Belleville THSD 201
Table of Contents Belleville THSD 201
SECTION 1 - SCHOOL DISTRICT ORGANIZATION
1:10 School District Legal Status
1:20 District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements 1:30 School District Philosophy
SECTION 2 - SCHOOL BOARD
2:10 School District Governance
2:20 Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification 2:30 School District Elections
2:40 Board Member Qualifications 2:50 Board Member Term of Office
2:60 Board Member Removal from Office
2:70 Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies
2:70-E Exhibit - Checklist for Filling Board Vacancies by Appointment 2:80 Board Member Oath and Conduct
2:80-E Exhibit - Board Member Code of Conduct 2:100 Board Member Conflict of Interest
2:105 Ethics and Gift Ban
2:110 Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers 2:120 Board Member Development
2:120-E1 Exhibit - Guidelines for Serving as a Mentor to a New School Board Member

2:120-E2 Exhibit - Website Listing of Development and Training Completed by Board Members
2:125 Board Member Compensation; Expenses
2:125-E1 Exhibit - Board Member Expense Reimbursement Form 2:125-E2 Exhibit - Board Member Estimated Expense Approval Form
2:130 Board-Superintendent Relationship 2:140 Communications To and From the Board

2:140-E Exhibit - Guidance for Board Member Communications, Including Email Use 2:150 Committees
2:160 Board Attorney
2:160-E Exhibit - Checklist for Selecting a Board Attorney
2:170 Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Services 2:190 Mailing Lists for Receiving Board Material
2:200 Types of School Board Meetings
2:200-AP Administrative Procedure - Types of School Board Meetings 2:210 Organizational School Board Meeting
2:220 School Board Meeting Procedure

2:220-E1 Exhibit - Board Treatment of Closed Meeting Verbatim Recordings and Minutes
2:220-E2 Exhibit - Motion to Adjourn to Closed Meeting 2:220-E3 Exhibit - Closed Meeting Minutes
2:220-E4 Exhibit - Open Meeting Minutes
2:220-E5 Exhibit - Semi-Annual Review of Closed Meeting Minutes 2:220-E6 Exhibit - Log of Closed Meeting Minutes
2:220-E7 Exhibit - Access to Closed Meeting Minutes and Verbatim Recordings 2:220-E8 Exhibit - School Board Records Maintenance Requirements and FAQs
2:220-E9 Exhibit - Requirements for No Physical Presence of Quorum and Participation by Audio or Video During Disaster Declaration
2:230 Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board 2:240 Board Policy Development
2:240-E1 Exhibit - PRESS Issue Updates 2:240-E2 Exhibit - Developing Local Policy
2:250 Access to District Public Records 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure 2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedure
2:270 Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited
SECTION 3 - GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

3:10 Goals and Objectives 3:30 Chain of Command 3:40 Superintendent
3:40-E Exhibit - Checklist for the Superintendent Employment Contract Negotiation Process
3:50 Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent 3:60 Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal 3:70 Succession of Authority
SECTION 4 - OPERATIONAL SERVICES
4:10 Fiscal and Business Management 4:15 Identity Protection
4:20 Fund Balances
4:30 Revenue and Investments 4:40 Incurring Debt
4:45 Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery 4:50 Payment Procedures
4:55 Use of Credit and Procurement Cards 4:60 Purchases and Contracts
4:70 Resource Conservation 4:80 Accounting and Audits
4:90 Student Activity and Fiduciary Funds 4:100 Insurance Management
4:110 Transportation
4:120 Food Services
4:130 Free and Reduced-Price Food Services
4:130-E Exhibit - Free and Reduced-Price Food Services; Meal Charge Notifications 4:140 Waiver of Student Fees
4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs 4:160 Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds
4:165 Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors

4:170 Safety
4:175 Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications 4:180 Pandemic Preparedness; Management; and Recovery
SECTION 5 - PERSONNEL
General Personnel
5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited
5:20-E Resolution to Prohibit Sexual Harassment 5:30 Hiring Process and Criteria
5:35 Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act 5:40 Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease
5:50 Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace; E-Cigarrette, Tobacco, Cannabis Prohibition 5:52 Employee Drug Testing Policy
5:60 Expenses
5:60-E1 Exhibit - Employee Expense Reimbursement Form 5:60-E2 Exhibit - Employee Estimated Expense Approval Form
5:70 Religious Holidays
5:80 Court Duty
5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting 5:100 Staff Development Program
5:110 Recognition for Service
5:120 Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest 5:130 Responsibilities Concerning Internal Information
5:140 Solicitations By or From Staff 5:150 Personnel Records
5:170 Copyright
5:180 Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity 5:185 Family and Medical Leave
Professional Personnel
5:190 Teacher Qualifications

5:200 Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal 5:210 Resignations
5:220 Substitute Teachers
5:230 Maintaining Student Discipline 5:240 Suspension
5:250 Leaves of Absence 5:260 Student Teachers
Educational Support Personnel
5:270 Employment At-Will, Compensation, and Assignment 5:280 Duties and Qualifications
5:285 Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers 5:290 Employment Termination and Suspensions
5:300 Schedules and Employment Year 5:310 Compensatory Time-Off
5:320 Evaluation
5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves
SECTION 6 - INSTRUCTION
6:10 Educational Philosophy and Objectives 6:15 School Accountability
6:20 School Year Calendar and Day 6:30 Organization of Instruction
6:40 Curriculum Development
6:50 School Wellness
6:60 Curriculum Content
6:65 Student Social and Emotional Development 6:70 Teaching About Religions
6:80 Teaching About Controversial Issues 6:92 Early Bird Instruction
6:100 Using Animals in the Educational Program
6:110 Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and

Graduation Incentives Program
6:120 Education of Children with Disabilities 6:130 Program for the Gifted
6:135 Accelerated Placement Program 6:140 Education of Homeless Children 6:145 Migrant Students
6:150 Home and Hospital Instruction 6:160 English Learners
6:170 Title I Programs
6:185 Remote Educational Program
6:190 Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities 6:210 Instructional Materials
6:220 Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Program; Responsible Use and Conduct 6:230 Library Media Program
6:235 Access to Electronic Networks - Staff and Students 6:240 Field Trips
6:250 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers 6:255 Assemblies and Ceremonies
6:260 Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs 6:270 Guidance and Counseling Program
6:280 Grading and Promotion 6:290 Homework
6:300 Graduation Requirements
6:310 Credit for Alternative Courses and Programs, and Course Substitutions 6:315 High School Credit for Students in Grade 7 or 8
6:320 High School Credit for Proficiency 6:330 Achievement and Awards
6:340 Student Testing and Assessment Program
SECTION 7 - STUDENTS
7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities

7:10-E Exhibit - Equal Educational Opportunities Within the School Community 7:15 Student and Family Privacy Rights
7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited 7:30 Student Assignment and Transfers
7:40 Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students 7:50 School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools 7:60 Residence
7:70 Attendance and Truancy
7:80 Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance 7:90 Release During School Hours
7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students 7:130 Student Rights and Responsibilities
7:140 Search and Seizure
7:150 Agency and Police Interviews 7:160 Student Appearance
7:170 Vandalism
7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited
7:190 Student Behavior
7:200 Suspension Procedures
7:210 Expulsion Procedures
7:220 Bus Conduct
7:230 Misconduct by Students with Disabilities
7:240 Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities 7:250 Student Support Services
7:260 Exemption from Physical Education 7:270 Administering Medicines to Students
7:275 Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatment 7:280 Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease
7:285 Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program

7:290 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention 7:300 Extracurricular Athletics
7:305 Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries 7:310 Restrictions on Publications
7:315 Restrictions on Publications; High Schools 7:325 Student Fundraising Activities
7:330 Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access 7:340 Student Records
7:345 Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security
SECTION 8 - COMMUNITY RELATIONS
8:10 Connection with the Community 8:20 Community Use of School Facilities
8:25 Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by Non-School Related Entities
8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property 8:70 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities 8:80 Gifts to the District
8:90 Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs 8:95 Parental Involvement
8:100 Relations with Other Organizations and Agencies 8:110 Public Suggestions and Concerns

Belleville THSD 201

SECTION 1 - SCHOOL DISTRICT ORGANIZATION

Belleville THSD 201

1:10 School District Legal Status
The Illinois Constitution requires the State to provide for an efficient system of high-quality public educational institutions and services in order to achieve the educational development of all persons to the limits of their capabilities.

The General Assembly has implemented this mandate through the creation of school districts. The District is governed by the laws for school districts serving a resident population of not fewer than 1,000 and not more than 500,000.

The School Board constitutes a body corporate that possesses all the usual powers of a corporation for public purposes, and in that name may sue and be sued, purchase, hold and sell personal property and real estate, and enter into such obligations as are authorized by law.
LEGAL REF.:
Ill. Constitution, Art. X, Sec. 1. 105 ILCS 5/10-1 et seq.
CROSS REF.: 2:10 (School District Governance), 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification)
Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

1:20 District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements
The District is organized and operates as a High School District serving the needs of children in grades 9 through 12 and others as required by the School Code.

The District enters into and participates in joint programs and intergovernmental agreements with units of local government and other school districts in order to jointly provide services and activities in a manner that will increase flexibility, scope of service opportunities, cost reductions, and/or otherwise benefit the District and the community. The Superintendent shall manage these activities to the extent the program or agreement requires the District's participation, and shall provide periodic implementation or operational data and/or reports to the Board concerning these programs and agreements.
LEGAL REF.:
Ill. Constitution, Art. V I, Sec. 10.
5 ILCS 220/, Intergovernmental Cooperation Act.. Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

1:30 School District Philosophy
We of Belleville Township High School District 201 (East and West), believe that a democratic society such as that which exists in the United States, though it is imperfect, best enables man to develop his creative potentials and encourages each to seek that which he perceives as good and true and enduring. Therefore, the school together with the home, the church, and other community groups must share the responsibility for helping students develop the attitudes, skills, and concepts which will enable them to function effectively in our changing society.

We believe that our education system exists primarily to serve the young people of this community and the society in which they live by aiding them to become responsible, self-directing, self-educating individuals who are capable of making sound decisions and value judgments. As part of their experience in creative, responsible citizenship, students should be encouraged to express their views on curriculum, student control, co-curricular activities, and other areas in which student participation is practicable.

We strive to achieve these aims through various avenues. Of first importance is a professional staff that maintains an empathic relationship with students. Because teaching should be essentially humanistic, emphasis should be placed on acquainting the student with the thoughts and accomplishment of his predecessors and of his contemporaries, on developing an awareness of the nature of the relationship of man to his environment, on promoting the self-fulfillment of each student, and on creating a respect for the dignity and worth of each individual and an awareness of the importance of moral and spiritual values. We, therefore, base our philosophy on the recognition of the worth and dignity of each student as an individual, regardless of his social, economic, religious, or racial background.

Recognizing the worth and dignity of each student as an individual, regardless of his social, economic, religious, or racial background, we believe that the school should provide for staff, programs, and facilities to educate all students. Thus, to the extent that community support makes it possible, a curriculum sufficiently varied to meet the needs and interests of all students, as well as adequate staff, classrooms, and equipment, should be provided. If the cooperation between school and community necessary to maintain a superior school is to be realized, the community must be kept informed, through appropriate media, of the total school program: its goals, its accomplishments, and its needs. Decisions concerning change should be preceded by a candid exchange of ideas among faculty, students, and community. Furthermore, for a dynamic school program to exist, the faculty must (a) be aware of and responsive to the changing needs of the community; (b) receive encouragement to continue their educational experiences; and (c) keep abreast of developments in curriculum, techniques, methodology, and materials, carefully evaluate them, and take steps to implement those which represent real progress

If we can lead our students to the highest ethical and moral behavior; if we can develop in them an understanding of and a pride in our American heritage; if we can inspire them to transmit this inherited spirit of democracy to oncoming generations in an improved and enriched form then we believe that our efforts will have been successful.
Mission Statement

Through innovation and a variety of opportunity, Belleville District #201 will provide a diverse student body with a quality education and lifelong skills necessary to address individual, local, and global challenges.

CROSS REF: 2:10 (School District Governance), 3:10 (Goals and Objectives), 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives)
Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

SECTION 2 - SCHOOL BOARD

Belleville THSD 201

2:10 School District Governance
The District is governed by a School Board consisting of seven members. The board members must be residents of the district, and at least two must be from an unincorporated area of the school district. The Board's powers and duties include the authority to adopt, enforce, and monitor all policies for the management and governance of the District's schools.

Official action by the School Board may only occur at a duly called and legally conducted meeting. Except as otherwise provided by the Open Meetings Act, a quorum must be physically present at the meeting.

As stated in the Board member oath of office prescribed by the School Code, a Board member has no legal authority as an individual.
LEGAL REF.:
5 ILCS 120/, Open Meetings Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-1, 5/10-10, 5/10-12, 5/10-16.5, 5/10-16.7, and 5/10-20.5.

CROSS REF.: 1:10 (School District Legal Status), 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification), 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:120 (Board Member Development), 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings), 2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure)
Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:20 Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification
The major powers and duties of the School Board include, but are not limited to:

1.	Organizing the Board after each consolidated election by electing officers and establishing its regular meeting schedule and, thereafter, taking action during lawfully called meetings to faithfully fulfill the Board's responsibilities in accordance with State and federal law.
2.	Formulating, adopting, and modifying Board policies, at its sole discretion, subject only to mandatory collective bargaining agreements and State and federal law.
3.	Employing a Superintendent and other personnel, making employment decisions, dismissing personnel, including determining whether an employee has willfully or negligently failed to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by 325 ILCS 5/, and establishing an equal employment opportunity policy that prohibits unlawful discrimination.
4.	Directing, through policy, the Superintendent, in his or her charge of the District's administration.
5.	Approving the annual budget, tax levies, major expenditures, payment of obligations, annual audit, and other aspects of the District's financial operation; and making available a statement of financial affairs as provided in State law.
6.	Entering contracts in accordance with applicable federal and State law, including using the public bidding procedure when required.
7.	Providing, constructing, controlling, and maintaining adequate physical facilities; making school buildings available for use as civil defense shelters; and establishing a resource conservation policy.
8.	Establishing an equal educational opportunities policy that prohibits unlawful discrimination.
9.	Approving the curriculum, textbooks, and educational services.
10.	Evaluating the educational program and approving School Improvement Plans.
11.	Presenting the District report card and School report card(s) to parents/guardians and the community; these documents report District, School and student performance.
12.	Establishing and supporting student behavior policies designed to maintain an environment conducive to learning, including deciding individual student suspension or expulsion cases brought before it.
13.	Establishing attendance units within the District and assigning students to the schools.
14.	Establishing the school year.
15.	Requiring a moment of silence to recognize veterans during any type of school event held at a District school on November 11.
16.	Providing student transportation services pursuant to State law.
17.	Entering into joint agreements with other boards to establish cooperative educational programs or provide educational facilities.
18.	Complying with requirements in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA). Specifically, each individual Board member must, if an allegation is raised to the member during an open or closed Board meeting that a student is an abused child as defined in ANCRA, direct or cause the Board to direct the Superintendent or other equivalent school administrator to comply with ANCRA’s requirements concerning the reporting of child abuse.
19.	Notifying the State Superintendent of Education promptly and in writing of the name of a licensed teacher who was convicted of a felony, along with the conviction and the name and location of the court where the conviction occurred.
20.	Notifying the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) of the State of Ill. Board of Trustees promptly and in writing when it learns that a teacher as defined in the Ill. Pension Code was convicted of a felony, along with the name and location of the court where the conviction occurred, and the case number assigned by that court to the conviction.
1.	
21.	Communicating the schools' activities and operations to the community and representing the needs and desires of the community in educational matters.
Indemnification

To the extent allowed by law, the Board shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless School Board members, employees, volunteer personnel (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/10-22.34, 10-22.34a and 10- 22.34b), mentors of certified staff (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.53a, 2-3.53b, and 105 ILCS 5/21A-5 et seq.), and student teachers who, in the course of discharging their official duties imposed or authorized by law, are sued as parties in a legal proceeding. Nothing herein, however, shall be construed as obligating the Board to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless any person who engages in criminal activity, official misconduct, fraud, intentional or willful and wanton misconduct, or acts beyond the authority properly vested in the individual.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10, 5/17-1, 5/21B-85, and 5/27-1.
115 ILCS 5/, Ill. Educational Labor Relations Act.
325 ILCS 5/, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

CROSS REF.: 1:10 (School District Legal Status), 1:20 (District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements), 2:10 (School District Governance), 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:140 (Communications To and From the Board), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:70 (Resource Conservation), 4:100 (Insurance Management), 4:110 (Transportation), 4:150 (Facility Management and Building Programs), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 4:175 (Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:150 (Personnel Records), 5:210 (Resignations), 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions), 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives), 6:15 (School Accountability), 6:20 (School Year Calendar and Day), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:30 (Student Assignment and Intra-District Transfer), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:200 (Suspension Procedures), 7:210 (Expulsion Procedures), 8:10 (Connection with the Community), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

2:30 School District Elections
School District elections are non-partisan, governed by the general election laws of the State, and include the election of School Board members, various public policy propositions, and advisory questions. School Board members are elected at the consolidated election held on the first Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years. If, however, that date conflicts with the celebration of Passover, the consolidated election is postponed to the first Tuesday following the last day of Passover. The canvass of votes is conducted by the election authority within 21 days after the election.

The Board, by proper resolution, may cause to be placed on the ballot: (a) public policy referendum according to Article 28 of the Election Code, or (b) advisory questions of public policy according to Section 9-1.5 of the School Code.

The Board Secretary serves as the local election official. He or she receives petitions for the submission of a public question to referenda and forwards them to the proper election officer and otherwise provides information to the community concerning District elections.
LEGAL REF.:
10 ILCS 5/1-3, 5/2A, 5/9, 5/10-9, 5/22-17, 5/22-18, and 5/28.
105 ILCS 5/9.

CROSS REF.: 2:40 (Board Member Qualifications), 2:50 (Board Member Term of Office), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting)
Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:40 Board Member Qualifications
A School Board member must be, on the date of election or appointment, a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age, a resident of Illinois and the District for at least one year immediately preceding the election, and a registered voter.

Reasons making an individual ineligible for Board membership include holding an incompatible office, certain types of State or federal employment, and conviction of an infamous crime. A child sex offender, as defined in State law, is ineligible for Board membership.
LEGAL REF.:
Ill. Constitution, Art. I, §1; Art. IV, §2(e); Art. VI, §13(b). 105 ILCS 5/10-3 and 5/10-10.
CROSS REF.: 2:30 (School District Elections), 2:70 (Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

2:50 Board Member Term of Office
The term of office for a School Board member begins immediately after both of the following occur:

1.	The election authority canvasses the votes and declares the winner(s); this occurs within 21 days after the consolidated election held on the first Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years.
2.	The successful candidate takes the oath of office as provided in Board policy 2:80, Board Member Oath and Conduct.
The term ends 4 years later when the successor assumes office. LEGAL REF.:
10 ILCS 5/2A-1.1, 5/22-17, and 5/22-18.
105 ILCS 5/10-10, 5/10-16, and 5/10-16.5.

CROSS REF.:2:30 (School District Elections), 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting)
Adopted: June 17, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

2:60 Board Member Removal from Office
If a majority of the Board determines that a Board member has willfully failed to perform his or her official duties, it may request the Regional Superintendent to remove such member from office.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/3-15.5.
CROSS REF.:2:70 (Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies) Adopted: June 17, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

2:70 Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies
Vacancy

Elective office of a School Board member becomes vacant before the term's expiration when any of the following occurs:
1.	Death of the incumbent,
2.	Resignation in writing filed with the Secretary of the School Board,
3.	Legal disability,
4.	Conviction of a felony, bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime or of any offense involving a violation of official oath or of a violent crime against a child,
5.	Removal from office,
6.	The decision of a competent tribunal declaring his or her election void,
7.	Ceasing to be an inhabitant of the District or a particular area from which he or she was elected, if the residential requirements contained in the School Code are violated,
8.	An illegal conflict of interest, or
9.	Acceptance of a second public office that is incompatible with School Board membership. Filling Vacancies
Whenever a vacancy occurs, the remaining members shall notify the Regional Superintendent of Schools of that vacancy within five days after its occurrence and shall fill the vacancy until the next regular board election, at which election a successor shall be elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term. However, if the vacancy occurs with less than 868 days remaining in the term or less than 88 days before the next regularly scheduled election, the person so appointed shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term, and no election to fill the vacancy shall be held. Members appointed by the remaining members of the Board to fill vacancies shall meet any residential requirements as specified in the School Code. The Board shall fill the vacancy within 60 days after it occurred by a public vote at a meeting of the Board.

Immediately following a vacancy on the School Board, the Board will publicize it and accept résumés from District residents who are interested in filling the vacancy. After reviewing the applications, the Board may invite the prospective candidates for personal interviews to be conducted during duly scheduled closed meetings.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-10 and 5/10-11.

CROSS REF.: 2:40 (Board Member Qualifications), 2:60 (Board Member Removal from Office), 2:120 (Board Member Development)
Adopted: May 4, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

2:70-E Exhibit - Checklist for Filling Board Vacancies by Appointment

The School Board fills a vacancy by either appointment or election. The Board uses this checklist for guidance when it must fill a vacancy by appointment. Some items contain guidelines along with explanations. For more information, see Vacancies on the Board of Education, published by a committee of the Ill. Council of School Attorneys, and available at: www.iasb.com/law/vacancies.cfm.

Confirm that the Board must fill the vacancy by appointment.

Guidelines	Explanation	
Review Board policy 2:70, Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies, to determine if a vacancy on the Board occurred and, if so, whether the successor will be selected by election or Board appointment.	Filling a vacancy by Board appointment or election depends upon when the vacancy occurred. If a vacancy occurs with less than: (1) 868 days remaining in the term of office, or (2) 88 days before the next regularly scheduled election for the vacant office, no election to fill the vacancy is held and the appointee serves the remainder of the term. At all other times, an appointee serves until the next regular school election, at which election a successor is elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term. See 105 ILCS 5/10-10.	
In the event a seat on the board goes unfilled at an election, consult the Board Attorney to determine (1) how long the seat can be held over by the incumbent member, and (2) the process by which the Board will fill the seat.	

The School Code partially addresses the concept of a holdover seat; it states “no elective office…becomes vacant until the successor of the incumbent of such office has been appointed or elected, as the case may be, and qualified.” 105 ILCS 5/10-11.	

Notify the Regional Superintendent of the vacancy within five days of its occurrence (105 ILCS 5/10-10).

Develop a list of qualifications for appointment of a person to fill the vacancy.

Guidelines	Explanation	
At a minimum, a candidate must meet the following qualifications:		
Be a United States citizen		
Be at least 18 years of age		
Be a resident of Illinois and the

District for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment	

While the School Code does not expressly set forth eligibility requirements for appointment to a Board vacancy, the Board may want to use the qualifications for elected Board members listed in 105 ILCS 5/10-3 and 5/10-10.	
Be a registered voter	For guidance discussing other qualifications that the Board may want	

Not be a child sex offender	to consider, see IASB's Recruiting School Board Candidates, available at: www.iasb.com/training/recruiting.cfm	
Not hold another incompatible public office	For guidance regarding conflict of interest and incompatible offices, see Conflict of Interest and Incompatible Offices FAQ (ICSA).	
Not have a prohibited interest in any contract with the District		
Not be a school trustee		
Not hold certain types of prohibited State or federal employment		
When additional qualifications apply, the following items may be included in the Board's list of qualifications:

Meet all qualifications based upon the distribution of population among congressional townships in the district.
Meet all qualifications based upon the distribution of population among incorporated and unincorporated areas.	

Board members of some community unit school districts may be subject to historical residential qualifications based on the distribution of population among congressional townships in the district or between the district's incorporated and unincorporated areas. 105 ILCS 5/10-11.
Note: If a vacancy for an area of residence remains unfilled, a board must submit a proposition at the next general election for the election of a board member at large. 105 ILCS 5/10-10.5(c), added by P.A. 100-800.	

Decide who will receive completed vacancy applications.

Guidelines	Explanation	
The Board President will accept applications.

The Board will discuss, at an open meeting, its process to review the applications and who will contact applicants for an interview.	

Who accepts vacancy applications is at the Board's sole discretion. According to 2:110, Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers, the Board President is a logical officer to accept the applications, but this task may be delegated to the Secretary or Superintendent's secretary if the Board determines that it is more convenient. Who accepts the applications must be decided prior to posting the vacancy announcement.	

Create Board the member vacancy announcement.

Announcement	Explanation	
School District 	Board Member Vacancy
The School District is accepting applications to fill the vacancy resulting from [reason for vacancy] of [former Board member's name].	The contents of a vacancy announcement, how it is announced, and where it is posted are at the Board's sole discretion.

The Board may want to announce the vacancy and its intent to fill it by appointment during an open meeting. The announcement may be posted on the District's website and in the local newspaper(s).	
The individual selected will serve on the School Board from the date of appointment to [date].	The length of the appointment depends upon when during the term of office the vacancy occurred. See 105 ILCS 5/10-10 and Board policy 2:70, Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies, to determine the length of the appointment.	
The School District [School District's philosophy or mission statement].	See Board policy 1:30, School District Philosophy, for the District's mission statement that is specific to the community's goals.	
Applicants for the Board vacancy must be: [Board's list of qualifications].	See checklist item titled Develop a list of qualifications for appointment of a person to fill the vacancy above..	
Applicants should show familiarity with the Board's policies regarding general duties and responsibilities of a Board and a Board member, including fiduciary responsibilities, conflict of interest, ethics and gift ban. The Board's policies are available at [locations].	Listing this along with the Board's list of qualifications assists candidates in understanding a Board member's duties and responsibilities and may facilitate a better conversation during the interview process. See Board policies: 2:20, Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification; 2:80, Board Member Oath and Conduct; 2:100, Board Member Conflict of Interest; 2:105 Ethics and Gift Ban; and 2:120, Board Member Development.	
Applications may be obtained at [location and address and/or website] beginning on [date and time].
Completed applications may be turned in by [time and date] to [name and title of person receiving applications].	

See action item titled Decide who will receive completed vacancy applications above.	

Publicize the vacancy announcement by placing it on the District's website, announcing it at a meeting, and/or advertising it in the local newspaper(s).

Accept and review applications from prospective candidates (see Decide who will receive completed vacancy applications above).

Contact appropriate applicants for interviews (see Decide who will receive completed vacancy applications above).

Develop interview questions.

Interview Questions	Explanation	
Why do you want to be a Board member?		
What specific skills would you bring to the Board?		
Please give specific examples of your ability in interpersonal relationships and teamwork.		
What do you see as the role of a Board member?		
What have you done to prepare yourself for the challenges of being a Board member?	Interview questions are at the Board's sole discretion. This list is not
exhaustive, but it may help the Board tailor its questions toward finding a candidate who will approach Board membership with a clear understanding of its demands and expectations along with a constructive attitude toward the challenge. The Board may also want to consider allowing an equal amount of time for each interview.	
Please describe your previous community or non-profit experiences.

What areas in the district would you like to see the Board strengthen?	See IASB's Recruiting School Board Candidates, available at: www.iasb.com/training/recruiting.cfm

A prospective candidate to fill a vacancy may raise other specific issues that the Board will want to cover during an interview.	
What is your availability to meet the time, training commitments, and other responsibilities required for Board membership?		
Describe what legacy you would like to leave behind.		

Conduct interviews with candidates (interviews may occur in closed session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3)).

Interview Plan	Explanation	
In each interview, the Board President will:		

Introduce Board members to the candidate at the beginning of the interview.

Describe the Board's interview process, selection process, and ask the candidate if he or she has questions about the Board's process for filling a vacancy by appointment.

Describe the District's philosophy or mission statement.

Describe the vacancy for the candidate by reviewing the: (1) qualifications, and (2) general duties and responsibilities of the Board and the Board members, including fiduciary responsibilities, conflict of interest, ethics and gift ban, and general Board member development.

Begin asking the interview questions that the Board developed.

Ask the candidate whether he or she has any questions for the Board.

Thank the candidate and inform the candidate when the Board expects to make a decision and how the candidate will be contacted regarding the Board's decision.	

The Board President will lead the Board as it interviews prospective candidates. See Board policy 2:110, Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers. The president presides at all meetings (105 ILCS 5/10-13).

The Board may also want to consider allowing an equal amount of time for each interview.	

Fill vacancy by a vote during an open meeting of the Board before the 60th day (105 ILCS 5/10-10, amended by P.A. 101-67, eff. 1-1-20).

Assist the appointed Board member in filing his or her statement of economic interest (5 ILCS 420/4A-105(c).

Announce the appointment to District staff and community.

Announcement	Explanation	
The Board appointed [appointee's name] to fill the vacancy on the Board.
The appointment will be from [date] to [date].
The Board previously established qualifications for the appointee in a careful and thoughtful manner. [Appointee's name] meets these qualifications and has demonstrated the willingness to accept the duties and responsibilities of a Board member. [Appointee's name] brings a clear understanding of the demands and expectations of being a Board member along with a constructive attitude toward the challenge.	
The contents of the appointment announcement and length of time it is displayed are at the Board's sole discretion. The Board may want to consider announcing the appointment during its meeting and also by posting it in the same places that it posted the vacancy announcement.

See Board policy 8:10, Connection with the Community.	

Administer the Oath of Office and begin orientation.

Guidelines	Explanation	
See Board policy 2:80, Board Member Oath and Conduct.	Each individual, before taking his or her seat on the Board, must take an oath in substantially the form given in 105 ILCS 5/10-16.5.	
See Board policy 2:120, Board Member Development, and 2:120-E, Guidelines for Serving as a Mentor to a NewSchool Board Member.	Orientation assists new Board members to learn, understand, and practice effective governance principles. See the IASB Foundational Principles of Effective Governance, available at: www.iasb.com/principles_popup.cfm.	

Inform IASB of the newly appointed Board member's name and directory information.
DATED : May 4, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

2:80 Board Member Oath and Conduct
Each School Board member, before taking his or her seat on the Board, shall take the following oath of office:

I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of member of the Board of Education of Belleville Township High School District No. 201, in accordance with the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the laws of the State of Illinois, to the best of my ability.
I further swear (or affirm) that:
I shall respect taxpayer interests by serving as a faithful protector of the School District's assets;
I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow Board members and others who seek a hearing before the Board, while respecting the privacy of students and employees;
I shall recognize that a Board member has no legal authority as an individual and that decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a public Board meeting;
I shall abide by majority decisions of the Board, while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels;
As part of the Board of Education, I shall accept the responsibility for my role in the equitable and quality education of every student in the School District;
I shall foster with the Board extensive participation of the community, formulate goals, define outcomes, and set the course for (name of School District);
I shall assist in establishing a structure and an environment designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to attain their maximum potential through a sound organizational framework;
I shall strive to ensure a continuous assessment of student achievement and all conditions affecting the education of our children, in compliance with State law;
I shall serve as education's key advocate on behalf of students and our community's school (or schools) to advance the vision for (name of School District); and
I shall strive to work together with the District Superintendent to lead the School District toward fulfilling the vision the Board has created, fostering excellence for every student in the areas of academic skills, knowledge, citizenship, and personal development.

The Board Secretary will administer the oath in an open Board meeting; in the absence of the Secretary, the President will administer the oath. If neither is available, the Board member with the longest service on the Board will administer the oath.

The Board adopts the Illinois Association of School Boards' "Code of Conduct for Members of School Boards." A copy of the Code shall be displayed in the regular Board meeting room.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-16.5.

CROSS REF.:1:30 (School District Philosophy), 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification), 2:50 (Board Member Term of Office), 2:100 (Board Member Conflict of Interest),

2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting) Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

2:80-E Exhibit - Board Member Code of Conduct

As a member of my local School Board, I will do my utmost to represent the public interest in education by adhering to the following standards and principles:

1.	I will represent all School District constituents honestly and equally and refuse to surrender my responsibilities to special interest or partisan political groups.
2.	I will avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety which could result from my position, and will not use my Board membership for personal gain or publicity.
3.	I will recognize that a Board member has no legal authority as an individual and that decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a Board meeting.
4.	I will take no private action that might compromise the Board or administration and will respect the confidentiality of privileged information.
5.	I will abide by majority decisions of the Board, while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels.
6.	I will encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow Board members and will participate in Board discussions in an open, honest and respectful manner, honoring differences of opinion or perspective.
7.	I will prepare for, attend and actively participate in Board meetings.
8.	I will be sufficiently informed about and prepared to act on the specific issues before the Board, and remain reasonably knowledgeable about local, State, national, and global education issues.
9.	I will respectfully listen to those who communicate with the Board, seeking to understand their views, while recognizing my responsibility to represent the interests of the entire community.
10.	I will strive for a positive working relationship with the Superintendent, respecting the Superintendent's authority to advise the Board, implement Board policy, and administer the District.
11.	I will model continuous learning and work to ensure good governance by taking advantage of Board member development opportunities, such as those sponsored by my State and national school board associations, and encourage my fellow Board members to do the same.
12.	I will strive to keep my Board focused on its primary work of clarifying the District purpose, direction and goals, and monitoring District performance.
DATED : August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

2:100 Board Member Conflict of Interest
No School Board member shall: (1) have a beneficial interest directly or indirectly in any contract, work, or business of the District unless permitted by State or federal law; or (2) solicit or accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to agreements or contracts with the District. Situations in which the interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value must comply with State law and Board policy 2:105, Ethics and Gift Ban.
School Board members must annually file a "Statement of Economic Interests" as required by the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Each School Board member is responsible for filing the statement with the county clerk of the county in which the District's principle office is located by May 1.
Federal and State Grant Awards

No Board member shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a federal award or State award governed by the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) (30 ILCS 708/) if he or she has a real or apparent conflict of interest. A conflict of interest arises when a Board member or any of the following individuals has a financial or other interest in or a tangible benefit from the entity selected for the contract:
1.	A member of the Board member’s immediate family;
2.	The Board member’s partner; or
3.	An entity that employs or is about to employ the Board member or one of the individuals listed in one or two above.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-9.
5 ILCS 420/, Ill. Governmental Ethics Act.
30 ILCS 708/, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. 50 ILCS 105/3, Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act.
2 C.F.R. §200.318(c)(1).

CROSS REF.: 2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

2:105 Ethics and Gift Ban
Prohibited Political Activity

The following precepts govern political activities being conducted by District employees and School Board members:

1.	No employee shall intentionally perform any "political activity" during any "compensated time," as those terms are defined herein.
2.	No Board member or employee shall intentionally use any District property or resources in connection with any political activity.
3.	At no time shall any Board member or employee intentionally require any other Board member or employee to perform any political activity: (a) as part of that Board member's or employee's duties, (b) as a condition of employment, or (c) during any compensated time off, such as, holidays, vacation, or personal time off.
4.	No Board member or employee shall be required at any time to participate in any political activity in consideration for that Board member or employee being awarded additional compensation or any benefit, whether in the form of a salary adjustment, bonus, compensatory time off, continued employment or otherwise; nor shall any Board member or employee be awarded additional compensation or any benefit in consideration for his or her participation in any political activity.

A Board member or employee may engage in any activity that: (1) is otherwise appropriate as part of his or her official duties, or (2) is undertaken by the individual on a voluntary basis that is not prohibited by this policy.
Limitations on Receiving Gifts

Except as permitted by this policy, no Board member or employee, and no spouse of or immediate family member living with a Board member or employee shall intentionally solicit or accept any "gift" from any "prohibited source," as those terms are defined herein, or that is otherwise prohibited by law or policy. No prohibited source shall intentionally offer or make a gift that violates this policy.
The following are exceptions to the ban on accepting gifts from a prohibited source:

1.	Opportunities, benefits, and services that are available on the same conditions as for the general public.
2.	Anything for which the Board member or employee, or his or her spouse or immediate family member, pays the fair market value.
3.	Any: (a) contribution that is lawfully made under the Election Code, or (b) activities associated with a fundraising event in support of a political organization or candidate.
4.	Educational materials and missions.
5.	Travel expenses for a meeting to discuss business.
6.	A gift from a relative, meaning those people related to the individual as father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, great aunt, great uncle, first cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister, and including the father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother of the individual's spouse and the individual's fiancé or fiancée.
7.	Anything provided by an individual on the basis of a personal friendship unless the recipient has reason to believe that, under the circumstances, the gift was provided because of the official position or employment of the recipient or his or her spouse or immediate family member and not because of the personal friendship. In determining whether a gift is provided on the basis of
1.	
personal friendship, the recipient shall consider the circumstances under which the gift was offered, such as: (a) the history of the relationship between the individual giving the gift and the recipient of the gift, including any previous exchange of gifts between those individuals; (b) whether to the actual knowledge of the recipient the individual who gave the gift personally paid for the gift or sought a tax deduction or business reimbursement for the gift; and (c) whether to the actual knowledge of the recipient the individual who gave the gift also at the same time gave the same or similar gifts to other Board members or employees, or their spouses or immediate family members.
8.	Food or refreshments not exceeding $75 per person in value on a single calendar day; provided that the food or refreshments are: (a) consumed on the premises from which they were purchased or prepared; or (b) catered. "Catered" means food or refreshments that are purchased ready to consume which are delivered by any means.
9.	Food, refreshments, lodging, transportation, and other benefits resulting from outside business or employment activities (or outside activities that are not connected to the official duties of a Board member or employee), if the benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of the official position or employment of the Board member or employee, and are customarily provided to others in similar circumstances.
10.	Intra-governmental and inter-governmental gifts. "Intra-governmental gift" means any gift given to a Board member or employee from another Board member or employee, and "inter- governmental gift" means any gift given to a Board member or employee from an officer or employee of another governmental entity.
11.	Bequests, inheritances, and other transfers at death.
12.	Any item or items from any one prohibited source during any calendar year having a cumulative total value of less than $100.
Each of the listed exceptions is mutually exclusive and independent of every other.

A Board member or employee, his or her spouse or an immediate family member living with the Board member or employee, does not violate this policy if the recipient promptly takes reasonable action to return a gift from a prohibited source to its source or gives the gift or an amount equal to its value to an appropriate charity that is exempt from income taxation under 26 U.S.C. §501(c)(3).
Enforcement

The Board President and Superintendent shall seek guidance from the Board attorney concerning compliance with and enforcement of this policy and State ethics laws. The Board may, as necessary or prudent, appoint an Ethics Advisor for this task.

Written complaints alleging a violation of this policy shall be filed with the Superintendent or Board President. As soon as possible after a complaint is filed, the Superintendent shall appoint a 3- member Ethics Commission. If the Superintendent is the subject of the complaint, the Board President shall perform this duty. Commission members may be any District resident, except that no person shall be appointed who is related, either by blood or by marriage, up to the degree of first cousin, to the person who is the subject of the complaint. If the Commission finds it more likely than not that the allegations in a complaint are true, it shall notify the State's Attorney and/or recommend disciplinary action for the employee.
Definitions

Unless otherwise stated, all terms used in this policy have the definitions given in the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, 5 ILCS 430/1-5.
"Political activity" means:
1.	Preparing for, organizing, or participating in any political meeting, political rally, political
1.	
demonstration, or other political event.
2.	Soliciting contributions, including but not limited to the purchase of, selling, distributing, or receiving payment for tickets for any political fundraiser, political meeting, or other political event.
3.	Soliciting, planning the solicitation of, or preparing any document or report regarding anything of value intended as a campaign contribution.
4.	Planning, conducting, or participating in a public opinion poll in connection with a campaign for elective office or on behalf of a political organization for political purposes or for or against any referendum question.
5.	Surveying or gathering information from potential or actual voters in an election to determine probable vote outcome in connection with a campaign for elective office or on behalf of a political organization for political purposes or for or against any referendum question.
6.	Assisting at the polls on Election Day on behalf of any political organization or candidate for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
7.	Soliciting votes on behalf of a candidate for elective office or a political organization or for or against any referendum question or helping in an effort to get voters to the polls.
8.	Initiating for circulation, preparing, circulating, reviewing, or filing any petition on behalf of a candidate for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
9.	Making contributions on behalf of any candidate for elective office in that capacity or in connection with a campaign for elective office.
10.	Preparing or reviewing responses to candidate questionnaires.
11.	Distributing, preparing for distribution, or mailing campaign literature, campaign signs, or other campaign material on behalf of any candidate for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
12.	Campaigning for any elective office or for or against any referendum question.
13.	Managing or working on a campaign for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
14.	Serving as a delegate, alternate, or proxy to a political party convention.
15.	Participating in any recount or challenge to the outcome of any election.

With respect to an employee whose hours are not fixed, "compensated time" includes any period of time when the employee is on premises under the control of the District and any other time when the employee is executing his or her official duties, regardless of location.
"Prohibited source" means any person or entity who:

1.	Is seeking official action by: (a) a Board member, or (b) an employee, or by the Board member or another employee directing that employee;
2.	Does business or seeks to do business with: (a) a Board member, or (b) an employee, or with the Board member or another employee directing that employee;
3.	Conducts activities regulated by: (a) a Board member, or (b) an employee or by the Board member or another employee directing that employee;
4.	Has an interest that may be substantially affected by the performance or non-performance of the official duties of the Board member or employee;
5.	Is registered or required to be registered with the Secretary of State under the Lobbyist Registration Act, except that an entity does not become a prohibited source merely because a registered lobbyist is one of its members or serves on its board of directors; or
6.	Is an agent of, a spouse of, or an immediate family member living with a prohibited source.

"Gift" means any gratuity, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance, or other tangible or intangible item having monetary value including but not limited to, cash, food and drink, and honoraria

for speaking engagements related to or attributable to government employment or the official position of a Board member or employee.
Complaints of Sexual Harassment Made Against Board Members by Elected Officials

Pursuant to the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430/70-5), members of the Board and other elected officials are encouraged to promptly report claims of sexual harassment by a Board member. Every effort should be made to file such complaints as soon as possible, while facts are known and potential witnesses are available. If the official feels comfortable doing so, he or she should directly inform the individual that the individual’s conduct or communication is offensive and must stop.

Board members and elected officials should report claims of sexual harassment against a member of the Board to the Board President or Superintendent. If the report is made to the Superintendent, the Superintendent shall promptly notify the President, or if the President is the subject of the complaint, the Vice President. Reports of sexual harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable.

When a complaint of sexual harassment is made against a member of the Board by another Board member or other elected official, the Board President shall appoint a qualified outside investigator who is not a District employee or Board member to conduct an independent review of the allegations. If the allegations concern the President, or the President is a witness or otherwise conflicted, the Vice President shall make the appointment. If the allegations concern both the President and Vice President, and/or they are witnesses or otherwise conflicted, the Board Secretary shall make the appointment. The investigator shall prepare a written report and submit it to the Board.

If a Board member has engaged in sexual harassment, the matter will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/22-93.
5 ILCS 430/, State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. 10 ILCS 5/9-25.1, Election Interference Prohibition Act.
CROSS REF.: 2:100 (Board Member Conflict of Interest), 2:110 (Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers), 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

2:110 Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers
The School Board officers are: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers are elected or appointed by the Board at its organizational meeting.
President

The School Board elects a President from its members for a two-year term. The President may not serve two consecutive terms. The duties of the President are:
1.	Preside at all meetings;
2.	Focus the Board meeting agendas on appropriate content;
3.	Make all Board committee appointments, unless specifically stated otherwise;
4.	Attend and observe any Board committee meeting at his or her discretion;
5.	Represent the Board on other boards or agencies;
6.	Sign official District documents requiring the President's signature, including Board minutes and Certificate of Tax Levy;
7.	Call special meetings of the Board;
8.	Serve as the head of the public body for purposes of the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act;
9.	Ensure that a quorum of the Board is physically present at all Board meetings, except as otherwise provided by the Open Meetings Act;
10.	Serve as or appoint the Board’s official spokesperson to the media;
11.	Except when the Board President is the subject of a complaint of sexual harassment, a witness, or otherwise conflicted, appoint a qualified outside investigator to conduct an independent review of allegations of sexual harassment made against a Board member by another Board member or elected official; and
12.	Ensure that all fingerprint-based criminal history records information checks, screenings, and sexual misconduct related employment history reviews (EHRs) required by State law and policy 5:30, Hiring Process and Criteria, are completed for the Superintendent.
The President is permitted to participate in all Board meetings in a manner equal to all other Board members, including the ability to make and second motions.
The Vice President fills a vacancy in the Presidency. Vice President
The School Board elects a Vice President from its members for a two-year term. The Vice President performs the duties of the President if:
1.	The office of President is vacant;
2.	The President is absent; or
3.	The President is unable to perform the office's duties.
A vacancy in the Vice Presidency is filled by a special Board election. Secretary
The Secretary shall be a non-board member who serves at the Board's pleasure. The duties of the Secretary are to:
1.	Keep minutes for all Board meetings, and keep the verbatim record for all closed Board
1.	
meetings;
2.	Mail meeting notification and agenda to news media who have officially requested copies;
3.	Keep records of the Board's official acts, and sign them, along with the President, before submitting them to the Treasurer at such times as the Treasurer may require;
4.	Report to the Treasurer on or before July 7, annually, such information as the Treasurer is required to include in the Treasurer's report to the Regional Superintendent;
5.	Act as the local election official for the District;
6.	Arrange public inspection of the budget before adoption;
7.	Publish required notices;
8.	Sign official District documents requiring the Secretary's signature; and
9.	Maintain Board policy and such other official documents as directed by the Board.
10.	Record all closed meeting minutes, and receive notification from Board members who desire to attend a Board meeting by video or audio means.
11.	Administer the Oath of Office to new Board members.
12.	Other duties as assigned.

The Secretary may delegate some or all of these duties, except when State law prohibits the delegation. The Board appoints a secretary pro tempore, who may or may not be a Board member, if the Secretary is absent from any meeting or refuses to perform the duties of the office.
Treasurer

The Treasurer of the Board shall be either a member of the Board who serves a one-year term or a non-Board member who serves at the Board's pleasure. A Treasurer who is a Board member may not be compensated. A Treasurer who is not a Board member may be compensated provided it is established before the appointment. The Treasurer must:
1.	Be at least 21 years old;
2.	Not be a member of the County Board of School Trustees; and
3.	Have a financial background or related experience, or 12 credit hours of college-level accounting.
The Treasurer shall:
1.	Furnish a bond, which shall be approved by a majority of the full Board;
2.	Maintain custody of school funds;
3.	Maintain records of school funds and balances;
4.	Prepare a monthly reconciliation report for the Superintendent and Board; and
5.	Receive, hold, and expend District funds only upon the order of the Board. A vacancy in the Treasurer's office is filled by Board appointment.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/8-1, 5/8-2, 5/8-3, 5/8-6, 5/8-16, 5/8-17, 5/10-1, 5/10-5, 5/10-7, 5/10-8, 5/10-13, 5/10-13.1,
5/10-14, 5/10-16.5, 5/10-21.9, 5/17-1, 5/21B-85, and 5/22-94.
5 ILCS 120/7, Open Meetings Act.
5 ILCS 420/4A-106, Ill. Governmental Ethics Act.
CROSS REF.: 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban), 2:150

(Committees), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting), 2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria)
Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

2:120 Board Member Development
The School Board desires that its individual members learn, understand, and practice effective governance principles. The Board is responsible for Board member orientation and development. Board members have an equal opportunity to attend State and national meetings designed to familiarize members with public school issues, governance, and legislation.

The Board President and/or Superintendent shall provide all Board members with information regarding pertinent education materials, publications, and notices of training or development.
Mandatory Board Member Training

Each Board member is responsible for his or her own compliance with the mandatory training laws that are described below:

1.	Each Board member elected or appointed to fill a vacancy of at least one year's duration must complete at least four hours of professional development leadership training in education and labor law, financial oversight and accountability, fiduciary responsibilities, and trauma-informed practices for students and staff within the first year of his or her first term.
2.	Each Board member must complete training on the Open Meetings Act no later than 90 days after taking the oath of office for the first time. After completing the training, each Board member must file a copy of the certificate of completion with the Board. Training on the Open Meetings Act is only required once.
3.	Each Board member must complete a training program on evaluations under the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) before participating in a vote on a tenured teacher's dismissal using the optional alternative evaluation dismissal process. This dismissal process is available after the District's PERA implementation date.

The Superintendent or designee shall post on the District website the names of all Board members who have completed the professional development leadership training described in number 1, above.
Professional Development; Adverse Consequences of School Exclusion; Student Behavior

The Board President or Superintendent, or their designees, will make reasonable efforts to provide ongoing professional development to Board members about the adverse consequences of school exclusion and justice-system involvement, effective classroom management strategies, culturally responsive discipline, appropriate and available supportive services for the promotion of student attendance and engagement, and developmentally appropriate disciplinary methods that promote positive and healthy school climates, i.e., Senate Bill 100 training topics.
Board Self-Evaluation
The School Board will conduct periodic self-evaluations with the goal of continuous improvement. New Board Member Orientation
The orientation process for newly elected or appointed School Board members includes:

1.	The Board President or Superintendent or their designees shall give each new School Board member a copy of or online access to the School Board Policy Manual, the School Board's regular meeting minutes for the past year, and other helpful information including material describing the District and explaining the School Board's roles and responsibilities.
2.	The Board President or designee shall schedule one or more special Board meetings, or schedule time during regular meetings, for Board members to become acquainted and to review Board processes and procedures.
1.	
3.	The Board President may request a veteran Board member to mentor a new member.
4.	All new members are encouraged to attend workshops for new members conducted by the Illinois Association of School Boards.
Candidates

The Superintendent or designee shall invite all current candidates for the office of School Board member to attend: (1) School Board meetings, except that this invitation shall not extend to any closed meetings, and (2) pre-election workshops for candidates.
LEGAL REF.:
5 ILCS 120/1.05 and 120/2, Open Meetings Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-16a and 5/24-16.5.
CROSS REF.: 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:125 (Board Member Compensation; Expenses), 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

2:120-E1 Exhibit - Guidelines for Serving as a Mentor to a New School Board Member

On District letterhead
Date
Dear Board Member:

Thank you for agreeing to serve as a mentor to a new School Board member. The goal of the mentoring program is to orient a new Board member to the Board and District and help the new Board member be comfortable, develop self-confidence, and become an effective leader. Follow these guidelines to maximize your mentoring effectiveness.

1.	Be a good mentor by sharing your knowledge and experiences with others. Take a personal interest in helping others succeed.
2.	Try to develop an informal, collegial relationship with the new Board member - explain that you are there to help. Listen respectfully to all concerns and answer questions honestly.
3.	During your first contact with the new Board member, introduce yourself and explain that you will serve as the new Board member's mentor and are looking forward to sharing information about the Board and District. If possible, meet with the individual to become acquainted. Be available as needed to provide assistance, advice, and support. The Superintendent's office will have already sent the new Board member a copy of the Board's policies as well as other helpful material.
4.	Be prepared to introduce the new Board member at upcoming Board events until the new Board member becomes a familiar face.
5.	Be available and maintain a helpful attitude. You will assist the new Board member in becoming an effective member of the Board and ensuring skilled and knowledgeable future leadership for the District.

Being a mentor can bring rewards to you, the new Board member, and the District. Thank you for your assistance and commitment.
Sincerely,
School Board President DATED : September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:120-E2 Exhibit - Website Listing of Development and Training Completed by Board Members

District webmaster: Post this template (including the explanatory paragraphs) on the District's website and update the table as information is provided.
Each Illinois school board member who is elected or appointed to fill a vacancy of at least one year’s duration must complete State-mandated professional development leadership training (PDLT) and Open Meetings Act (OMA) training. State-mandated training is also required for board members who want to vote upon a dismissal based upon the Performance Evaluation Reform Act . For additional information, see Board policy 2:120, Board Member Development.
The following table contains State-mandated training requirements that were completed by each Board member. When the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) provided the training, the acronym “IASB” follows the listed activity.

Name	
Development and Training Activity and Provider	

		

		
IASB is a voluntary organization of local boards of education dedicated to strengthening the Illinois public schools through local citizen control. Although not a part of State government, IASB is organized by member school boards as a private not-for-profit corporation under authority granted by Article 23 of the School Code. The vision of IASB is excellence in local school governance in support of quality public education.
For more information regarding IASB and its programs visit www.iasb.com. DATED : September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:125 Board Member Compensation; Expenses
Board Member Compensation Prohibited

School Board members provide volunteer service to the community and may not receive compensation for services, except that a Board member serving as the Board Secretary may be paid an amount up to the statutory limit if the Board so provides.
Roll Call Vote

All Board member expense requests for travel, meals, and/or lodging must be approved by roll call vote at an open meeting of the Board.
Regulation of School District Expenses

The Board regulates the reimbursement of all travel, meal, and lodging expenses in the District by resolution, which resolution may be amended from time to time when deemed necessary.

Money shall not be advanced or reimbursed, or purchase orders issued for: (1) the expenses of any person except the Board member, (2) anyone's personal expenses, or (3) entertainment expenses. Entertainment includes, but is not limited to, shows, amusements, theaters, circuses, sporting events, or any other place of public or private entertainment or amusement, unless the entertainment is ancillary to the purpose of the program or event.
Exceeding the Maximum Allowable Reimbursement Amount(s)

All requests for expense advancements, reimbursements, and purchase orders exceeding the maximum allowed in the Board's expense regulations are not guaranteed and may, in the Board's sole discretion, be approved when:
1.	The Board's resolution to regulate expenses allows for such approval;
2.	An emergency or other extraordinary circumstance exists, as determined in the Board's sole discretion; and
3.	The request is approved by a roll call vote at an open Board meeting. Advancements
The Board may advance to its members actual and necessary expenses to be incurred while attending:

1.	Meetings sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education or by the Regional Superintendent of Schools;
2.	County or regional meetings and the annual meeting sponsored by any school board association complying with Article 23 of the School Code; and
3.	Meetings sponsored by a national organization in the field of public school education.

Expense advancement requests must be submitted to the Superintendent or designee on the Board's standardized estimated expense approval form. Form 2:125-E2. After spending expense advancements, Board members must use the Board's standardized expense reimbursement form and submit to the Superintendent: (a) the itemized, signed advancement voucher that was issued, and (b) the amount of actual expenses by attaching receipts. Form 2:125-E1. A Board member must return to the District any portion of an expense advancement not used. If an expense advancement is not requested, expense reimbursements may be issued by the Board to its members for the activities listed in numbers one through three, above, along with registration fees or tuition for a course(s) that allowed compliance with the mandatory trainings described in policy 2:120, Board Member

Development and other professional development opportunities that are encouraged by the School Code (see the Reimbursements and Purchase Orders subhead, below). Expense advancements and vouchers shall be presented to the Board in its regular bill process.
Reimbursements and Purchase Orders

Expense reimbursement is not guaranteed and, when possible, Board members should seek pre- approval of expenses by providing an estimation of expenses on the Board's standardized estimated expense approval Form 2.125-E2. When pre-approval is not sought, Board members must seek reimbursement on the Board's standardized expense reimbursement Form 2.125-E1. Expense reimbursements and purchase orders shall be presented to the Board in its regular bill process.
Credit and Procurement Cards
With Board approval via roll call vote, credit and procurement cards may be issued to Board members and use of the cards is governed by policy 4:55, Use of Credit and Procurement Cards.
Standardized Expense Form(s) Required

All requests for expense advancement, reimbursement, and/or purchase orders in the District must be submitted on the appropriate itemized, signed standardized form(s). The form(s) must show the following information:

1.	The amount of the estimated or actual expense, with attached receipts for actual incurred expenses.
2.	The name and office of the Board member who is requesting the expense advancement or reimbursement. Receipts from group functions must include the names, offices, and job titles of all participants.
3.	The date(s) of the official business on which the expense advancement or reimbursement will be or was expended.
4.	The nature of the official business conducted when the expense advancement or reimbursement will be or was expended.
Types of Official Business for Expense Advancements, Reimbursements, and Purchase Orders
1.	Registration. When possible, registration fees will be paid by the District in advance.
2.	The least expensive method of travel will be used, provided that no hardship will be caused to the Board member. Board members will be reimbursed for:
a.	Air travel at the coach or economy class commercial airline rate. First class or business class air travel will be reimbursed only if emergency circumstances warrant. The emergency circumstances must be explained on the expense form and Board approval of the additional expense is required. Fees for the first checked bag will be reimbursed. Copies of airline tickets and baggage receipts must be attached to the expense form.
b.	Rail or bus travel at actual cost. Rail or bus travel costs may not exceed the cost of coach airfare. Copies of tickets must be attached to the expense form to substantiate amounts.
c.	Use of personal automobiles at the standard mileage rate approved by the Internal Revenue Service for income tax purposes. The reimbursement may not exceed the cost of coach airfare. Mileage for use of personal automobiles in trips to and from transportation terminals will also be reimbursed.
d.	When a private automobile is used, toll charges and parking costs will be reimbursed at the actual cost for such services.
e.	Automobile rental costs when the vehicle's use is warranted. The circumstances for such use must be explained on the expense form.
f.	Actual cost of taxis, airport shuttles, ride sharing or other local transportation services will
a.	
be reimbursed at the actual cost for such services.
3.	Meals

The maximum daily reimbursement for meals shall be the geographical meal rate established by the General Services Administration ("GSA"). The per diem meal rate includes taxes and tips. To find current rates for meals in the geographical area for the travel visit https://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/26429.

The separate amounts for breakfast, lunch and dinner listed in the GSA chart are provided should a Board member need to deduct any of those meals from his/her expense Form 5.60-E1. For example, if the Board member's trip includes meals that are already paid for by the District (such as through a registration fee for a conference), the Board member will need to deduct those meals from his/her expense form. Otherwise, a Board member may use the total available meal per diem as he/she chooses, so long as the per diem is only used for the Board member's meal(s).

The maximum amount reimbursable for meals for the first and last calendar day of travel is calculated at 75 percent. Alcoholic beverages will not be reimbursed.
One Day Travel: Employees are entitled to 75% of the GSA established per diem meal rate for one day travel away from his/her official worksite if it is longer than 12 hours.

Meal reimbursement requests must be itemized on the expense Form 5.60-E1 and accompanied with a receipt.
4.	Lodging

The single room rate, plus applicable taxes, will be reimbursed at the maximum geographical rate established by the General Services Administration ("GSA") or the conference/events rates set by the conference/events sponsor. Maximum lodging rates, excluding taxes, can be located at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877. Board members must pay personal expenses that are not reimbursable at checkout. If that is impossible, deductions for the charges must be made on the expense form. Form 5.60-E1.
5.	Incidental Expenses:

Incidental expenses include tips given to porters, baggage carriers and hotel staff. The per diem maximum incidental expense can be located at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/101518. The incidental expense must be reported on the expense form, 5.60-E1, but receipts are not required.
Additional Requirements for Travel Expenses Charged to Federal and State Grants
All Board member expenses for travel charged to a federal grant or State grant governed by the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708/) must comply with Board policy 5:60, Expenses, and its implementing procedures. Travel expenses include costs for transportation, lodging, meals, and related items.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20 and 5/10-22.32.
30 ILCS 708/, Government Accountability and Transparency Act. 50 ILCS 150/, Local Government Travel Expense Control Act.
CROSS REF.: 2:100 (Board Member Conflict of Interest), 2:120 (Board Member Development), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 4:50 (Payment Procedures), 4:55 (Use of Credit and Procurement Cards), 5:60 (Expenses)

Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

2:125-E1 Exhibit - Board Member Expense Reimbursement Form

Submit to the Superintendent, who will include this request in the monthly list of bills presented to the School Board. Please print and attach receipts for all expenditures. Use of this form is required by 2:125-E3, Resolution to Regulate Expense Reimbursements. Please print.
Name: 	Title/Office: 	
Travel Destination: 	Purpose: 	
Departure Date: 	Return Date: 	

Receipts attached Request Date: 	

Estimated expenses attached (Completed 2:125-E2, Board Member Estimated Expense Approval Form)(pre-approval is required for federal and State grants).

Approved expense advancement (voucher) attached, if applicable* (Completed 2:125-E2, Board Member Estimated Expense Approval Form.)

Actual Expense Report
* Board members will be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses that exceed the amount advanced, but must refund any expense advancement that exceeds the actual and necessary expenses incurred. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.32. For federal and State grants, board members will be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses that exceed estimated expenses as permitted by Board policy 2:125, Board Member Compensation; Expenses.	
Auto Travel Allowance: 	per mile	

Date	Auto Mileage
Miles	Cost	Transp. Expenses	
Lodging	Meals or Per Diem
Bkfst | Lunch | Dinner	Other
Item Cost	Daily Total	

											

Subtotal		
Advances	-	
TOTAL (a negative amount indicates refund due from Board member)	$	
Submitting Board Member's Signature 	Date

Superintendent Signature 	Date

School Board Action: Approved	Denied

Approved in Part	Exceeds Maximum Allowable Amount Grant Funding Source (if applicable):	
Comments: 	

DATED : July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

2:125-E2 Exhibit - Board Member Estimated Expense Approval Form

Submit to the Superintendent, who will include this request in the monthly list of bills presented to the School Board. Use of this form is required (1) by 2:125-E3, Resolution to Regulate Expense Reimbursements and (2) for pre-approval of expenses to be charged to a federal grant or State grant governed by the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. Please print.
Name: 	Title/Office: 	
Travel Destination: 	Purpose: 	
Departure Date: 	Return Date: 	

Estimated Expenses Approval Requested (50 ILCS 150/20 or grant expenditure) Travel is grant-related* (specify grant): 	 Purchase Order Requested
Purchase Order #: 	

Estimated Expense Report	
Auto Travel Allowance: 	per mile
*Grant-related travel only: Except for mileage and other transportation expenses, expense reimbursement/per diem is only allowed if on official travel status for 12 hours or more. If lodging at or belowthe applicable rate cannot be identified, please indicate belowand attach at least three quotes for review.	

Date	Auto Mileage Miles	Cost	
Transp. Expenses	
Lodging	Meals or Per Diem Bkfst Lunch Dinner	Other Item Cost	
Daily Total	

										

											

Expense Advancement Voucher Requested (105 ILCS 5/10-22.32) Voucher Amount: 	

											
Total										$	

Submitting Board Member's Signature 	Date

Superintendent Signature 	Date

School Board Action: Approved	Denied

Approved in Part	Exceeds Maximum Allowable Amount Grant Funding Source (if applicable):	
Comments: 	

DATED : July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

2:130 Board-Superintendent Relationship
The School Board directs, through policy, the Superintendent in his or her charge of the administration of the District by delegating its authority to operate the District and provide leadership to staff. The Board employs and evaluates the Superintendent and holds him or her responsible for the operation of the District in accordance with Board policies and State and federal law.

The Board-Superintendent relationship is based on mutual respect for their complementary roles. The relationship requires clear communication of expectations regarding the duties and responsibilities of both the Board and Superintendent.

The Board considers the recommendations of the Superintendent as the District's Chief Executive Officer. The Board adopts policies necessary to provide general direction for the District and to encourage achievement of District goals. The Superintendent develops plans, programs, and procedures needed to implement the policies and directs the District's operations.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-16.7 and 5/10-21.4.
CROSS REF.: 3:40 (Superintendent) Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:140 Communications To and From the Board
The School Board welcomes communications from staff members, parents/guardians, students, and community members. Individuals may submit questions or communications for the School Board’s consideration to the Superintendent or may use the electronic link to the Board’s email address(es) posted on the District’s website.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the home page for the District's website contains an active electronic link to the email address(es) for the School Board.

If contacted individually, Board members will refer the person to the appropriate level of authority, except in unusual situations. Board members' questions or communications to staff or about programs will be channeled through the Superintendent's office. Board members will not take individual action that might compromise the Board or District. There is no expectation of privacy for any communication sent to the Board or its members, whether sent by letter, email, or other means.
Board Member Use of Electronic Communications

For purposes of this section, electronic communications includes, without limitation, electronic mail, electronic chat, instant messaging, texting, and any form of social networking. Electronic communications among a majority or more of a Board-quorum shall not be used for the purpose of discussing District business. Electronic communications among Board members shall be limited to:
(1) disseminating information, and (2) messages not involving deliberation, debate, or decision- making. The following list contains examples of permissible electronic communications:
Agenda item suggestions
Reminders regarding meeting times, dates, and places
Board meeting agendas or information concerning agenda items
Individual emails to community members, subject to the other limitations in this policy

In accordance with the Open Meetings Act and the Oath of Office taken by Board members, individual Board members will not (a) reply to an email on behalf of the entire Board, or (b) engage in the discussion of District business through electronic communications with a majority of a Board-quorum.
LEGAL REF.:
5 ILCS 120/, Open Meetings Act. 50 ILCS 205/20, Local Records Act.
CROSS REF.:2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), 3:30 (Chain of Command), 8:110 (Public Suggestions and Concerns)
Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

2:140-E Exhibit - Guidance for Board Member Communications, Including Email Use

The Open Meetings Act (OMA) requires the Board of Education to discuss District business only at a properly noticed Board meeting. 5 ILCS 120/. Other than during a Board meeting, a majority or more of a Board-quorum may not engage in contemporaneous interactive communication, whether in person or electronically, to discuss District business. This Guidance assumes a Board has seven members and covers issues arising from Board policy 2:140, Communications To and From the Board.
Communications Between or Among Board Members and/or the Superintendent Outside of a Properly Noticed Board Meeting

1.	The Superintendent or designee is permitted to email information to Board members. For example, the Superintendent may email Board meeting agendas and supporting information to Board members. When responding to a single Board member's request, the Superintendent should copy all other Board members and include a do not reply/forward alert to the group, such as: "BOARD MEMBER ALERT: This email is in response to a request. Do not reply or forward to the group but only to the sender."
2.	Board members are permitted to discuss any matter except District business with each other, whether in person or by telephone or email, regardless of the number of members participating in the discussion. For example, they may discuss league sports, work, or current events.
3.	Board members are permitted to provide information to each other, whether in person or by telephone or email, that is non-deliberative and non-substantive. Examples of this type of communication include scheduling meetings and confirming receipt of information.
4.	A Board member is not permitted to discuss District business with more than one other Board member at a time, whether in person or by telephone or email. Stated another way, a Board member may discuss District business in person or by telephone or email with only one other Board member at a time. However, a Board member should not facilitate interactive communication by discussing District business in a series of visits with, or telephone calls or emails to, Board members individually.
5.	A Board member should include a do not reply/forward alert when emailing a message concerning District business to more than one other Board member. The following is an example of such an alert: "BOARD MEMBER ALERT: This email is not for interactive discussion purposes. The recipient should not reply to it or forward it to any other individual."
6.	Board members should not forward email received from another Board member.

When Must the Electronic Communications Sent or Received by Individual Board Members Be Disclosed Pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request?

An electronic communication must be disclosed if it is a public record as defined by FOIA, unless a specific exemption applies. A public record is any recorded information "pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used by, received by, in the possession of, or under the control of any public body." 5 ILCS 140/2. Email sent or received by an individual Board member may be, depending on the content and circumstances, subject to disclosure as a public record (unless a FOIA exemption is applicable).

If a Board member uses a District-provided device or email address to discuss public business, the email is subject to disclosure under FOIA, barring an applicable exemption. If a Board member uses a private device and email address, the communication is subject to FOIA if it satisfies this test:
First, the communication pertains to the transaction of public business, and

Second, the communication was: (1) prepared by a public body, (2) prepared for a public body, (3) used by a public body, (4) received by a public body, (5) possessed by a public body, and/or (6) controlled by a public body.

This test is from the appellate court decision in City of Champaign v. Madigan, 992 N.E.2d 629 (Ill.App.4th 2013).
The following examples describe FOIA's treatment of electronic communications:
1.	If an electronic communication does not pertain to public business, it is not a public record and is not subject to a FOIA request.
2.	An electronic communication pertaining to public business that is:
a.	Sent and/or received by an individual Board member using a personal electronic device and personal email address while he or she is at home or work would not be a public record. Individual Board members, alone, cannot conduct school District business. As stated earlier, emails among a majority or more of a Board-quorum violate the OMA and, thus, are subject to disclosure during proceedings to enforce the OMA.
b.	Sent and/or received by an individual Board member on a District-issued device or District-issued email address will be a public record and subject to FOIA. The electronic communication is under the control of the District.
c.	Received by an individual Board member on a personal electronic device and then forwarded by the Board member to a District-owned device or server will be a public record and subject to FOIA. The electronic communication is under the control of the District.
d.	Received by an individual Board member using a personal electronic device and personal email address, and then forwarded by the Board member to enough members to constitute a majority or more of a Board-quorum will be a public record and subject to FOIA. The electronic communication is in the District's possession.
e.	Either sent to or from a Board member's personal electronic device during a Board meeting will be a public record and subject to FOIA. The electronic communication is in the District's possession because Board members were functioning collectively as a public body.

The District's Freedom of Information Officer and/or Board Attorney will help determine when a specific communication must be disclosed pursuant to a FOIA request.
When Must Electronic Communications Be Retained?

Email that qualifies under FOIA as a public record will need to be stored pursuant to the Local Records Act (LRA), only if it is evidence of the District's organization, function, policies, procedures, or activities or contains informational data appropriate for preservation. 50 ILCS 205/. An example is any email from a Board officer concerning a decision made in his or her capacity as an officer. If a Board member uses his or her personal email, he or she must copy this type of email to the appropriate District office where it will be stored. If made available, Board members should use their email accounts provided by the District, and the District will automatically store the official record messages. The District will delete these official record messages as provided in an applicable, approved retention schedule. Of course, email pertaining to public business that is sent or received by a Board Member using a District-issued device or email address will be subject to FOIA, even if the email does not need to be retained under the LRA.
Important: Do not destroy any email concerning a topic that is being litigated without obtaining the Board attorney's direction. In federal lawsuits, there is an automatic discovery of virtually all types of electronically created or stored data that might be relevant. Attorneys will generally notify their clients at

the beginning of a legal proceeding not to destroy any electronic records that might be relevant. This is referred to as a litigation hold. For more discussion of a litigation hold, see 2:250-AP2, Protocols for Record Preservation and Development of Retention Schedules. In addition, any person who knowingly with the intent to defraud any party destroys, removes, or conceals any public record commits a Class 4 felony. 50 ILCS 205/4
DATED : August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

2:150 Committees
The School Board may establish committees to assist with the Board's governance function and, in some situations, to comply with State law requirements. These committees are known as Board committees and report directly to the Board. Committee members may include both Board members and non-Board members depending on the committee's purpose. The Board President makes all Board committee appointments unless specifically stated otherwise. Board committee meetings shall comply with the Open Meetings Act. A Board committee may not take final action on behalf of the Board - it may only make recommendations to the Board.
Special Board Committees

A special committee may be created for specific purposes or to investigate special issues. A special committee is automatically dissolved after presenting its final report to the Board or at the Board's discretion.
Standing Board Committees

A standing committee is created for an indefinite term although its members will fluctuate. Standing committees are:

1.	Board Policy Committee. This committee researches policy issues, and provides information and recommendations to the Board.
2.	Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee. This committee assists in the development of student behavior policy and procedure, and provides information and recommendations to the Board. Its members are parents/guardians and teachers, and may include persons whose expertise or experience is needed. The committee reviews such issues as administering medication in the schools, reciprocal reporting between the School District and local law enforcement agencies regarding criminal offenses committed by students, student discipline, disruptive classroom behavior, school bus safety procedures, and the dissemination of student conduct information.
3.	Behavioral Interventions Committee. This committee develops and monitors procedures for using behavioral interventions in accordance with Board policy 7:230, Misconduct by Students with Disabilities, and provides information and recommendations to the Board. At the Board President's discretion, the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee shall perform the duties assigned to the Behavioral Interventions Committee.

Nothing in this policy limits the authority of the Superintendent or designee to create and use committees that report to him or her or to other staff members.
LEGAL REF.:
5 ILCS 120/, Open Meetings Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.14 and 5/14-8.05.
CROSS REF.: 2:110 (Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers), 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

2:160 Board Attorney
The School Board may retain legal services with one or more attorneys or law firms to be the Board Attorney(s). The Board Attorney represents the School Board in its capacity as the governing body for the School District. The Board Attorney serves on a retainer or other fee arrangement as determined in advance. The Board Attorney will provide services as described in the agreement for legal services or as memorialized by an engagement letter. The District will only pay for legal services that are provided in accordance with the agreement for legal services, as memorialized by an engagement letter, or that are otherwise authorized by this policy or a majority of the Board.

The Superintendent, his or her designee, and Board President, are each authorized to confer with and/or seek the legal advice of the Board Attorney. The Board may also authorize a specific Board member to confer with the Board Attorney on its behalf.

The Superintendent may authorize the Board Attorney to represent the District in any legal matter until the Board has an opportunity to be informed of and/or consider the matter.

The School Board retains the right to consult with or employ other attorneys and to terminate the service of any attorney.
LEGAL REF.:

Rule 1.7 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients) and Rule 1.13 (Organization as Client) of the Ill. Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by the Ill. Supreme Court.
CROSS REF.: 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts) Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

2:160-E Exhibit - Checklist for Selecting a Board Attorney

The School Board selects and retains the Board Attorney(s). The Board may use this checklist for guidance when it selects and retains attorney(s) and/or law firms for legal services. This checklist is designed for the Board to use a request for proposal (RFP) process to seek outside attorneys/law firms. The Board may also select an attorney without using an RFP process and adapt this checklist. The Board may also adapt this checklist and use it for an application process, if the Board seeks an inhouse attorney. For more information, call the IASB Office of General Counsel; see its current phone numbers at www.iasb.com/about-us/staff/#office-general-counsel.

Determine what type of legal services the District needs.

1.	Review Board policy 2:160, Board Attorney. Note: Critically analyze whether the District’s legal needs are best served by in-house attorney(s) or outside attorney(s)/law firms. Many districts use a combination of these services. Many districts also use multiple attorney(s)/law firms for their specialties, e.g., different law firms for bond counsel, special education, or labor law. Some boards also approve a panel of attorneys and allow the administration to choose which attorney to use.
2.	Consider the following factors to analyze the type(s) of legal services needed for the District including, but are not limited to:
District’s size;
Any past and current experiences with legal matters; Complexity of the District’s legal needs;
Availability of expertise; and
Cost of outside fees compared to internal staff expenses for an in-house arrangement.

Develop a list of qualifications necessary for providing quality legal services to the District.
1.	Review policy 4:60, Purchases and Contracts. Note: While State law exempts hiring an attorney from bidding requirements (105 ILCS 10-20.21(a)), the Board may want to review its procurement processes and align procurement for legal services to its non-bidding-related standards for purchases, e.g., avoiding favoritism, staying within the District’s budget, etc.
2.	Develop the list of qualifications. The major qualifications include, but are not limited to:
Licensed to practice law in Illinois and in good standing with the Ill. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) (see checklist item Conduct a reference check and other background investigations, below)
Member of the District’s assigned United States district court and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Substantive knowledge and experience in the legal areas matching District’s needs, e.g., bidding, civil rights, collective bargaining, education reform, employment law, Freedom of Information Act, Open Meetings Act, other records laws, special education, student rights, etc. Note: This list of knowledge and experience must be created by the District’s identified needs and may change from time to time.
Experience in all aspects of contract, employment, and school law
Experience that meets the District’s needs, including litigation experience in State and federal courts
Membership in professional associations, such as, the Ill. Council of School Attorneys (ICSA) and education law sections of bar associations, etc.
Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply professional responsibility rules

Accessibility for the District’s identified needs, e.g., evening Board meetings, phone calls, etc.
Ability to declare that representation of the District will be to the exclusion of all other clients having potential conflicts with the District’s interests
When additional qualifications apply, list those qualifications for providing legal services. This may include specialties such as bond counsel, etc.

