Oak Hill schools will be closed March 27 - April 1
Classes resume Tuesday, April 2

Drug Prevention

5530 - DRUG PREVENTION

The Board of Education recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the whole school community.

As the educational institution of this community, the schools should strive to prevent drug abuse and help drug abusers by educational, rather than punitive, means.

For purposes of this policy, "drugs" shall mean:

  1. all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Ohio statute;

  2. all chemicals which release toxic vapors;

  3. all alcoholic beverages;

  4. any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy;

  5. anabolic steroids;

  6. any substance containing betel nut (areca nut);

  7. any substance that is a "look-alike" to any of the above.

The Board prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of any drug or any drug-related paraphernalia as the term is defined by law, or the misuse of a product containing a substance that can provide an intoxicating or mood-altering effect on school grounds, on school vehicles, and at any school-sponsored event.

The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines for the identification, amelioration, and regulation of drug use in the schools. Such guidelines shall:

  1. emphasize the prevention of drug use;

  2. provide for a comprehensive, age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol education and prevention program which:

    1. addresses the legal, social, psychological, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use;

    2. provides information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs and alcohol;
       

    3. assists students to develop skills to make responsible decisions about substance abuse and other important health issues;

    4. promotes positive emotional health, self-esteem, and respect for one's body;

    5. meets the minimal objectives as stated in the essential performance objectives for health education as established by the State Department of Education.

  3. include a statement to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful;

  4. provide standards of conduct that are applicable to all students and which clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity;

  5. include a clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the school standards of conduct and a description of those sanctions;

    The sanctions may include, together with punitive action, voluntary referral to appropriate persons or agencies for screening and assessment. Such referral may only be made to qualified and properly licensed individuals or programs.

  6. provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and reentry programs available to students and provide procedures to direct students and their parents to the appropriate programs;

  7. require that all parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct regarding the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students;

  8. require the notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory;

  9. provide a biennial review of the School District's program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes as needed and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced;

  10. establish means for dealing with students suspected of drug use or suspected of possessing or distributing drugs in school and ensure that the District's policy and administrative guidelines on Search and Seizure Policy 5771 and AG 5771, Suspension and Expulsion Policy 5610 and AG 5610, and Permanent Exclusion Policy 5610.01 and AG 5610.01 are complied with fully.

The Superintendent shall establish administrative guidelines necessary to implement this policy. Such guidelines shall ensure that the proper notice regarding the use of anabolic steroids is posted in each of the District's locker rooms used by students in grades 7-12.

 
Adopted February 28, 2018
© Neola 2017

Eligibility of Resident / Nonresident Students

5111 - ELIGIBILITY OF RESIDENT/NONRESIDENT STUDENTS

The Board of Education establishes the following residency policy for determining eligibility to attend the schools of this District.

The Board shall provide tuition-free education for the benefit of children at least five (5) but under twenty-two (22) years of age whose parents reside in the District and such others as may be eligible pursuant to Federal and/or State law and the policies of the Board, including disabled preschool children who are at least three (3) years of age but not of compulsory school age and who are not currently enrolled in kindergarten regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.  The Board shall meaningfully communicate material information about enrollment requirements and procedures with parents, including parents who have limited proficiency in English.  Access to information regarding enrollment requirements and procedures shall be available on the District’s web site.

In addition, the Board shall provide tuition-free education for the benefit of a child whose grandparent(s) resides in the District and who is the subject of a:

  1. power of attorney designating the grandparent as the attorney-in-fact; or

  2. caretaker authorization affidavit executed by the grandparent that provides the grandparent with authority over the care, physical custody, and control of the child, including the ability to enroll the child in school, consent in all school related matters, and discuss with the District the child’s educational progress.

