CHAPTER 7 - PERSONNEL
CHAPTER 8 - NEGOTIATIONS
CHAPTER 9 - INSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 10 - STUDENTS CHAPTER 11 - COMMUNICATIONS CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 1 - FOUNDATIONS AND BASIC COMMITMENTS CHAPTER 2 - SCHOOL BOARD GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS CHAPTER 3 - SCHOOL DIVISION ADMINISTRATION CHAPTER 4 - FISCAL MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 5 - SAFETY SUPPORT SERVICES CONSERVATION CHAPTER 6 - PLANNING AND MAINTAINING THE SCHOOL DIVISION'S PHYSICAL PLANT
CHAPTER 7 - PERSONNEL Section 7.1.1 Definitions Section 7.1.2 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Section 7.1.3 Nepotism Section 7.1.4 Standards of Conduct Section 7.1.5 Communications Between Board and Employees* Section 7.1.6 Conditions of Employment* Section 7.1.7 Compensation* Section 7.1.8 Experience Credit For Starting Salary Purposes Section 7.1.9 Work Schedules* Section 7.1.10 Absence From Work Section 7.1.11 Employee Leave Section 7.1.12 Other Full Time Employee Fringe Benefits Section 7.1.13 Benefits for Part-Time Employees Section 7.1.14 Smoking and Substance Abuse* Section 7.1.15 Personnel Records Section 7.1.16 Evaluation of Employee Performance* Section 7.1.17 Communicable Diseases* Section 7.1.18 Meetings of Employee Groups in School Division Facilities Section 7.1.19 Procedures for Adjusting Employee Grievances Section 7.1.20 Fair Labor Standards Act Compliance* Section 7.1.21 Sexual Harassment* Section 7.1.22 Employee Recognition Program* Section 7.1.23 Substance Abuse Testing Policy for Drivers of Buses and Other Commercial Vehicles* Section 7.1.24:  Sick Leave Bank Section 7.2.1 Contracts With Licensed Employees Section 7.2.2 Probationary Period for New Employees Previously on a Continuing Contract Section 7.2.3 Transfer of Sick Leave for Newly-Hired VDOE Licensed Employees Section 7.2.5 Licensure as a Condition of Employment Section 7.2.6 Substitute Teachers* Section 7.2.7 Assignment and Transfer of Licensed Employees Section 7.2.8 Extracurricular Activities Section 7.2.9 Required Staff Development for Licensed Employees Section 7.2.10 Assignment to Administrative Positions* Section 7.2.11 Reduction in Force of Licensed Employees Section 7.2.12 Suspension of Licensed Employee Section 7.2.13 Dismissal of Licensed Employee Section 7.2.14 Resignation of Licensed Employee Section 7.2.15 Licensed Employee Consulting Activities Section 7.2.16 Tutoring by Licensed Employees Section 7.2.17 Duty-Free Lunch Period for Licensed Employees Section 7.3.1 Administration of Personnel Requiring No License for Employment by the County School Board Section 7.3.3 Assignment and Transfer of Non-Licensed Employees Section 7.3.4 Resignation of Non-Licensed Employees Section 7.3.5 Disciplinary Policy* Section 7.3.6 Reduction in Force of Non-Licensed Employees
CHAPTER 9 - INSTRUCTION Section 9.1 Instruction Section 9.2 Length of Term Section 9.3 Length of School Day, the Duration of Instructional Blocks of Time, and Awarding of Credit* Section 9.4 Organization Section 9.5 Curriculum Section 9.5.1 Curriculum Change Section 9.5.2 Participation in Curriculum Planning Section 9.5.3 Religious Instruction and Released Time Section 9.5.4 Career/Technical Education Section 9.5.5 Music and Art Education Section 9.5.6 Drug Education Section 9.5.7 Family Life Education Section 9.5.8 Driver Education Section 9.5.9 Programs for Students with Disabilities Section 9.5.10 Gifted Education Section 9.5.11 Homebound Instruction* Section 9.5.12 Alternative Education Programs* Section 9.5.13 Summer Academic Programs Section 9.5.14 Extracurricular Activities* Section 9.5.15 Fund Raising Activities Conducted by Schools Section 9.5.16 Sale of Photographs and Related Items to Pupils Section 9.5.17 Interscholastic Athletic Activities Section 9.5.18 Continuing Education Section 9.5.19 Extraordinary Educational Experience* Section 9.5.20 School Guidance and Counseling Section 9.6.1 Class Size Section 9.7.1 Textbooks and Instructional Materials Section 9.7.2 Evaluation and Selection of Instructional Materials and Resources* Section 9.8.1 Teacher Assistants Section 9.8.2 Field Trips* Section 9.8.3 Request for Financial Support for Student Trips Section 9.9.1 Student Evaluation Section 9.9.2 Report Cards Section 9.9.3 Interim Progress Reports Section 9.9.4 Homework Policy* Section 9.9.5 Class Ranking of High School Seniors* Section 9.9.6 Promotion/Retention* Section 9.9.7 Effect of Absences on Promotion Section 9.9.8 Graduation* Section 9.9.9 Commencement Attendance Section 9.9.10 Final Exam Exemptions Section 9.10.1 Testing* Section 9.11.1 Distribution of Non-curricular Materials* Section 9.11.2 State-Mandated Displays Section 9.11.3 Assembly Programs Section 9.11.4 Animals at School Section 9.11.5 Citizenship and Character Education* Section 9.11.6 Alternatives to Animal Dissection Section 9.12 Parental Involvement Policy - Title I* Section 9.13 Instructional Professional Development
Search

