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Fairfield Local School District

It's A Great Day To Be A Lion

District Notices

REQUIRED ANNUAL DISTRICT NOTICES

  • BULLYING REPORTS

    Effective December, 2007, Ohio State law requires that all school districts report incidences of bullying on a semi-annual basis.

    School Year Incidences of Bullying
    2007-2008 All Year - 21
    2008-2009 1st semester - 18 / 2nd semester - 11
    2009-2010 All Year - 12
    2010-2011 1st semester - 11 / 2nd semester - 0
    2011-2012 1st semester - 2 / 2nd semester - 0
    2012-2013 1st semester - 1 / 2nd semester - 0
    2013-2014 All Year - 0
    2014-2015 1st semester - 0 / 2nd semester - 0
    2015-2016 1st semester - 0 / 2nd semester - 2
    2016-2017 1st semester - 1 / 2nd semester - 0
    2017-2018 1st semester - 0 / 2nd semester - 0
    2018-2019 1st semester - 0 / 2nd semester - 4
    2019-2020 1st semester - 1 / 2nd semester - 0
    2020-2021 1st semester - 5 / 2nd semester - 0
    2021-2022 1st semester - 0 / 2nd semester - 1
    2022-2023 1st semester - 0 / 2nd semester - 1
    2023-2024 1st semester - 0 / 2nd semester - 0
    2024-2025 1st semester - 0 / 2nd semester – 1 reported / 0 confirmed
    2025-2026
  • Board Policy IJA
    Career Advising
    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    The Board views career advising as helping students understand themselves relative to their abilities, aptitudes, interests, attitudes, strengths and limitations. This process is meant to assist students in the development of their potential and their decisions relating to educational and career matters. This policy is supplemented by student graduation plans developed in accordance with law.

    This policy is reviewed biennially and made available to students, parents, guardians/custodians, local postsecondary institutions and residents of the District. This policy is posted in a prominent location on the District website.

    The District will do all of the following.

    • Provide students with grade-level examples linking schoolwork to one or more career field(s) through use of the State Board adopted career connections. 
    • Create a plan to provide career advising to students in grades six through 12. 
    • Provide additional interventions and career advising for students who are identified as at risk of dropping out of school using both research- and locally-based methods developed with input from classroom teachers and guidance counselors.  
    • Train employees on advising students on career pathways, including the use of online tools. 
    • Develop multiple, clear academic pathways students can use to earn a high school diploma. 
    • Identify and publicize courses in which students can earn both traditional academic and career-technical credit. 
    • Document career advising provided to each student. 
    • Prepare students for their transition from high school to their postsecondary destinations. 
    • Include information regarding career fields that require an industry-recognized credential, certificate, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree, or professional degree. 
    • Provide students with information about ways a student may offset the costs of post-secondary education, including but not limited to the following programs:
      • Reserve Officer Training Corps;
      • College Credit Plus program;
      • Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathways initiative and
      • Joint academic programming or dual enrollment opportunities.

    Student success plans (SSP) are developed for students identified as at risk of dropping out of school. An SSP identifies the student’s chosen academic pathway to graduation and the role of career-technical and competency based education and experiential learning, as appropriate in that chosen pathway. The student’s parents, guardians or custodians are invited to assist in the development of the SSP. A copy of the SSP, a statement regarding the importance of a high school diploma and the academic pathways available to the student for successful graduation are provided to parents, guardians or custodians who do not participate in development of the student’s SSP. Following SSP development, the District provides career advising aligned with the student’s individual plan and the District’s plan for career advising. 

  • The Fairfield Local School District’s adopted Child Find Policy requires that all children below twenty-two (22) years of age residing within the district, who have a  disability regardless of the severity of the disability, and who are in need of special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated in accordance with all federal regulations and state standards.

    For children birth through age two, a disability means that a child has a behavior, cognition, communication, physical development, sensory development and/or social or emotional development deficit.

    For children age three through five years of age, a disability means that a child has a documented deficit in one or more of the following areas: communication skills, hearing abilities, motor functioning, social emotional/behavior functioning or vision abilities.

    For school-age children, a disability means a person having one or more conditions such as autism, developmental handicap, hearing handicap, multi-handicap, orthopedically and/or other health handicaps, emotional/behavior handicap, specific learning disability, traumatic brain injury or vision handicap.

    If you are aware of a child who you think may have a disability, contact the Special Education Director at 937-780-2977.

  • Communication Options

    The ParentSquare logo features four colored circles around a square.Effective with the 2025-2026 schooly year, we have inplemented the communication platform ParentSquare. This will be our primary source for communication to our parents, students and community. All coaches and advisors will be using ParentSquare as well. 

     

    To receive notifications, you must download the ParentSquare app! Scan the appropriate QR code and start your registration now.

    A QR code with the Apple App Store logo in the center.        A black and white QR code with the Google Play Store logo in the center.
        IOS             Android


    Emergency Weather Protocol

    Determination of Delay or Closure

    • The day/evening before a weather event is predicted…
      • Mrs. McCoy will monitor weather activity on Cincinnati news channels and weather apps.
      • If the predicted weather event could impact a safe commute, Mrs. McCoy will evaluate the possibility of delaying or closing school.
    • The morning of the weather event…
      • Mrs. McCoy will drive our roads and have other staff report as to the road conditions.
      • Mrs. McCoy will communicate with other local Superintendents and Southern State Community College to discuss road and weather conditions in their districts. 

