Policies

POLICY 1001 MEDIA AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The Milford Board of Education is committed to maintaining positive communications with the Milford School District-community. The Superintendent, or designee, is the official spokesperson for the District. The Board President is the official spokesperson for the Board.

All media contacts concerning district programs, events and issues will be conducted through the Office of the Superintendent, Public Information Officer (PIO). The PIO shall maintain a current list of relevant media contacts that service the district-community. The PIO will publicize official district news releases through a variety of communication strategies. The PIO will coordinate media interviews and school visits with appropriate district and school personnel.

School administration and staff are encouraged to inform the PIO of educational programs, events, initiatives and student activities that would be of interest to the district-community. School staff contacted by the media shall inform the PIO, who will then decide how to proceed in collaboration with the Superintendent, or designee.

The Board supports the rights and privacy of students and staff, as well as protection from potential abuses through district informational releases. At the beginning of each school year, schools will provide parent/guardians the opportunity to decline consent to publish names and/or pictures of their student(s). Directory information requested by the United States military will be provided unless the family informs the District in writing that consent to provide directory information is withheld. Release of information contained in individual student records will be protected under Milford School District Board Policy 5313 Protection of the Privacy of Students.

If information during or following a school emergency is necessary to communicate, the Superintendent, or designee, will collaborate with the PIO for an official school or district release of information. If necessary, the PIO may communicate follow-up releases with updated information relative to a school emergency.

POLICY 1002 PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

In support of strengthening student academic achievement, Milford School District receives Title I, Part A funds and therefore must jointly develop with, agree on with, and distribute to parents and family members of participating children a written parent and family engagement policy that contains information required by Section 1116(a)(2) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The policy establishes the Local Education Area’s (LEA) expectations and objectives for meaningful parent/family engagement and describes how the LEA will implement a number of specific parent/family engagement activities, and it is incorporated into the LEA’s plan submitted to the Delaware Department of Education.

The Milford School District agrees to implement the following requirements as outlined by Section 1116 of the ESSA:

The school district will put into operation programs, activities, and procedures for the engagement of parents/family members in all its schools with Title I, Part A programs. These programs, activities, and procedures will be planned and operated with meaningful consultation with parents/family members of participating children.

The school district will work with its schools to ensure that the required school-level parent/family engagement policies meet the requirements of Section 1116(b) of the ESSA, and each include as a component a school-parent/family compact consistent with federal law.

In carrying out the Title I, Part A parent/family engagement requirements to the extent practicable, the school district and its schools will provide full opportunities for the participation of parents/families with limited English proficiency, limited literacy, disabilities, of migratory children, who are economically disadvantaged, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background, including providing information and school reports required under Section 1111 of the ESSA in an understandable and uniform format including alternative formats upon request and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents/families understand.

If the LEA plan for Title I, Part A, developed under Section 1112 of the ESSA, is not satisfactory to the parents/families of participating children, the school district will submit any comments with the plan when the school district submits the plan to the state Department of Education.

The school district will be governed by the following definition of parental/family involvement and engagement and expects that its Title I schools will carry out programs, activities, and procedures in accordance with this definition in Section 8101 of the ESSA:

Parent/Family engagement means the participation of parents/families in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring:

JOINTLY DEVELOPED

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

ANNUAL EVALUATION

RESERVATION OF FUNDS

COORDINATION OF SERVICES

BUILDING CAPACITY OF FAMILIES

The Milford School District will, with the assistance of its Title I schools, build family capacity for strong family engagement by providing materials and training on such topics as literacy training and using technology (including education about the harms of copyright piracy) to help parents/families work with their children to improve their children’s academic achievement. Assistance will also be provided to parents/families in understanding the following topics:

• The challenging academic standards
• The required academic assessments including alternate assessments
• The requirements of Title I, Part A
• How to monitor their child’s progress 
• How to work with educators

BUILDING CAPACITY OF SCHOOL STAFF

ADOPTION

The Parent and Family Engagement Policy has been developed jointly and agreed on with parents and family members of children participating in Title I, Part A programs. This policy was adopted by the Milford School District on January 25, 2021 and will be made available to all parents of participating Title I, Part A children.

ADOPTED: 1/25/21

POLICY 1003 VISITS TO THE SCHOOL

The Board of Education welcomes families and members of our school-community to visit our schools, particularly if there are questions or inquiries related to student progress or a desire to learn more about our school programs. Schools should be respectful of these visitors.

The process for families and members of our school-community to arrange visits include:

1. Contact the main office of the school for an appointment to arrange for a visit with the appropriate staff member. This should include communication regarding the purpose of the visit.
2. Report to the main office and sign-in upon arrival to the building. Visitors are expected to bring proof of identification to secure a visitor pass.
3. All visitors are expected to be respectful of school procedures and the learning processes in progress during their visit.

The Milford School District discourages promotion or advertising of commercial ventures and outside businesses unless it is to directly beneficial to the educational and instructional needs of students. The Superintendent or Designee shall hold the discretion to approve or deny any advertisements in schools or school property.

School-Business Relationship:

The Milford School District and businesses shall ensure that when promoting or advertising commercial ventures that educational values are not distorted. Therefore, the following principles apply:

• All corporate support or activity shall be designed to meet educational, not commercial goals and shall be consistent with state, District, and school academic standards.
• District/school personnel shall retain discretion on the integration of commercially sponsored or provided materials or programs into curriculum.
• School activities shall not be centered on a commercial sponsor.
• Corporate support or activity shall not:
  • Provide activities or materials not age-appropriate to the students
  • Promote the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
  • Promote hostility, disorder, or violence
  • Attack or demean any ethnic, racial, or religious group
  • Violate District non-discrimination policies
  • Promote any candidate or ballot proposition
  • Inhibit the functioning of any school

Specific Limitations on Advertising:

• No business relationship shall be permitted which requires students to advertise a product or service.
• Students shall not be required to complete surveys to provide marketing information to vendors.
• Students’ personal identifiable information, including names, telephone numbers, and addresses shall not be supplied to vendors except as required by law.

Occupants of automobiles are required to wear seat belts while riding on the school campuses of this district.

All laws regarding the use of Cell Phone Devises must be complied with while on school campuses of the district. This includes, but is not limited to, the illegality of using a hand held devise and texting while driving.

ADOPTED: 8/20/84; 2/25/13

The Milford School District recognizes that Program and Athletic Booster Clubs exist as organizations of parents and community persons dedicated to supporting, encouraging and advancing the various academic, arts, and athletic programs and related activities of the Milford School District.

The club shall not seek to influence or direct the technical activities or policies of the school administration, school officials, or coaches who are charged with the responsibility of conducting the program.

The club shall do nothing that violates the rules of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association or other regulatory body for the affiliated organization that would jeopardize the student eligibility or school district membership in the organization, athletic association or the Henlopen Conference.

By August 1 each year, the program or athletic booster club shall present the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the officers to the District Office. If the group holds an outside bank account on behalf of the booster organization, the Tax ID number shall be kept on record with the District Office. Under no circumstances should a district employee be the guarantor on an outside bank account for an organization.

Booster Clubs may contribute financially to district organizations and programs for the needs of each group that otherwise may not be available from the district.

The Athletic Director is the official liaison between the school district and the athletic booster clubs.

Spectators are permitted to attend school athletic activities only as guests of the school district, and, accordingly as a condition of such permission, they must comply with the school district’s rules and policies. Spectators will not be allowed to interfere with the enjoyment of the students participating, other spectators, or with the performance of employees and officials supervising the school athletic activity. Spectators, like the student participants, are expected to display mature behavior and sportsmanship. The failure of spectators to do so is not only disruptive but embarrassing to the students, the school district, and the entire community.

To protect the rights of students to participate without fear of interference, and to permit the sponsors and officials of school athletic activities to perform their duties without interference, the following provisions are in effect:

1. Abusive, vulgar, obscene, or demeaning verbal or physical conduct of spectators, of any type, directed at participants, other spectators, officials, or sponsors of school athletic activities or events will not be tolerated.
2. Verbal or physical conduct of spectators that interferes with the performance of students, officials, or sponsors of school athletic activities will not be tolerated.

If a spectator at a school athletic activity or event violates the above provisions, the spectator may be removed immediately from the event by the individual in charge of the event. The Milford School District may recommend the exclusion of the spectator at future school athletic activities and events and the Milford School District may issue a notice of trespass from school athletic activities, property and/or events to be sent to the spectator involved. If the spectator disobeys the school official or district’s order, law enforcement authorities may be contacted.

Violations may be reported to the Executive Director of the DIAA. DIAA may request information on a spectator’s actions at any time. Spectators are subject to penalties from the Executive Director or Sportsmanship Committee including reprimand, probation, or suspension. These penalties may be above and beyond penalties imposed by the Milford School District.

The Milford School District Board believes that athletic competition should be a healthful, positive and safe experience for everyone involved, conducted in an environment that teaches values and ethics, strengthens the community, promotes competition without conflict and enriches the lives of athletes. Players should learn to handle winning with grace and losing with dignity. In order to promote core values such as discipline, fairness, responsibility, trustworthiness and citizenship, everyone associated with athletics, including players, coaches, parents and spectators, is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship during athletic competitions.

1. Understand and follow the rules of the sport;
2. Recognize skilled performance of others, regardless of the player’s team;
3. Display respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and officials;
4. Respect the judgment of officials and accept their decisions;
5. Refrain from antics, taunting opponents and using insulting language or swearing;
6. Be modest when successful and gracious in defeat; and
7. Recognize that their conduct reflects on their school.

