Policy Manual - Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22

Transcription

BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT # 22
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
SERIES 1000
TITLE
NUMBER
MEMBERS
ELECTION
NONVOTING ALTERNATE
TERM
VACANCIES
RESIGNATION
REMOVAL
OFFICERS AND AUXILIARY PERSONNEL
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
SOLICITOR
AUDITOR
CONSULTANTS
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD
RESPONSIBILITIES
DUTIES
MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS
POLICY DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
COMMITTEES
LIAISONS
1010
1020
1030
1040
1050
1060
1110
1120
1121
1122
1123
1130
1135
1140
1210
1215
1220
1230
1240
1245
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
SERIES 1000
TITLE
NUMBER
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD - Continued
BOARD - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RELATIONSHIP
MAIL BALLOTS IN LIEU OF ANNUAL CONVENTION
1250
1260
BOARD MEETINGS
REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS
PAYMENT OF BILLS WHEN MEETING CANCELLED
SPECIAL BOARD MEETINGS
WORK SESSIONS
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
AGENDA FORMAT, PREPARATION
AND DISSEMINATION
QUORUM
USE OF TELECONFERENCING FOR QUORUM
ORDER OF BUSINESS
RULES OF ORDER
VOTES REQUIRED
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
MINUTES
NEWS MEDIA
1310
1311
1315
1318
1320
1330
1340
1340.1
1350
1355
1360
1370
1380
BOARD MEMBER SERVICES
NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION
BOARD DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
(Conferences, Conventions, Workshops)
BOARD MEMBER REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES
BOARD MEMBER INSURANCE
1410
1420
1430
1440
BYLAW REVISIONS
CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS
1990
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
SERIES 2000
TITLE
NUMBER
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
2010.3
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS AND GUIDES
2010.5
TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
2015
PERSONNEL CONFLICT OF INTEREST
2020
NEPOTISM
2021
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
2100
NEW POSITION APPROVAL
2110
BEHAVIOR SUPPORT POLICY
113.2
ELIMINATING A POSITION
2115
EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS
2120
EMPLOYEE SAFETY
2130.1
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION-ALTERNATIVE
EMPLOYMENT
2130.2
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION-PANEL OF PHYSICIANS
2130.3
AIDS
2131
SMOKING
2132
DRUG/ALCHOL FREE WORK PLACE
2133
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
2134
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
2135
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
2136
ANTI-VIOLENCE/HARASSMENT
2137
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
SERIES 2000
TITLE
NUMBER
DIVERSITY AWARENESS
2138
CELLULAR PHONE USAGE
2139
WORKING DAY AND SCHEDULE
2140
INSTRUCTION MATERIALS SERVICES
COPYRIGHTS, PATENTS, TRADEMARKS,
ROYALTIES, AND RELATED MATTERS
2146
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SERVICES
BOARD COPYRIGHT POLICY
2147
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SERVICES
SELECTION OF MATERIALS
TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY
2148
815
WEAPONS BAN ON USE OR POSSESSION BY STAFF/STUDENTS 2150
PUBLIC INQUIRIES AND CONCERNS
2151
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
2155
HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION PRIVACY
2160
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE, SUPERVISORY, AND CONSULTATIVE PERSONNEL
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative Personnel shall include all full-time and regular part-time
service administrative personnel, supervisory personnel, program consultants, and *commission
officers.*
TITLE
NUMBER
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT
3100
PERSONNEL RECORDS
3105
PERSONNEL SELECTION
3115
CERTIFICATION
3125
EMPLOYEE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
3130
ORIENTATION OF STAFF
3135
RECRUITMENT AND TRANSFER
3145
EVALUATION
3150
REQUIRED TRANSPORTATION
3160
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
REFER TO SECTION 2000
2100
2120
AIDS
2131
SMOKING
2132
DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE WORK PLACE
2133
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
2134
ACTIVITIES
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING OR
TEACHING RELATED SERVICES
3205
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, MEETINGS,
ATTENDANCE
3210
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
ACTIVITIES (continued)
PROBLEMS SOLVING PROCEDURE
3215
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING
3220
COMPENSATION AND RELATED BENEFITS
PAYROLL SCHEDULES
3305
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
3310
TRAVEL AND EXPENSES
3315
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
3325
REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORK/HEALTH
EXPENSES
3330
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
INSURANCE
DENTAL
3340.1
DISABILITY
3340.2
HOSPITALIZATION AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
3340.3
LIFE
3340.4
LIABILITY
3340.5
VISION
3340.6
WORKER’S COMPENSATION
3340.7
TRAVEL ACCIDENT
3340.8
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
3340.9
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
ABSENCES
3405.0
PERSONAL ILLNESS-INJURY
3405.1
COURT WITNESS-JURY DUTY
3405.2
PERSONAL REASONS
3405.3
BEREAVEMENT
3405.4
VACATION
3405.5
EMERGENCY
3405.6
LEAVES
SABBATICAL
3410.0
CHILDREARING
3410.1
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
LEAVES (Continued)
MILITARY
3410.3
PROFESSIONAL LEAVE
3410.6
HEALTH AND HARDSHIP
3410.7
SEPARATION
RESIGNATION
3505
DISMISSAL
3510
REDUCTION IN FORCE
3515
RETIREMENT
3520
LONGEVITY INCENTIVE
3520.2
RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE PROGRAM
3520.6
RETIREE LIFE INSURANCE
3520.7
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL
SERIES 4000
Instructional personnel shall include personnel who are job classified as full-time and regular part-time
special education teachers, resource teachers, itinerant teacher and any other employee required to be
certified or licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education or other appropriate agencies
(excluding those employees who meet the definition of Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative
Personnel), (Policy 3000).
Instructional personnel who are duly certified and serving as “professional employees”, as defined in the
Public School Code of 1949, as amended, are entitled to the benefits, rights and privileges provided to all
Instructional Personnel by Board policy.
TITLE
NUMBER
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
PERSONNEL RECORDS
4105
PERSONNEL SELECTION
4115
4130
4135
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 4000
NUMBER
PERSONNEL PROCESSES - Continued
ASSIGNMENT
4140
TRANSFER
4145
EVALUATION
4150
2100
2120
AIDS
2131
SMOKING
2132
2133
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
2134
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 4000
NUMBER
ACTIVITIES - Continued
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, MEETINGS
ATTENDANCE
4210
PROBLEM SOLVING PROCEDURE
4215
4220
CONTRACT TERM
4225
SCHOOL CALENDAR
4230
LENGTH OF WORKING DAY
4235
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
4240
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SERVICES
4245
SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYEES
4255
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 4000
NUMBER
PAYROLL SCHEDULES
4305
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
4310
INSURANCE
LIFE
4340.4
LIABILITY
4340.5
VISION
4340.6
WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION
4340.7
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 4000
NUMBER
ABSENCES
4405.0
PERSONAL ILLNESS/INJURY
4405.1
JURY DUTY/COURT WITNESS
4405.2
PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS
4405.3
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
4405.4
DISCRETIONARY LEAVE
4405.6
LEAVES
4410.0
CHILDREARING
4410.1
SABBATICAL
4410.2
MILITARY LEAVE
4410.3
MEDICAL LEAVE
4410.4
PERSONAL LEAVE
4410.5
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 4000
NUMBER
SEPARATION
RESIGNATION
4505
DISMISSAL
4510
REDUCTION IN FORCE
4515
RETIREMENT
4520
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL
TITLE
SERIES 5000
NUMBER
Classified personnel shall include personnel who are job classified as full-time and regular part-time
technicians, skilled employees, semi-skilled employees and instructional assistants.
Classified personnel are extended the rights, benefits and privileges provided them by Board policy, in
addition to any accorded them under the Public School Code.
TITLE
NUMBER
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
FULL AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES
5100
PERSONNEL RECORDS
5105
PERSONNEL SELECTION
5115
5130
5135
5145
EVALUATION
5150
PROBATION
5155
SUPERVISION, DISCIPLINE, AND DISCHARGE POLICY
5165
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 5000
NUMBER
2100
2120
AIDS
2131
SMOKING
2132
2133
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
2134
ACTIVITIES
5215
5220
5255
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 5000
NUMBER
PAYROLL SCHEDULES
5305
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
5310
TRAVEL AND EXPENSES
5315
5325
INSURANCE
DENTAL
5340.1
DISABILITY INCOME PROTECTION
5340.2
5340.3
LIFE
5340.4
VISION
5340.5
VISION
5340.6
WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION
5340.7
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 5000
TITLE
NUMBER
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
5340.9
ABSENCES
5405.0
5405.1
5405.2
PERSONAL REASONS
5405.3
BEREAVEMENT
5405.4
VACATION
5405.5
EMERGENCY
5405.6
LEAVES
5410.0
FAMILY LEAVE
MILITARY
335
5410.3
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 5000
NUMBER
LEAVES (continued)
SICK LEAVE
334
PERSONAL NECESSITY LEAVE
336
VAN DRIVER’S PERSONAL LEAVE
5410.6
SEPARATION
RESIGNATION
5505
DISMISSAL
5510
RETIREMENT
5520
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
SERIES 6000
TITLE
NUMBER
GOALS
6110
DATA MANAGEMENT
(Public Use of School Records)
6125
NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS
6130
INSPECTION OF RECORDS
6160
EDUCATION RECORDS
6165
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
• RECORDS RETENTION
• RECORDS DESTRUCTION
6170
6170.1
6170.2
PROCUREMENT CARDS
6175
BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT #22
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
SERIES 7000
TITLE
NUMBER
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
7010
PUBLICATION AND PUBLIC REVIEW
7030
DISTRICT BOARD APPROVAL OF GENERAL
OPERATING BUDGET
GRANTS
7040
7100
SALE, RENTAL, AND DISPOSAL OF EXCESS
EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
7130
GIFTS AND BEQUESTS
7140
FUNDS MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT OF FUNDS
7150.2
BANK ACCOUNTS
7150.3
AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS
7150.4
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
SERIES 7000
TITLE
NUMBER
PURCHASING PROCEDURES
7220
DISBURSEMENT
7230
ACCOUNTS
7300
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FACILITIES
7410
SAFETY
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
INTERMEDIATE UNIT VISITORS
705
805
907
•
•
•
AUXILIARY AGENCIES
TRANSPORTATION
7800
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1010
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
MEMBERS
ELECTION
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 Board of Directors shall be composed of
thirteen members, one member from each of its thirteen school districts.
To stand for election the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 Board of Directors, a
director from a member school district shall be nominated by a majority vote of the Board of
Directors of that member district. A record of that vote shall be transmitted to the Bucks County
Intermediate Unit No. 22 prior to election to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 Board of
Directors.
The election of Directors to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 Board of School
Directors shall be proportionate ballot and each school director of each school district within the
Bucks County Intermediate Unit shall be entitled to a vote. The proportionate vote which each
school board member shall be entitled to cast is determined by the Secretary of Education each
February.
The local school district directors shall elect members by mail ballot. Ballots will be
distributed to each local board secretary in February and shall be received and tallied by the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit Board President and Secretary immediately prior to the regularly
scheduled Intermediate Unit Board meeting in April. The term of office begins July 1st.
S.C. 910-A
Board adopted 06/19/90
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1020
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
MEMBERS
NONVOTING ALTERNATE
An alternate may be officially designated by a local school board to attend Bucks County
Intermediate Unit No. 22 Board of Directors meetings in the absence of its elected Intermediate
Unit Board member. The alternate may participate in all Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board
meetings, including Executive Sessions, but the alternate may not vote on issues before the Board.
The local school district shall notify the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 of the name of its
designated official alternate.
It is the responsibility of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board member to notify the
Executive Director or, in his/her absence, the Secretary of the Board, of when the alternate will
attend a meeting in the directors absence.
S. C. 910-A
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1030
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
MEMBERS
TERM
The term of office is for three years, commencing July 1 of the first year and ending
June 30 in the third year. There shall be no limit to the number of successive terms
served by members.
The schedule for elections is as follows:
TERM
2014, 2017, 2020
Central Bucks
2015, 2018, 2021
Pennridge
Pennsbury
School Code 910-A(c)
Board revised 07/20/05
2016, 2019, 2022
Bensalem
Bristol Borough
Morrisville
Palisades
TERM
Centennial
Bristol Township
Neshaminy
Council Rock
TERM
New Hope-Solebury
Quakertown Comm.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1040
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
MEMBERS
VACANCIES
Vacancies occur on the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors upon death,
resignation, removal, or when a person no longer holds the office as a school director within one
of the thirteen component school districts.
To fill a vacancy on the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors, A director
from the appropriate member district shall first be nominated by a majority vote of the board of
directors of that member district and A record of the vote shall be transmitted
S. C. 910-A(d)
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1050
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
MEMBERS
RESIGNATIONS
A Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board member who chooses to resign from the
Intermediate Unit Board shall submit a letter of resignation to his/her local Board Secretary and
the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board Secretary.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1060
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
MEMBERS
REMOVAL
Any member of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors may be removed
from membership on that Board in the same manner and for the same cause or causes as prescribed
in law for members of a local school district Board of directors.
A Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors member may be removed for:
(a) Neglect or refusal to attend two successive regular meetings of the Board, unless
detained by sickness or prevented by necessary absence;
(b) If in attendance at any meetings, shall refuse or neglect to act in his/her official
capacity as a school director.
The remaining members of the Board may declare, by a majority vote of the remaining
members of the Board, his/her office vacant.
S.C. 910-A(e)
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1110
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
OFFICIERS AND AUXILIARY PERSONNEL
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Annually, during the month of July, the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of
Directors shall elect a President and Vice President from among its from among its members, a
Secretary and a Treasurer, who need not be members.
The officers of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors may be from any of
the thirteen local school boards.
Before he/she enters upon the duties of his/her office of the Secretary of the Board of
Directors shall furnish to the Intermediate Unit, for the faithful performance of his/her duties, a
bond, in such amount and with such surety or sureties as may be required of him/her, and approved
by the Board of Directors. The cost of such bond shall be paid for by the Bucks County
Intermediate Unit.
The Treasurer may be any individual or corporation duly qualified and legally authorized
to transact a fiduciary business within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Treasurer, before entering upon his/her duties, shall furnish a bond in an amount and
with surety or sureties as the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board may approve. The cost of the
bond shall be paid out of the funds of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. Banks or Trust
companies, serving as the Treasurer, need not furnish bond.
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board may hold an election, at any time, when
vacancies occur among the officers. In the event the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice
President shall preside until a new President is elected.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1110
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
OFFICIERS AND AUXILIARY PERSONNEL
ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Continued
In the event that the Secretary of the Board is absent from a Bucks County Intermediate
Unit Board meeting, the first item of business shall be to elect a Secretary Pro Tem for such
meeting only.
S.C. 912-A
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1120
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
The President shall be the officer of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of School
Directors, who together with the Executive Director and the Secretary, when directed by the
Board, shall execute any and all deeds, contracts, reports, and other papers pertaining to the
business of the Board, requiring the signature of the President. The President shall perform such
other duties as the Board may direct and as pertain to his/her office.
The President shall be responsible for the scope and number of standing committees.
Board Directors shall be appointed to the standing Committees by the President as soon as
possible after the July organization meeting, where they serve until new committee assignments
are made.
Ad hoc committees may be appointed, charged and assigned a fixed termination date which may
be extended from time to time by the President. The incoming President shall honor those
individuals appointed to the ad hoc committees until their study is completed and presented to the
Board, unless the committee member is unable to participate in the activities of the committee.
The President shall appoint the chairman of each committee.
The President shall serve as an ex-officio member on all committees.
Special meetings of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board may be called at the discretion of
the President.
S.C. 427,405
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1121
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
VICE PRESIDENT
In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside at all meetings, call special
meetings and, when directed by the Board, shall execute any and all deeds, contracts, and other
papers pertaining to the business of the Board, and perform all other duties required of the
President.
S.C. 428
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1122
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
SECRETARY
The Secretary of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors shall perform the
following duties:
(1)
He/she shall keep a correct and proper record of all the proceedings of the Board and shall
prepare such reports and keep such accounts as are required by the provisions of the
School Code.
(2)
He/she shall attest, in writing, to the execution of all deeds, contracts, reports and other
instruments that are to be executed by the Board.
(3)
He/she shall furnish, whenever requested, any and all reports concerning the affairs of the
Intermediate Unit on such form and in such manner as the State Board of Education or the
Secretary of Education may require
(4)
He/she shall be the custodian of all the official Board records and the official seal of the
Intermediate Unit, and, at the expiration of his/her term, shall turn the same over to his/her
successor
(5)
He/she shall perform such other duties pertaining to the business of the Intermediate Unit
as are required by the School Code, by the Board or the Executive Director.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1123
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
TREASURER
The Treasurer of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors shall perform the
following duties:
(1)
He/she shall receive all State, Federal, local and other funds belonging to the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit and make payments out of the same on proper orders, signed by
the President, Secretary and Treasurer;
(2)
He/she shall deposit funds belonging to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in a Board
approved depository and shall for the end of each month make a report to the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit Board, of the amount of funds received and disbursed by him,
her during the month;
(3)
He/she shall direct the investment of Bucks County Intermediate Unit funds subject to
restrictions contained in the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949 as amended, and any rules
and regulations adopted by the Board;
(4)
He/she may combine monies from more than one fund under Intermediate Unit control for
the purchase of a single investment, provided that each of the funds combined for the
purpose shall be accounted for separately in all respects and that the earnings from the
investment are separately and individually computed and recorded, and credited to the
accounts from which the investment was purchased;
(5)
He/she shall perform such other acts and duties pertaining to the Intermediate Unit as the
Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors or the Executive Director may direct,
or as may be required of him by law, and at the end of his term the Treasurer shall
promptly deliver to his/her successor all books, accounts, and other property of the
Intermediate Unit;
(6)
The accounts of the Treasurer shall be audited annually.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1130
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
APPOINTMENT OF AUXILIARY PERSONNEL
SOLICITOR
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors shall appoint a firm as its solicitor to
provide legal counsel to the Board and the Executive Director, annually, in the month of July.
S.C. 406
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1135
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
AUDITOR
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors shall appoint annually an independent
local auditor to audit, by November of each year, the financial records of the Bucks County
Intermediate Unit for the preceding fiscal year, and to report its findings and recommendations to
the Intermediate Unit Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1140
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
CONSULTANTS
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors may engage professional consultant(s) to
provide services to the Board. The Executive Director at the Board's direction, shall negotiate a
contract for such services which defines the services to be provided, and shall include a time frame
for the delivery of such services and the compensation and related expenses for the consultant(s).
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1210
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board shall constantly endeavor:
01.
To devote time, thought and study to the duties and responsibilities of the
Intermediate Unit Board.
02.
To work with fellow Board Directors in a spirit of harmony and cooperation in
spite of differences of opinion that may arise during vigorous debate;
a)
to focus on issues, not personalities
b)
to treat in confidence comments or positions made in private by individual
Board Members
c)
to accept the will of the majority vote in all cases and give wholehearted
support to the resulting resolution.
03.
To remember at all times that, as individuals, Board Directors have no legal
authority outside the meetings of the Board. Directors are to conduct
relationships with the Intermediate Unit staff, school districts' staff, the local
citizenry, and all media of communication on the basis of this fact.
04.
To vote honest convictions in every case, un-swayed by partisan and regional bias
of any kind.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1210
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD
RESPONSIBILITIES - Continued
05.
To resist every temptation and outside pressure to use the Director's position to
personally benefit or to provide special considerations to an agency or any
individual apart from the total interest of the Intermediate Unit.
06.
To remember that at public Board meetings all forms of communication to the
media shall be channeled through the President of the Board and/or the Executive Director.
07.
To remember that when communicating with the media, no Board Director may
speak for the Board except when such instruction has been rendered.
08.
To refer questions and concerns to the Executive Director and to abstain from
individual counsel and actions.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1215
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
DUTIES
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors shall be the policy making body for the
Bucks County Intermediate Unit. Its powers and duties shall be to:
01.
Appoint an Executive Director and determine his/her compensation.
02.
Appoint Assistant Executive Director(s) upon recommendation of the Executive Director
and determine his/her(their) compensation.
03.
Approve professional staff appointments upon recommendation by the Executive Director.
04.
Adopt employment policies for non-professional staff.
05.
Adopt a program of services.
06.
Adopt and advertise the Bucks County Intermediate Unit's general operation budget.
07.
Provide for and conduct programs of services authorized by the State Board of Education,
including services performed under contract with component school districts.
08.
Contract for specialized services.
09.
Receive federal, state, school district and other monies and authorize the expenditure of
same to conduct programs of services.
10.
Designate one or more banks or bank and trust companies as a depository or depositories
for Bucks County Intermediate Unit funds. Each such depository shall furnish a bond, or
collateral in lieu thereof, as is provided in the case of depositories of school funds.
11.
Lease and/or purchase land and facilities.
12.
Employ a solicitor for such purposes as may be required and fix its
compensation.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1215
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
DUTIES – Continued
13.
Consolidate and let combined bids for bulk purchases.
14.
Purchase or lease equipment and motor vehicles to be used for educational
programs and services.
15.
Submit the annual general operation budget to individual school boards for
approval.
16.
Fill vacancies that occur on the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board.
17.
Approve all budgets for programs conducted by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit
Board.
18.
Operate education classes and programs in accordance with the approved budgets.
19.
Develop and approve policies for the operation of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit.
20.
Approve a mission statement and strategic plan.
21.
Adopt a program of services with assurances of equal educational opportunities.
22.
Perform such other duties as may be required by regulations of the State Board of
Education.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1220
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit will engage in strategic planning as a means to establish
long-range direction for the organization.
The Executive Director will be responsible for
organizing a cyclical strategic planning process, which will include representatives from the IU
Board and staff, school district staff, and other stakeholders. Upon the recommendation of the
planning team and Executive Director, a motion will be presented to the IU Board to approve the
mission, goals and strategies of the strategic plan.
Board Revised 07/20/05
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1230
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
POLICY DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
It is the intent of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors to develop
policies in accordance with the mission statement and goals and put them in writing, so that they
may serve as guidelines for the successful and efficient functioning of the Bucks County
Intermediate Unit.
Through the development and adoption of written policies, the Board exercises its
leadership in the governance of the Intermediate Unit; through study and evaluation of reports
concerning the execution of its written policies, the Board exercises its oversight of Intermediate
Unit operations.
The Board considers policy development its chief function, along with providing the
personnel, facilities, materials, and equipment for the successful administration and execution of
its policies.
The policies of the Board are framed, and are meant to be interpreted, in terms of state
laws, regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and other regulatory agencies
within our local, county, state and federal levels of government. The policies are also framed, and
meant to be interpreted, in terms of those educational objectives, procedures, and practices which
are broadly accepted in the public education field.
Changes in needs, conditions, purposes, and objectives will require revisions, deletions and
additions to the policies of present and future Boards.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1230
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
POLICY DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM – Continued
01.
a.
Initiation
Any person within the community (defined here to mean anyone residing within Bucks
County or employed by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit) may suggest or recommend
policies in writing to the Executive Director. The Executive Director will obtain from the
initiator a statement of the need for the proposed policy.
b.
The Executive Director will be the primary officer for initiating policy development
directed by State officials or law.
02.
Assembly of Background Material - The Executive Director or his/her designee will
gather the following types of information preparatory to drafting a policy statement:
a.
The effect the proposed policy will have on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
students
teaching staff
community and others
administrators
b.
The fiscal consequences of adopting the proposed policy
c.
The specific need for the policy
d.
Samples of similar policies of other boards, if any
e.
Provisions of state law, where applicable
f.
Suggestions as to how the policy will be implemented, enforced, and evaluated.
03.
Drafting Policy Statement - The Executive Director or his/her designee will draft a policy
statement. The Board's legal counsel will be consulted concerning the proposed policy
statement and carry out whatever steps are recommended. The tentative draft should be
sent to those individuals or groups who may have something to contribute to the policy, or
will be responsible for its implementation or subject to its actions.
The policy, at the direction of the Board, shall be submitted to the Bucks County
Intermediate Unit Board of Directors Policy Committee for review. Upon
recommendation of the Committee and review of legal counsel, the policy shall be placed
on the Board's agenda.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1230
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
04.
Board Formal Action - When the draft has been prepared, the policy will be placed on the
Board's agenda for a first reading. If no serious objections are raised at this reading, the
policy will be scheduled for a second, final reading and adoption at a subsequent board
meeting not less than one month subsequent to the first reading. If serious objections are
raised at the first or second reading, the Board may refer the proposed policy to the Policy
Committee for review. Each reading of the policy will constitute a public hearing before
the Board; public discussion will be permitted at that portion of the regular agenda in
which the proposed policy introduced.
Policies must be adopted, amended or deleted by a majority of the full Board membership.
05.
Implementation - The Executive Director will, when applicable, after adoption of the
policy, outline the actions to be taken to implement the policy, and where appropriate,
issue administrative regulations concerning the policy.
06.
Dissemination - Copies of adopted policies shall be distributed as follows:
All Directors of the Board
Executive Director
Assistant Executive Directors
Secretary of the Board
Program Directors
Program Supervisors
Solicitor
Component School Districts
Board Secretaries
Copies of this manual shall be numbered and a record maintained by the Executive Director as to
the placement of each copy. Copies of revised pages will be furnished to the holders of the
manual as changes are made. The Executive Director shall maintain an orderly plan for the
promulgation of policies to staff members who are affected by them and shall provide easy
accessibility to an up-to-date collection of policies for all employees of the Intermediate Unit. The
manual of policies shall be considered a public record and shall be open for inspection in the
office of the Secretary of the Board during regular business hours.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1230
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
07.
Review, Evaluation and Revision - The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors
Policy Committee shall annually periodically, but not less than every three (3) years, review the
Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board policies and make recommendations for amending or
deleting existing policies.
08.
Administration in Policy Absence - In the absence of a policy in regard to any given situation, the
Executive Director shall propose to the Board an interim policy reflecting the best established
practice appropriate to the situation.
In the absence of a policy where immediate action is required, the Executive Director is authorized
to act in accordance with the School Code.
The Executive Director shall have the power to implement action within the Intermediate Unit if
an emergency situation should develop for which no Board Policy guidelines have been provided.
It is the Executive Director's duty to inform the Board of any such action and of
official policy.
09.
the need for an
Development of Administrative Procedures - The Board delegates to the Executive Director the
function of specifying required actions and designing the detailed arrangements under which the
Intermediate Unit will be operated. These detailed arrangements shall constitute the
administrative procedures governing the Intermediate Unit. They shall be defined in written form
and organized by subject and date with adequate indexing for easy use. The administrative
procedures will be consistent with the policies of the Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1240
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
COMMITTEES
1.
Committees of Directors, when specifically charged to do so by the Board, shall conduct
studies, make recommendations to the Board and act in an advisory capacity.
2.
Committees will be organized as follows:
a.
Standing committees shall not exceed four directors of the Board
b.
Committee members shall be appointed by the President
c.
The President shall serve as an ex-officio member on all committees
d.
The President shall appoint the chairman of the committee
e.
The President shall be responsible for the scope and number of standing
committees. Board Directors shall be appointed to the standing committees by the
President as soon as possible after the July organization meeting, where they serve
until new committee assignments are made.
Standing Committees are listed below along with the major responsibility for each committee.
These committees shall not be limited only to those responsibilities. Additional duties may be
assumed by the committees as directed by the Board or as needs arise:
The Finance Committee may review and recommend the Intermediate Unit General Operating
Budget, the Special Education and the Nonpublic Schools Services Budgets, review all audits, and
take part in the selection of a local auditor.
The Personnel Committee may monitor negotiations and labor relations matters, review personnel
problems as directed by the Executive Director, and review and recommend compensation for all
Intermediate Unit employees: administrative, instructional and support.
The Policy Committee may develop new Intermediate Unit policies as needed and review and
recommend policy revisions.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1240
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
COMMITTEES - Continued
The Nominating Committee may recommend the slate of Board officers each year.
The Board In-service Committee may formulate programs of interest and information for
the Board In-service Sessions, serve as host for the in-service meetings held at the Intermediate
Unit facility, and encourage attendance at the Board In-service Sessions by their local school board
members.
f.
Temporary committees may be appointed, charged and assigned a fixed termination
date which may be extended by the President. The incoming President shall honor
those individuals appointed to the temporary committees until their study is
completed and presented to the Board, unless the committee member is unable to
participate in the activities of the committee.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1245
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
LIAISONS
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors shall appoint for a period of one year, by
an affirmative vote of the majority of the Board, as soon as possible after the July organization
meeting, a member of the Board as liaison to represent the Board on the following Councils or
Boards:
Legislative Council
Bucks County Intermediate Unit Art Collection Trust
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors shall appoint, by an affirmative vote of
the majority of the Board, as soon as possible after the July organization meeting, a member of the
Board as temporary liaison to represent the Board as required. Such appointment shall have a
fixed termination date which may be extended from time to time by the Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1250
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RELATIONSHIP
The primary function of the Board is to establish the policies by which the Intermediate Unit is to
be administered. The administration of the education program and conduct of Intermediate Unit
business shall be delegated to the Executive Director and his/her staff.
01.
The Board's primary role is one of governance and oversight. It determines
policies to be implemented by the Executive Director and his/her staff.
02.
The Board expects the Executive Director to direct the operation of the
Intermediate Unit. As the Intermediate Unit's chief executive officer, the
Executive Director implements the Board's action.
03.
The Board requires the supervision and evaluation of staff performance by the
Executive Director.
Individual Board Directors may not interfere with the Executive
Director's authority in these areas.
b.
Individual Board members have the right and responsibility to question
and to request Board examination and/or action.
04.
Board Directors' suggestions, concerns and questions shall be channeled through
the Executive Director's office. If information is assembled in response to the
request it should be distributed to all Board members.
05.
Board Directors may visit, and are encouraged to do so, the Intermediate Unit
classes after first communicating the purpose of such a visit to the Executive
Director's office.
06.
Board of Directors, as individuals, do not have the authority to interview prospective
commissioned officers, administrators, teachers or other Intermediate Unit staff candidates.
a.
Board approved 06/19/90
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY N0. 1260
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
MAIL BALLOTS IN LIEU OF ANNUAL CONVENTION
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors chooses, in accordance with the authority
granted to it by Act 30 of 1980, to elect its members by mail ballot, said balloting will be accomplished
annually during the month of April in each respective year.
The Secretary of the Board of Directors is hereby authorized and directed to notify the secretary of the
board of directors of each school district comprising the Intermediate Unit prior to January 1 of each year,
that the Board of Directors of Intermediate Unit No. 22 has chosen to elect its members by mail ballot.
POLICY
STATEMENT
BOARD MEETINGS
REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the Intermediate Unit Board of Directors shall be held at the
administration building of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, at 7:00 P.M. in the Board
Conference Room, second floor, on the third (3rd) Tuesday of each month with the exception of
the month of August when there is no meeting. The Board at its discretion may cancel, change the
date and time or may move the meeting to another location in Bucks County. All regular meetings
shall be open to the public and the press. Notice of all public Board meetings shall be given by the
publication of the date, time and location in a newspaper of general circulation in the upper,
middle and lower Bucks area during the month of August, and by posting of such notice at the
location of the Board meeting.
a.
At least three days' public notice shall be given for the first regular meeting of the school
year in addition to announcing the schedule of the remaining regular meetings.
b.
Notice of all special meetings and rescheduled regular meetings shall be given at least 24
hours prior to the meeting, except that such notice shall be waived when an emergency
meeting is called.
c.
Notice of all public meetings shall be given to any general circulation newspaper in Bucks
County or radio or television station which so requests, and to any individual who so
requests and who provides a stamped, self-addressed envelope for such notice.
d.
The members shall be given notice by mail seven (7) days prior to the date of the meeting.
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
POLICY NO. 1310
Board revised 04/98
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1311
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
BOARD MEETINGS
BOARD MEETINGS
PAYMENT OF BILLS WHEN A BOARD MEETING IS CANCELLED
If any monthly IU Board meeting is canceled due to the lack of a quorum or inclement
weather and will not be re-scheduled, the Business Administrator shall review the Bills for
Payment, as listed on the Agenda, with the Board President and Vice President and request
authorization for payment of same. The list of payments will be submitted to the Board for
confirmation at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1315
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETINGS
SPECIAL BOARD MEETINGS
Special meetings may be called by the President or by the Board as a whole. When possible,
special meetings shall be announced in advance at a regular meeting of the board.
When special meetings are called in the interim between Board meetings, all Board members and
the public shall receive adequate notice of the time, place and purpose of such meeting. Except in
extreme emergencies, adequate notice shall consist of at least 24 hour written notice to Board
members and publication of such notice in the press at least 24 hours in advance.
All special meetings shall be open to the public and press, but no public discussion shall be heard
on items other than those related to the call of the meeting.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1318
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETING
WORK SESSIONS
The Board, as a decision making body, is confronted with a continuing flow of problems, issues,
and needs which require action. While the Board is determined to expedite its business, it is also
mindful of the importance of planning, brainstorming, and thoughtful discussion without action.
Therefore, the Board may schedule work sessions from time to time in order to provide its
members and the executive staff with just such opportunities. Topics for discussion and study will
be announced publicly, and work sessions will be conducted in accordance with the state law on
public meetings.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1320
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETINGS
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Executive Sessions may be held prior to, during or after the regular public meeting, or may
be announced for a future time. The reason for holding the executive session must be announced
at the open meeting occurring immediately prior or subsequent to the executive session. If the
executive session is not announced for a future specific time, members of the Board shall be
notified 24 hours in advance of the time of the convening of the meeting specifying the date, time
location and purpose of the Executive Session. Executive Sessions may be held for one or more of
the following reasons:
a.
To discuss any matter involving employment, appointment, termination or
employment, terms and conditions or employment, evaluation of performance,
promotion of disciplinary matter relating to a prospective public officer or
employee or current public officer or employee employed or appointed by the
Board.
b.
To hold information and strategy sessions related to negotiations, arbitration of
collective bargaining agreements or labor relations matters.
c.
To consider the purchase or lease of real property not including the official
action to purchase or lease.
d.
To consult with legal counsel or other professional advisors regarding
information or strategy in connection with litigation or with issues which
identifiable complaints are expected to be filled.
e.
To review and discuss agency business which, if conducted in public, would
violate a lawful privilege or lead to the disclosure of information or
confidentiality protected by law.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1330
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETINGS
AGENDA FORMAT, PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION
The Secretary of the Board, in cooperation with the Executive Director, will be responsible for
preparing the agenda for each meeting. Copies of the agenda, minutes of the previous meeting,
financial reports, personnel items and relevant supplementary information will be delivered to
each Board member at least three days in advance of the meeting. Emergency items received for
Board consideration after the printing of the agenda, but before the Board meeting, will be
available at the Board meeting.
The Board shall follow the order of business set up by the agenda unless the order is altered by the
President. Items of business not on the agenda may be discussed and acted upon if a majority of
the Board agrees to consider them.
Board members, after reviewing the agenda but prior to the Board meeting, may call the Executive
Director to express concerns regarding specific items, or to seek answers to questions relevant to
material in the agenda.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1340
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETINGS
QUORUM
A quorum shall be seven (7) members of the Board. If a quorum is not present at the stated time
for the Intermediate Unit Board meeting to begin, the start of the meeting may be delayed by thirty
(30) minutes to allow sufficient time for Board members to arrive to constitute a quorum. If, after
a half hour a quorum is not present, the Board President shall declare the meeting cancelled and
set the date and time for the next meeting.
No. 1340.1
BUCKS COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE
UNIT #22
SECTION:
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
TITLE:
USE OF TELECONFERENCING
ADOPTED: 09/16/2008
REVISED:
06/21/2011
02/21/2012
TELECONFERENCING
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 Board of School Directors recognizes
the responsibility of the members to make every effort to attend meetings, but from
time to time necessary absence may prohibit attendance. A school director may
participate in a regularly scheduled Board meeting by teleconferencing when a
quorum of the Board members are not physically present and the Board member is
unable to attend in person. A school director may exercise this option no more than
twice a year.
A school director may exercise the option to participate by teleconference in
regularly scheduled meetings no more than three times a year, effective July 1,
through June 30, each year. This limitation does not apply to special called
meetings of the Board.
Prior to a scheduled Board meeting, the Board secretary will notify the Executive
Director that a quorum for the meeting is in jeopardy. A member who desires to
participate in a meeting in order to constitute a quorum of the Board by means of
telephone speaker systems shall make every effort to attempt to notify the President
of the Board at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting in question. The Board
President shall notify the Board Secretary so that arrangements can be made. In the
event that three days’ notice is not able to be given, participation by teleconferencing
is at the discretion of the Executive Director and is dependent upon whether there is
adequate time to make the appropriate arrangements.
A member who votes by telephone speaker system shall vote by voice vote only.
Upon request, the member shall provide verification, under oath, of his/her
participation in the deliberations and vote.
In the event it is determined by the President or Acting Chairperson of the Board that
either the absent member cannot be heard by all members present or all members
present cannot be heard by the absent member, the teleconference shall be
terminated; and the absent member shall not be permitted to vote.
The meeting may not be chaired by telephone.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a decision in the case of Babac v.
Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board in which it held that under the Sunshine Law, a
quorum of members of an agency can consist of members who are not physically
present at a meeting, but who participate through telephonic means.
Page 1 of 2
1340.1 USE OF TELECONFERENCING - Pg. 2
The cost of the telephone call is a reimbursable expense of the director under the
Section 516.1 of the School Code which provides that each school director be
reimbursed by the district for expenses actually and necessarily incurred in attending
meetings.