    Communication of Delay or Closure

    • If a school delay or closure is warranted, the following times will be met for making the call:
      • 5:00am will be our goal to make the call about a delay or closure.
      • 5:30am will be the hard deadline for making the call. 

    NOTE: If we begin on a delay, and it is determined that we should then close, the announcement/communication will be made no later than 7am

    • If the decision is made to delay or close, the following communication will occur:
      • A district-wide call will be sent to all those on our call list.
      • A post will be made to the District’s Facebook page.
      • Cincinnati TV and local radio stations will be notified.

    Guidelines - 2-hour Delay

    • Breakfast will not be served.
    • Morning preschool is canceled.
    • All school transportation is delayed

    Guidelines - Cancellation

    • All school transportation is canceled.
    • ALL activities for the day, including practices, games and school functions, are also canceled. The only exception is if we are preparing for post season play.
    • Weekend activities will be monitored and the call will be made accordingly.

    NOTE:  After 7 snow days, student/staff should follow the Remote Learning Plan

    The number one goal is for a safe commute to school for our students and staff.
     

    Click here for printable version of Weather Procedures.

     

     

     

  • Board Policy JO
    Student Records
    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs


    Notice of Rights

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

    1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the “Fairfield Local Schools” receive a request for access.
      Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

       
    2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.  
      Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the [School] to amend a record should write the school principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

       
    3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  
      One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. 

      Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school  district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.  

      NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.

       
    4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the [School] to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

    Family Policy Compliance Office /
    U.S. Department of Education
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC 20202

     

    FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, §99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A school may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student.

    • To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in §99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are met. (§99.31(a)(1))
    • To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34. (§99.31(a)(2))
    • To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency in the parent or eligible student’s State (SEA). Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
    • In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§99.31(a)(4))
    • To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records were released, subject to §99.38. (§99.31(a)(5))
    • To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§99.31(a)(6))
    • To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§99.31(a)(7))
    • To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§99.31(a)(8))
    • To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§99.31(a)(9))
    • To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §99.36. (§99.31(a)(10)
    • Information the school has designated as “directory information” under §99.37. (§99.31(a)(11))

     

    Notice for Directory Information

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Fairfield Local School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, Fairfield Local School District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Fairfield Local School District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

    • A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
    • The annual yearbook;
    • Honor roll or other recognition lists;
    • Graduation programs; and
    • Sports activity sheets, such as for basketball, showing weight and height of team members.

     

    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. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, 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 the following information – 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. 1

    If you do not want Fairfield Local School District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by September 1st. Fairfield Local School District has designated the following information as directory information:

    • Student’s name
    • Address
    • Telephone number
    • Email address
    • Photograph
    • Date and place of birth
    • Major field of study
    • Dates of attendance
    • Grade level
    • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
    • Weight and height of members of athletic teams
    • Degrees, honors and awards received
    • The most recent educational agency or institution attended
    • Student ID number, user ID or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records with our PIN, password, etc.  
  • The Fairfield Local School District will receive federal funding through the following student programs for the 2025-2026 school year:

    • Title I - School-Wide Assistance
    • Title II-A - Improving Teacher Quality
    • Title IV - Student Support and Academic Achievement
    • IDEA - Early Childhood Special Education
    • IDEA-B - Special Education
    • Appalachian Community Grant Program
    • NSLP/SBP – National School Lunch and Breakfast Program / Free/Reduced Meal Program
  • Board Policy IGBB
    Programs for Gifted and Talented Students
    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    In accordance with the belief that all students are entitled to education commensurate with their particular needs, students in the District who are gifted are provided opportunities to progress as their abilities permit.  The Board believes that these students require services beyond those offered in regular school programs in order to realize their potential contribution to themselves and society.

    Students who are gifted are identified annually by qualified professionals using a variety of assessment procedures.  The Board encourages efforts to provide services for students who are gifted as an integral part of the total kindergarten through grade 12 program.

     

    Identification

     

    The District follows the identification eligibility criteria as specified in State law.

    • The District identifies students of the District, in grades kindergarten through 12, as students who are gifted who perform at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to other students of the same age, experience and environment, as identified under State law. Accordingly, a student can be identified as exhibiting:
      • superior cognitive ability;
      • specific academic ability in one or more of the following content areas:
        • mathematics;
        • science;
        • reading, writing or a combination of thee skills and/or
        • social studies;
      • creative thinking ability and/or
      • visual or performing arts ability such as drawing, painting, sculpting, music, dance or drama.
    • The district uses only those instruments approved by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) for screening, assessment and identification of students who are gifted.
    • A student identified as gifted in accordance with State law remains identified as gifted regardless of subsequent testing or classroom performance.