Develop the RFP.
1.	Insert the list of qualifications that the Board developed.
2.	Include the following information:
The deadline for responses to be submitted
The location (address or email) where responses should be sent
A statement that the Board is soliciting proposals from qualified lawyers and law firms to provide legal services to the School District
Significant information about the District (see policy 1:30, School District Philosophy, for the District’s mission statement that is specific to the community’s goals)
The scope of work, e.g., “The Board Attorney will provide legal advice concerning [typical duties, specific duties, excluded duties].”
Qualifications
Details about interviews and presentations
3.	Specify what responders must include in their responses, such as the following:
Cover letter, complete name, address, and legal structure (if the responder is a law firm) The individuals who prepared the response, including their titles
If different from above, the identity of and directory information for the individuals who have authority to answer questions regarding the submitted proposal
A proposed fee schedule, e.g., “Respondents may combine set fees and hourly fees. If hourly fees are proposed, please provide the minimum time increment for billing purposes. If a retainer agreement is proposed, please specifically describe options.”
A summary of the responder’s relevant experience representing public schools A writing sample
An assurance that the responder meets the RFP’s qualifications References including current or past clients

Announce the RFP.
1.	Title the announcement. Note: How and where the RFP is announced are at the Board’s sole discretion. The Board may want to announce the RFP during an open meeting, post it on the District’s website, mail or email it to local law firms, and/or place it in the local newspaper(s) or other legal publications. A directory of those lawyers belonging to the ICSA is on the IASB website, www.iasb.com. A printed copy is available upon request. Inclusion in the directory does not represent an IASB endorsement. Some attorneys who practice school law do not belong to ICSA. Other online sources, such as the Ill. State Bar Association, also maintain directories of information about attorneys. The Board may want to title the announcement “The [Insert District’s name] School Board Requests Proposals to Provide Legal Services.”
2.	Announce that the Board seeks an attorney or law firm to serve as its Board Attorney.
3.	Inform the reader that the attorney or law firm selected will serve either at will or from the date of appointment to [date]. The length of the appointment is at the Board’s discretion.
1.	
4.	State the School District’s philosophy or mission statement.
5.	Insert the RFP location and contact information with the beginning date and time.
6.	Tell prospective responders that completed RFPs must be returned by [certain time and date] to [name and title of person receiving applications].

Receive and manage responses to the RFP.

1.	Review policy 2:110, Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers. The Board President is a logical officer to accept the applications, but this task may be delegated to the Secretary or Superintendent’s secretary if the Board determines that it is more convenient. Who accepts applications is at the Board’s sole discretion and should be decided by the Board prior to posting the RFP announcement.
2.	The Board will discuss, at an open meeting, its process to review the applications and who will contact RFP responders for an interview.
3.	The designated person will contact RFP responders for interviews.

Develop interview questions if the Board interviews attorneys or law firms.
1.	Interview questions are at the Board’s discretion.
2.	A prospective attorney or law firm to fill the Board Attorney position may raise other specific issues that the Board will want to cover during an interview.
3.	The following non-exhaustive list of interview questions may help the Board tailor its questions toward finding an attorney or law firm with an approach to the role of the Board Attorney that the Board desires:
What do you see as your role as Board Attorney?
How many other school districts do you currently represent?
What kind of legal services do you provide to your school clients? Please explain how your other experience is relevant to this position.
How many years of experience does your firm (or, the attorney) have? How long have you been practicing law? How long have you been representing school districts?
What methods will you use to ensure all members of the Board, which is your client, remain informed? See the discussion about the Ill. Professional Rules of Conduct in f/n 2 of policy 2:160, Board Attorney.
How would you manage a situation in which the Board feels strongly about its position but you believe that position is not legally supportable? The Ill. Rules of Professional Conduct, at www.illinoiscourts.gov/supremecourt/rules/art_viii/default_new.asp, require attorneys to represent the Board in its capacity as the governing body for the District. The responders should be discussing these rules, specifically Rule 1.7 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients) and Rule 1.13 (Organization as Client), among others, in their answers to this question. See also, PRESS policy 2:160, Board Attorney.
How would you manage a situation in which the Board’s interest may be or become adverse to one or more of its members? See the discussion about the Ill. Professional Rules of Conduct in f/n 2 of policy 2:160, Board Attorney.
How would you manage a situation in which the Board and Superintendent are in conflict? How about a divided Board? See the discussion about the Ill. Professional Rules of Conduct in f/n 2 of policy 2:160, Board Attorney.
If the Board did something that you had advised against, could you still defend the Board’s action? See the discussion about the Ill. Professional Rules of Conduct in f/n 2 of policy 2:160, Board Attorney.

Will you try to shape Board decisions or do you have a whatever the Board decides philosophy? See the discussion about the Ill. Professional Rules of Conduct in f/n 2 of policy 2:160, Board Attorney.
Do you give clients specific recommendations or do you advise them of the available options and let the client decide? See the discussion about the Ill. Professional Rules of Conduct in f/n 2 of policy 2:160, Board Attorney.
Do you provide your school Board clients with any updating services gratis?
How do you keep your Board clients apprised of litigation and other legal matters you are handling for them?
Will you be handling this business personally, i.e., will you delegate to your associates or partners?
Can anyone else in your firm handle our inquiries when you are unavailable? How do you keep current on school law?
When do you tell your school clients to contact you regarding a matter with possible legal repercussions?
Have you represented a school district in a matter involving the rights of disabled students? …involving disabled employees? ... involving a student expulsion? … involving a teacher dismissal? … involving an employee's contract or dismissal? … involving a building contract or bidding matter? … Can you tell us about that case?
How do you bill? How are you to be paid? Please explain your rates and/or fees. The subject of billing should cover whether the attorney or law firm prepares a budget for representation and its method for billing in detail, including the date and time, what work was performed, and who worked on the project, along with expenses.
Did you bring a written agreement for legal services, engagement letter, or a retainer agreement? If yes, please review it for us now. If not, please explain the options for a written agreement for legal services, engagement letter, or a retainer agreement.

Develop an interview protocol. Interviews may occur in closed session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).

1.	The Board President will lead the Board as it interviews responders to its RFP. See 105 ILCS 5/10-13 stating that the Board President presides at all meetings and policy 2:110, Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers.
2.	The Board may also want to consider allowing an equal amount of time for each interview.
3.	Discuss the following items with each responder during the interview:
Introduce Board members to the responder
Describe the Board’s interview process, selection process, and ask the responder if he or she has questions about the Board’s process for selecting its attorney
Describe the District’s philosophy or mission statement Describe the Board Attorney position by reviewing the RFP
Begin asking the interview questions (see Develop interviewquestions, above) Ask the responder whether he or she has any questions for the Board
Thank the responder and inform him or her when the Board expects to make its decision and how the responder will be contacted regarding the Board’s decision

Conduct a reference check and other background investigation(s).
1.	The Board President may perform this check or direct the Superintendent to:
1.	
Check the ARDC’s master roll of attorneys as “Authorized to Practice Law” (To do this, enter the attorney’s name into the ARDC’s registration and public disciplinary records database at: www.iardc.org/lawyersearch.asp.)
Click on the attorney’s name to review whether any disciplinary actions are pending or resolved; current and prior actions will appear at the bottom of the screen
If disciplinary actions are listed, ask the attorney or law firm for more information

2.	There are other online attorney review services available. These services may be overly subjective and/or the attorney may have control over the content in these services. Always check with the ARDC.
3.	Call references provided by the responder.

Enter into a written agreement or engagement letter with the selected attorney or law firm.

1.	All agreements for legal services should be in writing. At minimum, the agreement should provide the fee arrangement and the scope of services. Agreements for legal services and individual billing statements form the Board Attorney are subject to disclosure pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act request (PAO 14-02).
2.	Discuss the fee arrangements with the responder and decide:
Whether to enter into a fee arrangement and/or a retainer agreement (Note: Attorneys typically bill by a pre-determined percentage of the hour, e.g., in one-tenth of an hour increments. Many districts enter into a retainer agreement for legal services or an engagement letter that requires them to pay the attorney a pre-determined fee every month. In return, the attorney provides a pre-determined amount of legal services whenever the district needs him or her. Districts find this useful because (1) they can budget for legal expenses, (2) legal advice is available up to the pre-determined amount for lower fees, and (3) this arrangement often provides for an enhanced, long-term relationship with the attorney.)
The appropriate scope of services
3.	Review the written contract or memorialized relationship (agreement for legal services or
engagement letter) for these provisions:
Fee arrangement Scope of services
Which attorneys will be providing legal services
A statement that the Board controls all legal decisions
A statement that the attorney and his or her law firm have no conflicts of interest or, if a conflict exists, that the Board understands the conflict and waives it
Board’s right to terminate the services of the attorney and law firm at any time for any reason
4.	Approve the agreement for legal services or engagement letter during an open Board meeting.

Announce the appointment to District staff and community.
1.	The contents of the announcement and length of time it is displayed are at the Board’s sole discretion.
2.	The Board may want to consider announcing during an open meeting. See policy 8:10,
Connection with the Community.
3.	The Board may want to include the following information in its announcement:
1.	
The Board appointed [attorney’s name or law firm name] as the Board Attorney The appointment will begin on [date] for [length of time]
The Board previously established qualifications for the Board Attorney in a careful and thoughtful manner, e.g., “[Attorney or lawfirm’s name] meets these qualifications and has demonstrated the willingness to accept its duties and responsibilities. [Attorney or law firm’s name] brings a clear understanding of the demands and expectations of the Board Attorney position along with a constructive attitude toward the challenge.”
DATED : July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

2:170 Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Services
The School Board selects architects, engineers, and land surveyors to provide professional services to the District on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications, and in accordance with State law.
LEGAL REF.:
40 U.S.C. §1101 et seq.
50 ILCS 510, Local Government Professional Services Selection Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21.
Shively v. Belleville Twp. High Sch. Dist. 201, 329 Ill.App.3d 1156 (5th Dist. 2002), appeal denied.
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

2:190 Mailing Lists for Receiving Board Material
The Superintendent shall maintain a mailing list of the people who have filed a written request to receive any of the items listed below. Those persons shall be mailed copies of the following, provided they have pre-paid the subscription fee, pro-rated if subscribing less than one year:
Board Agenda Budgets Audits
Official Board minutes (mailed within 10 days after approval)

The Superintendent shall annually set the subscription fee in an amount sufficient to cover reproduction and mailing costs. The subscription period shall be the same as the District's fiscal year.
LEGAL REF.:105 ILCS 5/10-21.6.
CROSS REF.:2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure) ADOPTED:December 17, 2007

Belleville THSD 201

2:200 Types of School Board Meetings
General

For all meetings of the School Board and its committees, the Superintendent or designee shall satisfy all notice and posting requirements contained herein as well as in the Open Meetings Act. This shall include mailing meeting notifications to news media that have officially requested them and to others as approved by the School Board. Unless otherwise specified, all meetings are held in the District's main office. Board policy 2:220, School Board Meeting Procedure, governs meeting quorum requirements.

The Superintendent is designated on behalf of the Board and each Board committee to receive the training on compliance with the Open Meetings Act that is required by Section 1.05(a) of that Act. The Superintendent may identify other employees to receive the training. In addition, each Board member must complete a course of training on the Open Meetings Act as required by Section 1.05(b) or (c) of that Act.
Regular Meetings

The School Board announces the time and place for its regular meetings at the beginning of each fiscal year. The Superintendent shall prepare and make available the calendar of regular School Board meetings. The regular meeting calendar may be changed with 10 days' notice in accordance with State law.

A meeting agenda shall be posted at the District's main office and the Board's meeting room, or other location where the meeting is to be held, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
Closed Meetings

The School Board and School Board committees may meet in a closed meeting to consider the following subjects:

1.	The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with [the Open Meetings Act]. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
2.	The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3).
3.	Evidence or testimony presented in open hearing, or in closed hearing where specifically authorized by law, to a quasi-adjudicative body, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, provided that the body prepares and makes available for public inspection a written decision setting forth its determinative reasoning. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(4).
4.	Evidence or testimony presented to the Board regarding denial of admission to school events or property pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/24-24, provided that the Board prepares and makes available for public inspection a written decision setting forth its determinative reasoning. 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (4.5).
5.	The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for
1.	
the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).
6.	The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body. 5ILCS 120/2(c)(6).
7.	The sale or purchase of securities, investments, or investment contracts. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(7).
8.	Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property. 5ILCS 120/2(c)(8)
9.	Student disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9).
10.	The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10).
11.	Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
12.	The establishment of reserves or settlement of claims as provided in the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, if otherwise the disposition of a claim or potential claim might be prejudiced, or the review or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the public body or any intergovernmental risk management association or self insurance pool of which the public body is a member. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(12).
13.	Self-evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics, when meeting with a representative of a statewide association of which the public body is a member. 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (16).
14.	Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21).
15.	Meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental audit committees, finance committees, and their equivalents, when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(29).

The Board may hold a closed meeting, or close a portion of a meeting, by a majority vote of a quorum, taken at an open meeting. The vote of each School Board member present, and the reason for the closed meeting, will be publicly disclosed at the time of the meeting and clearly stated in the motion and the meeting minutes.

A single motion calling for a series of closed meetings may be adopted when such meetings will involve the same particular matters and are scheduled to be held within 3 months of the vote.
No final School Board action will be taken at a closed meeting. Reconvened or Rescheduled Meetings
A meeting may be rescheduled or reconvened. Public notice of a rescheduled or reconvened meeting shall be given in the same manner as that for a special meeting, except that no public notice is required when the original meeting is open to the public and: (1) is to be reconvened within 24 hours, or (2) an announcement of the time and place of the reconvened meeting was made at the original meeting and there is no change in the agenda.
Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President or by any 3 members of the School Board by giving notice thereof, in writing, stating the time, place, and purpose of the meeting to remaining Board

members by mail at least 48 hours before the meeting, or by personal service at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Public notice of a special meeting is given by posting a notice at the District's main office at least 48 hours before the meeting and by notifying the news media that have filed a written request for notice. A meeting agenda shall accompany the notice.

All matters discussed by the Board at any special meeting must be related to a subject on the meeting agenda.
Emergency Meetings

Public notice of emergency meetings shall be given as soon as practical, but in any event, before the meeting to news media that have filed a written request for notice.
Posting on the District Website

In addition to the other notices specified in this policy, the Superintendent or designee shall post the following on the District website: (1) the annual schedule of regular meetings, which shall remain posted until the Board approves a new schedule of regular meetings; (2) a public notice of all Board meetings; and (3) the agenda for each meeting which shall remain posted until the meeting is concluded.
LEGAL REF.:
5 ILCS 120/, Open Meetings Act.
5 ILCS 140/, Freedom of Information Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-6 and 5/10-16.
CROSS REF.: 2:110 (Qualifications Term, and Duties of Board Officers), 2:120 (Board Member Development), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meetings), 2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), 2:230 (Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

2:200-AP Administrative Procedure - Types of School Board Meetings

Meeting Type	
Public Notice	Notice to Board Members	
Agenda	Notice to News Media	District Website	

Regular	

Given once a year when the Board adopts its regular meeting schedule.
5 ILCS 120/2.02.
105 ILCS 5/10-6, 5/10-16.	

None required.	

Post at the District's main office and at the meeting site, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
5 ILCS
120/2.02.	

Give to any news media that filed an annual request for such notices.
5 ILCS
120/2.02.	Post the annual schedule of regular meetings and post a public notice of each meeting along with the meeting agenda. 5 ILCS
120/2.02.

No later than 7-1-
06, post regular Board meeting minutes within 7 days after approval; the minutes remain there for at least 60 days. 5 ILCS
120/2.06.	
				Give to any		
				news media		
				that files an		
		Notice		annual		
		served by		request. Must		
		mail 48		also give the		
		hours		same notice		

Special	Post a notice at the District's
main office or, if no main office exists, at the meeting site, at least 48 hours before	before the
meeting or by personal	Include with the public notice.	as that given
Board members if the news	Post a public notice.	

	the meeting.
5 ILCS 120/2.02.	service 24 hours before the meeting.
105 ILCS
5/10-16.	5 ILCS
120/2.02.	media provides an address or telephone number within the District's jurisdiction.
5 ILCS
120/2.02.	5 ILCS
120/2.02.	

Emergency	
Post the notice at the District's main office or, if no main office exists, at the meeting site, as soon as practicable before the meeting.
5 ILCS 120/2.02.	None specified, but advisable to provide the same notice as for a special meeting.	

No State law requirements.	

Same as for special meetings.	

Post a public notice. 5 ILCS 120/2.02.	

Closed	

May hold a closed meeting, or close a portion of an open meeting, upon a majority vote of a quorum present, taken at a properly noticed open meeting.
5ILCS120/2a.	

None required.	None required, but only topics specified in the vote to hold the closed meeting may be considered. 5ILCS
120/2a.	

No additional notice required.	

Post a public notice. 5 ILCS 120/2.02.	

Rescheduled or Reconvened	Post a notice at the District's main office or, if no main office exists, at the meeting site at least 48 hours before the meeting. No notice is needed when an open meeting is reconvened within 24 hours, or when the time and place of a reconvened meeting was announced at the original meeting and the agenda is not changed.	

None required.	

Included with any public notice.	

Same as for a special meeting.	

Post a public notice. 5 ILCS 120/2.02.	
	5 ILCS 120/2.02.					

DATED:December 17, 2007

Belleville THSD 201

2:210 Organizational School Board Meeting
During a March meeting in odd-numbered years, the School Board establishes a date for its organizational meeting to be held sometime after the election authority canvasses the vote, but within 40 days after the consolidated election. The consolidated election is held on the first Tuesday in April of odd-numbered years.
At the organizational meeting the following shall occur:
1.	Each successful candidate, before taking his or her seat on the Board, shall take the oath of office as provided in Board policy 2:80, Board Member Oath and Conduct.
2.	The new School Board members shall be seated.
3.	The School Board shall elect its officers, who assume office immediately upon their election.
4.	The School Board shall fix a time and date for its regular meetings. LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-5, 5/10-16, and 5/10-16.5.
10 ILCS 5/2A-1 et seq., Election Code.

CROSS REF.: 2:30 (School District Elections), 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:110 (Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers), 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings), 2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), (2:230 Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

2:220 School Board Meeting Procedure
Agenda

The Board President is responsible for focusing the Board meeting agendas on appropriate content. The Superintendent shall prepare agendas in consultation with the Board President. The President shall designate a portion of the agenda as a consent agenda for those items that usually do not require extensive discussion before School Board action. Upon the request of any Board member, an item will be withdrawn from the consent agenda and placed on the regular agenda for independent consideration.

Each Board meeting agenda shall contain the general subject matter of any item that will be the subject of final action at the meeting. Any Board member may submit suggested agenda items to the Board President for his or her consideration. District residents may suggest inclusions for the agenda. Items submitted by Board members to the Superintendent or the President shall be placed on the agenda for an upcoming meeting. The Board will take final action only on items contained in the posted agenda.

The Superintendent shall provide a copy of the agenda, with adequate data and background information, to each School Board member at least 48 hours before each meeting, except a meeting held in the event of an emergency. The meeting agenda shall be posted in accordance with Board policy 2:200, Types of School Board Meetings.
The order of business shall be as follows:
I. Roll call
I. Approval of minutes
I. Acceptance of treasurer's report, school activity reports, authorize investments, payment of bills
IV.	Consent agenda
V.	Public participation
VI.	Administrator reports
A.	Building administrator reports
B.	Central office administrator reports
C.	Superintendent's report V I. Old business
V I. New business
IX.	Other reports
A.	Belleville Area Special Services Cooperation (BASSC)
B.	St. Clair County Career and Technical Education System #460
C.	Committees
D.	Board secretary
E.	Attorney
X.	Appointment of finance committee
XI.	Announcements and any business which may come up after the agenda has been issued X I. Adjournment
IX.	
The Board President shall determine the order of business at regular School Board meetings. Upon consent of a majority of members present, the order of business at any meeting may be changed.
Voting Method

Unless otherwise provided by law, when a vote is taken upon any measure before the School Board, with a quorum being present, a majority of the votes cast shall determine its outcome. A vote of "abstain" or "present," or a vote other than "yea" or "nay," or a failure to vote, is counted for the purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. A vote of "abstain" or "present," or a vote other than "yea" or "nay," or a failure to vote, however, is not counted in determining whether a measure has been passed by the Board, unless otherwise stated in law.

On all questions involving the expenditure of money and on all questions involving the closing of a meeting to the public, a roll call vote shall be taken and entered in the Board's minutes. An individual Board member may request that a roll call vote be taken on any other matter; the President or other presiding officer may approve or deny the request but a denial is subject to being overturned by a majority vote of the members present.

Any Board member may include a written explanation of his/her vote in the District file containing individual Board member statements; the explanation will not be part of the minutes.
Minutes

The Board Secretary shall keep written minutes of all School Board meetings (whether open or closed), which shall be signed by the President and the Secretary. The minutes include:
1.	The meeting's date, time, and place;
2.	School Board members recorded as either present or absent;
3.	A summary of the discussion on all matters proposed, deliberated, or decided, and a record of any votes taken;
4.	On all matters requiring a roll call vote, a record of who voted "yea" and "nay";
5.	If the meeting is adjourned to another date, the time and place of the adjourned meeting;
6.	The vote of each member present when a vote is taken to hold a closed meeting or portion of a meeting, and the reason for the closed meeting with a citation to the specific exception contained in the Open Meetings Act (OMA) authorizing the closed meeting;
7.	A record of all motions, the members making the motion and the second;
8.	Upon request by a Board member, a record of how he or she voted on a particular motion; and
9.	The type of meeting, including any notices and, if a reconvened meeting, the original meeting's date.

The minutes shall be submitted to the School Board for approval or modification at its next regularly scheduled open meeting. Minutes for open meetings must be approved within 30 days after the meeting or at the second subsequent regular meeting, whichever is later.

Every six months, or as soon after as is practicable, in an open meeting, the Board: (1) reviews minutes from all closed meetings that are currently unavailable for public release, and (2) determines which, if any, no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection. This is also referred to as a semi-annual review. The Board may meet in a prior closed session to review the minutes from closed meetings that are currently unavailable for public release, but it reports its determination in open session.

The Board's meeting minutes must be submitted to the Board Treasurer at such times as the Treasurer may require.

The official minutes are in the custody of the Board Secretary. Open meeting minutes are available for inspection during regular office hours within 10 days after the Board's approval; they may be inspected in the District's main office, in the presence of the Secretary, the Superintendent or designee, or any School Board member.

Minutes from closed meetings are likewise available, but only if the Board has released them for public inspection, except that Board members may access closed session minutes not yet released for public inspection (1) in the District's administrative offices or their official storage location, and (2) in the presence of the Recording Secretary, the Superintendent or designated administrator, or any elected Board member. The minutes, whether reviewed by members of the public or the Board, shall not be removed from the District's administrative offices or their official storage location except by vote of the Board or by court order.

The Board's open meeting minutes shall be posted on the District website within 10 days after the Board approves them; the minutes will remain posted for at least 60 days.
Verbatim Record of Closed Meetings

The Superintendent, or the Board Secretary when the Superintendent is absent, shall audio record all closed meetings. If neither is present, the Board President or presiding officer shall assume this responsibility. After the closed meeting, the person making the audio recording shall label the recording with the date and store it in a secure location. The Superintendent shall ensure that: (1) an audio recording device and all necessary accompanying items are available to the Board for every closed meeting, and (2) a secure location for storing closed meeting audio recordings is maintained within the District's main office.

After 18 months have passed since being made, the audio recording of a closed meeting is destroyed provided the Board approved: (1) its destruction, and (2) minutes of the particular closed meeting.

Individual Board members may access verbatim recordings in the presence of the Recording Secretary, the Superintendent or designated administrator, or any elected Board member. Access to the verbatim recordings is available at the District's administrative offices or the verbatim recording's official storage location. Requests shall be made to the Superintendent or Board President. While a Board member is listening to a verbatim recording, it shall not be re-recorded or removed from the District's main office or official storage location, except by vote of the Board or by court order.

Before making such requests, Board members should consider whether such requests are germane to their responsibilities, service to District, and/or Oath of Office in policy 2:80, Board Member Oath and Conduct. In the interest of encouraging free and open expression by Board members during closed meetings, the recordings of closed meetings should not be used by Board members to confirm or dispute the accuracy of recollections.
Quorum and Participation by Audio or Video Means

A quorum of the Board must be physically present at all Board meetings. A majority of the full membership of the School Board constitutes a quorum.

Provided a quorum is physically present, a Board member may attend a meeting by video or audio conference if he or she is prevented from physically attending because of: (1) personal illness or disability, (2) employment or District business, (3) a family or other emergency, or (4) unexpected childcare obligations. If a member wishes to attend a meeting by video or audio means, he or she must notify the recording secretary or Superintendent at least 24 hours before the meeting unless advance notice is impractical. The recording secretary or Superintendent will inform the Board President and make appropriate arrangements. A Board member who attends a meeting by audio or video means, as provided in this policy, may participate in all aspects of the Board meeting including voting on any item.

No Physical Presence of Quorum and Participation by Audio or Video; Disaster Declaration

The ability of the Board to meet in person with a quorum physically present at its meeting location may be affected by the Governor or the Director of the Ill. Dept. of Public Health issuing a disaster declaration related to a public health emergency. The Board President or, if the office is vacant or the President is absent or unable to perform the office’s duties, the Vice President determines that an in- person meeting or a meeting conducted under the Quorum and Participation by Audio or Video Means subhead above, is not practical or prudent because of the disaster declaration; if neither the President nor Vice President are present or able to perform this determination, the Superintendent shall serve as the duly authorized designee for purposes of making this determination.

The individual who makes this determination for the Board shall put it in writing, include it on the Board’s published notice and agenda for the audio or video meeting and in the meeting minutes, and ensure that the Board meets every OMA requirement for the Board to meet by video or audio conference without the physical presence of a quorum.
Rules of Order

Unless State law or Board-adopted rules apply, the Board President, as the presiding officer, will use the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, as a guide when a question arises concerning procedure.
Broadcasting and Recording Board Meetings

Any person may record or broadcast an open Board meeting. Special requests to facilitate recording or broadcasting an open Board meeting, such as seating, writing surfaces, lighting, and access to electrical power, should be directed to the Superintendent at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Recording meetings shall not distract or disturb Board members, other meeting participants, or members of the public. The Board President may designate a location for recording equipment, may restrict the movements of individuals who are using recording equipment, or may take such other steps as are deemed necessary to preserve decorum and facilitate the meeting.
LEGAL REF.:
5 ILCS 120/2a, 120/2.02, 120/2.05, 120/2.06, and 120/7, Open Meetings Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-6, 5/10-7, 5/10-12, and 5/10-16.

CROSS REF.: 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:150 (Committees), 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting), 2:230 (Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

2:220-E1 Exhibit - Board Treatment of Closed Meeting Verbatim Recordings and Minutes

The following procedures govern the verbatim audio recordings and minutes of School Board meetings that are closed to the public.

Actor	Action	
Before any Board meeting:
Superintendent or designee	Arranges to have an audio recording device with adequate storage capacity and a back-up audio recording device in the Board meeting room during every Board meeting regardless of whether a closed meeting is scheduled.

The Board may close a portion of a public meeting without prior notice; it cannot, however, have a closed meeting unless it can record the session.	
Before a closed meeting:
Board President or presiding officer (#3 and #4 may be delegated to the Board Secretary or Recording Secretary)	

On the closed meeting date: (1) convenes an open meeting, (2) requests a motion to adjourn into closed meeting making sure the reason for the meeting is identified in the motion, (3) takes a roll call vote, (4) ensures that the minutes record the vote of each member present and the reason for the closed meeting with a citation to the specific exception contained in the Open Meetings Act authorizing the closed meeting (5 ILCS 120/2a), and (5) adjourns the open meeting.	
Before a closed meeting:
Superintendent or Board Secretary	
Immediately before a closed meeting, tests and activates the audio recording device.	

During a closed meeting:
Board President or presiding officer	Convenes the closed meeting stating:
Seeing a quorum of the Board of Education gathered today, 	date, at
	o'clock, at 	location, for the purpose of holding a closed meeting in order to confidentially discuss 	, I call the meeting to order. In order to record who is present, I request that each individual state his or her name and position with the District.

Limits discussion to the topics that were included in the motion to go into a closed meeting.

The failure to immediately call a person out-of-order who strays from the purposes included in the motion may result in an appearance of acquiescence. This responsibility to call a person out-of-order falls on each Board member in the event of the President's failure.

Once the closed meeting is finished, announces a return to an open meeting or adjournment, and states the time.	
	For Verbatim Recordings:	

After a closed meeting:
Superintendent, Recording Secretary, or Board Secretary	Takes possession of the audio recording of the closed meeting and labels it with identification information, specifically the date and items discussed.
Adds the identification information contained on the audio recording's label to a cumulative list of closed meeting recordings.

As soon as possible, puts the recording of the closed meeting in the previously identified secure location for storing recordings of closed meetings.
Upon request of a Board member:

1.	Provides access to the verbatim recordings minutes at a reasonable time and place without disrupting District operations;
2.	Supervises the access to the closed session minutes or delegates it to one of the following individuals in the District:
a.	The Recording Secretary,
b.	The Superintendent or designated administrator, or
c.	Any elected Board member; and

3.	Logs the access to the recordings in 2:220-E7, Access to Closed Meeting Minutes and Verbatim Recordings.
For Closed Meeting Minutes:
Prepares written closed meeting minutes that include:
The date, time, and place of the closed meeting The Board members present and absent
A summary of discussion on all matters proposed or discussed The time the closed meeting was adjourned
Upon request of a Board member:

1.	Provides access to the closed session minutes at a reasonable time and place without disrupting District operations;
2.	Supervises the access to the closed session minutes or delegates it to one of the following individuals in the District:
a.	The Recording Secretary,
b.	The Superintendent or designated administrator, or
c.	Any elected Board member; and

3. Logs the access in 2:220-E7, Access to Closed Meeting Minutes and Verbatim Recordings.	
After a closed meeting:
School Board	
Approves the previous closed meeting minutes at the next open meeting.	
	Every six months, prepares a recommendation concerning the continued need for confidential treatment of all of the Board’s closed meeting minutes; includes this recommendation in the packet for the meeting in which the Board will	

In preparation for the semi-annual review:
Superintendent or designee	conduct its semi-annual review.

This step is in preparation of the Board's meeting to decide whether the need for confidential treatment of specific closed meeting minutes continues to exist.

If the Board wants to discuss closed meeting minutes in closed session, places "review of unreleased closed meeting minutes" on a closed meeting agenda.

Places "result of Board's review of unreleased closed meeting minutes" on a subsequent open meeting agenda.	

In preparation for the semi-annual review:
Individual School Board members	Before the meetings in which the Board will conduct its semi-annual review, examines the material supplied by the Superintendent.

Individual Board members should consider: (1) the Superintendent's recommendation, (2) the recommendation of the attorney representing the District, (3) other Board members' opinions, (4) the minutes themselves, and/or
(5) whether the minutes would be exempted from public disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.	

During the semi- annual review:
School Board	During an open meeting, decides whether the need for confidential treatment of specific closed meeting minutes continues to exist.

The Board may have an earlier meeting in closed session to discuss the continued need for confidential treatment.

During the semi-annual review, the Board decides in open session whether: (1) the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of closed meeting minutes, or (2) the minutes or portions thereof no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection.	
After the semi- annual review:
Superintendent or designee	

Re-labels and re-files closed meeting minutes as appropriate.	
Monthly, beginning July 2005:
Board President	
Adds "destruction of closed meeting audio recording" as an agenda item to an upcoming open meeting.	
Monthly, beginning July 2005:
School Board	
Approves the destruction of particular closed meeting recording(s) that are at least 18 months old and for which approved minutes of the closed meeting already exist.	

LEGAL REF.:
5 ILCS 120/, Open Meetings Act. DATED : April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

2:220-E2 Exhibit - Motion to Adjourn to Closed Meeting

Motion to Adjourn to Closed Meeting

Date:	Time:	
Location:	
A motion was made by 		, and seconded by 	, to adjourn to closed meeting to discuss:
 The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of
specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors, or specific volunteers of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor, or a volunteer of the District or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with this Act. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
 Collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).
 The selection of a person to fill a public office, including a vacancy in a public office, when the District is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the District is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3).
 Evidence or testimony presented in open hearing, or in closed hearing where authorized by law, to a quasi-adjudicative body, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, provided that the body prepares and makes available for public inspection a written decision with its determinative reasoning. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(4).
 Evidence or testimony presented to the Board regarding denial of admission to school events or property pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/24-24, provided that the Board prepares and makes available for public inspection a written decision setting forth its determinative reasoning. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(4.5), added by P.A. 103-311.
 The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the District, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).
 The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the District. 5ILCS 120/2(c)(6).  The sale or purchase of securities, investments, or investment contracts. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(7).
 Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8).
 Student disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9).

 The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10).
 Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular District has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the District finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the closed meeting minutes. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
 The establishment of reserves or settlement of claims as provided in the Local Government and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, if otherwise the disposition of a claim or potential claim might be prejudiced, or the review or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the District or any intergovernmental risk management association or self insurance pool of which the District is a member. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(12).
 Self-evaluation, practices and procedures or professional ethics, when meeting with a representative of a statewide association of which the District is a member. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(16).
 Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21).
 Meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental audit committees, finance committees, and their equivalents, when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(29).
Closed Meeting Roll Call:

"Nays"

"Yeas"

Motion:	Carried	Failed DATED : January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

2:220-E3 Exhibit - Closed Meeting Minutes

Items in bold are required by 5 ILCS 120/2.06(a)(1)-(3). Non-bolded items align with best practices.
Closed Meeting Minutes

Date:	Time:	
Location:	
Name of person(s) taking and recording the minutes:	
Name of person presiding:	
Members in attendance:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.	

Members absent:
1.
2.
3.	
Summary of the discussion on all matters (as specified in the vote to close the meeting):
Basis for the finding that litigation is probable or imminent, if applicable (5 ILCS 120/2(c) (11)):	
Time of adjournment or return to open meeting:	
	
The School Board, during its semi-annual reviewof closed session minutes, has decided these minutes no longer need confidential treatment. Semi-annual means every six months, or as soon after as is practicable, taking into account the nature and meeting schedule of the board. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(d), amended by P.A. 102-653.	
These minutes are available for public inspection as of:	.
(Date)	
DATED : April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

2:220-E4 Exhibit - Open Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes Protocol
1.	Meeting minutes are the permanent record of the proceedings during a School Board meeting. All Board action must be recorded in the minutes; thus, the minutes focus on Board action.
2.	The minutes only include information provided at the meeting. Information may not be corrected or updated in the minutes unless it was discussed at the meeting.
3.	Minutes include a summary of the Board's discussion on an agenda topic; the minutes do not state what is said verbatim. The minutes do not repeat the same point made by different individuals. If appropriate, the minutes include a brief background and an explanation of the circumstances surrounding an issue discussed. The minutes do not include the names of members making specific points during discussion. Requests from individual Board members to include their vote or an opinion are handled according to Board policy 2:220, School Board Meeting Procedure.
4.	The minutes include the topic of reports that are made to the Board including reports from the Superintendent or a Board committee. Written reports are filed with the minutes but do not become part of the minutes.
5.	The minutes note when a member is not present for the entire meeting due to late arrival and/or early departure.
6.	Although items may be considered by the Board in a different order than appeared on the agenda, items in the minutes are generally recorded in the same order as they appeared on the agenda. When a meeting is reconvened on a different date, the minutes must describe what happened on each meeting date.
7.	The minutes should be recorded in an objective but positive/constructive tone. Answers and explanations, rather than questions, are recorded. Writing style, including choice of words and sentence structure, is at the discretion of the individual recording the minutes.
8.	The minutes include individuals' names who speak during the meeting's public participation segment as well as the topics they address. All written documents presented at a Board meeting are filed with the minutes but do not become part of the minutes.
9.	The following template generally governs meeting minutes.
Open Meeting Minutes

Date:	
Time:	

Location:	

Type of meeting:	
Regular	
Special	
Reconvened or rescheduled	
Emergency	

Name of person taking the minutes:	

Name of person presiding:	

Members in attendance: 8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.	

Members absent: 4.
5.
6.	

Approval of Agenda

List any items removed from the consent agenda:	

Motion made by:	

Motion: To approve	

To add items as follows: (No action may be taken on newagenda items.)	

Motion seconded by:		

Action: Passed  Failed	

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes (Needed only if this item is not on the consent agenda.)

Minutes from the Board meeting held on:	

Motion made by:	

Motion: To approve	

 To approve subject to incorporation of the following amendment(s):	

Motion seconded by:		

Action: Passed  Failed	

Approval of Items on Consent Agenda (This may include expense advancements, reimbursements, and/or purchase orders regulated by the Local Government Travel Expense Control Act (see Board policies 2:125, Board Member Compensation; Expenses, and 5:60, Expenses)

Summary of discussion:	

Motion to approve the consent agenda made by:	
Motion seconded by:		

Roll Call: (Needed when consent agenda contains an item involving the expenditure of money.)	

"Yeas"	
"Nays"	

Action:	
Passed	
Failed		
Public Comments (Reproduce this section for each individual making a comment.)
The following individual appeared and commented on the topic noted below: (Include the title of any documents presented to the Board.)

Name:	
Topic:	
Remaining Agenda Items (Reproduce this section for each agenda item.)

Agenda item:	

Summary of discussion:	

Motion made by:	

Motion to:	
Motion seconded by:		

Action:	
Passed	
Failed		

(If a roll call vote occurred, record the vote of individual Board members.)	

"Yeas"	
"Nays"	

If Applicable, Approval of Motion to Adjourn to Closed Meeting (Insert 2:220-E2, Motion to Adjourn to Closed Meeting.)
Approval of Motion to Adjourn

Motion to adjourn made by:	
Motion seconded by:		
Action: Passed  Failed	
Time of adjournment:	
Post-Meeting Action

Date minutes approved:	

Date minutes were available for public inspection:	
Date minutes were posted on District website:	

DATED : September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:220-E5 Exhibit - Semi-Annual Review of Closed Meeting Minutes

Logging and Review Process
Step 1. The Board Secretary or Recording Secretary maintains a log of the closed meeting minutes that are unavailable for public inspection. The meeting minutes are logged according to the reason the Board held the closed meeting. 2:220-E6, Log of Closed Meeting Minutes.
Step 2. The Board meets in closed session to review the log of unreleased closed meeting minutes. The Board or Recording Secretary brings a copy of all unreleased closed meeting minutes and, if requested, allows Board members to review the actual minutes. The Board identifies which closed meeting minutes or portions thereof no longer need confidential treatment. Use Report Following the Board's Semi-Annual Reviewof Closed Meeting Minutes, below.
Step 3. At least semi-annually (every six months, or as soon after as is practicable, taking into account the nature and meeting schedule of the Board), in an open meeting, the Board takes action to release for public inspection those minutes, or portions thereof, no longer needing confidential treatment. Use Action to Accept, below. Closed meeting minutes will not be released for public inspection if confidential treatment is needed to protect the public interest or the privacy of an individual, including:
(1) student disciplinary cases or other matters relating to an individual student, and (2) personnel files and employees' and Board members' personal information. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(d), amended by P.A. 102-653.

Step 4. The Board or Recording Secretary: (1) updates the log of unreleased closed meeting minutes to remove any minutes that the Board made available for public inspection; (2) makes a notation on any applicable closed meeting minutes of the Board's action to release it or a portion of it for public inspection; (3) continues to log new closed meeting minutes that the Board has not released for public inspection (2:220-E6, Log of Closed Meeting Minutes), and (4) maintains logs for access to closed session minutes pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2.06(e).
Report Following the Board's Semi-Annual Review of Closed Meeting Minutes

The School Board met on 	in closed session to conduct its semi-annual review of closed meeting minutes that have not been released for public inspection.

The closed meeting minutes, or portions thereof, from the following dates no longer require confidential treatment: (insert closed meeting dates)

					
The need for confidentiality still exists as to all remaining closed meeting minutes to protect an individual's privacy or the District's interests.
Action to Accept the Board's Semi-Annual Review of Closed Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the Board's semi-annual review of unreleased closed meeting minutes and to release for public inspection those minutes, or portions thereof, that the Board identified as no longer needing confidential treatment made by:

Open meeting date:

Action:	Passed	Failed

Motion seconded by:

DATED : April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

2:220-E6 Exhibit - Log of Closed Meeting Minutes

The purpose of this log is to facilitate the Board's semi-annual review of closed meeting minutes. Semi-annual means every six months, or as soon after as is practicable, taking into account the nature and meeting schedule of the board. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(d), amended by P.A. 102-653. See 2:220-E5, Semi-Annual Reviewof Closed Meeting Minutes.
The Board Secretary or Recording Secretary shall maintain a list of closed meeting minutes, arranged according to the reason for the closed meeting, that have not been released for public inspection.

Closed Session Held to Discuss:	Dates of Closed Sessions	
Specific employee(s), specific independent contractors, specific volunteers, or District legal counsel; however, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with [the Open Meetings Act]. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).				

Collective negotiating matters or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).				

Selection of a person to fill a vacancy on the Board. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3).				

Evidence or testimony presented in a hearing where authorized by law. 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (4).				

Evidence or testimony presented to the Board regarding denial of admission to school events or property pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/24-24, provided that the Board prepares and makes available for public inspection a written decision setting forth its determinative reasoning. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(4.5), added by P.A. 103-311.				

Purchase or lease of real property. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).				

Setting of a price for sale or lease of District property. 5ILCS 120/2(c)(6).				

Sale or purchase of securities, investments, or investment contracts. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(7).				

Security procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8).				

Student disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9). Minutes of meetings held for this reason shall never be released to protect the individual student's privacy.				

Any matter involving an individual student. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10). Minutes of meetings held for this reason shall never be released to protect the individual student's privacy.				

Litigation, when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of the District has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the Board finds that an action is probable or imminent. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).				

				
Establishment of reserves or settlement of claims as provided in the Local Government				

and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the District or any intergovernmental risk management association or self insurance pool. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(12).				

				
				
Self-evaluation, practices and procedures or professional ethics, when meeting with an IASB representative. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(16).				

Minutes of meetings lawfully closed, whether for purposes of approval or semi-annual review. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21).				

Meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental audit committees, finance committees, and their equivalents, when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(28).				

DATED : January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

2:220-E7 Exhibit - Access to Closed Meeting Minutes and Verbatim Recordings

The Board must allow its duly elected officials or appointed officials filling a vacancy of an elected office access to closed session minutes and verbatim recordings. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(e). The following subheads implement the logistics of granting this access.
Access to Closed Meeting Minutes

Duplicate this section for each grant of access to closed meeting minutes.

Date:		
Time:		
Storage Location:	

Name of person(s) responsible for storing the closed meeting minutes:	

Access granted	

Date access occurred:		
Start time:		

Requesting Board member's name (Please print)
In the presence of: (Check appropriate box and insert name on line.)
 Recording Secretary
 Superintendent or designated administrator  Elected Board member	
For requesting Board member: (Read the following and sign below.)
While the Open Meetings Act does not provide a cause of action against me or the Board for disclosing closed session discussions (Swanson v. Bd. of Police Commissioners, 197 Ill.App.3d 592 (2nd Dist. 1990)), I acknowledge and understand that any disclosures by me of information in the closed session minutes not yet released to the public could subject me to a possible civil action alleging that I created harm to another, i.e., an intentional tort(s).
Requesting Board Member Signature 	Date

Verbatim Recording Access
Duplicate this section for each grant of access to verbatim recordings.

Date:		
Time:		
Storage Location:		

Name of person(s) responsible for storing the verbatim recording:		
Access granted		
Date access occurred:		Start time:		End time:		
Requesting Board member's name (Please print)
In the presence of: (Check appropriate box and insert name on line.)
 Recording Secretary
 Superintendent or designated administrator  Elected Board member	
Access denied	Access unavailable. Verbatim recording requested is older than 18 months and was destroyed pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2.06(c).	

For requesting Board member: (Read the following and sign below.)
While the Open Meetings Act does not provide a cause of action against me or the Board for disclosing closed session discussions (Swanson v. Bd. of Police Commissioners, 197 Ill.App.3d 592 (2nd Dist. 1990)), I acknowledge and understand that any disclosures by me of information in the closed session verbatim recordings could subject me to a possible civil action alleging that I created harm to another, i.e., an intentional tort(s).
Requesting Board Member Signature 	 Date

DATED : September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:220-E8 Exhibit - School Board Records Maintenance Requirements and FAQs

Open Meetings Act

The Open Meetings Act (OMA) requires public bodies to “keep written minutes of all their meetings, whether open or closed, and a verbatim record of all their closed meetings in the form of an audio or video recording.” 5 ILCS 120/2.06(a). Minutes must include, but are not limited to: (1) the date, time, and place of the meeting; (2) the members of the public body recorded as either present or absent and whether the members were physically present or present by means of video or audio conference; and (3) a summary of discussion on all matters proposed, deliberated, or decided, and record of any votes taken. Id.

The remainder of Section 2.06 addresses the approval of open meeting minutes, the treatment of verbatim recordings of closed meetings, the semi-annual review of closed meeting minutes, the confidential nature of closed meeting minutes, and the right of persons to address public officials under rules established and recorded by the public body. The requirements of Section 2.06, as well as OMA requirements pertaining to Board agendas, are included in policy 2:220, School Board Meeting Procedure.
Exhibit 2:220-E3, Closed Meeting Minutes, provides a sample template for keeping closed meeting minutes that incorporates the requirements of Section 2.06 of OMA. It also includes an area to designate if the Board has determined, pursuant to Section 2.06(d), that the closed meeting minutes no longer need confidential treatment.

Exhibit 2:220-E4, Open Meeting Minutes, contains a protocol for open meeting minutes that incorporates the requirements of Section 2.06 of OMA. It also provides a sample template for keeping open meeting minutes.

Exhibit 2:220-E5, Semi-Annual Reviewof Closed Meeting Minutes, contains a process for implementing the semi-annual review of closed meeting minutes, and exhibit 2:220-E6, Log of Closed Meeting Minutes, is designed to facilitate this semi-annual review
(every six months, or as soon after as is practicable, taking into account the nature and meeting schedule of the Board). 5 ILCS 120/2.06(d), amended by P.A. 102-653.

Exhibit 2:220-E9, Requirements for No Physical Presence of Quorum and Participation by Audio or Video During Disaster Declaration, contains a process for compliance with 105 ILCS 120/7(e), added by P.A. 101-640, when a board is meeting without a physical quorum present at the meeting location during a disaster declaration related to public health concerns.
Local Records Act

The Local Records Act (LRA) provides that public records, including “any book, paper, map, photograph, digitized electronic material, or other official documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made, produced, executed or received by any agency or officer pursuant to law or in connections with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by such agency or officer” must be preserved unless the State Local Records Commission has given permission to destroy those records. 50 ILCS 205/3 and 7. Board records, including agendas, meeting packets and meeting minutes, fall into this definition.

Public bodies located in Cook County must work with the Local Records Commission of Cook County to determine how long they must retain public records. Public bodies located outside of Cook County must work with the Downstate Local Records Commission to determine how long they must retain public records.

Policy 2:250, Access to District Public Records, contains a subhead entitled Preserving Public Records which provides as follows:

Public records, including email messages, shall be preserved and cataloged if: (1) they are evidence of the District’s organization, function, policies, procedures, or activities, (2) they contain informational data appropriate for preservation, (3) their retention is required by State or federal law, or (4) they are subject to a retention request by the Board Attorney (e.g., a litigation hold), District auditor, or other individual authorized by the School Board or State or federal law to make such a request. Unless its retention is required as described in items numbered 3 or 4 above, a public record, as defined by the Illinois Local Records Act, may be destroyed when authorized by the Local Records Commission.

See the sample policy, 2:220, School Board Meeting Procedure, for all relevant footnotes. Also see administrative procedure 2:250-AP2, Protocols for Record Preservation and Development of Retention Schedules, for recommendations regarding school district records retention protocols and links to web-based record management resources.
Open Meeting Minutes

Are we required to
approve them?	Must they be semi-
annually reviewed?	May we release them to
the public?	May we destroy them?	
Yes, within 30 days or at	No.	Yes, must within 10 days	No.

There is no OMA provision permitting the destruction of open meeting minutes, and they must be preserved unless the State Local Records Commission has given permission to destroy them.

If a public body would like to destroy open meeting minutes, then it must comply with the LRA and work with its Local Records Commission. It is highly unlikely, however, that the Local Records Commission would approve of their destruction.	
the next subsequent
meeting, whichever is later.	Unlike the closed meeting requirement, OMA does not contain	after minutes are
approved.
The minutes of meetings		
A public body shall	semi-annual review	open to the public shall		
approve the minutes of its open meeting within 30	requirements for open
meeting minutes.	be available for public inspection within 10 days		
days after that meeting or		after the approval of		
at the public body’s		such minutes by the		
second subsequent		public body. Beginning		
regular meeting,		July 1, 2006, at the time		
whichever is later. 5 ILCS		it complies with other		
120/2.06(b).		requirements of this		
		subsection, a public		
		body that has a website		
		that the full-time staff of		
		the public body		
		maintains shall post the		
		minutes of a regular		
		meeting of its governing		
		body open to the public		
		on the public body’s		
		website within 10 days		
		after the approval of the		
		minutes by the public		
		body. Beginning July 1,		
		2006, any minutes of		
		meetings open to the		
		public posted on the		
		public body’s website		
		shall remain posted on		

		the website for at least 60 days after their initial posting. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(b).		

Open Meeting Verbatim Recordings

Are we required to approve them?	Must they be semi- annually reviewed?	May we release them to the public?	May we destroy them?	
No.

OMA does not require public bodies to approve verbatim recordings of open meetings.	No.

Unlike the closed meeting requirement, OMA does not require public bodies to keep verbatim recordings of open meetings, unless the public body is meeting without the physical presence of a quorum during a disaster declaration related to public health concerns. 5 ILCS 120/7(e). OMA does not contain semi- annual review requirements for open meeting verbatim recordings.	Yes.

Unlike the closed meeting requirement, OMA does not require public bodies to keep verbatim recordings of open meetings, unless the public body is meeting without the physical presence of a quorum during a disaster declaration related to public health concerns. 5 ILCS 120/7(e). If a public body makes verbatim recordings of open meetings, then such recordings are subject to public disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. 5 ILCS 140/.	Open meeting verbatim recordings made of meetings held without the physical presence of a quorum of a public body during a disaster declaration related to public health concerns may be destroyed after 18 months if prerequisites are met. (See Closed Meeting Verbatim Recordings	
			subhead, below).

[P]ublic bodies holding open meetings under this subsection (e) must also keep a verbatim record of all their meetings in the form of an audio or video recording. Verbatim records made under this paragraph (9) shall be made available to the public under, and are otherwise subject to, the provisions of Section
2.06. 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(9).	
			In all other cases, if a public body would like to destroy open meeting verbatim recordings, then it must comply with the LRA and work with its Local Records Commission.	
Closed Meeting Minutes

Are we required to
approve them?	Must they be semi-
annually reviewed?	May we release them to
the public?	May we destroy them?	
Yes.	Yes.	Yes, if prerequisites are	No.	

OMA does not directly state public bodies are required to approve closed meeting minutes, nor does it set a time frame for such approval. However, OMA Section 2.06(d) requires public bodies to meet at least semi-annually to “review minutes of all closed meetings.” 5 ILCS 120/2.06(d).

Moreover, OMA Section 2.06(c) specifically allows the destruction of closed meeting verbatim recordings only if certain conditions are met, one of which is that “the public body approves minutes of the closed meeting that meet the written minutes requirements of subsection (a) of this Section.” 5 ILCS 120/2.06(c)(2). Both of these tasks would be difficult to achieve if closed meeting minutes were not first approved.

One practice is to approve closed meeting minutes within the same time frame that open meeting minutes are approved – within 30 days of the meeting or at the next subsequent meeting, whichever is later.	
Each public body shall periodically meet to reviewall existing minutes of all prior closed meetings (this includes records from all time that the board has been in existence). Meetings to reviewminutes shall occur every 6 months, or as soon thereafter as is practicable, taking into account the nature and meeting schedule of the public body. At such meetings a determination shall be made, and reported in an open session that
(1) the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of those minutes or (2) that the minutes or portions thereof no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(d),
amended by P.A. 102- 653.	met.

Minutes of meetings closed to the public shall be available only after the public body determines that it is no longer necessary to protect the public interest or the privacy of an individual by keeping them confidential. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(f).	
There is no OMA provision permitting the destruction of closed meeting minutes, and they must be preserved unless the State Local Records Commission has given permission to destroy them.
In addition:

No minutes of meetings closed to the public shall be removed from the public body’s main office or official storage location, except by vote of the public body or by court order. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(f).

If a public body would like to destroy closed meeting minutes, then it must comply with the LRA and work with its Local Records Commission. It is highly unlikely, however, that the Local Records Commission would approve of their destruction.	

Closed Meeting Verbatim Recordings

Are we required to
approve them?	Must they be semi-
annually reviewed?	May we release them to
the public?	May we destroy them?	
No.

OMA does not require approval of closed meeting verbatim recordings.	No.

OMA does not require semi-annual review of closed meeting verbatim recordings.	Possibly but unlikely.

Unless the public body has made a determination that the verbatim recording no	Yes, after 18 months if prerequisites are met.

The verbatim record may be destroyed without notification to or	

		longer requires confidential treatment or otherwise consents to disclosure, the verbatim record of a meeting closed to the public shall not be open for public inspection or subject to discovery in any administrative or judicial proceeding other than one brought to enforce this Act. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(e).
But see Kodish v. Oakbrook Terrace Fire	the approval of a records commission or the State Archivist under the Local Records Act or the State Records Act no less than 18 months after the completion of the meeting recorded but only after: 1.) the public body approves the destruction of a particular recording; and
2.) the public body approves minutes of the closed meeting that meet the written minutes	
		Protection Dist. (235		
		F.R.D. 447 (N.D. Ill.
2006), where a federal district court ordered that closed meeting verbatim recordings be disclosed to the Plaintiff in discovery because his primary claim was brought under federal law.	subsection (a) of this
Section. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(c).
In addition:

No verbatim recordings shall be recorded or removed from the public body’s main office or official storage location, except by vote of the public body or by court order. 5 ILCS 120/2.06(e).	

requirements of

DATED : April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

2:220-E9 Exhibit - Requirements for No Physical Presence of Quorum and Participation by Audio or Video During Disaster Declaration

Use this exhibit to document the Board’s and/or its committee(s)’s (5 ILCS 120/1.02) processes to comply with the requirements of the Open Meetings Act (OMA) when a board and/or its committee(s) must meet during a disaster declaration related to a public health emergency/concern and the meeting will have no physical presence of a quorum and participation by audio or video.
Note: If a Board committee uses this exhibit, replace Board President, Vice President, and Supt. with the appropriate committee leaders.
Consult the Board Attorney for guidance.
Documentation of OMA Requirements for Board Members to Participate in a Meeting with No Physical Presence of Quorum

 The Governor or the Director of the Ill. Dept. of Public Health has issued a disaster declaration related to a public health emergency because of a disaster as defined in 20 ILCS 3305/4, and all or part of the jurisdiction of the Board is covered by the disaster area. 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(1), amended by
P.A. 101-640. Note: OMA uses “public health concerns,” but the Ill. Emergency Management Act
(IEMA) uses “public health emergency;” this exhibit matches the IEMA term because it governs disaster declarations.

Insert Disaster Declaration or Executive Order number [	] or attach to this document.

 The Board President or, if the office is vacant or the President is absent or unable to perform the office’s duties, the Vice President, or if neither the President nor Vice President are present or able to perform this determination, the Superintendent (5 ILCS 120/7(e)(2), amended by P.A. 101-640, and 140/2(e)) signs below that the following three Steps were executed by:
Step 1. Determining whether the meeting is a bona fide emergency (5 ILCS 120/7(e)(7), amended by
P.A. 101-640) (check Yes or No, below):
 Yes; it is an emergency meeting, and I:

A.	Notified the Board members and the public, including any news medium which has filed an annual request for notice of meetings as soon as practicable, but in any event prior to the holding of such meeting pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2.02(a) and 120/7(e)(7)(A), amended by P.A. 101-640;
B.	Stated the nature of the emergency at the beginning of the meeting; and
C.	Provided the Superintendent or Board Secretary the resources necessary during the meeting to keep a verbatim record of the meeting, for both open and closed, and managed it the same way that the Board complies with the verbatim recording requirements for closed meetings (see exhibit 2:220-E1, Board Treatment of Closed Meeting Verbatim Recordings and Minutes). Note: In this situation, a verbatim recording is not limited to closed meetings only.
D.	Move to Step 2, below.
 No; it is a regular or special meeting, and I:

A.	Ensured that the Board provided 48 hours’ notice of the meeting to all Board members, to any news medium on file in the District that have requested notice of meetings pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2.02(a), and to members of the public by posting it on the District’s website. 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(7), amended by P.A. 101-640. Note: 5 ILCS 120/7(e), amended by P.A. 101-640 does not have the “if any” exception for school boards that do not have websites. Consult the board attorney regarding alternate ways to communicate notice of a meeting when the district
A.	
does not have a website and a Disaster Declaration or Executive Order has been issued.

Insert meeting date and time, and a link to the meeting notice or attach a copy of the notice to this document.

B.	Moves to Step 2, below.
Step 2. Determining whether it is practical, prudent, or feasible for any in-person attendance at the regular meeting location (5 ILCS 120/7(e)(2), amended by P.A. 101-640). (check Yes or No, below):
 Yes; in-person attendance is practical, prudent, or feasible, and I:

A.	Ensured that at least one Board member, the Board Attorney, or the Superintendent was physically present at the regular meeting location (5 ILCS 120/7(e)(5), amended by P.A. 101- 640), and
B.	Verified that members of the public who were present could hear all discussion and testimony and all votes of the members of the Board. 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(4), amended by P.A. 101-640.
C.	Move to Step 3, below.
 No; in-person attendance is not practical, prudent, or feasible, and I:

A.	Made a written determination referring to the specific Executive Order or Disaster Declaration citing the public health concern/emergency that applies to the Board and the meeting. 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(1) and (2), amended by P.A. 101-640.
B.	Included the written determination made in letter A., above, on the Board’s published notice and agenda for the alternative arrangements for the meeting. 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(7)(A)-(B), amended by
P.A. 101-640.
C.	Offered the alternative arrangements to the public by offering a telephone number or a web- based link. 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(4), amended by P.A. 101-640.

Insert a link to the meeting notice or attach a copy of the notice or refer to above if already attached to this document (see above).
Include this written determination on the Board/committee’s published notice and agenda for the audio or video meeting, and in the meeting minutes.

D.	Move to Step 3, below.
Step 3. During the meeting, I:
 Directed the Recording Secretary to, in addition to the requirements for open meetings under OMA, also keep verbatim record of the open meeting by recording it and making it open and available to the public under all provisions of OMA. 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(9), amended by P.A. 101-640. Sample text follows belowin the subhead belowReport to the Public Following the Board’s Meeting with No Physical Presence of Quorum.
 Read my written determination referring to the specific Executive Order or Disaster Declaration citing the public health concern/emergency that applies to the Board and the meeting and directed the Recording Secretary to include it in the meeting minutes.
 Ensured that any interested member of the public has access to contemporaneously hear all discussion, testimony, and roll call votes. 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(4), amended by P.A. 101-640.
 Requested the Recording Secretary to enter into the appropriate minutes of the Board that each

Board member participating in the meeting, wherever their physical locations, announced:
1.	Themselves present (5 ILCS 120/7(e)(3), amended by P.A. 101-640), and
2.	
Attach to this document copies or information about where these minutes may be found.

A verification that they could hear one another and all discussion and testimony. Id. See 2:220-E3, Closed Meeting Minutes and/or 2:220-E4, Open Meeting Minutes.

 Announced and considered each Board member participating in the meeting present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and participating in all proceedings (5 ILCS 120/7(e) (8), amended by P.A. 101-640) and directed the Recording Secretary to reflect it in the minutes (best practice for transparency).
 Conducted all votes by roll call, so each Board member’s vote on each issue could be identified and recorded (5 ILCS 120/7(e)(6), amended by P.A. 101-640), and ensured that the Recording Secretary entered all votes as Roll Call Votes (Use exhibit 2:220-E4, Open Meeting Minutes but ensure all votes are recorded as roll call votes pursuant to the example below.):

“Nays”

“Yeas”

Motion:	Carried	Failed

Executed or directed execution of the subhead below Report to the Public Following the Board’s Meeting with No Physical Presence of Quorum.
Report to the Public Following the Board’s Meeting with No Physical Presence of Quorum
The text belowmay be used for the actual report.
The School Board met on [insert date] with no physical presence of quorum to conduct its business.
The verbatim [circle one] audio | video recording of this meeting is available to the public under all provisions of OMA and will be destroyed pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2.06(c)(no less than 18 months after the completion of the meeting recorded but only after: (1) the Board approves the destruction of the particular recording; and (2) the Board approves minutes of the meeting that meet the written minutes requirements of OMA). 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(9), amended by P.A. 101-640.

Insert links to the verbatim recording of meeting here or attach to this document.

Note: Consult the board attorney for guidance on the destruction of a verbatim recording of an open meeting without the physical presence of a quorum. While 5 ILCS 120/2.06(c) refers to the process for destroying closed session verbatim recordings, 5 ILCS 120/7(e)(9), amended by P.A. 101-640, applies that process for destroying closed session verbatim recordings to the destruction of the verbatim open session recordings that are required when a board determines it is necessary for it to meet without the physical presence of a quorum due to a public health emergency.
Completed By: 	 Title: 	 DATED : October 19, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

2:230 Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board
During each regular and special open meeting of the Board, any person may comment to or ask questions of the Board (public participation), subject to the reasonable constraints established and recorded in this policy's guidelines below. The Board listens to comments or questions during public participation; responses to comments to or questions of the Board are most often managed through policy 3:30, Chain of Command.
To preserve sufficient time for the Board to conduct its business, any person appearing before the Board is expected to follow these guidelines:

1.	Address the Board only at the appropriate time as indicated on the agenda and when recognized by the Board President. This includes following the directives of the Board President to maintain order and decorum for all.
2.	Use a sign-in sheet, if requested.
3.	Identify oneself and be brief. Ordinarily, the time for any one person to address the Board during public participation shall be limited to three minutes. In unusual circumstances, and when an individual has made a request in advance to speak for a longer period of time, the Board President may allow a person to speak for more than three minutes. If multiple individuals wish to address the Board on the same subject, the group is encouraged to appoint a spokesperson.
4.	Observe, when necessary and appropriate, the Board President’s authority to:
a.	Shorten public comment to conserve time and give the maximum number of individuals an opportunity to speak; and/or
b.	Determine procedural matters regarding public participation not otherwise covered in Board policy.
5.	Conduct oneself with respect and civility toward others and otherwise abide by Board policy, 8:30, Visitors to and Conduct on School Property.
Petitions or written correspondence to the Board shall be presented to the School Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-6 and 5/10-16.
5 ILCS 120/2.06, Open Meetings Act.

CROSS REF.: 2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), 8:10 (Connection with the Community), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property)
Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

2:240 Board Policy Development
The School Board governs using written policies. Written policies ensure legal compliance, establish Board processes, articulate District ends, delegate authority, and define operating limits. Board policies also provide the basis for monitoring progress toward District ends.
Policy Development

Anyone may propose new policies, changes to existing policies, or elimination of existing policies. Staff suggestions should be processed through the Superintendent. Suggestions from all others should be made to the Board President or the Superintendent.

A Board Policy Committee will consider all policy suggestions, and provide information and recommendations to the Board.
The Superintendent is responsible for: (1) providing relevant policy information and data to the Board,
(2) notifying those who will implement or be affected by or required to implement a proposed policy and obtaining their advice and suggestions, and (3) having policy recommendations drafted into written form for Board deliberation. The Superintendent shall seek the counsel of the Board attorney when appropriate.
Policy Adoption and Dissemination

Policies or policy revisions will not be adopted at the Board meeting at which they are first introduced, except when: (1) appropriate for a consent agenda because no Board discussion is required, or (2) necessary or prudent in order to meet emergency or special conditions or to be legally compliant.
Further Board consideration may be given at a subsequent meeting(s) and after opportunity for community input. The adoption of a policy will serve to supersede all previously adopted policies on the same topic.

The School Board policies are available for public inspection in the District's main office during regular office hours. Copy requests should be made pursuant to Board policy 2:250, Access to District Public Records.
Board Policy Review and Monitoring

The School Board will periodically review its policies for relevancy, monitor its policies for effectiveness, and consider whether any modifications are required. The Board may use an annual policy review and monitoring calendar.
Words Importing Gender

Throughout this policy manual, words importing the masculine and/or feminine gender include all gender neutral/inclusive pronouns.
Superintendent Implementation

The Board will support any reasonable interpretation of School Board policy made by the Superintendent. If reasonable minds differ, the Board will review the applicable policy and consider the need for further clarification.

When action must be taken within the school system in areas where the Board of Education has provided no guides for administrative action, the superintendent shall have the power to act, but his decisions shall be subject to review by action of the Board of Education at its regular meeting. It shall be the duty of the superintendent to inform the Board of Education promptly of such action and of the need for policy.

Suspension of Policies

The Board, by a majority vote of members present at any meeting, may temporarily suspend a Board policy except those provisions that are controlled by law or contract. The failure to suspend with a specific motion does not invalidate the Board action.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.5.
CROSS REF.: 2:150 (Committees), 2:250 (Access to District Public Records), 3:40 (Superintendent) Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:240-E1 Exhibit - PRESS Issue Updates

This procedure is for PRESS subscribers. For subscribers to PRESS Plus, IASB's full-maintenance policy update service, the PRESS Plus Online User Guide, available at www.iasb.com/policy, provides further guidance.

Actor	Action	

Superintendent	Manages the process for the Board to receive PRESS updates to policies.

Manages the Board's compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Ensures that, as appropriate, the agendas for the Board Policy Committee and School Board include discussion and list action to consider, adopt, or revise Board policies and Board exhibits.

Manages the process for approving new or revised administrative procedures, administrative procedure exhibits, and changes to employee and student handbooks.

Communicates all policy and administrative procedure revisions or adoptions, as appropriate, to staff members, parents, students, and community members.	

Superintendent or Superintendent's Secretary	Updates the District's Roster as follows:
1.	Go to www.iasb.com and click on the Member Login Button.
2.	Log in using your email address and password. If you do not know your password, use the "forgot your password?" link.

3.	At the bottom of your Profile page, click on Districts You Manage
and then the District name.
4.	Review and verify or change the District's existing records. Ensure that all current board members, administrators, and anyone else on staff who accesses PRESS are listed with their current email addresses.	
	Logs in to PRESS Online as follows:
1.	Go to www.iasb.com and click on the Member Login button.
2.	Log in using your email address and password. If you do not know your password, use the “forgot your password?" link.
3.	Under “My Account Links,” click “PRESS Login.”
To each member of the Policy Committee, full Board, or other interested school official, emails or otherwise distributes the following:
1.	PRESS Update Memo;
2.	PRESS video tutorial link at: www.iasb.com/policy;	

Designated support
staff	3.	Committee worksheets; and
4.	Current District policy in relevant areas.

As appropriate, includes new and revised policies in the Board meeting packets.

After a policy is adopted or revised, updates the District’s policy manual master electronic file and adds or updates adoption dates.
Archives previous version of revised policy.
Follows district process for updating paper and online manuals. Considers distributing PRESS Update Memo to Building Principals.	

Policy Committee (or Full Board)	Considers each PRESS update. Reviews all footnote changes.
Decides which changes require School Board discussion and which are appropriate as consent agenda items.

The following are appropriate for the consent agenda: changes to the Legal References and Cross References, and minor policy edits that do not require Board discussion.

Requests review of recommended revisions by the Board Attorney, as appropriate.
Presents recommendations regarding PRESS updates to the Board at a regularly scheduled meeting.	

Full Board	Conducts a first reading of the policies that are recommended for adoption or revision.
During the next regular meeting, conducts a second reading.

A second reading allows the Board to hear feedback from interested parties, including staff, parents, students, and community members; however, State law does not require two readings.

After the second reading, consider and take action to approve the policies at a duly convened open meeting.	
Assistant Superintendents, Directors, Building Principals, and supervisory employees	Reads PRESS Update Memo (if applicable) and adopted policies, follows the Superintendent’s process for updating administrative procedures, and makes necessary changes to employee and student handbooks within their assigned building(s).	
Anyone	For further clarification, view the online tutorial for PRESS, available at www.iasb.com/policy.	

DATED : September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:240-E2 Exhibit - Developing Local Policy

Actor	Action	
Anyone (Superintendent, School Board member, staff, parent, student, community member, or Board Attorney)	
Brings a concern that may necessitate a new policy or a current policy's revision to the attention of the School Board.	

Superintendent	Confers with the Board Attorney as appropriate.

Manages the Board’s compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Ensures that, as appropriate, the agendas for the Board Policy Committee and School Board include discussion and list action to consider, adopt, or revise Board policies and Board exhibits.

Manages the process for approving new or revised administrative procedures, administrative procedure exhibits, and changes to employee and student handbooks.

Communicates all policy and administrative procedure revisions or adoptions as appropriate to staff members, parents, students, and community members.	

Policy Committee (or Full Board)	First, answers these questions to decide whether new policy language is needed:
1.	Does the IASB Policy Reference Manual provide guidance?
2.	Is the request something that should be covered in policy (i.e., Board work) or is it something that should be handled by the staff (i.e., staff work)?
3.	Is it already covered in policy? Checks for policies that cover similar or connected topics using tools such as search engines, cross references, and indexes.
Second, uses a 3-step process to draft new policy language:
1.	Frames the question and discusses the topic.
2.	Requests the Superintendent to provide research, including appropriate data, and input from others, such as, those who may be affected by the policy and those who will implement the policy.
3.	Drafts or requests the Superintendent or Board Attorney to draft, language addressing the concern that aligns with the Board's mission, vision, goals, and objectives.
Third, decides whether the new language should be included in an existing policy or added as a new policy. Assigns any new policy an appropriate location and number.
The PRESS coding system reserves policy numbers ending in a '0' and '5' for PRESS material. Locally developed District policies should use policy numbers ending in 2, 4, 6, or 8.	

Full Board	Conducts a first reading of the policy that is recommended for adoption or revision.
During the next regular meeting, conducts a second reading.

A second reading allows the Board to hear feedback from interested parties, including staff, parents, students, and community members; however, State law does not require two readings.

After the second reading, consider and take action to approve the policies at a duly convened open meeting.	

Designated support staff	After a policy is adopted or revised, updates the District's policy manual master electronic file and adds or updates adoption dates.
Archives previous version of revised policy.
Follows district process for updating paper and online manuals.	
Assistant Superintendents, Directors, Building Principals, and supervisory employees	Reads PRESS Update Memo (if applicable) and adopted policies, follows the Superintendent’s process for updating administrative procedures, and makes necessary changes to employee and student handbooks within their assigned building(s).	

DATED : September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

2:250 Access to District Public Records
Full access to the District's public records is available to any person as provided in the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), this policy, and implementing procedures. The Superintendent or designee shall: (1) provide the Board with sufficient information and data to permit the Board to monitor the District's compliance with FOIA and this policy, and (2) report any FOIA requests during the Board's regular meetings along with the status of the District's response.
Freedom of Information Officer

The Superintendent shall appoint an employee, who may be himself or herself, to serve as the District's Freedom of Information Officer. That appointee assumes all the duties and powers of that office as provided in FOIA and this policy.
Definition

The District's public records are defined as records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information and all other documentary material pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used by, received by, in the possession of, or under the control of the School District.
Requesting Records

A request for inspection and/or copies of public records must be made in writing and may be submitted by personal delivery, mail, telefax, or email directed to the District's Freedom of Information Officer. Individuals making a request are not required to state a reason for the request other than to identify when the request is for a commercial purpose or when requesting a fee waiver. The Superintendent or designee shall instruct District employees to immediately forward any request for inspection and copying of a public record to the District's Freedom of Information Officer or designee.
Responding to Requests
The Freedom of Information Officer shall approve all requests for public records unless:
1.	The requested material does not exist;
2.	The requested material is exempt from inspection and copying by the Freedom of Information Act; or
3.	Complying with the request would be unduly burdensome.

Within five business days after receipt of a request for access to a public record, the Freedom of Information Officer shall comply with or deny the request, unless the time for response is extended as specified in Section 3 of FOIA. The Freedom of Information Officer may extend the time for a response for up to five business days from the original due date. If an extension is needed, the Freedom of Information Officer shall: (1) notify the person making the request of the reason for the extension, and (2) either inform the person of the date on which a response will be made, or agree with the person in writing on a compliance period.

The time periods are extended for responding to requests for records made for a commercial purpose, requests by a recurrent requester, or voluminous requests, as those terms are defined in Section 2 of FOIA. The time periods for responding to those requests are governed by Sections 3.1, 3.2, and 3.6 of FOIA.

When responding to a request for a record containing both exempt and non-exempt material, the Freedom of Information Officer shall redact exempt material from the record before complying with the

request. Fees
Persons making a request for copies of public records must pay any and all applicable fees. The Freedom of Information Officer shall establish a fee schedule that complies with FOIA and this policy and is subject to the Board's review. The fee schedule shall include copying fees and all other fees to the maximum extent they are permitted by FOIA, including without limitation, search and review fees for responding to a request for a commercial purpose and fees, costs, and personnel hours in connection with responding to a voluminous request.
Copying fees, except when fixed by statute, shall be reasonably calculated to reimburse the District's actual cost for reproducing and certifying public records and for the use, by any person, of its equipment to copy records. In no case shall the copying fees exceed the maximum fees permitted by FOIA. If the District's actual copying costs are equal to or greater than the maximum fees permitted by FOIA, the Freedom of Information Officer is authorized to use FOIA's maximum fees as the District's fees. No copying fees shall be charged for: (1) the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal sized copies, or (2) electronic copies other than the actual cost of the recording medium, except if the response is to a voluminous request, as defined in FOIA.
A fee reduction is available if the request qualifies under Section 6 of FOIA. The Freedom of Information Officer shall set the amount of the reduction taking into consideration the amount of material requested and the cost of copying it.
Provision of Copies and Access to Records

A public record that is the subject of an approved access request will be available for inspection or copying at the District's administrative office during regular business hours, unless other arrangements are made by the Freedom of Information Officer.

Many public records are immediately available from the District's website including, but not limited to, the process for requesting a public record. The Freedom of Information Officer shall direct a requester to the District's website if a requested record is available there. If the requester is unable to reasonably access the record online, he or she may resubmit the request for the record, stating his or her inability to reasonably access the record online, and the District shall make the requested record available for inspection and copying as otherwise provided in this policy.
Preserving Public Records

Public records, including email messages, shall be preserved and cataloged if: (1) they are evidence of the District's organization, function, policies, procedures, or activities, (2) they contain informational data appropriate for preservation, (3) their retention is required by State or federal law, or (4) they are subject to a retention request by the Board Attorney (e.g., a litigation hold), District auditor, or other individual authorized by the School Board or State or federal law to make such a request. Unless its retention is required as described in items numbered 3 or 4 above, a public record, as defined by the Illinois Local Records Act, may be destroyed when authorized by the Local Records Commission.
LEGAL REF.:
5 ILCS 140/, Illinois Freedom of Information Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-16 and 5/24A-7.1.
820 ILCS 40/11.
820 ILCS 130/5.