1. Recognize that they are role models for students and set a good example for athletes and fans to follow;
2. Abide by the rules of the sport, in letter and in spirit;
3. Treat all participants with respect;
4. Behave with dignity and self-control;
5. Respect the judgment of officials and accept their decisions;
6. Take corrective action toward any player who intimidates or shows disrespect toward an official or displays unsportsmanlike behavior; and
7. Be modest when successful and gracious in defeat.

1. Realize that the main purpose of the competition is the play of the game and that the role of the spectator is one of support;
2. Show positive support to the teams and players for outstanding performances;
3. Show concern for injured players, regardless of which team they are on;
4. Refrain from angry or abusive language or actions toward any player, official, coach or other spectators;
5. Refrain from endangering participants or spectators by throwing objects;
6. Refrain from heckling, taunting or berating players, officials, coaches or other spectators; and
7. Follow all MSD Board policies and rules pertaining to conduct on school property, including but not limited to those pertaining to tobacco, alcohol, drugs and weapons.

These official Milford School District Buccaneer logos may appear on all Web pages, publications, presentations, clothing, and other material viewed by external audiences. The Buccaneer logos are intended to be a representation of school spirit. Logos may not be altered in any way. The Buccaneer logos should not be used in any way that discriminates or implies discrimination against any persons or groups based on age, ancestry, belief, color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status, or in any other way that would be a violation of the Milford School District’s anti-discrimination policy.

General Rules

• Do not alter the logos in any way, other than proportional enlargement or reduction.
• Do not add elements to the logos. This includes but is not restricted to surrounded boxes, shadows, outlines or embellishments.

MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT

POLICY 1015 HATE SPEECH ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

The District finds that racial epithets and slurs as to national origin create a disturbance in, and interference to, the educational environment, which outweigh any legitimate educational purpose.  The Milford School District denounces and prohibits the use of racial epithets and slurs as to national origin, regardless and irrespective of context, user, audience, target, intent, or lack thereof, purpose or lack thereof, bias or lack thereof, or means of communication.  Any words or language that would have an offensive meaning if it was used by a member of a certain race or national origin is prohibited regardless of the race or national origin of the user.  This policy shall apply to all administrators, staff, students, visitors, parents, and guardians:

(1)   in school, on District property, on school buses or other District provided transportation, and at designated locations where students to wait for buses;

(2)   during any District-sponsored or District-sanctioned program or activity;

(3)   when the transmission of racial epithets and slurs as to national origin is through electronic means from a District computer or computer network, or other electronic school equipment;

(4)   when logging offenses in e-School;

(5)   when completing reports; or

(6)   when racial epithets and slurs as to national origin occur off District property or through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed from non-District property, if the words or language causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or the orderly operation of a school.  This may include, but is not limited to, prohibited communication disseminated through social media, chat groups, and email, with a nexus to the school. 

No curricular materials may be used that contain racial epithets and slurs as to national origin unless approved by both the Director of Student Learning and Supervisor of Equity and Support Services. 

When context requires reference to racial epithets and slurs as to national origin, abbreviations or culturally aware substitutions shall be used.

ADOPTED:  2/27/23

All personnel employed by the Board shall be responsible to the Superintendent through their immediate administrator/supervisor.

All personnel shall refer matters requiring administrative action to the administrator immediately in charge of the area. Administrators shall refer such matters to the next higher level when necessary. The Superintendent shall be responsible for the development and implementation of the line and staff organization chart.

All personnel shall have the right to appeal through approved grievance procedures as defined by Board policy, contract, or by state or federal law. All administrative/supervisory personnel shall keep the person they are immediately responsible to informed of their activities.

The Superintendent of Schools is the executive officer and Secretary of the Board of Education and is responsible to the Board for the organization, operation and administration of the entire school program. This encompasses all matters over which the Board of Education has authority. The extent of the Superintendent's responsibility requires that (s)he delegate to an administrative staff responsibility for implementing and supervising various programs and activities.

ADOPTED: 8/17/70; 1/12/76; 7/19/82

The Director of Student Learning is responsible for the development, coordination and supervision of the PreK-12 curricular, instructional and assessment programs. The Director also provides leadership for the development and coordination of the district's professional development, family involvement and English Learner programs. The Director of Student Learning works collaboratively with the Superintendent, as well as the entire Milford School District team, to provide the support and leadership necessary for the success of Milford School District’s schools and best serving the district’s students, families, staff and community.

The Director of Human Resources & School Climate is responsible for the administration, supervision and coordination of personnel policies and programs for the district. The Director provides leadership in the recruitment, hiring, development and retention of high quality staff. The Director shall interact with students, staff and families to provide leadership in the development, implementation and coordination of the district’s PreK-12 student code of conduct and school safety plans. The Director of Human Resources & School Climate works collaboratively with the Superintendent, as well as the entire Milford School District team, to provide the support and leadership necessary for the success of Milford School District’s schools and best serving the district’s students, families, staff and community.

The Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds is responsible for the coordination and supervision of all maintenance and custodial services on all property owned by the Board of Education. (S)He shall be concerned with the areas of health, safety, public relations, housekeeping, research, preventative maintenance, on-the-job training, scheduling, staffing and recordkeeping related to the job. In all instances, (s)he reports directly to the Superintendent.

ADOPTED: 8/17/70; 1/12/76; 7/19/82; 11/19/84; 12/10/12

The Supervisor of Child Nutrition Services is responsible for the administration, supervision and coordination of all cafeteria services. (S)He shall be concerned with the areas of: diet, health, safety, public relations, housekeeping, research, on-the-job training, scheduling, staffing and recordkeeping related to the job. In all instances, (s)he reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

The Supervisor of Transportation is responsible for the administration, supervision, and coordination of all bus transportation provided by the school district. The Supervisor of Transportation shall be concerned with the areas of: safety, schedules, maintenance, budget, public relations, research, on-the-job training and staffing. The Supervisor of Transportation reports directly to the Superintendent.

The Principal is responsible for administering programs of instruction, pupil personnel, organization, finance, transportation, food service, staff personnel, building and grounds and community-school relations. In all instances, (s)he reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools.

ADOPTED: 8/17/70; 1/12/76; 7/21/80

The Assistant Principals are responsible for administering the programs designated by their Principal. In all instances, they report directly to the Principal.

ADOPTED: 8/17/70; 1/12/76; 7/21/80; 7/19/82; 10/23/89

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the business and financial management of the school district. The CFO provides leadership in the development, implementation and coordination of budget and budget control, long range financial planning, payroll, benefit management, purchasing, bid laws and tax laws. The CFO serves as FOIA Coordinator for the district and oversees public information processes. The CFO provides oversight of the Child Nutrition Program. The Chief Financial Officer works collaboratively with the Superintendent, as well as the entire Milford School District team, to provide the support and leadership necessary for the success of Milford School District’s schools and best serving the district’s students, families, staff and community.

The Director of Student Services is responsible for the development, coordination and supervision of the district’s PreK to age 21 special education programs. The Director oversees special education related services, compliance monitoring and needs based funding processes. The Director also provides leadership in the coordination of the district’s programs supporting student needs including 504, homeless, school nurse and school counseling services. The Director of Student Services works collaboratively with the Superintendent, as well as the entire Milford School District team, to provide the support and leadership necessary for the success of Milford School District’s schools and best serving the district’s students, families, staff and community.

ADOPTED: 5/21/12; 8/21/17

To assure and continue the positive and mutually supportive relationship between the Milford School District and the community it serves, the Milford Board of Education supports reasonable and practical utilization of all school facilities to responsible individuals, groups and organizations sponsoring activities in educational, cultural, civic, political or recreational areas as defined and limited in 14 Del. C. § 1056 relative to the use, control and management of public school property.

The Superintendent or Designee will provide and maintain clear procedures to provide equal and consistent service regarding use of Milford School District facilities.

Milford School District buildings and grounds may be used for holding public gatherings of a character not detrimental to the civic welfare of community, State or nation. The Superintendent through the operations department will maintain procedures to implement this Policy. These procedures shall include, but are not limited to, procedures for securing the use of a facility, charges for facility use, restrictions of use, cancellation of scheduled activities, use of playgrounds, and use of outside recreational areas.

REVIEW AND REPORTING: The Superintendent or Designee will report each year to the Board on the status of this policy. REFERENCES: 14 Del. C. §1056 et al., Internal Revenue Service Certification of Section 501(c)(3) Exempt Status; Title 36 of the United States Code.

R-1.1 Operational Procedures and Guidelines for Facilities Use and Rentals Applications

A. Use of school facilities is restricted to residents of the Milford School District. The district will not approve facilities use and rentals from organizations located outside the Milford School District unless the requesting organization can document at least 50% of the participants in their organization’s programs or activities are students or residents of the Milford School District. In order for an outside organization’s application to be considered, the organization must forward evidence of the number of Milford School District participants in their organization to the Superintendent or Designee.

B. Building Use/Rentals are not desirable during regular school day hours, and shall be limited, for the security, safety and welfare of all students and staff on campus. School day rentals for organizations may not interfere with regular school day classroom and facility use, or disrupt regular school day instruction.

C. An “Application For Use of School Facilities” must be completed and on file 45 days prior to the rental date. A Certificate of Insurance, with the District listed as an additional insured, must be on file with the application prior to initial approval being granted for Category III, IV, V, and VI activities.

D. Requests to use athletic facilities and/or equipment will require the additional approvals of the Principal and the Athletic Director. The utilization of the district’s Carey-Simpson facility, weight-training facility, competition baseball and softball fields will be restricted to school district programs due to the expenses associated with field maintenance, specialized equipment, limited availability and trained district staff availability. Athletic facilities at Milford Middle School, located on Lakeview Avenue, will be available on a first come, first served basis.

E. Alcoholic beverages, drugs, smoking and gambling are prohibited on all school property. The use of improper and/or offensive language is cause for exclusion from the facilities.

