criteria used when the item was first selected for inclusion in the collection. In addition, criteria such as obsolete information, insufficient use, excessive wear and tear, space availability and changing user interests are considered. Duplicate copies and items superseded by newer editions are reviewed for possible deselection.

The Custer School District follows all copyright and Intellectual Freedom Laws. (On File)

Challenged Materials

The Custer School District Library is building a collection which includes opposing viewpoints, rather than supporting any one view of a particular topic or issue. Some of the materials may be offensive to individuals or groups because of individual perceptions of profanity, social, economic, and political ideas, religious viewpoints, the background of the author, or the kind of information provided. The Library does not approve nor endorse any particular viewpoint or belief represented in its collection. The Library’s role is to provide materials which will allow individuals to freely examine issues and make their own decisions. It is the responsibility of individuals to limit their reading to books and materials which are congruent with their individual tastes. While a person may reject materials for him/herself and his/her children, he /she may not restrict access to the materials by others.

See Appendix DD for the challenging procedures policy

Approved: 12/13/90; Revised: 12/10/07

Internet/Network/Electronic Communications Acceptable Policy

Introduction

Custer School District provides access to the district computer resources, network resources, electronic mail, and the Internet. This policy also applies to any electronic device capable of receiving or transmitting information, whether privately-owned or district-owned, in use on school district property. Use of these resources requires all users read this agreement and agree to follow the policy. Students under age 18 must obtain parental permission. Parents are responsible for the contents of the document and must complete any necessary forms.

General Network Use

The network is provided for students and staff to conduct research, complete or design assignments, and communicate with others. Access to network services is given to students and staff who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner; however, parental permission is required for minors. Students and staff are responsible for appropriate behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or school hallway. Access is a privilege—not a right, and as such, entails responsibility. General school rules for behavior and communications apply, and users must comply with district standards and honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the district is not responsible for restricting, monitoring, or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.

During school hours, teachers will guide students toward appropriate materials. Families bear responsibility for such guidance outside of school hours.

Network storage areas will be treated like school lockers. Network and school administrators and their designees may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private.

Internet/World Wide Web

Access to the Internet and the World Wide Web will enable students and staff to use thousands of libraries and databases. Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. Be aware that some materials accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. Filtering software is in use, but no filtering system is capable of blocking 100% of the inappropriate material available on the Internet. We believe that the benefits derived by students and staff from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. Custer School District supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

Publishing to the World Wide Web

Parents, your daughter or son’s work may be considered for publication on the World Wide Web, specifically on his/her school’s Web site. Such publishing requires parent/guardian permission. The work will appear with a copyright notice prohibiting the copying of such work without express written permission. In the event anyone requires such permission, requests will be forwarded to the student’s parent/guardian.

Your daughter or son’s full name may be considered for publication on the World Wide Web, specifically on his/her school’s Web site. Such publishing requires parent/guardian permission. If published, his/her name will appear on pages with school-related purpose and will be included to further instructional and/or co-curricular activities. Permission for such publishing does not grant permission to share any other information about your son/daughter beyond that implied by their inclusion on the Web page(s).

Terms and Conditions

Acceptable Use: Use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Custer School District. Use of other organization’s network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of federal or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.
Privileges: As stated earlier, use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Each student who receives an account will be included in a discussion with a Custer School District faculty member pertaining to the proper use of the network. System administrators will deem what is inappropriate, and their decision is final. System administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of Custer School District may request system administrators deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.
Network Etiquette: Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

a. Be polite. Do not get abusive, obscene or harassing in your messages to others. Never view, send, or access material you would not want your teachers or parents to see. Should such material be encountered by accident, report it to your teacher immediately.

b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.

c. Do not reveal your personal address or phone number or those of other students or staff.

d. Communications on the network are often public in nature. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. Do not write or send anything you wouldn’t want anyone else in the world to see. School staff may inspect network storage areas, as that is inherent in the authority granted the school. Staff members who operate the system have access to all mail and stored data. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to law enforcement.

e. Do not use the network in such a way that disrupts the use of the network by other users. Hardware and software shall not be destroyed, modified, or abused in any way.

f. All communications and information via the network should be assumed to be private property. Be aware of copyright and be certain to cite with full credit any material use.