CHAPTER 5

SAFETY SUPPORT SERVICES CONSERVATION

 

SUB-CHAPTER 5.1: SAFETY

SECTION 5.10 - SAFETY POLICY

The County School Board is committed to providing in the York County School Division the best possible learning and working environment for students, faculty and staff. To this end, the Division Superintendent shall implement practices and procedures which ensure compliance with current occupational health, safety and environmental laws and which also minimize threats from criminal misconduct. A safety committee composed of School Board employees periodically shall offer advice to the Division Superintendent on safety issues according to an administrative routine established by the Division Superintendent. The Division Superintendent shall also prepare contingency plans for dealing with accidents, dangerous forces of nature and criminal misconduct. Safety at each school shall be supervised by the principal.

ADOPTED:                 April 18, 1994
REVISED:                   November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.11 - RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES

Various circumstances may arise which require prompt and preplanned action to minimize the potential both for injury to students and employees and for damage to School Board property. Because such circumstances, including acts of terrorism, fall generally into particular categories, it is the policy of the County School Board to plan appropriate response to emergency conditions according to the categories in the following sub-sections of 5.11 and subsequent sections of Part I of Chapter 5. The Division Superintendent shall implement appropriate response plans and conduct staff development and procure equipment as necessary to ensure timely and effective emergency response action.

The totality of this effort shall be managed under the Division Superintendent's Plan, which shall be promulgated by a Division Superintendent's Regulation. Under certain circumstances various public safety agencies may need to coordinate their response to an emergency with School Board employees in a school. Planning such coordination shall be effected by written agreements among the School Board and the appropriate agencies.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
REVISED:                   November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005; August 26, 2002
RESTATEMENT:        September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.11.1 - FIRES IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS

Responses to fires in School Division buildings shall be coordinated with the York County Department of Fire & Life Safety. The Division Superintendent shall give priority to maintaining on scene fire fighting equipment and fire alarm systems which are based on current technology. The Division Superintendent shall ensure statutory requirements for fire drills are satisfied in a timely and efficient manner. Each school principal shall maintain a fire safety plan appropriate to the building.

ADOPTED:                             November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:                    November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005
LEGAL REFERENCE:            Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-137

 

SUB-SECTION 5.11.2 - BOMB THREATS

As reported by the Virginia State Police, public schools are the most frequent target of bomb threats. Often, the threats are originated by juveniles. Nevertheless, it is the policy of the County School Board that each bomb threat shall be treated with caution and seriousness. The Division Superintendent shall establish a detailed plan to respond to bomb threats against School Division buildings and equipment. The plan shall identify the roles not only of School Board employees but also of public safety agencies which would respond to reported bomb threats. The School Board supports criminal prosecution of individuals making bomb threats.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.11.3 - HURRICANES, TORNADOES AND OTHER SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Severe acts of nature can occur at any time but storms which affect occupancy of schools must be addressed expressly. Hurricanes can prompt York County officials to implement the County’s emergency plan in which certain schools are designated as shelters. Tornadoes, severe thunder storms and snow and ice storms can necessitate emergency action during the school day to ensure the safety of students and School Board employees.

It is the policy of the County School Board to maintain detailed plans for coordinating School Division action with other public safety agencies in dealing with dangerous acts of nature. Further, it is the policy of the County School Board that detailed procedures shall be maintained in each school to protect students, School Board employees and members of the general public upon the onset of severe weather conditions. The Division Superintendent shall implement this policy with appropriate measures.

