1
POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
of the
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
of
Tishomingo County Special Municipal
Separate School District
Iuka, Mississippi
ADMINISTRATION
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
District I
Michael Puckett
President
District II
Jeff Allred
District III
Dr. Jim Perkins
Vice-President
District IV
Jeff Daniel
Secretary
District V
Ted Sparks
SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION
Ben McClung
(All Policies Reviewed, Updated, & Approved May 14, 2013, June 17, 2013 & July 18, 2013)
2
Approved
February 12, 2007
ADMINISTRATION & BOARD OF TRUSTEES
(Superintendent & Board Members who originally adopted policies)
District I
District II
District III
District IV
District V
Michael Puckett
Anthony Whirley
Tommy Dean
Charles South
Harold Sparks
President
Vice-President
Secretary
SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION
Malcolm Kuykendall
FOREWORD
Set forth in this manual are the official policies and procedures of the Board of Trustees of the
Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District. It is generally comprehensive,
but not all-inclusive. Its purpose is to contribute to a higher degree of efficiency of operation in
our schools.
As the laws of the State of Mississippi delegate and define the power and authority of local
school boards, the Tishomingo County Board of Trustees in this manual has in turn defined the
power, authority, and responsibility it has delegated to those in its employ. It is accessible to all
personnel and to interested patrons who desire to review the operating procedures of the District.
Copies are available in each school Library and Principal’s Office and at the Superintendent’s
Office. It is your responsibility to become familiar with this entire policy manual.
Individual schools that are part of Tishomingo County School District may have individual
guidelines and procedures in addition to the Policies and Regulations of the Board of Trustees of
Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District. The individual guidelines and
procedures are considered a part of School Board Policy of Tishomingo County Special
Municipal Separate School District
From henceforth, where the board policies refer to Tishomingo County School District shall
mean Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District.
3
Mission Statement
Tishomingo County School District’s mission is to provide an excellent education in a safe
environment that promotes our students to be highly successful in a competitive global society.
Vision Statement
The vision of the Tishomingo County School District is to educate students to be committed
learners who meet all challenges and endeavor to be the best they can be.
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title of Policy
Board of Trustees
Board Member Salary
Bond
Bullying or Harassing Behavior
Consent Agenda (facilities, fund raiser, field trips)
Equivalence among Schools
Fiscal Management Goals & Objectives
Individual Complaints
MSBA Professional Governance Standards
Nepotism
Oath
Official Actions
Order of Business
Organization
Policy Formulation
Powers and Duties
Prohibition Against interest in public contracts
Public Meetings
Qualifications
Quorum
Regular Meetings
Request to be on Agenda
Selection
Special Meetings
Student Releases from TCSD
Superintendent Evaluation
Suspension/Amendments Rules/Regulations
Term
Vacancies
Employment and Retention Procedures
Adherence to School Employment Procedure Laws
Highly Qualified Teachers
Immediate Supervision of Relatives
Non-Certified (At-Will/Non-Exempt) Employees
Procedure (new hires)
Procedure (rehire)
Reduction in Force Policy (Certified Employees)
Socialization/Fraternization
Temporary Employment
Job Descriptions
Accounts Payable Clerk
Assistant Finance Director
Assistant Principal
Assistant Superintendent
Assistant Teachers
Athletic Director
Bus Drivers
Section
B-1
B-I
B-I
H-1
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-I
B-1
B-I
B-I
B-I
C-1
C-1
C-1
C-1
C-1
C-1
C-1
C-1
C-1
C-1
D-1
D-39
D-37
D-28
D-2
D-14
D-38
D-18
Sub-Section
B-1
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D-1
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Page #
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5
Bus Maintenance Personnel
Cafeteria Employees
Cafeteria Manager
Coaching Personnel
Director of Human Resources and Public Relations
Custodians
Supervisor of Buildings, Grounds, & Transportation
Director of Finance
Elementary Counselors
Elementary/Middle Assistant Principal
Faculty/Teachers
Food Service Director
Instructors of Trades and Industry (Degreed Teachers)
Instructors of Trades and Industry (Non-Degree)
Library/Media Specialist
Middle School Counselors
MSIS Director
Payroll Clerk (Personnel, Insurance, Payroll)
Principals
Psychometrist
School Bookkeeper
School Nurse
School Resource Officer
School Secretary/Clerical
Secondary Counselors
Secretary to the Superintendent
Special Education Director
Special Education Teachers
Special Substitutes
Speech/Language Pathologist
Substitute Teachers
Superintendent Qualifications
Technology Director
Career and Technical Counselors
Career and Technical Director
Career and Technical Secretary
Conditions of Employment
Appraisal System
Athletic Passes for Employees
Bring Your Own Device - Employees
Bullying of Harassing Behavior
Cellular Phones
Certification and Level in Salary Schedule
Compensation
Compensation, Jury Duty/Holding Elections
Criminal Records Background Check
Deductions from Salary
Donated Leave
Drug Free Workplace
Drug Testing
Duties and Hours
Evaluations
Experience Credit
D-40
D-17
D-16
D-41
D-4
D-25
D-6
D-5
D-11
D-9
D-10
D-7
D-33
D-34
D-24
D-36
D-36
D-22
D-3
D-21
D-32
D-15
D-34-1
D-30
D-12
D-29
D-8
D-26
D-20
D-23
D-19
D-1
D-27
D-13
D-31
D-35
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6
Failure to Re-Employ
Family Medical Leave
Federal Employees (Time & Effort Documentation)
Instructional Management System
Leave for Military Duty
Leave of Absence
Non-Certified (At-Will) Employees
Non-renewal
Outside Employment
Paid Holidays for Hourly Employees
Personnel Appraisal Grievance Policy
Printed Materials Distributed on School Campuses
Professional Development Policy
Promotion
Regular Route Bus Drivers – Transportation
Resignations
Retirement
Seeking Public Office
Sick Leave for Hourly Employees
Sick Leave, Professional & Other Salaried
Teacher Assistants – Student Teaching Requirements
Teachers Drawing Retirement from Another State
Term
Use of Tobacco
Vacations
Salary Schedules and Pay Rates
Administration Personnel
Bus Drivers & Reimbursement for Trips
Coaching Personnel
Finger Printing
Pay Increase Review Policy
Retiring Teacher Pay
Substitute Pay
Support Personnel
Teachers/Assistant Teachers
Sexual Harassment Policy
Complaint Form
Students
Absences
Abstinence-Only Sex Education
Administering Medication
Alcohol and Other Drugs (see subsection y & z)
Alternative Education/School
Attendance during School Hours
Automobiles
Band Auxiliary Units
Bring Your Own Device - Students
Buildings
Bullying or Harassing Behavior
Bullying/Harassing Behavioral Complaint Form
Bullying/Harassing Behavior Parent Notification Form (evidence)
Bullying/Harassing Behavior/ Parent Notification Form (no evidence)
Bullying/Harassing Behavior Victim Notification Form
E-1
E-1
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7
Bus Discipline
Care of School Property
Career and Technical Center Entrance Requirements
Changing of Schedule
Checkout Policy (Grades 9-12)
Cheerleaders and Mascots
Class Ranking, Honor Graduates, and Valedictorian & Salutatorian
Classification of Students
Corporal Punishment
Correspondence Work
Credit for Advanced Placement Classes
Credit Recovery Program
Deliveries to Students
Departure from School - Transportation
Discipline
Discipline Codes
Discipline Plan and Parental Responsibility
Dress Code
Dropout Prevention & SATP/High School State Testing
Dual Enrollment/Credit/Tuition Program
Due Process/Right to Appeal
Education of English Language Learners
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
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114
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130
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Enrollment Requirements
Equal Opportunity
Errands
Exchange Students
Excused/Unexcused Absences (K-12)
Expulsion
Extended School Year
Fighting
GED Option Entrance Requirements
Grade Averages for Test Exemptions
Grade Averaging
Grading Scale K-12
Graduation Ceremony and Practice
Graduation Requirements (Appendix A-1, A-2, A-3, & IV)
Guidelines for Gifted Programs (refer to Appendix II – pg. 195)
Gun Free Schools Act Policy
Hazing Prohibited
Homeless Children and Youth
Immunization
In-District Student Transfers
In-School Detention
Internet: Acceptable Use Policy
Interviews
Make-up for Absences
Minimum Age
Mississippi Virtual Public School
Mississippi Virtual Public School Parent Consent Form
Non-Smoking Policy
Occupational Diploma
Occupational Diploma Criteria
H-1
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135
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135
99
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149
143
134
133
99
148
150
123
107
107
8
Out of District Transfers
Photograph Statement
Policies and Procedures (Student Handbook)
Printed Materials Distributed on School Campuses
Procedures to Register/Enroll/Withdraw a Student
Procedures for Requesting a School Transfer
Promotion/Retention Policy
Promptness/Tardiness
Residence Requirements
Residence Requirements (parents living outside district)
School Admission
School Fees
School Safety Act of 2001
School Searches
School Violence Prevention Act (see appendix III)
Section 504-Student Policy
Showing Movies to Students
Socialization/Fraternization (see C-1, Subsection i.)
Special Education
Special Services
State Owned Textbooks
Stealing and Vandalism
Student Clubs (Sponsors)
Student Drug Testing Program (see subsection x & y)
Student Parking Decals
Student Placement
Student Residence
Subject Area Testing Program Appeals Process
Substance Abuse Policy (see subsection x & z)
Summer School
Suspension
Teacher Support Team Process
Tishomingo County School District Mississippi Student Religious
Liberties Act of 2013 Policy
Tishomingo County School District Mississippi Student Religious
Liberties Act of 2013 Sample Permissible Student Expression Policy
Transfers – In-District Student Transfers
Transfers – Out-of-District/Out-of-State Students
Transfers – Procedures for Requesting a School Transfer
Transportation
Unexcused/Excused Absences
Use of Metal Detectors Policy
Use of Tobacco
Validation of Credits
Visitors and Parent Conferences
Career and Technical Credits
Weapons
Alternative Education/School
Extracurricular Activities
Special Education
Charter Schools
Child Find
Confidentiality
H-1
H-1
H-1
K-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
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H-1
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K-1
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123
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149
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101
99
105
117
142
128
139
228
H-1
l-1.
231
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
H-1
I-1
I-1
J-1
J-1
J-1
J-1
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161
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164
9
Due Process
Extended School Year Service
Free Appropriate Education
Full Service Goal
Grading
Graduation
Head Start Screening
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Least Restrictive Environment
Local Interagency Agreements
Participation in State & District-Wide Assessments
Participation of Private School Children
J-1
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167
165
Performance Goals
Placement in Private School
Placement of Students with Disabilities in Alt. School
Protection in Evaluation
Section 504 – Student Policy
Vision and Hearing Screening
J-1
J-1
J-1
J-1
H-1
J-1
o.
k.
n.
h.
z(35)
d.
166
164
166
164
138
163
Community Involvement
Athletic Ticket Prices for 2013/2014
Citizen Participation in Decision-Making
Concession Stand Policy
Health and Wellness
Official References to Another School District
Printed Materials Distributed on School Campuses
Regular Season Athletic Pass
Senior Citizen/Disabled Veteran Athletic Pass
Student Clubs (Sponsors)
Title I Parental Involvement
Visitors to the Schools
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
K-1
a.
f1.
d.
c.
h.
i.
f.
e.
d-2
b.
g.
168
174
174
173
170
174
174
173
173
173
169
174
School Facilities
Application for Use of School Vehicle (Employee)
Athletes Use of Facilities
Facilities Rentals
Motor Vehicles on School Property
Safety
Use of Facilities
Use of Facilities Form for Adult Use
Use of Facilities Form for Student Use
Weapons on School Premises
L-1
L-1
L-1
L-1
L-1
L-1
L-1
L-1
L-1
L-1
L-1
b1.
f.
e.
b.
d.
a.
g.
h.
c.
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175
175
175
175
175
175
177
178
175
Fixed Assets
M-1
M-1
179
Disaster Plan
Drills
School Evacuation
N-1
N-1
N-1
N-1
a.
b.
180
180
180
Accreditation
Communicable Disease
Appendix A
O-1
P-1
P-1
O-1
P-1
a.
181
182
185
10
Appendix B
Financial Accounting and Fiscal Management
Activity Funds
Check Signing
Competitive Bids
Disposal of Financial Records
Donations and Contributions
Education Enhancement Funds
Equipment
Fund Balance Policy
Fund Raising
Internal Control Procedures
Investments & Interest Income
Invoice Payment Procedures
Per Diem/Travel – Employee and Student
Purchase Order Procedures
Purchase Orders
Purchasing Agent
Purchasing Agent’s Bond
Receipt & Deposit of Funds
Restrictions on use of Federal Funds
Solicitation of Funds
State Contracts
Without Competitive Bids
Buildings and Grounds Management
Miscellaneous Charges
Charges for Requested Information
Returned Checks
Fair Labors Standards Policy
Adjustment of Schedules
Breaks and Meal Periods
Covered Employees
Employment Relationships
Enforcement
Exempt Employees
Hours Worked
Minimum Wage
Non-Exempt Employee Volunteer Agreement Form
Overtime Pay
Purpose
Record Keeping
Volunteering: Non-Exempt Employees
Unsafe School Choice Option
Appendices
Professional Governance Standards (contained in separate document)
Intellectually Gifted Program Regulations
Report of Unlawful or Violent Act Form
Graduation Requirements A-1 District Diploma
Graduation Requirements A-2 Traditional Diploma
Graduation Requirements A-3 Career Pathway
Graduation Requirements Parent Signoff
Safety and Crisis Response Plan (contained in separate document)
P-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
Q-1
R-1
S-1
S-1
S-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
T-1
U-1
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S-1
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T-1
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m.
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a.
j.
l.
U-1
Appendix I
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix A-1
Appendix A-2
Appendix A-3
Appendix A-1
Appendix A-2
Appendix A-3
Appendix IV Appendix IV
Appendix V Appendix V
190
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216
11
B-I
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
a.
Qualifications. Each member of the Board of Trustees must be a bona fide
resident and a qualified elector of the Tishomingo County School District.
Every school board member selected after July 1, 1993, is required by law to
complete a course of training and education for local school board members, in
order for board members to carry out their duties more effectively and be exposed
to new ideas involving school restructuring. The School Executive Management
Institute of the State Department of Education or the Mississippi School Boards
Association shall conduct such course of training approved by the State Board of
Education. Upon completion of the course of training, each board member shall
file a certificate of completion with the office of the Superintendent. In the event
that a board member fails to complete such training within six (6) months of his
selection, or six (6) months from the effective date of House Bill #1441, 1993
Regular Session, such board member shall no longer be qualified to serve and
shall be removed from office.
In addition to meeting the requirements above, after taking office, each school
board member shall be required to file annually in the office of the Superintendent
a certificate of completion of a course of continuing education as provided herein.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Upon the failure of any local school board member to file with the office of the
Superintendent, the certificates of completion as provided herein, such school
board member shall be removed from office.
Selection. This school district shall be governed by an elected school board
consisting of five (5) members. The terms of office of the members shall be
staggered and will take effect as follows:
District I - January 1, 2015
District II - January 1, 2017
District III - January 1, 2019
District IV - January 1, 2019
District V - January 1, 2015
Term. Each member of the Board of Trustees shall be elected for a term of six
years, beginning on the first Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting in January of
the then current year.
Oath. Each new member of the Board of Trustees shall take the following oath, to
be administered by the Circuit Clerk of Tishomingo County:
"Do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of
the United States and the Constitution of the State of Mississippi
and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duty as
a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tishomingo County
School District to the best of your ability and in accordance with
the laws now in effect and which may hereafter be enacted during
your continuance in this office, so help you God?"
Organization. At the first meeting in January of each year, the Board of Trustees
shall organize by the election of a President and a Secretary to serve a term of one
year and to perform those functions normally associated with such offices.
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Quorum. A majority of the members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business.
Vacancies. In the event a vacancy occurs in the office of any elected trustee of a
countywide municipal separate school district, and the next regular school board
election at which the vacancy may be filled is less than one (1) year from the date
of the resignation, the school board of the district may, in its discretion, take
action to appoint an interim board member to fill the vacancy until a duly
qualified successor takes office. The interim board member shall serve until such
time as the successor board member is duly elected to fill the unexpired term,
pursuant to an election held at the next regularly scheduled school board election
held in the county.
Section 37-7-204
Regular Meetings. The Board of Trustees shall hold its regular session meetings
on the second Monday of each month, unless posted otherwise. The
Superintendent shall prepare and furnish each member, in advance, an agenda of
business to be considered at the next regular meeting; but during these regular
meetings any business may be transacted at the discretion of the Board whether
on the agenda or not.
Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held upon
the call of the President, the secretary or any three members of the Board. Unless
waived by the unanimous consent of all members of the Board, oral or written
notice of the date, time, place and purpose of any special meeting shall be given
to each member of the Board at least two days prior to the special meeting; and
only the business specified in the notice shall be transacted at such special
meeting.
Public Meetings. All regular and special meetings of the Board of Trustees shall
be public meetings, except when the Board shall go into executive session for the
purpose of considering the qualifications of prospective employees, disciplinary
action involving students, discussion of business matters preliminary to a
decision, or other similar matters. (Provisions of Sections 25-41-7 and 25-41-11
of the Mississippi Code).
Request to be on Agenda. It being essential to the fundamental philosophy of the
American constitutional form of representative government and to the
maintenance of a democratic society that public business be performed in an open
and public manner, and that citizens be advised of and be aware of the
performance of officials and the deliberations and decisions that go into the
making of public policy, it is hereby declared to be the policy of this School
District that the formation and determination of public policy is public business
and shall be conducted at open meetings except as otherwise provided herein.
All meetings of this School Board are declared to be public meetings and shall be
open to the public at all times unless declared an executive session as provided in
sections 25-41-7 and 25-41-5 (1990).
This School Board shall make and enforce reasonable rules and regulations for the
conduct of persons attending its meetings. (' 25-41-9)
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To be placed on the agenda of a regular board meeting, groups or individuals shall
hand carry, mail, fax, or telephone a request to come before the board to the office
of the superintendent. Request forms are available in the superintendent’s office.
The request shall be received in the office of the superintendent no later than
4:00pm on the Thursday preceding the regular board meeting the person or group
wishes to attend or it will be held until the next meeting of the board. Should the
agenda be too crowded, the matter will be held for the next regular board meeting.
To be considered, the request shall contain the following information:
1.
Name, address, telephone number, and signature of the person making the
request
2.
Date of the board meeting
3.
Reason(s) for the request
4.
Name, address, and telephone number of the spokes-person of the
individual or the group, if different from the person making the request.
The spokesperson shall be the only voice of the group.
The superintendent shall acknowledge receipt of a request and issue instructions.
l.
*Employees. All dealings between the Board of Trustees and School District
personnel shall be through your immediate supervisor, the Superintendent, except
for complaints against the Superintendent, which shall be made to the Board.
Order of Business. The order of business at all regular meetings of the Board shall
be as follows (except the Board, by a majority vote, may amend the agenda as
deemed appropriate:
Call to order and roll call
Moment of Reflection and Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda
Minutes
Appear Before the Board
District Accountability Reports
Consent Agenda
Postponed Items
Certified Personnel Matters
Non-Certified Personnel Matters
Other Business
Docket of Claims
Field Trip Requests
Fund Raiser Requests
Use of Facilities Requests
Other
Action Agenda
Superintendent’s Report
Executive Session
Adjournment
Robert’s Rules of Order for parliamentary procedures shall be observed.
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Official Actions. The Board of Trustees shall act only through its official minutes,
which shall be properly prepared, kept, and stored in a safe place by the
Superintendent. (Provisions of Section 25-41-11 of the Mississippi Code).
1. The minutes will bear the date of the meeting and after the approval of the
Board, shall be signed by the President and Secretary.
2. The minutes will contain the official actions of the Board of Trustees.
3. The minutes will be on file in the office of the Superintendent.
4. School Board policies and minutes will be accessible to public review in
compliance with statutory requirements.
Suspension and Amendments of Rules and Regulations. Any rule or regulation of
the Board of Trustees may be suspended by a unanimous vote of the entire Board;
and any such rule or regulation may be amended by a majority vote of the Board
at any regular meeting, or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
Individual Complaints. Any individual Board member who receives a
complaint concerning school affairs shall refer the individual making the
complaint to the appropriate Principal or to the Superintendent. All dealings
between the Board or board members and school personnel shall be through the
Superintendent, except for complaints against the Superintendent, which shall be
made to the Board.
Policy Formulation Provisions will be made to involve members of the staff and
community in policy formulation and review.
Prohibition Against Interest in Public Contracts. No member of the Board of
Trustees or employee of the School District shall have or own any direct or
indirect interest individually or as an agent or employee of any person,
partnership, firm or corporation in any contract made or let by the Board of
Trustees for the construction, repair or improvement of any school facility; the
furnishing of any supplies, materials or other articles; the doing of any public
work or the transportation of children, or upon any subcontract arising there from
or connected therewith in any manner.
Nepotism. It shall be illegal for any superintendent, administrative superintendent,
principal or other licensed employee to be elected by the school board if such
superintendent, administrative superintendent, principal or licensed employee is
related within the third degree by blood or marriage according to the common law
to a majority of the members of the school board. No member of the school board
shall vote for any person as a superintendent, administrative superintendent,
principal or licensed employee who is related to him within the third degree by
blood or marriage or who is dependent upon him in a financial way. Any contract
entered into in violation of the provisions of this section shall be null and void.
Powers and Duties. The principal function of the Board of Trustees shall be to
establish practices and policies, which will provide the finest educational program
possible for all students who attend its schools; and in order to accomplish this, it
shall be the duty and responsibility of the Board of Trustees:
1. To organize the schools of the district and to make such division between the
high school grades and elementary grades as will serve the best interests of the
school.
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2. To select, employ and fix the salaries of a superintendent, principals, teachers,
and other administrative personnel and employees in the manner provided by
law.
3. To formulate, with the direction and assistance of the Superintendent and
subject to the requirements of law, a course of study for all grades.
4. To erect, repair, equip, maintain, insure, and operate adequate and proper
school buildings and related facilities.
5. To consider and adopt an annual budget that will adequately finance the best
possible educational system within the means available to the Board and to
supervise the expenditure of all funds.
6. To prescribe and enforce laws and regulations, not inconsistent with the law
or with the regulations of the state board of education, for the government and
regulation of all employees and students.
7. To maintain and operate all of the schools in this district for such length of
time during each year as may be prescribed by law.
8. To act as a court of final appeal for students, teachers and patrons in cases
where the Superintendent has been unable to resolve the controversy
satisfactorily, or cases which may have been appealed from his decision.
9. To invite the fullest cooperation of the citizens of the community to keep them
constantly and adequately informed of the purposes, values, conditions, and
needs of public education in the community.
10. To approve bills or claims for payment.
11. To require an annual audit of all accounts by an independent certified public
accountant or state audit department specified by state auditor.
12. To exercise all other powers and duties granted to, or imposed upon, them by
statute.
13. To attend activities which train board members for their educational
leadership role.
14. Require district administrators to attend School Executive Management
Institutes as required by state policy.
15. To participate in the policy development aspects of the school district's
long range educational plan and in the approval of the plan submitted to the
State Department of Education.
16. To determine that district administrators are applying specific standards for
promotion, retention, and graduation of students as required by local policy
and State Law.
17. To assure that school buildings and equipment are maintained in a
manner which supports the teaching/learning process.
18.To monitor the development of the local district's Early Childhood Educational
Program, Career & Technical Education, Special Education, Title I and Title II.
19. To monitor the district’s compliance with State Law concerning the district's
instructional and assessment programs.
20. To assure that all policies and procedures of the School District shall be fair
and equitable and shall assure an operation without discrimination on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disabling condition in
accordance with State and Federal Laws.
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21. The Board shall review all policies annually and take appropriate actions
concerning their maintenance, revisions, and/or repeal.
22. To prohibit fraternities, sororities, or secret societies in all high schools under
their jurisdiction pursuant to sections 37-11-37; 37-11-39; 37-11-43; and 3711-45 of the Mississippi Code.
23. Members elected after July 1, 2002, shall spend at least one (1) full day in a
school in the district they represent. The member may spend the entire day
in one school or one full day visiting multiple schools in the district in which
they represent. Section 37-7-306, amended 2002.
Fiscal Management Goals and Objectives. The district shall operate a system of
fiscal management which is educationally sound and which provides an annual
financial report to the State Department of Audit. The district shall account for all
funds made available to the school district. Appropriate budget revisions shall be
made in accordance with state laws. The school district shall have current (within
controllable factors) certified audit reports which indicate that the district has in
place a system of financial accounting prescribed by the State Department of
Audit and that the financial records present fairly the assets and liabilities of the
school district. Books shall be posted on a current monthly basis. Purchases of
equipment, supplies, and materials shall be made on a timely basis to ensure that
delivery is coordinated with user's needs. Instructional equipment, supplies, and
materials purchased shall relate to the successful implementation of the district's
approved educational plan.
Consent Agenda (facilities, fund raiser, field trips). The Superintendent has the
authority to approve all Use of Facilities Requests, Fund Raiser Requests, and
Field Trip Requests without prior approval of the Board of Trustees. The
Superintendent will inform the Board of the items he approved at the next
regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Bond. Each school board member, before entering upon his/her duties, shall
furnish a good and sufficient surety bond in the amount of $50,000, payable to
Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District and conditioned
upon the faithful performance of the duties of his/her role as a school board
member, including the proper oversight of all activity funds and other funds of the
school district, with the premium on the bond being paid from funds of the
district.
Mississippi School Board Association Professional Governance Standards. The
following pages signify the Board’s professional role in governing the schools
within Tishomingo County.
Student Releases from Tishomingo County School District. The Superintendent
has the authority to release students from Tishomingo County School District to
other school districts.
Board Member Salary. If a member of a school board misses twenty percent or
more of the meetings of the school board during a calendar year, except for
absences caused by required military duty, the member must reimburse the school
district that portion of the total salary paid to the member that year which is
proportionate to the number of meetings missed by the member in relation to the
total number of school board meetings held during that year. Deduction will be
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z.
made from future salary payments to the member in the next calendar year in
order to repay the balance due. If the member will not receive salary payments in
the next calendar year, the member must make payment to the district to
reimburse the balance due.
Equivalence Among Schools. To be in compliance with the requirements of the
Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 as amended by the No Child Left Behind
Act of 2001, the Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District
offers a diversified educational program compatible with the needs of the
community and standards of the state. The overall organizational plan of the
district will be designed to facilitate the philosophy of educating every child, each
to his or her fullest capacity, and to provide high quality schoolwork and
experiences for all students.
The Board directs the superintendent to assign teachers, administrators, and
auxiliary personnel to the schools, and to distribute curriculum materials and
instructional supplies among the schools in such a manner to ensure equivalence.
z(1).
Each staff member will be paid according to the adopted pay scale.
Superintendent Evaluation. This school board shall formally evaluate the
superintendent annually as required in MS Code of 1972 Section ’37-7-301.
It is the duty of the school board to conduct an annual comprehensive evaluation
of the superintendent of schools consistent with the assessment components of
paragraph (pp) of section ’37-7-301 and the assessment benchmarks established
by the Mississippi School Boards Association to evaluate:
 The success the superintendent has attained in meeting district goals and
objectives
 The superintendent’s leadership skills
 Whether or not the superintendent has established appropriate standards for
performance
 And is monitoring success and is using date for improvement. ’37-7-301
Evaluation of the superintendent shall be conducted in such manner as to:
 Provide positive and constructive feedback to the superintendent that will
support and promote the superintendent’s professional growth and
development;
 Help the Board evaluate its work in planning the educational program in this
community; and
 Strengthen the working relationship between the Board and the
superintendent by providing a comprehensive vehicle of communication.
The Mississippi Public School Accountability Standard for this policy is
Standard 9.
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C-1
EMPLOYMENT & RETENTION PROCEDURES
a. Reduction in Force Policy (Certified Employees). The Board of Trustees has the
responsibility for providing and maintaining quality schools in the district. In order to
carry out its responsibility, the board may abolish or combine job positions, reduce the
length of the work year with a concomitant reduction in salary, the same to be in no
event less than 187 days for full-time certified employees. When doing so, the board
will take into account the following reasons for reduction in force: enrollment,
educational programs, and human, material, and financial resources.
The primary objective of the board when reducing the work force will be the
maintenance of a fair and balanced educational program consistent with the needs of
the students and the functions and responsibilities of the school district. The board will
consider the following factors regarding retention, not necessarily in the order listed:
1. Positions critical of the goals and objectives of the school district
2. Skills/Certification in areas where district has instructional and/or supervisory
needs
3. Mississippi Residency
4. Highest Level of Certification in area taught within Tishomingo County
5. Experience, professional training, in-district length of service & work assignment
6. Quality of performance; including character, teaching capacity, and/or executive
ability
7. A level of cooperation with the school/district.
Initially, staff reduction will be accomplished by attrition, if at all possible.
Reduction in Force (RIF) Policy is based on Superintendent’s discretion, which can
be by schools or by district.
a-1. Non-Certified (At-Will/Non-Exempt) Employees. If non-exempt employees are not
performing their duties to the satisfaction of the superintendent, the superintendent
can dismiss the non-exempt employee.
b.
Procedure (New Hires). The following procedure will be utilized for the hiring of
new employees:
1.
All applications will be kept on file in the office of the Superintendent for one
2.
3.
4.
5.
calendar year from the date of such application; and such applications may be
renewed for additional one-year periods by written request made not more than
sixty days prior to expiration.
In the event no applications, or no satisfactory applications, are on file when a
vacancy occurs, the administration may solicit applications through colleges,
universities, the State Department of Education, other school systems or similar
sources.
The appropriate administrator will review all active applications and interview
those applicants who appear to have the best qualifications.
Based upon the professional opinion of the administrator, such administrator
shall recommend to the Superintendent for employment the best qualified
applicant, and shall provide to the Superintendent a list of all other active
applicants, showing those who were interviewed and those who were not.
If such recommendation meets with the approval of the Superintendent, the
Superintendent shall recommend the employment of such applicant to the School
Board, who shall elect such applicant unless good reason to the contrary exists.
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c.
d.
e.
g.
h.
i.
Procedures (Rehires). All present employees will be rehired pursuant to the
procedure set forth in Sections 37-9-3, 37-9-13, and 37-9-15, 37-9-17, AND 37-9105, Miss. Code of 1972; but no current employee is granted tenure or has the legal
right to reemployment.
Highly Qualified Teachers. The Tishomingo County School District is committed to
high levels of academic achievement for all students, and thus seeks to employ
highly qualified teachers in the elementary, middle, and high schools. The district
shall employ teachers on a professional basis without regard to age, race, color,
gender, or national origin. Every school teacher employed in this school system
must possess a valid license and shall execute a written contract with the local
Board of Education.
The term “teacher” shall include any employee of a local school who is required
by law to obtain a teacher’s license from the State Board of Education and who is
assigned to an instructional area of work as defined by the State Department of
Education. MS Code 37-151-5(f) (1997)
In situations requiring teachers be hired to fill a core academic subject area,
holding an MDE Emergency Certificate, the teacher may qualify for a
reimbursement using Federal Funds if the teacher fulfills Highly Qualified status in
the time frame allotted and commits to teach at least one (1) year after becoming
Highly Qualified.
Adherence to School Employment Procedure Laws
1. In the event that the professional staff is reduced, all procedures required by the
Mississippi School Employment Procedure Laws will be followed.
2. Nothing in this policy is to be construed as limiting the power of the board to dismiss
or release a teacher for a cause or as otherwise permitted by law.
Temporary Employment. In the event of an emergency when there is no person
available who meets the qualifications for a vacant position, a person with sub-standard
qualifications may be employed on a temporary basis, but such employment shall be for a
period no longer than the remaining portion of the current school year.
Immediate Supervision of Relatives. It is the policy of Tishomingo County Special
Municipal Separate School District School Board that an immediate supervisor cannot
supervise a spouse, daughter, son, mother, father, or in-laws at any school campus or at
the central office.
This policy does not apply to current personnel who are presently in one of the above
categories. The effective date of this policy is June 26, 2007.
Socialization/Fraternization. Adults who have contact with children and adolescents through
school activities have the responsibility not to betray or misuse their privileged position and shall
never take advantage of students’ vulnerability or of their confidence.
It is the policy of the Board of Education to prohibit any sexual relationship, contact or sexually
nuanced behavior or communication between a staff member and a student, while the student is
enrolled in the school system. The prohibition extends to students of the opposite sex or the same
sex as the staff member, and applies regardless of whether the student or the staff member is the
initiator of the behavior and whether or not the student welcomes or reciprocates the attention.
Staff Guidelines For Non-Fraternization
Staff members are expected to use good judgment in their relationships with students both inside
and outside of the school context including, but not limited to, the following guidelines:
1. Staff members shall not make derogatory comments to students regarding the school and/or
staff.
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2.
Staff-sponsored parties, at which students are in attendance, unless they are a part of the
school day or school extracurricular program and are properly supervised, are prohibited.
3. Staff members shall not fraternize, written or verbally, with students except on matters that
pertain to school-related issues.
4. Staff members shall not participate in any student blogs. Staff members can not text students
unless the principal receives a copy of the text message.
5. Staff members shall not associate with students at any time in any situation or activity which
could be considered sexually suggestive or involve the presence or use of tobacco, alcohol or
drugs.
6. Staff members shall not date students. Sexual relations with students, regardless of age and/or
consent, are prohibited and will result in dismissal and criminal prosecution.
7. Staff members shall maintain a reasonable standard of care for the supervision, control, and
protection of students commensurate with their assigned duties and responsibilities.
8. Staff members shall, pursuant to law and Board policy, immediately report any suspected
signs of child abuse or neglect.
9. Staff members shall not attempt to assess, diagnose or treat a student’s personal problem
relating to sexual behavior, substance abuse, mental or physical health and/or family
relationships but instead, should refer the student to appropriate school personnel or agency
for assistance, pursuant to law and Board policy.
10. Staff members shall not disclose information concerning a student to any person not
authorized to receive such information. This includes, but is not limited to, information
concerning assessments, ability scores, grades, behavior, mental or physical health and/or
family background.
Social Networking
All employees, faculty and staff of the Tishomingo School District who participate in social
networking websites such as, but not limited to, MySpace and/or FaceBook, shall not post any
data, documents, photos or inappropriate information on any website that might result in a
disruption of classroom activity. The determination of appropriateness will be made by the
Superintendent.
Employees, faculty and staff shall not give social networking website passwords to students.
Fraternization via the internet between Tishomingo County School District employees and
students is prohibited and violation of any of these policies may result in disciplinary action, up to
and including termination.
Access of social networking websites for individual use during school hours is prohibited.
Nothing in this policy prohibits employees, faculty, staff or students from the use of educational
websites.
Annual Reminder To Staff
The Superintendent and the school principals will annually remind staff members and orient
new staff members concerning the importance of maintaining proper decorum in the on-line,
digital world as well as in person. Employees must conduct themselves in ways that do not
distract from or disrupt the educational process. The orientation and reminders will give special
emphasis to:
1. Improper fraternization with students using Facebook and similar internet sites or social
networks
2. Inappropriateness of posting items with sexual content
3. Inappropriateness of posting items exhibiting or advocating use of drugs and alcohol
4. Examples of inappropriate behavior from other districts, as behavior to avoid
5. Monitoring and penalties for improper use of district computers and technology
6. The possibility of penalties, including dismissal from employment, for failure to exercise
good judgment in on-line conduct.
Periodical Searches
The Superintendent or designees will periodically conduct internet searches to see if teachers have
posted inappropriate materials on-line. When inappropriate use of computers and/or websites is
discovered, the school principals and/or Superintendent will download the offensive material and
promptly take proper administrative action.
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D
D-1
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
SUPERINTENDENT QUALIFICATIONS
a.
The Superintendent shall be a person of good moral character, with
experience and ability in the field of school administration, and with at
least a Master's Degree in School Administration and a current, valid
Class AA certificate in Mississippi. A person with a doctor’s degree in
administration and AAAA Certification will be preferred.
b.
Selection of Superintendent. The Superintendent shall be appointed by the
Board of Trustees by February 1 of each school year.
c.
Duties of Superintendent. The Superintendent shall be the chief executive
and administrative officer of the Board of Trustees; and shall have the
duty, power and authority:
1.
To exercise all the powers and duties imposed upon office by
statute; and to attend all meetings of the Board of Trustees except
those meetings held to prepare an evaluation, establish
compensation or employment of the Superintendent, and those
meetings held to rule on a contested decision of the Superintendent
when it is most appropriate for such a ruling to be made in the
absence of the Superintendent.
2.
To recommend to the Board of Trustees the principals, teachers
and other personnel to be employed throughout the district, in the
manner and at the times specified by law.
3.
To execute all applications, contracts, and other documents for the
operation of the School District as appropriate, including execution
of employment contracts with duly employed personnel for whom
a contract is required.
4.
To supervise, either directly or through designated subordinates, all
school personnel, including certified staff, bus drivers, clerical and
other classified personnel authorized in the budget.
5.
To make such assignments, re-assignments, or transfers as in his
professional judgment are necessary to secure the highest
efficiency of the entire staff.
6.
To have duty and responsibility to authorize extra employment of
professional and classified personnel as needed within the District
at the prevailing pay rate(s).
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7.
To prepare the annual school calendar for adoption by the Board of
Trustees.
8.
To dismiss school during inclement weather or other good cause.
9.
To receive, consider and approve all purchase orders which are
within the budget adopted by the Board of Trustees; to approve
and direct all expenditures within the budget and all appropriations
adopted by the Board of Trustees; and to supervise the accounting
and fiscal records as may be required by the Board of Trustees.
10.
To prepare and present to the Board an annual budget and such
annual and other reports on conditions and needs of the schools as
are required or may seem necessary.
11.
To acquaint the public with the activities and needs of the schools.
12.
To enforce the rules and regulations of the Board of Trustees in a
fair and impartial manner.
13.