     

    District Plan for Identifying Students Who are Gifted

     

    The Board adopts and submits to ODE a plan for identifying students who are gifted.  Any revisions to the District plan are submitted to ODE for approval.  A copy of this policy is provided at time of submission.  The identification plan includes the following:

    1. the criteria and methods the District uses to screen and select students for further assessment who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment in one of the gifted areas;
    2. a description of assessment instruments selected from the ODE-approved list to be used for the screening and identification of students who are gifted;
    3. procedures for the provision of at least two whole grade screening opportunities to be administered for all students once prior to the end of second grade, and once for all students between grades three and six;
    4. the sources of assessment data the District uses to select students for further testing and an explanation to parents/guardians of the multiple assessment instruments required to identify students who are gifted;
    5. an explanation for parents/guardians of the methods the District uses to ensure equal access to screening and further assessment for all District students, including minority and disadvantaged students, students with disabilities and English learner students;
    6. the process of notifying parents/guardians regarding all policies and procedures concerning the screening, assessment and identification of students, who are gifted, including the requirement to notify parents within 30 days of the District’s receipt of a student’s result on any screening procedure or assessment instrument;
    7. an opportunity for parents/guardians to appeal any decision about the results of any screening procedure or assessment, the scheduling of students for assessment or the placement of a student in any program or for receipt of services;
    8. procedures for the assessment of students who transfer into the District no later than 90 days after the transfer at request of the parent;
    9. at least two opportunities a year for assessment in the case of students requesting assessment or recommended for assessment by teachers, parents or other students with the initial assessment to be completed no later than 90 days of referral regardless of the grade levels where gifted services are offered and
    10. an explanation that the District accepts scores on assessment instruments approved for use by ODE that are provided by other school districts and trained personnel outside the District.

    The District’s plan may provide for the District to contract with any qualified public or private service provider to provide screening or assessment services under the plan.  Gifted education coordinators provide the District with assistance in placing students, designing services, consulting on strategic planning, evaluating services on an ongoing basis and eliciting input from parents and staff.

     

    District Plan for Services 

     

    The District adopts and submits to ODE a plan for a continuum of services that may be offered to students who are gifted. 

    1. The District ensures equal opportunity for all students identified as gifted to receive any or all services offered by the District.
    2. The District implements a procedure for withdrawal of students from District gifted programs or services, for reassessment of students and assessment of students transferring into the District.
    3. The District implements a procedure for resolving disputes with regard to identification and placement decisions.
    4. Any District gifted education services are delivered in accordance with State law.
    5. The District informs parents of the contents of this policy as required by State law.

     

    The services likely to be provided to a student based on the nature of their identification are:  

    1. The District ensures equal opportunity for all children identified as gifted to receive any or all services offered by the District.
    2. The District implements a procedure for withdrawal of children from District services and for reassessment of children.
    3. The District implements a procedure for resolving disputes with regard to identification and placement decisions.
    4. Any District gifted education services are delivered in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code.
    5. The District informs parents of the contents of this policy as required by the Ohio Revised Code.

     

    The gifted services currently available within the District and the criteria for receiving these services are: 

    • the criteria and methods the District uses to screen and select children for further assessment who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment in one of the gifted areas;
    • the sources of assessment data the District uses to select children for further testing and an explanation to parents/guardians of the multiple assessment instruments required to identify children who are gifted;
    • an explanation for parents/guardians of the methods the District uses to ensure equal access to screening and further assessment by all District children, culturally and linguistically diverse children, children from low socio-economic background, children with disabilities and children for whom English is a second language;
    • the process of notifying parents/guardians regarding all policies and procedures concerning the screening, assessment and identification of children who are gifted;
    • an opportunity for parents/guardians to appeal any decision about the results of any screening procedure or assessment, the scheduling of children for assessment or the placement of a student in any program or for receipt of services;
    • procedures for the assessment of children who transfer into the District and
    • at least two opportunities a year for assessment in the case of children requesting assessment or recommended for assessment by teachers, parents or other children.
    •  

    Written Education Plan

     

    The District provides gifted services based on the student’s areas(s) of identification and individual needs and is guided by a written education plan (WEP) developed in collaboration with an educator who holds a licensure or endorsement in gifted education.  The District provides parents with periodic reports regarding the student’s progress toward meeting goals and the effectiveness of the services provided in accordance with the WEP. 

     

    The WEP is provided to parents of gifted students and educators responsible for providing gifted education services and includes:

     

    1. a description of the services provided, including goals for the student in each service specified, including but not limited to measurable academic goals;
    2. methods and performance measurements for evaluating progress toward achieving the goals specified;
    3. methods and schedule for reporting progress to students and parents;
    4. staff members responsible for ensuring that specified services are delivered;
    5. policies regarding the waiver of assignments and the scheduling of tests missed while a student is participating in any gifted services provided outside the general education classroom and
    6. a date by which the WEP will be reviewed for possible revision.

     

    At the commencement of services, and each year in which a student receives services, the District makes a reasonable attempt, in writing to obtain a parent/guardian signature on the WEP.  A student will not be denied services due to lack of a parent/guardian signature.

    The District will develop and disseminate a “no services” letter to parents/guardians of students identified as gifted but not receiving gifted services clearly communicating the student is not receiving gifted services.  The letter may include a list of enrichment opportunities provided to the student by the District.