The director participating by teleconferencing must be able to hear the comments of
and speak to all of those present at the meeting, and all of those present at the
meeting, must be able to hear the comments of and speak to such absent members
contemporaneously.
The director participating by teleconferencing will be counted present for the
meeting.
Delegation of responsibility: The appropriate officials are authorized and directed to
provide teleconferencing facilities sufficient to implement this policy if feasible.
Page 2 of 2
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1350
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETING
ORDER OF BUSINESS
The Intermediate Unit Board of Directors normally will follow this order of business:
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Presentation
Special Education Mini Report
Programs and Services Mini Report
Good News Report
Seating of New Board Members
Minutes
Treasurer's Report
Committee Report*
Public Participation
Bills for Payment
Budget Transfers
Special Education Plan Amendments
Approval of Applications
Budget Revisions
Acceptance of Funding
Other Financial Matters
Transportation
Non-Financial Matters
Adoption of Policies
Personnel
Old Business
New Business
Information Items
Public Participation
Board Sharing
Next Meeting Date
Adjournment
*Committee Chairmen should let President know if they want to report on their committee.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1355
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETING
RULES OF ORDER
Except as otherwise provided by law, by regulation of the State Department of Education, or by
the Board, meetings of the Board shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order,
Revised.
Amendments, alterations, corrections, or repeal of the rules may be made or their operation may
be suspended for the meeting, at any regular or special meeting of this Board, by a vote of a
majority of all members of the Board.
01.
The Presiding Officer shall require courtesy to prevail at all times.
02.
The Presiding Officer cannot offer or second a motion without turning over the
gavel. His/her right is to vote on every question by virtue of membership on the Board.
03.
The Presiding Officer may speak to points of order, and shall decide questions of
order. These decisions may be appealed by Board members.
04.
Motions shall be read distinctly by the Presiding Officer before it is debated.
After debate, a vote is taken. Board members may request the motion be repeated
by the Presiding Officer prior to the vote.
05.
Any member or the Board Secretary may request that a motion be reduced to
writing prior to debate and vote.
06.
The consideration of any question may be tabled for consideration at the next
meeting or at a later date. The time for reconsideration may be specified or
unspecified, but may not be reconsidered at the same meeting.
07.
An amendment may be moved on any motion, and shall be decided before the
original motion.
08.
If a motion under debate is composed of two or more parts, the Presiding Officer
or Board member may request that it be divided. A separate vote must be taken
on each part of the divided motion.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1355
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETING
RULES OF ORDER - Continued
09.
A motion for adjournment shall always be in order and shall be decided without
debate, except that it cannot be entertained when the Board is voting on another
question or while a Board member is addressing the Board.
10.
No Board member shall be interrupted while speaking, unless he/she be out of
order, or for the purpose of correcting mistakes or misrepresentations.
11.
The Presiding Officer shall require debate on any subject to be pertinent to that
subject.
12.
Any Board member may require a roll call vote on any question. An abstention is
not considered in determining a majority.
13.
A motion to call the question must be recognized by the Presiding Officer. If
seconded, it must be voted on without debate. A call for the question shall be
recognized by the Presiding Officer as a statement by an individual that he/she is ready to
proceed with the business at hand. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the majority present and
voting is required.
14.
Votes, other than roll call votes, will be recorded by the number of majority
votes and the names of those Board members who vote in the minority, and the
number of abstentions and the name of those Board members who abstain.
The following actions require the unanimous consent of all remaining members of the Board:
Employment of Board Member as solicitor under certain conditions. §324
The following actions require the recorded affirmative votes of two-thirds of the full number of
Board Members:
.
.
.
.
Reopen budget to accept additional funds; transfer funds series-to-series.
Dismissal of professional employee. §1121
Demotion of professional employee. §1151
Appointment of person as teacher who has served as Board Member and
resigned as Board Member.
. Temporary loans for special emergencies.
. Amend, alter or repeal Bylaws of the Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1355
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETING
RULES OF ORDER - Continued
The following actions require the recorded affirmative votes of a majority of the full number of
Board Members:
. Filling a vacancy on the Board.
. Appointment of Solicitor, Accountants, other appointees.
. Appointment of professional employees, non-professional employees and
others.
. Payment of bills (over $100.00).
. Designating depositories/authorization of maintaining bank accounts. §621
. Approving budget. §964 (plus majority of proportionate vote).
. Adopting program of services, including amending Special Education Plan.
§508,900.
. Applications for funding (over $100.00).
. Entering into contracts of any kind, including contracts for the purchase of
fuel or any supplies, where the amount involved exceeds one hundred dollars
($100.00).
. Fixing salaries or compensation of officers, teachers, or other appointees of
the Board Members.
. Adopt, amend or delete Board Policies.
. Transfer of employee with increased compensation.
. Lease of building or facilities and equipment.
. Accepting bid or bids (over $100.00).
. Removal of officer, appointee or non-professional employee.
The following actions require the recorded affirmative votes of Board Members present & voting:
.
.
.
.
.
Adoption of policies relating to professional and non-professional employees.
Accepting resignations - employees, officers, appointees and Board Members.
Suspension of professional employee.
Transfer of employee with no increase in salary.
Appointing or electing officers of the Board (without compensation for
performing duties of the office).
. Approval of leaves of absence.
. Approval or correction of minutes.
. Approval of Treasurer's Report.
Rescission of Previous Board Action
. Same vote as required for adoption.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1360
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETING
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The public in attendance wishing to address the Board shall have such opportunity at the
beginning and at the end of the meeting. No one shall be recognized while the meeting is in
session. The time of presentation shall be strictly limited by the President to assure that continuity
and maintenance of order is not jeopardized.
Any member of the public wishing to address the Board shall complete a form, prior to the start of
the Board meeting, giving his/her name, address, school district and general nature of remarks.
Individuals or groups who have requested to speak to the Board will be recognized immediately
following the Treasurer's Report as set forth in the Board agenda.
After recognition, the
spokesperson must identify himself/herself and the topic on which he/she wishes to speak. The
presentation will be limited to five minutes. The chair reserves the right to limit the number of
individuals or groups who will be recognized to speak.
Public discussion at the end of the meeting shall be open to all members or the public present.
Comments will be limited to two minutes.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1370
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
A.
The Board shall cause to be made and shall retain as a permanent record of the
Intermediate Unit minutes of all regular agenda meetings of the Board.
B.
Minutes shall show:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
C.
The minutes are not intended to be transcripts of conversations and discussions of
items or issues at the meetings. However, a Board member may request that a
statement on a specific issue be entered verbatim into the minutes. This request
must be made at the public meeting at the time of the remarks and be reduced to
writing by the requesting Board member.
D.
Each Board member shall be provided with a copy of meeting minutes as part of
the Board distribution packet. Minutes shall be approved at the next regularly
scheduled Board meeting.
E.
Minutes shall be made available to the public for review following Board
approval.
Date, place and time of meeting
Presiding officer
Board Members present
Members of staff present
Subjects considered
Actions taken and recorded votes
Public participation - name of individual and subject discussed.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1380
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEETING
NEWS MEDIA
The Board believes that one of the paramount responsibilities of a board of education is to keep
the public informed of its actions. Consequently, the local news media representatives will be
welcome to attend meetings of the Board.
A copy of the agenda will be sent in advance of all official Board meetings to members of the
working press who request it. In the event that representatives of the news media are unable to
attend a meeting, they will be provided, upon request, a summary of important Board actions.
In order for the Board to transact its business with dispatch, questions from the press will not be
entertained while meetings are in progress. However, the Executive Director or his/her designee
will be available after each meeting to answer reporters' questions and to clarify points of
discussion and action.
When individual Board members receive requests from new media representatives for information
about Board meetings, members shall refer the information seekers to the Executive Director or
Board President who shall be the spokesperson for the Board except as he/she specifically
delegates this responsibility to others.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1410
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION
The Board believes that the preparation of each Board member for the performance of Board
duties is essential to the effectiveness of the Board's functioning. The Board shall encourage each
new Board member to understand the functions of the Board, acquire knowledge of matters
related to the operation of the Intermediate Unit and learn Board procedures. Accordingly, the
Board shall give to each new Board member for use and possession during his/her term on the
Board the following items: a copy of the School Code, a copy of the Board Policy Manual and
Intermediate Unit budgets.
Each new Board member shall be invited to meet with the Executive Director and members of the
Administrative staff to discuss Board policy and the various programs and services provided by
the Intermediate Unit.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1420
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEMBER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
(Conferences, Conventions, Workshops)
01.
In keeping with its stated position on the need for continuing in-service training and
development for its members, the Board encourages the participation of all Board members
at appropriate conferences, workshops and conventions.
02.
In order to control both the investment of time and expenditure of funds necessary to
implement this policy, the Board establishes these principles and procedures for
conference attendance:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
03.
The Executive Director will provide a list of conferences, conventions and
workshops that may be of interest to the Board.
Funds for participation at such meetings will be budgeted on an annual basis.
No Board member may attend a meeting at Board expense without prior board
approval.
When a conference, convention or workshop is not attended by the full Board,
those who do participate will be requested to share information,
recommendations and material acquired at the meeting which will be beneficial
to the Intermediate Unit.
Reimbursement to Board members for their travel expenses will be in
accordance with Policy 1430. The aforesaid reimbursement shall be limited to
actual expenses incurred and shall not include or be construed to include
compensation to individual Board members.
Intermediate Unit Board members are encouraged to attend all Intermediate Unit
sponsored Board in-service programs. Each Board member shall encourage members of
his/her respective local Board to attend these programs.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 1430
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEMBER REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES
Board members shall receive travel reimbursement when they travel outside their local
school district to attend Intermediate Unit Board meetings and other Intermediate Unit business.
When attendance at conventions or other educational meetings or travel for other purposes
is authorized in advance by the Board, expenses shall be reimbursed as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Transportation
Fees and registration as required for participation at meeting
Lodging
Meals
Receipts for hotel/motel accommodations and for transportation costs, other than cab fares,
shall be submitted with expense vouchers. Expenses shall be submitted and accounted for in
writing to the business office after completion of such travel.
Reimbursement for mileage shall be at the current rate approved by the Internal Revenue
Service for business expense deductions.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1440
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BOARD MEMBER INSURANCE
The Intermediate Unit Board shall provide for its members Board of Education Liability
Insurance.
This policy covers all Board members for claims alleging wrongful acts, error,
misstatement, misleading statements or neglect or breach of duty in the discharge of their duties.
The Intermediate Unit Board shall provide for its members Travel Accident Insurance. This
policy shall provide a $100,000 benefit in case of death while a Board member is traveling on
Intermediate Unit business or direct commuting to or from a Board meeting. In addition, the
policy provides a disability benefit based on salary for a 52 week period and a schedule of
payments for dismemberment, loss of sight, hearing or speech.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 1990
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
ORGANIZATION
BYLAW REVISIONS
CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS
The Board shall have the power to amend, alter or repeal these bylaws by a two-thirds vote
of the members present and voting provided that the action has been proposed at a previous Board
meeting. Significant changes in a proposed amendment at the second reading shall constitute a
first reading.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2010.3
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Executive Director shall devise an organizational chart to illustrate the structure of the Intermediate Unit,
which should be reviewed and approved by the Intermediate Unit Board. Any changes in the structure
shall be brought to the Board for review and approval.
Board adopted 12/21/82 effective 12/01/82
Formerly Policy No. 0010.3
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2010.5
STATEMENT
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS AND GUIDES
Job position descriptions and position guides shall be established for each job classification position. The
job description contains general statements about the job and serves the purpose of providing guidance for
screening and hiring selected personnel.
The position guide explicitly delineates the job function,
responsibilities and duties.
Formerly Policy no. 0010.5
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2015
GENERAL BOARD POLICY
TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
The Executive Director shall make his whereabouts known to the central office staff and the Intermediate
Unit at all times. If the Executive Director leaves the Intermediate Unit, he shall make every effort to
communicate his itinerary to the executive secretary who, in turn, shall inform others who want or need to
know. In case of a bona fide emergency, every effort will be made to notify the Executive Director of the
situation. The Executive Director shall designate an Intermediate Unit staff person as Acting Executive
Director to perform those duties and responsibilities reserved for the Executive Director in his/her
absence. This designation may be made for any specified period of time the Executive Director deems
most appropriate.
Formerly Policy No. 0015
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2020
PERSONNEL-CONFLICT OF INTEREST
In order to ensure high standards of integrity and impartiality, the Board and the administration shall
avoid any action which might result in, or create the appearance of a conflict of interest during the process
of negotiations with any bargaining unit group.
Accordingly, any administrator, paid negotiator or member of the Board who is nominated to serve on the
IU’s negotiating team shall first inform the Board president, prior to the beginning of any formal
negotiations, if they have any immediate relative (parent, spouse or child) who might be affected by the
outcome of such negotiations.
The Board president will make such information known to all Board members prior to the final
designation of the negotiations team.
Board Approved 02/15/00
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY 2021
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
NEPOTISM
This policy is established to avoid conflicts of interest, to avoid favoritism and the appearance of
favoritism, and to ensure that the hiring and appointing of personnel is more motivated by the merit or
ability of the applicants and bidders than by reasons of their blood or marital relationship to members of
the Board or any IU employee.
Definition of Relative
1. For purposes of this policy, a “relative” is defined as a husband, wife, father; mother, brother,
sister, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, or
daughter-in-law.
2. The Intermediate Unit requires full disclosure of any relationships as defined above to Human
Resources at the time of employment or at any time that it occurs in the course of employment.
Supervision
Whereas this policy does not specifically prohibit the hiring of employees who may be related, it does
prohibit the supervision and job related performance evaluation of one relative by another.
Recusal and Abstention
IU Board members shall recuse themselves from deliberations and abstain on voting items pertaining to
their relatives.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2100
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Board of Directors declares it to be the policy of the Intermediate Unit to provide equal opportunity
in every aspect of the Intermediate Unit’s employment practices, to include hiring, placement, promotion,
salary opportunity, fringe benefits, and training, regardless of an individual’s race, color, age, religious
creed, sex, ancestry, national origin, or non-job related handicap or disability except where any of these
constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification.
In keeping with the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, the Intermediate
Unit will employ and promote the best qualified applicants for existing vacancies regardless of race,
color, age, religious creed, sex, ancestry, national origin, or non-job related handicap or disability.
Board approved 12/21/82 effective 12/01/82
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2110
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
NEW POSITION APPROVAL
The Board shall approve, upon the recommendation of the Executive Director, administrative, supervisory
and consultative, instructional and classified positions.
No. 113.2
BUCKS COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE
UNIT #22
SECTION: PROGRAMS
TITLE:
BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
ADOPTED: 3/19/2013
REVISED:
113.2. BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
1. Purpose
Title 22
Sec. 14.133,
14.145
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 1414(d)
34 CFR
Sec. 300.114,
300.324(a)
Students with disabilities shall be educated in the least restrictive environment and
shall only be placed in settings other than the regular education class when the
nature or severity of the student’s disability is such that education in the regular
education class with the use of appropriate supplementary aids and services cannot
be achieved satisfactorily. The IEP team for a student with disabilities shall develop
a positive behavior support plan if the student requires specific intervention to
address behavior that interferes with learning. The identification, evaluation, and
plan or program shall be conducted and implemented in accordance with state and
federal law and regulations, and in coordination with the student’s school district of
residence.
2. Authority
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 1414(d),
1415(k)
34 CFR
Sec. 300.34(c),
300.324(a),
300.530(d),
(f)
Pol. 113, 113.1,
113.3
The Board directs that the Intermediate Unit’s behavior support programs shall be
based on positive rather than negative behavior techniques to ensure that students
shall be free from demeaning treatment and unreasonable use of restraints or other
aversive techniques. The use of restraints shall be considered a measure of last resort
and shall only be used after other less restrictive measures, including de-escalation
techniques. Behavior support programs and plans shall be based on a functional
assessment of behavior and shall include a variety of research-based techniques to
develop and maintain skills that will enhance students’ opportunity for learning and
self-fulfillment. The Intermediate Unit shall coordinate with the student’s school
district of residence in the development and implementation of a behavior support
plan.
3. Definitions
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The following terms shall have these meanings, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.
Aversive techniques - deliberate activities designed to establish a negative
association with a specific behavior.
Behavior support - development, change and maintenance of selected behaviors
through the systematic application of behavior change techniques.
Page 1 of 6
113.2. BEHAVIOR SUPPORT - Pg. 2
Behavior Support Plan or Behavior Intervention Plan - plan for students with
disabilities who require specific intervention to address behavior that interferes with
learning. A positive Behavior Support Plan shall be developed by the IEP team, be
based on a functional behavioral assessment, and become part of the individual
student’s IEP. These plans must include methods that use positive reinforcements,
other positive techniques and related services required to assist a student with a
disability to benefit from special education.
Positive techniques - methods that utilize positive reinforcement to shape a
student's behavior, ranging from the use of positive verbal statements as a reward for
good behaviors to specific tangible rewards.
Restraints - application of physical force, with or without the use of any device,
designed to restrain free movement of a student’s body, excluding the following:
1. Briefly holding a student, without force, to calm or comfort him/her.
2. Guiding a student to an appropriate activity.
3. Holding a student’s hand to escort him/her safely from one area to another.
4. Hand-over-hand assistance with feeding or task completion.
5. Techniques prescribed by a qualified medical professional for reasons of safety
or for therapeutic or medical treatment, as agreed to by the student’s
parents/guardians and specified in the IEP.
6. Mechanical restraints governed by this policy, such as devices used for physical
or occupational therapy, seatbelts in wheelchairs or on toilets used for balance
and safety, safety harnesses in buses, and functional positioning devices.
Seclusion - confinement of a student in a room, with or without staff supervision, in
order to provide a safe environment to allow the student to regain self-control.
Pol. 113
4. Delegation of
Responsibility
Students with disabilities - school-aged children who have been evaluated and
found to have one or more disabilities as defined by law, and who require, because
of such disabilities, special education and related services.
The Executive Director or designee shall ensure that this Board policy is
implemented in accordance with federal and state law and regulations.
The Executive Director or designee shall develop administrative regulations to
implement this policy.
Page 2 of 6
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The Executive Director or designee shall provide regular training, and retraining as
needed, of staff in the use of specific procedures, methods and techniques, including
restraints and seclusions, that will be used to implement positive behavior supports
or interventions in accordance with students’ IEPs and Board policy.
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The Executive Director or designee shall maintain and report data on the use of
restraints to the student’s school district of residence, as required. Procedures shall
be established requiring reports to be made to the Intermediate Unit by entities or
agencies educating students with disabilities who attend programs or classes outside
the Intermediate Unit.
5. Guidelines
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
34 CFR
Sec. 300.324(a)
The Intermediate Unit shall assist member school districts with development of
behavior support programs and training of staff in appropriate techniques, at the
request of the participating school district.
Development of a separate Behavior Support Plan is not required when appropriate
positive behavioral interventions, strategies and supports can be incorporated into a
student’s IEP.
When an intervention is necessary to address problem behavior, the types of
intervention chosen for a student shall be the least intrusive necessary.
Physical Restraints
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
Restraints to control acute or episodic aggressive behavior may be used only when
the student is acting in a manner that presents a clear and present danger to the
student, other students or employees, and only when less restrictive measures and
techniques have proven to be or are less effective.
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The Director of Special Education Services or designee shall notify the
parent/guardian and school district of residence as soon as practicable of the use of
restraints to control the aggressive behavior of the student and shall convene a
meeting of the IEP team within ten (10) school days of the use of restraints, unless
the parent/guardian, after written notice, agrees in writing to waive the meeting. At
this meeting, the IEP team shall consider whether the student needs a functional
behavioral assessment, re-evaluation, a new or revised positive Behavior Support
Plan, or a change of placement to address the inappropriate behavior.
Page 3 of 6
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The use of restraints shall not be included in the IEP for the convenience of staff, as
a substitute for an educational program, or employed as punishment. Restraints may
be included in an IEP only if:
1. The restraint is used with specific component elements of a positive Behavior
Support Plan.
2. The restraint is used in conjunction with teaching socially appropriate alternative
skills or behaviors.
3. Staff are authorized to use the restraint and have received appropriate training.
4. Behavior Support Plan includes efforts to eliminate the use of restraints.
Title 55
Sec. 13.1 et seq
The Intermediate Unit shall ensure that use of restraints in Youth Development
Centers and other institutions or agencies conducting Intermediate Unit programs
meet the requirements of applicable law and regulations.
Mechanical Restraints
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
Mechanical restraints, which are used to control involuntary movement or lack of
muscular control of students when due to organic causes or conditions, may be
employed only when specified by an IEP and as determined by a medical
professional qualified to make the determination, and as agreed to by the student’s
parents/guardians.
Mechanical restraints shall prevent a student from injuring him/herself or others or
promote normative body positioning and physical functioning.
Seclusion
The Intermediate Unit permits involuntary seclusion of a student in accordance with
the student’s IEP or in an emergency to prevent immediate or imminent injury to the
student or others, but the seclusion must be the least restrictive alternative.
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The Intermediate Unit prohibits the seclusion of students in locked rooms, locked
boxes and other structures or spaces from which the student cannot readily exit.
Page 4 of 6
Aversive Techniques
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The following aversive techniques of handling behavior are considered inappropriate
and shall not be used in educational programs:
1. Corporal punishment.
2. Punishment for a manifestation of a student's disability.
3. Locked rooms, locked boxes, other locked structures or spaces from which the
student cannot readily exit.
Title 22
Sec. 14.143
4. Noxious substances.
5. Deprivation of basic human rights, such as withholding meals, water or fresh air.
6. Suspensions constituting a pattern as defined in state regulations.
7. Treatment of a demeaning nature.
8. Electric shock.
9. Methods implemented by untrained personnel.
10. Prone restraints, which are restraints by which a student is held face down on the
floor.
Referral To Law Enforcement
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
Subsequent to a referral to law enforcement, an updated functional behavioral
assessment and Behavior Support Plan shall be required for students with disabilities
who have Behavior Support Plans at the time of such referral.
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
If, as a result of such referral, the student is detained or otherwise placed in a
residential setting located outside the school district of residence, the Director of
Special Education Services or designee shall coordinate with the school district of
residence to ensure that the responsible school district or intermediate unit is
informed of the need to update the student’s functional behavioral assessment and
Behavior Support Plan.
Page 5 of 6
References:
State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 14.133, 14.143, 14.145
State Department of Public Welfare Regulations – 55 PA Code Sec. 13.1 et seq.,
3270.113
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act – 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.
Individuals With Disabilities Education, Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations –
34 CFR Part 300
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, Questions and Answers
on the Restraint Reporting Requirements and System, June 2009 –
www.pattan.net
Board Policy – 000, 113, 113.1, 113.3, 113.4, 113.5
Page 6 of 6
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2115
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
ELIMINATING A POSITION
The Executive Director shall recommend to the Board the elimination of positions in accordance with
state law and the Bucks County Intermediate unit Board policies.
In the exercise of its authority to reduce staff or abolish positions, the Board shall give primary
consideration to the effect upon the educational programs, the impact upon costs, the efficient and
effective management of the Intermediate Unit and other factors consistent with law.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2120
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS: (Criminal History, Child Abuse Registry, Department of
Motor Vehicles, etc.)
It is the policy of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to require employee background checks for new
employees and contractors who provide services to children in accordance with state law.
Further, the Intermediate Unit will request applicable background checks for non-employees, i.e. unpaid
interns, volunteers, student teachers, etc, whenever they will come in direct contact with students.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2130.1
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
SAFETY POLICY
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit believes that maintenance of a safe environment for its employees
and the general public is an important goal that requires regular attention.
A safety committee shall be established to encourage safety awareness and make recommendations to the
administration concerning safety-related concerns. This committee shall be appointed by the Executive
Director and should represent a cross-section of IU staff. The Committee shall elect its own chairperson
and should meet at least 5 times each year.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2130.2
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit hereby agrees that it will, whenever possible, cooperate with its
workers’ compensation carrier in establishing alternative employment opportunities for injured employees
as prescribed by state laws and regulations.
It is understood that each case will be considered on an individual basis, but that there may be some
instances whereby, after such good faith efforts complex circumstances may preclude successful
placement of individuals in alternative employment.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2130.3
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION POSTED PANEL OF PHYSICIANS
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit agrees that it will maintain a list of physicians and health care
providers, for exclusive use of employees during the first 90 days of treatment for any on-the-job injury
covered by workers’ compensation, as prescribed by state laws and regulations.
The list of the Posted Panel of Physicians shall be provided to employees on a regular basis and shall be
posted in a conspicuous location in the IU administrative office.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2131
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
POLICY REGARDING AIDS
(Acquired Immune Deficiency)
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of School Directors is committed to the provision of a
healthful environment for its students and employees. In fulfillment of that commitment, the Board has
sought and shall continue to seek guidance from appropriate medical, educational, legal, and
governmental authorities in regard to HIV infections/AIDS.
The policy and its procedures shall be
consistent with the right to a free public education and the obligation to protect the health and welfare of
students and employees.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2132
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
NO SMOKING POLICY
There shall be no smoking in Bucks County Intermediate Unit facilities.
The Board recognizes that use of tobacco by students and staff presents a health and safety hazard which
can have serious consequences for both users and nonusers and the safety and environment of its offices
and schools.
For purposes of this policy, tobacco use shall be defined as use and/or possession of a lighted or unlighted
cigarette, cigar and pipe; other lighted smoking products; and smokeless tobacco in any form.
The Board prohibits use and possession by employees or students at any time in its buildings and on its
vans and vehicles that are owned, leased, or controlled by the I U or its contractors.
The Executive Director or designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2133
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
DRUG/ALCOHOL FREE WORKPLACE
The Board believes in providing and maintaining a drug and alcohol-free working environment for its
employees. Illicit drug and/or alcohol use at the workplace is strictly prohibited.
As stated in provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-690), the unlawful
manufacturing, dispensing, distribution, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the
workplace.
Any employee convicted of delivering a controlled substance or convicted of possessing a controlled
substance with intent to deliver shall be terminated from employment as provided in the provision of PA
Act 191 of 1988.
Any employee who is suspected or found to be under the influence or any alcoholic beverage or illegal
drug product or consuming such products on the work site shall face disciplinary action, including
possible termination.
The Board authorizes the Executive Director to establish appropriate procedures to implement this policy.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2133
STATEMENT
Acknowledgement, Authorization and Release Form
I have applied for employment with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 in a position that would require
me to operate an automobile/van transporting students.
I acknowledge that I have been given a copy of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 drug and alcohol
testing policy (Policy No. 2133.1) and I have read the policy.
I understand that if I receive a conditional offer of employment, as a condition of being hired, I will be required to
undergo a pre-employment/pre-duty urinalysis test for the presence of controlled substances and/or alcohol.
I further understand that if my test results are positive for the presence of controlled substances and/or alcohol, my
conditional offer of employment will be rescinded and I will not be considered for employment with the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit No. 22.
I further understand that if the physician, official, or lab personnel responsible for performing the test(s) for the
presence of controlled substances and/or alcohol has reasonable suspicion to believe that I have tampered with my
specimen or the testing equipment, my conditional offer of employment will be rescinded and I will not be
considered for employment with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22.
I hereby consent to such testing, and authorize any third persons, including but not limited to, physicians,
laboratories, agencies, hospitals and/or medical professionals utilized by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit
No.22 for such testing purposes, to conduct said pre-employment/pre-duty test(s) for the presence of controlled
substances and/or alcohol, and to provide the results of said test(s) to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22.
I hereby release such third persons and the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22, its directors, officers,
employees, and agents, from liability therefore and to that extent.
Applicant's signature:
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
Applicant's name (print):
Date:
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2133
STATEMENT
Drug Testing Consent Form
I have applied for employment with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 in a position that requires me to
operate an automobile/van transporting students. As a condition for my application being considered, I understand
and agree to undergo substance screening. I understand that if my test results are positive, I shall not be
considered further by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 for a driver position.
I hereby authorize any physician, laboratory, hospital or medical professional retained by the Bucks County
Intermediate Unit No.22 for screening purposes to conduct such screening and to provide the results to the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit No. 22, and I release the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 and any person
affiliated with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 and any such institution or person conducting the
screening, from liability therefore.
Applicant's signature:
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
Applicant's name (print):
Date:
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2133.1
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
TESTING FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL POLICY
1. Purpose
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 recognizes that the use and abuse of
controlled substances and alcohol is a very serious problem that may be present at th
work place. The Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 also recognizes that a drug
alcohol-impaired driver who operates IU vehicles and/or transports students can pos
significant risks to the safety of IU employees and students. The IU further recogniz
transporting students requires the highest safety standards.
2. Authority
In accordance with its authority and responsibility, the Board adopts this policy to c
with federal regulatory mandates and to establish programs and practices designed t
prevent accidents and injuries resulting from misuse of drugs and alcohol. The Boa
requires that persons who work in safety-sensitive positions, defined as any IU empl
that drivers an IU vehicle or who are required to hold a Commercial Drivers License
(CDL) to perform job duties will be required to be tested for controlled substances a
alcohol. The following six types of tests will be required: pre-employment/pre-duty,
random, post accident, return-to duty, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up testing.
3. Guidelines
Tests for controlled substances will be conducted by analyzing a driver’s urine spec
a laboratory certified and monitored by the Department of Health and Human Servic
Alcohol tests will be conducted using an approved evidential breath testing (EBT) d
approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Candidates for employment will be required to sign a consent form, as a condition o
employment, authorizing all employers during the past two years to release to the B
County Intermediate Unit No. 22 the results of positive alcohol tests with a concentr
result of 0.04 percent or greater, positive controlled substances test results, and any
to be tested. Failure to provide this authorization will result in immediate disqualific
for employment.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2134
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
It is the policy of the Intermediate Unit Board of Directors that all employees should enjoy a working
environment free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment. No employee, either male or
female, should be subjected to unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct, of any kind. To this
end, each current employee of the Intermediate Unit must successfully complete a harassment prevention
training program on a bi-annual basis, by the end of October of every other calendar year. One-half of the
workforce will rotate each year, so that every employee will receive harassment prevention training once every
two years. Each new employee, prior to their effective hiring date, must successfully complete a harassment
prevention training program.
The training program will be administered through the Human Resources
Department.
Sexual harassment lowers morale and is damaging to the work environment; it also is illegal. Therefore, the
Bucks County Intermediate Unit will treat sexual harassment like any other form of employee misconduct and it
will not be tolerated.
The Executive Director shall communicate to all its employees the procedures for making a complaint regarding
sexual harassment. Any employee who believes that s/he has been sexually harassed should report the alleged
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2134
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
SEXUAL HARASSMENT – continued
act immediately to either his/her immediate supervisor or to the Director of Human Resources. If the Director
of Human Resources is the subject of the complaint, then the report shall be directed to the Executive Director.
The IU shall give notice to all the parties involved that it will take steps to prevent recurrence of any
discrimination, protect the complainant(s) from further harassment or retaliation and will correct the
discriminatory effects on the complainant(s) and others, if appropriate.
Due to the gravity of the nature and consequences of sexual harassment, any employee who knowingly makes a
false sexual harassment complaint against another employee will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up
to and including termination of employment.
The Executive Director must report any reasonable suspicions of sexual abuse committed by any professional
educator to the Pennsylvania Department of Education as required by law.
Board Policy Revision 03/21/06
Board Policy Revision 03/15/11
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2133.1
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
Candidates for employment who test positive on a pre -employment/pre-duty test for
controlled substances or alcohol will not be considered for employment. Drivers who test
positive for controlled substances will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including
termination of employment. Employees who transfer into safety sensitive positions will
also be subject to testing for controlled substances and alcohol.
It shall not be a defense to a positive test for marijuana or THC that an employee or
candidate for employment ingested or used a legal hemp product.
Alcohol is a legal substance this policy will define specific prohibited alcohol-related
conduct. No driver shall be on duty or perform safety-sensitive functions while having a
blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or greater as indicated by an evidential breath
testing device; while using alcohol; while possessing alcohol; or within eight hours after
consuming alcohol.
Any driver who refuses to submit to a random, post-accident, return-to-duty, reasonable
suspicion, or follow-up test will not be permitted to perform or continue to perform
safety-sensitive functions and will be subject to discipline up to and including termination
of employment.
Any driver who tests positive and has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% but less than
0.04% will immediately be removed from duty, will be referred to the Employee
Assistance Program, and will participate in any education and/or treatment programs
recommended by the Employee Assistance Program.
Any driver who tests positive by having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or greater
will immediately be removed from duty, will be referred to the Employee Assistance
Program, and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of
employment.
The minimum annual percentage rate for random testing for controlled substances and
alcohol will be fifty percent of the number of employees who drive IU vehicles.
The Director of Human Resources will maintain records of the alcohol misuse and
controlled substances use prevention program.
Except as required by law or expressly authorized by a driver, the Bucks County
Intermediate Unit No. 22 shall not release information that is contained in records relating
to this policy.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2133.1
STATEMENT
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
Voluntary Treatment and Counseling Department of Transportation
Any driver who requests treatment or requests a leave of absence for treatment by a
substance abuse professional before a test is conducted for controlled substances or
alcohol will not be subject to discipline.
A driver will be disciplined if the driver requests treatment or leave after being selected for
testing or after testing positive for controlled substances or alcohol. All requests for
treatment will be kept strictly confidential.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2135
STATEMENT
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Intermediate Unit Board believes that it is in the best interest of all employees to provide for
Employee Assistance Services through a recognized Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The final
decision for selecting and maintaining an Employee Assistance Provider will be the prerogative of the IU
Board.
The Employee Assistance Program shall be available to all employees and their immediate family
dependents.
No documentation regarding an employee’s voluntary participation with an EAP will
become part of the employee’s personnel file. Employee’s confidentiality shall be protected by the EAP
at all times.
Use of the Employee Assistance Program will not exempt any employee from standard administrative
practices applicable to job performance requirements.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2136
STATEMENT
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
It is the policy of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to comply with the State and Federal laws with
regard to Family and Medical Leaves.
The Family Medical and Leave Act of 1993 (“The FMLA”) and its regulations and procedures are
extremely complex. This policy and any provisions of any agreement that provides benefits required by
the FMLA are intended to be read in harmony with the FMLA and are therefore so adjusted where not in
compliance.
Generally, the FMLA provides up to twelve (12) weeks (or sixty work days) of job-protected leave to
“eligible” employees for certain absences due to family or medical reasons.
1.
Qualifying Reasons for FMLA Leave
a.
Employee’s own serious medical condition. A “serious health condition” is an
impairment that involves the following:
Incapacity and inpatient care.
Subsequent treatment or incapacity.
Continuing treatment by a health care provider.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2136
STATEMENT
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT - Continued
b.
To care for immediate family member (spouse, child or parent) with serious
medical condition.
c.
Birth and care of newborn child (pregnant employees may also have a right to take
a pregnancy disability leave, as well as FMLA leave).
d.
2.
Placement with employee of child for foster care or adoption.
Eligibility for FMLA Leave
To be eligible to receive the benefits of the FMLA, an employee must be employed by the
Intermediate Unit for at least twelve (12) months at the time the leave is expected to
commence and have worked at least 1,250 hours of service within the previous twelve (12)
month period immediately preceding commencement of the leave.
3.
FMLA Benefits
a.
The Intermediate Unit will provide up to 12 weeks (60 working days) of jobprotected unpaid leave during the twelve-(12) month period commencing July 1
and ending June 30 of each school year. The leave provided for under the FMLA
and this policy will not exceed twelve (12) workweeks in that twelve (12) month
period.
b.
When both a husband and wife are employed by the Intermediate Unit , leave under
this policy is limited to an aggregate of twelve (12) work weeks during the twelve-
month period for the birth, adoption, or foster care of a child, or to care for an
immediate family member (not spouse or child) who has a serious health condition.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2136
STATEMENT
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
c.
Leaves related to the birth or adoption of a child must conclude within 12 months
of birth or placement.
d.
The Intermediate Unit will maintain the employee's health coverage at the same
level and conditions of coverage (including contribution to premium) that existed
prior to the commencement of leave, for a maximum of twelve (12) weeks.
Employee co-payments and/or contributions will continue to be paid by the
employee during an FMLA leave.
e.
An employee will return from an FMLA leave to the original or equivalent position
with equivalent pay, benefits, and other employment terms.
f.
Under this policy, an employee must use all available earned and/or accrued paid
leave to which the employee is entitled, if applicable. In all instances where FMLA
leave is appropriate, FMLA leave shall run concurrently with such applicable paid
leave. For example, if an employee is absent for a serious illness or health
condition, FMLA leave will commence and run concurrently with any available
sick leave, vacation, personal leave or disability leave as applicable from the first
date of absence. When all such paid leave is exhausted, the balance of the FMLA
leave will be without pay. FMLA leave will also run concurrently with any other
unpaid leave to which the employee might be entitled (e.g., child rearing leave,
etc.).
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2136
STATEMENT
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
4.
Notice Requirement
An eligible employee must provide at least thirty (30) days notice when the qualifying
event for the leave is foreseeable or as much advance notice as practical when the
qualifying event for the leave is not foreseeable, such as in the case of serious health
conditions related to the employee or family. In addition, a reasonable effort should be
made to schedule a planned medical treatment at a time that will minimize disruption of
the Intermediate Unit ’s operations. If the required notice is not given, the Board may
require, at its option, that the employee take leave for a particular duration or transfer
temporarily to an alternative position, if applicable. Alternatively, the Board may, at its
option, require the employee to delay the taking of leave until the notice requirement is
met.