CROSS REF.: 2:140 (Communications To and From the Board), 5:150 (Personnel Records), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure
A student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member should notify any District Complaint Manager if he or she believes that the School Board, its employees, or its agents have violated his or her rights guaranteed by the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, or Board policy, or have a complaint regarding any one of the following:
1.	Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.
2.	Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., excluding Title IX sexual harassment complaints governed by Board policy 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure
3.	Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §791 et seq.
4.	Discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin prohibited by the Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq.; and/or Title V I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq. (see Board policy 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited)
5.	Title V I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq. (see also number 4, above, for discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin)
6.	Sexual harassment prohibited by the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, 5 ILCS 430/70- 5(a); Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/; and Title V I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42
U.S.C. §2000e et seq. (Title IX sexual harassment complaints are addressed under Board policy 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure)
7.	Breastfeeding accommodations for students, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.60
8.	Bullying, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7
9.	Misuse of funds received for services to improve educational opportunities for educationally disadvantaged or deprived children
10.	Curriculum, instructional materials, and/or programs
11.	Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, 820 ILCS 180/
12.	Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003, 820 ILCS 112/
13.	Provision of services to homeless students
14.	Illinois Whistleblower Act, 740 ILCS 174/
15.	Misuse of genetic information prohibited by the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act, 410 ILCS 513/; and Titles I and I of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq.
16.	Employee Credit Privacy Act, 820 ILCS 70/.

The Complaint Manager will first attempt to resolve complaints without resorting to this grievance procedure. If a formal complaint is filed under this policy, the Complaint Manager will address the complaint promptly and equitably. A student and/or parent/guardian filing a complaint under this policy may forego any informal suggestions and/or attempts to resolve it and may proceed directly to this grievance procedure. The Complaint Manager will not require a student or parent/guardian complaining of any form of harassment to attempt to resolve allegations directly with the accused (or the accused's parents/guardians); this includes mediation.
Right to Pursue Other Remedies Not Impaired

The right of a person to prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint filed under this policy shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies, e.g., criminal complaints, civil actions, etc. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies and use of this grievance procedure does not extend any filing deadline related to the pursuit of other remedies. If a person is pursuing another remedy subject to a complaint under this policy, the District will continue

with a simultaneous investigation under this policy. Deadlines
All deadlines under this policy may be extended by the Complaint Manager as he or she deems appropriate. As used in this policy, school business days means days on which the District's main office is open.
Filing a Complaint

A person (hereinafter Complainant) who wishes to avail him or herself of this grievance procedure may do so by filing a complaint with any District Complaint Manager. The Complainant shall not be required to file a complaint with a particular Complaint Manager and may request a Complaint Manager of the same gender. The Complaint Manager may request the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint or require a meeting with a student's parent(s)/guardian(s). The Complaint Manager shall assist the Complainant as needed.

For any complaint alleging bullying and/or cyberbullying of students, the Complaint Manager shall process and review the complaint according to Board policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, in addition to any response required by this policy. For any complaint alleging sexual harassment or other violation of Board policy 5:20, Workplace Harassment Prohibited, the Complaint Manager shall process and review the complaint according to that policy, in addition to any response required by this policy.
Investigation Process

The Complaint Manager will investigate the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation on his or her behalf. The Complaint Manager shall ensure both parties have an equal opportunity to present evidence during an investigation. If the Complainant is a student, under 18 years of age, the Complaint Manager will notify his or her parents/guardians that they may attend any investigatory meetings in which their child is involved. The complaint and identity of the Complainant will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law, this policy, or any collective bargaining agreement,
(2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the Complainant.

The identity of any student witnesses will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law, this policy, or any collective bargaining agreement, (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the parent/guardian of the student witness, or by the student if the student is 18 years or age or older.

The Complaint Manager will inform, at regular intervals, the person(s) filing a complaint under this policy about the status of the investigation. Within 30 school business days after the date the complaint was filed, the Complaint Manager shall file a written report of his or her findings with the Superintendent. The Complaint Manager may request an extension of time.
The Superintendent will keep the Board informed of all complaints.

If a complaint contains allegations involving the Superintendent or Board member(s), the written report shall be filed directly with the Board, which will make a decision in accordance with paragraph four of the following section of this policy.
Decision and Appeal
Within five school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager's report, the Superintendent shall mail his or her written decision to the Complainant and the accused by registered mail, return receipt requested, and/or personal delivery as well as to the Complaint Manager. All decisions shall be based upon the preponderance of evidence standard.

Within 10 school business days after receiving the Superintendent's decision, the Complaint or the accused may appeal the decision to the School Board by making a written request to the Complaint Manager. The Complaint Manager shall promptly forward all materials relative to the complaint and appeal to the School Board.

Within 30 school business days after an appeal of the Superintendent’s decision, the Board shall affirm, reverse, or amend the Superintendent’s decision or direct the Superintendent to gather additional information. Within five school business days after the Board’s decision, the Superintendent shall inform the Complainant and the accused of the Board’s action.

For complaints containing allegations involving the Superintendent or Board member(s), within 30 school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager’s or outside investigator’s report, the Board shall mail its written decision to the Complainant and the accused by registered mail, return receipt requested, and/or personal delivery as well as to the Complaint Manager.

This policy shall not be construed to create an independent right to a hearing before the Superintendent or Board. The failure to strictly follow the timelines in this grievance procedure shall not prejudice any party.
Appointing a Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers

The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator to manage the District's efforts to provide equal opportunity employment and educational opportunities and prohibit the harassment of employees, students, and others. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator also serves as the District's Title IX Coordinator.

The Superintendent shall appoint at least one Complaint Manager to administer the complaint process in this policy. If possible, this policy. If possible, the Superintendent will appoint two Complaint Managers, each of a different gender. The District’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator may be appointed as one of the Complaint Managers.

The Superintendent shall insert into this policy and keep current the names, office addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of the Nondiscrimination Coordinator and the Complaint Managers.
Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org
618/222-8223

Complaint Managers:
Dustin Bilbruck	Andrea Gannon, Dir. of Alternative Education
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220	7645 Magna Dr., Belleville, IL 62223 dbilbruck@bths201.org	agannon@bths201.org
618/222-8203	618/222-7851
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org

618/222-8223

LEGAL REF.:
8 U.S.C. §1324a et seq., Immigration Reform and Control Act. 20 U.S.C. §1232g, Family Education Rights Privacy Act.
20 U.S.C. §1400, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Education Amendments; 34 C.F.R. Part 106. 29 U.S.C. §206(d), Equal Pay Act.
29 U.S.C. §621 et seq., Age Discrimination in Employment Act. 29 U.S.C. §791 et seq., Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
29 U.S.C. §2612, Family and Medical Leave Act.
42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq., Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq., Title V I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq., Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. 42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq., McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., Americans With Disabilities Act.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.8, 5/3-10, 5/10-20, 5/10-20.5, 5/10-20.7a, 5/10-20.60, 5/10-20.69 5/10-20.75, 5/10-
22.5, 5/22-19, 5/22-95 (final citation pending), 5/24-4, 5/27-1, 5/27-23.7, and 45/1-15. 5 ILCS 415/10(a)(2), Government Severance Pay Act.
5 ILCS 430/70-5(a), State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. 410 ILCS 513/, Ill. Genetic Information Privacy Act.
740 ILCS 174/, Whistleblower Act. 740 ILCS 175/, Ill. False Claims Act. 775 ILCS 5/, Ill. Human Rights Act.
820 ILCS 180/, Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act; 56 Ill.Admin.Code Part 280. 820 ILCS 112/, Equal Pay Act of 2003.
820 ILCS 70/, Employee Credit Privacy Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.240, 200.40, 226.50, and 226.570.

CROSS REF.: 2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban), 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 2:270 (Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited), 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:20 (Workplace Harassment Prohibited), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children), 6:170 (Title I Programs), 6:260

(Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:15 (Student and Family Privacy Rights), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited), 7:315 (Restrictions on Publications; High Schools), 8:70 (Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities), 8:95 (Parental Involvement), 8:110 (Public Suggestions and Concerns)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedure
Sexual harassment affects a student’s ability to learn and an employee’s ability to work. Providing an educational and workplace environment free from sexual harassment is an important District goal. The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities, and it complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106) concerning everyone in the District’s education programs and activities, including applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and third parties.
Title IX Sexual Harassment Prohibited

Sexual harassment as defined in Title IX (Title IX Sexual Harassment) is prohibited. Any person, including a District employee or agent, or student, engages in Title IX Sexual Harassment whenever that person engages in conduct on the basis of an individual’s sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

1.	A District employee conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; or
2.	Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s educational program or activity; or
3.	Sexual assault as defined in 20 U.S.C. §1092(f)(6)(A)(v), dating violence as defined in 34
U.S.C. §12291(a)(11), domestic violence as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(12), or stalking as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(36).

Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities, rape, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion.
Definitions from 34 C.F.R. §106.30

Complainant means an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.

Education program or activity includes locations, events, or circumstances where the District has substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which alleged sexual harassment occurs.

Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint means a document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a Respondent and requesting that the District investigate the allegation.

Respondent means an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of the conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.

Supportive measures mean non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the Complainant or the Respondent before or after the filing of a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint or where no Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint has been filed.
Title IX Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response

The Superintendent or designee will ensure that the District prevents and responds to allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment as follows:

1.	Ensures that the District’s comprehensive health education program in Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content, incorporates (a) age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention programs in grades pre-K through 12, and (b) age-appropriate education about the warning signs, recognition, dangers, and prevention of teen dating violence in grades 7-12. This includes incorporating student social and emotional development into the District’s educational program as required by State law and in alignment with Board policy 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development.
2.	Incorporates education and training for school staff pursuant to policy 5:100, Staff Development Program, and as recommended by the Superintendent, Title IX Coordinator, Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager.
3.	Notifies applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and collective bargaining units of this policy and contact information for the Title IX Coordinator by, at a minimum, prominently displaying them on the District’s website, if any, and in each handbook made available to such persons.
Making a Report

A person who wishes to make a report under this Title IX Sexual Harassment grievance procedure may make a report to the Title IX Coordinator, Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking. A person who wishes to make a report may choose to report to a person of the same gender.

School employees shall respond to incidents of sexual harassment by promptly making or forwarding the report to the Title IX Coordinator. An employee who fails to promptly make or forward a report may be disciplined, up to and including discharge.

The Superintendent shall insert into this policy and keep current the name, office address, email address, and telephone number of the Title IX Coordinator.
Title IX Coordinator:
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org
618/222-8223

Processing and Reviewing a Report or Complaint
Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Coordinator and/or designee will promptly contact the Complainant to: (1) discuss the availability of supportive measures, (2) consider the Complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive measures, (3) inform the Complainant of the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint, and (4) explain to the Complainant the process for filing a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint.
Further, the Title IX Coordinator will analyze the report to identify and determine whether there is another or an additional appropriate method(s) for processing and reviewing it. For any report received, the Title IX Coordinator shall review Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure; 5:20, Workplace Harassment Prohibited; 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest; 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited; 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment;

7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited; and 7:190, Student Behavior, to determine if the allegations in the report require further action.

Reports of alleged sexual harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational program or activity that is productive, respectful, and free of sexual harassment.
Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Grievance Process

When a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint is filed, the Title IX Coordinator will investigate it or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation.

The Superintendent or designee shall implement procedures to ensure that all Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaints are processed and reviewed according to a Title IX grievance process that fully complies with 34 C.F.R. §106.45. The District’s grievance process shall, at a minimum:

1.	Treat Complainants and Respondents equitably by providing remedies to a Complainant where the Respondent is determined to be responsible for sexual harassment, and by following a grievance process that complies with 34 C.F.R. §106.45 before the imposition of any disciplinary sanctions or other actions against a Respondent.
2.	Require an objective evaluation of all relevant evidence – including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence – and provide that credibility determinations may not be based on a person’s status as a Complainant, Respondent, or witness.
3.	Require that any individual designated by the District as a Title IX Coordinator, investigator, decision-maker, or any person designated by the District to facilitate an informal resolution process:

a.	Not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual Complainant or Respondent.
b.	Receive training on the definition of sexual harassment, the scope of the District’s education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process (including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes, as applicable), and how to serve impartially.

4.	Require that any individual designated by the District as an investigator receiving training on issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.
5.	Require that any individual designated by the District as a decision-maker receive training on issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant.
6.	Include a presumption that the Respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process.
7.	Include reasonably prompt timeframes for conclusion of the grievance process.
8.	Describe the range of possible disciplinary sanctions and remedies the District may implement following any determination of responsibility.
9.	Base all decisions upon the preponderance of evidence standard.
10.	Include the procedures and permissible bases for the Complainant and Respondent to appeal.
11.	Describe the range of supportive measures available to Complainants and Respondents.
12.	Not require, allow, rely upon, or otherwise use questions or evidence that constitute, or seek disclosure of, information protected under a legally recognized privilege, unless the person holding such privilege has waived the privilege.
Enforcement

Any District employee who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any third party who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any District student who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with student behavior policies. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding sexual harassment will likewise be subject to disciplinary action.

This policy does not increase or diminish the ability of the District or the parties to exercise any other rights under existing law.
Retaliation Prohibited
The District prohibits any form of retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, has made a report or complaint, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in a proceeding under this policy. Any person should report claims of retaliation using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Any person who retaliates against others for reporting or complaining of violations of this policy or for participating in any manner under this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, with regard to employees, or suspension and expulsion, with regard to students.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; 34 C.F.R. Part 106. Davis v. Monroe County Bd. of Educ., 526 U.S. 629 (1999).
Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent Sch. Dist., 524 U.S. 274 (1998).

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:20 (Workplace Harassment Prohibited), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited), 7:190 (Student Behavior)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

2:270 Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited
Discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin negatively affect a student’s ability to learn and an employee’s ability to work. Providing an educational and workplace environment free from such discrimination and harassment is an important District goal. The District does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, or national origin in any of its education programs or activities, and it complies with federal and State non-discrimination laws.
Examples of Prohibited Conduct

Examples of conduct that may constitute discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin include: disciplining students more harshly and frequently because of their race, color, or national origin; denying students access to high-rigor academic courses, extracurricular activities, or other educational opportunities based on their race, color, or national origin; denying language services or other educational opportunities to English learners; and assigning students special education services based on a student's race, color, or national origin.

Harassment is a form of prohibited discrimination. Examples of conduct that may constitute harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin include: the use of racial, ethnic or ancestral slurs or stereotypes; taunts; name-calling; offensive or derogatory remarks about a person's actual or perceived race, color, or national origin; the display of racially-offensive symbols; racially-motivated physical threats and attacks; or other hateful conduct.
Making a Report or Complaint; Investigation Process
Individuals are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidences of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Reports under this policy will be processed under Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Any District employee who receives a report or complaint of discrimination or harassment must promptly forward the report or complaint to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager. Any employee who fails to promptly comply may be disciplined, up to and including discharge.

Reports and complaints of discrimination or harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational environment that is productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment.

This policy does not impair or otherwise diminish the existing rights of unionized employees to request an exclusive bargaining representative to be present during any investigatory interviews, nor does this policy diminish any rights available under an applicable collective bargaining agreement, including, but not limited to, a grievance procedure.
Federal and State Agencies

If the District fails to take necessary corrective action to stop harassment based on race, color, or national origin, further relief may be available through the Ill. Dept. of Human Rights (IDHR) or the U.S. Dept. of Education's Office for Civil Rights. To contact IDHR, go to: https://dhr.illinois.gov/about- us/contact-idhr.html or call (312) 814-6200 (Chicago) or (217) 785-5100 (Springfield).
Prevention and Response Program

The Superintendent or designee shall establish a prevention and response program to respond to complaints of discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, including harassment, and

retaliation. The program shall include procedures for responding to complaints which:

1.	Reduce or remove, to the extent practicable, barriers to reporting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;
2.	Permit any person who reports or is the victim of an incident of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to be accompanied when making a report by a support individual of the person's choice who complies with the District's policies and rules;
3.	Permit anonymous reporting, except that an anonymous report may not be the sole basis of any disciplinary action;
4.	Offer remedial interventions or take such disciplinary action as may be appropriate on a case- by-case basis;
5.	Offer, but do not require or unduly influence, a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation the option to resolve allegations directly with the accused; and
6.	Protects a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation from suffering adverse consequences as a result of a report of, investigation of, or a response to the incident.
Policy Posting and Distribution

This policy shall be posted on the District's website. The Superintendent shall annually inform staff members of this policy by posting it in a prominent and accessible location such as the District website, employee handbook, staff intranet site, and/or in other areas where policies and rules of conduct are made available to staff. The Superintendent shall annually inform students and their parents/guardians of this policy by posting it on the District's website and including an age- appropriate summary of the policy in the student handbook(s).
Enforcement

Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with Board policy 7:190, Student Behavior.
Any third party who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action.
Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints, participating in the complaint process, or otherwise providing information about discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited (see Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure).
Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.
LEGAL REF.:
42 U.S.C. §2000d, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 34 C.F.R. Part 100.
42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq., Title V I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 29 C.F.R. Part 1601.

105 ILCS 5/22-95 (final citation pending).
775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq., Illinois Human Rights Act.

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:20 (Workplace Harassment Prohibited), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

SECTION 3 - GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Belleville THSD 201

3:10 Goals and Objectives
The Superintendent directs the administration in order to manage the School District and to facilitate the implementation of a quality educational program in alignment with School Board policy 1:30, School District Philosophy. Specific goals and objectives are to:
1.	Provide educational expertise.
2.	Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate educational programs that will provide for students' mastery of the Illinois Learning Standards.
3.	Meet or exceed student performance and academic improvement goals established by the Board.
4.	Develop and maintain channels for communication between the school and community.
5.	Develop an administrative procedures manual and handbooks for personnel and students that are aligned with Board policy.
6.	Manage the District's fiscal and business activities to ensure financial health, cost-effectiveness, and protection of the District's assets.
7.	Provide for the proper use, reasonable care, and appropriate maintenance of the District's real and personal property, including buildings, equipment, and supplies.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-16.7, 5/10-21.4, and 5/10-21.4a.

CROSS REF.: 1:30 (School District Philosophy), 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification), 2:130 (Board Superintendent Relationship), 3:40 (Superintendent), 3:50 (Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent), 3:60 (Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal), 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

3:30 Chain of Command
The Superintendent shall develop an organizational chart indicating the channels of authority and reporting relationships for school personnel. These channels should be followed, and no level should be bypassed except in unusual situations.

All personnel should refer matters requiring administrative action to the responsible administrator, and may appeal a decision to a higher administrative officer. Whenever possible, each employee should be responsible to only one immediate supervisor. When this is not possible, the division of responsibility must be clear.

CROSS REF.: 1:20 (District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements), 2:140 (Communications To and From the Board), 3:70 (Succession of Authority), 8:110 (Public Suggestions and Concerns)
Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

3:40 Superintendent
Duties and Authority

The Superintendent is the District's executive officer and is responsible for the administration and management of the District schools in accordance with School Board policies and directives, and State and federal law. District management duties include, without limitation, preparing, submitting, publishing, and posting reports and notifications as required by State and federal law, including the special reporting responsibilities in policy 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting. The Superintendent is authorized to develop administrative procedures and take other action as needed to implement Board policy and otherwise fulfill his or her responsibilities. When action must be taken within the school system in areas where the Board of Education has provided no guides for administrative action, the superintendent shall have the power to act, but his decisions shall be subject to review by action of the Board of Education at its regular meeting. It shall be the duty of the superintendent to inform the Board of Education promptly of such action and of the need for policy.
The Superintendent may delegate to other District staff members the exercise of any powers and the discharge of any duties imposed upon the Superintendent by School Board policies or by Board vote. The delegation of power or duty, however, shall not relieve the Superintendent of responsibility for the action that was delegated.
Qualifications

The Superintendent must be of good character and of unquestionable morals and integrity. The Superintendent shall have the experience and the skills necessary to work effectively with the Board, District employees, students, and the community. The Superintendent must have and maintain a Professional Educator License with a superintendent endorsement issued by the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board.
Evaluation

The School Board will evaluate, at least annually, the Superintendent's performance and effectiveness, using standards and objectives developed by the Superintendent and Board that are consistent with State law, the Board's policies, and the Superintendent's contract. A specific time should be designated for a formal evaluation session with all School Board members present. The evaluation should include a discussion of professional strengths as well as performance areas needing improvement.
Compensation and Benefits

The School Board and the Superintendent shall enter into an employment agreement that conforms to Board policy and State law. This contract shall govern the employment relationship between the School Board and the Superintendent. The terms of the Superintendent's employment agreement, when in conflict with this policy, will control.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-16.7, 5/10-20.47, 5/10-21.4, 5/10-21.9, 5/10-23.8, 5/21B-20, 5/21B-25, 5/24-11, and
5/24A-3.
5 ILCS 120/7.3, Open Meetings Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.310, 1.705, and 25.355.

CROSS REF: 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification), 2:130 (Board- Superintendent Relationship), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 3:10 (Goals and Objectives), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 4:175 (Convicted Child

Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:150 (Personnel Records), 5:210 (Resignations), 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

3:40-E Exhibit - Checklist for the Superintendent Employment Contract Negotiation Process

The School Board hires and employs the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall be in charge of the administration of the schools under the direction of the Board, through its policies. See 105 ILCS
5/10-21.4 and 105 ILCS 5/10-16.7. As an effective employer, the Board must develop and maintain a productive relationship with the Superintendent. See IASB’s Foundational Principles of Effective Governance, Principle 3. The board employs a superintendent, at: www.iasb.com/conference- training-and-events/training/training-resources/foundational-principles-of-effective-governance/.

The foundation for a productive employment relationship begins when the Board identifies the most qualified superintendent candidate (successful superintendent candidate) after an established interview process. The Board then extends an offer of employment to the successful superintendent candidate. The employment search process and resulting relationship should consist of mutual respect and a clear understanding of respective roles, responsibilities, and expectations. This relationship should begin with the Board’s policy, a thoughtfully crafted employment contract and job description, and procedures for communications and ongoing assessment. See Principles at the link above.

Below, the Checklist for the Superintendent Employment Contract Negotiation Process (Checklist) provides a column entitled Superintendent Contract Term Considerations for the Board. It lists common superintendent employment contract terms and points of consideration for boards to prepare for during the contract formation process. Another column entitled Explanation, Special Considerations, and Resources provides extra information about these common superintendent employment contract terms.

The Checklist is intended to serve as a resource to educate and guide the Board through the employment contract negotiation process with its successful superintendent candidate. Board members who are educated about the content within the Checklist are crucial to successful negotiation processes. An educated contract formation and negotiation process, along with a well- written contract and job description for the Superintendent, all set the foundation for mutual respect and a clear understanding of the Board and Superintendent’s respective roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Important: This Checklist is a resource for contract formation; it is not a list of must have items for a superintendent’s employment contract or a basis for a board to re-open contracts currently in effect.

Prior to providing the successful superintendent candidate an offer for employment and contract for review, consideration, and negotiation, consult the Board Attorney about the Checklist and the scope of the terms the Board wishes to offer the successful superintendent candidate. The Board and the successful superintendent candidate should expect and encourage the other to seek the advice of their respective attorneys during the employment contract formation process.

Many attorneys agree and best practices suggest that boards and successful superintendent candidates work with their own separate attorneys in an amicable and cooperative manner to complete the employment contract negotiation process.

Board Attorney. Prior to providing any successful superintendent candidate with an offer for employment and a contract for review, consideration, and negotiation, best practices suggest consulting the Board Attorney about the Checklist. Note: Boards should view a successful superintendent candidate retaining his or her own attorney as a best practice (as opposed to a warning sign). Each party is beginning the employment relationship in a cooperative manner to set an appropriate foundation to the future working relationship.

Power and Duties of the Superintendent

Superintendent Contract Term
Considerations for the Board	Explanation, Special Considerations, and
Resources	

Duties	Does the Board enumerate the duties of the Superintendent in the employment contract?
1.	Are the statutory duties of the Superintendent listed?
2.	Has the Board incorporated policy references to the other duties related to the Superintendent’s employment?
See 105 ILCS 5/10-21.4 and 105 ILCS 5/10-16.7.	

Full-time, Attention and Energy Clause	How will the Board address outside activities of the Superintendent?
1.	How will the Board define outside activities?
2.	Will the Board restrict the Superintendent from engaging in outside activities during the term of the employment contract?
3.	Will the Board require approval/notification before the Superintendent engages in outside activities?	

Employment and Compensation

Superintendent Contract Term
Considerations for the Board	Explanation, Special Considerations, and Resources	

Duration of Contract	A superintendent’s employment contract may not exceed five years. If its duration is two to five years, the contract must reference goals and suspension of tenure.
No performance-based contract shall be extended or rolled over prior to its scheduled expiration unless all the performance and improvement goals contained in the contract have been met. See 105 ILCS 5/10-23.8.

If the duration is one year or less, then the contract need not reference goals or suspension of tenure.	

Salary	Special Considerations for the Board may include:

1.	What is the estimated Board contribution to the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) for any raises above six percent (40 ILCS 5/15-155(g)) prior to retirement?
2.	What is the cost shift implication for the District if the Board offers or later agrees to a salary that is equal to or greater than the governor’s statutory salary? School districts are responsible for paying the actuarial cost of the pension benefits earned on the portion of a TRS member’s salary that exceeds the governor’s statutory salary. The governor’s annual salary is published by TRS at: www.trsil.org/employers/payments/contribution-	

	rates_earnings-limitations.
3.	Do any administrative cost cap triggers exist (105 ILCS 5/17-1.5)?

Items the Board may see the successful superintendent candidate request of it:
1.	A fixed salary for each year of the contract.
2.	A guaranteed minimum salary.
3.	Compensation increases.	

Severance Agreements	Any contract that contains a condition of severance pay must include the following provisions required by the Government Severance Pay Act (GSPA), 5 ILCS 415/10:
1.	A restriction to an amount not exceeding 20 weeks of compensation; and
2.	A prohibition for any severance if the Superintendent is fired for misconduct by the Board. See the Severance Pay row under the Changes to the Superintendent’s Employment Contract subhead below for a definition of what misconduct means in the context of this law.	

Teachers Retirement System (TRS) & Teacher Health Insurance (THIS)	How does the Board want to address:
1.	Pension contributions (TRS-THIS)?
2.	Inclusion of salary and other compensation in the payment of TRS and THIS? Or, will TRS and THIS be in addition to salary and other compensation?
3.	Unforeseen pension reform issues?	

Conditions of Employment

Superintendent Contract Term
Considerations for the Board	Explanation, Special Considerations, and
Resources	

Administrative License	Does the Board want to require the successful superintendent candidate to guarantee that as the future Superintendent of the District, he or she has and will maintain the appropriate licensure throughout the employment contract?	

Criminal Background Check Law	105 ILCS 5/10-21.9. See also PRESS sample policy 5:30, Hiring Process and Criteria, and the subhead entitled Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Information Check in administrative procedure 5:30- AP2, Investigations.	

Sexual Misconduct Related Employment History Review Law	105 ILCS 5/22-94, added by P.A. 102-702, eff. 7-1-
23. See also PRESS sample policy 5:30, Hiring Process and Criteria and PRESS sample administrative procedure 5:30-AP3, Sexual Misconduct Related Employment History Review (EHR).	

Other Background Check Laws	Does the Board want to require additional background inquiries beyond the fingerprint-based criminal history records information check required by 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9 and sexual misconduct related employment history review required by 105 ILCS 5/22-94, added by P.A. 102-702, eff. 7-1-23 and discussed above? If yes, consult the Board Attorney and consider the following laws:
15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), is a federal law that regulates the gathering and use of information about consumers by third party consumer reporting agencies, including credit information, criminal background, driving record, personal characteristics/reputation, etc. The law requires consumer reporting agencies to comply with certain procedural notice requirements when gathering information from a consumer.

820 ILCS 75/, Ill. Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act, prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history until the application has been determined qualified and notified that he/she has been selected for an interview (a/k/a ban the box law).
820 ILCS 55/, Ill. Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act (RPWA), prohibits employers from:

1.	Requesting, coercing, or requiring any employee or prospective employee to provide a user name and password for any personal online account;
2.	Requesting, coercing, or requiring an employee or applicant to invite the employer to have access to that individual’s personal online account; and
3.	Taking an adverse employment action against an individual (including refusal to hire) based on that individual’s use of a lawful product off District property during nonworking hours, i.e., tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol. (Note: RPWA allows employers to regulate employees’ use of those lawful products that impair an employee’s ability to perform the employee’s assigned duties. See policy 5:50, Drug- and Alcohol- Free Workplace; E-Cigarette, Tobacco, and Cannabis Prohibition, and its f/ns).
820 ILCS 70/, Ill. Employee Credit Privacy Act, prohibits employers from inquiring into an individual’s credit history or taking action against an employee based such history unless a satisfactory credit history is a bona fide occupational requirement, which is	

	further defined in the statute. The job descriptions of superintendents generally meet this standard because they: (1) describe a managerial position that involves direction of school districts; (2) include signatory power over more than $100; and (3) involve having access to confidential and financial information. Note: Any one of these grounds alone is sufficient.	

Medical Examination	105 ILCS 5/24-5 requires new employees to submit evidence of physical fitness to perform assigned duties and freedom from communicable diseases.
The Americans with Disabilities Act allows medical inquiries of current employees only when they are job- related and consistent with business necessity or part of a voluntary employee wellness program. 42 U.S.C.
§12112(d)(4). Districts may deny jobs to individuals with disabilities who pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace, provided that a reasonable accommodation would not either eliminate the risk or reduce it to an acceptable level. 42 U.S.C. §12113; 29 C.F.R. §1630.2(r).

See also PRESS sample policy 5:30, Hiring Process and Criteria, specifically f/ns 25 and 26.	

Tenure	Suspension of Tenure		
	
With multi-year contracts and multi-year extensions, superintendents waive their rights to tenure in a school district, but no previously acquired tenure may be lost.
Continued Tenure	
	
Superintendents serving multiple one year contracts may still accrue service toward and acquire tenure.

See 105 ILCS 5/10-23.8 and the Duration of Contract row in the Employment and Compensation checkbox, above.	

Evaluations and Goals

Superintendent Contract Term
Considerations for the Board	Explanation, Special Considerations, and Resources	
	105 ILCS 5/10-23.8 requires each performance-based contract to include the goals and indicators of student performance and academic improvement determined and used by the Board to measure the performance and effectiveness of the Superintendent and other information as the Board may determine.
Regarding its goals and indicators, has the Board:

1.	At minimum, addressed student performance and academic achievement (105 ILCS 5/10-23.8 states “and other information as the Board may determine”)?	

Board Goals and Indicators of Student Performance and Academic Achievement for the Superintendent	2.	Included them in the body of the employment contract? Or as an exhibit to it?
3.	Set them to be:
a.	Measurable and achievable, i.e., are they within the Superintendent’s control?
b.	Objective, subjective or a combination of both?
4.	Set a timeline for achievement, and if so is it on an:
a.	Annual basis?
b.	Prior to completion of the employment contract?
5.	Set them as procedural, substantive, or a combination of both?

For more information about setting goals and indicators for superintendents regarding student performance and academic achievement, see:
www.iasb.com/conference-training-and-events/training/workshops/

Contact a Field Services Director regarding the following IASB workshops and/or offerings that may set the stage for school boards to hold their superintendents accountable for district performance, including academic achievement:

Setting District Goals and Direction (leads a board and superintendent to develop their own district language for specific measurable, and attainable goals and indicators)

The Superintendent Evaluation Process (describes an effective method of holding the superintendent accountable)	

Superintendent Evaluation	Once the Board has developed its goals and indicators (as discussed immediately above), 105 ILCS 5/10-20, 5/10-23, and 5/10-23.8 require the Board to:
1.	“Direct, through policy, its superintendent in his or her charge of the administration of the school district;” and
2.	Evaluate the superintendent in his or her “administration of school board policies and his or her stewardship of the assets of the district.”

How will the Board evaluate the successful superintendent candidate upon its outlined goals and indicators?

Does the Board state when it will evaluate the successful superintendent candidate upon the goals and indicators that it set? Note: Some districts do not consider the superintendent evaluation to be a one-time event and put an on-going process into place.
Contrast other districts, which depending upon their preferences, generally find the best time of year to evaluate is in the winter or early springtime.

Is the Board or the successful superintendent candidate responsible to trigger the components of the Superintendent’s evaluation process?	

What evaluation instrument will be used? How will the evaluation be documented?

Will an evaluation instrument be outlined by the Board in its employment contract with the successful superintendent candidate?

Is the evaluation instrument the Board will use tied to its goals and indicators of student performance and academic improvement and other information as the Board may determine?

For more information about best practices when planning for and evaluating the Superintendent, see:

The Superintendent Evaluation Process at: www.iasb.com/iasb/media/documents/superintendent-evaluation- process.pdf;

IASB’s Foundational Principles of Effective Governance, Principle 3. The board employs a superintendent, at: www.iasb.com/conference-training-and-events/training/training- resources/foundational-principles-of-effective-governance/; stating “the board employs and evaluates one person — the superintendent — and holds that person accountable for district performance and compliance with written board policy.”

Expenses and Benefits

Superintendent Contract Term
Considerations for the Board	Explanation, Special Considerations, and
Resources	

Expenses and Allowances	How will the Board address expenses and allowances in its employment contract negotiations with the successful superintendent candidate?
Business	
	
1.	What standard will the Board use, e.g., reasonable, itemized, etc.?
2.	Will the Board designate the Board President or another individual to review and/or approve the Superintendent’s expenses?
Transportation	
	
Will the Board reimburse travel? If yes, what types of travel will the board reimburse? Some transportation topics that successful superintendent candidates request discussion about include:
1.	Vehicle insurance reimbursement(s)
2.	Vehicle repair reimbursement(s)
3.	A travel allowance only at either a set amount or the District’s per mile rate
4.	A vehicle	

	5. Out-of-district travel	

Insurance	Will the Board address insurance in its employment contract negotiations with the successful superintendent candidate?
Some items successful superintendent candidates request include:

1.	Insurance contributions as part of a Cafeteria Plan, or in the alternative, the Board paying the premiums.
2.	Specific insurance coverages from the Board, such as health, dental, vision, life, disability, etc.	

Vacation	Will the Board address vacation days in its employment contract negotiations with the successful superintendent candidate? If yes, then:
1.	How many days?
2.	Will vacation days accumulate? And, if so, how?
3.	Will the Board designate itself, the Board President, or a Board officer to approve or receive notification from the Superintendent prior to taking a vacation? If yes, describe the process.
4.	Will the Board address reimbursement for unused days?
5.	Will vacation days need to be used for days off during winter or spring breaks?	

Sick Leave/Days	Will the Board address sick days in its employment contract negotiations with the successful superintendent candidate? If yes, then:
1.	Will sick leave be limited to annual sick leave days in the District’s teachers’ contract or will a different amount be provided?
2.	How will sick day accumulation be addressed?
3.	Will the Board designate itself, the Board President, or a Board officer to approve or receive notification from the Superintendent prior to taking or upon returning from a sick day? If yes, describe the process.	

Professional Activities and Organizations | Memberships in Community Organizations	Will the Board address memberships in professional activities/organizations and/or community organizations its employment contract negotiations with the successful superintendent candidate? If yes, then:
1.	How many organizations will the Board allow the Superintendent to join?
2.	Which organizations will be allowed?	

	3. What is the Board’s limit for the cost of dues to professional organizations?	

Retirement	Will the Board address any type of payment(s) upon the Superintendent’s retirement? If yes, then:
1.	Has the Board thoroughly examined and addressed:
a.	Any consequences or other penalties to it?
b.	The impact of any prior salary increases?
c.	Potential pension reform issues?
2.	Often, a successful superintendent candidate’s attorney has interest in the following issues:
a.	Available post-retirement options available, e.g., payments for sick/vacation days, post-retirement insurance, longevity annuity payment, etc.
b.	Whether a potential retirement payment will be properly creditable for TRS purposes. Note: Ultimately, only TRS has the authority to determine creditability.	

Annuities and Other Deferred Compensation	Will the Board address any type of annuities and other deferred compensation issues? If yes, then:
1.	Will it offer such compensation in addition to the Superintendent’s agreed-upon salary?
2.	Will it contribute creditable earnings for TRS purposes?	

Changes to the Superintendent’s Employment Contract

Superintendent Contract Term
Considerations for the Board	Explanation, Special Considerations, and
Resources	

Non-Renewal at End of Contract	How will the Board and successful superintendent candidate agree to address orderly end to the employment contract when the Board chooses not to renew it?
1.	Will there be a non-renewal notification date? Do both parties’ attorneys find it reasonable?
2.	Will the Board require the Superintendent to remind it of the non-renewal date?
3.	Will there be any agreement to a clause for an automatic one-year renewal if the Board fails to provide end-of-contract non-renewal notification?
4.	Will the Board agree to language in the employment contract that would provide the Superintendent with a hearing upon non-renewal?	
	Will the Board agree to a procedure for renewing the	

Renewal at End of Contract	employment contract at its end? If yes, then:

1.	What date would be the earliest that the Board could renew its employment contract with the Superintendent?
2.	What criteria will the Board base its renewal upon? For example, some boards base renewal upon superintendents achieving their stated goals and indicators of student performance and academic improvement and other information they required.	

Contract Extensions	Will the Board agree to allow for an extension of its employment contract during its term? If yes, then:
1.	Will the Board agree to extend it during its term if the Board determines that the Superintendent successfully met all of the Board’s stated goals and indicators of student performance and academic improvement and other information it required?
2.	Will the Board agree to extend a one-year contract when the Superintendent is not required to meet any goals?
See 105 ILCS 5/10-23.8.	

Terminations	If the successful superintendent candidate accepts employment with the Board and becomes the Superintendent, how will the Board outline the grounds and procedures for terminating the Superintendent’s employment during the contract’s term?
1.	Will the Board and the successful superintendent candidate agree to terminate it upon mutual agreement?
2.	Will the Board allow retirement to be an appropriate reason for terminating its employment contract with the Superintendent? And if so, will the Board require reasonable notice from its Superintendent?
3.	Could either the Board or Superintendent terminate the employment contract without cause by providing notice to the other?
4.	Will the Board terminate the employment contract for permanent disability of the Superintendent?
a.	How will the Board define permanent disability in the contract?
b.	Will the Board require the Superintendent to obtain a permanent disability determination through physician certification, and/or
c.	Will the Board consider duration of absence; e.g., 90-days after exhaustion of available leave, whichever is greater?

See PRESS sample policy 5:180, Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity.	

	5.	What standard will the Board use to terminate the employment contract for cause? Items to consider include:
a.	Any conduct detrimental/prejudicial to the District;*
b.	Just cause;
c.	Sufficient to dismiss a tenured teacher;
d.	Material breach of contract; or
e.	Not arbitrary and capricious.

*50 ILCS 205/3c, requires a school district to post on its website and make available to news media specific information about severance agreements that it enters into because an employee or contractor was found to have engaged in sexual harassment or sexual discrimination, as defined by the Ill. Human Rights Act or Title V I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. See Severance Pay row directly below.

6.	Will the Board agree to provisions for hearing and due process for the Superintendent?
7.	How will the Board address death of its Superintendent during the duration of the employment contract?	

Severance Pay	Any renewal or renegotiation that adds a condition of severance pay must include the following provisions of GSPA, 5 ILCS 415/10(a)(1):
1.	A restriction to an amount not exceeding 20 weeks of compensation; and
2.	A prohibition for any severance if the Superintendent is fired for misconduct by the Board. This law defines misconduct to include sexual harassment and/or discrimination. But 50 ILCS 205/3c limits sexual harassment or discrimination to instances when an employee is “found to have engaged in sexual harassment or sexual discrimination, as defined by the Ill. Human Rights Act or Title V I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” For more discussion about these laws, see f/n 6 in policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.	

Liquidated Damages	Will the Board agree to liquidate damages with its Superintendent if one or the other terminates the employment contract?
1.	Have both the Board and the successful superintendent candidate discussed the practical consequences of a liquidated damages clause with their respective attorneys?	

	2. If the Board terminates the contract, has it discussed with the Board Attorney how it can avoid litigation with its former Superintendent?	
Amendments	How will the Board and Superintendent agree to allow for amendments to the employment contract?	

What technical clauses need to be in the Superintendent’s employment contract?

Superintendent Contract Term
Considerations for the Board	Explanation, Special Considerations, and
Resources	

Technical clauses (common in contracts)	If the employment contract contains any of the following technical provisions, have the Board Attorney and Superintendent’s attorney reviewed them?
1.	Notice
2.	Applicable law
3.	Headings and numbers
4.	Complete understanding, i.e., do the Board members and Superintendent share the same understanding of the various provisions written in the employment contract?
5.	Counterparts
6.	Effect of Policy Amendments
7.	Severability
8.	Advice of Counsel	

Miscellaneous Issues

Superintendent Contract Term
Considerations for the Board	Explanation, Special Considerations, and
Resources	

Board Obligations Under the Employment Contract	Do all members of the Board understand the District’s obligations under the employment contract and what not complying with them will mean to the District?
Specifically, are Board members aware of the Board’s specific obligations regarding:
1.	The Superintendent Evaluation
2.	Goal setting
3.	Required notifications/actions by each party prior to termination of the employment contract	

Ongoing Monitoring of Each Party’s Compliance with the Contract	Are the Board and Superintendent actually complying with the terms of the employment contract? Has the Board Attorney explained how the Board should monitor compliance with the employment contract?	
Legislative Issues	How might pending pension reform legislation or other trending legislation affect the employment contract?	

DATED : June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

3:50 Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent
Duties and Authority

The School Board establishes District administrative and supervisory positions in accordance with the District's needs and State law. This policy applies to all administrators other than the Superintendent, including without limitation, Building Principals. The general duties and authority of each administrative or supervisory position are approved by the Board, upon the Superintendent's recommendation, and contained in the respective position's job description. In the event of a conflict, State law and/or the administrator's employment agreement shall control.
Qualifications

All administrative personnel shall be appropriately licensed and shall meet all applicable requirements contained in State law and Illinois State Board of Education rules.
Evaluation

The Superintendent or designee shall evaluate all administrative personnel and make employment and salary recommendations to the School Board.

Administrators shall annually present evidence to the Superintendent of professional growth through attendance at educational conferences, additional schooling, in-service training, and Illinois Administrators' Academy courses, or through other means as approved by the Superintendent.
Administrative Work Year

The work year for administrators shall be the same as the District's fiscal year, July 1 through June 30, unless otherwise stated in the employment agreement. In addition to legal holidays, administrators shall have vacation periods as approved by the Superintendent. All administrators shall be available for work when their services are necessary.
Compensation and Benefits

The Board and each administrator shall enter into an employment agreement that complies with Board policy and State law. The terms of an individual employment contract, when in conflict with this policy, will control.

The School Board will consider the Superintendent's recommendations when setting compensation for individual administrators. These recommendations should be presented to the School Board no later than the March School Board meeting or at such earlier time that will allow the Board to consider contract renewal and nonrenewable issues.

Effective December 20, 2010, unless stated otherwise in individual employment contracts, all benefits and leaves of absence available to teaching personnel are available to administrative personnel who have at least 10 years of consecutive continuous service to the District.
LEGAL REF:
105 ILCS 5/10-21.4a, 5/10-23.8a, 5/10-23.8b, 5/21B, and 5/24A.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.310, 1.705, and 50.300; and Parts 25 and 29.

CROSS REF:	3:60 (Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 4:175 (Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest),

5:150 (Personnel Records), 5:210 (Resignations), 5:250 (Leaves of Absence), 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

3:60 Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal
Duties and Authority

The School Board, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, employs Building Principals as the chief administrators and instructional leaders of their assigned schools, and may employ Assistant Principals. The primary responsibility of a Building Principal is the improvement of instruction. Each Building Principal shall perform all duties as described in State law as well as such other duties as specified in his or her employment agreement or as the Superintendent may assign, that are consistent with the Building Principal's education and training.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a principal evaluation plan that complies with Section 24A-15 of the School Code. Using that plan, the Superintendent or designee shall evaluate each Building Principal. The Superintendent or designee may conduct additional evaluations.

Each Building Principal shall complete State law requirements to be a prequalified evaluator before conducting an evaluation of a teacher or assistant principal.
Evaluation Plan

The Superintendent or designee shall implement an evaluation plan for Principals that complies with Section 24A-15 of the School Code and relevant Illinois State Board of Education rules. Using that plan, the Superintendent or designee or, in the absence of the Superintendent or his or her designee, an individual appointed by the Board who holds a valid professional educator license endorsed for superintendent. The Superintendent or designee may conduct additional evaluations.
The Superintendent or designee may conduct additional evaluations. Qualifications and Other Terms and Conditions of Employment
Qualifications and other terms and conditions of employment are found in Board policy 3:50,
Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent. LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/2-3.53a, 5/10-20.14, 5/10-21.4a, 5/10-23.8a, 5/10-23.8b, and 5/24A-15.
10 ILCS 5/4-6.2, Election Code.
105 ILCS 127/, School Reporting of Drug Violations Act.

CROSS REF.:	3:50 (Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 4:175 (Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:150 (Personnel Records), 5:210 (Resignations), 5:250 (Leaves of Absence), 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

3:70 Succession of Authority
If the Superintendent, Building Principal, or other administrator is temporarily unavailable, the succession of authority and responsibility of the respective office shall follow a succession plan, developed by the Superintendent and submitted to the School Board.

CROSS REF.: 1:20 (District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements), 3:30 (Chain of Command)
Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

SECTION 4 - OPERATIONAL SERVICES

Belleville THSD 201

4:10 Fiscal and Business Management
The Superintendent is responsible for the School District's fiscal and business management. This responsibility includes annually preparing and presenting the District's statement of affairs to the School Board and publishing it before December 1 as required by State law.

The Superintendent shall ensure the efficient and cost-effective operation of the District's business management using computers, computer software, data management, communication systems, and electronic networks, including electronic mail, the Internet, and security systems.
Budget Planning

The District's fiscal year is from July 1 until June 30. The Superintendent shall present to the School Board, no later than the first regular meeting in August, a tentative budget with appropriate explanation. This budget shall represent the culmination of an ongoing process of planning for the fiscal support needed for the District's educational program. The District's budget shall be entered upon the Illinois State Board of Education's (ISBE) School District Budget Form. To the extent possible, the tentative budget shall be balanced as defined by ISBE guidelines. The Superintendent shall complete a tentative deficit reduction plan if one is required by ISBE guidelines.
Preliminary Adoption Procedures

After receiving the Superintendent's proposed budget, the School Board sets the date, place, and time for:
1.	A public hearing on the proposed budget, and
2.	The proposed budget to be available to the public for inspection.

The School Board Secretary shall arrange to publish a notice in a local newspaper stating the date, place, and time of the proposed budget's availability for public inspection and the public hearing. The proposed budget shall be available for public inspection at least 30 days before the time of the budget hearing.

At the public hearing, the proposed budget shall be reviewed including the cash reserve balance of all funds held by the District related to its operational levy and, if applicable, any obligations secured by those funds, and the public shall be invited to comment, question, or advise the School Board.
Final Adoption Procedures

The School Board adopts a budget before the end of the first quarter of each fiscal year, September 30, or by such alternative procedure as State law may define. To the extent possible, the budget shall be balanced as defined by the State Board of Education; if not balanced, the Board will adopt a deficit reduction plan to balance the District's budget within three years according to ISBE requirements.

The School Board adopts the budget by roll call vote. The budget resolution shall be incorporated into the meeting's official minutes. School Board members' names voting yea and nay shall be recorded in the minutes.
The Superintendent or designee shall perform each of the following:

1.	Post the District's final annual budget, itemized by receipts and expenditures, on the District's Internet website; notify parents/guardians that it is posted and provide the website's address.
2.	File a certified copy of the budget resolution and an estimate of revenues by source anticipated to be received in the following fiscal year, certified by the District's Chief Fiscal Officer, with the County Clerk within 30 days of the budget's adoption.
3.	Ensure disclosure to the public of the cash reserve balance of all funds held by the district
1.	
related to its operational levy and, if applicable, any obligations secured by those funds, at the public hearing at which the Board certifies its operational levy.
4.	Present a written report that includes the annual average expenditures of the District's operational funds for the previous three fiscal years at or before the board meeting at which the Board adopts its levy. In the event the District's combined cash reserve balance of its operational funds is more than 2.5 times the annual average expenditures of those funds for the previous three fiscal years, the Board will adopt and file with ISBE a reserve reduction plan by December 31.
5.	Make all preparations necessary for the Board to timely file its Certificate of Tax Levy, including preparations to comply with the Truth in Taxation Act, file the Certificate of Tax Levy with the County Clerk on or before the last Tuesday in December. The Certificate lists the amount of property tax money to be provided for the various funds in the budget.
6.	Submit the annual budget, a deficit reduction plan if one is required by State Board of Education guidelines, and other financial information to ISBE according to its requirements.

Any amendments to the budget or Certificate of Tax Levy shall be made as provided in the School Code and Truth in Taxation Act.
Budget Amendments

The School Board may amend the budget by the same procedure as provided for in the original adoption.
Implementation

The Superintendent or designee shall implement the District's budget and provide the School Board with a monthly financial report that includes all deficit fund balances. The amount budgeted as the expenditure in each fund is the maximum amount that may be expended for that category, except when a transfer of funds is authorized by the School Board.

The Board shall act on all interfund loans, interfund transfers, transfers within funds, and transfers from the working cash fund or abatements of it, if one exists.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-17, 5/10-22.33, 5/17-1, 5/17-1.2, 5/17-1.3, 5/17-1.10, 5/17-2A, 5/17-3.2, 5/17-11,
5/20-5, 5/20-8, and 5/20-10.
35 ILCS 200/18-55 et seq., Truth in Taxation Law. 23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 100.
CROSS REF.: 4:20 (Fund Balances), 4:40 (Incurring Debt), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

4:15 Identity Protection
The collection, storage, use, and disclosure of social security numbers by the School District shall be consistent with State and federal laws. The goals for managing the District’s collection, storage, use, and disclosure of social security numbers are to:

1.	Limit all activities involving social security numbers to those circumstances that are authorized by State or federal law.
2.	Protect each social security number collected or maintained by the District from unauthorized disclosure.

The Superintendent is responsible for ensuring that the District complies with the Identity Protection Act, 5 ILCS 179/. Compliance measures shall include each of the following:

1.	All employees having access to social security numbers in the course of performing their duties shall be trained to protect the confidentiality of social security numbers. Training should include instructions on the proper handling of information containing social security numbers from the time of collection through the destruction of the information.
2.	Only employees who are required to use or handle information or documents that contain social security numbers shall have access to such information or documents.
3.	Social security numbers requested from an individual shall be provided in a manner that makes the social security number easily redacted if the record is required to be released as part of a public records request.
4.	When collecting a social security number or upon request by an individual, a statement of the purpose(s) for which the District is collecting and using the social security number shall be provided. The stated reason for collection of the social security number must be relevant to the documented purpose.
5.	All employees must be advised of this policy’s existence and a copy of the policy must be made available to each employee. The policy must also be made available to any member of the public, upon request.
6.	If this policy is amended, employees will be advised of the existence of the amended policy and a copy of the amended policy will be made available to each employee.

No District employee shall collect, store, use, or disclose an individual’s social security number unless specifically authorized by the Superintendent. An employee who has substantially breached the confidentiality of social security numbers may be subject to disciplinary action or sanctions up to and including dismissal in accordance with District policy and procedures. This policy shall not be interpreted as a guarantee of the confidentiality of social security numbers and/or other personal information. The District will use best efforts to comply with this policy, but this policy should not be construed to convey any rights to protection of information not otherwise afforded by law.
Treatment of Personally Identifiable Information Under Grant Awards

The Superintendent ensures that the District takes reasonable measures to safeguard: (1) protected personally identifiable information, (2) other information that a federal awarding agency, pass-through agency or State awarding agency designates as sensitive, such as personally identifiable information (P I) and (3) information that the District considers to be sensitive consistent with applicable laws regarding privacy and confidentiality (collectively, sensitive information), when administering federal grant awards and State grant awards governed by the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708/).
The Superintendent shall establish procedures for the identification, handling, storage, access, disposal and overall confidentiality of sensitive information. The Superintendent shall ensure that employees and contractors responsible for the administration of a federal or State award for the

District receive regular training in the safeguarding of sensitive information. Employees mishandling sensitive information are subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal.
LEGAL REF.:
2 C.F.R. §200.303(e).
5 ILCS 179/, Identity Protection Act.
30 ILCS 708/, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act 50 ILCS 205/3, Local Records Act.
105 ILCS 10/, Illinois School Student Records Act.

CROSS REF: 2:250 (Access to District Public Records), 5:150 (Personnel Records), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: May 4, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

4:20 Fund Balances
The Superintendent or designee shall maintain fund balances adequate to ensure the District's ability to maintain levels of service and pay its obligations in a prompt manner in spite of unforeseen events or unexpected expenses. The Superintendent or designee shall inform the Board whenever it should discuss drawing upon its reserves or borrowing money.
CROSS REF.:4:10 (Fiscal and Business Management), 4:80 (Accounting and Audits) Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

4:30 Revenue and Investments
Revenue

The Superintendent or designee is responsible for making all claims for property tax revenue, State Aid, special State funds for specific programs, federal funds, and categorical grants.
Investments

The Superintendent shall either appoint a Chief Investment Officer or serve as one. The Chief Investment Officer shall invest money that is not required for current operations, in accordance with this policy and State law.

The Chief Investment Officer and Superintendent shall use the standard of prudence when making investment decisions. They shall use the judgment and care, under circumstances then prevailing, that persons of prudence, discretion, and intelligence exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the safety of their capital as well as its probable income.
Investment Objectives
The objectives for the School District's investment activities are:

1.	Safety of Principal - Every investment is made with safety as the primary and over-riding concern. Each investment transaction shall ensure that capital loss, whether from credit or market risk, is avoided.
2.	Liquidity - The investment portfolio shall provide sufficient liquidity to pay District obligations as they become due. In this regard, the maturity and marketability of investments shall be considered.
3.	Rate of Return - The highest return on investments is sought, consistent with the preservation of principal and prudent investment principles.
4.	Diversification - The investment portfolio is diversified as to materials and investments, as appropriate to the nature, purpose, and amount of the funds.
Authorized Investments

The Chief Investment Officer may invest any District funds in any investment as authorized in 30 ILCS 235/2, and Acts amended thereto.

Except as provided herein, investments may be made only in banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, or credit unions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other approved share insurer.

The Chief Investment Officer and Superintendent shall regularly consider material, relevant, and decision-useful sustainability factors in evaluating investment decisions, within the bounds of financial and fiduciary prudence. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (1) corporate governance and leadership factors, (2) environmental factors, (3) social capital factors, (4) human capital factors, and
(5) business model and innovation factors, as provided under the Ill. Sustainable Investing Act, 30 ILCS 238/.
Selection of Depositories, Investment Managers, Dealers, and Brokers

The Chief Investment Officer shall establish a list of authorized depositories, investment managers, dealers and brokers based upon the creditworthiness, reputation, minimum capital requirements, qualifications under State law, as well as a long history of dealing with public fund entities. The Board will review and approve the list at least annually.

In order to be an authorized depository, each institution must submit copies of the last two sworn statements of resources and liabilities or reports of examination, that the institution is required to furnish to the appropriate State or federal agency. Each institution designated as a depository shall, while acting as such depository, furnish the District with a copy of all statements of resources and liabilities or all reports of examination, that it is required to furnish to the appropriate State or federal agency.

The above eligibility requirements of a bank to receive or hold public deposits do not apply to investments in an interest-bearing savings account, interest-bearing certificate of deposit, or interest- bearing time deposit if: (1) the District initiates the investment at or through a bank located in Illinois, and (2) the invested public funds are at all times fully insured by an agency or instrumentality of the federal government.

The District may consider a financial institution's record and current level of financial commitment to its local community when deciding whether to deposit funds in that financial institution. The District may consider factors including:

1.	For financial institutions subject to the federal Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, the current and historical ratings that the financial institution has received, to the extent that those ratings are publicly available, under the federal Community Reinvestment Act of 1977;
2.	Any changes in ownership, management, policies, or practices of the financial institution that may affect the level of the financial institution's commitment to its community;
3.	The financial impact that the withdrawal or denial of District deposits might have on the financial institution;
4.	The financial impact to the District as a result of withdrawing public funds or refusing to deposit additional public funds in the financial institution; and
5.	Any additional burden on the District's resources that might result from ceasing to maintain deposits of public funds at the financial institution under consideration.
Collateral Requirements

All amounts deposited or invested with financial institutions in excess of any insurance limit shall be collateralized in accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act, 30 ILCS 235/. The Superintendent or designee shall keep the Board informed of collateral agreements.
Safekeeping and Custody Arrangements

The preferred method for safekeeping is to have securities registered in the District's name and held by a third-party custodian. Safekeeping practices should qualify for the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 3, Deposits with Financial Institutions, Investments (including Repurchase Agreements), and Reverse Repurchase Agreements, Category I, the highest recognized safekeeping procedures.
Controls and Report

The Chief Investment Officer shall establish a system of internal controls and written operational procedures to prevent losses arising from fraud, employee error, misrepresentation by third parties, or imprudent employee action.
The Chief Investment Officer shall provide a quarterly investment report to the Board. The report will:
(1) assess whether the investment portfolio is meeting the District's investment objectives, (2) identify each security by class or type, book value, income earned, and market value, (3) identify those institutions providing investment services to the District, and (4) include any other relevant information. The investment portfolio's performance shall be measured by appropriate and creditable industry standards for the investment type.

The School Board will determine, after receiving the Superintendent's recommendation, which fund is in most need of interest income and the Superintendent shall execute a transfer. This provision does not apply when the use of interest earned on a particular fund is restricted.
Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

The School Board and District officials will avoid any investment transaction or practice that in appearance or fact might impair public confidence. Board members are bound by the Board policy 2:100, Board Member Conflict of Interest. No District employee having influence on the District's investment decisions shall:

1.	Have any interest, directly or indirectly, in any investments in which the District is authorized to invest,
2.	Have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the sellers, sponsors, or managers of those investments, or
3.	Receive, in any manner, compensation of any kind from any investments in that the agency is authorized to invest.
LEGAL REF.:
30 ILCS 235/, Public Funds Investment Act. 30 ILCS 238/, Ill. Sustainable Investing Act.
105 ILCS 5/8-7, 5/10-22.44, 5/17-1, and 5/17-11.

CROSS REF.: 2:100 (Board Member Conflict of Interest), 4:10 (Fiscal and Business Management), 4:80 (Accounting and Audits)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

4:40 Incurring Debt
The Superintendent or Designee shall provide early notice to the School Board of the District's need to borrow money. The Superintendent or designee shall prepare all documents and notices necessary for the School Board, at its discretion, to: (1) issue State Aid Anticipation Certificates, tax anticipation warrants, working cash fund bonds, bonds, notes, and other evidence of indebtedness, or (2) establish a line of credit with a bank or other financial institution. The Superintendent shall notify the State Board of Education before the District issues any form of long-term or short-term debt that will result in outstanding debt that exceeds 75% of the debt limit specified in State law.
Bond Issue Obligations

In connection with the Board’s issuance of bonds, the Superintendent shall be responsible for ensuring the District’s compliance with federal securities laws, including the anti-fraud provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and, if applicable, the continuing disclosure obligations under Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Additionally, in connection with the Board’s issuance of bonds, the interest on which is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, or which enable the District or bond holder to receive other federal tax benefits, the Board authorizes the Superintendent to establish written procedures for post-issuance compliance monitoring for such bonds to protect their tax-exempt (or tax-advantaged) status.

The Board may contract with outside professionals, such as bond counsel and/or a qualified financial consulting firm, to assist it in meeting the requirements of this subsection.
LEGAL REF.:
Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. §77a et seq. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. §78a et seq. 17 C.F.R. §240.15c2-12.
Bond Authorization Act, 30 ILCS 305/2 Bond Issue Notification Act, 30 ILCS 352/
Local Government Debt Reform Act, 30 ILCS 350/. Tax Anticipation Note Act, 50 ILCS 420/.
105 ILCS 5/17-16, 5/17-17, 5/18-18, and 5/19-1 et seq.
CROSS REF.: 4:10 (Fiscal and Business Management) Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

4:45 Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery
Insufficient Fund Checks

The Superintendent or designee is responsible for collecting up to the maximum fee authorized by State law for returned checks written to the District that are not honored upon presentation to the respective bank or other depository institution for any reason. The Superintendent is authorized to contact the Board Attorney whenever necessary to collect the returned check amount, fee, collection costs and expenses, and interest.
Delinquent Debt Recovery

The Superintendent is authorized to seek collection of delinquent debt owed the District to the fullest extent of the law.

A Local Debt Recovery Program may be available through the Illinois Office of the Comptroller (IOC). To participate in it, an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the District and the IOC must be in existence. The IGA establishes the terms under which the District may refer a delinquent debt to the IOC for an offset (deduction). The IOC may execute an offset, in the amount of the delinquent debt owed to the District, from a future payment that the State makes to an individual or entity responsible for paying the delinquent debt.

The Superintendent or designee shall execute the requirements of the IGA. While executing the requirements of the IGA, the Superintendent or designee is responsible, without limitation, for each of the following:

1.	Providing a District-wide, uniform, method of notice and due process to the individual or entity against whom a claim for delinquent debt payment (claim) is made. Written notice and an opportunity to be heard must be given to the individual or entity responsible for paying a delinquent debt before the claim is certified to the IOC for offset. The notice must state the claim’s amount, the reason for the amount due, the claim’s date or time period, and a description of the process to challenge the claim
2.	An individual or entity challenging a claim shall be provided an informal proceeding to refute the claim’s existence, amount, or current collectability; the decision following this proceeding shall be reviewable.
a.	If a waiver of student fees is requested as a challenge to paying the claim, and the waiver of student fees is denied, an appeal of the denial of a fee waiver request shall be handled according to 4:140, Waiver of Student Fees. If no waiver of student fees is requested, reviews regarding payment of the claim shall be handled according to this policy before certification to the IOC for offset.
b.	If application for meal benefits pursuant to policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services, is requested as a challenge to paying the claim, and the request is denied, an appeal of the denial of the request shall be handled according to 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services. If no request for meal benefits is received, review of the claim’s payment shall be handled according to this policy before certification to the IOC for offset.
3.	Certifying to the IOC that the debt is past due and legally enforceable, and notifying the IOC of any change in the status of an offset claim for delinquent debt.
4.	Responding to requests for information from the IOC to facilitate the prompt resolution of any administrative review requests received by the IOC.
LEGAL REF.:
15 ILCS 405/10.05 and 10.05d, State Comptroller Act.

105 ILCS 123/, Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act. 810 ILCS 5/3-806, Uniform Commercial Code.
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

4:50 Payment Procedures
The Treasurer shall prepare a list of all due and payable bills, indicating vendor name and amount, and shall present it to the School Board in advance of the Board's first regular monthly meeting or, if necessary, a special meeting. These bills shall be reviewed by the School Board, after which they may be approved for payment by School Board order. Approval of all bills shall be given by a roll call vote and the votes shall be recorded in the minutes. The Treasurer shall pay the bills after receiving a School Board order or pertinent portions of the Board minutes, even if the minutes are unapproved, provided the order or minutes are signed by the Board President and Secretary, or a majority of the Board.

The Treasurer is authorized, without further Board approval, to pay Social Security taxes, wages, pension contributions, utility bills, and other recurring bills. These disbursements shall be included in the listing of bills presented to the School Board.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent or designee to establish revolving funds and a petty cash fund system for school cafeterias, lunchrooms, athletics, or similar purposes, provided such funds are maintained in accordance with Board policy 4:80, Accounting and Audits, and remain in the custody of an employee who is properly bonded according to State law.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/8-16, 5/10-7, and 5/10-20.19.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §100.70.

CROSS REF.: 4:55 (Use of Credit and Procurement Cards), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:80 (Accounting and Audits)
Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

4:55 Use of Credit and Procurement Cards
The Superintendent and employees designated by the Superintendent are authorized to use District credit and procurement cards to simplify the acquisition, receipt, and payment of purchases and travel expenses incurred on the District's behalf. Credit and procurement cards shall only be used for those expenses that are for the District's benefit and serve a valid and proper public purpose; they shall not be used for personal purchases. Cardholders are responsible for exercising due care and judgment and for acting in the District's best interests.

The Superintendent or designee shall manage the use of District credit and procurement cards by employees. It is the Board's responsibility, through the audit and approval process, to determine whether District credit and procurement card use by the Superintendent is appropriate.

In addition to the other limitations contained in this and other Board policies, District credit and procurement cards are governed by the following restrictions:

1.	Credit and/or procurement cards may only be used to pay certain job-related expenses or to make purchases on behalf of the Board or District or any student activity fund, or for purposes that would otherwise be addressed through a conventional revolving fund.
2.	The Superintendent or designee shall instruct the issuing bank to block the cards' use at unapproved merchants.
3.	The Superintendent or designee shall limit the amount each cardholder may charge in a single purchase or within a given month and inform the issuing bank of these limitations.
4.	The Superintendent or designee must approve the use of a District credit or procurement card whenever such use is by telephone, fax, and the Internet. Permission shall be withheld when the use violates any Board policy, is from a vendor whose reputation has not been verified, or would be more expensive than if another available payment method were used.
5.	The consequences for unauthorized purchases include, but are not limited to, reimbursing the District for the purchase amount, loss of cardholding privileges, and, if made by an employee, discipline up to and including discharge.
6.	All cardholders must sign a statement affirming that they are familiar with this policy.
7.	The Superintendent shall implement a process whereby all purchases using a District credit or procurement card are reviewed and approved by someone other than the cardholder or someone under the cardholder's supervision.
8.	Cardholders must submit the original, itemized receipt to document all purchases.
9.	No individual may use a District credit or procurement card to make purchases in a manner contrary to State law, including, but not limited to, the bidding and other purchasing requirements in 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21, or any Board policy.
10.	The Superintendent or designee shall account for any financial or material reward or rebate offered by the company or institution issuing the District credit or procurement card and shall ensure that it is used for the District's benefit.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.21.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §100.70(d).

CROSS REF.: 4:50 (Payment Procedures), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:80 (Accounting and Audits), 4:90 (Student Activity and Fiduciary Funds), 5:60 (Expenses)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

4:60 Purchases and Contracts
The Superintendent shall manage the District's purchases and contracts in accordance with the law, the standards set forth in this policy, and other applicable Board policies.
Standards for Purchasing and Contracting

All purchases and contracts shall be entered into in accordance with applicable federal and Illinois law. The Board Attorney shall be consulted as needed regarding the legal requirements for purchases or contracts. All contracts shall be approved or authorized by the School Board.

All purchases and contracts should support a recognized District function or purpose as well as provide for good quality products and services at the lowest cost, with consideration for service, reliability, and delivery promptness, and in compliance with State law. No purchase or contract shall be made or entered into as a result of favoritism, extravagance, fraud, or corruption.

Adoption of the annual budget authorizes the Superintendent or designee to purchase budgeted supplies, equipment, and services, provided that State law is followed. Purchases of items outside budget parameters require prior Board approval, except in an emergency. Notwithstanding the above, the Superintendent shall not commit to any single, non-customary purchase or expenditure, excluding personnel, of greater than $10,000 without prior board approval.

When presenting a contract or purchase for Board approval, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that it complies with applicable federal and State law, including but not limited to, those specified below:

1.	Supplies, materials, or work involving an expenditure in excess of $35,000 must comply with the State law bidding procedure, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21, unless specifically exempted.
2.	Construction, lease, or purchase of school buildings must comply with State law and Board policy 4:150, Facility Management and Building Programs.
3.	Guaranteed energy savings must comply with 105 ILCS 5/19b-1 et seq.
4.	Third party non-instructional services must comply with 105 ILCS 5/10-22.34c.
5.	Goods and services that are intended to generate revenue and other remunerations for the District in excess of $1,000, including without limitation vending machine contracts, sports and other attire, class rings, and photographic services, must comply with 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21(b-5). The Superintendent or designee shall keep a record of: (1) each vendor, product, or service provided, (2) the actual net revenue and non-monetary remuneration from each contract or agreement, and (3) how the revenue was used and to whom the non-monetary remuneration was distributed. The Superintendent or designee shall report this information to the Board by completing the necessary forms that must be attached to the District's annual budget.
6.	Any contract to purchase food with a bidder or offeror must comply with 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21(b- 10).
7.	The purchase of paper and paper products must comply with 105 ILCS 5/10-20.19c and Board policy 4:70, Resource Conservation.
8.	Each contractor with the District is bound by each of the following:

a.	In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9(f): (1) prohibit any of its employees who is or was found guilty of a criminal offense listed in 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9(c) and 5/21B-80(c) to have direct, daily contact at a District school or school-related activity with one or more student(s); (2) prohibit any of the contractor's employees from having direct, daily contact with one or more students if the employee was found guilty of any offense in 5/21B-80(b) (certain drug offenses) until seven years following the end of the employee's sentence for the criminal offense; and (3) require each of its employees who will have direct, daily contact with student(s) to cooperate during the District's fingerprint-based criminal history
a.	
records check on him or her.
b.	In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/22-94: (1) prohibit any of its employees from having direct contact with children or students if the contractor has not performed a sexual misconduct related employment history review (EHR) of the employee or if the District objects to the employee’s assignment based on the employee’s involvement in an instance of sexual misconduct as provided in 105 ILCS 5/22-94(j)(3), which the contractor is required to disclose; (2) discipline, up to and including termination or denial of employment, any employee who provides false information or willfully fails to disclose information required by the EHR; (3) maintain all records of EHRs and provide the District access to such records upon request; and (4) refrain from entering into any agreements prohibited by 105 ILCS 5/22-94(g).
c.	In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/24-5: (1) concerning each new employee of a contractor that provides services to students or in schools, provide the District with evidence of physical fitness to perform the duties assigned and freedom from communicable disease; and (2) require any new or existing employee who provides services to students or in schools to complete additional health examinations as required by the District and be subject to additional health examinations, including tuberculosis screening, as required by the Ill. Dept. of Public Health rules or order of a local health official.

9.	Any pavement engineering project using a coal tar-based sealant product or high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon sealant product for pavement engineering-related use must comply with the Coal Tar Sealant Disclosure Act.
10.	Design-build contracts must comply with 105 ILCS 5/15A-1 et seq.
11.	Any new contract for a district-administered assessment must comply with 105 ILCS 5/10-20.85.
12.	Purchases made with federal or State awards must comply with 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and 30 ILCS 708/, as applicable, and any terms of the award.

The Superintendent or designee shall: (1) execute the reporting and website posting mandates in State law concerning District contracts, and (2) monitor the discharge of contracts, contractors' performances, and the quality and value of services or products being provided.
LEGAL REF.:
2 C.F.R. Part 200.
105 ILCS 5/10-20.19c, 5/10-20.21, 5/10-20.85, 5/10-21.9, 5/10-22.34c, 5/15A-1 et seq., 5/19b-1 et
seq., 5/22-94, and 5/24-5.
30 ILCS 708/, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. 410 ILCS 170/, Coal Tar Sealant Disclosure Act.
820 ILCS 130/, Prevailing Wage Act.

CROSS REF.: 2:100 (Board Member Conflict of Interest), 4:70 (Resource Conservation), 4:150 (Facility Management and Building Programs), 4:175 (Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

4:70 Resource Conservation
The Superintendent shall manage a program of energy and resource conservation for the District that includes:

1.	Periodic review of procurement procedures and specifications to ensure that purchased products and supplies are reusable, durable, or made from recycled materials, if economically and practically feasible.
2.	Purchasing recycled paper and paper products in amounts that will, at a minimum, meet the specifications in the School Code, if economically and practically feasible.
3.	Periodic review of procedures on the reduction of solid waste generated by academic, administrative, and other institutional functions. These procedures shall: (a) require recycling the District's waste stream, including landscape waste, computer paper, and white office paper, if economically and practically feasible; (b) include investigation of the feasibly of potential markets for other recyclable materials that are present in the District's waste stream; and (c) be designed to achieve, before July 1, 2020, at least a 50% reduction in the amount of solid waste that is generated by the District.
4.	Adherence to energy conservation measures. LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.19c and 5/19b.
CROSS REF.: 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:150 (Facility Management and Building Programs) Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

4:80 Accounting and Audits
The School District's accounting and audit services shall comply with the Requirements for Accounting, Budgeting, Financial Reporting, and Auditing, as adopted by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE), State and federal laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles. Determination of liabilities and assets, prioritization of expenditures of governmental funds, and provisions for accounting disclosures shall be made in accordance with government accounting standards as directed by the auditor designated by the Board. The Superintendent, in addition to other assigned financial responsibilities, shall report monthly on the District's financial performance, both income and expense, in relation to the financial plan represented in the budget.
Annual Audit

At the close of each fiscal year, the Superintendent shall arrange an audit of the District funds, accounts, statements, and other financial matters. The audit shall be performed by an independent certified public accountant designated by the Board and be conducted in conformance with prescribed standards and legal requirements. A complete and detailed written audit report shall be provided to each Board member and to the Superintendent.

The Superintendent shall annually, on or before October 15, submit an original and one copy of the audit to the Regional Superintendent of Schools.
Annual Financial Report

The Superintendent or designee shall annually prepare and submit the Annual Financial Report on a timely basis using the form adopted by the ISBE. The Superintendent shall review and discuss the Annual Financial Report with the Board before it is submitted.
Inventories

The Superintendent or designee is responsible for establishing and maintaining accurate inventory records. The inventory record of supplies and equipment shall include a description of each item, quantity, location, purchase date, and cost or estimated replacement cost, unless the supplies and equipment are acquired by the District pursuant to a federal or State grant award, in which case the inventory record shall also include the information required by 2 C.F.R. §200.313, if applicable. The Superintendent shall establish procedures for the management of property acquired by the District under grant awards that comply with federal and State law.
Disposition of District Property

The Superintendent or designee shall notify the Board, as necessary, of the following so that the Board may consider its disposition: (1) District personal property (property other than buildings and land) that is no longer needed for school purposes, and (2) school site, building, or other real estate that is unnecessary, unsuitable, or inconvenient. Notwithstanding the above, the Superintendent or designee may unilaterally dispose of personal property of a diminutive value. The Superintendent shall establish procedures for the disposition of property acquired by the District under grant awards that comply with federal and State law.
Taxable Fringe Benefits

The Superintendent or designee shall: (1) require that all use of District property or equipment by employees is for the District's convenience and best interests unless it is a Board-approved fringe benefit, and (2) ensure compliance with the Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding when to report an employee's personal use of District property or equipment as taxable compensation.
Controls for Revolving Funds and Petty Cash

Revolving funds and the petty cash system are established in Board policy 4:50, Payment Procedures. The Superintendent shall: (1) designate a custodian for each revolving fund and petty cash fund, (2) obtain a bond for each fund custodian, and (3) maintain the funds in compliance with this policy, State law, and ISBE rules. A check for the petty cash fund may be drawn payable to the designated petty cash custodian. Bank accounts for revolving funds are limited to a maximum balance of $500.00. All expenditures from these bank accounts must be directly related to the purpose for which the account was established and supported with documentation, including signed invoices or receipts. All deposits into these bank accounts must be accompanied with a clear description of their intended purpose. The Superintendent or designee shall include checks written to reimburse revolving funds on the Board's monthly listing of bills indicating the recipient and including an explanation.
Control Requirements for Checks

The Board must approve all bank accounts opened or established in the District's or a District school's name or with the District's Federal Employer Identification Number. All checks issued by the School District must be signed by either the Treasurer or Board President, except that checks from accounts containing student activity funds or fiduciary funds and checks from revolving accounts may be signed by their respective account custodians.
Internal Controls

The Superintendent is primarily responsible for establishing and implementing a system of internal controls for safeguarding the District's financial condition; the Board, however, will oversee these safeguards. The control objectives are to ensure efficient business and financial practices, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with State law and Board policies, and to prevent losses from fraud, waste, and abuse, as well as employee error, misrepresentation by third parties, or other imprudent employee action.

