Month: March 2018

The Board of Trustees will make certain that professional services are secured in a manner that protects the integrity of the process, ensures the prudent use of taxpayer dollars and provides a high quality standard of service, in accordance with law and regulation. Professional services are defined as services requiring special skill and/or training, such as legal services, medical services, auditing services, property appraisals or insurance.

Purchasing professional services does not require competitive bidding. The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to take measures to ensure that a highly qualified professional is secured through the prudent and economical use of public money, which may include:

• Reviewing trade journals
• Checking professional listings; and/or
• Inquiring of other districts or other appropriate sources.

The designated district staff will prepare a comprehensive written request for proposals (RFP) which will contain critical details of the services sought. The RFP will specify that the proposal include the structure of the relationship between the district and the provider, including, if applicable, the terms of the retainer, the hourly fees, and other associated costs.

In reviewing the RFPs, the district will consider, at a minimum, the following factors:

• The suitability of the individual/firm for the district’s needs
• The special knowledge or expertise of the individual/firm
• The credentials and applicable certifications of the individual/firm
• The quality of the service provided by the individual/firm
• Cost
• The staffing available from the firm or the time available from the individual.

The district will periodically, but not less frequently than every three years, issue professional service RFPs and may conduct interviews as part of the RFP process. The written proposals submitted by applicants shall be maintained for at least three (3) years.

The Superintendent, after a thorough review of the proposals, will recommend the professional service provider best suited to the district to the Board for its approval.

Regardless of when during the year the professional service provider was engaged by the Board, at the annual Reorganizational Meeting the Board will appoint the attorney, physician, or other professional, as applicable. Professional service providers selected and appointed in this manner will not be considered employees of the district.

The Superintendent is charged with developing administrative procedures to implement this policy.

Ref: General Municipal Law §104-b

2 NYCRR §§315.2, 315.3

Trane Co. v Broome County, 76 A.D. 2d 1015

Appeal of Lombardo, 38 Educ. Dept. Rep. 730

Opn. St. Comp. 92-33

Adoption Date: August 21, 2013

Introduction

The Wainscott Common School District Code of Conduct was developed by the Site-Based Management Team to express in writing the goals of the Wainscott CSD School Board, which are to provide a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers and other district personnel, parents, and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal.

The District has a long-standing set of expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. These expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity. The Board recognizes the need to clearly define these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property, to identify the possible consequences of unacceptable conduct, and to ensure that discipline when necessary is administered promptly and fairly. To this end, the Board adopts this Code of Conduct (“Code).

Unless otherwise indicated, this code applies to all students, school personnel, parents and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function or school-sponsored or co-sponsored event.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Rights

The District is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under state and federal law.

Responsibilities

All district students have the responsibility to:

• Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and to property.
• Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.
• Attend school every day unless excused by a parent or guardian, and be in class, on time, and prepared to learn.
• Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of achievement possible.
• React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.
• Work to develop mechanisms to control their emotions.
• Ask questions when they do not understand.
• Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline.
• Dress appropriately for school and school functions.
• Accept responsibility for their actions.
• Conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending school0-sponsored extracurricular events and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

Essential Partners

Parents/Guardians

All parents and guardians are expected to:

• Recognize that the education of their child is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community.
• Send their children to school ready to participate and learn.
• Ensure their children attend school regularly and on time ready to participate and learn.
• Ensure absences are excused.
• Insist their children be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code.
• Help their children understand that, in a democratic society, appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly environment.
• Know school rules and help their children understand them.
• Convey to their children a supportive attitude toward education and the district.
• Build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their children’s friends.
• Help their children deal effectively with peer pressure.
• Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance.
• Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed.

Teachers/Student Support Service Providers/Other School Personnel

All district teachers/student support service providers and other school personnel are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct.

Superintendent of Schools

The Superintendent of Schools is expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct.

Board of Trustees

All Trustees are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct.

The Board of Trustees will perform the claims audit function for the district.

The claims audit function formally examines, allows or rejects all accounts, charges, claims or demands against the school district. The auditing process should determine:

That the proposed payment is for a valid and legal purpose
That the obligation was incurred by an authorized district official
That the items for which payment is claimed were in fact received or, in the case of services, that they were actually rendered
That the obligation does not exceed the available appropriation, and
That the submitted voucher is in proper form, mathematically correct, does not include previously paid charges or tax, and is in agreement with the voucher or purchase order or contract upon which it is based.

Ref: Education Law §§1604(35)

8 NYCRR §170.2

Matter of Levy, 22 EDR 550 (1983)

Adoption date: August 21, 2013

The transfer of funds between and within functional unit appropriations of the General Fund is commonly required during the school year. The Superintendent of Schools, based on the recommendation of the Business Manager, is authorized to make budget transfers, not to exceed $25,000.00 between line item accounts. The Superintendent of Schools will present all transfers in excess of $25,000.00 to the Board at its next regular meeting for approval.

Each time the Superintendent of Schools approves a transfer of funds, such transfer will be reviewed by the Board at its next regular meeting.