     

    Gifted Education Personnel

     

    Gifted education instruction is provided by gifted education intervention specialists by grade level in accordance with the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).  Gifted education instruction is offered during the regular school day and may be provided in large or small groups and/or individually in a variety of settings.  The depth, breadth and pace of instruction based on the appropriate content areas may be differentiated.  Where a general education teacher is designated as the provider of gifted services, the teacher meets the requirements of OAC including the requirements to receive professional development and ongoing assistance from a gifted education intervention specialist or gifted education coordinator.  

     

    Annual Report and Accountability

     

    The District submits, as required, a gifted education annual report to ODE.  The District submits, as required, a gifted education data audit to ODE.  The Superintendent/designee implements all policies and procedures in accordance with laws, rules and regulations and follows the OAC rules regarding gifted education.

  • Board Policy JFG
    Locker Ownership & Search

    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    The District has responsibility for the control and management of students during the school day and hours of approved extracurricular activities.  While discharging its responsibility, the administration is to make an effort to protect each student’s rights with respect to interrogations by law enforcement officials.  The administration has developed regulations to be followed in the case of searches and interrogations.

    The right to inspect students’ school lockers or articles carried upon their persons and to interrogate an individual student is inherent in the authority granted school boards.  All searches are conducted sparingly and only when such search is reasonably likely to produce tangible results to preserve discipline and good order and the safety and security of persons and their property within the area of the school’s responsibility.

    Student lockers are the property of the District, and since random searches have a positive impact on reducing drugs and other criminal activity, it is the policy of the Board to permit the building administrator to search any locker and its contents as the administrator believes necessary.  Such notice will be posted at or near the entrance to the school grounds and at the main entrance to each school building.

    The Board directs the Superintendent to authorize the use of dogs trained in detecting the presence of drugs.  The dogs may be used to patrol the school facilities and grounds, including the lockers and parking areas.  Use of dogs may be unannounced and random.  If a trained canine alerts to a particular vehicle, locker or other container, it shall create reasonable suspicion to search that vehicle, locker or container in accordance with this policy.

  • Please be aware that Fairfield Local School District, either directly or through a technology provider, is electing to generally monitor all school-issued devices (as that term is defined by R.C. 3319.325). The monitoring will include the following features: safety and compliance, web-browsing activity, and interactions with school-issued devices. The District generally monitors these features for the noncommercial education purpose of instruction, technical support, exam proctoring and federal compliance. Additionally, these features are generally monitored as a necessary precaution for preventing and/or responding to threats to life or safety.  The following programs, or technology providers, will be monitoring student activity:

    • Google Compliance/Admin:  Scans student email accounts.  Keeps logs of student accounts.
    • Bark: Scans student email, drive and docs accounts.
    • Securly:  Filters and records website activity.
    • GoGuardian:  Teacher monitoring tool for classroom use.
    • Impero Education Pro: Teacher monitoring tool for classroom use. (Windows OS)

    In the event you have further questions regarding the monitoring of school-issued devices please contact technology.director@fairfieldlocal.org.

  • July 21, 2025 – Fairfield Local School District announced today a change to its policy for serving meals to children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the {Insert the School Year, i.e., 2023-2024} school year. Schools qualifying to operate the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) provide breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free, reduced-price, and paid student meals. This new approach reduces burdens for both families and school administrators and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals.

     

    FREE HEALTH CARE: Families with children eligible for school meals may be eligible for FREE health care coverage through Medicaid and/or Ohio’s Healthy Start & Healthy Families programs. These programs include coverage for doctor visits, immunizations, physicals, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, substance abuse and more. Please call 1-800-324-8680 for more information or to request an application. Information can also be found on the web at Ohio Job and Family Services. Anyone who has an Ohio Medicaid card is already receiving these services.

     

    For additional information please contact the following person:

    Amy Buddelmeyer

    11611 St. Rt. 771  

    Leesburg, Ohio 45135

    937-780-2221 ext. 0  /  amy.b@fairfieldlocal.org

     

    In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

     

    Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

     

    To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027 at USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, call the USDA office at 866-632-9992  or by writing a letter addressed to USDA.  The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

    1. Mail:
      U.S. Department of Agriculture
      Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
      1400 Independence Avenue, SW / Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
    2. Fax:
      (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    3. Email:
      program.intake@usda.gov                              

       This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

  • Board Policy EHA 

    Data and Records Retention

    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    All recordsare the property of the District and are not removed, destroyed, mutilated, transferred or otherwise damaged or disposed of, in whole or in part, except as provided by law or under the rules adopted by the Educational Service District Commission (Commission).  Such records shall be delivered by outgoing officials and employees to their successors and shall not be otherwise removed, transferred or destroyed unlawfully.

    The functions of the Commission are to review applications for one-time records disposal and schedules of records retention and disposition submitted by any employee of the District.  Records may be disposed of by the District pursuant to the procedure outlined below.  The Commission may at any time review any schedule it has previously approved and may revise that schedule.