ADOPTED:                 March 11, 1991
REVISED:                   November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.11.4 - INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AFFECTING SCHOOLS

Incidents and accidents at industrial facilities such as the Surry Nuclear Power Plant and Newport News Waterworks treatment plants can necessitate a wide area response, which directly affects schools and the school bus fleet. The York County administration responds pursuant to the County's Emergency Operations Plan. A terrorist act involving radiological contamination raises the same type of public heath and safety issues presented by an industrial accident at the Surry Nuclear Power Plant. Consequently, the York County emergency response plan for a Surry Nuclear Power Plan accident will be the basic plan for responding to a terrorist radiological attack in York County. It is the policy of the County School Board to cooperate fully in the maintenance of, training in and implementation of the York County Emergency Operations Plan. The Division Superintendent shall implement this policy by appropriate measures to ensure good coordination of School Division response to an industrial accident.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005
REVISED:                   August 26 2002

 

SUB-SECTION 5.11.5 - MEDICAL EMERGENCY IN SCHOOL

The School Board is not a health care provider and provides clinic staff in schools only to provide first aid, to administer medication as required by prescription, to participate in and monitor individual student health plans, and to otherwise support delivery of the program of studies in the school. The Division Superintendent shall establish a procedure, which will guide staff in dealing with a medical emergency, including incidents attributable to terrorist employment of chemical or biological agents in York County or neighboring communities, which may arise in a school. Such procedure shall be coordinated with the York County Department of Fire & Life Safety.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005
REVISED:                   August 26, 2002

 

SUB-SECTION 5.11.6 – THREAT OR USE OF DEADLY FORCE

The threat of or actual use of deadly force in a school or on school grounds constitutes a crisis that must be managed by a coordinated response by School Board employees, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the York County Department of Fire and Life Safety. Accordingly, the School Board shall maintain with the Sheriff and with the York County Board of Supervisors, a formal agreement under which appropriate planning for this contingency can be accomplished.

ADOPTED:                 November 20, 2000
RESTATEMENT:        September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.11.7 - WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
 
The York County School Board seeks to maintain a work environment free of workplace violence or other security risks. Violence in the workplace poses a serious threat to the safety of employees, students and the public. All York County School Board employees are responsible for maintaining a workplace environment free of violence. The York County School Board will not tolerate acts and behaviors that are likely to result in workplace violence. Incidents of violence among or between adults may include, but are not limited to, abusive language, hitting, shoving, threats of bodily harm, damage to property, brandishing of an object which may be used as a weapon, insubordination, and the sending of threatening, harassing or abusive, phone calls, e-mails and faxes. The Superintendent will establish procedures that minimize the threat of violence in the workplace and provide guidelines for responding promptly and effectively to incidents or threats of workplace violence.
 
ADOPTED:     March 24, 2003

 

SECTION 5.12 - EMERGENCY CLOSING OF ONE OR MORE SCHOOLS

Extreme weather conditions or any other warranted emergency such as an epidemic, war, terrorist attack or other disasters could justify emergency school closing. The decision to close schools rests with the Division Superintendent, who shall develop procedures to notify the public, and to assure the safety of students.

ADOPTED:                             June 20, 1988
REVISED:                               June 24, 1991; August 26, 2002
RESTATEMENT:                    December 14, 1992; November 21, 1994;
November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005
LEGAL REFERENCE:            Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-279.8

 

SECTION 5.13 -WORK PLACE SAFETY

The County School Board believes the primary means to prevent loss and minimize workers’ compensation liability within the School Division is maintaining a safe work place for all employees and ensuring all employees are well trained on the physical safety aspects of their assignments.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.13.1 SAFE WORK PRACTICES

To support the fundamental policy of having well trained employees in a safe work environment, the Division Superintendent shall implement and conduct appropriate staff development in the following:

  • Procedures for dealing with hazardous materials found in the work place and used for instruction.
  • Procedures for reducing the risk associated with blood borne pathogens and for dealing with employees and students having a contagious disease.
  • Procedures for demonstrating and promoting safe work practices for all categories of School Board employees.
  • Procedures for identifying and reporting safety hazards.
  • Procedures for training new employees on relevant safety issues and procedures immediately after employment.
  • A formal safety inspection program.
  • Procedures for tagging electrical systems and machinery undergoing repair to prevent inadvertent operation and injury to maintenance staff.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.13.2 - PROHIBITION ON EMPLOYEES POSSESSING WEAPONS ON GROUNDS, IN VEHICLES OR AT OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS OF SCHOOL DIVISION

The York County School Board is committed to maintaining a safe and secure working and learning environment. Employees are prohibited from carrying, bringing, using or possessing any weapon, as defined in Virginia Code Section 18.2- 308.1, as amended, in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle or at any school-sponsored activity without the authorization of the school's principal or superior school division administrator. The Division Superintendent shall recommend to the School Board appropriate personnel action, up to and including dismissal, for any employee violating this policy. The Division Superintendent, immediately upon notification of a violation shall initiate action to bring the case to the School Board for final disposition. All incidents involving illegal carrying of a firearm shall be reported in accordance with state law.