In accordance with State law, the grandparent shall be considered the "parent" of the child who is the subject of the power of attorney (Form 5111 F7) or caretaker authorization affidavit (Form 5111 F8). The child may attend the schools of this District (Form 5111 F9) unless the power of attorney or caretaker authorization form was created for the sole purpose of enrolling the child in the District so that the child may participate in the academic or interscholastic programs of this District or another reason exists to exclude the child under State law. Additionally, the child may attend the schools of the District until the power of attorney or caretaker authorization affidavit terminates upon the occurrence of one (1) of the following events:

  1. the child ceases to reside with the grandparent(s);

  2. the document is terminated by court order; or

  3. either the child who is the subject of the document or the grandparent dies.

Additionally, the power of attorney terminates if it is revoked in writing by the person who created it and that person gives written notice of the revocation to the grandparent and the juvenile court with which the power of attorney was filed. Further, the caretaker authorization affidavit terminates if the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child acts to negate, reverse, or otherwise disapprove of an action or decision of the grandparent(s) who signed the affidavit with respect to the child, and the grandparent either voluntarily returns the child to the physical custody of the parent, guardian or custodian or fails to file a complaint to seek custody within fourteen (14) days after delivery of the written notice of negation, revocation or other disapproval. It is the responsibility of the grandparent(s) to notify the District within one (1) week of the termination of the power of attorney or caretaker authorization affidavit.

The Board reserves the right to verify each student's residency and other conditions of eligibility for tuition-free education as well as the validity of the claim of any student to an education in the District. In addition, if a student has recently been discharged or released from the custody of the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and is seeking admittance or re-admittance into the District, such students will not be admitted until the records required to be released by DYS to the Superintendent have been received (see AG 5111 for listing of required records). Within twenty-four (24) hours of admission into the District, the Superintendent shall request a copy of the student’s school records from the school the student most recently attended.

Nonresident Eligibility for Tuition-Free Education

A student shall be entitled to attend school in this District free of any tuition obligation under the following circumstances:

  1. A child whose parent has signed a contract to buy or build a house in this District and provides proper sworn statements shall be enrolled without payment of tuition for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. The Superintendent is authorized to determine the number of days. The parent shall provide:

    1. a sworn statement explaining the situation, the location of the house being purchased or built, and stating the parent's intention to reside there upon its completion; and

    2. a statement from the builder that the house is being built for the parent and its location or a statement from a real estate broker or bank officer confirming that the parent has a contract to purchase, that the parent is waiting upon a closing date, and that the house is at the location identified in the parent's sworn statement.

Such child shall also be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics, if released by formal action of the district of current residency and the OHSAA.

  1. Children under a shared-parenting plan establishing both parents as "residential parents" when the child is residing with the parent, if one (1) parent resides in the District. If a student resides in another school district but attends school in this District (where one (1) parent resides), it is the obligation of the parents to provide transportation for that student from the home of the nonresident parent. Where a court has vested legal custody with only one (1) parent, the child is entitled to attend school tuition-free only in the district in which the custodial parent resides.

  2. A child under the age of eighteen (18) years of age who is married and resides in the District.

  3. Students between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-two (22) who support themselves by their own labor, live apart from their parents, reside in the District, and have not successfully completed the District's high school program or their I.E.P.

  4. Students who are considered by Federal law to be illegal aliens, children or youth in foster care, and/or homeless students who are required to be admitted by Federal law and in accordance with State guidelines.

  5. A child with a medical condition that may require emergency medical attention providing a parent is employed in the District and submits the proper certification required by the Board, including a medical statement from the child's physician.

  6. A child, living with a resident other than a parent and whose parent is in the armed services outside the State of Ohio, providing the child's parent submits the appropriate affidavit stating that the parent is in the armed forces outside the State of Ohio, intends to reside in the District upon return to the State, and provides the name and address of the person with whom the child will reside. The child may attend school in the District tuition-free for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. If the parent does not intend to reside in the District, the child may attend school as a tuition student only.

  7. A student who is living with a parent under the care of a shelter program for victims of domestic violence located in the District.

  8. A nonresident child who has been or is currently being placed for adoption with a resident of this District, unless the adoption has been terminated or another district is required to educate the child.