    When District records have been approved for disposal, the Commission sends a list of such records to the Auditor of State.  If he/she disapproves the action by the Commission, in whole or in part, he/she so informs the Commission within a period of 60 days, and these records are not destroyed.  Before public records are disposed of, the Ohio Historical Society is informed and given the opportunity for a period of 60 days to select for its custody such public records as it considers to be of continuing historical value.2


    1 Records include any documents devices or items, regardless of physical form or characteristic, created or received by or coming under the jurisdiction of the District which serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations or other activities of the District. ORC Section149.011

    2 The Historical Society may not review or select for its custody the records set forth in ORC Section 149.41(A) and (B).

     

  • Board Policy JED

    Student Absences and Excuses

    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    Regular attendance by all students is very important. In many cases, irregular attendance is the major reason for poor schoolwork; therefore, all students are urged to make appointments, do personal errands, etc., outside of school hours.

    Reasons for which students may be medically excused include, but are not limited to:

    • personal illness of the student; 
    • illness in the student’s family necessitating the presence of the child;  
    • quarantine for contagious disease or  
    • emergency or other set of circumstances in which the judgment of the Superintendent constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school, which may include but not be limited to absences due to documented medical, behavioral or dental appointments.

    Reasons for which students may be nonmedically excused include, but are not limited to:

    • needed at home to perform necessary work directly and exclusively for parents or legal guardians for a limited period of time when approved in advance by the Superintendent (applies to students over 14 years of age only when all statutory obligations have been met for such excusal); 
    • death in the family (applies to absences of up to 18 school hours unless a reasonable cause may be shown for a longer absence); 
    • observation of religious holidays consistent with the truly held religious beliefs of the student or the student's family; 
    • traveling out of state to attend a Board-approved enrichment activity or extracurricular activity (applies to absences of up to 24 school hours); 
    • college visitation; 
    • pre-enlistment reporting to military enlistment processing station; 
    • absences of a student of a military family for purposes of visiting their parent, legal guardian or custodian who is an active duty member of the uniformed services that has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting; 
    • absences due to a student's placement in foster care or change in foster care placement or any court proceedings related to their foster care status; 
    • absences due to a student being homeless or 
    • as determined by the Superintendent.

    Students may be excused from school for up to three religious expression days per school year in accordance with State law.

    The District makes an attempt to contact the parent, guardian, or other person having care of a student who has not notified the school of the student’s absence that day regarding that student’s absence without legitimate excuse within 120 minutes of the start of the school day. The Board authorizes the Superintendent to determine and use the appropriate notification procedure and methods consistent with State law.

    Student make up work for religious expression days is managed in accordance with State law and Board policy for such absences.

    Each student who is absent for reasons other than religious expression days must immediately, upon return to school, make arrangements with his/her teacher(s) to make up work missed. Students who are absent from school for reasons not permitted by State law may, or may not, be permitted to make up work. Each case is considered on its merits by the principal and the respective teacher(s). Students who are absent due to an in-school or out-of-school suspension are permitted to make up missed classroom assignments in accordance with District level policies and procedures. Students are requested to bring a note to school after each absence explaining the reason for the absence or tardiness in accordance with procedures and timelines defined in District level policies and procedures.

    The Board does not believe that students should be excused from school for vacations or other nonemergency trips. The responsibility for such absences resides with the parent(s), and they must not expect any work missed by their child to be retaught by the teacher. If the school is notified in advance of such a trip, reasonable efforts are made to prepare a general list of assignments for the student to do while he/she is absent.

    The Board authorizes the Superintendent to establish a hearing and notification procedure for the purpose of denying a student’s driving privileges if that student of compulsory school age has been absent without legitimate excuse for more than 60 consecutive hours during a school month or a total of at least 90 hours during a school year.

     

  • Board Policy JO

    STUDENT RECORDS

    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    In order to provide students with appropriate instruction and educational services, it is necessary for the District to maintain extensive educational and personal information. It is essential that pertinent information in these records be readily available to appropriate school personnel, be accessible to the student’s parent(s) or the student in compliance with law, and yet be guarded as confidential information.

    The Superintendent is responsible for the proper administration of student records in keeping with State law and federal requirements and the procedures for the collection of necessary information about individual students throughout the District.

    Upon request, all records and files included in the student’s cumulative file are available to parent(s) or the student (if he/she is over 18 years of age). This request must be in writing and is granted within seven calendar days. No records are to be removed from the school. A principal, teacher or other qualified school personnel must be present to explain any of the tests or other material.

    All rights and protections given to parents under law and this policy transfer to the student when he/she reaches age 18 or enrolls in a postsecondary school. The student then becomes an “eligible student.”

    The District uses reasonable methods to identify and authenticate the identity of parents, students, school officials and any other parties to whom the agency or institution discloses personally identifiable information from education records.

    The district provides notice to parents and eligible students annually, in accordance with the procedures set forth under administrative regulations, of the rights held by parents and eligible students under law and this policy.  It is the intent of the District to limit the disclosure of information contained in the student’s education records except:

    1. by prior written consent;
    2. as directory information and
    3. under other limited circumstances, as enumerated under administrative regulations.