To authorize, at his discretion, employees to travel on behalf of
and at the expense of the school district.
14.
To travel, at his discretion, on behalf of and at the expense of the
school district, within the budget for same.
15.
To let contracts on behalf of the school district for the purchase of
equipment, materials or supplies in accordance with applicable
statutory requirements.
16.
To invest funds of the school district. Quotations will be solicited
from the local banking institutions that qualify by state statutes and
that pledge the required securities and the investment will be made
with the institution that submits the highest and best bid for the
investment.
17.
To issue and distribute such administrative manuals or booklets of
instruction as he deems necessary or proper for the effective
administration of the schools.
18.
To suspend any part of these rules and regulations in case of an
emergency or extraordinary circumstances, until a regular or
special meeting of the Board of Trustees can be convened.
19.
To assign to a subordinate any duties or powers delegated to him
by statute or by the Board of Trustees except in those matters
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which by statute or by order of the Board cannot be so assigned;
but all reports or recommendations from such subordinates shall be
made to the Board through the office of the Superintendent, unless
otherwise specifically directed.
20.
To refer to the Board of Trustees any and all matters involving
school personnel, students, or patrons, which have been considered
through the proper echelon of authority and in which satisfactory
settlements have not been reached.
21.
To require all employees or prospective employees to furnish a
transcript, written application, and/or such other documents as may
be necessary or appropriate for such employee's personnel file.
22.
Subject to review by the Board of Trustees, executive and
administrative duties and control of this School District shall be
vested in the Superintendent. He shall have the authority to take
the actions necessary to secure effective and efficient operation of
the school system, consistent with the policies of the Board of
Trustees, provisions of the school laws and regulations of the State
of Mississippi and applicable federal regulations.
23.
As executive officer of the Board of Trustees, the Superintendent
of Schools shall interpret the policies of the Board of Trustees and
shall establish administrative procedures and regulations necessary
for the implementation of said policies.
24.
In cases where action by the Superintendent is warranted, and in
the absence of policy, the Superintendent of Schools is authorized
to act. However, the superintendent's decision(s) shall be subject to
review and action by the Board at its next regular meeting. It shall
be the duty of the Superintendent of Schools to inform the Board
promptly of such action and of the need for policy.
25.
Policies or policy manuals are to be housed in the central
administrative office of the district and in the principal’s office and
library of each individual school and will be available to any
patron during office hours.
26.
It is the intent of the Board of Trustees of this district that the
Superintendent and district administrative staff take active
leadership roles in the implementation of the Education Reform
Act. The Board directs that the Superintendent:
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a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
d.
Attend appropriate State, regional, and national meetings to
keep abreast of current effective practices, policies and
legal issues;
Assist in developing a five-year educational plan to serve
as a basis of operation of Tishomingo County Schools and
the basis for meeting accreditation requirements and
improving student achievement and lowering student
dropout rates;
Establish standards for promotion, retention, and
graduation of students which incorporate the results of
State and local testing programs, these approved as shown
by the minutes of the Board, and evidence that these
policies have been implemented in the schools of the
district;
Supervise and evaluate the extent to which principals lead
school instructional activity;
Establish uniform disciplinary policies for the school
district, commensurate with age/grade levels and
case/statutory law;
Apportion budgeted funds to accomplish policy
requirements; and
Inform the Board of the extent to which these tasks (a-f) are
accomplished;
27.
The Board of Trustees requires the Superintendent to submit
annually information necessary for determining compliance with
accreditation requirements. Such information will be submitted at a
date designated and on forms provided by the State Department of
Education. The Superintendent shall certify by signature that the
information is true and consistent with all other information
pertinent to the school.
28.
The Superintendent shall inform parents/guardians about the level
of performance of students.
Bond. The Superintendent, before entering upon the duties of his office,
shall furnish a good and sufficient surety bond in a penal sum to be fixed
by the Board of Trustees within statutory limits, payable to Tishomingo
County Special Municipal Separate School District and conditioned upon
the faithful performance of the duties of his office, including the proper
administration of all activity funds and other funds of the school district,
with the premium on the bond being paid from funds of the district.
25
D-2
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
a.
Qualifications. The Assistant Superintendent shall be a person of good moral
character with knowledge, experience, and ability in the field of school
administration and curriculum planning, and with at least a Master's Degree in
School Administration and a current, valid Class AA certificate in Mississippi. A
higher degree and certification will be preferred.
b.
Selection. The Assistant Superintendent shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor
signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of
the Superintendent.
c.
Duties. The Assistant Superintendent shall be directly responsible to the
Superintendent and shall be responsible for the formulation, implementation and
supervision of federally-financed programs designed to remedy education
deficiencies among disadvantaged students and to improve the overall educational
program of this school system; and the development and implementation of the
district's curriculum and staff development programs; and shall have the duty,
power and authority:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
To formulate and submit to the Board of Trustees through the
Superintendent all plans and applications for federally-financed
programs to remedy educational deficiencies among disadvantaged
students;
To implement and supervise all such programs that are approved
by the Board of Trustees and funded by the appropriate federal
agency;
To continuously study the curriculum of the school system and to
make periodic reports to the Board of Trustees through the
Superintendent of additional programs or courses needed to
improve the regular education, adult education, Career &
Technical, and gifted students programs, the personnel and
facilities needed to implement such new courses or programs and
possible sources of financing available to the Board of Trustees;
Coordinate the school curriculum so that teachers are aware of
what is to be taught in his/her grade level; what has been taught in
previous grades; and what will be taught in subsequent grades
To work with school district personnel to develop and implement a
change-inducing staff development program;
To serve as district textbook coordinator and maintain textbook
inventories through the state textbook inventory management.
system.
To serve as district testing coordinator
To perform other reasonable administrative responsibilities
prescribed by the Superintendent.
26
D-3
PRINCIPALS
a.
Qualifications. Each Principal shall be a person of good moral character, with
experience and ability in the field of education and with at least a Master's Degree
in School Administration and a current, valid Class AA certificate in Mississippi.
b.
Selection. The Principals shall be appointed by the Board on or before March 1 of
each school year, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.
c.
Duties. The Principal shall be the chief executive and administrative officer of
their respective schools and shall be directly responsible to the Superintendent;
and each shall have the duty, power and authority:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
To exercise all the powers and duties imposed upon his office by
statute;
To recommend to the Superintendent the teachers to be employed
at his/her particular school;
To recommend to the Superintendent secretarial staff, teacher
assistants, custodial and other non-certified staff to be employed at
his/her school;
To prepare and present to the Superintendent such annual and other
reports on conditions and needs of his school as are required or
may seem necessary;
To administer the instructional and non-instructional programs at
his school, and to assign and supervise generally all personnel at
his/her particular school;
To evaluate personnel following the policies of Tishomingo
County School District and the State Department of Education;
To plan and supervise custodial care of the school grounds and
facilities at his/her campus;
To enforce the rules and regulation of the Board of Trustees in
his/her school in a fair and impartial manner;
To maintain and enforce appropriate discipline at his/her particular
school;
To refer to the Superintendent any and all matters involving school
personnel, students, or patrons, which have been considered
through the proper echelon of authority and in which satisfactory
settlements have not been reached; and
To perform other reasonable administrative duties assigned by the
Superintendent.
27
D-4
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
a.
Qualifications. The Director of Human Resources and Public Relations shall be a
person of good moral character, with experience and ability in a communications,
marketing, human resources or related field with a Master’s degree from an
accredited university.
b.
Selection. The Director of Human Resources and Public Relations shall be
appointed by the Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the
Superintendent.
c.
Duties. The Director of Human Resources and Public Relations shall be directly
responsible to the Superintendent and shall be primarily responsible for human
resources, public relations, school safety enhancement, board clerk, mass
communications, and shall have the duty, power, and authority:
1. To develop and oversee a fully inclusive Human Resources operation:
 Online Applications
 Application Database
 Insurance
 Retirement
 Fingerprinting/Background Checks
2. To coordinate public relations for media outlets.
3. To serve as Board Clerk (minutes, electronic equipment, online access,
policies).
4. To coordinate the district drug testing program for students.
5. To coordinate the Emergency Management planning and activities of the
district and to serve on the Tishomingo County Emergency Management Task
Force.
6. To work with administrators to improve/enhance school safety.
7. To develop the capability to view all school camera systems at control point
for emergency situations.
8. To formulate the daily student absentee list and make the automated calls.
9. To formulate all mass communications.
10. To handle anonymous alerts.
11. To serve as the district sexual harassment contact.
12. To perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent.
28
D-5
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
a.
Qualifications. The Director of Finance shall be a person of good moral character,
with experience and ability in Public School Finance and/or formal training in
accounting. The Director of Finance shall maintain any certification required by
the State Department of Education.
b.
Selection. The Director of Finance shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees,
upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.
c.
Duties.
1.
Supervise and maintain awareness of financial activities of the
school district, including areas where direct responsibility has been
assigned to others, i.e., activity funds, athletic funds, cafeteria
funds and federal programs.
2.
Under the direction of Superintendent, plan, initiate, coordinate
and evaluate office work to be completed and maintain flow and
balance of work assignments in central office as related to school
business and finance.
3.
Maintain budgetary control of funds.
4.
Assist in development and interpretation of procedures and
guidelines regarding finances.
5.
Coordinate financial management computer programs and
adjustments with computer programmer.
6.
Supervise and
operations.
7.
Supervise activities relative to verifying account records, including
evaluating the internal control procedure.
8.
Maintain adequate financial records to comply with laws
governing schools and State Department of Audit requirements.
9.
Assist in bid procedures, purchasing laws and procedures for
related matters, including reviewing and signing purchase orders.
10.
Advise the Board of Trustees, the Superintendent, Principals and
others about financial matters of the School District.
11.
Maintain personally or through the staff:
a.
employee master file;
b.
current record of vacation, sick and personal leave for each
employee;
c.
records of teacher certification and experience;
coordinate financial management computer
29
d.
record of compensation to employees.
12.
Supervise preparation of payroll data for computer and insure
payment of employee from proper accounts.
13.
Coordinate investments according to policies of the Board and
governing statutes and accepted accounting procedures.
14.
Oversee the payment of utilities as they come due to prevent
penalty according to authority given by the Board.
16.
Prepare or supervise the preparation of annual, amended and
revised budgets and such financial reports as deemed appropriate
by the Board and/or required by the State Department of Education
or Department of Audit.
17.
Prepare annual report on funds and submit to State Department.
18.
Supervise the preparation of any reports relative to personnel and
the finances of the School District.
19.
Supervise the monthly financial procedures relative to reports for
month end, bank reconciliations, and appropriate distribution of
financial reports.
20.
Review transportation and Career & Technical reports submitted to
State.
21.
Prepare income reports for posting.
22.
Review fund balances monthly and report to Superintendent any
unusual or unexpected changes or trends.
23.
Provide the school board of trustees with monthly financial
reports.
24.
Compute salaries for all staff annually and prepare contracts for
licensed staff.
25.
Complete payroll quarterly reports.
26.
Directly supervise the Assistant Finance Director, Payroll Clerk,
and Accounts Payables Clerk.
27. Any other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
30
D-6
SUPERVISOR OF BUILDINGS, GROUNDS AND TRANSPORTATION
a.
b.
c.
d.
Qualifications. The Supervisor of Buildings, Grounds and Transportation shall be
a person of good moral character, with experience and ability in the field of
building maintenance and transportation, who holds a current administrative
degree in education.
Selection. The Supervisor of Buildings, Grounds and Transportation shall be
appointed by the Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the
Superintendent.
Buildings and Grounds Duties. The Supervisor of Buildings, Grounds, and
Transportation shall be directly responsible to the Superintendent, and shall be
primarily responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the school buildings,
grounds and related facilities; and he/she shall have the duty, power and authority:
1.
To recommend to the Superintendent, in conjunction with his
supervisor, for hiring all maintenance employees;
2.
To supervise and coordinate the work and activities of all
maintenance employees.
3.
To see that all minor repairs and maintenance work are performed
as rapidly and as efficiently as possible by maintenance employees.
4.
To prepare for the Board of Trustees, through the Superintendent,
plans and specifications for needed major repairs and items of
equipment, together with estimated costs (as requested).
5.
To recommend the purchase of equipment, supplies, and materials
necessary for proper maintenance of school facilities and grounds.
6.
To maintain proper inventory of and distribution of maintenance
equipment, supplies, and materials to the respective schools;
7.
To provide proper training programs for maintenance personnel;
8.
To recommend to the Superintendent the hours to be worked by
maintenance personnel;
9.
To coordinate, with the Superintendent in advance, modifications
to school facilities and /or grounds;
10.
To serve as the Asbestos LEA
11.
To perform other reasonable duties assigned by the
Superintendent.
Transportation Duties: Shall be primarily responsible for the establishment of bus
routes; and he shall have the duty, power and authority:
1.
To recommend to the Superintendent the hiring of Iuka bus drivers.
2.
To supervise and coordinate the activities of all bus drivers.
3.
To support the principals in activities involving student transportation,
including student discipline related to bus issues.
4.
To oversee bus shop mechanics and operations so that all repair and
maintenance work on school vehicles is performed rapidly and efficiently.
5.
To make sure that all aspects of student transportation are in compliance
with Mississippi Accreditation and other prescribed laws.
6.
To prepare school bus routes within policies of the school district and
applicable prescribed procedures and law.
31
32
D-7
FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR
a.
Qualifications: Food Service Director shall be a person of good moral character
with knowledge, experience and ability in all phases of school food services.
Current State certification and service-safe feeding certificates are required.
b.
Selection: The Food Service Director shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.
c.
Duties. The Food Service Director shall be responsible to the Superintendent for
the administration and supervision of all school food services in the system and
shall be responsible to the Finance Director in relation to all financial activities
and reports. He/she shall:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Organize and supervise the operation of all school cafeterias;
Plan menus for all cafeterias to insure meals which meet nutritional
requirements and are tasty to the students;
Purchase all foods and supplies for the operation of the cafeteria;
Provide the bookkeeping department with orders, time cards,
invoices, and deposit slips from the cafeteria operation;
Keep all records and make all reports concerning the operation of
the cafeteria to the State Department of Education and to the
Superintendent;
Prepare and distribute weekly to the news media and the schools
copies of the menus for the following week.;
Schedule, plan and supervise banquets and suppers for schoolsponsored groups and civic or PTA groups held in the school
cafeteria;
Attend, at cafeteria expense, such professional meetings as are
necessary for the improvement of his/her professional life upon
approval from the Superintendent; and
Provide in-service training for cafeteria workers and managers as
needed.
Prepares, distributes, and approves free and reduced lunch
applications.
Prepares and administers the departmental budget.
Prepares and submits all invoices for payment.
Administers regular and summer feeding programs.
Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
33
D-8
9.
SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
a.
Qualifications. The Special Education Director shall be a person of good moral
character with knowledge, experience, and ability in all phases of special
education and with at least a Master's Degree, AA Certification in Special
Education, and Administration/Supervision.
b.
Selection. The Special Education Director shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor
signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of
the Superintendent.
c.
Duties. The Special Education Director shall be responsible to the Superintendent
and work cooperatively with the Principals. He/she shall:
1.
Develop and coordinate Special Education Programs in the school district;
2.
Conduct Child Find Campaign for referrals of handicapped children as
deemed necessary and as required by law;
3.
Implement referrals to placement procedures according to the provisions
of applicable laws;
4.
Evaluate or arrange for evaluation of referrals;
5.
Check and submit all screenings to the appropriate Screening Team;
6.
Return all screening reports to respective schools;
7.
Maintain lists of Special Education students and proper data on same; and
8.
Review and prepare all forms and reports to be submitted to the State
Department of Education according to timelines prescribed by the State
Department.
Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
34
D-9
ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
a.
Qualifications. The Assistant Principal shall be a person of good moral character,
with experience and ability in the field of education and with at least a Master's
Degree with courses toward School Administration. Certification in School
Administration preferred.
b.
Selection. The Assistant Principal shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees
each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor signed the
Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of the
appropriate Principal and the Superintendent, according to the employment
procedures of the School District.
c.
Duties. The Assistant Principal shall serve under the supervision and direction of
the Principal and may be assigned such duties as:
1.
To the extent appropriate and necessary,
responsibilities of Principal in the absence thereof.
assume
the
2.
Assist the Principal in administrative duties.
3.
Attend workshops, conferences, and meetings deemed appropriate
by the principal, superintendent and as required by the State
Department of Education.
4.
To perform other duties assigned by the Principal.
35
D-10 FACULTY/TEACHERS
a.
Qualifications. Each regular teacher in this School District shall possess the
qualifications prescribed by law and by appropriate regulations of the Board of
Trustees for each position; but in no event shall a teacher be employed on a
permanent or regular basis who does not have at least a Bachelor’s Degree and a
current, valid Class A certificate in Mississippi, which certificate must be filed with
the Superintendent before the first month’s salary warrant can be delivered.
(See also Section C-1, Employment and Retention Procedures, Subsection d.,
Highly Qualified Teachers)
b. Selection. The teachers shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees each school year
on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor signed the Budget Bill,
whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, but
no current employee is granted tenure or has the legal right to re-employment.
c. Teachers/Duties.
1. Plan a program of study that, as a minimum, contains the State Curriculum
Framework and objectives tested by State and Local testing programs and in as
much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of students
and provide effective instruction necessary for student mastery of such programs
of study.
2. Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to
the maturity, interest, and learning styles of students.
3. Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in
harmony with the goals, establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and
projects; and communicate these objectives to students.
4. Employ instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting
stated objectives.
5. Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress
reports as required.
6. Diagnose the learning disabilities of students on a regular basis, seeking the
assistance of district specialists as required.
7. Counsel with colleagues, students, and/or parents on a regular basis.
8. Assist the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing
student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develop reasonable rules of
classroom behavior and procedure, and maintain order in the classroom in a fair
and just manner.
36
9. Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and/or volunteer(s).
10. Strive to maintain and improve professional competence, and provide for his/her
own professional growth through an ongoing program of reading workshops,
seminars, conferences, advanced course work at institutions of higher learning.
11. Complete the Staff Development Plan of the school district.
12. Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
13. Prepare for classes assigned, and show written evidence of preparation upon
request of immediate superior.
14. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment,
materials and facilities.
15. Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district
policy, and administrative regulations.
16. Cooperate with other members of the staff in planning instructional goals,
objectives and methods.
17. Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
18. Accept responsibility for co-curricular activities assigned.
19. Work to establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and
their parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of all
assigned students.
20. Assist or serve as a member of appropriate committees for the study of local
educational issues and problems, including textbook adoption, curriculum
revision, school evaluation, school-building professional activities, and in-service
training.
21. Promote a positive image of the school district to the public.
37
D-11 ELEMENTARY COUNSELORS
a.
Qualifications for Elementary Guidance Counselor. Each Elementary Guidance
Counselor in this School District shall possess the qualifications prescribed by
law and by appropriate regulations of the Board of Trustees. A Master’s Degree
is required in Guidance Counseling.
b.
Selection. The Elementary Guidance counselor shall be appointed by the Board
of Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor
signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of
the appropriate Principal and the Superintendent, according to the employment
procedures of the School District.
c.
Duties.
1. Provide counseling to students, individually and in small groups as
referred by administration and teachers.
2. Enroll new students according to Board Policy and MSIS.
3. Withdraw students according to Board Policy and MSIS.
4. Complete and submit monthly and yearly reports to the Superintendent
and State Department of Education.
5. Assign student schedules upon approval of the Principal.
6. Organize and supervise school testing program in accordance with Board
Policy and the State Department of Education.
7. Submit school Honor Rolls to the local newspapers.
8. Attend workshops and conferences as requested by administration and the
State Department of Education.
9. Organize and supervise the Tech Prep Advisory/Advisee program in
grades seven and eight.
10. Assist Special Education teachers with IEP Meetings.
11. Assist high school counselors with scheduling for upcoming ninth graders.
12. Attend parent conferences as needed.
13. Counsel students regarding behavioral issues.
38
D-12
SECONDARY COUNSELORS.
a.
Qualifications for Secondary Guidance Counselor. Each Secondary Guidance
Counselor in this School District shall possess the qualifications prescribed by
law and by appropriate regulations of the Board of Trustees. A Master's Degree is
required in Guidance Counseling.
b.
Selection. The Secondary Guidance Counselor shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor
signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of
the appropriate Principal and the Superintendent, according to the employment
procedures of the School District.
c.
Duties/Responsibilities.
1.
Aids students in course and subject selection.
2.
Obtains and disseminates occupational information to students and to
classes studying occupations.
3.
Assists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the
interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent
data, and works with students in evolving education and occupation plans
in terms of such evaluation.
4.
Works to discover and develop special abilities of students.
5.
Works to resolve students' educational disabilities.
6.
Registers students new to the school and orients them to school procedures
and the school's varied opportunities for learning.
7.
Works to prevent students from dropping out of school.
8.
Helps students evaluate career interests and choices.
9.
Remains readily available to students so as to provide counseling that will
lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and
maturity.
10.
Works with students on an individual basis in the solution of personal
problems related to such problems as home and family relations, health
and emotional adjustment.
11.
Plans guidance field trips to schools, colleges, and industry for interested
students.
39
12.
Guides students in their participation in school and community activities.
13.
Maintains student records and protects their confidentiality.
14.
Supervises the preparation and processing of college scholarships and
employment applications.
15.
Makes recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships.
16.
Provides student information to colleges and potential employers
according to provisions of the Board's policy on student records.
17.
Confers with parents whenever necessary.
18.
Assists in the orientation of new faculty members.
19.
Provides in-service training in guidance for teachers and student teachers.
20.
Works with teachers and other staff members to familiarize them with the
general range of services offered by the student personnel services
department, and to improve the educational prospects of individual
students being counseled.
21.
Advises administrators and faculty on the matters of student discipline.
22.
Takes an active role in interpreting the school's objectives to students,
parents, and the community at large.
23.
Interprets the guidance program to the community.
24.
Organizes and conducts annual "Career Day" or other similar programs.
40
D-13 CAREER AND TECHNICAL COUNSELORS.
a.
Qualifications for Career & Technical Guidance Counselor. The Career and
Technical counselor shall be a person of good moral character, hold a standard
teaching certificate, hold a Master's Degree and Mississippi license endorsed in
counseling.
OR
Complete an approved master’s degree program for guidance
counselors that includes a full year membership.
Score at or above the proficiency level on the core battery of the
NTE and the specialty area test for guidance counseling.
b.
Selection. The Career and Technical Guidance Counselor shall be appointed by the
Board of Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the
Governor signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the
recommendation of the appropriate Principal and the Superintendent, according to
the employment procedures of the School District
c.
Duties /Responsibilities.
1. Program Development and Evaluation
A.
Base goals, objectives, and activities on guidance program.
B.
Organize a guidance committee.
C.
Develop a guidance calendar.
D.
Secure and make available to students information and material on
further educational opportunities, personal growth and
development, occupational/ Career and Technical opportunities and
trends.
E.
Develop procedures for program evaluations.
2. Counseling and Consolation
A.
Schedule individual counseling for students.
B.
Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, programs AVA
to/for students.
C.
Prepare a list of contact personnel in agencies and programs.
D.
Follow up on conferences with students, parents, faculty and
administrators.
3. Student Appraisal
A.
Supervises maintenance and disposition of student records.
B.
Administer individuals and group achievement and aptitude
tests.
C.
Interpret text results to appropriate parties and records on
permanent and simulation records.
41
D.
E.
Identify students that need special educational experiences
Review student progress at the end of each grading period
and take appropriate action.
4. Academic Advisement, Educational, Career Planning
A.
Registers and orients new students through the school year.
B.
Provides students with career material and information.
C.
Appraises parents of actions by counselors on behalf of
students.
D.
Consults with administrators and teachers in the
development of curriculum.
5. Referral, Placements, and Follow-up
A.
Counsels, advises and/or places the student in their next
step of the educational process.
B.
Receives and acts upon referrals from teachers and other
professional staff, parents, and agencies.
C.
Assists parents in use of referral sources.
D.
Utilizes community resources and agencies for services not
available in school.
E.
Conducts follow-up studies on students.
6. Professional Responsibilities and Development
A.
Organizes office for effective use and is available to
students.
B.
Provides occupational and educational information/material
to students.
C.
Maintains a calendar of events and a schedule of
appointments.
D.
Completes and submits, reports to appropriate supervisory
personnel on time or schedule.
E.
Keeps informed of developments within the profession.
F.
Maintains membership in appropriate professional
organization.
G.
Participates in staff development.
42
D-14 ASSISTANTS.
a.
Qualifications. An Assistant shall be a person of good moral character
with knowledge, experience and ability to work with teachers and students
and shall meet the following qualifications:
1.
Hold a high school diploma or GED certificate.
2.
Have a minimum of 48 semester hours of college work or
successfully passed the Mississippi Department of Education
approved exam (for an assistant teacher).
b.
Selection. An Assistant shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees of
each school year, upon the recommendation of the appropriate Principal
and the Superintendent. Consultation with the teacher is encouraged (for
an assistant teacher).
c.
Duties/Responsibilities.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
To be administratively supervised by the building principal and to
perform other duties as specified by the building level principal or
superintendent.
To be directed daily under the supervision of a certified classroom
teacher (for an assistant teacher).
To attend and actively participate in staff development programs as
determined by the building level principal.
To assist as directed in improving students’ reading skills and basic
skills in other academic areas (for assistant teachers).
To serve as a monitor on buses, primarily the buses that transports
handicapped students on a rotating basis as assigned by the
administration.
To operate within school district policies and procedures.
To promote a positive image of the school district program to the
public.
To be an effective role model for primary grade students
To work harmoniously with staff and students.
To contribute to the development and implementation of a
successful instructional program and to student learning.
Maintain confidentiality of situations occurring at school.
Assistants, who are not serving as assistant teachers, work under
the direction of the building level administrator.
43
D-15 SCHOOL NURSE
a.
Qualifications. The School Nurse shall be a person of good moral character with
knowledge, experience and ability in all phases of school health services and shall
be a Registered Nurse with a four-year nursing degree when at all possible.
b.
Selection. The School Nurse shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees upon the
recommendation of the Federal Programs Coordinator and the Superintendent.
c.
Duties. The School Nurse shall be responsible to the Federal Programs
Coordinator and the Principals. He/she shall:
1.
Assist the teachers in setting up effective health programs;
2.
Visit homes to work with families who are disadvantaged to help them
understand and involve their children in acceptable health practices;
3.
Work cooperatively with local health agencies in the interest of the health
of the parents and pupils;
4.
See that tests and immunizations are given to pupils each year to assure
that they are protected against communicable diseases;
5.
Check the vision, hearing and teeth of the pupils to determine the
corrections needed to make recommendations to parents and referrals to
the proper specialists. A follow-up on each referral will be made;
6.
Keep an adequate health record on each pupil;
7.
Provide supplementary materials for teachers and pupils;
8.
Arrange a schedule for each school as to the time she will be available in
that school for pupils and teachers;
9.
Participate in in-service training programs conducted and approved by the
school system;
10.
Provide medical screening for students referred for evaluation for Special
Education; and
11.
Provide custodial care and medical care for children as is required of the
School District.
44
D-16 CAFETERIA MANAGERS.
a.
Qualifications The cafeteria manager shall be a person of good moral character
with knowledge of bulk food preparation. A minimum of a high school diploma,
or a GED is required. The manager must also successfully complete the SDE
sponsored manager’s course and the Department of Health Safe Service course.
Staff development and manager re-certification must also be met. Effective July
1, 1999, all cafeteria managers shall hold a Serv-Safe certification from the
Mississippi Department of Health. The Tishomingo County School District will
compensate for one (1) training session for the Serv-Safe certificate. If an
employee is not successful after one (1) session, it will be the responsibility of the
employee to secure additional training on his/her own time and at his/her own
expense.
Cafeteria employees must be physically able to lift up to 30 lbs. on a
regular basis. Such employees must be able to prepare food , serve
food, operate cafeteria equipment, mop floors, perform other cleaning
duties, and other similar duties assigned by the principal.
b.
Selection Cafeteria managers shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees
of each year, upon recommendation of the food service director and
superintendent.
c.
Duties The cafeteria managers shall be responsible for maintaining an
efficient, well-managed food service program as follows:
1. Supervise and assist in food preparation and serving,
ensuring that food is tasty, served attractively and at the
correct temperature, prepared economically, and portioned
properly in the production kitchen and satellites.
2. Use correct quantity cookery techniques.
3. Enforce time and motion economy.
4. Demonstrate use and care of all equipment.
5. Practice and instruct staff in safety precautions in all
phases of food service operation.
6. Use recommended sanitation measures.
7. Inspect all areas of the kitchen before dismissing the staff.
8. Prepare orders (foods, supplies, equipment) according to
schedule and submit to Food Service Director.
9. Check freezers and coolers daily; every two (2) days during the
summer months.
10. Complete daily records
11. Call in substitutes when necessary
45
D-17 CAFETERIA EMPLOYEES.
a.
Qualifications Employee shall be a person of good moral
character and have some knowledge of bulk food preparation. A
high school diploma or GED is preferred. Employees shall meet
any requirements of the Department of Education or Public health.
b.
Selection Cafeteria employees shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees, upon the recommendation of the food service director, director
and superintendent.
c.
Duties
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Assist in food preparation, handling, and serving.
Use correct quantity cooking techniques.
Use and care for equipment and facilities.
Practice safety precautions.
Use recommended sanitarian measures.
Perform other tasks assigned by the manager and/or principal.
46
D-18 BUS DRIVERS (including substitutes).
a.
Qualifications: Bus drivers shall be persons of good moral character.
Bus drivers shall hold a commercial driver’s license and successfully
complete the State School Bus Driver Training.
b.
Selection: Bus drivers shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees, upon
recommendation of the local school principal and/or Director of
Transportation and Superintendent. Substitute bus drivers must be
approved by the school board.
c.
Duties:
1.
Bus drivers shall enforce, obey and practice all safety rules or
procedures provided in the School Bus Driver Training Program
and Licenser Program. Safety of children must always take
priority over all else.
2.
Drivers shall complete a daily safety check before beginning each
morning route and document such inspection on forms provided by
the district, which are located in the three ring binder of each bus.
These forms should remain in the three ring binder of the bus.
3.
Before exiting and leaving a school bus, the driver shall, without
exception, check the entire bus to be sure no one is left on the bus.
4.
Bus drivers shall hold all licenses and training prescribed by law
and the State Department of Education.
5.
It is mandatory for all bus drivers to fully adhere to random drug testing as
required by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. If a driver’s
drug test result is reported as a dilute specimen, the driver will
immediately be re-tested. The re-test will be coordinated by the Drug
Testing Coordinator.
6.
A motor vehicle report shall be completed on each bus driver
yearly by the district.
7.
Each bus driver will be finger printed and a full background check
shall be performed prior to being hired by the district.
8.
Each bus driver shall operate and manage the school bus in a
positive manner in which students feel safe.
9.
Each bus driver shall ensure students are spoken to, corrected, and
treated with respect.
10.
Ensure bus is clean before and after use each day.
11.
When discipline issues occur and verbal requests/seat changes are
not effective, drivers shall complete the bus conduct form and turn
the bus conduct form into the local school principal.
12.
Other duties/responsibilities as prescribed by the Transportation
Director or local school principal.
(Refer to Policy, Section E-1 Conditions of Employment, Subsection z(7))
47
D-19
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS.
The Superintendent shall maintain an active list of persons qualified to act
as substitute teachers. The substitute teacher shall be contacted by the
Principal or his/her designee at the discretion of the Principal; and the
substitute teacher shall be expected to perform all duties of the regular
teacher, both in the classroom and/or the duty schedule. The daily salary
of the substitute teachers shall be established by the Board of Trustees.
The rate of pay for substitute teachers is as approved by the board. If the time
served by a substitute is less than a full day, it should be computed in hours
(anything over one half hour should be considered an additional hour) and the
substitute paid on an hourly basis as approved by the board.
LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTE TEACHER PAY
To qualify for “long-term” substitute teacher pay, a substitute must be scheduled
to perform duties during a teacher’s approved leave of absence. One substitute
must be scheduled to work for the same teacher for the same leave reason to be
considered “long term”.
Non-Degree
$66.00 per day
Degree (non-certified)
$76.00 per day
Degree (certified, active/inactive)
$91.00 per day
SHORT-TERM SUBSTITUTE TEACHER PAY
To qualify for “short-term” substitute teacher pay, a substitute must work less
than twenty (20) continuous days for the same teacher for the same leave reason.
Non-Degree
$58.00 per day
Degree (4 year)
$66.00 per day
RETIRING TEACHER PAY
Retiring teachers will receive pay at the rate of $66.00 per day for up to 30 days
of unused leave.
Certified teachers will be utilized as substitutes when possible.
All substitutes must be approved by the school board.
48
D-20 SPECIAL SUBSTITUTES
a.
A teacher or other professional employee employed by the Board of
Trustees to work for an extended period of time in a position for which
such employee holds valid certification shall be paid at a daily rate as per
District Salary Schedule for the certification and experience level of the
employee. Special substitute status will only be approved for persons
employed for a minimum of eighty (80) days. Refer to Board Policy D19.
b.
Upon approval of the Board of Trustees, any employee who has completed
the requirements for but not received certification and is employed for a
position requiring such certification will be employed as a special
substitute. The special certified substitute pay rate of 80% of the salary
schedule applicable to the employee will be paid. The special substitute
pay will be paid for the time approved by the Board of Trustees. Such
special substitute pay rate will only be paid when specifically authorized
by the Board of Trustees. Late renewal of certification may not qualify for
the special substitute pay rate. Special rate for renewal will only be
considered in extenuating circumstances which are completely beyond the
control of the employee.
c.
A non-certified employee employed by the Board of Trustees to work for
an extended period of time in a position for which such employee is
qualified and experienced shall be paid at a daily rate as per District Salary
Schedule for the qualification and experience level of the employee.
Special substitute status will only be approved for persons employed for a
minimum of eighty (80) days.
49
D-21
PSYCHOMETRIST
a.
Qualifications. Each psychometrist shall be a person of good moral character,
with experience in the field of education and with at least a Master’s Degree from
an accredited university or college in Special Education and/or Psychometry. The
Psychometrist will have a MDE License as a Psychometrist.
b.
Selection. The Psychometrist shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees each
school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor signed the Budget
Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of the Special
Education Director and the Superintendent, according the employment procedures
of the School District.
c.
Duties. The Psychometrist shall serve under the supervision and direction of the
Special Education Director and may be assigned such duties as:
1. Provide psychometrically sound educational assessments for students referred
for special education evaluations;
3. Insure that all students are evaluated within specific timelines;
4. Assist in writing all Multidisciplinary Evaluation/Eligibility Team Reports;
5. Participate as a member of the District Eligibility Team;
6. Provide evaluation input for diagnostic prescriptive planning;
7. Serve as a consultant to all teachers regarding assessment of students referred;
and
8. Assist the Special Education Director in completing required paperwork.
9. Perform other duties that may be assigned by the Special Education Director
and/or the Superintendent.
50
D-22 PAYROLL CLERK (Personnel, Insurance, Payroll)
a.
Qualifications. The Payroll Clerk shall be of good moral character and hold at
least a high school diploma. Additional educational training and related
experience are preferred.
b.
Selection.
The Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the
Superintendent, in consultation with the Finance Director, shall appoint the
payroll clerk.
c.
Duties. The Payroll Clerk will be directly supervised by the Finance Director and
shall perform the following primary duties:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Personnel Clerk
A.
Complete paperwork on New Employees (insurance forms,
retirement forms, tax forms, etc.) and mail. Make sure certificates,
transcripts, verification of experience, etc. are in the personnel file.
Enter new employees on payroll. Make and maintain personnel
files.
B.
Complete forms for financial institutions, unemployment claims,
requests for verification employment (present and past) and wages
paid, etc.
C.
Send PERS forms, tax forms, insurance forms, teacher licensure
packets, etc. to employees who wish to change information.
Insurance Clerk
A.
Reconcile insurance billings and mail.
B.
On the August payroll, enter changes to Section 125 Plan for the
upcoming school year.
C.
Mail insurance forms to employees who wish to make changes.
D.
Discuss and answer questions about insurance coverage and claims