ADOPTED:                             June 29, 2004
RESTATEMENT:                    September 26, 2005
LEGAL REFERENCES:          Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, sections 18.2-308.1,
22.1-78, 22.1-279.3:1.8 VAC 20-560-10

 

SECTION 5.14 - INSTRUCTIONAL SAFETY PROGRAM

The Division Superintendent shall implement appropriate measures to promote the safety of teachers and students engaged in the program of studies, particularly in the art program, physical education, science and technology courses.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.15 - SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY

The County School Board will employ all reasonable methods to ensure the security of persons and property in the School Division. To this end the Division Superintendent shall implement appropriate procedures which minimize threats of harm to individuals while in York County schools, on school grounds and while attending school sponsored events. Such procedures may include photo identification badges for School Board employees, control of keys to facilities, positive control of all visitors to schools, background checks of non-parent volunteers, contracting for security services, providing school resources officers, and use of technology, such as surveillance cameras and recorders, which minimize the potential for unlawful conduct on School Division property. The efforts enumerated above build on the foundation of the reliability of School Board employees. These employees are hired in accordance with statutes designed to enhance the safety of children in schools.

Regarding security of the physical plant and tangible assets, the Division Superintendent shall implement such procedures as deemed appropriate to minimize the potential for damage resulting from: failure of electrical and mechanical systems in unoccupied buildings; vandalism; larceny.

The Division Superintendent shall cause to be accomplished annual school safety audits in accordance with statutory requirements for school safety audits.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.16 - SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

SUB-SECTION 5.16.1 – GENERAL

The primary criterion to evaluate all aspects of school bus operation is safety of the students. The Division Superintendent shall manage transporting students accordingly. School buses shall be maintained according to Department of Education regulations and sound engineering practices to ensure safe and reliable vehicles are always available to transport students.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.16.2 - DRIVER TRAINING

Properly trained school bus drivers are essential to safe school bus operations. Accordingly, the Division Superintendent shall provide a continuing training program for school bus drivers which satisfies not only the Department of Education regulations on student transportation but also ensures drivers are proficient in dealing with the range of circumstances in and outside of school buses which affect safe transportation of students.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.16.3 - STUDENT CONDUCT ON BUSES

Behavior of students on school buses traveling on public highways bears directly not only on the safety of the school bus in which they are riding but also on motorists in near proximity to the bus. Accordingly, clear rules for student conduct on buses shall be publicized and incorporated in the Student Conduct Code. Further, the Division Superintendent shall provide appropriate instruction for students on proper school bus behavior.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.16.4 - BUS EMERGENCIES

To enhance effective response to a school bus emergency the Division Superintendent shall establish procedures which coordinate staff response with on-scene action of law enforcement and emergency medical agencies. Such procedures shall ensure rapid and accurate dissemination of information to parents of any student affected by a school bus emergency.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.17 - SCHOOL SITE TRAFFIC SAFETY PLAN

Vehicular traffic, including parking, and pedestrian traffic at each school site will conform to a site plan developed by the principal, with the assistance of support staff. The plan will provide for faculty, visitor and, where appropriate, student parking on existing pavement. The plan will also provide for control of traffic during the hours when school buses drop off and pick up students. Principals will take appropriate action each school year to familiarize the members of the entire school community with the limitations imposed on parking by fire lane restrictions.

ADOPTED:                 November 21, 1994
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-CHAPTER 5.2: SUPPORT SERVICES

SECTION 5.20 - SUPPORT SERVICE GOALS

Support of teachers and students involved in the program of studies in the school division shall be provided by an organization attending to the physical comfort and safety of staff and students. This support organization will also provision schools with the equipment, systems and supplies required to deliver the program of studies. Because the School Board must discharge its duties with limited resources school division staff will plan and manage public funds and physical resources to attain the optimum value for dollar spent in procurement of equipment, systems and consumable supplies. Maintenance of the physical plant will be managed to make optimum use of buildings and equipment for the longest practicable period. In carrying out this support effort the Division Superintendent shall undertake implementation of modern management software systems and communications channels that optimize staff productivity and minimize the waste of resources.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.21 - ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