F. The Milford School District prohibits the use of any Milford School District facilities by any person or for profit organization for personal or private gain, financial or other matter compensation, without prior written permission of the Milford Board of Education.

G. It is understood by the Milford Board of Education that the requesting organization assumes full responsibility and liability for any organizational negligence which may result in any personal injuries, damage to equipment, furnishings, buildings, or grounds.

H. The Milford School District reserves the right to cancel or postpone any event based on, but not limited to, security concerns, weather conditions, availability of district personnel, school events, condition of the buildings and/or grounds.

I. Violations of the rules and regulations of the Milford School District in connection with the use of school facilities and equipment will result in immediate cancellation of the privilege granted to use facilities and/or equipment. Costs for repair or replacement of lost or damaged property and the cost of the extra services shall be charged to the responsible organization. School personnel shall have access to facilities as authorized.

J. Organizations must provide appropriate security measures as part of the rental agreement. Appropriate security is at the discretion of the Milford School District and may require the organization to secure police coverage, not covered within the rental fee and at the organization’s expense, through the Milford Police Department. Any non-Milford School District organization approved to utilize any part of a school’s campus during regularly scheduled school hours must provide police coverage during their event or activity. The organization must designate one person who will be in charge of the event or activity and remain at the event, throughout the entirety, in a supervisory capacity. R-1.2

K. For all non-school organizations, a copy or proof of an acceptable criminal background and child protection registry checks must be submitted for the person, within the supervisory role, with the application and prior to facility use approval being granted. The organization also must indicate within their building use form request whether staff utilizing the facilities have had acceptable background checks. If the organization is not able to provide proof of background checks for an adult staff member or volunteer, individuals serving in either of these capacities must be cleared by the Milford School District through the Raptor Visitor Management System or other district-used background electronic screener prior to working the event. Violation of this part of the policy will result in immediate termination of the organization’s facility use.

L. Milford School District does not engage in permanent rentals or agreements for use of District Facilities. District Facilities are not to be used as a permanent campus, throughout a school year or calendar year, for any non-affiliated Milford School District organization. Milford School District reserves the right to terminate a rental at any time.

M. Summer Time rentals or agreements for use of District Facilities are limited due to building maintenance schedules and building shutdowns relative to energy conservation during the summer months.

N. Any Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association or Henlopen Athletic Conference events in which Milford is not a participant must be approved by the Athletic Director and Superintendent or Designee.

O. The fee system will cover operational costs of the facilities to be used and may be modified or waived at the discretion of the Superintendent or Designee for activities involving individuals and organizations which provide benefit to the educational process and activities of the governing bodies of the Milford School District and State of Delaware.

P. All pre-paid facilities/equipment rental fees and custodial charges will be refunded by the Milford School District Office if written notice is received of the cancellation within 72 hours in advance of the scheduled event. Custodial charges, but not the facilities/equipment rental fee, will be refunded by the Milford School District Office if written notice of the cancellation is received prior to the day of the event, but not before 72 hours.

User Classifications:

Category I – Milford School District sponsored events or Milford School District activities not charging admission. Includes student activities sponsored by the district and parent-teacher activities directly related to school activities or child welfare. Event or activity scheduled at time when custodial staff normally on duty.

Category II – Events sponsored by Milford School District-related organizations where admission is charged or a collection is taken. Event or activity scheduled at time when custodial staff is normally on duty.

Category III – Official meetings of the Milford School District, civic or government organizations and events held by non-profit organizations located in the District where no admission is charged or collection is taken. Event or activity scheduled at time when custodial staff is normally on duty.

1.  Boy Scouts of America
2.  Girl Scouts of America
3. Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milford
4. Milford Little League
5. City of Milford 
6. Carlisle Fire Company 
7. People’s Place 
8. Milford Elks Lodge 
9. Milford Rotary Club
10. Milford Lions Club
11. Milford Pop Warner
12. American Cancer Society – Relay for Life
13. Auxiliary of BayHealth
14. National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Bike to Bay
15. 4-H Club
16. Milford American Legion Baseball
17. DIAA Officials’ Organizations

Category IV – Events held by non-profit organizations that are located in the Milford School District and where admission is charged or a collection is taken. Events scheduled at a time when custodial staff not normally scheduled and causes additional custodial services to be required as a result of the event.

Category V – Events held by non-profit organizations that are not located in the Milford School District and where no admission is charged or collection is taken.

Category VI – Events held by non-profit organizations that are not located in the Milford School District and by commercial, for-profit organizations and where admission is charged or a collection is taken. Board of Education approval required.

Fee Requirements:

Category I – No rental fees or additional insurance required; personnel expenses as required.

Category II – No rental fees or additional insurance required; personnel expenses as required.

Category III – No rental fees required. Personnel expenses as required and insurance certificate required.

Category IV – Rental Fees per schedule with personnel expenses as required. Insurance certificate required.

Category V – Rental Fees per schedule with personnel expenses as required. Insurance certificate required.

Category VI – Rental Fees per schedule with personnel expenses as required. Insurance certificate required.

MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Milford, Delaware 19963
POLICY 3102 ENERGY CONSERVATION

SUBJECT:
The commitment to and goals of the Milford School District to conserve energy where possible and to take a leadership role in developing a realistic energy ethic and awareness of energy needs and costs in an effort to promote Energy Conservation.
I. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to provide uniform guidance and administration regarding energy usage and energy conservation actions.
A. To promote energy conservation while providing a safe, reasonably comfortable education environment to the faculty, staff and students of the Milford School District.
B. To establish a clear understanding among Milford School District staff regarding energy conservation expectations and individual responsibilities to conserve energy.
C. To establish and document temperature setting range expectations for various categories of rooms and spaces, as well as to establish seasonal air conditioning to heat and heat to air conditioning conversion date ranges.
D. To promote improved indoor air quality through efficient and effective building systems management.

II. LIMITATIONS:
This policy does not apply to school bus contractors. 

III. SEASONAL TEMPERATURE SETTINGS:

A. The Director of Operations is charged with the responsibility and authority to direct the seasonal conversion from heating to air conditioning in the spring and from air conditioning to heating in the fall.

1. The springtime conversion from heating to air conditioning will not occur before April 15 and will be accomplished no later than May 15, depending on the specific weather patterns of the year and at the direction of the Director of Operations.
2. The fall season conversion from air conditioning to heating will not occur before October 1 and will be accomplished no later than November 1, depending on the specific weather patterns of the year and at the direction of the Director of Operations.
3. The Director of Operations shall notify building administrators and custodial Building Chiefs of the intended date to perform the seasonal HVAC conversion.

B. Building temperatures shall be governed in accordance with the following chart:

C. The summer temperature ranges do not apply to buildings and spaces that are not equipped with air conditioning.

IV. GENERAL ENERGY USAGE PROCEDURES:

A. Areas that are not occupied (even if left for a short period of time) will have lighting turned off. After the school day, custodians will decrease lighting in the hallways where possible. Custodians will turn on lighting only in areas where they are working or for scheduled facility use.

B. Lights in all gymnasiums, cafeterias and auditoriums will be off unless the area is being utilized.

C. All exterior lighting shall be turned off during daylight hours. Exterior lighting shall be operated on a timer with minimal lighting for security purposes only during evening hours when the building does not have evening events scheduled. The Director of Operations and the Building Administration shall collaborate on exterior lighting schedules.

D. Copy machines, laminating equipment, and other office machines shall be turned off each night if the equipment does not have a sleep or hibernation mode.

E. All District computer monitors, printer, and other peripheral technology equipment shall be turned off when buildings are not occupied by students. Computers (CPU units) shall remain turned on around the clock, for Technology Department scheduled maintenance and virus software updates.

F. All District computer equipment and other technologies, to include the computer CPU units shall be turned off when buildings are not occupied by students during the annual winter break and annual spring break school closings as directed by the Director of Operations.

G. Personal electrical appliances:

1. The building administration of each school building is charged with the responsibility and authority to administer the coordinated use of microwave ovens and compact refrigerators in designated areas. The designated areas shall serve teams or groups of faculty/staff with the guiding principle being to eliminate the use of personal appliances in individual classrooms.
2. Personal appliances to include but not limited to compact refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots, toaster ovens, space heaters, fans, hotplates and any other such devices, are expressly not permitted in classrooms. Each building administration is authorized to approve the consolidated and coordinated use of compact refrigerators and microwave ovens only for multiple classrooms in designated areas as indicated in IV, H, 1 above.
3. The administration of each school building shall submit annually to the Director of Operations the building-wide plan for the coordinated use of microwaves and compact refrigerators which identifies the designated areas for the appliances and likely users of said appliances. All building-wide plans shall be in compliance with the Fire Marshall Regulations and Delaware Code.
4. Appliances that have been purchased by the school district that are intended to contribute directly to the educational mission such as instructional kitchens and refrigerators in science areas, as well as appliances which serve the students’ medical needs, such as refrigerators in the nurse’s suite are exempt from this policy. Exemptions may also be made for district purchased fans required in areas as designated by the building principal and approved by the Director of Operations.
5. Compact refrigerators and microwaves that have been approved by the respective building administration must be in good working order, and must be unplugged during the winter, spring, and summer breaks.
6. The Director of Operations in consultation with the school Administration and the district Maintenance Department shall have the authority to require the removal of personal appliances that have not been authorized and that have been determined to be unsafe.

H. The Chief custodian or designee at each school will be responsible for operating the building in an unoccupied mode at the closing of each school day or scheduled facility use. The Director of Operations has the expressed authority to direct the operation of buildings in occupied modes when students are not present in order to protect the facility against freezing.