with employees.
Payroll
A.
Maintain absentee reports, time sheets, insurance, pay rates, and
other changes, etc.
B.
Make changes to payroll each month run reports, prepare payroll
checks, etc.
C.
Electronically transmit PERS, MS Deferred Comp., andfederal
taxes.
D.
Mail diskette to PERS.
Other duties as assigned by the Finance Director or Superintendent
51
D-23
SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
a.
b.
c.
Qualifications: The Speech/Language Pathologist shall be a person of
good moral character with experience in the field of education and at
least a bachelor’s degree with Mississippi certification as a Speech/
Language Pathologist.
Selection: The Speech/Language pathologist shall be appointed by
the Board of Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10
days after the governor signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes
later; and upon the recommendation of the Principal and
Superintendent. The Speech/Language Pathologist shall report
to the Principal(s) and Special Education Director.
Duties: The Speech/Language Pathologist shall:
1.
Provide a thorough assessment and diagnosis of speech and
language based on Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA) guidelines ;
2.
Assist and guide teachers in observing, describing, and
referring students with suspected speech and language
disorders;
3.
Meet all IDEA timelines in assessing and ruling students
eligible for speech/language services under IDEA;
4.
Complete state, federal, and district forms in a timely and
accurate manner.
5.
Report new eligible students for Child Count purposes within
one day of the ruling.
6.
Provide appropriate individualized education programs (IEP’s)
of therapy to meet individual students’ needs and remediate
existing speech and language deficits;
7.
Serve as a member of the Multidisciplinary Eligibility Team
(MET) and/or Local Survey Committee (LSC) team as deemed
necessary;
8.
Serve as a resource to school staff members in the development
of a balanced program for oral communication and speech
improvement.
9.
Collaborate with classroom teachers and other school staff
members to implement therapy by suggestions for the
student’s daily activities;
10.
Report to principal all off-campus therapy sessions;
11.
Work with and report to Special Education Director in
implementing various state and federal policies and procedures;
12.
Perform other duties that may be assigned by the Principal,
Special Education Director and/or Superintendent.
13.
If therapy sessions are missed due to IEP and/or eligibility
meetings, or assessment of a student, those sessions will be
rescheduled to meet the requirements of the IEP of the student
whose therapy was canceled.
52
D-24 LIBRARY/MEDIA SPECIALIST
a.
Qualifications. Each Library/Media Specialist shall be a person of good moral
character and shall possess the qualifications prescribed by law and by
appropriate regulations of the Board of Trustees. This person shall hall a current
and valid teaching certification.
b.
Selection. The Library/Media Specialist shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor
signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of
the Principal and Superintendent, according to the employment procedures of the
school district.
c.
Duties.
1. Operates and supervises the media center to which assigned.
2. Evaluates, selects, and requisitions new media center materials.
3. Assists teachers in the selection of books and other instructional materials,
and makes media center materials available to supplement the
instructional program.
4. Informs teachers and other staff members concerning new materials the
media center acquires.
5. Maintains a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging all media
center materials and instructs teachers and students on use of the system.
6. Arranges for interlibrary loan of materials of interest or use to teachers.
7. Works with teachers in planning those assignments likely to lead to the
extended use of the media center resources.
8. Promotes appropriate conduct of students using media center facilities.
9. Helps students to develop habits of independent reference work and to
develop skill in the use of reference materials in relation to planned
assignments.
10. Presents and discusses materials with a class studying a particular topic,
on the invitation of the teacher.
11. Participates in curriculum meetings.
12. Counsels with and gives reading guidance to students who have special
reading problems or unusual intellectual interests.
13. Arranges frequently changing book-related displays and exhibits likely to
interest the media center’s patrons.
14. Prepares and administers the media center budget.
15. Weeds obsolete and worn materials from the collections.
16. Supervises the clerical routine necessary for the smooth operation of the
media center.
17. Instructs and supervises the Accelerated Reading program for the entire
school.
18. Coordinates special events programs.
19. Invites and plans for having local authors visit our school.
20. Attends workshops and conferences as required.
53
D-25 CUSTODIANS
a.
Qualifications. The custodian shall be of good moral character, be able to
perform job tasks, to read and write and have some mechanical abilities.
b.
Selection. The Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Principal and
the Superintendent shall appoint the custodians.
c.
Duties.
1. Keeps buildings and premises, including sidewalks and driveways, neat and
clean at all times.
2. Regulates heat, ventilation and air-conditioning systems to provide
temperatures appropriate to the season and to ensure economical usage of fuel,
water and electricity.
3. Checks daily to ensure that all exit doors are open.
4. Sweeps classrooms daily.
5. Cleans halls each day.
6. Scrubs, hoses down, and disinfect toilets daily.
7. Wash all windows inside and out at least twice per year
8. Keeps all grounds free of rubbish.
9. Assist in yard-keeping chores such as mowing grass and trimming school
grounds, and tree trimming.
10. Strips, waxes, and buffs tile floors twice per year.
11. Makes minor building repairs.
12. Reports major repair needs to the Principal.
13. Reports to the Principal any damage to school property.
14. Assumes responsibility for the opening and closing of the building each
school day and determines, before leaving, that all doors and windows are
secured and all lights, except those left on for safety reasons, are turned off.
15. Keeps an inventory of supplies, equipment, and fuel on hand.
16. Conducts an on going program of general maintenance, upkeep, and repairs.
17. Moves furniture or equipment within building as required.
18. Conducts periodic inspections of all electrical systems to ensure safe
operations.
19. Performs other duties assigned by the principal.
54
D-26 SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
a.
Qualifications: A Special Education Teacher shall be person of good
moral character with knowledge and experience in education and hold at
least a bachelor’s degree with a license endorsed in the appropriate area(s).
b.
Selection: The Special Education Teacher shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor
signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of
the Principal and Superintendent. The Special Education Teacher shall report to
the principal(s) and the Special Education Director.
c.
Duties:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
To provide each special education student with a program that will
enable each student to reach his or her fullest physical, emotional,
psychological, academic and behavioral potential.
Meets and initiates assigned classes at the times designated.
Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the
individual needs, interests and abilities of each student.
Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and
appropriate to the ability and interests of the students.
Works cooperatively with classroom teacher who have SPED
students in regular classes.
Confers frequently with parents and professional staff members
regarding the educational, social and personal problems of SPED
students.
Assist in screening, evaluating and recommending placement of
SPED students.
Provides motivation to all SPED students.
Completes all required paperwork in a timely fashion.
Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of
preparation upon request of immediate superior.
Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom
behavior.
Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and
provide progress reports as required.
Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by
federal and state law, district policy and administrative regulations.
55
D-27 TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR
Supervised By: Superintendent
Duties and Responsibilities: Responsible for district wide maintenance, installation, repair, purchase,
evaluation and implementation of all technology.
1.
Develop and maintain District Web Site.
2.
Assist faculty in installation, and use of software for instruction.
3.
District E-rate Coordinator
4.
Oversee local Technology Committee
5.
Responsible for District Technology Plan (3-5 year)
6.
Responsible for teacher and student technology standards.
7.
Provide technical assistance to all staff.
8.
Train staff and faculty in the use of technology and software.
Maintain District Infrastructure which includes 125 switches, 25 servers, Email, Web sever,
Virus protection, spam, and web applications servers, 18 labs, and three teacher training
facilities.
Liaison between Bellsouth and MDE on MPLS network.
9.
Liaison between students, teachers, staff and technology director.
10. Install wire, fiber and troubleshoot infrastructure and backbone.
11. Deliver, install, setup, and configure printers, computers and software packages.
12. Help with student data base problems (MSIS).
13. Troubleshoot problems with support systems, including e-mail, network connectivity, internet,
etc.
14. Install, configure and upgrade operating systems and software.
15. Install, configure, assemble and repair computers.
16. Troubleshoot and solve hardware and software problems for approximately 1500 PCs.
17. Provide technical support to all staff.
18. Purchase and evaluate equipment needed across the county.
19. Manage Student administrative Web Interface. (Sams).
20. Manage Student administrative SQL server (Sams).
21. Manage Active Parent Server.
22. Manage How to Master server for teacher online training.
23. Manage Renaissance server (AR and AR Math).
24. Manage 7 Data Storage Servers.
25. Make and distribute all ID badges, etc.
26. Maintain district wide camera system.
27. Perform daily backups of critical data.
28. Time clock installation and maintenance.
29. Maintenance of lunch room software.
30. Troubleshoot and maintain MPLS network.
31. Handle all RMA’s.
32. Assist in State Wide Testing.
33. Manage District Symantec anti-virus
34. Manage concourse library programs.
35. Manage district wide Rosetta Stone software.
36. Manage Online board package.
37. Implementation and management of electronic data archiving per Federal Requirements.
38. Responsible for district being CIPA (child internet protection act) compliant.
39. All computer technology staff reports to Technology Director.
40. Other duties as assigned by Superintendent.
56
D-28 ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
a.
Qualifications: The Assistant Principal shall be a person of good moral character,
with knowledge, experience, ability, and certification in Administration, as
required by the State of Mississippi Department of Education.
b.
Selection: The Assistant Principal shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees
each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor signed the
Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of the High
School Principal and the Superintendent.
c.
Duties: The Assistant Principal shall be responsible to the High School
Principal. He/she shall:
1. Assist in providing leadership for the overall instructional program,
including selection and support of instructional staff.
2. Work collaboratively with all staff to strengthen the instructional program.
3. Maintain high standards of student conduct through a guidance and
development program, which focus on prevention, communication with
parents and high expectations of conduct.
4. Maintains required building records/reports as assigned by the principal.
5. Prepares or supervises the preparation of reports, lists and all other
paperwork required or appropriate to the school’s administration.
6. Assists in maintaining discipline throughout the school body, including
In-School-Detention and Alternative School Assignments.
7. Assists in supervising the daily use of the school facilities for both
academic and nonacademic purposes.
8. Establishes effective communication/maintains positive relationships with
district administrative offices, students, staff, parents, and the community.
9. Is aware and sensitive to issues of diversity.
10. Participates in the recruitment, selection, and supervision of all school
building personnel.
11. Assists in developing and implementing a school improvement plan.
12. Supervises the safety and well being of all students.
13. Observes teacher and staff activities in order to assist the principal in
teacher recommendations.
14. Assists in development of the master schedule, assigning students to
schedule, coordinating curriculum, selecting materials and textbooks.
15. Plans, monitors, and cooperates in the conducting of safety inspections
and safety drill practices for buildings and grounds matters.
16. Assists in planning and directing a program of security.
17. Prepares requisitions, conducts inventories, and maintains records for all
supplies, textbooks, and equipment.
18. Attends and supervises after-school extracurricular activities as assigned
by the principal.
19. Assists in the calendar development at the local school.
20. Assists in supervising the transportation of students at the local school.
21. Performs other duties as assigned by the principal.
57
D-29 SECRETARY TO THE CENTRAL OFFICE/RECEPTIONIST
a.
Qualifications: The Secretary to the Central Office/Receptionist shall be a person
of good moral character preferably with experience as a secretary to an
administrator or related position. The person shall hold at least a high school
diploma. Additional training will be valuable and preferred.
b.
Selection: The Secretary to the Central Office/Receptionist shall be appointed by
the Board of Trustees, upon recommendation of the Superintendent.
c.
Duties: The Secretary to the Central Office/Receptionist shall perform the
secretarial duties to serve and support the Central Office and Superintendent in
discharging his/her responsibilities. Primary duties shall include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Answering the telephone.
Greet visitors of the office.
Scheduling appointments.
Taking dictation, typing and filing.
Type board agenda, minutes, notice to the courthouse and city hall.
Obtain food for board meetings.
Fingerprint all new employees and maintain records related to new
employees.
Check child abuse registry on employees and maintain file of the
results.
Handle the mail and take outgoing mail to the post office.
Send communications to employees who have death or serious
illness in their family.
Maintain the copying and fax machine.
Purchase orders for transportation department.
Assist district level directors upon request.
Perform general secretarial tasks needed to serve the staff of the
central office. Performs other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent.
58
D-30 SCHOOL SECRETARIAL/CLERICAL
a.
Qualifications: Each secretary shall be a person of good moral character
with experience and knowledge of school business. A high school diploma
is required and some college experience is preferred. Must have a working
knowledge of secretarial and bookkeeping skills.
b.
Selection: School Secretaries shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees, upon
the recommendation of the Principal and Superintendent.
c.
Duties:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Shall be under the supervision of the school Principal.
Shall attend to daily and routine tasks assigned by the Principal.
Shall demonstrate efficient clerical skills, to include but not limited
to typing, bookkeeping, record keeping, phone etiquette, etc.
Shall attend workshops, conferences, training as prescribed by the
Principal, Superintendent, and/or School Board.
Shall be knowledgeable of SSTS and MSIS.
Shall be knowledgeable of financial procedures prescribed by the
Board of Trustees.
Shall maintain confidentially of office activities.
Shall maintain efficient school records of school absences, tardies,
entries and withdrawals.
Shall supervise student workers.
Shall perform specific job tasks set forth in a more detailed form
provided by the Principal of the respective school.
59
D-31 CAREER AND TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
a.
Qualifications: The Career and Technical Director shall be a person of good moral
character, hold at least a Master’s Degree, a Career & Technical/Vocational
teaching certificate, appropriate license endorsed in administration and have at
least three years teaching experience in Career and Technical education.
b.
Selection: The Career and Technical Director shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor
signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of
the Superintendent.
c.
Duties:
1.
Program Development Evaluation
A.
Base goals, objectives, and activities of Career and Technical
education on a needs assessment survey of students,
community and labor market.
B.
Prepare a local plan for Career and Technical education annually
and submit to State Department of Career & Technical/Vocational
Education.
C.
Provide direction, supervision, and evaluation of Career &
Technical counselors.
D.
Organize, promote, and supervise adult Career and Technical
education program.
E.
Provide for in-service teacher training to upgrade
instructors.
F.
Recommend needed areas of training to administration.
G.
Administer student disciplinary plan for career and technical
education and coordinate with local attendance center
principals in regard to discipline.
H.
Initiate and carry out a continuous evaluation of local
career and technical instruction and utilize findings to improve
instruction.
I.
Secure needed materials needed for instruction of
career and technical curriculum.
J.
Establish and set forth rules, regulations, and policies of the
Career and technical center and inform students of policy.
2.
Equipment and Facilities
A.
Supervise layout and installation of equipment.
B.
Become familiar with all equipment as to purchasing,
reporting to state department, upkeep, and disposal.
C.
Take inventory of equipment annually.
D.
Maintain, repair, or replace all equipment as needed.
E.
Maintain building and facilities.
60
3.
4.
Student Appraisal
A.
Maintain follow-up records on each student for five years.
B.
Maintain a record of past, present, and prospective
employers for all graduates.
Professional Development
A.
Attend professional conferences and work shops which
contribute to overall effectiveness as a career and technical
administrator.
B.
Plan and execute an extensive program of publicity and
public relations.
C.
Make recommendations concerning individuals selected to
serve on advisory and craft committees.
D.
Encourage participation in professional organizations by all
personnel.
E.
Inform teachers concerning areas of liability and
familiarize them with insurance coverage through AVA.
F.
Seek out, interview, select and recommend all personnel to
administrative head. Make sure all personnel meet all
certification standards.
G.
Develop and administer a budget for career and technical
education.
H.
Maintain accurate records and make reports on time to the
state department and administrative head.
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D-32 SCHOOL BOOKKEEPER
a.
Qualifications: The bookkeeper shall be a person of good moral
character and shall hold at least a high school diploma.
b.
Selection: The Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the
Principal and Superintendent, shall apppoint each school bookkeeper.
c.
Duties:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Shall be responsible for preparing purchase orders, pay orders, etc., for the
School.
Shall be responsible for accurate receipt and ticket records of all
athletic events. Shall be responsible for payment of officials for
these events.
May administer medications—only with phone approval from parent.
Shall be responsible for making bank deposits each day.
Maintain copies of all forms, trip tickets, and requisitions for
teachers.
Maintain Textbook Inventory.
Maintain Fixed Asset Inventory.
Assist receptionist in phone duties, issuing student admit slips, and
other responsibilities.
Work during summer to perform needed tasks to prepare for
upcoming school year.
Do daily jobs – which change daily – according to Principal’s
request.
Perform other tasks assigned by the Principal
62
D-33 INSTRUCTORS OF TRADES AND INDUSTRY (Degreed Teachers)
Agricultural Mechanics
Agricultural Production
Diversified Technology
Intensive Business Training
Commercial Food Production
a.
b.
c.
Drafting
Remedial Education
Qualifications: Each of these instructors shall be of good moral character,
hold at least a bachelor’s degree and hold a standard teaching certificate
from the state of Mississippi with the proper endorsement.
Selection: Instructors of Trades and Industry shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor
signed the Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of
the career Director and the Superintendent.
Duties:
1.
Program Development and Evaluation
A.
Bases goals, objectives, and activities on the state adopted
curriculum of core skills. A student needs survey,
community survey and industry need survey.
B.
Develops evaluation procedures and materials to determine
effectiveness of instruction and progress of learners and
revises program based on information received daily and at
end of each grading period.
C.
Identifies students with special needs and incorporates
needs and methods to meet these needs.
2.
Academic Advisement and Education
A.
Uses methods, techniques, and media in teaching to meet
program objective and maintain learner involvement in
instruction.
B.
Is knowledgeable in subject area and organizes time, space,
materials and equipment to meet objectives.
C.
Sets goals for learners that challenge them academically.
3.
Interpersonal Skills
A.
Demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching and learning by
classroom behavior, support of school administration
school policies, school clubs, by projecting a positive
attitude of education in the community.
B.
Provides activities on a daily basis that allow students to
meet with a measure of success and thereby improve their
self-concept.
63
C.
4.
Maintains proper discipline in the classroom and shop.
Professional Responsibilities
A.
Organizes office and classroom for effectiveness and is
readily available to students.
B.
Maintains calendar of events and appointments.
C.
Completes and submits reports to appropriate supervisory
personnel upon request of schedule.
D.
Keeps informed of development within profession.
E.
Maintains active membership in appropriate professional
organizations.
F.
Participate in staff development.
G.
Adheres to policies, rules and regulations set forth by state,
district and local authorities.
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D-34 INSTRUCTORS OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (Non-Degree)
Metal Trades
Air-conditioning and Refrigeration
Body and Fender
Auto Mechanics
a.
Qualifications: Each of these instructors shall be a person of good moral
character. He/she must have completed six semester hours or ninety (90)
clock hours of pre-service programs, score proficiency level on the
NOCTI in teaching are and basic skills, and must have completed twentyfour (24) months of appropriate work experience at the journeyman level
in the teaching area.
b.
Selection: The Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the
Career and Technical Center Director and Superintendent shall appoint each nondegree instructor of trade and industry each school year.
c.
Duties:
1.
2.
3.
Program development and evaluation
A.
Bases goals, objectives, and activities on the state adopted
curriculum core skills, a student needs survey, community
survey, and industry needs survey.
B.
Develops evaluation procedures and materials to determine
effectiveness of instruction and progress of learners and
revises program based on information received daily and at
the end of each grading period.
C.
Identifies students with special needs and incorporates
needs and incorporates methods to meet these needs.
Academic Advisement, Educational and Career Plans
A.
Uses methods, techniques, and medias in teaching to meet
program objectives and maintain learner involvement in
instruction.
B.
Is knowledgeable in subject area and organizes time, space
materials and equipment to meet objectives.
C.
Sets goals for learners that challenge them academically.
Interpersonal Skills
A.
Demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching and learning by
classroom behavior, support of school administrations,
school policies, school clubs, participation in extra
curricular activities and by projecting a positive attitude of
education in the community.
B.
Provides activities on a daily basis for all students to meet
with a measure of success and thereby improve their self
concept.
C.
Maintains proper discipline in the classroom and shop.
4.
Professional Responsibilities
A.
Organize office and classroom for effective use and is
readily available to students.
B.
Maintains a calendar of events and appointments.
C.
Completes and submits reports to appropriate supervisory
personnel upon request or schedule.
D.
Keeps informed of development within profession.
E.
Maintains active membership in appropriate professional
organizations.
F.
Participates in staff development.
G.
Adheres to policies, rules, and regulations set forth by state,
district and local authorities.
65
D-34-1
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
a. Qualifications: The School Resource Officer shall be a person of good moral character with
knowledge, experience and ability to work with students, parents and teachers and shall meet the
following qualifications:
1- At least 23 years of age.
2- High School Diploma or GED certificate.
3- Consent to a background investigation OR two years of law enforcement or security
experience of which one year must have been as a sworn law enforcement officer.
4- Possession of a current State of Mississippi Law Enforcement Police Officer Certificate.
5- Complete a 40-hour School Resource Officer Basic Course as approved by the Mississippi
Department of Education.
b. Selection: The School Resource Officer shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees of each
school year, upon recommendation of the appropriate Principal and the Superintendent, according
to the employment procedures of the School District.
c. Duties/Responsibilities:
1-
Assists and provides guidance to principals and staff in the maintenance of a safe school
environment.
2- Patrols and monitors all areas of the assigned facilities on a consistent basis to prevent theft,
vandalism, and illegal entry as well as unauthorized vehicles and illegal parking.
3- Interrogates and detains unauthorized personnel.
4- Provide the faculties with technical assistance regarding school safety planning, crisis
training, occupational safety, and overall school security to include personnel, information,
and facility.
5- Enforces state codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures on school property.
6- Conducts criminal investigations, and collects information, intelligence, and evidence
regarding criminal violations on campus, presents investigative results to the local district
attorney and assists in prosecution. Is primarily responsible for all criminal investigations on
campus.
7- Files criminal charges for crimes committed on campus.
8- Writes reports and provides documentation of activities.
9- Maintains good rapport and liaison with faculty, law enforcement, judiciary, and community
service agencies.
10- Provides counseling and referral services within areas of expertise.
11- Other duties as specified.
66
D-35 CAREER AND TECHNICAL CENTER SECRETARY
a.
Qualifications: The career and technical secretary shall be of good moral
character, hold at least a high school diploma, be able to file, and be able to type at
least forty words per minute.
b.
Selection: The Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the
Career and Technical Center Director and the Superintendent shall appoint the
Career and Technical Center Secretary.
c.
Duties:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Filing
A.
Set up and maintain filing system.
B.
Make copies of all written correspondence.
C.
Keep student records.
Communications—Oral and Written
A.
Answer all income calls and transfer to appropriate person.
B.
Type letters for administration and staff.
C.
File all incoming and outgoing correspondence.
Accounting
A.
Prepare funds collected for school deposit.
B.
Maintain accurate records of school funds.
C.
Maintain accurate records of expenditures of pay
certificates.
D.
Maintain accurate records of staff leave and sick leave.
Calendar of Events
A.
Keep record of administrator’s appointments.
B.
Keep record of scheduled events.
Inventory
A.
Maintain stock of office supplies.
B.
Maintain record of staff requested supplies.
C.
Make purchase of school supplies after administrative
approval.
School Business
A.
Receive and record absentees.
B.
Type absentee slips.
C.
Call parents to check student absentees.
D.
Attend minor first aid.
E.
Make call for director.
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D-36 MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELORS
a.
b.
c.
Qualifications: Each Middle School Guidance Counselor shall be a person of good moral
character and shall possess the qualifications prescribed by law and by appropriate
regulations of the Board of Trustees. A Master’s Degree is required in Guidance
Counseling.
Selection: The Middle School Guidance Counselor shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees each school year on or before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor signed the
Budget Bill, whichever comes later; and upon the recommendation of the appropriate
Principal and Superintendent, according to employment procedures of School District.
Duties:
1.
Aids student in course and subject selection.
2.
Obtains and disseminates occupational information to students and
to classes studying occupations.
3.
Assists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through
the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other
pertinent data, and works with students in evolving education and
occupation plans in terms of such evaluation.
4.
Works to discover and develop special abilities of students.
5.
Works to resolve students’ educational handicaps. (Initiating
SPED referrals, or arranging and conducting 504 meeting.)
6.
Registers students new to the school and orients them to school
procedures and the school’s varied opportunities for learning.
7.
Works to prevent students from dropping out of school.
8.
Helps students evaluate career interests and choices.
9.
Remains readily available to students so as to provide counseling
that will lead each student to increased personal growth, selfunderstanding and maturity.
10. Works with students on an individual basis in the solution of
personal problems related to such problems as home and family
relations, health and emotional adjustment.
11. Guide students in participation in school and community activities.
12. Maintains student records and protects their confidentiality.
13. Confers with parents whenever necessary.
14. Assists in the orientation of new faculty members.
15. Provides in-service training in guidance for teachers and student teachers.
16. Works with teachers and other staff members to familiarize them
with the general range of services offered by the student personnel
services department, and to improve the educational prospects of
individual students being counseled.
17. Advises administrators and faculty on the matters of student discipline.
18. Takes an active role in interpreting the school’s objectives to
students, parents, and the community at large.
19. Serves as the local school’s MSIS contact.
20. Interprets the guidance program to the community.
21. Serves as the school test coordinator for statewide assessments.
68
D-36a MSIS DIRECTOR
a.
Qualifications: The MSIS Director shall be a person of good moral character and hold a
high school diploma. Additional educational training and related experience is preferred.
b.
Selection: The MSIS Director shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees, upon
recommendation of the superintendent.
c.
Duties:
1. Directly supervise personnel responsible for MSIS data collection and submission
2. Train personnel in appropriate skills to insure accurate data entry and submission
3. Supervise and monitor personnel to insure district and state policies and procedures
are being followed, and proper documentation is on file
4. Monitor student database daily, in order to send discipline and SPED information to
MSIS as required
5. Compare monthly ADA reports from MSIS to local school reports
6. Provide monthly ADA reports to superintendent, assistant superintendent, principals,
SPED director, food service director, attendance officer and other personnel
7. Work with school attendance officer to make sure schools have proper documentation
for excused and unexcused absences and that excessive unexcused absences are being
reported as required
8. Supervise preparation of school/student schedules to insure state and local policies
are being followed
9. Continually supervise and support data personnel in maintenance areas of student
database, including teacher gradebook
10. Compile various reports and other monitoring instruments at request of
superintendent, principals, and other school officials
11. Work with finance director and payroll to input personnel data in MSIS
12. Assist technology coordinator in collecting data and compiling reports for E-Rate
13. Perform other duties assigned by the superintendent
69
D-37 ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR
a.
Qualifications: The Assistant Finance Director shall be a person of good
moral character with at least a bachelor’s degree and with training or
experience in the field.
b.
Selection: The Assistant Finance Director shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, in consultation
with the Finance Director.
c.
Duties: The Assistant Finance Director will assist the Finance Director and be
supervised by the Finance Director. Primary duties will be:
1.
Fixed Assets-District Property Manager
A.
Prepare and maintain appropriate records on fixed assets.
B.
Balance records quarterly.
C.
Supervise district audit of fixed assets.
D.
Annual State Audit
2.
Reconcile and document all school fundraisers.
3.
Assist Finance Director.
A.
Reconcile Bank Accounts (Accounts Payable, Payroll and
School Activity Funds).
B.
Building Projects
1.
Purchase Orders
2.
Help manage budgets.
C.
Data Entry
1.
Journal Entries (revenue, transfers, etc.)
2.
Time Clocks
2.
Budgets (changes, additions)
D.
Assist school level staff on financial issues.
E.
Assist with grants. (recordkeeping/reporting)
F.
Learn duties of entire Finance Department including the
Finance Director to assist in his/her absence.
G.
Worker’s Comp claims reporting
H.
Assist with routine monthly procedures.
4.
Federal Programs
A.
Application – assist with preparation
B.
Prepare purchase orders and invoices for payment
5.
Textbook Inventory
6.
Assist with staff development and continuing education
7.
Backup for Mass Communication
8.
Backup for Energy Management Controls
9.
Other duties as assigned by the Finance Director or Superintendent
70
D-38 ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
a.
Qualifications. The Athletic Director shall be a person of good moral character,
with knowledge of coaching.
b.
Selection. The Athletic Director of each high school shall be appointed by the
Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the High School Principal and the
Superintendent.
c.
Duties. The Athletic Director shall be responsible to the school principal for the
administration and supervision of the interscholastic and intramural athletic
programs for the school system. In administration responsibilities and high school
activities, the Athletic Director shall be responsible to the High School Principal.
He/she shall:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Development and ensuring schedules are printed for the public.
Compile and supply to proper school officials eligibility lists for all sports;
Schedule games for contests, select and contract officials, and make
arrangements for conducting interscholastic contests in all sports;
Requisition athletic equipment for all sports. Complete purchase Orders
for supplies and equipment payable from the high school athletic fund to
be signed by the Principal;
Maintain a current inventory of all athletic equipment;
Schedule and provide for needs, including transportation, meals, and
lodging for athletic trips;
Develop a system of awards for participation in athletics;
Keep a record of individual and team athletic participation and
achievement;
Inform the public of coming athletic contests and the results of completed
events;
Prepare budgets and annual reports to the Principal and Superintendent as
required;
Be responsible for supervision of maintenance of all athletic facilities;
Be responsible for recommending coaches to the principal; and
Be responsible for assigning coaching responsibilities and for the
supervision and evaluation of the same.
Make sure all sports are in compliance with Mississippi High School
Athletic Association Rules and Regulations.
Have a time for in-service with all coaches; including, but not limited to:
a. Who can use the facilities
b. When facilities will be used based upon Board Policy, Superintendent
Directives, Principal Directive, and Athletic Director Directive.
Safety of children must always come first.
71
D-39 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK
a.
Qualifications: The Accounts Payable Clerk shall be a person of good moral
character preferably with experience related to the position. The person shall hold
at least a high school diploma. Additional training will be valuable and preferred.
b.
Selection: The Accounts Payable Clerk shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees upon recommendation of the Superintendent, in consultation with the
Finance Director.
c.
Duties: The Accounts Payable Clerk will be directly supervised by the Finance
Director and shall perform the following primary duties:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Issue purchase orders for the Central Office.
Receive invoices and distribute appropriately. Set up vendor
information in accounting system.
Review purchase orders, pay order, invoices, received from the
schools.
Enter payable data into accounting system.
Print check register and review.
Print checks. Process the invoices and mail payment to vendors.
Print payables docket for Board meetings.
Answer the telephone.
Maintain files of paid invoices.
Other duties as assigned by the Finance Director or
Superintendent.
72
D-40 BUS MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL
a.
Qualifications: The Bus Maintenance Personnel shall be a person of good moral
character preferably with experience related to the position. The person shall hold
at least a high school diploma. Additional training will be valuable and preferred.
b.
Selection: The Bus Maintenance Personnel shall be appointed by the Board of
Trustees upon recommendation of the Superintendent, in consultation with the
Transportation Director.
c.
Duties: The Bus Maintenance Personnel will be directly supervised by the
Transportation Director and/or local school principal and shall perform the
following primary duties:
1. Check each bus for fuel each day.
2. Fuel each bus that is below ½ tank on the gasoline gauge each day.
3. Crank and drive all spare buses three (3) times per week.
4. Check air in all tires on all buses daily.
5. Check all gauges and panel instruments daily.
6. Check oil and fluids in each bus twice per week.
7. Make minor bus repairs without carrying bus to Midway Bus Shop.
8. Make sure each bus mirrors and windows are clean each day.
9. Make sure bus has all needed supplies.
10. Each bus must be completely washed once every six weeks and in
addition as needed.
11. Check the safety checklist forms on each bus each day. These forms
have been completed by each bus driver and are located in the three
ring binder of each bus.
12. Other duties as prescribed by the transportation director or local school
principal.
(Refer to Policy, Section D Job Descriptions, Subsection D18 Bus Drivers)
(Refer to Policy, Section E-1 Conditions of Employment, Subsection z(7))
73
D-41 COACHING PERSONNEL
a.
Qualifications: Coaching Personnel shall be persons of good moral character,
knowledge of assigned sport, with previous coaching experience preferred. The
persons shall hold a Mississippi Certificate, or be a para-professional with the
MHSAA. Additional training will be valuable and preferred.
b.
Selection. Coaches shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees, upon the
recommendation of the School Principal and the Superintendent for Middle
School Coaches and upon the recommendation of the Athletic Director, High
School Principal, and the Superintendent for High School Coaches.
c.
Duties. Middle School Coaches shall be responsible to the school principal and
High School Coaches shall be responsible to the athletic director/principal for
administration & supervision of the interscholastic athletic programs for the
school system. In administration responsibilities and activities on the high school
level, the Athletic Director shall be responsible to the High School Principal.
The Tishomingo County School District employs coaches to prepare athletes for
competition in sporting activities. Participation opportunities are offered in grades
7-12 on a competition level.
Coaches have responsibility for:
1. organizing, coordinating and promoting a comprehensive athletic program in
the assigned sport that is designed to meet the needs and interests of the
school community;
2. providing effective leadership that will ensure a positive learning environment
and will stress the importance of academic achievement;
3. demonstrating a high degree of ethics, professionalism, human relations and
be a positive role model for all students;
4. teaching sports techniques, rules, strategies and playing tactics;
5. conditioning athletes appropriately for activities requiring endurance, strength
and agility;
6. supervising and conducting practices and contests safely; supervising locker
rooms and buses;
7. teaching sportsmanship, cooperation, work ethic and responsibility to one's
team;
8. monitoring athletes' school attendance, grades and personal conduct;
9. responding to player injuries with approved first aid techniques;
10. managing uniforms, equipment & school facilities in a responsible manner;
11. providing coverage for absence of coaches;
12. driving school bus for athletic events in which they coach or ensuring assistant
coach is certified to drive. If not achievable, the principal shall be notified by
the head coach;
13. ensuring compliance with all MHSAA rules, regulations, and school calendar
74
E-1
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
a.
Term. All certified employees of the school district shall be employed for a term
to be recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board. The
beginning date will be set by the Superintendent and included in contracts where
applicable. The work week for the Tishomingo County School District shall be
from 12:01 a.m., Sunday through 12:00 midnight, the following Saturday.
b.
Criminal Records Background Check. From and after July 1, 2000, all newlyhired licensed and non-licensed employees of this School District shall be
employed contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background
check and a state child abuse registry check; and such personnel’s employment
contract shall specifically state that the contract is voidable if derogatory
information is obtained as a result of these checks.
At the time of employment, each newly hired licensed and non-licensed employee
shall be finger printed; and the finger print card shall be forwarded by the School
District to the Department of Public Safety for processing in accordance with law.
Substitute teachers will be required to reimburse the district for the amount of the
required state finger print processing fee; and all information obtained through
theses checks is for employment use only, and cannot be disseminated to anyone
other than the employee involved.
The employment of such personnel shall be terminated if these background
checks disclose a guilty plea, conviction, or nolo contendere plea to a felony
conviction for:
a.
Possession or sale of drugs
b.
Murder, manslaughter, or armed robbery
c.
Rape, sexual battery, or sex offense as listed in Section 45-31-3 (1)
Miss. Code of 1972
d.
Child abuse, arson, grand larceny, or burglary
e.
Gratification of lust or aggravated assault
The School Board may, in its sole discretion, waive any convictions and retain
such newly hired employee with a criminal record based on:
a.
Age at the time of the commission of the crime
b.
Circumstances surrounding the crime
c.
Length of time and criminal history since the crime
d.
Work history and current employment and character
e.
Other evidence demonstrating the ability of the person to perform
the job, and not pose a threat to the health or safety of the school
children of this District.
If the School Board does not exercise its discretion, such newly hired employee
shall be immediately notified in writing of his or her termination effective as of
the date the report is received by the School District.
75
In the event such a newly hired employee wishes to contest a conviction based on
erroneous information, such employee shall appeal the information to the
Department of Public Safety; and during the time of such appeal, such employee
shall be suspended without pay. If such employee is able to show the School
Board proof of his or her corrected record with thirty (30) days of such
suspension, the employee shall be reinstated with pay retroactive to the date of
suspension.
c.
Compensation. The amount of the annual salary to be paid the Superintendent,
Principals, Teachers, and other employees of the school district shall be fixed by
the Board of Trustees by the time the budget for the ensuing fiscal year is
adopted. In fixing these salaries, the Board of Trustees shall take into
consideration the character, professional training, experience, executive ability,
teaching capacity, and other relevant factors. The annual salaries of all employees
shall be payable in twelve (12) equal monthly installments on the last regular
school day of each calendar month. If an employee resigns, quits or is released
during the employment period by mutual agreement of all concerned, such
employee shall only be entitled to such proportion of the annual salary as the time
which he shall have worked shall bear to his full employment period plus any
unused personal days. Non-exempt hourly employees, substitutes, and
supplemental compensation shall be paid on the last working day of each month.
d.
Experience Credit. In determining a teacher's years of teaching experience, the
number of days shall not exceed forty-five (45) consecutive school days during
which a teacher may not be under contract of employment during any school year
and still be considered to have been in full-time employment for a regular
scholastic term. In no event shall a teacher be absent from duties more than a
total of sixty (60) days due to the temporary absence because of illness or other
good cause, including the time not under contract as the case may be, and still
receive a year of teaching experience.
e.
Federal Employees (Time & Effort Documentation).
 Employee paid solely with Federal Funds, will complete certification
semiannually, verifying work responsibilities for the certification period
were solely related to their assigned program.
 Employee, working on multiple activities or cost objectives, will complete
a Personnel Activity Report (PAR) that meets the following standards:
1. Reflects an after-the-fact distribution of the actual activity of each
employee
2. Accounts for the total activity for which each employee is
compensated
76