The Superintendent or designee shall annually audit the District's financial and business operations for compliance with established internal controls and provide the results to the Board. The Board may from time-to-time engage a third-party to audit internal controls in addition to the annual audit.
LEGAL REF.:
2 C.F.R. §200 et seq.

30 ILCS 708/, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act, implemented by 44 Ill.Adm.Code 7000 et seq.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.27, 5/2-3.28, 5/3-7, 5/3-15.1, 5/5-22, 5/10-21.4, 5/10-20.19, 5/10-22.8, and 5/17-1 et
seq.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 100.

CROSS REF.: 4:10 (Fiscal and Business Management), 4:50 (Payment Procedures), 4:55 (Use of Credit and Procurement Cards), 4:90 (Student Activity and Fiduciary Funds)
Adopted: January 11, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

4:90 Student Activity and Fiduciary Funds
The Board, upon the Superintendent or designee's recommendation, establishes student activity funds to be managed by student organizations under the guidance and direction of a staff member for educational, recreational, or cultural purposes. The Board, upon the Superintendent or designee’s recommendation, also establishes fiduciary funds to be supervised by the Superintendent or designee. The District has custodial responsibilities for fiduciary funds but no direct involvement in the management of such funds.
Student Activity Funds

The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for supervising student activity funds in accordance with Board policy 4:80, Accounting and Audits; State law; and the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) rules for student activity funds. The Board will appoint a treasurer for the fund to serve as the fund's sole custodian and be bonded in accordance with the School Code. The treasurer shall have all of the responsibilities specific to the treasurer listed in ISBE rules for school activity funds, including the authority to make loans between activity funds.

No organization shall establish an activity club fund without prior approval of the Board. All monies collected shall be deposited in the respective activity fund account.

Unless otherwise instructed by the Board, a student activity fund's balance will carry over to the next fiscal year. An account containing student activity funds that is inactive for 12 consecutive months shall be closed and its funds transferred to another student activity fund or authorized fund with a similar purpose.
Also, please refer to the Agreement between Board of Education Belleville Township High Schools East and West, District 201 and Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Fiduciary Funds

The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for supervising fiduciary funds in accordance with Board policy 4:80, Accounting and Audits; State law; and ISBE rules for fiduciary funds. The Board will appoint a treasurer for each fund to serve as the fund’s sole custodian and be bonded in accordance with the School Code. The treasurer shall have all of the responsibilities specific to the treasurer listed in the ISBE rules for fiduciary funds.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/8-2 and 5/10-20.19.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§100.20, 100.80, and 100.85.
CROSS REF.: 4:80 (Accounting and Audits), 7:325 (Student Fundraising Activities) Adopted: January 11, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

4:100 Insurance Management
The Superintendent shall recommend and maintain all insurance programs that provide the broadest and most complete coverage available at the most economical cost, consistent with sound insurance principles.
The insurance program shall include each of the following:

1. Liability coverage to insure against any loss or liability of the School District and the listed individuals against civil rights damage claims and suits, constitutional rights damage claims and suits, and death and bodily injury and property damage claims and suits, including defense costs, when damages are sought for negligent or wrongful acts allegedly committed in the scope of employment or under the Board's direction or related to any mentoring services provided to the District's licensed staff members; School Board members; employees; volunteer personnel authorized by 105 ILCS 5/10-22.34, 5/10-22.34a, and 5/10-22.34b; mentors of licensed staff members authorized in 105 ILCS 5/21A-5 et seq. (new teacher), 105 ILCS 5/2-3.53a (new principal), and 2-3.53b (new superintendents); and student teachers.
2.	Catastrophic accident insurance at the mandated benefit level for student athletes in grades 9 through 12 who sustain an accidental injury while participating in school-sponsored or school- supervised interscholastic athletic events sanctioned by the Ill. High School Association that results in medical expenses in excess of $50,000.
3.	Comprehensive property insurance covering a broad range of causes of loss involving building and personal property. The coverage amount shall normally be for the replacement cost or the insurable value.
4.	Workers' Compensation to protect individual employees against financial loss in case of a work- related injury, certain types of disease, or death incurred in an employee-related situation.
Student Insurance

The Board shall annually designate a company to offer student accident insurance coverage. The Board does not endorse the plan nor recommend that parents/guardians secure the coverage, and any contract is between the parents/guardians and the company.
LEGAL REF.:
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, Pub. L. 99-272, §10001, 26 U.S.C. §4980B(f), 42
U.S.C. §300bb-1 et seq.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.53a, 5/2-3.53b, 5/10-20.20, 5/10-22.3, 5/10-22.3a, 5/10-22.3b, 5/10-22.3f, 5/10-
22.34, 5/10-22.34a, 5/10-22.34b, 5/21A-5 et seq., and 5/22-15.
215 ILCS 5/, Ill. Insurance Code.
750 ILCS 75/, Ill. Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. 820 ILCS 305/, Workers’ Compensation Act.
CROSS REF.: 7:300 (Extracurricular Athletics) Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

4:110 Transportation
The District shall provide free transportation for any student in the District: (1) who resides at a distance of one and one-half miles or more from his or her assigned schools, unless the School Board has certified to the Ill. State Board of Education that adequate public transportation is available or (2) if adequate public transportation is not available, within one and one-half miles from his or her assigned school where walking to or from school or to or from a pick-up point or bus stop would constitute a serious safety hazard due to either (a) vehicular traffic or rail crossing or (b) a course or pattern of criminal activity, as defined in the Ill. Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act, 740 ILCS 147/.
The District may provide transportation for other students residing within one and one-half miles from their assigned school. A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may file a petition with the Board requesting transportation due to the existence of a serious safety hazard. Free transportation services and vehicle adaptation is provided for a special education student if included in the student’s individualized educational program. The District may provide transportation to and from school-sponsored activities. Non-public school students shall be transported in accordance with State law. Homeless students shall be transported in accordance with Section 45/1-15 of the Education for Homeless Children Act.
Foster care students shall be transported in accordance with Section 6312(c)(5)(B) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Bus schedules and routes shall be determined by the Transportation Secretary and the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations and shall be altered only with the Transportation Secretary’s and the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations’ approval and direction. In setting the routes, the pick-up and discharge points should be as safe for students as possible.

No school employee may transport students in school or private vehicles unless authorized by the administration.

Every vehicle regularly used for the transportation of students must pass safety inspections in accordance with State law and Ill. Dept. of Transportation regulations. The strobe light on a school bus may be illuminated only when the bus is actually being used as a school bus and (1) is stopping or stopped for loading or discharging students on a highway outside an urban area, or (2) is bearing one or more students. The Superintendent shall implement procedures in accordance with State law for accepting comment calls about school bus driving.

All contracts for charter bus services must contain the clause prescribed by State law regarding criminal background checks for bus drivers.
Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Vehicle Inspection

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement a pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedure to ensure that the school bus driver: (1) tests the two-way radio or cellular radio telecommunication device and ensures that it is functioning properly before the bus is operated, and
(2) walks to the rear of the bus before leaving the bus at the end of each route, work shift, or work day, to check the bus for children or other passengers in the bus.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §6312(c)(5)(B), Elementary and Secondary Education Act. 42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq., McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.22 and 5/29-1 et seq.
105 ILCS 45/1-15 and /1-17.
625 ILCS 5/1-148.3a-5, 5/1-182, 5/11-1414.1, 5/12-813.1, 5/12-815, 5/12-816, 5/12-821, and 5/13-

109.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.510 and 226.750; Part 120.
92 Ill.Admin.Code Part 440.

CROSS REF.:	4:170 (Safety), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:280 (Duties and Qualifications), 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children), 6:170 (Title I Programs), 7:220 (Bus Conduct)
Adopted: June 17, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

4:120 Food Services
Good nutrition shall be promoted in the District's meal programs and in other food and beverages that are sold to students during the school day. The Superintendent shall manage a food service program that complies with this policy and is in alignment with School Board policy 6:50, School Wellness.
Food or beverage items sold to students as part of a reimbursable meal under federal law must follow the nutrition standards specified in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture rules that implement the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts. Schools being reimbursed for meals under these laws are participating schools.
The food service program in participating schools shall comply with the nutrition standards specified in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Smart Snacks rules when it offers competitive foods to students on the school campus during the school day. Competitive foods are all food and beverages that are offered by any person, organization or entity for sale to students on the school campus during the school day that are not reimbursed under programs authorized by federal law. The food service programs in participating schools shall also comply with any applicable mandates in the Illinois State Board of Education's School Food Service rules implementing these federal laws and the Ill. School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act.

All revenue from the sale of any food or beverages sold in competition with the School Breakfast Program or National School Lunch Program to students in food service areas during the meal period shall accrue to the nonprofit school lunch program account.
LEGAL REF.:
Russell B. National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. §1751 et seq. Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. §1771 et seq.
7 C.F.R. Parts 210 (National School Lunch Program) and 220 (School Breakfast Program). 105 ILCS 125/, School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 305, School Food Service.
CROSS REF.: 4:130 (Free and Reduced-Price Food Services), 6:50 (School Wellness) Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

4:130 Free and Reduced-Price Food Services
Notice

The Superintendent shall be responsible for implementing the District's free and reduced-price food services policy and all applicable programs.

If State funding is available for the Healthy School Meals for All Program, the Board will annually determine if it will participate in the program.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection of Children

A student's eligibility for free and reduced-price food services shall be determined by the income eligibility guidelines, family-size income standards, set annually by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and distributed by the Ill. State Board of Education.
Notification

At the beginning of each school year, by letter, the District shall notify students and their parents/guardians of: (1) eligibility requirements for free and reduced-price food service; (2) the application process; (3) the name and telephone number of a contact person for the program; and (4) other information required by federal law. The Superintendent shall provide the same information to:
(1) informational media, the local unemployment office, and any major area employers contemplating layoffs; and (2) the District's website (if applicable), all school newsletters, or students' registration materials. Parents/guardians enrolling a child in the District for the first time, any time during the school year, shall receive the eligibility information.
Nondiscrimination Assurance

The District shall avoid publicly identifying students receiving free or reduced-price meals and shall use methods for collecting meal payments that prevent identification of children receiving assistance.
Appeal

A family may appeal the District's decision to deny an application for free and reduced-price food services or to terminate such services as outlined by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture in 7 C.F.R. §245.7, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced-Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools. The Superintendent shall establish a hearing procedure for adverse eligibility decisions and provide by mail a copy of them to the family. The District may also use these procedures to challenge a child's continued eligibility for free or reduced-price meals or milk.

During an appeal, students previously receiving food service benefits shall not have their benefits terminated. Students who were denied benefits shall not receive benefits during the appeal.

The status of a student’s appeal or eligibility for free or reduced-price food services shall not relieve the District of its obligation to provide him or her with a free meal or snack under the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act if he or she requests one, regardless of his or her ability to pay.

The Superintendent shall keep on file for a period of three years a record of any appeals made and the hearing record. The District shall also maintain accurate and complete records showing the data and method used to determine the number of eligible students served free and reduced-price food services. These records shall be maintained for three years.
LEGAL REF.:

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, National School Lunch Program, 7 C.F.R. Part 210.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced- Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, 7 C.F.R. Part 245.
105 ILCS 125/, School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. 105 ILCS 126/, Childhood Hunger Relief Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §305.10 et seq. Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

4:130-E Exhibit - Free and Reduced-Price Food Services; Meal Charge Notifications

On District letterhead, website, in student handbook, newsletters, bulletins, and/or calendars
Date:
To:	Parents/Guardians, Students, and Staff Re: Eligibility and Meal Charge Notifications
The following notification is provided to all households of students at the beginning of each school year as federally required notification regarding eligibility requirements and the application process for the free and reduced-price food services that are listed in Board policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services, and 4:140, Waiver of Student Fees. This notification is also provided to households of students transferring to the District during the school year. For more information, see www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/unpaid-meal-charges, and/or contact the Building Principal or designee.
Free and Reduced-Price Food Services Eligibility

When the parents/guardians of students are unable to pay for their child(ren)’s meal services, meal charges will apply per a student's eligibility category and will be processed by the District accordingly.

A student's eligibility for free and reduced-price food services shall be determined by the income eligibility guidelines, family-size income standards, set annually by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and distributed by the Ill. State Board of Education.
Meal Charges for Meals Provided by the District

The Building Principal and District staff will work jointly to prevent meal charges from accumulating. Every effort to collect all funds due to the District will be made on a regular basis and before the end of the school year. Contact your Building Principal or designee about whether your child(ren)’s
charges may be carried over at the end of the school year, i.e., beyond June 30th.
Unpaid meal charges are considered delinquent debt when payment is overdue as defined by Board policy 4:45, Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery and the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act (105 ILCS 123/). The District will make reasonable efforts to collect charges classified as delinquent debt, including repeated contacts to collect the amounts and, when necessary, requesting that the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) apply for meal benefits to determine if the student qualifies for such benefits under Board policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services. The District will provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of the student's ability to pay or negative account balance.
When a student’s funds are low and when there is a negative balance, reminders will be provided to the staff, students, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) at regular intervals during the school year. State law allows the Building Principal to contact parents(s)/guardian(s) to attempt collection of the owed money when the amount owed is more than the amount of five lunches. If a parent/guardian regularly fails to provide meal money for the child(ren) that he/she is responsible for in the District and does not qualify for free meal benefits or refuses to apply for such benefits, the Building Principal or designee will direct the next course of action. Continual failure to provide meal money may require the District to notify the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and/or take legal steps to recover the unpaid meal charges, up to and including seeking an offset under the State Comptroller Act, if applicable.
LEGAL REF.:

Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-296). 7 C.F.R. §245.5.
105 ILCS 123/, Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 305, School Food Service.
DATED : January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

4:140 Waiver of Student Fees
The Superintendent will recommend to the School Board a schedule of fees, if any, to be charged students for the use of textbooks, consumable materials, extracurricular activities, and other school student fees. Students must also pay fines for the loss of or damage to school books or other school- owned materials.

In order that no student is denied educational services or academic credit due to the inability of parents/guardians to pay fees and fines, the following fees are also waived for students who meet the eligibility criteria for a waiver: lock fees, towel fees, shop fees, laboratory fees, and registration fees.
Notification

The Superintendent shall ensure that a notice of waiver applicability is provided to parents/guardians with every bill for fees and/or fines, and that applications for waivers are widely available and distributed according to State law and Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) rule and that provisions for assisting parents/guardians in completing the application are available.
Eligibility Criteria
A student shall be eligible for a fee and fine waiver when:

1.	The student currently lives in a household that meets the same income guidelines, with the same limits based on household size, that are used for the federal free meals program;
2.	The student’s parents/guardians are veterans or active-duty military personnel with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line; or
3.	The student is homeless, as defined in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. §11434a).

The Superintendent or designee will give additional consideration when one or more of the following factors are present:
Illness in the family;
Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.; Unemployment;
Emergency situations;
When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage.
Verification

The Superintendent or designee shall establish a process for determining a student’s eligibility for a waiver of fees and fines in accordance with State law requirements.

If a student receiving a waiver is found to be no longer eligible during the school year, the Superintendent or designee shall notify the student’s parent/guardian and charge the student a prorated amount based upon the number of school days remaining in the school year.
Determination and Appeal

Within 30 calendar days after the receipt of a waiver request, the Superintendent or designee shall mail a notice to the parent/guardian whenever a waiver request is denied. The denial notice shall include: (1) the reason for the denial, (2) the process and timelines for making an appeal, and (3) a statement that the parent/guardian may reapply for a waiver any time during the school year if circumstances change. If the denial is appealed, the District shall follow the procedures for the resolution of appeals as provided in the ISBE rule on waiver of fees.

LEGAL REF.:
42 U.S.C. §11434a, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.13, 5/10-22.25, 5/27-24.2, and 5/28-19.2.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.245 [may contain unenforceable provisions].

CROSS REF.: 4:130 (Free and Reduced-Price Food Services), 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children), 6:220 (Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Program; Responsible Use and Conduct)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs
The Superintendent shall manage the District’s facilities and grounds as well as facility construction and building programs in accordance the law, the standards set forth in this policy, and other applicable Board policies. The Superintendent or designee shall cooperate with and facilitate:
(1) inspections of schools by the Regional Superintendent and State Fire Marshal or designee, (2) review of plans and specifications for future construction or alterations of a school if requested by the relevant municipality, county (if applicable), or fire protection district, and (3) compliance with the 10- year safety survey process required by the School Code.
Standards for Managing Buildings and Grounds

All District buildings and grounds shall be adequately maintained in order to provide an appropriate, safe, and energy efficient physical environment for learning and teaching. The Superintendent or designee shall provide the Board with periodic reports on maintenance data and projected maintenance needs that include cost analysis. Prior School Board approval is needed for all renovations or permanent alterations to buildings or grounds when the total cost will exceed $12,500, including the cost equivalent of staff time. This policy is not intended to discourage efforts to improve the appearance of buildings or grounds that are consistent with the designated use of those buildings and grounds.
Standards for Green Cleaning

For each District school with 50 or more students, the Superintendent or designee shall establish and supervise a green cleaning program that complies with the guidelines established by the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council.
Standards for Facility Construction and Building Programs

As appropriate, the School Board will authorize the production of a comprehensive study to determine the need for facility construction and expansion. On an annual basis, the Superintendent or designee shall provide the Board with projected facility needs, enrollment trends, and other data impacting facility use. School Board approval is needed for all new facility construction and expansion.

When making decisions pertaining to design and construction of school facilities, the School Board will confer with members of the staff and community, the Ill. State Board of Education, and educational and architectural consultants, as it deems appropriate. The Board’s facility goals are to:
1.	Integrate facilities planning with other aspects of planning and goal-setting.
2.	Base educational specifications for school buildings on identifiable student needs.
3.	Design buildings for sufficient flexibility to permit new or modified programs.
4.	Design buildings for maximum potential for community use.
5.	Meet or exceed all safety requirements.
6.	Meet requirements on the accessibility of school facilities to disabled persons as specified in State or federal law.
7.	Provide for low maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and minimal environmental impact. Naming Buildings and Facilities
Recognizing that the name for a school building, facility, or ground or field reflects on its public image, the Board’s primary consideration will be to select a name that enhances the credibility and stature of the school or facility. Any request to name or rename an existing facility should be submitted to the School Board. When a facility is to be named or renamed, the Board President may appoint a special committee to consider nominations and make a recommendation, along with supporting rationale, to the Board. The Superintendent may submit recommendations for naming buildings, facilities and

grounds directly to the Board for its approval. The Board will make the final selection.

The Superintendent or designee may name a room or designate some area on a school’s property in honor of an individual or group that has performed outstanding service to the school without using this policy.
LEGAL REF.:

42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, implemented by 28 C.F.R. Parts 35 and 36.
20 ILCS 3130/, Green Buildings Act.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.12, 5/10-20.49, 5/10-22.36, 5/10-20.63 and 5/17-2.11.
105 ILCS 140/, Green Cleaning Schools Act. 105 ILCS 230/, School Construction Law.
410 ILCS 25/, Environmental Barriers Act. 410 ILCS 35/25, Equitable Restrooms Act. 820 ILCS 130/, Prevailing Wage Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 151, School Construction Program; Part 180, Health/Life Safety Code for Public Schools; and Part 2800, Green Cleaning for Elementary and Secondary Schools.
71 Ill.Admin.Code Part 400, Ill. Accessibility Code.

CROSS REF.: 2:150 (Committees), 2:170 (Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Services), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 8:70 (Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities)
Adopted: May 4, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

4:160 Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds
The Superintendent shall take all reasonable measures to protect: (1) the safety of District personnel, students, and visitors on District premises from risks associated with hazardous materials and (2) the environmental quality of the District's buildings and grounds.
Pesticides

The application of any restricted use pesticides is prohibited on or within 500 feet of school property during normal school hours. The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a registry of employees and parents/guardians of students requesting notification before the application of pesticide(s) and notify those people as required by the Structural Pest Control Act, 225 ILCS 235/, and the Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act, 415 ILCS 65/.
Coal Tar Sealant

Before coal tar-based sealant products or high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon sealant products are used on District premises, the Superintendent or designee shall notify employees and parents/guardians of students in writing or by telephone as required by the Coal Tar Sealant Disclosure Act.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.17a; 5/10-20.48.

29 C.F.R. §1910.1030, Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, as adopted by the Illinois Department of Labor, 56 Ill.Admin.Code §350.700(b).

29 C.F.R. §1910.1200, Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standards, as adopted by 820 ILCS 255/1.5, Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employees Act.
20 ILCS 3130/, Green Buildings Act.
105 ILCS 135/, Toxic Art Supplies in Schools Act. 105 ILCS 140/, Green Cleaning School Act.
225 ILCS 235/, Structural Pest Control Act. 415 ILCS 60/14, Illinois Pesticide Act.
415 ILCS 65/, Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act. 410 ILCS 170/, Coal Tar Sealant Disclosure Act.
820 ILCS 255/, Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employees Act. (inoperative) 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.330.
CROSS REF.: 4:150 (Facility Management and Building Programs), 4:170 (Safety) Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

4:165 Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors
Child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors harm students, their parents/guardians, the District’s environment, its school communities, and the community at large, while diminishing a student’s ability to learn. The Board has a responsibility and obligation to increase awareness and knowledge of: (1) issues regarding child sexual abuse, (2) likely warning signs that a child may be a victim of sexual abuse, (3) grooming behaviors related to child sexual abuse and grooming, (4) how to report child sexual abuse, (5) appropriate relationships between District employees and students based upon State law, and (6) how to prevent child sexual abuse.

Prohibited grooming behaviors include, but are not limited to: using a computer, electronic device, or other communication system to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice, or attempt to, a child, child’s guardian, or someone believed to be the child or the child’s guardian to commit a sex offense; distributing photographs depicting the sex organs of a child; or engaging in any unlawful sexual conduct with a child or with another person believed to be a child. "Child" means a person under 17 years of age.

To address the Board’s obligation to increase awareness and knowledge of these issues, prevent sexual abuse of children, and further define prohibited grooming behaviors, the Superintendent or designee shall implement an Awareness and Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors Program. The Program will:
1.	Educate students with:
a.	An age-appropriate and evidence-informed health and safety education curriculum that includes methods for how to report child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors to authorities, through policy 6:60, Curriculum Content;
b.	Information in policy 7:250, Student Support Services, about: (i) District counseling options, assistance, and intervention for students who are victims of or affected by sexual abuse, and (ii) community-based Children’s Advocacy Centers and sexual assault crisis centers and how to access those serving the District.
2.	Train District employees about child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors by January 31 of each school year with materials that include:
a.	A definition of prohibited grooming behaviors and employee-student boundary violations pursuant to policy 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest;
b.	Evidence-informed content on preventing, recognizing, reporting, and responding to child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and employee-student boundary violations pursuant to policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure; 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure; 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; 5:100, Staff Development Program; and 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest; and
c.	How to report child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and/or employee-student boundary violations pursuant to policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure; 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure; and 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting.
3.	Provide information to parents/guardians in student handbooks about the warning signs of child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and employee-student boundary violations with evidence- informed educational information that also includes:
a.	Assistance, referral, or resource information, including how to recognize grooming behaviors, appropriate relationships between District employees and students based upon policy 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest, and how to prevent child sexual abuse from happening;
b.	Methods for how to report child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and/or employee- student boundary violations to authorities; and
a.	
c.	Available counseling and resources for children who are affected by sexual abuse, including both emotional and educational support for students affected by sexual abuse, so that the student can continue to succeed in school pursuant to policy 7:250, Student Support Services.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-23.13, 5/27-9.1a, and 5/22-85.5, 5/27-13.2.
105 ILCS 110/3, Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. 325 ILCS 5/, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
720 ILCS 5/11-25, Criminal Code of 2012.

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 4:175 (Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:250 (Student Support Services)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

4:170 Safety
Safety and Security

All District operations, including the education program, shall be conducted in a manner that will promote the safety and security of everyone on District property or at a District event. The Superintendent or designee shall develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive safety and security plan that includes, without limitation:

1.	An emergency operations and crisis response plan(s) addressing prevention, preparation, response, and recovery for each school;
2.	Provisions for a coordinated effort with local law enforcement and fire officials, emergency medical services personnel, and the Board Attorney;
3.	A school safety drill plan;
4.	Instruction in safe bus riding practices; and
5.	A clear, rapid, factual, and coordinated system of internal and external communication.

In the event of an emergency that threatens the safety of any person or property, students and staff are encouraged to follow the best practices discussed for their building regarding the use of any available cellular telephones.
School Safety Drill Plan

During every academic year, each school building that houses school children shall conduct, at a minimum, each of the following in accordance with the School Safety Drill Act (105 ILCS 128/):

1.	Three school evacuation drills to address and prepare students and school personnel for fire incidents. One of these three drills shall require the participation of the local fire department or district.
2.	One bus evacuation drill.
3.	One severe weather and shelter-in-place drill to address and prepare students and school personnel for possible tornado incidents.
4.	One law enforcement lockdown drill to address a school shooting incident and to evaluate the preparedness of school personnel and students. This drill shall occur no later than 90 days after the first day of school of each year, and shall require the participation of all school personnel and students present at school at the time of the drill, except for those exempted by administrators, school support personnel, or a parent/guardian.
Annual Review

The Board or its designee will annually review each school building’s emergency operations and crisis response plan(s), protocols, and procedures, as well as each building’s compliance with the school safety drill plan. This annual review shall be in accordance with the School Safety Drill Act (105 ILCS 128/) and the Joint Rules of the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) 29 Ill.Admin.Code Part 1500.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

The Superintendent or designee shall implement a written plan for responding to medical emergencies at the District’s physical fitness facilities in accordance with the Fitness Facility Medical Emergency Preparedness Act and shall file a copy of the plan with the Ill. Dept. of Public Health (IDPH). The plan shall provide for at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) to be available at every physical fitness facility on the premises according to State law requirements.

The District shall have an AED on site as well as a trained AED user: (1) on staff during staffed business hours; and (2) available during activities or events sponsored and conducted or supervised by the District. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that every AED on the District’s premises is properly tested and maintained in accordance with rules developed by the IDPH. This policy does not create an obligation to use an AED.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The Superintendent or designee shall implement a plan with the District’s local fire officials to:

1.	Determine which school buildings to equip with approved carbon monoxide alarms or carbon monoxide detectors,
2.	Locate the required carbon monoxide alarms or carbon monoxide detectors within 20 feet of a carbon monoxide emitting device, and
3.	Incorporate carbon monoxide alarm or detector activation procedures into each school building that requires a carbon monoxide alarm or detector. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure each school building annually reviews these procedures.
Soccer Goal Safety

The Superintendent or designee shall implement the Movable Soccer Goal Safety Act in accordance with the guidance published by the IDPH. Implementation of the Act shall be directed toward improving the safety of movable soccer goals by requiring that they be properly anchored.
Unsafe School Choice Option

The unsafe school choice option allows students to transfer to another District school or to a public charter school within the District. The unsafe school choice option is available to:

1.	All students attending a persistently dangerous school, as defined by State law and identified by the ISBE.
2.	Any student who is a victim of a violent criminal offense, as defined by 725 ILCS 120/3, that occurred on school grounds during regular school hours or during a school-sponsored event.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement the unsafe school choice option.
Lead Testing in Water

The Superintendent or designee shall implement testing for lead in each source of drinking water in school buildings in accordance with the Ill. Plumbing License Law and guidance published by the IDPH. The Superintendent or designee shall notify parent(s)/guardian(s) about the sampling results from their children’s respective school buildings.
Emergency Closing

The Superintendent is authorized to close school(s) in the event of hazardous weather or other emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff members, or school property.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.2, 5/10-20.57, 5/18-12, and 5/18-12.5.
105 ILCS 128/, School Safety Drill Act; 29 Ill.Admin.Code Part 1500.
210 ILCS 74/, Physical Fitness Facility Medical Emergency Preparedness Act.

225 ILCS 320/35.5, Ill. Plumbing License Law.

CROSS REF.:	4:110 (Transportation), 4:175 (Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 4:180 (Pandemic Preparedness; Management; and Recovery), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property), 8:100 (Relations with Other Organizations and Agencies)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

4:175 Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications
Persons Prohibited on School Property without Prior Permission

State law prohibits a child sex offender from being present on school property or loitering within 500 feet of school property when persons under the age of 18 are present, unless the offender meets either of the following two exceptions:

1.	The offender is a parent/guardian of a student attending the school and has notified the Building Principal of his or her presence at the school for the purpose of: (i) attending a conference with school personnel to discuss the progress of his or her child academically or socially, (ii) participating in child review conferences in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to his or her child regarding special education services, or (iii) attending conferences to discuss other student issues concerning his or her child such as retention and promotion; or
2.	The offender received permission to be present from the Board of Education, Superintendent, or Superintendent's designee. If permission is granted, the Superintendent or Board President shall provide the details of the offender's upcoming visit to the Building Principal.

In all cases, the Superintendent or designee shall supervise a child sex offender whenever the offender is in a child's vicinity. If a student is a sex offender, the Superintendent or designee shall develop guidelines for managing his or her presence in school.
Screening

The Superintendent or designee shall perform fingerprint-based criminal history records information checks and/or screenings required by State law or Board policy for employees; student teachers; students doing field or clinical experience other than student teaching; contractors' employees who have direct, daily contact with one or more children; and resource persons and volunteers. The Board President shall ensure that these checks are completed for the Superintendent. He or she shall take appropriate action based on the result of any criminal background check and/or screen.
Notification to Parents/Guardians

The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the distribution and use of information from law enforcement officials under the Sex Offender Community Notification Law and the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Community Notification Law. The Superintendent or designee shall serve as the District contact person for purposes of these laws. The Superintendent and Building Principal shall manage a process for schools to notify the parents/guardians during school registration that information about sex offenders is available to the public as provided in the Sex Offender Community Notification Law. This notification must occur during school registration and at other times as the Superintendent or Building Principal determines advisable.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §7926, Elementary and Secondary Education Act. 20 ILCS 2635/, Uniform Conviction Information Act.
720 ILCS 5/11-9.3, Criminal Code of 2012.
730 ILCS 152/, Sex Offender Community Notification Law.
730 ILCS 154/75-105, Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Community Notification Law.

CROSS REF.: 2:110 (Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers), 3:40 (Superintendent), 3:50 (Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent), 3:60 (Administrative Responsibility of the

Building Principal), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:260 (Student Teachers), 6:250 (Community Resource Persons and Volunteers), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property), 8:100 (Relations with Other Organizations and Agencies)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

4:180 Pandemic Preparedness; Management; and Recovery
The School Board recognizes that the District will play an essential role along with the local health department and emergency management agencies in protecting the public’s health and safety during a pandemic.

A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new virus emerges to infect individuals and, because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads sustainably.

To prepare the School District community for a pandemic, the Superintendent or designee shall: (1) learn and understand how the roles that the federal, State, and local government function; (2) form a pandemic planning team consisting of appropriate District personnel and community members to identify priorities and oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive pandemic school action plan; and (3) build awareness of the final plan among staff, students, and community.
Emergency School Closing

In the case of a pandemic, the Governor may declare a disaster due to a public health emergency that may affect any decision for an emergency school closing. Decisions for an emergency school closing will be made by the Superintendent in consultation with and, if necessary, at the direction of the Governor, Ill. Dept. of Public Health, District’s local health department, emergency management agencies, and/or Regional Office of Education.

During an emergency school closing, the Board President and the Superintendent may, to the extent the emergency situation allows, examine existing Board policies pursuant to Policy 2:240, Board Policy Development, and recommend to the Board for consideration any needed amendments or suspensions to address mandates that the District may not be able to accomplish or implement due to a pandemic.
Board Meeting Procedure; No Physical Presence of Quorum and Participation by Audio or Video

A disaster declaration related to a public health emergency may affect the Board’s ability to meet in person and generate a quorum of members who are physically present at the location of a meeting. Policy 2:220, School Board Meeting Procedure, governs Board meetings by video or audio conference without the physical presence of a quorum.
Payment of Employee Salaries During Emergency School Closures
The Superintendent shall consult with the Board to determine the extent to which continued payment of salaries and benefits will be made to the District’s employees, pursuant to Board policies 3:40, Superintendent, 3:50, Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent, 5:35, Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, 5:200, Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal, and 5:270, Employment At-Will, Compensation, and Assignment, and consistent with: (1) applicable laws, regulations, federal or State or local emergency declarations, executive orders, and agency directives; (2) collective bargaining agreements and any bargaining obligations; and (3) the terms of any grant under which an employee is being paid.
Suspension of In-Person Instruction; Remote and/or Blended Remote Learning Day Plan(s)
When the Governor declares a disaster due to a public health emergency pursuant to 20 ILCS 3305/7, and the State Superintendent of Education declares a requirement for the District to use Remote Learning Days or Blended Remote Learning Days, the Superintendent shall approve and present to the Board for adoption a Remote and/or Blended Remote Learning Day Plan (Plan) that:
1.	Recommends to the Board for consideration any suspensions or amendments to curriculum-
1.	
related policies to reduce any Board-required graduation or other instructional requirements in excess of minimum curricular requirements specified in School Code that the District may not be able to provide due to the pandemic;
2.	Implements the requirements of 105 ILCS 5/10-30; and
3.	Ensures a plan for periodic review of and/or amendments to the Plan when needed and/or required by statute, regulation, or State guidance.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-16.7, 5/10-20.5, 5/10-20.56, and 5/10-30.
5 ILCS 120/2.01 and 120/7(e), Open Meetings Act.
20 ILCS 2305/2(b), Ill. Dept. of Public Health Act (Part 1). 20 ILCS 3305/, Ill. Emergency Management Agency Act. 115 ILCS 5/, Ill. Educational Labor Relations Act.
CROSS REF.:	1:20 (District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements), 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification), 2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 3:40 (Superintendent), 3:50 (Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent), 3:70 (Succession of Authority), 4:170 (Safety), 5:35 (Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act), 5:200 (Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal), 5:270 (Employment At-Will, Compensation, and Assignment), 6:20 (School Year Calendar and Day), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:300 (Graduation Requirements), 7:90 (Release During School Hours), 8:100 (Relations with Other Organizations and Agencies)
Adopted: October 19, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

SECTION 5 - PERSONNEL

Belleville THSD 201

General Personnel

Belleville THSD 201

5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment

The School District shall provide equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, marital status, arrest record, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable military discharge, citizenship status provided the individual is authorized to work in the United States, work authorization status; use of lawful products while not at work; being a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence; genetic information; physical or mental handicap or disability, if otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; credit history, unless a satisfactory credit history is an established bona fide occupational requirement of a particular position; conviction record, unless authorized by law; or other legally protected categories. No one will be penalized solely for his or her status as a registered qualifying patient or a registered designated caregiver for purposes of the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act, 410 ILCS 130/.

Persons who believe they have not received equal employment opportunities should report their claims to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator and/or a Complaint Manager under Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, or in the case of denial of equal employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, or national origin, Board policy 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited. These individuals are listed below. No employee or applicant will be discriminated or retaliated against because he or she: (1) requested, attempted to request, used, or attempted to use a reasonable accommodation as allowed by the Illinois Human Rights Act, or (2) initiated a complaint, was a witness, supplied information, or otherwise participated in an investigation or proceeding involving an alleged violation of this policy or State or federal laws, rules or regulations, provided the employee or applicant did not make a knowingly false accusation nor provide knowingly false information.
Administrative Implementation
The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator for personnel who shall be responsible for coordinating the District's nondiscrimination efforts. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator may be the Superintendent or a Complaint Manager under Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator also serves as the District’s Title IX Coordinator.

The Superintendent shall insert into this policy the names, office addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of the District's current Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers.
Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201@org
618/222-8223

Complaint Managers:
Mr. Dustin Bilbruck	Andrea Gannon, Dir. of Alternative Education
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220	7645 Magna Dr., Belleville, IL 62223 dbilbruck@bths201.org	agannon@bths201.org
618/222-8203	618/222-7851

Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org
618/222-8223

The Superintendent shall also use reasonable measures to inform staff members and applicants that the District is an equal opportunity employer, such as, by posting required notices and including this policy in the appropriate handbooks.
Minority Recruitment

The District will attempt to recruit and hire minority employees. The implementation of this policy may include advertising openings in minority publications, participating in minority job fairs, and recruiting at colleges and universities with significant minority enrollments. This policy, however, does not require or permit the District to give preferential treatment or special rights based on a protected status without evidence of past discrimination.
LEGAL REF.:
8 U.S.C. §1324a et seq., Immigration Reform and Control Act.
20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; 34 C.F.R. Part 106. 29 U.S.C. §206(d), Equal Pay Act.
29 U.S.C. §218d, Fair Labor Standards Act.
29 U.S.C. §621 et seq., Age Discrimination in Employment Act. 29 U.S.C. §701 et seq., Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
38 U.S.C. §4301 et seq., Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (1994). 42 U.S.C. §1981 et seq., Civil Rights Act of 1991.
42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq., Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 34 C.F.R. Part 100. 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq., Title V I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 29 C.F.R. Part 1601. 42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq., Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.
42 U.S.C. §2000gg et seq., Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. 42 U.S.C. §2000e(k), Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
42 U.S.C. §12111 et seq., Americans with Disabilities Act, Title I. Ill. Constitution, Art. I, §§17, 18, and 19.
105 ILCS 5/10-20.7, 5/10-20.7a, 5/10-21.1, 5/10-22.4, 5/10-23.5, 5/22-19, 5/24-4, 5/24-4.1, and 5/24-
7.
410 ILCS 130/40, Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. 410 ILCS 513/25, Genetic Information Privacy Act.

740 ILCS 174/, Ill. Whistleblower Act.
775 ILCS 5/1-103, 5/2-101, 5/2-102, 5/2-103, 5/2-103.1, 5/2-104(D) and 5/6-101, Ill. Human Rights
Act.
775 ILCS 35/, Religious Freedom Restoration Act. 820 ILCS 55/10, Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. 820 ILCS 70/, Employee Credit Privacy Act.
820 ILCS 75/, Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act. 820 ILCS 112/, Ill. Equal Pay Act of 2003.
820 ILCS 180/30, Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act. 820 ILCS 260/, Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act.
CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 2:270 (Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited), 5:20 (Workplace Harassment Prohibited), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:40 (Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease), 5:50 (Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace; E-Cigarette, Tobacco, and Cannabis Prohibition), 5:70 (Religious Holidays), 5:180 (Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity), 5:200 (Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal), 5:250 (Leaves of Absence), 5:270 (Employment At-Will, Compensation, and Assignment), 5:300 (Schedules and Employment Year), 5:330 (Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 8:70 (Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited

The School District expects the workplace environment to be productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment. District employees shall not engage in harassment or abusive conduct on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, work authorization status, disability, pregnancy, marital status, order of protection status, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service, nor shall they engage in harassment or abusive conduct on the basis of an individual’s other protected status identified in Board policy 5:10, Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment. Harassment of students, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, is prohibited by Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure; 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure; 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited; 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited; 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment; and 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited.
The District will take remedial and corrective action to address unlawful workplace harassment, including sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment Prohibited

The District shall provide a workplace environment free of verbal, physical, or other conduct or communications constituting harassment on the basis of sex as defined and otherwise prohibited by State and federal law. The District provides annual sexual harassment prevention training in accordance with State law.

District employees shall not make unwelcome sexual advances or request sexual favors or engage in any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Sexual harassment prohibited by this policy includes, but is not limited to verbal, physical, or other conduct.
The terms intimidating, hostile, or offensive include, but are not limited to, conduct that has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Sexual harassment will be evaluated in light of all the circumstances.
Making a Report or Complaint

Employees and nonemployees (persons who are not otherwise employees and are directly performing services for the District pursuant to a contract with the District, including contractors, and consultants) are encouraged to promptly report information regarding violations of this policy.
Individuals may choose to report to a person of the individual’s same gender. Every effort should be made to file such reports or complaints as soon as possible, while facts are known and potential witnesses are available.

Aggrieved individuals, if they feel comfortable doing so, should directly inform the person engaging in the harassing conduct or communication that such conduct or communication is offensive and must stop.
Whom to Contact with a Report or Complaint

An employee should report claims of harassment, including making a confidential report, to any of the following: his/her immediate supervisor, the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

An employee may also report claims using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. If a claim is reported using Board policy 2:260, then the Complaint Manager shall process and review the claim according to that policy, in addition to any response required by this policy.

The Superintendent shall insert into this policy the names, office addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of the District’s current Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator also serves as the District’s Title IX Coordinator.
Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org
618/222-8223

Complaint Managers:
Mr. Dustin Bilbruck	Andrea Gannon, Dir. of Alternative Education
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220	7645 Magna Dr., Belleville, IL 62223 dbilbruck@bths201.org	agannon@bths201.org
618/222-8203	618/222-7851
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org
618/222-8223

Investigation Process

Any District employee who receives a report or complaint of harassment must promptly forward the report or complaint to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager. Any employee who fails to promptly forward a report or complaint may be disciplined, up to and including discharge.

Reports and complaints of harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain a workplace environment that is productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment.

For any report or complaint alleging sexual harassment that, if true, would implicate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.), the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or designee shall consider whether action under Board policy 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure, should be initiated.

For any report or complaint alleging harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager or designee shall investigate under Board policy 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited.
For any other alleged workplace harassment that does not require action under Board policies 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure, or 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager or

designee shall consider whether an investigation under Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, and/or 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest, should be initiated, regardless of whether a written report or complaint is filed.
Reports That Involve Alleged Incidents of Sexual Abuse of a Child by School Personnel

An alleged incident of sexual abuse is an incident of sexual abuse of a child, as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1A(b), that is alleged to have been perpetrated by school personnel, including a school vendor or volunteer, that occurred: on school grounds during a school activity; or outside of school grounds or not during a school activity.

Any complaint alleging an incident of sexual abuse shall be processed and reviewed according to Board policy 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting. In addition to reporting the suspected abuse, the complaint shall also be processed under Board policy 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure, or Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Enforcement

A violation of this policy by an employee may result in discipline, up to and including discharge. A violation of this policy by a third party will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent/guardian, invitee, etc. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding harassment will likewise be subject to disciplinary action, which for an employee may be up to and including discharge.
Retaliation Prohibited

An employee’s employment, compensation, or work assignment shall not be adversely affected by complaining or providing information about harassment. Retaliation against employees for bringing complaints or providing information about harassment is prohibited (see Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure, and 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited), and depending upon the law governing the complaint, whistleblower protection may be available under the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430/), the Whistleblower Act (740 ILCS 174/), and/or the Ill. Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/).

An employee should report allegations of retaliation to his/her immediate supervisor, the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

Employees who retaliate against others for reporting or complaining of violations of this policy or for participating in the reporting or complaint process will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.
Recourse to State and Federal Fair Employment Practice Agencies

The District encourages all employees who have information regarding violations of this policy to report the information pursuant to this policy. The following government agencies are available to assist employees: the Ill. Dept. of Human Rights and the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The Superintendent shall also use reasonable measures to inform staff members, applicants, of this policy, which shall include posting on the District website and/or making this policy available in the District’s administrative office, and including this policy in the appropriate handbooks.
LEGAL REF.:
42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq., Title V I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 29 C.F.R. §1604.11.

20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; 34 C.F.R. Part 106. 5 ILCS 430/70-5(a), State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.
775 ILCS 5/2-101(E) and (E-1), 5/2-102(A), (A-10), (D-5), 5/2-102(E-5), 5/2-109, 5/5-102, and 5/5-
102.2, Ill. Human Rights Act.
56 Ill. Admin.Code Parts 2500, 2510, 5210, and 5220.
Vance v. Ball State Univ., 570 U.S. 421 (2013).
Crawford v. Metro. Gov’t of Nashville & Davidson Cnty., 555 U.S. 271 (2009). Jackson v. Birmingham Bd. of Educ., 544 U.S. 167 (2005).
Oncale v. Sundowner Offshore Servs., 523 U.S. 75 (1998).
Burlington Indus. v. Ellerth, 524 U.S. 742 (1998).
Faragher v. City of Boca Raton, 524 U.S. 775 (1998).
Harris v. Forklift Systems, 510 U.S. 17 (1993).
Franklin v. Gwinnett Co. Public Schools, 503 U.S. 60 (1992).
Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson, 477 U.S. 57 (1986). Porter v. Erie Foods Int, Inc., 576 F.3d 629 (7th Cir. 2009). Williams v. Waste Mgmt., 361 F.3d 1021 (7th Cir. 2004).
Berry v. Delta Airlines, 260 F.3d 803 (7th Cir. 2001).
Sangamon Cnty. Sheriff’s Dept. v. Ill. Human Rights Com’n, 233 Ill.2d 125 (Ill. 2009).

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 2:270 (Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:20-E Resolution to Prohibit Sexual Harassment

WHEREAS, Section 10-20 of the School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-20) grants school boards other powers that are not inconsistent with their duties;

WHEREAS, Section 1-5 of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430/1-5) includes school districts within the definition of a governmental entity;
WHEREAS, Section 5-65 of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430/5-65, added by P.A. 100-554) provides that all persons have a right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment;

WHEREAS, Section 70-5 of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430/70-5, amended by P.A.s 100-554 and 101-221) requires governmental entities to adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing a policy to prohibit sexual harassment which, at a minimum, includes: (1) a prohibition on sexual harassment; (2) details on how an individual can report an allegation of sexual harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Ill. Dept. of Human Rights; (3) a prohibition on retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under the Act, the Whistleblower Act (740 ILCS 174/), and the Ill. Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/); (4) the consequences:
(a) of a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment; and (b) for knowingly making a false report; and (5) a mechanism for reporting and independent review of allegations of sexual harassment made against a Board member by a fellow Board member or other elected official;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of Belleville THSD 201, St. Clair County, Illinois, as follows:

Section 1: The Board adopts Board policies 2:105, Ethics and Gift Ban, and 5:20, Workplace Harassment Prohibited, attached as Exhibit A, which collectively contain the following: (1) a prohibition on sexual harassment; (2) detail regarding how an individual can report an allegation of sexual harassment, including options for making a confidential report to an immediate supervisor, the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, a Complaint Manager, or the Ill. Dept. of Human Rights; (3) a prohibition on retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations and a statement regarding the availability of whistleblower protections under the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Ill. Human Rights Act; and (4) the consequences: (a) of a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment; and (b) for knowingly making a false report, and (5) a mechanism for reporting and independent review of allegations of sexual harassment made against a Board member by a fellow Board member or other elected official.

Section 2: Any prior versions of Board policies 2:105, Ethics and Gift Ban, and 5:20, Workplace Harassment Prohibited, adopted by the Board are superseded by this Resolution.
Adopted this 4th day of May, 2020. Attested by: Board President Attested by: Board Secretary

Belleville THSD 201

5:30 Hiring Process and Criteria

The District hires the most qualified personnel consistent with budget and staffing requirements and in compliance with School Board policy on equal employment opportunity and minority recruitment. The Superintendent or designee is responsible for recruiting personnel and making hiring recommendations to the Board. If the recommendation is rejected, the Superintendent or designee must submit another. The Superintendent or designee may select personnel on a short-term basis for a specific project or emergency condition before the School Board's approval. No individual will be employed who has been convicted of a criminal offense listed in 105 ILCS 5/21B-80(c).

All applicants must complete a District application in order to be considered for employment. If all the candidates' qualifications are equal, preference will be given to the candidate that resides in the District.
Job Descriptions

The Board maintains the Superintendent’s job description and directs, through policy, the Superintendent, in his or her charge of the District’s administration.

The Superintendent shall develop and maintain a current comprehensive job description for each position or job category.
Investigations

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that a fingerprint-based criminal history records check and a check of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and Violent Offender Against Youth Database is performed on each applicant as required by State law. When the applicant is a successful superintendent candidate who has been offered employment by the Board, the Board President shall ensure that these checks are completed. The Superintendent or designee, or if the applicant is a successful superintendent candidate, then the Board President shall notify an applicant if the applicant is identified in either database. The School Code requires the Board President to keep a conviction record confidential and share it only with the Superintendent, Regional Superintendent, State Superintendent, State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, any other person necessary to the hiring decision, the Ill. State Police and/or Statewide Sex Offender Database for purposes of clarifying the information, and/or the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois when required by law. The Board reserves its right to authorize additional background inquiries beyond a fingerprint-based criminal history records check when it deems it appropriate to do so, in accordance with applicable laws.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that an applicant's credit history or report from a consumer reporting agency is used only when a satisfactory credit history is an established bona fide occupational requirement of a particular position.

Each newly hired employee must complete a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form as required by federal law.

The District retains the right to discharge any employee whose criminal background investigation reveals a conviction for committing or attempting to commit any of the offenses outlined in 105 ILCS 5/21B-80 or who falsifies, or omits facts from, his or her employment application or other employment documents. If an indicated finding of abuse or neglect of a child has been issued by the Ill. Department of Children and Family Services or by a child welfare agency of another jurisdiction for any applicant for student teaching, applicant for employment, or any District employee, then the Board must consider that person’s status as a condition of employment.

The Superintendent shall ensure that the District does not engage in any investigation or inquiry prohibited by law and complies with each of the following:

1.	The District uses an applicant's credit history or report from a consumer reporting agency only when a satisfactory credit history is an established bona fide occupational requirement of a particular position.
2.	The District does not ask an applicant or applicant's previous employers about claim(s) made or benefit(s) received under the Workers' Compensation Act.
3.	The District does not screen applicants based on their current or prior wages or salary histories, including benefits or other compensation, by requiring that the wage or salary history satisfy minimum or maximum criteria.
4.	The District does not request or require a wage or salary history as a condition of being considered for employment, being interviewed, continuing to be considered for an offer of employment, an offer of employment, or an offer of compensation.
5.	The District does not request or require an applicant to disclose wage or salary history as a condition of employment.
6.	The District does not ask an applicant or applicant’s current or previous employers about wage or salary history, including benefits or other compensation.
7.	The District does not request of an applicant or employee access in any manner to his or her personal online account, such as social networking websites, including a request for passwords to such accounts.
8.	The District provides equal employment opportunities to all persons. See policy 5:10, Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment.
Sexual Misconduct Related Employment History Review (EHR)

Prior to hiring an applicant for a position involving direct contact with children or students, the Superintendent shall ensure that an EHR is performed as required by State law. When the applicant is a superintendent candidate, the Board President shall ensure that the EHR is initiated before a successful superintendent candidate is offered employment by the Board.
Physical Examinations

Each new employee must furnish evidence of physical fitness to perform assigned duties and freedom from communicable disease. The physical fitness examination must be performed by a physician licensed in Illinois, or any other state, to practice medicine and surgery in any of its branches, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed physician assistant who has been delegated the authority by his or her supervising physician to perform health examinations. The employee must have the physical examination performed no more than 90 days before submitting evidence of it to the District.

Any employee may be required to have an additional examination by a physician who is licensed in Illinois to practice medicine and surgery in all its branches, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed physician assistant who has been delegated the authority by his or her supervising physician to perform health examinations, if the examination is job-related and consistent with business necessity. The Board will pay the expenses of any such examination.
Orientation Program
The District's staff will provide an orientation program for new employees to acquaint them with the District's policies and procedures, the school's rules and regulations, and the responsibilities of their position. Before beginning employment, each employee must sign the Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status form as provided in policy 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting.
LEGAL REF.:
42 U.S.C. §12112, Americans with Disabilities Act; 29 C.F.R. Part 1630.

15 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Fair Credit Reporting Act.
8 U.S.C. §1324a et seq., Immigration Reform and Control Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-16.7, 5/10-20.7, 5/10-21.4, 5/10-21.9, 5/10-22.34, 5/10-22.34b, 5/21B-10, 5/21B-80,
5/21B-85, 5/22-6.5, 5/22-94, and 5/24-5.
20 ILCS 2630/3.3, Criminal Identification Act.
820 ILCS 55/, Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. 820 ILCS 70/, Employee Credit Privacy Act.
820 ILCS 112/, Equal Pay Act of 2003.

Duldulao v. St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital, 136 Ill. App. 3d 763 (1st Dist. 1985), aff’d in part and remanded 115 Ill.2d 482 (Ill. 1987).
Kaiser v. Dixon, 127 Ill. App. 3d 251 (2nd Dist. 1984).
Molitor v. Chicago Title & Trust Co., 325 Ill. App. 124 (1st Dist. 1945).

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 3:50 (Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:175 (Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:40 (Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:220 (Substitute Teachers), 5:280 (Duties and Qualifications)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:35 Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act

Job Classifications

The Superintendent will ensure that all job positions are identified as either "exempt" or "non-exempt" according to State law and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and that employees are informed whether they are "exempt" or "non-exempt." "Exempt" and "non-exempt" employee categories may include certificated and non-certificated job positions. All non-exempt employees, whether paid on a salary or hourly basis, are covered by minimum wage and overtime provisions.
Workweek and Compensation

The workweek for District employees will be 12:00 a.m. Monday until 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Non-exempt employees will be compensated for all hours worked in a workweek including overtime. For non- exempt employees paid a salary, the salary is paid for a 40-hour workweek even if an employee is scheduled for less than 40 hours. "Overtime" is time worked in excess of 40 hours in a single workweek.
Overtime

A non-exempt employee shall not work overtime without his or her supervisor's express approval. All supervisors of non-exempt employees shall: (1) monitor overtime use on a weekly basis and report such use to the business office, (2) seek the Superintendent or designee's written pre-approval for any long term or repeated use of overtime that can be reasonably anticipated, (3) ensure that overtime provisions of this policy and the FLSA are followed, and (4) ensure that employees are compensated for any overtime worked. Accurate and complete time sheets of actual hours worked during the workweek shall be signed by each employee and submitted to the business office. The business office will review work records of employees on a regular basis, make an assessment of overtime use, and provide the assessment to the Superintendent. In lieu of overtime compensation, non-exempt employees may receive compensatory time-off, according to Board policy 5:310, Compensatory Time-Off.
Suspension Without Pay
No exempt employee shall have his or her salary docked, such as by an unpaid suspension, if the deduction would cause a loss of the exempt status. Licensed employees may be suspended without pay in accordance with Board policy 5:240, Suspension. Non-licensed employees may be suspended without pay in accordance with Board policy 5:290, Employment Termination and Suspensions.
Implementation

The Superintendent or designee shall implement the policy in accordance with the FLSA, including its required notices to employees. In the event of a conflict between the policy and State or federal law, the latter shall control.
LEGAL REF.:
820 ILCS 105/4a.
Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §201 et seq., 29 C.F.R. Parts 516, 541, 548, 553, 778, and 785.

CROSS REF.: 5:240 (Suspension), 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions), 5:310 (Compensatory Time-Off)
Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

5:40 Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement procedures for managing known or suspected cases of a communicable and chronic infectious disease involving District employees that are consistent with State and federal law, Illinois Department of Public Health rules, and School Board policies.

An employee with a communicable or chronic infectious disease is encouraged to inform the Superintendent immediately and grant consent to being monitored by the District's Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease Review Team. The Review Team, if used, provides information and recommendations to the Superintendent concerning the employee's conditions of employment and necessary accommodations. The Review Team shall hold the employee's medical condition and records in strictest confidence, except to the extent allowed by law.

An employee with a communicable or chronic infectious disease will be permitted to retain his or her position whenever, after reasonable accommodations and without undue hardship, there is no substantial risk of transmission of the disease to others, provided an employee is able to continue to perform the position's essential functions. An employee with a communicable and chronic infectious disease remains subject to the Board's employment policies including sick and/or other leave, physical examinations, temporary and permanent disability, and termination.
LEGAL REF.:

42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., Americans With Disabilities Act, amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), Pub. L. 110-325; 29 C.F.R. §1630.1 et seq.
29 U.S.C. §791, Rehabilitation Act of 1973; 34 C.F.R. §104.1 et seq. 105 ILCS 5/24-5.
20 ILCS 2305/6, Department of Public Health Act. 820 ILCS 40/, Personnel Record Review Act.
77 Ill.Admin.Code Part 690, Control of Communicable Diseases.

CROSS REF.: 2:150 (Committees), 4:180 (Pandemic Preparedness; Management; and Recovery), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:180 (Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity)
Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

5:50 Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace; E-Cigarrette, Tobacco, Cannabis Prohibition

All District workplaces are drug- and alcohol-free workplaces.

All employees are prohibited from engaging in any of the following activities while on District premises or while performing work for the District:

1.	Unlawful manufacture, dispensing, distribution, possession, or use of an illegal or controlled substance, or being impaired by or under the influence of any illegal substance or any detectible use of any illegal substance regardless of when or where the use occurred.
2.	Distribution, consumption, use, possession, or being impaired by or under the influence of an alcoholic beverage; being present on District premises or while performing work for the District when alcohol consumption is detectible, regardless of when and/or where the use occurred.
3.	Distribution, consumption, possession, use, or being impaired by or under the influence of cannabis; being present on District premises or while performing work for the District when impaired by or under the influence of cannabis, regardless of when and/or where the use occurred, unless distribution, possession, and/or use is by a school nurse or school administrator pursuant to Ashley’s Law, 105 ILCS 5/22-33. The District considers employees impaired by or under the influence of cannabis when there is a good faith belief that an employee manifests specific articulable symptoms while working that decrease or lessen the employee’s performance of the duties or tasks of the employee’s job position.

Upon the Superintendent or designee’s reasonable suspicion of an employee’s violation of any of the prohibited activities stated above, the Superintendent or designee may direct the employee to undergo a drug and/or alcohol test to corroborate or refute the alleged violation. State law protects the District from liability when it takes actions pursuant to a reasonable workplace drug policy, including but not limited to subjecting an employee or applicant to reasonable drug and alcohol testing, reasonable and nondiscriminatory random drug testing, discipline, termination of employment, or withdrawal of a job offer due to a failure of a drug test.
For purposes of this policy a controlled substance means a substance that is:
1.	Not legally obtainable,
2.	Being used in a manner different than prescribed,
3.	Legally obtainable, but has not been legally obtained, or
4.	Referenced in federal or State controlled substance acts.

For purposes of this policy, District premises means workplace as defined in the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA) in addition to District and school buildings, grounds, and parking areas; vehicles used for school purposes; and any location used for a School Board meeting, school athletic event, or other school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities. School grounds means the real property comprising any school, any conveyance used to transport students to school or a school-related activity, and any public way within 1,000 feet of any school ground, designated school bus stops where students are waiting for the school bus, and school-sponsored or school- sanctioned events or activities. “Vehicles used for school purposes” means school buses or other school vehicles.
As a condition of employment, each employee shall:
1.	Abide by the terms of this Board policy respecting a drug-and alcohol-free workplace; and
2.	Notify his or her supervisor of his or her conviction under any criminal drug statute for a violation occurring on the District premises or while performing work for the District, no later than five calendar days after such a conviction.
1.	
Unless otherwise prohibited by this policy, prescription and over-the-counter medications are not prohibited when taken in standard dosages and/or according to prescriptions from the employee's licensed health care provider, provided that an employee's work performance is not impaired.

To make employees aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, the Superintendent or designee shall perform each of the following:
1.	Provide each employee with a copy of this policy.
2.	Post notice of this policy in a place where other information for employees is posted.
3.	Make available materials from local, State, and national anti-drug and alcohol-abuse organizations.
4.	Enlist the aid of community and State agencies with drug and alcohol informational and rehabilitation programs to provide information to District employees.
5.	Establish a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about:
a.	The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace,
b.	Available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation, re-entry, and any employee assistance programs, and
c.	The penalties that the District may impose upon employees for violations of this policy.

6.	Remind employees that policy 6:60, Curriculum Content, requires the District to educate students, depending upon their grade, about drug and substance abuse prevention and relationships between drugs, alcohol, and violence.
E-Cigarette, Tobacco, and Cannabis Prohibition

All employees are covered by the conduct prohibitions contained in policy 8:30, Visitors to and Conduct on School Property. The prohibition on the use of e-cigarettes, tobacco, and cannabis products applies both (1) when an employee is on school property, and (2) while an employee is performing work for the District at a school event regardless of the event’s location.
Tobacco has the meaning provided in 105 ILCS 5/10-20.5b.
Cannabis has the meaning provided in the CRTA, 410 ILCS 705/1-10.
E-Cigarette is short for electronic cigarette and includes, but is not limited to, any electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, electronic hookah, vape pen, or similar product or device, and any components or parts that can be used to build the product or device.
District Action Upon Violation of Policy

An employee who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination. In addition or alternatively, the Board may require an employee to successfully complete an appropriate drug- or alcohol-abuse rehabilitation program.

The Board shall take disciplinary action with respect to an employee convicted of a drug offense in the workplace within 30 days after receiving notice of the conviction.

Should District employees be engaged in the performance of work under a federal contract or grant, or under a State contract or grant of $5,000 or more, the Superintendent shall notify the appropriate State or federal agency from which the District receives contract or grant monies of the employee’s conviction within 10 days after receiving notice of the conviction.
Disclaimer

The Board reserves the right to interpret, revise or discontinue any provision of this policy pursuant to the Suspension of Policies subhead in policy 2:240, Board Policy Development.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §7101 et seq., Safe and Drug-Free School and Communities Act of 1994.
21 U.S.C. §812; 21 C.F.R. §1308.11-1308.15, Controlled Substances Act.
41 U.S.C. §8101 et seq., Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
42 U.S.C. §12114, Americans With Disabilities Act. 21 C.F.R. Parts 1100, 1140, and 1143.
30 ILCS 580/, Drug-Free Workplace Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.5b.
410 ILCS 82/, Smoke Free Illinois Act.
410 ILCS 130/, Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. 410 ILCS 705/1-1 et seq., Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
720 ILCS 675, Prevention of Tobacco Use by Persons under 21 Years of Age and Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products Act.
820 ILCS 55/, Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §22.20.
CROSS REF.: 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

5:52 Employee Drug Testing Policy

This policy does not apply to employees covered under collective bargaining agreements.
Purpose
1.	The Board of Education of Belleville Township High School District No. 201 (hereinafter “the Board”) recognizes the dangers associated with the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
2.	The Board recognizes that the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol pose a serious threat to the school system, the employees, the students, and the community as whole.
3.	The Board recognizes that the District employees are essential to the Board’s goal of providing the best possible education for the children of our community. To achieve this goal, it is imperative that every employee understands the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
4.	The Board recognizes that alcohol and drug abuse can directly affect all aspects of an employee’s life, including job performance, health, family, and friendship. Early diagnosis and immediate confidential treatment are in the best interest of the employee.
5.	The Board and the employees of Belleville Township High School District No. 201 are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety and health of the students and the employees, consistent with the provisions of the Illinois Drug Free Workplace Act, 30 ILCS 580, which are applicable to all organizations which receive grants from the State of Illinois.
6.	Adoption of a Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy is necessary to further the Board’s policy regarding disciplinary action for employees “under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug while on duty” or for the “consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs while on duty”.
Policy
It is the policy of the Board to maintain an alcohol and drug-free working environment. Pursuant to this policy, the Board prohibits employees from being under the influence of illegal substances and alcohol during working hours and prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or alcohol by employees during work hours, on or in school district property, or at school-related functions.
The use of alcohol at employee social functions occurring off school property is not encompassed within this policy.
Consistent with the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act, an applicant shall not be subject to an adverse hiring decision nor an employee subject to disciplinary action for using a “lawful product” off school district premises during nonworking hours.
Belleville Township High School District No. 201 shall maintain a drug free workplace program consistent with the requirements of the Illinois Drug Free Workplace Act, 30 ILCS 580.
Belleville Township High School District No. 201 shall cooperate fully with local, state, and federal authorities in matters pertaining to the use, possession, or sale of controlled substances by anyone on District premises.
Penalty
Any employee who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal, in accordance with Board policy and applicable state law.

•	A First offense for refusal to submit to testing will result in a 10 day suspension without pay. However, if the employee agrees to voluntarily enroll in the Self Help program, is eligible for the Self Help program, and seeks treatment at an alcohol/drug addiction rehabilitation program, at his/her own expense, the first offense will be reduced to a 5 day suspension without pay.
•	A Second offense for refusal to submit to testing will result in dismissal.
•	A First offense for a positive test will result in a 10 day suspension without pay. However, if the employee agrees to voluntarily enroll in the Self Help program, is eligible for the Self Help program, and seeks treatment at an alcohol/drug addiction rehabilitation program, at his/her own expense, the first offense will be reduced to a 5 day suspension without pay.
•	A Second offense for a positive test will result in dismissal.
Testing
Any employee may be subject to drug and alcohol testing if:
•	The employee is provided an initial offer of employment with the District; or
•	
•	The employee is injured while at work or is involved in an accident occurring during his/her work assignment; or
•	The employee is suspected of being intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance during work hours, on or in school district property, or at school-related functions; or
•	The employee is employed in a safety-sensitive position within the District, including bus drivers, bus mechanics, and any employee who transports students in a district vehicle or privately owned vehicle while performing such transportation duties within the scope of employment.
For non-safety-sensitive positions, if an applicant or employee is found to have identifiable levels of a controlled substance in his/her system (not including cannabis or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) effective January 1, 2020) or a blood alcohol level in excess of .02 percent, the employee will be in violation of this policy.
For safety-sensitive positions, if an applicant or employee is found to have any identifiable levels of a controlled substance in his/her system, including any level of cannabis or active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or a blood alcohol level of any amount, the employee will be in violation of this policy.
Effective January 1, 2020, applicants for non-safety sensitive positions will not be tested for cannabis or THC. After employment commences, employee drug tests will include a test for cannabis and THC, but a positive cannabis or THC test will not automatically constitute a violation of this policy.
An employee that violates this policy will be removed from District premises, and will be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the penalty section of this policy. Any employee who refuses to undergo testing will be considered in violation of this policy and will be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the penalty section of this policy.
The administrator shall arrange for the employee to be transported to his/her home if the administrator determines that testing is appropriate (even if the employee refuses testing) at no cost to the employee.
Definitions
For the purpose of this policy, a “controlled substance” means a controlled substance as defined under Federal Law or in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, 720 ILCS 570/100, or cannabis as defined under Federal Law or in the Cannabis Control Act, 720 ILCS 550/1.
The proper use of medication prescribed by a physician is not prohibited. However, employees shall not use or take prescription drugs above the level recommended by the prescribing physician and shall not use prescribed drugs for purposes other than those for which they are intended. Furthermore, an employee shall not distribute or dispense prescription drugs except when doing so as part of the employee’s job duties with the District. An employee who misuses prescription drugs shall be in violation of this policy and subject to disciplinary action, as set forth in the penalty section of this
policy.
Pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act, as of January 1, 2020, the lawful use of cannabis during a non-safety-sensitive employee’s personal time shall not be considered a violation of this policy. However, employees in a safety-sensitive position are prohibited from using cannabis when not working. All employees are prohibited from the consumption, storage, or use of cannabis in the workplace or while working. All employees are prohibited from being under the influence of cannabis in the workplace or while working.
Drug Conviction
For the purpose of this policy, any employee convicted of a Federal drug offense or a drug offense listed under 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9(c) will be dismissed – conviction under that statute means a finding of guilty and a guilty plea, including a plea of nolo contendere, court supervision, or suspended imposition of sentence that results in probation. See Younge v. Board of Education of The City of Chicago, 788 N.E. 2nd 1153 (Ill. App. 2003).
Any employee who engages in criminal drug or alcohol misconduct, that results in a conviction not listed under 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9(c) or even in the absence of a criminal conviction, is subject to discipline, including dismissal, if the preponderance of evidence establishes that the employee engaged in the criminal misconduct, and there is a nexus between the criminal misconduct and the employee’s duties. See Younge v. Board of Education of The City of Chicago, 788 N.E. 2nd 1153 (Ill. App. 2003) and Scott v. Board of Education of Alton C.U.S.D. 11, 156 N.E.2d 1. An employee convicted of any criminal drug law shall notify the superintendent no later than 5 calendar days after the conviction.