    The following rights exist:

    1. the right to inspect and review the student’s education records;
    2. the right, in accordance with administrative regulations, to seek to correct parts of the student’s education records, including the right to a hearing if the school authority decides not to alter the records according to the parent(s)’ or eligible student’s request;
    3. the right of any person to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if the District violates relevant Federal law, specifically the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and
    4. the right to acquire information concerning the procedure which the parent(s) or eligible student should follow to obtain copies of this policy, the locations from which these copies may be obtained, as well as any fees to be charged for such copies.

    The District proposes to designate the following personally identifiable information contained in a student’s education records as “directory information.”

    1. student’s name
    2. student’s address
    3. telephone number(s)
    4. student’s date and place of birth
    5. participation in officially recognized activities and sports\
    6. student’s achievement awards or honors
    7. student’s weight and height, if a member of an athletic team
    8. major field of study
    9. dates of attendance (“from and to” dates of enrollment)
    10. date of graduation

    The above information is disclosed without prior written consent, except when the request is for a profit-making plan or activity or when the parent/eligible student has informed the Board that any or all such information should not be released without their prior written consent or when disclosure is otherwise prohibited by law.

    Administrative regulations set forth a procedure for annual notification to parents and eligible students of the District’s definition of directory information.  Parents or eligible students must advise the District, in writing, of any or all items which they refuse to permit as directory information about that student.

    To carry out their responsibilities, school officials have access to student education records for legitimate educational purposes. The District uses the criteria set forth under administrative regulations to determine who are “school officials” and what constitutes “legitimate educational interests.”

    Other than requests as described above, school officials release information from, or permit access to, a student’s education records only with the prior written consent of a parent or eligible student, except that the Superintendent or a person designated in writing by the Superintendent may permit disclosure in certain limited circumstances outlined under administrative regulations (e.g., transfers to another school district or to comply with judicial order or subpoena or where warranted, in a health or safety emergency, etc.).

    The District maintains an accurate record of all requests to disclose information from, or to permit access to, a student’s education records and of information disclosed and access permitted.

     

  • Board Policy JF

    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    Students, like all citizens, have civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.  The First Amendment, which ensures the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition, and the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees due process and equal protection, apply in school environments.

    The rights of an individual are preserved only by the protection and preservation of the rights of others.  A student is responsible for the way rights are exercised and must accept the consequences of actions and recognize the boundaries of rights.  Each exercise of an individual’s rights must demonstrate respect for the rights of others.

    These statements set forth the rights of students and the responsibilities that are inseparable from these rights, which include the right to:

    1. equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination and the responsibility not to discriminate against others;
    2. attend free public schools; the responsibility to attend school regularly and to observe school rules essential for permitting others to learn at school;
    3. due process of law with respect to suspension and expulsion;
    4. free inquiry and expression and the responsibility to observe rules regarding these rights and
    5. privacy, which includes privacy with respect to the student’s school records.

     

    As part of the educational process, students should be made aware of their legal rights and of the legal authority of the Board to make rules and delegate authority to its staff to make rules necessary for the orderly operation of the schools.

    A copy of the school discipline code is posted in each of the schools and given to each student.  This code describes in detail the offenses for which disciplinary action may be taken.  Copies of the code are available to any parent in the principal’s office.

  • Board Policy EDE 

    Technology Acceptable Use and Internet Safety

    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    Technology can greatly enhance the instructional program, as well as the efficiency of the District. The Board recognizes that careful planning is essential to ensure the successful, equitable and cost-effective implementation of technology-based materials, equipment, systems and networks.

    Computers and use of the District network or online services support learning and enhance instruction, as well as assist in administration. For purposes of this policy, computers include District-owned desktop computers, laptops, tablets and other mobile computing devices.

    All computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. Failure to adhere to this policy and the guidelines below will result in the revocation of the user’s access privilege. Unacceptable uses of the computer/network include but are not limited to:

    1. violating the conditions of State and Federal law dealing with students’ and employees’ rights to privacy, including unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information; 
    2. using profanity, obscenity or other language that may be offensive to another user or intended to harass, intimidate or bully other users; 
    3. accessing personal social networking websites for noneducational purposes; 
    4. reposting (forwarding) personal communication without the author’s prior consent; 
    5. copying commercial software and/or other material in violation of copyright law; 
    6. using the network for financial gain, for commercial activity or for any illegal activity; 
    7. “hacking” or gaining unauthorized access to other computers or computer systems, or attempting to gain such unauthorized access; 
    8. accessing and/or viewing inappropriate material and 
    9. downloading of freeware or shareware programs.

    The Superintendent/designee shall develop a plan to address the short- and long-term technology needs and provide for compatibility of resources among school sites, offices and other operations. As a basis for this plan, he/she shall examine and compare the costs and benefits of various resources and shall identify the blend of technologies and level of service necessary to support the instructional program.

    Because access to online services provides connections to other computer systems located all over the world, users (and parents of users who are under 18 years old) must understand that neither the school nor the District can control the content of the information available on these systems. Some of the information available is controversial and sometimes offensive.  The Board does not condone the use of such materials. 