SUB-SECTION 5.21.1 - DUPLICATING AND PRINTING

Printed material used by teachers in delivering the program of studies and other printed material used in administering the program of studies and managing the affairs of the school division will be prepared by school division staff when such action provides the needed material at the least cost. To attain effective management of this aspect of support, duplication of large volumes of material will be centralized as directed by the Division Superintendent. The budget for duplicating material will provide for consumable supplies, maintenance of machines, and lease or purchase expenses for machines. The decision to procure contracted printing services will be made on a case basis as directed by the Division Superintendent.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.21.2 - COPYRIGHT COMPLIANCE

In preparation of printed material and use of microcomputer software, School Board employees shall comply in every case with copyright laws. The Division Superintendent shall ensure, by appropriate means, that the responsible director or assistant superintendent verifies compliance with copyright laws for material prepared for and used in areas under their supervision. Appropriate staff development shall be conducted on a periodic basis to ensure an appropriate level of awareness by all School Board employees of copyright law requirements.

ADOPTED:                             February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:                    November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005
LEGAL REFERENCE:            Title 17 of the United States Code

 

SUB- SECTION 5.21.3 – TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Staff will manage resources devoted to telecommunications to provide current technology for the delivery of the program of studies and the management of the York County School Division (YCSD). Improvements will be effected through the annual operating budget or capital improvement program as appropriate. Telephone service in YCSD may be used by any School Board employee provided any telephone call generating a financial charge must be for the express purpose of conducting school division business. Staff shall monitor YCSD telecommunications systems as appropriate to minimize the possibility of unauthorized charges. The Superintendent shall provide detailed guidance to employee.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.21.4 - RECORDS MANAGEMENT

Management of all records in the school division shall comply both with Virginia statutes governing academic and School Board records and with state and federal regulations for other types of records. Records shall be maintained in a lawful media which provides the greatest density and easiest access by available technology.

ADOPTED:                             February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:                    November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005
LEGAL REFERENCE:            Code of Virginia, Section 42.1-76, et seq

 

SECTION 5.22 - CUSTODIAL SERVICES

Custodial services provided to all schools and office buildings shall provide for a clean and attractive learning and working environment. Custodial services can be provided by School Board employees or by a contractor upon recommendation of the Division Superintendent. The principal of each school is deemed the primary client of custodial services provided to the school and as such shall give timely notice of deficient service to either the School Board employee managing custodial services or to the private contractor.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.23 - INFORMATION SERVICES

INTEGRATED INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Staff shall maintain durable, reliable and secure automated information management system in the York County School Division (YCSD) to support both School Board business and the program of studies. Applications operating on this system shall be managed comprehensively in an integrated system to ensure compatibility and to realize the economies of scale of a single networked system.

PROCUREMENT AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT STANDARDS

The Division Superintendent shall provide detailed guidance on procurement and operation of systems, instructional applications and business applications. The Division Superintendent shall emphasize interoperability and the sharing of common data to the maximum extent practical among individual applications. Staff decisions on information management systems will be based on sound management principles and will reflect the state of proven computing technology.

INTERFACE WITH PUBLIC SYSTEMS

The networked system shall provide for access to the public Internet as appropriate based on business and instructional needs of YCSD. Prior to implementation of any internet based Instructional programming or business products, the Division Superintendent shall ensure staff appropriately assesses the programming or product’s compatibility with security protocols.

SECURITY

Loss of the network during a school day will have an immediate deleterious effect on the delivery of instruction in every school in York County School Division. Consequently, the networked system and applications will be managed so as to provide for protection the system’s operability and protection of data from unauthorized access, from unauthorized modifications and from accidental corruptions. All information management decisions shall avoid compromising the integrity or security of the YCSD networks.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.23.1 - STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

The Student Information System shall incorporate all relevant information for students currently enrolled in the school division. Security and accuracy of data are of the highest priority and shall be maintained in compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws. Only with the approval of the Division Superintendent shall staff undertake to make material modifications to this system either with contractors or YCSD staff.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.23.2 - ADMINISTRATIVE APPLICATIONS

Administrative applications are those that are used to conduct all business outside the direct delivery of instruction in classrooms. Administrative applications handle all data related to the operation of the school division. The Division Superintendent can contract for the management of components of administrative applications with the County of York or with other public entities. However, personnel information shall be managed by a School Board employee. Only administrative applications authorized by the Division Superintendent shall be operated on school division equipment and networks.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.23.3 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS SUPPORT

TRAINING

  • Proficiency in word processing, spread sheet and other productivity type software applications are prerequisites for employment and promotion of administrative support personnel.
  • The Division Superintendent shall manage staff development to optimize staff proficiency in the use of all applications involved in the operation of York County School Division. Staff development on software applications shall be funded appropriately in relevant operating budget components each fiscal year. The Division Superintendent shall publish professional development guidelines for distinguishing maintenance requirements, i.e., repairing defective equipment, from training requirements, i.e., an employee's ability to distinguish operating errors from equipment failure on installed systems.
  • Training by contractors or temporary employees may be used as appropriate.