If an employee fails to report the conviction within the above prescribed time period, the employee will be subject to an immediate suspension without pay pending board action to dismiss the employee.
Establishment of Procedure
The Superintendent of Schools shall be responsible for developing and implementing procedures in conformance with this Policy. It shall be the Superintendent’s responsibility to:
1.	Establish procedures for drug and alcohol testing of employees based on a reasonable suspicion that an employee is under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol.
2.	Establish procedures for drug and alcohol testing of employees injured or involved in an accident during their work assignment or work times.
3.	Establish a Self Help Program for employees who choose to voluntarily seek treatment for an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
SELF HELP PROGRAM
An employee who has developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol is encouraged to voluntarily seek treatment.
An employee’s eligibility for the Self Help program is subject to the following:
1.	The employee is not under reasonable suspicion for violating this policy; has not previously violated this policy and is voluntarily seeking assistance through the Self Help program.
2.	The employee has violated the policy on one prior occasion and is voluntarily seeking assistance through the Self Help program prior to being under reasonable suspicion for committing a second offense or in violation of this policy for a second offense as defined in this policy.
3.	An employee that violates this policy for a second time, as defined in this policy, shall not be eligible for the Self Help program and shall be dismissed from employment consistent with the Penalty section of this policy.
4.	An employee convicted of a drug offense, as specified in this policy, shall not be eligible for the Self Help program.
5.	An employee that distributes alcohol or illegal substances in the workplace shall not be eligible for the Self Help program.
6.	An eligible employee shall only be allowed to enroll in the Self Help program one time.
An eligible employee who voluntarily enrolls in, or is accepted as a patient in, a rehabilitation program shall comply with the following:
1.	Must provide the Superintendent with written evidence of his/her enrollment or acceptance in a rehabilitation program.
2.	Must consent to the release of information from his/her physician or counselor, upon the District’s request, concerning the employee’s diagnosis, prognosis, treatment regimen, whether or not the employee is successfully participating in the program and the results of any drug/alcohol tests the program administers to the employee.
3.	The employee will be granted use of accumulated vacation, personal, sick leave or FMLA (if eligible) to participate in the rehabilitation program. Employees who do not have accumulated leave or are not eligible for FMLA leave may request up to a maximum of 30 workdays of an unpaid leave of absence to attend the rehabilitation program. The cost of the rehabilitation program shall be borne by the employee and/or the employee’s insurer.
4.	An employee’s leave will be terminated if the employee leaves a treatment program prior to proper discharge and will be subject to immediate dismissal from employment.
The District must receive written notification from a Substance Abuse Professional (see definition below) that the employee has successfully completed the rehabilitation program and passed (negative result) a drug and/or alcohol test in order to return to work.
5.	The employee will be subject to unannounced/random tests for twelve months following release from rehabilitation. Any employee who tests positive after returning to work or who refuses to submit to a drug and alcohol test after returning to work will be considered in violation of this policy and will be subject to discipline consistent with the Penalty section of this policy.
6.	“Substance Abuse Professional” (SAP) is a licensed physician (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy), or a licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, employee assistance professional, or addiction counselor (certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission) with knowledge of and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substances-related disorders. The SAP evaluates employees who
1.	
have violated drug and alcohol regulations, or voluntarily enrolled in drug and alcohol treatment, and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
7.	An employee’s failure to comply with any of the Self Help program procedures, above, shall be subject to immediate dismissal.
BELLEVILLE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 201 PROCEDURE FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING
In compliance with the Board of Education’s Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy, the Superintendent of Schools has established the following procedures with regard to drug and alcohol testing:
Testing Situations
1.	Pre-employment Drug Testing
All applicants must pass a pre-employment, post-offer drug test as part of the requirements for employment. For non-safety sensitive positions, this drug test will exclude screening for the presence of cannabis and THC effective January 1, 2020. However, all applicants for safety sensitive positions will be tested for the presence of cannabis and THC. All newly hired employees must undergo testing within fourteen (14) days after being hired. Any applicant who refuses to take a drug test or tests positive will be considered to have failed to meet the criteria for employment.
2.	Reasonable Suspicion
When a supervisor has a reasonable suspicion that an employee is under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol, the supervisor shall immediately notify the building administrator or other administrator. If the employee is a member of a labor organization, the Union will be notified of all occurrences, and offered the opportunity to attend any such meetings with the employee. If the incident occurs after the regular school day and a Union representative cannot attend the meeting, a Union representative will be provided the opportunity to attend/participate in the meeting via conference call at the same time the meeting occurs. The Union will provide the District a current list of available representatives with all contact numbers.
A supervisor’s reasonable suspicion shall be based on objective criteria, including, but not limited to, the employee’s speech, physical dexterity, agility, coordination, demeanor, behavior, bodily odor, negligence, carelessness or disregard for safety.
The supervisor/administrator reporting a reasonable suspicion of an employee being under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol shall complete and sign the “FITNESS FOR DUTY” form documenting the circumstances and evidence upon which the supervisor relied. The administrator receiving the report shall review the completed “FITNESS FOR DUTY” form if it has been completed by a supervisor to verify completeness and/or make additional comments if necessary. (form attached)
The circumstances under which the reasonable suspicion procedure shall be invoked are strictly limited in time and place to employee conduct during work hours, on or in School District property, or at school-related functions.
Upon receiving notification of reasonable suspicion from a supervisor, and reviewing the “FITNESS FOR DUTY REPORT” the administrator may order an employee to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test (following instructions listed below under Drug Testing and/or Alcohol Testing):
3.	Accident or Injury
When an accident or injury occurs at the worksite involving employees, the supervisor, or administrator will immediately complete a “FITNESS FOR DUTY” report for each party involved in the accident. If it is determined that there is reasonable suspicion, the administrator will immediately order a drug and/or alcohol test for the employee. If the accident is of a severity that requires immediate transportation of the employee to a medical facility, the administrator shall arrange for the drug and alcohol test to be administered at that site as soon as it is practical.
4.	Employees in Safety-Sensitive Positions
For the purpose of this Policy, safety-sensitive work includes positions where the employee is responsible for his or her own safety or other people's safety, and it would be particularly dangerous if such an employee is using drugs or alcohol while on the job. The positions of bus driver and bus mechanic are considered safety-sensitive positions. An employee is also considered to be performing a safety-sensitive function when inspecting, servicing, or conditioning any commercial motor vehicle or school bus at any time. Finally, a safety sensitive position includes any employee who

transports students in a district vehicle or privately owned vehicle while performing such transportation duties within the scope of employment. An employee is considered to be performing a safety-sensitive function during any period in which he or she is actually performing, ready to perform, or immediately available to perform any safety-sensitive position.
In addition to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and accident or injury testing, employees in safety-sensitive positions are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing. The Random selection process shall ensure each employee has the same fair and equal chance of being selected. Selection of employees for random testing will be conducted through the use of a third party random number generator selection process. An employee randomly selected will be notified by the administration of the selection and instructed to immediately go to the designated collection site. Random testing is conducted on a monthly basis.
In addition to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and accident or injury testing, employees in safety-sensitive positions are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing. The Random selection process shall ensure each employee has the same fair and equal chance of being selected. Selection of employees for random testing will be conducted through the use of a third party random number generator selection process. An employee randomly selected will be notified by the administration of the selection and instructed to immediately go to the designated collection site. Random testing is conducted on a monthly basis.
Drug Testing Procedures
Once the administrator has made the determination that an employee is to be tested, the administrator shall set up a test by either arranging transportation of the employee, at no cost to the employee, to a testing site or contacting a testing agency to arrange onsite testing. Under either scenario, the employee must sign the necessary authorization “CONFIDENTIAL DRUG TESTING CONSENT FORM” or other documents as necessary for the performance of the test and the release of the test results to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee. If the employee is being tested due to reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use or an accident or injury, the administrator must also sign and complete the “FITNESS FOR DUTY” form.
Once the specimen collection has been completed, the employee shall be transported (if necessary) to his/her work site where the employee shall be placed on administrative leave with pay until the results of the tests are available. The administrator shall arrange for the employee to be transported to the employee’s home at no cost to the employee.
If the employee refuses to undergo testing, the employee shall be subject to disciplinary action specified in this policy. Upon refusal of an employee to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test the administrator shall advise the employee that he/she is suspended without pay for 10 days and is subject to additional disciplinary action in accordance with Board policy and applicable state law. After informing the employee of the disciplinary action the administrator shall arrange for the employee to be transported to his/her home at no cost to the employee.
Test Results
Upon receipt of the test results, the Superintendent or his/her designee, shall meet with the employee, in person, to notify the employee of the test results. At the time of notification, the employee shall sign an acknowledgement form containing the date and time that the employee was notified of the results. If the employee is a member of a labor organization, the employee may request a union representative to be present at this meeting.
The employee will be provided a copy of the test results and the form used by the administration that identifies the specific physical symptoms that were observed that resulted in the reasonable suspicion test.
If the results are negative, the employee shall be reinstated without loss of pay or benefits and any and all documentation related to the incident will be expunged from any and all personnel files maintained on the employee. If the results are positive for impairment, the employee will be given a reasonable opportunity to contest the basis of the determination. If the District determines that the employee was unable to reasonably contest the test results, the employee shall be suspended, without pay, for 10 days and informed that he/she is subject to additional disciplinary action, including discharge, in accordance with Board policy and applicable state law.
Record Retention and Confidentiality

Records of drug and alcohol test results shall be maintained in a secure fashion to maintain confidentiality. The records shall be maintained by the Superintendent or his/her designee in a file separate from the employee’s personnel file. Records of drug and alcohol tests will be maintained and released by the District only in accordance with state law.
The proper use of medication prescribed by a physician is not prohibited. However, employees shall not use or take prescription drugs above the level recommended by the prescribing physician and shall not use prescribed drugs for purposes other than those for which they are intended. An employee subject to drug testing shall provide the medical facility with information regarding prescription medications at the time the specimen is taken. An employee who misuses prescription drugs shall be in violation of this policy and subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal, in accordance with Board policy and applicable state law.
Alcohol Violation
A.	Non-Safety-Sensitive Employees
If an employee employed in a non-safety-sensitive position is found to have a blood alcohol level in excess of .02, the employee shall be considered in violation of this policy.
B.	Safety-Sensitive Employees
If an employee employed in a safety-sensitive position is found to have any level of alcohol in their system, the employee shall be considered in violation of this policy.
Cannabis Violation
A.	Non-Safety-Sensitive Employees
Pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act, as of January 1, 2020, the presence of cannabis or THC in a non-safety-sensitive employee’s specimen shall not be, in itself, a violation of this policy. However, the District will consider it a violation of this policy if the District has a good faith belief that an employee manifests specific, articulable symptoms while working that decrease or lessen the employee's performance of the duties or tasks of the employee's job position, including symptoms of the employee's speech, physical dexterity, agility, coordination, demeanor, irrational or unusual behavior, or negligence or carelessness in operating equipment or machinery; disregard for the safety of the employee or others, or involvement in any accident that results in serious damage to equipment or property; or carelessness that results in any injury to the employee or others. If the District has a good faith belief that the employee is manifesting any of these symptoms, the administrator must record these symptoms and sign and complete the “FITNESS FOR DUTY” form.
B.	Safety-Sensitive Employees
The presence of any level of cannabis or active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the specimen of an employee occupying a safety-sensitive position shall be a violation of this policy.
Controlled Substance Violation (Excludes Cannabis)
If an employee in either a safety-sensitive or non-safety-sensitive position is found to have a controlled substance, other than lawfully prescribed medication, in his or her system, the employee shall be considered in violation of this policy.
Right to Retest
All collections of urine and/or blood will include split specimens. An employee has the right to request a retest of the split specimen within 72 hours of notification of the test result. All requests for retest shall be submitted to the Superintendent in writing.
The employee requesting a retest shall pay the costs associated with the retest. However, if the results of the retest are negative, the employee shall be reinstated without loss of pay or benefits and any and all documentation related to the incident will be expunged from any and all personnel files maintained on the employee. The employee will be reimbursed for the cost of the negative retest and paid any back pay/benefits no later than ten (10) workdays from the date the District receives the negative retest.
If the District determines, based on a good faith belief that an employee is under the influence of or impaired by cannabis, the employee shall be given a reasonable opportunity to contest the basis of the District’s determination.
Test Result Meeting Employee name Time and Date

Employee’s work category
Employee’s work assignment (location and hours) Location of meeting
Administrator holding meeting
I have received a copy of the results of the drug and/or alcohol test that I submitted to. If the test was performed due to reasonable suspicion, I have received a copy of the Fitness for Duty Form used that identifies the specific physical symptoms that were observed that resulted in the reasonable suspicion test.
Employee’s signature:
Date:
Association/Union Representative signature: (if applicable)
Date:
Adopted: November 18, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

5:60 Expenses

The Board regulates the reimbursement of all travel, meal, and lodging expenses by resolution. Money shall not be advanced or reimbursed, or purchase orders issued for: (1) the expenses of any person except the employee, (2) anyone's personal expenses, or (3) entertainment expenses. Entertainment includes, but is not limited to, shows, amusements, theaters, circuses, sporting events, or any other place of public or private entertainment or amusement, unless the entertainment is ancillary to the purpose of the program or event. The District is not responsible for losses due to an employee’s own negligence, losses due to normal wear, or losses due to theft, unless the theft was a result of the District’s negligence. Employees must submit the appropriate itemized, signed, standardized form(s) to support any requests for expense advancements, reimbursements, or purchase orders that show the following:

1.	The amount of the estimated or actual expense, with attached receipts for actual incurred expenses.
2.	The name and title of the employee who is requesting the expense advancement or reimbursement. Receipts from group functions must include the names, offices, and job titles of all participants.
3.	The date(s) of the official business on which the expense advancement, reimbursement, or purchase order will be or was expended.
4.	The nature of the official business conducted when the expense advancement, reimbursement, or purchase order will be or was expended.
Prior Approval Required

Employees must obtain the written approval of the Superintendent, or his/her designee, prior to incurring any district expense for attending meetings/conferences that are related to their duties which contribute to their professional development.
Advancements

The Superintendent may advance expenses to teachers and other licensed employees for the anticipated actual and necessary expenses to be incurred while attending meetings that are related to their duties and will contribute to their professional development, provided they fall below the maximum allowed in the Board's expense regulations.

Expense advancement requests must be submitted to the Superintendent or designee on the District's standardized estimated expense approval form for employees. Form 5.60-E2. After spending expense advancements, employees must use the District's standardized expense reimbursement form and submit to the Superintendent: (a) the itemized, signed advancement voucher that was issued, and (b) the amount of actual expenses by attaching receipts. Form 5.60-E1. Any portion of an expense advancement not used must be returned to the District. Expense advancements and vouchers shall be presented to the Board in its regular bill process.
Reimbursements and Purchase Orders

Expense reimbursements and purchase orders may be issued by the Superintendent or designee to employees, along with other expenses necessary for the performance of their duties, provided the expenses fall below the maximum allowed in the Board's expense regulations.

Employees must seek pre-approval of expenses by providing an estimation of expenses on the District's standardized estimated expense approval form for employees. Form 5.60-E2. When pre- approval is not sought, employees must seek reimbursement on the District's standardized expense reimbursement form for employees. Form 5.60-E1. Expense reimbursements and purchase orders shall be presented to the Board in its regular bill process.

Use of Credit and Procurement Cards

Credit and procurement card usage is governed by policy 4:55, Use of Credit and Procurement Cards.
Exceeding the Maximum Allowable Expense Amount(s)

All requests for expense advancements, reimbursements, and purchase orders exceeding the maximum allowed in the Board's expense regulations are not guaranteed and may, in the Board's sole discretion, be approved when:
1.	The Board's resolution to regulate expenses allows for such approval;
2.	An emergency or other extraordinary circumstance exists, as determined in the Board's sole discretion; and
3.	The request is approved by a roll call vote at an open Board meeting. Registration
When possible, registration fees will be paid by the District in advance. Travel
The least expensive method of travel will be used, provided that no hardship will be caused to the employee. Employees will be reimbursed for:

1.	Air travel at the coach or economy class commercial airline rate. First class or business class air travel will be reimbursed only if emergency circumstances warrant. The emergency circumstances must be explained on the expense form and Board approval of the additional expense is required. Fees for the first checked bag will be reimbursed. Copies of airline tickets and baggage receipts must be attached to the expense form.
2.	Rail or bus travel at actual cost. Rail or bus travel costs may not exceed the cost of coach airfare. Copies of tickets must be attached to the expense form to substantiate amounts.
3.	Use of personal automobiles at the standard mileage rate approved by the Internal Revenue Service for income tax purposes. The reimbursement may not exceed the cost of coach airfare. Mileage for use of personal automobiles in trips to and from transportation terminals will also be reimbursed.
4.	When a private automobile is used, toll charges and parking costs will be reimbursed at the actual cost for such services.
5.	Automobile rental costs when the vehicle's use is warranted. The circumstances for such use must be explained on the expense form.
6.	Actual cost of taxis, airport shuttles, ride sharing services, or other local transportation services will be reimbursed at the actual cost for such services.
Meals

The maximum daily reimbursement for meals shall be the geographical meal rate established by the General Services Administration ("GSA"). The per diem meal rate includes taxes and tips. To find current rates for meals in the geographical area for the travel visit https://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/26429.

The separate amounts for breakfast, lunch and dinner listed in the GSA chart are provided should an employee need to deduct any of those meals from his/her expense Form 5.60-E1. For example, if the employee's trip includes meals that are already paid for by the District (such as through a registration fee for a conference), the employee will need to deduct those meals from his/her expense form.
Otherwise, an employee may use the total available meal per diem and he/she chooses, so long as

the per diem is only used for the employees meal(s).

The maximum amount reimbursable for meals for the first and last calendar day of travel is calculated at 75 percent. Alcoholic beverages will not be reimbursed.

Meal reimbursement requests must be itemized on the expense Form 5.60-E1 and accompanied with a receipt.
Lodging

The single room rate, plus applicable taxes, will be reimbursed at the maximum geographical rate established by the General Services Administration ("GSA"). Maximum lodging rates, excluding taxes, can be located at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877. Employees must pay personal expenses that are not reimbursable at checkout. If that is impossible, deductions for the charges must be made on the expense form. Form 5.60-E1.
Incidental Expenses:

Incidental expenses include tips given to porters, baggage carriers and hotel staff. The per diem maximum incidental expense can be located at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/101518. The incidental expense must be reported on the expense form, 5.60-E1, but receipts are not required.

NOTE: It the terms of a collective bargaining agreement addresses reimbursement to employees for travel related expenses; the terms of the collective bargaining agreement shall supersede this policy.
Additional Requirements for Travel Expenses Charged to Federal and State Grants
All grant-related travel expenses must be pre-approved by the Superintendent or designee.

Expenses for travel, including expenses for transportation, lodging, meals, and related items incurred by employees and charged to a federal grant or State grant governed by the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708/) must also meet the following requirements:

1.	The participation of the employee is necessary to the award, and the costs are specifically related to the award.
2.	Expenses must be permissible under the terms and conditions of the award.
3.	Expenses must be reasonable and consistent with this policy.
4.	The Board does not reimburse actual expenses or pay a per diem allowance unless the employee is on official travel status for more than 12 hours. However, employees remain eligible for mileage reimbursement (minus regular commuting mileage/costs) and other transportation expenses if on travel status less than 12 hours.
5.	Expenses may be charged based on an actual cost basis or on a per diem basis in lieu of actual costs incurred; however, only one method may be applied per trip.
6.	Commercial airfare costs in excess of the least expensive coach or economy class are prohibited except when such accommodations would: (1) require circuitous routing; (2) require travel during unreasonable hours; (3) excessively prolong travel; (4) result in additional costs that would offset transportation savings; or (5) offer accommodations not reasonably adequate for the traveler’s medical needs. Qualifying circumstances must be explained on the expense form, and Board approval of the additional expense is required.
7.	Per diem rates and actual reimbursement amounts for mileage, meals, and lodging may not exceed the rates established by the Governor’s Travel Control Board or federal travel regulations, whichever is less. These limits do not apply when: (1) an employee stays in the lowest-priced room available at or near a hotel where a conference or seminar is located or in accommodations arranged by the conference/seminar organization, or (2) lodging at or below
1.	
the established rate is unavailable. In those cases, the employee will be reimbursed for actual lodging expenses with prior approval, but in no case will the reimbursement exceed 300% of the applicable maximum per diem rate. If a conference fee includes a meal, the meal or per diem allowance will be reduced by the actual value of the meal or the applicable meal allowance, whichever is less.
8.	Employees must use the least expensive compact car available when using a rental car for travel, unless an exception is approved. The Board does not reimburse employees for collision damage waiver or theft insurance.
9.	The Board will reimburse travel expenses not chargeable to an award from other District funds consistent with this policy.
LEGAL REF.:
2 C.F.R. §200.474.
30 ILCS 708/130, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. 50 ILCS 150/, Local Government Travel Expense Control Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.32.
820 ILCS 115/9.5, Ill. Wage Payment and Collection Act.

CROSS REF.: 2:125 (Board Member Compensation; Expenses), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 4:50 (Payment Procedures), 4:55 (Use of Credit and Procurement Cards)
Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

5:60-E1 Exhibit - Employee Expense Reimbursement Form

Submit to the Superintendent. Use of this form is required by 2:125-E3, Resolution to Regulate Expense Reimbursements. Please print and attach receipts for all expenditures.
Name: 		Title/Office: 	

Destination: 		Purpose: 	
Departure Date: 		Return Date: 	

Receipts attached	Request Date: 	

Estimated expenses attached (Completed 5:60-E2, Employee Estimated Expense Approval Form)(pre-approval is required for federal and state grants).

Approved expense advancement (voucher) attached, if applicable* (Completed 5:60-E2, Employee Estimated Expense Approval Form.)

Actual Expense Report
*Employees will be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses that exceed the amount advanced, but must refund any expense advancement that exceeds the actual and necessary expenses incurred. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.32. For federal and State grants, employees will be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses that exceed estimated expenses as permitted by Board policy 5:60, Expenses.	
Auto Travel Allowance:	per mile	

Date	Auto Mileage Miles	Cost	Transp. Expenses	
Lodging	Meals or Per Diem
Bkfst	|	Lunch
|	Dinner	Other
Item
Cost	Daily Total	

											

Subtotal		
Advances	–	
TOTAL (A negative amount indicates refund due from employee.)	$	

Superintendent or Designee:	Approved	Denied

(belowmaximum allowable amount)	Approved in Part

Grant Funding Source (if applicable):	

Superintendent or Designee Signature	Date

Comments: 	

School Board Action (exceeds maximum allowable amount):	Approved	Denied

Approved in Part

Grant Funding Source (if applicable):	

Employee Signature	Date
DATED : July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

5:60-E2 Exhibit - Employee Estimated Expense Approval Form

Submit to the Superintendent. Use of this form is required (1) by 2:125-E3, Resolution to Regulate Expense Reimbursements and (2) for pre-approval of expenses to be charged to a federal grant or State grant governed by the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act.
Please print.
Name: 	 Title/Office: 	

Travel Destination: 	 Purpose: 		 Estimated Expenses Approval Requested (50 ILCS 150/20 or grant expenditure) Travel is grant-related* (specify grant): 		
Purchase Order Requested	Purchase Order #: 	

Expense Advancement Voucher Requested (105 ILCS 5/10-22.32)
Voucher Amount: 	

Estimated Expense Report
Departure date: 		Return date: 		
		
Auto Travel Allowance: 	per mile
*Grant-related travel only: Except for mileage and other transportation expenses, expense reimbursement/per diem is only allowed if on official travel status for 12 hours or more. If lodging at or belowthe applicable rate cannot be identified, please indicate belowand attach at least three quotes for review.	

Date	Auto Mileage
Miles
Cost	
Transp. Expenses	
Lodging	Meals or Per Diem

Bkfst		Lunch Dinner	Other
Item
Cost	Daily Total	

											

											
Total										$	

Superintendent or Designee:	Approved	Denied

(belowmaximum allowable amount)	Approved in Part

Grant Funding Source (if applicable):	

Superintendent or Designee Signature	Date
Comments: 	

School Board Action (exceeds maximum allowable amount):	Approved	Denied

Approved in Part

Grant Funding Source (if applicable):	

Employee Signature	Date
DATED : July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

5:70 Religious Holidays

The Superintendent shall grant an employee's request for time off to observe a religious holiday if the employee gives at least five days prior notice and the absence does not cause an undue hardship.

Employees may use earned vacation time, or personal leave to make up the absence, provided such time is consistent with the District's operational needs. A per diem deduction may also be requested by the employee.
LEGAL REF.:
775 ILCS 5/2-101 and 5/2-102, Ill. Human Rights Act. 775 ILCS 35/155, Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

5:80 Court Duty

Please refer to the following bargaining agreements:
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Teacher Assistants Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township High School Board of Education and Local Union #116 Service Employees Union.
For employees not covered by these agreements:
The District will deduct any fees that an employee receives for court duty, less mileage and meal expenses, from the employee's compensation, or make arrangements for the employee to endorse the fee check to the District. If jury duty occurs during an employee's vacation, then the pay for the days spent on jury duty are not refunded to the school.
An employee should give at least five days' prior notice of pending court duty to the District. Witness Duty
The District will pay full salary during the time an employee is absent due to a subpoena to serve as a witness in a trial or have a deposition taken in any school-related matter pending in court.
Jury Duty
The District will pay full salary during the time an employee is absent due to jury duty. LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.7.
705 ILCS 305/4.1, Jury Act.
Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting

Any District employee who suspects or receives knowledge that a student may be an abused or neglected child or, for a student aged 18 through 22, an abused or neglected individual with a disability, shall: (1) immediately report or cause a report to be made to the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on its Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)(within Illinois); 1-217-524-2606 (outside of Illinois); or 1-800-358-5117 (TTY), and (2) follow directions given by DCFS concerning filing a written report within 48 hours with the nearest DCFS field office.
The report shall include, if known:
1.	The name and address of the child, parent/guardian names, or other persons having custody;
2.	The child’s age;
3.	The child’s condition, including any evidence of previous injuries or disabilities; and
4.	Any other information that the reporter believes may be helpful to DCFS for its investigation.

Negligent failure to report occurs when a District employee personally observes an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect and reasonably believes, in his or her professional or official capacity, that the instance constitutes an act of child abuse or neglect under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) and he or she, without willful intent, fails to immediately report or cause a report to be made of the suspected abuse or neglect to DCFS.

Any District employee who believes a student is in immediate danger of harm, shall first call 911. The employee shall also promptly notify the Superintendent or Building Principal that a report has been made. The Superintendent or Building Principal shall immediately coordinate any necessary notifications to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) with DCFS, the applicable school resource officer (SRO), and/or local law enforcement.

Any District employee who discovers child pornography on electronic and information technology equipment shall immediately report it to local law enforcement, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or online at report.cybertip.org/ orwww.missingkids.org. The Superintendent or Building Principal shall also be promptly notified of the discovery and that a report has been made.

Any District employee who observes any act of hazing that does bodily harm to a student must report that act to the Building Principal, Superintendent, or designee who will investigate and take appropriate action. If the hazing results in death or great bodily harm, the employee must first make the report to law enforcement and then to the Superintendent or Building Principal. Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed to or required of a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any group, organization, club, or athletic team whose members are or include other students.
Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA), School Code, and Erin’s LawTraining
The Superintendent or designee shall provide staff development opportunities for District employees in the detection, reporting, and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
All District employees shall:

1.	Before beginning employment, sign the Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status form provided by DCFS. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the signed forms are retained.
2.	Complete mandated reporter training as required by law within three months of initial employment and at least every three years after that date.
1.	
3.	Complete an annual evidence-informed training related to child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors (including sexual misconduct as defined in Faith's Law), and boundary violations as required by law and policy 5:100, Staff Development Program.
Alleged Incidents of Sexual Abuse; Investigations

An alleged incident of sexual abuse is an incident of sexual abuse of a child, as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1A, that is alleged to have been perpetrated by school personnel, including a school vendor or volunteer, that occurred: on school grounds during a school activity; or outside of school grounds or not during a school activity.

If a District employee reports an alleged incident of sexual abuse to DCFS and DCFS accepts the report for investigation, DCFS will refer the matter to the local Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). The Superintendent or designee will implement procedures to coordinate with the CAC.

DCFS and/or the appropriate law enforcement agency will inform the District when its investigation is complete or has been suspended, as well as the outcome of its investigation. The existence of a DCFS and/or law enforcement investigation will not preclude the District from conducting its own parallel investigation into the alleged incident of sexual abuse in accordance with policy 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited.
Special Superintendent Responsibilities

The Superintendent shall execute the requirements in Board policy 5:150, Personnel Records, whenever another school district requests a reference concerning an applicant who is or was a District employee and was the subject of a report made by a District employee to DCFS.

When the Superintendent has reasonable cause to believe that a license holder (1) committed an intentional act of abuse or neglect with the result of making a child an abused child or a neglected child under ANCRA or an act of sexual misconduct under Faith’s Law, and (2) that act resulted in the license holder’s dismissal or resignation from the District, the Superintendent shall notify the State Superintendent and the Regional Superintendent in writing, providing the Ill. Educator Identification Number as well as a brief description of the misconduct alleged. The Superintendent must make the report within 30 days of the dismissal or resignation and mail a copy of the notification to the license holder.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures for notifying a student’s parents/guardians when a District employee, contractor, or agent is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct with the student as defined in Faith’s Law. The Superintendent shall also develop procedures for notifying the student's parents/guardians when the Board takes action relating to the employment of the employee, contractor, or agent following the investigation of sexual misconduct. Notification shall not occur when the employee, contractor, or agent alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct is the student’s parent/guardian, and/or when the student is at least 18 years of age or emancipated.
The Superintendent shall execute the recordkeeping requirements of Faith’s Law. Special School Board Member Responsibilities
Each individual Board member must, if an allegation is raised to the member during an open or closed Board meeting that a student is an abused child as defined in ANCRA, direct or cause the Board to direct the Superintendent or other equivalent school administrator to comply with ANCRA’s requirements concerning the reporting of child abuse.

If the Board determines that any District employee, other than an employee licensed under 105 ILCS 5/21B, has willfully or negligently failed to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by ANCRA, the Board may dismiss that employee immediately.

When the Board learns that a licensed teacher was convicted of any felony, it must promptly report it to the State agencies listed in policy 2:20, Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §7926, Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-21.9, 5/10-23.13, 5/21B-85, 5/22-85.5, and 5/22-85.10.
20 ILCS 1305/1-1 et seq., Department of Human Services Act. 325 ILCS 5/, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
720 ILCS 5/12C-50.1, Criminal Code of 2012.

CROSS REF.: 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification), 3:40 (Superintendent), 3:50 (Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent), 3:60 (Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 5:20 (Workplace Harassment Prohibited), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:150 (Personnel Records), 5:200 (Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal), 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions), 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 6:250 (Community Resource Persons and Volunteers), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:150 (Agency and Police Interviews)
Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

5:100 Staff Development Program

The Superintendent or designee shall implement a staff development program. The goal of the program shall be to update and improve the skills and knowledge of staff members in order to achieve and maintain a high level of job performance and satisfaction. Additionally, the development program for licensed staff members shall be designed to effectuate any School Improvement Plans so that student learning objectives meet or exceed goals established by the District and State.
Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) and Erin's LawTraining
The staff development program shall include the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) mandated reporter training and training on the awareness and prevention of child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors (Erin’s Law) as follows (see Board policies 4:165, Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors, and 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting):
1.	Within three months of employment, each staff member must complete mandated reporter training from a provider or agency with expertise in recognizing and reporting child abuse. Mandated reporter training must be completed again at least every three years.
2.	By January 31 of every year, all school personnel must complete evidence-informed training on preventing, reporting, and responding to child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors (including sexual misconduct as defined in Faith's Law), and boundary violations.
In-Service Training Requirements

The staff development program shall provide, at a minimum, within six months of employment and renewed at least once every five years thereafter (unless required more frequently by other State or federal law), the in-service training of all District staff who work with pupils on:
1.	Health conditions of students, including but not limited to training on:
a.	Chronic health conditions of students;
b.	Anaphylactic reactions and management, conducted by a person with expertise on anaphylactic reactions and management;
c.	Management of asthma, prevention of asthma symptoms, and emergency response in the school setting;
d.	The basics of seizure recognition and first aid and emergency protocols, consistent with best practice guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
e.	The basics of diabetes care, how to identify when a diabetic student needs immediate or emergency medical attention, and whom to contact in case of emergency;
f.	Current best practices regarding identification and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and
g.	How to respond to an incident involving life-threatening bleeding, including use of a school's trauma bleeding control kit, if applicable.

2.	Social-emotional learning. Training may include providing education to all school personnel about the content of the Illinois Social and Emotional Learning Standards, how they apply to everyday school interactions, and examples of how social emotional learning can be integrated into instructional practices across all grades and subjects.
3.	Developing cultural competency, including but not limited to understanding and reducing implicit bias, including implicit racial bias as defined in 105 ILCS 5/10-20.61 (implicit bias training).
4.	Identifying warning signs of mental illness, trauma, and suicidal behavior in youth, along with appropriate intervention and referral techniques, including resources and guidelines as outlined in 105 ILCS 5/2-3.166 (Ann Marie's Law).
1.	
5.	Domestic and sexual violence and the needs of expectant and parenting youth, conducted by persons with expertise in domestic and sexual violence and the needs of expectant and parenting youth. Training shall include, but is not limited to:
a.	Communicating with and listening to youth victims of domestic or sexual violence and expectant and parenting youth;
b.	Connecting youth victims of domestic or sexual violence and expectant and parenting youth to appropriate in-school services and other agencies, programs, and services as needed;
c.	Implementing the District's policies and procedures regarding such youth, including confidentiality; and
d.	Procedures for responding to incidents of teen dating violence that take place at school, on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation as outlined in 105 ILCS 110/3.10 (see Board policy 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited).
6.	Protections and accommodations for students, including but not limited to training on:
a.	The federal Americans with Disabilities Act as it pertains to the school environment; and
b.	Homelessness.
7.	Educator ethics and responding to child sexual abuse and grooming behavior (see Board policy 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest); including but not limited to training on:
a.	Teacher-student conduct;
b.	School employee-student conduct; and
c.	Evidence-informed training on preventing, recognizing, reporting, and responding to child sexual abuse and grooming as outlined in 105 ILCS 5/10-23.13 (Erin's Law).
8.	Effective instruction in violence prevention and conflict resolution, conducted in accordance with the requirements of 105 ILCS 5/27-23.4 (violence prevention and conflict resolution education).
Additional Training Requirements
In addition, the staff development program shall include each of the following:

1.	Ongoing professional development for teachers, administrators, school resource officers, and staff regarding the adverse consequences of school exclusion and justice-system involvement, effective classroom management strategies, culturally responsive discipline, the appropriate and available supportive services for the promotion of student attendance and engagement, and developmentally appropriate disciplinary methods that promote positive and healthy school climates.
2.	Annual continuing education and/or training opportunities (professional standards) for school nutrition program directors, managers, and staff. Each school food authority’s director shall document compliance with this requirement by the end of each school year and maintain documentation for a three-year period.
3.	All high school coaching personnel, including the head and assistant coaches, and athletic directors must obtain online concussion certification by completing online concussion awareness training in accordance with 105 ILCS 25/1.15. Coaching personnel and athletic directors hired on or after 8-19-14 must be certified before their position’s start date.
4.	The following individuals must complete concussion training as specified in the Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act: coaches and assistant coaches (whether volunteer or employee) of an interscholastic athletic activity; nurses, licensed and/or non-licensed healthcare professionals serving on the Concussion Oversight Team; athletic trainers; game officials of an interscholastic athletic activity; and physicians serving on the Concussion Oversight Team.
5.	For school personnel who work with hazardous or toxic materials on a regular basis, training on the safe handling and use of such materials.
1.	
6.	For delegated care aides performing services in connection with a student’s seizure action plan, training in accordance with 105 ILCS 150/, the Seizure Smart School Act.
7.	For delegated care aides performing services in connection with a student's diabetes care plan, training in accordance with 105 ILCS 145/, the Care of Students with Diabetes Act.
8.	For all District staff, annual sexual harassment prevention training.
9.	Title IX requirements for training as follows (see Board policy 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure):
a.	For all District staff, training on the definition of sexual harassment, the scope of the District’s education program or activity, all relevant District policies and procedures, and the necessity to promptly forward all reports of sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator.
b.	For school personnel designated as Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, or informal resolution facilitators, training on the definition of sexual harassment, the scope of the District’s education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process (including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes, as applicable), and how to serve impartially.
c.	For school personnel designated as Title IX investigators, training on issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.
d.	For school personnel designated as Title IX decision-makers, training on issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about a complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant.

10.	Training for all District employees on the prevention of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, and national origin in school as part of new employee training and at least once every two years.
11.	Training for at least one designated employee at each school about the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) database and steps required to register students for it.

The Superintendent shall develop protocols for administering youth suicide awareness and prevention education to staff consistent with Board policy 7:290, Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; 34 C.F.R. Part 106.

42 U.S.C. §1758b, Pub. L. 111-296, Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010; 7 C.F.R. Parts 210 and 235.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.62, 5/2-3.166, 5/3-11, 5/10-20.17a, 5/10-20.61, 5/10-22.6(c-5), 5/10-22.39, 5/10-
23.12, 5/10-23.13, 5/22-80(h), 5/22-95, and 5/24-5.
105 ILCS 25/1.15, Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. 105 ILCS 145/25, Care of Students with Diabetes Act
105 ILCS 150/25, Seizure Smart School Act.
105 ILCS 110/3, Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. 325 ILCS 5/4, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
745 ILCS 49/, Good Samaritan Act.

775 ILCS 5/2-109 and 5/5A-103, Ill. Human Rights Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §§ 22.20, 226.800, and Part 525.
77 Ill.Admin.Code §527.800.

CROSS REF.: 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 2:270 (Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited), 3:40 (Superintendent), 3:50 (Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent), 4:160 (Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 5:20 (Workplace Harassment Prohibited), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:250 (Leaves of Absence), 6:15 (School Accountability), 6:20 (School Year Calendar and Day), 6:50 (School Wellness), 6:160 (English Learners), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited), 7:270 (Administering Medicines to Students), 7:285 (Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program), 7:290 (Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention), 7:305 (Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:110 Recognition for Service

The School Board will periodically recognize those District employees who contribute significantly to the educational programs and welfare of the students.
Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

5:120 Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest

All District employees are expected to maintain high standards in their job performance, demonstrate integrity and honesty, be considerate and cooperative, and maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students, parents/guardians, staff members, and others.

The Superintendent or designee shall provide this policy to all District employees and students and/or parents/guardians in their respective handbooks, and ensure its posting on the District’s website, if any.
Professional and Appropriate Conduct

Professional and appropriate employee conduct are important Board goals that impact the quality of a safe learning environment and the school community, increasing students’ ability to learn and the District’s ability to educate. To protect students from sexual misconduct by employees, and employees from the appearance of impropriety, State law also recognizes the importance for District employees to constantly maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students by following established expectations and guidelines for employee-student boundaries. Many breaches of employee-student boundaries do not rise to the level of criminal behavior but do pose a potential risk to student safety and impact the quality of a safe learning environment. Repeated violations of employee-student boundaries may indicate the grooming of a student for sexual abuse. As bystanders, employees may know of concerning behaviors that no one else is aware of, so their training on: (1) preventing, recognizing, reporting, and responding to child sexual abuse and grooming behavior; (2) this policy; and (3) federal and state reporting requirements is essential to maintaining the Board’s goal of professional and appropriate conduct.

The Superintendent or designee shall identify employee conduct standards that define appropriate employee-student boundaries, provide training about them, and monitor the District’s employees for violations of employee-student boundaries. The employee conduct standards will require that, at a minimum:

1.	Employees who are governed by the Code of Ethics for Illinois Educators, adopted by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE), will comply with its incorporation by reference into this policy.
2.	Employees are trained on educator ethics, child abuse, grooming behaviors, and employee- student boundary violations as required by law and policies 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure; 4:165, Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors; 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; and 5:100, Staff Development Program.
3.	Employees maintain professional relationships with students, including maintaining employee- student boundaries based upon students’ ages, grade levels, and developmental levels and following District-established guidelines for specific situations, including but not limited to:
a.	Transporting a student;
b.	Taking or possessing a photo or video of a student; and
c.	Meeting with a student or contacting a student outside the employee’s professional role.
4.	Employees report prohibited behaviors and/or boundary violations pursuant to Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure; 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure; and 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting.
5.	Discipline up to and including dismissal will occur for any employee who violates an employee conduct standard or engages in any of the following:
a.	Violates expectations and guidelines for employee-student boundaries.
b.	Sexually harasses a student.
a.	
c.	Willfully or negligently fails to follow reporting requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.), or the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 7926).
d.	Engages in grooming as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-25.
e.	Engages in grooming behaviors. Prohibited grooming behaviors include, at a minimum, sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is any act, including but not limited to, any verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication or physical activity, by an employee with direct contact with a student, that is directed toward or with a student to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with the student. Examples include, but are not limited to:
i.	A sexual or romantic invitation.
ii.	Dating or soliciting a date.
iii.	Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog.
iv.	Making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with a student.
v.	Self-disclosure or physical exposure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature.
vi.	A sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with the student. Statement of Economic Interests
The following employees must file a Statement of Economic Interests as required by the Ill. Governmental Ethics Act:
1.	Superintendent;
2.	Building Principal;
3.	Head of any department;
4.	Any employee who, as the District’s agent, is responsible for negotiating one or more contracts, including collective bargaining agreement(s), in the amount of $1,000 or greater;
5.	Hearing officer;
6.	Any employee having supervisory authority for 20 or more employees; and
7.	Any employee in a position that requires an administrative or a chief school business official endorsement.
Ethics and Gift Ban

Board policy 2:105, Ethics and Gift Ban, applies to all District employees. Students shall not be used in any manner for promoting a political candidate or issue.
Prohibited Interests; Conflict of Interest; and Limitation of Authority

In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/22-5, “no school officer or teacher shall be interested in the sale, proceeds, or profits of any book, apparatus, or furniture used or to be used in any school with which such officer or teacher may be connected,” except when the employee is the author or developer of instructional materials listed with ISBE and adopted for use by the Board. An employee having an interest in instructional materials must file an annual statement with the Board Secretary.

For the purpose of acquiring profit or personal gain, no employee shall act as an agent of the District nor shall an employee act as an agent of any business in any transaction with the District. This includes participation in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a federal award or State award governed by the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) (30 ILCS 708/) when the employee has a real or apparent conflict of interest. A conflict of interest arises when an employee or any of the following individuals has a financial or other interest in or a tangible benefit from the entity selected for the contract:

1.	A member of the employee’s immediate family;
2.	An employee’s partner; or
3.	An entity that employs or is about to employ the employee or one of the individuals listed in one or two above.

Employees shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to agreements or subcontracts. Situations in which the interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value must comply with State law and Board policy 2:105, Ethics and Gift Ban.
Guidance Counselor Gift Ban

Guidance counselors are prohibited from intentionally soliciting or accepting any gift from a prohibited source or any gift that would be in violation of any federal or State statute or rule. For guidance counselors, a prohibited source is any person who is (1) employed by an institution of higher education, or (2) an agent or spouse of or an immediate family member living with a person employed by an institution of higher education. This prohibition does not apply to:
1.	Opportunities, benefits, and services available on the same conditions as for the general public.
2.	Anything for which the guidance counselor pays market value.
3.	A gift from a relative.
4.	Anything provided by an individual on the basis of a personal friendship, unless the guidance counselor believes that it was provided due to the official position or employment of the guidance counselor and not due to the personal friendship. In determining whether a gift is provided on the basis of personal friendship, the guidance counselor must consider the circumstances in which the gift was offered, including any of the following:

a.	The history of the relationship between the individual giving the gift and the guidance counselor, including any previous exchange of gifts between those individuals.
b.	Whether, to the actual knowledge of the guidance counselor, the individual who gave the gift personally paid for the gift or sought a tax deduction or business reimbursement for the gift.
c.	Whether, to the actual knowledge of the guidance counselor, the individual who gave the gift also, at the same time, gave the same or a similar gift to other school district employees.
5.	Bequests, inheritances, or other transfers at death.
6.	Any item(s) during any calendar year having a cumulative total value of less than $100.
7.	Promotional materials, including, but not limited to, pens, pencils, banners, posters, and pennants.

A guidance counselor does not violate this prohibition if he or she promptly returns the gift to the prohibited source or donates the gift or an amount equal to its value to a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity.
Outside Employment

Employees shall not engage in any other employment or in any private business during regular working hours or at such other times as are necessary to fulfill appropriate assigned duties.
Incorporated
by reference:	5:120-E (Code of Ethics for Ill. Educators) LEGAL REF.:

U.S. Constitution, First Amendment. 2 C.F.R. §200.318(c)(1).
5 ILCS 420/4A-101, Ill. Governmental Ethics Act.
5 ILCS 430/, State Officials and Employee Ethics Act.
30 ILCS 708/, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act.
50 ILCS 135/, Local Governmental Employees Political Rights Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.39, 5/10-23.13, 5/22-5, 5/22-85.5, and 5/22-93.
325 ILCS 5/, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. 720 ILCS 5/11-25, Criminal Code of 2012.
775 ILCS 5/5A-102, Ill. Human Rights Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 22, Code of Ethics for Ill. Educators. Pickering v. Board of Township H.S. Dist. 205, 391 U.S. 563 (1968).
Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410 (2006).

CROSS REF.: 2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban), 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:125 (Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct), 5:200 (Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal), 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

5:130 Responsibilities Concerning Internal Information

District employees are responsible for maintaining: (1) the integrity and security of all internal information, and (2) the privacy of confidential records, including but not limited to: student school records, personnel records, and the minutes of, and material disclosed in, a closed School Board meeting. Internal information is any information, oral or recorded in electronic or paper format, maintained by the District or used by the District or its employees. The Superintendent or designee shall manage procedures for safeguarding the integrity, security, and, as appropriate, confidentiality of internal information.
LEGAL REF.:
Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g.
Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information; General Rules, 45 C.F.R. §164.502. Ill. Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/.
Local Records Act, 50 ILCS 205/. 105 ILCS 10/.
Personnel Record Review Act, 820 ILCS 40/.

CROSS REF.:2:140 (Communications To and From the Board), 2:250 (Access to District Public Records), 5:150 (Personnel Records), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

5:140 Solicitations By or From Staff

District employees shall not solicit donations or sales, nor shall they be solicited for donations or sales, on school grounds without prior approval from the Superintendent.
CROSS REF.: 8:90 (Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs) Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

5:150 Personnel Records

Prospective Employer Inquiries Concerning a Current or Former Employee’s Job Performance

The Superintendent or designee shall manage a process for responding to inquiries by a prospective employer concerning a current or former employee's job performance. The Superintendent shall:

1.	Execute the requirements in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act whenever another school district asks for a reference concerning an applicant who is or was a District employee and was the subject of a report made by a District employee to Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS); and
2.	Comply with the federal law prohibiting the District from providing a recommendation of employment for an employee, contractor, or agent that District knows, or has probable cause to believe, has engaged in sexual misconduct with a student or minor in violation of the law, but the Superintendent or designee may follow routine procedures regarding the transmission of administrative or personnel files for that employee.
3.	Manage the District's responses to employer requests for sexual misconduct related employment history review (EHR) information in accordance with Faith’s Law.
When requested for information about an employee by an entity other than a prospective employer, the District will only confirm position and employment dates unless the employee has submitted a written request to the Superintendent or designee.
Maintenance and Access to Records
Please refer to the following agreement:
Agreement between Board of Education Belleville Township High Schools East and West, District 201 and Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
For employees not covered by this agreement:
The Superintendent or designee shall manage the maintenance of personnel records in accordance with State and federal law and School Board policy. Records, as determined by the Superintendent, are retained for all employment applicants, employees, and former employees given the need for the District to document employment-related decisions, evaluate program and staff effectiveness, and comply with government recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Personnel records shall be maintained in the District's administrative office, under the Superintendent's direct supervision.
Access to personnel records is available as follows:

1.	An employee will be given access to his or her personnel records according to State law and guidelines developed by the Superintendent.
2.	An employee's supervisor or other management employee who has an employment or business- related reason to inspect the record is authorized to have access.
3.	Anyone having the respective employee's written consent may have access.
4.	Access will be granted to anyone authorized by State or federal law to have access.
5.	All other requests for access to personnel information are governed by Board policy 2:250,
Access to District Public Records.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §7926.

105 ILCS 5/22-94.
325 ILCS 5/4, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. 745 ILCS 46/10, Employment Record Disclosure Act.
820 ILCS 40/, Personnel Record Review Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.660.
CROSS REF.: 2:250 (Access to District Public Records), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

5:170 Copyright

Works Made for Hire

The Superintendent shall manage the development of instructional materials and computer programs by employees during the scope of their employment in accordance with State and federal laws and School Board policies. Whenever an employee is assigned to develop instructional materials and/or computer programs, or otherwise performs such work within the scope of his or her employment, it is assured the District shall be the owner of the copyright.
Please refer to the following:
Agreement between Board of Education Belleville Township High Schools East and West, District 201 and Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Copyright Compliance

While staff members may use appropriate supplementary materials, it is each staff member's responsibility to abide by the District's copyright compliance procedures and to obey the copyright laws. The District is not responsible for any violations of the copyright laws by its staff or students. A staff member should contact the Superintendent or designee whenever the staff member is uncertain about whether using or copying material complies with the District's procedures or is permissible under the law, or wants assistance on when and how to obtain proper authorization. No staff member shall, without first obtaining the permission of the Superintendent or designee, install or download any program on a District-owned computer. At no time shall it be necessary for a District staff member to violate copyright laws in order to properly perform his or her duties.
Copyright Infringement; Designation of District Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Agent The employee listed below receives complaints about copyright infringement within the use of the
District's online services. The Superintendent or designee will register this information with the federal Copyright Office as required by federal law.
District DMCA Agent:
Brian Mentzer Name
920 N. Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220

Address bmentzer@bths201.org Email
618-222-8241

Telephone

LEGAL REF.:
17 U.S.C. §101 et seq., Federal Copyright Law of 1976. 105 ILCS 5/10-23.10.

Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

5:180 Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity

A temporary illness or temporary incapacity is an illness or other capacity of ill-being that renders an employee physically or mentally unable to perform assigned duties. During such a period, the employee can use accumulated sick leave benefits. However, income received from other sources (worker's compensation, District-paid insurance programs, etc.) will be deducted from the District's compensation liability to the employee. The School Board's intent is that in no case will the employee, who is temporarily disabled, receive more than 100 percent of their gross salary.

Those insurance plans privately purchased by the employee and to which the District does not contribute, are not applicable to this policy.

If illness, incapacity, or any other condition causes an employee to be absent in one school year, after exhaustion of all available leave, for more than 90 consecutive work days, such absence may be considered a permanent disability and the Board may begin dismissal proceedings subject to State and federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Superintendent may recommend this paragraph's use when circumstances strongly suggest that the employee returned to work intermittently in order to avoid this paragraph's application. This paragraph shall not be considered a limitation on the Board's authority to take any action concerning an employee that is authorized by State and federal law.

Any employee may be required to have an examination, at the District's expense, by a physician who is licensed in Illinois to practice medicine and surgery in all its branches, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed physician assistant if the examination is job-related and consistent with business necessity.
LEGAL REF.:
42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., Americans with Disabilities Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.4, 5/24-12, and 5/24-13.
Elder v. School Dist. No.127 1/2, 60 Ill.App.2d 56 (1st Dist. 1965). School District No. 151 v. ISBE, 154 Ill.App.3d 375 (1st Dist. 1987).
CROSS REF.:5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:40 (Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease), 5:185 (Family and Medical Leave), 5:250 (Leaves of Absence), 5:330 (Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves)
Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

5:185 Family and Medical Leave

Leave Description

An eligible employee may use unpaid family and medical leave (FMLA leave), guaranteed by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The U.S. Department of Labor's rules (federal rules) implementing FMLA, as they may be amended from time to time, control FMLA leave.

An eligible employee may take FMLA leave for up to a combined total of 12 weeks each 12-month period, beginning September 1 and ending August 31 of the next year.

During a single 12-month period, an eligible employee's FMLA leave entitlement may be extended to a total of 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a covered servicemember (defined in the federal rules) with a serious injury or illness. The "single 12-month period" is measured forward from the date the employee's first FMLA leave to care for the covered servicemember begins.

While FMLA leave is normally unpaid, the District will substitute an employee's accrued compensatory time-off and/or paid leave for unpaid FMLA leave, provided such leave is available for use in accordance with Board policies and rules. In addition, all policies and rules regarding the use of paid leave apply when paid leave is substituted for unpaid FMLA leave. Any substitution of paid leave for unpaid FMLA leave will count against the employee's FMLA leave entitlement. Use of FMLA leave shall not preclude the use of other applicable unpaid leave that will extend the employee's leave beyond 12 weeks, provided that the use of FMLA leave shall not serve to extend such other unpaid leave. Any full workweek period during which the employee would not have been required to work, including summer break, winter break and spring break, is not counted against the employee's FMLA leave entitlement.
FMLA leave is available in one or more of the following instances:
1.	The birth and first-year care of a son or daughter.
2.	The adoption or foster placement of a son or daughter, including absences from work that are necessary for the adoption or foster care to proceed and expiring at the end of the 12-month period beginning on the placement date.
3.	The serious health condition of an employee's spouse, child, or parent.
4.	The employee's own serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of his or her job.
5.	The existence of a qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee's spouse, child, or parent is a military member on covered active duty or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty, as provided in federal rules.
6.	To care for the employee's spouse, child, parent, or next of kin who is a covered servicemember with a serious injury or illness, as provided by federal rules.

If spouses are employed by the District, they may together take only 12-weeks for FMLA leaves when the reason for the leave is 1 or 2, above, or to care for a parent with a serious health condition, or a combined total of 26 weeks for item 6 above.

An employee may be permitted to work on an intermittent or reduced-leave schedule in accordance with federal rules.
Eligibility

To be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must be employed at a worksite where at least 50 employees are employed within 75 miles. In addition, one of the following provisions must describe the employee:

1.	The employee has been employed by the District for at least 12 months and has been employed for at least 1,000 hours of service during the 12-month period immediately before the beginning of the leave. The 12 months an employee must have been employed by the District need not be consecutive. However, the District will not consider any period of previous employment that occurred more than seven years before the date of the most recent hiring, except when the service break is due to fulfillment of a covered service obligation under the employee's Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), 38 U.S.C. 4301, et seq., or when a written agreement exists concerning the District's intention to rehire the employee.
2.	The employee is a full-time classroom teacher employed by the District during the entire 12- month period immediately before the beginning of the leave.
Requesting Leave

If the need for the FMLA leave is foreseeable, an employee must provide the Superintendent or designee with at least 30 days' advance notice before the leave is to begin. If 30 days' advance notice is not practicable, the notice must be given as soon as practicable. The employee shall make a reasonable effort to schedule a planned medical treatment so as not to disrupt the District's operations, subject to the approval of the health care provider administering the treatment. The employee shall provide at least verbal notice sufficient to make the Superintendent or designee aware that he or she needs FMLA leave, and the anticipated timing and duration of the leave. Failure to give the required notice for a foreseeable leave may result in a delay in granting the requested leave until at least 30 days after the date the employee provides notice.
Certification

Within 15 calendar days after the Superintendent or designee makes a request for certification for a FMLA leave, an employee must provide one of the following:

1.	When the leave is to care for the employee's covered family member with a serious health condition, the employee must provide a complete and sufficient certificate signed by the family member's health care provider.
2.	When the leave is due to the employee's own serious health condition, the employee must provide a complete and sufficient certificate signed by the employee's health care provider.
3.	When the leave is to care for a covered servicemember with a serious illness or injury, the employee must provide a complete and sufficient certificate signed by an authorized health care provider for the covered servicemember.
4.	When the leave is because of a qualified exigency, the employee must provide: (a) a copy of the covered military member's active duty orders or other documentation issued by the military indicating that the military member is on active duty or call to active duty status, and the dates of the covered military member's active duty service, and (b) a statement or description, signed by the employee, of appropriate facts regarding the qualifying exigency for which FMLA leave is requested.

The District may require an employee to obtain a second and third opinion at its expense when it has reason to doubt the validity of a medical certification.

The District may require recertification at reasonable intervals, but not more often than once every 30 days. Regardless of the length of time since the last request, the District may request recertification when the, (1) employee requests a leave extension, (2) circumstances described by the original certification change significantly, or (3) District receives information that casts doubt upon the continuing validity of the original certification. Recertification is at the employee's expense and must be provided to the District within 15 calendar days after the request. The District may request recertification every six months in connection with any absence by an employee needing an intermittent or reduced schedule leave for conditions with a duration in excess of six months.

Failure to furnish a complete and sufficient certification on forms provided by the District may result in a denial of the leave request.
Continuation of Health Benefits

During FMLA leave, employees are entitled to continuation of health benefits that would have been provided if they were working. Any share of health plan premiums being paid by the employee before taking the leave, must continue to be paid by the employee during the FMLA leave. A District's obligation to maintain health insurance coverage ceases if an employee's premium payment is more than 30 days late and the District notifies the employee at least 15 days before coverage will cease.
Changed Circumstances and Intent to Return

An employee must provide the Superintendent or designee reasonable notice of changed circumstances (i.e., within two business days if the changed circumstances are foreseeable) that will alter the duration of the FMLA leave. The Superintendent or designee, taking into consideration all of the relevant facts and circumstances related to an individual's leave situation, may ask an employee who has been on FMLA leave for eight consecutive weeks whether he or she intends to return to work.
Return to Work

If returning from FMLA leave occasioned by the employee's own serious health condition, the employee is required to obtain and present certification from the employee's health care provider that he or she is able to resume work.

An employee returning from FMLA leave will be given an equivalent position to his or her position before the leave, subject to: (1) permissible limitations the District may impose as provided in the FMLA or implementing regulations, and (2) the District's reassignment policies and practices.

Classroom teachers may be required to wait to return to work until the next semester in certain situations as provided by the FMLA regulations.
Implementation

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that: (1) all required notices and responses to leave requests are provided to employees in accordance with the FMLA; and (2) this policy is implemented in accordance with the FMLA. In the event of a conflict between the policy and the FMLA or its regulations, the latter shall control. The terms used in this policy shall be defined as in the FMLA regulations.
LEGAL REF.:
29 U.S.C. §2601 et seq., Family and Medical Leave Act; 29 C.F.R. Part 825. 105 ILCS 5/24-6.4.
CROSS REF.: 5:180 (Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity), 5:250 (Leaves of Absence), 5:310 (Compensatory Time-Off), 5:330 (Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

Professional Personnel

Belleville THSD 201

5:190 Teacher Qualifications

A teacher, as the term is used in this policy, refers to a District employee who is required to be licensed under State law. The following qualifications apply:
1.	Each teacher must:

a.	Have a valid Illinois Professional Educator License issued by the State Superintendent of Education with the required endorsements as provided in the School Code.
b.	Provide the District Office with a complete official transcript of credits earned in institutions of higher education.
c.	On or before September 1 of each year, unless otherwise provided in an applicable collective bargaining agreement, provide the District Office with an official transcript of any credits earned since the date the last transcript was filed.
d.	Notify the Superintendent of any change in the teacher's transcript.

2.	All teachers working in a program supported with federal funds under Title I, Part A must meet applicable State certification and licensure requirements.
The Superintendent or designee shall:

1.	Monitor compliance with State and federal law requirements that teachers be appropriately licensed;
2.	Through incentives for voluntary transfers, professional development, recruiting programs, or other effective strategies, ensure that minority students and students from low-income families are not taught at higher rates than other students by unqualified, out-of-field, or inexperienced teachers; and
3.	Ensure parents/guardians of students in schools receiving Title I funds are notified of their right to request their students' classroom teachers' professional qualifications.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §6312(e)(1)(A).
105 ILCS 5/10-20.15, 5/21B-15, 5/21B-20, 5/21B-25, and 5/24-23.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.610 et seq., §1.705 et seq., and Part 25. CROSS REF.: 6:170 (Title I Programs)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:200 Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal

The Board of Education delegates authority and responsibility to the Superintendent to manage the terms and conditions for the employment of professional personnel. The Superintendent shall act reasonably and comply with State and federal law as well as any applicable individual employment contract or collective bargaining agreement in effect. The Superintendent is responsible for making dismissal recommendations to the Board consistent with the Board's goal of having a highly qualified, high performing staff.
Duty-Free Lunch, School Year and Day, Salary, Assignments and Transfers
Please refer to the following:
Agreement between Board of Education Belleville Township High Schools East and West, District 201 and Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Nursing Mothers

The District accommodates employees who are nursing mothers according to provisions in State and federal law.
School Social Worker Services Outside of District Employment

School social workers may not provide services outside of their District employment to any student(s) attending school in the District. School social worker has the meaning stated in 105 ILCS 5/14-1.09a.
Dismissal
The District will follow State law when dismissing a teacher. Evaluation
The District's teacher evaluation system will be conducted under the plan developed pursuant to State law.
Please refer to the following:
Agreement between Board of Education Belleville Township High Schools East and West, District 201 and Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.

On an annual basis, the Superintendent will provide the School Board with a written report which outlines the results of the District's teacher evaluation system.
Participation of Staff on State and North Central Committees

Staff members may serve on North Central Evaluation Teams with the approval of the Principal and Superintendent.

Participation in other school districts usually contributes to professional growth. Requests for absence for evaluations or consulting work shall be submitted to the Superintendent.

Approval depends on amount of time the staff member must be away from school, the nature of the assignment, how many previous times he has served, how many staff members have been released for this purpose during this year.

Evaluations or consulting assignments which are primarily for financial gain may be granted only without pay.

LEGAL REF.:
29 U.S.C. §218(d), Pub. L. 117-328, Pump for Nursing Mothers Act.
42 U.S.C. §2000gg et seq., Pub. L. 117-328, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-19, 5/10-19.05, 5/10-20.65, 5/14-1.09a, 5/22-95, 5/22.4, 5/24-16.5, 5/24-2, 5/24-8,
5/24-9, 5/24-11, 5/24-12, 5/24-21, 5/24A-1 through 24A-20.
820 ILCS 260/, Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act.

23 Ill.Admin.Code Parts 50 (Evaluation of Educator Licensed Employees) and 51 (Dismissal of Tenured Teachers).
Cleveland Bd. of Educ. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532(1985).

CROSS REF.: 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions), 6:20 (School Year Calendar and Day)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:210 Resignations

Teachers may resign at any time with consent of the School Board. No teacher may resign during the school term in order to accept another teaching position without the consent of the School Board. A teacher may resign outside of a school term if the teacher provides written notice to the secretary of the Board, at least 30 calendar days prior to the first student attendance day of the following school year. Teachers who resign with less than 30 days’ notice prior to the first student attendance day of the following school term will be deemed to have resigned during the school term.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/24-14.

Park Forest Heights School Dist. v. State Teacher Certification Bd., 363 Ill.App.3d 433 (1st Dist. 2006).
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:220 Substitute Teachers

The Superintendent may employ substitute teachers as necessary to replace teachers who are temporarily absent.

A substitute teacher must hold either a valid teaching or substitute license and may teach in the place of a licensed teacher who is under contract with the Board. There is no limit on the number of days that a substitute teacher may teach in the District during the school year, except as follows:

1.	A substitute teacher holding a substitute license may teach for any one licensed teacher under contract with the District only for a period not to exceed 90 paid school days in any one school term.
2.	A teacher holding a Professional Educator License or Educator License with Stipulations may teach for any one licensed teacher under contract with the District only for a period not to exceed 120 paid school days.

The Ill. Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) limits a substitute teacher who is a TRS annuitant to substitute teaching for a period not to exceed 120 paid days or 600 paid hours in each school year through June 30, 2026, but not more than 100 paid days in the same classroom. Beginning July 1, 2026, a substitute teacher who is a TRS annuitant may substitute teach for a period not to exceed 100 paid days or 500 paid hours in any school year, unless the subject area is one where the Regional Superintendent has certified that a personnel shortage exists.

The School Board establishes a daily rate of pay for substitute teachers. Substitute teachers receive only monetary compensation for time worked and no other benefits.
Short-Term Substitute Teachers

A short-term substitute teacher must hold a valid short-term substitute teaching license and have completed the District’s short-term substitute teacher training program. Unless otherwise permitted by law, short-term substitutes may teach no more than five consecutive school days for each licensed teacher who is under contract with the Board.
Emergency Situations

A substitute teacher may teach when no licensed teacher is under contract with the Board if the District has an emergency situation as defined in State law. During an emergency situation, a substitute teacher is limited to 30 calendar days of employment per each vacant position. The Superintendent shall notify the appropriate Regional Office of Education (ROE) within five business days after the employment of a substitute teacher in an emergency situation. The Board may continue to employ the same substitute teacher in a vacant position for 90 calendar days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if, prior to the end of the then current 30-calendar-day period, the District makes a written request to the ROE for a 30-calendar-day extension and the extension is granted by the ROE.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.68, 5/21B-20(2), 5/21B-20(3), and 5/21B-20(4).
40 ILCS 5/16-118, Ill. Pension Code.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.790 (Substitute Teacher) and §25.520 (Substitute Teaching License). CROSS REF.:	5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:230 Maintaining Student Discipline

Maintaining an orderly learning environment is an essential part of each teacher’s instructional responsibilities. A teacher’s ability to foster appropriate student behavior is an important factor in the teacher’s educational effectiveness. The Superintendent shall ensure that teachers, other certificated [licensed] educational employees (except for individuals employed as paraprofessional educators), and persons providing a student’s related service: (1) maintain discipline in the schools as required in the School Code, and (2) follow the Board policies and administrative procedures on student conduct, behavior, and discipline.

When a student’s behavior is unacceptable, the teacher should first discuss the matter with the student, if appropriate. If the unacceptable behavior continues, the teacher should consult with the Building Principal and/or discuss the problem with the parent(s)/guardian(s). A teacher may remove any student from the learning setting whose behavior interferes with the lessons or participation of fellow students. A student’s removal must be in accordance with Board policy and administrative procedures.

Teachers shall not use disciplinary methods that may be damaging to students, such as ridicule, sarcasm, or excessive temper displays. Corporal punishment (including slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of a student in physically painful positions, and intentional infliction of bodily harm) may not be used. Teachers may use reasonable force as needed to keep students, school personnel, and others safe, or for self-defense or defense of property.
Please refer to the following:
Agreement between Board of Education Belleville Township High Schools East and West, District 201 and Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/24-24.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.280.

CROSS REF.: 2:150 (Committees), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

5:240 Suspension

The School Board may suspend without pay: (1) a professional employee pending a dismissal hearing, or (2) a teacher as a disciplinary measure for misconduct that is detrimental to the School District. Administrative staff members may not be suspended without pay as a disciplinary measure.
Misconduct that is detrimental to the School District includes:

Failure to follow an oral or written directive from a supervisor in the employee’s chain of supervision.
Conduct that is or may be in the future disruptive to the educational process or the orderly operation of the School District.
Conduct that violates any State or federal law, or serious conduct that negatively impacts the employee’s present or future job performance, or when the School District can demonstrate that such conduct is reasonable related to a legitimate School District educational or operational concern.

The Superintendent or designee is authorized to issue a pre-suspension notification to a professional employee. This notification shall include the length and reason for the suspension as well as the deadline for the employee to exercise his or her right to appeal the suspension to the Board or Board- appointed hearing examiner before it is imposed. At the request of the professional employee made within five calendar days of receipt of a pre-suspension notification, the Board or Board-appointed hearing examiner will conduct a pre-suspension hearing. The Board or its designee shall notify the professional employee of the date and time of the hearing. At the pre-suspension hearing, the professional employee or his/her representative may present evidence. If the employee does not appeal the pre-suspension notification, the Superintendent or designee shall report the action to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Suspension With Pay

The School Board or Superintendent or designee may suspend a professional employee with pay: (1) during an investigation into allegations of disobedience or misconduct whenever the employee’s continued presence in his or her position would not be in the School District’s best interests, (2) as a disciplinary measure for misconduct that is detrimental to the School District as defined above, or (3) pending a Board hearing to suspend a teacher without pay.

The Superintendent shall meet with the professional employee to present the allegations and give the professional employee an opportunity to refute the charges. The professional employee will be told the dates and times the suspension will begin and end.
Employees Under Investigation by Illinois Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

Upon receipt of a DCFS recommendation that the District remove an employee from his or her position when he or she is the subject of a pending DCFS investigation that relates to his or her employment with the District, the Board or Superintendent or designee, in consultation with the Board Attorney, will determine whether to:
1.	Let the employee remain in his or her position pending the outcome of the investigation; or
2.	Remove the employee as recommended by DCFS, proceeding with:
a.	A suspension with pay; or
b.	A suspension without pay. Repayment of Compensation and Benefits
a.	
If a professional employee is suspended with pay, either voluntarily or involuntarily, pending the outcome of a criminal investigation or prosecution, and the employee is later dismissed as a result of his or her criminal conviction, the employee must repay to the District all compensation and the value of all benefits received by him or her during the suspension. The Superintendent will notify the employee of this requirement when the employee is suspended.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/24-12.
5 ILCS 430/5-60(b), State Officials and Employee Ethics Act.
325 ILCS 5/7.4(c-10), Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Cleveland Bd. of Educ. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532 (1985).
Barszcz v. Cmty College Dist. No. 504, 400 F.Supp. 675 (N.D. Ill. 1975). Massie v. East St. Louis Sch. Dist. No.189, 203 Ill.App.3d 965 (5th Dist. 1990). CROSS REF.: 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions)
Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

5:250 Leaves of Absence

Each of the provisions in this policy applies to all professional personnel to the extent it does not conflict with an applicable collective bargaining agreement or individual contract; in the event of a conflict, such provision is severable and the applicable bargaining agreement or individual agreement will control.

Sick and Bereavement Leave, Sabbatical Leave, Personal Leave, Leave of Absence Without Pay, Leave for Service in the Military, Adoption Leave
Please refer to the following:
Agreement between Board of Education Belleville Township High Schools East and West, District 201 and Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.

Staff members are entitled to use up to 30 days of paid sick leave because of the birth of a child that is not dependent on the need to recover from childbirth. Such days may be used at any time within the 12-month period following the birth of the child. Intervening periods of nonworking days or school not being in session, such as breaks and holidays, do not count towards the 30 working school days. As a condition of paying sick leave beyond the 30 working school days, the Board or Superintendent may require medical certification.

For purposes of adoption, placement for adoption, or acceptance of a child in need of foster care, paid sick leave may be used for reasons related to the formal adoption or the formal foster care process prior to taking custody of the child or accepting the child in need of foster care, and for taking custody of the child or accepting the child in need of foster care. Such leave is limited to 30 days, unless a longer leave is provided in an applicable collective bargaining agreement, and need not be used consecutively once the formal adoption or foster care process is underway. The Board or Superintendent may require that the employee provide evidence that the formal adoption or foster care process is underway.
Family Bereavement Leave

State law allows a maximum of 10 unpaid work days for eligible employees (Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 20 U.S.C. §2601 et seq.) to take family bereavement leave. The purpose, requirements, scheduling, and all other terms of the leave are governed by the Family Bereavement Leave Act. Eligible employees may use family bereavement leave, without any adverse employment action, for: (1) attendance by the bereaved staff member at the funeral or alternative to a funeral of a covered family member, which includes an employee’s child, stepchild, domestic partner, sibling, parent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandchild, grandparent, or stepparent (2) making arrangements necessitated by the death of the covered family member, (3) grieving the death of the covered family member, or (4) absence from work due to a Significant Event, which includes: (i) miscarriage, (ii) an unsuccessful round of intrauterine insemination or of an assisted reproductive technology procedure,
(iii) a failed adoption match or an adoption that is not finalized because it is contested by another party, (iv) a failed surrogacy agreement, (v) a diagnosis that negatively impacts pregnancy or fertility, or (vi) a still birth. An employee qualifying for leave due to a Significant Event will not be required to identify which specific reason applies to the employee’s request.

The leave must be completed within 60 days after the date on which the employee received notice of the death of the covered family member or the date on which an event under item (4) above occurs. However, in the event of the death of more than one covered family member in a 12-month period, an employee is entitled to up to a total of six weeks of bereavement leave during the 12-month period, subject to certain restrictions under State and federal law. Other existing forms of leave may be substituted for the leave provided in the Family Bereavement Leave Act. This policy does not create any right for an employee to take family bereavement leave that is inconsistent with the Family

Bereavement Leave Act.
Child Extended Bereavement Leave

Unpaid leave from work is available to employees who experience the loss of a child by suicide or homicide. The Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act governs the duration, scheduling, continuity of benefits, and all other terms of the leave. Accordingly, if the District employs 250 or more employees on a full-time basis, an employee is entitled to a total of 12 weeks of unpaid leave within one year after the employee notifies the District of the loss. An employee may elect to substitute other forms of leave to which the employee is entitled for the leave provided under the Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act.
General Assembly Leave

Leaves for service in the General Assembly, as well as re-employment rights, will be granted in accordance with State and federal law. A professional staff member hired to replace one in the General Assembly does not acquire tenure.
School Visitation Leave

An eligible professional staff member is entitled to eight hours during any school year, no more than four hours of which may be taken on any given day, to attend school conferences, behavioral meetings, or academic meetings related to the teacher’s child, if the conference or meeting cannot be scheduled during non-work hours. Professional staff members must first use all accrued vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave, and any other leave that may be granted to the professional staff member, except sick, and disability leave.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative procedures implementing this policy consistent with the School Visitation Rights Act.

Leaves for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Gender Violence, or Other Crime of Violence

An unpaid leave from work is available to any staff member who: (1) is a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence or (2) has a family or household member who is a victim of such violence whose interests are not adverse to the employee as it relates to the domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence. The unpaid leave allows the employee to seek medical help, legal assistance, counseling, safety planning, and other assistance, and to grieve and attend to matters necessitated by the death of a family or household member who is killed in a crime of violence, without suffering adverse employment action.

The Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) governs the purpose, requirements, scheduling, and continuity of benefits, and all other terms of the leave. Accordingly, if the District employs at least 50 employees, and subject to any exceptions in VESSA, an employee is entitled to a total of 12 work weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period. Neither the law nor this policy creates a right for an employee to take unpaid leave that exceeds the unpaid leave time allowed under, or is in addition to the unpaid leave time permitted by, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. §2601 et seq.).
Leaves to Serve as an Officer, Trustee, or Representative of a Specific Organization

Upon request, the Board will grant: (1) an unpaid leave of absence to a teacher who is elected to serve as an officer of a State or national teacher organization that represents teachers in collective bargaining negotiations, (2) up to 20 days of paid leave of absence per year to a trustee of the Teachers’ Retirement System to attend meetings and seminars as described in 105 ILCS 5/24-6.3,
(3) a paid leave of absence for the local association president of a State teacher association that is an exclusive bargaining agent in the District, or his or her designee, to attend meetings, workshops, or

seminars as described in 105 ILCS 5/24-6.2, and (4) up to 10 days of paid leave per school term for teachers elected to represent a statewide teacher association in federal advocacy work in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/24-3.5.
Leave to Serve as an Election Judge

Any staff member who was appointed to serve as an election judge under State law may, after giving at least 20-days' written notice to the District, be absent without pay for the purpose of serving as an election judge. The staff member is not required to use any form of paid leave to serve as an election judge. No more than 10% of the District's employees may be absent to serve as election judges on the same Election Day.
COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave

When applicable, paid administrative leave related to COVID-19 will be granted to eligible employees in accordance with State law.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.83, 5/24-6, 5/24-6.1, 5/24-6.2, 5/24-6.3, 5/24-13, and 5/24-13.1.
10 ILCS 5/13-2.5, Election Code.
330 ILCS 61/, Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. 820 ILCS 147/, School Visitation Rights Act.
820 ILCS 154/, Family Bereavement Leave Act.
820 ILCS 156/, Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act. 820 ILCS 180/, Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act.
CROSS REF.: 5:180 (Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity), 5:185 (Family and Medical Leave), 5:330 (Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:260 Student Teachers

The Superintendent is authorized to accept students from university-approved teacher-training programs to do student teaching in the District. No individual who has been convicted of a criminal offense that would subject him or her to license suspension or revocation pursuant to Section 5/21B- 80 of the School Code or who has been found to be the perpetrator of sexual or physical abuse of a minor under 18 years of age pursuant to proceedings under Article I of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 is permitted to student teach.

Before permitting an individual to student teach, begin a required internship, or participate in any field experience in the District, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that:
1.	The District performed a 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9(g) Check as described below; and
2.	The individual furnished evidence of physical fitness to perform assigned duties and freedom from communicable disease pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/24-5.
A 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9(g) Check shall include:
1.	Fingerprint-based checks through (a) the Illinois State Police (ISP) for criminal history records information (CHRI) pursuant to the Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635/1), and (b) the FBI national crime information databases pursuant to the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (P.L. 109-248);
2.	A check of the Illinois Sex Offender Registry (see the Sex Offender Community Notification Law (730 ILCS 152/101 et seq.); and
3.	A check of the Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry (Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act (730 ILCS 154/75-105).

The School Code requires each individual student teaching or beginning a required internship to provide the District with written authorization for, and pay the costs of, his or her 105 ILCS 5/10- 21.9(g) check (including any applicable vendor's fees). Upon receipt of this authorization and payment, the Superintendent or designee will submit the student teacher's name, sex, race, date of birth, social security number, fingerprint images, and other identifiers, as prescribed by the Ill. State Police (ISP), to the ISP. The Superintendent or designee will provide each student teacher with a copy of his or her report.
Assignment

The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for coordinating placements of all student teachers within the District. Student teachers should be assigned to supervising teachers whose qualifications are acceptable to the District and the students' respective colleges or universities.
LEGAL REF.:
34 U.S.C. §20901 et seq., Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, P.L. 109-248. 20 ILCS 2635/1, Uniform Conviction Information Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-21.9, 5/10-22.34, and 5/24-5.

CROSS REF.: 4:175 (Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 5:190 (Teacher Qualifications),
Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

Educational Support Personnel

Belleville THSD 201

5:270 Employment At-Will, Compensation, and Assignment

Employment At-Will

Unless otherwise specifically provided, District employment is at-will, meaning that employment may be terminated by the District or employee at any time for any reason, other than a reason prohibited by law, or no reason at all. Nothing in School Board policy is intended or should be construed as altering the employment at-will relationship.

Exceptions to employment at-will may include employees who are employed annually, have an employment contract, or are otherwise granted a legitimate interest in continued employment. The Superintendent is authorized to make exceptions to employing nonlicensed employees at-will but shall maintain a record of positions or employees who are not at-will.
Compensation
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Teacher Assistants Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township High School Board of Education and Local Union #116 Service Employees Union.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township School Board of Education and Operating Engineers.
For employees not covered by these agreements:
The School Board will determine salary and wages for educational support personnel. Increments are dependent on evidence of continuing satisfactory performance. An employee covered by the overtime provisions in State or federal law shall not work overtime without the prior authorization from the employee's immediate supervisor. Educational support personnel are paid twice a month.
Assignment

The Superintendent is authorized to make assignments and transfers of educational support personnel.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-22.34 and 5/10-23.5.

CROSS REF.: 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment) 5:35 (Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act), 5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions), 5:310 (Compensatory Time-Off)
Adopted: January 11, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

5:280 Duties and Qualifications

All support staff: (1) must meet qualifications specified in job descriptions, (2) must be able to perform the essential tasks listed and/or assigned, and (3) are subject to Board policies as they may be changed from time-to-time at the Board's sole discretion.
Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals provide supervised instructional support. Service as a paraprofessional requires an educator license with stipulations endorsed for a paraprofessional educator unless a specific exemption is authorized by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE).

Individuals with only non-instructional duties (e.g., providing technical support for computers, providing personal care services, or performing clerical duties) are not paraprofessionals, and the requirements in this section do not apply. In addition, individuals completing their clinical experiences and/or student teaching do not need to comply with this section, provided their service otherwise complies with ISBE rules.
Nonlicensed Personnel Working with Students and Performing Non-Instructional Duties Nonlicensed personnel performing non-instructional duties may be used:
1.	For supervising study halls, long distance teaching reception areas used incident to instructional programs transmitted by electronic media, e.g., computers, video, and audio, detention and discipline areas, and school-sponsored extracurricular activities;
2.	As supervisors, chaperones, or sponsors for non-academic school activities or for school activities connected to the academic program during any time in which the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency, in accordance with ISBE rule; or
3.	For non-teaching duties not requiring instructional judgment or student evaluation.

Nothing in this policy prevents a nonlicensed person from serving as a guest lecturer or resource person under a certificated teacher's direction and with the administration's approval.
Coaches and Athletic Trainers

Athletic coaches and trainers shall have the qualifications required by any association in which the School District maintains a membership. The coach for an extracurricular athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) at or above the ninth grade level must have completed the IHSA's educational program and competency testing on preventing abuse of performance-enhancing substances. Regardless of whether the athletic activity is governed by an association, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that each athletic coach: (1) is knowledgeable regarding coaching principles, (2) has first aid training, and (3) is a trained Automatic External Defibrillator user according to rules adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Anyone performing athletic training services shall be licensed under the Illinois Athletic Trainers Practice Act, be an athletic trainer aide performing care activities under the on-site supervision of a licensed athletic trainer, or otherwise be qualified to perform athletic trainer activities under State law.
Bus Drivers
All school bus drivers must have a valid school bus driver permit. The Superintendent or designee shall inform the Illinois Secretary of State, within 30 days of being informed by a school bus driver, that the bus driver permit holder has been called to active duty. New bus drivers and bus drivers who are returning from a lapse in their employment are subject to the requirements contained in Board policy 5:30, Hiring Process and Criteria and Board policy 5:285, Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers.

LEGAL REF.:
34 C.F.R. §200.58.
105 ILCS 5/10-22.34, 5/10-22.34a, and 5/10-22.34b.
625 ILCS 5/6-104 and 5/6-106.1, Ill. Vehicle Code. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.280, 1.630, and 25.510.
CROSS REF.: 4:110 (Transportation), 4:170 (Safety), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:35 (Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act), 5:285 (Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers), 6:250 (Community Resource Persons and Volunteers)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

5:285 Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers

The District shall adhere to State and federal law and regulations requiring a drug and alcohol testing program for school bus and commercial vehicle drivers. The Superintendent or designee manages a program to implement State and federal law defining the circumstances and procedures for the testing.