Custer School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the services it is providing. Custer School District will not be responsible for any damages you incur including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence, error, or omission. Use of any information obtained by Custer School District is at your own risk; Custer School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
Security: Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem, you must notify a system administrator; do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual’s account. Attempts to login to the network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or as having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the network. Do not share your password. Account owners are responsible for all activities under their account. Do not copy other people’s work or intrude into other people’s files.
Vandalism: Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and assessment of costs for repair or replacement. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the hardware, software, or data of another user, of the Internet, or of any agencies or other networks that are connected with our network system. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Users should take special care with physical facilities, hardware, software, and furnishings. Users may not move, unplug, alter, or add equipment or software to the network without faculty approval. Users may not alter computers or change the settings or system configurations in any way.

a. Do not access or participate in chat rooms or multi-user environments. Do not download or play games. Students may not send or receive e-mail, unless specific permission is granted by a teacher.

b. Do not waste school resources by printing excessively or consuming limited server space or bandwidth.

c. Do not download or install any commercial software or freeware onto any computer or the network. Check with a faculty person before installing software purchased by you or the school district.

d. Do not use the computers or the network in any way which may disrupt service or its operation.

In addition to those items listed above, the following uses of school-provided network and Internet access are not permitted:

· Accessing, viewing, uploading, downloading, or distributing pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material.

· Transmitting obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language.

· Violating any local, state, or federal statute.

· Intentionally disrupting network traffic.

· Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance.

· Using the system for commercial or financial gain.

· Using the system to defraud.

· Vandalizing, damaging, or disabling the property, physical or digital, of another individual or organization.

· Violating copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission, including plagiarism.

· Any activities that may be construed as causing damage to or misuse of the system, including using another’s work with permission but in violation of classroom rules, protocol, and ethics.

7. Consequences: Since technology access is a privilege and not a right, users have the responsibility to use the technology in an appropriate manner. Consequences of misuse or abuse of the Internet, hardware, or network, depending upon the severity of the situation, may include one or more of the following:

· A warning, followed by a review of policy and appropriate guidelines with the building principal. Loss of access.

· Additional disciplinary action determined at the building level in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior.

· Potential loss of employment, if a school district employee.

· When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be contacted.

Information Recapture: Custer School District will provide information, upon request, for the period not to exceed one (1) day (24 hours) prior to the request, provided that distribution of such information is not a violation of FERPA or other district policies.

ADOPTED: 6/30/08; Revised 2/16/09

Virtual High School Courses

Custer School District supports students who wish to take part in distance learning opportunities using technology as the medium. Students wishing to do so may only obtain credit if the coursework is taken at state-approved Virtual High School Course Providers. The cost of the courses will be the responsibility of the student and/or his/her parent(s). The purpose of these courses should be to provide an opportunity for students to accelerate curriculum, complete curriculum, and provide learning opportunities not available through the Custer High School curriculum.

Custer School District allows students, at their own expense, to take courses under the following circumstances.

The course is not offered at Custer High School.
Although the course is offered at Custer High School, the student is not able to take it due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict.
The course will serve as a supplement to extend instruction to those students who would be unable to attend classroom instruction.
The student has been expelled from the regular classroom setting, but educational services are to be continued.

Students must be enrolled in the school district to take the courses. Students enrolling in such courses must do so through the high school counselor. Enrollment must be approved by the high school principal. The student must present a plan addressing the monitoring and assessment of the course progress. Adopted: 8/13/07

HOMEWORK

Because education is a life-long process, which extends beyond the school, it is important students recognize learning occurs in the home and community

Homework, as long as it is properly designed and geared to the development of the individual student, meets a realistic need and has a definite place in the educational program.

Homework assignments in the District should be designed to meet the following guidelines:

1. Homework should reflect the learning outcomes established in the curriculum. The experience should extend or reinforce learning outcomes of the school.

2. Homework should provide practice in the mastery of skills, experience in data gathering and integration of knowledge, and opportunities to remediate learning problems.

3. Homework should help develop student responsibility in getting independent work completed and in on time.

4. Homework guidelines shall be developed by teachers and administrators at each level of learning. Guidelines will consider the abilities of the students at that level.

5. Homework should be clearly assigned and evaluated.

6. Parents’ responsibilities and roles in assisting students with homework should be stated and supported. Adopted: 7/12/93

PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS

1. The administration and teaching staff must strive to create plans of instruction and instructional organization that will permit students to progress through school according to their needs and abilities.

2. Students will normally progress annually from grade to grade. However, exceptions to this general policy may be made, when it becomes evident that a student should proceed more slowly.

3. Retention will only be used when all reasonable efforts have been made to first intervene with other strategies such as: special help, compensatory education, special education, or other remedial services for students in grades K-8.

4. In all cases of retention, parents must be informed of such possibility well in advance (usually by the third reporting period), and a conference with them sought. In all instances, the advice and help of guidance counselors and other special school personnel will be used by teachers.