  9. Any student who enrolls in the District under the District’s open enrollment policy.

Optional Tuition-Free Education

The Board may admit students tuition-free under the following circumstances:

  1. Children under the age of twenty-two (22), who are:

    1. in the legal custody of their parent;

    2. residing with a resident grandparent; and

    3. not in need of special education, provided the Board and the board of education of the child’s district of residence enter into a written agreement specifying there is good cause for the transfer, describing the nature of the good cause, and consenting to the attendance.

The grandparent, and, if possible, the custodial parent shall sign the consent form providing the necessary authorizations. This option does not apply to children who are residing with a resident grandparent and are the subject of either a power of attorney or caretaker authorization affidavit that provides the grandparent with authority over the care, physical custody, and control of the child, as set forth in an earlier section of this policy. The Board shall admit children who are the subject of either a power of attorney or caretaker authorization affidavit tuition-free.

  1. Foreign-exchange students participating in a bona fide foreign-exchange program or residents of foreign nations who request admission as foreign-exchange students or the student is a non-Ohio, U.S. resident admitted under an exchange program operated by a student exchange organization.

  2. Twelfth grade students whose parents move out of the District after the commencement of classes shall be allowed to attend school tuition-free for the remainder of the current year and one (1) additional semester.
     

    The Superintendent may allow a student to remain in school beyond the additional semester, if, in his/her opinion, the student is making adequate progress toward completion of the high school program or I.E.P. but, due to circumstances such as illness, personal hardship, family responsibilities, or the need to work part-time has been unable to complete the program or I.E.P. within the school year and/or one (1) additional semester.

  3. A nonresident student under the age of twenty-two (22) is entitled to attend school in the District if the superintendent of the student's district of residence and the Superintendent enter into a written agreement consenting to the attendance and specifying that the purpose of the attendance is to protect the student's physical or mental well-being or to deal with other extenuating circumstances deemed appropriate by the superintendents.

    If the student is not receiving special education, there shall be no requirement for either district to provide transportation for the student.

    Any student admitted to the District under this provision shall be allowed to participate in all District student activities, including interscholastic athletics, on the same basis as any student who has attended the District's schools while of compulsory age.
     

  4. A child may enroll free of any tuition obligation for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days, on the sworn statement of an adult resident of the District that s/he has initiated legal proceedings for custody of the child. If the court fails to grant the adult resident custody, continued enrollment beyond the sixty (60) days will be at the discretion of the Board. If enrollment continues, tuition shall be assessed in accordance with law. If the court awards custody to the adult resident, s/he shall produce the journal entry awarding custody and tuition shall be determined in accordance with State law and/or the court order.

  5. A child who becomes a nonresident at the time of a parent's death may continue to attend school in the District on a nontuition basis for the remainder of the school year.

Students Suspended or Expelled from Other District

After offering an opportunity for a hearing, the Superintendent, at his/her discretion, may deny admission to a student who has been suspended or expelled from another public school within or outside the State, for the period of unexpired time of the suspension or expulsion. If the expulsion is from an out-of-state public school, the lesser of the period of such expulsion or the period of expulsion which would have been applied had the student committed the offense in this District will be imposed. When the suspension or expulsion from the other district has expired, the student is to be admitted providing all other eligibility requirements have been met. This provision also applies to a student who is the subject of power of attorney designating the child’s grandparent as the attorney-in-fact or caretaker authorization affidavit executed by the child’s grandparent.
 

Mandatory Admission/Payment of Tuition

The Board shall admit students who reside in the District but his/her parents do not reside in the District and tuition payments shall be assessed pursuant to State law if:

  1. the student is in the legal or permanent custody of a governmental agency or a person other than his/her natural or adoptive parents;

  2. the student resides in a home as defined by State law;
     

  3. the student requires special education;

  4. the child resides in the District and the child's parent is in a residential facility, correctional facility, or juvenile placement and the other parent, if living and not in such a facility or placement, is not known to reside in this State.