5.
Medical Certification
Leaves requested for reasons of an employee’s own serious health condition or the serious
health condition of an immediate family member must be supported by appropriate
medical certification from the treating health care provider. The Board reserves the right,
at its expense, to secure second and third opinions and/or subsequent re-certification of the
serious health condition as provided for in the FMLA.
6.
Contractual Benefits
The rights and entitlements expressed by this policy shall not diminish nor limit any
greater rights provided under collective bargaining agreements or other agreements
between the Intermediate unit and its staff. No agreement by and between the Intermediate
Unit and its employees may diminish the rights and entitlements provided under the
FMLA.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2136
STATEMENT
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
7.
Intermittent Leave
Employees may request intermittent leave which must be approved by the Executive
Director. If such leave is taken on an intermittent basis, the leave must be measured in
increments of not less than one hour. Employee who work less than full-time will be
entitled to leave based upon the proportional basis of the new schedule to the normal fulltime schedule. Employees who are granted intermittent leave may be required to accept
temporary transfer to an available alternative position for which they are qualified which
better accommodates recurring periods of leave. Leave taken by a professional employee
under the FMLA for a period that ends with the school year and begins the next semester is
deemed to be taken consecutively rather than intermittently. The period during the
summer vacation when a professional employee is not required to report for duty is not
counted against an employee’s FMLA leave entitlement.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2137
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
ANTI-VIOLENCE/HARASSMENT
The IU is committed to providing a work and learning environment free from intimidation, threats, or acts
of violence. This includes, but is not limited to, a prohibition against intimidating, threatening, or hostile
behaviors; physical or verbal abuse; vandalism, arson, sabotage; use or possession of weapons on IU
property or at an event sponsored by the IU off the premises.
Engaging in such conduct is prohibited in the work place. Complaints will be investigated and corrective
action may be taken up to and including discharge.
Employees who are subjected to conduct prohibited by this policy or who have knowledge of violation of
this prohibition are expected to immediately report it to their supervisor, the IU’s Director of Human
Resources, or the Executive Director. Employees may contact law enforcement authorities without first
informing management if they believe there is an imminent threat to the safety of others.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2138
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
DIVERSITY AWARENESS
The IU Board recognizes and values the diversity of its staff and client population and shall encourage
opportunities for diversity awareness through specific programming, services and appropriate staff
training.
The Executive Director or his/her designee shall serve as a member of Bucks County’s diversity task
force and share information about the goals and activities of the task force for the purpose of encouraging
and understanding the customs, beliefs, values as well as racial, ethnic, and social dynamics of individuals
within and outside of the educational community.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2139
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
CELLULAR PHONE POLICY
The Board of Directors and the Administration of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 recognizes
the need to augment current communication devices with cellular phones. Cellular phones will be issued
to provide a cost effective, safe and responsive method of communication for individuals whose jobs
require them to make frequent business-related calls while away from a traditional telephone. Cellular
phones are to be used in emergency situations, inclement weather situations or other situations which
require mobile communication.
The Board authorizes the Executive Director and Business Administrator to develop procedures for
employee reimbursement to the BCIU for personal use of BCIU cellular phones. The Board further
authorizes that the procedure will adhere to all state and federal requirements and guidelines.
The listed guidelines should be followed when using cellular phones. Cellular phones are:
1. To be used when mobile communications are necessary.
2. For BCIU related use only.
3. To be used in accordance with this policy.
4. The responsibility of the persons to whom they have been assigned with regard to loss or theft
through negligence.
5. To have fully charged batteries at all times; this is the responsibility of the person to whom the
phone has been assigned.
6. Not to be used while operating a vehicle; employees should proceed to a safe location off the
road and safely stop the vehicle before placing or accepting a call.
7. To be listed by the Facilities Department with the following information:
a. Cellular numbers
b. Persons to whom they are assigned
Board Approval 05/19/09
Board 1st Reading 04/21/09
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2139
STATEMENT
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
CELLULAR PHONE POLICY
BUCKS COUNTY SCHOOLS INTERMEDIATE UNIT NO. 22
CELLULAR PHONE-EMPLOYEE USAGE AGREEMENT
Employee Name:
Department:
Program;
Cellular Phone Number:
Daytime Phone Number:
The Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit provides cell phones to employees in order to facilitate
communication. These cell phones provide staff with the ability to communicate in the following
situations: 1) during emergencies; 2) where the worker is frequently off-site and conventional telephones
are not readily available or are impractical; and 3) where the worker needs to be readily accessible both on
and off-duty.
I understand and acknowledge that the cellular phone provided to me by the Bucks County Schools
Intermediate Unit No. 22 is to be used in the course of employment for business related purposes only and
any personal use of the cell phone must be reimbursed to the Intermediate Unit.
Cell Phone Employee Options:
Utilize the IU cell phone for business use only.
Utilize the IU cell phone for business and personal use and agree to reimburse the IU
through a monthly $10 payroll deduction.
I understand that call detail records generated from the assigned cell phone are considered business
records of the Intermediate Unit and that these records will be routinely audited to monitor the level of
personal calls.
I also understand and acknowledge that the cellular phone assigned to me is the property of the
Intermediate Unit and must be returned to the Business Office upon separation from service.
Employee Signature
Date
Employee Name (Printed)
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2140
WORKING DAY AND DAILY SCHEDULE
All employees of the Intermediate Unit are to be made aware of their schedule and the length of their
work day, as established by the Executive Director, or approved by the Board.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2146
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SERVICES – COPYRIGHTS, PATENTS, TRADEMARKS,
ROYALTIES, AND RELATED MATTERS
It is the policy of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to adhere to state and federal laws and restrictions
regarding work products developed by Intermediate Unit employees as part of their work assignments.
Work products include publications, computer software, inventions, products, materials, patterns,
educational items, and any related copyrights and royalties.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2147
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SERVICES- BOARD COPYRIGHT POLICY
It is the policy of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board to adhere to provisions of the United States
Copyright Law, PL 94-553. This policy pertains to: works protected by copyright, reproduction and use
of copyrighted material in print, reproduction and use of copyrighted music, reproduction and use of
copyrighted audiovisual material, and computer technologies.
It is the responsibility of the Director of Instructional Materials Services to inform Bucks County
Intermediate Unit employees of this policy.
Formerly Policy No. 0145 & 1047
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2148
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SERVICES – SELECTION OF MATERIALS
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors recognizes the importance of having carefully
selected instructional materials to enrich, supplement and support the educational programs of the
member schools of Bucks County.
The responsibility for selection of instructional materials, both print and non-print, is delegated by the
Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors to the IMS Director, who selects the instructional
materials based upon the criteria and procedures which follow.
No. 815
SECTION:
OPERATIONS
TITLE:
ACCEPTABLE USE OF
INTERNET, COMPUTERS AND
NETWORK RESOURCES
ADOPTED: 9/20/2011
REVISED:
815. ACCEPTABLE USE OF INTERNET, COMPUTERS AND NETWORK
RESOURCES
1. Purpose
The Board supports the use of technology (as defined in Section 2) in the
Intermediate Unit's instructional and operational programs in order to facilitate
learning, teaching and daily operations through interpersonal communications and
access to information, research and collaboration.
The Intermediate Unit provides students, staff and other authorized individuals with
access to the Intermediate Unit’s technology, including but not limited to electronic
communication systems and networks, and Internet access, whether wired or
wireless, or by any other means.
For instructional purposes, the use of technology and facilities shall be consistent
with the curriculum adopted by the Intermediate Unit as well as the varied
instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of students.
2. Definitions
18 U.S.C.
Sec. 2256
The terms of this policy are defined as follows:
Access - (computer) shall mean, in relation to computers to obtain entry to, or to
locate, read into memory, and make ready for some operation.
Application(s) - shall mean a software program or group of programs designed for
users. Applications shall include either systems software and/or applications
software.
Child pornography - The term child pornography is defined under both federal and
state law.
Under federal law, is any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video,
picture, or computer or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or
produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct,
where:
1.
The production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor
engaging in sexually explicit conduct;
Page 1 of 14
815. ACCEPTABLE USE OF INTERNET, COMPUTERS AND NETWORK RESOURCES - Pg. 2
18 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6312
2.
Such visual depiction is a digital image, computer image, or computergenerated image that is, or is indistinguishable from, that of a minor
engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or
3.
Such visual depiction has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that
an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Under state law, is any book, magazine, pamphlet, slide, photograph, film,
videotape, computer depiction or other material depicting a child under the age of
eighteen (18) years engaging in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such
act.
Computer(s) shall mean desktops, laptops, workstations, servers, PDAs, mobile
devices, telephones, tablets, or any other technology device of a similar nature that is
owned, leased, or licensed by or to the BCIU.
Harmful to minors - The term harmful to minors is defined under both federal and
state law.
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 6777
47 U.S.C.
Sec. 254
18 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 5903
Under federal law, is any picture, image, graphic image file or other visual depiction
that:
1.
Taken as a whole, 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 lewd
exhibition of the genitals; and
3.
Taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value
as to minors.
Under
state law, is any depiction or representation in whatever form, of nudity,
sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse, when it:
1.
Predominantly appeals to the prurient, shameful, or morbid interest of
minors;
2.
Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a
whole with respect to what is suitable for minors; and
3.
Taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational or
scientific value for minors.
Page 2 of 14
18 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 5903
Obscene - any material or performance, if:
1.
The average person applying contemporary community standards would
find that the subject matter taken as a whole appeals to the prurient interest;
2.
The subject matter depicts or describes in a patently offensive way, sexual
conduct described in the law to be obscene; and
3.
The subject matter, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic,
political, educational or scientific value.
Technology - all forms of technology that is provided directly or indirectly by the
BCIU to its users, and that is: (i) owned, leased, or licensed to the BCIU; or (ii) that
is accessed by or through technology that is owned, leased, or licensed to the BCIU.
Technology includes, but is not limited to:
•
computers,
•
copiers,
•
printers,
•
scanners,
•
electronic portable devices,
•
electronic peripheral devices,
•
servers,
•
networks,
•
programs/applications,
•
software,
•
files,
•
folders,
•
data and records of any nature,
•
the Internet,
•
cell phones,
•
mobile devices,
•
pagers,
•
PDAs,
•
modems,
•
voicemail,
•
email,
•
chat rooms,
•
blogs,
•
instant messages,
•
videoconferencing,
•
user group and such similar technologies.,
Page 3 of 14
47 U.S.C.
Sec. 254
Technology protection measure - a specific technology that blocks or filters
Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to
minors.
Users - employees, students, contracted employees, and/or contractors.
User ID and/or Password - the combination of identification numbers, characters,
or letters that is unique and that is assigned to an individual user to access computer
devices or applications.
Vandalism - any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet
or other networks; this includes but is not limited to uploading or creating computer
viruses.
3. Authority
The availability of access to electronic information does not imply endorsement by
the Intermediate Unit of the content, nor does the Intermediate Unit guarantee the
accuracy of information received. The Intermediate Unit shall not be responsible for
any information that may be lost, damaged or unavailable when using the network or
for any information that is retrieved via the Internet.
The Intermediate Unit shall not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees
resulting from access to the Internet or other network resources.
Pol. 218, 233, 317 The Intermediate Unit’s technology is the property of the Intermediate Unit.
Users shall have no expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send,
receive or display on or over the Intermediate Unit’s technology, including
personal files or any use of the Intermediate Unit’s Internet, computers or
network resources.
Users should be aware that their personal files may be discoverable under
Federal and/or State law.
Users should be aware that all materials transmitted, received, or stored on the
Intermediate Unit’s technologies become the property of the Intermediate Unit.
The Intermediate Unit reserves the right to monitor, track, and log network access
and use; monitor fileserver space utilization by users; or deny access to prevent
unauthorized, inappropriate or illegal activity and may revoke access privileges
and/or administer appropriate disciplinary action.
The Intermediate Unit shall cooperate to the extent legally required with the
Internet Service Provider (ISP), local, state and federal officials in any
investigation concerning or related to the misuse of the Intermediate Unit’s
technology.
Page 4 of 14
The Intermediate Unit reserves the right to apply software updates and patches,
install new software, uninstall and/or disable software, back up files saved locally to
its computers and devices, scan for viruses, monitor software usage, configure
system settings, and remote manage systems.
The Intermediate Unit reserves the right to install theft-tracking software on all of its
devices and to activate it, in cooperation with local authorities, only upon the proper
notification of theft from the employee and/or Executive Director and/or his/her
designee.
The Intermediate Unit shall not be responsible for any charges or fees resulting from
unauthorized access to the Internet or other technology.
The Intermediate Unit shall not be responsible for any information that may be
retrieved, lost, damaged, or unavailable when using the Internet or other technology.
The Intermediate Unit makes no warranties, either express or implied, for any of the
services it provides and will not be responsible for any damages suffered by the user.
The Board requires all users to fully comply with this policy and to immediately
report any violations or suspicious activities to the Executive Director or
designee.
47 U.S.C.
Sec. 254
The Board establishes the following materials, in addition to those stated in law
and defined in this policy, that are inappropriate for access by minors:
{X} Defamatory.
{X} Lewd, vulgar, or profane.
Pol. 103, 103.1,
104, 248, 348
{X} Threatening.
{X} Harassing or discriminatory.
Pol. 249
{X} Bullying.
Pol. 218.2
{X} Terroristic.
{X} Gambling.
24 P.S.
Sec. 4604
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 6777
47 U.S.C.
Sec. 254
The Intermediate Unit reserves the right to restrict access to any Internet sites
or functions it deems inappropriate through established Board policy, or the
use of software and/or online server blocking. Specifically, the Intermediate
Unit operates and enforces a technology protection measure(s) that blocks or
Page 5 of 14
filters access to inappropriate matter by minors on its computers used and
accessible to adults and students. The technology protection measure shall be
enforced during use of computers with Internet access.
24 P.S.
Sec. 4604
Upon request by students or staff, the Executive Director or designee shall
expedite a review and may authorize the modification of Internet
blocking/filtering software to enable access to material that is blocked through
technology protection measures but is not prohibited by this policy.
24 P.S.
Sec. 4610
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 6777
Upon request by students or staff, administrators or program supervisors may
authorize the temporary modification of Internet blocking/filtering software to
enable access for bona fide research or for other lawful purposes. Written
permission from the parent/guardian is required prior to disabling Internet
blocking/filtering software for a student’s use. If a request for temporary
modification of Internet blocking/filtering software is denied, the requesting
student or staff member may appeal the denial to the Executive Director or
designee for expedited review.
4. Delegation of
Responsibility
24 P.S.
Sec. 4604
The Intermediate Unit shall make every effort to ensure that technology resources
are used responsibly by students and staff.
The Intermediate Unit shall inform staff, students, parents/guardians and other
users about this policy through employee and student handbooks, posting on
the Intermediate Unit web site, and by other appropriate methods. A copy of
this policy shall be provided to parents/guardians, upon written request.
Users of Intermediate Unit networks or Intermediate Unit-owned equipment
shall, prior to being given access or being issued equipment, sign user
agreements acknowledging awareness of the provisions of this policy, and
awareness that the Intermediate Unit uses monitoring systems to monitor and
detect inappropriate use and tracking systems to track and recover lost or
stolen equipment.
Student user agreements shall also be signed by a parent/guardian.
Students, staff and other authorized individuals have the responsibility to respect
and protect the rights of every other user in the Intermediate Unit and on the
Internet.
Administrators and program supervisors shall make initial determinations of
whether inappropriate use has occurred.
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 6777
47 U.S.C.
The Executive Director or designee shall be responsible for recommending
technology and developing procedures used to determine whether the Intermediate
Unit's computers are being used for purposes prohibited by law or for accessing
Page 6 of 14
Sec. 254
47 CFR
Sec. 54.520
sexually explicit materials. The procedures shall include but not be limited to:
1. Utilizing a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access
for minors and adults to certain visual depictions that are obscene, child
pornography, harmful to minors with respect to use by minors, or determined
inappropriate for use by minors by the Board.
2. Maintaining and securing a usage log, where applicable.
3. Monitoring online activities of minors, where applicable.
47 U.S.C.
Sec. 254
The Executive Director or designee shall develop and implement administrative
regulations that ensure students are educated on network etiquette and other
appropriate online behavior, including but not limited to:
1. Interaction with other individuals on social networking web sites and in
chat rooms.
SC 1303.1-A
Pol. 249
5. Guidelines
2. Cyberbullying awareness and response.
Network accounts shall be used only by the authorized owner of the account for its
approved purpose. Network users shall respect the privacy of other users on the
system.
Prohibitions
Users shall not:
1. Use any technology for any purpose other than for the
legitimate educational purposes of the BCIU’s students or
for purposes of advancing the legitimate business of the
BCIU.
2. Use any technology for personal business or affairs, except
as expressly provided in this policy or in administrative
regulations promulgated and adopted by the Executive
Director or his/her designee.
3. Use any computer unless and until a confidential use ID and
password has been assigned to the user.
4. Use any computer without using his/her user ID and/or
password.
Page 7 of 14
5. Terminate use of any computer without logging off the
computer.
6. Disclose his/her user ID and/or password to any other
individual.
7. Use or utilize the user ID and/or password belonging to or assigned to
any other individual.
8. Post usernames and/or passwords in plain site.
9. Open or log onto any computer, software, program, or
application using, utilizing, or inputting the user ID and/or
password of any other individual or entity.
10. Misrepresent his/her identify when using the BCIU’s
computers.
11. Bypass CIPA-compliant software of any other blocking
software that may be used or installed by the BCIU. This
includes but is not limited to the use of proxies and port
tunneling.
12. Intentionally, willfully, maliciously, or through reckless
indifference damage or corrupt the functioning of any
technology or any data stored, either temporarily or
permanently, on any technology.
13. Visit or access pornographic web sites.
14. Violate any applicable Code of Student Conduct,
Pennsylvania’s Code of Professional Practice and Conduct
for Educators, BCIU Board policies or employee handbooks.
15. Use any computers unless and until the individual has signed
an acknowledgment in the form prescribed by the BCIU,
attesting to the individual’s understanding of the rules
governing technology use.
16. Intentionally enter any secure or confidential area of the
BCIU’s systems or computers without proper authority.
17. Violate any copyright laws or the ownership or license rights
of any person or entity and/or use any software or Internet
Page 8 of 14
site in violation of any applicable licensing agreement or
applicable terms of use.
18. Violate the legal rights of others.
19. Use any technology to access and/or hack into another user’s
technology or network in any way or manner that is not
authorized by the Executive Director and/or his/her
designee.
20. Use any data mining, robots, or similar data gathering and
extraction methods in violation of any person’s or entity’s
rights.
21. Use technology to violate any applicable law, including the
Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act.
22. Install any software program onto, or download any
software program onto any computers without the express
approval of the Executive Director or his/her designee.
23. Fail to report to the Executive Director or his/her designee
any time when s/he inadvertently visits or accesses a
pornographic site.
24. Violate any applicable work rule when using BCIU
technology.
25. Attempt to alter any Intermediate Unit computer or device
or network component (including, but not limited to servers,
routers, switches, Ethernet ports, telephone jacks) without
prior authorization from the Executive Director and/or
his/her designee.
26. Attempt to create an unauthorized network, network
connection, network extension, or re-transmission of any
computer, communication system, or network service (wired
or wireless) without prior authorization from the Executive
Director and/or his/her designee.
27. Connect unauthorized hardware and/or devices to any
communication system or network without prior
authorization from the Executive Director and/or his/her
designee.
Page 9 of 14
28. Delete, disable, or remove any program, application,
security feature or virus protection from any BCIU
computer, copier, printer, scanner, electronic portable and peripheral
device, the internet and other network and technological resources.
29. Participate in any forms of bullying/cyberbullying.
Bullying/cyberbullying will not be tolerated. Offenders will
be disciplined accordingly. Such action, whether it occurs in
a school/work setting and/or outside a school/work setting,
that is used to harass, tease, intimidate, threaten, or
terrorize another student, teacher, or employee of the BCIU
will not be tolerated. For activity that takes place outside of
the school/work setting, specific attention will be paid to the
impact such bullying/cyberbullying has on the school/work
setting in accordance with applicable legal standards.
30. Use content that includes: profane language, sexual content
or links to sexual content; violations of privacy, i.e. HIPAA,
FERPA, violations of legal ownership or interest,
perpetuates discrimination on basis of race, creed, color,
age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to
public assistance, national origin, physical or mental
disability, or sexual orientation; may compromise the safety
or security of students, clients, employees, or the public;
encouragement of illegal activity; information that is
sensitive or confidential; and/or content that may
compromise the safety or security of students, clients,
employees or the public.
Safety
It is the Intermediate Unit’s goal to protect users of the network from harassment
and unwanted or unsolicited electronic communications. Any network user who
receives threatening or unwelcome electronic communications or inadvertently
visits or accesses an inappropriate site shall report such immediately to a teacher
or administrator. Network users shall not reveal personal information to other users
on the network, including chat rooms, e-mail, social networking web sites, etc.
47 U.S.C.
Sec. 254
47 CFR
Sec. 54.520
Internet safety measures shall effectively address the following:
1. Control of access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World
Wide Web.
2. Safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other
forms of direct electronic communications.
Page 10 of 14
3. Prevention of unauthorized online access by minors, including "hacking" and
other unlawful activities.
4. Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information
regarding minors.
5. Restriction of minors’ access to materials harmful to them.
Prohibitions
Users are expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner in accordance
with Board policy, accepted rules of network etiquette, and federal and state law.
Specifically, the following uses are prohibited:
1. Facilitating illegal activity.
2. Commercial or for-profit purposes.
3. Nonwork or nonschool related work.
4. Product advertisement.
SC 1303.1-A
Pol. 249
5. Bullying/Cyberbullying.
6. Hate mail, discriminatory remarks, and offensive or inflammatory
communication.
7. Unauthorized or illegal installation, distribution, reproduction, or use of
copyrighted materials.
Pol. 237
8. Accessing, sending, receiving, transferring, viewing, sharing, uploading or
downloading obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal materials,
images or photographs.
9. Access by students and minors to material that is harmful to minors or is
determined inappropriate for minors in accordance with Board policy.
10. Inappropriate language or profanity.
11. Intentional obtaining or modifying of files, passwords, and data belonging to
other users.
12. Impersonation of another user, anonymity, and pseudonyms.
Page 11 of 14
Pol. 814
13. Fraudulent copying, communications, or modification of materials in violation of
copyright laws.
14. Loading or using of unauthorized games, programs, files, or other electronic
media.
15. Disruption of the work of other users.
16. Destruction, modification, abuse or unauthorized access to network hardware,
software and files. And technology.
17. Accessing the Internet, Intermediate Unit computers or other network
resources without authorization.
18. Disabling or bypassing the Internet blocking/filtering software without
authorization.
19. Accessing, sending, receiving, transferring, viewing, sharing or
uploading/downloading confidential information without authorization.
Security
System security is protected through the use of passwords. Failure to adequately
protect or update passwords could result in unauthorized access to personal or
Intermediate Unit files. To protect the integrity of the system, these guidelines shall
be followed:
1. Employees and students shall not reveal their passwords to another individual.
2. Users are not to use a computer that has been logged in under another student's
or employee's name.
3. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other
computer systems may be denied access to the network.
4. Employees must comply with all password procedures including password
strength requirements and changing passwords on a scheduled basis.
5. Users are to report the loss, theft, and/or destruction of Intermediate issued
technology immediately to their supervisor and to the Division of Instructional
Materials & Technology. Users are responsible for notifying the proper
authorities in the event their technology is stolen or damaged to secure the
appropriate police reports.
Page 12 of 14
Copyright
17 U.S.C.
Sec. 101 et seq
Pol. 814
The illegal use of copyrighted materials is prohibited. Any data uploaded to or
downloaded from the network shall be subject to fair use guidelines and applicable
laws and regulations.
Intermediate Unit Web Site
The Intermediate Unit shall establish and maintain a web site and shall develop
and modify its web pages to present information about the Intermediate Unit
under the direction of the Executive Director or designee. All users publishing
content on the Intermediate Unit web site shall comply with this and other
applicable Board policies.
Users shall not copy or download information from the Intermediate Unit web
site and disseminate such information on unauthorized web pages without
authorization from the administrator or program supervisor.
Consequences For Inappropriate Use
24 P.S.
Sec. 4604
The network user shall be responsible for damages to the equipment, systems, and
software resulting from deliberate or willful acts.
Illegal use of the network; intentional deletion or damage to files or data belonging
to others; copyright violations; and theft of services shall be reported to the
appropriate legal authorities for possible prosecution.
General rules for behavior and communications apply when using the Internet, in
addition to the stipulations of this policy.
Vandalism shall result in loss of access privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal
proceedings.
Pol. 218, 233, 317 Failure to comply with this policy or inappropriate use of technology shall
result in usage restrictions, loss of access privileges, disciplinary action, and/or
legal proceedings.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 1303.1-A
PA Crimes Code – 18 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 5903, 6312
Page 13 of 14
Child Internet Protection Act – 24 P.S. Sec. 4601 et seq.
U.S. Copyright Law – 17 U.S.C. Sec. 101 et seq.
Sexual Exploitation and Other Abuse of Children – 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2256
Enhancing Education Through Technology Act – 20 U.S.C. Sec. 6777
Internet Safety, Children’s Internet Protection Act – 47 U.S.C. Sec. 254
Children’s Internet Protection Act Certifications, Title 47, Code of Federal
Regulations – 47 CFR Sec. 54.520
Board Policy – 103, 103.1, 104, 218, 218.2, 220, 233, 237, 248, 249, 317, 348, 814
PSBA Revision 5/10
Page 14 of 14
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2150
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
WEAPONS – BAN ON USE OR POSSESSION BY STUDENTS/STAFF
The Board recognizes the importance of a safe school environment to the educational process.
Possession of weapons in the school environment is a threat to the safety of students and staff and is
prohibited by law.
The Board prohibits possession of weapons and replicas of weapons in any IU building, on any school
district property, at any IU or school district sponsored activity, and in any public conveyance providing
transportation to school or a school-sponsored activity.
It shall be a violation of IU Policy for any student or employee to possess, handle, transmit, keep, use, or
threaten to use a weapon at any time while on IU or school district property or while going to or
returning from an IU office or school district activity, event, or function by any form of transportation
including school bus, vehicle, or on foot.
Acts of violence or possession of a weapon on school property in violation of this policy shall be
reported immediately to the Executive Director.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2151
POLICY INQUIRIES AND CONCERNS
Public inquiries and concerns are welcomed by the Board. Whenever an inquiry or concern is
made directly to the Board as a whole, or to a Board member as an individual, it will be referred to
the Intermediate Unit administration for study and possible solution.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2155
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers provide significant services to students by supplementing the work of paid
instructional and classified staff, but are not substitutes for paid staff. Typical assignments include
supplemental instruction as determined by the classroom teacher, clerical work, and assist in the
supervision of student activities.
Volunteers will be requested to submit to background checks if their service will require them to
be in the presence of students.
Use, recruitment and selection of volunteers is at the discretion of the Executive Director or
his/her designee.
Revised by Committee 2/17/98
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2160
STATEMENT
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION PRIVACY
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 is committed to protecting medical information about
employees and others.
The IU, the administration, and its agents only will use protected health
information (PHI) to the extent and in accordance with the uses and disclosures permitted by the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and other federal and state laws. To
ensure that the integrity and the confidentiality of PHI are safeguarded to the highest degree possible, the
IU will make all reasonable efforts not to use or disclosure more than the minimum amount of protected
health information necessary to accomplish the intended purpose of the use or disclosure.
The administration shall publish and distribute a Notice of Privacy Practices that informs all
employees and others in plain language about the uses and disclosures of PHI; employees’ rights
concerning uses and disclosures; and limitations on the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 in that it
cannot use or disclose information in a manner not covered in the Notice.
The administration will establish contractual assurances from all business associates to which PHI
is disclosed to the effect that the information will be used only for the purposes for which they were
engaged, will be safeguarded from misuse, and will help the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 comply
with its duties as a public agency.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 2160
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION PRIVACY - Continued
The Board shall designate the Director of Human Resources as the Privacy Officer designated to
enact and monitor all procedures related to the protection of health information, the review of applicable
business agreements, and the investigation and response to any complaints filed by its employees or
business associates.
Board Approved, July, 2003
I.
STATEMENT
Internal Operations
Definitions
“Attribution” – An electronic record or electronic signature is attributable to a person if it was the
act of the person. The act of the person may be shown in any manner, including a showing of the
efficacy of any security procedure applied to determine the person to which the electronic record
or electronic signature was attributable.
“Electronic Signature”- An electronic sound, symbol or process attached to or logically associated
with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.
POLICY NO. 2170
Electronic Records/Signatures
POLICY
“Electronic Record” – any record created, generated, sent, communicated, received or stored by
electronic means.
II.
Statement of Policy
Under certain conditions electronic records and signatures satisfy the requirements of a written
signature when transacting business. The Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 (“IU”) wishes to
promote effective and efficient use of electronic communications to conduct business. Although
all electronic signatures are represented digitally, they can take many forms and can be created
using many different types of technology. The authenticity and reliability of electronic records
and signatures relating to transactions are dependent on the accompanying processes,
supplemental records and the overall context in which records are created, transferred, signed and
stored. The IU adopts the following policy with respect to the use of electronic records and
signatures in connection with the transaction of IU business.
III.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2170
STATEMENT
Internal Operations
Electronic Records
Electronic records created or received by the IU shall be appropriately attributed to the
individual(s) responsible for their creation and/or authorization or approval. The IU shall utilize
available technology to implement reliable methods for generating and managing electronic
records. Any electronic record filed with or issued by the IU shall be given full force and effect of
a paper communication if the following conditions are satisfied:
1.
2.
IV.
The communication is an electronic filing or recording and the IU agrees to accept or
send such communication electronically; and
If a signature is required on the record or communication by any statute, rule or other
applicable law or IU policy, the electronic signature must conform to the requirements
set forth in this policy governing the use of electronic signatures.
Electronic Signature
An electronic signature may be used if the law requires a signature unless there is a specific
statute, regulation, or rule of law that requires records to be signed in non-electronic form. The
issuance and/or acceptance of an electronic signature by the IU shall be permitted in accordance
with the provisions of this policy and all applicable state and federal law. Such electronic
signature shall have the full force and effect of a manual signature only if the electronic signature
satisfies all of the following requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The electronic signature identifies the individual signing the document by his/her name
and title;
The identity of the individual signing with an electronic signature is capable of being
validated through the use of an audit trail;
The electronic signature and the document to which it is affixed cannot be altered once
the electronic signature has been affixed;
The electronic signature conforms to all other provisions of this policy.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 2170
STATEMENT
Internal Operations
V.
Acceptance, Use and Issuance of Electronic Records and Signatures
1.
The IU shall develop and maintain an electronic recordkeeping system that can receive,
store, and reproduce electronic records and signatures relating to transactions in their
original form. Such system shall include security procedures whereby the IU can (a)
verify the attribution of a signature to a specific individual, (b) detect changes or errors
in the information contained in a record submitted electronically, (c) protect and
prevent access, alteration, manipulation or use by an unauthorized person, and (d)
provide for nonrepudiation through strong and substantial evidence that will make it
difficult for the signer to claim that the electronic representation is not valid.
2.
The IU shall ensure that all electronic records and signatures are capable of being
accurately reproduced for later reference and retained until such time as all legally
mandated retention requirements are satisfied.
The IU shall designate individuals who are authorized to utilize an electronic signature
in connection with IU business and shall require each designated individual to sign a
statement of exclusive use.
The IU shall maintain a secure hard copy log of the PIN/password or actual signature
of any individual authorized to provide an electronic signature in connection with IU
business.
The IU will receive and accept as original, electronic records and signatures so long as
the communication, on its face, appears to be authentic.
The IU will retain in its records this policy and all statements of exclusive use, until
such time as all legally mandated retention requirements are satisfied.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Legal References:
Pennsylvania Electronic Transactions Act, 73 P.S. § 2260.101 et seq.
U.S. Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, Public Law 106-229, 15 U.S.C. § 7001
et seq.
Board Adopted:
1st Reading 10.19.2010
2nd Reading & Adoption 11.16.2010
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
TITLE
NUMBER
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
3100
PERSONNEL RECORDS
3105
PERSONNEL SELECTION
3115
CERTIFICATION
3125
3130
3135
3145
EVALUATION
3150
3160
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
2100
2120
AIDS
2131
SMOKING
2132
2133
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
2134
ACTIVITIES
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING OR
TEACHING RELATED SERVICES
3205
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, MEETINGS,
ATTENDANCE
3210
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
ACTIVITIES (continued)
PROBLEMS SOLVING PROCEDURE
3215
3220
PAYROLL SCHEDULES
3305
PAYROLL DEDUCATIONS
3310
TRAVEL AND EXPENSES
3315
3325
REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORK/HEALTH
EXPENSES
3330
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
INSURANCE
DENTAL
3340.1
DISABILITY
3340.2
HOSPITALIZATION-MEDICAL INSURANCE
3340.3
LIFE
3340.4
LIABILITY
3340.5
VISION
3340.6
3340.7
TRAVEL ACCIDENT
3340.8
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
3340.9
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
ABSENCES
3405.0
PERSONAL ILLNESS-INJURY
3405.1
COURT WITNESS-JURY DUTY
3405.2
PERSONAL REASONS
3405.3
BEREAVEMENT
3405.4
VACATION
3405.5
EMERGENCY
3405.6
LEAVES
3410.0
CHILDREARING
3410.1
SABBATICAL
3410.2
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 3000
TITLE
NUMBER
officers.*
LEAVES (Continued)
MILITARY
3410.3
PROFESSIONAL LEAVE
3410.6
HEALTH AND HARDSHIP
3410.7
3420.6
SEPARATION
RESIGNATION
3505
DISMISSAL
3510
REDUCTION IN FORCE
3515
RETIREMENT
3520
LONGEVITY INCENTIVE
3520.2
3520.6
RETIREE LIFE INSURANCE
3520.7
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3100
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
SUPERVISORY, CONSULTATIVE
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
The Board recognizes the need for both full and part-time administrative, supervisory and consultative
personnel. Full-time employees work a minimum of eight hours per day, including one hour for lunch,
260 days per year. Employees working less than full time are considered part-time employees.
CROSS REFERENCE: 4000, 5000
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3105
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ACTIVITIES
PERSONNEL RECORDS
The Executive Director shall organize and maintain personnel records in accordance with state law.
Employee personnel records deal with identification, qualification and performance of IU employees and
include applications for employment. These records are maintained and controlled by the office of human
resources.
Classification of Information
Category A – shall include information concerning identification, education and training,
experience, assignment, attendance, evaluation, compensation and similar data.
Category B – shall include references, recommendation, medical information, and similar
materials supplied to the IU which is considered to be confidential.
Administrators shall have access to employee records on a need to know basis.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3105
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ACTIVITIES
PERSONNEL RECORDS - Continued
An employee has the right, upon one day’s notice, to review contents of his or her file (Category A) in the
Human Resources Office, and to have material copied therein, at the employee’s expense, at prevailing
cost per copy as provided by the IU business office. No material derogatory to an employee’s conduct,
service, character or personality may be placed in his or her personnel file until the employee is actually
given a copy of said material. The employee may submit for inclusion in his or her personnel file an
explanation or statement or clarification expressing his or her viewpoint to any item to be place in his or
her personnel file.
An employee who leaves employment with the Intermediate unit shall not have access to his/her
personnel file after their last paid day of work.
Formerly Policy 3590 and 3590.1
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3115
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
PERSONNEL SELECTION
When an administrative, supervisory, consultative position is vacant in any of the Intermediate Unit
divisions the Executive Director or his designee, with Board approval, will fill the vacancy from among
the applicants on the basis of the applicant’s training, experience, references, and interview.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3125
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
CERTIFICATION
Administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees are responsible for securing and maintaining the
appropriate professional certificates or licenses for the position in which they are employed.
Requirements for issuance and renewal of professional certificates are regulated by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education. The failure to secure and maintain requisite professional certificates or licenses
will necessarily jeopardize the employee’s status and continued employment.
CROSS REFERENCE: 4125
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3130
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
Pre-employment medical examinations are required (including a tuberculin test) for the purpose of
assuring that the prospective employee is medically fit to assume the duties of his/her prospective
position. Further, the Board authorizes the Executive Director to require any employee to submit to a
medical exam and/or tests at any time provided the exam relates to a Workmen’s Compensation case or
the employee’s job performance.
The pre-employment physical is to be paid for by the prospective employee.
Post-employment
examinations by an Intermediate Unit designed physician shall be paid for by the Intermediate Unit. The
cost of treatment shall be paid for by the employee and/or his/her insurance carrier.
The Executive Director may require any employee returning from leave to submit a statement from
his/her physician stating employee is able to return to work.
Board revised 12/21/82 effective 12/01/82
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3135
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
The Executive Director or his/her designee shall provide for an adequate period of orientation for all new
administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees. During this orientation period, the employee
shall be informed of his/her duties, responsibilities, benefits, and policies and procedures.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3145
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
The Board believes in hiring the best qualified employees. The Executive Director or his designee shall
recommend to the Board the salary level of the successful candidate.
It is the policy of the Intermediate Unit to inform employees of position openings within the Intermediate
Unit and to consider internal applicants for openings. The decision to hire from within or outside shall be
made by the Executive Director or his/her designee.
The transfer of administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees to positions in the various schools
and departments of the Intermediate Unit shall be made by the Executive Director or his designee.