 

PROCUREMENT AND MAINTENANCE

In procuring new instruction or administrative information systems and applications, the Division Superintendent shall assigned substantial weight in the evaluation process to a proposer's maintenance package. In procuring instructional information systems the cost of procurement shall include maintenance of the system by contractors when appropriate. The Division Superintendent shall have the authority to hire sufficient technical personnel to maintain components of instruction and administrative information systems which are unsuited to maintenance by contractors.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
REESTATEMENT:      November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.23.4 - NETWORK SERVICES USE POLICY

INSTRUCTIONAL USE

The use of the Internet and similar network services in delivering the program of studies will be governed by appropriate instructional practices supervised by the Division Superintendent. Student access to the Internet and similar network services from York County School Division facilities will be authorized as necessary to carry out the program of studies under the supervision of School Board employees. Specific guidance on using the Internet will be provided to all students on an annual basis by a Division Superintendent Regulation.

ADMINISTRATIVE USE

School Board employees will have access to the Internet and similar network services from York County School Division (YCSD) facilities for the purpose of conducting School Board business. All Internet use will be subject to the following conditions:
 

  • All Internet use must be for legal purposes only. The YCSD computer equipment and communications services may not be used to send, receive, view or download illegal material via the Internet. Transmission of any material in violation of federal or state regulation is prohibited and will be dealt with according to criminal statutes.
  • No Internet use may infect computers owned by YCSD with any virus.
  • School Board employees may use access to the Internet for personal business under the following conditions for personal use:
  • Internet use cannot interfere with official business.
  • Internet use cannot generate any cost to YCSD.
  • Internet use cannot generate personal financial gain for the employee.

USE RESTRICTIONS

Employees are expressly prohibited from using the Internet for access to pornography and for instructions on making explosives. Additionally, while using the Internet, employees are expressly prohibited from using any language the employee would not use in person and that is otherwise prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Examples of this type of language include threats to life, limb or personal property, or language that would be taken as sexual harassment or as a sexual advance. Violation of this policy will subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

NETWORK PASSWORDS

Employees are issued a personal password for use in accessing the network services from York County School Division facilities for the purposes of conducting School Board business. The issued password is for the exclusive use of the employee to whom that password is issued. The password is not to be shared with other employees to include substitute teachers or students. Violation of this policy will subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

ADOPTED:                 January 22, 1996
REVISED:                   October 26, 1998; August 23, 1999;
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.24 - FOOD SERVICES

SUB-SECTION 5.24.1 - GENERAL FOOD SERVICE POLICY

The school division will offer lunch to all students on each full class day of the school year. Students may bring a lunch from home and eat it during the designated lunch period in school. The school division will offer breakfast to students according to guidelines established by the federal government. Meals shall be prepared by School Board employees only or by a contractor hired upon the recommendation of the Division Superintendent. The Division Superintendent is authorized to initiate programs, consistent with federal and state laws and regulations, to optimize student participation in the school lunch program. Procurement of foodstuffs shall comply with the York County Central Purchasing ordinance. Meal hours shall be specified by each school principal. The percent of participation by students in a particular school's lunch program shall be the primary criteria for evaluating the quality of that lunch program. However, the principal shall also provide periodic evaluations to the Manager of Food Services and the Associate Director of School Administration.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.24.2 - MENUS AND PRICES

Meals will be both healthful and flavorful. Menus for meals offered to students shall comply with federal guidelines and with nutritional advice obtained by the Division Superintendent from other appropriate parties. Meals will be priced not for profit but to cover all operating costs of the food service program and to maintain the operating fund balance recommended by the Virginia Department of Education. Capital improvements to or construction of kitchens will be funded by the Capital Improvement Program and not by the food services operating budget. All prices charged by the food services program will be approved by the School Board.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.24.3 - NO COST AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Meals will be offered to students at no cost or at reduced cost according to federal guidelines in those schools participating in the federal government's school lunch program. The option is unavailable in any school not participating in the federal program. Information regarding a student's eligibility for no cost or reduced cost meals is confidential information and will be handled accordingly.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.24.4 - COMPETING FOOD SALES AND VENDING MACHINES

No foodstuffs or prepared beverages from any source will be offered to students in a school during the hours designated by the principal for meal service. Principals are authorized to operate snack and drink vending machines for students in their schools prior to commencement of classes and upon completion of meal service each day. Principals are also authorized to permit student organizations to conduct fund raising sales of snacks and drinks in a school after the completion of classes on any day.