5. Grade level assignment of students in grades K-8 shall be based on their demonstrated achievement of specific curriculum objectives. Grade level assignment of students in grades 9-12 shall be on the basis of credits earned.

6. Although teachers may recommend retention, all retentions (as well as promotions) will be assigned by the school principals. Teachers, in recommending retentions and principals in assigning them, will give the reasons why they feel the student should repeat. The school system shall have final authority in the promotion/retention of a student in grades 1-12. See Appendix K.

7. The principal will take particular care in assigning more than one retention during a child’s elementary school life. The chief executive officer (CEO) / Superintendent must approve a second retention assigned any student.

8. Any assignment by a principal to retain, or fail to retain a student, may be appealed to the Superintendent of Schools, and if necessary thereafter, to the Board of Education.

LEGAL REF.: SDCL 13-27-1 (k not required); Adopted: 8/9/93; Revised: 6/9/97; Revised: 6/14/99

EARLY GRADUATION

1. Graduation in less than four full academic years will be discouraged. The only basis for the approval of such requests will be the student’s immediate entrance into either military service or advanced schooling.

2. Students who expect to complete graduation requirements and wish to graduate prior to the fourth year, or by the end of the first semester of the fourth year, must go through the following process:

a) Present a written petition to the building principal justifying the reasons for early graduation at least three (3) months prior to the requested date of graduation.

b) The building principal will establish a committee to review the request consisting of: the principal, a guidance counselor, and two teachers familiar with the student. Within thirty (30) days upon receipt of the student’s request, the committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Education to either support or not support the student’s request for early graduation.

c) The student’s petition, and the accompanying committee recommendation will be submitted to the Board of Education at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Graduation prior to the completion of the fourth year must be approved by the Board of Education.

d) The high school principal will notify the student in writing the day following the regular meeting whether the Board approved or rejected the student’s petition to graduate early.

Adoption Date: 3/9/92; Revised: 9/ 9/93; Revised: 4/15/96 Legal Refs: ARSD 24:03:06:05; 24:03:06:06

GRADUATION EXERCISES

1. All students who participate in Custer High School Graduation must meet all graduation requirements, per Board policy, at least two weeks prior to graduation.

2. Special education students must meet the requirements for “participation in senior high school graduation” as outlined in Custer School District Special Education Comprehensive Plan.

3. The High School Principal may authorize the graduation of transfer students unable to meet the graduation requirements set forth in paragraph 1 or 2 because of time or scheduling constraints, but not due to course failures - such students may graduate on the basis of meeting state minimum requirements for graduation (as specified in
SDAR 24:03:06:05 and SDAR 24:03:06:06.01).

Legal Refs: ARSD 24:03:06:05; 24:03:06:06

Adoption Date: March 9, 1992

Revised: August 9, 1993

Revised: April 15, 1996

PART VI

STUDENTS

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Custer School District, determine the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. The Custer School District may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless in accordance with District procedures, the parent denies such request. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Custer School District to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications. Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent.

Directory information will include the following:

Student's name
Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
Weight and height of members of athletic teams
Grade level

Two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent. South Dakota Codified Law 13.28.50 requires schools to provide names, addresses, and grades of students in grades 7-12 to the Board of Regents.

See Appendix L for Notice.

References:

Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation's armed forces. SDCL 13.28.50 & 13.53.45

Approved: 3/10/03

IN-DISTRICT REASSIGNMENT REQUESTS

1. A parent or guardian of a student who currently attends a Custer School may request their child be assigned to a different school.

2. The administration shall apply the following criteria in making its determination whether to approve or deny a request for an in-district reassignment of a student:

· availability of suitable classroom space

· impact on student/teacher ratio

· equipment and/or materials availability

· availability of suitably qualified/certified staff

· ability to meet student needs

· budgetary considerations

· the availability of an appropriate program that meets the student’s regular classroom or individual educational plan requirements.

· A request to transfer a student in need of special education or special education related services may be granted only if, through the placement committee process, the district determines that the requested building can provide an appropriate instructional program, and has the facilities to meet the student’s needs.

3. Parents (guardians) shall assume responsibility and costs for any additional transportation requirements to and from school occasioned by the
reassignment of their child to a different school under the provisions
of this policy. Parents (guardians) will, consistent with this provision, be expected to waive either any new entitlement to a transportation allowance, or any additional transportation allowance, resulting from the reassignment.