This policy shall not be implemented, and no administrative procedures will be needed, until it is reasonably foreseeable that the District will hire staff for a position(s) requiring a commercial driver's license.
LEGAL REF.:
625 ILCS 5/6-106.1 and 5/6-106.1c.

49 U.S.C. §31306, Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing (Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, P.L. 102-143).

49 C.F.R. Parts 40 (Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs), 382 (Controlled Substance and Alcohol Use and Testing), and 395 (Hours of Service of Drivers).

CROSS REF.: 4:110 (Transportation), 5:30 (Hiring Process and Criteria), 5:280 (Duties and Qualifications)
Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

5:290 Employment Termination and Suspensions

Resignation

An employee is requested to provide two weeks’ notice of a resignation. A resignation notice cannot be revoked once given. `
Retirement
Please refer to the Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Please refer to the Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Teacher Assistants Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Please refer to the Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Service Employees Union, Local No. 116.
Please refer to the Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Operating Engineer.
For employees not covered by this agreement:
An employee planning to retire should notify his or her supervisor at least 2 months before the retirement date.

No employees who began service with the District on or after January 1, 2012 shall receive a retirement bonus which was authorized by any personnel policy of this District adopted prior to January 1, 2012.
Non-RIF Dismissal

The District may terminate an at-will employee at any time for any reason, subject to State and federal law.

Employees who are employed annually or have a contract, or who otherwise have a legitimate expectation of continued employment, may be dismissed: (1) at the end of the school year or at the end of their respective contract after being provided appropriate notice and after compliance with any applicable contractual provisions, or (2) mid-year or mid-contract provided appropriate due process procedures are provided.

The Superintendent is responsible for making dismissal recommendations to the School Board consistent with the Board’s goal of having a highly qualified, high performing staff. This includes recommending a non-licensed employee for immediate dismissal for willful or negligent failure to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by 325 ILCS 5/.
Reduction in Force and Recall
Please refer to the following bargaining agreements:
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.

Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Teacher Assistants Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Please refer to the Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Service Employees Union, Local No. 116.
Please refer to the Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Operating Engineer.
For employees not covered by these agreements:
The Board may, as necessary or prudent, decide to decrease the number of educational support personnel or to discontinue some particular type of educational support service and, as a result of that action, dismiss or reduce the hours of one or more educational support employees. When making decisions concerning reduction in force and recall, the Board will follow Sections 10-22.34c (outsourcing non-instructional services) and 10-23.5 (procedures) of the School Code, to the extent they are applicable and not superseded by legislation or an applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Final Paycheck

A terminating employee’s final paycheck will be adjusted for any unused, earned vacation credit. Employees are paid for all earned vacation. Terminating employees will receive their final pay on the next regular payday following the date of termination, except that an employee dismissed due to a reduction in force shall receive his or her final paycheck on or before the next regular pay date following the last day of employment.
Suspension

Except as provided below, the Superintendent is authorized to suspend an employee without pay as a disciplinary measure, during an investigation into allegations of misconduct or pending a dismissal hearing whenever, in the Superintendent’s judgment, the employee’s presence is detrimental to the District. A disciplinary suspension shall be with pay: (1) when the employee is exempt from the overtime provisions, or (2) until an employee with an employment contract for a definite term is provided a notice and hearing according to the suspension policy for professional employees. Upon receipt of a recommendation from the Ill. Dept. Children and Family Services (DCFS) that the District remove an employee from his or her position when he or she is the subject of a pending DCFS investigation that relates to his or her employment with the District, the Board or Superintendent or designee, in consultation with the Board Attorney, will determine whether to:
1.	Let the employee remain in his or her position pending the outcome of the investigation; or
2.	Remove the employee as recommended, proceeding with:
a.	A suspension with pay; or
b.	A suspension without pay.

Any criminal conviction resulting from the investigation or allegations shall require the employee to repay to the District all compensation and the value of all benefits received by the employee during the suspension. The Superintendent will notify the employee of this requirement when the employee is suspended.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-22.34c and 5/10-23.5.

5 ILCS 430 et seq., State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. 325 ILCS 5/7.4(c-10), Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. 820 ILCS 105/4a, Minimum Wage Law.
CROSS REF.: 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:240 (Suspension), 5:270 (Employment At-Will, Compensation, and Assignment)
Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

5:300 Schedules and Employment Year

Please refer to the following bargaining agreements:
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Teacher Assistants Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township High School Board of Education and Local Union #116 Service Employees Union.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township School Board of Education and Operating Engineers.
For employees not covered by these agreements:
The Superintendent shall supervise a process for setting work schedules and an employment year for educational support employees in accordance with State and federal law, Board policy, and applicable agreements and shall:

1.	Assign each employee one supervisor who will establish a work schedule, including breaks, as required by building or District needs, workload, and the efficient management of human resources;
2.	Allow for the ability to respond to changing circumstances by altering work schedules as needed; and
3.	Consider the well-being of the employee. The Superintendent's approval is required to establish a flexible work schedule or job-sharing.
Breaks
Please refer to the following bargaining agreements:
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Teacher Assistants Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township High School Board of Education and Local Union #116 Service Employees Union.
For employees not covered by these agreements:
An employee who works at least 7.5 continuous hours shall receive a 30-minute duty-free meal break that begins within the first five hours of the employee's workday. The District accommodates employees who are nursing mothers according to State and federal law.
LEGAL REF.:

29 U.S.C. §§207 and 218d, Fair Labor Standards Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.14a, 5/10-22.34, and 5/10-23.5.
740 ILCS 137/, Right to Breastfeed Act. 820 ILCS 105/, Minimum Wage Law.
820 ILCS 260/, Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act.

CROSS REF.: 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:35 (Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

5:310 Compensatory Time-Off

This policy governs the use of compensatory time-off by employees who: (1) are covered by the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §201 et seq., and (2) are not represented by an exclusive bargaining representative.

Employees may be given 1-1/2 hours of compensatory time-off in lieu of cash payment for each hour of overtime worked. Other than as provided below, at no time may an employee's accumulated compensatory time-off exceed 240 hours, which represents compensation for 160 hours of overtime. An employee whose work regularly includes public safety, emergency response, or seasonal activities may accumulate a maximum of 480 hours of compensatory time, which represents compensation for 320 hours of overtime. If an employee accrues the maximum number of compensatory time-off hours, the employee: (1) is paid for any additional overtime hours worked, at the rate of one and one-half times the employee's regular hourly rate of pay, and (2) does not accumulate compensatory time-off until the employee uses an equal amount of accrued time-off.

An employee who has accrued compensatory time-off shall be permitted to use such time in at least half-day components provided such requests do not unduly disrupt the District's operations. The employee's supervisor must approve a request to use compensatory time-off.

Upon termination of employment, an employee will be paid for unused compensatory time at the higher of:

1.	The average regular rate received by such employee during the last three years of employment; or
2.	The final regular rate received by such employee.

Compensatory time-off is time during which the employee is not working and is, therefore, not counted as "hours worked" for purposes of overtime compensation.
Overtime
Please refer to the following bargaining agreements:
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township High School Board of Education and Local Union #116 Service Employees Union.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township School Board of Education and Operating Engineers.
Implementation

The Superintendent or designee shall implement this policy in accordance with the FLSA. In the event of a conflict between the policy and the FLSA, the latter shall control.
LEGAL REF.:
Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §201 et seq.; 29 C.F.R. Part 553.

CROSS REF.: 5:35 (Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act), 5:185 (Family and Medical Leave), 5:270 (Employment At-Will, Compensation, and Assignment)

Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

5:320 Evaluation

The Superintendent is responsible for designing and implementing a program for evaluating the job performance of each educational support staff member according to standards contained in Board policies as well as in compliance with State law and any applicable employee handbook.
Please refer to the current bargained agreement if applicable. For Employees not covered by this agreement:
The standards for the evaluation program shall include, but not be limited to:
1.	Each employee shall be evaluated annually, preferably before the annual salary review.
2.	The direct supervisor shall provide input.
3.	The employee's work quality, promptness, attendance, reliability, conduct, judgment, and cooperation shall be considered.
4.	The employee shall receive a copy of the annual evaluation.
5.	All evaluations shall comply with State and federal law and any applicable employee handbook

CROSS REF.: 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:150 (Personnel Records)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves

Each of the provisions in this policy applies to all educational support personnel to the extent it does not conflict with an applicable collective bargaining agreement or individual contract; in the event of a conflict, such provision is severable and the applicable bargaining agreement or individual agreement will control.
Sick and Bereavement Leave, Personal Leave
Please refer to the following bargaining agreements:
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Teacher Assistants Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township High School Board of Education and Local Union #116 Service Employees Union.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township School Board of Education and Operating Engineers.
Those not covered by the above agreements receive the same terms and conditions as those that are covered.
Vacation
Please refer to the following bargaining agreements:
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township High School Board of Education and Local Union #116 Service Employees Union.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township School Board of Education and Operating Engineers.
For employees not covered by these agreements:
Twelve-month employees shall be eligible for paid vacation days according to the following schedule:

Length of Employment	Monthly Accumulation

Maximum Vacation Leave Earned Per Year

From:	To:

Beginning of year 2 End of year 5	0.83 Days	10 Days per year

Beginning of year 6 End of year
15

1.25 Days	15 Days per year

Beginning of year 16

End of year	1.67 Days	20 Days per year

During the first year of employment, employees will earn vacation based on number of days worked in the fiscal year. For example, an employee who is employed four full months shall receive 3 1/3 days of vacation.

Part-time employees who work at least half-time are entitled to vacation days on the same basis as full-time employees, but the pay will be based on the employee's average number of part-time hours per week during the last vacation accrual year. The Superintendent will determine the procedure for requesting vacation.

Vacation days earned in one fiscal year must be used by the end of the following fiscal year; they do not accumulate. Employees resigning or whose employment is terminated are entitled to the monetary equivalent of all earned vacation.

Twelve month secretaries hired before July 1, 2004, may accrue vacation earned the year before they retire and vacation time earned the year they retire to be paid upon retirement.
Holidays
Please refer to the following bargaining agreements:
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township High School Board of Education and Local Union #116 Service Employees Union.
Agreement Between the Belleville Township School Board of Education and Operating Engineers.
For employees not covered by these agreements:
Unless the District has a waiver or modification of the School Code pursuant to Section 2-3.25g or 24- 2(b) allowing it to schedule school on a legal school holiday listed below, District employees will not be required to work on:
New Year's Day	Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday	Columbus Day President's Day	Veterans Day
Casimir Pulaski's Birthday	2024 Election Day

Memorial Day	Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth National Freedom Day	Christmas Day Independence Day

A holiday will not cause a deduction from an employee's time or compensation. The District may require educational support personnel to work on a school holiday during an emergency or for the

continued operation and maintenance of facilities or property. Leave of Absence Without Pay
Please refer to the following bargaining agreements:
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Secretaries Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Agreement Between Board of Education Belleville Township High School District No. 201 and Teacher Assistants Council Federation of Teachers, Local 434 of the American Federation of Teachers.
Fringe Benefits - Part-Time Employees

Sick leave days shall be prorated according to the hours worked per day and the semesters worked per year.
Retirement contributions and procedures shall follow the rules of the retirement system involved.

Full-year part-time employees shall be eligible to participate on a prorated basis in the medical and life insurance plan offered through the school. Part-time employees hired for less than the full school year shall not be eligible to participate in the medical and life insurance plan, unless the employee is covered by a District 201 collective bargaining agreement that established different guidelines.
Leave to Serve as a Trustee of the Ill Municipal Retirement Fund

Upon request, the Board will grant 20 days of paid leave of absence per year to a trustee of the Ill. Municipal Retirement Fund in accordance with State law.
Other Leaves
Educational support personnel receive the following leaves on the same terms and conditions granted professional personnel in Board policy 5:250, Leaves of Absence:
1.	Leave for Service in the Military.
2.	Leave for Service in the General Assembly.
3.	School Visitation Leave.
4.	Leaves for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Gender Violence, or Other Crime of Violence.
5.	Family Bereavement Leave.
6.	Child Extended Bereavement Leave.
7.	Leave to serve as an election judge.
8.	COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave. LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.7b, 5/10-20.83, 5/24-2, 5/24-6, and 5/24-6.3.
10 ILCS 5/13-2.5, Election Code.
330 ILCS 61/, Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. 820 ILCS 147, School Visitation Rights Act.

820 ILCS 154/, Family Bereavement Leave Act.
820 ILCS 156/, Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act. 820 ILCS 180/, Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act.
School Dist. 151 v. ISBE, 154 Ill.App.3d 375 (1st Dist. 1987); Elder v. Sch. Dist. No.127 1/2, 60 Ill.App.2d 56 (1st Dist. 1965).

CROSS REF.: 5:180 (Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity), 5:185 (Family and Medical Leave), 5:250 (Leaves of Absence)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

SECTION 6 - INSTRUCTION

Belleville THSD 201

6:10 Educational Philosophy and Objectives
The District's educational program will seek to provide an opportunity for each student to develop to his or her maximum potential. The objectives for the educational program are to:
1.	Foster students' self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-discipline.
2.	Develop students' awareness of and appreciation for cultural diversity.
3.	Stimulate students' intellectual curiosity and growth.
4.	Provide students with fundamental career concepts and skills.
5.	Help students develop sensitivity to the needs and values of others and a respect for individual and group differences.
6.	Help each student strive for excellence and instill a desire to reach the limit of his or her potential.
7.	Encourage students to become lifelong learners.
8.	Provide an educational climate and culture free of bias concerning the protected classifications identified in policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities.
In order for the School Board to monitor whether the educational program is attaining these objectives and to be knowledgeable of current and future resource needs, the Superintendent shall prepare an annual report that includes:
1.	A review and evaluation of the present curriculum.
2.	A projection of curriculum and resource needs.
3.	An evaluation of, and plan to eliminate, any bias in the curriculum or instructional materials and methods concerning the classifications referred to in item 8, above.
4.	Any plan for new or revised instructional program implementation.
5.	A review of present and future facility needs.

CROSS REF:1:30 (School District Philosophy), 3:10 (Goals and Objectives), 6:15 (School Accountability), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:15 School Accountability
According to the Illinois General Assembly, the primary purpose of schooling is the transmission of knowledge and culture through which students learn in areas necessary to their continuing development and entry into the world of work. To fulfill that purpose, the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) prepared State Goals for Learning and Learning Standards.
The School Board gives priority in the allocation of resources, including funds, time, personnel, and facilities, to fulfilling this purpose.
Quality Assurance

The Board continuously monitors student achievement and the quality of the District's work. The Superintendent shall supervise the following quality assurance components, in accordance with State law and ISBE rules, and continuously keep the Board informed:

1.	Prepare each school's annual recognition application and quality assurance appraisal, whether internal or external, to assess each school's continuous school improvement.
2.	Continuously assess the District's and each school's overall performance in terms of both academic success and equity. This includes, without limitation, a thorough analysis of ISBE's balanced accountability measure and each school's Multiple Measure Index and corresponding Annual Measurable Objective provided by ISBE.
3.	If applicable, develop School Improvement Plans, present them for Board approval, and supervise their implementation.
4.	Prepare a school report card, present it at a regular Board meeting, and disseminate it as provided in State law.
5.	In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/2-3.153, annually administer a climate survey on the instructional environment within the school to, at minimum, students in grades 9 through 12 and teachers.

The Superintendent shall make regular assessment reports to the Board, including projections whether the District and each school is or will be making adequate yearly progress as defined in State law. The Superintendent shall seek Board approval for each District and/or school improvement plan and otherwise when necessary or advisable.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/2-3.25, 5/2-3.25a, 5/2-3.25b, 5/2-3.25c, 5/2-3.25d-5, 5/2-3.25e-5, 5/2-3.25f, 5/2-3.25f-5,
5/2-3.63, 5/2-3.64a-5, 5/2-3.153, 5/10-17a, 5/10-21.3a, and 5/27-1.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 1, Subpart A: Recognition Requirements.

CROSS REF.: 6:170 (Title I Programs), 6:340 (Student Testing and Assessment Program), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

6:20 School Year Calendar and Day
School Calendar

The School Board, upon the Superintendent's recommendation and subject to State regulations, annually establishes the dates for opening and closing classes, teacher institutes and in-services, the length and dates of vacations, and the days designated as legal school holidays. The school calendar shall have a minimum of 185 days to ensure no less than 176 days of actual student attendance.

The Belleville Township High School East and Belleville Township High School West buildings and campuses shall be closed on Sunday. There shall be no classes, reference work, practices or clubs at the schools on Sunday unless administrative permission has been granted.
Commemorative Holidays

The teachers and students shall devote a portion of the school day on each commemorative holiday designated in the School Code to study and honor the commemorated person or occasion. The School Board may, from time to time, designate a regular school day as a commemorative holiday.
School Day

The School Board establishes the length of the school day with the recommendation of the Superintendent and subject to State law requirements. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure observances required by State law are followed during each day of school attendance.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-19, 5/10-19.05, 5/10-20.56, 5/10-20.46, 5/10-30, 5/18-12, 5/18-12.5, 5/24-2, 5/27-3,
5/27-18, 5/27-19, 5/27-20, 5/27-20.1, and 5/27-20.2.
10 ILCS 5/11-4.1, Election Code.
5 ILCS 490/, State Commemorative Dates Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.420(f).
Metzl v. Leininger, 850 F.Supp. 740 (N.D. Ill. 1994), aff’d by 57 F.3d 618 (7th Cir. 1995).
CROSS REF.: 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board), 4:180 (Pandemic Preparedness; Management; and Recovery), 5:200 (Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal), 5:330 (Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:70 (Teaching About Religions), 7:90 (Release During School Hours)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:30 Organization of Instruction
The School District has instructional levels for grades grade 9 through grade 12. The Superintendent shall annually present to the Board a plan for organizing instructional levels and assigning them to school facilities in order to:
1.	Support the District's educational program,
2.	Maximize facility usage without undue overcrowding, and
3.	Provide substantially comparable instructional programs across the District.

Students, for instructional purposes, may be placed in groups within a school that do not necessarily follow grade level designations. For purposes of attendance reporting and other records, however, each student is assigned a grade-level placement.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.37 and 5/10-22.18.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.420.

CROSS REF.:6:40 (Curriculum Development), 6:170 (Title I Programs), 7:30 (Student Assignment), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools), 7:100 (Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

6:40 Curriculum Development
Adoption
The Superintendent shall recommend a comprehensive curriculum that is aligned with:
1.	The District's educational philosophy and goals.
2.	Student needs as identified by research, demographics, and student achievement and other data.
3.	The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for students to become life-long learners.
4.	The minimum requirements of State and federal law and regulations for curriculum and graduation requirements.
5.	The curriculum of non-District schools that feed into or from a District school, provided that the necessary cooperation and information is available.
6.	The Illinois State Learning Standards and any District learning standards.
7.	Any required State or federal student testing.

The School Board will adopt, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, a curriculum that meets the above criteria.
Experimental Educational Programs and Pilot Projects

The Superintendent may recommend experimental educational programs and/or pilot projects for Board consideration. Proposals must include goals, material needs, anticipated expenses, and an evaluation process. The Superintendent shall submit to the Board periodic progress reports for programs that exceed one year in duration and a final evaluation with recommendation upon the program's completion.
Single-Gender Classes and Activities

The Superintendent may recommend a program of nonvocational single-gender classes and/or activities to provide diverse educational opportunities and/or meet students' identified educational needs. Participation in the classes or activities must be voluntary, both genders must be treated with substantial equality, and the program must otherwise comply with State and federal law and with Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities. The Superintendent must periodically evaluate any single-gender class or activity to ensure that: (1) it does not rely on overly broad generalizations about the different talents, capabilities, or preferences of either gender, and (2) it continues to comply with State and federal law and with Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities.
Development

The Superintendent shall develop a curriculum review program to monitor the current curriculum and promptly suggest changes to make the curriculum more effective, to take advantage of improved teaching methods and materials, and to be responsive to social change, technological developments, student needs, and community expectations.
The curriculum review program shall:
1.	Ensure regular evaluations of the curriculum and instructional program.
2.	Ensure the curriculum continues to meet the stated adoption criteria.
3.	Include input from a cross-section of teachers, administrators, parents, and students, representing all schools, grade levels, disciplines, and specialized and alternative programs.
4.	Coordinate with the process for evaluating the instructional program and materials.
1.	
Curriculum Guides and Course Outlines

The Superintendent shall develop and provide subject area curriculum guides to appropriate staff members.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1681, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, implemented by 34 C.F.R. Part 106. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.8 and 5/10-19.
CROSS REF.:6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 6:70 (Teaching About Religions), 6:80 (Teaching About Controversial Issues),6:100 (Using Animals in the Educational Program), 6:110 (Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program), 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 6:130 (Program for the Gifted), 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children), 6:145 (Migrant Students), 6:150 (Home and Hospital Instruction), 6:160 (English Language Learners), 6:170 (Title I Programs), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities),7:15 (Student and Family Privacy Rights)
Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

6:50 School Wellness
Student wellness, including good nutrition and physical activity, shall be promoted in the District’s educational program, school-based activities, and meal programs. This policy shall be interpreted consistently with Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 and the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA).
The Superintendent will ensure:
1.	Each school building complies with this policy;
2.	The policy is available to the community on an annual basis through copies of or online access to the Board Policy Manual and distributed to students and their parents/guardians through student handbooks; and
3.	The community is informed about the progress of this policy’s implementation. Goals for Nutrition Education and Nutrition Promotion
The goals for addressing nutrition education and nutrition promotion include the following:
Schools will support and promote sound nutrition for students.
Schools will foster the positive relationship between sound nutrition, physical activity, and the capacity of students to develop and learn.
Nutrition education will be part of the District’s comprehensive health education curriculum. See Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content.
Goals for Physical Activity
The goals for addressing physical activity include the following: Schools will support and promote an active lifestyle for students.
Physical education will be taught in all grades and shall include a developmentally planned and sequential curriculum that fosters the development of movement skills, enhances health-related fitness, increases students’ knowledge, offers direct opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively in a group setting, and encourages healthy habits and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle. See policies 6:60, Curriculum Content and 7:260, Exemption from Physical Education
During the school day, all students will be required to engage in a daily physical education course, unless otherwise exempted. See policies 6:60, Curriculum Content and 7:260, Exemption from Physical Education
The curriculum will be consistent with and incorporate relevant Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health as established by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE).
Goals for Other School-Based Activities
The goals for school-based activities include the following:
Schools will support and promote a healthy eating environment for students. Schools will promote and participate in wellness activities.
Schools will offer other school-based activities to support student health and wellness, including coordinated events and clubs.
Nutrition Guidelines for Foods Available During the School Day; Marketing Prohibited
Students will be offered and schools will promote nutritious food and beverage choices during the

school day that are consistent with Board policy 4:120, Food Services (requiring compliance with the nutrition standards specified in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s (USDA) Smart Snacks rules).
In addition, in order to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity, the Superintendent or designee shall:

1.	Restrict the sale of competitive foods, as defined by the USDA, in the food service areas during meal periods;
2.	Comply with all ISBE rules; and
3.	Prohibit marketing during the school day of foods and beverages that do not meet the standards listed in Board policy 4:120, Food Services, i.e., in-school marketing of food and beverage items must meet competitive foods standards.
Competitive foods standards do not apply to foods and beverages available, but not sold in school during the school day; e.g., brown bag lunches, foods for classroom parties, school celebrations, and reward incentives.
Exempted Fundraising Day (EFD) Requests

All food and beverages sold to students on the school campuses of participating schools during the school day must comply with the “general nutrition standards for competitive foods” specified in federal law.

The Superintendent or designee in a participating school may grant an EFD for grades 9 through 12 in participating schools. To request an EFD and learn more about the District’s related procedure(s), contact the Superintendent or designee. The District’s procedures are subject to change. The number of EFDs for grades 9 through 12 in participating schools is set by ISBE rule.
Guidelines for Reimbursable School Meals

Reimbursable school meals served shall meet, at a minimum, the nutrition requirements and regulations for the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program.
Unused Food Sharing Plan
In collaboration with the District’s local health department, the Superintendent or designee will:

1.	Develop and support a food sharing plan (Plan) for unused food that is focused on needy students.
2.	Implement the Plan throughout the District.
3.	Ensure the Plan complies with the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as well as accompanying guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the Food Donation Program.
4.	Ensure that any leftover food items are properly donated to combat potential food insecurity in the District’s community. Properly means in accordance with all federal regulations and State and local health and sanitation codes.
Monitoring

At least every three years, the Superintendent shall provide implementation data and/or reports to the Board concerning this policy’s implementation sufficient to allow the Board to monitor and adjust the policy (a triennial report). This triennial report must include without limitation each of the following:
An assessment of the District’s implementation of the policy
The extent to which schools in the District are in compliance with the policy

The extent to which the policy compares to model local school wellness policies A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the policy
How the District will make the results of the assessment available to the public Where the District will retain records of the assessment
The Board will monitor and adjust the policy pursuant to policy 2:240, Board Policy Development. Community Involvement
The Board and Superintendent will actively invite suggestions and comments concerning the development, implementation, periodic reviews, and updates of the school wellness policy from parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, school administrators, and the community. Community involvement methods shall align their suggestions and comments to policy 2:140, Communications To and From the Board.
Recordkeeping

The Superintendent shall retain records to document compliance with this policy, the District’s records retention protocols, and the Local Records Act.
LEGAL REF.:
Pub. L. 108-265, Sec. 204, Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. 42 U.S.C. §1751 et seq., Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.
42 U.S.C. §1758b, Pub. L. 111-296, Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. 42 U.S.C. §1771 et seq., Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
42 U.S.C. §1779, as implemented by 7 C.F.R. §§210.11 and 210.31. 50 ILCS 205/, Local Records Act.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.139 and 5/2-3.189.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 305, Food Program.
ISBE’s School Wellness Policy Goal, adopted Oct. 2007.
CROSS REF.:	2:140 (Communications To and From the Board), 2:150 (Committees), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 4:120 (Food Services), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 7:260 (Exemption from Physical Education), 8:10 (Connection with the Community)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

6:60 Curriculum Content
The curriculum shall contain instruction on subjects required by State statute or regulation as follows:

1.	In grades 9 through 12, subjects include: (a) language arts, (b) writing intensive course, (c) science, (d) mathematics, (e) social studies including U.S. history, American government and one semester of civics, (f) foreign language, (g) music, (h) art, (i) driver and safety education, and (j) vocational education.
2.	Students otherwise eligible to take a driver education course must receive a passing grade in at least eight courses during the previous two semesters before enrolling in the course. The Superintendent or designee may waive this requirement if he or she believes a waiver to be in the student’s best interest. The course shall include: (a) instruction necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, to the extent that they can be taught in the classroom, (b) classroom instruction on distracted driving as a major traffic safety issue, (c) instruction on required safety and driving precautions that must be observed at emergency situations, highway construction and maintenance zones, and railroad crossings and their approaches, and (d) instruction concerning law enforcement procedures for traffic stops, including a demonstration of the proper actions to be taken during a traffic stop and appropriate interactions with law enforcement. Automobile safety instruction covering traffic regulations and highway safety must include instruction on the consequences of alcohol consumption and the operation of a motor vehicle. The eligibility requirements contained in State law for the receipt of a certificate of completion from the Secretary of State shall be provided to students in writing at the time of their registration.
3.	In each grade, as well as in interscholastic athletic programs, steroid abuse prevention must be taught.
4.	In each grade, provided it can be funded by private grants or the federal government, violence prevention and conflict resolution must be stressed, including: (a) causes of conflict, (b) consequences of violent behavior, (c) non-violent resolution, and (d) relationships between drugs, alcohol, and violence.
5.	In grades 9 through 12, age-appropriate Internet safety must be taught, the scope of which shall be determined by the Superintendent or designee. The curriculum must incorporate policy 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks and, at a minimum, include: (a) education about appropriate online behavior, (b) interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and (c) cyberbullying awareness and response.
6.	In all grades, character education must be taught including respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, and citizenship in order to raise students’ honesty, kindness, justice, discipline, respect for others, and moral courage. Instruction in all grades will include educating students about behaviors that violate policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment.
7.	In all grades, students must receive developmentally appropriate opportunities to gain computer literacy skills that are embedded in the curriculum. In grades 9 through 12, intensive instruction in computer literacy, which may be included as a part of English, social studies, or any other subject.
8.	In all schools, citizenship values must be taught, including: (a) American patriotism, (b principles of representative government (the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois), (c) proper use and display of the American flag, (d) the Pledge of Allegiance, and (e) the voting process.
9.	In all grades, physical education must be taught including a developmentally planned and sequential curriculum that fosters the development of movement skills, enhances health-related fitness, increases students’ knowledge, offers direct opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively in a group setting, and encourages healthy habits and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle. Unless otherwise exempted, all students are required to engage in a physical education course with such frequency as determined by the Board after recommendation from
1.	
the Superintendent, but at a minimum of three days per five-day week. For exemptions and substitutions, see policies 6:310, High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students and 7:260, Exemption from Physical Education.
10.	In all schools, health education must be stressed, including: (a) proper nutrition, (b) physical fitness, (c) components necessary to develop a sound mind in a healthy body, (d) dangers and avoidance of abduction, (e) age-appropriate and evidence-informed sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education in all grades, and (f) beginning in the fall of 2024, in grades 9-12, the dangers of fentanyl. The Superintendent shall implement a comprehensive health education program in accordance with State law.
11.	In all schools, career/vocational education must be taught, including: (a) the importance of work,
(b)	the development of basic skills to enter the world of work and/or continue formal education,
(c)	good work habits and values, (d) the relationship between learning and work, and (e) if possible, a student work program that provides the student with work experience as an extension of the regular classroom. A career awareness and exploration program must be available at all grade levels.
12.	In grades 9 through 12, consumer education must be taught, including: (a) financial literacy, including consumer debt and installment purchasing (including credit scoring, managing credit debt, and completing a loan application); budgeting; savings and investing; banking (including balancing a checkbook, opening a deposit account, and the use of interest rates); understanding simple contracts; State and federal income taxes; personal insurance policies; the comparison of prices; higher education student loans; identity-theft security; and homeownership (including the basic process of obtaining a mortgage and the concepts of fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, subprime loans, and predatory lending); and (b) the roles of consumers interacting with agriculture, business, labor unions and government in formulating and achieving the goals of the mixed free enterprise system.
13.	In all schools, conservation of natural resources must be taught, including: (a) home ecology, (b) endangered species, (c) threats to the environment, and (d) the importance of the environment to life as we know it.
14.	In all schools, United States (U.S.) history must be taught, including: (a) the principles of representative government, (b) the Constitutions of the U.S. and Illinois, (c) the role of the U.S. in world affairs, (d) the role of labor unions, (e) the role and contributions of ethnic groups, including but not limited to, African Americans, Albanians, Asian Americans, Bohemians, Czechs, French, Germans, Hispanics (including the events related to the forceful removal and illegal deportation of Mexican-American U.S. citizens during the Great Depression), Hungarians, Irish, Italians, Lithuanians, Polish, Russians, Scots, and Slovakians in the history of this country and State, (f) a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the history of the U.S. and Illinois, (g) Illinois history, (h) the contributions made to society by Americans of different faith practices, including, but not limited to, Muslim Americans, Jewish Americans, Christian Americans, Hindu Americans, Sikh Americans, Buddhist Americans, and any other collective community of faith that has shaped America, (i) Native American nations' sovereignty and self-determination, both historically and in the present day, with a focus on urban Native Americans, and (j) beginning in the fall of 2024, the events of the Native American experience and Native American history within the Midwest and Illinois since time immemorial in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/27-20.05.

In addition, all schools shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on Constitution Day, each September 17, commemorating the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. However, when September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week.

15.	In all high school courses concerning U.S. history or a combination of U.S. history and American government, students must view a Congressional Medal of Honor film made by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, provided there is no cost for the film.
1.	
16.	In all schools, the curriculum includes instruction as determined by the Superintendent or designee on the Holocaust and crimes of genocide, including Nazi atrocities of 1933-1945, the Native American genocide in North America, Armenian Genocide, the Famine-Genocide in Ukraine, and more recent atrocities in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Sudan.
17.	In all schools, the curriculum includes instruction as determined by the Superintendent or designee on the history, struggles, and contributions of women.
18.	In all schools, the curriculum includes instruction as determined by the Superintendent or designee on Black History, including the history of the pre-enslavement of Black people from 3,000 BCE to AD 1619 the African slave trade, slavery in America, the study of the reasons why Black people came to be enslaved, the vestiges of slavery in this country, the study of the American civil rights renaissance, as well as the struggles and contributions of African- Americans.
19.	In all schools offering a secondary agricultural education program, courses as required by 105 ILCS 5/2-3.80.
20.	In all schools, instruction during courses as determined by the Superintendent or designee on disability history, awareness, and the disability rights movement.
21.	In grades 9 through 12, an opportunity for students to take at least one computer science course aligned to Illinois learning standards, Computer science means the study of computers and algorithms, including their principles, hardware and software designs, implementation, and impact on society. Computer science does not include the study of everyday uses of computers and computer applications: e.g., keyboarding or accessing the Internet.
22.	In all schools, instruction as determined by the Superintendent of designee on the events of Asian America history, including the history of Asian Americans in Illinois and the Midwest, as well as the contributions of Asian Americans toward advancing civil rights from the 19th century onward, which must include the contributions made by individual Asian Americans in government and the arts, humanities, and sciences, as well as the contributions of Asian American communities to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States.
LEGAL REF.:
Pub. L. No. 108-447, Section 111 of Division J, Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005. Pub. L. No. 110-385, Title I, 122 stat. 4096 (2008), Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act. 47 C.F.R. §54.520.
5 ILCS 465/3 and 465/3a.
20 ILCS 2605/2605-480.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.80(e) and (f), 5/10-20.73 (final citation pending), 5/10-23.13, 5/27-3, 5/27-3.5, 5/27-5,
5/27-6, 5/27-6.5, 5/27-7, 5/27-12, 5/27-12.1, 5/27-13.1, 5/27-13.2, 5/27-20.05, 5/27-20.08, 5/27-20.3,
5/27-20.4, 5/27-20.5, 5/27-20.7, 5/27-20.8, 5/27-21, 5/27-22, 5/27-23.3, 5/27-23.4, 5/27-23.7, 5/27-
23.8, 5/27-23.10, 5/27-23.11, 5/27-23.15, 5/27-24.1, and 5/27-24.2.
105 ILCS 110/3, Comprehensive Health Education Program. 105 ILCS 435/, Vocational Education Act.
625 ILCS 5/6-408.5, Ill. Vehicle Code.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.420, 1.425, 1.430, and 1.440.
CROSS REF.:	4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sex Abuse and Grooming Behaviors),

6:20 (School Year Calendar and Day), 6:40 (Curriculum Development), 6:70 (Teaching About Religions), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited), 7:190 (Student Behavior); 7:260 (Exemption from Physical Education)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

6:65 Student Social and Emotional Development
Student social and emotional development shall be incorporated in the District's educational program and shall be consistent with the social and emotional development standards to be contained in the Illinois Learning Standards. The objectives for addressing the needs of students for social and emotional development through the educational programs are to:
1.	Enhance students' school readiness, academic success, and use of good citizenship skills;
2.	Foster a safe, supportive learning environment where students feel respected and valued;
3.	Teach social and emotional skills to all students;
4.	Partner with families and the community to promote students' social and emotional development; and
5.	Prevent or minimize mental health problems in students. LEGAL REF.:
Children’s Mental Health Act, 405 ILCS 49/.

CROSS REF.: 6:270 (Guidance and Counseling Program), 7:100 (Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students), 7:250 (Student Support Services)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:70 Teaching About Religions
The School District's curriculum may include the study of religions as they relate to geography, history, culture, and the development of various ethnic groups. The study of religions shall give neither preferential nor derogatory treatment to any single religion, religious belief, or to religion in general.
The study of religions shall be treated as an academic subject with no emphasis on the advancement or practice of religion.
LEGAL REF.:
School Dist. of Abington Twp v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203 (1963). Allegheny County v. ACLU Pittsburgh Chapter, 492 U.S. 573 (1989).
CROSS REF.: 6:40 (Curriculum Development), 6:255 (Assemblies and Ceremonies) Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

6:80 Teaching About Controversial Issues
The Superintendent shall ensure that all school-sponsored presentations and discussions of controversial or sensitive topics in the instructional program, including those made by guest speakers, are:

Age-appropriate. Proper decorum, considering the students' ages, should be followed. Consistent with the curriculum and serve an educational purpose.
Informative and present a balanced view.
Respectful of the rights and opinions of everyone. Emotional criticisms and hurtful sarcasm should be avoided.
Not tolerant of profanity or slander.

The District specifically reserves its right to stop any school-sponsored activity that it determines violates this policy, is harmful to the District or the students, or violates State or federal law.
LEGAL REF.:
Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410 (2006).
Mayer v. Monroe Cnty. Cmty. Sch. Corp., 474 F.3d 477 (7th Cir. 2007).
CROSS REF.: 6:40 (Curriculum Development), 6:255 (Assemblies and Ceremonies) Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

6:92 Early Bird Instruction
Early Bird classes which will meet from 7:30 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. may be approved by the Board of Education.

Seniors who are behind in credit will be given first opportunity to attend Early Bird classes followed by Juniors who are behind in credit. There must be a minimum of twenty five (25) students enrolled for an Early Bird class (other than Physical Education classes) to meet. Additional considerations for the establishment of Early Bird Classes are as follows:
Early Bird Classes are an elective option: therefore, District transportation will not be provided.
Students must have been enrolled in District 201 the previous full semester (summer school does not count).
Nurses will be on duty.
Only juniors behind in credit and seniors behind in credit may take zero hour and six (6) academic classes between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. All other participants' day will end at 2:25 p.m.
CROSS REF.;6:30 (Organization of Instruction) ADOPTED:October 18, 2010

Belleville THSD 201

6:100 Using Animals in the Educational Program
Animals may be brought into school facilities for educational purposes according to procedures developed by the Superintendent assuring: (a) the animal is appropriately housed, humanely cared for, and properly handled, and (b) students will not be exposed to a dangerous animal or an unhealthy environment.
Animal Experiments

Experiments on living animals are prohibited; however, behavior studies that do not impair an animal's health or safety are permissible.
Animal Dissection

The dissection of dead animals or parts of dead animals shall be allowed in the classroom only when the dissection exercise contributes to or is a part of an illustration of pertinent study materials. All dissection of animals shall be confined to the classroom and must comply with the School Code.

Students who object to performing, participating in, or observing the dissection of animals are excused from classroom attendance without penalty during times when such activities are taking place. No student will be penalized or disciplined for refusing to perform, participate in, or observe a dissection. The Superintendent or designee shall inform students of: (1) their right to refrain from performing, participating in, or observing dissection, and (2) which courses contain a dissection unit and which of those courses offers an alternative project.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/2-3.122, 5/27-14, and 112/1 et seq.
CROSS REF.: 6:40 (Curriculum Development) Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

6:110 Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program
The Superintendent or designee shall develop, maintain, and supervise a program for students at risk of academic failure or dropping out of school. The program shall include education and support services addressing individual learning styles, career development, and social needs, and may include without limitation one or more of the following:
Parent-teacher conferences
Counseling services by social workers and/or guidance counselors Counseling services by psychologists
Psychological testing
Truants' alternative and optional education program Alternative school placement
Community agency services
Alternative learning opportunities program, in conformity with the Alternative Learning Opportunities Law, as it may be amended from time-to-time
Graduation incentives program Remediation program
Any student who is below the age of 20 years is eligible to enroll in a graduation incentives program if he or she:
1.	Is considered a dropout according to State law;
2.	Has been suspended or expelled;
3.	Is pregnant or is a parent;
4.	Has been assessed as chemically dependent; or
5.	Is enrolled in a bilingual education or English Language Learners program. LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/2-3.41, 5/2-3.66, 5/10-20.9a, 5/13B, 5/26-2a, 5/26-13, 5/26-14, and 5/26-16.

CROSS REF.:6:280 (Grading and Promotion), 6:300 (Graduation Requirements), 7:70 (Attendance and Truancy)
Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

6:120 Education of Children with Disabilities
The District shall provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the District, as required by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and implementing provisions of the School Code, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans With Disabilities Act. The term "children with disabilities," as used in this policy, means children between ages 14 (or has graduated from 8th grade) and and 21 (inclusive) for whom it is determined, through definitions and procedures described in the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) Special Education rules, that special education services are needed. Children with disabilities who turn 22 years old during the school year are eligible for such services through the end of the school year.

It is the intent of the District to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant to IDEA.

For students eligible for services under IDEA, the District shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of services to children with disabilities provided in the
ISBE Special Education rules. For those students who are not eligible for services under IDEA, but, because of disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services, the District shall establish and implement a system of procedural safeguards. The safeguards shall cover students' identification, evaluation, and educational placement. This system shall include notice, an opportunity for the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) to examine relevant records, an impartial hearing with opportunity for participation by the student's parent(s)/guardian(s), and representation by counsel, and a review procedure.

The District may maintain membership in one or more cooperative associations of school districts that shall assist the School District in fulfilling its obligations to the District's students with disabilities.

If necessary, students may also be placed in nonpublic special education programs or education facilities.

To assist with the education of children with disabilities, employees may utilize service animals. An employee may only employ the use of service animals at the District after obtaining written permission from the Superintendent or his/her designee and demonstrating that the service animal has a current rabies vaccination and tag for the safety interests of all individuals in the school environment.

The teacher and/or handler utilizing the service animal must ensure that safety interests of staff and students are met when employing the service animal.

The service animal must be housebroken and be under the control of its handler under all times while on District property. Failure of the handler to maintain control of the service animal may result in the service animal being barred from District property.

A person who is a "sex offender," as defined by the Sex Offender Registration Act, or a "violent offender against youth," as defined in the Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act, or has otherwise been convicted of a felony, is prohibited from being a handler or otherwise assisting with the service animal.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq., Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. 29 U.S.C. §794, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504.

42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., Americans With Disabilities Act. 34 C.F.R. Part 106.
34 C.F.R. Part 300.
105 ILCS 5/14-1.01 et seq., 5/14-7.02, and 5/14-7.02b.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 226.
CROSS REF.: 2:150 (Committees), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities) Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

6:130 Program for the Gifted
The Superintendent or designee shall implement an education program for gifted and talented learners that will challenge and motivate academically advanced learners and engage them in appropriately differentiated learning experiences to develop their unique abilities. If the State Superintendent of Education issues a Request for Proposals because sufficient State funding is available to support local programs of gifted education, the Superintendent or designee shall inform the Board concerning the feasibility and advisability of developing a "plan for gifted education" that would qualify for State funding.

Eligibility to participate in the gifted program shall not be conditioned upon race, religion, sex, disability, or any factor other than the student's identification as gifted or talented.

The School Board will monitor this program's performance by meeting periodically with the Superintendent or designee to determine and/or review the indicators and data that evidence whether the educational program for gifted and talented learners is accomplishing its goals and objectives and is otherwise in compliance with this policy.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/14A.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 227.
CROSS REF.: 6:135 (Accelerated Placement Program) Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:135 Accelerated Placement Program
The District provides an Accelerated Placement Program (APP). The APP advances the District’s goal of providing educational programs with opportunities for each student to develop to his or her maximum potential. The APP provides an educational setting with curriculum options usually reserved for students who are older or in higher grades than the student participating in the APP. APP options include, but may not be limited to: (a) accelerating a student in a single subject; and (b) other grade- level acceleration. Participation in the APP is open to all students who demonstrate high ability and who may benefit from accelerated placement. It is not limited to students who have been identified as gifted and talented. Eligibility to participate in the District’s APP shall not be conditioned upon the protected classifications identified in School Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities, or any factor other than the student’s identification as an accelerated learner.
The Superintendent or designee shall implement an APP that includes:

1.	Decision-making processes that are fair, equitable, and involve multiple individuals, e.g. District administrators, teachers, and school support personnel, and a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s);
2.	Notification processes that notify a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of a decision affecting a student’s participation in the APP;
3.	Assessment processes that include multiple valid, reliable indicators; and
4.	The automatic enrollment, in the following school term, of a student into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework offered by the high school if the student meets or exceeds State standards in English language arts, mathematics, or science on a State assessment administered under 105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5, as follows:
a.	A student who meets or exceeds State standards in English language arts shall be automatically enrolled into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework in English, social studies, humanities, or related subjects.
b.	A student who meets or exceeds State standards in mathematics shall be automatically enrolled into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework in mathematics.
c.	A student who meets or exceeds State standards in science shall be automatically enrolled into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework in science.

The Superintendent or designee shall annually notify the community, parent(s)/guardian(s), students, and school personnel about the APP, the process for referring a student for possible evaluation for accelerated placement, and the methods used to determine whether a student is eligible for accelerated placement, including strategies to reach groups of students and families who have been historically underrepresented in accelerated placement programs and advanced coursework.
Notification may: (a) include varied communication methods, such as student handbooks and District or school websites; and (b) be provided in multiple languages, as appropriate.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/14A.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 227, Gifted Education.

CROSS REF.: 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives), 6:130 (Program for the Gifted), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non- District Schools)
Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:140 Education of Homeless Children
Each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths, including a public pre-school education. A homeless child is defined as provided in the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and the Education for Homeless Children Act. The Superintendent or designee shall act as or appoint a Liaison for Homeless Children to coordinate this policy's implementation.

A homeless child may attend the District school that the child attended when permanently housed or in which the child was last enrolled. A homeless child living in any District school's attendance area may attend that school.

The Superintendent or designee shall review and revise rules or procedures that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youths. In reviewing and revising such procedures, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records and other documentation, and guardianship. Transportation shall be provided in accordance with the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and State law. The Superintendent or designee shall give special attention to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless children and youths who are not currently attending school. If a child is denied enrollment or transportation under this policy, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall immediately refer the child or his or her parent/guardian to the ombudsperson appointed by the Regional Superintendent and provide the child or his or her parent/guardian with a written explanation for the denial. Whenever a child and his or her parent/guardian who initially share the housing of another person due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar hardship continue to share the housing, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall, after the passage of 18 months and annually thereafter, conduct a review as to whether such hardship continues to exist in accordance with State law.
LEGAL REF.:
42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq., McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. 105 ILCS 45/, Education for Homeless Children Act.
CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 4:110 (Transportation), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:30 (Student Assignment and Transfers), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools), 7:60 (Residence), 7:100 (Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students)
Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

6:145 Migrant Students
The Superintendent will develop and implement a program to address the needs of migrant children in the District in accordance with federal law.
This program will:
1.	Identify migrant students and assess their educational and related health and social needs.
2.	Provide a full range of services to migrant students through appropriate local, State and federal educational programs, including applicable Title I programs, special education, gifted education, vocational education, language programs, counseling programs, and elective classes.
3.	Provide migrant children with full and appropriate opportunities to meet the same challenging State academic standards that all children are expected to meet.
4.	Provide, to the extent feasible:
a.	Advocacy and outreach programs to migrant children and their families, including helping such children and families gain access to other education, health, nutrition, and social services,
b.	Professional development programs, including mentoring, for District staff,
c.	Family literacy programs,
d.	The integration of information technology into educational and related programs, and
e.	Programs to facilitate the transition of secondary school students to postsecondary education or employment.
5.	Provide programs, activities, and procedures for the engagement of parents/guardians and family members of migrant students in an understandable format and language.
Migrant Education Program for Parent/Guardian and Family Member Engagement

Parents/guardians and family members of migrant students will be involved in and regularly consulted about the development, implementation, operation, and evaluation of the migrant program.

Parents/guardians and family members of migrant students will receive instruction regarding their role in improving the academic achievement of their children.
LEGAL REF.: 20 U.S.C. §6318.
20 U.S.C. §6391 et seq., Education of Migratory Children. 34 C.F.R. §200.81 et seq.
CROSS REF.: 6:170 (Title I Programs) Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

6:150 Home and Hospital Instruction
A student who is absent from school, or whose physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse anticipates that the student will be absent from school, because of a medical condition may be eligible for instruction in the student’s home or hospital. Eligibility shall be determined by State law and the Illinois State Board of Education rules governing (1) the continuum of placement options for students who have been identified for special education services or (2) the home and hospital instruction provisions for students who have not been identified for special education services. Appropriate educational services from qualified staff will begin no later than five school days after receiving a written statement from: (1) a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, (2) a licensed physician assistant, or (3) a licensed advanced practice registered nurse. Instructional or related services for a student receiving special education services will be determined by the student’s individualized education program.

A student who is unable to attend school because of pregnancy will be provided home instruction, correspondence courses, or other courses of instruction (1) before the birth of the child when the student’s physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse indicates, in writing, that she is medically unable to attend regular classroom instruction, and (2) for up to three months after the child’s birth or a miscarriage.

Periodic conferences will be held between appropriate school personnel, parent(s)/guardian(s), and hospital staff to coordinate course work and facilitate a student’s return to school.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-19.05(e), 5/10-22.6a, 5/14-13.01, and 5/18-4.5.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.520, 1.610, and 226.300.

CROSS REF.: 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunity), 7:280 (Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease)
Adopted: May 4, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

6:160 English Learners
The District offers opportunities for resident English Learners to achieve at high levels in academic subjects and to meet the same challenging State academic standards that all children are expected to meet. The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a program for English Learners that will:

1.	Assist all English Learners to achieve English proficiency, facilitate effective communication in English, and encourage their full participation in school activities and programs as well as promote participation by the parents/guardians of English Learners.
2.	Appropriately identify students with limited English language proficiency.
3.	Comply with State law regarding the Transitional Bilingual Educational Program (TBE) or Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI), whichever is applicable.
4.	Comply with any applicable State and federal requirements for the receipt of grant money for English Learners and programs to serve them.
5.	Determine the appropriate instructional program and environment for English Learners.
6.	Annually assess the English proficiency of English Learners and monitor their progress in order to determine their readiness for a mainstream classroom environment.
7.	Include English Learners, to the extent required by State and federal law, in the District's student assessment program to measure their achievement in reading/language arts and mathematics.
8.	Provide information to the parents/guardians of English Learners about: (1) the reasons for their child's identification, (2) their child's level of English proficiency, (3) the method of instruction to be used, (4) how the program will meet their child's needs, (5) how the program will specifically help their child learn English and meet age-appropriate academic achievement standards for grade promotion and graduation, (6) specific exit requirements of the program, (7) how the program will meet their child's individualized education program, if applicable, and (8) information on parent/guardian rights. Parents/guardians will be regularly apprised of their child's progress and involvement will be encouraged.
9.	Parents/guardians will be regularly apprised of their child's progress and involvement will be encouraged.
Parent Involvement

Parents/guardians of English Learners will be informed how they can: (1) be involved in the education of their children; (2) be active participants in assisting their children to attain English proficiency, achieve at high levels within a well-rounded education, and meet the challenging State academic standards expected of all students; and (3) participate and serve on the District’s Transitional Bilingual Education Programs Parent Advisory Committee.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §§6312, 6314, 6315, and 6318.
20 U.S.C. §6801 et seq.
34 C.F.R. Part 200.
105 ILCS 5/14C-1 et seq. 23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 228.
CROSS REF.: 6:15 (School Accountability), 6:170 (Title I Programs), 6:340 (Student Testing and Assessment Program)

Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

6:170 Title I Programs
The Superintendent or designee shall pursue funding under Title I, Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, to supplement instructional services and activities in order to improve the educational opportunities of educationally disadvantaged or deprived children.

All District schools, regardless of whether they receive Title I funds, shall provide services that, taken as a whole, are substantially comparable. Teachers, administrators, and other staff shall be assigned to schools in a manner that ensures equivalency among the District's schools. Curriculum materials and instructional supplies shall be provided in a manner that ensures equivalency among the District's schools.
Title I Parent and Family Engagement

The District maintains programs, activities, and procedures for the engagement of parents/guardians and families of students receiving services, or enrolled in programs, under Title I. These programs, activities, and procedures are described in District-level and School-level compacts.
District-Level Parent and Family Engagement Compact
The Superintendent or designee shall develop a District-Level Parent and Family Engagement Compact according to Title I requirements. The District-Level Parent and Family Engagement Compact shall contain: (1) the District's expectations for parent and family engagement, (2) specific strategies for effective parent and family engagement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance, and (3) other provisions as required by federal law. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the Compact is distributed to parents/guardians of students receiving services, or enrolled in programs, under Title I.

School-Level Parent and Family Engagement Compact
Each Building Principal or designee shall develop a School-Level Parent and Family Engagement Compact according to Title I requirements. This School-Level Parent and Family Engagement Compact shall contain: (1) a process for continually involving parents/guardians in its development and implementation, (2) how parents/guardians, the entire school staff, and students share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement, (3) the means by which the school and parents/guardians build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the State's high standards, and (4) other provisions as required by federal law. Each Building Principal or designee shall ensure that the Compact is distributed to parents/guardians of students receiving services, or enrolled in programs, under Title I.
Incorporated
by Reference: 6:170-AP1, E1 (District-Level Parent and Family Engagement Compact) and 6:170- AP1, E2 (School-Level Parent and Family Engagement Compact)
LEGAL REF.:
Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 6301-6514.

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 4:110 (Transportation), 5:190 (Teacher Qualifications), 5:280 (Duties and Qualifications), 6:15 (School Accountability), 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children), 6:145 (Migrant Students), 6:160 (English Learners), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:30 (Student Assignment and Transfers), 7:60 (Residence), 7:100 (Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students), 8:95 (Parental Involvement)
Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

6:185 Remote Educational Program
The Superintendent shall develop, maintain, and supervise a remote educational program consistent with 105 ILCS 5/10-29. The remote educational program shall provide an opportunity for qualifying students to participate in an educational program delivered by the District in a location outside of a school.
The remote educational program shall:

1.	Align its curriculum with the Ill. Learning Standards and Board policies 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives and 6:15, School Accountability.
2.	Offer instruction and educational experiences consistent with those given to students at the same grade level in the District through compliance with Board policies 6:30, Organization of Instruction and 6:300, Graduation Requirements.
3.	Provide instructors that meet the teacher qualifications in Board policy 5:190, Teacher Qualifications. Instructors are responsible for the following elements of the program:
a.	Planning instruction,
b.	Diagnosing learning needs,
c.	Prescribing content delivery through class activities,
d.	Assessing learning,
e.	Reporting outcomes to administrators and parents/guardians, and
f.	Evaluating the effects of instruction.

4.	Provide a remote educational program anytime during the period of time from and including the opening date to the closing date of the District's regular school term. It may operate on any calendar day, notwithstanding whether it is a student attendance day or institute day on the District's calendar or any other provision of law restricting instruction on that day. The District's regular school term is established by Board policies 2:20, Powers and Duties of the School Board and 6:20, School Year Calendar and Day. The remote educational program may be offered outside of the regular school term as part of any authorized summer school program.
5.	Establish a system to determine student participation in instruction in alignment with Board policy 6:20, School Year Calendar and Day.
6.	Limit participation to students who are juniors or seniors or demonstrate individual educational need(s). Approval of students in the program will be on a space-available basis.
7.	Authorize the Superintendent or designee to approve students for participation in the program when the student shows evidence of:

a.	Enrollment in the District pursuant to Board policies 7:60, Residence and 7:30, Student Assignment and Intra-District Transfer.
b.	Prior approval from their individualized educational program (IEP) team, if applicable.
c.	How the remote educational program best serves the student's individual learning needs.
d.	A consistent, appropriate attendance record, no disciplinary record, and a 2.5 minimum grade point average.

8.	Include a process for developing and approving a written remote educational plan for each student participating in the program.
9.	Require students to complete their participation in the program within 12 months, unless the student's participation is extended by the District.
10.	Require students to participate in all assessments administered by the District pursuant to State and federal law and Board policy 6:340, Student Testing and Assessment Program.
1.	
11.	Align with the requirements of Board policy 7:340, Student Records.
12.	Comply with other State and federal laws and align with all applicable Board policies. This includes the Superintendent submitting a copy of this policy to the Ill. State Board of Education along with any amendments to it and any data on student participation.
13.	Be monitored by the Board pursuant to Board policy 2:240, Board Policy Development, and included as a topic for discussion in the annual report required by Board policy 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives. It shall include a discussion of the process for renewal of the program when applicable.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-29.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §226.360.

CROSS REF.: 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 5:190 (Teacher Qualifications), 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives) 6:15 (School Accountability), 6:20 (School Year Calendar and Day), 6:30 (Organization of Instruction), 6:300 (Graduation Requirements), 6:340 (Student Testing and Assessment Program), 7:30 (Student Assignment and Intra-District Transfer), 7:60 (Residence), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: May 4, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

6:190 Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
Extracurricular or co-curricular activities are school-sponsored programs for which some or all of the activities are outside the instructional day. They do not include field trips, homework, or occasional work required outside the school day for a scheduled class. "Co-curricular activity" refers to an activity associated with the curriculum in a regular classroom and is generally required for class credit. "Extracurricular activity" refers to an activity that is not part of the curriculum, is not graded, does not offer credit, and does not take place during classroom time; it includes competitive interscholastic activities and clubs.

The Board must approve an activity in order for it to be considered a District-sponsored extracurricular or co-curricular activity, using the following criteria:

1.	The activity will contribute to the leadership abilities, social well-being, self-realization, good citizenship, or general growth of student-participants.
2.	Fees assessed students are reasonable and do not exceed the actual cost of operation.
3.	The District has sufficient financial resources for the activity.
4.	Requests from students.
5.	The activity will be supervised by a school-approved sponsor.
6.	The club sponsor has completed the District's Application for Approval of New Club or Activity and has included a list of at least fifteen (15) students who plan to join the New Club or Activity.
Non-school sponsored student groups are governed by Board policy, 7:330, Student Use of Buildings
- Equal Access.
Academic Criteria for Participation

Selection of members or participants is at the discretion of the teachers, sponsors, or coaches, provided that the selection criteria conform to the District's policies. Participation in co-curricular activities is dependent upon course selection and successful progress in those courses. In order to be eligible to participate in any school-sponsored or school-supported athletic or extracurricular activity, a student must satisfy the Illinois High School Association's scholastic standing requirements (doing passing work in at least 20 credit hours of high school work per week). Any student-participant failing to meet these academic criteria shall be suspended from the activity for 7 calendar days.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.30 and 5/24-24.

CROSS REF.: 4:170 (Safety), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:40 (Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities), 7:300 (Extracurricular Athletics), 7:330 (Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access); 8:20 (Community Use of School Facilities)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:210 Instructional Materials
All District classrooms and learning centers should be equipped with an evenly-proportioned, wide assortment of instructional materials, including textbooks, workbooks, audio-visual materials, and electronic materials. These materials should provide quality learning experiences for students and:
1.	Enrich and support the curriculum;
2.	Stimulate growth in knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical standards;
3.	Provide background information to enable students to make informed judgments and promote critical reading and thinking;
4.	Depict in an accurate and unbiased way the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society; and
5.	Contribute to a sense of the worth of all people regardless of sex, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other differences that may exist.

The Superintendent or designee shall annually provide a list or description of textbooks and instructional materials used in the District to the Board. Anyone may inspect any textbook or instructional material.

Teachers are encouraged to use age-appropriate supplemental material only when it will enhance, or otherwise illustrate, the subjects being taught. No R-rated movie shall be shown to students unless prior approval is received from the Superintendent or designee, and no movie rated NC-17 (no one 17 and under admitted) shall be shown under any circumstances. These restrictions apply to television programs and other media with equivalent ratings.

The Board of Education recognizes the need for students to have access to many different types of media as a part of their instruction. The Board also recognizes the responsibility of teachers and administrators to select materials for use in accord with current practices in education and to make them available in the schools. Several fundamental beliefs provide the foundation for the District 201 guidelines for the use of films in the classroom. It is, therefore, the policy of this District to require that films selected for use in our schools be chosen with relevance to the curriculum, with a high academic standard in mind, and with full consideration for appropriateness in relation to the students in the class.
The Board of Education has established the following procedures for the use of films in the classroom:

1.	All films are to be previewed by the teacher who plans to show the film prior to the selection for use in a classroom. Any "R" rated film to be shown in the classroom by a particular department is to be approved by a committee consisting of the Building Principal, the department chairperson, and three teachers from within that department.
2.	No "NC-17" or "X" rated films may be shown.
3.	No film is to be shown to students which has an "R" rating unless educational value can be demonstrated, the appropriate department head has been notified, and prior written approval has been received from the Building Principal.
4.	Parents/guardians shall be notified in writing in advance of showing of any "R" rated films, and upon request, be given an opportunity to view the film.
5.	Films edited for television or educational use should be used if available. Care must be taken to meet all copyright laws. All films are to be edited of sexual nudity.
6.	Parent/guardian and/or student requests to be excused from viewing a film on the basis of their beliefs will be approved. Alternative assignments may be made for students who are excused from viewing the film.
Instructional Materials Selection and Adoption

The Superintendent shall recommend to the Board for consideration and adoption all textbooks and instructional materials and shall include the following information: (1) title, publisher, copyright dates, number of copies desired, and cost; (2) any texts being replaced; and (3) rationale for recommendation. The School Code governs the adoption and purchase of textbooks and instructional materials.

All textbooks for the District shall be chosen by a committee of teachers from the department, with the approval of the department chairmen and the principals of each campus for recommended adoption by the Board of Education. Textbooks should be the same for East and West campuses unless special conditions make the selection of separate textbooks advisable. Textbooks should be used a minimum of three years.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.8 and 5/28-19.1.

CROSS REF.: 6:30 (Organization of Instruction), 6:40 (Curriculum Development), 6:80 (Teaching About Controversial Issues), 6:170 (Title I Programs), 6:260 (Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:15 (Student and Family Privacy Rights), 8:110 (Public Suggestions and Concerns)
Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:220 Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Program; Responsible Use and Conduct
The Superintendent or designee shall establish a Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Program. The program will:

1.	Promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication to enhance (a) technology use skills; (b) web-literacy and critical thinking skills about Internet resources and materials, including making wise choices; and (c) habits for responsible digital citizenship required in the 21st century.
2.	Provide sufficient wireless infrastructure within budget parameters.
3.	Provide access to the Internet only through the District's electronic networks.
4.	Identify approved BYOT devices and what District-owned technology devices may be available; e.g., laptops, tablet devices, E-readers, and/or smartphones.
5.	Align with established board policies.
6.	Provide relevant staff members with BYOT professional development opportunities, including the provision of:

a.	Classroom management information about issues associated with the program, e.g., technical support, responsible use, etc.;
b.	A copy of or access to this policy and any building-specific rules for the program;
c.	Additional training, if necessary, about 5:170, Copyright; and
d.	Information concerning appropriate behavior of staff members as required by State law and policy 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest.
7.	Provide a method to inform parents/guardians and students about this policy.
8.	Include the program in the annual report to the Board as required under policy 6:10, Education Philosophy and Objectives.
The District reserves the right to discontinue its BYOT program at any time. The District does not provide liability protection for BYOT devices, and it is not responsible for any damages to them.
Responsible Use
The District recognizes students participating in the program as responsible young adults and holds high expectations of their conduct in connection with their participation in the program. Teachers may encourage students to bring their own devices as supplemental in-class materials when: (a) using the devices will appropriately enhance, or otherwise illustrate, the subjects being taught; (b) the Building Principal has approved their use and found that their use is age-appropriate; and (c) the student's parent/guardian has signed the Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Program Participation Authorization and Responsible Use Agreement Form. A student's right to privacy in his or her device is limited; any reasonable suspicion of activities that violate law or Board policies will be treated according to policy 7:140, Search and Seizure.
Responsible use in the program incorporates into this policy the individual's Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks agreement pursuant to policy 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks. Responsible use also incorporates the established usage and conduct rules in policy 7:190, Student Behavior.
Failure to follow these rules and the specific BYOT program student guidelines may result in: (a) the loss of access to the District's electronic network and/or student's BYOT privileges; (b) disciplinary action pursuant to 7:190, Student Behavior; 7:200, Suspension Procedures; or 7:210, Expulsion Procedures; and/or (c) appropriate legal action, including referrals of suspected or alleged criminal

acts to appropriate law enforcement agencies. LEGAL REF.:
Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), 47 U.S.C. §254(h) and (l). Enhancing Education Through Technology Act, 20 U.S.C §6751 et seq.
47 C.F.R. Part 54, Subpart F, Universal Service Support for Schools and Libraries. Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 15 U.S.C. §§6501-6508.
16 C.F.R. Part 312, Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.28.
CROSS REF.: 1:30 (School District Philosophy), 4:140 (Waiver of Student Fees), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 5:170 (Copyright), 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives), 6:40 (Curriculum Development), 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 6:210 (Instructional Materials), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks), 7:140 (Search and Seizure), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

6:230 Library Media Program
The Superintendent or designee shall manage the District's library media program to comply with, (1) State law and Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) rule, and (2) the following standards:

1.	The program includes an organized collection of resources available to students and staff to supplement classroom instruction, foster reading for pleasure, enhance information literacy, and support research, as appropriate to students of all abilities in the grade levels served.
2.	Financial resources for the program's resources and supplies are allocated to meet students' needs.
3.	Students in all grades served have equitable access to library media resources.
4.	The advice of an individual who is qualified according to ISBE rule is sought regarding the overall direction of the program, including the selection and organization of materials, provision of instruction in information and technology literacy, and structuring the work of library paraprofessionals.
5.	The program adheres to the principles of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, which indicate that materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
6.	Staff members are invited to recommend additions to the collection.
7.	Students may freely select resource center materials as well as receive guided selection of materials appropriate to specific, planned learning experiences.
LEGAL REF:
75 ILCS 10/8.7.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.420(o).

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:170 (Title I Programs), 6:210 (Instructional Materials), 6:260 (Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

6:235 Access to Electronic Networks - Staff and Students
Electronic networks are a part of the District’s instructional program and serve to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

The term electronic networks includes all of the District’s technology resources, including, but not limited to:

1.	The District’s local-area and wide-area networks, including wireless networks (Wi-Fi), District- issued Wi-Fi hotspots, and any District servers or other networking infrastructure;
2.	Access to the Internet or other online resources via the District’s networks or to any District- issued online account from any computer or device, regardless of location;
3.	District-owned or District-issued computers, laptops, tablets, phones, or similar devices.

The Superintendent shall develop an implementation plan for this policy and appoint system administrator(s).

The School District is not responsible for any information that may be lost or damaged, or become unavailable when using the network, or for any information that is retrieved or transmitted via the Internet. Furthermore, the District will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access to the Internet.
Curriculum and Appropriate Online Behavior

The use of the District's electronic networks shall: (1) be consistent with the curriculum adopted by the District as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of the students, and (2) comply with the selection criteria for instructional materials and library resource center materials. As required by federal law and Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content, students will be educated about appropriate online behavior, including but not limited to: (1) interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and (2) cyber-bullying awareness and response. Staff members may, consistent with the Superintendent's implementation plan, use the Internet throughout the curriculum.
The District's electronic network is part of the curriculum and is not a public forum for general use. Acceptable Use
All use of the District's electronic network must be: (1) in support of education and/or research, and be in furtherance of the goals stated herein, or (2) for a legitimate school business purpose. Use is a privilege, not a right. Users of the District’s electronic networks have no expectation of privacy in any material that is stored on, transmitted, or received via the District’s electronic networks. Any material that is stored, transmitted, or received via the District's electronic network or District computers, including files deleted from a user's account but not erased, are owned and controlled by the School District. The District provides electronic communication to aid staff members in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, and as an educational tool. General rules for behavior and communications apply when using electronic networks. The District's administrative procedure, Acceptable Use of the District's Electronic Networks, contains the appropriate uses, ethics, and protocol. School officials will not intentionally inspect the contents of electronic communication or downloaded materials without the consent of the sender or an intended recipient, unless as required to investigate complaints regarding electronic communication or downloaded material that are alleged to contain material in violation of this policy or the Authorization for Electronic Network Access, or unless as required to investigate a complaint that the sender or intended recipient has violated District policy as contained in this Board Policy Manual. Electronic communications and downloaded material, including files deleted from a user's account but not erased, may be monitored or read by school officials.

Internet Safety

Each District computer with Internet access shall have a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by federal law and as determined by the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent or designee shall enforce the use of such filtering devices. An administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person may disable the filtering device for bona fide research or other lawful purpose, provided the person receives prior permission from the Superintendent/Designee.

The Superintendent or designee shall include measures in this policy's implementation plan to address the following:
1.	Ensure staff supervision of student access to online electronic networks,
2.	Restrict student access to inappropriate matter as well as restricting access to harmful materials,
3.	Ensure student privacy, safety, and security when using electronic communications,
4.	Restrict unauthorized access, including "hacking" and other unlawful activities, and
5.	Restrict unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information, such as, names and addresses.
Authorization for Electronic Network Access
Each staff member must sign the District's Authorization for Electronic Network Access as a condition for using the District's electronic network. Each student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the Authorization before being granted unsupervised use.
Confidentiality

All users of the District’s computers to access the Internet shall maintain the confidentiality of student records. Reasonable measures to protect against unreasonable access shall be taken before confidential student information is loaded onto the network.
Violations

The failure of any user to follow the terms of the District’s administrative procedure, Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks, or this policy, will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §7131, Elementary and Secondary Education Act. 47 U.S.C. §254(h) and (l), Children’s Internet Protection Act.
47 C.F.R. Part 54, Subpart F, Universal Service Support for Schools and Libraries. 115 ILCS 5/14(c-5), Ill. Educational Labor Relations Act.
720 ILCS 5/26.5.

CROSS REF.: 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:170 (Copyright), 6:40 (Curriculum Development), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:210 (Instructional Materials), 6:230 (Library Media Program), 6:260 (Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:315 (Restrictions on Publications; High Schools), 7:345 (Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security)

Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

6:240 Field Trips
Field trips are permissible when the experiences are a part of the school curriculum and/or contribute to the District's educational objectives.

All field trips must have the Superintendent or designee's prior approval, except that field trips beyond a 200-mile radius of the school or extending overnight must have the prior approval of the School Board. The Superintendent or designee shall analyze the following factors to determine whether to approve a field trip: educational value, student safety, parent concerns, heightened security alerts, and liability concerns. On all field trips, a bus fee set by the Superintendent or designee may be charged to help defray the transportation costs.

Parents/guardians of students: (1) shall be given the opportunity to consent to their child's participation in any field trip; and (2) are responsible for all entrance fees, food, lodging, or other costs, except that the District will pay such costs for students who qualify for a fee waiver under Board policy 4:140, Waiver of Student Fees. All non-participating students shall be provided an alternative experience.
Any field trip may be cancelled without notice due to an unforeseen event or condition.

Privately arranged trips, including those led by District staff members, shall not be represented as or construed to be sponsored by the District or school. The District does not provide liability protection for privately arranged trips and is not responsible for any damages arising from them.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/29-3.1.

CROSS REF.:4:140 (Waiver of Student Fees), 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:270 (Administering Medicines to Students)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:250 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers
The School Board encourages the use of resource persons and volunteers to: (1) increase students' educational attainment; (2) provide enrichment experiences for students; (3) increase the effective utilization of staff time and skills; (4) give more individual attention to students; and (5) promote greater community involvement.
Resource persons and volunteers may be used:
1.	For non-teaching duties not requiring instructional judgment or evaluation of students;
2.	For supervising study halls, long distance teaching reception areas used incident to instructional programs transmitted by electronic media (such as computers, video, and audio), detention and discipline areas, and school-sponsored extracurricular activities;
3.	To assist with academic programs under a licensed teacher's immediate supervision;
4.	To assist in times of violence or other traumatic incidents within the District by providing crisis intervention services to lessen the effects of emotional trauma on staff, students, and the community, provided the volunteer meets the qualifications established by the Ill. School Crisis Assistance Team Steering Committee;
5.	As a guest lecturer or resource person under a licensed teacher's direction and with the administration's approval; or
6.	As supervisors, chaperones, or sponsors for non-academic school activities.

The Superintendent shall follow Board policy 4:175, Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications, to establish procedures for securing and screening resource persons and volunteers. A person who is a sex offender, as defined by the Sex Offender Registration Act, or a violent offender against youth, as defined in the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act, or has otherwise been convicted of a felony, is prohibited from being a resource person or volunteer. All volunteer coaches must comply with the requirement to report hazing in policy 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-22.34, 5/10-22.34a, and 5/10-22.34b.
720 ILCS 5/12C-50.1, Failure to Report Hazing.
730 ILCS 150/1 et seq., Sex Offender Registration Act.
730 ILCS 152/101 et seq., Sex Offender Community Notification Law.
730 ILCS 154/75 et seq., Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Community Notification Law. 730 ILCS 154/101 et seq., Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act.
CROSS REF.: 4:170 (Safety), 4:175 (Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:280 (Duties and Qualifications), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property), 8:95 (Parental Involvement)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:255 Assemblies and Ceremonies
Assemblies must be approved by the Superintendent or designee and be consistent with the District's educational objectives.

While the District respects an individual’s brief, quiet, personal religious observance(s), it shall not endorse or otherwise promote invocations, benedictions, and group prayers at any school assembly, ceremony, or other school-sponsored activity.
LEGAL REF.:
Lee v. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577 (1992).
Santa Fe Independent Sch. Dist. v. Doe, 530 U.S. 290 (2000).
Kennedy v. Bremerton Sch. Dist., 142 S.Ct. 2407 (2022).

Jones v. Clear Creek Independent Sch. Dist., 930 F.2d 416 (5th Cir. 1991), cert. granted, judgement vacated, 505 U.S. 1215 (1992), remand, 977 F.2d 963, reh’g denied, 983 F.2d 234 (5th Cir. 1992),
and cert. denied, 508 U.S. 967 (1993).
CROSS REF.: 6:70 (Teaching About Religion), 6:80 (Teaching About Controversial Issues) Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:260 Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs
Parents/guardians have the right to inspect any instructional material used as part of their child’s educational curriculum pursuant to School Board policy 7:15, Student and Family Privacy Rights.
Parents/guardians, employees, and community members who believe that curriculum, instructional materials, or programs violate rights guaranteed by any law or Board policy may file a complaint using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Parents/guardians, employees, and community members with other suggestions or complaints about curriculum, instructional materials, or programs should complete a Curriculum Objection Form. A parent/guardian may request that his/her child be exempt from using a particular instructional material or program by completing a Curriculum Objection Form. The Superintendent or designee shall establish criteria for the review of objections and inform the parent/guardian, employee, or community member, as applicable, of the District’s decision.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1232h, Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment.

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 7:15 (Student and Family Privacy Rights), 8:110 (Public Suggestions and Concerns)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:270 Guidance and Counseling Program
The School District provides a guidance and counseling program for students. The Superintendent or designee shall direct the District's guidance and counseling program. School counseling services, as described by State law, may be performed by a qualified guidance specialist or any certificated staff member.

The guidance program will assist students to identify career options consistent with their abilities, interests, and personal values. Students shall be encouraged to seek the help of counselors to develop specific curriculum goals that conform to the student's career objectives. High school juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to receive career-oriented information. Representatives from colleges and universities, occupational training institutions and career-oriented recruiters, including the military, may be given access to the school campus in order to provide students and parents/guardians with information.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-22.24a and 5/10-22.24b.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.420(q).

CROSS REF.: 6:50 (School Wellness), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 6:110 (Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program), 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 6:130 (Program for the Gifted), 7:100 (Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students), 7:250 (Student Support Services), 7:290 (Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:280 Grading and Promotion
The Superintendent shall establish a system of grading and reporting academic achievement to students and their parents/guardians. The system shall also determine when promotion and graduation requirements are met. The decision to promote a student to the next grade level shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, and performance on the standardized tests required by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) and/or other assessments. A student shall not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance. The administration shall determine remedial assistance for a student who is not promoted.