Ref: Education Law §1718

8 NYCRR §170.2(1)

Adoption date: August 21, 2013

The Board of Trustees, while recognizing that, according to [ ], it does not have the obligation to transport its resident students who live less than [ ] from school to that school, it values the safety of its students and, therefore, will provide transportation to all of its resident students to and from the District’s designated public schools (Wainscott School, John Marshall Elementary School, East Hampton Middle School, East Hampton High School), regardless of the distance from the student’s home and the school of attendance.

Adopted:  September 21, 2011

The budget calendar prepared by the Superintendent of Schools shall include:

• A schedule which sets forth all important meetings and dates, including deadlines for budget proposals from within the district;
• Commencement dates and deadlines for certain budgetary tasks, such as the estimation of all revenues and income expected to be received by the district; and
• Events such as the preliminary dates for the Board of Trustees’ consideration of the tentative budget.

As part of the budget planning process, the Superintendent of Schools and the Business Manager will evaluate:

• The educational philosophy, goals and objectives of the District and their modification where required:
• The district education program and support systems, such as transportation;
• Census and enrollment projections;
• The condition of the physical plant for operation and maintenance needs;
• Debt service schedules; and
• Estimated revenue from sources other than property tax (e.g. Federal aid)

Adoption date: August 21, 2013

The Superintendent of Schools, with the assistance of the Business Manager, shall be responsible for the preparation of the budget. This shall include developing a budget calendar in accordance with the Budget Planning Regulation, and adhering to that calendar. The budget calendar shall be approved by the Board of Trustees in advance of the preparation of the district’s annual budget.

The budget shall be designed to reflect the Board’s objectives for the education of the children of the district. It shall be carefully organized and planned to provide adequate accounting for each program expenditure, understanding of the financial needs of anticipated program developments, and be within the financial limitations of the district.

The budget for the ensuing school year shall be thoroughly reviewed by the Board before its presentation to the voters for final adoption.

Ref:   Education Law §§1608(2)-(4); 2002(1); 2003(1); 2004(1); 2022(2); 2601-a

Fiscal Management (NYSSBA, 1997)

Adoption date: August 21, 2013

The Wainscott Common School District furnishes transportation to those students whose disability or distance from the school makes the service essential. Except as otherwise mandated in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), riding these buses is a privilege and may be withdrawn if the student does not comply with the rules and regulations set forth in this District.

Bus drivers shall be held responsible for reasonable and acceptable behavior of students while riding the school bus. Students riding school buses are expected to conform to the rules of conduct in order to permit the bus driver to transport his/her passengers safely.

The Board of Education, the Superintendent and/or his/her designee has the authority to suspend the transportation privileges of children who are disorderly and insubordinate on buses. Generally, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to make alternative transportation arrangements for their children who have been suspended from riding the bus. However, the effect of a suspension from transportation on the student’s ability to attend school will be considered. If a suspension from transportation effectively results in a suspension from attendance because of the distance between the home and the school and the absence of alternative public or private means of transportation, the District shall make appropriate arrangements to provide for the student’s education.

If a student with a disability who receives transportation as a related service as part of his/her Individualized Education Program is being considered for suspension from transportation, and that suspension would effectively result in a change in placement, the student shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education.

The Board directs the administration to establish rules and regulations for student conduct on buses, including applicable due process rights to be afforded students suspended from transportation privileges. These rules and regulations shall be promulgated to all concerned, including the nonpublic schools to which students are transported.

Adopted:

Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 20 United States Code (USC) Sections 1400-1485

8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 156

The goal at Wainscott School is to have a safe and orderly school. Responsible behavior by all members of our school community is important in order to meet this goal. It is shown that dressing appropriately and taking care of oneself will have a positive effect on the attitude and success of each student.

WAINSCOTT SCHOOL STUDENT DRESS CODE

Appropriate dress reinforces a positive image and attitude conducive to a safe and productive educational environment and prepares students for future academic and professional growth. Anything worn or carried to school must be free of logos that refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol and/or violence. We realize retailers sell merchandise that contains sarcastic and amusing comments or graphics. We appreciate your co-operation in helping us maintain a positive message in our learning community.

GARMENTS

Clothing should fit the child properly (not too big, too tight, too short, etc.).
Clothing should be well-maintained and properly laundered.
Midriffs and backs should be covered and clothes should not be unduly revealing.
Underwear must be completely covered at all times.
Clothing must be free from hanging objects/straps which can cause harm or injury.

FOOTWEAR

For the safety of our students, feet should be completely encased in shoes. Shoes that have been proven to be unsafe, such as flip-flops, platforms, shoes with wheels, heels and slides are strongly discouraged. Due to this safety concern, outdoor activities for children who wear this type of footwear will be restricted.

HEADGEAR

Heads should be uncovered in building except for religious or health reasons.

OUTERWEAR, BACKPACKS AND CLOTHING

Outerwear, backpacks and clothing must be free from hanging objects/straps which can cause harm or injury.

The Wainscott Dress Code is in compliance with NY State S.A.V.E.. Adherence is therefore required. Students violating this dress code will remove or cover the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replace it with an acceptable item.