    Employees, students and parents of students must be aware that the privileges to access online services are withdrawn from users who do not respect the rights of others or who do not follow the rules and regulations established. A user’s agreement is signed to indicate the user’s acknowledgment of the risks and regulations for computer/online services use. The District has implemented technology-blocking measures that protect against access by both adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or, with respect to the use of computers by minors, harmful to minors. The District may also use monitoring devices that, to the extent permitted by law, maintain a running log of internet activity and record which sites a particular user has visited.

    “Harmful to minors” is defined as any picture, image, graphic image file or other visual depiction that:

    1. taken as a whole and with respect to minors appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex or excretion; 
    2. depicts, describes or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts or a lewd exhibition of genitals and 
    3. taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value as to minors.

    The District will educate minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response. The Superintendent/designee will develop a program to educate students on these issues.

    Annually, a student who wishes to have computer network and internet access during the school year must read the acceptable use and internet safety policy and submit a properly signed agreement form. Students and staff are asked to sign a new agreement each year after reviewing the policies and regulations of the District. The District reserves the right to amend policies and regulations as necessary throughout the school year. Users are notified of the updated policies and regulations and must comply with the updated requirements. These policies and regulations also apply to use of District-owned devices, or accessing of District intranet and software programs off District property. All users using platforms established for e-learning regardless of whether the student or employee is using a personal or District-provided device must be used in accordance with the standards for conduct outlined in this policy and the accompanying regulation. Users in violation of this policy or the accompanying regulation may be subject to discipline.

    Monitoring of School-Issued Devices 

    For the following provisions, “school-issued device” means hardware, software, devices and accounts that a school district, acting independently or with a technology provider, provides to an individual student for dedicated use. “Technology provider” means a person who contracts with a school district to provide a school-issued device for student use and creates, receives or maintains education records pursuant or incidental to its contract with the District.  “Technology provider” does not include a county board of developmental disabilities, educational service center, information technology center, assessment provider, curriculum provider, or city, local, exempted village or joint vocational school district that enters into a service contract with a school district that includes issuing school-issued devices to students. 

    In compliance with State law, the District and technology providers in contract with the District are prohibited from electronically accessing or monitoring the following except when otherwise authorized by law:

    1. location-tracking features of a school-issued device; 
    2. audio or visual receiving, transmitting or recording features of a school-issued device; 
    3. student interactions with a school-issued device, including, but not limited to, keystrokes and web-browsing activity. 

    These prohibitions on electronic access and monitoring of school-issued devices do not apply in the following circumstances:

    1. where limited to a noncommercial educational purpose for instruction, technical support or exam-proctoring by District employees, student teachers, staff, a vendor or the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW); 
    2. the activity is permitted under a judicial warrant or subpoena unless otherwise prohibited by State or Federal law; 
    3. the District or provider is notified or becomes aware that the device is missing or stolen; 
    4. the activity is necessary to prevent or respond to a threat to life or safety and access is limited to that purpose; 
    5. the activity is necessary to comply with Federal or State law; 
    6. the activity is necessary to participate in federal or state funding programs. 

    In any year the District or a technology provider elects to generally monitor a school-issued device under any of these circumstances, the District must provide notice to all parents of enrolled students. If access or monitoring of a student’s school-issued device occurs due to a judicial warrant or subpoena, a missing or stolen device, or in response to a threat to life or safety and the school district initiates responsive action, the District must notify the parent of the student within 72 hours of access and provide a written description of the triggering circumstance, including which features of the device were accessed and a description of the threat, if any. This notice is not required when the notice itself would pose a threat to life or safety. 

    Maintenance of Education Records by Technology Providers

    Technology providers in contract with the District must comply with State law provisions related to the collection, use and protection of data as if it were a school district. Education records created, received, maintained or disseminated by technology providers are solely the property of the District. Technology providers in contract with the District must comply with the following:

    1. if education records maintained by the technology provider are subject to a breach, the technology provider will disclose to the District all information necessary to comply with State law following discovery of the breach; 
    2. unless renewal of a contract with the District is reasonably anticipated, the technology provider will destroy or return all education records created, received or maintained to the District within 90 days of the expiration of the contract; 
    3. the technology provider cannot sell, share or disseminate education records, except as part of a valid delegation or assignment under the contract with the District, unless otherwise allowed by State law; 
    4. the technology provider cannot use educational records for any commercial purpose other than the services contracted for by the District.

    A contract between technology providers and the District must ensure appropriate security safeguards for education records, including, but not limited to:

    1. a restriction on unauthorized access by the technology provider’s employees or contractors; 
    2. a requirement that the technology provider’s employees or contractors may be authorized to access education records only as necessary to fulfill the official duties of the employee or contractor.

    Notice and Inspection of Technology Provider Contracts 

    The District must provide parents and students annual notice by August 1 of any curriculum, testing or assessment technology provider contract affecting a student’s education records. The notice can be by mail, electronic mail or other direct form of communication and must do all of the following:

    1. identify each curriculum, testing or assessment technology provider with access to education records; 
    2. identify the education records affected by the curriculum, testing or assessment technology provider contract; 
    3. include information about the contract inspection; 
    4. provide contact information for a school department that can answer parent and student questions or concerns regarding programs or activities that allow a technology provider access to education records. 