3. Documentation must be prepared at least monthly and coincide
with one or more pay periods, and
4. Be signed by the employee and supervisor
Documentary support will be required where the employee works on
1. More than one Federal award
2. A Federal award and a non-Federal award
3. An indirect cost activity and direct cost activity
f.
Certification and Level in Salary Schedule. Regardless of the degree or the class
of the certificate held, any certified teachers of the Tishomingo County School
District shall be paid according to the level of certification held by the employee
in the area of the employee's major assignment and/or the regulations governing
same as set forth by the Mississippi State Department of Education. The level of
certification on which an employee is paid shall not be higher than that approved
by the State Department of Education.
g.
Teachers Drawing Retirement from Another State. Tishomingo County School
District will start a teacher who is drawing retirement from another state with no
more than five (5) years of experience for salary calculation.
h.
Appraisal System. The Personnel Appraisal Systems established by the State
Board of Education shall be used as the Personnel Appraisal Systems of the
Tishomingo County School District.
i.
Promotion. When vacancies occur (which are regarded as promotions), preference
in filling these vacancies will be given to qualified local staff members as per
employment procedures of the school district; but in filling such vacancies, the
primary consideration will be the welfare of the school system and its students.
j.
Family And Medical Leave Act
a.
Definitions
1.
“Eligible Employee” -- Any employee who has been employed for
at least twelve (12) months by the school district and who has
provided at least 1250 hours of service during the twelve (12)
months before leave is requested.
2.
“Spouse” – A husband or wife as defined or recognized under
State Law for purposes of marriage.
3.
“Son or Daughter” – Biological or adopted, foster child, a step
child, legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis
77
4.
5.
b.
under the age of 18, and children above the age of 18 who are
incapable of self care because of mental or physical disability.
“Parent” – Eligible employee who has actual day-to-day
responsibility for caring for a child, (“son or daughter”) even if the
employee does not have biological or legal relationship to that
child, to include a father as well as a mother.
“Serious Health Condition” – An illness, injury, impairment or
physical or mental condition involving either inpatient care or
continuing treatment by a health care provider.
Leave Requirement
1.
An eligible employee is entitled to twelve (12) work weeks of
leave during any twelve (12) month period of a school year (JulyJune). Only enough unpaid leave will be provided to total twelve
(12) weeks. District paid leave will run concurrently with FMLA
leave.
2.
Leave taken under the provisions of the Act may be for the
following three (3) reasons:
a.
Because of the birth or placement for adoption or foster
care of a child, only within twelve (12) months of that birth
or placement;
b.
Because of the serious health condition of a spouse, child
or parent;
c.
Because of the employee’s own serious health condition.
3.
Sons and daughters in the employment of this school district are
eligible for leave to care for a parent provided their aggregate leave
is limited to twelve (12) weeks.
4.
Spouses employed by this school district are both entitled to take
leave to care for a newly arrived child or sick parent provided their
aggregate leave is limited to twelve (12) weeks. If leave is
requested because of the illness of a child or of the other spouse,
each spouse is entitled to twelve (12) weeks leave.
5.
If an eligible employee wishes to take intermittent leave
and that leave would cause the employee to be absent from
the classroom or instructional program for more than
twenty (20) percent of the time, the school district may
require the employee either to take continuous leave
throughout the treatment period or to be placed in an
existing equivalent position that would not be disruptive to
the classroom or instructional program.
6.
In the case of leave requested for birth or placement of a child, an
eligible employee must provide the superintendent written notice
thirty (30) days in advance of the date on which the leave would
begin. If the employee is unable to provide thirty (30) days written
notice, he/she must provide such written notice as is practicable.
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7.
8.
In the case of leave requested for a serious medical condition: If
the leave is foreseeable based on planned medical treatment, the
employee shall make a reasonable effort to schedule the treatment
so as not to disrupt unduly the operation of the classroom or
instructional program and provide the superintendent written
notice thirty (30) days in advance of the treatment, or, if the
treatment is less than thirty (30) days, such written notice as is
practicable.
An eligible employee may be required to extend leave
through the end of a semester if he/she would otherwise
have returned within the last two (2) or three (3) weeks of
the semester’s end depending on the date on which the
leave commenced and the duration of the leave.
The Tishomingo County School District will continue to pay the same
share of the cost of group health benefits as what has normally been paid.
The employee must continue paying for his/her share of the premiums (if
applicable) as well for coverage to continue.
c.
Required Certification
1.
Eligible employees shall provide the superintendent
certification of a serious health condition for his/her own
serious health condition or that of a family member. The
certification, to be signed by the health care provider, shall
be attached to the required written notice or submitted in a
timely manner, which shall be no more than fifteen (15)
working days after providing written notice. No leave
period may begin without the approval of the
superintendent. No approval shall be granted by the
superintendent without the required written notice and
certificate.
2.
The certificate is to include the following:
a.
The date on which the serious health condition in question
began;
b.
The probable duration of the condition;
c.
Appropriate medical facts regarding the condition;
d.
A statement that the employee is needed to care for a
spouse, parent, or child (along with estimate of the time
required) or that the employee is unable to perform his/her
functions, and, in the case of intermittent leave, the
duration of treatment to be given;
e.
Signature of health care provider.
3.
The school district may require a second opinion to be
obtained at the employer’s expense. In the event of conflicting
opinions, the school district will pay for a second, third and final
provider to offer a binding decision.
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4.
d.
The school district may require subsequent written recertification on a reasonable basis.
Employment Benefits Protection
1.
An employee who completes a period of leave and has
complied fully with the terms of this policy shall be
returned either to the same position he/she had before the
taking of leave or to a position which is genuinely
equivalent (as compared to a comparable or similar job) in
pay, benefits, and other terms and conditions of
employment.
2.
Taking of leave shall not result in the loss of any previously
accrued seniority or employment benefits. Except for
health benefits, no other benefits will accrue during the
leave period.
3.
The Tishomingo County School District will continue to pay the
same share of the cost of group health benefits as what has
normally been paid. The employee must continue paying his/her
share of the premiums (if applicable) as well as for coverage to
continue.
The Tishomingo County School District shall not interfere with or restrain an
eligible employee’s right to exercise the provision of this policy.
LEGAL REFERENCE:
Public Law 103-3
Section 37-7-307 of the Mississippi Code of 1972
Upon an employee’s family medical condition exceeding the twelve (12) weeks
of allowable Family Medical Leave under the Family Medical Leave Act,
Tishomingo County School District reserves the right to consider each situation
on a case-by-case basis in determining the employee’s employment status.
k.
Sick Leave for Professional and Other Salaried Employees. All full time
professional and other salaried employees other than bus drivers shall be allowed
sick leave and personal leave without a reduction in pay as herein provided.
PERSONAL LEAVES AND ABSENCES
(LICENSED EMPLOYEES)
SICK LEAVE
Each licensed employee upon returning to the district or beginning employment
with the district at the start of each school year, shall be credited with a sick leave
allowance, with pay, in accordance with the chart below for absences caused by
illness or physical disability of the employee or his/her immediate family (spouse,
children, or parents) during that school year. At the principal’s discretion a
doctor’s statement may be required for documentation of sick leave.
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Any unused portion of the total sick leave allowance shall be carried over to the
next school year and credited to such licensed employee if the licensed employee
remains employed in the same school district. In the event any public school
licensed employee transfers from one public school district in Mississippi to
another, any unused portion of the total sick leave allowance credited to such
employee may be used in the computation of unused leave for retirement
purposes. Accumulation of sick leave allowed in the school district shall be
unlimited.
No deduction from the pay of the licensed employee may be made because of
illness or physical disability until after all sick leave allowance credited to such
employee has been used.
If an employee should terminated before the days advanced are earned, a payroll
adjustment shall be made to recover the cost of excess sick leave days previously
used.
After all sick leave has been exhausted, the first ten (10) days of absence of the
licensed employee, because of illness or physical disability of the employee or
his/her immediate family (spouse, children, or parent) during that school year,
there may be deducted from the pay of such employee the established substitute
amount of compensation paid in the Tishomingo County School District.
Thereafter, the regular pay of such absent licensed employee may be suspended
and withheld in its entirety for any period of absence because of illness or
physical disability during that school year.
PERSONAL LEAVE
Each licensed employee upon returning to the district or beginning employment
with the district at the start of each school year shall be credited with a personal
leave allowance, with pay, in accordance with the chart below for absences
caused by personal reasons during that school year. Each full time twelve month
employee who has less than twelve continuous months of employment from July
1 to June 30 will receive one day paid personal leave, not to exceed 12 days, for
each calendar month worked.
Unused personal leave will accumulate up to a maximum of five (5) days to be
carried over to the next year. Any personal leave days in excess of the maximum
five (5) days which may be carried over from one year to the next may be
converted to sick leave not to exceed the conversion of twelve (12) days of
personal leave days to sick days per year. The maximum number of personal
days available for any give year is seventeen (17) days for a twelve month
employee and seven (7) days for less than 12 month employees.
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Such personal leave shall not be taken on the first day of the school term, the last
day of the school term, on a day previous to a holiday, or a day after a holiday.
No deduction from the pay of such employee may be made because of absence of
such employee caused by personal reasons until after all personal leave allowance
credited to such employee has been used. Use of personal days must have the
prior approval of the principal/supervisor.
PAYMENT FOR UNUSED LEAVE
Upon retirement from employment each licensed employee shall be paid for not
more than thirty (30) days of unused accumulated leave earned while employed
by the school district in which the employee is last employed. Such payment for
licensed employees shall be made by the school district at a rate equal to the
amount paid to substitute teachers. The payment shall be treated in the same
manner for retirement purposes as a lump sum payment for unused accumulated
leave. Any remaining lawfully credited unused accumulated leave, for which
payment has not been made, shall be certified to the Public Employees’
Retirement System in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as
otherwise provided by law for unused accumulated leave. No payment for unused
accumulated leave may be made to any licensed employee at termination or
separation from service for any purpose other than the purpose of retirement.
Licensed Staff Annual Leave Summary
Contract Length
187 days to 220 days (9, 10, or 11 months)
240 days (12 months)
Sick
7
10
Personal
2
12
PERSONAL LEAVES AND ABSENCES
(NON-LICENSED)
SICK LEAVE
Each non-licensed employee upon returning to the district or beginning
employment with the district at the start of each school year, shall be credited
with a sick leave allowance, with pay, in accordance with the chart below for
absences caused by illness or physical disability of the employee or his/her
immediate family (spouse, children, or parents) during that school year. At the
principal’s discretion a doctor’s statement may be required for documentation of
sick leave.
Any unused portion of the total sick leave allowance shall be carried over to the
next school year and credited to such non-licensed employee if the non-licensed
employee remains employed in the same school district. In the event any public
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school non-licensed employee transfers from one (1) public school district in
Mississippi to another, any unused portion of the total sick leave allowance
credited to such employee may be used in the computation of unused leave for
retirement purposes. Accumulation of sick leave allowed in the school district
shall be unlimited.
No deduction from the pay of the non-licensed employee may be made because of
illness or physical disability until after all sick leave allowance credited to such
employee has been used.
If an employee should terminate before the days advanced are earned, a payroll
adjustment shall be made to recover the cost of excess sick leave days previously
used.
Once all leave is expended, the regular pay of such absent non-licensed employee
may be suspended and withheld in its entirety for any period of absence because
of illness or physical disability during that school year.
PERSONAL LEAVE
Each non-licensed employee upon returning to the district or beginning
employment with the district at the start of each school year shall be credited with
a personal leave allowance, with pay, in accordance with the chart below for
absences caused by personal reasons during that school year. Each full time
twelve month employee who has less than twelve consecutive months of
employment from July 1 to June 30 will receive one day paid personal leave not
to exceed 12 days, for each calendar month worked.
Unused personal leave will accumulate up to a maximum of five 5 days to be
carried over to the next year. Any personal leave days in excess of the maximum
five 5 days which may be carried over from one year to the next may be converted
to sick leave not to exceed the conversion of twelve 12 days of personal leave
days to sick days per year. The maximum number of personal days available for
any given year is seventeen 17 days for a twelve month employee and seven 7
days for less than twelve month employees.
Such personal leave shall not be taken on the first day of the school term, the last
day of the school term, on a day previous to a holiday, or a day after a holiday.
No deduction from the pay of such employee may be made because of absence of
such employee caused by personal reasons until after all personal leave allowance
credited to such employee has been used. Use of personal days must have the
prior approval of the principal/supervisor.
PAYMENT FOR UNUSED LEAVE
Upon retirement from employment each non-licensed employee shall be paid at
the rate of the federal minimum wage for not more than thirty (30) days of unused
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accumulated leave earned while employed by the school district in which the
employee is last employed. The payment shall be treated in the same manner for
retirement purposes as a lump sum payment for unused accumulated leave. Any
remaining lawfully credited unused accumulated leave, for which payment has
not been made, shall be certified to the Public Employees’ Retirement System in
the same manner and subject to the same limitations as otherwise provided by law
for unused accumulated leave. No payment for unused accumulated leave may be
made to any non-licensed employee at termination or separation from service for
any purpose other than the purpose of retirement.
Non-Licensed or Classified Staff Annual Leave Summary
Length of Employment
182.5 days
Sick
5 days
Personal
1 day (cafeteria)
187 days to 200 days (9 or 10 months)
7 days
2 days (teacher assistants,
secretaries)
240 days to 260 days (12 months)
10 days
12 days (Central Office,
Maintenance, Janitors,
Secretaries)
Sick and personal leave allowances will be given in daily increments. Such leave
may be taken in full, half, or quarter day increments.
m.
Paid Holidays for 260 Day Employees.
The following holidays will be recognized for 260 day employees.
Independence Day
2
New Years Day
Labor Day
1
Martin Luther King Birthday
Fall Break
1
Spring Break
Thanksgiving
2
Good Friday
Christmas
3
Memorial Day
Paid Holidays for 240 Day Employees.
The following holidays will be recognized for 240 day employees.
Independence Day
2
New Years Day
Labor Day
1
Martin Luther King Birthday
Thanksgiving
1
Memorial Day
Christmas
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
Employees must work the day before and after a holiday to receive pay for the
holiday or present evidence of extenuating circumstances to be considered for
approval by the Superintendent.
n.
Vacations. Tishomingo County School District does not recognize vacation days.
The school district utilizes personal and sick leave days.
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o.
Leave for Military Duty. Any employee of the Tishomingo County School District who
shall be a member of the reserve components of the armed forces of the United States, or
former member of the service of the United States discharged or released therefrom under
conditions other than dishonorable, shall be entitled to leave of absence from his/her
respective duties, without loss of pay, time, annual leave, or efficiency rating, on all days
during which he/she shall be ordered to duty to participate in training at encampments,
field exercises, maneuvers, outdoor target practice, or for other exercises, for periods not
to exceed fifteen (15) days, and all such officers and employees shall, for such periods in
excess of fifteen (15) days, be entitled to leave of absence from their respective duties
without loss of time, annual leave, or efficiency rating until relieved from duty, and shall,
when relieved from such, be restored to the position held when ordered to duty, or a
position of like seniority, status and pay. The employee shall furnish the Central Office
with a copy of the order showing the days he/she is ordered to duty.
p.
Compensation for Jury Duty. Holding Elections. Employees will be paid at their regular
rate of pay for the actual time the employee is engaged in jury duty or holding public
elections during the employee's regular scheduled workday, provided:
1.
The employee's immediate supervisor is notified as soon as possible of such
pending service;
2.
The employee presents evidence of his actual service and actual compensation
for such service to the Central Office;
3.
The employee is present for work during all normal work time when the
employee is not actually engaged in such service;
4.
An employee may be granted up to two (2) days per year for duty as a witness in
Court; provided a proper subpoena has been issued requiring the presence of the
employee, and subject to the review and approval of the Board of Trustees.
Athletic Passes for Employees. Each school will provide an athletic pass for its full
time employees including bus drivers. Substitute teachers and part-time employees are
not to be issued athletic passes.
q.
Each employee will provide the name of their spouse and any legally dependent children
living with them. These names will be placed on the back of the athletic pass and will be
the only individuals admitted free. Employees must be present for pass to be used.
Employees may not use their pass or allow others to use their pass to allow individuals
not listed on the card to enter athletic events. There is no “plus-one” admission.
Each pass will have the schools name, the current school year, and the employees name
on the front. On the back of the pass, the names of the employee’s spouse and children
living at home will be listed.
Employee’s grandchildren, employee’s parents, employee’s siblings, employee’s adult
children (18+) or any other individuals except a spouse or legally dependent children
living at home may not be listed on the employee’s athletic pass.
The athletic pass is only valid for one year.
r.
Evaluation. Tishomingo County School District personnel shall be evaluated annually.
The instruments and procedures developed by the State Department of Education may be
used in the evaluation of certified personnel. Employees shall be responsible for
becoming personally familiar with the evaluation systems. The School District will
85
provide assistance to the personnel to help the Staff to become familiar with the
evaluation system under which they will be evaluated.
s.
Duties and Hours. The Superintendent, either personally or through delegation to
his appropriate subordinate, shall assign the duties and hours of all employees of
the School District.
t.
Outside Employment. Unless otherwise noted at the time of employment, all
employees of this School District are considered to be full-time employees.
Outside employment will not be permitted to jeopardize the effective performance
of an employee or make it in any way difficult to adequately perform his/her
duties or carry out his/her responsibilities. Any outside employment should be of
the type, which is not inconsistent with the moral and ethical aspects of teaching
children. If outside employment is sought, the employee must ensure the dignity
of the district will not be tarnished and that the outside employment will have no
negative effect upon the employee performing his/her responsibilities.
u.
Resignations. All resignations should be in writing and shall specify the date that
they shall become effective if accepted by the Board of Trustees.
1.
v.
Retirement. An employee may retire upon becoming eligible under the provisions
of the Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi. Any unused
accumulated leave time may be credited to an employee's creditable service at the
time of retirement.
1.
2.
w.
Absent without proper notice. An absence of three (3) days without proper
notification to the employee’s immediate supervisor, or other
administrator if the supervisor is not available, shall constitute a
resignation.
Retiring teachers will receive pay at the then current substitute teacher pay
rate for up to 30 days of unused leave.
Non-certified employees of the school district shall be paid for unused
sick leave and personal leave that is not credited to those employees for
retirement purposes upon retirement up to a maximum of 30 days.
Payment for unused personal leave shall be at the then current federal
minimum hourly wage rate.
Leave of Absence. An employee may be granted a leave of absence without pay
because of such employee's illness, injury or pregnancy, or for other good cause,
for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months, upon proper application and
submission of acceptable evidence of necessity, including a doctor's certificate
86
where appropriate. Such application shall be in writing, shall state the reason for
such request, shall specify the beginning date and the ending date of the leave
requested, and shall be filed with the Superintendent at the earliest possible time.
The Board of Trustees shall take appropriate action on the request at or before its
next regular meeting after the request is filed with the Superintendent. All leave
requests shall be handled in compliance with the Family Medical Leave Act.
x.
y.
z.
Deductions From Salary. There shall not be deducted from the salary of any
employee any dues, fines or penalties payable or alleged to be payable because of
the membership of such employee in any organization or association; but dues or
premiums in health associations, life insurance, or corporation and tax sheltered
annuity deductions,
Non-renewal. Non-renewal of contracts of certified personnel shall be in
accordance with the Mississippi Education Employment Procedures law of 2001,
and the employment procedures of the Tishomingo County School District.
Failure to Re-Employ. If an employee who is required to have a valid certificate
issued by the State Department of Education as a prerequisite of employment, and
who has been employed by this School District for a continuous period of two (2)
years, or who has completed a continuous period of two (2) years of employment
in a Mississippi public school district and one (1) full year of employment by this
School District, is not offered a contract for reemployment for the succeeding
year within the time required by law, written notice thereof stating the reasons for
the proposed non-reemployment, sent by certified mail with return receipt
requested or hand delivered and properly receipted, shall be given such employee
by the Superintendent (or, if such employee is the Superintendent, by the
President of the Board of Trustees) on or before February 1, if the employee is the
Superintendent; on or before March 1, if the employee is a principal; and on or
before April 15 or 10 days after the Governor signed the Budget Bill, whichever
comes later, and upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, if the employee
is a teacher, administrator, or other professional educator. No current employee is
granted tenure or has the legal right to re-employment. Upon written request from
such employee received by the School District within ten (10) days of receipt of
the notice by the employee, such employee shall be entitled to:
1.
Written notice of the specific reasons for non-employment, together with a
summary of the factual basis therefore, a list of witnesses and a copy of
documentary evidence substantiating the reasons intended to be presented
at the hearing, which notice shall be given at least fourteen (14) days prior
to the hearing;
2.
An opportunity for a hearing at which to present matters relevant to the
reasons given for the purposed non-reemployment, including any reasons
alleged by such employee to be the reason for the non-reemployment;
3.
Receive a fair and impartial hearing before the Board of hearing officer,
provided such employee, not less than five (5) days before the scheduled
date for the hearing, provides the School District with a written response
to the specific reasons for non-reemployment, a list of witnesses and a
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4.
copy of documentary evidence in support of the response intended to be
presented at the hearing.
Be represented by legal counsel at his own expense. Such a hearing, if
properly requested, shall be held by the Board within the time and in the
manner specified by law, with the rules of evidence applicable in
Mississippi courts to be followed in so far as possible. If the employee
does not request a hearing within the time specified, or if the employee
fails to provide the District with his written response within the time
specified, the decision of the Board with regard to the reemployment of
the employee shall be final.
(Refer to 37-9-105, Miss. Code of 1972)
z(1).
Personnel Appraisal Grievance Policy. Any employee who is aggrieved by, or
wishes to express official disagreement with, his/her Personnel Appraisal may
register such disagreement in writing to the Assistant Superintendent in charge of
instruction, may appeal to the Superintendent, and then to the Board of Trustees.
Upon request, in writing from the employee, the official written statement of
disagreement may be filed with the Personnel Appraisal. Any employee who has
a grievance against another employee of the District may register such grievance
to the immediate supervisor, then the Superintendent, then to the Board of
Trustees.
z(2).
Drug Free Workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing,
possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in any property or
facility owned or used by the Tishomingo County School District or by any
employee while serving in any official capacity representing said School District.
No employee shall use or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcoholic
beverages at school or at a school function. No employee shall operate any
school vehicle or equipment while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Employees may be suspended, without pay, for up to thirty (30) days or dismissed
from employment within the District for the first occurrence of any of the above
acts. Each employee is herein notified that as a condition of employment with the
Tishomingo County School District, he/she will abide by the terms of this Policy
Statement and notify the Superintendent of any criminal drug statute conviction
for violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such
conviction.
z(3)
Drug Testing. The Tishomingo County School District will comply with The
Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (The Act) passed by Congress
and scheduled for full implementation July, 1993.
The following is Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District's
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy enacted pursuant to the MS Drug and Alcohol
testing law, MS Code Annotated Sections 71-7-1 et seq. Supp. (1994). This
policy is effective January 1, 2006. After this date, the district will begin testing
88
personnel if it reasonably suspects that an employee is under the influence of
illegal drugs or alcohol. In addition, the district will begin conducting random
testing of all bus drivers of all prospective employees. This policy will be
enforced uniformly with respect to all personnel. All of the district's personnel,
including administrators, will be subject to testing.
The purposes of this policy are as follows.
a.
to maintain a safe, healthy working environment for all employees;
b
to maintain the highest quality educational program for our
students by insuring that no personnel of the district are users of
illegal drugs or under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
c.
to reduce the number of accidental injuries to person or property;
and
d.
to reduce absenteeism and tardiness and improve the quality of
educational services.
Substance Abuse
The following are rules representing the district's policy concerning substance
abuse.
1. All employees are prohibited from being under the influence of drugs or
alcohol while on duty or on district premises. All employees are prohibited
from using illegal drugs, or prescription medication for which they do not
have a proper prescription.
2. The sale, possession, transfer, or purchase of illegal drugs on district property
or while performing district business is strictly prohibited. Such action will
be reported to appropriate law enforcement officials.
3. The use, sale, or possession of an illegal or non-prescription drug or controlled
substance while on duty is cause for immediate termination.
4. No alcoholic beverage will be brought or consumed on district premises.
5. No prescription drug will be brought on district premises by any person other
than the person for whom the drug is prescribed. Prescription drugs will be
used only in the manner, combination, and quantity prescribed and only be the
individual to whom the prescription drug is prescribed.
6. Any employee whose off-duty use of alcohol, illegal, or non-prescription
drugs results in excessive absenteeism, tardiness, poor work, or an accident
will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
1.
Effective January 1, 2006 the Tishomingo County Special Municipal
Separate School District will begin conducting reasonable suspicion
testing of all personnel and random testing of bus drivers.
2.
3.
4.
89
An employee will be allowed to provide notice to the Tishomingo County
Special Municipal Separate School District of currently or recently used
prescription or non-prescription drugs prior to the time of the test.
Random testing of bus drivers will be implemented using a neutral
selection basis. The Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate
School District will not waive the selection of any employee chosen
pursuant to the random selection procedures.
Reasonable suspicion is defined under this policy as the belief by the
Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District that an