ADOPTED:     February 27, 1995
REVISED:       November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.25 - TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

SUB-SECTION 5.25.1 - REGULAR BUS SERVICE

Under the direction of the Division Superintendent, the Associate Director of Transportation and Warehouse Operations will establish each bus route before the beginning of the school session. Necessary adjustments will be made after schools open. The first two weeks of the school session are important. The bus driver will follow this procedure:

  • Not later than the 10th day of the school year each driver will determine the location and time of each s on his route in accordance with guidelines and safety factors.
  • On the 11th day the driver will submit a copy of the pick-up schedule to the Associate Director of Transportation and Warehouse Operations and keep one readily available in the bus.
  • These guidelines will be followed:
    • Bus service will not be provided on dead-end streets or roads that are less than .25 of a mile from a principal road or street. The School Board will provide bus service only on roads accepted for maintenance by the Virginia Department of Transportation. The School Board can grant waivers from this condition in the following cases. In a subdivision where the developer has constructed roads to VDOT specifications but has not yet conveyed the roads to the Commonwealth of Virginia, bus service can be authorized if the developer executes a waiver prepared by the County Attorney. Also, a condominium community can secure bus service on its roads if the homeowners’ association authorizes its officers to execute a waiver prepared by the County Attorney. In each case the owner shall waive all claims for property damage arising from school bus operation on the subject roads.
    • If not in a designated walking zone, secondary students can be required to walk up to .4 of a mile and elementary students .25 of a mile. When weather requires operation of windshield wipers, school bus drivers are authorized to make additional stops as prudence dictates.
    • Bus stops will be so placed as to keep a distance of .1 of a mile between stops.
    • Safety must be considered in establishing bus stops. After consultation with law enforcement officers, the Division Superintendent and/or the Associate Director of Transportation and Warehouse Operations has the authority to adjust bus stops if it is determined a safety problem exists.

ADOPTED:     June 20, 1988
REVISED:       March 11, 1991; February 27, 1995; November 20, 2000;
September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.25.2 - WALKING ZONES

The Division Superintendent is authorized to require children residing within a specified geographic area to walk to their assigned school. The primary criteria for establishing a walking area is the safety of children in transit to school. Crossing guards, employed by the School Board, shall be posted, if necessary, at designated areas to provide safe crossing of streets. All walking zones shall be planned with the benefit of advice from parents affected.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.25.3 - AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES BUS SERVICE

The Division Superintendent shall provide bus service from school to home after a regular school day for students participating in extra-curricular activities or organized athletic activities at the school. Such service shall be subject to budgetary limitations but shall be assigned a higher budgetary priority than the bus trips discussed in Sub-Section 5.26.4 below. Activity bus routes shall be planned in an efficient pattern and students may be required to walk up to one (1) mile between the activity bus and home.

For good cause the Division Superintendent, using the following criteria, can waive standard specifications for an activity bus route at the request of a parent/guardian.

  • Any change to an activity bus route shall have no adverse effect on transportation services provided to other students riding the affected activity bus.
  • The student for whom the proposed bus route change is being requested must be a passenger on the activity bus as a direct consequence of that student’s participation in an authorized school activity or program.
  • The requested change in the activity bus route must be for the duration of the school activity/program during the school year.
  • No activity bus will be routed outside York County to accommodate the change.
  • The parent requesting the route change must agree to bear any resultant additional operating cost, as computed by the Associate Director of Transportation and Warehouse Operations
  • The details of the approved modified activity bus route will be stated in a written agreement signed by the Division Superintendent and the parent requesting the modification.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.25.4 - EXTRA-CURRICULAR/ATHLETIC/FIELD TRIPS

School bus transportation shall be made available as requested by a principal, subject to operating budget funding limitations, for field trips during the course of the school day; for extra-curricular trips outside regular school hours; and for athletic team trips to competitive events away from school. The Division Superintendent shall provide by appropriate means management of transportation resources to offer such bus trips. All overnight trips must be approved expressly by the School Board, regardless of the use of a school bus or a private contractor bus.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.25.5 - LEASING BUSES TO COUNTY AND STATE AGENCIES