If the District admits a student to the District who is not otherwise entitled to attend or whose attendance tuition is not an obligation of another district, the Board shall collect tuition from the student's parents.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for the enrollment of nonresident children which:

  1. admit such children only on the proper application of the parent or guardian; release by the board of education of residency, if required; and the approval of the Board;

  2. do not exclude any child, otherwise eligible, on the basis of such child's race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, religion, or ancestry;

  3. verify claims of residency;

  4. deny admission where the educational program maintained for the children of this District is inadequate to meet the needs of the applicant;

  5. make continued enrollment of any nonmandatory nonresident, regular-education student contingent upon maintaining good standards of citizenship and discipline.

Tuition rates shall be determined as required by Ohio Statutes.

Tuition shall be charged monthly, in advance of attendance.

 

Safe at Home/Address Confidentiality

If a parent (or adult student), presents information to the District certifying that the parent (or adult student), his/her child, or a member of the parent’s household is a participant in the Safe at Home/Address Confidentiality Program administered by the Secretary of State, the Board shall use the address designated by the Secretary of State to serve as the student’s address for enrollment purposes. The District shall place a copy of any certification provided by the parent in the enrollment files.

 
Adopted February 28, 2018
Last Revised September 25, 2018

© Neola 2018

Ohio's College Credit Plus

Ohio's Colllege Credit Plus Program offers students in grades 7-12 the chance to earn college credit from any Ohio public college or participating private college while earning high school credit for the same courses, if they qualify academically.  

For information about Ohio's College Credit Plus Program please click here.

Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports and Limited Use of Restraint and Seclusion

5630.01 - POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS AND LIMITED USE OF RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION

The Board of Education is committed to the District-wide use of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports ("PBIS") with students and the establishment of a school environment focused on the care, safety, and welfare of all students and staff members. Student Personnel shall work to prevent the need for the use of restraint and/or seclusion. PBIS shall serve as the foundation for the creation of a learning environment that promotes the use of evidence-based behavioral interventions, thus enhancing academic and social behavioral outcomes for all students. An emphasis shall be placed on promoting positive interventions and solutions to potential conflicts. PBIS emphasizes prevention of student behavior problems through the use of non-aversive techniques, which should greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the need to use restraint and/or seclusion.

Professional staff members and support staff determined appropriate by the Superintendent are permitted to physically restrain and/or seclude a student, but only when there is immediate risk of physical harm to the student and/or others, there is no other safe and effective intervention possible, and the physical restraint or seclusion is used in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate and protects the safety of all children and adults at school.

All restraint and seclusion shall only be done in accordance with this policy, which is based on the standards adopted by the State Board of Education regarding the use of student restraint and seclusion.

Training in methods of PBIS and the use of restraint and seclusion will be provided to all professional staff and support staff determined appropriate by the Superintendent. Training will be in accordance with the State's Standards. Only school staff who are trained in permissible seclusion and physical restraint measures shall use such techniques.

Every use of restraint and seclusion shall be documented and reported in accordance with this policy.

The Board shall annually notify parents of this policy, and publish it on the District’s website.

DEFINITIONS

Aversive behavioral interventions means an intervention that is intended to induce pain or discomfort to a student for the purpose of eliminating or reducing maladaptive behaviors, including such interventions as application of noxious, painful, and/or intrusive stimuli, including any form of noxious, painful or intrusive spray, inhalant, or taste.

Chemical restraint means a drug or medication used to control a student's behavior or restrict freedom of movement that is not:

  1. Prescribed by a licensed physician, or other qualified health professional acting under the scope of the professional's authority under Ohio law, for the standard treatment of a student's medical or psychiatric condition; and

  2. Administered as prescribed by the licensed physician or other qualified health professional acting under the scope of the professional's authority under Ohio law.

De-escalation techniques are strategically employed verbal or non-verbal interventions used to reduce the intensity of threatening behavior before a crisis situation occurs.

Functional behavior assessment ("FBA") is a collaborative problem-solving process that is used to describe the "function" or purpose that is served by a student's behavior. Understanding the "function" that an impeding behavior serves for the student assists directly in designing educational programs and developing behavior plans with a high likelihood of success.

