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Barre Town Supervisory
District Policy Manual
TITLE: Threats and
Disruptions to School Operations Policy
CODE: EBCC
I. POLICY
It is the policy of the Barre Town School
District to respond quickly and effectively to any threat to the safety
of its students and staff. (As a result, it has adopted the following
provisions that its personnel are directed to follow in order to prepare
for, respond to, and follow up on the communication of any threat that a
destructive device or any unauthorized hazardous substance or material
has been or will be placed on school grounds.)
II. CONDUCT PROHIBITED
It is a violation of this policy for any
person to make, issue, or otherwise communicate by any means, a threat
that an action will take place or a destructive device (bomb threat) has
been or will be placed on school grounds or property. The issuance or
communication by any means of a threat that any unauthorized hazardous
substance or material has been placed or will be placed on school
grounds with the intent to disrupt the operations of the school district
is strictly prohibited. It is a violation of this policy for any person
to knowingly place or install a hoax device on school grounds or
property.
III. DEFINITIONS
A. Definitions
- “Destructive device” means any (a) explosive, incendiary, or poison
gas bomb; or (b) explosive, incendiary or poison gas grenade; or (c)
explosive, incendiary or poison gas rocket having a propellant charge of
more than 4 ounces; or (d) explosive, incendiary or poison gas missile
having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one quarter (1/4)
ounce; or (e) explosive, incendiary or poison gas mine; of (f) device
which consists of or includes a breakable container including a
flammable or liquid compound, and a wick composed of any material which,
when ignited, is capable of igniting the flammable liquid or compound,
and can be carried or thrown by one individual acting alone; or (g)
device similar to those devices enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (e)
of this section.
- “Hoax device” means any device so designed, assembled, fabricated or
manufactured as to convey the physical appearance of an explosive or
incendiary bomb or the physical appearance of any of the devices
enumerated in subdivisions (a)-(f) of division 1. of this section, which
is lacking an explosive or incendiary charge.
- “School grounds or property” means: facilities, buildings, fields,
and grounds areas; vehicles owned, leased or used by the District to
transport students to and from school or school activities; parking lots
(including vehicles in the parking lots); or any other setting which is
under the permanent or temporary supervision and/or control of the Barre
Town School District.
IV. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of each student to
contribute to a safe and productive learning environment in the school
by demonstrating respect and consideration for fellow students and
adults. This includes complying with all policies and rules of conduct
of the School District and individual classrooms.
V. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
The Principal, in consultation with the
educational staff, will develop an overall discipline plan pursuant to
16 V.S.A. §1161a.
The plan will include clear guidelines
for student behavior. The guidelines for student behavior will include
prohibitions against the possession by students of knives, weapons and
dangerous instruments while at school, and shall allow disciplinary
action up to and including expulsion for violations of the prohibition
against knives, weapons and dangerous instruments that are not possessed
at school as part of an educational program sponsored or sanctioned by
the school. Behavioral expectations, and the consequences of misconduct,
will be stated in the student handbook and other publications
distributed to students and parents/guardians.
VI. NOTIFICATION AND TRAINING
A. Policy Dissemination. A reference to
this policy shall be included in all school handbooks.
The Barre Town School District has
adopted a comprehensive policy on what to do in the event of a bomb
threat or treats to disrupt school operations. You may obtain a copy of
the complete policy by requesting one from the principal’s office.
While the School District intends to
respect the legitimate privacy interests of all persons, it is lawful
for school authorities within constitutional boundaries to conduct
reasonable examination of personal property on school grounds, including
but not limited to lockers, desks, backpacks, book bags, and
automobiles. In the event of a bomb threat or other threats, the School
District may have to search such items in order to assure the safety and
protection of people and property.
It is important for members of the school community to know that any
academic time lost as a result of a bomb threat, or other threats
intended to disrupt school operations, will be rescheduled, either on a
weekend, vacation day, or following what would otherwise be the end of
the school year.
In addition, under State law, the making
of a bomb threat is a very serious criminal offense, punishable for even
a first offense by as much as 2 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The
making of such a threat may also lead to civil liability.
B. Training. The administration shall
develop a method of reviewing and discussing this policy and the
Emergency Operation Plan with students and employees.
Date Adopted: October 20, 1999
Date Revised:
1st Reading: : February 2, 2005, 6/3/2009
2nd/Final Reading: March 2, 2005, 7/6/2009
Legal Reference(s):
Cross References: JIH Student Interrogations, Searches & Arrests
Date Distributed: October 22, 1999
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