Subject to the managerial prerogative of the administration, staff transfers will be effected in order to
promote sound educational programs.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3150
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
EVALUATION
There shall be regular performance evaluation of administrative, supervisor, and consultative employees
of the Intermediate Unit.
The procedure shall be consistent with the requirements stipulated by the
Pennsylvania Department of Education and/or the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949, as amended.
The Executive Director shall be responsible for establishing and implementing the procedure which links
compensation to performance evaluation.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3160
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
The employee accepting a position in the administrative, supervisory, and consultative personnel
classification level is required to provide his/her own transportation vehicle to enable job performance as
required in the member district schools or other state(s) for seminars, meetings, liaisons, or conferences.
The Intermediate Unit will reimburse mileage for this travel, but does not reimburse or provide allowance
for depreciation of the vehicle.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3205
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ACTIVITIES
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING OR TEACHING RELATED SERVICES
The Board recognizes the executive director, assistant executive director, cabinet members, and
administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees’ responsibility to contribute to the profession and
to the cause of education generally.
The Board further believes that it should not prohibit its
administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees from participation on evaluation teams, or to
serve as speakers or workshop consultants at conferences and conventions provided these activities do
not, in the opinion of the Executive Director, conflict with obligations to the Intermediate Unit. The
Board expects employees to devote their attention and efforts to the concerns of the Intermediate Unit and
the schools it serves.
Honoraria and expenses may be accepted for activities (e.g. teaching, advising, and consulting) beyond
the duties, responsibilities and scheduled working hours with the Intermediate Unit. If an Intermediate
Unit administrative, supervisory, and consultative employee receives an honorarium or serves as paid
consultant, during Intermediate Unit scheduled working hours, the administrative, supervisory, and
consultative employee shall utilize his or her vacation time or shall report such time to his/her supervisor
for payroll deduction purposes.
CROSS REFERENCES: NONE
Board Revised 05/2009
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3210
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ACTIVITIES
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, MEETINGS ATTENDANCE
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board encourages employees to attend educational conferences,
seminars and meetings, with authorization, subject to the degree to which the conference is of direct value
to the Bucks County Schools community and the availability of funds.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3215
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ACTIVITIES
The Board directs the Executive Director to develop a procedure for resolving disagreements with the
interpretation and/or application of Board policies or administrative directives.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3220
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ACTIVITIES
The Board authorizes the Executive Director to close the Intermediate Unit offices in extreme weather
conditions. In this instance, no employee shall lose pay or vacation time.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3305
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
PAYROLL SCHEDULES
The Executive Director shall establish payroll schedules and submit them to the Board for approval. All
administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees employed regularly, either full or part-time, shall
be paid according to a specific schedule published annually.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3310
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
The Board shall approve the types of deductions which may be made from the salary of administrative,
supervisory, and consultative employees. Salary deductions approved by the Board will remain in effect
from year to year unless specified for a lesser period of time.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3315
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
TRAVEL AND EXPENSES
The Executive Director, with the approval of the Board, shall be responsible for the establishment of
reimbursement guidelines for travel and expense for administrative, supervisory, and consultative
employees in the performance of duties.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3325
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative employees will be reimbursed for a maximum of nine (9)
graduate credits pre-approved by the Executive Director or his/her designee, taken during one fiscal year
at an accredited institution. Employees shall be reimbursed at one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of
each graduate credit at an approved accredited college or university for a graded course in which the
employee earns an “A” grade. Employees shall be reimbursed at eighty five percent (85%) of the cost of
a graduate credit at an approved accredited college or university for a graded course in which the
employee earns a “B”, or a passing grade in a pass/fail course. Tuition reimbursement will not be paid for
each graduate level course in which the employee earns a grade of C or lower, or for failing grades in
pass-fail courses.
Reimbursement hereunder is not available to Administrative, Supervisory, and
Consultative Personnel on leave, unless such leave and reimbursement is authorized by the Board. An
official transcript must be received in the Personnel Office before payment can be made.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3330
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORK/HEALTH EXPENSES
Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative employees shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the
following categories listed below, in the exercise of their professional functions, responsibilities and duties as
employees of the Intermediate Unit. The Board shall establish the amount of reimbursement at a maximum
annual amount of:
2008-2009
2010-2011
$750 per year
$950 per year
2009-2010
2011-2012
$850 per year
$1050 per year
1.
Automobile Insurance
2.
Annual Physical Examination
3.
Uncovered medical expenses, including vision, dental copays
4.
Costs related to continuing education, including books, supplies, fees
5.
Costs related to maintaining wellness, including: membership in a wellness program
6.
Costs related to the purchase of technology equipment
BUCKS COUNTY SCHOOLS
INTERMEDIATE UNIT No. 22
DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901
2010-2011 REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORK/HEALTH EXPENSES
IU Policy #3330, amended by the IU Board in July of 2008, allows for partial reimbursement for expenses
incurred in the following categories, in the exercise of their professional functions, responsibilities and
duties as employees of the Intermediate Unit. The Board has established the amount of reimbursement at
a maximum annual amount of $950.00 (prorated for partial year employment).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Automobile Insurance
Annual Physical Examination
Uncovered medical expenses, including vision, dental, copays
Costs related to continuing education, including books, supplies, fees
Costs related to maintaining wellness, including: membership in a wellness program
Costs related to the purchase of technology equipment
I,
, an administrative employee of the Bucks
County Schools Intermediate Unit #22, request reimbursement for $
as
outlined in Policy Statement 3330 above. Attached is verification and/or proof of
insurance/expenditure.
Signature, Administrative Employee
APPROVED BY:
Director of Human Resources
APPROVED BY:
Date
Signature, Executive Director
Date
Business office: Bud Req #
Date
Initials
10/07/2010
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.1
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
DENTAL
The Board provides and pays for a dental insurance program for administrative, supervisory, and
consultative employees and eligible dependents.
The dental insurance program shall include coverage for the Usual, Customary and Reasonable costs, as
determined by the carrier, for basic dental care and for Crown, Inlay and Onlay, Prosthetics and
Periodontics to 60% coverage for Supervisory and Consultative staff and 75% coverage for Cabinet
members.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for dental insurance. The
Executive Director is responsible for reviewing and recommending the amount and extent of coverage to
the Board.
CROSS REFERENCE: 4340.1, 5340.1
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.2
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
The Board provides and pays for a disability (illness/accident) income protection plan for administrative,
supervisory, and consultative employees. This plan provides for a specified monthly payment based on
the employee’s salary.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for disability income
protection insurance. The Executive Director is responsible for reviewing and recommending the amount
and extent of coverage to the Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.3
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
The Board provides several medical insurance plans for eligible employees, spouses and dependents.
Administrators and their eligible dependents shall be enrolled in the same plan. The medical coverage is
subject to monthly premium contributions by each employee, as established by the Board annually during
open enrollment.
Administrative employees shall be offered an annual Open Enrollment period in June of each year for the
purpose of changing health care plans or carriers. Al changes made during the Open Enrollment period
will be effective the following September 1st. No changes may be made in plan selection except during
the annual Open Enrollment period, or due to a life-changing event as defined in the Plan Document.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.3
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
HOSPITALIZATION AND MEDICAL INSURANCE - Continued
The IU Flexible Benefits Plan (formed under the guidelines of Section 125 of the IRS Code) allows
employees who can show proof of alternative health insurance coverage to select cash in lieu of health
benefits in the annual amount of $1,500.00, payable in prorated monthly installments. In addition, the
Section 125 Plan allows administrative employees the option to establish flexible spending and dependent
care spending accounts with pre-tax payroll dollars.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.4
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
LIFE
The Board provides and pays for a term life insurance program for administrative, supervisory, and
consultative employees. The amount of life insurance coverage shall be equal to double the employee’s
salary, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, to a maximum of $225,000.00. The employee has the
option to purchase additional life insurance coverage through payroll deduction at the employee’s
expense.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for life insurance. The
the Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.5
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
LIABILITY
The Board provides and pays for a liability insurance program for administrative, supervisory and
consultative employees while performing their duties as employees of the Intermediate Unit.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for liability insurance. The
the Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.6
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
VISION
The Board provides and pays for a vision program for administrative, supervisory, and consultative
employees and eligible dependents.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for vision insurance. The
the Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.7
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
The Board provides and pays for a Worker’s Compensation insurance coverage for administrative,
supervisory, and consultative employees injured on the job.
Benefits are in accordance with the
Pennsylvania Worker’s Compensation Act.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for Worker’s Compensation
insurance. The Executive Director is responsible for reviewing and recommending the amount and extent
of coverage to the Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.8
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
TRAVEL ACCIDENT
The Board provides and pays for travel accident insurance for administrative, supervisory, and
consultative employees when traveling on Intermediate Unit business.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for travel accident
CROSS REFERENCE: NONE
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3340.9
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
INSURANCE
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
The Board provides and pays for a prescription drug insurance program for administrative, supervisory,
and consultative employees and eligible dependents.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for prescription drug
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.0
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES
ABSENCES
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board recognizes that instructional employees of the Intermediate
Unit will at times desire or need to be absent from their assigned duties. The Board also recognizes that
an equitable arrangement for leave on these occasions is essential to the efficient operation of the
Intermediate Unit programs. The Executive Director or his designee is responsible for developing this
procedure.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.1
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
PERSONAL ILLNESS – INJURY
In any school year whenever an administrative, supervisory, and consultative employee is prevented by
illness or accidental injury from fulfilling his or her assigned responsibilities, the Intermediate Unit shall
provide full pay up to a limit of the (10) days for employees working a period of ten months, eleven (11)
days for employees working a period of eleven months, and twelve (12) days for those on a twelve month
work year schedule.
Unused sick leave shall be cumulative from year to year within the Intermediate Unit without limitation.
The employer may require a physician’s statement for any absence, which exceeds 3 consecutive days or
at any other time. Administrative, supervisory and consultative employees may use up to 5 sick days per
year for the purpose of caring for the health needs of immediate family members.
Employees who were previously employed by the Intermediate Unit will not be credited with any sick
leave accumulated during those periods, unless re-employment occurs within one (1) year. However,
administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees who sever their employment with any public
school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and immediately thereafter or directly enter into
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.1
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
PERSONAL ILLNESS – INJURY - Continued
employment with the Intermediate Unit shall be entitled to transfer accumulated sick leave not exceeding
a maximum of twenty-five (25) days. The Executive Director may require the employee to furnish a
certificate from a physician or other practitioner certifying that said employee was unable to perform his
or her duties during the period of absence for which compensation is required to be paid under this
section.
At retirement, each ASCP member will be compensated for all accumulated unused sick days as follows:
If an ASCP member has accumulated greater than or equal to 100 unused sick days, each day will be
compensated at $65/ day. If an ASCP has accumulated less than 100 unused sick days, each day will be
compensated at $45.00/ day. This provision applies to all ASCP employees who retire, regardless of their
eligibility for any other retirement or longevity incentive. The amount paid under this policy will be
recorded as income received by the retiree, but will be paid into a special tax deferred account as
established by the IU for such purpose.
CROSS REFERENCE: 3410.7, 4405.1, 5405.1
Board Revised 10/08
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.2
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
COURT WITNESS – JURY DUTY
Administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees are encouraged to fulfill their civic
responsibilities. Accordingly, employees who are called as a witness in a court proceeding or to serve on
juries shall be paid the difference between the stipend they receive as witness or juror and their regular
salary.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.3
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
PERSONAL REASONS
Each administrative, supervisory, and consultative employee, with the approval of his or her immediate
supervisor, is eligible for three (3) days of leave for personal reasons (including days of religious
observance) in any fiscal year without loss of salary.
Additional excused absence for certain pre-approved situations without salary deductions may be granted
each year by the Executive Director or his designee.
Unused personal days shall be credited to accumulated sick leave at the end of each school year.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.4
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
BEREAVEMENT
An administrative, supervisory, and consultative employee shall be entitled to a maximum of five (5) days
of leave without loss of salary for a death in the immediate family. Members of the immediate family
shall be defined as father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, wife, parent-in-law or near
relative who resides in the same household, or any person with whom the employee has made his home.
In the case of death of a near relative other than those mentioned above, there shall be no deduction in the
salary of said employee for absence on the day of the funeral. A near relative shall be defined as first
cousin, grandfather, grandmother, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-inlaw, or sister-in-law.
The Board may extend the period of absence with pay at its discretion as the exigencies of the case may
warrant.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.5
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
VACATION
Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative employees who have completed one full year of service in
the Bucks County Intermediate Unit shall receive twenty (20) days of paid vacation per year.
Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative employees with less than one full fiscal year of service
shall be granted vacation on a prorate basis according to the attached schedule.
On the tenth year anniversary date of full-time employment with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit,
Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative employees become eligible for twenty-five (25) days of
paid vacation per year. When the anniversary date falls during the fiscal year, vacation will be prorated at
20 days per year up to the month of the anniversary date and at 25 days per year from the anniversary date
to the end of the fiscal year, according to the attached schedule.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.5
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
VACATION - Continued
Vacation days earned during the previous fiscal year and all but ten accumulated vacation days must be
used prior to August 31. Up to ten days of accumulated vacation days, as of August 31, may be carried
forward.
Additionally, up to five (5) unused vacation days which would otherwise be forfeited may be directly
invested, on the employee’s behalf, in the employee’s existing tax sheltered annuity (403-B plan) or
Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The amount allocated for this purpose shall equal the number of
unused vacation days, multiplied by the daily rate of the employee in effect at the time the vacation was
earned.
Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative personnel who terminate their service with the Intermediate
Unit shall receive payment at their current rate of pay for unused earned vacation, up to a maximum of 35
days.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.5
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
VACATION - Continued
CODE
ASCP
V1 - 20 DAYS
JULY
V2 - 25 DAYS
(10 YEARS)
2
AUG
3
2
SEPT
2
2
OCT
2
2
NOV
2
1.5
DEC
2
1.5
JAN
2
1.5
FEB
2
1.5
MAR
2
1.5
APR
2
1.5
MAY
2
1.5
JUNE
2
1.5
2
CLASSIFIED
V3 - 10 DAYS
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
V4 - 15 DAYS
(5 YEARS)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1
1
1
1
1
1
V5 - 16 DAYS
(11 YEARS)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1
1
1
1
V6 - 17 DAYS
(12 YEARS)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1
1
V7 - 18 DAYS
(13 YEARS)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
V8 - 19 DAYS
(14 YEARS)
2.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
V9 - 20 DAYS
(15 YEARS)
2.5
2.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3405.6
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES
EMERGENCY ABSENCES
The Executive Director is empowered to grant leave without loss of pay for certain emergency absences
of administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees that are beyond the employee’s control and
may cause the employee personal embarrassment, extreme handicap, or jeopardize the employee’s
position in the school and the community should the employee appear for assigned duties.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
LEAVES
LEAVES
procedure.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.2
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
SABBATICAL LEAVE
A.
Eligibility Requirements
Sabbatical leaves of absence are available to all ASCP personnel who are eligible for sabbatical leaves
under Section 1166 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949, as amended, shall be granted in
accordance with the provisions of the Public School Code and the following policies:
Any person employed in the public school system of this Commonwealth, who has
Completed ten (10) years of satisfactory service shall be entitled to a sabbatical leave of
Absence for restoration of health or professional development, or at the discretion of the
Intermediate Unit Board for other purposes. At least five (5) consecutive years of service,
Excluding authorized leaves of absence, shall have been in the Bucks County Intermediate
Unit prior to said leave. A subsequent sabbatical leave shall be allowed following seven
(7) years of service after a previous sabbatical leave.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.2
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
SABBATICAL LEAVE - Continued
A sabbatical leave shall be for a half or a full work year or for two (2) half work years during a period of
two (2) calendar years, at the option of the employee, subject to conditions described hereinafter, provided
that sabbatical leave for professional development shall be limited as provided in the School Code.
A sabbatical leave of absence for professional development must consist, at a minimum, of the following:
nine (9) graduate level credit courses, 12 undergraduate credits, 180 hours of professional development
activities or a combination of these for leaves of half a school term; and 18 graduate credits, 24
undergraduate credits, or 360 hours or professional development activities or a combination of these for
leaves of a full school term.
Applications for sabbatical leaves of absence shall be given preference according to the years of service
since the previous sabbatical leave of the applicant, provided, however, that sabbatical leaves requested
for restoration of health will be given first preference.
The Intermediate Unit Board may limit the number of sabbatical leaves of absence granted in any school
year to no more than ten percent (10%) of the number of persons eligible for such leave of absence
regularly employed in the Intermediate Unit.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.2
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
Salary and Related Benefits
The person on sabbatical leave of absence shall receive one-half of the salary he/she would have received
as a regular employee during the period he/she is on sabbatical leave. A sabbatical leave granted to an
employee shall also operate as a leave without pay from all other school activities. Employee benefits
will continue to be provided during the period of sabbatical leave.
Employees on sabbatical leave shall be entitled to tuition reimbursement benefits.
An employee on
sabbatical leave for the purpose of professional development only may request preapproval of the
Executive Director at his discretion for reimbursement of credits beyond the maximum number as
provided in Policy #3325.
Employees on sabbatical leave may receive an educational grant for further study from an institution of
learning.
The person on sabbatical leave shall continue his/her membership in the Public School Employees’
Retirement System. The Intermediate Unit shall pay into the retirement fund the full amount required by
law on the employee’s full salary. The amount of contribution by the employee shall be deducted from
any compensation payable to the employee while on leave.
Extended Leave Due to Illness
If a sabbatical leave for one-half work year or its equivalent has been granted and the person is unable to
return to service because of illness or physical disability, the person, upon written request prior to the
expiration of the original leave, shall be entitled to a further sabbatical leave for one-half school year or its
equivalent.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.2
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
If a sabbatical leave for a full school work or its equivalent has been granted and the person is unable to
return to service because of illness or physical disability, the Intermediate Unit Board may extend the
sabbatical leave, with or without pay or benefits for such periods as it my determine but the extension
shall not exceed twelve (12) months or its equivalent.
Agreement to Return
No sabbatical leave of absence shall be granted unless the person shall agree in writing to return to
employment with the Intermediate Unit for a period of not less than one (1) work year immediately
following such leave of absence.
Retention of Rights
No sabbatical leave shall be considered a termination or breach of contract and the employee on
sabbatical leave shall be return to the same position from which he/she was granted the leave. If the same
position from which the employee was granted the leave no longer exists, or if a transfer would have
taken effect during the leave, then the employee may be reassigned. Every employee on sabbatical leave
shall be considered in regular full-time daily attendance in the position from which leave was taken during
the period of such leave for the purpose of determining his/her length of service, rights to salary increases
and retirement benefits as provided by law.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.2
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
Failure to Return Following Sabbatical Leave
Forfeiture of Benefits
Upon expiration of a sabbatical leave, the requirement that the person on leave of absence shall return to
the service of the Intermediate Unit and be restored to the same position that he/she occupied prior
thereto, may be waived by the consent of the Intermediate Unit Board. If the IU Board has not waived the
obligation to return to service upon expiration of the sabbatical leave and the employee fails to return,
unless prevented by illness or physical disability, the employee shall forfeit all benefits for the period of
the sabbatical leave to which said employee would have been entitled under this Agreement.
Return of Employer Retirement Contributions
If the employee resigns or fails to return to his/her employment, unless the requirement to return to
service is waived by the Intermediate Unit Board, the amount contributed by the Intermediate Unit Board
under this Agreement to the Public School Employees’ Retirement Fund shall be deducted from the
refund payable to the employee under existing law and the amount deducted shall be refunded to the
Intermediate Unit by which it was paid.
Cross Reference 4410.2
Board Adopted 04/18/06
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.1
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
CHILDREARING LEAVE
An administrative, supervisory, and consultative employee who is expecting or whose spouse is expecting
the birth of a child which the employee contemplates will reside in his or her household, or who expects
to adopt a child, and who wishes to continue employment following a period of absence taken for the
purpose of rearing the child, may be granted a leave of absence without pay but which continues Board
paid insurance benefits.
The maximum length of such leave for employees shall be one (1) full year.
Upon termination of the childrearing leave, the employee shall be reinstated to the position he or she held
before commencing the leave of absence, subject to the right of the employer to reassign employees.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.1
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
CHILDREARING LEAVE - Continued
Childrearing leave may be terminated at the request of the employee be written notification of intent to
return made to the office of the Executive Director at least sixty (60) days prior to a requested termination
date which has been approved. It is recommended that at least ninety (90) days’ notice be given.
Any employee returning from a childrearing leave shall not forfeit any seniority or any other rights
accrued prior to the leave. Seniority shall continue to accrue during the approve leave.
No employee shall be entitled or granted a period of paid or unpaid absence or leave allowed or
authorized under any other policy of the Board or the Public School Code of 1949, as amended, during
any period of absence approved under this policy.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.3
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
MILITARY LEAVE
Military leave of absence will be granted in accordance with Sections 1176, 1177, 1178, 1179, 11890,
1181, and 1182 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949, as amended.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.6
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
PROFESSIONAL LEAVE
Requests for a one-semester or one-year leave of absence without pay may be granted by the Intermediate
Unit Board of School Directors upon recommendation of the Executive Director for administrative,
supervisory, and consultative personnel who wish to broaden their experience through research or further
study. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
The applicant must have served at least five (5) years on the Intermediate Unit staff prior to the date the
leave is to begin.
The applicant must return to the Intermediate Unit staff for a minimum of one full year of employment
directly following the period of approved leave.
If the applicant does not return, he or she must repay the Intermediate Unit for any monies received or
payment made on behalf of, including the amounts paid by the Intermediate Unit into the Public School
Employees’ Retirement Fund representing its share of the contributions.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.6
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
PROFESSIONAL LEAVE - Continued
While on leave the employee must submit to the Executive Director two (2) progress reports in
conformity with mutually determined guidelines.
Such leaves shall be without pay, but the employee may continue to receive retirement credit, as though it
were a year of service, providing that the employee continues to pay his or her share of the contributions
to the Public School Employees’ retirement Fund.
During such leaves, the employee will not be considered to have a break in service, and will continue to
accrue seniority and service credit. The employee will not accrue salary increments while on such leave.
While on such leave, the employee will not accrue additional sick leave and will not receive or accrue any
other benefit accorded by the Board, e.g., insurance coverage and vacation, except that the employee may
continue to receive insurance coverage by paying the amounts normally paid by the Intermediate Unit on
account of the employee.
CROSS REFERENCE: 4410.4
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3410.7
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
HEALTH AND HARDSHIP LEAVE
Each administrative, supervisory, and consultative employee shall have 15 days health and hardship leave
annually, cumulative to 75 days, without loss of pay. This leave may be extended at the discretion of the
Executive Director up to 115 days without the approval of the Board and up to 210 days with the approval
of the Board.
Accumulated personal illness and injury leave shall be exhausted prior to the receipt of health and
hardship leave.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3505
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
RESIGNATION
An administrative, supervisory, and consultative employee who intends to resign should notify his or her
immediate supervisor, in writing, at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the resignation.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3510
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
DISMISSAL
The dismissal of an administrative, supervisory, or consultative employee shall be consistent with Section
514 of the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949, as amended.
If an administrative, supervisory, or consultative employee is a professional employee that employee’s
contract will be terminated in accordance with provisions of the Public School Code for any one of the
following causes:
immorality; incompetency; intemperance; cruelty; persistent negligence; mental
derangement; and persistent and willful violation of the school laws of Pennsylvania.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3515
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
REDUCTION IN FORCE
In the event that the Board determines that it is necessary, due to declining enrollment, abolition or
change of program or for any other reason permitted by law, to reduce the number of administrative,
supervisory, and consultative employees of the Intermediate Unit, this policy will be followed in making
such reductions in force.
The Board, upon receiving the recommendations and advice of the Executive Director, will determine the
positions in which reductions in administrative, supervisory and consultative personnel staff shall occur
and shall determine the number of positions which shall be eliminated.
In conjunction with recommendations concerning the preceding, the Executive Director shall furnish the
Board with a list of the temporary administrative, supervisory and consultative employees who are
temporary professional or tenured professional employees who are recommended for termination or
suspension, respectively, after the administrative, supervisory, and consultative staff has been realigned to
insure that the more senior professional employees are provided with the opportunity fill positions for
which they are certificated which were being filled by less senior professional employees or temporary
professional employees.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3515
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
REDUCTION IN FORCE - Continued
The listing shall include information concerning the seniority acquired within the Intermediate Unit, the
certification(s) held and the rating of each such employee as set forth on his/her most recent PDE-5501
evaluation form.
If administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees who are temporary professional employees
under the School Code must be terminated in order to effectuate reductions, they will be terminated
without regard to their seniority.
If tenured administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees must be suspended in order to
effectuate reductions, such employees shall be suspended in the inverse order of their seniority.
“Seniority” for the purpose of determining which tenured administrative, supervisory, and consultative
employees shall be suspended will be determined in accordance with the following guidelines:
Seniority means the length of continuous service with the Intermediate Unit since the date of most
recent hire as a temporary or tenured professional employee. Seniority shall continue to accrue and
continuity of seniority shall not be lost during the period of any approved leave of absence, or during a
period of suspension. Seniority will not accrue during any unauthorized absence.
Continuity of service shall be considered broken by resignation, dismissal, retirement,
abandonment of contract, or a period of unauthorized absence in excess of ten (10) days. The date of
most recent hire shall be determined by the effective date established by the Board when it acted to
appoint the professional employee, as reflected upon the official minutes of the Board.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3515
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
REDUCTION IN FORCE (Continued)
No period of time spent as a per-diem or long-term substitute, or during which an employee was
employed prior to appointment by the Board as reflected upon official minutes, shall be counted in
computing seniority. Part-time professional employees shall accrue seniority on a pro-rate basis, i.e., one
year of one-half time will equal one-half year of seniority.
In the event that the seniority of two or more professional employees is equal, the most senior
shall be determined by lottery. At the time of suspension the Board shall establish a listing of the order in
which employees are suspended in accordance with this policy. No new appointment shall be made by
the Board while there is a suspended employee available who is properly certificated to fill such vacancy.
Positions from which administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees are on approved leaves of
absence shall be considered temporary vacancies and shall be temporarily filled, when practical, by
suspended employees.
However, where a suspended employee fills a temporary vacancy, upon return of the employee
who, is on an approved leave of absence, the temporary fill will terminate without the necessity of further
Board action.
To be considered eligible for reinstatement a suspended employee shall report annually to the
Board during the month of July in writing his/her mailing address and his/her intent to accept a position
for which he/she is qualified if offered. Failure to report as required would make the suspended employee
ineligible for reinstatement and may lead to their termination.
engaging in another occupation during the period of suspension.
Employees are not prohibited from
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3515
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
REDUCTION IN FORCE (Continued)
If a suspended employee refused a permanent vacancy for which he/she is qualified, unless he/she
is then enrolled in a college program (in which case he/she may delay reinstatement until the end of the
current semester only), the Board shall have no further obligation to reinstate that person in the event of
any later or additional vacancy, and may take steps to terminate the employee.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 3520
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
RETIREMENT
Administrative, supervisory, and consultative employees may voluntarily retire from the Intermediate
Unit in accordance with the provisions of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3520.2
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
LONGEVITY INCENTIVE
In recognition of ten (10) or more years of service to the Intermediate Unit, immediately prior to retirement,
Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative employees are entitled to retirement incentive payments
according to the following schedule:
LONGEVITY INCENTIVE
Years of Service at
Date of Retirement
Payment
Over 30 years
30% of Highest annual salary
Over 35 years
40% of Highest annual salary
Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative employees, who wish to receive the retirement incentive
payment, must submit a letter of intent to retire to the Executive Director not later than thirteen (13) months
prior to the date and year in which the employee plans to retire and must otherwise meet the eligibility
requirement with the Pennsylvania Employees’ Retirement System.
The longevity incentive will sunset on June 30, 2010. The longevity incentive for ASCP members who have 30
years of Bucks County IU experience will sunset on June 30, 2011.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3520.2
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
LONGEVITY INCENTIVE - Continued
In the event that an employee dies following actual retirement, but prior to payment for retirement incentive, the
benefit shall be paid to the employee’s estate. If the employee dies prior to retirement, no benefit shall be paid.
The amount paid under this policy will be recorded as income received by the retiree, and will appear on the W 2 Federal Withholding Statement.
At such times that the Pennsylvania School Employee’s Retirement System offers an early retirement
“window,” the Retirement Incentive Program will be amended to match the criteria as set forth by PSERS for
retirement without penalty.
SICK LEAVE ACCUMULATION INCENTIVE AT RETIREMENT
At retirement, each ASCP member will be compensated for all accumulated unused sick days as follows:
A. If an ASCP member has accumulated greater than or equal to 100 unused sick days, each day will be
compensated at $65/ day
B. If an ASCP has accumulated less than 100 unused sick days, each day will be compensated at
$45.00/ day
Board updated on 11/16/10
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3520.6
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
Recognizing the hospitalization and major medical insurance needs of Administrative, Supervisory and
Consultative employees retiring after ten or more years of service from the Intermediate Unit, the Board
shall make available to retiree groups, medical insurance for the sole purpose of providing continued
group rate benefits to the retiree and dependents until that retiree reaches Medicare eligibility, or until said
retiree enters into employment where medical insurance is provided.
The premium for retirees and eligible dependents shall be paid by the Board according to the schedule
established and reviewed periodically by the Board. The Intermediate Unit shall pay up to 80%, or
$4,000.00 per year, whichever is less, of the cost of said medical insurance for retirees.
Eligible participants are required to contribute towards the Intermediate Unit Board’s cost of funding the
Plan, all available premium assistance subsidies received by the participant from the Pennsylvania State
Employees Retirement System, or any other available medical insurance premium assistance program.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 3520.6
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE,
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION
RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE PROGRAM - Continued
All participants are required to apply for all applicable and available medical insurance premium
assistance through the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System or any other available medical
insurance premium assistance program. Choices for lines of coverage shall be the same as offered under
COBRA.
In the event that the retiree reaches Medicare eligibility prior to the time that the retiree’s eligible spouse
reaches Medicare eligibility, the eligible spouse may remain on the retiree group insurance plan until the
eligible spouse reaches Medicare eligibility. The premium for a retiree’s eligible spouse during this time
will be paid in full by the retiree and/or eligible spouse.
BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT NO. 22
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 4000
Instructional personnel shall include personnel who are job classified as full-time and regular part-time
special education teachers, resource teachers, itinerant teacher and any other employee required to be
certified or licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education or other appropriate agencies
(excluding those employees who meet the definition of Administrative, Supervisory and Consultative
Personnel), (Policy 3000).
Instructional personnel who are duly certified and serving as “professional employees”, as defined in the
Public School Code of 1949, as amended, are entitled to the benefits, rights and privileges provided to all
Instructional Personnel by Board policy.
TITLE
NUMBER
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
PERSONNEL RECORDS
4105
PERSONNEL SELECTION
4115
CERTIFICATION
4125
4130
4135
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 4000
NUMBER
PERSONNEL PROCESSES - Continued
ASSIGNMENT
4140
TRANSFER
4145
EVALUATION
4150
2100
2120
AIDS
2131
SMOKING
2132
2133
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
2134
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 4000
NUMBER
ACTIVITIES - Continued
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, MEETINGS
ATTENDANCE
4210
4215
4220
CONTRACT TERM
4225
SCHOOL CALENDAR
4230
4235
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
4240
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SERVICES
4245
4255
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 4000
TITLE
NUMBER
PAYROLL SCHEDULES
4305
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
4310
INSURANCE
LIFE
4340.4
LIABILITY
4340.5
VISION
4340.6
4340.7
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 4000
NUMBER
ABSENCES
ABSCENCES
4405
4405.1
COURT WITNESS/ JURY DUTY
4405.2
PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS
4405.3
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
4405.4
DISCRETIONARY LEAVE
4405.6
LEAVES
4410.0
CHILDREARING
4410.1
SABBATICAL
4410.2
MILITARY LEAVE
4410.3
MEDICAL LEAVE
4410.4
PERSONAL LEAVE
4410.5
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 4000
NUMBER
SEPARATION
RESIGNATION
4505
DISMISSAL
4510
REDUCTION IN STAFF
4515
RETIREMENT
4520
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4105
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
PERSONNEL RECORDS
The Intermediate Unit’s official personnel files for all employees are retained in the Personnel Office. An
employee has the right, upon one day’s notice, to review contents of his or her file, except for
confidential, pre-employment recommendations, and to copy material therein at the employee’s expense –
ten cents per copy. No material derogatory to an employee’s conduct, service, character, or personality,
may be placed in his or her personnel file until the employee is actually given a copy of said material.
The employee may submit for inclusion in his or her personnel file an explanation or statement or
clarification expressing his or her viewpoint to any item to be placed in his or her personnel file.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4115
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
PERSONNEL SELECTION
The Board believes in obtaining the best qualified employees. The Executive Director or his designee is
directed to establish procedures to ensure the recruitment of qualified personnel.
The Executive Director or his designee shall recommend a candidate and salary level to the Board. Initial
placement on the salary schedule at the time of employment shall be at the discretion of the Intermediate
Unit.
It shall be the duty of the Executive Director to ensure that persons nominated for employment shall meet
all qualifications established by law and by the Board for the position for which nomination is made.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4125
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
CERTIFICATION
Instructional employees are responsible for securing and maintaining the appropriate professional
certificates or licenses for the position in which they are employed.
Requirements for issuance and
renewal of professional certificates are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The
failure to secure and maintain requisite professional certificates or licenses will necessarily jeopardize the
employee’s status and continued employment.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4130
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
Post-employment
examinations by an Intermediate Unit designated physician shall be paid for by the Intermediate Unit.
The cost of treatment shall be paid for by the employee and/or his/her insurance carrier.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4135
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
The Executive Director or his designee shall provide for an adequate period of orientation of all new
instructional employees. During this orientation period, the employee shall be informed of his/her duties,
responsibilities, benefits, and policies and procedures.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4140
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
ASSIGNMENT
The assignment of instructional employees to positions in the various schools and departments of the
Intermediate Unit shall be made by the Executive Director or his designee.
Subject to the managerial prerogative of the administration, staff assignments will be effected in order to
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4145
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
TRANSFER
An employee who wishes to transfer from his/her present assignment shall have the right to submit
annually a written request for transfer. Such transfer requests, once submitted, shall remain in effect until
the beginning of school each year, unless sooner rescinded by the employee in writing.
The Administration will post at the main Intermediate Unit Office a list of known permanent vacancies in
bargaining unit positions for the following year on or about May 15 each year. A copy of the posting will
be sent to the Association. After May 15, the Intermediate Unit will provide, upon request, a list of
known vacancies to the Association. The Intermediate Unit Personnel Office will also notify individuals
who have written requests for transfer on file for similar positions.
Employees who either apply for a posted position or who have on file a written request for transfer to
such a position shall be given consideration for transfers which occur up to the beginning of school each
year. In the event that involuntary transfers become necessary as a result of a reduction in positions, the
Intermediate Unit will informally seek and consider volunteers from among the affected teachers to
accomplish such transfers.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4145
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
TRANSFER - Continued
If the transfers are not accomplished through volunteers, then the employee(s) to be transferred will be
notified of any existing permanent vacancies. Such employee(s) will be given first consideration for a
vacancy which he/she requests, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 5 and 6 below.
Final decision concerning all transfer shall remain within the discretion of the Intermediate Unit
Administration. The primary basis upon which transfer decisions are made is the needs and best interests
of the educational program. Other factors which are taken into consideration where they are relevant and
significant include certification, experience, seniority, past performance, education, skill, talent, ability,
constructive working relationships, and personal considerations or hardships.
Each employee who requests a transfer to a specific vacant position shall be notified whether or not
he/she is selected for the position. If the employee is not satisfied, he/she may request a conference with
the Executive Director or his designee within two (2) weeks.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 4150
STATEMENT
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
EVALUATION
There shall be a plan for regular evaluation of instructional employees of the Intermediate Unit. This plan
shall make provisions for the recognition of employee performance and continued employee
improvement.
This plan shall be consistent with the requirements stipulated by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education and existing Intermediate Unit policies.
The Executive Director shall be responsible for establishing and implementing the procedures of the
evaluation plan.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4210
ACTIVITIES
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, MEETINGS ATTENDANCE
The Bucks County Intermediate Board encourages employees to attend educational conferences, seminars
and meetings, with authorization, subject to the degree to which the conference is of direct value to the
Bucks County Schools community and the availability of funds.
CROSS REFERENCE; 3210
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4215
ACTIVITIES
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4220
ACTIVITIES
Personnel are expected to report to work on all days other than when their assigned locations are closed
due to inclement weather or other emergency closings. Payroll deductions will be made for personnel
failing to report to school on a day when assigned schools are open.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4225
ACTIVITIES
CONTRACT TERM
Instructional personnel are contracted for 194 days per year, unless specifically contracted with for a
longer or shorter period of time. Although the calendars of the local school districts where employees are
assigned do not always encompass a full 194 days, instructional personnel are contractually obligated to
the Intermediate Unit for that number of days.
First year instructional personnel are contracted for 5 additional days beyond their 194-day base work
year for the purpose of completed required induction activities.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4230
ACTIVITIES
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Instructional personnel assigned to any one particular school are expected to observe that local school
district’s calendar, except under extenuating circumstances.