Mechanical restraint means any method of restricting a student's freedom of movement, physical activity, or normal use of the student's body, using an appliance or device manufactured for this purpose. Mechanical restraint does not mean devices used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which such devices were designed and, if applicable, prescribed, including:

  1. restraints for medical immobilization;

  2. adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without the use of such devices or mechanical supports; or

  3. vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle.

Parent means:

  1. a biological or adoptive parent;

  2. a guardian generally authorized to act as the child's parent, or authorized to make decisions for the child (but not the State if the child is a ward of the State);

  3. an individual acting in the place of a biological or adoptive parent (including a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative) with whom the child lives, or an individual who is legally responsible for the child's welfare;

  4. a surrogate parent who has been appointed in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-05(E); or

  5. any person identified in a judicial decree or order as the parent of a child or the person with authority to make educational decisions on behalf of the child.

Physical escort means the temporary touching or holding of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, waist, hip, or back for the purpose of inducing a student to move to a safe location.

Physical restraint means the use of physical contact that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move his/her arms, legs, body, or head freely. Physical restraint does not include a physical escort, mechanical restraint, or chemical restraint. Physical restraint does not include brief physical contact for the following or similar purposes to:

  1. break up a fight;

  2. knock a weapon away from a student's possession;

  3. calm or comfort;

  4. assist a student in completing a task/response if the student does not resist the contact; or

  5. prevent an impulsive behavior that threatens the student's immediate safety (e.g., running in front of a car).

Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports ("PBIS") means a school-wide systematic approach to embed evidence- based practice and data-driven decision making to improve school climate and culture in order to achieve improved academic and social outcomes, and increase learning for all students. PBIS encompasses a range of systemic and individualized positive strategies to reinforce desired behaviors, diminish reoccurrences of challenging behaviors, and teach appropriate behaviors to students.

Positive Behavior Support Plan means the design, implementation, and evaluation of individual or group instructional and environmental modifications, including programs of behavioral instruction, to produce significant improvements in behavior through skill acquisition and the reduction of problematic behavior.

Prone restraint means physical or mechanical restraint while the student is in the face-down position for an extended period of time.

Seclusion means the involuntary isolation of a student in a room, enclosure, or space from which the student is prevented from leaving by physical restraint or by a closed door or other physical barrier. It does not include a timeout.

Student means a child or adult aged three (3) to twenty-one (21) enrolled in the District.

Student Personnel means teachers, principals, counselors, social workers, school resource officers, teacher's aides, psychologists, bus drivers, or other District staff who interact directly with students.

Timeout means a behavioral intervention in which the student, for a limited and specified time, is separated from the class within the classroom or in a non-locked setting for the purpose of self-regulating and controlling his or her own behavior. In a timeout, the student is not physically restrained or prevented from leaving the area by physical barriers.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS

Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports ("PBIS") creates structure in the environment using a non-aversive effective behavioral system to improve academic and behavior outcomes for all students.

The PBIS prevention-oriented framework or approach shall apply to all students and staff, and in all settings.

PBIS shall include:

  1. school staff trained to identify conditions such as where, under what circumstances, with whom, and why specific inappropriate behavior may occur;

  2. preventative assessments that include:

    1. review of existing data;

    2. interviews with parents, family members, and students; and

    3. examination of previous and existing behavioral intervention plans.

  3. development and implementation of preventative behavioral interventions, and the teaching of appropriate behavior, including:

    1. modification of environmental factors that escalate inappropriate behavior;
       

    2. supporting the attainment of appropriate behavior; and

    3. use of verbal de-escalation to defuse potentially violent dangerous behavior.

SECLUSION

Seclusion may be used only when a student’s behavior poses an immediate risk of physical harm to the student or others and no other safe and effective intervention is possible. Seclusion may be used only as a last resort safety intervention that provides the student with an opportunity to regain control of his/her actions. Seclusion must be used in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate, for the minimum amount of time necessary for the purpose of protecting the student and/or others from physical harm, and otherwise in compliance with this policy and the Ohio Department of Education’s ("ODE") corresponding policy.
 

