District Operation During Public Emergencies

The district believes that student learning is the heart of its core mission.  While traditional in-person teaching continues to provide the greatest learning opportunity to all students, there may be rare and unusual circumstances that prevent the school community from convening in traditional in-person settings.  At times of a public emergency declared by federal, state or local officials, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local agencies to assist in determining the safety of convening traditional in-person learning.  

If, due to the public emergency, the school board determines that holding traditional in-person learning at district facilities would hinder the health and safety of the school community the district will instead utilize remote or hybrid learning opportunities permitted by law.  

Following guidance and recommendations from federal, state, and local agencies when reasonably possible, the administration will create regulations related to district operations during a public emergency, including, but not limited to, student, employee and visitor safety and security; the use and safeguarding of district property; public meetings and events, and when applicable, measures to prevent or slow the spread of infectious disease.

These measures will be enforced for the period of time of the public emergency, or until the school board superintendent, in consultation with federal, state and local agencies determine it is appropriate for the safety measures to end.
  

NOTE:  Districts should choose between the options listed in the italicized language, remove text that is not used then remove italics. The language requiring board approval of school closure to in-person learning due to a declared public emergency is a legal requirement from Senate File 2310.  However, boards can choose to delegate this decision to the Superintendent, but that delegation should be specified in board policy. 

NOTE:  The optional language listed in this policy and accompanying regulation are just some examples of the local flexibility districts have to make decisions based upon the priorities of their individual school communities.  Districts are strongly encouraged to consult with their legal counsel and adapt the optional language to best suit the needs of their individual communities.

Cross References