I. Any area showing signs of mold or any indoor air quality concerns should be reported to the chief custodian. The Chief custodian shall report all areas showing signs of mold to the building administration and the Director of Operations. The Director of Operations has the expressed authority to direct the operation of a building in noncompliance to this policy in order to remediate and address a specific and known indoor air quality concern.

J. Individual classroom and office doors shall be closed when heating and air conditioning equipment is in operation.

K. In buildings with automatic temperature controls, the temperature will be set at 60 degrees (or appropriate unoccupied set back temperature based on building history) no later than 8PM during the heating season. During emergency situations, when outside air temperature is below 20 degrees and wind speed is over 15 mph, all school buildings shall be set to established occupied settings to prevent damage to the District’s buildings.

1. Category II and III events, as defined by Board Policy 3101 shall use the facilities at the unoccupied – set-back temperature.

L. The Chief Custodian or designee shall be responsible for the building start-up. Each building shall have an established start-up procedure that must be adhered to.

M. The Chief Custodial or designee shall be responsible for the building shut-down at the end of the custodial shift.

N. Domestic hot water systems will be set between 120 F or 140 F for cafeteria service (with dishwasher booster). All independent domestic hot water systems shall be shut down during unoccupied times and over summer break, except as needed for summer school operations.

O. The start time for air conditioning equipment shall be set as late as possible while still allowing time to cool the building to guideline temperature settings. Cooling equipment shall be switched to unoccupied set-back temperatures as soon as possible, with the understanding that classroom temperatures will be maintained long enough to afford comfort for the period the teacher remains in the classroom after the students have left.

P. The Director of Operations shall direct the utilization of air conditioning during the summer months at each school campus considering indoor air temperatures, outdoor air temperatures, student programming and staff maintenance and cleaning schedules.

VI. DISTRICT VEHICLE USAGE:

A. District vehicles shall not be left “idling” for extended periods of time.

B. District related travel shall be consolidated with carpooling employed to the maximum extent possible.

C. District vehicles shall be properly and adequately maintained in order to assure that they are operating at optimal efficiencies.

VII. VENDING MACHINE PROCEDURES:

A. All vending machines within the district shall be equipped with VendMiser technology as soon as possible.

B. The Director of Operations is charged with the responsibility and the authority to purchase and install VendMiser equipment on all vending machines within the district.

C. Booster organizations, clubs and groups that receive the proceeds from the sales of the vending machines shall bear the cost of the retrofitting the vending machines with the VendMiser technology.

D. The Director of Operations shall forward the cost to purchase and install the VendMiser equipment on subject vending machines to the Chief Financial Officer.

E. The Chief Financial Officer shall bill the organizations, clubs and/or groups, for the costs associated with the cost to retrofit the vending machines with the VendMiser equipment. When funds are received the funds shall be deposited to the internal account from which the VendMiser equipment was purchased.

F. If, after three attempts to collect, the organization, club and/or group fails to reimburse the district for the cost of the VendMiser equipment, the district shall be authorized to order the vending machine unplugged and removed from district property.

VIII ATHLETICS and ATHLETIC FACILITIES:

A. The School Administration is charged with the responsibility and the authority to schedule athletic sporting events in such a manner as to conserve energy to the extent possible.

B. The School Administration shall schedule athletic sporting events in the afternoon when feasible in an effort to make full use of ambient natural light to the extent possible.

C. During the implementation of section VIII of this policy, the School administration shall take precautions to protect the rights of all athletes and teams regarding schedules and priority.

MEMORANDUM

TO: ALL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

FROM: J. Benjamin Roy, Jr. State Fire Marshal

SUBJECT: State Fire Marshal Policy on School Operations with Regard to Life Safety

It is the opinion of the State Fire Marshal that life safety considerations in the school system will be an extension of the standard operating procedure established in past years.

Special considerations may be implemented to deal with the realities of desegregation, but still maintaining the highest standards for life safety.

A. Required means of egress and exits will be maintained as required under the State of Delaware Fire Prevention Rules and Regulations. No exits will be permitted to be eliminiated or secured with locking or security devices that impede intended operation of the door.

B. ANY and ALL fire incidents occurring within the schools shall be immediately reported to the particular dispatch center located within that county:

1. New Castle County Fire Board
2. Kent Center
3. Sussex County Call Board
4. Municipalities Area of Jurisdiction

C. FIRE ALARM SIGNALING SYSTEMS

1. Delaware Code Title 16, Chapter 66 Fire Prevention Rules and Regulations State of Delaware.

Section 17-312

17-3121. All fire exit drill alarms shall be sounded on the fire alarm system and not on the signal system used to dismiss classes.

17-3122. Whenever any of the school authorities determine that an actual fire exists, they shall immediately call the local fire department using the public fire alarm system or such other facilities as are available.

Section 17-3131

It shall be the duty of principals and teachers to inspect all exit facilities daily in order to make sure that all stairways, doors and other exits are in proper condition.

2. All fire alarm systems shall be maintained in an operable and active condition. An alarm system will not be shut down nor taken out of service for any reason other than the normal maintenance or repair of the system.

3. When the alarm bell sounds within the school, the following procedure will be followed:

D. Assistance is available from the State Fire Marshal to school administrators, especially in New Castle County, upon request by the school administrator, in the area of pre-planning for exit problems, designating areas of refuge within buildings, determining separate fire areas within a building.

E. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will respond to occupied schools to assist in judgment and responsibility for securing exits or the need for adequate exits to be maintained, regardless of the situation.

The Milford School District shall not remove asbestos from any school building while students are present unless an emergency requires the District to do so.

ADOPTED: 6/15/87

The Milford Board of Education recognizes the need for after-school programs for children in a safe environment while their parents are working. The District encourages that this care be provided by private care givers in their own facilities. However, the Board also recognizes that all families may not have the financial resources to place their children in private after-school child care programs. The Milford Board of Education will attempt to provide space for child care providers who offer independent programs in school facilities under the following terms and conditions, contingent upon the availability of space:

1. Shall present evidence of non-profit incorporation as a child care provider.
2. Shall be licensed by the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families.
3. Must comply with all Delaware requirements for Day Care Centers.
4. Shall provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the chief administrative officer and of the governing board.
5. Must present proof of insurance coverage.
6. Shall present evidence of adequate funds for start-up of the program.
7. Shall have an adult (over 21 years of age) supervising children at all times.
8. All adults employed by the provider shall have a Criminal Background Check issued by the Delaware State Bureau of Identification on file with the chief administrator.
9. The after-school child care provider shall assume full responsibility for any damage to equipment, furnishings, building, or grounds beyond that which can be designated as fair wear and tear.
10. The after-school child care provider shall indemnify the Milford School District against all claims and liability arising from any accident, injury, damage to person or property arising out of or occurring in connection with the use of the school facility or by his/her agents, employees, students or guests.
11. All school campuses are smoke and alcohol free. Smoking or the possession or use of alcohol are not permitted anywhere in school buildings or on school grounds.
12. The Board shall classify the After-School Care Provider as Category I under Board Policy 3101 Use Of School Buildings After School Hours.
13. The after-school child care provider will sign an agreement designating responsibilities of provider and school regarding daily operation of the program.

ADOPTED: 6/24/96

MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Milford, Delaware 19963
Policy 3106 USE OF DISTRICT CELLULAR PHONES AND PERSONAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR OVERAGES ON NON-BUSINESS CALLS

I. PURPOSE:
To establish a cellular phone usage standard and to provide a uniform mechanism by which cellular phone charges will be reviewed and certified by the responsible party. Non-business monthly overage charges will be reimbursed by the responsible party.

II. CELLULAR PHONE USAGE:
Use of a cellular phone should be limited to when access to conventional land-lines and computers are not readily available. Use of District-provided cellular phones shall be restricted to the time allocated for monthly usage. The Milford School District reserves the right to charge for non-business monthly overage charges on a case-by-case basis.

III. SECURITY:
Cellular phones are not secure forms of communication. Sensitive conversations must be either postponed or sufficiently “guarded” to inhibit understanding by possible interlopers.

V. NON-COMPLIANCE: Personnel to whom cellular phones are assigned must comply with this policy as a condition of continued usage of cellular phone privileges. Non-business cellular phone overage charges may be withheld from an employees pay if the employee refuses to tender reimbursement settlement. The Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds is responsible for monitoring cellular phone usage and costs to optimize calling plans.

VI. REIMBURSEMENT FOR DISTRICT USE OF PERSONAL CELL PHONES: Designated employees who elect to not utilize a District-issued cell phone may be reimbursed at the rate determined for the approved position upon submittal of personal phone bills to the Office of the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds.

A. Purpose

To establish an equitable process by which the Board of Education can assume its responsibility for naming or renaming school facilities. In addition, naming in this policy also refers to placing a plaque, planting a tree, or placing any other symbol or object that names or honors an individual, group, or entity of any kind on district owned property.

B. Policy

It is the responsibility of the School Board to select names of all schools and facilities. In fulfilling this responsibility, the School Board shall carefully consider and respect community recommendations in the naming process. The School Board shall also have the responsibility to authorize naming rights for portions of school facilities in order to provide recognition for private or corporate entities that make an exceptional contribution or significant financial contribution to benefit the District.

C. New Schools

Before a new school is opened, the Superintendent shall recommend the appointment of a committee for the purpose of naming a school within the Milford School District.

D. Existing Schools and Related School Facilities

The School Board may name or rename a school and/or other facilities for a variety of reasons, including its use for a new purpose or the desire to recognize contributions to the School District.