Every teacher shall maintain an evaluation record for each student in the teacher's classroom. A District administrator cannot change the final grade assigned by the teacher without notifying the teacher. Reasons for changing a student's final grade include:
A miscalculation of test scores,
A technical error in assigning a particular grade or score,
The teacher agrees to allow the student to do extra work that may impact the grade, An inappropriate grading system used to determine the grade, or
An inappropriate grade based on an appropriate grading system.
Should a grade change be made, the administrator making the change must sign the changed record. Sixth Subject
A sixth subject will be counted as credit toward graduation, but the grade will not be counted in calculating grade point average.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5, 5/10-20.9a, 5/10-21.8, and 5/27-27.

CROSS REF.: 6:110 (Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program), 6:300 (Graduation Requirements), 6:340 (Student Testing and Assessment Program), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools)
Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

6:290 Homework
Homework is part of the District's instructional program and has the overarching goal of increasing student achievement. Homework is assigned to further a student's educational development and is an application or adaptation of a classroom experience. The Superintendent shall provide guidance to ensure that homework:
1.	Is used to reinforce and apply previously covered concepts, principles, and skills;
2.	Is not assigned for disciplinary purposes;
3.	Serves as a communication link between the school and parents/guardians;
4.	Encourages independent thought, self-direction, and self-discipline; and
5.	Is of appropriate frequency and length, and does not become excessive, according to the teacher's best professional judgment.
Missed Homework
Students absent for a valid cause may make up missed homework in a reasonable timeframe per policy 7:70, Attendance and Truancy.
CROSS REF.: 7:70 (Attendance and Truancy) Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

6:300 Graduation Requirements
Unless otherwise exempted, each student must successfully accomplish the following in order to graduate from high school:

1.	Complete all District graduation requirements that are in addition to the State requirements. All courses in the curriculum will be valued at .5 credit per semester for one-hour classes and .25 credit per semester for half-hour classes. Graduation requirements are set at 21. Among the credits necessary to graduate, a student must accumulate 15.00 credits from academic classes. “Academic class” means any course except physical education, driver education, and music performance.
2.	Completing all courses as provided in the School Code, 105 ILCS 5/27-22.
3.	Completing all minimum requirements for graduation as specified in State law.
4.	Passing an examination on patriotism and principles of representative government, proper use of the flag, methods of voting, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
5.	Participating in State assessments that are required for graduation by State law.
6.	Filing one of the following: (1) a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the U.S. Dept. of Education, (2) an application for State financial aid, or (3) an Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) waiver form indicating that the student understands what these aid opportunities are and has chosen not to file an application. If the student is not at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, the student’s parent/guardian must file one of these documents on the student’s behalf.

A student is exempt from this requirement if: (1) the student is unable to file a financial aid application or an ISBE waiver due to extenuating circumstances, (2) the Building Principal attests the District made a good faith effort to assist the student or the student’s parent/guardian with filing a financial aid application or an ISBE waiver form, and (3) the student has met all other graduation requirements.
The Superintendent or designee is responsible for:

1.	Maintaining a description of all course offerings that comply with the above graduation requirements.
2.	Notifying students and their parents/guardians of graduation requirements.
3.	Developing the criteria for determining when a student accomplishes number 4 above.
4.	Complying with State law requirements for students who transfer during their senior year because their parent(s)/guardian(s) are on active military duty, this includes making reasonable adjustments to ensure graduation if possible, or efforts to ensure that the original (transferor) school district issues the student a diploma.
5.	Taking all other actions needed or necessary to implement this policy. Early Graduation
The Superintendent or designee shall implement procedures for students to graduate early, provided they finish seven semesters of high school and meet all graduation requirements.
Certificate of Completion

A student with a disability who has an Individualized Education Program prescribing special education, transition planning, transition services, or related services beyond the student’s four years of high school, qualifies for a certificate of completion after the student has completed four years of high school. The student is encouraged to participate in the graduation ceremony of his or her high school graduation class. The Superintendent or designee shall provide timely written notice of this

requirement to children with disabilities and their parents/guardians. Service Member Diploma
The District will award a diploma to a service member who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the U.S. Armed Forces or an honorably discharged veteran of World War I, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Conflict, provided that he or she (1) resided within an area currently within the District at the time he or she left high school, (2) left high school before graduating in order to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, and (3) has not received a high school diploma.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5, 5/22-27, 5/22-87, 5/27-3, 5/27-22, and 5/27-22.10.
105 ILCS 70/, Educational Opportunity for Military Children Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.440.
CROSS REF.: 6:30 (Organization of Instruction), 6:310 (High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students), 6:315 (High School Credit for Students in Grade 7 or 8), 6:320 (High School Credit for Proficiency), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

6:310 Credit for Alternative Courses and Programs, and Course Substitutions
Credit for Non-District Experiences

A student may receive high school credit for successfully completing any of the listed courses or experiences even when it is not offered in or sponsored by the District;
1.	Distance learning course, including a correspondence, virtual, or online course
2.	Courses in an accredited foreign exchange program
3.	Summer school or community college courses
4.	College or high school courses offering dual credit at both the college and high school level

5.	Foreign language courses taken in an ethnic school program approved by the Illinois State Board of Education
6.	Work-related training at manufacturing facilities or agencies in a Tech Prep Program
7.	Credit earned in a Vocational Academy

The student must seek approval from the Superintendent or designee to receive graduation credit for any non-District course or experience. The Superintendent or designee shall determine the amount of credit and whether a proficiency examination is required before the credit is awarded. As approval is not guaranteed, students should seek conditional approval of the experience before participating in a non-District course or experience. The student assumes responsibility for any fee, tuition, supply, or other expense. The student seeking credit is responsible for (1) providing documents or transcripts that demonstrate successful completion of the experience, and (2) taking a proficiency examination, if requested. The Superintendent or designee shall determine which, if any, non-District courses or experiences, will count toward a student's grade point average, class rank, and eligibility for athletic and extracurricular activities. When applicable, the Building Principal or designee shall, prior to the first day of class, inform individual high school students enrolled in a mixed enrollment dual credit course that includes students who have and have not met the community college’s criteria for dual credit coursework of whether or not they are eligible to earn college credit for the course. This section does not govern the transfer of credits for students transferring into the District.

A maximum of 1 unit of credit may be counted toward the requirements for a student's high school graduation. Only one course (.5 credits) can be taken each of the final semesters of the student's senior year.
Substitutions for Required Courses
Vocational or technical education. A student in grades 9-12 may satisfy one or more high school courses (including physical education) or graduation requirements by successfully completing related vocational or technical education courses if:

1.	The Building Principal approves the substitution(s) and the vocational or technical education course is completely described in curriculum materials along with its relationship to the required course; and

2.	The student's parent/guardian requests and approves the substitution(s) in writing on forms provided by the District.
Registered Apprenticeship Program. The Superintendent or designee will ensure that the District complies with State law requirements for registered apprenticeship programs. The opportunities and requirements for registered apprenticeship programs contained in this policy will be posted on the

District’s website, and parents/guardians and students will also be notified of such opportunities in the appropriate school handbook(s).

A student in grades 9-12 who is 16 years or older may satisfy one or more high school courses (including physical education) or graduation requirements by successfully completing a registered apprenticeship program if:
1.	The registered apprenticeship program meets all criteria contained in State law;
2.	The registered apprenticeship program is listed by the District, or the student identifies a registered (but not listed) apprenticeship program with a business or organization if one is not offered in the District;
3.	The student enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program has the opportunity to earn post- secondary credit toward a certificate or degrees, as applicable;
4.	The student’s parent/guardian requests and approves the substitution(s) in writing on forms provided by the District and on its website;
5.	The Building Principal approves the substitution(s); and
6.	All non-academic requirements mandated by the School Code for high school graduation that would otherwise prohibit or prevent the student from participating in the registered apprenticeship program are waived.
Advanced placement computer science. The advanced placement computer science course is equivalent to a high school mathematics course. A student in grades 9-12 may substitute the advanced placement computer science course for one year of mathematics, in accordance with Section 27-22 of the School Code. The transcript of a student who completes the advanced placement computer science course will state that it qualifies as a mathematics-based, quantitative course.
Substitutions for Physical Education. A student in grades 9-12, unless otherwise stated, may submit a written request to the Building Principal to be excused from physical education courses for the reasons stated below. The Superintendent or designee shall maintain records showing that the criteria set forth in this policy were applied to the student's individual circumstances.
1.	Ongoing participation in a marching band program for credit;
2.	Enrollment in academic classes that are required for admission to an institution of higher learning (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade); or
3.	Enrollment in academic classes that are required for graduation from high school, provided that failure to take such classes will result in the student being unable to graduate (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade); or
4.	Enrollment in 1½ hours of daily chorus.

A student requiring adapted physical education must receive that service in accordance with the student's Individualized Educational Program/Plan (IEP).

A student who is eligible for special education may be excused from physical education courses when:

1.	He or she is in grades 9-12, and his or her IEP requires that special education support and services be provided during physical education time, and the student's parent/guardian agrees or the IEP team makes the determination;
2.	He or she has an IEP and is participating in an adaptive athletic program outside of the school setting, and the parent/guardian documents the student's participation as required by the Superintendent or designee.
The provisions in the section Credit for Non-District Experiences, above, apply to the receipt of

credit for any non-District course. LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/2-3.44, 5/2-3.108, 5/2-3.115, 5/2-3.142, 5/2-3.175, 5/10-22.43a, 5/10-20.62, 5/27-6,
5/27-22.3, and 5/27-22.05.
110 ILCS 27/, Dual Credit Quality Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.425(e), 1.440(f), 1.470(c), and Part 255.

CROSS REF.: 6:180 (Extended Instructional Programs), 6:300 (Graduation Requirements), 6:315 (High School Credit for Students in Grade 7 or 8), 6:320 (High School Credit for Proficiency), 7:260 (Exemption from Physical Activity)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

6:315 High School Credit for Students in Grade 7 or 8
The Superintendent or designee may investigate, coordinate, and implement a program for students in grades 7 and 8 to enroll in a course required for a high school diploma.

If a program is available, students in grades 7 and 8 may enroll in a course required for a high school diploma when the course is offered by the high school that the elementary student would attend and either of the following is satisfied: (1) the student participates in the course at the high school and the elementary student's enrollment in the course would not prevent a high school student from being able to enroll, or (2) the student participates in the course where the student attends school as long as the course is taught by a teacher who holds a professional educator license with an endorsement for the grade level and content area of the course.

A student who successfully completes a course required for a high school diploma while in grades 7 and 8 shall receive academic credit for the course. That academic credit shall satisfy the requirements of Section 27-22 of the School Code for purposes of receiving a high school diploma, unless evidence about the course's rigor and content show that the course did not address the relevant Illinois learning standard at the level appropriate for the high school grade during which the course is usually taken.
The student's grade in the course shall also be included in the student's grade point average.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-22.43 and 5/27-22.10.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.460.

CROSS REF.: 6:300 (Graduation Requirements), 6:310 (High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students), 6:320 (High School Credit for Proficiency)
Adopted: January 11, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

6:320 High School Credit for Proficiency
Subject to the limitations in this policy and State law, the Superintendent or designee is authorized to establish and approve a program for granting credit for proficiency with the goal of allowing a student who would not benefit from a course because the student is proficient in the subject area to receive credit without having to take the course. A student who demonstrates competency under this program will receive course credit for the applicable course and be excused from any requirement to take the course as a graduation prerequisite. No letter grade will be given for purposes of the student's cumulative grade point average. The Superintendent or designee shall notify students of the availability of and requirements for receiving proficiency credit.
Proficiency credit will be offered in the following subject areas:
Foreign language - A student is eligible to receive one year of foreign language credit if the student has graduated from an accredited elementary school and can demonstrate proficiency, according to this District's academic criteria, in a language other than English. A student who demonstrates proficiency in American Sign Language is deemed proficient in a foreign language and will receive one year of foreign language credit. A student who studied a foreign language in an approved ethnic school program is eligible to receive appropriate credit according to the level of proficiency reached; the student may be required to take a proficiency examination.
Other proficiency testing - Proficiency testing may also be used to determine eligible credit for other subjects whenever students enter from non-graded schools, non-recognized or non-accredited schools, or were in a home-schooling program.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-22.43, 5/10-22.43a, 5/27-22, and 5/27-24.3.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 680.

CROSS REF.: 6:300 (Graduation Requirements), 6:310 (High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students), 6:315 (High School Credit for Students in Grade 7 or 8)
Adopted: January 11, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

6:330 Achievement and Awards
Grade Point Average, Class Rank, and Class Honor Roll

The Superintendent shall maintain a uniform process for secondary schools to calculate, on at least a yearly basis, each student's grade point average and class rank, as well as an honor roll for each class.
Awards and Honors

The Superintendent shall maintain a uniform process for presenting awards and honors for outstanding scholarship, achievement, and/or distinguished service in school activities in such a way as to minimize bias and promote fairness. All awards, honors, and scholarships shall be conferred to students under the direction and supervision of the Building Principal.

The establishment of scholarship funds by individuals, families, and organizations is encouraged. Any scholarship funds to be administered by the district must receive advance approval from the Board of Education. The Secretary to the Board of Education is responsible for maintaining and processing the scholarship awards. Scholarship funds established after April 1, 2000, must have an initial principal amount of no less than $5,000 to obtain Board approval. The selection of the scholarship recipients shall be based upon criteria established when the scholarship fund is approved by the Board of Education. Donations of less than $5,000 may be made to any existing scholarship fund.
Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

6:340 Student Testing and Assessment Program
The District student assessment program provides information for determining individual student achievement and instructional needs; curriculum and instruction effectiveness; and school performance measured against District student learning objectives and statewide norms.
The Superintendent or designee shall manage the student assessment program that, at a minimum:

1.	Administers to students all standardized assessments required by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) and/or any other appropriate assessment methods and instruments, including norm and criterion-referenced achievement tests, aptitude tests, proficiency tests, and teacher- developed tests.
2.	Informs students of the timelines and procedures applicable to their participation in every State assessment.
3.	Provides each student’s parents/guardians with the results or scores of each State assessment. See policy 6:280, Grading and Promotion.
4.	Utilizes professional testing practices.

Overall student assessment data on tests required by State law will be aggregated by the District and reported, along with other information, on the District’s annual report card. All reliable assessments administered by the District and scored by entities outside of the District must be (1) reported to ISBE on its form by the 30th day of each school year, and (2) made publicly available to parents/guardians of students. Board policy 7:340, Student Records, and its implementing procedures govern recordkeeping and access issues.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. 105 ILCS 10/, Illinois School Student Records Act.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.63, 5/2-3.64a-5, 5/2-3.64a-10, 5/2-3.64a-15, 5/2-3.107, 5/2-3.153, 5/10-17a, 5/22-82,
and 5/27-1.
23 Ill. Admin. Code §§1.30(b) and 375.10.
CROSS REF.: 6:15 (School Accountability), 6:280 (Grading and Promotion), 7:340 (Student Records) Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

SECTION 7 - STUDENTS

Belleville THSD 201

7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities
Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity, status of being homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy. Further, the District will not knowingly enter into agreements with any entity or any individual that discriminates against students on the basis of sex or any other protected status, except that the District remains viewpoint neutral when granting access to school facilities under Board policy 8:20, Community Use of School Facilities. Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, or in the case of discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, Board policy 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited.
Sex Equity

No student shall, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.

Any student may file a sex equity complaint by following the procedures and filing a complaint with an identified Complaint Manager set forth in Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Administrative Implementation

The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator, who also serves as the District’s Title IX Coordinator. The Superintendent and Building Principal shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy and related grievance procedures.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; 34 C.F.R. Part 106. 29 U.S.C. §791 et seq., Rehabilitation Act of 1973; 34 C.F.R. Part 104.
42 U.S.C. §2000d, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 34 C.F.R. Part 100. 42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq., McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Good News Club v. Milford Central Sch., 533 U.S. 98 (2001). Ill. Constitution, Art. I, §18.
105 ILCS 5/3.25b, 5/3.25d(b), 5/10-20.12, 5/10-20.60, 5/10-20.63, 5/10-22.5, and 5/27-1.
775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq., Illinois Human Rights Act. 775 ILCS 35/5, Religious Freedom Restoration Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.240 and Part 200.
CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 2:270 (Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools), 7:60 (Residence), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:160 (Student Appearance), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited), 7:250 (Student Support Services), 7:330 (Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access), 7:340 (Student

Records), 8:20 (Community Use of School Facilities) Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:10-E Exhibit - Equal Educational Opportunities Within the School Community

The School District welcomes diversity in its schools. Policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities cites the many civil rights laws that guarantee equal education opportunities to all students. In addition, the policies below address the equal educational opportunities, health, safety, and general welfare of students within the District. These policies are not a complete list, and depending on the factual context, another policy not specifically listed may apply:

1.	2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, contains the process for an individual to seek resolution of a complaint. A student may use this policy to complain about bullying. The District Complaint Manager shall address the complaint promptly and equitably.
2.	6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development, requires that social and emotional learning be incorporated into the District's curriculum and other educational programs.
3.	7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities, requires that equal educational and extracurricular opportunities be available to all students without regard to, among other protected statuses, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
4.	7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited, prohibits any person from harassing, intimidating, or bullying a student based on an actual or perceived characteristic that is identified in the policy including, among other protected statuses, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
5.	7:130, Student Rights and Responsibilities, recognizes that all students are entitled to rights protected by the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions and laws for persons of their age and maturity in a school setting.
6.	7:160, Student Appearance, prohibits students from dressing or grooming in such a way as to disrupt the educational process, interfere with a positive teaching/learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency.
7.	7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, contains the comprehensive structure for the District's bullying prevention program.
8.	7:250, Student Support Services, directs the Superintendent to develop protocols for responding to students' social, emotional, or mental health needs that impact learning.
9.	7:330, Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access, grants student-initiated groups or clubs the free use of school premises for their meetings, under specified conditions.
10.	7:340, Student Records, contains the comprehensive structure for managing school student records, keeping them confidential, and providing access as allowed or required.
DATED : August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

7:15 Student and Family Privacy Rights
Surveys

All surveys requesting personal information from students, as well as any other instrument used to collect personal information from students, must advance or relate to the District’s educational objectives as identified in policy 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives, or assist students’ career choices. This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified or who created the survey.
Surveys Created by a Third Party

Before a school official or staff member administers or distributes a survey or evaluation created by a third party to a student, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their request.

This section applies to every survey: (1) that is created by a person or entity other than a District official, staff member, or student, (2) regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified, and (3) regardless of the subject matter of the questions.
Surveys Requesting Personal Information

School officials and staff members shall not request, nor disclose, the identity of any student who completes any survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity, including the District) containing one or more of the following items:
1.	Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
2.	Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
3.	Behavior or attitudes about sex.
4.	Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
5.	Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships.
6.	Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
7.	Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
8.	Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).
The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may:
1.	Inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or
2.	Refuse to allow their child to participate in the activity described above. The school shall not penalize any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) exercised this option.
Instructional Material

A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect, upon their request, any instructional material used as part of their child’s educational curriculum within a reasonable time of their request.

The term “instructional material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of its format, printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). The term does not include academic tests or academic assessments.
Physical Exams or Screenings

No school official or staff member shall subject a student to a non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as a condition of school attendance. The term “invasive physical examination” means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening.
The above paragraph does not apply to any physical examination or screening that:

1.	Is permitted or required by an applicable State law, including physical examinations or screenings that are permitted without parental notification.
2.	Is administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.).
3.	Is administered pursuant to the District’s extracurricular drug and alcohol testing program (see policy 7:240, Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities).
4.	Is otherwise authorized by Board policy.
Prohibition on Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information

No school official or staff member shall market or sell personal information concerning students (or otherwise provide that information to others for that purpose). The term “personal information” means individually identifiable information including: (1) a student or parent's first and last name, (2) a home or other physical address (including street name and the name of the city or town), (3) a telephone number, (4) a Social Security identification number or (5) driver’s license number or State identification card.

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the above paragraph does not apply: (1) if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) have consented; or (2) to the collection, disclosure or, use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:
1.	College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment.
2.	Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products.
3.	Curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary schools and secondary schools.
4.	Tests and assessments to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students (or to generate other statistically useful data for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments) and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments.
5.	The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education- related activities.
6.	Student recognition programs.

Under no circumstances may a school official or staff member provide a student’s “personal information” to a business organization or financial institution that issues credit or debit cards.
Notification of Rights and Procedures
The Superintendent or designee shall notify students’ parents/guardians of:
1.	This policy as well as its availability upon request from the general administration office.
2.	How to opt their child out of participation in activities as provided in this policy.
3.	The approximate dates during the school year when a survey requesting personal information, as described above, is scheduled or expected to be scheduled.
4.	How to request access to any survey or other material described in this policy.
1.	
This notification shall be given to parents/guardians at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, and within a reasonable period after any substantive change in this policy.
Transfer of Rights

The rights provided to parents/guardians in this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1232h, Protection of Pupil Rights Act. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.38.
325 ILCS 17/, Children’s Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act.

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 6:210 (Instructional Materials), 6:260 (Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities), 7:300 (Extracurricular Athletics)
Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited
No person, including a School District employee or agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate, or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived: race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable discharge status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender-related identity or expression; ancestry; age; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; physical appearance; socioeconomic status; academic status; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing characteristic. The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, sexual, or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, stalking, sexual violence, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.
Sexual Harassment Prohibited
The District shall provide an educational environment free of verbal, physical, or other conduct or communications constituting harassment on the basis of sex as defined and otherwise prohibited by State and federal law. See Board policies 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure, and 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Making a Report or Complaint

Students are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidences of bullying, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking. A student may choose to report to an employee of the student’s same gender.

Reports under this policy will be considered a report under Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, and/or Board policy 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator and/or Complaint Manager shall process and review the report according to the appropriate grievance procedure.

The Superintendent shall insert into this policy the names, office addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of the District’s current Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator also serves as the District’s Title IX Coordinator.
Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org
618/222-8223

Complaint Managers:
Mr. Dustin Bilbruck	Andrea Gannon
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220	7645 Magna Dr., Belleville, IL 62223

dbilbruck@bths201.org	agannon@bths201.org

618/222-8203	618/222-7851
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org
618/222-8223

The Superintendent shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy by including:

1.	For students, age-appropriate information about the contents of this policy in the District’s student handbook(s), on the District’s website, and, if applicable, in any other areas where policies, rules, and standards of conduct are otherwise posted in each school.
2.	For staff members, this policy in the appropriate employee handbook(s), if applicable, and/or in any other areas where policies, rules, and standards of conduct are otherwise made available to staff.
Investigation Process

Any District employee who receives a report or complaint of harassment must promptly forward the report or complaint to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager. Any employee who fails to promptly comply may be disciplined, up to and including discharge.

Reports and complaints of harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational environment that is productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment.

For any report or complaint alleging sexual harassment that, if true, would implicate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.), the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or designee shall consider whether action under Board policy 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure, should be initiated.

For any report or complaint alleging harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager or designee shall investigate under Board policy 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited.
For any other alleged student harassment that does not require action under Board policies 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure, or 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager or designee shall consider whether an investigation under Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, and/or 7:190, Student Behavior, should be initiated, regardless of whether a written report or complaint is filed.
Reports That Involve Alleged Incidents of Sexual Abuse of a Child by School Personnel

An alleged incident of sexual abuse is an incident of sexual abuse of a child, as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1A(b), that is alleged to have been perpetrated by school personnel, including a school vendor or volunteer, that occurred: on school grounds during a school activity; or outside of school grounds or not during a school activity.
Any complaint alleging an incident of sexual abuse shall be processed and reviewed according to Board policy 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting. In addition to reporting the suspected

abuse, the complaint shall also be processed under Board policy 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure, or Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Enforcement

Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any third party who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with the behavior policy. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to disciplinary action.
Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints or providing information about harassment is prohibited (see Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, 2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure, and 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited).
Students should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; 34 C.F.R. Part 106. 29 U.S.C. §791 et seq., Rehabilitation Act of 1973; 34 C.F.R. Part 104.
42 U.S.C. §2000d, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 34 C.F.R. Part 100. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12, 5/10-22.5, 5/10-23.13, 5/27-1, and 5/27-23.7.
775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq., Illinois Human Rights Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.240 and Part 200.
Davis v. Monroe County Bd. of Educ., 526 U.S. 629 (1999).
Franklin v. Gwinnett Co. Public Schs., 503 U.S. 60 (1992).
Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent Sch. Dist., 524 U.S. 274 (1998).
West v. Derby Unified Sch. Dist. No. 260, 206 F.3d 1358 (10th Cir. 2000).

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 2:270 (Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 5:20 (Workplace Harassment Prohibited), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:30 Student Assignment and Transfers
Attendance Areas
The School District is divided into school attendance areas. The Superintendent will:

1.		Review the boundary lines annually and recommend to the School Board any changes or revisions for existing units; or
2.	Create new units using a lens that considers preventing segregation and the elimination of separating students in the District’s schools because of color, race, or nationality.

The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a map of the District showing current school attendance areas. All records pertaining to the creation, alteration, or revision of attendance units are open to the public. Students living in a given school attendance area will be assigned to that school. Homeless children shall be assigned according to policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children.
Boundaries of Attendance Centers

A description of the legal boundaries of Belleville Township High School District Number 201 shall be on file in the Board of Education office.
The boundaries of Belleville Township High School East shall include:

Belleville Elementary District Number 118 (East of the center line of Illinois Street), Belle Valley School District Number 119, Grant District Number 110, Pontiac School District Number 105, Whiteside School District Number 115, Wolf Branch School District Number 113, and that portion of Freeburg District Number 70 within Belleville Township High School District Number 201.
The boundaries of Belleville Township High School West shall include:

Belleville Elementary district Number 118 (West of the center line of Illinois Street), Harmony-Emge- Ellis District Number 175, High Mount District Number 116, Millstadt School District Number 160, and Signal Hill School District Number 181.

Maps of the district and of the attendance centers shall be maintained in the office of the Board of Education and in the office of the Principal on each campus.
Transfers Within the District

Belleville Township High School District 201 has specific boundaries for its attendance center, Belleville Township high School East and Belleville Township High School West. A student is to attend the school within whose geographic boundaries he/she resides. A student whose parent(s) moves during the school term from the geographic area served by Belleville Township High School East to the area served by Belleville Township High School West, or vice versa, may complete the in-progress term. However, a student who is a freshman or a sophomore at the time of the parental move must then transfer to the school in which the parent(s) resides. If the parent(s) and student move after the student has completed his/her first two years on one campus, the student may continue his/her education for the junior and senior years of attendance at the same campus. Siblings who have not completed both the freshman and sophomore years on one campus will be required to transfer to the school which serves the new residence. The provisions in this section have no applicability to transfers pursuant to the Unsafe School Choice Option covered in Board policy 4:170, Safety.
Students of District Employees

Employees with children who reside within the boundaries of Belleville Township High School District 201 may elect to have their children attend the school in which they are employed. This may only be

done when the student is an incoming freshman or upon enrollment in the district and the selection must remain in effect until the student graduates from high school.
Transferring In

School systems vary widely in relation to the number of credits awarded and required, method of calculating GPA, and graduation requirements. So that students can be appropriately and relatively placed in the District 201 system, the records office will translate official out-of-district student records into District 201 terms according to the following guidelines.

1.	All District 201 graduation requirements, policies, and practices currently in effect with district students (examples: method of calculating GPA, number and type of honors courses allowed and used in the GPA) will be applied.
2.	For purposes of satisfying specific graduation requirements, District 201 will accept all credits from high schools the student has previously attended.
3.	For purposes of the number of credits counting toward the 21 required for graduation, District 201 will accept a maximum of 6.5 credits for a student transferring after freshman year, 13 credits for a student transferring after sophomore year, and 19.5 credits for a student transferring after junior year.
Transferring Out

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student transferring from the District should give the Building Principal written notification of their intent, pay outstanding fees or fines, sign a release form, and return all school-owned property.

The Building Principal shall complete a good standing form for any student transferring from the District. Within 10 days of a transfer notification, the Building Principal shall send to the District in which the student will or has enrolled a completed good standing form, an unofficial record of the student's grades, and the remainder of the student's school records. If a transferring student was suspended or expelled and the period of suspension or expulsion has not expired at the time the student attempts to transfer into another public school, any school student records required to be transferred shall include the date and duration of the suspension or expulsion. Within 10 days after the student has paid all outstanding fines and fees, the Building Principal shall mail an official transcript of the scholastic records.
Class Assignments
The Building Principal shall assign students to classes. LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-21.3, 5/10-21.3a, and 5/10-22.5.

CROSS REF.: 4:170 (Safety), 6:15 (School Accountability), 6:30 (Organization of Instruction), 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children)
Adopted: October 17, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

7:40 Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students
Part-Time Attendance

The District accepts nonpublic school students, including parochial and home-schooled students, who live within the District for part-time attendance in the District's regular education program on a space- available basis. Requests for part-time attendance must be submitted to the principal of the school in the school attendance area where the student resides. All requests for attendance in the following school year must be submitted before May 1.

A student accepted for partial enrollment must comply with all discipline and attendance requirements established by the school. He or she may participate in any co-curricular activity associated with a District class in which he or she is enrolled. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student accepted for partial enrollment must pay all fees, pro-rated on the basis of a percentage of full-time fees. Transportation to and/or from school is provided on regular bus routes to or from a point on the route nearest or most easily accessible to the nonpublic school or student's home. This transportation shall be on the same basis as the District provides transportation for its full-time students. Transportation on other than established bus routes is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s).
Students with a Disability

The District accepts for part-time attendance those children for whom it has been determined that special education services are needed, are enrolled in nonpublic schools, and otherwise qualify for enrollment in the District. Requests must be submitted by the student's parent/guardian. Special educational services shall be provided to such students as soon as possible after identification, evaluation, and placement procedures provided by State law, but no later than the beginning of the next school semester following the completion of such procedures. Transportation for such students shall be provided only if required in the child's individualized educational program on the basis of the child's disabling condition or as the special education program location may require.
Extracurricular Activities, Including Interscholastic Competition

A nonpublic school student who meets the residency requirements of the district shall be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities provided his or her participation adheres to the regulations established by any association (such as the IHSA, IMEA, etc.) or conference in which the school district maintains a membership. A nonpublic school student who participates in an extracurricular activity is subject to all policies, regulations, and rules that are applicable to other participants in the activity.
Assignment When Enrolling Full-Time in a District School

Grade placement by, and academic credits earned at, a nonpublic school will be accepted if the school has a Certificate of Nonpublic School Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education, or, if outside Illinois, if the school is accredited by the state agency governing education.

A student who, after receiving instruction in a non-recognized or non-accredited school, enrolls in the District will: (1) be assigned to a grade level according to academic proficiency, and/or (2) have academic credits recognized by the District if the student demonstrates appropriate academic proficiency to the school administration. Any portion of a student's transcript relating to such instruction will not be considered for placement on the honor roll or computation in class rank.

Notwithstanding the above, recognition of grade placement and academic credits awarded by a nonpublic school is at the sole discretion of the District. All school and class assignments will be made according to Board policy 7:30, Student Assignment and Transfers, as well as administrative procedures implementing this policy.

LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.24 and 5/14-6.01.

CROSS REF.: 4:110 (Transportation), 6:170 (Title I Programs), 6:190 (Extracurricular and Co- Curricular Activities), 6:320 (Credit for Proficiency), 7:30 (Student Assignment and Transfers), 7:300 (Extracurricular Athletics)
Adopted: October 19, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

7:50 School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools
Admission Procedure

All students must register for school each year on the dates and at the place designated by the Superintendent.
Parents/guardians of students enrolling in the District for the first time must present:

1.	A certified copy of the student's birth certificate. If a birth certificate is not presented, the Superintendent or designee shall notify in writing the person enrolling the student that within 30 days he or she must provide a certified copy of the student's birth certificate. A student will be enrolled without a birth certificate. When a certified copy of the birth certificate is presented, the school shall promptly make a copy for its records, place the copy in the student's permanent record, and return the certified copy to the person enrolling the child. If a person enrolling a student fails to provide a certified copy of the student's birth certificate, the Building Principal shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency and shall also notify the person enrolling the student in writing that, unless he or she complies within 10 days, the case shall be referred to the local law enforcement authority for investigation. If compliance is not obtained within that 10-day period, the Principal shall so refer the case. The Principal shall immediately report to the local law enforcement authority any material received pursuant to this paragraph that appears inaccurate or suspicious in form or content.
2.	Proof of residence, as required by Board policy 7:60, Residence.
3.	Proof of disease immunization or detection and the required physical examination, as required by State law and Board policy 7:100, Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students.
The individual enrolling a student shall be given the opportunity to voluntarily state whether the student has a parent or guardian who is a member of a branch of the U. S. Armed Forces and who is either deployed to active duty or expects to be deployed to active duty during the school year. Students who are children of active duty military personnel transferring will be allowed to enter: (a) the same grade level in which they studied at the school from which they transferred, if the transfer occurs during the District's school year, or (b) the grade level following the last grade completed.
Homeless Children
Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child's parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment. Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, and its implementing administrative procedure, govern the enrollment of homeless children.
Foster Care Students

The Superintendent will appoint at least one employee to act as a liaison to facilitate the enrollment and transfer of records of students in the legal custody of the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) when enrolling in or changing schools. The District’s liaison ensures that DCFS’ Office of Education and Transition Services receives all written notices and records pertaining to students in the legal custody of DCFS as required by State law.
Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools

A student may transfer into or out of the District according to State law and procedures developed by the Superintendent or designee. A student seeking to transfer into the District must serve the entire term of any suspension or expulsion, imposed for any reason by any public or private school, in this or any other state, before being admitted into the School District.

Foreign Students

The District accepts foreign exchange students with a J-1 visa and who reside within the District as participants in an exchange program sponsored by organizations screened by administration.
Exchange students on a J-1 visa are not required to pay tuition.

Privately sponsored exchange students on an F-1 visa may be enrolled if an adult resident of the District has temporary guardianship and the student lives in the home of that guardian. Exchange students on an F-1 visa are required to pay tuition at the established District rate. F-1 visa student admission is limited to high schools and attendance may not exceed 12 months.

The School Board may limit the number of exchange students admitted in any given year. Exchange students must comply with District immunization requirements. Once admitted, exchange students become subject to all District policies and regulations governing students.
Re-enrollment

Re-enrollment shall be denied to any individual 19 years of age or above who has dropped out of school and who could not earn sufficient credits during the normal school year(s) to graduate before his or her 21st birthday. However, at the Superintendent's or designee's discretion and depending on program availability, the individual may be enrolled in a graduation incentives program established under 105 ILCS 5/26-16 or an alternative learning opportunities program established under 105 ILCS 5/13B-1 (see 6:110, Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program). Before being denied re-enrollment, the District will offer the individual due process as required in cases of expulsion under policy 7:210, Expulsion Procedures. A person denied re-enrollment will be offered counseling and be directed to alternative educational programs, including adult education programs, that lead to graduation or receipt of a GED diploma. This section does not apply to students eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act or accommodation plans under the Rehabilitation Act, Section 504.

LEGAL REF.:
8 U.S.C. §1101, Illegal Immigrant and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. 20 U.S.C. §1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq., Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act. 29 U.S.C. §794, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504.
42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq., McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.13a, 5/10-20.12, 5/10-20.59, 5/10-22.5a, 5/14-1.02, 5/14-1.03a, 5/26-1, 5/26-2, 5/27-
8.1.
105 ILCS 10/8.1, Ill. School Student Records Act. 105 ILCS 45/, Education for Homeless Children Act.
105 ILCS 70/, Educational Opportunity for Military Children Act. 325 ILCS 50/, Missing Children Records Act.
325 ILCS 55/, Missing Children Registration Law.
410 ILCS 315/2, Communicable Disease Prevention Act.

20 Ill.Admin.Code Part 1290, Missing Person Birth Records and School Registration. 23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 226, Special Education.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 375, Student Records.

CROSS REF.: 4:110 (Transportation); 6:30 (Organization of Instruction), 6:110 (Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program), 6:135 (Accelerated Placement Program), 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children) 6:300 (Graduation Requirements), 6:310 (Credit for Alternative Courses and Programs, and Course Substitutions), 6:310 (High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re- Entering Students), 7:60 (Residence), 7:70 (Attendance and Truancy), 7:100 (Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

7:60 Residence
Resident Students

Only students who are residents of the District may attend a District school without a tuition charge, except as otherwise provided below or in State law. A student's residence is the same as the person who has legal custody of the student.

A person asserting legal custody over a student, who is not the child's natural or adoptive parent, shall complete a signed statement, stating: (a) that he or she has assumed and exercises legal responsibility for the child, (b) the reason the child lives with him or her, other than to receive an education in the District, and (c) that he or she exercises full control over the child regarding daily educational and medical decisions in case of emergency. If the District knows the current address of the child's natural or adoptive parent, the District shall request in writing that the person complete a signed statement or affidavit stating: (a) the role and responsibility of the person with whom their child is living, and (b) that the person with whom the child is living has full control over the child regarding daily educational and medical decisions in case of emergency. The student's domicile within the territorial boundaries of the district must NOT have been established solely for the purpose of attending a District 201 school. Further, the student must regularly eat meals, sleep, spend weekends, and spend summers at the domicile which qualifies him/her to attend a District 201 school. If a student domiciles with a guardian, the legal guardianship shall be only a factor in determining the right to attend either Belleville Township High School East or Belleville Township High School West, and all residency factors, i.e., regularly eat, sleep, spend weekends, and spend summers at the domicile, shall be in effect.

A student whose family moves out of the District during the school year will be permitted to attend school for the remainder of the year without payment of tuition.

When a student's change of residence is due to the military service obligation of the student's legal custodian, the student's residence is deemed to be unchanged for the duration of the custodian's military service obligation if the student's custodian made a written request. The District, however, is not responsible for the student's transportation to or from school.

If, at the time of enrollment, a dependent child of military personnel is housed in temporary housing located outside of the District, but will be living within the District within six months after the time of initial enrollment, the child is allowed to enroll, subject to the requirements of State law, and must not be charged tuition.
Residence of Students with Disabilities

The residence of a child with a disability is determined in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/14-1.11, 5.14- 1.11a, and 5/14-1.11b.
Admission of Nonresident Students Pursuant to an Agreement or Order Nonresident students may attend District schools pursuant to:
1.	A written agreement with an adjacent school district to provide for tuition-free attendance by a student of that district, provided both the Superintendent or designee and the adjacent district determine that the student's health and safety will be served by such attendance.
2.	A written agreement with cultural exchange organizations and institutions supported by charity to provide for tuition-free attendance by foreign exchange students and nonresident pupils of charitable institutions.
3.	According to an intergovernmental agreement.
4.	Whenever any State or federal law or a court order mandates the acceptance of a nonresident
1.	
student.
Homeless Children
Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child's parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required to establish residency. Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, and its implementing administrative procedure, govern the enrollment of homeless children.
Challenging a Student's Residence Status

If the Superintendent or designee determines that a student attending school on a tuition-free basis is a nonresident of the District for whom tuition is required to be charged, he or she on behalf of the School Board shall notify the person who enrolled the student of the tuition amount that is due. The notice shall detail the specific reasons why the Board believes that the student is a nonresident of the District and shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested. The person who enrolled the student may challenge this determination and request a hearing as provided by the School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12b.
LEGAL REF.:
42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq., McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-20.12a, 5/10-20.12b, 5/10-22.5, 5/10-22.5a, 5/14-1.11, 5/14-1.11a, and 5/14-1.11b.
105 ILCS 45/, Education for Homeless Children Act.
105 ILCS 70/, Educational Opportunity for Military Children Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.240.
Israel S. by Owens v. Bd. of Educ. of Oak Park and River Forest High Sch. Dist. 200, 235 Ill.App.3d 652 (5th Dist. 1992).
Joel R. v. Board of Education of Manheim School District 83, 292 Ill.App.3d 607 (1st Dist. 1997). Kraut v. Rachford, 51 Ill.App.3d 206 (1st Dist. 1977).
CROSS REF.: 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools), 7:70 (Attendance and Truancy)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:70 Attendance and Truancy
Compulsory School Attendance

This policy applies to individuals who have custody or control of a child: (a) between the ages of six (on or before September 1) and 17 years (unless the child has graduated from high school), or (b) who is enrolled in any of grades 9 through 12 in the public school regardless of age. Subject to specific requirements in State law, the following children are not required to attend public school: (1) any child attending a private school (including a home school) or parochial school, (2) any child who is physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), (3) any child lawfully and necessarily employed, (4) any child over 12 and under 14 years of age while in confirmation classes, (5) any child absent because of religious reasons, including to observe a religious holiday, for religious instruction, or because his or her religion forbids secular activity on a particular day(s) or time of day, and (6) any child 16 years of age or older who is employed and is enrolled in a graduation incentives program.

The parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled must authorize all absences from school and notify the school in advance or at the time of the student’s absence. A valid cause for absence includes illness (including mental or behavioral health of the student), observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, attendance at a civic event, family emergency, other situations beyond the control of the student as determined by the Board, voting pursuant to policy 7:90, Release During School Hours (10 ILCS 5/7-42 and 5/17-15), other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or safety, or other reason as approved by the Superintendent or designee. Students absent for a valid cause may make up missed homework and classwork assignments in a reasonable timeframe.
Absenteeism and Truancy Program

The Superintendent or designee shall manage an absenteeism and truancy program in accordance with the School Code and Board policy. The program shall include but not be limited to:

1.	A protocol for excusing a student from attendance who is necessarily and lawfully employed. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to determine when the student’s absence is justified.
2.	A protocol for excusing a student in grades 9 through 12 from attendance to sound Taps at a military honors funeral held in Illinois for a deceased veteran.
3.	A protocol for excusing a student from attendance on a particular day(s) or at a particular time of day when his/her parent/guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat-support postings.
4.	A process to identify and track students who are truants, chronic or habitual truants, or truant minors as defined in 105 ILCS 5/26-2a.
5.	A description of diagnostic procedures for identifying the cause(s) of a student’s unexcused absenteeism, including interviews with the student, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), and staff members or other people who may have information about the reasons for the student’s attendance problem.
6.	The identification of supportive services that may be offered to truant, chronically truant, or chronically absent students, including parent-teacher conferences, student and/or family counseling, or information about community agency services. See Board policy 6:110, Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program.
7.	A process for a 17 year old resident to participate in the District’s various programs and resources for truants. The student must provide documentation of his/her dropout status for the previous six months. A request from an individual 19 years of age or older to re-enroll after
1.	
having dropped out of school is handled according to provisions in 7:50, School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools.
8.	A process for the collection and review of chronic absence data and to:
a.	Determine what systems of support and resources are needed to engage chronically absent students and their families, and
b.	Encourage the habit of daily attendance and promote success.
9.	Reasonable efforts to provide ongoing professional development to teachers, administrators, Board members, school resource officers, and staff on the appropriate and available supportive services for the promotion of student attendance and engagement.
10.	A process to request the assistance and resources of outside agencies, such as, the juvenile officer of the local police department or the truant office of the appropriate Regional Office of Education, if truancy continues after supportive services have been offered.
11.	A protocol for cooperating with non-District agencies including County or municipal authorities, the Regional Superintendent, truant officers, the Community Truancy Review Board, and a comprehensive community based youth service agency. Any disclosure of school student records must be consistent with Board policy 7:340, Student Records, as well as State and federal law concerning school student records.
12.	An acknowledgement that no punitive action, including out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, or court action, shall be taken against a truant minor for his or her truancy unless available supportive services and other school resources have been provided to the student.
13.	The criteria to determine whether a student’s non-attendance is due to extraordinary circumstances shall include economic or medical necessity or family hardship and such other criteria that the Superintendent believes qualifies.
14.	A process for the temporary exclusion of a student 17 years of age or older for failing to meet minimum attendance standards according to provisions in State law. A parent/guardian has the right to appeal a decision to exclude a student.
Monitoring

Pursuant to State law and policy 2:240, Board Policy Development, the Board updates this policy at least once every two years. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its update.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/22-92 and 5/26-1 through 5/26-3, 5/26-5 through 5/26-16, and 5/26-18. 705 ILCS 405/3-33.5, Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.242 and 1.290.

CROSS REF.:	5:100 (Staff Development Program), 6:110 (Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program), 6:150 (Home and Hospital Instruction), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools), 7:60 (Residence), 7:80 (Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance), 7:90 (Release During School Hours), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:80 Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance
A student shall be released from school, as an excused absence, because of religious reasons, including to observe a religious holiday, for religious instruction, or because the student’s religion forbids secular activity on a particular day(s) or time of day. The student's parent/guardian must give written notice to the Building Principal at least five calendar days before the student's anticipated absence(s).

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and distribute to teachers appropriate procedures regarding student absences for religious reasons, including how teachers are notified of a student’s impending absence, and the State law requirement that teachers provide the student with an equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirement.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/26-1 and 5/26-2b.
775 ILCS 35/, Religious Freedom Restoration Act. CROSS REF.: 7:70 (Attendance and Truancy) Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

7:90 Release During School Hours
For safety and security reasons, a prior written or oral consent of a student's custodial parent/guardian is required before a student is released during school hours: (1) at any time before the regular dismissal time or at any time before school is otherwise officially closed, and/or (2) to any person other than a custodial parent/guardian.
Early Dismissal Announcement

The Superintendent or designee shall make reasonable efforts to issue an announcement whenever it is necessary to close school early due to inclement weather or other reason.
Voting

The Superintendent or designee shall specify the hours during which students who are entitled to vote at a primary, general, or special election, or any election at which propositions are submitted to a popular vote in Illinois, may be absent from school for a period of two hours to vote. Students are entitled to be absent from school to vote beginning the 15th day before the primary, general, or special election, or any election at which propositions are submitted to a popular vote in Illinois, or on the day of such election.
LEGAL REF.:
10 ILCS 5/7-42(b) and 5/17-15(b), Election Code. CROSS REF.: 4:170 (Safety)
Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students
Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

A student's parents/guardians shall present proof that the student received a health examination, with proof of the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases, as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), within one year prior to:
1.	Entering the ninth grade; and
2.	Enrolling in an Illinois school, regardless of the student's grade (including special education, and students transferring into Illinois from out-of-state or out-of-country).
Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grade 12. As required by State law:
1.	The required health examinations must be performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant who has been delegated the performance of health examinations by a supervising physician.
2.	A diabetes screening is a required part of each health examination; diabetes testing is not required.
3.	An age-appropriate developmental screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination. A student will not be excluded from school due to his or her parent/guardian’s failure to obtain a developmental screening or a social and emotional screening. If proof of the developmental screening or the social and emotional screening portions of the health examination are not presented, qualified school support personnel may, with a parent/guardian's consent, offer the screenings to the child.
4.	The District will provide informational materials regarding influenza, influenza vaccinations, meningococcal disease, and meningococcal vaccinations developed, provided, or approved by the IDPH when it provides information on immunizations, infectious diseases, medications, or other school health issues to students’ parents/guardians.

Unless an exemption or extension applies, the failure to comply with the above requirements by the first day of student attendance of the current school year will result in the student's exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the District. New students who register after the first day of student attendance of the current school year shall have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization regulations. If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by the first day of student attendance, the student must present, by the first day of student attendance, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay. The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by the physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, or local health department responsible for administering the immunizations.

A student transferring from out-of-state who does not have the required proof of immunizations by the first day of student attendance may attend classes only if he or she has proof that an appointment for the required vaccinations is scheduled with a party authorized to submit proof of the required vaccinations. If the required proof of vaccination is not submitted within 30 days after the student is permitted to attend classes, the student may no longer attend classes until proof of the vaccinations is properly submitted.
Eye Examination

Parents/guardians are encouraged to have their children undergo an eye examination whenever health examinations are required.

Parents/guardians of students entering an Illinois school for the first time shall present proof before the first day of student attendance of the current school year that the student received an eye examination within one year prior to entry into the school. A physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, or a licensed optometrist, must perform the required eye examination.

If a student fails to present proof by the first day of student attendance, the school may hold the student's report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after the first day of student attendance. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are notified of this eye examination requirement in compliance with the rules of the IDPH. Schools shall not exclude a student from attending school due to failure to obtain an eye examination.
Dental Examination

All children in ninth grade must present proof of having been examined by a licensed dentist before May 15 of the current school year in accordance with rules adopted by the IDPH.

If a child in the ninth grade fails to present proof by May 15, the school may hold the child’s report card until the child presents proof: (1) of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are notified of this dental examination requirement at least 60 days before May 15 of each school year.
Exemptions

In accordance with rules adopted by the IDPH, a student will be exempted from this policy's requirements for:

1.	Religious grounds, if the student’s parents/guardians present the IDPH’s Certificate of Religious Exemption form to the Superintendent or designee. When a Certificate of Religious Exemption form is presented, the Superintendent or designee shall immediately inform the parents/guardians of exclusion procedures pursuant to Board policy 7:280, Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease, and State rules if there is an outbreak of one or more diseases from which the student is not protected.
2.	Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds, if the examining physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant provides written verification.
3.	Eye examination requirement, if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue burden or lack of access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist.
4.	Dental examination requirement, if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.
Homeless Child
Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child's parent/guardian is unable to produce immunization and health records normally required for enrollment. Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, governs the enrollment of homeless children.
LEGAL REF.:
42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq., McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1 and 45/1-20.
410 ILCS 45/7.1, Lead Poisoning Prevention Act.

410 ILCS 315/2e, Communicable Disease Prevention Act. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.530.
77 Ill. Admin.Code Part 664, Socio-Emotional and Developmental Screening.
77 Ill.Admin.Code Part 665, Child and Student Health Examination and Immunization. 77 Ill.Admin.Code Part 690, Control of Communicable Diseases.
CROSS REF.: 6:30 (Organization of Instruction), 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools), 7:280 (Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

7:130 Student Rights and Responsibilities
All students are entitled to enjoy the rights protected by the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions and laws for persons of their age and maturity in a school setting. Students should exercise these rights reasonably and avoid violating the rights of others. Students who violate the rights of others or violate District policies or rules will be subject to disciplinary measures.

Students may, during the school day, during noninstructional time, voluntarily engage in individually or collectively initiated, non-disruptive prayer or religious-based meetings that, consistent with the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions, are not sponsored, promoted, or endorsed in any manner by the school or any school employee. Noninstructional time means time set aside by a school before actual classroom instruction begins or after actual classroom instruction ends.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §7904.
105 ILCS 20/5.
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District, 89 S.Ct. 733 (1969).

CROSS REF.: 7:140 (Search and Seizure), 7:150 (Agency and Police Interviews), 7:160 (Student Appearance), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:330 (Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access)
Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

7:140 Search and Seizure
In order to maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects. "School authorities" includes school liaison police officers.
School Property and Equipment as well as Personal Effects Left There by Students

School authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as, lockers, desks, and parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by a student, without notice to or the consent of the student. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there. This paragraph applies to student vehicles parked on school property. In addition, Building Principals shall require each high school student, in return for the privilege of parking on school property, to consent in writing to school searches of his or her vehicle, and personal effects therein, without notice and without suspicion of wrongdoing.

The Superintendent may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to conduct inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs.
Students

School authorities may search a student and/or the student's personal effects in the student's possession (such as, purses, wallets, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there is a reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will produce evidence the particular student has violated or is violating either the law or the District's student conduct rules. The search itself must be conducted in a manner that is reasonably related to its objective and not excessively intrusive in light of the student's age and sex, and the nature of the infraction.
When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows:
1.	Outside the view of others, including students,
2.	In the presence of a school administrator or adult witness, and
3.	By a certificated employee or liaison police officer of the same sex as the student.

Immediately following a search, a written report shall be made by the school authority who conducted the search, and given to the Superintendent.
Seizure of Property

If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the District's policies or rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, such evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.
Notification Regarding Student Accounts or Profiles on Social Networking Websites

The Superintendent or designee shall notify students and their parents/guardians of each of the following in accordance with the Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act, 105 ILCS 75/:

1.	School officials may not request or require a student or his or her parent/guardian to provide a password or other related account information to gain access to the student's account or profile on a social networking website.
2.	School officials may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student's account on a social
1.	
networking website that violates a school disciplinary rule or policy. In the course of an investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order to allow school officials to make a factual determination.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/10-22.6, and 5/10-22.10a.
Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act, 105 ILCS 75/.
Cornfield v. Consolidated High School Dist. No. 230, 991 F.2d 1316 (7th Cir. 1993).
People v. Dilworth, 169 Ill.2d 195 (1996), cert. denied, 116 S.Ct. 1692 (1996).
People v. Pruitt, 278 Ill.App.3d 194 (1st Dist. 1996), app. denied, 667 N.E. 2d 1061 (Ill.App.1, 1996).
T.L.O. v. New Jersey, 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
Vernonia School Dist. 47J v. Acton, 515 U.S. 646 (1995).
Safford Unified School Dist. No. 1 v. Redding, 557 U.S. 364 (2009).

CROSS REF.: 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:150 (Agency and Police Interviews), 7:190 (Student Behavior)
Adopted: January 11, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

7:150 Agency and Police Interviews
The Superintendent shall develop procedures to manage requests by agency officials or police officers to interview students at school. Procedures will:
1.	Recognize individual student rights and privacy,
2.	Recognize the potential impact an interview may have on an individual student,
3.	Minimize potential disruption,
4.	Foster a cooperative relationship with public agencies and law enforcement, and
5.	Comply with State law including, but not limited to, ensuring that before a law enforcement officer, school resource officer, or other school security person detains and questions on school grounds a student under 18 years of age who is suspected of committing a criminal act, the Superintendent or designee will:

a.	Notify or attempt to notify the student’s parent/guardian and document the time and manner in writing;
b.	Make reasonable efforts to ensure the student’s parent/guardian is present during questioning or, if they are not present, ensure that school employees (including, but not limited to, a school social worker, psychologist, nurse, counselor, or any other mental health professional) are present during the questioning; and
c.	If practicable, make reasonable efforts to ensure a trained law enforcement officer to promote safe interactions and communications with the student is present during questioning.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.64, 5/22-88.
55 ILCS 80/, Children's Advocacy Center Act.
325 ILCS 5/, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. 720 ILCS 5/31-1 et seq., Interference with Public Officers Act. 725 ILCS 120/, Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act.
CROSS REF.: 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:140 (Search and Seizure), 7:190 (Student Behavior)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

7:160 Student Appearance
A student’s appearance, including dress and hygiene, grooming, must not disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety. The District does not prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. The District also does not prohibit the right of a student to wear or accessorize the student's graduation attire with items associated with the student's cultural, ethnic, or religious identity or other characteristic or category protected under the Ill. Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/1-103(Q). Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance. Procedures for guiding student appearance, will be developed by the Superintendent or designee and included in the Student Handbook(s).
Standardized Dress Policy

Belleville East and West encourage a standard in behavior, dress, grooming, and appearance that reflects pride in self, home, and school. However, student apparel at Belleville East and West has become a disruption to the educational process as clothing has served to promote gang affiliations and classroom disruptions. The purpose of this standardized dress policy is to improve the safety of the schools by discouraging gang affiliations, improve the learning environment, reduce classroom distractions, bridge socio-economic differences between students, increase student's self-respect and self-esteem, enhance student security, and enable a cost savings for families. This standardized dress policy allows students to focus on their academics rather than on peer pressure related to fads and/or costly attire. Raising the standard of dress will enhance the school's image within the community and improve school spirit.

Disciplinary actions will be taken to enforce compliance with this policy. Disciplinary actions range from a reprimand or detention, to an out-of-school suspension. Reasonable accommodations (no more than five days) will be given to transfer students registering during the school year.
Color Scheme:
Pants/Capri Pants, Skirts, Dresses; Khaki, Black, Navy Blue Shirts: District School Colors (White, Maroon, Blue, Grey, Black)
A.	Pants/Capri Pants
1.	Must be a solid color.
2.	Must be worn at waist level.
3.	No sweatpants, blue jeans, leather, spandex pants, exercise/workout wear.
4.	When worn at the waist, must fall at the knee.
B.	Skirts
1.	Must be a solid color.
2.	Length must be at the knee.
3.	No blue jeans, leather, spandex skirts.
4.	Slits can't rise above the knee.
C.	Shirts (collar shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, and turtleneck)
1.	Must be a solid color.
2.	All shirts must be one of the color choices.
3.	Layered shirts must be one of the color choices.
1.	
4.	If a sweater or sweatshirt is worn open, a dress code appropriate shirt must be worn underneath.
5.	Shirt length must be no longer than bottom, back pocket level or tucked in.
6.	Logos on shirts may be no larger than a student ID with the exception of Belleville East/West Spirit Wear. Must have East or West prominently displayed.
7.	Belleville East/West Spirit Wear t-shirts that are approved by the Building Principal.
8.	Students will be allowed to wear school issued athletic uniforms.
9.	School sponsored clubs/activities must adhere to the standardized dress policy.
10.	Ties are optional.
D.	Belts (black or brown)
1.	Must be a solid color.
2.	Belts and suspenders must be properly buckled, and may not dangle.
E.	Shoes
1.	All students will wear shoes or sandals.
2.	Shoes with laces must be tied.
3.	If a student wears boots, the pants may not be tucked in.
4.	Socks are optional.
F.	Additional Requirements
1.	See-through apparel will not be worn.
2.	No chains will be allowed.
3.	Appropriate and necessary undergarments must be worn and not shown.
4.	Clothing must cover the upper (cleavage) and the lower (midriff) torso at all times.
5.	Students may not wear or carry bandannas.
6.	Gang-related apparel is not acceptable.
7.	No hats, headgear, or sweatbands on campus at any time. Students may wear hooded sweatshirts; however, the hoods must be down. Exception will be announced by the administration due to inclement weather.
8.	Dresses must follow the shirt and skirt guidelines.
9.	Students will not be allowed to wear jackets/coats in the classrooms after the start of the student day (8:30 a.m.).

The Superintendent shall create procedures for students with legitimate religious objections to this dress code policy.

Students who cannot comply with this policy due to economic hardship will be provided assistance. Those students are directed to contact the Superintendent's office for an economic hardship application.

A committee of parents, student, faculty, and administration met to create this standardized dress policy. This standardized dress policy is not a prescribed uniform that must be purchased from a specific vendor.
The Board of Education reserves the right to modify this policy when deemed necessary. LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/2-3.25 and 5/10-22.25b.

Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
CROSS REF.: 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Behavior) Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:170 Vandalism
The Board will seek restitution from students and their parents/guardians for vandalism or other student acts that cause damage to school property.
LEGAL REF.:
740 ILCS 115/1.
CROSS REF.:7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Behavior) Adopted: August 19, 2019

Belleville THSD 201

7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important District goals.

Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, physical appearance, socioeconomic status, academic status, pregnancy, parenting status, homelessness, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender-related identity or expression, unfavorable discharge from military service, order of protection status, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations:
1.	During any school-sponsored education program or activity.
2.	While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.
3.	Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.
4.	Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a nonschool- related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the School District or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. This paragraph (item #4) applies only when a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred; it does not require staff members to monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program.
Definitions from 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7

Bullying includes cyberbullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

1.	Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;
2.	Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;
3.	Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or
4.	Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following: harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be illustrative and non-exhaustive.

Cyberbullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including without limitation any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photo-electronic system, or photo-optical system, including without limitation electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages if the creation or impersonation creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying. Cyberbullying also includes the distribution

by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons if the distribution or posting creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying.
Restorative measures means a continuum of school-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, that: (i) are adapted to the particular needs of the school and community, (ii) contribute to maintaining school safety, (iii) protect the integrity of a positive and productive learning climate, (iv) teach students the personal and interpersonal skills they will need to be successful in school and society, (v) serve to build and restore relationships among students, families, schools, and communities,(vi) reduce the likelihood of future disruption by balancing accountability with an understanding of students’ behavioral health needs in order to keep students in school, and (vii) increase student accountability if the incident of bullying is based on religion, race, ethnicity, or any other category that is identified in the Ill. Human Rights Act.

School personnel means persons employed by, on contract with, or who volunteer in a school district, including without limitation school and school district administrators, teachers, school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, school resource officers, and security guards.
Bullying Prevention and Response Plan

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a bullying prevention and response plan that advances the District’s goal of providing all students with a safe learning environment free of bullying and harassment. This plan must be consistent with the requirements listed below.

1.	Using the definition of bullying as provided in this policy, the Superintendent or designee shall emphasize to the school community that: (1) the District prohibits bullying, and (2) all students should conduct themselves with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students. This may include a process for commending or acknowledging students for demonstrating appropriate behavior.
2.	Bullying is contrary to State law and the policy of this District. However, nothing in the District’s bullying prevention and response plan is intended to infringe upon any right to exercise free expression or the free exercise of religion or religiously based views protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or under Section 3 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution.

3.	Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying is encouraged to report it to the District named officials or any staff member. The District named officials and all staff members are available for help with a bully or to make a report about bullying. Anonymous reports are also accepted; however, this shall not be construed to permit formal disciplinary action solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org
618/222-8223

Complaint Managers:
Andrea Gannon, Dir. of Alternative

Dustin Bilbruck	Education
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220	7645 Magna Dr., Belleville, IL 62223 dbilbruck@bths201.org	agannon@bths201.org
618/222-8203	618/222-7851
Dr. Marshaun Warren
920 North Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 mwarren@bths201.org
618/222-8223

All district employees who personally observe or become aware of a formal or informal complaint of student bullying or harassment, including staff-to-student and student-to-student harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and age, shall immediately notify a designated District Complaint Manager.

In addition to making reports of bullying and harassment to the Complaint Manager, if an employee observes acts of student bullying or harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and age, they are encouraged to intervene to stop the harassment unless circumstances would make such intervention dangerous.

4.	Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the parents/guardians of all students involved in an alleged incident of bullying will be notified of such, along with threats, suggestions, or instances of self-harm determined to be the result of bullying, within 24 hours after the school's administration is made aware of the student's involvement in the incident. As appropriate, the school's administration shall also discuss the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures. The school shall make diligent efforts to notify a parent or legal guardian, utilizing all contact information the school has available or that can be reasonably obtained within the 24-hour period.
5.	The Superintendent or designee shall promptly investigate and address reports of bullying, by, among other things:

a.	Making all reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10 school days after the date the report of a bullying incident was received and taking into consideration additional relevant information received during the course of the investigation about the reported bullying incident.
b.	Involving appropriate school support personnel and other staff persons with knowledge, experience, and training on bullying prevention, as deemed appropriate, in the investigation process.
c.	Notifying the Building Principal or school administrator or designee of the reported incident of bullying as soon as possible after the report is received.
d.	Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, providing parents/guardians of the students who are parties to the investigation information about the investigation and an opportunity to meet with the Building Principal or school administrator or his or her designee to discuss the investigation, the findings of the investigation, and the actions taken to address the reported incident of bullying, including any actions to stop the bullying, remedy the bullying, and preventing recurrence of bullying.
e.	Notifying individuals filing a formal or informal complaint of sexual harassment of their right to file and pursue a concurrent criminal complaint or civil stalking no contact order.
a.	
The Superintendent or designee shall investigate whether a reported incident of bullying is within the permissible scope of the District’s jurisdiction and shall require that the District provide the victim with information regarding services that are available within the District and community, such as counseling, support services, and other programs.

A report of bullying and/or harassment under either the Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment Policy (7:180), Harassment of Students Prohibited Policy (7:20), or the Uniform Grievance Procedure (2:260) that is based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and age shall be processed and reviewed under the requirements of the Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment Policy (7:180), the Harassment of Students Prohibited Policy (7:20), and the Uniform Grievance Procedures (2:260).

In determining whether a hostile environment exists, the District shall utilize the preponderance- of-the-evidence standard.

6.	The Superintendent or designee shall use interventions to address bullying, that may include, but are not limited to, changes to academic situations as appropriate with minimum burden on the student, academic support (including recalculating grades if necessary), school social work services, restorative measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological services, and community-based services. These interventions may also be used during an ongoing investigation.
7.	A reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. Any person’s act of reprisal or retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge with regard to employees, or suspension and/or expulsion with regard to students.
8.	A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the District’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, a person who is found to have falsely accused another of bullying, as a means of retaliation, as a means of bullying, or provided false information will be treated as either: (a) bullying, (b) student discipline up to and including suspension and/or expulsion, and/or (c) both (a) and (b) for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.
9.	The District’s bullying prevention and response plan is based on the engagement of a range of school stakeholders, including students and parents/guardians.
10.	The Superintendent or designee shall post this policy on the District’s publicly accessible website, if any, and include it in the student handbook, and, where applicable, post it where other policies, rules, and standards of conduct are currently posted. The policy must be distributed annually to parents/guardians, students, and school personnel (including new employees when hired), and must also be provided periodically throughout the school year to students and faculty.
11.	Pursuant to State law and Board policy 2:240, Board Policy Development, the Board monitors this policy every two years by conducting a review and re-evaluation of this policy to make any necessary and appropriate revisions. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its re-evaluation and assessment of this policy’s outcomes and effectiveness. Updates to this policy will reflect any necessary and appropriate revisions. This process shall include, without limitation:
a.	The frequency of victimization;
b.	Student, staff, and family observations of safety at a school;
c.	Identification of areas of a school where bullying occurs;
d.	The types of bullying utilized; and
e.	Bystander intervention or participation.

The evaluation process may use relevant data and information that the District already collects for other purposes. Acceptable documentation to satisfy the re-evaluated policy submission include one of the following:

1)	An updated version of the policy with the amendment/modification date included in the reference portion of the policy;

2)	If no revisions are deemed necessary, a copy of board minutes indicating that the policy was re-evaluated and no changes were deemed to be necessary; or

3)	A signed statement from the Board President indicating that the Board re- evaluated the policy and no changes to it were necessary.

The Superintendent or designee must post the information developed as a result of the policy re- evaluation on the District’s website, or if a website is not available, the information must be provided to school administrators, Board members, school personnel, parents/guardians, and students. Reviews and re-evaluations in years they are due must be submitted to ISBE by September 30.
12.	The District’s bullying prevention plan must be consistent with other Board policies.
13.	The Superintendent or designee shall fully inform staff members of the District’s goal to prevent students from engaging in bullying and the measures being used to accomplish it. This includes each of the following:
a.	Communicating the District’s expectation and State law requirement that teachers and other certificated or licensed employees maintain discipline.
b.	Establishing the expectation that staff members: (1) intervene immediately to stop a bullying incident that they witness or immediately contact building security and/or law enforcement if the incident involves a weapon or other illegal activity, (2) report bullying, whether they witness it or not, to an administrator, and (3) inform the administration of locations on school grounds where additional supervision or monitoring may be needed to prevent bullying.
c.	Where appropriate in the staff development program, providing strategies to staff members to effectively prevent bullying and intervene when it occurs.
d.	Establishing a process for staff members to fulfill their obligation to report alleged acts of bullying.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/10-22.6(b-20), 5/24-24, and 5/27-23.7.
405 ILCS 49/, Children’s Mental Health Act. 775 ILCS 5/1-103, Ill. Human Rights Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.240,1.280, and 1.295.

CROSS REF.: 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 2:270 (Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited), 4:170 (Safety), 5:230 (Maintaining Student Discipline), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:220 (Bus Conduct), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities), 7:285 (Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program), 7:315 (Restrictions on Publications; High Schools)
Adopted: May 20, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited
Engaging in teen dating violence that takes place at school, on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, the term teen dating violence occurs whenever a student who is 13 to 19 years of age uses or threatens to use physical, mental, or emotional abuse to control an individual in the dating relationship; or uses or threatens to use sexual violence in the dating relationship.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a program to respond to incidents of teen dating violence that:
1.	Fully implements and enforces each of the following Board policies:

a.	2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. This policy provides a method for any student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member to file a complaint if he or she believes that the School Board, its employees, or its agents have violated his or her rights under the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, Board policy, or various enumerated bases.
b.	2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure. This policy prohibits any person from engaging in sexual harassment in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
c.	7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing intimidating, or bullying a student based on the student's actual or perceived characteristics of sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; and gender-related identity or expression (this policy includes more protected statuses).
d.	7:180, Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment. This policy prohibits students from engaging in bullying, intimidation, and harassment at school, school-related events and electronically. Prohibited conduct includes threats, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

2.	Encourages anyone with information about incidents of teen dating violence to report them to any of the following individuals:

a.	Any school staff member. School staff shall respond to incidents of teen dating violence by following the District's established procedures for the prevention, identification, investigation, and response to bullying and school violence.
b.	The Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager identified in policy 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited.
3.	Incorporates age-appropriate instruction in grades 7 through 12, in accordance with the District's comprehensive health education program in Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content. This includes incorporating student social and emotional development into the District's educational program as required by State law and in alignment with Board policy 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development.
4.	Incorporates education for school staff, as recommended by the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager.
5.	Notifies students and parents/guardians of this policy.
Incorporated
by Reference: 7:180-AP1, (Prevention, Identification, Investigation, and Response to Bullying)

LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 110/3.10.

CROSS REF.: 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 2:265 (Title IX Grievance Procedure), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:230 (Maintaining Student Discipline), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:220 (Bus Conduct), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities)
Adopted: October 19, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

7:190 Student Behavior
The goals and objectives of this policy are to provide effective discipline practices that: (1) ensure the safety and dignity of students and staff; (2) maintain a positive, weapons-free, and drug-free learning environment; (3) keep school property and the property of others secure; (4) address the causes of a student’s misbehavior and provide opportunities for all individuals involved in an incident to participate in its resolution; and (5) teach students positive behavioral skills to become independent, self- disciplined citizens in the school community and society.
When and Where Conduct Rules Apply
A student is subject to disciplinary action for engaging in prohibited student conduct, as described in the section with that name below, whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to:
1.	On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time;
2.	Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
3.	Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or
4.	Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including, but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or
(b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.
Prohibited Student Conduct

The school administration is authorized to discipline students for gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to:

1.	Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco or nicotine materials, including without limitation, electronic cigarettes.
2.	Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages. Students who are under the influence of an alcoholic beverage are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had alcohol in their possession.
3.	Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling, or offering for sale:
a.	Any illegal drug or controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana, hashish, and medical cannabis unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law).
b.	Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
c.	Any performance-enhancing substance on the Illinois High School Association’s most current banned substance list unless administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
d.	Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a physician or licensed practitioner, or when used in a manner inconsistent with the prescription or prescribing physician’s or licensed practitioner’s instructions. The use or possession of medical cannabis, even by a student for whom medical cannabis has been prescribed, is prohibited unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law.
e.	Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the
a.	
student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student intended the inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system. The prohibition in this section does not apply to a student’s use of asthma or other legally prescribed inhalant medications.
f.	Any substance inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed, or otherwise ingested or absorbed with the intention of causing a physiological or psychological change in the body, including without limitation, pure caffeine in tablet or powdered form.
g.	Look-alike or counterfeit drugs, including a substance that is not prohibited by this policy, but one: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy; or (b) about which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy.
h.	Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances.

Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession.
4.	Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring a weapon as that term is defined in the Weapons
section of this policy, or violating the Weapons section of this policy.
5.	Using or possessing an electronic paging device. Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular phone. Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the Building Principal, all electronic devices must be kept powered-off or silenced and out-of-sight during the regular school day unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); (c) it is used during the student’s lunch period, or (d) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.
6.	Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.
7.	Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials. Examples of disobeying staff directives include refusing a District staff member’s request to stop, present school identification, or submit to a search.
8.	Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, using a writing service and/or generative artificial intelligence technology in place of original work unless specifically authorized by staff, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.
9.	Engaging in hazing or any kind of bullying or aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student, or urging other students to engage in such conduct. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, any use of violence, intimidation, force, noise, coercion, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual harassment, public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, bullying using a school computer or a school computer network, or other comparable conduct.
10.	Engaging in any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning), and sexual assault. This does not include
1.	
the non-disruptive: (a) expression of gender or sexual orientation or preference, or (b) display of affection during non-instructional time.
11.	Teen dating violence, as described in Board policy 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited.
12.	Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.
13.	Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization.
14.	In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (such as calling 911); signaling or setting off alarms or signals indicating the presence of an emergency; or indicating the presence of a bomb or explosive device on school grounds, school bus, or at any school activity.
15.	Being absent without a recognized excuse; State law and School Board policy regarding truancy control will be used with chronic and habitual truants.
16.	Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society, by: (a) being a member; (b) promising to join; (c) pledging to become a member; or (d) soliciting any other person to join, promise to join, or be pledged to become a member.
17.	Being involved in gangs or gang-related activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia.
18.	Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism, and hazing.
19.	Making an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel if the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school.
20.	Operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by the Superintendent or designee.
21.	Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.

For purposes of this policy, the term possession includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance, including situations in which the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; or (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event.

Efforts, including the use of positive interventions and supports, shall be made to deter students, while at school or a school-related event, from engaging in aggressive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or psychological harm to someone else. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the parent/guardian of a student who engages in aggressive behavior is notified of the incident. The failure to provide such notification does not limit the Board’s authority to impose discipline, including suspension or expulsion, for such behavior.

No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student’s parent/guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student.
Disciplinary Measures

School officials shall limit the number and duration of expulsions and out-of-school suspensions to the greatest extent practicable, and, where practicable and reasonable, shall consider forms of non- exclusionary discipline before using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions. School personnel shall not advise or encourage students to drop out voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties.
Potential disciplinary measures include, without limitation, any of the following:
1.	Notifying parent(s)/guardian(s).
2.	Disciplinary conference.
3.	Withholding of privileges.
4.	Temporary removal from the classroom.
5.	Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property.
6.	In-school suspension. The Building Principal or designee shall ensure that the student is properly supervised.
7.	After-school study or Saturday study provided the student’s parent/guardian has been notified. If transportation arrangements cannot be agreed upon, an alternative disciplinary measure must be used. The student must be supervised by the detaining teacher or the Building Principal or designee.
8.	Community service with local public and nonprofit agencies that enhances community efforts to meet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. The District will not provide transportation. School administration shall use this option only as an alternative to another disciplinary measure, giving the student and/or parent/guardian the choice.
9.	Seizure of contraband; confiscation and temporary retention of personal property that was used to violate this policy or school disciplinary rules.
10.	Suspension of bus riding privileges in accordance with Board policy 7:220, Bus Conduct.
11.	Out-of-school suspension from school and all school activities in accordance with Board policy 7:200, Suspension Procedures. A student who has been suspended may also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities.
12.	Expulsion from school and all school activities for a definite time period not to exceed two calendar years in accordance with Board policy 7:210, Expulsion Procedures. A student who has been expelled may also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities.
13.	Transfer to an alternative program if the student is expelled or otherwise qualifies for the transfer under State law. The transfer shall be in the manner provided in Article 13A or 13B of the School Code.
14.	Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves criminal activity, including but not limited to, illegal drugs (controlled substances), look-alikes, alcohol, or weapons or in other circumstances as authorized by the reciprocal reporting agreement between the District and local law enforcement agencies.

The above list of disciplinary measures is a range of options that will not always be applicable in every case. In some circumstances, it may not be possible to avoid suspending or expelling a student because behavioral interventions, other than a suspension and expulsion, will not be appropriate and available, and the only reasonable and practical way to resolve the threat and/or address the disruption is a suspension or expulsion.

Corporal punishment is prohibited. Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for students, staff, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property.
Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint
Neither isolated time out, time out, nor physical restraint shall be used to discipline or punish a student.