    The District must also provide parents and students an opportunity to inspect a complete copy of any technology provider contract. 

     

  • Board Policy IGBJ

    Title I Progrsams

    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    The Title I program is based on an annual assessment of educational needs.  This assessment includes identification of educationally deprived children in the public and private schools in this District.  Title I services are provided to all eligible, educationally deprived students.

    The Board believes parent and family involvement is a vital part of the Title I program.  The Superintendent/designee jointly develops with and distributes to parents of children participating in Title I programs within the District a written parent and family involvement policy and guidelines.  The written parent and family involvement policy includes a School-Parent Compact jointly developed by the school and the parents.  The requirements of the policy, compact and guidelines are consistent with Federal and State law.

    Parent and family involvement includes, but is not limited to, parent and family contribution to the design and implementation of programs under this title, development of support and improvement plans, participation by parents and family members in school activities and programs, and training and materials that build parents’ and family members’ capacity to improve their children’s learning in both the home and the school.  To build a partnership between home and school, the District:

    1. informs the parents and family members of the program, the reasons for their children’s participation and the specific instructional objectives; 
    2. trains parents and family members to work with their children to attain instructional objectives; 
    3. trains teachers and other staff involved in programs under this title to work effectively with the parents and family members of participating students; 
    4. develops partnerships by consulting with parents and family members regularly; 
    5. provides opportunities for parents and family members to be involved in the design, operation and evaluation of the program and 
    6. provides opportunities for the full participation of parents and family members who lack literacy skills or whose native language is not English.
       

    Title I funds are used only to augment, not to replace, state and local funds.  The Board uses these funds to provide equivalent or comparable educational services in all schools receiving Title I assistance.

  • Board Policy ACAA

    Sexual Harassment

    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment.  The District is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the regulations promulgated through the U.S. Department of Education not to discriminate in such a manner.  Inquiries about the application of Title IX to the District may be referred to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, or both. 

    The Board designates the following individual(s) to serve as the District’s Title IX Coordinator(s):

    Title:        Director of Teaching and Learning - Katie Streber (katie.streber@fairfieldlocal.org)

                    Director of Student Special Services - Amber Corcoran (amber.corcoran@fairfieldlocal.org)

                    Director of Technology and Library Services - TJ Crowder (tim.crowder@fairfieldlocal.org)

    Office address:    11611 State Route 771. Leesburg Ohio 45135            

    Phone number:    937-780-2221            

            

    Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, at any time, including during non-business hours.  Such a report may be made in person, by mail, by telephone or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. 

    For purposes of this policy and the grievance process, “sexual harassment” means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: 

    1. A District employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the District on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
    2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s education program or activity or 
    3. “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 USC 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34 USC 12291(a)(10), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 USC 12291(a)(8) or “stalking” as defined in 34 USC 12291(a)(30).

    When the harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex does not meet the definition of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator directs the individual to the applicable sex discrimination process for investigation. 

    Retaliation Prohibited

    The District prohibits intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or this policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation proceeding or hearing, if applicable. Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, including charges against an individual for code of conduct violations that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment, but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of sex discrimination, or a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or this part, constitutes retaliation.

    Confidentiality

    The District must keep confidential the identity of any individual who has made a report or complaint of sex discrimination, including any individual who has made a report or filed a formal complaint of sexual harassment, any individual who has been alleged to be the victim or perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment, and any witness, except as may be permitted by Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or as required by law, or to carry out the purposes of the Title IX regulations, including the conduct of any investigation, hearing or judicial proceeding arising thereunder. 

    Notice Requirements

    The District provides notice to applicants for admission and employment, students, parents or legal guardians of elementary and secondary school students, employees and the union(s) with the name or title, office address, email address and telephone number of the Title IX Coordinator and notice of the District grievance procedures and process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to file a formal complaint of sexual harassment and how the District will respond.  The District also posts the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information and Title IX policies and procedures in a prominent location on the District website and in all handbooks made available by the District.  

    Training Requirements

    The District ensures that Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process, receives training on the definition of sexual harassment, the scope of the District’s education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process including hearings, appeals and informal resolution processes, when applicable, and how to serve impartially including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest and bias.  

    The District also ensures that decision-makers and investigators receive training on issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant as set forth in the formal procedures that follow, and training on any technology to be used at a live hearing, if applicable.  Investigators also receive training on issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.  All materials used to train individuals who receive training under this section must not rely on sex stereotypes and must promote impartial investigations and adjudications of formal complaints of sexual harassment and are made publicly available on the District’s website.

    Conflict of Interest and Bias

    The District ensures that Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process do not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent. 

    Determination of Responsibility

    The individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment is presumed not responsible for alleged conduct.  A determination regarding responsibility will be made by the decision-maker at the conclusion of the investigation in accordance with the process outlined in the accompanying regulation.  No disciplinary sanctions will be imposed unless and until a final determination of responsibility is reached.

  • Board Policy AC

    Nondiscrimination

    To view/read entire
    policy, visit BoardDocs

     

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

    To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.