ADOPTED: 8/18/14

The Chief Financial Officer and Superintendent shall be responsible for the preparation of an annual revenue and expenditure budget to be submitted to the Board of Education for review and approval. The preliminary annual budget shall be approved by the Board of Education prior to July 1st of each fiscal year. Subsequent to the Department of Education certifying the district’s September 30th unit count for that year, but no later than February 28th of that fiscal year, the Board of Education shall approve a revised revenue and expenditure budget. This revised budget shall serve as the final budget for that fiscal year unless unforeseen circumstances require an additional budget revision.

The annual revenue and expenditure budget shall be inclusive of all funds (federal, state and local). Funds shall be further subdivided to differentiate between restricted funding sources that can only be used for specifically defined purposes and those funding sources that may be used at the discretion of the Board of Education.

Each approved annual budget shall reflect a balanced budget meaning that budgeted revenues equal budgeted expenditures. If the budget is balanced through the use of prior year or carryover funding, such use of funds shall be clearly identified and explained in the narrative portion of the approved budget.

Monthly revenue and expenditure reports shall be prepared and submitted to the Board of Education for review and approval. All financial reports shall be a part of each month’s official Board of Education minutes and shall be provided to any member of the public upon request.

All district audit reports shall be shared and reviewed with the Board of Education and shall be made available to any member of the public upon request.

The district shall maintain a local discretionary balance equal to at least five percent (5%) of total budgeted expenditures from all funding sources (excluding only debt service and major capital improvement expenditures). The local discretionary balance amount shall exclude any payroll obligations earned as of June 30th but not paid until July/August (i.e. 10-month deferred summer pay.) While not required, the district shall seek to attain a local discretionary balance of ten percent (10%) when economic conditions allow. Should the five percent (5%) local discretionary balance requirement not be met at the end of any given fiscal year, a detailed financial recovery plan shall be submitted by the Chief Financial Officer and Superintendent to the Board of Education.

The five or more citizens of the Milford School District shall be selected in accordance with the following process:

• A public notice to seek volunteers shall be provided in the newspaper for two consecutive weeks
• A public notice to seek volunteers shall be posted on the district website and on all district building main entrance doors for at least fifteen (15) working days.
• Those requesting to serve as volunteers on the committee shall be required to submit a brief application which shall at a minimum include the following: 1) Reason for wanting to serve on the committee; 2) Relevant experience, knowledge and/or training that would qualify the volunteer for the committee; 3) References to attest to the volunteer’s qualifications to serve on the committee.
• Depending on the number of volunteers requesting to serve, The Board may elect to either accept all interested volunteers, or the Board may review the submitted applications and score them based upon the three criteria listed previously. If the Board does not accept all volunteers, the applicants with the highest total score shall be approved to serve on the committee for the initial two year term.

The purpose of the committee is to insure that a broad cross section of stakeholders have input into major budgetary issues faced by the district. The committee also insures that the district’s finances are transparent to the public. The committee is advisory in nature and as such has no formal authority to take action. All recommendations will be provided to the Board of Education for the Board’s consideration. Committee recommendations must be approved by a majority vote of the full committee membership in order to be forwarded to the Board for consideration. The committee chairperson shall be selected with a majority vote of the full committee membership. Member terms are for a period of two (2) years, unless a member elects to terminate his or her position upon written notice to the Board. Meetings shall be held, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis. At the conclusion of the initial two-year term, the Board shall determine at that time the method for selecting new members and/or extending the terms of existing members. Citizen committee members shall be responsible for successfully completing any required training provided by the Department of Education. The Board shall have complete and sole discretion over committee membership and shall retain the right to revoke the membership of any committee member at any time.

Agents and salesmen of textbooks, library books, school supplies, janitorial supplies, etc. must deal with the Superintendent or other administrators (s)he has designated to coordinate such matters.

Under no circumstances are agents and salesmen permitted to contact teachers directly. Permission to see any teacher will be granted by the principal.

If a team wins the state championship, the Board will contribute up to $50 per player/paid coach (es) on the team for a jacket, ring, or other appropriate commemorative item.

The Milford Board of Education agrees to sponsor and implement the National School Lunch Act as amended, the Community eligibility Provision as amended, and the Child Nutrition Act as amended.

ADOPTED: 10/20/70; 8/16/82, 9/19/16

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Milford School District Board of Education is committed to promoting and enhancing the health and well being of the students. All Milford Schools participate in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. The Child Nutrition Programs are an integral part of the school environment. This belief is based upon the demonstrated relationship between food, nutrition and learning to achieve excellence in education for all children. The Child Nutrition Program will provide meals that are nutritious and well balanced. Meals will be provided based on the Nutritional Standards mandated by the USDA guidelines.

The Milford Child Nutrition Programs are managed in accordance with the regulations and policies from the Department of Education, State Division of Purchasing, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State Board of Health, and the Milford Board of Education. Continuous goals and objectives of the programs are pursued in a professional, efficient and fiscally sound and responsible manner.

The Milford School District’s Child Nutrition Program Policy shall provide:

• Providing whole grain products, low and fat free milk, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Minimizing saturated fats, total fats and eliminating trans fats.
• Minimizing sodium according to USDA guidelines
• Offer versus serve options for the student’s preference of food choices.

• Serving all meals to all students in the Milford School District at no charge, based on the requirements of the Community Eligibility Provision
• Placing priority on school meals over sales of ala carte foods.
• Preparing and presenting healthy foods in a manner that will encourage their consumption.
• Excluding the sales of foods of minimal nutritional value as defined by the Food & Nutrition Service, USDA 7 CFR Part 210, Appendix B.
• Working collaboratively to provide students with adequate time to consume school meals.
• Participating in a closed lunch. All students must eat at school.
• Prohibiting the sale of competitive foods until the conclusion of the student school day.
• Opportunity to pre-pay for a la carte and second meals by credit card via the internet.

• One free breakfast and/or free lunch will be available to all Milford School District Students at no charge as required through the Community Eligibility Provision.

• Students will not be able to charge for extra entrée’s, sides, snacks or second meals.
• Students/parents/guardians may put money in My School Bucks for additional meals, entrees, sides and snacks.
• Returned checks on customer’s accounts will be assessed a minimum fee of $30.00 plus the check amount. The parent or guardian will not be permitted to pay by check for the remainder of the school year.
• Charging for meals by adults is prohibited.

• Children will receive one free breakfast and/or one free lunch at no cost to the child or family. A second breakfast will be charged at the adult price of $3.00.
• Additional meals will be priced at the adult meal price of $4.75 as required by the USDA. No federal reimbursement is available for second meals.
• Prices for additional entrees, sides and a la carte items will be set by the Milford School Board with the recommendation from the Child Nutrition Department.

• Meals or snacks served or sold during the school day separate and apart from the non-profit meal program shall reflect the Child Nutrition Program Policy by ensuring meals and snacks are nutritionally sound and adhere to the Nutrition Guidelines mandated by the USDA NSBP/NSLP Guidelines and snacks adhere to the USDA Smart Snacks Guidelines, including vended options.

• Purchasing practices for food, equipment, and related services shall be conducted in accordance with Federal and State Law and according to the Milford School District’s policies.
• Purchasing decisions for the Child Nutrition Program will include products of high quality and cost effectiveness.

• No student may be denied meals as a disciplinary action.

• Nutrition education will be an integral part of the curriculum from pre-school to grade twelve.
• Good nutrition is recognized as a key factor in health promotion and chronic disease prevention.
• The child nutrition personnel will encourage and assist in activities that promote proper nutrition and will encourage lifelong healthy eating habits.

PURPOSE:

The Milford School District is committed to promoting and enhancing the health and wellbeing of all students. The District believes that for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental and social success, a positive, safe and health-promoting learning environment must be created at every level, in every setting, throughout the school year. This policy outlines the District’s approach to ensuring there are environments and opportunities for all students to practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors throughout the school day while minimizing commercial distractions.

The Milford Child Nutrition Program is managed in accordance with the regulations and policies from the Delaware Department of Education, State Division of Purchasing, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the State Board of Health, and the Milford Board of Education. Continuous goals and objectives of the program are pursued in a professional, efficient and fiscally sound and responsible manner.

• to ensure that Students in the District have access to healthy foods throughout the school day ‒ both through reimbursable school meals and other foods available throughout the school campus‒ in accordance with Federal and State nutrition standards;
• to ensure that Students receive quality nutrition education that helps them develop lifelong healthy eating behaviors;
• to provide Students with opportunities to be physically active before, during and after school;
• to engage Schools in nutrition and physical activity promotion and other activities that promote student wellness;
• to engage the community in supporting the work of the District in creating continuity between school and other settings for students and staff to practice lifelong healthy habits; and
• to establish and maintain an infrastructure for management, oversight, implementation, communication about and monitoring of the policy and its established goals and objectives.

• Free breakfast and lunch shall be offered in all schools through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
• If schools are eligible to administer the After School Snack Program, they will do so.

• there is a selection of food and beverages that meet the nutritional standards of food sold during the school day;
• food and beverages that meet the nutrition standards are sold at a price equivalent to or lower than similar items that do not meet the standards; and
• food and beverages meeting the standards will be as visible or more visible as items that do not meet the standards.

• is integrated within the comprehensive health education program taught at every grade level and may be integrated not only in health education classes, but also in classroom instruction in other subjects, with links to school meal programs, school foods, physical education, nurses, guidance counselors, and health-related community services;
• is based on theories and methods proven by published research to improve behaviors consistent with the state’s health education standards;
• emphasizes healthy eating, screen time (including use of electronic devices) and physical activity;
• is developmentally-appropriate and culturally-relevant, such as nutrition promotion activities that include taste testing, farm visits, school gardens, etc.;
• includes measurable goals and outcomes related to student wellness.