Instructional personnel assigned to the
Intermediate Unit office site are expected to observe the Intermediate Unit calendar prepared annually by
the Executive Director.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4235
ACTIVITIES
The normal work day for employees will continue as in existing policy and practice, but shall not exceed
seven and one-half (7.5) hours, provided however, that up to a maximum of nine (9) meetings per year
that extend the normal work day beyond seven and one-half (7.5) hours may be called by Intermediate
Unit supervisors for any reason.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 4240
STATEMENT
ACTIVITIES
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
The Board encourages all instructional employees to participate in professional growth opportunities such
as:
a.
In-service programs (both departmental and I.U. sponsored)
b.
University course work.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4245
ACTIVITIES
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE
The Board recognizes the instructional employee’s contribution to the profession and to the cause of
education generally.
If an instructional employee is utilized by the Intermediate Unit beyond the term of his/her contract in a
teaching capacity, to develop curriculum in which a product must be acceptable on an instructional level,
or to serve in other such capacities; the payment for such service shall be established by the Board upon
recommendation of the Executive Director.
If an instructional employee is utilized by the Intermediate Unit beyond the term of his/her contract in
such services as a full day consultant who presents an all-day program which requires specific preparation
beyond his/her typical duties or who coordinates workshop activities, the payment for such service shall
be established by the Board upon recommendation of the Executive Director.
CROSS REFERENCE: None
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4255
ACTIVITIES
It is the responsibility of the Executive Director or his designee to fill vacancies caused by temporary
absences of instructional employees with appropriate substitutes.
The daily rate of pay of substitute employees will be established by the Board.
Effective December 1, 1987, substitute teachers will be reimbursed for the fee for the Criminal History
Report after ten (10) days of work as a substitute teacher.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4305
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
PAYROLL SCHEDULES
The Executive Director shall establish payroll schedules and submit them to the Board for approval. All
instructional employees employed regularly, either full or part-time, shall be paid according to a specific
schedule published annually.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 4310
STATEMENT
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
The Board shall approve the types of deductions which may be made from the salary of instructional
employees.
Salary deductions approved by the Board will remain in effect from year to year unless
specified for a lesser period of time.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4340.4
INSURANCE
LIFE INSURANCE
The Board will pay 100% of the premium cost for life insurance for eligible employees. The amount of
the life insurance is equal to twice the employee’s salary, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, with a
maximum of $50,000 life insurance provided.
The Intermediate Unit shall retain the exclusive right to select carriers for all group insurance benefits or
to self insure provided that there shall be no reduction in the level of benefits as a result of change in
carriers.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4340.5
INSURANCE
LIABILITY INSURANCE
The Board will provide at no cost to the employee, a comprehensive teacher’s liability insurance policy
which shall cover their activities during the scope of their employment in the proper performance of their
duties. Precise terms and conditions of this benefit and all other group insurance benefits shall be dictated
by the master insurance policy issued by the carrier.
carriers.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4340.6
INSURANCE
VISION INSURANCE
The Board will pay 100% of the premium cost for vision insurance for all eligible employees, spouses and
dependents. The vision insurance plan includes:
100% UCR allowances for eye examination and refractive services, with a
maximum of $15.00 plus dispensing fee based on the UCR for frames, and actual
acquisition costs plus the dispensing fee based on the UCR allowances for lenses.
carriers.
CROSS REFERENCE; 3340.6, 5340.6
POLICY
POLICY NO. 4340.7
STATEMENT
INSURANCE
WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE
In accordance with the provisions of law, the employer will maintain in effect worker’s compensation
insurance for the benefit of its employees.
In the event of an on-the-job injury, it is the employee’s duty to notify his/her supervisor immediately so
that proper action may be taken by the employer. The employee shall cooperate with the employer in
completion of any reports.
Employees who are unable to report to work as a result of an injury sustained while on the job may use
accumulated sick leave for that period of time, provided that the employee shall return all worker’s
compensation payments to the employer.
If the injury continues until sick leave is exhausted, the
employee may retain all workers’ compensation payments received thereafter. The employee may, at
his/her option, retain worker’s compensation payments if he/she chooses not to utilize accumulated sick
leave. This option may be elected for all or any part of the absence.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4340.7
INSURANCE
WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE - Continued
In any event, during the initial period of disability following a compensable on-the-job injury, not to
exceed five (5) working days, the employee shall continue to be paid with no deduction from accumulated
sick leave. In the event of suspected abuse by an employee, the employer may deny this benefit. Such
denial shall be subject to the grievance procedure.
It shall be the right of the employer to require the employee to report to a doctor approved by the
employer from time to time as required to determine the employee’s ability to work in order that disability
pay may continue.
carriers.
Former Policy No. 4440.3
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4405
ABSENCES
ABSENCES
procedure.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4405.1
ABSENCES
In any school year, whenever an employee is prevented by illness (including pregnancy-related illness or
disability) or accidental injury from fulfilling his/her assigned responsibilities, the Intermediate Unit shall
provide full pay up to a limit of ten (10) days for employees working a period of ten (10) months, and
twelve (12) days for those working a period of twelve (12) months. Sick leave shall be cumulative from
year to year without limitation. Sick leave is granted pursuant to Section 1154 of the School Code.
The employee is responsible for reporting his or her expected absence to the substitute service or the
appropriate supervisor as far in advance as possible to allow for the engagement of an appropriate
substitute and/or notification to the appropriate school personnel. Employees who are not required to
notify the substitute service should report the expected absence to his or her immediate supervisor, or, if
the supervisor is not available, to the Intermediate Unit main office.
An employee must submit to his or her supervisor a completed Absence Report Form within three (3)
days after returning to work. A physician’s certificate may be required for any period of absence due to
sickness or injury.
CROSS REFERENCE; 3405.1, 5405
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4405.2
ABSENCES
When an employee is required to serve as a juror or as a court witness pursuant to subpoena, he/she
immediately complete an Absence Report Form and submit such form along with either the subpoena to
appear as court witness or the summons to appear for jury duty to the immediate supervisor.
The
immediate supervisor will forward the information to the Assistant Executive Director.
The employee is responsible for reporting the impending absence to the substitute service as far in
advance as possible to allow for the engagement of an appropriate substitute and/or notification to the
appropriate school personnel.
An employee serving as a juror or court witness shall be paid the difference between any fee paid for such
appearance, excluding travel expenses, and his/her regular salary, except where the employee or the
Association is the adverse party to the employer in the litigation giving rise to the court appearance.
Evidence of service including a certificate from the Clerk of Court may be required by the Executive
Director. The employee is expected to report to his/her regular duty when his/her attendance at Court is
not required.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4405.3
ABSENCES
PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS
Each employee is eligible for two (2) days of absence for personal reasons (including days of religious
observance) in any fiscal year without loss of salary. Unused personal leave days shall be credited to
accumulated sick leave at the end of each school year.
Employees shall submit an Absence Report Form requesting approval from their supervisor for a personal
day as far in advance as possible of the date requested, but no later than five (5) days prior to the
requested leave.
In case of a sudden emergency, the employee shall notify his/her supervisor and the substitute placement
service by telephone immediately. Upon returning to work, said employee shall complete an Absence
Report Form for the person reason day was taken.
Additional excused absence for certain pre-approved situations without salary deduction may be granted
each year at the sole discretion of the Executive Director or his/her designee.
Explanations for the
requested additional excused absence and the two (2) previously used days may be requested in such
cases.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4405.3
ABSENCES
PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS – Continued
NO more than ten percent (10%) of the employees shall be granted the same day off. In the event that
more than ten percent (10% of the employees request the same day for personal leave, the employees
whose request were submitted earliest will be granted the day requested.
Personal leave may not be taken on the day before or after a holiday or vacation period. Provided that
exceptions to this rule can be approved by the Executive Director or his designee in individual cases upon
an explanation of the reasons for the request.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4405.4
ABSENCES
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
An employee shall be entitled to a maximum of five (5) days of leave without loss of salary for a death in
the immediate family. Members of the immediate family shall be defined as father, mother, brother,
sister, son, daughter, husband, wife, parent-in-law, or near relative who resides in the same household, or
any person with whom the employee has made his/her home.
The period of absence may be extended by the Executive Director as the exigencies of the case may
warrant.
The employee shall notify his or her immediate supervisor as soon as he or she is aware of a death in the
family. Upon return to work, the employee shall submit a completed Absence Report Form to his or her
immediate supervisor indicating relationship to deceased.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4405.4
ABSENCES
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE – Continued
Up to one (1) day’s paid leave shall be granted to the teacher of a student who dies for the same purpose
of attending the funeral. This leave shall be limited to one (1) person.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4405.6
ABSENCES
DISCRETIONARY LEAVE
Administrative Discretion
The Executive Director is empowered to provide a leave with or without pay for certain absences of
employees that are beyond the employee’s control or may cause the employee personal embarrassment,
extreme handicap, or jeopardize the employee’s or the Intermediate Unit’s position in the school and the
community should the employee appear for assigned duties.
Any decision will not be considered
precedent setting for other employees.
Employee Request
To apply for approval of a discretionary leave, the employee shall submit a written request stating the
reasons for such absence to his/her immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor will forward the
request to the Executive Director. Each request shall be considered on its individual merits.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4405.6
ABSENCES
DISCRETIONARY LEAVE – Continued
Whenever any employee is granted a discretionary leave of absence which is unpaid, said employee shall
be entitled to purchase all insurance coverage as a complete package by paying the premium to the
Intermediate at group rates for the period of such leave.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4410.0
LEAVES
LEAVES
procedure.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4410.1
LEAVES
CHILDREARING LEAVE
An employee who is expecting or whose spouse is expecting the birth of a child which the employee
contemplates will reside in his or her household, or who expects to adopt a child, and who wishes to
continue employment following a period of absence taken for the purpose of rearing the child, shall be
granted a leave of absence without pay. A request for childrearing leave shall be submitted in writing, on
a Request for Leave Form, sixty (60) days prior to start of leave.
All childrearing leaves shall be for at least one (1) full school year or the remainder of the school year in
which leave begins. An additional full school year may be granted for a maximum of two (2) full school
years, provided that in any case childrearing leave shall be of such duration that leave shall terminate
effective with the end of a school year. Return from childrearing leave shall be scheduled to coincide
with the beginning of a school year. An exception to the requirements of this Section shall exist where
the birth or adoption occurs between September 1 and the last day of the fall semester, in which case
childrearing leave may be scheduled to terminate effective with the end of the fall semester.
Employees on childrearing leave may be allowed to terminate leave and return to duty at other than the
standard times listed above for reasons of extreme personal emergency. Requests to return to work early
shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Director who shall make a recommendation to the Board
regarding such request.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4410.1
LEAVES
CHILDREARING LEAVE – Continued
No employee shall be entitled to or granted a period of paid or unpaid absence or leave allowed or
authorized under any other provision of this Agreement or the Public School Code of 1949, as amended,
during any period of absence approved under this provision.
An employee granted an unpaid leave of absence shall not be entitled, for the period of the leave, to years
of service credit, retirement credit, reimbursement for tuition, or any other benefit that would have
accrued had services been rendered during the period of absence. Insurance benefits will continue to be
provided during the period of the leave, or a maximum of twelve (12) calendar months, whichever occurs
first. A second consecutive leave due to the birth or adoption of a second child shall be without such
benefits, except at employee expense. Seniority will continue to accrue during the period of the leave.
Upon termination of the childrearing leave, the employee shall be reinstated to his/her previous position,
subject to the right of the Intermediate Unit to transfer employees. Such a transfer may occur during the
leave or at the time of return.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 4410.2
STATEMENT
LEAVES
SABBATICAL LEAVE
A.
Eligibility Requirements
Sabbatical leaves of absence are available to all Instructional personnel who are eligible for sabbatical
leaves under Section 1166 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949, as amended, shall be granted
in accordance with the provisions of the Public School Code and the following policies:
Any person employed in the public school system of this Commonwealth, who has completed ten (10)
years of satisfactory service shall be entitled to a sabbatical leave of absence for restoration of health or
professional development, or at the discretion of the Intermediate Unit Board for other purposes. At least
five (5) consecutive years of service, excluding authorized leaves of absence, shall have been in the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit prior to said leave. A subsequent sabbatical leave shall be allowed following
seven (7) years of service after a previous sabbatical leave.
A sabbatical leave shall be for a half or a full work year or for two (2) half work years during a period of
two (2) calendar years, at the option of the employee, subject to conditions described hereinafter, provided
that sabbatical leave for professional development shall be limited as provided in the School Code.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 4410.2
STATEMENT
LEAVES
A sabbatical leave of absence for professional development must consist, at a minimum, of the following:
nine (9) graduate level credit courses, 12 undergraduate credits, 180 hours of professional development
activities or a combination of these for leaves of half a school term; and 18 graduate credits, 24
undergraduate credits, or 360 hours or professional development activities or a combination of these for
leaves of a full school term.
Applications for sabbatical leaves of absence shall be given preference according to the years of service
since the previous sabbatical leave of the applicant, provided, however, that sabbatical leaves requested
for restoration of health will be given first preference.
The Intermediate Unit Board may limit the number of sabbatical leaves of absence granted in any school
year to no more than ten percent (10%) of the number of persons eligible for such leave of absence
regularly employed in the Intermediate Unit.
B.
Salary and Related Benefits
The person on sabbatical leave of absence shall receive one-half of the salary he/she would have received
as a regular employee during the period he/she is on sabbatical leave. A sabbatical leave granted to an
employee shall also operate as a leave without pay from all other school activities. Employee benefits
will continue to be provided during the period of sabbatical leave.
Employees on sabbatical leave shall be entitled to tuition reimbursement benefits.
An employee on
sabbatical leave for the purpose of professional development only may request preapproval of the
Executive Director at his discretion for reimbursement of credits beyond the maximum number as
provided in Policy #4325.
Employees on sabbatical leave may receive an educational grant for further study from an institution of
learning.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 4410.2
STATEMENT
LEAVES
The person on sabbatical leave shall continue his/her membership in the Public School Employees’
Retirement System. The Intermediate Unit shall pay into the retirement fund the full amount required by
law on the employee’s full salary. The amount of contribution by the employee shall be deducted from
any compensation payable to the employee while on leave.
C.
Extended Leave Due to Illness
If a sabbatical leave for one-half work year or its equivalent has been granted and the person is unable to
return to service because of illness or physical disability, the person, upon written request prior to the
expiration of the original leave, shall be entitled to a further sabbatical leave for one-half school year or its
equivalent.
If a sabbatical leave for a full school work or its equivalent has been granted and the person is unable to
return to service because of illness or physical disability, the Intermediate Unit Board may extend the
sabbatical leave, with or without pay or benefits for such periods as it my determine but the extension
shall not exceed twelve (12) months or its equivalent.
D.
Agreement to Return
No sabbatical leave of absence shall be granted unless the person shall agree in writing to return to
employment with the Intermediate Unit for a period of not less than one (1) work year immediately
following such leave of absence.
E.
Retention of Rights
No sabbatical leave shall be considered a termination or breach of contract and the employee on
sabbatical leave shall return to the same position from which he/she was granted the leave. If the same
position from which the employee was granted the leave no longer exists, or if a transfer would have
taken effect during the leave, then the employee may be reassigned. Every employee on sabbatical leave
shall be considered in regular full-time daily attendance in the position from which leave was taken during
the period of such leave for the purpose of determining his/her length of service, rights to salary increases
and retirement benefits as provided by law.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 4410.2
STATEMENT
LEAVES
SABBATICAL LEAVE – Continued
Failure to Return Following Sabbatical Leave
F.
Forfeiture of Benefits
Upon expiration of a sabbatical leave, the requirement that the person on leave of absence shall return to
the service of the Intermediate Unit and be restored to the same position that he/she occupied prior
thereto, may be waived by the consent of the Intermediate Unit Board. If the IU Board has not waived the
obligation to return to service upon expiration of the sabbatical leave and the employee fails to return,
unless prevented by illness or physical disability, the employee shall forfeit all benefits for the period of
the sabbatical leave to which said employee would have been entitled under this Agreement.
G.
Return of Employer Retirement Contributions
If the employee resigns or fails to return to his/her employment, unless the requirement to return to
service is waived by the Intermediate Unit Board, the amount contributed by the Intermediate Unit Board
under this Agreement to the Public School Employees’ Retirement Fund shall be deducted from the
refund payable to the employee under existing law and the amount deducted shall be refunded to the
Intermediate Unit by which it was paid.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4410.3
LEAVES
MILITARY LEAVE
Military leave of absence will be granted in accordance with Sections 1176, 1177, 1178, 1179, 1180,
1181, and 1182 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949, as amended.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4410.4
LEAVES
MEDICAL LEAVE
An unpaid medical leave may be granted by the Board to instructional personnel who are absent from
work for an extended period of time due to illness, including pregnancy related illness or disability, or
accidental injury, including those compensable by worker’s compensation.
The Board reserves the right to require the employee to be examined by a physician approved by the
Intermediate Unit Board either prior to its consideration of the leave, and/or anytime during said leave.
Medical leaves may be obtained for a maximum of one year. Such leave is an unpaid leave. Employees’
benefits shall continue during the leave at no cost to the employee. Seniority shall continue to accrue
during the length of the Board approved medical leave.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4410.5
LEAVES
PERSONAL LEAVE
Personal leave, without pay and benefits, may be granted to instructional Personnel at the discretion of the
Board of School Directors. Each request for a personal leave shall be considered on its individual merit.
A personal leave may continue for a maximum period of one school year and shall not continue into a
new school year. An employee may not return to work from a personal leave other than at the beginning
of a semester.
An employee granted a personal leave shall not be entitled, during or following the leave, years of service
credit, retirement credit, reimbursement for tuition, or any other benefit that would have accrued, had
services been rendered during the period of absence. However, the employee benefits may be continued
during the leave at the expense of the employee.
The returning employee shall be assigned to a position for which he/she is certified. Said employee may
be assigned to a position other than the one which was vacated, based upon the needs of the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4505
SEPARATION
RESIGNATION
An instructional employee who intends to resign should notify his or her immediate supervisor, in writing,
at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the resignation.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4510
SEPARATION
DISMISSAL
The dismissal of an instructional employee shall be consistent with Section 514 of the Pennsylvania
School Code of 1949, as amended.
If an instructional employee is a professional employee that employee’s contract will be terminated in
accordance with provisions of the Public School Code for any one of the following causes: immorality;
incompetency; intemperance; cruelty; persistent negligence; mental derangement; and persistent and
willful violation of the school laws of Pennsylvania.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4515
SEPARATION
REDUCTION IN STAFF
When a reduction in staff is to occur, such reduction shall first be accomplished by attrition. Where
further reductions are to occur, substitute teachers and temporary professional employees will be
terminated before professional employees within an area of certification will be suspended or furloughed.
There will be no distinction between comprehensive special education certification and certification with
a specific special education exceptionality.
Reductions in force shall be accomplished in accordance with the applicable provisions of the School
Code.
Suspended professional employees shall be given first consideration and preference for any long-term
substitute work in the area of their certification. Salary placement for such substitute work shall be the
same as would be in effect upon a recall to permanent status. No salary credit shall be granted for a
period of suspension of furlough, but professional employees shall continue to accrue seniority during
such periods.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4515
SEPARATION
REDUCTION IN STAFF – Continued
Where transfer of a class between the Intermediate Unit and a school district is to occur, the applicable
procedures of Section 1113 of the School Code governing transferred programs and classes shall be
followed.
Where an Intermediate Unit class is transferred to a school district and where there is mutual consent of
the teacher, the receiving district and the Intermediate Unit, the teacher of that class will accompany the
class and become an employee of the receiving district.
The Intermediate Unit will notify individuals to be furloughed as soon as the necessity of such furloughs
is known, but in no event less than sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the furlough.
Furloughed individuals shall be recalled in accordance with the School Code.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 4520
SEPARATION
RETIREMENT
Instructional employees may voluntarily retire from the Intermediate Unit in accordance with the
provisions of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System.
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 5000
NUMBER
Classified personnel shall include personnel who are job classified as full-time and regular part-time
technicians, skilled employees, semi-skilled employees and instructional assistants.
Classified personnel are extended the rights, benefits and privileges provided them by Board policy, in
addition to any accorded them under the Public School Code.
TITLE
NUMBER
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
5100
PERSONNEL RECORDS
5105
PERSONNEL SELECTION
5115
5130
5135
5145
EVALUATION
5150
PROBATION
5155
SUPERVISION, DISCIPLINE, AND DISCHARGE
5165
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 5000
NUMBER
2100
2120
AIDS
2131
SMOKING
2132
2133
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
2134
ACTIVITIES
5215
5220
5255
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
SERIES 5000
NUMBER
PAYROLL SCHEDULES
5305
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
5310
TRAVEL AND EXPENSES
5315
5325
INSURANCE
DENTAL
5340.1
5340.2
5340.3
LIFE
5340.4
VISION
5340.6
5340.7
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 5000
TITLE
NUMBER
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
5340.9
ABSENCES
5405.0
5405.1
5405.2
PERSONAL REASONS
5405.3
BEREAVEMENT
5405.4
VACATION
5405.5
EMERGENCY ABSENCES
5405.6
LEAVES
5410.0
CHILDREARING
5410.1
MILITARY
5410.3
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 5000
TITLE
NUMBER
LEAVES (continued)
MEDICAL
5410.4
PERSONAL
5410.5
PERSONAL – VAN DRIVERS
5410.6
SEPARATION
RESIGNATION
5505
DISMISSAL
5510
RETIREMENT
5520
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5100
PERSONNEL PROCESS
The Board recognizes the need for both full and part-time classified personnel.
The Board recognizes the need for both full-time and part-time classified personnel, as well as the need
for regular and substitute classified employees.
Definition: Regular Classified Employee:
Employees with an expectation of continued ongoing
employment who are scheduled to work a minimum of 25 hours per week or more during the course of
their scheduled work year.
Temporary Classified Employee: Employees hired for a specific length of time (usually one year or less)
with no expectation of continued employment into a subsequent work year.
Substitute Employee: Employees hired to perform duties for an employee on leave or who are assigned
as extra help on a daily or short-term basis.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5105
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
PERSONNEL RECORDS
The Executive Director shall organize and maintain personnel records in accordance with state law.
The Intermediate Unit’s official personnel files for all employees are retained in the Personnel Office. An
employee has the right, upon one day’s notice, to review contents of his or her file in the personnel office,
except for confidential, pre-employment recommendations, and to have material copied therein, at the
employee’s expense, at the rate of ten cents ($.10) per copy. No material derogatory to an employee’s
conduct, service, character, or personality, may be placed in his or her personnel file until the employee is
actually given a copy of said material. The employee may submit for inclusion in his or her personnel file
an explanation or statement or clarification expressing his or her viewpoint to any item to be placed in his
or her personnel file.
An employee who leaves employment with the Intermediate Unit shall not have access to his/her
personnel file after their last paid day of work.
Formerly Policy 5600
Board revised 5/99
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5115
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
PERSONNEL SELECTION
When a classified position is vacant in any of the Intermediate Unit divisions the Executive Director or
his designee, with Board approval, will fill the vacancy from among the applicants on the basis of the
applicant’s training, experience, references, and interview.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5130
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
Post-employment
examinations by an Intermediate Unit designed physician shall be paid for by the Intermediate Unit. The
cost of treatment shall be paid for by the employee and/or his/her insurance carrier.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5135
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
The Executive Director or his/her designee shall provide for an adequate period of orientation for all new
classified employees. During this orientation period, the employee shall be informed of his/her duties,
responsibilities, benefits, and policies and procedures.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5145
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
The Board believes in hiring the best qualified employees. The Executive Director or his designee shall
recommend to the Board the salary level of the successful candidate.
It is the policy of the Intermediate Unit to inform employees of position openings within the Intermediate
Unit and to consider internal applicants for openings. The decision to hire from within or outside shall be
made by the Executive Director or his/her designee.
The transfer of classified employees to positions in the various schools and departments of the
Intermediate Unit shall be made by the Executive Director or his designee.
Subject to the managerial prerogative of the administration, staff transfer will be effected in order to
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5150
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
EVALUATION
There shall be a plan for regular evaluation of classified employees of the Intermediate Unit. This plan
shall make provisions for the recognizes of employee performance and continued employee improvement.
The plan shall be consistent with existing Intermediate Unit policies.
The Executive Director shall be responsible for establishing and implementing the procedures of the
evaluation plan.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5155
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
PROBATION
An applicant for a classified position will be temporarily retained for a probation period of ninety days.
Before the end of this probation period, a review of the individual’s performance shall be conducted by
the immediate supervisor. This review will recommend the hiring or the discontinuance of the temporary
retention. If employment is recommended, the Executive Director shall submit the individual’s name for
approval of employment to the Board.
While on probation, the individual is not covered by provisions of Section 514 of the Pennsylvania Public
School Code of 1949, as amended.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5165
PERSONNEL PROCESSES
SUPERVISION, DISCIPLINE, AND DISCHARGE POLICY
It is the policy of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to provide the supervision, direction and training to
ensure maximum employee performance in accordance with the Board’s approved policies. The Board
directs the Executive Director or his/her designee to develop a procedure on supervision, discipline, and
discharge of classified personnel.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5215
ACTIVITIES
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5220
ACTIVITIES
Personnel are expected to report to work on all days other than when their assigned locations are closed
due to inclement weather or other emergency closings. Payroll deductions will be made for personnel
failing to report to school on a day when assigned schools are open.
Any employee who reports to work and is subsequently dismissed by the Executive Director or his/her
designee will be compensated for a full day of work.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5255
ACTIVITIES
The Executive Director or his/her designee may fill vacancies caused by temporary absences of classified
employees with appropriate replacements.
The daily or hourly rate of pay for substitute employees will be established by the Board.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5305
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
PAYROLL SCHEDULES
The Executive Director shall establish payroll schedules and submit then to the Board for approval. All
classified employees employed regularly, either full or part-time, shall be paid according to a specific
schedule published annually.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 5310
STATEMENT
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
The Board shall approve the types of deductions which may be made from the salary of classified
employees.
Salary deductions approved by the Board will remain in effect from year to year unless
specified for a lesser period of time.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5325
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
Classified employees will be reimbursed for a maximum of nine (9) credits pre-approved by the
Executive Director or his/her designee taken during one fiscal year at an accredited institution. Only six
credits may be taken during the school year (September to June). Employees shall be reimbursed at a per
credit rate approved by the Board. These credits shall be directly related to the job classification in which
the employee is assigned and shall be relevant to the specific duties of the classified employee.
Reimbursement hereunder is not available to classified personnel on leave. An official transcript must be
received in the Personnel Office before payment can be made.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5340.1
COMPENSATION AND
RELATED BENEFITS
DENTAL INSURANCE
The Board provides and pays for a family dental insurance program for eligible classified employees, as
follows:
100% Usual, Customary and Reasonable costs for basic program and oral surgery
50% Usual, Customary & Reasonable costs for prosthetics and crowns, inlay and onlay restoration
50% Usual, Customary and Reasonable costs for periodontics
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for dental insurance. The
level of benefits shall be outlined by the contract with the carriers.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5340.2
INSURANCE
The Board will pay 100% of the premium cost for basic disability income protection insurance for
classified employees who are eligible for benefits as defined in Policy No. 5100. Basic coverage includes
benefits being calculated by the carrier and is based on the rate of 66 2/3% of the employees monthly
salary, beginning the seventh day of accidental injury and the 31st day after illness. The employee must
exhaust at least one half (1/2) of his/her accumulated sick leave beginning on the first day of the disability
period before benefits are payable.
Employees may purchase additional coverage, at their own expense, subject to any limitations or
conditions imposed by the carrier. The IU Board shall be held harmless from any disputes arising from
the choice of an employee to purchase supplemental coverage. Al disputes regarding this coverage shall
be handled directly between the employee and the carrier.
to self-insure.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 5340.3
STATEMENT
INSURANCE
The Board provides a medical insurance plan(s) for eligible employees, spouses and dependents.
Classified employees and their eligible dependents shall be enrolled in the same plan.
The medical
coverage is subject to monthly premium contributions by each employee, as established by the Board
annually during open enrollment. In the event an employee leaves employment at the end of the school
year, entitlement to benefits will cease on June 30th.
Classified employees shall be offered an annual Open Enrollment period each year for the purpose of
changing health care plans or carriers. All changes made during the Open Enrollment period will be
effective the following September 1st. No changes may be made in plan selection except during the
annual Open Enrollment period, except under the rules described in the Plan Document.
The Board offers a Flexible Benefits Plan based on IRS regulations. Enrollment in the Flexible Benefits
Plan shall be made during Open Enrollment period established by the Intermediate Unit.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5340.4
INSURANCE
LIFE INSURANCE
The Board provides and pays for a term life insurance program for eligible classified employees. The
amount of life insurance coverage shall be equal to double the employee’s salary, rounded to the nearest
thousand dollars, with a maximum of $50,000 life insurance provided. The employee has the option to
purchase additional life insurance coverage through payroll deduction at the employee’s expense.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for life insurance. The
the Board.
CROSS REFERENCE: 3340.4.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5340.6
INSURANCE
VISION
The Board provides and pays for a vision program for classified employees and eligible dependents.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for vision insurance. The
the Board.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5340.7
INSURANCE
WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE
In accordance with the provisions of law, the employer will maintain in effect worker’s compensation
insurance for the benefit of its employees.
In the event of an on-the-job injury, it is the employee’s duty to notify his/her supervisor immediately so
that proper action may be taken by the employer. The employee shall cooperate with the employer in
completion of any reports. The employee shall contact one of the health care providers listed on the IU’s
Posted Panel of Worker’s Compensation Physicians for needed treatment during the first 90 days after
any work-related injury.
Employees who are unable to report to work as a result of an injury sustained while on the job may use
accumulated sick leave for that period of time, provided that the employee that the employee shall return
all worker’s compensation payments to the employer. If the injury continues until sick leave is exhausted,
the employee may retain all workers’ compensation payments received thereafter. The employee may, at
his/her option, retain worker’s compensation payments if he/she chooses not to utilize accumulated sick
leave. This option may be elected for all or any part of the absence.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5340.7
INSURANCE
WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE – Continued
During the initial period of disability following a compensable on-the-job injury, the employee shall
continue to be paid with no deduction from accumulated sick leave, not to exceed five (5) working days.
In the event of suspected abuse by an employee, the employer may deny this benefit.
It shall be the right of the employer to require the employee to report to a doctor approved by the
employer from time to time as required to determine the employee’s ability to work in order that disability
pay may continue.
carriers.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5340.9
INSURANCE
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
The Board provides and pays for a prescription drug insurance program for classified employees and
eligible dependents.
The Board retains the exclusive right to determine the carrier or to self-insure for prescription drug
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5405.0
ABSENCES
ABSENCES
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board recognizes that classified employees of the Intermediate Unit
will at times desire or need to be absent from their assigned duties. The Board also recognizes that an
equitable arrangement for leave on these occasions is essential to the efficient operation of the
procedure.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5405.1
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
In any school year whenever a classified employee is prevented by illness (including pregnancy-related
illness or disability) or accidental injury from fulfilling his or her assigned responsibilities, the
Intermediate Unit shall provide full pay up to a limit of ten (10) days for employees working a period of
ten months, and twelve (12) days for those working a period of twelve months.
Unused sick leave shall be cumulative from year to year within the Intermediate Unit without limitation.
Employees who were previously employed by the Intermediate Unit will not be re-credited with any sick
leave accumulated during those years, unless re-employment occurs within one (1) year.
However,
classified employees who sever their employment with any public school district in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and immediately thereafter or directly enter into employment with the Intermediate Unit
shall be entitled to transfer accumulated sick leave not exceeding a maximum of twenty-five (25) days.
The Executive Director may require the employee to furnish a certificate from a physician or other
practitioner certifying that said employee was unable to perform his or her duties during the period of
absence for which compensation is required to be paid under this action.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5405.2
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
Classified employees are encouraged to fulfill their civic responsibilities. Accordingly, employees who
are called as a witness in a court proceeding or to serve on juries shall be paid the difference between any
fee paid for such appearance, excluding travel expenses, and his/her regular salary, except where the
employee is the adverse party to the employer in the litigation giving rise to the court appearance or in
any situation where the employee is a party plaintiff or defendant, or who otherwise has a direct or
indirect interest in the outcome of the lawsuit. Evidence of service including a certificate from the Clerk
of Court may be required by the Executive Director.
The employee is responsible for reporting the impending absence to the substitute service or their
supervisor, as far in advance as possible to allow for the engagement of an appropriate substitute, if
required, and/or notification to the appropriate school personnel. The employee is expected to report to
his/her regular duty when his/her attendance at Court is not required.
Board revised 05/99
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5405.3
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
PERSONAL REASONS
Each classified employee, with the approval of his or her immediate supervisor, is eligible for two (2)
days of leave for personal reasons (including days of religious observance) in any fiscal year without loss
of salary.
Additional excused absence for certain pre-approved situations without salary deductions may be granted
each year by the Executive Director or his designee.
Unused personal days shall be credited to accumulated sick leave at the end of each school year.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5405.4
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
BEREAVEMENT
A classified employee shall be entitled to a maximum of five (5) days of leave without loss of salary for a
death in the immediate family. Members of the immediate family shall be defined as father, mother,
brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, wife, parent-in-law or near relative who resides in the same
household, or any person with whom the employee has made his home.
The Board may extend the period of absence with pay at its discretion as the exigencies of the case may
warrant.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5405.5
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
VACATION
Full-time support and technical personnel, who are employed on a 12-month basis, shall be eligible for
vacation pay. Eligible employees having completed one full fiscal year of service in the Intermediate
Unit shall accumulate ten (10) days of paid vacation.
Regular twelve month support and technical
employees who begin employment after the start of a fiscal year shall be granted vacation on a prorate
basis during the first year of employment according to the attached schedule.
Eligible support and technical employees shall accumulate vacation during their probationary period but
may not schedule vacation during this probationary period. In no case shall an employee be entitled to
use more than the number of vacation days which they have accumulated under this policy.
On the fifth (5th) year anniversary date of full-time employment. After five full years of employment with
the Intermediate Unit, classified employees become eligible for 15 days vacation; after ten (10) full years
of full-time employment with the Intermediate Unit, one additional vacation day is given for each full
year of additional service up to a total maximum of twenty (20) vacation days earned per year.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 5405.5
STATEMENT
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
VACATION – Continued
Accumulated vacation days must be used prior to August 31st, with the exception that up to ten (10) days
of accumulated vacation, may be carried forward through the next fiscal year.
Support and technical employees who terminate their service with the Intermediate Unit shall receive
payment, at their current rate of pay, for unused accumulated vacation days up to a maximum of 30 days.
CODE
ASCP
V1 - 20 DAYS
JULY
V2 - 25 DAYS
(10 YEARS)
2
AUG
3
2
SEPT
2
2
OCT
2
2
NOV
2
1.5
DEC
1.5
2
JAN
2
1.5
FEB
2
1.5
MAR
2
1.5
APR
2
1.5
MAY
2
1.5
JUNE
2
1.5
2
CLASSIFIED
V3 - 10 DAYS
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
V4 - 15 DAYS
(5 YEARS)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1
1
1
1
1
1
V5 - 16 DAYS
(11 YEARS)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1
1
1
1
V6 - 17 DAYS
(12 YEARS)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1
1
V7 - 18 DAYS
(13 YEARS)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
V8 - 19 DAYS
(14 YEARS)
2.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
V9 - 20 DAYS
(15 YEARS)
2.5
2.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
Board revised 05/99
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5405.6
ABSENCES AND LEAVES
EMERGENCY ABSENCES
The Executive Director is empowered to grant leave without loss of pay for certain emergency absences
of classified employees that are beyond the employee’s control and may cause the employee personal
embarrassment, extreme handicap, or jeopardize the employee’s position in the school and the community
should the employee appear for assigned duties.
Board adopted 12/2182 effective 12/01/82
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5410.0
LEAVES
LEAVES
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board recognizes that classified employees of the Intermediate Unit
will at times desire or need to be absent from their assigned duties. The Board also recognizes that an
equitable arrangement for leave on these occasions is essential to the efficient operation of the
procedure.
No. 335
BUCKS COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE
UNIT #22
SECTION:
EMPLOYEES
TITLE:
FAMILY AND MEDICAL
LEAVES
ADOPTED:
3/18/80
REVISED:
12/21/82, 4/18/06 & 6/18/13
335. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVES
1. Authority
29 U.S.C.
Sec. 2601 et seq
29 CFR
Part 825
The Board shall provide eligible administrative, professional and classified
employees with unpaid leaves of absence in accordance with the Family And
Medical Leave Act, hereinafter referred to as FMLA.
Employee requests for FMLA leave shall be processed in accordance with law,
Board policy and administrative regulations.
2. Delegation of
Responsibility
The Executive Director or designee shall develop and disseminate administrative
regulations to implement FMLA leave for eligible employees.
29 U.S.C.
Sec. 2619
The Intermediate Unit shall post, in conspicuous places in the Intermediate Unit
customarily used for notices to employees and applicants, a notice regarding the
provisions of the FMLA and the procedure for filing a complaint.
Employee requests for leave, both FMLA and non-FMLA, shall be submitted in
writing on a designated form.
3. Guidelines
29 U.S.C.
Sec. 2611, 2612
Employees’ eligibility for FMLA leave shall be based on the criteria established by
law.
29 U.S.C.
Sec. 2612
Eligible employees shall be provided up to twelve (12) workweeks of unpaid leave
in a twelve-month period for the employee’s own serious health condition; for the
birth, adoption, foster placement or first-year care of a child; to care for a seriously
ill spouse, child or parent; or to address specific qualifying exigencies pertaining to a
member of the Armed Forces alerted for foreign deployment or during foreign
deployment.