County and state agencies may request the use of school buses through written notice to the School Board. The Division Superintendent will make a recommendation on each request, and each will be considered individually by the School Board and acted on accordingly. Those agencies receiving approval for use of school buses will be required to complete the attached agreement which is made part of this policy statement.
The School Board requires that said use can only be considered if:

  • The use will not tax the regular programs of the York County Public Schools.
  • The School Board will receive adequate reimbursement for operating, personnel, capital depreciation, insurance fees, or other unexpected costs incurred.
  • The School Board will be held harmless for all liability by virtue of use of the school buses for other governmental agency use.
  • The requesting agency will meet all the requirements of the School Board’s standard agreement.
  • The requesting agency must identify, in writing, the persons legally authorized to sign the attached agreement for submission to the School Board together with the request for use of the subject buses.
  • The lettered identification and school bus traffic warning lights on the front and rear of such bus are covered with some opaque detachable material as outlined in the Code of Virginia 22.1-183.

ADOPTED:                             June 20, 1988
REVISED:                               February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:                    November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005
LEGAL REFERENCE:            Code of Virginia, Sections 22.1-182 and 22.1-183

 

5.25.5-R BUS SERVICE AGREEMENT

SUB-SECTION 5.25.6 – MANDATED USE OF SCHOOL BOARD VEHICLES

From time to time the Division Superintendent may require School Board employees to commute to and from work in a vehicle owned by the School Board. This arrangement permits the affected employee to respond to emergency service calls and to deal with other contingencies which could require the employee’s presence at a school or other site outside of regular working hours. The vehicle assigned to the employee in these circumstances is not for the employee’s personal use. The employee can use the vehicle, other than for commuting to and from work, only for official business outside of the regular workday. The only exemption to this use restriction is de minimis use, such as a stop at a convenience store located on the employee’s commuting route.

ADOPTED:                 November 20, 2000
RESTATEMENT:        September 26, 2005

 

SUB-SECTION 5.25.7 - VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

Maintaining school busses in a safe and reliable condition is the primary function of the school division's vehicle maintenance effort. The Division Superintendent can fulfill this assignment with School Board employees, or with an appropriate maintenance agreement with private contractor or other public entity. The decision to procure new busses to replace old units shall be based on sound business principles rather than a rote formula. The cost of replacement busses shall be carried in the annual operating budget. Maintenance of other school division vehicles can be performed in the same manner as provided for school buses.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.26 - WAREHOUSE AND PROPERTY SERVICES

Procurement of personal property and consumable commodities for use in the school division, other than consumables specified by the Division Superintendent for management by school principals, shall be coordinated through a warehouse operation established by the Division Superintendent. In addition to the usual shipping, receiving and distribution functions, the warehouse operation will also accommodate a textbook repository, a maintenance parts department, and administer the personal property inventory system for the school division. The warehouse operation will also provide space for the School Division archives under the supervision of the School Division’s Records Manager. Space shall also be provided for receiving, secure storage and distribution of instructional testing materials coordinated by the Instructional Specialist – Student Achievement.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SUB-CHAPTER 5.3: CONSERVATION

SECTION 5.30 - ENERGY CONSERVATION

All systems, equipment and buildings in the school division will be operated in a manner minimizing consumption of energy which is not directly related to delivering the program of studies and providing support to that effort. All School Board employees will take individual action within their sphere of assigned duties to minimize energy waste. The Division Superintendent shall administer an appropriate staff development program which sensitizes each employee to the need to conserve energy. The Division Superintendent shall also affect management practices which monitor closely energy consumption trends and which indicate equipment malfunctions or operating practices contributing to unnecessary consumption of energy. The maintenance component of the operating budget and Capital Improvement Plan will give priority to installing equipment which will produce energy savings which, within five years, will pay for the cost of installation.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005

 

SECTION 5.31 - WASTE MANAGEMENT

Resource conservation shall be an integral part of the school division's operation and the program of studies. The Division Superintendent shall affect, by appropriate regulations or other means, practices which reduce the waste stream, optimize recycling and maintain close coordination with similar activities in the York County government. Further, the concepts of waste reduction, recycling and resource conservation in general, shall be incorporated in the environmental education component of the program of studies. In its procurement activities, the school division shall encourage suppliers to make recyclable products available, and where financially feasible, purchase recycled products or products made from recycled material.

ADOPTED:                 February 27, 1995
RESTATEMENT:        November 20, 2000; September 26, 2005