A. New, Expired or Canceled Bus Contracts (Reference 14 Delaware Code, §2901)

• The term "new bus route" is to be defined as an additional run or series of runs that cannot be accomplished by buses currently under contract to the School District.
• Award to any contractor whose bus contract was canceled under Board Policy No. 3403 Cancellation Procedure of Contracted School Bus Due to Decrease in Number of Students Being Transported.

B. Transfer of Transportation Contracts (Reference 14 Delaware Code §2908)

1. Transfers of public school transportation contracts shall comply with 14 Delaware Code, Section 2908, and procedures outlined by the State Board of Education. No contract shall be deemed effectively transferred until said transfer is approved by the Milford Board of Education and the State Board of Education.

C. Contractor Expectations and Responsibilities:

Reference: 14 Delaware Code §2908

ADOPTED: 3/16/70; 5/17/71; 10/19/81; 9/26/88; 8/26/91; 6/26/95; 10/24/11

This policy applies to all bus contractors and companies doing business in the Milford School District. It establishes a system for reporting bus accidents. All school bus and district vehicle accidents must be reported immediately. This includes non-collision type accidents that result in any damage to the bus, injury to the bus driver, or passengers.

In case of a bus accident, Emergency 911 (Fire Company, EMS, Police) shall be called by the driver/contractor as quickly as possible. The top consideration is the safety and wellbeing of all students. The Superintendent of Schools and the Transportation Supervisor are to be notified by phone by the driver/contractor as soon as possible at the number provided to all bus drivers and contractors. School Board members will be notified as soon as possible through the Superintendent’s Office.

The Superintendent of Schools or designated person at the District Office shall notify all administrators of the school(s) involved in the bus accident, answer or refer all inquiries, and investigate the accident. Following the investigation, a written report shall be given to the Superintendent of Schools.

TRANSPORTATION: BUS ACCIDENT/EMERGENCY RESPONSE REGULATIONS

Bus Accident/Emergency Procedures and Chain of Responsibilities Rules and Regulations

Bus Driver Instructions:

1. Remain calm and call 911 immediately.
2. Contact the superintendent and transportation supervisor immediately. Contact the bus owner/contractor immediately (Exhibits 2 & 3). The supervisor of transportation will immediately go to the accident/emergency scene.
3. The driver should care for the immediate needs of his passengers to the extent possible.
4. The driver should care for the needs of non-passengers involved in the accident to the extent possible.
5. The driver should cooperate with and assist emergency responder personnel (Fire, EMS, district staff, and police) to the extent possible.
6. Preserve the accident to the extent possible.
7. The driver may not authorize any passenger to leave or be taken from the accident scene.
8. REMAIN CALM. Help is on the way.

Supervisor of Transportation Instructions:

In order to be eligible to present price quotes on 1) field trips and athletic trips, 2) summer school, or 3) activity runs, individuals must provide evidence that they meet all State of Delaware requirements for transporting students:

If successful in the quotation process, the contractor must also agree to meet the district's requirements: 1) submit a $500.00 bond certificate, and, 2) adhere to all district policies, regulations and directives as they pertain to transporting students.

Exception to above stated Bus Quotation Policy: In the event that student activity trips are to be funded other than directly from the School District, or student activity funds, an organization may select an appropriate carrier which must meet the criteria set forth in a, b, and c above. Proof that these criteria have been met must be submitted to the Transportation Supervisor prior to the trip. The School District will waive the requirement that the carrier submit a $500.00 bond certificate as set forth above in the last paragraph of the Bus Quotation Policy (3405); however, the carrier selected must adhere to all District policies, regulations, and directives as they pertain to transporting students. (Effective 7/1/90)

ADOPTED: 2/17/86; 3/26/90

REVISED: 4/26/10

I. PURPOSE:

To provide for the uniform administration of District owned vehicle assignments and usage, and mileage reimbursement rates for privately owned vehicles. This Board Policy is intended to supercede previous policies written and unwritten, and effect compliance with Title 29, Chapter 71, Delaware Code and Internal Revenue Service Regulations.

II. EXCLUSIONS:

Vehicles owned and operated by the Milford School District which are conspicuously marked as School Buses are expressly excluded from this policy. Conspicuously marked as school buses means the vehicles are painted chrome yellow and are equipped with safety equipment as required by the Delaware Department of Education School Bus Specifications.

III. DEFINITIONS:

• District Superintendent
• District Director of Operations – at times of the year when students are in session
• District Maintenance personnel with emergency response responsibilities

The Milford School District Board of Education is committed to providing safe, efficient and effective transportation for all eligible student riders. As such, the Milford School District Board of Education considers all licensed early care and education and school age centers operating in Milford’s city limits as being located in a shared attendance zone for elementary school assignment purposes .

Adopted: 11/22/10

The Milford School District will continue and broaden implementation of the state’s computerized routing system for school bus transportation. The Milford School District Board of Education shall adopt and enforce rules and regulations whereby a parent or guardian may elect to waive bus transportation for their student(s) to and from school in favor of another form of transportation.

The Milford School District Board of Education shall offer, to each parent or guardian of a student within the district who is licensed to drive a motor vehicle, a choice between driving a private vehicle to the school and transportation to the school by the school bus; provided, however, that those who choose to drive a private vehicle shall not be transported by a school bus, and those who choose to be transported by a school bus shall not be permitted to park on school grounds.

The principal may set aside a specific number of parking spaces for use on a temporary and emergency basis by pupils who originally chose transportation by school bus.

ADOPTED: 12/13/10

REVISED: 6/24/13

All bus aides are required to meet the qualifications and requirements as put forth in Title 14, §1105, Section 7.0 in the Delaware Administrative Code. Furthermore, all bus aides must meet the same physical requirements as required in Title 14, §1105, Section 6.2.5 (Delaware school bus driver physical with TB screening).

Adopted: 11/24/14

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. All public schools, like Milford School District (“the District”), that receive any Federal funds must comply with Title IX.

Under Title IX, schools must operate free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment.

Any of the following conduct on the basis of sex constitutes sexual harassment:

• A school employee conferring an educational benefit or service upon a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (often called “quid pro quo” harassment);

• Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school’s education program or activity; or

• Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.

The District has a responsibility to respond promptly and equitably. If the District knows or reasonably should know about sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence within the District’s education program or activity, the District will take immediate action to eliminate the sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.

A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence does not relieve the District of its duty under Title IX to resolve complaints promptly and equitably.

The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, nor does it tolerate discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities. The District strives to provide an environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment. The District encourages students, parents, and staff to identify barriers to a discrimination-free environment in all schools. Any person (e.g., the alleged victim or any third party) may make a report to the Title IX Coordinator.

Complaints and/or inquiries concerning allegations of sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex, shall be directed to the District’s Title IX coordinator in person, or by phone, mail, or e-mail, or to the Office of Civil Rights. Any person (e.g., the alleged victim or any third party) may report to the Title IX Coordinator. All complaints will be received and investigated in a prompt and equitable manner.

The Title IX Coordinator’s responsibilities include overseeing all complaints of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, and identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems that arise during the review of such complaints. If a report of sexual harassment is made to a District employee, the employee will inform the Title IX Coordinator.

When the Title IX Coordinator is aware of an allegation of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly and confidentially reach out to the student alleging sexual harassment to discuss available options, including, but not limited to:

• The availability of supportive measures to restore access to the school’s education program or activity with or without the filing of a formal complaint;
• The right to file a complaint to initiate an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations; and
• The process for filing a formal complaint.

The Title IX Coordinator will provide the complainant with information concerning the right to supportive measures even if no formal complaint is filed. The District will consider the alleged victim’s wishes with respect to requests for supportive measures. The respondent may also benefit from supportive measures. Supportive measures are free, individualized services designed to restore or preserve equal access to education, protect safety, or deter sexual harassment, not disciplinary or punitive, and without unreasonably burdening any other person. Examples of supportive measures may include:

• Counseling;
• Extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments;
• Modifications of work or class schedules;
• Campus escort services;
• Leave of absence;
• Increased security or monitoring of certain parts of campus; and/or
• Mutual restrictions on contact between individuals.

The District will keep confidential any supportive measures provided to the extent it does not impair the District’s ability to provide the supportive measure. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the effective supportive measures.

FORMAL COMPLAINT OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Even if the student opts not to file a formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator may decide to file a formal complaint on his/her own, which starts an investigation.

Emergency Removal: A respondent may be removed from education programs or activities on an emergency basis if the respondent poses an immediate threat to anyone’s physical health or safety.