These methods are only authorized for use as permitted in 105 ILCS 5/10-20.33, State Board of Education rules (23 Ill.Admin.Code §§ 1.280, 1.285), and the District’s procedure(s).
Weapons

A student who is determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any school- sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of at least one calendar year but not more than 2 calendar years:

1.	A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, or weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 921), firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (430 ILCS 65/), or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 (720 ILCS 5/24-1).
2.	A knife, brass knuckles, or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including look-alikes of any firearm as defined above.

The expulsion requirement under either paragraph 1 or 2 above may be modified by the Superintendent, and the Superintendent’s determination may be modified by the Board on a case-by- case basis. The Superintendent or designee may grant an exception to this policy, upon the prior request of an adult supervisor, for students in theatre, cooking, ROTC, martial arts, and similar programs, whether or not school-sponsored, provided the item is not equipped, nor intended, to do bodily harm.

This policy’s prohibitions concerning weapons apply regardless of whether: (1) a student is licensed to carry a concealed firearm, or (2) the Board permits visitors, who are licensed to carry a concealed firearm, to store a firearm in a locked vehicle in a school parking area.
Re-Engagement of Returning Students

The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a process to facilitate the re-engagement of students who are returning from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or an alternative school setting. The goal of re-engagement shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusionary discipline and shall include the opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit.
Required Notices

A school staff member shall immediately notify the office of the Building Principal in the event that he or she: (1) observes any person in possession of a firearm on or around school grounds; however, such action may be delayed if immediate notice would endanger students under his or her supervision, (2) observes or has reason to suspect that any person on school grounds is or was involved in a drug-related incident, or (3) observes a battery committed against any staff member or is subject to a battery. School grounds includes modes of transportation to school activities and any public way within 1000 feet of the school, as well as school property itself.

Upon receiving a report of (1), above, the Building Principal or designee shall immediately notify local law enforcement. In addition, upon receiving a report on any of the above (1)-(3), the Building Principal or designee shall notify the Superintendent or designee and, if a student is reportedly in possession of a firearm, also any involved student’s parent/guardian.

Upon receiving a report on any of the above (1)-(3), the Superintendent or designee shall immediately notify local law enforcement. The Superintendent or designee shall also report incidents involving battery against staff members to the Ill. State Board of Education through its web-based School Incident Reporting System as they occur during the year and no later than August 1 for the preceding school year.

Delegation of Authority

Each teacher, and any other school personnel when students are under his or her charge, is authorized to impose any disciplinary measure, other than suspension, expulsion, corporal punishment, or in-school suspension, that is appropriate and in accordance with the policies and rules on student discipline. Teachers, other certificated [licensed] educational employees, and other persons providing a related service for or with respect to a student, may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property. Teachers may temporarily remove students from a classroom for disruptive behavior.

The Superintendent, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or Dean of Students is authorized to impose the same disciplinary measures as teachers and may suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct from school (including all school functions) and from riding the school bus, up to 10 consecutive school days, provided the appropriate procedures are followed. The Board may suspend a student from riding the bus in excess of 10 school days for safety reasons.
Student Handbook

The Superintendent, with input from the parent-teacher advisory committee, shall prepare disciplinary rules implementing the District’s disciplinary policies. These disciplinary rules shall be presented annually to the Board for its review and approval.

A student handbook, including the District disciplinary policies and rules, shall be distributed to the students’ parents/guardians within 15 days of the beginning of the school year or a student’s enrollment.
Incorporated
by Reference:	7:190-AP4, (Use of Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint) LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §7971, Pro-Children Act of 2004.
20 U.S.C. §7961 et seq., Gun Free Schools Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-20.5b, 5/10-20.14, 5/10-20.28, 5/10-20.36, 5/10-21.7, 5/10-21.10, 5/10-22.6, 5/10-
27.1A, 5/10-27.1B, 5/22-33, 5/24-24, 5/26-12, 5/27-23.7, and 5/31-3.
105 ILCS 110/3.10, Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. 410 ILCS 130/, Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program.
410 ILCS 647/, Powdered Caffeine Control and Education Act. 430 ILCS 66/, Firearm Concealed Carry Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§ 1.280, 1.285.

CROSS REF.:	2:150 (Committees), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 5:230 (Maintaining Student Discipline), 6:110 (Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program), 7:70 (Attendance and Truancy), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:140 (Search and Seizure), 7:150 (Agency and Police Interviews), 7:160 (Student Appearance), 7:170 (Vandalism), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment ), 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited), 7:200 (Suspension Procedures), 7:210 (Expulsion Procedures), 7:220 (Bus Conduct), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities), 7:270

(Administering Medicines to Students), 7:315 (Restrictions on Publications; High Schools), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:200 Suspension Procedures
In-School Suspension

The Superintendent or designee is authorized to maintain an in-school suspension program. The program shall include, at a minimum, each of the following:

1.	Before assigning a student to in-school suspension, the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges.
2.	Students are supervised by licensed school personnel.
3.	Students are given the opportunity to complete classroom work during the in-school suspension for equivalent academic credit.
Out-of-School Suspension

The Superintendent or designee shall implement suspension procedures that provide, at a minimum, for each of the following:

1.	A conference during which the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges before he or she may be suspended.
2.	A pre-suspension conference is not required, and the student can be immediately suspended when the student's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process. In such cases, the notice and conference shall follow as soon as practicable.
3.	An attempted phone call to the student's parent(s)/guardian(s).
4.	A written notice of the suspension to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student, which shall:

a.	Provide notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their child's right to a review of the suspension;
b.	Include information about an opportunity to make up work missed during the suspension for equivalent academic credit;
c.	Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend;
d.	Provide rationale or an explanation of how the chosen number of suspension days will address the threat or disruption posed by the student or his or her act of gross disobedience or misconduct; and
e.	Depending upon the length of the out-of-school suspension, include the following applicable information:
i.	For a suspension of 3 school days or less, an explanation:
a.	that the student's continuing presence in school would either pose:
1.	A threat to school safety, or
2.	A disruption to other students' learning opportunities.
b.	As to whether school officials attempted other interventions or determined that no interventions were available for the student, and
ii.	For a suspension of 4 or more school days, an explanation:

a)	That other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted,
b)	As to whether school officials attempted other interventions or determined
a)	
that no other interventions were available for the student, and
c)	That the student's continuing presence in school would either:

i)	Pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or

ii)	Substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school.

iii.	For a suspension of 5 or more school days, the information listed in section 4.e.ii., above, along with documentation by the Superintendent or designee determining what, if any, appropriate and available support services will be provided to the student during the length of his or her suspension.

5.	A summary of the notice, including the reason for the suspension and the suspension length, must be given to the Board by the Superintendent or designee.
6.	Upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), a review of the suspension shall be conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by the Board. At the review, the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its hearing officer and may be represented by counsel. Whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause for the suspension, the Superintendent or designee shall invite a representative from a local mental health agency to consult with the Board. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer's report, the Board shall take such action as it finds appropriate. If the suspension is upheld, the Board's written suspension decision shall specifically detail items
(a) and (e) in number 4, above.
LEGAL REF.:
Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975). 105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/10-22.6.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.280.

CROSS REF.: 5:100 (Staff Development), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:220 (Bus Conduct)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

7:210 Expulsion Procedures
The Superintendent or designee shall implement expulsion procedures that provide, at a minimum, for the following:

1.	Before a student may be expelled, the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided a written request to appear at a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled. The request shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The request shall:
a.	Include the time, date, and place for the hearing.
b.	Briefly describe what will happen during the hearing.
c.	Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to recommend expulsion.
d.	List the student's prior suspension(s).
e.	State that the School Code allows the School Board to expel a student for a definite period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis.
f.	Ask that the student or parent(s)/guardian(s) or attorney inform the Superintendent or Board Attorney if the student will be represented by an attorney and, if so, the attorney's name and contact information.

2.	Unless the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) indicate that they do not want a hearing or fail to appear at the designated time and place, the hearing will proceed. It shall be conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by it. If a hearing officer is appointed, he or she shall report to the Board the evidence presented at the hearing and the Board shall take such final action as it finds appropriate. Whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause for the recommended expulsion, the Superintendent or designee shall invite a representative from a local mental health agency to consult with the Board.
3.	During the expulsion hearing, the Board or hearing officer shall hear evidence concerning whether the student is guilty of the gross disobedience or misconduct as charged. School officials must provide: (1) testimony of any other interventions attempted and exhausted or of their determination that no other appropriate and available interventions were available for the student, and (2) evidence of the threat or disruption posed by the student. The student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) may be represented by counsel, offer evidence, present witnesses, cross-examine witnesses who testified, and otherwise present reasons why the student should not be expelled. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer's report, the Board shall decide the issue of guilt and take such action as it finds appropriate.
4.	If the Board acts to expel the student, its written expulsion decision shall:

a.	Detail the specific reason why removing the student from his or her learning environment is in the best interest of the school.
b.	Provide a rationale for the specific duration of the recommended expulsion.
c.	Document how school officials determined that all behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted by specifying which interventions were attempted or whether school officials determined that no other appropriate and available interventions existed for the student.
d.	Document how the student's continuing presence in school would (1) pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or (2) substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school.
5.	Upon expulsion, the District may refer the student to appropriate and available support services. LEGAL REF.:
1.	
Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 10-22.6.

CROSS REF.: 5:100 (Staff Development), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:200 (Suspension Procedures), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

7:220 Bus Conduct
All students must follow the District's School Bus Safety Rules. School Bus Suspensions
The Superintendent, or any designee as permitted in the School Code, is authorized to suspend a student from riding the school bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to, the following:
1.	Prohibited student conduct as defined in the Board policy 7:190, Student Behavior.
2.	Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider.
3.	Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.
4.	Repeated use of profanity.
5.	Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor.
6.	Such other behavior as the Superintendent or designee deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.

If a student is suspended from riding the bus for gross disobedience or misconduct on a bus, the School Board may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons.
Academic Credit for Missed Classes During School Bus Suspension

A student suspended from riding the bus who does not have alternate transportation to school shall have the opportunity to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of the student's parent or guardian to notify the school that the student does not have alternate transportation.
Electronic Recordings on School Buses

Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used on school buses to monitor conduct and to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees when transportation is provided for any school related activity. Notice of electronic recordings shall be displayed on the exterior of the vehicle's entrance door and front interior bulkhead in compliance with State law and the rules of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

Students are prohibited from tampering with electronic recording devices. Students who violate this policy shall be disciplined in accordance with the Board's discipline policy and shall reimburse the School District for any necessary repairs or replacement.
LEGAL REF.:
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/10-22.6, and 10/.
720 ILCS 5/14-3(m).
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 375, Student Records.

CROSS REF.: 4:110 (Transportation), 4:170 (Safety), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:170 (Vandalism), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:200 (Suspension Procedures), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

7:230 Misconduct by Students with Disabilities
Behavioral Interventions

Behavioral interventions shall be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors. The School Board will establish and maintain a committee to develop, implement, and monitor procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for children with disabilities.
Discipline of Special Education Students

The District shall comply with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and the Illinois State Board of Education's Special Education rules when disciplining special education students. No special education student shall be expelled if the student's particular act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability.
LEGAL REF.:
Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, 20 U.S.C. §§1412, 1413, and 1415. Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. §7151 et seq.
34 C.F.R. §§300.101, 300.530 - 300.536.
105 ILCS 5/10-22.6 and 5/14-8.05.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §226.400.
Honig v. Doe, 108 S.Ct. 592 (1988).

CROSS REF.: 2:150 (Committees), 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:200 (Suspension Procedures), 7:210 (Expulsion Procedures), 7:220 (Bus Conduct)
Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

7:240 Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities
The Athletic Director, using input from coaches and sponsors of extracurricular activities, shall develop a conduct code for all participants in extracurricular activities consistent with Board policy. The conduct code shall: (1) require participants in extracurricular activities to conduct themselves as good citizens and exemplars of their school at all times, including after school, on days when school is not in session, and whether on or off school property; (2) emphasize that hazing and bullying activities are strictly prohibited; and (3) notify participants that failure to abide by it could result in discipline, up to and including removal from the activity. Participants who violate the conduct code will be allowed to give an explanation before being progressively disciplined. The conduct code shall be reviewed by the Building Principal periodically at his or her discretion and presented to the School Board.

Participants in extracurricular activities must abide by the conduct code for the activity and Board policy 7:190, Student Behavior. All coaches and sponsors of extracurricular activities shall annually review the conduct code with participants and provide participants with a copy. In addition, coaches and sponsors of interscholastic athletic programs shall provide instruction on steroid abuse prevention to students in grades 9 through 12 participating in these programs.
Extracurricular Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

The District maintains an extracurricular drug and alcohol testing program in order to foster the health, safety, and welfare of its students. Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and participants need to be exemplars. The program promotes healthy and drug-free participation.

Each student and his or her parents/guardians must consent to having the student submit to random drug and alcohol testing in order to participate in any extracurricular activity. Failure to sign the District's Consent to Participate in Extracurricular Drug and Alcohol Testing Program form will result in non-participation.

If a test is "positive," the student will not participate in extracurricular activities until after a "follow-up" test is requested by the Building Principal or designee and the results are reported. The Building Principal or designee will request a "follow-up" test after such an interval of time that the substance previously found would normally be eliminated from the body. If this "follow-up" test is negative, the student will be allowed to resume extracurricular activities. If a "positive" result is obtained from the "follow-up" test, or any later test, the same previous procedure shall be followed.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy. No student shall be expelled or suspended from school as a result of any verified positive test conducted under this program other than when independent reasonable suspicion of drug and/or alcohol usage exists. This program does not affect the District policies, practices, or rights to search or test any student who at the time exhibits cause for reasonable suspicion of drug and/or alcohol use.
Performance Enhancing Drug Testing of High School Student Athletes

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) prohibits participants in an athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by IHSA from ingesting or otherwise using any performance enhancing substance on its banned substance list, without a written prescription and medical documentation provided by a licensed physician who evaluated the student-athlete for a legitimate medical condition. IHSA administers a performance-enhancing substance testing program. Under this program, student athletes are subject to random drug testing for the presence in their bodies of performance-enhancing substances on the IHSA's banned substance list. In addition to being penalized by IHSA, a student may be disciplined according to Board policy 7:190, Student Behavior.
LEGAL REF.:
Mahanoy Area Sch. Dist. v. B.L., 141 S.Ct. 2038 (2021).

Bd. of Educ. of Independent Sch. Dist. No. 92 v. Earls, 536 U.S. 822 (2002).
Vernonia Sch. Dist. 475 v. Acton, 515 U.S. 646 (1995).
Clements v. Bd. of Educ. of Decatur, 133 Ill.App.3d 531 (4th Dist. 1985). Kevin Jordan v. O’Fallon THSD 203, 302 Ill.App.3d 1070 (5th Dist. 1999). Todd v. Rush County Schs., 133 F.3d 984 (7th Cir. 1998).
105 ILCS 5/24-24, 5/27-23.3, and 25/2.

CROSS REF.: 5:280 (Duties and Qualifications), 6:190 (Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:300 (Extracurricular Athletics)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

7:250 Student Support Services
The District provides a liaison to facilitate the enrollment and transfer of records of students in the legal custody of the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services when enrolling in or changing schools.
The following student support services may be provided by the School District:

1.	Health services supervised by a qualified school nurse. The Superintendent or designee may implement procedures to further a healthy school environment and prevent or reduce the spread of disease.
2.	Educational and psychological testing services and the services of a school psychologist as needed. In all cases, written permission to administer a psychological examination must be obtained from a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). The results will be given to the parent(s)/guardian(s), with interpretation, as well as to the appropriate professional staff.
3.	The services of a school social worker. A student’s parent/guardian must consent to regular or continuing services from a school social worker.
4.	Guidance and school counseling services.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop protocols for responding to students with social, emotional, or mental health needs that impact learning ability. The District, however, assumes no liability for preventing, identifying, or treating such needs.
Erin’s LawCounseling Options, Assistance, and Intervention
The Superintendent or designee will ensure that each school building’s Student Support Committee identifies counseling options for students who are affected by sexual abuse and grooming behaviors, along with District and community-based options for victims of sexual abuse and grooming behaviors to obtain assistance and intervention. Community-based options must include a Children’s Advocacy Center and sexual assault crisis center(s) that serve the District, if any.

This policy shall be implemented in a manner consistent with State and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-23.13(b), 5/10-20.59, and 5/21B-25(G).
405 ILCS 49/, Children’s Mental Health Act.
740 ILCS 110/, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act.

CROSS REF.:	6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 6:270 (Guidance and Counseling Program), 7:100 (Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students), 7:280 (Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

7:260 Exemption from Physical Education
In order to be excused from participation in physical education, a student must present an appropriate excuse from his or her parent/guardian or from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act. The excuse may be based on medical or religious prohibitions. An excuse because of medical reasons must include a signed statement from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act that corroborates the medical reason for the request. An excuse based on religious reasons must include a signed statement from a member of the clergy that corroborates the religious reason for the request. Upon written notice from a student’s parent/guardian, a student will be excused from engaging in the physical activity components of physical education during a period of religious fasting.

Special activities in physical education will be provided for students whose physical or emotional condition, as determined by a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act, prevents their participation in the physical education courses.

State law prohibits a school board from honoring parental excuses based upon a student's participation in athletic training, activities, or competitions conducted outside the auspices of the School District.

A student who is eligible for special education may be excused from physical education courses in either of the following situations:

1.	He or she (a) is in grades 9-12, (b) his or her IEP requires that special education support and services be provided during physical education time, and (c) the parent/guardian agrees or the IEP team makes the determination; or
2.	He or she (a) has an IEP, (b) is participating in an adaptive athletic program outside of the school setting, and (c) the parent/guardian documents the student's participation as required by the Superintendent or designee.

A student requiring adapted physical education must receive that service in accordance with his or her Individualized Educational Program/Plan (IEP).

A student in grades 9-12, unless otherwise stated, may submit a written request to the Building Principal to be excused from physical education courses for the reasons stated in 6:310, High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students.
The Superintendent or designee shall maintain records showing that the criteria set forth in this policy were applied to the student's individual circumstances, as appropriate.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/27-6.
225 ILCS 60/, Medical Practice Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.420(p) and §1.425(d), (e), (f).

CROSS REF.: 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:310 (Credit for Alternative Courses and Programs, and Course Substitutions)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

7:270 Administering Medicines to Students
Prescription Meds

Students should not take medication during school hours or during school-related activities unless it is necessary for a student's health and well-being. When a prescriptive medication is required to be taken by a student while at school, the health care provider and the parent must complete and sign the Administration of medication authorization form to be kept in the nurse's office and administered by the nurse. This prescription medication should be brought to the nurse's office by the parent in the original prescriptive container, or it can be brought directly to the nurse's office prior to the beginning of school by the student in the original container.

To aide in the safe administration of medication to the students, the school nurse(s) may determine, based on their professional judgment and recommendations by the drug manufacturer and the Physician's Desk Reference (a standard source for appropriate dosages and other information critical to safe administration of medication), whether a prescribed medication should be administered at school.

It shall be the policy of this District that the District will not knowingly administer any medication to a student if the District's nurse(s) believes, in their professional judgment, that such administration could cause harm to the student, other students, or the District itself. Such cases may include, but not necessarily limited to, situations in which the District is asked to administer medication in a dosage that exceeds the highest recommended dosage listed in the current annual volume of the Physician's Desk Reference or other recognized medical or pharmaceutical text.

In the event the nurse(s) determines that the administration of some medication could cause harm to the student, other students, or the District, the nurse shall contact the doctor who prescribed the medication to verify the dosage.

A student may possess an epinephrine injector, e.g. EpiPen®, and/or asthma medication prescribed for use at the student's discretion, provided the student's parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form (SMA Form).
Nonprescription Meds

When an over-the-counter medication is required, the parent/guardian must complete a Medication Self-Administration Form. This non-prescriptive medication will be stored in the nurse's office and overseen by the nurse while the student self-administers the medication.

A student may transport over-the-counter medication to school in an enclosed container for self- administration in the nurse's office, but may not remove it outside of the nurse's office or administer it to another student.

A Coach/Director for an after school event may act as over-seer for self-administration of an over-the- counter medication if the parent/guardian has given permission to them by circling Coach/Director on the Medication Self-Administration Form.
The school district shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student's self-administration of medication of epinephrine auto- injection, asthma inhalant medication, insulin, and/or self-administered medication that has been signed and approved by the parent/guardian, and the health care provider (for prescription medicine only), or the storage of any medication by school personnel.

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

The Building Principal shall include this policy in the Student Handbook and shall provide a copy to the parents/guardians of students.
School District Supply of Undesignated Opioid Antagonists

The Superintendent or designee shall implement 105 ILCS 5/22-30(f) and maintain a supply of undesignated opioid antagonists and provide or administer them as necessary according to State law. Opioid antagonist means a drug that binds to opioid receptors and blocks or inhibits the effect of opioids acting on those receptors, including, but not limited to, naloxone hydrochloride or any other similarly acting drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Undesignated opioid antagonist is not defined by the School Code; for purposes of this policy it means an opioid antagonist prescribed in the name of the District or one of its schools or obtained by the District without a prescription. A school nurse or trained personnel, as defined in State law, may administer an undesignated opioid antagonist to a person when they, in good faith, believe a person is having an opioid overdose. Each building administrator and/or his or her corresponding school nurse shall maintain the names of trained personnel who have received a statement of certification pursuant to State law. See the website for the Ill. Dept. of Human Services for information about opioid prevention, abuse, public awareness, and a toll-free number to provide information and referral services for persons with questions concerning substance abuse treatment.
Administration of Medical Cannabis

The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act allows a medical cannabis infused product to be administered to a student by one or more of the following individuals:
1.	A parent/guardian of a student who is a minor who registers with the Ill. Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) as a designated caregiver to administer medical cannabis to their child. A designated caregiver may also be another individual other than the student’s parent/guardian. Any designated caregiver must be at least 21 years old and is allowed to administer a medical cannabis infused product to a child who is a student on the premises of his or her school or on his or her school bus if:

a.	Both the student and the designated caregiver possess valid registry identification cards issued by IDPH;
b.	Copies of the registry identification cards are provided to the District;
c.	That student’s parent/guardian completed, signed, and submitted a School Medication Authorization Form - Medical Cannabis; and
d.	After administering the product to the student, the designated caregiver immediately removes it from school premises or the school bus.

2.	A properly trained school nurse or administrator, who shall be allowed to administer the medical cannabis infused product to the student on the premises of the child’s school, at a school- sponsored activity, or before/after normal school activities, including while the student is in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property or while being transported on a school bus.
3.	The student him or herself when the self-administration takes place under the direct supervision of a school nurse or administrator.

Medical cannabis infused product (product) includes oils, ointments, foods, and other products that contain usable cannabis but are not smoked or vaped. Smoking and/or vaping medical cannabis is prohibited.

The product may not be administered in a manner that, in the opinion of the District or school, would create a disruption to the educational environment or cause exposure of the product to other students.

A school employee shall not be required to administer the product.

Discipline of a student for being administered a product by a designated caregiver, or by a school nurse or administrator, or who self-administers a product under the direct supervision of a school nurse or administrator pursuant to this policy is prohibited. The District may not deny a student attendance at a school solely because he or she requires administration of the product during school hours.
Void Policy
The School District Supply of Undesignated Opioid Antagonists section of the policy is void whenever the Superintendent or designee is unable to obtain a supply of opioid antagonists due to a shortage, in which case the District shall make reasonable efforts to maintain a supply.
The Administration of Medical Cannabis section of the policy is void and the District reserves the right not to implement it if the District or school is in danger of losing federal funding.
Administration of Undesignated Medication

Upon any administration of an undesignated medication permitted by State law, the Superintendent or designee(s) must ensure all notifications required by State law and administrative procedures occur.
Undesignated Medication Disclaimers

Upon implementation of this policy, the protections from liability and hold harmless provisions applicable under State law apply.

No one, including without limitation, parents/guardians of students, should rely on the District for the availability of undesignated medication. This policy does not guarantee the availability of undesignated medications. Students and their parents/guardians should consult their own physician regarding these medication(s).
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.14b, 5/10-22.21b, 5/22-30, and 5/22-33.
105 ILCS 145/, Care of Students with Diabetes Act.
410 ILCS 130/, Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. 720 ILCS 550/, Cannabis Control Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.540.
CROSS REF.: 7:285 (Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program) Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:275 Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatment
Written orders from parents/guardians to forgo life-sustaining treatment for their child must be signed by the student’s physician and given to the Superintendent. This policy shall be interpreted in accordance with the Illinois Health Care Surrogate Act. (755 ILCS 40).

Whenever an order to forgo life-sustaining treatment is received, the Superintendent shall convene a multi-disciplinary team that includes the child’s parents/guardians and physician, as well as school personnel designated by the Superintendent. The team shall determine guidelines to be used by school staff members in the event the child suffers a life-threatening episode at school or a school event. The Superintendent or designee will ensure minutes are taken that summarizes the decisions and guidelines established during the multi-disciplinary meetings and obtain signatures of the child’s 7parents/guardians on the minutes of each multi-disciplinary meeting.

District personnel shall convey orders to forgo life-sustaining treatment to the appropriate emergency or healthcare provider.
LEGAL REF.:
Health Care Surrogate Act, 755 ILCS 40/.
Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Dept. of Health, 497 U.S. 261 (1990). In re C.A., a minor, 236 Ill.App.3d 594 (1st Dist. 1992).
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

7:280 Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease
A student with or carrying a communicable and/or chronic infectious disease has all rights, privileges, and services provided by law and the Board's policies. The Superintendent will develop procedures to safeguard these rights while managing health and safety concerns.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-21.11.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §§ 1.610 and 226.300.
77 Ill.Admin.Code Part 690.
20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq., Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. 29 U.S.C. §794(a), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504.
ADMIN PROC.:7:280-AP (Managing Students with Communicable or Infectious Disease) Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

7:285 Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program
School attendance may increase a student’s risk of exposure to allergens that could trigger anaphylaxis. Students at risk for anaphylaxis benefit from a School Board policy that coordinates a planned response in the event of an anaphylactic emergency. Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction from exposure to allergens that is rapid in onset and can cause death. Common allergens include animal dander, fish, latex, milk, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, insect venom, medications, peanuts, soy, and wheat. A severe allergic reaction usually occurs quickly; death has been reported to occur within minutes. An anaphylactic reaction can also occur up to one to two hours after exposure to the allergen.

While it is not possible for the District to completely eliminate the risks of an anaphylactic emergency when a student is at school, an Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program using a cooperative effort among students’ families, staff members, students, health care providers, emergency medical services, and the community helps the District reduce these risks and provide accommodations and proper treatment for anaphylactic reactions.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement an Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program for the prevention and treatment of anaphylaxis that:

1.	Fully implements the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE)’s model policy required by the School Code that: (a) relates to the care and response to a person having an anaphylaxis reaction, (b) addresses the use of epinephrine in a school setting, (c) provides a full food allergy and prevention of allergen exposure plan, and (d) aligns with 105 ILCS 5/22-30 and 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.540.
2.	Ensures staff members receive appropriate training, including: (a) an in-service training program for staff who work with students that is conducted by a person with expertise in anaphylactic reactions and management, and (b) training required by law for those staff members acting as trained personnel, as provided in 105 ILCS 5/22-30 and 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.540.
3.	Follows and references the applicable best practices specific to the District’s needs in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs and the National Association of School Nurses Allergies and Anaphylaxis Resources/Checklists.
4.	Provides annual notice to the parents/guardians of all students to make them aware of this policy.
5.	Complies with State and federal law and is in alignment with Board policies. Monitoring
Pursuant to State law and policy 2:240, Board Policy Development, the Board reviews and makes any necessary updates to this policy at least once every three years. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its review and any necessary updates.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/2-3.190, 5/10-22.39, and 5/22-30.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.540.
Anaphylaxis Response Policy for Illinois Schools, published by ISBE.
CROSS REF.:	4:110 (Transportation), 4:120 (Food Services), 4:170 (Safety), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 6:240 (Field Trips), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment), 7:250 (Student Support Services), 7:270 (Administering Medicines to Students), 8:100 (Relations with Other Organizations

and Agencies)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:290 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention
Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment. It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school's ability to educate. Suicide and depression awareness and prevention are important Board goals.
Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention Program

The Superintendent or designee shall develop, implement, and maintain a suicide and depression awareness and prevention program (Program) that advances the Board's goals of increasing awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. This program must be consistent with the requirements of Ann Marie's Lawlisted below; each listed requirement, 1-6, corresponds with the list of required policy components in the School Code Section 5/2-3.166(c)(2)-(7). The Program shall include:

1.	Protocols for administering youth suicide awareness and prevention education to students and staff.

a.	For students, implementation will incorporate Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content, which implements 105 ILCS 5/2-3.139 and 105 ILCS 5/27-7 (requiring education for students to develop a sound mind and a healthy body).
b.	For staff, implementation will incorporate Board policy 5:100, Staff Development Program, and teacher's institutes under 105 ILCS 5/3-14.8 (requiring coverage of the warning signs of suicidal behavior).

2.	Procedures for methods of suicide prevention with the goal of early identification and referral of students possibly at risk of suicide. Implementation will incorporate:
a.	The training required by 105 ILCS 5/10-22.39 for all District staff who work with students to identify the warning signs of suicidal behavior in youth along with appropriate intervention and referral techniques, including methods of prevention, procedures for early identification, and referral of students at risk of suicide; and
b.	Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE)-recommended guidelines and educational materials for staff training and professional development, along with ISBE-recommended resources for students containing age-appropriate educational materials on youth suicide and awareness, if available pursuant to Ann Marie’s Lawon ISBE’s website.
3.	Methods of intervention, including procedures that address an emotional or mental health safety plan for use during the school day and at school-sponsored events for a student identified as being at increased risk of suicide including those students who: (A) suffer from a mental health disorder; (B) suffer from a substance abuse disorder; (C) engage in self-harm or have previously attempted suicide; (D) reside in an out-of-home placement; (E) are experiencing homelessness;
(F) are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ); (G) are bereaved by suicide; or (H) have a medical condition or certain types of disabilities. Implementation will incorporate paragraph number 2, above, along with Board policies:
a.	6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development, implementing the goals and benchmarks of the Ill. Learning Standards and 405 ILCS 49/15(b) (requiring student social and emotional development in the District’s educational program);
b.	6:120, Education of Children with Disabilities, implementing special education requirements for the District;
c.	6:140, Education of Homeless Children, implementing provision of District services to students who are homeless;
d.	6:270, Guidance and Counseling Program, implementing guidance and counseling program(s) for students, and 105 ILCS 5/10-22.24a and 22.24b, which allow a qualified guidance specialist or any licensed staff member to provide school counseling services;
a.	
e.	7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities, and its implementing administrative procedure and exhibit, implementing supports for equal educational opportunities for students who are LGBTQ;
f.	7:50, School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools, implementing State law requirements related to students who are in foster care;
g.	7:250, Student Support Services, implementing the Children’s Mental Health Act, 405 ILCS 49/ (requiring protocols for responding to students with social, emotional, or mental health issues that impact learning ability); and
h.	State and/or federal resources that address emotional or mental health safety plans for students who are possibly at an increased risk for suicide, if available on the ISBE’s website pursuant to Ann Marie’s Law.
4.	Methods of responding to a student or staff suicide or suicide attempt. Implementation of this requirement shall incorporate building-level Student Support Committee(s) established through Board policy 7:250, Student Support Services.
5.	Reporting procedures. Implementation of this requirement shall incorporate Board policy 6:270, Guidance and Counseling Program, and Board policy 7:250, Student Support Services, in addition to other State and/or federal resources that address reporting procedures.
6.	A process to incorporate ISBE-recommended resources on youth suicide awareness and prevention programs, including current contact information for such programs in the District's Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention Program.
Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Planning Committee

The Superintendent or designee shall attempt to develop a relationship between the District and the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Planning Committee, the Illinois Suicide Prevention Coalition Alliance, and/or a community mental health agency. The purpose of the relationship is to discuss how to incorporate the goals and objectives of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan into the District's Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness Program.
Monitoring
The Board will review and update this policy pursuant to Ann Marie's Lawand Board policy 2:240,
Board Policy Development.
Information to Staff, Parents/Guardians, and Students

The Superintendent shall inform each school district employee about this policy and ensure its posting on the District's website. The Superintendent or designee shall provide a copy of this policy to the parent or legal guardian of each student enrolled in the District. Student identification (ID) cards, the District’s website, and student handbooks and planners will contain the support information as required by State law.
Implementation

This policy shall be implemented in a manner consistent with State and federal laws, including the Student Confidential Reporting Act, 5 ILCS 860/, Children’s Mental Health Act, 405 ILCS 49/, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, 740 ILCS 110/, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.

The District, Board, and its staff are protected from liability by the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Services provided pursuant to this policy: (1) do not replace the care of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or a licensed medical practitioner or professional trained in suicide prevention, assessments and counseling services, (2) are strictly limited to the available resources within the District, (3) do not extend beyond

the school day and/or school-sponsored events, and (4) cannot guarantee or ensure the safety of a student or the student body.
LEGAL REF.:
42 U.S.C. § 1201 et seq., Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.166, 105 ILCS 5/2-3.139, 5/3-14.8, 5/10-20.76, 5/10-20.81, 5/10-22.24a, 5/10-
22.24b, 5/10-22.39, 5/14-1.01 et seq., 5/14-7.02, and 5/14-7.02b, 5/27-7.
5 ILCS 860/, Student Confidential Reporting Act. 405 ILCS 49/, Children’s Mental Health Act.
740 ILCS 110/, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. 745 ILCS 10/, Local Governmental and Governmental Tort Immunity Act.
CROSS REF.: 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 6:270 (Guidance and Counseling Program), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:250 (Student Support Services)
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

7:300 Extracurricular Athletics
Student participation in school-sponsored extracurricular athletic activities is contingent upon the following:

1.	The student must meet the academic criteria set forth in Board policy 6:190, Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities.
2.	A parent/guardian of the student must provide written permission for the student's participation, giving the District full waiver of responsibility of the risks involved.
3.	The student must present a current certificate of physical fitness issued by a licensed physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant. The Pre-Participation Physical Examination Form, offered by the Illinois High School Association is the preferred certificate of physical fitness.
4.	The student must show proof of accident insurance coverage either by a policy purchased through the District-approved insurance plan or a parent/guardian written statement that the student is covered under a family insurance plan.
5.	The student must agree to follow all conduct rules and the coaches' instructions.
6.	The student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide written consent to random drug and alcohol testing pursuant to the Extracurricular Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
7.	The student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must: (a) comply with the eligibility rules of, and complete any forms required by, any sponsoring association (such as, the Illinois Elementary School Association, the Illinois High School Association, or the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association), and (b) complete all forms required by the District including, without limitation, signing an acknowledgment of receiving information about the Board's concussion policy 7:305, Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries.
The Superintendent or designee (1) is authorized to impose additional requirements for a student to participate in extracurricular athletics, provided the requirement(s) comply with Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities, and (2) shall maintain the necessary records to ensure student compliance with this policy.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.30, 5/10-20.54, 5/22-80, and 25/2.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.530(b).

CROSS REF.: 4:100 (Insurance Management), 4:170 (Safety), 6:190 (Extracurricular and Co- Curricular Activities), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities), 7:305 (Student Concussions and Head Injuries), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: January 11, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

7:305 Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries
The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement a program to manage concussions and head injuries suffered by students. The program shall:

1.	Fully implement the Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act (YSCSA), that provides, without limitation, each of the following:

a.	The Board must appoint or approve member(s) of a Concussion Oversight Team for the District.
b.	The Concussion Oversight Team shall establish each of the following based on peer- reviewed scientific evidence consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

i.	A return-to-play protocol governing a student’s return to interscholastic athletics practice or competition following a force of impact believed to have caused a concussion. The Superintendent or designee shall supervise an athletic trainer or other person responsible for compliance with the return-to-play protocol.
ii.	A return-to-learn protocol governing a student’s return to the classroom following a force of impact believed to have caused a concussion. The Superintendent or designee shall supervise the person responsible for compliance with the return-to- learn protocol.

c.	Each student and the student’s parent/guardian shall be required to sign a concussion information receipt form each school year before participating in an interscholastic athletic activity.
d.	A student shall be removed from an interscholastic athletic practice or competition immediately if any of the following individuals believes that the student sustained a concussion during the practice and/or competition: a coach, a physician, a game official, an athletic trainer, the student’s parent/guardian, the student, or any other person deemed appropriate under the return-to-play protocol.
e.	A student who was removed from interscholastic athletic practice or competition shall be allowed to return only after all statutory prerequisites are completed, including without limitation, the return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols developed by the Concussion Oversight Team. An athletic team coach or assistant coach may not authorize a student’s return-to-play or return-to-learn.
f.	The following individuals must complete concussion training as specified in the YSCSA: all coaches or assistant coaches (whether volunteer or a district employee) of interscholastic athletic activities; nurses, licensed healthcare professionals or non-licensed healthcare professionals who serve on the Concussion Oversight Team (whether or not they serve on a volunteer basis); athletic trainers; game officials of interscholastic athletic activities; and physicians who serve on the Concussion Oversight Team.
g.	The Board shall approve school-specific emergency action plans for interscholastic athletic activities to address the serious injuries and acute medical conditions in which a student’s condition may deteriorate rapidly.

2.	Comply with the concussion protocols, policies, and by-laws of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), including its Protocol for Implementation of NFHS Sports Playing Rules for Concussions, which includes its Return to Play (RTP) Policy. These specifically require that:
a.	A student athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion in a practice or game shall be removed from participation or competition at that time.
b.	A student athlete who has been removed from an interscholastic contest for a possible concussion or head injury may not return to that contest unless cleared to do so by a
a.	
physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois or a certified athletic trainer.
c.	If not cleared to return to that contest, a student athlete may not return to play or practice until the student athlete has provided his or her school with written clearance from a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois.

3.	Require that all high school coaching personnel, including the head and assistant coaches, and athletic directors obtain online concussion certification by completing online concussion awareness training in accordance with 105 ILCS 25/1.15.
4.	Require all student athletes to view the IHSA video about concussions.
5.	Inform student athletes and their parents/guardians about this policy in the Agreement to Participate or other written instrument that a student athlete and his or her parent/guardian must sign before the student is allowed to participate in a practice or interscholastic competition.
6.	Provide coaches and student athletes and their parents/guardians with educational materials from the IHSA regarding the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries, including the risks inherent in continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.
7.	Include a requirement for staff members to notify the parent/guardian of a student who exhibits symptoms consistent with that of a concussion.
8.	Include a requirement for staff members to distribute the Ill. Dept. of Public Health concussion brochure to any student or the parent/guardian of a student who may have sustained a concussion, regardless of whether or not the concussion occurred while the student was participating in an interscholastic athletic activity, if available.
9.	Include a requirement for certified athletic trainers to complete and submit a monthly report to the IHSA on student-athletes who have sustained a concussion during: 1) a school-sponsored activity overseen by the athletic trainer; or 2) a school-sponsored event of which the athletic director is made aware.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/22-80.
105 ILCS 25/1.15, Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. 20 ILCS 2310/2310-307, Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.
CROSS REF.: 4:170 (Safety), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 7:300 (Extracurricular Athletics) Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

7:310 Restrictions on Publications
School-Sponsored Publications and Web Sites

School-sponsored publications, productions, and web sites are part of the curriculum and are not a public forum for general student use. School authorities may edit or delete material that is inconsistent with the District's educational mission.

All school-sponsored communications shall comply with the ethics and rules of responsible journalism. Text that is libelous, obscene, vulgar, lewd, invades the privacy of others, conflicts with the basic educational mission of the school, is socially inappropriate, is inappropriate due to the maturity of the students, or is materially disruptive to the educational process will not be tolerated.

The author's name will accompany personal opinions and editorial statements. An opportunity for the expression of differing opinions from those published/produced will be provided within the same media.
Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed On-Campus

For purposes of this section and the following section, a publication includes, without limitation: (1) written or electronic print material, (2) audio-visual material on any medium including electromagnetic media (e.g., images, MP3 files, flash memory, etc.), or combinations of these whether off-line (e.g., a printed book, CD-ROM, etc.) or online (e.g., any website, social networking site, database for information retrieval, etc.), or (3) information or material on electronic devices (e.g., data or voice messages delivered by cell phones, tablets, and other hand-held or wearable devices).

Creating, distributing and/or accessing non-school sponsored publications shall occur at a time and place and in a manner that will not cause disruption, be coercive, or result in the perception that the distribution or the publication is endorsed by the School District.
Students are prohibited from creating, distributing and/or accessing at school any publication that:

1.	Will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities;
2.	Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to material that is libelous, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
3.	Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to maturity level of the students, including but not limited to material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, contains indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by School Board policy and Student Handbooks;or
4.	Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use.

Accessing or distributing "on-campus" includes accessing or distributing on school property or at school-related activities. A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for: (1) accessing or distributing forbidden material, or (2) for writing, creating, or publishing such material intending for it to be accessed or distributed at school.
Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed Off-Campus

A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for creating and/or distributing publications that cause: (a) substantial disruption or a foreseeable risk of substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.
Bullying and Cyberbullying
The Superintendent or designee shall treat behavior that is bullying and/or cyberbullying according to

Board policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, in addition to any response required by this policy.
LEGAL REF.:105 ILCS 5/27-23.7
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, 108 S.Ct. 562 (1988).
Hedges v. Wauconda Community Unit School Dist. No. 118, 9 F.3d 1295 (7th Cir. 1993).
Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. Cmty. Sch. Dist., 89 S.Ct. 733 (1969).

CROSS REF.:6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 8:25 (Advertising and Distributing Materials in School Provided by Non-School Related Entities)
ADOPTED:January 11, 2016

Belleville THSD 201

7:315 Restrictions on Publications; High Schools
Definitions

Libel means the willful or negligent publication of provably false and unprivileged statements of fact that do demonstrable harm to a living person’s reputation.

Obscene means lewd; impure; indecent; calculated to shock the moral sense of humans by a disregard of chastity or modesty. Objectionable or offensive to accepted standards of decency.
School official means a Building Principal or designee.
School-sponsored media means any material that is prepared, substantially written, published, or broadcast by a student journalist, distributed or generally made available to members of the student body, and prepared under the direction of a student media advisor. It does not include media intended for distribution or transmission solely in the classroom in which the media is produced.

Slander means the speaking of false statements of fact that seriously harm a living person’s reputation.

Student journalist means a public high school student who gathers, compiles, writes, edits, photographs, records, or prepares information for dissemination in school-sponsored media.

Student media adviser means an individual employed, appointed, or designated by the District to supervise or provide instruction relating to school-sponsored media.
School-Sponsored Media

School-sponsored publications, productions, and websites are governed by the Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act and School Board policies, and student journalists are responsible for determining the news, opinion, feature, and advertising content of those publications, productions, and websites.
Student journalists must:

1.	Make decisions based upon news value and guided by the Code of Ethics provided by the Society of Professional Journalists, National Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, or other relevant group;
2.	Produce media based upon professional standards of accuracy, objectivity, and fairness;
3.	Review material to improve sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
4.	Check and verify all facts and verify the accuracy of all quotations;
5.	In the use of personal opinions, editorial statements, and/or letters to the editor, provide opportunity and space for the expression of differing opinions within the same media to align with the District’s media literacy curriculum mandate in 105 ILCS 5/27-20.08; and
6.	Include an author’s name with any personal opinions and editorial statements, if appropriate. Student journalists may not create, produce, or distribute school-sponsored media that:
1.	Is libelous, slanderous, or obscene;
2.	Constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy;
3.	Violates federal or State law, including the Constitutional rights of third parties; or
4.	Incites students to:
a.	Commit an unlawful act;
a.	
b.	Violate any of the District’s policies; or
c.	Materially and substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school.

The District will not engage in prior restraint of material prepared by student journalists for school- sponsored media, unless the material fits into one of the four prohibited categories listed above, in which case the Superintendent or designee and/or student media adviser may review, edit, and delete such media material before publication or distribution of the media.

No expression made by students in the exercise of freedom of speech or freedom of the press under this policy shall be deemed to be an expression of the District or an expression of Board policy.
Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed On Campus

For purposes of this section and the following section, a publication includes, without limitation: (1) written or electronic print material, (2) audio-visual material on any medium including electromagnetic media (e.g., images, digital files, flash memory, etc.), or combinations of these whether off-line (e.g., a printed book, digital files, etc.) or online (e.g., any website, social networking site, database for information retrieval, etc.), or (3) information or material on electronic devices (e.g., text or voice messages delivered by cell phones, tablets, and other hand-held devices).

Creating, distributing, and/or accessing non-school sponsored publications shall occur at a time and place and in a manner that will not cause disruption, be coercive, or result in the perception that the distribution or the publication is endorsed by the School District.
Students are prohibited from creating, distributing, and/or accessing at school any publication that:

1.	Will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities;
2.	Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to material that is libelous, slanderous or obscene, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
3.	Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to maturity level of the students, including but not limited to material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, contains indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by School Board policy and Student Handbooks;
4.	Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use;
5.	Is distributed in kindergarten through eighth grade and is primarily prepared by non-students, unless it is being used for school purposes. However, material from outside sources or the citation to such sources may be allowed, as long as the material to be distributed or accessed is primarily prepared by students; or
6.	Incites students to violate any Board policies.

Accessing or distributing on-campus includes accessing or distributing on school property or at school-related activities. A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for: (1) accessing or distributing forbidden material, or (2) for writing, creating, or publishing such material intending for it to be accessed or distributed at school.
Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed Off-Campus

A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for creating and/or distributing a publication that: (1) causes a substantial disruption or a foreseeable risk of a substantial disruption to school operations, or (2) interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.
Bullying and Cyberbullying
The Superintendent or designee shall treat behavior that is bullying and/or cyberbullying according to

Board policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, in addition to any response required by this policy.
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/27-20.08 and 5/27-23.7.
105 ILCS 80/, Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act.
Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. Cmty. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
Morse v. Frederick, 551 U.S. 393 (2007).
Hedges v. Wauconda Cmty. Unit Sch. Dist. No. 118, 9 F.3d 1295 (7th Cir. 1993).

CROSS REF.: 1:30 (School District Philosophy), 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 8:25 (Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by Non-School Related Entities)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

7:325 Student Fundraising Activities
No individual or organization is allowed to ask students to participate in fundraising activities while the students are on school grounds during school hours or during any school activity. Exceptions are:
1.	School-sponsored student organizations; and
2.	Parent organizations and booster clubs that are recognized pursuant to policy 8:90, Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs.
The Superintendent or designee shall manage student fundraising activities in alignment with the following directives:
1.	Fundraising efforts shall not conflict with instructional activities or programs.
2.	For any school that participates in the School Breakfast Program or the National School Lunch Program, fundraising activities involving the sale of food and beverage items to students during the school day while on the school campus must comply with the Ill. State Board of Education rules concerning the sale of competitive food and beverage items.
3.	Participation in fundraising efforts must be voluntary.
4.	Student safety must be paramount.
5.	For school-sponsored student organizations, a school staff member must supervise the fundraising activities and the student activity funds treasurer must safeguard the financial accounts.
6.	The fundraising efforts must be to support the organization's purposes and/or activities, the general welfare, a charitable cause, or the educational experiences of students generally.
7.	The funds shall be used to the maximum extent possible for the designated purpose.
8.	Any fundraising efforts that solicit donor messages for incorporation into school property, e.g., tiles or bricks, or placement upon school property, e.g., posters or placards, must:
a.	Develop viewpoint neutral guidelines for the creation of messages;
b.	Inform potential donors that all messages are subject to review and approval, and that messages that do not meet the established guidelines must be resubmitted or the donation will be returned; and
c.	Place a disclaimer on all fundraising information and near the completed donor messages that all messages are "solely the expression of the individual donors and not an endorsement by the District of any message's content."
LEGAL REF.:
105 ILCS 5/10-20.19(3).
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 305, School Food Service.

CROSS REF.: 4:90 (Student Activity and Fiduciary Funds), 4:120 (Food Services), 8:80 (Gifts to the District), 8:90 (Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs)
Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

7:330 Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access
Student groups, clubs, or organizations that are not school sponsored or directed may meet on school premises provided their meeting fulfills all of the following conditions:

1.	The meeting is held during those non-instructional times identified by the Superintendent or designee for non-curricular student groups, clubs, or organizations to meet. Non-instructional time means time set aside by the school before actual classroom instruction begins or after actual classroom instruction ends. Non-curricular student groups are those student groups, clubs, or organizations that do not directly relate to the curriculum.
2.	All non-curriculum related student groups that are not District sponsored receive substantially the same treatment.
3.	The meeting is student-initiated, meaning that the request is made by a student(s).
4.	Attendance at the meeting is voluntary.
5.	The school will not sponsor the meeting.
6.	School employees are present at religious meetings only in a non-participatory capacity.
7.	The meeting and/or any activities during the meeting do not materially or substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities.
8.	Non-school persons do not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend the meetings.
9.	The school retains its authority to maintain order and discipline.
10.	The Superintendent or designee approves the meeting or series of meetings.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop administrative procedures to implement this policy. LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §4071 et seq., Equal Access Act.
Bd. of Ed. of Westside Community Sch. Dist. v. Mergens, 496 U.S. 226 (1990).
Gernetzke v. Kenosha Unified Sch. Dist. No. 1, 274 F.3d 464 (7th Cir. 2001), cert. denied, 535 U.S.
1017.
CROSS REF.:7:10 (Equal Education Opportunities), 8:20 (Community Use of School Facilities) Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

7:340 Student Records
School student records are confidential. Information from them shall not be released other than as provided by law. A school student record is any writing or other recorded information concerning a student and by which a student may be identified individually that is maintained by a school or at its direction by a school employee, regardless of how or where the information is stored, except as provided in State or federal law.

State and federal law grants students, parents/guardians, and when applicable, the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services’ Office of Education and Transition Services, certain rights, including the right to inspect, copy, and/or challenge school student records. The information contained in school student records shall be kept current, accurate, clear and relevant. All information maintained concerning a student receiving special education services shall be directly related to the provision of services to that child. The District may release directory information as permitted by law, but a parent/guardian shall have the right to opt-out of the release of directory information regarding his or her child. The District will comply with State or federal law with regard to release of a student’s school records, including, where applicable, without notice to, or the consent of, the student’s parent/guardian or eligible student. Upon request, the District discloses school student records without parent consent to the official records custodian of another school in which a student has enrolled or intends to enroll, as well as to any other person as specifically required or permitted by State or federal law.

The Superintendent shall implement this policy with administrative procedures. The Superintendent shall also designate a records custodian who shall maintain student records. The Superintendent or designee shall inform staff members of this policy, and shall inform students and their parents/guardians of it, as well as their rights regarding student school records.
Student Biometric Information Collection

The Superintendent or designee may recommend a student biometric information collection system solely for the purposes of identification and fraud prevention. Such recommendation shall be consistent with budget requirements and in compliance with State law. Biometric information means any information that is collected through an identification process for individuals based on their unique behavioral or physiological characteristics, including fingerprint, hand geometry, voice, or facial recognition or iris or retinal scans.

Before collecting student biometric information, the District shall obtain written permission from the person having legal custody/parental responsibility or the student (if over the age of 18). Upon a student's 18th birthday, the District shall obtain written permission from the student to collect student biometric information. Failure to provide written consent to collect biometric information shall not be the basis for refusal of any services otherwise available to a student.

All collected biometric information shall be stored and transmitted in a manner that protects it from disclosure. Sale, lease, or other disclosure of biometric information to another person or entity is strictly prohibited.

The District will discontinue use of a student's biometric information and destroy all collected biometric information within 30 days after: (1) the student graduates or withdraws from the School District, or (2) the District receives a written request to discontinue use of biometric information from the person having legal custody/parental responsibility of the student or the student (if over the age of 18).
Requests to discontinue using a student's biometric information shall be forwarded to the Superintendent or designee.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy consistent with State and federal law.
LEGAL REF.:

20 U.S.C. §1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; 34 C.F.R. Part 99. 50 ILCS 205/7, Local Records Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-20.12b, 5/10-20.40, and 5/14-1.01 et seq.
105 ILCS 10/, Ill. School Student Records Act.
105 ILCS 85/, Student Online Personal Protection Act.
325 ILCS 17/, Children’s Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act. 750 ILCS 5/602.11, Ill. Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Parts 226 and 375.
Owasso I.S.D. No. I-011 v. Falvo, 534 U.S. 426 (2002).
Chicago Tribune Co. v. Chicago Bd. of Ed., 332 Ill.App.3d 60 (1st Dist. 2002).

CROSS REF.: 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:130 (Responsibilities Concerning Internal Information), 7:15 (Student and Family Privacy Rights), 7:220 (Bus Conduct), 7:345 (Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security)
Adopted: February 13, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

7:345 Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security
Educational technologies used in the District shall further the objectives of the District’s educational program, as set forth in Board policy 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives, align with the curriculum criteria in policy 6:40, Curriculum Development, and/or support efficient District operations. The Superintendent shall ensure that the use of educational technologies in the District meets the above criteria.

The District and/or vendors under its control may need to collect and maintain data that personally identifies students in order to use certain educational technologies for the benefit of student learning or District operations.

Federal and State law govern the protection of student data, including school student records and/or covered information. The sale, rental, lease, or trading of any school student records or covered information by the District is prohibited. Protecting such information is important for legal compliance, District operations, and maintaining the trust of District stakeholders, including parents, students and staff.
Definitions

Covered information means personally identifiable information (P I) or information linked to P I in any media or format that is not publicly available and is any of the following: (1) created by or provided to an operator by a student or the student’s parent/guardian in the course of the student’s or parent/guardian’s use of the operator’s site, service or application; (2) created by or provided to an operator by an employee or agent of the District; or (3) gathered by an operator through the operation of its site, service, or application.

Operators are entities (such as educational technology vendors) that operate Internet websites, online services, online applications, or mobile applications that are designed, marketed, and primarily used for K-12 school purposes.

Breach means the unauthorized acquisition of computerized data that compromises the security, confidentiality or integrity of covered information maintained by an operator or the District.
Operator Contracts

The Superintendent or designee designates which District employees are authorized to enter into written agreements with operators for those contracts that do not require separate Board approval. Contracts between the Board and operators shall be entered into in accordance with State law and Board policy 4:60, Purchases and Contracts, and shall include any specific provisions required by State law.
Security Standards

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure the District implements and maintains reasonable security procedures and practices that otherwise meet or exceed industry standards designed to protect covered information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. In the event the District receives notice from an operator of a breach or has determined a breach has occurred, the Superintendent or designee shall also ensure that the District provides any breach notifications required by State law.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1232g, Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act; 34 C.F.R. Part 99. 105 ILCS 10/, Ill. School Student Records Act.

105 ILCS 85/, Student Online Personal Protection Act. 23 Ill. Admin. Code Part 380.
CROSS REF.:	4:15 (Identity Protection), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks), 7:340 (Student Records)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

SECTION 8 - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Belleville THSD 201

8:10 Connection with the Community
Public Relations

The Board President is the official spokesperson for the School Board. The Superintendent is the District's chief spokesperson. The Superintendent or designee shall plan and implement a District public relations program that will:
1.	Develop community understanding of school operation.
2.	Gather community attitudes and desires for the District.
3.	Secure adequate financial support for a sound educational program.
4.	Help the community feel a more direct responsibility for the quality of education provided by their schools.
5.	Earn the community's good will, respect, and confidence.
6.	Promote a genuine spirit of cooperation between the school and the community.
7.	Keep the news media accurately informed.
8.	Coordinate with the District Safety Coordinator to provide accurate and timely information to the appropriate individuals during an emergency.
The public relations program should include:

1.	Regular news releases concerning District programs, policies, activities, and special event management for distribution by, for example, posting on the District website or using social media platforms.
2.	News conferences and interviews, as requested or needed. The Board President and Superintendent will coordinate their respective media relations efforts. Individuals may speak for the District only with prior approval from the Superintendent.
3.	Publications having a high quality of editorial content and effective format. All publications shall identify the District, school, department, or classroom and shall include the name of the Superintendent, the Building Principal, and/or the author and the publication date.
4.	Other efforts that highlight the District's programs and activities.

All publicity affecting the policies and operation of the Belleville Township High School District Number 201 shall be made only by the Superintendent or persons designated by him. All releases shall be given to all news media at the same time.
CROSS REF.: 2:110 (Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers) Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

8:20 Community Use of School Facilities
School facilities are available to community organizations during non-school hours when such use does not: (1) interfere with any school function or affect the safety of students or employees, or (2) affect the property or liability of the School District. The use of school facilities for school purposes has precedence over all other uses. The District reserves the right to cancel previously scheduled use of facilities by community organizations and other groups. The use of school facilities requires the prior approval of the Superintendent or designee and is subject to applicable procedures.
Persons on school premises must abide by the District's conduct rules at all times.

Student groups, school-related organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations are granted the use of school facilities at no costs during regularly staffed hours. All non-school sponsored groups, before using the facilities during non-regularly staffed hours, must provide a certificate of insurance naming the District as an additional insured or otherwise show proof of insurance. Fees and costs shall apply during non-regularly staffed hours and to other organizations granted use of facilities at any time. A fee schedule and other terms of use shall be prepared by the Superintendent and be subject to annual approval by the Board.
Regulations to be Followed in the Use of Facilities
Priorities for Use of School Facilities:
1.	The Belleville Township High School program shall receive priority for the use of the school facilities.
2.	Related school organizations such as elementary school activities, PTA, etc., shall be given priority over non-related organizations.
3.	Charitable and non-profit making organizations will be given priority over those desiring to use the school facilities for financial profit.
4.	Facilities will not be rented for use during the school day.

All individuals or organizations in their use of the school facilities shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations. Any use in violation of the rules and regulations shall be grounds for cancellation of the agreement and shall bar such individual or organizations from further use of school facilities.

Permission to use the school facilities will be granted in accordance with a schedule of charges adopted by the Board of Education District No. 201.

In addition to paying the appropriate fee according to the schedule, organizations, by their responsible officers, shall execute an agreement with the school embodying the following terms:

1.	Application hereby agrees to hold the Belleville Township High School District 201, the Board of Education District 201, the individual members thereof and all District officers and employees of the school free and harmless from any claims by any person, partnership or corporation, for injury, damage, cost or expense to persons or property that may arise during or be caused in any way by such use of school property. Liability insurance in the amount of $1 million naming BTHS District 201 as additional insured must be provided prior to use of the school facilities.
2.	Applicant hereby agrees to pay for any damage done to school property. The amount in dollars and cents shall be determined as the actual cost of putting the equipment or facilities damaged back into same condition as it was prior to the occupancy by the organization in question.
3.	Applicant hereby agrees not to permit the selling, giving, or drinking of any alcoholic beverages or narcotics on the school premises. There shall be no smoking in any school building nor shall the use of profane language, quarreling, fighting, or gambling be permitted on the school premises. Food or refreshments will not be permitted to be brought in, sold, or served in the auditorium.
1.	
4.	Applicant herby agrees to pay the minimum fee for use of the school facilities.
Procedure to be Followed by Organizations Desiring to Use School Facilities:
Outside organizations shall make their request for use of school facilities in writing to the superintendent of District 201 and shall be signed by an officer of the organization.

If the use conforms to one of the purposes set forth above, and upon execution of the aforementioned agreement, the superintendent shall grant the use of the desired facility, provided that the date does not conflict with a school function.
A schedule of charges for rental of facilities shall be maintained and revised on a regular basis.
Advertisement and Notices:
No advertisements or notice shall be read, distributed, or posted in the school, or on the school premises, without the consent of the superintendent or his designated representative.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §7905, Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act. 10 ILCS 5/11-4.1, Election Code.
105 ILCS 5/10-20.41, 5/10-22.10, and 5/29-3.5.
Good News Club v. Milford Central School, 533 U.S. 98 (2001).
Lamb’s Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District, 508 U.S. 384 (1993). Rosenberger v. Rector and Visitors of Univ. of Va., 515 U.S. 819 (1995).
CROSS REF.: 7:330 (Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access), 8:25 (Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by Non-School Related Entities), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property)
Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

8:25 Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by Non-School Related Entities
No material or literature shall be posted or distributed that would: (1) disrupt the educational process,
(2) violate the rights or invade the privacy of others, (3) infringe on a trademark or copyright, or (4) be defamatory, obscene, vulgar, or indecent. No material, literature, or advertisement shall be posted or distributed without advance approval as described in this policy.
Community, Educational, Charitable, or Recreational Organizations

Community, educational, charitable, recreational, or similar groups may, under procedures established by the Superintendent, advertise events pertinent to students' interests or involvement. All advertisements must (1) be student-oriented, (2) prominently display the sponsoring organization's name, and (3) be approved in advance by the Superintendent or designee. The District reserves the right to decide where and when any advertisement or flyer is distributed, displayed, or posted.
Commercial Companies and Political Candidates or Parties

Commercial companies may purchase space for their advertisements in or on: (1) athletic field fences; (2) athletic, theater, or music programs; (3) student newspapers or yearbooks; (4) scoreboards; or (5) other appropriate locations. The advertisements must be consistent with this policy and its implementing procedures and be appropriate for display in a school context. Prior approval from the Superintendent or designee is needed for all commercial or political advertisements.

No part of the School District, including facilities, the name, the staff, and the students, shall be used for advertising or promoting the interests of any commercial company except as authorized by and consistent with administrative procedures and approved by the Board.

Material from candidates and political parties will not be accepted for posting or distribution, except when used as part of the curriculum.
LEGAL REF.:
Lamb’s Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free Sch. Dist., 508 U.S. 384 (1993).
Berger v. Rensselaer Central Sch. Corp., 982 F.2d 1160 (7th Cir. 1993), cert. denied, 113 S.Ct. 2344
(1993).
Sherman v. Community Consolidated Sch. Dist. 21, 8 F.3d 1160 (7th Cir. 1993), cert. denied, 8 F.3d
1160 (1994).
Hedges v. Wauconda Community Unit Sch. Dist. No. 118, 9 F.3d 1295 (7th Cir. 1993). DiLoreto v. Downey Unified Sch. Dist., 196 F.3d 958 (9th Cir. 1999).
CROSS REF.:7:325 (Student Fundraising Activities), 7:330 (Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property
The following definitions apply to this policy:
School property - District and school buildings, grounds, and parking areas; vehicles used for school purposes; and any location used for a School Board meeting, school athletic event, or other school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.
Visitor - Any person other than an enrolled student or District employee.
All visitors to school property are required to report to the Building Principal's office and receive permission to remain on school property. All visitors must sign a visitors' log, show identification, and wear a visitor's badge. When leaving the school, visitors must return their badge. On those occasions when large groups of parents/guardians, friends, and/or community members are invited onto school property or when community members are attending Board meetings, visitors are not required to sign in but must follow school officials’ instructions. Persons on school property without permission will be directed to leave and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Except as provided in the next paragraph, any person wishing to confer with a staff member should contact that staff member to make an appointment. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s conference/preparation period.

Requests to access a school building, facility, and/or educational program, or to interview personnel or a student for purposes of assessing the student's special education needs, should be made at the appropriate building. Access shall be facilitated according to guidelines from the Superintendent or designee.

The School District expects mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among all people on school property or at a school event. No person on school property or at a school event (including visitors, students, and employees) shall perform any of the following acts:

1.	Strike, injure, threaten, harass, or intimidate a staff member, Board member, sports official or coach, or any other person.
2.	Behave in an unsportsmanlike manner, or use vulgar or obscene language.
3.	Unless specifically permitted by State law, possess a weapon, any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or looks like a weapon, or any dangerous device. An individual licensed to carry a concealed firearm under the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act is permitted to: (a) carry a concealed firearm within a vehicle into a parking area controlled by a school or the District and may store a firearm or ammunition concealed in a case within a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view within the vehicle in the parking area, and/or (b) carry a concealed firearm in the immediate area surrounding his or her vehicle in a parking area controlled by a school or the District for the limited purpose of storing or retrieving a firearm within the vehicle's trunk.
4.	Damage or threaten to damage another's property.
5.	Damage or deface School District property.
6.	Violate any Illinois law, or town or county ordinance.
7.	Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products.
8.	Distribute, consume, use, possess, or be impaired by or under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug.
9.	Be present when the person’s alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug consumption is detectible, regardless of when and/or where the use occurred.
10.	Use or possess medical cannabis, unless he or she has complied with policy 7:270,
Administering Medicines to Students, implementing Ashley’s Law.

11.	Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner).
12.	Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the School Board.
13.	Operate a motor vehicle: (a) in a risky manner, (b) in excess of 20 miles per hour, or (c) in violation of an authorized District employee's directive.
14.	Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding.
15.	Violate other District policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or District employee.
16.	Engage in any conduct that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the District or a School function.
Exclusive Bargaining Representative Agent
Please refer to the applicable collective bargaining agreement(s):
For employees whose collective bargaining agreement does not address this subject:
Upon notifying the Building Principal’s office, authorized agents of an exclusive bargaining representative will be provided reasonable access to employees in the bargaining unit they represent in accordance with State law. Such access shall be conducted in a manner that will not impede the normal operations of the District.
Convicted Child Sex Offender

State law prohibits a child sex offender from being present on school property or loitering within 500 feet of school property when persons under the age of 18 are present, unless the offender meets either of the following two exceptions:

1.	The offender is a parent/guardian of a student attending the school and has notified the Building Principal of his or her presence at the school for the purpose of: (i) attending a conference with school personnel to discuss the progress of his or her child academically or socially, (ii) participating in child review conferences in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to his or her child regarding special education services, or (iii) attending conferences to discuss other student issues concerning his or her child such as retention and promotion; or
2.	The offender received permission to be present from the Board, Superintendent, or Superintendent's designee. If permission is granted, the Superintendent or Board President shall provide the details of the offender's upcoming visit to the Building Principal.

In all cases, the Superintendent, or designee who is a certified employee, shall supervise a child sex offender whenever the offender is in a child's vicinity.
Enforcement

Any staff member may request identification from any person on school grounds or in any school building; refusal to provide such information is a criminal act. The Building Principal or designee shall seek the immediate removal of any person who refuses to provide requested identification.

Any person who engages in conduct prohibited by this policy may be ejected from or denied admission to school property in accordance with State law. The person also may be subject to being denied admission to school athletic or extracurricular events for up to one calendar year in accordance with the procedures below.
Procedures to Deny Future Admission to Athletic or Extracurricular School Events

Before any person may be denied admission to athletic or extracurricular school events, the person has a right to a hearing before the Board. The Superintendent may refuse the person admission pending such hearing. The Superintendent or designee must provide the person with a hearing notice, delivered or sent by certified mail with return receipt requested, at least 10 days before the Board hearing date. The hearing notice must contain:
1.	The date, time, and place of the Board hearing,
2.	A description of the prohibited conduct,
3.	The proposed time period that admission to school events will be denied, and
4.	Instructions on how to waive a hearing. LEGAL REF.:
Nuding v. Cerro Gordo Community Unit School Dist., 313 Ill. App.3d 344 (4th Dist. 2000). 20 U.S.C. §7971 et seq., Pro-Children Act of 2001.
105 ILCS 5/10-20.5, 10-20.5b, 5/10-22.10, 5/22-33, 5/24-25, and 5/27-23.7(a).
115 ILCS 5/3(c), Ill. Educational Labor Relations Act.
410 ILCS 130/, Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. 410 ILCS 705/, Cannabis Tax and Regulation Act.
430 ILCS 66/, Firearm Concealed Carry Act.
720 ILCS 5/11-9.3, 5/21-1, 5/21-1.2, 5/21-3, 5/21-5, 5/21-5.5, 5/21-9, and 5/21-11.

CROSS REF.: 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings), 2:230 (Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board), 4:170 (Safety), 5:50 (Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace; E- Cigarette, Tobacco, and Cannabis Prohibition), 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities), 6:250 (Community Resource Persons and Volunteers), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:270 (Administering Medicines to Students), 8:20 (Community Use of School Facilities),
Adopted: January 16, 2024

Belleville THSD 201

8:70 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities shall be provided an opportunity to participate in all school-sponsored services, programs, or activities and will not be subject to illegal discrimination. When appropriate, the District may provide to persons with disabilities aids, benefits, or services that are separate or different from, but as effective as, those provided to others.

The District will provide auxiliary aids and services when necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal opportunity to participate in or enjoy the benefits of a service, program, or activity.

Each service, program, website, or activity operated in existing facilities shall be readily accessible to, and useable by, individuals with disabilities. New construction and alterations to facilities existing before January 26, 1992, will be accessible when viewed in their entirety.
The Superintendent is designated the Title I Coordinator and shall:

1.	Oversee the District's compliance efforts, recommend necessary modifications to the School Board, and maintain the District's final Title I self-evaluation document, update it to the extent necessary, and keep it available for public inspection for at least three years after its completion date.
2.	Institute plans to make information regarding Title I's protection available to any interested party.

Individuals with disabilities should notify the Superintendent or Building Principal if they have a disability that will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required.This notification should occur as far in advance as possible of the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.

Individuals with disabilities may allege a violation of this policy or federal law by reporting it to the Superintendent, as the Title I Coordinator, or by filing a grievance under the Uniform Grievance Procedure.
LEGAL REF.:
Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§12101 et seq. and 12131et seq.; 28 C.F.R. Part 35. Rehabilitation Act of 1973 §104, 29 U.S.C. §794 (2006).
105 ILCS 5/10-20.51.
410 ILCS 25/, Environmental Barriers Act.
71 Ill.Admin.Code Part 400, Illinois Accessibility Code.

CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 4:150 (Facility Management and Building Programs)
Adopted: June 20, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

8:80 Gifts to the District
The School Board appreciates gifts from any education foundation, other entities, or individuals. All gifts must adhere to each of the following:

1.	Be accepted by the Board, the Superintendent, or designee. Individuals should obtain a pre- acceptance commitment before identifying the District, any school, or school program or activity as a beneficiary in any fundraising attempt, including without limitation, any Internet fundraising attempt.
2.	Be given without a stated purpose or with a purpose deemed by the party with authority to accept the gift to be compatible with the Board's educational objectives and policies.
3.	Be consistent with the District's mandate to provide equal educational and extracurricular opportunities to all students in the District as provided in Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities. State and federal laws require the District to provide equal treatment for members of both sexes to educational programing, extracurricular activities, and athletics. This includes the distribution of athletic benefits and opportunities.
4.	Permit the District to maintain resource equity among its learning centers.
5.	Be viewpoint neutral. The Superintendent or designee shall manage a process for the review and approval of donations involving the incorporation of messages into or placing messages upon school property.
6.	Comply with all laws applicable to the District including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Prevailing Wage Act, the Health/Life Safety Code for Public Schools, and all applicable procurement and bidding requirements.

The District will provide equal treatment to all individuals and entities seeking to donate money or a gift. Upon acceptance, all gifts become the District's property. The acceptance of a gift is not an endorsement by the Board, District, or school of any product, service, activity, or program. The method of recognition is determined by the party accepting the gift.
LEGAL REF.:
20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Education Amendments implemented by 34 C.F.R. Part 106. 105 ILCS 5/16-1.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §200.40.

CROSS REF.: 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:150 (Facility Management and Building Programs), 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives), 6:210 (Instructional Materials), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities)
Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201

8:90 Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs
Parent organizations and booster clubs are invaluable resources to the District's schools. While parent organizations and booster clubs have no administrative authority and cannot determine District policy, the School Board welcomes their suggestions and assistance.

Parent organizations and booster clubs may be recognized by the Board and permitted to use the District's name, a District school's name, or a District school's team name, or any logo attributable to the District provided they first receive the Superintendent or designee's express written consent.
Consent to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos will generally be granted if the organization or club has by-laws containing the following:

1.	The organization's or club's name and purpose, such as, to enhance students' educational experiences, to help meet educational needs of students, to provide extra athletic benefits to students, to assist specific sports teams or academic clubs through financial support, or to enrich extracurricular activities.
2.	The rules and procedures under which it operates.
3.	An agreement to adhere to all Board policies and administrative procedures.
4.	A statement that membership is open and unrestricted, meaning that membership is open to all parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school, District staff, and community members.
5.	A statement that the District is not, and will not be, responsible for the organization's or club's business or the conduct of its members, including on any organization or club websites or social media accounts.
6.	An agreement to maintain and protect its own finances.
7.	A recognition that money given to a school cannot be earmarked for any particular expense. Booster clubs may make recommendations, but cash or other valuable consideration must be given to the District to use at its discretion. The School Board's legal obligation to comply with Title IX by providing equal athletic opportunity for members of both genders will supersede an organization or club's recommendation.

Permission to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos may be rescinded at any time and does not constitute permission to act as the District's representative. At no time does the District accept responsibility for the actions of any parent organization or booster club regardless of whether it was recognized and/or permitted to use any of the above-mentioned names or logos. The Superintendent shall designate an administrative staff member to serve as the recognized liaison to parent organizations or booster clubs. The liaison will serve as a resource person and provide information about school programs, resources, policies, problems, concerns, and emerging issues.
Building staff will be encouraged to participate in the organizations.
CROSS REF.: 8:80 (Gifts to the District) Adopted: September 9, 2021

Belleville THSD 201

8:95 Parental Involvement
In order to assure collaborative relationships between students' families and the District, and to enable parents/guardians to become active partners in their children's education, the Superintendent shall develop administrative procedures to:
1.	Keep parents/guardians thoroughly informed about their child's school and education.
2.	Encourage parents/guardians to be involved in their child's school and education.
3.	Establish effective two-way communication between parents/guardians and the District.
4.	Seek input from parents/guardians on significant school-related issues.
5.	Inform parents/guardians on how they can assist their children's learning.
The Superintendent shall periodically report to the Board on the implementation of this policy.

CROSS REF.:6:170 (Title I Programs), 6:250 (Community Resource Persons and Volunteers), 8:10 (Connection with the Community), 8:90 (Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs)
Adopted: August 21, 2023

Belleville THSD 201

8:100 Relations with Other Organizations and Agencies
The District shall cooperate with other organizations and agencies, including but not limited to: County Health Department
Law enforcement agencies Fire authorities
Planning authorities Zoning authorities
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), local organizations for civil defense, and other appropriate disaster relief organizations concerned with civil defense
Other school districts

CROSS REF.: 1:20 (District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements), 4:170 (Safety), 4:180 (Pandemic Preparedness; Management; and Recovery), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 7:150 (Agency and Police Interviews)
Adopted: April 25, 2022

Belleville THSD 201

8:110 Public Suggestions and Concerns
The School Board is interested in receiving suggestions and concerns from members of the community. Any individual may make a suggestion or express a concern by contacting any District or School office. Community members who e-mail the District or any District employee or board member are expected to abide by the standards in Board policy 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks, and should, to the extent possible, limit their communications to relevant individuals. All suggestions and/or concerns will be referred to the appropriate level staff member or District administrator who is most able to respond in a timely manner. Each concern or suggestion shall be considered on its merit.

An individual who is not satisfied may file a grievance under Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. The Board encourages, but does not require, individuals to follow the channels of authority prior to filing a grievance. Neither this policy nor the Uniform Grievance Procedure create an independent right to a hearing before the Board.
LEGAL REF.:
115 ILCS 5/14(c-5), Ill. Educational Labor Relations Act.

CROSS REF.: 2:140 (Communications To and From the Board), 2:230 (Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board), 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 3:30 (Chain of Command), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks), 6:260 (Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials and Programs), 8:10 (Connection with the Community)
Adopted: July 20, 2020

Belleville THSD 201