29 U.S.C.
Sec. 2612
Eligible employees shall be provided up to twenty-six (26) workweeks of unpaid
leave in a single twelve-month period to care for an ill or injured covered
servicemember.
Page 1 of 2
335. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVES - Pg. 2
29 CFR
Sec. 825.200
The Intermediate Unit shall utilize a rolling twelve-month period measured
backwards from the date leave is used to determine if an employee has exhausted
his/her FMLA leave in any twelve-month period.
29 U.S.C.
Sec. 2612
When an employee requests an FMLA leave and qualifies for and is entitled to any
accrued paid sick, vacation, personal or family leave, the employee is required to
utilize such paid leave during the FMLA leave.
References:
Family And Medical Leave Act – 29 U.S.C. Sec. 2601 et seq.
Family And Medical Leave, Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR
Part 825
Board Policy – 000, 813
Page 2 of 2
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5410.3
LEAVES
MILITARY LEAVE
Military leave of absence will be granted to classified employee who, in time of war or national
emergency, volunteers or is inducted into military service. Such leave will be without pay or benefits and
shall extend for the length of military service.
To qualify for such leave, the employee shall present to the Executive Director a copy of the official
military orders pertaining to the request for leave.
No. 334
BUCKS COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE
UNIT #22
SECTION:
EMPLOYEES
TITLE:
SICK LEAVE
ADOPTED:
REVISED:
334. SICK LEAVE
1. Authority
SC 913-A, 1154
SC 914-A
Board policy for certificated administrative and professional employees shall ensure
that eligible employees receive paid sick leave days annually, in accordance with
law, the compensation plan, individual contract, collective bargaining agreement, or
Board resolution. Unused leave shall be cumulative.
Board policy for noncertificated administrative and classified employees shall ensure
that eligible employees receive paid sick leave days annually, in accordance with the
applicable compensation plan, individual contract, collective bargaining agreement,
employee handbook or Board resolution. Unused leave shall be cumulative.
New employees who have been employed in school districts or other intermediate
units in the Commonwealth who enter into employment with the Intermediate
Unit may be entitled to transfer accumulated sick leave from their previous
employer, not exceeding a maximum of twenty-five (25) days.
SC 1154
The Board reserves the right to require any employee claiming sick leave pay to
submit sufficient proof, including a physician's certification, of the employee's
illness or disability.
Employees may be entitled to use up to five (5) sick leave days per year for the
purpose of caring for the health needs of immediate family members. An
immediate family member is defined as father, mother, son, daughter, husband,
wife or near relative who resides in the same household, or any person with
whom the employee has made his/her home.
Pol. 317
Misuse of sick leave shall be considered a serious infraction subject to disciplinary
action.
SC 1154
The Board shall consider the application of any eligible employee for an extension
of sick leave, pursuant to law where applicable, when the employee's own
accumulated sick leave is exhausted.
2. Delegation of
Responsibility
The Executive Director shall report to the Board the names of employees absent for
noncompensable cause or whose claim for sick leave pay cannot be justified.
Page 1 of 3
334. SICK LEAVE - Pg. 2
3. Guidelines
A sick leave shall commence when the employee, or agent if the employee is
sufficiently disabled, reports the absence. A sick leave day, once commenced, may
be reinstated as a working day only with the approval of the Executive Director or
designee.
Whatever the claims of disability, no day of absence shall be considered a sick leave
day if the employee has engaged in or prepared for other gainful employment, or has
engaged in any activity that would raise doubts regarding the validity of the sick
leave request.
Proof Of Disability
SC 1154
An employee absent on sick leave may be required to submit a physician's written
statement certifying his/her disability.
A physician's statement may not be presumed to conclusively establish the
employee's disability.
Records
SC 1154
The Intermediate Unit’s personnel records shall show the attendance of each
employee; and the days absent shall be recorded, with the reason for such absence
noted.
SC 1154
A record shall be made of the unused sick leave days accumulated by each
Intermediate Unit employee, which shall be reported to the employee.
The Board shall pay a specified amount for each unused accumulated sick leave
day, up to a designated number of days, as provided in the applicable compensation
plan, individual contract, collective bargaining agreement, employee handbook or
Board resolution.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 913-A, 914-A, 1154
Board Policy – 317
Page 2 of 3
No. 336
BUCKS COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE
UNIT #22
SECTION:
EMPLOYEES
TITLE:
PERSONAL NECESSITY LEAVE
ADOPTED:
REVISED:
INTRODUCTORY READING: March 19, 2013
336. PERSONAL NECESSITY LEAVE
1. Authority
SC 913-A, 914-A,
1154
2. Guidelines
This policy shall provide for absences for defined personal necessity leave by
administrative, professional and classified employees.
The Board has the authority to specify reasonable conditions under which personal
necessity leave may be granted, the type of situations in which such leave will be
permitted, and the total number of days that may be used by an employee in any
school year for such leave.
Personal Leave
Personal leave days with pay shall be granted to Intermediate Unit employees in
accordance with provisions of the applicable compensation plan, individual contract,
collective bargaining agreement, employee handbook or Board resolution.
Additional days of excused absence for personal reasons may be granted at the
discretion of the Executive Director or designee. Such leave will be without pay
and without benefits and shall not exceed a total of one full year from date of
approval.
Unused personal leave days shall be credited to accumulated sick leave at the
end of each school year.
Bereavement Leave
SC 1154
Bereavement leave with pay shall be granted to Intermediate Unit employees in
accordance with law, provisions of the applicable compensation plan, individual
contract, collective bargaining agreement, employee handbook or Board resolution.
Military Leave
Military leaves of absence shall be granted to Intermediate Unit employees in
accordance with state and federal laws and regulations
Page 1 of 3
336. PERSONAL NECESSITY LEAVE - Pg. 2
SC 1176-1181
51 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 4102, 7309
38 U.S.C.
Sec. 4301 et seq.
Health and Hardship Leaves
Administrative employees shall be granted health and hardship leave, without
loss of pay, in accordance with provisions of the Act 93 compensation plan.
Payment of Medical Benefits During Leave Periods
Employees may maintain benefits during leave periods by continuing to pay for
the employee premium share of those benefits. Such payments shall be prepaid on a quarterly basis during the term of the leave.
For extended personal or other leaves which are approved by the Executive
Director and/or the Intermediate Unit Board of School Directors and which
extend beyond the twelve weeks granted under the Family and Medical Leave
Act (FMLA), the employee will have the option to maintain medical benefits by
paying for both the employee and employer premium share, plus an
administrative fee not to exceed two percent of the total costs of the benefits. In
order to maintain benefits during extended leave periods, such benefits must be
pre-paid on a quarterly basis.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 913-A, 914-A, 1154, 1176-1181
Military Leave of Absence – 51 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 4102, 7309
Employment Rights of Members of the Armed Forces – 38 U.S.C. Sec. 4301 et seq.
Page 2 of 3
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5410.6
VAN DRIVERS
LEAVES
PERSONAL LEAVE
Special education transportation drivers shall be offered the opportunity to request 2 days absence for
personal reasons, to be paid at their regular hourly rate based on the normal schedule of hours for that day,
or in the alternative, if unused, to receive an incentive payment as set by the Board.
Additionally, special education transportation drivers shall receive 1 paid holiday on January 1st of each
work year to be paid at their regularly hourly rate based on their normal schedule of hours for that day.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5505
SEPARATION
RESIGNATION
A classified employee who intends to resign shall notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, at least
ten (10) working days prior to the effective date of the resignation.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5510
SEPARATION
DISMISSAL
The dismissal of a classified employee shall be consistent with Section 514 of the Pennsylvania School
Code of 1949, as amended.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 5520
SEPARATION
RETIREMENT
Classified employees may voluntarily retire from the Intermediate Unit in accordance with the provisions
of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System.
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES 6000
TITLE
NUMBER
GOALS
6110
DATA MANAGEMENT
6125
(Public Use of School Records)
6130
PUBLIC RECORDS
6160
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
6160.1
EDUCATION RECORDS
6165
RECORDS RETENTION
6170
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS FOR
6170.1
RETENTION & MANAGEMENT OF
IU RECORDS
PROCUREMENT CARDS
6175
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6110
STATEMENT
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY
RELATIONS
GOALS
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of School Directors believes in an open communication
system in order to foster the programs and services provided by the Intermediate Unit staff. Since it is the
belief of the Board of School Directors that communications must be based on a relationship of mutual
confidence, and since this relationship can best be achieved through open and systematic interaction, the
I.U. Board adopts the following goals for Intermediate Unit Community Relations:
To create a climate conducive to positive Intermediate Unit Community
Relations.
To establish channels that will increase articulation and understanding of
the programs and services provided by the I.U.
To disseminate information throughout the constituent districts.
To encourage cooperative participation among local district personnel,
community and the I.U. staff.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 6125
RELATIONS
DATA MANAGEMENT (Public Use of School Records)
The Board designates the Executive Director as custodian of all records, documents, writings, letters,
memoranda, or other written, typed copied, or developed materials possessed, assembled, or maintained
by the Intermediate Unit. This policy does not apply to requests for personnel records by employees.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 6130
RELATIONS
In order to assist in the dissemination of information, impartial relationships shall be maintained by the
Intermediate Unit with the news media and their representatives.
The Executive Director or his/her
designee shall be responsible for the authorizing the release of all information.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 6160
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
Purpose: The Board recognizes the importance of public records as the record of the Bucks County
Intermediate Unit No. 22's (BCIU) actions and the repository of information about this Intermediate Unit
(IU). The public has the right to access and procure copies of public records, with certain exceptions,
subject to law, Board policy and administrative regulations.
Definitions: 65 P.S. Sec. 67.102
Financial record – any account, voucher or contract dealing with the receipt or disbursement of funds or
acquisition, use or disposal of services, supplies, materials, equipment or property; or the salary or other
payments or expenses paid to an officer or employee, including the individual’s name and title; and a
financial audit report, excluding the audit’s underlying work papers.
Public record – a record, including a financial record, that is not protected by a defined privilege or is not
exempt from being disclosed under one of the exemptions in Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law or under
other federal or state law or regulation, or judicial decree or order.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
Record – information, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that documents a district transaction
or activity and is created, received or retained pursuant to law or in connection with a district transaction,
business or activity, including: a document; paper; letter; map; book; tape; photograph; film; or sound
recording; information stored or maintained electronically; and a data-processed or image-processed
document.
Response – granting of access to a record or the district’s written notice to a requester granting, denying,
or partially denying access to a requested record.
Requester – a legal resident of the United States, or an agency, who requests access to a record.
Authority: 65P.S. Sec. 67.302, 67.305, 67.504, 67.701
The Board shall make the BCIU’s public records available for access and duplication to a
requester, in accordance with law, Board policy and administrative regulations.
Delegation of Responsibility 65 P.S. Sec. 67.502
The Board shall designate an Open Records Officer, who shall be responsible to:
1. Receive written requests for access to records submitted to the BCIU.
2. Review and respond to written requests in accordance with the law, Board policy and
administrative regulations.
3. Direct requests to other appropriate individuals in the BCIU or in another agency.
4. Track the BCIU’s progress in responding to requests.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
5. Issue interim and final responses to submitted requests.
6. Maintain a log of all record requests and their disposition.
7. Ensure BCIU staff are trained to perform assigned job functions relative to requests for access
to records.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.502, 67.901, 67.1101
Upon receiving a request for access to a record, the Open Records Officer, shall:
1. Note the date of receipt on the written request.
2. Compute and note on the written request the day on which the five-day period for response
will expire.
3. Maintain an electronic or paper copy of the written request, including all documents submitted
with the request, until the request has been fulfilled.
4. If the written request is denied, maintain the written request for thirty (30) days or, if an appeal
is filed, until a final determination is issued or the appeal is deemed denied.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
Guidelines 65 P.S. Sec. 67.701
Requesters may access and procure copies of the public records of the BCIU during regular
business hours of the administration offices.
A requester’s right of access does not include the right to remove a record from the control or
supervision of the Open Records Officer.
65 P.S. 67.302
The district shall not limit the number of records requested.
65 P.S.67.705
When responding to a request for access, the BCIU is not required to create a record that does not
exist nor to compile, maintain, format or organize a record in a manner which the BCIU does not
currently use.
42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132 28 CFR Sec. 35.160, 35.164
Information shall be made available to individuals with disabilities in an appropriate format, upon
request and with sufficient advance notice.
65 P.S. 67.504, 67.505
The BCIU shall post at the administration office and on the BCIU’s web site, if the BCIU
maintains a web site, the following information:
1. Contact information for the Open Records Officer.
2. Contact information for the state’s Office of Open Records or other applicable appeals officer.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
3. The form to be used to file a request, with a notation that the state Office of Open Records
form may also be used if the BCIU decides to create its own form.
4. Board policy, administrative regulations and procedures governing requests for access to the
BCIU’s public records.
Request for Access
65 P.S. Sec. 67.504, 67.505, 67.703
A written request for access to a public record shall be submitted on the required form(s) and
addressed to the Open Records Officer.
Written requests may be submitted to the BCIU in person, by mail, to a designated facsimile
machine, and to a designated e-mail address.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.701, 67.703
Each request must include the following information:
1. Identification or description of the requested record, in sufficient detail.
2. Medium in which the record is requested.
3. Name and address of the individual to receive the BCIU’s response.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
65 P.S. Sec. 67.703
The district shall not require an explanation of the reason for the request or the intended use of the
requested record, unless otherwise required by law.
Fees
65 P.S. Sec. 67.1307
The district shall establish and keep current a list of reasonable fees relative to requests for public
records.
No fee may be imposed for review of a record to determine whether the record is subject to access
under law.
Prior to granting access, the district may require payment of estimated fees when the fees required
to fulfill the request are expected to exceed $100.
The district may waive duplication fees when the requester duplicates the record or the BCIU
deems it is in the public interest to do so.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
Response to Request
65 P.S. Sec. 67.502, 67.702
District employees shall be directed to forward requests for access to public records to the Open
Records Officer.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.901
Upon receipt of a written request for access to a record, the Open Records Officer shall determine
if the requested record is a public record and if the district has possession, custody or control of
that record.
Upon receipt of a written request for access to a record, the Open Records Officer shall determine
if the requested record is a public record and if the BCIU has possession, custody or control of that
record.
The Open Records Officer shall respond as promptly as possible under the existing circumstances,
and the initial response time shall not exceed five (5) business days from the date the written
request is received by the Open Records Officer.
The initial response shall grant access to the requested record, deny access to the requested record,
partially grant and partially deny access to the requested record, or notify the requester of the need
for an extension of time to fully respond.
If the BCIU fails to respond to a request within five (5) business days of receipt, the request for
access shall be deemed denied.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
Extension of Time
65 P.S. Sec. 67.901, 67.902
If the Open Records Officer determines that an extension of time is required to respond to a
request, in accordance with the factors stated in the law, written notice shall be sent within five (5)
business days of receipt of request. The notice shall indicate that the request for access is being
reviewed, the reason that the review requires an extension, a reasonable date when the response is
expected, and an estimate of applicable fees owed when the record becomes available.
Up to a thirty (30) day extension for one (1) of the listed reasons does not require the consent of
the requester. If the response is not given by the specified date, it shall be deemed denied on the
day following that date.
A requester may consent in writing to an extension that exceeds thirty (30) days, in which case the
request shall be deemed denied on the day following the date specified in the notice if the Open
Records Officer has not provided a response by that date.
If the requester agrees to the date extension, the request shall be deemed denied on the day
following the date specified in the notice if the BCIU has not provided a response by that date.
Granting of Request
If the Open Records Officer determines that the request will be granted, the response shall inform
the requester that access is granted and either include information on the regular business hours of
the administration office, provide electronic access, or state where the requester may go to inspect
the records or information electronically at a publically accessible site. The response shall include
a copy of the fee schedule in effect, a statement that prepayment of fees is required in a specified
amount if access to the records will cost in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00), and the
medium in which the records will be provided.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 6160
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
65 P.S. Sec. 67.701
A public record shall be provided to the requester in the medium requested if it exists in that form;
otherwise, it shall be provided in its existing medium. However, the BCIU is not required to
permit use of its computers.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.701, 67.704
The Open Records Officer may respond to a records request by notifying the requester that the
record is available through publicly accessible electronic means or that the BCIU shall provide
access to inspect the record electronically.
If the requester, within thirty (30) days following receipt of the BCIU’s notice, submits a written
request to have the record converted to paper, the district shall provide access in printed form
within five (5) days of receipt of the request for conversion to paper.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.506
A public record that the BCIU does not possess but is possessed by a third party with whom the
BCIU has contracted to perform a governmental function and which directly relates to that
governmental function shall be considered a public record of the BCIU.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.706
If the Open Records Officer determines that a public record contains information both subject to
and not subject to access, the Open Records Officer shall grant access to the information subject to
access and deny access to the information not subject to access. The Open Records Officer shall
redact from the record the information that is not subject to access. The Open Records Officer
shall not deny access to a record if information is able to be redacted.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
65 P.S. Sec. 67.905
If the Open Records Officer responds to a requester that a copy of the requested record is
available for delivery at the administration office and the requester does not retrieve the record
within sixty (60) days of the BCIU’s response, the BCIU shall dispose of the copy and retain any
fees paid to date.
Notification to Third Parties
65 P.S. Sec. 67.707
When the BCIU produces a record that is not a public record in response to a request, the Open
Records Officer shall notify any third party that provided the record to the BCIU, the person that
is the subject of the record, and the requester.
The Open Records Officer shall notify a third party of a record request if the requested record
contains a trade secret or confidential proprietary information, in accordance with law and
administrative regulations.
Denial of Request
65 P.S. Sec. 67.901, 67.903
If the Open Records Officer denies a request for access to a record, whether in whole or in part, a
written response shall be sent within five (5) business days of receipt of the request. The response
denying the request shall include the following:
1. Description of the record requested.
2. Specific reasons for denial, including a citation of supporting legal authority.
3. Name, title, business address, business telephone number, and signature of the Open Records
Officer on whose authority the denial is issued.
4. Date of the response.
5. Procedure for the requester to appeal a denial of access.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 6160
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
65 P.S. Sec. 67.506
The Open Records Officer may deny a request for access to a record if the requester has made
repeated requests for that same record and the repeated requests have placed an unreasonable
burden on the BCIU.
The Open Records Officer may deny a request for access to a record when timely access is not
possible due to a disaster, or when access may cause physical damage or irreparable harm to the
record. To the extent possible, a record’s contents shall be made accessible even when the record
is physically unavailable.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.706, 67.903, 65 P.S. Sec. 67.1101
Information that is not subject to access and is redacted from a public record shall be deemed a
denial.
If a written request for access to a record is denied or deemed denied, the requester my file an
appeal with the state’s Office of Open Records within fifteen (15) business days of the mailing
date of the Open Records Officer’s response or deemed denial.
References:
School Code-24 P.S. Sec.408, 518
Right-to-Know Law-65 P.S. Sec.67.101 et seq.
Americans with Disabilities Act – 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.
Accessibility to Communications, Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations -28CFR Sec.35.160, 35.164
Board Policy 6160
1st Reading 10/21/2008
POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160.1
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
RIGHT-TO-KNOW FORMS
SAMPLE LETTER – Granting Access or Providing Copies [PUBLIC SCHOOL ENTITY LETTERHEAD OR E-‐-‐-‐MAIL] Date Name of Requester Street Address of Requester Town, State Zip Code Re: Written Request for Records Dear Mr./Ms.
: This letter is to confirm that your written request to inspect and/or copy [identify type of record requested] under the Right-‐-‐-‐to-‐-‐-‐Know Act, 65 P.S. § 66.1 et seq., is granted [in part/in its entirety]. [Attached to this e-‐-‐-‐mail is a copy of the record.] [The School District will provide access to the record in the following manner: o The record [is available for inspection in paper form at the District offices during regular business hours] [is available in paper form; to arrange a time for inspection, please call the undersigned] [will be e-‐-‐-‐mailed to you]. o In addition to availability in paper form, the record is available through publicly accessible electronic means at [insert appropriate website address]. o
The record is available for inspection in redacted form. Information was redacted from the record for the reasons set forth in the attached denial letter. o
You requested a copy of the record. The request is granted after payment of applicable fees in the amount of $_ . The copy is available for pickup at the district office during regular business hours. Sincerely, Full Name Title Telephone Number POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160.1
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
RIGHT-TO-KNOW FORMS
SAMPLE DENIAL LETTER – Partial or Complete Denial [PUBLIC SCHOOL ENTITY LETTERHEAD] Date Name of Requester Street Address of Requester Town, State Zip Code Re: Written Request for Records Dear Mr./Ms.
This letter is to advise that your written request to inspect and/or copy [identify type of record requested] under the Right-‐-‐-‐to-‐-‐-‐Know Act, 65 P.S. § 66.1 et seq., was denied [in part/in its entirety]. Your written request was denied for the following reasons: : o
The requested record does not exist o
The requested record (or redacted information) is not a public record because o the record relates to an official investigation o access is prohibited by statute or court order o access would impair a person’s reputation or security o access would result in district’s loss of federal funds o the record does not meet the definition of public record Other reason o
o
You have been granted partial access, but the requested record has been redacted to prevent access to portions that do not constitute a public record for the reasons set forth above The School District relies upon the following legal authority to support its determination to deny your written request . You have the right to challenge this determination. To do so, you must file exceptions explaining your reasons why you believe the requested record is a public record subject to disclosure within fifteen (15) business days of your receipt of this letter. Written exceptions must be mailed or delivered to the attention of the [Superintendent of Schools/Executive Director] at [insert address of public school entity]. Sincerely, Full Name Title Telephone Number POLICY
POLICY NO. 6160.1
STATEMENT
RELATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
RIGHT-TO-KNOW FORMS
SAMPLE TIME EXTENSION LETTER [PUBLIC SCHOOL ENTITY LETTERHEAD] Date Name of Requester Street Address of requester Town, State Zip Code Re: Written Request for Records Dear Mr./Mrs.
This letter is to advise that your written request to inspect and/or copy records under the Rightto-‐-‐-‐ Know Act, 65 P.S. § 66.1 et seq., is currently under review by the School District. The School District needs additional time to review or prepare its response to your written request for the following reasons: o
Your request for access requires redaction of a public record. o
Your request for access requires retrieval of a record stored in a remote location. o
Your request does not comply with the School District’s policy regarding access to public records. o
A legal review is necessary to determine whether the requested record is a public record subject to disclosure. o
A response to your request cannot be accomplished within 5 business days due to staffing limitations. : The School District will provide you a final decision regarding your written request within the next thirty (30) calendar days. If the School District fails to provide you with a final decision within that time period, your written request is deemed denied. You will have the right to challenge any such deemed denial. To do so, you must file exceptions within fifteen (15) business days from the date of such deemed denial. The exceptions must explain your reasons why you believe the requested record is a public record subject to disclosure, and must be mailed or delivered to the attention of the [Superintendent of Schools/Executive Director] at [insert address of public school entity]. Sincerely, No.
6165
Section:
RELATIONS
Title:
EDUCATION RECORDS
Date Adopted: 7/19/2011
216
Guide
1. Definitions
EDUCATION RECORDS
Reference
The following terms as used in this policy shall have Family Educational
Rights and Privacy
the following meanings:
Act, 20 U.S.C. §
1232g; 34 C.F.R.
Part 99.
1.1
Directory information.
The name, address,
telephone number, electronic mail address, date and place of birth, names of parents and siblings, dates of Individuals with
attendance, whether the student graduated and the Disabilities
Education Act, 20
date of graduation, awards received, participation in U.S.C. § 1417(c);
District- or IU-approved extracurricular activities, 34 C.F.R. §§
weight and height of interscholastic athletic team 300.560-300.577.
members, photographs, schools attended within the IU,
and
student identification
number,
user The Hatch Act, 20
U.S.C. § 1232h; 34
identification number, or code when such number or C.F.R. Part 98.
code cannot alone be used to access education records, without some other identifier known only to Pennsylvania
the authorized user of an electronically accessed Public School Code
of 1949, Act of Mar.
information system or data base.
1.2
Disclose; disclosure.
Permit access to or
release, transfer, or otherwise communicate to any
person or entity, by any means or medium, personally
identifiable information contained in the education
record of the student.
14, 1949, No. 14
(P.L. 30), as
amended, 24 P.S.
§§ 5-510, 13-1305A, 13-1306-A, 131307-A, 14-1409,
15-1532.
Regulations of the
1.3
Education record. Any personally-identifiable Pennsylvania State
information recorded or stored by any means— Board of Education,
including, but not limited to, information that is 22 Pa. Code §
12.31-12.33.
handwritten, typed, printed, or stored on computer media, microfilm, microfiche, video or audio tape, film, Basic Education
or digital medium—that is directly related to the Circular 22 Pa.
student and is maintained by the IU or by an individual Code § 12.31 (Pa.
or agency acting on behalf of the IU regardless of the Dept. Educ. Sept.
1, 1997).
current location of such record. The term does not
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include the following:
(a) records of instructional, supervisory, and
administrative personnel and educational personnel
ancillary to those persons—including, but not limited
to,
instructional support
teachers,
counselors,
therapists and clinicians, school psychologists and
psychiatrists, nurses, and instructional aides—that are
kept in the sole possession of the maker of the record
and the contents of which are not accessible or
revealed to any other person except a substitute for
the maker of the record;
(b) records that contain only information about the
student after he or she is no longer a student in the IU
or a constituent school district of the IU or receiving
IU- or constituent district-supported education;
(c) grades and other forms of peer assessment or
rating before they are collected and recorded by a
teacher; and
(c) other records specifically excluded from the
definition of “education record” under the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §
1232g, and its implementing regulation, 34 C.F.R. Part
99.
1.4
Eligible student. A present or former student
who has attained the age of eighteen or a former
student who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.
1.5
Emancipated minor. A student below the age of twenty-one who has chosen to establish a domicile apart from the continued control and support of parents or guardians. The term includes a minor living Owasso Indep.
School District v.
with a spouse.
Falvo, 534 U.S.
1.6
IEP. Individualized education program.
1.7 Maintain or maintained. In the case of personallyidentifiable information on paper or stored on
magnetic or video tape, the term shall mean kept in a
secure file or desk drawer or in the continuous and
secure control of a school official with a legitimate
426, 122 S.Ct. 934
(2002)
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educational interest in the content thereof. In the case
of personally-identifiable digital information that is
electronically-stored, including electronic mail, the
term shall mean kept in a secure database located on
a server or servers, disk partition, or other electronic
storage system specifically designated by the
Executive Director or his or her designee as a “student
records maintenance site.”
The IU electronic mail
server or servers, or directory or directories, and the
files on local disk drives dedicated to the storage of
sent or received electronic mail, shall not for any
purpose constitute a “student records maintenance
site” and any mail stored thereon shall either be
deleted or moved to a “student records maintenance
site” at least once annually. If deleted in this manner,
electronic mail shall not be considered to be
“maintained” by the IU or by any individual or agency
acting on behalf of the IU.
1.8
Parent. The biological or adoptive parents of a
student, regardless of residency or physical custodial
status; the legal guardian or guardians of a student; or
an individual acting as a parent in the absence of a
natural parent or guardian, unless the right of any
such person to receive personally-identifiable
information has been terminated or restricted by order
of court.
1.9
Personally identifiable information. Any one or
more of the following:
(a) The student’s name;
(b) The name, including maiden names, of any
member of the student’s family;
(c) The current or past address, or the date or place of
birth, of the student or any member of the student’s
family;
(d) A personal identifier such as a social security
number, student number or code, or biometric
information consisting of one or more measurable
biological or behavioral characteristic that can be used
for automatic identification of an individual;
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(e) information that, alone or in combination, is linked
or linkable to a specific student such that a reasonable
person in the school community, who does not have
personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances,
could use such information to identify the student with
reasonable certainty; or
(f) information requested by a person whom the
educational agency or institution reasonably believes
knows the identity of the student to whom such
information relates.
1.10
School official with a legitimate educational
interest. Any employee, officer, agent, consultant, or
contractor of, or any volunteer acting on behalf of,
(a) the IU,
(b) a constituent district of the IU that has
responsibility for the education of the student in
question,
(c) a vocational technical school, or
(d) any public or private school or facility that the IU is
using or is proposing to use to provide elementary or
secondary education to the student in place of a
public school, who is or will be responsible for
providing or supervising the provision of education,
education-related services,
or
extra-curricular
activities or experiences to or for the student, when—
(i) particular information concerning that student is
presently or potentially relevant to the design or
provision of instruction or other education, educationrelated services, testing or assessments, behavior
interventions and strategies, or extracurricular
activities or experiences either to the student, to
particular groups of students, or to whole schools,
grade-levels, or the student population of the IU at
large, regardless of whether the student is part of the
group or population that will be effected; or
(ii) such information is necessary to protect the health,
safety, or welfare of the student or others with whom
the student might have direct or indirect contact.
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2. Collection,
Maintenance, and
Destruction of
Education
Records
The phrase also applies to clerical staff of the
agencies enumerated above who are responsible for
the maintenance and security of education records
and to attorneys, consultants, and school board
members when school board action concerning the
student is required by law or when the education or
treatment of the student is the subject of present or
potential litigation or legal dispute. When the “school
official with a legitimate educational interests” is not an
employee of the IU, such individual may receive
“personally-identifiable information” only when he or
she is under the direct control of the IU, by contract or
otherwise, with respect to the use and maintenance
of education records in his or her possession and only
when such individual is prohibited from re-disclosure
of such information to any other party without written
parent or eligible student consent.
1.11 Secure file.
A student or subject-specific
compilation of information stored on paper, audio or
visual tape, microfiche, microfilm, computer storage
disk or removable drive, or similar medium that can be
maintained in a physically segregated form that is
maintained in a locked file drawer, cabinet, or desk or,
if unlocked, in the immediate custody and control of
the custodian thereof, or a student or subject-specific
compilation maintained on a computer storage system
to which access is limited by security software that
conforms to current computer industry standards.
1.12 Student or child with disabilities. A student age
three through twenty-one who has or is thought to
have one or more of the disabilities described in the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C.
§§ 1400 et seq., or any preceding or succeeding
legislation, for which he or she is eligible or thought to
be eligible for special education and related services.
Collection
2.1
The IU shall collect and maintain the types of
records described in the following subparagraphs (a)
through (c) and may collect and maintain records
described in following subparagraphs (d) through (j):
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(a) Core data, consisting of the name of the student;
last known address and domicile within the IU of the
parents or guardian of the student or, if the student is
emancipated, of the student; the birth date of the
student; the course, subject area, or project work
completed by the student and the level of
achievement attained; the last grade attended or the
date of graduation and type diploma issued; and
attendance data;
(b) Discipline and law enforcement records, including the sworn statement or affirmation of suspension or expulsion required at registration and the record of 24 P.S. §§ 13incidents of violence maintained in a form prescribed 1305-A, 13-1306-A,
by the Pennsylvania State Police as required under 13-1307-A
Section 1307-A of the Pennsylvania Public School
Code, 24 P.S. § 13-1307-A, and, in a file maintained
separately from other records concerning the student,
information from the Office of Juvenile Probation
concerning adjudications of delinquency;
(c) Health records, including immunization information,
results of vision and hearing screenings, results of
state-mandated physical examinations, in-school
treatment and drug dispensing or administration
orders or prescriptions from physicians, treatment and
drug dispensing or administration logs, and healthrelated information provided by parents or guardians;
(d) Student work samples and teacher grade books
retained for purposes of ongoing assessment,
instructional planning, or grade calculation; the results
of group standardized or criterion-referenced testing
and state-wide criterion-referenced assessments, if
any, in which the student participated; and noncumulative report cards;
(e) Guidance department, psychologist, and student
assistance team records, although personal records
and notes maintained strictly in accordance with
Section 1.3(a) of this policy are not considered
records subject to this policy;
(f) Results of vocational and career aptitude and
interest surveys, or of surveys to assist in planning for
and providing guidance, health, or drug and alcohol
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abuse prevention instruction or programs;
(g) Reports of and other information describing or
summarizing the results of individual testing and
assessment by instructional support, child study,
multi-disciplinary, or IEP teams, or by professional
staff responsible for determining eligibility for Title I,
ESL, and other remedial programs, or by agencies
and individuals not employed by or working on behalf
of the IU; instructional support or child study team
action plans; IEPs; and service agreements or
accommodation plans;
(h) Protocol sheets and booklets; scoring sheets;
answer books; rating forms; observation notes;
anecdotal logs; running record forms; and other forms
of raw data gathered in the course of testing and
assessment or progress monitoring and assessment;
(i) Records of awards and distinctions earned by
students for work or activities in school and in the
community and of participation in IU-approved
extracurricular activities; and
(j) Other records required by law or deemed by
instructional or supervisory staff to be both accurate
and necessary to the provision of education,
education-related services,
or
extra-curricular
activities or experiences.
2.2
By adoption of this policy, the IU Board of
School Directors gives consent for the collection of
records and information described in Subsections (a),
(d), and (e) of Section 2.1 of this policy.
2.3
By adoption of this policy, the IU Board of School Directors gives consent for the collection of records and information described in Subsections (b), (c), and (f) of Section 2.1 of this policy, unless the collection of such records and information is accomplished by use of a survey, analysis, or evaluation that requires or encourages the student to reveal—
20 U.S.C. § 1232h,
(a) political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the as amended by the
No Child Left
student’s family;
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(b) mental or psychological problems of the student or
the student’s family;
(c) sexual behavior or attitudes;
(d) illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning
behavior;
(e) critical appraisals of persons with whom the
student has close family relationships;
(f) information protected by legal privilege;
(g) income, unless income information is required by
law to determine eligibility for participation in a
program of assistance;
(h) religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the
student or the student’s family.
When a survey, analysis, or evaluation is used to
obtain such information, the IU shall obtain prior
informed consent in writing and in a form consistent
with Section 2.6 of this policy. For purposes of this
policy, the phrase “survey, analysis, or evaluation”
shall be limited to a planned method of inquiry or
information collection used on a group or individual
basis. The phrase does not apply to the ordinary giveand-take exchange that occurs in the course of the
counselor-student,
psychologist-student,
teacherstudent, or nurse-student relationship when the
student initiates the contact or otherwise participates
in it voluntarily.
Consent otherwise required by this
Section is not required to investigate or substantiate a
good faith suspicion of child abuse or neglect when
the person from whom consent would be required is
suspected of the abuse or neglect.
2.4
To collect records and information described in
Subsection (g) of Section 2.1 of this policy, the IU
shall obtain prior informed consent in writing and in a
form consistent with Section 2.6 of this policy.
2.5
To collect records and information described in
Subsections (h) and (i) of Section 2.1 of this policy,
Behind Act, P.L.
107-110, § 1061,
115 STAT. 1426
(Jan. 8, 2002)
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other than reports and other documents provided by
parents or other agencies, the IU shall obtain prior
informed consent in writing and in a form required by
applicable state or federal law or, in the absence of a
specific applicable law, in a form consistent with
Section 2.6 of this policy. For purposes of collecting
information in the form of an instructional support or
child study team action plan, an IEP, or a service
agreement or accommodation plan, a written invitation
to the parents and, when required by law, the student
to participate in the development of such document
shall constitute an adequate means of obtaining
consent to develop the document, even if the parents
or student do not participate in the meeting at which
the content of the document is discussed.
The
description in an action plan, IEP, or service
agreement or accommodation plan of a means of data
collection or ongoing progress monitoring or
assessment shall suffice to allow such activities
without need for additional written consent.
2.6
When state or federal law does not specifically
prescribe the form for obtaining prior written consent
as required by this policy, such consent shall be
obtained by mailing to the residence of record, as
established in accordance with Section 4 of this policy,
or by hand delivery to the parent or emancipated
minor a written consent form that complies with the
following requirements and is received a reasonable
time prior to the information collection activity for
which consent is sought:
(a) The form shall use language that a layperson can
readily understand and shall be written in the native
language of the parent or emancipated minor from
whom consent is sought;
(b) The form shall contain an explanation of the type
of information sought, the purpose for which the
information is sought, and the specific types of testing,
assessment, or data collection to be used to obtain
the information;
(c) The form shall make clear to the parent or
emancipated minor that consent is required to
proceed with the information collection activity or
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activities proposed; shall contain an assurance that
such activity or activities will not proceed without
consent; shall specify the duration of the consent or
shall clearly provide that consent shall be considered
effective until revoked in writing by the person giving
consent; and shall contain a clear explanation of the
time and place for responding to the form;
(d) The form shall contain the name and number of a
contact person whom the parents or emancipated
minor can contact to obtain additional information
about or seek clarification concerning the proposed
activity;
(e) The form shall provide a space for the parent or
emancipated minor to elect whether to grant or
withhold consent by marking one of two clearlyworded options and by signing their name.
2.7
When an eligible young child who has attended
another public or private school registers to attend
public school in or through the IU Early Intervention
Program, the IU shall immediately—
(a) request a certified copy of the student’s disciplinary
record and a copy of the student’s health record from
the public or private school the student last attended;
(b) request all other current records, including special education records, necessary to ensure that the student is placed appropriate classes at the appropriate grade level and that the IU is able to meet all obligations to the student under State and federal 22 Pa. Code §
law.
12.33 Guidelines
Maintenance—Time
2.8
For children with disabilities who have
participated in early intervention programming, the IU
shall maintain core data of the kind described in
Subsection (a) of Section 2.1 of this policy for a period
of six years beyond the school year during which the
student to whom such data pertains attains the age of
beginners, transitions to school age programming, or
is determined by the IU not to be eligible for special
education and related services, whichever is sooner.