GRIEVANCE PROCESS:

The following are procedures for the grievance process for student and employee complaints of sexual harassment:

• The individuals involved in this grievance process are prohibited from discriminating against a complainant or respondent on the basis of sex.
• Prior to the interview of the respondent, both parties (the complainant and respondent) will receive written notice of the grievance process, notice of the allegations, the presumption of innocence of the respondent, an equal opportunity to select an advisor of the party’s choice (who may be, but does not need to be, an attorney), an equal opportunity to submit, inspect, and review evidence throughout the investigation, [Note: Milford School District’s code of conduct includes an infraction for falsification of written documents or verbal accounts. This includes but is not limited to making something false for the purpose of deception of fraud, altering something for the purpose of deception, or using a false name or identification.] and notice of the opportunity to engage in informal resolution.
• The District will provide written notice of the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of all hearings, interviews, or other meetings, with sufficient time for the party to prepare.
• The District will provide equal opportunities for the parties and their advisors to inspect and review the evidence obtained by the school as part of its investigation, if the information is directly related to the allegations raised in the formal complaint.
• The District will give the parties a meaningful opportunity to respond to the evidence after the District has provided it.
• After gathering evidence, the District will provide an investigative report on the allegations of the formal complaint. The parties will have 10 calendar days to respond to the report in writing. If responses are submitted, the District will consider the response before finalizing the investigative report.
• The investigative report will then be finalized and provided to the parties. The investigative report will be circulated to the parties at least another 10 calendar days before any determination of responsibility, or 10 calendar days before a hearing, if a hearing occurs.
• Temporary delays are permitted only for good cause. Good cause can include law enforcement activities, the absence of a party or witness, the absence of a party’s advisor of choice, or the need to provide language assistance or accommodations of disabilities.
• The District will protect parties’ privacy by requiring a party’s written consent before using the party’s medical, psychological, or similar treatment records during the grievance process.
• No information protected by a legal privilege, such as the attorney-client privilege or the doctor-patient privilege, can be used during an investigation unless the person holding that privilege has waived it. Neither a party or the school is allowed to seek or permit questions about, or allow the introduction of evidence that is protected by a recognized privilege.
• The relevant evidence, including inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, will be objectively evaluated. 
• Credibility determinations will not be made on the basis of a person’s status as a complainant, respondent, or witness.
• The District will apply a presumption that the respondent is not responsible during the grievance process (often called a “presumption of innocence”).
• The District bears the burden of proof and must correctly apply the standard of evidence. Any finding of responsibility comes at the conclusion of the grievance process. The District will use the preponderance of evidence standard (the same standard will be used for formal complaints against students as for formal complaints against employees);
• The District will either hold a live hearing, or allow the parties to submit relevant written questions for the other parties and witnesses to answer prior to making a determination;
• If a live hearing is held, the parties’ advisors are permitted to cross-examine other parties and witnesses. No party is permitted to cross-examine other parties and witnesses. If a party does not have an advisor, the District will provide the party with an advisor of the District’s choosing, free of charge, solely for the purpose of conducting relevant cross-examination on that party’s behalf. The advisor does not need to be a lawyer.
• If a party or witness chooses not to appear at the live hearing, or chooses not to answer cross examination questions, the decision-maker will exclude that party’s or witness’s statements and will evaluate any evidence that does not involve those statements. The decision-maker will not make inferences about the determination regarding responsibility based on the fact that a party or witness did not come to the hearing or submit to cross-examination.
• If either party requests it, the entire hearing will be held with the parties located in separate rooms, with technology enabling everyone to see and hear each other.  In order to better coordinate schedules, the District may choose to hold the entire live hearing virtually, or the District may allow some participants to appear virtually, with technology that allows everyone to see and hear each other.
• The District will comply with all disability laws, so that individuals with disabilities who participate in a school’s grievance process are appropriately accommodated.

• The decision-maker will make a determination as to whether a question asked by a party advisor is relevant BEFORE the party or witness has to answer it.

• Questions and evidence about a complainant’s prior sexual history are not relevant, with two limited exceptions:

1. Where such information is offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the alleged sexual harassment; or

2. It relates to sexual behavior between the complainant and respondent offered to prove consent.

• The District will create an audio or audiovisual recording, or transcript, of any live hearing, and make it available to the parties for inspection and review.

DECISION-MAKER AND DETERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• The District will ensure the decision-maker is not the same person as the investigator or the Title IX Coordinator and will ensure there are no other conflicts of interest or bias with any of the individuals involved in the grievance process.
• The District will ensure all decision-makers receive training regarding bias and relevancy of evidence.
• Whether or not a hearing was held, the District’s decision-maker will objectively evaluate the relevant evidence and reach conclusions about whether the respondent is responsible for the alleged sexual harassment.
• The decision-maker will weigh the relevant evidence and decide whether it meets the District’s standard of evidence for sexual harassment.
• The District will send the written determination simultaneously to the parties, along with information regarding how to appeal the determination.
• The decision-maker’s written determination will include the following:

• If a respondent is found responsible for sexual harassment, the District will effectively implement remedies for a complainant designed to preserve or restore equal access to the school’s education program or activity.
• A complainant’s remedies can be disciplinary against the respondent and can range from a disciplinary referral to a recommendation for expulsion depending on the circumstances. Supportive measures such as the following may also be implemented:
  • Counseling;
  • Extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments;
  • Modifications or work or class schedules;
  • Campus escort services;
  • Leave of absence;
  • Increased security or monitoring of certain parts of campus; and/or
  • Mutual restrictions on contact between individuals (if there is a determination of sexual harassment, a no-contact restriction may be implemented).

DISMISSAL OF COMPLAINTS:

Mandatory Dismissals

The District must dismiss a complaint that:

• Does not describe conduct that meets the definition of sexual harassment;

• Alleges sexual harassment that did not occur in the District’s education program or activity; and/or

• Alleges sexual harassment that did not occur in the United States at all.

• These complaints may be addressed under the code of conduct depending on the circumstances.

Discretionary Dismissals

The District may dismiss a complaint if:

• If the complainant notifies the Title IX coordinator in writing that the complainant wishes to withdraw the formal complaint or some of its allegations;
• If the respondent is not enrolled in, or employed by, the District; or
• If specific circumstances prevent the school from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination about the allegations.

In the event of a dismissal of a formal complaint, the District will promptly send written notice of the dismissal and the reasons to both parties. Either party has the option to appeal the decision.

Individuals involved in the process will be trained in accordance with Title IX regulations, and the materials used to train Title IX personnel are available on the District’s website.

APPEAL OF THE DETERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The complainant or respondent may appeal the decision-maker’s determination of responsibility or the dismissal of a formal complaint, to the Superintendent (or designee) within 10 calendar days of receiving the determination of responsibility or the notice of dismissal. The appeal decision-maker will not be the same individual who made the determination of responsibility, the investigator, or the Title IX Coordinator.

• If a party files an appeal, the District will notify the parties in writing, and will implement appeal procedures equally.
• Both parties will have the opportunity to submit a written statement supporting or challenging the outcome. 
• After considering the parties’ written statements, the Superintendent (or designee) will issue a written decision no later than 15 calendar days from the parties’ written submission and send it to the parties simultaneously.
• The Superintendent’s (or designee’s) determination regarding whether the respondent is responsible for the sexual harassment allegations becomes final after appeal.

INFORMAL RESOLUTION PROCESS:

• In appropriate cases, the District may explore the facilitation of a voluntary, informal resolution of the formal complaint. This is not an option in any case where the respondent is a District employee.
• The District will only attempt informal resolution if each party enters the process completely voluntarily. No party will ever been forced or coerced into engaging in an informal resolution.
• The District will obtain the parties’ voluntary, written consent before using any type of informal resolution process, such as mediation or restorative justice.
• The District will provide a facilitator who is free from conflicts of interest or bias, and who has received special training.
• Even in situations where the parties engage in voluntary informal resolution, the District will provide the complainant and respondent with notice of the allegations, notice of their rights, information about whether an informal process is confidential, and assurance that any party may withdraw from the informal resolution process at any time before an agreement is reached.

RECORD KEEPING

The District will maintain the following records for 7 years:

PROHIBITION OF RETALIATION

The District prohibits retaliation against any individual, including complainants, respondents, and witnesses, for reporting sexual harassment or participating (or refusing to participate) in any Title IX grievance process.

If any individual feels that he or she has been threatened, coerced, or discriminated against in an effort to chill the exercise of Title IX rights, then he or she should make a report of retaliation. All complaints of retaliation should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator or the District’s Superintendent, and the District will ensure a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint.

It is not retaliation for the District to punish an individual for making a bad faith, materially false, statement during a Title IX grievance process. Additionally, engaging in protected speech under the First Amendment does not constitute retaliation.

The District will keep the identities of parties and witnesses confidential unless disclosure of an individual’s identity is required under other laws or is necessary in order to conduct the grievance process.

Any individual shall have the right to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights at any time.

Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funds from the US Department of Education. It applies to ensure that eligible students are provided with educational benefits and opportunities equal to those provided to non-disabled students. The purpose of this notice is to inform parents and students of the rights granted them under the law and to keep you fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of your rights if you disagree with any of these decisions.

Under Section 504 you have the right to:

Disabled parents/guardians will be afforded reasonable accommodation if required to allow participation in their child’s education. The person in the Milford School District who is responsible for assuring that the District complies with Section 504 is the Director of Student Services:

Grievance Policy to Address Disability-Based Discrimination

• the child’s name, date of birth, address and the school he or she attends;
• your name, address and phone number;
• your relationship to the child (parent, guardian, surrogate);
• name, address and phone number of the person representing you (if you have someone);
• decision of the school with which you disagree and the reason;
• date you received this decision;
• your signature; and
• the following form, completed.

All employees are appointed by the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent shall be responsible for the development and administration of procedures for recruiting, screening, interviewing and selecting candidates for final consideration and election by the Board. All employment approvals are conditioned upon submitting necessary hiring paperwork, verification of credentials and receipt of a satisfactory criminal background check.

When circumstances require a recommended candidate to commence employment prior to the Board meeting at which formal election would occur, the Superintendent may authorize employment and assumption of duties pending final Board action at its next meeting. Until such approval, the employment remains conditional.

The following procedures will be used to employ personnel for the summer program:

1. Summer program vacancies will be advertised and posted on a yearly basis to all current employees of the Milford School District.

2. If positions cannot be filled from current district employees, the positions will be open to any qualified applicant.

The Superintendent shall during his/her employment reside within the boundaries of the Milford School District. Upon initial employment, the Superintendent shall become a resident within one year of employment.

Other Central Office administrators and building level administrators are strongly encouraged to reside within the boundaries of the Milford School District and shall reside within a 30-mile radius of their school or office.