4. Decisions made by the administration regarding a request to transfer may be appealed to the Board of Education.

5. Any action taken with regards to this policy by the administration will be shared with the Board of Education.

Adopted: 6/9/97; Revised: 10/12/99

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS FROM ACCREDITED SCHOOLS

The Custer School District will accept students transferring from accredited schools under the following conditions and guidelines:

1. Grade placement shall be the responsibility of the Principal or his/her designee.

2. In general, students transferring into the system from accredited schools will be placed in the same grade level as in the school from which they transferred.

3. Upon registration, all new students will be required to present:

a. Proof of date of birth via a birth certificate,

b. Record of immunizations; and

c. Proof of residency.

Adopted: June 8, 1992

ADMISSION OF NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS

The Custer School District will accept students from other districts wishing to enroll in the district’s schools consistent with the following guidelines.

A. Standards for Consideration

1. The District will utilize the following standards when accepting or rejecting the admission of non-resident students:

· availability of suitable classroom space based upon the following class size numbers:

§ Custer Elementary (K-5) – 25

§ Hermosa Elementary (K-8) – 30

§ Custer Middle School (6-8) – 30

§ Custer High School (9-12) - 30

· impact on student/teacher ratio

· equipment and/or materials availability

· availability of suitably qualified/certified staff

· ability to meet student needs

· budgetary considerations

· the availability of an appropriate program that meets the student’s regular classroom or individual educational plan requirements

2. Non-resident students will not be accepted for enrollment in the district during the pendency of any suspension or expulsion from school in their district of residence. Any student who has been expelled or suspended from school at any time will be reviewed and approved for acceptance into the district on an individual basis.

3. All students who apply for admission to the District will be afforded the same consideration and provided with the same educational opportunities, irrespective of their needs, disabilities, or special considerations which may be requested.

4. A request to transfer a student in need of special education or special education related services may be granted only if, through the placement committee process, the resident and non-resident districts determine that the non-resident district can provide an appropriate instructional program and facilities to meet the student’s needs. Related services shall be determined by the placement committee.

5. The district is not responsible for the transportation of non-resident students.

6. All students entering the Custer School District shall be subject to the rules, regulation, procedures, and policies of the district.

7. Student eligibility for extra curricular activities shall be governed by the South Dakota High School Activities Association rules, regulations, and policies.

B. Application Procedures

1. Parents applying for the non-resident enrollment of their children in the Custer School District must file the South Dakota Open Enrollment Application form and the Custer School District Non-Resident Application Form (See Appendix M) with the business office. Any misrepresentation of information on the application forms, discovered before or after the acceptance process or while the student is in attendance, shall result in immediate revocation of that student’s non-resident status in the District.

2. The District shall review the applications in the order received in the business office.

3. The Superintendent will review general education applications and make recommendations for acceptance or rejection in accordance with district policy.

4. The Special Education Director will review special education requests and placement committee recommendations to determine if an appropriate program is available in the district. The Director shall make a recommendation for acceptance or rejection to the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with district policy.

5. The Board of Education shall approve or reject all non-resident student enrollment applications.

6. The Business Manager will notify applicants in writing, by mail, of the acceptance or rejection.

Adopted: 6/8/92; Revised: 11/11/96; Revised: 6/9/97; Revised: 10/12/99

ADMISSION OF EXCHANGE AND FOREIGN STUDENTS

1. Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements (i.e., age, place of residence, immunization).

2. Students who are citizens of a foreign country will be considered eligible to attend school in the district if they meet all of the following requirements:

a) The student is in the United States with appropriate documentation from the United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Services;

b) The student resides in Custer School District with his/her parent(s) or with a duly authorized sponsoring family;

c) The student is a participant in a foreign exchange program approved by the school board; or is living in the United States under other circumstances which the board believes warrants approval as an exchange student.

3. Proper forms and other required papers must be processed by the district, the student, and the sponsoring organization before an international student can be formally admitted to school. The school board reserves the right to limit the number of foreign exchange students, require a proficiency level of English, and limit participation to grades 11 and 12 in order to insure the continued quality of educational programming in the school district.

4. Students who meet the above criteria will be accepted on a tuition free basis in the district subject to the final approval of the building principal and the superintendent of schools.

Adopted: 11/13/95; Revised: 11/11/96

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS FROM NON-ACCREDITED SCHOOLS

The Custer School District will accept students transferring from non-accredited schools subject to the following conditions or guidelines:

1. Upon registration, all new students will be required to present:

A. Proof of date of birth, via a birth certificate;

B. Record of immunizations; and

C. Proof of residency.

2. Grade placement shall be the responsibility of the Principal.

3. A student of compulsory school age, who has been attending an unaccredited school or receiving alternate instruction (SDCL 13-27-3), and enrolls in the district, shall be given a standardized achievement test. The Principal and appropriate staff of the school to which the student is seeking admission will do the administration and evaluation of the test.