Seclusion shall be implemented only by Student Personnel who have been trained in accordance with this policy to protect the care, welfare, dignity and safety of the student.

Additional requirements for the use of seclusion:

If Student Personnel use seclusion, they must:

  1. continually observe the student in seclusion for indications of physical or mental distress and seek immediate medical assistance if there is a concern;

  2. use verbal strategies and research-based de-escalation techniques in an effort to help the student regain control as quickly as possible;

  3. remove the student from seclusion when the immediate risk of physical harm to the student and/or others has dissipated;

  4. assess the student for injury or psychological distress after the use of seclusion, and monitor the student as needed following the incident;

  5. conduct a debriefing including all involved staff to evaluate the trigger for the incident, staff response, and methods to address the student's behavioral needs; and

  6. complete all required reports and document their observations of the student.

Requirements for a room or area used for seclusion:

A room or area used for seclusion must provide for adequate space, lighting, ventilation, clear visibility, and the safety of the student.

A room or area used for seclusion must not be locked or otherwise prevent the student from exiting the area should staff become incapacitated or leave the area.

Additional prohibited seclusion practices:

Seclusion shall never be used as a punishment or to force compliance.

Seclusion shall not be used:

  1. for the convenience of staff;
     

  2. as a substitute for an educational program;

  3. as a form of discipline or punishment;

  4. as a substitute for less restrictive alternatives;

  5. as a substitute for inadequate staffing;

  6. as a substitute for staff training in positive behavior supports and crisis prevention and intervention;

  7. as a means to coerce, retaliate, or in a manner that endangers a student; or

  8. if it deprives the student of basic needs.

Seclusion of preschool-age children is prohibited, except that a preschool-age child may be secluded from his or her classmates, either in the classroom or in a safe, lighted, and well-ventilated space, for an amount of time that is brief in duration and appropriate to the child's age and development, if the child is always within sight and hearing of a preschool staff member.

RESTRAINT

There are different types of restraint, as defined above, including physical restraint, prone restraint, mechanical restraint, and chemical restraint. The use of restraint other than physical restraint is prohibited.
 

Physical restraint may be used only when the student’s behavior poses an immediate risk of physical harm to the student and/or others and no other safe and/or effective intervention is possible. The physical restraint must be implemented in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate, does not interfere with the student’s ability to communicate in his/her primary language or mode of communication, and otherwise in compliance with this policy and the ODE’s corresponding policy.
 

Physical restraint shall be implemented only by Student Personnel who have been trained in accordance with this policy to protect the care, welfare, dignity and safety of the student, except in the case of rare and unavoidable emergency situations when trained personnel are not immediately available.

Additional requirements for the use of physical restraint:

If Student Personnel use physical restraint, they must:

  1. continually observe the student in restraint for indications of physical or mental distress and seek immediate medical assistance if there is a concern;

  2. use verbal strategies and research-based de-escalation techniques in an effort to help the student regain control as quickly as possible;

  3. remove the student from physical restraint immediately when the immediate risk of physical harm to the student and/or others has dissipated;

  4. assess the student for injury or psychological distress after the use of physical restraint, and monitor the student as needed following the incident;

  5. conduct a debriefing including all involved staff to evaluate the trigger for the incident, staff response, and methods to address the student's behavioral needs; and

  6. complete all required reports and document their observations of the student.

Physical restraint shall not be used for punishment or discipline, or as a substitute for other less restrictive means of assisting a student in regaining control.

Prohibited Restraint Practices

The following restraint practices are prohibited under all circumstances, including emergency safety situations:

  1. prone restraint as defined in Executive Order 2009-13 (which defines prone restraint to mean "all items or measures used to limit or control the movement or normal functioning of any portion, or all, of an individual's body while the individual is in a face-down position for an extended period of time");

  2. physical restraint that restricts the airway of a student or obstructs the student’s ability to breathe;

  3. physical restraint that impacts the student's primary mode of communication;

  4. restraint of preschool-age students, except for holding a child for a short period of time, such as in a protective hug, so that the child may regain control;

  5. restraint that deprives the student of basic needs;

  6. restraint that unduly risks serious harm or needless pain to the student, including physical restraint that involves the intentional, knowing, or reckless use of any of the following techniques:

    1. using any method that is capable of causing loss of consciousness or harm to the neck or restricting/obstructing respiration in any way;

    2. pinning down the student by placing knees to the torso, head and/or neck of the student;

    3. using pressure points, pain compliance, or joint manipulation;

    4. dragging or lifting of the student by the hair or ear or by any type of mechanical restraint;
       

    5. using other students or untrained staff to assist with the hold or restraint; or

    6. securing the student to another student or to a fixed object.