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The following additional records shall
maintained as “core data” for this period:
also
be
(a)
For children with disabilities who have
participated in early intervention programming, copies
of the first and last evaluation reports of the multidisciplinary team, the notice of recommended
assignment or educational placement, or similar
document by which the parents of the student initially
consented to the provision of special education
services, and each IEP, IEP revision, and notice of
recommended educational placement/prior written
notice developed for the child; and
(b) For children evaluated to determine eligibility for special education services through the early intervention program in accordance with state and federal law and who were determined to be ineligible, copies of all evaluation reports supporting the determination of ineligibility and of all notices by which the parents of the child were notified of such 24 P.S. § 14-1409
determination.
2.9
Health records of the sort described in
Subsection (c) of Section 2.1 of this policy shall be
maintained for a period of at least two years beyond
the date on which the student ceases to be enrolled in
the IU-operated programming.
2.10 All other education records described in
Section 2.1 of this policy shall be maintained by the IU
for the shortest of the following periods—
(a)
as long as the information contained therein
remains relevant to the education of the particular
student or to the design and provision of educational
programs in general;
(b)
as long as such information remains essential
to the protection of the legal interests of the IU; or
(c)
until the student returns to or is placed in an
educational program and placement operated by an
IU constituent district or a private school or is enrolled
in a program and placement operated under the
authority of a public school entity other than an IU
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constituent district, and such information is not
essential to the protection of the legal interests of the
IU.
The IU alone shall determine whether education
records remain relevant to education or essential to
the protection of legal interests.
When the
maintenance period specified in subsection (c) of this
Section lapses, all education records concerning the
student in question shall be transferred to the thenresponsible public school entity.
Maintenance—Location
2.12 Education records that might be necessary to
the provision of education, education-related services,
or extracurricular activities or experiences to a student
during any given school year shall be maintained
during that school year in a secure file located in the
building to which that student is assigned during that
school year. Education records that are essential to
the day-to-day provision of education, educationrelated services, or extracurricular activities or
experiences may be maintained in a secure file in the
personal possession, offices, or class rooms of school
officials with a legitimate educational interest therein.
2.13
The discipline record of a student shall be
maintained in a secure file in the building to which that
student is currently assigned. Information furnished
by the Office of Juvenile Probation in accordance with
Section 6341(b.1) of the Juvenile Act, 42 P.S. §
6341(b.1), shall be maintained in a secure file
separately from other records concerning the student.
2.14
The health record of a student shall be
maintained in a secure file in the nurse’s office or
health suite in the building to which that student is
currently assigned or in the personal possession or
office of the nurse assigned to that building.
2.15 Copies of a student’s current IEP, most recent
multi-disciplinary team evaluation report, current
service agreement or accommodation plan, and
instructional support or child study team data and
action plan shall be maintained—
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(a) in a secure file in the public school building to
which the student is currently assigned, if any, or in
the secure possession of itinerant staff working with
the student in the home or in a non-public school site;
and
(b) in a secure file in the IU office of special education
or early intervention, together with other special
education records that remain relevant to the
education of the particular child or the design and
provision of educational programs in general or
essential to the protection of the legal interests of the
IU.
Maintenance—Transfer and Conversion
2.16 When a student assignment changes from one
building to another within the IU the education records
described in Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, and 2.15 of
this policy, including the separately-maintained
information from the Office of Juvenile Probation, shall
be transferred to the new building in sufficient time to
enable school officials with a legitimate educational
interest to review such records, if necessary, prior to
the arrival of the student in the new building or as
soon as possible thereafter.
2.17 Nothing in this policy shall preclude the transfer
or conversion of education records or information from
one form or storage medium to another, as long as
such transfer or conversion—
(a) allows for similar accessibility of information to
parents, eligible students, and school officials with a
legitimate educational interest;
(b) provides at least the level of security that could be
obtained with physically locked conventional storage
and, in the case of computer storage, conforms to the
current standards established in the computer
industry;
(c) clearly reproduces educationally or legally
necessary graphic information, handwriting, and
signatures; and
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(d) allows for the use of an access and disclosure log
in accordance with Section 2.18 of this policy.
2.18 Every file from which access might be had by,
or disclosure might be made to, persons or agencies
other than the parents or the eligible student, shall
have as part thereof an access and disclosure log that
shall be maintained for as long as the records in that
file are maintained and that shall consist of the
following:
(a) The identity of such person or agency to which
access is granted to or disclosure made from the file;
(b) The purpose for which access was granted or
disclosure made;
(c) The date of access or disclosure;
(d) The name or initials of the person granting access
or making the disclosure; and
(e) In the case of disclosures to persons who will
make further disclosures or allow further access on
behalf of the IU, the identity of the person or agency to
whom or to which, and the specific purpose for which,
such further disclosure or access will be made or
allowed;
(f) Any record of further disclosures made by State or
federal agencies that are permitted to do so under
law.
Destruction
2.19 The IU may destroy core data, special
education, and health records once the applicable
time period for maintenance of such records, as
established in Sections 2.8, 2.9, and 2.10(a) and (b)
respectively, has lapsed. The public school entity to
which records are transmitted upon the lapse of the
time period established in Subsection (c) of Section
2.10 shall be responsible for the maintenance and
destruction of such records.
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2.20 The IU may destroy all other education records
once it determines at its sole discretion that such
records are no longer relevant to the education of the
particular student or to the design and provision of
educational programs in general or that such records
are not essential to the protection of the legal interests
of the IU.
2.21 When the time periods described in Sections
2.8 and 2.10 of this Policy have lapsed, and the IU
determines that any portion of the education record of
a student with disabilities is or will be at a prescribed
time no longer relevant to the education of the
particular student, it shall so notify in writing either his
or her parents or the student directly, if he or she is an
eligible student, of this determination.
The written
notice shall be in the native language of the parents or
the eligible student, shall be mailed to the last known
address of the parent or the eligible student, and
shall—
(a) identify the specific records or categories of record
that are no longer relevant;
(b) contain an explanation that the IU shall destroy the
records thus identified if a parent or the eligible
student so requests and that the IU may destroy such
records without a request; and
(c) contain the name and number of a contact person
whom the parents or eligible student can contact to
obtain
additional information
about
or
seek
clarification concerning the records thus identified.
If the parent or eligible student so requests in writing
after receipt of the notice, the IU shall destroy the
education records thus identified or shall destroy them
at the prescribed time at which they are no longer
relevant.
2.22 A record is “destroyed” for purposes of this
policy when, at a minimum, all personally identifiable
information is removed from it or is otherwise
obscured or obliterated. Nothing in this policy shall
require the destruction of an education record except
under the conditions described in Section 2.21 of this
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3. Amendment of
Records and Due
Process
policy.
2.23 The IU shall not destroy any record that is the
subject of a request for access from a parent or
eligible student.
2.24 The IU may, in its sole discretion, opt to return
any record in its possession to the school district in
which the student to whom the record pertains
resides.
Such action shall not constitute the
destruction of the record and shall not be subject to
the requirements of this Section.
3.1
A parent or eligible student may request in writing that the IU amend any portion of an education
record that he or she believes is inaccurate,
misleading, or in violation of the student’s right to
privacy. If a parent or eligible student makes such a
request verbally, the person to whom such request is
made shall inform the parent of the obligation to make
such request in writing.
3.2
Within thirty school days of the receipt of the
written request to amend the education record, the
administrator who is primarily responsible for
maintenance of the challenged record shall notify the
parent or eligible student in writing of whether the IU
will amend the record. If the IU determines that it will
grant the request to amend, the notice to the parent or
eligible student shall either describe the amendment,
which can include the expungement or deletion of
records or information contained therein, or enclose a
copy of the amended record. If the IU determines that
it will not amend the record, the notice shall so inform
the parent or eligible student and shall contain a
statement explaining that the parent or eligible student
has the right to request in writing a hearing before a
disinterested school official to challenge the
determination not to amend.
3.3
Within ten school days of receipt of a request
for a hearing to challenge a determination not to
amend an education record, the IU shall notify the
parents or eligible student of the date, time, and
location of the hearing.
The notice shall be mailed
certified, return receipt requested, or by similarly
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secure and verifiable means, in such time that the
parent or eligible student receives it at least five
school days before the hearing.
The hearing shall
occur within thirty days of receipt of the request for the
hearing from the parent or eligible student.
3.4
The hearing shall be held before the Executive
Director or his or her designee or, if the Executive
Director or the designee has a direct interest in the
outcome of the hearing, before the principal of the
building to which the student is currently assigned or
his or her designee.
3.5
The hearing shall be informal, unrecorded, and
not subject to formal rules of evidence or procedure
other than those required to maintain order.
The
parent or eligible student shall have a full and fair
opportunity to present evidence in support of his or
her position and may be represented at his or her
expense by an adviser, including an attorney.
3.6
Within thirty days of the completion of the
hearing, the IU shall issue to the parent or eligible
student a written decision concerning the amendment
of the record that shall either—
(a) describe the amendment, which can include the
expungement or deletion of records or information
contained therein, or
(b) explain the reasons for denying the request to
amend and inform the parent or eligible student of the
right to place a statement in the education record of
the student commenting on the contested information
in the record or explaining why he or she disagrees
with the decision not to amend, or both.
The written decision shall be based solely on the
evidence presented at the hearing and shall
summarize the evidence thus presented and the
reasons for the decision to amend or refuse
amendment.
3.7
If the parent or eligible student chooses to
submit a statement in the education record of the
student commenting on the contested information in
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4. Access and
Disclosure
the record or explaining why he or she disagrees with the decision not to amend, the IU shall—
(a) maintain such statement as part of the record for
as long as the IU maintains the contested record or
information; and
(b) disclose the statement whenever it discloses that
portion of the record to which the statement pertains.
Access
4.1 (a) Education records subject to this Policy, other
than those records or portions of records that contain
“directory information,” are not considered “public
records” subject to access or disclosure under the
Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, 65 PA. STAT §§
67.101-67.3104, or any similar law affecting public
records.
(b) The IU shall allow the parents or eligible student to
inspect and review the education record of the student
within forty-five calendar days of receipt of a verbal or
written request to do so.
IU staff shall make every
reasonable effort to ensure that requested records are
provided to the parents at the earliest possible date.
4.2
The IU shall respond to all reasonable requests
from the parents or eligible student for an explanation
or interpretation of information contained in the
education record.
4.3
If circumstances effectively preclude the
parents or eligible student from inspecting or
reviewing the education record, or any portion thereof,
the IU shall provide the parents or the eligible student
with a copy of the record subject to the request.
When copies are not required to ensure that the
parents or the eligible student has the opportunity to
inspect and review the education record, the IU may
charge a fee of twenty-five cents per page to copy
requested portions of the education record, unless the
parents or the eligible student can establish that they
are unable to pay the amount thus charged.
4.4
When the IU receives a request to inspect and
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review the education record of a student with
disabilities in anticipation of a meeting of the IEP or
multi-disciplinary team or a due process hearing, the
IU shall respond to such request within a reasonable
time prior to the meeting or hearing, the time allowed
by Section 4.1 of this policy notwithstanding.
4.5
When parents or an eligible student seek to
inspect and review a record that contains personally
identifiable information concerning more than one
student, the IU shall provide access only to that
portion of the record that pertains to the student in
question.
4.6
School officials with a legitimate educational
interest may at any time inspect and review, and
obtain copies of, the education record and personally
identifiable information in which they have such
interest.
Disclosure
4.7
Any disclosure of personally identifiable
information concerning a student to any person other
than the parent, the eligible student, or school officials
with a legitimate educational interest shall require the
prior written consent of the parent or the eligible
student.
Any document providing such consent
shall—
(a) identify the particular portions of the education
record or the particular information or types of
information concerning the student that shall be
disclosed;
(b) identify the person or agency to whom or to which
disclosure will be made; and
(c) contain the signature of at least one parent or the
eligible student, and the date of such signature.
4.8
Prior written consent from the parent or the eligible student is not required when the disclosure of education records or information is to one of the 34 C.F.R. § 99.31
following persons or agencies under the following
circumstances:
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(a) To an educational agency or institution at which the student seeks to enroll, intends to enroll, or is enrolled, or from which the student receives services, when that agency or institution requests such records, 34 C.F.R. § 99.34
as long as—
(1) the parent or eligible student is provided on request with a copy of the records thus disclosed; and (2) the parent or eligible student is afforded on request a hearing as described in Section 3 of this policy; and (3) the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer.
(b) To appropriate parties in connection with an articulable and significant health or safety emergency, 34 C.F.R. § 99.36
when such disclosure is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others, provided, however, that for each such disclosure, the IU shall maintain a record indicating—
(1) The articulable and significant threat that justified
such disclosure; and
(2)
The parties to whom the IU disclosed such
information;
(c) To state and federal educational and other
agencies for purposes of investigation and auditing,
when those agencies are bound by the provisions of
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20
U.S.C. § 1232g;
(d) To persons seeking directory information, when—
(1) parents and eligible students have received notice
in the form of the annual publication of this policy in a
newspaper of general distribution or a school
publication of the policy of the IU to disclose directory
information without parental consent; and
(2) the parent or the eligible student objecting to the
release of such information without consent has not
notified the IU in writing on or before the first day of
34 C.F.R. § 99.37
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the school term that they object to the disclosure of
some or all of the information designated in Section
1.1 of this policy as “directory information”;
(e) To the student who is not an eligible student;
(f) To the parents of an eligible student who remains a
“dependent student” as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code;
(g) To accrediting organizations to carry out their
accrediting functions;
(h) To comply with the terms of a judicial order or
lawfully-issued subpoena, when the IU has made
reasonable effort to notify the parent or eligible
student of the order or subpoena in advance of
compliance, unless the terms of a judicial order bar
such notification;
(i) To a court or administrative hearing officer in the context of litigation between the IU and the parents or the eligible student, when the information disclosed is relevant to the action or proceeding and when the IU has made reasonable effort to notify the parent or eligible student of the intent to disclose such 51 P.S. § 20222
information;
(j) To armed forces recruiters seeking such
information, a list of the names, addresses, and, if
available, telephone numbers of all students expected
to graduate high school at the end of the school term
during which, or in anticipation of which, such request
is made, provided, however, that such disclosure shall
be subject to the limitations established by law and
this policy upon the disclosure of directory information;
(k) To State or local Juvenile justice authorities when
such disclosure is in accordance with an Act of the
Pennsylvania General Assembly and enables the
juvenile justice system to serve effectively and prior to
adjudication the student to whom the records pertain,
provided, however, that any such authority must
certify in writing to the IU that such records will not be
re-disclosed to any other party unless permitted by
State law or unless written parent or eligible child
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consent is obtained;
(l)
To organizations conducting studies for, or on 34 C.F.R. §
behalf of, the IU to develop, validate, or administer 300.529(b)
predictive tests; administer student aid programs; or
improve instruction, when—
(1) The organization conducting the study does not
permit access to personally-identifiable information to
any party other than representatives of the
organization who have a legitimate educational
interest in that information;
(2)
The information is destroyed when no longer
needed for the purposes for which the study was
conducted; and
(3) The organization enters into a binding agreement
with the IU under which the organization is obligated
to adhere to the requirements of this policy; that
defines the purposes, scope, and duration of the study
and the information to be disclosed to the
organization; and that limits the use of the disclosed
information to the purposes expressly identified in the
agreement;
(m) Under such additional circumstances and to such
additional persons and agencies as are permitted by
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20
U.S.C. § 1232g, and its implementing regulation.
4.9
Any disclosure made in accordance with
paragraph 4.8 of this policy shall be made under the
explicit condition that the party to which or to whom
such disclosure is made shall not re-disclose such
information to any other party without written parent or
eligible student consent, unless the record of the
original disclosure identifies the additional parties to
whom such disclosure is to be made under Section
4.8 of this Policy and the legitimate interest that such
additional parties have in such information, or unless
such original disclosure is to State or federal agencies
in accordance with the requirements of Sections
99.32(b) and 99.33(b) of the implementing regulations
of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 34
C.F.R. §§ 99.32(b) and 99.33(b).
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5. Miscellaneous
Provisions
4.10 Copies of all special education and discipline
records of a student currently identified as a child with
a disability within the meaning of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act shall be transmitted to a law
enforcement agency to which the IU has reported a
crime committed by such student, provided, however,
that prior to transmission of such records, the IU shall
obtain written consent from the parent or eligible
student as required by, and in accordance with the
provisions of, Section 4.7 of this Policy or that such
transmission is permitted without such consent in
accordance with the provisions of Subsections (b),
(h), or (k) of Section 4.8 of this Policy.
5.1
The policy of the IU is to comply in full with the requirement of state and federal law governing the
maintenance of records and other personally
identifiable information and the privacy rights of
students and their families.
To the extent that any
provision of this policy is construed as or found to be
inconsistent with federal or state law, the IU will treat
that provision as null and void. The Executive Director
or his or her designee shall ensure that all persons
responsible for the maintenance of any student record
are aware of the provisions of this policy and receive
regular training concerning its requirements.
When
feasible, the Executive Director or his or her designee
shall provide for the use of physical or technological
access controls to ensure that access to education
records by school officials with a legitimate
educational interest in them is limited to that
information in which those officials have a legitimate
educational interest.
5.2
The IU shall send or deliver all notices and
requests for consent required under this policy to the
address identified as the residence of the child in the
registration information maintained by the IU. Unless
it receives specific written information to the contrary,
the IU shall presume that all persons with authority to
make educational decisions for the student have
received or had the opportunity to review and respond
to notices and requests sent or delivered to such
address.
The IU will send notices and requests to
separate addresses only when—
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6. Public Notice
Reference
(a) A person with joint authority to make educational
decisions for the student, such as a divorced or
separated natural parent or guardian, resides at that
separate address; and
(b) That person notifies the IU in writing that he or she
is not receiving or has not had the opportunity to
review and respond to notices and requests sent to
the residence to which the student is registered.
6.1
Annually, at least thirty days prior to the 34 C.F.R. § 99.7
beginning of the school term, the IU shall publish to all
parents of students currently in attendance and to all
eligible students currently in attendance a complete
copy of this policy in English and Spanish.
The
following notice shall precede the text of this policy
and shall appear with the heading in boldface type or
other similarly conspicuous format:
NOTICE OF IMPORTANT RIGHTS
oncerning the Maintenance, Access to, and Amendment an
Disclosure of Education Records by the Bucks County School
Intermediate Unit
Printed below is the full text of the Education Records
Policy of the Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit.
This policy contains information of importance to students
attending public schools and public school sponsored
programs. Several provisions of this policy warrant careful
attention:
Designation of certain records containing personally
identifiable information as “directory information.”
In
Section 1.1 of this policy, the IU designates certain kinds of
information as “directory information.” The IU will provide
this information to any interested person, including armed
forces recruiters who request it, without seeking consent
from the parents of the student or the student. If you do
not want the IU to disclose such information, you must so
notify the IU in writing on or before the first day of the
school term, which is
. Your
written notice must identify the specific types of directory
information that you do not want the IU to disclose without
consent. If you fail to notify us in writing by the first day of
the school term, we may release directory information upon
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Reference
request and without consent.
Disclosure of records containing personally identifiable
information to other schools and institutions. Section 4.8(a)
of this policy allows the IU to disclose personally
identifiable information concerning a student to an
educational agency or institution at which the student
seeks to enroll, intends to enroll, or is enrolled, or from
which the student receives services, when that agency or
institution requests such records, as long as the disclosure
is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or
transfer.
Access to records by school officials with a “legitimate
educational interest.”
Section 4.6 of this policy allows
school officials with a legitimate educational interest to
have access to personally identifiable information without
parent or student consent. In Section 1.8 of this policy, the
IU designates those persons who have a “legitimate
educational interest” that would allow such access to
education records.
Amendment of education records. Section 3 of this policy
describes how a parent or a student who has attained the
age of 18 can request that records be amended.
This
Section also describes in detail the right of the parent or
eligible student to request a hearing to challenge a decision
by the IU not to amend records that the parent or student
believes are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the
student’s right to privacy.
Complaints to the United States Department of Education.
Complaints concerning alleged failure of the IU to comply
with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act may be addressed to the United States
Department of Education as follows:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605
RESIDENTS OF THE BUCKS COUNTY SCHOOLS
INTERMEDIATE UNIT WITH CHILDREN IN PUBLIC
SCHOOL OR WHO ATTENDED PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE IU
IN THE PAST SHOULD READ THE FOLLOWING POLICY
CAREFULLY FOR A FULL EXPLANATION OF THEIR
PRIVACY RIGHTS AS A PARENTS OR STUDENTS
Original Adoption:
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Reference
Revised and Adopted:
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 6170
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
PURPOSE
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board recognizes the importance of establishing
and maintaining a Records Management Plan that defines the Bucks County Intermediate
Unit (BCIU) staff responsibilities and complies with federal and state laws and
regulations.
AUTHORITY
The Board shall retain, as permanent records of the BCIU, Board minutes, annual
auditor’s reports and annual financial reports. All other financial records, including
financial account books, orders, bills, contracts, invoices, receipts and purchase orders,
shall be retained by the BCIU for a period of not less than six (6) years.
24 P.S. Sec. 518
All other BCIU records shall be retained in accordance with state and federal law and
regulations and the BCIU Records Management Plan approved by the Board.
The BCIU shall make a good faith effort to comply with all proper requests for record
production. Selective destruction of records in anticipation of litigation is prohibited.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.901
DEFINITIONS
Electronic Mail (E-mail) System – a system that enables users to compose, transmit,
receive and manage text and/or graphic electronic messages and images across local area
networks and through gateways connecting other networks. This information consists
primarily of messages but may include attachments such as calendars, directories,
distribution lists, word processing documents, spreadsheets and other electronic
documents.
1
Litigation Hold – a communication ordering that all records and data relating to an issue
being addressed by current or potential litigation or investigation be preserved for
possible production during the litigation or investigation.
Records – information, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that document a
transaction or activity of the BCIU and that is created received or retained pursuant to
law or in connection with a transaction, business or activity of the BCIU. The term
includes a document, paper, letter, map, book, tape, photograph, film or sound recording,
information stored or maintained electronically and a data-processed or image-processed
document.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.102
Records Management Plan – the plan implemented by the BCIU for the retention,
retrieval and disposition of all records generated by BCIU operations.
Records Retention Schedule – a comprehensive listing stating retention periods and
proper disposition of records.
DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY
Records Coordinator
In order to maintain a Records Management Plan that complies with federal and state
laws and regulations and Board policy, the Executive Director and/or the Executive
Director’s designee shall be designated as the BCIU’s Records Coordinator.
The Records Coordinator shall be responsible to:
1.
Ensure that training of staff, appropriate to the staff position and level of
responsibility, is provided. Such training may include: the requirements of
this policy and related policies; identification of what is and what is not a
record; protocols for preserving and categorizing BCIU records; processes
for proper disposal of BCIU records; procedures and responsibilities of
BCIU staff in the event of a litigation hold; and, the operation, care and
handling of the applicable equipment and software.
2.
Review the Records Management Plan periodically to ensure that record
descriptions and retention periods are updated as necessary.
3.
On an annual basis, identify, when the retention period expires, the specific
records to be disposed of and ensure that all identified records are properly
disposed of as needed.
2
GUIDELINES
Records Management Plan
The BCIU Records Management Plan shall set forth the principal methods and means for
the retention, retrieval, and disposition of physical and electronic records, including emails in particular. The Plan shall not rely primarily on automatic backup systems to
manage the retention and disposition of records.
The Records Management Plan shall identify:
1.
Comprehensive listing of records and data of the BCIU.
2.
Criteria to distinguish BCIU records from employees’ records.
3.
System(s) of records storage and retrieval to be used, including in what
form the records will be stored, maintained, reproduced, and disposed.
4.
Preservation measures to protect the integrity of records and data.
5.
Data map or flow chart detailing the sources, routes, and destinations of
electronic records.
6.
Procedures and employee designated for determining whether an item is a
record.
7.
Procedures for adding, revising or deleting records and data, and any other
details necessary to implement the Records Management Plan.
8.
Records retention schedule.
9.
Provisions for the storage and retrieval of records in the event of an
emergency or disaster.
10.
Staff positions authorized to access BCIU records.
11.
Procedures to be implemented in the event of a litigation hold that
immediately suspends disposition of all records relevant to the current or
potential claim. Such procedures shall specify who will determine which
records are subject to the litigation hold and who will be responsible for
monitoring and ensuring the BCIU’s compliance with the litigation hold.
3
65 P.S. Sec. 67.708
20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g
When possible, records and data shall be stored in their original form, including
metadata, such as creation date, author, type of title, etc.
For any record not covered by the Records Retention Schedule, the Records Coordinator
shall determine how long the record shall be kept and recommend any necessary
revisions to the retention schedule.
The BCIU shall maintain and dispose of records in a manner that protects any sensitive,
proprietary or confidential information or individual privacy rights. The BCIU’s efforts
to maintain and dispose of records shall be accomplished in a manner that attempts to
conserve natural resources as much as possible.
Physical Records
Physical records, which include all records not stored electronically, shall be retained and
disposed of in accordance with the Records Management Plan.
Physical records shall be indexed in an organized and consistent manner, reflecting the
way records will be retained and referenced for later retrieval.
The BCIU shall develop and maintain adequate and up-to-date documentation about each
physical record system.
Electronic Records
Electronic records (all records stored electronically) shall be retained and disposed of in
the same manner as records in other formats and in accordance with the Records
Management Plan.
Electronic records shall be indexed in an organized and consistent manner, reflecting the
way the records will be retained and referenced for later retrieval.
The BCIU shall develop and maintain adequate and up-to-date documentation about each
electronic record system.
E-mail Records
E-mail messages, in and of themselves, do not necessarily constitute records. Retention
and disposition of e-mail messages depend on the function and content of the individual
message.
Records on an e-mail system, including messages and attachments, shall be retained and
disposed of in accordance with the BCIU’s Record Management Plan.
4
E-mail messages and attachments that do not meet the definition of records shall be
deleted in a timely manner.
E-mail records may be maintained as an electronic record or be printed and maintained as
a physical record.
For each e-mail considered to be a record, the following shall be retained:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Message content
Name of Sender.
Name of recipient.
Date and time of transmission and/or receipt.
Contractors
Records created or maintained by contractors employed by the Board shall be retained
and disposed of in accordance with the Records Retention Management Plan.
65 P.S. Sec. 67.506
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 433, 518
Right-to-Know Law – 65 P.S. Sec. 67.101 et seq.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – 20 U.S.C. Sec 1232 g.
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure – 16, 26, 34, 37, 45
5
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 6170.1
RECORDS RETENTION
PURPOSE
It is the policy of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) that its records, including
both physical (paper, etc.) and electronic, be retained only as long as determined
necessary to meet legal, audit and management requirements. In each case, the official
retention periods shall be as short as possible in order to minimize the use of valuable
space, promote efficiency, assist in the day-to-day operations of the BCIU and reduce the
cost of storage for unneeded records inventory.
AUTHORITY
The Records Retention Policy and Schedule has been formulated and approved by the
Board of Directors.
This Records Retention Policy and Schedule shall be under the supervision of the
Records Coordinator, who may delegate responsibilities to others while maintaining the
ultimate authority to enforce the policy and schedule.
GUIDELINES
Training
Employees will have access to the Records Retention Policy and Schedule and
periodically will receive training on how it should be applied. Litigation hold
requirements must be a predominant topic in the training sessions.
1
Litigation Hold
When the BCIU has been given notice that a legal action is either pending or imminent or
a government investigation will occur, destruction of relevant records (electronically
stored or physical documents) must be suspended immediately. Notice should occur
before the filing of a complaint, and assumes that the BCIU is previously aware of an
incident or event that is subject to a suit.
The Records Coordinator must be made aware of events or incidents that are likely to
lead to legal action. Legal counsel must be notified immediately. Legal counsel will be
responsible for evaluating defenses available to the BCIU, identifying the records
(electronically stored or physical documents) that may be relevant to a legal action and
responding to the suspension of the retention and destruction polices and schedules.
Interpretation
The Executive Director and Records Coordinator will be responsible for interpreting any
portion of this policy or the BCIU’s Records Retention Schedule as they may apply to
specific situations.
Exceptions
Requests for exceptions from this policy should be submitted to the Records Coordinator,
who will consult with the Executive Director.
Review
This policy and the Records Retention Schedule must be reviewed as necessary.
Suggested changes should be submitted to the Records Coordinator. Changes in the
Records Retention Schedule necessitated by changes in the law (statutory or case law)
must be communicated to the Records Coordinator and Executive Director, who must
cause appropriate changes to be made in the Records Retention Policy and Schedule.
Storage
Designating appropriate storage is an important consideration. Documents must not only
be preserved, they must be reasonably accessible. A storage system should permit the
necessary records to be easily located, managed, searched, retrieved and produced.
Storage is a critical consideration in responding to subpoenas, discovery requests,
investigations, regulatory requests, educational and business needs. Accessibility can
also facilitate the document destruction component of the records retention program.
2
Security of records is critical for confidential records, particularly records pertaining to
some transactions, financial and tax records; employee records, such as personnel files,
medical records, compensation records and insurance forms; student records; and
government records designated as confidential and having restricted accessibility and
protected privacy.
Disaster Recovery
The Document Retention Program seeks to identify and preserve documents for disaster
recovery where the informational value to the BCIU is so great, and the consequence of
loss is potentially so severe to the continuity of the BCIU, that special protection is
warranted. Records that qualify as disaster recovery records are:
1.
Legal, financial, tax and organizational status records.
2.
Obligations to employees, vendors and students.
3.
Ownership of assets and inventory.
4.
Intellectual property and achievements not recognized elsewhere; and
information on critical decision-making.
Archival Records
Records that have value beyond their original purpose because they document significant
business activities or services should be safeguarded as a permanent resource. The
following considerations should apply to the preservation of records:
1.
An archival collection would be prepared that includes, among other
things, the minute books, each annual auditor’s report, each annual
financial report, trademarks, copyrights, deeds, financial records and
photographs.
2.
Special consideration should be made to evaluate whether protection
within the BCIU facilities or outside of the BCIU facilities is best.
3.
Loaned materials to other sources should be maintained likewise.
Records Retention Due to Pending Litigation
The BCIU records that are required to be retained due to pending litigation or
government investigations must be reviewed frequently. Contact must be made with the
Executive Director to verify possession of the most current list of records that should be
considered protected (i.e., not to be destroyed) due to pending litigation, in litigation or
subject to government investigation. All BCIU staff must be aware that under State and
3
federal law and applicable Rules of Civil Procedure, all recorded information may be
deemed a record for such purposes regardless of the medium of storage of the
information. All records that relate to pending litigation or regulatory or investigatory
proceedings must be retained during the pending litigation and/or proceeding.
Destruction
Proper disposal or destruction of paper and electronic records is required. Records must
be destroyed by shredding, erasing, or otherwise modifying the information of the record
to make the record unreadable, undecipherable or nonreconstructable through generally
available means.
4
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 6170.2
RECORDS DESTRUCTION
PURPOSE
The proper disposal of information and data (physical and/or electronically stored), is
important to minimize use of valuable space, promote efficiency, assist in the day-to-day
operations of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), reduce the cost of storage for
unneeded records and reduce the risk of identity theft and/or breaches of privacy,
computer fraud and related harms. The BCIU employees must take reasonable measures
to protect against unauthorized access to or use of records and information/data and
properly dispose of paper and electronic records, information and data.
AUTHORITY
This Records Destruction Policy has been formulated and approved by the BCIU Board
of Directors.
The Records Coordinator is responsible for the destruction of the BCIU records.
Delegation of responsibilities may be made by the Records Coordinator if clear guidance
is provided to those with delegated responsibility while maintaining the ultimate
authority to enforce this policy.
The Records Coordinator must use due diligence when hiring a document destruction
contractor to dispose of material. Due diligence may include, but is not limited to: (a)
reviewing an independent audit of a disposal company’s operation and/or compliance
with various defined destruction laws; (b) obtaining information about the disposal
company from references; (c) requiring that the disposal company be certified by a
recognized trade association; and (d) reviewing and evaluating the disposal company’s
information security policies and/or procedures.
1
GUIDELINES
Destruction
Destruction of all paper and electronic records must be accomplished by shredding,
erasing or otherwise modifying the information of the record to make the record
unreadable, undecipherable or nonreconstructctable through generally available means.
Other means include, but are not limited to, burning or pulverizing the records.
Information that is stored electronically must be made irretrievable before disposal.
Records must be destroyed within a reasonable amount of time of the period designated
in the BCIU Records Retention Schedule, unless an exception is granted by the Records
Coordinator, or a litigation hold is applicable to such records.
Electronically stored records that are retained must be retained in a preserved
recordkeeping system along with the transmission data. In this case, e-mail messages in
users’ mailboxes that have little or no continued value may be deleted. The records
retained in the preserved recordkeeping system are governed by this policy and the BCIU
Records Retention Policy and Schedule.
Training
It is necessary for the BCIU to train BCIU employees to ensure compliance with this
policy, and the proper disposal methods for physical and electronically stored records,
information, data, media and hardware.
Litigation Hold
When the BCIU has been given notice that a legal action is either pending or imminent or
a government investigation will occur, destruction of records (physical or electronically
stored documents) must be suspended immediately. Notice could occur before the filing
of a complaint and assumes that the BCIU is previously aware of an incident or event that
is subject to a suit.
It is acknowledged that groups or classes of records must and shall be destroyed in the
ordinary course of business under the approved BCIU Records Retention Policy and
Schedule, which is designed to meet the legitimate needs of the BCIU. However,
selective destruction of records (physical or electronically stored documents) in
anticipation of litigation is forbidden.
The Records Coordinator must be made aware of events or incidents that are likely to
lead to legal action. Legal counsel must be notified immediately. Legal counsel will be
responsible for evaluating the defenses available to the BCIU, identifying the records
(physical or electronically stored documents) that may be relevant to a legal action and
responding to the suspension of the retention and destruction policies and schedule.
2
SECTION:
FINANCES
TITLE:
PROCUREMENT CARDS
ADOPTED:
JULY 19, 2011
REVISED:
SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
6175. PROCUREMENT CARDS
1. Authority
SC 964
The Board approves the use of procurement cards for permissible
purchases by designated employees as well as designated independent
contractors (i.e. drivers, custodians, etc.) to improve the efficiency of
purchasing activities, reduce processing expenses, improve controls for
small-dollar purchases, and streamline vendor payment. The Board
directs the administration to establish safeguards to prevent misuse of
such cards.
The Board shall annually approve the list of employees and
independent contractors authorized to use Intermediate Unit
procurement cards.
The Board shall purchase adequate insurance coverage for procurement
card misuse.
2. Definition
Procurement Card – Credit Card - a corporate charge card designed to
reduce the cost and bureaucracy of small-dollar purchases.
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
A list of authorized users of procurement cards shall be maintained in
the business office and shall include employees and independent
contractors in designated positions.
All use of procurement cards shall be supervised and monitored on a
regular basis by the Business Administrator (or his/her designees) who
shall ensure the use of such cards is in accordance with the funds
budgeted for this purpose.
Proper accounting measures for the use of procurement cards shall be
developed, distributed, implemented, and monitored by the Business
Administrator in coordination with the Director of Financial Services
and the Director of Purchasing.
An employee or independent contractor authorized to use a
procurement card shall maintain adequate security of the card while it
is in his/her possession. Under no circumstances may the card be used
Page 1 of 2 by another individual.
6175. PROCUREMENT CARDS
4. Guidelines
Each employee and each independent contractor using an Intermediate
Unit procurement card shall sign a card usage agreement and receive
training on applicable policies and procedures.
Procurement cards shall be used only for authorized Intermediate Unit
purchases and shall not be used for personal purchases. The
Intermediate Unit retains the authority to revoke any procurement card
used for unauthorized or personal purposes.
Violations of this policy by an employee or independent contractor
shall result in disciplinary action, in accordance with Board policy.
The following list includes, but is not limited to, items authorized for
purchase, without obtaining bids or quotes, by authorized employees
and independent contractors using procurement cards:
-
SC 751, 807.1
Pol. 6175
SC 751, 807.1
Stationery, office supplies
Minor repair items
Computer parts and accessories
Food for use in curriculum
Supplies necessary for use in educational programs
Conference travel
Under no circumstances is alcohol to be purchased with the
procurement cards nor are the cards to be used for entertainment
purposes (such as retirement luncheons, dinner parties, receptions and
similar events).
Procurement cards shall not be used to circumvent the required bidding
process. Purchases over the limit established by School Code (or
through the mandate waiver process) shall require the use of a purchase
order in accordance with established Board policy and procedures.
Procurement cards shall not be used for purchases that could be
anticipated at the beginning of the school year and would circumvent
the required bidding process.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 751, 807.1, 964
Board Policy - 6175.