4. Based on the evaluation of the standardized test, the Principal will make an appropriate placement. A student who has attended an unaccredited school or has been receiving alternate instruction and enrolls in the District will be placed in English and mathematics at the level of achievement demonstrated by one or two standardized tests. In all other subjects, the Principal will take into consideration transcripts, general achievement, and mental, physical, emotional, and social maturity of the student before grade placement. The student’s placement may not be in a grade level higher than warranted by the student’s chronological age, assuming entry into the first grade at age six, and annual grade advancement thereafter. After initial placement the child may be advanced according to the student’s demonstrated performance.

5. Students seeking enrollment in the secondary program will be placed in English and mathematics courses as based on the level of achievement demonstrated by a standardized achievement test. The Principal and appropriate staff will place the student in these courses based on their evaluation of the standardized test results.

6. Secondary students seeking enrollment will be place in other subjects/classes based on a review of their transcripts. The Principal and appropriate staff will use the following as guidelines for appropriate placement.

A. No credit will be granted for any science course which is normally a laboratory course, unless clear documentation is provided demonstrating that the student has satisfactorily participated in laboratory experiences which parallel or are consistent with those required in this District’s science courses.

B. In all other subjects, the student will be interviewed and will take a departmental examination in each course for which the granting of credit is being considered. After the exam and interview will the student, the department chairperson and staff will recommend to the Principal whether or not credit is granted for the course.

7. A student whose previous high school enrollment has been entirely in non-accredited schools or in alternative instruction pursuant to SDCL 13-27-3 may receive a high school diploma from the Custer School District only if the student has met all graduation requirements of the District as stated in the High School Handbook, and has been enrolled as a full-time student in Custer High School for the full senior-year.

8. Any parent or legal guardian who is dissatisfied with the placement of a secondary level student may appeal it to the District’s Superintendent of Schools. After the final appeal at the District level, an appeal may be made to the State Secretary of Education and Cultural Affairs.

Adopted: June 8, 1992

Legal Ref.: SDCL 13-27-1, 13-27-3, 13-27-29, 13-28-21, ARSD 24-03-02-01

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Board of Education believes student activities are an essential part of a student's education. Therefore, a program of extra-curricular activities will be supported in the Custer School District covering athletics, publications, music, public performance and exhibitions.

Recognizing that student activities are a legitimate part of the school program, the Board has established the following criteria, which all student activity programs must meet:

· Student activities must have educational value for students.

· Student activities must be in balance with other curricular offerings in the schools.

· Student activities must be managed in a professional manner.

The following guidelines will govern the student activities programs:

1. Student activities are those school activities that are voluntarily engaged in by students, have the approval of the school administration and are sponsored by the faculty, and do not carry credit toward promotion or graduation.

2. Each school, under the direction of the principal and professional staff, will have a well-balanced and effectively administered student activity program, designed to stimulate student growth and development, by supplementing and enriching the curricular activities.

3. Each activity should be designed to contribute directly to the educational, civic, social, ethical, and leadership development of students involved.

4. The student activity program should receive the same attention in terms of philosophy, objectives, social setting, organization, and evaluation that is given the regular school curriculum.

5. Each school will develop written guidelines and procedures regulating the creation, organization, administration, and dissolution of student activity programs.

6. The activities director will insure that a complete review of the high school training rules will occur every two years. The process will include staff, students and parents of students.

7. The expenses involved in participating in any student activity and in the total program for a school year should be set so that a majority of the students may participate without financial strain.

8. Activities must be open to all students, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or handicaps.

9. Activities must not place undue burdens upon students, staff, or schools.

10. Activities should be held on non-school time or at an appropriate designated school time.

11. Activities at any level should be unique, not duplications of others already in operation.

In addition to the above guidelines, Custer High School will abide by the rules and bylaws of the South Dakota High School Activities Association. Membership in the SDHSAA will be reviewed and renewed annually by the approval of the Board of Education.

Approved: October 11, 1994; Legal Refs.: SDCL 13-36-4, ARSD 24:03:06:11

PARTICIPATION OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS

IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

1. Non-public school students may participate in Custer School District sponsored extra-curricular activities.

2. Custer School District sponsored high school extra-curricular activities are governed by the rules of the SD High School Activities Association.

3. The participation of school age students in Custer School District sponsored extra-curricular activities will be approved by the District’s Activities Director, provided the students meet the requirements established by the SDHSAA (See Appendix N) and local district policy handbooks and regulations.

4. In addition the students must meet the following criteria:

a) State law requires the district to have on file the student’s birth certificate as well as proof of i

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