  7. mechanical restraint (that does not include devices used by trained Student Personnel, or by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which such devices were designed and, if applicable, prescribed); or

  8. chemical restraint (which does not include medication administered as prescribed by a licensed physician).

ADDITIONAL PROHIBITED PRACTICES

The following practices are prohibited under all circumstances, including emergency safety situations:

  1. corporal punishment;

  2. child endangerment as defined in Ohio Revised Code 2919.22; and

  3. aversive behavioral interventions.

CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND/OR EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL

In accordance with the Board’s Emergency Management Plan (see Policy 8400), District personnel shall contact law enforcement and/or appropriate emergency response personnel if at any point they determine that an intervention (either a restraint or seclusion) is insufficient to maintain the safety of all involved.

FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT AND BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION PLAN

If a student repeatedly engages in dangerous behavior that leads to instances of restraint and/or seclusion, District personnel shall conduct a functional behavioral assessment to identify the student's needs and more effective ways of addressing those needs. If necessary, District personnel shall also develop a behavior intervention plan that incorporates positive behavioral interventions.

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The District shall provide training as follows:

  1. All Student Personnel, as defined in this policy, shall be trained annually on the requirements of the Ohio Department of Education's Policy on Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports, and Restraint and Seclusion; Ohio Administrative Code 3301-35-15; and this policy.

  2. The Superintendent, in consultation with each school building's principal and/or assistant principal, shall identify which District employees should receive additional training so that an adequate number of personnel in each building are trained in crisis management and de-escalation techniques, including the use of restraint and seclusion. District employees who receive such additional training must keep their training current in accordance with the requirements of the provider of the training.
     

  3. The Superintendent shall develop a plan to provide training to school personnel, as defined in this policy, so that Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports are implemented on a District-wide basis.

    Implementation of PBIS throughout the District may be a multi-year process, with training taking place over several years.

The District shall maintain written or electronic documentation on training provided and lists of participants in each training.

Only individuals trained in accordance with this policy in the appropriate use of restraint and seclusion may use those techniques.

MONITORING AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

The Superintendent shall monitor the implementation of this policy.

Any parent of a child enrolled in school in the District may submit a written complaint to the Superintendent regarding an incident of restraint or seclusion. The Superintendent shall investigate each written complaint and respond in writing to the parent's complaint within thirty (30) days of receipt of the complaint.

REQUIRED DATA AND REPORTING

Each use of restraint or seclusion shall be:

  1. documented in writing;

  2. reported to the building administration immediately;

  3. reported to the parent immediately; and

  4. documented in a written report.

A copy of the written report shall be made available to the student’s parent or guardian within twenty-four (24) hours of the use of restraint or seclusion. A copy of the written report shall also be maintained in the student's file.
 

All written documentation of the use of restraint or seclusion are educational records pursuant to the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act ("FERPA"), and District personnel are prohibited from releasing any personally identifiable information to anyone other than the parent, in accordance with FERPA's requirements.
 

The Superintendent shall develop a process for the collection of data regarding the use of restraint and seclusion.

The Superintendent shall report information concerning the use of restraint and seclusion annually to the Ohio Department of Education as requested by that agency, and shall make the District's records concerning restraint and seclusion available to the staff of the Ohio Department of Education upon request.
 

* Adapted from the Ohio Department of Education's Policy on Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports, and Restraint and Seclusion, adopted January 15, 2013.

 
Adopted February 28, 2018
© Neola 2017

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