Page 2 of 2 BUCKS SCHOOLS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT NO. 22
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
SERIES 7000
TITLE
NUMBER
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
7010
PUBLICATION AND PUBLIC REVIEW
7030
DISTRICT BOARD APPROVAL OF GENERAL
OPERATING BUDGET
GRANTS
7040
7100
SALE, RENTAL, AND DISPOSAL OF EXCESS
EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
7130
GIFTS AND BEQUESTS
7140
FUNDS MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT OF FUNDS
7150.2
BANK ACCOUNTS
7150.3
PAYMENT OF BILLS
7150.4
BUCKS SCHOOLS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT NO. 22
POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
SERIES 7000
TITLE
NUMBER
7220
DISBURSEMENT
7230
ACCOUNTS
7300
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FACILITIES
7410
AUXILIARY AGENCIES
TRANSPORTATION
7800
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7010
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
BUDGET
PLANNING and PREPARATION
All budgets of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit shall be based upon the needs of the Intermediate Unit
and its school districts and the availability of funds to most effectively meet those needs. Planning for all
budgets shall begin in sufficient time for presentation to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of
Directors, and, and when appropriate, to district Board of Directors, and the Pennsylvania Department of
Education.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7030
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
BUDGET
PUBLICATION and PUBLIC REVIEW
All budgets shall be open to inspection by the public, both prior to and following Board action; and the
Board shall hear public comments on such documents at a time normally set aside for public participation
at Board meetings.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7040
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
BUDGET ADOPTION
DISTRICT BOARD APPROVAL OF THE INTERMEDIATE UNIT GENERAL OPERATING
BUDGET
The General Operating Budget shall be approved by local districts through a mail ballot.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7100
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
GRANTS
The Executive Director shall be the Board’s authorized representative to submit applications and
proposals for local, state, federal, or privately funded programs and grants. Once such funding has been
successful for a submitted proposal, the Executive Director shall request the Board’s acceptance of the
grant award. The Executive Director is authorized to prepare and publish administrative regulations for
the implementation of this policy.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7130
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INCOME
SALE, RENTAL, and DISPOSAL OF EXCESS EQUIPMENT,
MATERIALS and SUPPLIES
The Board authorizes the Executive Director or his/her designee to establish procedures for the sale,
rental, and disposal of excess equipment, materials, and supplies.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7140
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INCOME
GIFTS AND BEQUESTS
The Board authorizes the Executive Director or his/her designee to accept gifts and bequests on behalf of
and for the use of the Intermediate Unit. The acceptance shall be subject to the approval of the Bucks
County Intermediate Board of Directors.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 7150.2
STATEMENT
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INCOME
FUNDS MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT OF FUNDS
1. Purpose - It shall be the policy of the Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit to invest cash
balances in such a manner that will minimize risk to principal while maximizing return on investments
in accordance with applicable Pennsylvania laws and the Intermediate Unit’s operational requirements.
2. General Objectives - The primary objectives of investment activities, in priority order, shall be
legality, safety, liquidity and yield:
A. LEGALITY – All investments shall be made in accordance with applicable laws of PA.
B.
SAFETY – Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the Intermediate Unit’s
investment program. Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure
the preservation of capital in the overall portfolio. The objective will be to mitigate
credit risk, interest rate risk and custodial credit risk.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 7150.2
STATEMENT
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INCOME
INVESTMENT OF FUNDS– Continued
1.
Credit Risk: The risk of loss of principal due to the failure of the security issuer or backer.
2.
Interest Rate Risk: The risk that the market value of securities in the portfolio will fall due to
changes in general interest rates.
3.
Custodial Credit Risk: The risk that, in the event of a bank failure, the Intermediate Unit’s
deposits or investments may not be returned to it. This risk is associated with the inability to
obtain clear title and access to securities or collateral.
C.
LIQUIDITY – The investment portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all
operating requirements that may be reasonably anticipated.
This is accomplished by
structuring the portfolio so that securities mature concurrent with cash needs to meet
anticipated demands. Furthermore, since future cash receipts are not always received
when anticipated, the portfolio should be structured with a bias toward cash flow needs
irrespective of projected receipts.
D. YIELD – The investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective of attaining a
market rate of return throughout budgetary and economic cycles, taking into account the
investment risk constraints and liquidity needs. The core of investments is limited to
relatively low risk securities in anticipation of earning a fair return relative to the risk
being assumed
3. Authority
All investments of the Intermediate Unit shall be made by the Board
Treasurer, or employee of the Intermediate Unit working under their
direction, in accordance with the Board-approved Administrative
Guidelines for the Investment of Funds.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 7150.2
STATEMENT
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INCOME
FUNDS MANAGEMENT
4. Responsibility - The Executive Director and Board Treasurer shall be responsible for the operation of
the investment program.
5. Reporting - The Board Treasurer shall report monthly to the Board indicating:
a.
the amount of funds invested;
b.
the interest received to date;
c.
the types and amounts of each investment and the interest rate on each;
d.
the names of the institutions where investments are placed;
e.
other information as requested by the Board.
6. Ethics - Officers and employees involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal
business activity that could conflict with the proper execution and management of the
investment program or that could impair their ability to make impartial decisions.
7. Financial Disclosures - The Officers and Administrators of the Intermediate Unit involved with the
investment process shall provide annually a “Statement of Financial Interest’
indicating their personal representatives and investment institutions as
requested by the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission. Such disclosure
shall be reviewed annually by the Intermediate Unit’s independent auditors.
Such disclosure in all other respects shall become part of the individual’s
personnel file.
8. Administrative Guidelines - The Board directs the Executive Director and Board Treasurer to have
developed written administrative guidelines for the investment of funds
that will ensure compliance with this policy.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 7150.2
STATEMENT
INCOME
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INVESTMENT OF FUNDS- Continued
9. Audit - The Board directs that all investment records be subject to annual audit by the Intermediate
Unit’s independent auditors.
The audit shall include, but not be limited to, independent verification of amounts and records
of all transactions, as deemed necessary by the independent auditors.
It shall be the responsibility of the investment advisor and/or bidder to maintain necessary
documents to permit an independent audit of the Intermediate Unit’s investments.
10. Bond - Bond Proceeds shall be invested in accordance with the Local Government Unit Debt Act and
applicable Federal & State laws, subject to approval by the solicitor and/or Bond Counsel and
the Board. Investment transactions arising from bond proceeds shall be reported monthly to
the Board, in accordance with this policy.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7150.3
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INCOME
DEPOSITORY
1. Authority
The Board, by a majority vote of the full Board, shall designate one or more banks or bank and trust
companies as depositories for the safeguarding of Intermediate Unit funds.
Each depository shall be required to report monthly to the Treasurer or board on the status of funds, in
the manner required by law.
Each designated depository shall furnish proper security for deposits in the amount designated by the
Board and in accordance with law.
Each designated depository shall be advised not to cash checks payable to the Intermediate Unit but to
deposit said checks to the Intermediate Unit Accounts.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 7150.4
STATEMENT
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INCOME
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Purpose
It is the Board’s intent to direct prompt payment of bills but at the same time to ensure that due care has
been taken in the review of Intermediate Unit bills.
Authority
Each bill or obligation of the Board must be fully itemized, verified and ratified by the Board before a
check can be drawn for its payment, except that the Business Administrator is permitted to draw payment
orders for:
1. Progress payments to contractors as specified in a contract approved by the Board.
2. Employee payroll including: net payroll, deductions, payroll taxes, and contracted
employees’ benefit payments.
3. Utility bills.
4. Restricted grant payments required for reimbursement.
5. Intermediate Unit Insurance coverage’s.
6. Debt service payments.
7. Intermediate Unit rentals for vehicles, equipment and buildings.
POLICY
POLICY NO. 7150.4
STATEMENT
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INCOME
PAYMENT OF BILLS – Continued
8. Discount and Penalty items.
9. Routine operating items (i.e. postage, small cash only items, etc.) provided the
Business Administrator approves said items.
10. Travel expense, lodging and registrations provided the Business Administrator and
Executive Director have approved said travel.
11. Re-issue of a previously approved check.
12. Items the prompt payment of which will accrue to the advantage of the Intermediate
Unit.
13. Other requested pre-payments will require the authorization of either the Executive
Director or the Business Administrator prior to processing the payment.
Delegation of Responsibility
It shall be the responsibility of the Business Administrator or a designee upon receipt of an invoice, to
verify that the invoice is in order, the goods were received in acceptable condition or services were
satisfactorily rendered, funds are available to cover the payment, the item is one for which the Board
budgeted, and the invoice is for the amount contracted.
Should the invoice vary from the acknowledged purchase order, the Business Administrator or a designee
shall document on the invoice the reason for such variance.
Should funds not be available in the account to which a proposed purchase will be charged, the Business
Administrator shall determine the appropriate manner in which to resolve the circumstance, including
submitting the proper request for transfer to the Board.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7150.4
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
INCOME
PAYMENT OF BILLS – Continued
Guidelines
All claims for payment shall be submitted to the Board in the form of a listing including check number,
check date, vendor name, amount of remittance and description. The Bills for Payment list shall be
placed in the official minutes of the Board.
Upon approval of an order, the Business Administrator or a designee shall prepare a check for payment
and cancel the commitment placed against the appropriate account.
All checks approved by the Board shall be signed by the Board Treasurer.
Signatures of the Treasurer may be engraved on a facsimile.
No check shall be made out to cash.
Sales Tax
The Intermediate Unit is exempt from sales tax on the purchase of tangible, personal property or services
that are sold or used by the Intermediate Unit. The Intermediate Unit shall control use of its sales tax
exemption number issued by the Department of Revenue, in compliance with established regulations.
The exemption number shall be used only when buying property or services for Intermediate Unit use.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7220
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
EXPENDITURES
All purchases made by the Intermediate Unit shall be made according to provisions of the Public School
Code and applicable sections of other state or federal codes. The Board of Directors encourages the
solicitation of properly advertised bids, wherever possible, when purchases are expected to exceed
$10,000. Quotes shall be solicited for all purchases with expected value of more than $4,000. (This
follows Act 38 of 1990.)
The Executive Director, or his/her designee, is authorized to develop and publish administrative
regulations which shall provide for the Intermediate Unit’s business office to handle all purchases and
solicitation of bids.
Boards revised & adopted 01/16/79
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7230
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
EXPENDITURES
DISBURSEMENT
Check writing procedures call for use of check signing plates bearing the signature of the Board
Treasurer. Plates bearing the current Treasurer’s signature will be used through the month of August
following the July reorganization meeting since it takes approximately six weeks to receive new check
signing plates bearing the signature of Treasurer elected at the July reorganization meeting.
The Board of Directors authorizes the Executive Director to implement check signing procedures which
ensure the security of the check signing equipment and Bucks County Intermediate Unit funds.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7300
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
ACCOUNTS
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit shall comply with the Public School Code and “Handbook No. 1” of
the Federal Accounting Guidelines, as well as the State Accounting Manual, in keeping its accounts and
implementing fiscal procedures.
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 7410
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
BUILDING OPERATIONS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE of FACILITIES
The Board authorizes the Executive Director to set procedure for the use, safety, and security of facilities.
No. 705
BUCKS COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE
UNIT #22
SECTION:
PROPERTY
TITLE:
SAFETY
ADOPTED: 7/16/2013
REVISED:
705. SAFETY
1. Purpose
The Board believes that maintenance of a safe environment for its students,
employees and the general public is an important goal that requires regular attention.
2. Authority
The Board directs that a safety program shall be maintained to ensure a safe and
secure environment for all students, staff and visitors, as well as to protect
Intermediate Unit buildings, equipment and property. The safety program shall
provide: instruction for students and staff in safety and accident prevention;
protective devices where they are required for safety; and suitable and safe
equipment necessary for the conduct of the educational programs and operation of
the schools.
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
The Executive Director or designee shall develop and present to the Intermediate
Unit Board for its approval a school safety plan that addresses school safety issues
and prevention of accidents and fire and includes applicable requirements of law and
regulations.
The Executive Director or designee shall:
SC 1518
1. Ensure curriculum to instruct students in safety and fire prevention.
SC 1517, 1518
Pol. 805
2. Provide required drills and instruct students in safety procedures.
3. Review and evaluate annually Intermediate Unit safety rules and plans.
Administrators shall inform all staff and students of safety rules at the beginning of
the school year.
Page 1 of 3
705. SAFETY - Pg. 2
4. Guidelines
SC 223
Title 34
Sec. 129.1001129.1011
72 P.S.
Sec. 1722-J
77 P.S.
Sec. 1038.2
Certified Workplace Safety Committee
A workplace safety committee shall be established to encourage safety awareness
and make recommendations to the administration regarding safety-related concerns.
The workplace safety committee shall be composed of a minimum of four (4)
members and shall represent a cross-section of Intermediate Unit staff.
It shall be the responsibility of the workplace safety committee to:
1. Evaluate the current safety program.
2. Establish procedures for conducting and documenting the findings of periodic
inspections to locate and identify safety and health hazards.
3. Make recommendations to correct hazards.
4. Review, in a timely manner, incident and accident report and investigation
forms.
5. Conduct follow-up evaluations on the effectiveness of new health and safety
equipment or safety procedures.
A quorum of the workplace safety committee members shall meet at least six times a
year.
The workplace safety committee shall develop and maintain operating procedures,
membership lists, committee meeting agendas, attendance lists and minutes of each
meeting.
All decisions of the committee shall be made by majority vote of members present.
The Executive Director or designee shall ensure that a qualified trainer provides all
committee members with adequate, annual training in safety committee structure and
operation, hazard detection and inspection, and accident and illness prevention and
investigation.
The Executive Director or designee shall maintain written records of workplace
safety committee training.
Page 2 of 3
705. SAFETY - Pg. 3
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 223, 1517, 1518
Department of Labor and Industry Regulations – 34 PA Code Sec. 129.1001129.1011
Fiscal Code – 72 P.S. Sec. 1722-J
Certification of Safety Committee – 77 P.S. Sec. 1038.2
Page 3 of 3
No. 805
BUCKS COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE
UNIT #22
SECTION:
OPERATIONS
TITLE:
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
ADOPTED:
7/16/2013
REVISED:
805. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
1. Purpose
The Board recognizes its responsibility to safeguard the health and welfare of
Intermediate Unit students and employees. Therefore, the Board shall provide the
facilities, equipment and training necessary to minimize the effects of all hazards
and emergencies including, but not limited to, natural disasters, hazardous
chemicals, fires, weapons, bomb threats, terrorism, communicable diseases and
pandemics. Advance planning and comprehensive implementation are key
components in ensuring the protection of the Intermediate Unit community.
2. Authority
35 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 7701
Title 55
Sec. 3270.27
The Intermediate Unit, in cooperation with the local Emergency Management
Agency and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), shall
develop and implement a comprehensive disaster response and emergency
preparedness plan, consistent with the guidelines developed by the Pennsylvania
Emergency Management Agency and other applicable state requirements. Individual
facilities may develop emergency plans in accordance with applicable law and
regulations or Intermediate Unit procedures.
The Board shall also utilize the resources of and comply with the requirements of the
Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and
the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
SC 1517, 1518
35 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 7701
Title 55
Sec. 3270.94
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
SC 1517
The Board shall ensure that emergency and evacuation drills are conducted at
intervals required by state law and regulations.
The Executive Director or designee shall implement procedures to notify
parents/guardians of the evacuation of students and to alert the entire Intermediate
Unit community when necessary.
The Executive Director shall certify that emergency and evacuation drills have been
conducted in the manner prescribed by law.
Page 1 of 4
805. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - Pg. 2
Intermediate Unit staff shall be trained to assist in implementing the emergency
preparedness plan and their respective facility emergency plans.
4. Guidelines
SC 1302.1-A
35 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 7701
Title 55
Sec. 3270.27
The emergency preparedness plan shall be maintained in each Intermediate Unit
building, be reviewed at least annually, and be modified as necessary. A copy of
each emergency plan shall be provided to the county Emergency Management
Agency and each local police department with jurisdiction over the Intermediate
Unit property.
Memorandum Of Understanding
SC 1303-A
As required by state law and regulation and as an essential element of the emergency
preparedness plan, the Executive Director shall execute a memorandum of
understanding with each local police department that has jurisdiction over
Intermediate Unit property. The memorandum of understanding shall be signed by
the Executive Director, police chief and the designated building administrator.
SC 1303-A
Pol. 218, 218.1,
218.2, 222,
227
The memorandum of understanding shall comply with state law and regulations and
set forth procedures to be followed regarding incidents that include, but are not
limited to, acts of violence, weapons, terroristic threats, controlled substances,
alcohol and tobacco.
SC 1303-A
The memorandum of understanding may specify other matters related to crime
prevention mutually agreed upon by the Executive Director and the local police
department who has jurisdiction over the Intermediate Unit property.
SC 1303-A
Every two (2) years, the memorandum of understanding shall be updated by the
Executive Director, re-executed with the appropriate police department, and filed
with the Office of Safe Schools.
Continuity Of Student Learning/Core Operations
35 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 7701
In the event of an emergency, local, county or state officials may require that the
Intermediate Unit facilities be closed to serve as mass-care facilities or to mitigate
the spread of infection or illness. Local, county or state officials may also utilize
Intermediate Unit transportation vehicles.
Page 2 of 4
The Intermediate Unit shall make provisions in the emergency preparedness plan for
the continuity of student learning during facility closings or excessive absences.
Such alternatives may include but not be limited to:
1. Web-based Intermediate Unit instruction.
2. Telephone trees.
3. Mailed lessons and assignments.
4. Instruction via local television or radio stations.
The continuity of core operations such as payroll and ongoing communication with
students and parents/guardians shall be an essential part of the emergency
preparedness plan.
Education
Students and staff members shall be instructed and shall practice how to respond
appropriately to emergency situations.
Required Drills
35 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 7701
At least annually, the Intermediate Unit shall conduct a disaster response or
emergency preparedness plan drill.
SC 1517, 1518
Title 55
Sec. 3270.94
Fire drills shall be conducted at intervals required by law and regulations.
SC 1517
Bus evacuation drills shall be conducted twice a year, in accordance with law.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 1302.1-A, 1303-A, 1517, 1518
Page 3 of 4
State Department of Public Welfare Regulations – 55 PA Code Sec. 3270.20,
3270.20a, 3270.27, 3270.74, 3270.94
Disaster Prevention – 35 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 7701
Board Policy – 218, 218.1, 218.2, 222, 227, 810
Page 4 of 4
No. 907
BUCKS COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE
UNIT #22
SECTION:
COMMUNITY
TITLE:
INTERMEDIATE UNIT
VISITORS
ADOPTED:
REVISED:
907. INTERMEDIATE UNIT VISITORS
1. Authority
SC 914-A
The Board welcomes and encourages interest in Intermediate Unit educational
programs and other school-related activities. The Board recognizes that such interest
may result in visits to Intermediate Unit buildings or programs by parents/guardians,
adult residents or staff of member school districts, educators and other officials. To
ensure order in the schools and to protect students and employees, it is necessary for
the Board to establish policy governing visitors.
2. Delegation of
Responsibility
The Executive Director or designee and building administrator or program
supervisor have the authority to prohibit the entry of any individual to an
Intermediate Unit building, in accordance with Board guidelines and state and
federal law and regulations.
The Executive Director or designee shall develop administrative regulations to
implement this policy and control access to Intermediate Unit buildings and
classrooms.
3. Guidelines
Persons wishing to visit an Intermediate Unit building should make arrangements
with the office in that building and follow required procedures.
Persons visiting a program site in a school district building shall comply with the
member school district’s policy governing school visitors.
Persons wishing to visit an Intermediate Unit program or classroom shall receive
prior permission from the program supervisor or building administrator.
No visitor may confer with a student in an Intermediate Unit building or program
without the approval of the building administrator or program supervisor.
Should an emergency require that a student be called to the office to meet a visitor,
the building administrator, program supervisor or designee shall be present during
the meeting.
Page 1 of 2
907. INTERMEDIATE UNIT VISITORS - Pg. 2
For safety and security reasons, employees shall be prohibited from having
personal guests visit or accompany them anywhere in Intermediate Unit
facilities without explicit authorization from the building administrator or
program supervisor.
Failure to comply with these procedures shall result in more limited access to the
Intermediate Unit building or program as determined by the building administrator
or program supervisor, consistent with Board policies, school rules and federal and
state law and regulations.
Classroom Visitations
SC 914-A
Title 22
Sec. 14.108
Parents/Guardians may request to visit their child’s classroom, but the request must
be made prior to the visit, in accordance with established administrative regulations.
The building administrator or program supervisor must grant prior approval for the
visit, and shall notify the classroom teacher prior to the visit.
The building administrator or program supervisor and classroom teacher have the
authority to ask a visitor to leave if the visitor disrupts the classroom routine,
educational program or daily schedule, or if a visitor violates Board policy. Failure
to leave when asked or repeated, documented disruptions may result in loss of
classroom visitation privileges.
Military Personnel
24 P.S.
Sec. 2402
Members of the active and retired Armed Forces, including the National Guard and
Reserves, shall be permitted to:
1. Visit and meet with Intermediate Unit employees and students when such visit is
in compliance with Board policy and Intermediate Unit procedures.
2. Wear official military uniforms while on Intermediate Unit property.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 914-A
State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 14.108
Military Visitors – 24 P.S. Sec. 2402
Page 2 of 2
POLICY
POLICY NO. 7800
STATEMENT
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
BUILDING OPERATIONS
AUXILIARY AGENCIES
TRANSPORTATION
The arrangement for transportation of exceptional students (and other Bucks County Intermediate Unit
program participants where necessary) shall be approved at least annually by the Board of Directors.
Contractors who transport exceptional children in personally owned vehicles due to the use of lesstraveled routes, or to the transportation of children who need special, individual care, will be approved by
the Board of Directors.
promptly and safely.
The contractors will be responsible for getting students to and from classes
POLICY
POLICY NO. 8010
STATEMENT
STUDENTS
MEDICATION DISPENSING
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors shall not be responsible for the diagnosis or
treatment of student illness. However, the Board recognizes that the administration of medications to
students while in school may be necessary under certain circumstances. Accordingly, the administration
of medication to a student during school will be permitted only when:
a.
failure to take medication would jeopardize the health of the student; and
b.
the student would not be able to attend school if the medication were not administered during
school hours.
No. 249
BUCKS COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE
UNIT #22
SECTION:
PUPILS
TITLE:
BULLYING/
CYBERBULLYING
ADOPTED:
September 20, 2011
REVISED:
249. BULLYING/CYBERBULLYING
1. Purpose
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) Board recognizes the need to maintain
a learning and working environment that is free from bullying and harassment. The
BCIU prohibits any and all forms of bullying, as it violates the basic rights of
students and staff to be in a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment, and
presents an obstacle to the academic, vocational, and social/emotional development
of BCIU students.
This policy is in effect while students are on property within the jurisdiction of the
BCIU, while on BCIU-contracted or BCIU-operated vehicles; and while attending or
engaged in BCIU-sponsored activities. Students who file a bullying complaint or
who assist or participate in any manner in a bully investigation may not be retaliated
against.
The BCIU will promptly and thoroughly instigate reports of bullying. Anyone who
engages in bullying or cyberbullying in violation of this policy shall be subject to
appropriate disciplinary action.
2. Definitions
SC 1303.1-A
Bullying shall mean a written, verbal or physical act, or series of acts:
1. Directed at another student or students.
2. That is severe, persistent or pervasive.
3. That has the effect of any of the following:
a.
Substantially interfering with a student’s education.
b.
Creating a threatening environment.
c.
Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school or classroom.
d.
Embarrassing, humiliating, intimidating, or otherwise harassing a student.
Page 1 of 4
249. BULLYING/CYBERBULLYING - Pg. 2
Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is defined as using the Internet, cell phone, electronic mail, or other
electronic device to send or post via text or image or some other media any material
that results in bullying.
SC 1303.1-A
3. Authority
SC 1303.1-A
School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a
designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the
BCIU.
The Board prohibits all forms of bullying by BCIU students.
The Board expects that students and parents/guardians who become aware of an act
of bullying shall report it to a school official (usually the program supervisor or
other administrator) for further investigation. Any student who retaliates against
another person for reporting bullying, intimidation and/or physical assault shall be
subject to further disciplinary action.
The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and
corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality of all
parties shall be maintained, consistent with the Intermediate Unit’s legal and
investigative obligations. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good
faith reports of bullying.
4. Delegation of
Responsibility
Each staff member shall be responsible for maintaining an educational environment
free from bullying. Staff members who observe or become aware of an act of
bullying shall take immediate, appropriate steps to intervene unless the intervention
would be a threat to staff safety. In that case, or if the bullying persists, staff will
report the bullying to the Executive Director or other administrator for further
investigation.
Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an
atmosphere free from bullying.
SC 1303.1-A
The Executive Director or designee shall ensure that this policy and administrative
regulations are reviewed annually with students.
SC 1303.1-A
The Executive Director or designee, in cooperation with other appropriate
administrators, shall review this policy every three (3) years and recommend
necessary revisions to the Board.
Page 2 of 4
SC 1303.1-A
The Intermediate Unit administration shall annually provide the following
information with the Safe School Report:
1. Board’s Bullying Policy.
2. Report of bullying incidents.
3. Information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention,
intervention or education programs.
5. Guidelines
This policy shall be accessible in every Intermediate Unit classroom. The policy
shall be posted in a prominent location within each Intermediate Unit building and
on the website, if available.
Education
SC 1302-A,
1303.1-A
Pol. 236
The Intermediate Unit may develop and implement bullying prevention and
intervention programs. Such programs shall provide Intermediate Unit staff and
students with appropriate training for effectively responding to, intervening in and
reporting incidents of bullying.
Consequences For Violations
SC 1303.1-A
Pol. 218, 233
A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action
consistent with applicable federal and state laws and BCIU Board policies, which
may include:
1. Counseling within the Intermediate Unit or school.
2. Parental conference.
3. Loss of school privileges.
4. Transfer to another school building, classroom or school bus.
5. Exclusion from school-sponsored activities.
6. Detention.
7. Suspension.
8. Expulsion.
Page 3 of 4
9. Counseling/Therapy outside of the Intermediate Unit or school.
10. Referral to law enforcement officials.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 1302-A, 1303.1-A
Board Policy – 000, 218, 233, 236, 237, 248
Page 4 of 4
No. 806
SECTION:
OPERATIONS
TITLE:
CHILD/STUDENT ABUSE
ADOPTED:
September 17, 2013
REVISED:
806. CHILD/STUDENT ABUSE
1. Authority
SC 1205.6
18 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 4304
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6301 et seq
Pol. 333, 818
The Board requires Intermediate Unit employees to comply with identification and
reporting requirements for possible child abuse as well as victimization of students
by other school employees. The Board directs the Intermediate Unit, and
independent contractors of the Intermediate Unit, to provide their employees with
training for recognition and reporting of child abuse as required by law.
2. Definitions
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6351, 6354
Administrator - the person responsible for the administration of the Intermediate
Unit. The term includes a person responsible for employment decisions in a school
and an independent contractor.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6354
Applicant - an individual who applies for a position as an Intermediate Unit
employee. The term includes an individual who transfers from one position as an
Intermediate Unit employee to another position as an Intermediate Unit employee.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Child Abuse - means any of the following:
1. Any recent act or failure to act by a perpetrator which causes nonaccidental
serious physical injury to a child under eighteen (18) years of age.
2. Any act or failure to act by a perpetrator which causes nonaccidental serious
mental injury to or sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child under eighteen
(18) years of age.
3. Any recent act, failure to act, or series of such acts or failures to act by a
perpetrator which creates an imminent risk of serious physical injury to or sexual
abuse or sexual exploitation of a child under eighteen (18) years of age.
4. Serious physical neglect by a perpetrator constituting prolonged or repeated lack
of supervision or the failure to provide essentials of life, including adequate
medical care, which endangers a child's life or development or impairs the child's
functioning.
Page 1 of 8
806. CHILD/STUDENT ABUSE - Pg. 2
No child shall be deemed to be physically or mentally abused based on injuries that
result solely from environmental factors that are beyond the control of the parent or
person responsible for the child's welfare, such as inadequate housing, furnishings,
income, clothing, and medical care.
SC 1205.6
Direct Contact with Children - the possibility of care, supervision, guidance or
control of children or routine interaction with children.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Perpetrator - a person who has committed child abuse and is a parent/guardian of a
child, a person responsible for the welfare of a child, an individual residing in the
same home as a child, or a paramour of a child's parent/guardian. The term does not
include a person who is employed by or provides services or programs in school or
for the Intermediate Unit.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
School Employee - an individual employed in a district school or Intermediate Unit.
The term includes an independent contractor and employees. The term excludes an
individual who has no direct contact with students.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Serious Bodily Injury - bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or
which causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of
function of any bodily member or organ.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Serious Mental Injury - a psychological condition, as diagnosed by a physician or
licensed psychologist, including the refusal of appropriate treatment, that:
1. Renders a child chronically and severely anxious, agitated, depressed, socially
withdrawn, psychotic or in reasonable fear that the child's life or safety is
threatened.
2. Seriously interferes with a child's ability to accomplish age-appropriate
developmental and social tasks.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Serious Physical Injury - an injury that causes a child severe pain, or significantly
impairs a child's physical functioning, either temporarily or permanently.
Page 2 of 8
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Sexual Abuse or Exploitation - includes any of the following: the employment,
use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of a child to engage in or assist
another individual to engage in any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of
sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depiction, including
photographing, videotaping, computer depicting and filming of any sexually explicit
conduct; or any of the following offenses committed against a child: rape, sexual
assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault,
molestation, incest, indecent exposure, prostitution, sexual abuse or sexual
exploitation.
SC 1205.6
Sexual Misconduct - any act, including, but not limited to, any verbal, nonverbal,
written or electronic communication or physical activity, directed toward or with a
child or student that is designed to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with
the child or student, such acts include but are not limited to:
1. Sexual or romantic invitation.
2. Dating or soliciting dates.
3. Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog.
4. Making sexually suggestive comments.
5. Self-disclosure or physical disclosure of a sexual or erotic nature.
6. Any sexual, indecent, romantic or erotic contact with a child or student.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
Student - an individual enrolled in an Intermediate Unit program under eighteen
(18) years of age.
In accordance with Board policy, the Executive Director or designee shall:
Pol. 302, 304,
305, 306
1. Require each applicant for employment to submit an official child abuse
clearance statement issued within the preceding year, except for those exempted
by law.
Pol. 309
2. Require each applicant for transfer or reassignment to submit an official child
abuse clearance statement unless the applicant is applying for a transfer from one
position as an Intermediate Unit employee to another position as an Intermediate
Unit employee and the applicant has already obtained an official child abuse
clearance statement.
Page 3 of 8
The Executive Director or designee shall annually inform students,
parents/guardians and staff regarding the contents of this Board policy. Intermediate
Unit staff shall annually receive notice of their responsibility for reporting child
abuse and student abuse in accordance with Board policy and administrative
regulations.
4. Guidelines
SC 1205.6
Pol. 333, 818
Training
The Intermediate Unit, and independent contractors of the Intermediate Unit, shall
provide their employees who have direct contact with children with mandatory
training on child abuse recognition and reporting. The training shall include, but not
be limited to, the following topics:
1. Recognition of the signs of abuse and sexual misconduct and reporting
requirements for suspected abuse and sexual misconduct.
24 P.S.
Sec. 2070.1a
et seq
2. Provisions of the Professional Educator Discipline Act, including mandatory
reporting requirements.
3. Board policy related to reporting of suspected abuse and sexual misconduct.
4. Maintenance of professional and appropriate relationships with students.
SC 1205.6
Employees are required to complete a minimum of three (3) hours of training every
five (5) years.
CHILD ABUSE BY PERPETRATOR
Duty To Report
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6311, 6313
Intermediate Unit employees who in the course of employment come into contact
with children shall report or cause a report to be made when they have reasonable
cause to suspect, on the basis of medical, professional, or other training and
experience, that a child under the care, supervision, guidance or training of
Intermediate Unit employees is a victim of child abuse, including child abuse by an
individual who is not a perpetrator.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6311
42 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 5945
Except as stated in law, privileged communication between any professional person
required to report and the patient or client of that person shall not apply to situations
involving child abuse and shall not constitute grounds for failure to report.
Page 4 of 8
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6311
Intermediate Unit employees required to report suspected child abuse shall include,
but are not limited to, an administrator, teacher, nurse, and/or social worker.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6318
Any person required to report child abuse who, in good faith, reports or causes the
report to be made shall have immunity from civil and criminal liability related to
those actions.
18 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 4304
An Intermediate Unit employee required to report suspected child abuse who, acting
in an official capacity, prevents or interferes with the making of a report of suspected
child abuse commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6319
An Intermediate Unit employee or administrator required to report suspected child
abuse or make a referral to the appropriate authorities who willfully fails to do so
commits a misdemeanor of the third degree for the first violation and a misdemeanor
of the second degree for a second or subsequent violation.
Reporting Procedures
Intermediate Unit employees who suspect child abuse shall immediately notify the
Executive Director. Upon notification, the Executive Director shall report the
suspected child abuse.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6313
Reports of child abuse shall immediately be made by telephone to the Childline
Abuse Registry and in writing to the county Children and Youth Agency within
forty-eight (48) hours after the oral report.
Investigation
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6346
Intermediate Unit administrators shall cooperate with the Department of Public
Welfare or the county agency investigating a report of suspected child abuse,
including permitting authorized personnel to interview the child while in attendance
at Intermediate Unit programs.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6314
The Intermediate Unit administrator required to report cases of suspected child abuse
may take or cause to be taken photographs of the child who is subject to a report
and, if clinically indicated, cause to be performed a radiological examination and
other medical tests on the child.
Page 5 of 8
STUDENT ABUSE BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEE
Duty To Report
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6352
An Intermediate Unit employee shall immediately contact the Executive Director
when the Intermediate Unit employee has reasonable cause to suspect, on the basis
of his/her professional or other training and experience, that a student coming before
the Intermediate Unit employee in the employee's professional or official capacity is
a victim of serious bodily injury or sexual abuse or sexual exploitation by a school or
Intermediate Unit employee.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6352
If the accused employee is the Executive Director, the Intermediate Unit employee
shall immediately report to law enforcement officials and the district attorney.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6353
The Intermediate Unit administrator who receives a report from an Intermediate Unit
employee or who has independent cause to suspect injury or abuse shall immediately
report to law enforcement officials and the appropriate district attorney. The
administrator shall exercise no discretion but has an absolute duty to report when
receiving notice from an Intermediate Unit employee.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6352, 6353
An Intermediate Unit employee or administrator who refers a student abuse report
shall be immune from civil and criminal liability arising out of the report.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6352
An Intermediate Unit employee who willfully fails to report suspected student abuse
or who willfully violates the confidentiality of such a report commits a summary
offense.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6353
An Intermediate Unit administrator who willfully fails to report immediately to law
enforcement officials and the appropriate district attorney any report of serious
bodily injury or sexual abuse or sexual exploitation alleged to have been committed
by a school or Intermediate Unit employee against a student commits a misdemeanor
of the third degree.
Reporting Procedures
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6353
The administrator’s report to law enforcement officials and the district attorney shall
include: name, age, address, and school of the student; name and address of the
student's parent/guardian; name and address of the administrator; name, work and
home address of the school or Intermediate Unit employee; nature of the alleged
offense; any specific comments or observations directly related to the alleged
incident; and the individuals involved.
Page 6 of 8
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6352
The Intermediate Unit employee making a report of student abuse or injury by
another employee shall not reveal the existence or content of the report to any person
other than those to whom reporting is required under this policy.
Investigation
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6353.1
Upon receipt of a report of suspected student abuse, an investigation shall be
conducted by law enforcement officials, in cooperation with the district attorney.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6353.1
If law enforcement officials have reasonable cause to suspect, on the basis of initial
review, that there is evidence of serious bodily injury, sexual abuse or sexual
exploitation committed by a school or Intermediate Unit employee against a student,
the officials shall notify the county agency in the county where the alleged abuse or
injury occurred for the purpose of the agency conducting an investigation.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6346
Intermediate Unit administrators shall cooperate with the Department of Public
Welfare or the county agency investigating a report of suspected student abuse,
including permitting authorized personnel to interview a student while in attendance
at Intermediate Unit programs.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6353.1
Law enforcement officials and the county agency shall coordinate their respective
investigations. They shall conduct joint interviews with students, but law
enforcement officials shall interview school or Intermediate Unit employees prior to
the county agency.
Pol. 317
The administrator has an independent duty to report to the Executive Director or
designee that an employee has allegedly abused or otherwise victimized a student.
The requirement not to divulge the existence of the report or its content shall not
limit the administrator’s responsibility to use the information received to initiate and
conduct an independent school investigation into the allegations. The independent
school investigation shall be conducted in cooperation with the county agency and
law enforcement officials, and shall be for the purpose of ascertaining appropriate
employee discipline and taking action necessary to curtail wrongdoing.
Page 7 of 8
References:
Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training – 24 P.S. Sec. 1205.6
Professional Educator Discipline Act – 24 P.S. Sec. 2070.1a et seq.
State Department of Public Welfare Regulations – 55 PA Code Sec. 3490.1 et seq.
Endangering Welfare of Children – 18 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 4304
Child Protective Services Law – 23 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 6301 et seq.
Confidential Communications to School Personnel – 42 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 5945
Registration of Sex Offenders – 42 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 9795.1, 9795.4, 9798.1
Board Policy – 302, 304, 305, 306, 309, 317, 333, 818
NOTES:
Add the following to the References only if backup indicates that the IU operates
early childhood programs such as Head Start, Early Intervention programs, or child
care/preschool programs in IU facilities:
State Department of Public Welfare Regulations – 55 PA Code
Sec. 3270.19
PSBA Revision 1/13
Page 8 of 8
POLICY
STATEMENT
POLICY NO. 9000
PROGRAMS, INSTRUCTIONAL
AND NON-INSTRUCTIONAL
PROGRAM CONSULTANTS
In situations where knowledge and/or technical skills are needed that cannot be supplied by members of
the Intermediate Unit staff, technical and consultant assistance will be considered as one alternative for
providing the desired service. The service to be provided will be carefully planned consistent with budget
appropriates and related budget implementation procedures.

Policy Manual - Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22

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