ADOPTED: 9/26/88; 8/26/96; 12/17/96;

MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Milford, Delaware 19963
POLICY 4201
REPORTING EMPLOYEE ABSENCES

Recognizing the importance of certain professional services to students that are an inherent part of the beginning and final five days of each school year, it is imperative that school personnel should be in attendance to accomplish these various activities. Employees requesting personal leave shall:

The administration will release members of the staff who are volunteer firemen when they have a call for fire duty. However, those who have critical functions must have their duties assumed by other qualified staff before they respond to or continue the fire duty call during school duty hours. Also, all such employees must notify their supervisor before leaving their duties. This permission does not include release for fire clean-up duties. In no instance shall the District or its supervisory employees be held responsible for any financial loss or personal injury incurred by a staff volunteer fireman while acting as a fireman or going from or to his/her duties as a fireman.

All employees and bus drivers, who have as a part of their responsibilities the supervision of students, shall implement the student discipline policies as required by the schedule of offenses, levels and actions.

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment.
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting such an individual.
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of offering, promising or granting preferential treatment to any employee or applicant for employment as a result of the individual engaging in or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct.

• Physical assaults of a sexual nature.
• Other unwanted and unnecessary physical contact with another employee.
• Unwelcome advances, propositions or sexual flirtations.
• Subtle pressure or requests for sexual activities.
• Verbal abuse of a sexual nature including, but not limited to, inappropriate verbal comments about an individual’s body or sexual activities.
• Inappropriate use of sexually explicit or offensive language in discussions with or which describe an individual.  Sexually explicit or sexually offensive jokes.
• Display in the workplace of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, graffiti or cartoons.

• Access by minors to inappropriate matter on the internet or World Wide Web;
• Safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications;
• Unauthorized access including "hacking" and other unlawful activities by minors online;
• Unauthorized disclosure, use, dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and
• Measures designed to restrict minors' access to materials harmful to minors.
• "Minor" is defined as any individual who has not attained the age of 17 years.

• Overtime shall accrue on a weekly basis.
• Hours worked in excess of 37.5 per week shall be considered overtime hours. Hours worked in excess of 7.5 per day shall not be considered overtime hours unless and until the number of hours worked in that same week exceed 37.5 hours.
• It is the responsibility of the employee’s immediate supervisor to authorize or deny overtime duty.
• It is the responsibility of the employee to record and submit all hours worked.
• Overtime duty authorization shall be on the approved Overtime Authorization Form.

• The total overtime hours worked for the week shall be recorded to the Overtime Authorization Form.
• The immediate supervisor MUST indicate the budget source to pay the overtime payment. Overtime Authorization Forms that lack the budget source to pay the overtime hours will be returned to the immediate supervisor, thus possibly delaying payment of the overtime to the employee.

• The total overtime hours for the week shall be recorded on the Overtime Authorization Form. Compensatory time must be used as outlined in negotiated agreement.

• Compensatory time shall be approved in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section III above.
• Approved compensatory time shall be recorded on Overtime Authorization Forms and forwarded to the Central Office. Compensatory time must be used as detailed in negotiated agreement.

• Compensatory time requests shall be approved or denied with due regard to whether sufficient staff remains to provide for the operations of the school or the district.

• Compensatory time balances shall be forwarded to the payroll department for initial establishment of the beginning compensatory balances.

• Compensatory time balances shall not exceed 45 hours. Compensatory time balances cannot be carried forward into a new fiscal year except as approved by the immediate supervisor and per the negotiated agreement.

• Voluntary flexible schedules shall not be approved if they disrupt the operations of the District.
• All voluntary flexible schedules shall be approved in writing prior to the start of the flexible schedule.
• The employee’s immediate supervisor has the authority and responsibility to terminate and/or rescind an approved voluntary flexible schedule for cause.

• “Child” shall mean a Student: (a) who is the son or daughter (whether by birth, marriage, or adoption) of the Staff Member in question; or (b) for whom the Staff Member is the legal guardian; or (c) who resides in the Staff Member’s home.
• “Confidential Information” shall have the meaning ascribed by the District’s Confidentiality policy.
• “Covered Technology” shall mean any Electronic Communication or Social Media. For the purposes of this Policy, Covered Technology shall not include any District-Sponsored Technology.
• “District” shall mean Milford School District.  “District-Sponsored Technology” shall mean any Electronic Communication or Social Media that has been officially authorized by the District, that operate under the District’s name, and that are paid for by the District.
• “Electronic Communication” shall mean any communication that is sent by, delivered by, received by, or that otherwise uses: (a) email; (b) instant messaging; (c) text message; (d) telephone, including cellular or mobile phone and smartphones; (e) Social-Media site; (f) the Internet; or (g) any other similar technology.
• “Former Student” shall mean any person who has graduated from and who is no longer enrolled in a School.
• “Online Conduct” shall mean: (a) the transmission of any Electronic communication; and (b) the publication of any content via Social Media.
• “Parent” shall mean the parent or legal guardian of the Student in question.
• “Policy” shall mean this Electronic Communications and Social Media Policy.
• “School” shall mean any and all public schools in the District.
• “Social Media” or “Social-Media Site” shall mean any website, tool, or platform that enables communication between users or the publication of content by an individual. Because of the developing nature of Social Media, there are too many Social-Media Sites to name each individually. For illustration purposes only, Social Media includes: (a) social-networking sites (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn); (b) blogs and microblogs (e.g., Wordpress, Blogger, Twitter, Tumbler); and (c) content-sharing sites (e.g., Flickr, YouTube, Vimeo, Scribd). Additionally, comments posted to a website or blog and other user-generated content are included in the definition of Social Media for the purpose of this policy.
• “Staff Member” shall mean any person who is employed by the District.  Volunteer of the District. (Volunteer: a person who performs a service to the Milford School District without pay.)
• “Student” shall mean any person who currently is enrolled in any School in the District. For the purposes of this Policy, a Student shall not include: (a) any Former Student; or (b) the child or relative of the Staff Member in question

• Be Professional. Maintain professionalism in all Online Conduct. Before engaging in Online Conduct, consider the impact such conduct would have on your relationship with coworkers, peers, District administration, Students, Parents, and the community at large.
• Be Cautious. Be particularly cautious about protecting yourself, your privacy, and any sensitive or confidential information. Consider the potential consequences that could occur if the information that you publish should be later republished or shared by others without your express permission.
• Be Transparent. Be honest in all Online Conduct. Correct any misinformation that you publish immediately. Do not purport to be an expert if you are not one.

• A Staff Member who is employed by the District in a supervisory capacity (a “supervisor”), is prohibited from making a friend request to any individual whom the Staff Member supervises or who otherwise reports to the Staff Member (a “subordinate”).
• A Staff Member-supervisor is not prohibited from accepting a friend request made by a subordinate but is encouraged to seriously consider the consequences of doing so.
• All Staff Members are prohibited from making a friend request to or accepting a friend request from any Student; except in cases where the staff member is making or accepting the request in the capacity of a parent or legal guardian.

• Promote or endorse any illegal activity, including the use of illegal drugs and the consumption of alcohol by any underage person;
• Promote or endorse violence towards any person or persons;
• Promote or endorse discrimination against or harassment of any individual or group based on race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation or other characteristic protected by law;
• Disclose any Confidential Information;
• Make a request to or accept a request from a Student to connect via any Social-Media Site, including but not limited to a Facebook “friend” request; except in cases where the staff member is making or accepting the request in the capacity of a parent or legal guardian;
• Engage in any Online Conduct that undermines or interferes with the Staff Member’s ability to effectively perform his or her official duties;
• Engage in any Online Conduct that undermines or interferes with the effective and efficient operation of the District or any of its Schools; and
• Publishing any recording or image (including audio, video, and pictures), taken on District property without express advance authorization except in instances where a staff member is acting in the capacity of a parent, legal guardian or relative.

• In Circumstance # 1the staff member must provide to the Building Administrator and District a written consent signed by the Student’s Parent before engaging in the communication.
• In Circumstance #2, the Staff Member must abide by Delaware Annotated Code, Title 16, sections 903, 904, 905 and 914. (Summary of applicable codes are outlined below).

• provide support with in-season supervision and skill training in practices under the supervision of a paid coach
• provide limited on-field, sideline, bench and dugout coaching assistance during practices and games providing they do so under the direction of the head coach and adhere to the requirements of this policy
• maintain records and statistics for the team
• assist with scouting teams that the district will play
• may intervene between student-athletes to prevent or curtail disagreements or confrontations. Any difficulties with student athletes must be reported to the head coach for resolution.

• initiate a reprimand or administer disciplinary action toward a student-athlete.
• verbally engage with game officials.
• display improper language or decorum with students, parents/guardians, school staff and/or spectators at any time.

• be at least 20 years of age.
• have a satisfactory Criminal Background Check.
• have a satisfactory Child Protection Registry Check.  receive Milford School Board approval.
• sign the Volunteer Agreement and Volunteer Coaching Assistant Agreement.
• be approved by Head Coach and Principal.

MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Milford, Delaware 19963
POLICY 4319
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: TWELVE MONTH EMPLOYEES

The following holiday schedule will be observed by all twelve-month, full time employees of the Milford School District and schools will be closed:

Independence Day*
Labor Day*
Thanksgiving Day*
Thanksgiving Friday*
Christmas Day*
New Year’s Day*
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day*
Presidents Day
Good Friday*
Easter Monday (in lieu of State Columbus Day Holiday)
Memorial Day*
Juneteenth*
General Election Day (every two years)
Return Day (Half Day every two years)
Veterans' Day

Holidays that occur on a non-workday, including a weekend, shall be observed in accordance with Title 1, Chapter 5 §501, Delaware Code, as amended.

* State Holidays for Merit Employees

ADOPTED: March 16, 1970
AMENDED: July 18, 1977; 7/1/00; 11/26/01; 5/19/03; 9/24/12; 3/21/22