employee is using or has used drugs or alcohol in violation of the
Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District’s policy.
a.
Reasonable suspicion may be based upon, among other things:
i.
Observable phenomena, such as direct observation of drug
use and/or the physical symptoms or manifestations of
being under the influence of a drug;
b.
ii.
Abnormal conduct or erratic behavior while at work,
absenteeism, tardiness, or deterioration in work
performance;
iii.
A report of drug use provided by reliable and credible
sources and which has been independently corroborated;
iv.
Evidence that an individual has tampered with a drug and
alcohol test during his employment with the current
employer;
v.
Information that an employee has caused or contributed to
an accident while at work; and
vi.
Evidence that an employee is involved in the use,
possession, sale, solicitation, or transfer of drugs while
working or while on school premises or while operating
one of the school's vehicles, its machinery, or its
equipment.
If there is reasonable suspicion that an employee is using or has
used drugs or consumed alcohol in violation of the Tishomingo
County Special Municipal Separate School District 's policy, that
employee will be required to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test.
The superintendent (or in his or her absence, the Drug Testing
Coordinator) must approve in advance all reasonable suspicion
testing. If the test result is confirmed positive for drugs or alcohol
in violation of the Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate
90
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
z(4)
School District 's drug and alcohol policy, the employee will be
subject to immediate termination of his or her employment with
the district.
Any employee who refuses to take a drug and alcohol test will be subject
to discipline, up to and including immediate termination of employment.
The following are drugs for which the district may test: alcohol, opiates,
amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), marijuana, and cocaine.
An employee who receives a positive confirmation drug and alcohol test
result may contest the accuracy of the result or explain the results within
ten days of the date of such result by filing a written statement with the
superintendent. An employee, at his or her own cost, also may request
that the specimen be retested at a certified laboratory of his or her own
choosing.
An employee who receives a positive confirmation test result and who
fails to present a satisfactory contest or explanation to such result, or a
contrary result from a certified laboratory of the employee's own choosing,
will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.
(Optional Provision) -- If the district determines that discipline and/or
discharge are not necessary or appropriate in a case where an employee is
in violation of the Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School
District’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy, the employee as a condition of
continued employment must complete a certified substance abuse
rehabilitation program at the employee's own cost and expense. The
employee may be allowed to work for the district while undergoing the
treatment, but the employee must provide evidence of continued treatment
and/or rehabilitation upon request. The employee must also agree to
submit to random testing for three years after the date of the positive
confirmation drug and alcohol test result.
Use of Tobacco. No person shall use any tobacco product on educational
property. Any person who violates this state law shall be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action in addition to any fine by the authorities.
Penalty for Violation
No person shall use any tobacco product on any educational property as defined
in this act. Any adult who violates this section shall be subject to a fine and shall
be liable as follows:
(a)
for the first conviction, a warning;
(b)
for a second conviction, a fine of Seventy-Five Dollars ($75.00);
and
(c)
for a all subsequent convictions, a fine not to exceed One Hundred
Fifty Dollars ($150.00) shall be imposed.
Issuance of Citation
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Any adult found in violation of this section shall be issued a citation by a law
enforcement officer, which citation shall include notice of the date, time and
location for hearing before the justice court having jurisdiction where the
violation is alleged to have occurred. For the purposes of this section, subsequent
convictions are violations committed on any educational property within the State
of Mississippi.
Anyone convicted under this act shall be recorded as being fined for a civil
violation of the act and not for violating a criminal statute.
z(5)
Cellular Phones. There are certain times in which cellular telephones might be needed to remain
on and visible within the school by a school employee. Teachers are authorized to use their
cellular phones as a personal device for instructional purposes with limited personal use. Teachers
are not permitted to make phone calls, use internet capabilities, other phone functions, or text for
personal reasons during class, while supervising students, or at other times restricted by school
administrators.
School administrators shall be permitted to carry and utilize cellular phones due to the increased
security cellular phones provide and due to the need for immediate communication with
generalized school business. Administrators will utilize the utmost professionalism in ensuring
the use of cellular phones is not abused and only used for business purposes.
z(6)
z(7)
z(8)
z(10)
z(11)
Non-Certified (At-Will/Non-Exempt) Employees. If non-exempt employees are not performing
their duties to the satisfaction of the superintendent, the superintendent can dismiss the nonexempt employee.
Regular Route Bus Drivers – Transportation. Each regular route bus driver must adhere to the
following conditions of employment:
1. Drivers must provide a minimum of 24 hours notice when needing a substitute driver,
except in emergency situations when this will be unreasonable.
2. A substitute driver must be secured before the regular route driver is approved to miss a
route, except in emergency situations when this will be unreasonable.
3. When an hourly employee regular route driver misses a route, the regular route driver
does not receive any compensation for the route missed. The substitute driver will
receive $19.05/hour for driving that route.
4. When a salaried employee regular route driver misses a route, the regular route driver
will be docked for the amount of pay he/she would have received for that particular
individual route. The substitute driver will receive $19.05/hour for driving that route.
5. This policy does not provide drivers with time off with pay.
(Refer to Section D, Subsection D-18)
Seeking Public Office. Any employee should be allowed to seek public office so long as there is
no political activity during the official workday of the employee while on duty with the School
District. An employee desiring to seek public office shall notify the superintendent of such desire
for permission to seek the office and shall receive the consent of the Board to qualify and run for
the position.
Teacher Assistants – Student Teaching Requirements. Senate Bill 2602 [MS Code Section 37-3-2
(6)(a)] states persons who possess two (2) years of classroom experience as an assistant teacher or
who have taught for one (1) year in an accredited public or private school shall be allowed to
fulfill student teaching requirements under the supervision of a qualified participating teacher
approved by an accredited college of education. The local school district in which the assistant
teacher is employed shall compensate such assistant teachers at the required salary level during the
period of time such individual is completing student teaching requirements.
Donated Leave. Any employee of the Tishomingo County School District may donate a portion of
his/her unused accumulated personal leave or sick leave to another employee of the school district
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who is suffering from a catastrophic injury or documented illness, as defined in Mississippi Code
37-7-307, or a member of his/her immediate family suffering from a catastrophic injury or illness.
Routine pregnancy is not considered as a catastrophic illness or injury. For pregnancy to
be considered catastrophic, mother and/or child would be considered high risk.
For the purpose of this section, “immediate family” means spouse, parent, stepparent,
child, or stepchild. To donate leave to another employee, the following procedures shall be
followed:
1. The maximum amount of personal leave that may be donated cannot exceed that which would
leave the donor employee with fewer than seven (7) days of personal leave. The maximum
amount of sick leave that may be donated cannot exceed 50% of the unused accumulated sick
leave. No employee can donate leave after tendering notice of separation for any reason or after
termination.
2. An employee must have exhausted all of his/her accumulated personal and sick leave before
being eligible to receive any donated leave. Donated leave shall not be used in lieu of disability
retirement.
3. Before an employee may receive any donated leave, he/she must provide the superintendent’s
committee with a physician’s statement that states the beginning date of the injury or illness, a
description of the injury or illness and a prognosis for recovery and the anticipated date the
employee will be able to return to work.
4. If the amount of leave that is donated is not used by the employee, the whole days of donated
leave shall be returned to the donor employee on a pro rata basis.
z(14) Instructional Management System.
1. Tishomingo County School District shall adopt and implement the instructional program and
management system provided by the State Board of Education. It shall include suggested teaching
strategies, resources, and assessment strategies to be made available to teachers in each school for
selection and use in teaching the required competencies and objectives.
2. Tishomingo County School District may choose to adopt additional competencies and/or objectives that
meet or exceed the instructional program and management system provided by the State Board or
Education.
3. The basic curriculum of each elementary, intermediate, and middle school shall consist of
reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, which may be taught by regular
classroom teachers.
4. The basic curriculum of each high school shall consist of required and approved courses outlined in the
current edition of the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards (most recent edition) and the
Approved Courses for the Secondary Schools of Mississippi.
The State Department of Education shall provide an instructional program and establish guidelines and procedures
for managing such program in the public schools as part of the State Program of Educational Accountability and
Assessment of Performance as prescribed in Section 37-3-46. Public school districts may (a) elect to adopt the
instructional program and management system provided by the State Department of Education; or (b) elect to adopt
an instructional program and management system which meets or exceeds criteria established by the State
Department of Education for such. This provision shall begin with the courses taught in Grades K-8 which contain
skills tested through the state testing program and shall proceed through all secondary school courses mandated for
graduation and all secondary school courses in the Mississippi end-of-course testing program. Other state core
objectives must be included in the district’s instructional program as they are provided by the State Department of
Education along with instructional practices, resources, evaluation items and management procedures. Districts are
encouraged to adapt this program and accompanying procedures to all other instructional areas. The department
shall provide that such program and guidelines, or a program and guidelines developed by a local school
district which incorporates the core objectives from the curriculum structure are enforced through the
performance-based accreditation system. It is the intent of the Legislature that every effort be made to
protect the instructional time in the classroom and reduce the amount of paperwork which must be
completed by teachers. The State Department of Education shall take steps to insure that school districts
properly use staff development time to work on the district’s instructional management plans.
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F-1
SALARY SCHEDULES AND PAY RATES
a.
Pay Increase. Shall be according to salary schedules and pay scales adopted by
the Board of Trustees unless other increases are approved by the Board for special
circumstances.
b.
Teachers/Assistant Teachers. The Board of Trustees will endeavor to supplement
from local funds the minimum salaries prescribed by statute for teachers and
assistant teachers to such an extent that it will be possible to attract and hold
quality teachers and assistant teachers in this school system, within the financial
resources reasonably available for this purpose and according to salary schedules
approved by the Board which will be on file and available upon request.
c.
Administrative Personnel.
The Board will establish compensation of
Administrative personnel commensurate with the comprehensive qualification of
same. Consideration will be given to educational qualifications, successful
experience, local school responsibilities, extra time required and performance.
d.
Support Personnel. The Board will establish compensation of support
personnel based upon the level of the position, educational qualifications,
successful experience and responsibilities and performance.
Bus Drivers. Bus drivers shall be paid at a rate to be established annually by the
Board.
e.
Field Trips
Field trip drivers shall be paid at a rate of $10.75 per hour. Non-driving time
for field trip drivers shall be paid at a rate of $8.00 per hour. If the driver
spends the night, eight (8) hours of sleep time will be deducted.
(Refer to Section D, Subsection D-18 Bus Drivers)
(Refer to Section E-1, Subsection z(7))
The rate of pay for teachers, sponsors, coaches, and directors will be $10.75
per hour for driving time and $8.00 per hour for non-driving time before 8
A.M. and after 4:00 P.M. for driving outside their contracted day.
Hourly employees will be required to clock out from their regular position.
The driver will then revert to the field trip driver pay rate of $10.75 per hour
during driving time and $8.00 per hour non-driving time. If the driver spends
the night, eight (8) hours of sleep time will be deducted.
Shuttle Bus Drivers. Shuttle Bus drivers shall be paid at a rate to be established
annually by the Board. Non-driving time for shuttle bus drivers shall be paid at a
rate of $8.00 per hour.
f.
Substitute Pay. Refer to Section D, Subsection D-19 Substitute Teachers.
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g.
Retiring Teacher Pay. Refer to Section D, Subsection D-19 Substitute Teachers.
h.
Finger Printing. No employee will be allowed to work until all background and
fingerprint check information has been received by the central office.
Substitute teachers must have completed the background check and finger
printing check prior to beginning work.
In emergency situations, substitute bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and so forth
will be permitted to work, after the individuals social security number has been
run through the local Sheriff’s Department for criminal check. The traditional
background check and finger printing must be completed shortly thereafter.
Substitute teachers will be required to reimburse the district for the amount of the
required state finger print processing fee.
i.
Coaches. The coaching staff shall be paid at a rate to be established annually by
the Board.
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G-1
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Updated: 02/12/07
Acts of sexual harassment by employees, supervisors, and administrators are
prohibited employment practices and are subject to sanctions and disciplinary
measures.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature including; employee to employee,
employee to student, student to employee, and student to student, when:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term
or condition of an individual’s employment or student’s educational
performance in school;
Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the
basis for employment decisions affecting such individuals or is used as the
basis for educational performance decisions affecting such students; and
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a
person’s work performance or student’s educational performance or
creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment or learning
environment.
Prohibited acts of sexual harassment can take a variety of forms ranging from subtle
pressure for sexual activity to physical assault. Examples of the kinds of conduct
included in the definition of sexual harassment are, but are not limited to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Threats or intimations of sexual relations or sexual contact which
is not freely or mutually agreeable to both parties;
Continual or repeated verbal abuses of a sexual nature including
graphic commentaries on the person’s body, sexually suggestive
objects or pictures placed in the work area that may embarrass or
offend the person, sexually degrading words to describe the
person, or propositions of a sexual nature; and
Threats or insinuations that the person’s employment, wages, benefits, or
other conditions of employment may be adversely affected by not
submitting to sexual advances.
The determination of the legality of a particular action will be made from
the facts on a case by case basis.
Any questions or individual complaints involving sexual harassment of
supervisor to employee or employee to employee should be referred to the
most appropriate person; the individual’s immediate supervisor or the
building principal or the director of communications and safety or the
superintendent or the assistant superintendent of the school district.
Any questions or individual complaints involving sexual harassment of
employee to student, student to employee, or student to student should be
referred to the individual’s teacher, building principal, director of
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(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
communications and safety, or superintendent, whichever is deemed
appropriate based upon the situation.
The school will take immediate action and appropriate action.
Students and employees are assured complaints will result in NO
retaliation of any form.
Students and employees are assured confidentiality will be protected as
much as possible.
In-service will be provided at the beginning of each school year.
Sexual harassment policy will be placed in student handbook.
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINT FORM
The individual completing this form is the complainant.
1. Name of Complainant:
2.
Status of Complainant: ______ Student
3.
Campus Location of Complainant:
______ Employee
4. Campus Address:
5. Campus Phone Number:
6. Name of individual engaging/encouraging alleged harassment:
7. Is the individual named in item six (6) a:
______ Student
______ Employee
8. Complainant’s relationship to the individual engaging/encouraging alleged
harassment:
______ Supervisor to Employee
______ Employee to Student
______ Employee to Supervisor
______ Student to Employee
______ Co-Worker to Co-Worker
______ Student to Student
______ Other (specify):
9. Date(s) and approximate time(s):
10. Specific location(s) of alleged incident(s):
11. Please describe the specific act(s) alleged:
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12. Describe the effect the alleged harassment had on you:
13. Are there others who have witnessed this behavior or others who experienced similar
behavior by the individual named in item six (6)? If so, please provide their name(s),
indicate if witness or individual with similar experience, their address(es) and their
phone number(s):
14. Did you tell anyone about your experience after the alleged incident? If so, please
provide name(s) and phone number(s):
15. Actions taken, if any, by the complainant to attempt to stop the harassment?
16. Have you filed a report with any other agency or an attorney regarding this situation?
______ Yes
______ No
If yes, with whom?
17. Complainant’s suggestion of proposed action to address or resolve the harassment.
18. Additional information and comments:
Signature of complainant:
____________________________
Date: ______________________
Signature of person receiving this report:
____________________________
Date: ______________________
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H-1
STUDENTS
a.
Minimum Age. To be enrolled or admitted to any school, which is a part of the
free Public School System in Mississippi, a child must reach his sixth (6th)
birthday on or before September 1 of said school year. To be enrolled or admitted
to the Kindergarten Program of Mississippi, a child must reach his fifth (5th)
birthday on or before September 1 of the school year. A child, when entering
school and/or kindergarten for the first time, will be required to provide a birth
certificate or other proof of his/her date of birth.
b.
Immunization. All students attending any school in the Tishomingo County
School District shall first have been vaccinated against those diseases specified by
the State Health Officer. Certificates of vaccination shall be issued by local health
officers or physicians on forms specified by the Mississippi State Board of
Health. These forms are required allowing the student to be enrolled, and the
responsible school officials shall file the form with the child's record.
c.
Student Residence. Student residency will be verified as per Policy of the
Mississippi State Department of Education.
d.
In District Student Transfers.
The assignment of students to a school attendance zone shall be made on the basis
of residency of students. In-district transfers to a school other than the designated
attendance area will be considered upon parent or guardian request. In-district
transfers will be granted when deemed necessary by the Board of Education.
In emergency situations, the superintendent may grant temporary in-district
transfers until the next scheduled board meeting.
Students who have been attending one school zone, but have changed residencies
to a new school zone may be allowed to remain in the zone they have previously
been attending upon approval of the superintendent. In order to remain in the
previous zone of attendance a request-not-to-transfer form must be submitted to
the central office, approved by the superintendent, and kept on record at the
school of attendance. Denial of a request-not-to-transfer by the superintendent
may be appealed to the board of trustees.
Tishomingo County School District is only responsible for providing bus
transportation for students who are residing in the school zone they are attending.
Transfers may be granted or denied under the following conditions:
1.
Space is available in the desired school. Maximum enrollment numbers
from each grade level at each school will be determined by administration,
and openings will be determined by comparing the difference between the
maximum class size and the projected regular enrollment.
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2.
e.
In situations where the number of transfer requests exceeds the available
space, transfers will be granted according to the date of receipt of the
request and documentation needed (if any) of the stated reason.
3.
Transfers may be reviewed on an annual basis and may be revoked when
not in the best interest of the school district. A tracking system will be
setup to monitor transfers.
4.
The transfer of a student from one attendance zone to another shall be
based on specific factors, which affect the education and welfare of the
student. The following criteria will be considered for transfer requests:
a.
A student requires a course of study not offered at the school, such
as special education, etc.
b.
A student has an emotional or medical condition, which would be
adversely affected by a move to another building and the condition
is verified by a psychologist’s or physician’s statement,
respectively.
c.
A change of environment for the student has been recommended
by the court, police, juvenile court, Department of Human
Services, or school administration.
d.
The Board reserves the right to consider other hardship
circumstances.
Procedures for Requesting a School Transfer:
A parent/guardian of the child must complete a Request for Student Transfer form
completely and honestly. Incomplete and/or incorrect information will lead to
denial of this request.
For out-of-district transfers, a release from the school district in which the child is
zoned to attend must be attached to the Request for Student Transfer form.
Out-of-state transfers must have a release from the school district in which the
child is zoned to attend and must pay tuition of $300.00 per year.
f.
The Request for Student Transfer form and attachments for Transfer Requests for
all grades (K-12) must be submitted to the district’s central office.
Out-of-District/Out-of-State Students. Out-of-District/Out-of-State Students.
If a student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is a bona fide resident of Tishomingo
County, the Board of Trustees of Tishomingo County School District must accept
the student. Out of District/Out of State transfers may be approved by the
superintendent. Denial of a transfer by the superintendent may be appealed to the
board of trustees.
Students must be in good standing in the resident district and students
must have a record of good conduct. Principals may verify the student’s prior
record before approval of the transfer request.
The student must present an accurate and complete Release form furnished
by the sending school district and submit it to the receiving school district.
If a student is approved to transfer into the school district, they shall pay
out-of-state tuition as follows:
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1. Any out-of-state applicant will pay $300.00 per year for the first child
and $50.00 less on each additional child in the family.
1. Tuition is waived for any student who has been enrolled in the school
district for five consecutive years.
2. Tuition is due and payable in advance of each semester.
Students who live more than 30 miles from the student’s home school may
transfer, as per state law. Students of full-time employees of the district may
transfer.
Tishomingo County School District is only responsible for providing bus
transportation for students who are residing in the school zone they are attending.
Any out-of-district transfer must not participate in any competitive
sport for one full year, per Mississippi High School Activities Association. Any
out-of-district transfer will be allowed to participate in other clubs, etc., but
cannot hold office or take a position from any in-county student for one full year
upon transferring.
g.
Placement of Students.
1.
The principal of each elementary school serving grades K-4 will be
responsible for making individual student assignments to a classroom
teacher. These assignments will be made on an objective basis and classes
will be balanced according to race and sex. A parent may communicate
any extenuating circumstances to the principal and this may be considered
in the placement process.
2.
Students transferring from a non-accredited school will be administered an
achievement test. A committee including a tester, principal, and teacher
will review personal data, student's school record, and standardized test
score(s). The committee will determine placement and determine if any
additional testing is required. If the student appeals the placement, a
second committee will review the recommended placement. The Board of
Trustees and the Superintendent will review any further appeal from the
student or the committee.
h.
Yearly Grade Averages for Test Exemptions.
A yearly course average grade will be calculated by adding the first semester
grade with the second semester grade and then dividing by two.
All students can be exempt from the second semester examinations according to
the following grades and absences:
Yearly Course
A (90 - 100) - 6 Absences
B (80 - 89)
- 4 Absences
C (70 – 79) - 2 Absences
D (65 – 69) - Perfect Attendance
i.
Semester Course
A (90 – 100) - 3 Absences
B (80 – 89) - 2 Absences
C (70 – 79) - 1 Absence
D (65 – 69) - Perfect Attendance
Equal Opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of sex, race, handicap, religion
or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or
be subjected to discrimination under any other program or activity operated by
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Tishomingo County School District. Legal Ref: Mississippi Code 37-15-35 and
1972 Education Amendments, Title IX; 45 CFR Part 86; 1964 Civil Rights Act,
Title VI; 1973 Rehabilitation Act, Section 503 and 504; 45 CFR Part 84.
j.
School Board Policies follow federal laws related to non-discriminatory practices
in the operation of the schools, as pursuant to Standard 3-1, Requirement #5.
Legal Ref: Standard 3-1, Requirement #5, Bulletin 171, Volume 11 (1992).
Promotion/Retention Policy
(See also Grade Averaging)
a.
Grades K-4.
1.
Minimum of eight (8) daily grades in each subject each
nine (9) weeks.
2.
Minimum of four (4) test grades in each subject each nine
(9) weeks.
3.
In computing nine (9) weeks averages, daily grades will
count 40% and test grades will count 60%.
4.
The semester average will be the average of the two nine
(9) weeks averages.
5.
The yearly average will be the average of the two semester
averages.
6.
In grades 1-2, students must pass Reading and Math to be
promoted to the next grade.
7.
In grades 3-4, student must pass Reading, Math, and
English to be promoted to the next grade. If a student fails
both social studies and science, he/she shall not be
promoted to the next grade.
8.
Grades must be entered into the computer system on a
weekly basis.
9.
No nine-week average shall be greater than 101.
b.
Grades 5-8.
1.
Minimum of eight (8) daily grades in each subject each
nine (9) weeks.
2.
Minimum of four (4) test grades in each subject each nine
(9) weeks.
3.
One (1) nine (9) weeks exam shall be given each nine (9)
weeks.
4.
In computing nine (9) weeks averages, daily grades will
count 35%, test grades will count 50%, and the nine (9)
weeks exam will count 15%.
5.
The semester average will be the average of the two nine
(9) weeks averages.
6.
The yearly average will be the average of the two semester
averages.
7.
In grades 5-7, student must have passing grades in
Reading/Language Arts, English, and Math to be promoted
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j--1.
to the next grade. If a student fails both Social Studies and
Science, he/she shall not be promoted to the next grade.
8.
In grade 8, students must have passing grades in English to
be promoted to the next grade. Students who do not have
passing grades in Pre-Algebra & Algebra I must repeat the
course. If a student fails both Social Studies and Science,
he/she will not be promoted to the next grade.
10.
Students who do not pass to the next grade at the end of the
school year, but score proficient or advanced on the
Mississippi Curriculum Test 2 (MCT2) in the area/areas the
student failed will be promoted to the next grade.
11.
Grades must be entered into the computer system on a
weekly basis.
12.
No nine-week average shall be greater than 101.
c.
Grades 9-12:
1.
Minimum of eight (8) daily grades in each subject each
nine (9) weeks.
2.
Minimum of four (4) test grades in each subject each nine
(9) weeks.
3.
One (1) nine (9) weeks exam shall be given each nine (9)
weeks.
4.
In computing nine (9) weeks averages, daily grades will
count 35%, test grades will count 50%, and the nine (9)
weeks exam will count 15%.
5.
The semester average will be the average of the two nine
(9) weeks averages.
6.
The yearly average will be the average of the two semester
averages.
7.
Each student must pass the Subject Area Tests in Algebra I,
Biology I, English II (with a writing component), and U.S.
History from 1877. The student must pass all four Subject
Area Tests even if he/she has taken the course(s) prior to
their 9th grade year.
Any student who passes the primary (spring)
administration for any tested subject area, including all
SATP2 and CPAS Mississippi State Assessments, and
misses no more than 20 days; or can justify excessive
absences to the principal, shall receive credit for the course.
8.
Grades must be entered into the computer system on a
weekly basis.
9.
No nine-week average shall be greater than 101.
Student Parking Decals. Any student who drives a vehicle on a Tishomingo County School
District campus must have a Tishomingo County School District Parking Decal. The decal may
be purchased at the student's local high school office for a fee of $5.00.
An additional decal is required for students who drive to the Career and Technical Center
and these decals may be purchased at the Career and Technical Center for a fee of $3.00.
k.
Graduation Requirements.
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See each of the following:

Graduation Requirements A-1, District Diploma

Graduation Requirements A-2, Traditional Diploma

Graduation Requirements A-3, Career Pathway

Graduation Requirements, Parent Signoff
Appeal for a Substitute Evaluation Process
1.
When a student, parent, or district personnel has reason to believe that a
student has mastered the subject area curriculum but is unable to
demonstrate mastery of the standard statewide Subject Area Test, an
appeal for a substitute evaluation process may be made.
Criteria for Submitting an Appeal:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The student either passed the course but failed the Subject Area Test, or
the student failed the Subject Area Test during a subsequent retest.
The student, parent, or district personnel must submit a written statement
with supporting evidence indicating that the student has mastered the
subject area curriculum and outline reasons the student might be
successful with a substitute evaluation.
The initial appeal is submitted at the local level for determination of merit.
A local decision is made to forward the appeal to the state level for
consideration or to deny the appeal.
If the appeal is denied at the local level, the appeal can be submitted
directly to the state level for consideration.
Direct appeals and appeals forwarded from the local level are considered
at the state level, and a decision is made to grant the appeal or to deny it.
If the appeal is granted, the Mississippi Department of Education will
assess the substitute evaluation to determine if the student demonstrates
mastery of the subject area curriculum.
If the results of the substitute evaluation determine that the student has
demonstrated mastery of the curriculum, a passing score will be
substituted for a failing score on the standard statewide Subject Area Test,
and the Mississippi Department of Education will bear the cost associated
with the substitute evaluation.
If the results of the substitute evaluation do not determine that the student has
demonstrated mastery of the curriculum, the student must continue participating
in subsequent standard statewide testing. The cost associated with the
administration and scoring of the substitute evaluation will be borne by the school
district in which the student took the test in question.
All subsequent graduating classes must pass the four Subject Area Tests in order
to earn a regular high school diploma.
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106
l.
Tishomingo County School District Mississippi Student Religious Liberties Act of 2013
Policy. (See page 228) (Approved 09/09/13)
l-1.
Tishomingo County School District Mississippi Student Religious Liberties Act of 2013
Sample Permissible Student Expression Policy. (See page 231) (Approved 09/09/13)
m.
Class Ranking, Honor Graduates, and Valedictorian & Salutatorian. The following policy has
been created to establish class ranking, honor graduates, and valedictorian & salutatorian in all
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TCSD high schools for the graduating classes beginning in the 2014-15 school year and there
after.
Class Ranking, Honor Students, and Valedictorian & Salutatorian will be calculated in the same
manner using all courses a student attempted beginning in the 9th grade.
Class Ranking
In order to encourage students to take rigorous coursework, the following courses will be
weighted more in figuring class ranking: all Advanced Placement courses, all Dual Credit
courses, Physics, Calculus, Engineering II, and Health Science II.
Honor Graduates
Eligible students will be considered honor graduates if they have an overall average of 90 or
above on all coursework attempted from the 9th grade.
To be eligible to be an honor graduate, students must be continuously enrolled in the TCSD high
school they are graduating from since September 1st of the current school year.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
The valedictorian shall be the eligible student with the highest-class ranking.
The salutatorian shall be the eligible student with the 2nd highest-class ranking.
To be eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian, students must be continuously enrolled in the
TCSD high school they are graduating from since September 1st of their two previous years of
enrollment.
In the case of a tie for valedictorian or salutatorian, the highest numerically average figured to the
fourth decimal for all courses taken during the current year will determine who will be award the
honor. If a tie still exits, the student who has taken the most courses from the list of courses with
additional weights will determine who receives the honor. If a tie still exists, the student who has
earned the most Carnegie unites will be awarded the honor.
o.
Occupational Diploma. The requirements for an Occupational Diploma are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Tishomingo County School District shall offer students with disabilities the option to
earn an Occupational Diploma. The local school board shall make provisions for each
student to participate in general, career/technical, and special education courses, as
appropriate, for meeting graduation requirements. Any student with a disability
completing these requirements shall be awarded an Occupational Diploma.
Each student completing the program must have an approved Occupational Portfolio
containing a collection of evidence of the student’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and
employment competencies.
The individualized education program (IEP) committee shall select a program of study
leading toward the regular High School Diploma, the Occupational Diploma, or the
Graduation Certificate, and document this decision on the IEP developed during the
student’s ninth grade year, or the IEP developed during the year prior to the student’s
sixteenth birthday, whichever occurs first. This decision must be reviewed annually.
Each local education agency shall develop procedures for ensuring that students may
select and move between courses of study leading to the regular high school diploma, the
Occupational Diploma, the Graduation Certificate and the GED, as appropriate.
Nothing contained in this rule shall be construed to limit or restrict the right of a student
with a disability solely to the Occupational Diploma. When there is indecision regarding
108
6.
p.
which diploma option would be most appropriate for a student, the IEP committee is
strongly encouraged to select the higher of the options being considered.
The junior high school shall distribute to parents of eighth grade students with disabilities
information explaining the Occupational Diploma exit option.
Occupational Diploma Criteria. Criteria for awarding the Occupational Diploma
is as follows:
1.
Student must have a disability as defined by the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act.
2.
Student must earn a minimum of 22 required course credits outlined in the
Tishomingo County School District Special Education and regular
curriculum.
3.
Passing grades in all required courses.
4.
The objectives of the IEP should include, but are not limited to, the
targeted objectives from the occupational course of study.
5.
Student must successfully complete the approved Occupational Portfolio
as per State Department of Education guidelines. The following are
minimum requirements:
a.
As each content standard is taught in the core curriculum courses,
items of evidence representative of the student’s level of
acquisition of the content standard must be collected by that
teacher and documented in the portfolio. Items of evidence must
be included in the student’s portfolio for all content standards. A
single item of evidence may be used to document more than one
content standard and in more than one core curriculum course.
b.
In the tenth grade, the student must have successful experience and
acceptable work performance evaluations in three to six schoolbased enterprise experiences, six to eight job shadowing
experiences, or a combination of the above for a minimum total of
30 hours. This requirement can be waived in lieu of a minimum of
30 hours of other work experiences if agreed upon by the IEP
committee. The substituted work experience must be documented
and noted in the student’s portfolio.
c.
In the eleventh grade, the student must have successful experience
and acceptable work performance evaluations in two to four
community-based work training experiences with a minimum total
of 30 hours. This requirement may be waived if the student
successfully completes a planned sequence of courses (from a
career/technical education course of study) in his chosen
career/technical education field that designates the student as a
“program completer”
d.
Each student must have documented evidence of a minimum of
540 hours of successful paid employment while enrolled in the
Career/Technical Cooperative Education Program by the end of his
senior (exiting) year.
e.
An exit IEP committee meeting must be held before the student
graduates to evaluate the accomplishment of the goals and
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q.
r.
s.
objectives of the IEP and completion of all requirements for the
Occupational Diploma. At this meeting, the student will present
his or her Occupational Portfolio for review by the IEP committee.
Content standards without documentation indicate a need for
instruction that must be addressed by the student’s IEP committee
before the student will be considered a candidate to receive the
Occupational Diploma.
f.
The final Occupational Portfolio will be reviewed and approved
prior to graduation by the principal or his/her designee.
6.
If a student chooses to change to the Occupational Diploma program in
the senior year, regardless of the number and type of credits previously
earned, the student must meet the twelfth grade requirement for
Career/Technical Cooperative Education to receive the Occupational
Diploma. For these students, additional course work and/or community
based work training experience may be required. The IEP committee
decision regarding the number of community-based work training
experiences the student participates in should be based on the student’s
individual needs. The student’s IEP committee must evaluate each
decision on a case-by-case basis.
Exchange Students. Students accepted as "exchange students" cannot graduate or
participate in the graduation exercises of Tishomingo County School District.
Credit for Advanced Placement Classes. Any Student who takes an Advanced
Placement Class and has a grade of 65 or above will receive a high school
advanced placement credit. Students who are interested in a college credit should
meet with his/her counselor.
Grade Averaging. Teachers may give bonus points on tests (assignments);
however, more than 100 cannot be recorded in SAMS (the district student
database). The student may bank the points and apply to a test (assignment) grade
that is below 100. These points should be used during the nine weeks grading
period in which they were earned.
The method of determining grade averages for test exemption is on file in the
office of the Principal.
(See also Promotion/Retention Policy)
t.
u.
Grading Scale K-12 beginning 2008-2009.
A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
65-69
F
Below 65
Discipline. Discipline is the responsibility of every student, teacher, and
administrator. It is characterized by a process of education designed to
improve and perfect behavior, and its goal is obedience to rules and
regulations based on a high degree of self-discipline.
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It is our policy that students shall respect authority which includes conformity to
school rules and regulations as well as those provisions of law that apply to the
conduct of juveniles. Democracy requires respect for the rights of others, and it is
our wish that student conduct shall reflect consideration for the right and
privileges of others. A high personal standard of courtesy, decency, morality,
clean language, honesty, and a wholesome relationship with others shall be
maintained. Respect for property and pride on one’s achievement shall be
expected of all students. Every student who shows that he or she has a sincere
desire to remain in school, is diligent in studies, and wants to profit by educational
experiences will be given every opportunity to do so and will be assisted in every
way possible by school personnel.
When students fail to exercise self-discipline, it becomes the responsibility of
school personnel to take steps to alter behavior. When it is possible, classroom
teachers are expected to take care of discipline; but when teachers want or need
assistance, students will be sent to the assistant principal’s office or the principal’s
office. Since discipline is the responsibility of the principal, it is he/she who is
the final authority within the school. Disciplinary techniques may be many and
varied. Each person responsible may have his/her own methods and practices.
Some of the practices that may be used in our schools are special assignments,
reprimand, detention hall, in-school detention, short-term suspension, long-term
suspension, corporal punishment, alternative school and recommended expulsion.
Our practices are not limited to these, and there are no automatic penalties for any
offense.
The principal and assistant principal will institute the appropriate disciplinary
action including; but not limited to, special assignments, reprimand, detention
hall, in-school detention, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, corporal
punishment, alternative school and recommended expulsion of any student for
disorderly conduct or misconduct including but not limited to the following:
1.
Fighting
2.
Theft
3.
Harassment, intimidation, threats
4.
Display of affection (in the school building or school property)
5.
Improper language
6.
Throwing objects
7.
Possession or use of tobacco products
8.
Use or possession of drugs or alcohol (Drug offenders will be
advised of available rehabilitation and counseling services.)
9.
Vandalism – private or school
10.
Gambling
11.
Weapons (knives, firearms, or any other weapons)
12.
Pornographic materials
13.
Fireworks, explosives, or incendiary materials.
14.
Possession of any material, which is punishable by law
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15.
16.
Improper and disorderly conduct, which is disruptive in any school
facility or on any school property.
Any other offense punishable by law. Corporal punishment may
be used in cases where it is deemed as the most appropriate means
of dealing with a particular student’s behavior.
Any student in any school who possesses any controlled substance in violation of
the Uniform Controlled Substances Law, a knife, handgun, other firearm, or any
other instrument considered to be dangerous and capable of causing bodily harm
or who commits a violent act on school property shall be subject to automatic
suspension by the superintendent or principal from such school. Such suspension
shall take effect immediately subject to the constitutional rights of due process.
It should be kept in mind that the primary responsibility of conduct rests with the
student and parent. However, administrators and teachers shall hold students to
strict account for disorderly conduct at school or any school function, to and from
school, on the playground, or any place under school supervision. Teachers and
administrators have the power to discipline any and all students in a reasonable
and acceptable manner.
The superintendent or principal is authorized to institute appropriate disciplinary
action, including immediate suspension if warranted, on any student for disorderly
conduct or misconduct of any nature.
“The superintendent of a school district and the principal of a school shall have
the power to suspend a pupil for good cause or for any other reason for which the
pupil might be suspended, dismissed, or expelled by the board of trustees. Such
action by the superintendent or principal shall be subject to review by and with
the approval or disapproval of the board of trustees.” (MS Code – Section 37-971)
In order to maintain a proper atmosphere for learning, it is imperative discipline
be maintained at all times; and in order to accomplish that, the following policies
will be enforced:
1.
The teacher is charged with responsibility of disciplining his/her students.
It is expected that this will be accomplished in a constructive,
understanding, and impartial manner. Corporal punishment may be
administered when deemed appropriate. All corporal punishment should
be utilized in an area as stated below. Parents should be notified of such
corporal punishment and written documentation of such corporal
punishment shall be kept on file for a minimum of two (2) years.
2.
Corporal punishment shall be administered only after less stringent
measures such as counseling, parental conferences and other forms of
discipline have failed to produce the desired results, unless the conduct of
a student is of such an extreme nature that corporal punishment is the only
reasonable form of discipline under the circumstances.
112
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Any corporal punishment shall be reasonable and moderate and may not
be administered maliciously or for the purpose of revenge. Such factors as
the size, age and condition of the student, the type of instrument to be
used, and the amount of force to be used and the part of the body to be
struck shall be considered before administering any corporal punishment.
Corporal punishment may be administered by the school principal,
assistant principal, teacher, counselor, or any certified employee.
When corporal punishment is administered, it shall be done in the
presence of another certified employee.
Corporal punishment shall never be administered to a student in front of
his/her class or another class of students.
When administering corporal punishment, no student shall receive more
than three (3) licks and no student shall be paddled more than one (1) time
in a day.
Elementary pupils are not to be detained at school at the end of the school
day without advance notice being given to the parent or guardian, and in
no case for longer than one hour.
Pupils may be suspended or expelled when it is authorized by law or
deemed best for the good of the school. A student may be suspended by
the action of the Superintendent or appropriate Principal, subject to review
by the Board of Trustees. The authority to expel a student is vested only in
the Board of Trustees except under the Mississippi School Violence Act,
which authorizes the Principal, or Superintendent to expel.
Bus Discipline: Bus discipline rights to ride a school bus is contingent
upon good conduct:
While on the Bus:
 The driver is in full charge of the bus and the students.
Students shall comply fully and promptly with the driver’s
instructions and without arguing viewpoints.
 Upon boarding the bus, students shall immediately be seated
and remain in that seat for the remainder of the route, unless
given permission by the driver to change seats.
 The driver may assign seats on the bus, and students shall sit in
their assigned seat.
 Students shall be courteous to the driver and to fellow students.
 Students shall not mark on or otherwise deface the bus.
 Students are not to tamper with mechanical equipment,
accessories, or control of the bus.
 Students are to refrain from loud talking, excessive noise, and
unnecessary movement, which can divert the driver’s attention
and may result in an accident.
 Students shall assist in keeping the bus safe and clean at all
times.
 Students are not to throw litter of any kind on the floor of the
bus, as a bag or box is provided for trash.
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
Students shall keep all body parts and clothing inside the bus at
all times.
 Students shall never leave the bus through the rear door, except
during an emergency situation.
 The driver will not let students off the bus at places other than
the regular bus stop, at home or at school unless by
authorizations of the parent or school official.
 In case of a road emergency involving the bus, or the bus and
another vehicle, the students are to remain in the bus, unless
given other instructions by the drivers.
The following improper behavior can result in suspension of riding
privileges and suspension from school:
 Insolence, not following driver’s instructions, vulgar actions or
gestures, obscene or profane language, fighting, punching, shoving,
other disruptive and disturbing actions, and possession of
unacceptable items (radios, lighters, matches, cell phones, etc.).
 Possession or use of tobacco products.
 Throwing articles or objects in or from the bus.
 Obstructing the aisle in any matter.
 Occupying more space in a seat than is needed, and refusing to allow
another passenger to sit down.
 Sexual harassment in any form, including but not limited to words,
gestures, or actions
 Any form of sexual activity, whether consented by all parties
involved or not.
 Disrespect toward the bus driver or other students
 Should the conduct of a student on the bus endanger the safety and
welfare of other individuals, and the offending student fails to cease
such conduct when requested to do so by the driver, it shall be the
duty of the driver to report to the principal of the school the student
attends as soon as possible.
 Students shall not have in their possession any weapons, fireworks,
glass containers, live animals, water guns, squirt bottles, or helium
filled balloons.
 Eating and drinking are prohibited on the bus.
 Students are to remain in their seats until the bus has come to a
complete stop before standing, entering the aisle and attempting to
leave the bus at school or at their bus stop.
Bus Discipline Measures: In order to be uniform district-wide in
disciplinary action related to student misbehavior on a school bus, the
following actions will be taken:
1. 1st Offense – Warning
2. 2nd Offense – Three (3) days off the bus
3. 3rd Offense – Five (5) days off the bus
4. 4th Offense – Ten (10) days off the bus
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5. 5th Offense – Twenty (20) days off the bus
* Bus disciplinary action will be on a semester-by-semester basis
beginning 2009/2010 school year
If the behavior is severe and jeopardizes the safety and welfare of the
student and/or other students, suspension can occur with the first offense
and be immediate. When a student vandalizes a school bus, the student
and/or parents/guardians are responsible for paying damages to
Tishomingo County School District.
Written notice of the action taken by the Principal shall be furnished to the
parents or guardian, the Director of Transportation and/or the
Superintendent; however, such notice need not precede the action of the
Principal.
Any complaints of students, parents, or drivers not specified in these
regulations shall be reported to the Principal or Director of Transportation.
When actions taken by the driver or other school employees are not
supported by the parent or guardian, the proper channel for the hearing of
the issues shall be as follows:
1. At the request of the parent of guardian, the Principal will schedule a
meeting to review the facts and to hear the various viewpoints of the
student, parent and driver. After reviewing the facts and hearing all
viewpoints, the Principal will make a decision as to the disposition of
the case. Should the parent or guardian feel that a fair decision was
not made, an appeal may be made to the Director of Transportation,
who will establish a committee to review the case and make
recommendations to the Superintendent for final decision.
u-1
Students who have violated school policy in which disciplinary action is
determined as necessary shall be subject to any of the following
disciplinary actions by the superintendent, principal, assistant principal, or
licensed designee:
Verbal Correction
Special Assignments
Detention
Corporal Punishment
In-School Detention
Short-Term Suspension
Long-Term Suspension
Alternative School
Recommended Expulsion
The local school administration has the authority to determine the
appropriate disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis.
(Refer to Policy, Section z(29), Subsection Transportation)
Discipline Codes.


ISD - will be used to code "in school" assignment for tardies, 1st offence
tobacco violations, and other MINOR offences.
ISS - will be used to code "in school" assignments for state offences that must
be reported to MSIS (ex. fight [see state definition], vandalism, and other
offences that fall under state reporting requirements.
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v.
Dress Code. In order to promote a good learning environment, students should
present themselves appropriately dressed and groomed at all times. It is felt that to
some degree dress and grooming have a bearing on behavior and the learning
environment of the school. It is presumed that parents and students will accept the
basic responsibility of adhering to good taste in the student’s dress and
appearance. All students are expected to be neat, well groomed and appropriately
dressed at school and school activities.
Attire considered inappropriate and in violation of the dress code includes
but is NOT limited to the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Hats, caps (unless required by Vo-Tech or class activities that will be outside for
an extended time), headscarves, boggins (except when weather appropriate and
worn outside only), headbands, rollers and sunglasses; OR any other headwear
which may interrupt the educational process will not be permitted at the school.
Midriff or halter-tops, muscle shirts, tank tops, sleeveless t-shirts (boys), or seethrough clothing (including mesh shirts).
Shorts, skirts or dresses shorter than the tip of the longest finger of the down
stretched hand or shorts that are considered inappropriately tight by school officials.
Backless dresses
Clothing advertising drugs, alcohol, tobacco products or obscene slogans and
gestures.
Any style clothing tending toward immodest, indecent or risqué in appearance.
Clothing that exposes undergarments.
Sagging pants
Chains or spiked jewelry
Jeans/pants with holes above the longest finger of the down stretched hand.
Boxer shorts, cutoffs or PE shorts.
Spandex shorts, cycling shorts, and bicycle pants.
Fraternity/sorority jerseys or shirts.
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Students must wear clothing in the manner in which it is designed to be worn
unless directed to do otherwise by the administration.
Pierce jewelry is limited to ears only.
Any other clothing, attire or accessories that disrupt the educational environment
or threaten school safety is prohibited.
Principals/assistant principals may handle infractions as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
First Offense - Correct the infraction immediately and follow up with
parent/guardian notification.
Second Offense - Correct the infraction immediately and assign one (1) day inschool detention on the next available day.
Third Offense - Correct the infraction immediately and assign three (3) days of
in-school detention.
Fourth Offense - Correct the infraction immediately and assign fifteen (15) days
of Alternative School.
*A principal/assistant principal can suspend a student immediately if he or she
feels the infraction is severe enough to skip the above steps recommended for
handling infractions to the dress code.
w.
Administering Medication. The school principal, or their designee, may
administer prescription/over-the-counter medicines to students in their charge
only under the following conditions:
116
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Parents must request in writing that such service be provided and complete
the necessary forms which will be kept on file by the principal or
designee.
Medicines must be brought to the principal or designee by the parents in
the original container with prescription label attached containing the name
of the prescribing physician, name of the medicine, dosage and
instructions for administration. The instructions should be specific, such
as “before meals” or “with food” etc.
All medication will be kept in a secure designated location. Access to all
stored medication will be limited to the principal or designee who will
witness the administration of the medication.
No more than a forty-five (45) school day supply of medication will be
stored at school. The school principal or designee should return to the
parent or destroy with permission of the parent, any unused, discontinued
or out-of-date medication. Medicine which is not picked up by the parent
within a seven (7) period of notification by school authorities will be
destroyed by the principal or designee in the presence of a witness.
Emergency medical information form should be completed for every
student. Parents not providing this information will be contacted by the
principal or designee.
The following procedures will be followed in case of a medical emergency
as may be deemed appropriate:
(1) Notify the School Nurse
(2) Notify Parent/Guardian
x. Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Illegal Drugs and Alcoholic Beverages
Any student who uses, sells, buys, or possesses illegal drugs and/or alcoholic
beverages and/or inhalants at school, at a school function, or while participating in
or going to or from any school activity sponsored by this school district and while
under the supervision and direction of any employee or agent of the school
district, or who is under the influence of such illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages
at such times and places, will be immediately suspended by the principal for three
(3) days with assignment to the Alternative School for thirty (30) days for a first
offense, suspended for three (3) days with assignment to the Alternative School
for ninety (90) days for a second offense, and recommended to the School Board
for expulsion, unless good cause to the contrary can be shown, for a third offense.
For the protection of our students and the smooth operation of our schools, the
Administration and Board of Trustees will strictly enforce this Policy and will
report to the appropriate law enforcement officials any evidence of violation(s) of
applicable laws for whatever action they deem appropriate. Drug offenders will
be advised of available rehabilitation and counseling services.
Prescription Drugs and Over the Counter Drugs
117
Any student who uses, sells, buys, or possesses prescription or over-the-counter
drugs at school, at a school function, or while participating in or going to or from
any school activity sponsored by this school district and while under the
supervision and direction of any employee or agent of the school district, or who
abuse (taking more than prescribed on the package/container) or distribute overthe-counter drugs (such as aspirin, Tylenol, diet tablets, caffeine tablets, etc.) may
be subject to any of the following disciplinary actions at the discretion of the
school administration:
1. In-school detention for not less than three (3) days and up to seven (7) days
2. Suspension for three (3) days and receive fifteen (15) days in alternative
school
3. Suspension for three (3) days with assignment to alternative school for thirty
(30) days
4. Suspension for three (3) days with assignment to the alternative school for
ninety (90) days
5. Recommended to the School Board for expulsion, unless good cause to the
contrary can be shown
y.
z.
This policy is for the sole and exclusive protection of the pupils of this school
district and their general welfare and nothing herein contained shall be construed
to avoid any prosecution under any pertinent criminal statute of the State of
Mississippi.
Substance Abuse Policy: During the 2006-2007 school year, Tishomingo County
School District will implement a random testing substance abuse policy. (Also
refer to Section H-1 Students, Subsection x & Subsection z).
Student Drug Testing Program: The Tishomingo County Special Municipal
Separate School District Board of Education, in an effort to protect the health and
safety of its students from illegal and/or performance-enhancing drug use and
abuse, thereby setting an example for all other students of this school district, has
adopted the following policy for drug testing of students participating in
competitive extracurricular activities and those who have on-campus parking
privileges.
Purpose and Intent
Substance abuse is a serious threat to the school system, its students, visitors, and
its employees. Use of illegal and performance-enhancing drugs by students
significantly affects the health and safety of the using student, the student’s
classmates, and the school community, as well as undermining the educational
process. A drug testing program is an appropriate precaution to safeguard
students and participants in the school community from the dangers of illegal drug
use and the misuse of legal drugs.
Two groups of students are included in the random drug testing program – those
who participate in Competitive Extracurricular Activities and those who have oncampus Parking Privileges. In addition to the random drug testing program, the
District may require any student to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test if there is
118
reasonable suspicion that the student has or is using prohibited drugs and/or
alcohol.
The purposes of this policy are:
(a) to educate students about the serious physical, mental and emotional harm
caused by illegal drug use;
(b) to create and maintain a safe, drug-free environment for all students on
campus or at school sponsored functions;
(c) to encourage any student with a dependence on, or in addition to, alcohol
or other drugs to seek help in overcoming the problem;
(d) to reduce the likelihood of incidents of accidental personal injury to
students and/or damage to property;
(e) to minimize the likelihood of school property being used for illicit drug
activities; and
(f) to protect the reputation of the school system and its students.
This policy does not supersede or replace any other existing policy of the district
prohibiting any drug use, possession, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs, but is
an additional and complementary measure to prevent and/or deter drug use.
Definitions
(a) Authorized, Trained School Employee – A principal, coach, assistant coach,
or other school official or designee who has been trained for at least one hour
on alcohol misuse and an additional one hour on controlled substance misuse.
The training will cover the physical, behavioral, speech, and performance
indicators of probable use and misuse of alcohol and other prohibited
substances. Documentation of training attendance shall be maintained by the
Drug Program Coordinator.
(b) Competitive Extracurricular Activities – Any school sanctioned or sponsored
extracurricular activity for students in grades 7 – 12 inclusive involving
competition, comparison, or judging of the individual(s) or groups with other
individual(s) or groups, which include, but are not limited to athletic
programs, cheerleading, band, academic teams, choir, or career technical
competitors.
(c) Drug Program Coordinator – An employee of the District, appointed by the
Board, to be responsible for the overall implementation of this program.
(d) Drug Test – A scientifically substantiated method to test for the presence of
illegal or performance-enhancing drugs, or the metabolites thereof performed
by an independent testing laboratory.
(e) Drug Testing Agent – The licensed and qualified independent agent or
medical office selected by the Board to carry out the screening of students.
(f) Illegal Drugs – Any substance that an individual may not sell, possess, use,
distribute or purchase under either federal or Mississippi law. The term
includes, but is not limited to, all scheduled drugs as defined by Sections 4129-113, 41-20-114, 41-29-115, 41-29-117, 41-29-119, and 41-29-121, MS
Code of 1927, and all prescription drugs being used for an abusive purpose.
119
(g) Medical Review Officer – A licensed physician employed by the Drug
Testing Agent responsible for interpreting and evaluating the data generated
from screenings.
(h) Parking Privilege – The privilege of a student to driver a vehicle on school
property and/or park in any parking space on school property or otherwise
park on property owned or under the control of the District.
(i) Performance-enhancing Drugs – Anabolic steroids and any other natural or
synthetic substance used to increase muscle mass, strength, endurance, speed,
or other athletic ability, but the term does not include dietary or nutritional
supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins that can be lawfully
purchased over the counter.
Substance Screening
(a) Pre-participation screening – Drug testing may be required for students before
being allowed to participate in competitive extracurricular activities and
before being allowed parking privileges. Such testing may be included with a
physical examination required under other applicable rules and regulations.
Before participation in competitive extracurricular activities is permitted or
parking privileges are extended to any student, such student and his/her parent
or guardian will be required to sign the competitive extracurricular
activity/student parking privilege consent and release form, which authorizes
drug testing under this program. A student will not be allowed to participate
in any competitive extracurricular activity or exercise parking privileges if the
student refuses to submit to the testing or if the student or parent fails to
execute the applicable consent and release form.
(b) Participation Screening – Once a student is a participant in any competitive
extracurricular activity or is exercising parking privileges, such student will
be subject to random unannounced drug tests. The drug program coordinator
will provide a master list of all students subject to random testing to the drug
testing agency. The drug testing agency will produce from the master list
random sample lists of students and present whose names appear on the
random sample lists will be notified and required to report to the designated
sites for testing immediately. Each time a random test is conducted, the
foregoing procedure will be used, and all students will have an equal chance
of being chosen for a random test each time the test is given. The fact that a
student was selected for one random screening does not eliminate that
particular student from the master list to be used in the next random screening.
(c) Return-to-Participation Screening – All students who have been suspended
from participation in competitive extracurricular activities or whose parking
privileges have been suspended for violations of this Policy will be required to
provide a negative screening prior to reinstatement and will be subject to
unannounced screenings for a period of time of no more than 36 months
thereafter.
(d) Reasonable Suspicion Screening – All students in the District will be required
to submit to screening whenever an authorized trained school employee
observes circumstances or receives information which provides reasonable
suspicion to believe that the student has used alcohol or another prohibited
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substance, or has otherwise violated this policy. The authorized trained school
employee’s determination that reasonable suspicion exists will require the
student to undergo an alcohol or drug screening. The authorized trained
school employee requesting a reasonable suspicion screening shall prepare
and sign a written report explaining the circumstances and evidence upon
which the employee has relied. This written documentation shall be prepared
within twenty-four hours of the testing and in all circumstances before the
results of the tests are released. (Refer to Reasonable Suspicion Procedures)
Screening Procedures
(a) General – A professional testing laboratory chosen by the District will
administer the drug testing. The testing laboratory must use scientifically
validated toxicological testing methods, have detailed written specifications to
assure chain of custody of the specimens, and use proper laboratory control
scientific testing. Students may be screened for saliva, or urinalysis testing
procedures or a combination thereof. All urine specimens that test positive
for prohibitive substances will be confirmed by a gas chromatography/mass
spectroscopy (GC/MS) or other appropriate confirmation process.
(b) Collection Sites – The drug program coordinator will designate collection
sites for student screening. Screening shall be conducted on-site at the
student’s home school, when feasible.
(c) Collection Procedure – The Board, the drug testing agent, and its laboratory
will develop and maintain a documented procedure for collecting, shipping
and accessing urine and other specimens. A tamper-proof sealing system,
identifying numbers, labels, and seal shipping containers will also be used for
specimen transportation. The Board, the drug testing agent, and its laboratory
will utilize a standard custody and control form for all student screenings.
The school will provide instructions and training emphasizing the
responsibility of the supervisory personnel to protect the integrity of the
specimen and to adhere to appropriate collection procedure. In addition, in
order to protect the reasonable privacy interests of those being screened, all
screening involving a urinalysis will be monitored by a school official of the
same gender as the student being screened and shall allow each student
providing a urine sample a private location in which to provide the sample
that is not in plain view of the employee or other students. The designated
school official may, however, monitor the provision of the sample if he or she
reasonably believes there have been attempts to alter any sample.
(d) Evaluation and Return of Results – The Drug Testing Agent will transmit in
writing, the results of the test to the Medical Review Officer. The Medical
Review Officer will be responsible for reviewing test results of the students
who have tested positive for prohibited substances. Upon confirmation of a
positive test, the Medical Review Officer shall notify the Drug Program
Coordinator. Upon notification, the Drug Program Coordinator shall contact
the local school principal and the principal shall discretely request the student
in question to come to the principal’s office. The student in presence of the
principal shall contact the Medical Review Officer regarding the test results.
Any unreasonable delay by the student may be viewed as a waiver of this
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meeting. If, after examination of the results and conferring with the student,
the Medical Review Officer is of the opinion the student has violated this
Policy, the Medical Review Officer will promptly report to the Drug Program
Coordinator the name of the student and the official results of the test. The
Drug Program Coordinator will contact the principal and the principal will
schedule an in-person conference with the student and the student’s parent or
legal guardian to discuss the Medical Review Officer’s report and the
disciplinary action to be taken.
(e) Request for Retest – The student and/or parent/guardian may request a retest
of any specimen or split specimen within seventy-two (72) hours of
notification of a positive screening. Any request for a retest must be
submitted in writing to the Medical Review Officer, and any such retest will
be at the expense of the requesting party.
(f) Confidentiality – All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda,
and test results, written or otherwise, received by the Board through this
Policy are confidential communications and may not be used or received in
evidence, obtained in discovery, or disclosed in any public or private
proceeding, except in accordance with the competitive extracurricular
activity/student parking privilege consent and release form and as provided by
applicable law. It is the responsibility of the principal to maintain the
confidentiality of all documents relating to student screenings and to
implement procedures to prevent the unauthorized release of such
information. The medical review officer and the principal shall maintain
individual student screening results for a reasonable period of time.
Violations
Any student who tests positive or violates this Policy shall be subject to the
following minimum consequences, in addition to any other penalties provided
under School Board Policy (refer to Section H-1 Students, Subsection x.
Alcohol and Other Drugs); and the principal of the student’s local school, in
conjunction with the drug program coordinator, may impose a more severe
penalty for violation if circumstances so warrant:
(a) First Violation – Upon the first violation of this Policy, a student will be
suspended from participating in any competitive extracurricular activity
and/or parking privileges for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
student notification of a positive drug screen by the drug program coordinator.
Before the suspended student can be reinstated to any competitive
extracurricular activity and/or resume parking privileges, such student must
(1) test negative for any prohibited substance, and (2) have undergone a
mandatory alcohol/drug education program with the school counseling staff.
(b) Second Violation – Upon the second violation of this Policy, the student will
be suspended from participating in any competitive extracurricular activity
and/or parking privileges for a period extending for one full calendar year
from the date of student notification of a second positive screen by the drug
program coordinator. Before the suspended student can be reinstated to any
competitive extracurricular activity and/or parking privileges, such student
must (1) test negative for any prohibited substance, and (2) have undergone a
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mandatory alcohol/drug education program with the school counseling staff,
and (3) be evaluated by a certified substance abuse counselor who may
recommend a substance abuse management plan. Such substance abuse
management plan shall be optional and all costs associated with its
implementation shall be borne by the student or parent/guardian.
(c) Third Violation – For a third violation of this Policy, the student will be
permanently excluded from participating in any competitive extracurricular
activity, and will be permanently ineligible for parking privileges.
(d) Reasonable Suspicion Violation – Any student who shall be found guilty of a
violation of the reasonable suspicion provision of this Policy shall be subject
to such disciplinary action as may be appropriate, up to and including
expulsion.
Miscellaneous. (Refer to H-1 Students, Subsection x Alcohol and Other Drugs)
(a) Costs – all costs associated with the initial screening and any other costs
associated with the implementation of this program, unless specifically prescribed
herein, shall be borne by the Board. Once a student is found in violation of
policy, said student is responsible for costs of all alcohol and drug tests required
by the district for reinstatement of parking privileges and being permitted to
participate in extra-curricular activities.
(b) Appeal – if a student is dissatisfied with the findings of the drug program
coordinator or wants to provide additional facts or information that are relevant to
the application of this Policy, or the consequences proposed by the drug program
coordinator, such student or parent/guardian may present all such facts,
circumstances, contentions, or requests in writing to the Board within seventytwo (72) hours of notice of action taken under this Policy. Any removal of
privileges provided for by this Policy shall continue in full force and effect while
such review is pending. The Board may review all relevant materials and
reconsider any consequences imposed. The decision of the Board shall be final.
(c) Searcher – Any teacher or administrator who has reasonable suspicion that a
student or students are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs, or other items
harmful to the student or students or to the welfare of the student body, is
authorized to search the person of such student(s) when on school property, at a
school function, or when under the care, custody, or supervision of the District.
Reasonable Suspicion Procedures
1. A school employee determines a student may be exhibiting symptoms of drug
or alcohol use or has received information regarding use
2. Student is taken to principal (or designee) and principal (or designee) observes
student – principal (or designee) determines student is exhibiting symptoms or
has reliable information
3. Principal (or designee) contacts Drug Testing Coordinator
4. Principal (or designee) may contact Youth Court Judge
5. Principal (or designee) contacts guardian of the student. If he/she fails to reach
guardian, principal (or designee) will take student to Iuka Medical Clinic. If
principal (of designee) reaches the guardian, the guardian may:
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a. Check out student and then take student to Iuka Medical Clinic for testing
b. Meet student and principal (or designee) at Iuka Medical Clinic for
testing [principal (or designee) must take student in school vehicle in this
case]
6. Once test has been administered, student is returned to regular activities at
school until test results are returned (will be about 3 day turnaround)
7. Principal (or designee) contacts Drug Testing Coordinator that testing was
completed
Failure by student to submit to reasonable suspicion drug test within the 24-hour
timeframe will cause the student to be reverted to the Student, Alcohol and Other
Drugs section of the School Board Policies.
(Refer to Reasonable Suspicion Screening)
z(1).
Use of Tobacco. Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District
is a tobacco free district. Violations of this policy are subject to the following
reprimands:
1st OFFENSE
2 days of in-school detention
nd
2 OFFENSE
3 days out-of-school suspension; parents notified
3rd OFFENSE
3 days out-of-school suspension; parents notified;
student must appeal to superintendent for readmission
4th OFFENSE
20 days at alternative school
th
5 OFFENSE
45 days at alternative school
Possession of matches or lighters will be treated the same as the tobacco
policy.
z(2).
Non-smoking Policy. The Tishomingo County School District is dedicated to the
good health of its students and faculty. Being the number one cause of
preventable death in the United States, smoking poses significant health hazards
to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In order to promote good health, the
Tishomingo County School District will provide a smoke-free environment in the
school district's buildings and vehicles. Effective on and after August 1, 1992,
smoking in school buildings and vehicles is prohibited:
1. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
2. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
3. Smoking and other use of tobacco is prohibited on all school campuses by
all individuals.
For student violations, also refer to Policy u, Subsection Discipline.
z(3).
School Violence Prevention Act. The Tishomingo County School District will
implement the Prevention of School Violence Act.
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Section 97-37-17, Miss. Code of 1972 has been amended to make it a felony for
any person to possess or carry any gun, rifle, pistol, or other
firearm of any kind, or any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful
explosive on educational property; and to make it a misdemeanor for any person
to possess or carry any BB Gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, kirk, dagger,
slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knucks, razors and
razor blades, and any sharpened or edged instrument on educational property.
Under Section 37-11-29, Miss. Code of 1972, as amended, any teacher or other
school employee who has knowledge of any unlawful activity or violent acts
which occurred on educational property or during a school-related activity is
required to report such activity or act to the principal of the school, who is then
required to notify the appropriate law enforcement officials. The "unlawful
activity or violent acts" which must be reported specifically include an assault
resulting in serious physical injury, sexual assault, sexual offense, rape,
kidnapping, indecent liberties with a minor, assault involving the use of a weapon,
possession of a firearm in violation of the law, possession of a weapon in
violation of the law, or possession of a controlled substance in violation of the
law. Upon receipt of such a report, the law enforcement agency must immediately
dispatch an officer to the educational institution and, with probable cause, arrest
the offender.
Section 37-11-18, which has been added to the code, provides that any student
who possesses any illegal controlled substances, a knife, handgun, other firearm
or any other instrument considered to be dangerous and capable of causing bodily
harm or who commits a violent act on school property shall be subject to
automatic expulsion by the superintendent or the principal of such school, subject
to the student's Constitutional rights of due process.
Under Section 43-21-605, Miss. Code, of 1972, as amended, the Youth Court is
prohibited from placing a child who has been expelled from a school district for
the commission of a violent act in another school district; and under Section 4321-621, Miss. Code of 1972, Youth Court cannot order the enrollment or reenrollment of a student who has been suspended or expelled for possession of a
weapon on school grounds, for an offense involving a threat to the safety of other
persons, or for any action which might result in death or physical harm to another.
Section 37-13-92, provides that students who have been suspended or expelled
from school for possession of a weapon (as prescribed in Section 97-37-17) or
other felonious conduct shall not be assigned to the alternative school; and any
student enrolled in the alternative school who becomes involved in any criminal
or violent behavior shall be removed from the alternative school and, if probable
cause exists, referred to the Youth Court.
(See appendix III for Report of Unlawful Activity or Violent Act Form)
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z(4).
Gun-Free Schools Act Policy. Any student who brings a firearm to school or
otherwise possesses such a fire arm while at school, or on any school property, or
at any school function, shall be immediately expelled from Tishomingo County
School District for a minimum of one (1) year, subject to due process rights of the
student to be provided by the Board of Trustees.
The School District shall submit to the State Department of Education a report
detailing the disciplinary action identified under this act within seven working
days of final disposition.
z(5).
Use of Metal Detectors Policy
In an effort to promote the safety of the students, teachers, administrators, and
other employees of this school district, and to discourage violation of state law
and school policy, metal detectors either stationary or hand held, or both, may be
used at the discretion of the building level principal at each school building and
school facility in this school district.
The principal, or his/her designee in each school, and the chief administrator in
each facility, shall be responsible for utilizing the metal detectors at the
principal’s discretion, and in such a way as not to discriminate on the basis of
race, color, age, or sex.
If a stationary metal detector is activated, the person involved shall be subject to a
further examination by a hand held detector in order to pinpoint the specific
location of the object activating the detector. That person will then be requested
to produce the object for inspection.
If the person declines to do so, and (a) if such person is a student, the student’s
parent(s), or person in loco parentis, shall be requested by phone to come to the
school and participate in the further inspection; and if such student continues to
refuse to produce the object for inspection, appropriate disciplinary action,
including possible expulsion, shall be taken; (b) if such person is a school district
employee, appropriate disciplinary action, including possible termination, shall be
taken; and (c) if such person is a visitor, such person shall be denied admittance to
the school building or facility.
Any student or employee who feels aggrieved by the action taken shall have the
right to appeal to the school board.
z(6).
Weapons. Students are not permitted to carry or otherwise have weapons
including but not limited to guns, knives, box cutters, chains, etc., on a school bus
or on any school campus of the Tishomingo County School District.
1. Any student who possesses on school property, at school functions, or on
school buses, any knife, handgun, or other firearm, or any other instrument
considered to be dangerous shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary
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action, including but not limited to, automatic expulsion for a calendar
year by the superintendent or principal of the school in which the student
is enrolled; provided, however, that the superintendent of the school shall
be authorized to modify the period of time for such expulsion on a case by
case basis. Such expulsion shall take effect immediately subject to the
constitutional rights of due process, which shall include the student's right
to appeal to the local school board.
2. If the principal or designee deems it appropriate, he/she may recommend
to the superintendent that the student be expelled.
3. The superintendent who receives a recommendation for expulsion will
present the recommendation to the Board of Trustees, or based on the
particular circumstances, assign other disciplinary action or alternative
placement.
4. Any student on school property or at any school function who determines
that he/she has an item (such as knife, gun, weapon, firecracker, illegal
drugs, etc.) that is prohibited by school policy and/or state law, should
immediately notify and give the item to the nearest teacher, staff, or
principal. Any student finding such an item on school property should
immediately notify the nearest staff member. If the item is reported as
prescribed, this will be taken into consideration in determining any
disciplinary action. If a student possesses any of these items and DOES
NOT report it as prescribed, it will be considered an intentional and willful
violation of school policy and/or state law. Strict disciplinary action,
including possible expulsion, will result.
z (7). Fighting. Students who direct physical violence toward another student will be
strictly disciplined as described below. A parent conference will be required
before readmission. If the administration can determine that the student acted
only in self-defense, a modification in the disciplinary action assignment may
occur. Self-defense is defined as a student acting with reason to protect himself
from bodily harm and having no part, verbally or physically, in creating the
situation.
Students who have violated school policy in which disciplinary action is
determined as necessary shall be subject to any of the following disciplinary
actions by the superintendent, principal, or assistant principal:

Verbal Correction

Special Assignments

Detention

Corporal Punishment

In-School Detention

Short-Term Suspension

Long-Term Suspension

Alternative School

Recommended Expulsion
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The local school administration has the authority to determine the appropriate
disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis.
Students guilty of inciting a fight or other disruptive behavior will be disciplined
by appropriate measures, which may include suspension from school. The local
school administration has the authority to determine the appropriate disciplinary
action on a case-by-case basis. (Also refer to section H-1 Students, subsection u.
Discipline.)
z(8).
Stealing and Vandalism. Stealing and vandalism are violations of the State of
Mississippi. Severe disciplinary action will be taken against offenders, including
suspension and /or recommended expulsion. (Also refer to section H-1 Students,
subsection u. Discipline.)
z (9). Corporal Punishment. Corporal punishment may be administered when deemed
appropriate. All corporal punishment should be utilized in an area as stated below.
Parents should be notified of such corporal punishment and written
documentation of such corporal punishment shall be kept on file for a minimum
of two (2) years.
Corporal punishment shall be administered only after less stringent
measures such as counseling, parental conferences and other forms of
discipline have failed to produce the desired results, unless the conduct of
a student is of such an extreme nature that corporal punishment is the only
reasonable form of discipline under the circumstances.
Any corporal punishment shall be reasonable and moderate and may not
be administered maliciously or for the purpose of revenge. Such factors as
the size, age and condition of the student, the type of instrument to be
used, and the amount of force to be used and the part of the body to be
struck shall be considered before administering any corporal punishment.
Corporal punishment may be administered by the school principal,
assistant principal, teacher, counselor, or any certified employee.
When corporal punishment is administered, it shall be done in the
presence of another certified employee.
Corporal punishment shall never be administered to a student in front of
his/her class or in front of another class of students.
When administering corporal punishment, no student shall receive more
than three (3) licks and no student shall be paddled more than one (1) time
in a day.
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(Also refer to section H-1 Students, subsection u. Discipline.)
z(10). Departure from School. Any student who wishes to leave school must check out
through the principal’s office. The following procedure shall be used:
1. Parents of students in grades 9-12 – Refer to z(31-1) Checkout Policy.
2. Parents of students in grades K-8 - must either pickup the student in
person, call notifying the school (principal or principal’s designee)
allowing a non-guardian to pickup their child, or must fill out the student
pickup/checkout card (provided by the school during registration)
authorizing individuals who can come to the principal’s office of the
school to checkout their child.
Grades K-12
1. Any student riding the school bus must have permission from the parents
(verbal or in writing provided to the principal, principal’s designee, or bus
driver) for their child to get off the school bus at any other location other
than the student’s regular drop-off.
2. NOTES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CHECK-OUTS.
3. Any student leaving the school grounds during the school day for any
reason must be signed out in the office AFTER RECEIVING
PERMISSION FROM PARENTS AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS.
4. Abuse of check-out privileges may result in requiring parents to come to
school to check-out students.
5. The administration retains the right to require any parent to come to school
to check-out a student.
6. The administration reserves the right to deny check-out privileges at any
time he/she deems the safety of the child is a factor.
[refer to Students, H-I, z(10) Departure from School, z(20) Absences, z(20-a)
Excused/Unexcused Absences, z(29) Transportation, z(31-1) Checkout
Policy].
z(11). Attendance During School Hours. There is a positive relationship between school
attendance and success in school. Tishomingo County Special Municipal
Separate School District encourages each student to attend classes daily. It is
most important for both the school and parents to encourage good attendance.
When a student collects five (5) unexcused absences, they will be turned in to the
county truant officer.
z(12).Suspension.
BEFORE ANY STUDENT IS SUSPENED (SHORT-TERM OR LONG-TERM)
1. The principal or his/her designee will tell the student what he/she is accused.
2. The principal will give the student the opportunity to tell his/her side of the
story.
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3. The principal will investigate, if necessary.
4. The principal will inform the student’s parent/guardian of his/her steps to a
appeal of the decision.
5. The principal will have a record of all his/her findings.
6. These steps do NOT have to be in any specific order.
SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION POLICY (10 DAYS OR LESS)
APPEAL PROCESS
If a parent/Guardian disagrees with the Principal's decision, the parent/guardian
has 24 hours to appeal in writing to the principal. He/she will then meet with the
Principal after notification of the appeal. After meeting with the Principal, if not
satisfied, an appeal may be sent to the Superintendent in writing within 24 hours
of the principal’s decision. After meeting with the Superintendent, if not
satisfied, they will be allowed to appeal to the School Board in writing within 24
hours of the decision. The Board will examine the record and make the final
decision
LONG-TERM SUSPENSION POLICY (MORE THAN 10 DAYS)
APPEAL PROCESS
If Parents/Guardians disagree with the Principal's decision, the parent/guardian
has 24 hours to appeal the decision in writing to the principal. They should then
meet with the Principal. After meeting with the Principal if they are still not
satisfied, they may appeal the decision in writing within 24 hours of the original
decision. After receipt of the appeal they will be given a hearing before the
TCSD Hearing Officer. After the Hearing Officer hears the arguments from both
sides and studies the facts and evidence, he/she will make a decision. If the
Parents/Guardians do not agree with the decision, they may appeal the decision to
the Superintendent. The appeal must be presented to the superintendent, in
writing within 24 hours of the decision of the hearing officer. The Superintendent
will examine the record and make a decision. If the Parents/Guardians do not
agree with the Superintendent's decision, they may appeal to the School Board.
Any such appeal must be presented to the District office within 24 hours of the
Superintendent’s decision. The Board will examine the record and make the final
decision.
(Also refer to Section H-1, Subsection u, Discipline)
z(12-1).Expulsion.
Any student who becomes a candidate for expulsion shall be afforded a due
process hearing before the Hearing Officer. At the hearing, the Parents/Guardians
may have a lawyer present, may provide witnesses to the incident and may
question the school authorities. After the Hearing Officer hears the arguments
from both sides and studies the facts and evidence, he/she will make a
recommendation to the Superintendent. If the Parents/Guardians do not agree
with the decision, they may speak with the Superintendent. The Superintendent
will examine the record and make a recommendation to the School Board. If the
Parents/Guardians do not agree with the Superintendent's recommendation, they
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may speak to the School Board. The Board will examine the record and make the
final decision.
(Also refer to Section H-1, Subsection u, Discipline)
z(13). Policies & Procedures in Student Handbook approved by the Board & are in
compliance with School Board Policies shall be considered Policies of the Board.
z(14) GED Option Entrance Requirements.
Normal Eligibility
 Students must be enrolled in a TCSD school
AND
 Students must be 1 (one) or more grade levels behind or have acquired
less than 4 (four) Carnegie units
AND
 Be at least 17 years of age unless proof of extenuating circumstances is
provided.
Extenuating Circumstances Eligibility
 In the event that a 16 year old meets the aforementioned criteria and
wishes to enroll in the GED Option Program, the home school of the
student must acquire proof and documentation of extenuating
circumstances from the Parent/Guardian or person(s) responsible for the
physical well being of the student.
 No student under the age of 17 will be admitted to the program without
this documentation.
 The GED Admission Committee and District Administrator will evaluate
this documentation before a final decision on placement will be made.
The TCSD and TCSD GED Option Program reserve the right to deny entry to any
and all students who apply to the program.
z(15). Due Process/Right to Appeal. When students violate the school rules or school
board policy, the principal or his/her designee will inform the student what he or
she is accused. The student shall be given the opportunity to tell his/her side of the
issue. The principal or his/her designee will investigate further, if necessary. The
principal or his/her designee will inform the student of his/her punishment. If the
punishment should be as severe as Corporal Punishment, In-School Detention,
Alternative School, or Suspension, a legal guardian will be notified. The school
authorities must be notified of an appeal regarding In-School Detention,
Alternative School, or Suspension within twenty-four (24) hours after the
disciplinary action is taken or ratified. Additional policies regarding Special
Education are set forth in the Special Education section of this policy manual,
which must be followed when dealing with Special Education students.
Also refer to the following Policies:
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Section H-1, Subsection u. Discipline
Section H-1, Subsection z12 Suspension (Short Term)
Section H-1, Subsection z12 Suspension (Long Term)
Section H-1, Subsection z12-1 Expulsion
z(16). Validation of Credits. Students wishing to transfer credit(s) from a non-accredited
school to Tishomingo County School District will be administered the WoodcockJohnson placement test to determine the student’s grade level. Carnegie unit
credit(s) will be awarded based on the grade level of the student determined by
the Woodcock-Johnson placement test. Students who transfer in from a nonaccredited school must take and pass the subject area tests in Biology I, Algebra I,
English II (with a writing component), and the U. S. History from 1877.
Z(16a) Extended School Year. Must have the Principal’s approval and must meet the
following criteria:




If a senior, class cannot be completed until after graduation
Class must have been taken during the school year
Must master 65% of the skills of the course
All tests must be taken at school in presence of principal or his/her designee
z(17). Career & Technical Credits. The policies of the Tishomingo County School
District will be used to determine credits earned by students in Belmont High
School and Tishomingo County High School, which shall include the credits for
which they are enrolled in the Tishomingo County Career & Technical Center.
z(17a). Career and Technical Center Entrance Requirements. The purpose of these requirements
is to ensure that all students entering career and technical classes will be given the best
opportunity to become skilled individuals and gain valuable training that will lead to future
employment opportunities.
All students entering a 1st year career and technical class must meet or exceed the
following requirements before they will be considered for enrollment in a course. Failure to meet
any of the requirements will result in the students being denied entrance into the course.
1.
2.
3.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year all students must have in place an Individualized
Career and Academic Plan (iCAP) that aligns with the selected career and
technical course
they have chosen.
Students must meet or exceed all academic requirements as set forth by the state of
Mississippi and the TCSD for their current grade level.
Students must be in the grade specified per courses offered below.
AEST
9th and above
Automotive Service Technology
10th and above
Business and Marketing
9th and above
Child Care
9th and above
NOTE: This class is currently only offered at TCHS.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Collision Repair
10th and above
Culinary Arts
10th and above
Architectural Drafting and Design 9th and above
Health Sciences
10th and above
st
i. 1 year students must also be enrolled in or have completed Biology 1 with at least an
80 average
ii. 1st year students are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in A&P at the same time as
Health Sciences.
iii. 1st year students must also have maintained at least a “C” average in academic class
prior to enrollment.
NOTE: Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the instructor and the administration.
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i.
j.
k.
Information Technology 9th and above
i. Only 18 students will be accepted per wave. (Due to equipment constraints.) Priority
will be given to 10th and 11th grade students.
Installation and Service 10th and above
Welding
10th and above
All students applying for entrance to a 2nd year career and technical course must meet or exceed
the following requirements before they will be considered for enrollment. These requirements
are set forth in order to ensure maximized student learning and achievement in preparation for
gainful employment or continued education. In addition to the following general requirements
Health Sciences and CPE have further requirements that must be met. Those requirements are
listed below.
1.
2.
3.
All students who apply for the 2nd year of a career and technical program must score no less than
BASIC, as defined by the Mississippi Department of Education and the office of career and
technical education, on the 1st year CPAS assessment. This is to ensure that students are
prepared to and capable of demonstrating satisfactory progress and skill advancement during
the delivery of the more stringent curriculum associated with the 2 nd year programs.
Students must meet or exceed all academic requirements as set forth by the state of Mississippi
and the TCSD for their current grade level.
Students must have successfully completed the 1st year of the same career and technical class
with at least a 70 average and minimal absences.
* Note: Exceptions may be made for documented extenuating circumstances as well as students with specific
requirements as set forth by the TCSD.
Health Sciences II Entrance Requirements. The purpose for the requirements is to ensure that
Health Sciences II students will be prepared for their clinical experiences. The standards listed
below are to insure that students will be safe and effective during the clinical trials and have the
opportunity to maximize their learning experience.
All students entering Allied Health II must meet or exceed the following requirements before
they will be considered for enrollment in the class. Failure to meet any of the requirements will
result in the students being denied entrance into the course.
1. All students must complete Health Sciences I with an average meeting one of the following criteria.
a.
A minimum final average of 80 with no restriction on the final exam grade. OR
b.
A minimum final average of 78 or 79 AND at least an 85 on the final exam grade.
2. All students must provide their own transportation to and from clinical. All transportation must be approved
and the student must meet all school and school district guidelines for driving.
a.
NOTE: Students are not allowed to ride together.
b.
NOTE: Students must also complete and return a voluntary drug testing acceptance form.
3. Students must have a recent NEGATIVE TB test.
4. Students must have all vaccinations updated before they enter the clinical area.
5. Students must complete Health Sciences I with minimal absences.
6. Students must have ZERO discipline referrals.
7. Students and or Parents/Guardians must pay for liability insurance through the Health Sciences class.
Career Pathway Experience Entrance Requirements: The purpose for these requirements is to
ensure that CPE students are prepared for their experience and gain as much valuable training and
education as possible during the CPE course.
1.
2.
3.
Students must meet or exceed all academic requirements as set forth by the state of Mississippi
and the TCSD for their current grade level.
CPE is a one-year course and cannot be repeated by an individual student; therefore in order for
the students to have the most productive experience possible they must be enrolled in either the
11th or 12th grade with preference being given to 12th grade students.
a. Note: Exceptions may be made but are at the discretion of the instructor and the administration.
Students must complete an application process, which includes but may not be limited to the
following.
a. Submit an application and a current resume.
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b.
c.
i.
4.
(18).
Participate in an interview process with the instructor.
Choose one of the two options offered by CPE
Work based learning: Student must be employed and the employer must agree to
complete evaluations of the student to the instructor. (Must have at least one period of
5th, 6th and 7th free)
ii. CPE Internship: Student internship based on placement by the instructor and
acceptance of the mentor in a CTE program as a 3rd year student.
Students may also be asked to complete other requirements based on specific needs that are
identified by the instructor.
Enrollment Requirements. In order for a secondary student to be officially enrolled,
he/she must be gainfully involved six (6) periods per day excluding study hall or student
assistant periods. Cooperative Education students must be enrolled in at least four (4)
units of credit. Students may have only one study period or teacher assistant period per
day.
z(19). Make-up for Absences. If a student is absent, he/she shall be allowed to make-up any
test(s) and/or other school work missed during said absence(s). It will be the
responsibility of the STUDENT to contact EACH of his/her teachers to arrange for
any/all make-up work, tests, and/or exams.
When a student misses a test or any other assigned work due to an absence, the student
will have the same number of days to make up the work as the number of days for which
he/she was absent. If the work/test was assigned PRIOR to the absence(s), the student
will be expected to take the test or have the assigned work on the day that he/she returns
to school. (Example: A test is assigned for Friday on Wednesday and the student is
absent on Friday. The student will be expected to take the test/work on the next day that
he/she is present).
If a student fails to comply with the above, the student will receive a zero (0) on ALL
work missed. Again, ALL make-up work should be scheduled at the convenience of the
teacher.
This policy also applies to students who missed work, tests, and/or exams due to
suspension.
(Refer to Section H-1, Students – Subsection z(20), Absences)
z(20). Absences. When absent from school, it is required the student bring to the office a note
from home stating the guardian was aware of the student’s absence. This note must be
brought within five (5) days upon the student’s return to school.
The following information is required on all absentee notes:
* student’s name
* guardian signature
* guardian acknowledgement of absence
* date(s) of absence
**An absence can be excused by administrators without written documentation**
Any time a student plans an extended absence from school, the administration and
teachers should be notified of this as early as possible. [Refer to H-1, Students –
Subsection z(19) Make-up for Absences, z(20-a) Excused/Unexcused Absences, z(31-1)
Checkout Policy]
z(20-a) Excused/Unexcused Absences (K-12). A student will be given an excused absence on a
parent note for five (5) occurrences per semester. Each parent note will apply to only one
occurrence. After that, a student must have medical, dental, or legal documentation, or
make pre-arrangement with the principal to receive an excused absence [refer to
Students, H-I, z(19) Makeup for Absences & z(20) Absences, z(31-1) Checkout Policy]
134
z(22). Errands. No student shall be sent from school to perform an errand or to act as a
messenger without the consent of the principal. If students are to be used in this capacity,
the principal must have the written consent of the child's parent or guardian on file.
z(23). Deliveries to Students. The School Board has the responsibility to adopt policies that
enhance the safety and learning environment for all students. The Administration and
Board have determined that accepting balloons and other gifts for students at school
campuses is a hindrance to the educational program. The safety of students as they
transport these balloons from school is a great concern. Also, the self-esteem of many
students who do not receive gifts at school may be adversely affected. Therefore, the
Board adopts the following policy:
In an effort to provide the best educational environment for all students, the
Tishomingo Special Municipal Separate School District does not allow balloons and
other gifts to be delivered to the school. This policy becomes effective at the beginning
of the 1997-98 school year.
z(24). Interviews. No person other than an employee of the School District shall be permitted to
interview a student at the school except with the approval of the principal, which shall be
given only when it is in the interest of justice and the best welfare of the pupil will be
served thereby. The principal shall require parental consent if deemed appropriate or
necessary.
z(25). -/Tardiness. All students are required to get to school and class on time. TARDINESS
prevents students from achieving all that is academically possible. Parents are
encouraged to make sure that their children are prompt.
Students that check-in late or out early will be given a tardy for that particular class
(by that class period teacher) if they miss 25 minutes or less of that class period (late
in/early out). Students that miss more than 25 minutes of a particular class will be
counted as absent for that period, but will be allowed to enter the classroom for the
remainder of the class. This policy is on a semester by-semester basis.
Students are to report to the appropriate class immediately upon checking in. Students
are required to sign-in when arriving late and sign-out when leaving early - failure to do
so may result in disciplinary action.
Students who are habitually tardy will be subject to the consequences
outlined on the following discipline ladder:
1st TARDY (in a particular class) – Teacher records tardy
2nd TARDY Teacher records tardy; student warned, & k-4 parents notified
3rd TARDY Teacher records tardy; student warned, & k-4 parents notified
4th TARDY Student looses two breaks and parents notified
5th TARDY Student looses four breaks and parents notified that the next
tardy would result in one day of In-School Detention
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6th TARDY One day In-School Detention for (grades 5-12) & one day In-SchoolDetention for every tardy thereafter per semester.
THEREAFTER
Any student who is present at school but does not attend detention during break will
have to make up that break in detention plus an additional break. If a student who is
present at school fails again to attend detention at break, that student will be assigned
one day of In-School Detention. If a student is late for In-School Detention, he/she will
not be admitted and will be assigned two In-School Detentions.
 If a student is tardy due to a doctor/dentist appointment, the student must bring an
excuse from the doctor the next day for the tardy to be removed.
 Students who lose a break due to a tardy will makeup the work missed because of that
tardy. The work will be completed while remaining inside during the break the student
is missing.
z(26) School Fees. All fees or collections from students and/or solicitations in the name of the
school district or any school thereof must be approved by the Board of Trustees. No
student will be penalized for their inability to pay such fees.
z(27). Band Auxiliary Units. The detailed procedures in the selection of candidates for Band
Auxiliary Units and Drum Major for the Tishomingo County School District as well as
rules and regulations governing their activities are on file in the principal’s offices of
each respective high school.
z(28). Cheerleaders and Mascots. The detailed procedures in the selection of candidates for
Cheerleaders and/or mascots for Tishomingo County School District s as well as rules
and regulations governing their activities are on file in the principal's offices of each
respective school.
Academic and residential requirements for athletes, band, and cheerleaders are
published in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Handbook. Copies are
available in each high school principal's office.
z(29). Transportation. Transportation will be provided for students who live within the Tishomingo

z(30).
County School District, according to the approved regulations of the Division of Transportation of
the State Department of Education, applicable laws, and within the financial means of the School
District. Transfer students may ride school buses if they meet the bus on its regular route. A
student privilege to ride a bus depends upon good behavior. When a student vandalizes a school
bus, the student and/or parents/guardians are responsible for paying damages to Tishomingo
County School District. The resolution mapping school attendance zones and district provided
transportation for out-of-district and out-of-zone students is filed at the Tishomingo County
Chancery Clerk’s Office.
(Also refer to section H-1 Students, subsection u. Discipline)
Homeless Children and Youth. The Tishomingo County School District shall provide all
services of the district to homeless children and youth with no discrimination or identification.
The Tishomingo County School District shall comply with all provisions of the McKinney-Vento
legislation.
z(31). Guidelines for Gifted Program.
If a student does not meet criteria for entrance into the gifted program, the following may occur:
The student may be re-tested one time, but not in the same school year as the initial
testing occurred.
(Refer to Policy, Section Appendix II)
z(31-1). Checkout Policy (Grades 9-12).
A parent may check his/her child out by phone only five (5) times per semester. After five times,
the parent must come by the school to check his/her child out. If a student is caught having
someone other than a parent to check him/her out by phone, he/she will jeopardize his/her
privilege to check out by phone for the remainder of the year. [refer to Students, H-I, z(10)
Departure from School, z(20) Absences, z(20-a) Excused/Unexcused Absences].
136
Any suspicious phone calls will be verified by the school.
z(32)
Discipline Plan and Parental Responsibility.
1.
2.
3.
4.
z(33)
A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the school
district shall be responsible financially for his or her minor child’s destructive acts
against school property or persons.
A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the school
district may be requested to appear at school by the school attendance officer or an
appropriate school official for a conference regarding acts of the child specified in
paragraph 1 of this subsection, or for any other discipline conference regarding the acts of
the child.
Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the
school district who refuses or willfully fails to attend such discipline conference specified
in paragraph of this section may be summoned by proper notification by the
superintendent of schools or the school attendance officer and be required to attend such
discipline conference.
A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public
school district shall be responsible for any criminal fines brought against such student for
unlawful activity occurring on school grounds or buses.
Also refer to section H-1 Students, subsection u. Discipline
School Safety Act of 2001.
1.
The School Safety Act of 2001 provides a procedure for disciplining students whose
3.
4.
5.
6.
behavior, as determined by the principal or designated administrator of each school,
seriously interferes with the school environment as defined by the Act. The
Superintendent is authorized to more fully develop and implement the following
procedures in the school district. These provisions of the School Safety Act of 2001 are
cumulative and in addition to existing school district discipline procedures.
2.
The teacher is the authority in the classroom and, as such, is charged with
classroom management. The administration will continue to support the teacher in
decisions made in compliance with the written discipline code of conduct, school policies
and procedures.
Teachers continue to have the authority to remove students from their classrooms under
existing policies and statutes for certain behaviors and/or actions, and such behavior
would not necessarily constitute “disruptive behavior” as defined in the School Safety
Act of 2001 (“Act”). In accordance with the Act and the Attorney General opinion dated
June 25, 2001, this District designates the building principal or assistant principal of each
school to make the determination as to whether a student’s behavior seriously interferes
with the school environment. Every removal from the classroom does not constitute an
instance of “disruptive behavior” as defined by the Act.
“Disruptive Behavior” means conduct of a student that is so unruly, disruptive or abusive
that it seriously interferes with a school teacher’s or school administrator’s ability to
communicate with the students in a classroom, with a student’s ability to learn, or with
the operation of a school or a school-related activity, and which is not covered by other
laws related to violence or possession of weapons or controlled substances on school
property, school vehicles or at school-related activities. Such behaviors include, but are
not limited to: foul, profane, obscene, threatening, defiant or abusive language or action
toward teachers or other school employees; defiance, ridicule or verbal attack of a
teacher; and willful, deliberate and overt acts of disobedience of the directions of a
teacher.
“Habitually disruptive” refers to such actions of a student which cause disruption in a
classroom, on school property or vehicles or at a school-related activity on more than two
(2) occasions during a school year, and to disruptive behavior that was initiated, willful
and overt on the part of the student and which required the attention of school personnel
to deal with the disruption.
Should a student be removed from the classroom by a teacher because a teacher, in his or
her professional judgment, has determined that the student is disrupting the learning
environment under this Act, the teacher should describe the student’s behavior in the
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7.
8.
9
information provided to the principal or assistant principal. If the principal or assistant
principal disagrees with the teacher’s decision to remove the student, the principal may
return the student to the classroom. The teacher may request that the principal or
assistant principal provide justification for returning the student to the classroom. A
student does not have to be engaged in disruptive behavior as defined by Mississippi
Code Ann. §37-11-54 (or the Act) to be removed from the classroom. A student may be
removed from the classroom for other qualifying behavior under the school district’s
discipline plan.
Should the [principal or assistant principal] determine that the student’s conduct does rise
to the level of “disruptive behavior” required in the Act or in accordance with existing
procedures addressing the removal of the students from class, the parent/guardian will be
contacted and a conference held with the parent/guardian by the most effective and/or
efficient means available, including but not limited to, telephone, e-mail, written notice
via mail or delivery. After the conference and application of the appropriate discipline
under the school discipline plan, the student may return to class.
After the second incident of disruptive behavior as determined by the principal or
assistant principal, the student’s parent or guardian and the reporting teacher or teachers
shall develop a behavior modification plan. The conference to develop the plan may be
held in person or via telephone. If the parent/guardian does not respond or refuses to
participate, the teacher(s) and the principal or assistant principal shall prepare the plan
and mail a copy to the parent/guardian.
Once determination has been made by the principal or assistant principal that the student
has not complied with the behavior modification plan, the principal or assistant principal
shall follow the procedure for disciplining the student according to the student code of
conduct and discipline plan, which may include assignment to the alternative school,
suspension or recommended expulsion to the school board for applicable offenses. The
Act limits the expulsion remedy to students age 13 and above. However, under board
policy and other discipline procedures, expulsion may also apply to students under age
13.
10.
If a student under age 13 has two instances of behavior that the principal or assistant
principal classifies as “disruptive behavior,” the District will appoint trained personnel to
evaluate the child’s behavior through an appropriate behavioral assessment. The
assessment will not be one such that it is in conflict with federal laws requiring parental
notification of certain types of evaluations.
11.
Any discipline, including expulsion, for “habitually disruptive” behavior under the Act,
must follow existing procedures to ensure that the student is afforded his/her due process
protections. (Section 37-11-55 (b))
12.
The school district will more fully develop and implement procedures for devising
behavior modification plans under the School Safety Act.
(Also refer to section H-1 Students, subsection u. Discipline)
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z(34) Hazing Prohibited. Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in “hazing” on or in any
school property at any time, or in connection with any activity supported or sponsored by
the District, whether on or off school property, is strictly prohibited.
“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act meant to induce physical pain,
embarrassment, humiliation, deprivation of rights or that creates physical or mental
discomfort, and is directed against any student or other person associated with the school,
including specifically, but without being limited to, actions taken for the purpose of being
initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any
organization, club, or athletic team sponsored or supported by the district and whose
membership is totally or predominately other students from the district.
Students engaging in any hazing or hazing-type behavior that is, in any way, connected to
any activity sponsored or supported by the District, will be subject to one or more of the
following disciplinary actions:
 Recommended Expulsion
 Removal from participation in extra-curricular activities
 Conference with parent(s)/guardian(s)
 Suspension from school
 Long-term assignment to the alternative school
 Referral to an appropriate law enforcement agency
 Recommended Expulsion from the School District
z(35) Section 504-Student Policy. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits
discrimination against persons with a handicap in any program receiving federal financial
assistance. No discrimination against any person with a disability will knowingly be permitted
in any of the programs and practices of the school system. To ensure the district’s compliance
with Section 504 as it applies to students with handicaps, the following procedures have been
adopted.
1. If a student claims that he/she has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of a handicapping
condition, in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or if the district has reason
to believe that a student has a handicap which substantially limits the student’s ability to learn (and
the student is ineligible for services under IDEA), the District shall convene a team of people who
are knowledgeable of the student’s educational needs to review and consider all pertinent
information related to the suspected handicap. This meeting shall be convened within ten (10)
days after the district receives a written statement describing the specific discriminatory conduct or
the district becomes aware of the student’s handicap affecting the student’s ability to learn.
2. The team described in paragraph 1 above shall determine whether the student is handicapped
under Section 504 and whether that handicap substantially limits major life functioning of
learning. The team will use a compilation of data related to the student’s education when making
that determination. The date will include, but will not be limited to grades, statewide test scores,
discipline referrals, and medical diagnoses. If such a determination is made, the team must further
determine what accommodations are required on behalf of the district to allow the student an equal
opportunity to participate in school and school-related activities. If the student’s parents disagree
with the 504 committee’s conclusion and recommendations, the parents shall be informed of their
right to ask for a mediator from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to help develop
an agreement regarding the matter. Mediation requests shall be made in writing to the Section 504
139
coordinator giving specific reasons describing the discriminatory actions by the District and why
the District’s accommodations are not appropriate.
3. An impartial mediation shall be held within ten (10) days of receipt of the written request. The
District shall ask MDE for a mediator who may not be an employee of the District and who is
knowledgeable of Section 504. The parent and student may take part in the mediation and may
have an attorney present at their own expense. The District also may be represented by counsel.
4. The mediator shall conduct the mediation process so as to give the parents an opportunity to
present evidence supporting their claim that their child has been subjected to discriminatory
treatment in violation of Section 504. The District shall be given an opportunity to present
evidence supporting its position with respect to the student. A tape recording of the mediation will
be made by the District, a copy of which will be provided the parents.
5. The mediator, parent and district representative will make a decision regarding accommodations
before concluding the meeting. A copy of the written plan shall be given to the District’s 504
coordinator, the parents, and school representatives.
6. If the parents or District are not satisfied with the implementation of the plan after one grading
period, the aggrieved party may request a due process Within fifteen (15) days of receiving notice
of a parent’s due process complaint, the District will convene a meeting with the parent(s) and
relevant member(s) of the student’s 504 committee who have specific knowledge of the facts
identified in the due process complaint. The purpose of the meeting is for the parent of the child to
discuss the due process complaint, and the facts that form its basis so the District has the
opportunity to resolve the dispute that is the basis for the due process complaint. If the
disagreements are not resolved through the resolution process, an impartial hearing will be
scheduled within thirty (30) days of the request for a due process hearing.
7. The District shall obtain as a hearing officer an individual who is not an employee of the district
and who is knowledgeable of Section 504. The District may agree with adjacent school districts to
obtain the services of that district’s 504 Coordinator to serve as the hearing officer. The parent
and student may take part in the hearing and have an attorney represent them at their own expense.
The District also may be represented by counsel.
8. The District shall conduct the hearing so as to give the parents an opportunity to present evidence
supporting their claim that their child has been subjected to discriminatory treatment in violation
of Section 504. The District shall be given the opportunity to present evidence support its position
with respect to the student. A tape recording of the hearing will be made by the District, and a
copy of the tape recording will be provided to the parents.
9. The impartial hearing will be conducted in an informal manner with the hearing officer directing
the meeting and presentation of evidence.
10. The hearing officer shall make a decision within fifteen (15) calendar days after the conclusion of
the hearing. The decision shall be given in writing to the District’s 504 Coordinator and the
parents.
11. The decision made by the hearing officer shall be final, except that any party aggrieved by the
findings and decision shall have the right to file a civil action with respect to the issues of the due
process hearing. Such action may be brought in any State court of competent jurisdiction or in a
district court of the United States.
12. The district shall publish its policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap and shall inform
parents of their rights under Section 504, including the right to examine records relevant to their
child, the right to an impartial hearing with representation by legal counsel at their expense, and
the district’s review procedure.
z(36) Teacher Support Team Process.
The instructional program of the Tishomingo County School District will include
a process that consists of three levels of instruction:
140
Level I: Quality classroom instruction based on the Mississippi Curriculum
Framework
Level II: Focused supplemental instruction
Level III: Intensive interventions specifically designed to meet the needs of students
Teachers and administrators will monitor the progress of students to (a) determine
if students are making adequate progress, (b) identify students as soon as they
begin to fall behind, (c) modify instruction early enough to ensure each and every
student gains essential skills. Monitoring of student progress is an on-going
process that may be measured through informal classroom assessment, benchmark
assessment instruments, and large-scale assessments.
If students are not successful in Levels I and II then they will be referred to a
Teacher Support Team. Each school shall have a Teacher Support Team
composed of teachers, administrators, counselors and other educational personnel
responsible for instruction. The purpose of these teams will be to maximize
individual student success in the general education program through a continuous
evaluation of students with on-going recommendations about instruction in grades
K-12.
Referrals to the Teacher Support Teams must be made within ten (10) school days
after the end of a grading period, or within the first twenty (20) school days of a
school year if the child failed the preceding year. Referrals will occur according
to the following guidelines:
Grades 1-3: A student has failed one (1) grade;
Grades 4-12: A student has failed two (2) grades; or
A student has failed either of the preceding two grades and has been
suspended or expelled for more then twenty (20) days in each of the
current school year.
The Teacher Support Team will provide the general education teacher with
recommendations regarding individualized instruction, differentiated instruction,
and interventions. All of the above shall be designed to
address the identified
deficit areas; research based; implemented as designed by the Teacher Support
Team; and supported by data regarding the effectiveness of interventions.
The Teacher Support Team will monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed
interventions throughout the process.
Rationale for Teacher Support Team Process
1. Maximize individual student success in general education.
2. Screen students who may be in need of special education services.
3. Reduce the number of inappropriate referrals to special education.
4. Meet the needs of diverse learners.
5. Remove educational, behavioral, or affective stumbling blocks.
141
z(37). Education of English Language Learners. The plan regarding the education of
English Language Learners is on file in the office of the Superintendent.
z(38). School Admission. This school district shall admit into its free public schools all
eligible resident and legally transferred minor children who are five and not over
twenty (20) years of age on September 1 of the school year.
Each minor child shall attend school in the school district of his/her
residence unless legally transferred to another school district by the school
board pursuant to Mississippi Code, Section 37-15-29 (1992).
z(39).
Residence Requirements. Residence for school attendance purposes means the legal residence of
the student’s custodial parent or legal guardian.
Each new or continuing student that has changed residence must establish
his/her residency in the following manner:
1. Provide two forms of verification of address from the list below
(Post Office Boxes will not be accepted.)
Filed Homestead Exemption Application Form, Mortgage documents or property deed,
Apartment or Home Lease, Utility Bills, Driver’s License, Voters precinct identification,
Automobile registration, Affidavit and/or personal visit by a designated school district
official, Any other documentation that will objectively and unequivocally establish that
the parent or guardian resides within the school district
2. Provide copy of any valid court order establishing student custody.
z(39a) Residence Requirements (parents living outside district). When registering a student(s) whose
parents live outside of Tishomingo County, the registering party needs one of the following:
1. A student release from the school district where the parents live and the Tishomingo County
School Board has accepted them by June 15.
2. A valid court order establishing guardian/custody of the student.
3. Papers from a lawyer showing that an adult who resides in Tishomingo County has a process
in place for a chancery judge to order guardian/custody to the adult requesting a child to be
registered. Before registering the child the next school year, a copy of the judge’s order
granting guardian/custody must be placed in the student’s folder.
z(39b) District Procedures to Register/Enroll/Withdraw a Student
1.
Explanation of the enrollment procedure for initial enrollment:

A parent or legal guardian should contact the school counselor to request enrollment and
a registration packet.

A parent or legal guardian must provide the necessary documentation in order for
documentation to be complete.

Students entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before September 1 st.

School tours are available upon request.
2. Documentation required of the parent or legal guardian each school year at the time of
registration:

Two verifications of legal residency from the following (must contain your street
address);
a. filed homestead exemption application form
b. mortgage documents or property deeds
c. apartment or home lease
d. utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
e. driver’s license
f. voter precinct identification
g. automobile registration
h. affidavit of residency (if you are presently living with someone)
i. district representative personal visit
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

Student’s birth certificate and Social Security card
Certification of Immunization Compliance Form 121 (This form may be obtained from
the health department or your pediatrician). *Out of state transfers must take the out of
state immunization record to the Tishomingo County Health Department to be issued a
Mississippi Immunization Form.

If divorced, a copy of custody papers must be provided to show physical custody of the
student.
District Procedure to Withdraw a Student
1. The parent or legal guardian must contact the school counselor on the day of withdrawal.
2. The parent or legal guardian must sign a withdrawal form provided by the school counselor.
3. The student must return all textbooks and library books to the media center.
4. A record of student’s grades and services received will be provided to the parent or legal
guardian at the time of withdrawal.
5. If the student is moving out of state a copy of the immunization records will be provided.
6. The Principal/Counselor must sign the withdrawal form.
7. Upon withdrawal to Homeschool, parent/guardian must register student with the School
Attendance Officer.
8. Official records will be sent to the new school upon a formal request.
z(40). Special Services. The Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate
School District adheres to the provisions under Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 794 and the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA). The district does not discriminate in
admission or access to, or treatment of employment in, its programs and
activities. The district’s 504/ADA Coordinator is Deborah Walker (4233206), who coordinates efforts to comply with this Act.
z(41). Buildings. Some buildings within Tishomingo County School District
contain asbestos materials. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is
on file in each principal's office and the superintendent’s office for public review.
z(42). Visitors and Parent Conferences. Tishomingo County Schools welcome parents and others who are
interested in the school. Parents are encouraged to call the school if they have any suggestions or
any questions regarding their child or the operation of the school. Parents are especially
encouraged to visit their student’s teachers at school for conferences. All parents have the right to
request information about the qualifications of their children’s teacher and any paraprofessional
who instruct them. Please call the principal’s office for an appointment. Immediately upon arrival,
all visitors are to go to the principal’s office to be directed to the proper place. Students are not
allowed to bring a visitor to school. Classroom visits or observations are not allowed during
instructional time with the exception of prospective teachers observing as part of their college
requirement or service providers working under the direction of school district administration.
z(43). Summer School. Summer school will be provided for students to retake a
course for which no credit was received or when a scheduling conflict will
not allow the course to be taken during the regular school session if
sufficient numbers sign up for classes.
z(44). Correspondence Work. Correspondence work will be approved only on
an educationally justifiable need basis. All correspondence work must be
pre-approved by the counselor and principal. A student may apply only
one correspondence course toward completing high school graduation
requirements.
z(45). School Searches. Desks and lockers are school property and remain at all
times under the control of the school. However, students are responsible
for whatever is contained in desks and lockers issued to them by the
school. School authorities may conduct periodic general inspections at
any time for any reason related to school administration. Inspection of
individual lockers or desks may occur when there is a reasonable basis to
do so and in those cases, the student or a staff member shall be present.
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The school retains authority to inspect students’ automobiles used as
transportation to school whether on or off school property. When a school
authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal or unauthorized
materials are contained inside a student vehicle, the student may be required to open the
automobile including the trunk, for further inspection.
A students’ person and/or personal effects may be searched whenever a
school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in
possession of illegal or unauthorized materials.
z(46).
z(47).
z(48).
Care of School Property. Students are expected to do their individual part
in caring for the buildings, school buses, and school grounds. The care
given to school property is a reflection of the type of student enrolled in
the school. School spirit and pride are evidence by the proper use of
furniture and instructional equipment. It is the policy of the school system
to require any student to pay for damage to buildings, equipment, or buses
when it is determined
that any such damage was caused by maliciousness,
carelessness or neglect. We need the co-operation of each student to do
his/her part to help us to maintain a clean and attractive campus.
State Owned Textbooks. Textbooks are furnished by the State of
Mississippi and are paid for by taxpayer’s money. Books will be issued
by the teacher to each student for courses requiring textbooks each year.
The student will be held responsible for the loss or damage of the
textbooks issued to them. If a book is lost or damaged, that book must be
paid for before another one is issued. Since each school is limited to the
number of textbooks available to them, it is important that each student
exercise care and caution to books provided for them.
INTERNET: Acceptable Use Policy. The Internet is an electronic highway
connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual
subscribers. Internet access is now available to students and teachers in the
Tishomingo County School District (TCSD). We are very pleased to bring this
access to TCSD and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources
to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and
students is to promote educational excellence in our schools by facilitating
resource sharing, innovation and communication. This computer technology will
help propel our schools through the communication age by allowing students and
staff to access and to use resources from distant computers, communicate and
collaborate with other individuals and groups, and significantly expand their
available information base.
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies and
regional state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the
proper conduct of the users who must adhere to strict guidelines. To this end, Congress has
passed and President signed into law, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CIPA
requires that schools receiving certain federal funds, including E-Rate discounts and Title III
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, put into place Internet Safety policies.
These Internet safety policies must include a technology protection measure for blocking
access to visual depictions of obscene material, child pornography, and material that is
harmful to minors when minors are accessing the computer. CIPA also requires that the
Internet safety policy includes monitoring of all online activities of minors. Additionally,
the policy must address all of the following: (a) access by minors to inappropriate matter on
the Internet and World Wide Web, (b) the safety and security of minors when using
electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, (c)
unauthorized access, including so-called hacking, and other unlawful activities by minors
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online, (d) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information
regarding minors; and (e) measures designed to restrict minors access to materials harmful
to minors.
Tishomingo County School District will:

Educate minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking sites and in chat rooms as well as

Cyberbullying awareness and response
The Policy also includes but is not limited to the
following:
1.
User agrees not to access, transmit or retransmit any material(s) in
furtherance of any illegal act or conspiracy to commit any illegal act in
violation of United States, Mississippi, local government, or Mississippi
State Department laws, policies or regulations.
2.
User shall not access, transmit, or retransmit: copyrighted materials
(including plagiarism), threatening, harassing, or obscene material,
pornographic material, or material protected by trade secret, and/or other
material that is inappropriate to minors.
3.
User shall not access, transmit, or retransmit any material that promotes
violence or the destruction of persons or property by devices including, but
not limited to, the use of firearms, explosives, fireworks, smoke bombs,
incendiary devices, or any similar materials.
4.
User shall not access, transmit, or retransmit language that may be
considered offensive, defamatory, abusive or any forms of cyber bullying.
5.
User shall not access, transmit, or retransmit information that could
cause danger or disruption or engage in personal attacks, including
prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
6.
User shall not access, transmit, or retransmit information that harasses
another person or causes distress to another person.
7.
User shall not use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of
the network by other users.
8.
User shall not participate in chat sessions.
9.
User shall not install ANY software on TCSD computers.
10.
User shall not download ANY files from the Internet.
11.
User shall not change the opening URL from www.tishomingo.k12.ms.us
12.
User shall not change computer settings.
13.
User shall not use teacher network logins for any reason.
14.
User shall not use school/teacher email software.
15.
User shall not purchase nor sell goods and or services via the Internet.
16.
User will not disclose, use, disseminate or divulge personal and/or
private information about himself/herself, minors or any others
including personal identification information.
17.
User shall not bypass the filter with use of proxy sites.
Recognizing that no filtering solution can be 100% effective, it is understood that
all technology protection measures do not and will not work perfectly. TSCD uses
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the State Department of Mississippi Filtering and Content Software. In complying
with CIPA, schools are expected to engage in a good faith effort to abide by the
requirements of CIPA. CIPA does not create a private right to action, meaning
that the discovery of objectionable material on a computer cannot result in a
lawsuit complaining that a school violated CIPA.
These guidelines are provided so that you, the user and /or parent of the user, are
aware of the responsibilities you are about to assume. In general, this requires
efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network resources. If a TCSD user
violates any of these provisions, his or her account will be terminated and future
access could possibly be denied.
The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicated
the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and
understand(s) their significance.
The Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School District makes no
warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it provides.
The TCSD will not be responsible for any damages suffered while on this system.
These damages include loss of data as a result of delays, non-deliveries, missdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by the system or your errors or
omissions. Use of any information obtained via the information system is at your
own risk. TCSD specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of
information obtained through its services.
EXCEPTION OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All terms and conditions as
stated in this document are applicable to the TCSD. These terms and conditions
reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersede all prior oral or written
agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be
governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi,
and the United States of America.
I (user name please print)
understand and
will abide by the terms and conditions of the Network system. I understand that any violation
of the regulation is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any
violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken
and/or appropriate legal action.
User Signature:
Date:
PARENT OR GUARDIAN (if you are under the age of 18 a parent or guardian must also
read and sign this agreement.) As the parent or guardian of this student I have read the terms and
conditions of Network access. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes
and TCSD has taken available precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also
recognize it is impossible for TCSD to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not
hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility
for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting.
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I hereby give permission to issue an account for my child and certify that the
information contained on this form is correct.
Parent or Guardian (please print)
Signature:
Date:
Tishomingo County School District will not disclose personal information about
Students on websites - such as their full name, addresses, telephone number, or social
Security Number.
z(49). Automobiles. Students who bring their automobiles to school will park
only in the student designated parking area. All students entering or
leaving campus in their autos are required to travel in a slow, safe manner
at all times. Any misuse of the automobile policy could result in the loss
of the privilege of driving to school. Once on campus, students should
lock their autos and not return to them until leaving campus for the day.
The only time you may return to your auto is with office permission.
Students who provide their own transportation to and from school are
under the same regulations as students who ride a bus. Once on campus,
the student may not leave without permission from the principal’s office.
Also, each driver must adhere to the following:
1. Have a valid driver’s license
2. May only drive a properly tagged vehicle
3. Drivers of motorcycles must have an “E” endorsement on their
driver’s license and must wear a helmet
4. All vehicles must carry insurance
5. All vehicles/drivers must be in compliance with applicable state laws
Violators of this policy, unsafe driving to school, unsafe driving on school
campus, or unsafe driving leaving school can result in the loss of the privilege of
being permitted to drive a vehicle to and from school. This decision is at the
discretion of the principal.
Students wishing to drive to and from the Career & Technical Center must have
documented permission (document provided by school upon request) from the
high school being attended and the Career & Technical Center. The document
must contain a Notary Public stamp. Students may not transport other students
to and from the career & technical center unless both students live within the
same household.
z(50). Photograph Statement. There are times that pictures/videos will be made and put
in the local newspapers/television or used for public relations reasons. There are
also times that pictures will be used on the school’s website (world wide webinternet). If a parent/legal guardian does not want their child’s picture taken or
used, the parent/legal guardian should visit the principal’s office and fill out the
appropriate paperwork.
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z(51). Classification of Students.
Freshmen: Those who have successfully completed the eighth grade.
Sophomores: Those who have successfully completed 5 units of credit.
Juniors: Those who have successfully completed 10 units of credit.
Seniors: Those who have successfully completed 15 units of credit
z(52). Changing of Schedule. During registration, students are carefully
counseled on their schedule for each year. Students are encouraged to
discuss courses with their parents. This is done to prevent conflicts in the
needs of each student. Therefore, students will not be allowed to change
their schedules except in extreme emergencies. Students have one week
to make any class schedule changes. Any changes after this period will
mean an F on a student’s permanent record for the year.
z(53). Graduation Ceremony and Practice.
1. Tishomingo County School District’s formal graduation
ceremonies are limited to honoring seniors who have successfully
completed the above prescribed graduation requirements.
2. Any student who fails to meet the graduation requirements shall not be
permitted to participate in the graduation exercises.
3. Seniors who complete graduation requirements at the end of summer
school will be awarded a diploma at that time.
4. Seniors graduating through correspondence courses will be presented a
diploma upon completion of said correspondence work.
5. Students who have completed satisfactorily the requirements of the
curriculum for special education will be awarded a high school certificate;
students who have satisfactorily completed the Mississippi Department of
Education Occupational Diploma Curriculum will receive an Occupational
Diploma. These students will be permitted to participate in the formal
graduation ceremony.
6. To be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian of the senior class, a student
must have attended the same high school in Tishomingo County his/her
junior and senior years.
7. To be eligible as an honor student, student must have been enrolled at
same school in Tishomingo County the beginning of his/her senior year.
8. The graduation ceremony is not a right of students but a privilege granted
by the school. All school rules and policies apply to graduating seniors.
9. All fees and fines must be paid before students will be allowed to
participate in the graduation ceremony.
z(54). Dropout Prevention. The school board directs the superintendent to provide regular reports on
efforts made to increase student retention. This school district shall maintain accurate records
documenting enrollment and attendance, including dropout rates, and shall provide an annual
statistical report to the State Department of Education.
Dropout Prevention Program
Each school district shall implement a dropout prevention program approved by the Office of
Dropout Prevention of the State Department of Education by the 2008-2009 school year.
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It is the intent of the Legislature that, through the statewide dropout prevention program and the
dropout prevention programs implemented by each school district, the graduation rate for cohort
classes will be increased to not less than eighty-five percent (85%) by the 2018-2019 school year.
The Office of Dropout Prevention shall establish graduation rate benchmarks for each two-year
period from the 2008-2009 school year through the 2018-2019 school year, which shall serve as
guidelines for increasing the graduation rate for cohort classes on a systematic basis to eighty-five
percent (85%) by the 2018-2019 school year. S. B. 2602 (2006 Legislative Session;
classification pending)
6TH GRADE MATH
Sixth grade students must maintain a yearly average of 90 or above in 6 th grade Math or score
Advanced on the MCT2 Math portion to be eligible to enroll in Pre-Algebra as a seventh grader.
If their yearly average is below 90 or they do not score Advanced on the Math portion of the
MCT2, the student, the student will be required to enroll in “7 th grade Math” as a 7th grader.
7TH GRADE MATH
Seventh grade students who take & pass 7th Grade Math must enroll in 8th Grade Pre-Algebra,
regardless of their yearly average.
7TH GRADE PRE-ALGEBRA
Seventh grade students must either (a) maintain a yearly average of 90 or above in Pre-Algebra, or
(b) be enrolled in Pre-Algebra and scored Advanced on the MCT2 portion to be eligible to enroll
in Algebra I as an eighth grader. If their yearly average is below 90 and they did not score
Advanced on the MCT2 Math, , the student will be required to re-enroll in “Pre-Algebra” as an
eighth grader and receive a Carnegie unit.
8TH GRADE PRE-ALGEBRA
Eighth grade students must either (a) maintain a yearly average of 90 or above in Pre-Algebra, or
(b) scored Advanced on the MCT2 Math portion to be eligible to enroll in Algebra I as a ninth
grader. If their yearly average is below 90 and they did not score Advanced on the MCT2 Math,
the student will be required to enroll in “Transition to Algebra” as a ninth grader and receive a
Carnegie unit.
8TH GRADE SCIENCE
Eighth grade students must maintain a yearly average of 90 or above in 8 th grade Science or score
Advanced on the Mississippi Grade 8 Science Assessment to be eligible to enroll in Biology I as a
ninth grader. If their yearly average is below 90, the student will be required to enroll in “Science
Skills and Reasoning” as a ninth grader and receive a Carnegie Unit.
SATP/ HIGH SCHOOL STATE TESTING
Each student must pass the Subject Area Tests in Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and
U.S. History from 1877. The student must pass all four Subject Area Tests even if he/she
has taken the course(s) prior to their 9th grade year.
Any student who passes the primary (spring) administration for any tested subject area,
including all SATP2 and CPAS Mississippi State
Assessments, and misses no
more than 20 days; or can justify excessive absences to the principal , shall receive credit
for the course.
z(55). Mississippi Virtual Public School. Students taking an online course through the
Mississippi Virtual Public School (MVPS) should refer to the MVPS Handbook.
{See z(57) Parental Consent Form}
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Students taking an online course through the Mississippi Virtual Public School
(MVPS), in addition to the required high school course load:
a.
Students who receive a passing grade / credit through the
MVPS will have the grade / credit added to his / her
transcript.
b.
Students who do not successfully complete (withdraws or
fails to earn a passing grade) on course / courses through
the MVPS will NOT have the attempted grade included in
his / her transcript.
Students taking online course through the MVPS as part of the required high
school schedule:
a.
Parents must sign an approval form before students can
register for course / courses through the MVPS. This form
will state the following:
 All grades for courses attempted and / or
completed will be included in the official high
school transcript. (The passing grade and credit
or a WF or WP will be added to the transcript.)
Up to the 10th day following the initial log-in into the class, the student may drop
the course without penalty. The student must have approval from the local public
school administrators to drop an online course and MVPS must be notified in
writing. Drops after the 10-day period of time will result in a withdraw/fail (W/F)
being issued by MVPS. MVPS will maintain the student in the database as a
W/F. It is the discretion of the public school to accept the withdrawal or issue a
failing grade. If the student drops (or becomes inactive) after completing 50% of
the coursework, he/she will be issued an F and considered a “Non-completer”.
z(56). In-School Detention. Students can be assigned to in-school detention for
tardies/misconduct/disruptions by the principal and assistant principal. Any
student who is assigned to in-school detention and fails to appear without a
doctor’s excuse must have an extra day assigned to him/her. If a student does not
appear after 2 days and does not have a doctor’s excuse, he/she will be suspended
from school for 3 days. While a student is in in-school detention, he/she cannot
participate in extra-curricular activities. While a student is in in-school detention,
the student is not counted absent from school and the teacher will send the
student’s work to in-school detention for the student to complete. A student may
be assigned to a maximum of five (5) days of in-school detention, without the
approval of the alternative school director.
z(58) Showing Movies to Students.
1. Must be movies from the library
2. Must be movies based on classroom curriculum that are purchased from a
scientific based company
3. All other movies must have principal’s/assistant principal’s approval. These
movies must be reviewed by principal/assistant principal, or his/her designee
before showing. The movies should have no sexual misconduct, nudity,
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inappropriate language, racial discrimination, disability discrimination, gender
discrimination, etc.
4. If a teacher discovers he/she is showing any movie that violates the language
in #3, he/she should stop showing the movie immediately
z(59) Alternative Education/School. See Section I-1, Alternative Education/School
z(57) Consent Form
PARENTAL CONSENT FORM
FOR
THE MISSISSIPPI VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
I give my consent for ___________________________________ to register for the following
Student’s Name
on-line course / courses through the MVPS:
___________________________________
Name of Course
___________________________________
Name of Course
I understand that my child has enrolled in this course / courses through MVPS as part of his / her
regular high school schedule and the grade earned will become a permanent part of his / her high
school transcript. A passing grade will receive a Carnegie credit. Failure to complete the on-line
course / courses will result in a WF (withdraw failing) or WP (withdraw passing), but will not
receive a Carnegie credit.
I understand that the course / courses taken through MVPS will count toward the required
number of credits required for graduation and failure to receive the required number of credits
will prevent my child from graduating with the class.
___________________________________
Signature of Parent
___________________________________
Signature of Student
___________________________________
Date Signed
___________________________________
Date Signed
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{See z(55) Mississippi Virtual Public School}
z(60) Credit Recovery. Credit Recovery has been defined by the Mississippi Department of
Education as a course-specific, skill-based learning opportunity for students who have
previously been unsuccessful in mastering content/skill required to receive course credit
or earn promotion. The cost of credit recovery is $300.00.
Tishomingo County School District has developed a course recovery program to help
struggling students earn course credit for graduation. Students must complete an
application process and be approved by the administration before participation will be
allowed.
I. Admission to and removal from the Credit Recovery Program
A. The application process must have written parental consent
B. The student must meet the minimum criteria to determine eligibility
1. Students must have previously attempted the class or be currently enrolled in
the course
2. High School counselor will recommend to the principal what class the
student is eligible to take
C. The number of Credit Recovery courses taken at one time will be determined
by the principal, curriculum coordinator, and superintendent.
D. Students shall not remain in a Credit Recovery course for more than one year
E. A student can be removed from the Credit Recovery course when the principal,
assistant superintendent and superintendent deem it is in the best interest of the
school to remove the student from the course
II.
Instruction
The Tishomingo County School District will schedule Credit Recovery courses as
needed through computer assisted instruction. All tests will be taken on campus.
Credit Recovery courses will be offered during school and after school.
III. Content and Curriculum
Credit Recovery Curriculum will be based on the Mississippi Curriculum
Frameworks competencies and objectives that have not been mastered during the
school year.
IV. Grading
A student must obtain a 65, or above, on the courses average to be considered as
successfully completing the course. Students must improve their scores on the
previously un-mastered competencies to the point where the overall average
reaches a minimum of 65. New scores on the previously un-mastered competencies
may replace previous scores. When the overall average reaches 65, the student will
be given credit for completing the course.
7th/8th Grade Students




Only Tishomingo County Students can attend Credit Recovery.
Students can only take one (1) course for Credit Recovery. The course must be either
Language Arts or Math.
Objectives to remediate will be specified by the teacher.
All non-mastered objectives from the school year (as specified by the teacher) must
be mastered during Credit Recovery (as defined by the computer program used)
before promotion will be earned.
z(61) Socialization/Fraternization. (See Section C-1, Subsection i.)
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z(62) Bullying or Harassing Behavior. Student complaints of bullying or harassing
behavior.
Students and employees in the Tishomingo County School District are
protected from bullying or harassing behavior by other students or employees.
It is the intent of the Board and the administration to maintain an environment
free from bullying and harassing behavior. This complaint procedure provides
a process for filing, processing and resolving complaints of such conduct.
Adherence to these procedures is mandatory. The failure of any person to
follow these procedures will constitute a waiver of the right to pursue a
complaint at any level, including review by the Board.
I.
Definitions
B ul l yi n g o r h ar as si n g b eh a vi o r i s a n y p a t t e rn o f ge st ur es o r wr i t t en ,
electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening
communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any
actual or perceived differentiating characteristic that (a) places a student or
school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or
damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to create a
hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's
educational performance, opportunities or benefits.
A "hostile environment" means that the victim subjectively views the
conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the conduct is objectively
severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is
bullying or harassing behavior.
Bullying or harassing behavior will no t be condoned or tolerated when it
takes place on school property, at any school -sponsored function, or on a
school bus, or when it takes place off school property when such conduct, in
the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders t he
offending person's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational
environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the
pupils and teacher of such class as a whole.
II.
Procedures for Processing a Complaint
Any student , school employee or volunteer who feels he/she has been a
vi ct i m of bul l yi ng or harassi n g behavi or, or has wi t nessed or who has
reliable information that a student, school employee or volunteer has been
153
subject to bull ying or harassing behavior shall repo rt such conduct to a
teacher, principal, counselor or other school official. The report shall be
made promptly but no later than five (5) calendar days after the alleged act or
acts occurred. The school official shall complete a "Bullying/Harassing
Behavior" complaint form which shall include the name of the reporting
person, the specific nature and date of the misconduct, the names of the
victim of the misconduct, the names of any witnesses and any other
information that would assist in the investigation o f the complaint. The
report shall be given promptly to the principal or superintendent who shall
institute an immediate investigation. Complaints against the principal shall
be made to the superintendent and complaints against the superintendent
shall be made to the Board chairman.
The complaint shall be investigated promptly. Parents will be notified of the
nature of any complaint involving their student. The District official will
arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties within
five (5) working days after initial receipt of the complaint by the District.
T h e p a r t i e s w i l l h av e a n o p p o r t un i t y t o s u b m i t e vi d e n c e a n d a l i s t of
witnesses. All findings related to the complaint will be reduced to writing.
The District official conducting the investigation shall notify the victim and
parents as appropriate when the investigation is completed and a decision
regarding disciplinary action, as warranted, is determined.
If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the District official , he/she
may submit a written appeal to the superintendent. Such appeal shall be
filed within ten (10) working days after receipt of the results of the initial
decision. The superintendent will arrange such meetings with the victim and
ot h e r a f fe ct e d p ar t i es as d e em ed ne c es sa r y t o di sc uss t h e ap pe al . T he
superintendent shall provide a written decision to the victim's appeal within
ten (10) working days.
If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the superintendent, a written
appeal may be filed wit h the Board. Such appeal shall be filed within ten
(10) working days after receipt of the decision of the superintendent. The
Board shall, within twenty (20) working days, allow the victim and parents
as appropriate to appear before the Board to present re asons for
dissatisfaction with the decision of the superintendent. The Board shall
provi de a wri t t en d e ci si on wi t hi n t en (10) worki n g da ys fol l owi ng t he
victim's appearance before the Board.
{Refer to Section H-1, Students; Subsections z(63), z(64), & z(65)}
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z(63)
Tishomingo County School District
“Bullying/Harassment”
Behavioral Complaint Form
All reports should be filed immediately or within five days of the incident, with the Principal.
Complaints against the principal shall be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent shall be filed with the school
board chairman.
Person reporting the “Bullying/Harassment”:________________________________________
Date of the incident: ______/______/_______
Type of Bullying being Reported:
_______ Physical
_______Emotional
_______Electronic
Time of the incident: __________________
_______Verbal
_______Written
Description of incident involving bullying or harassment:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Name(s) of the person(s) responsible for the bullying or harassment:
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
Name(s) of the Victim(s) of the bullying or harassment:
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
Name(s) of witnesses of the bullying or harassment:
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
Other information that may be pertinent to the investigation of this report:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
--------------------------------------FOR OFFICE USE ONLY BELOW THIS LINE---------------------------------Date Received:
Received by:
______/______/______
_______________________________________________________________________________
Name
Title
Immediate Action Taken: ________________________________________________________________________
Date Action was Taken: ______/______/______
ATTACHE ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
155
z(64)
Tishomingo County School District
“Bullying/Harassment”
Parent Notification Form
(evidence does support bullying/harassment has occurred)
To the Parent / Guardian of _____________________________________________________, a
Student’s Name
student of ____________________________________________________________________.
Name of School
The above named student is, or has been, involved in a “bullying/harassment” incident. This
incident occurred either during school hours, on a school-sponsored trip, during a school
function, or through any electronic means day or night. This incident has been reported to school
officials and is being investigated appropriately.
As an interested party you are being afforded the opportunity to meet with school officials and
present evidence and witness lists on behalf of the above named student at the time and date
specified below. You are under no obligation to attend or participate in this meeting. Please
indicate below your intentions.
Please sign and date this form and return it promptly to the school principal.
Date of Meeting: ______/______/______ Time of Meeting: _____________________________
Location of Meeting: ____________________________________________________________
_______ As legal parent/guardian of the above named student I request to participate in a
meeting with school officials at the time, date and location listed above.
_______ As legal parent/guardian of the above named student I waive my right to participate in a
meeting with school officials at the time, date and location listed above.
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________
___________
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Date
--------------------------------------FOR OFFICE USE ONLY BELOW THIS LINE---------------------------------Date Received:
______/______/______
Received by:
______________________________________________________________________________
Name
Title
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z(64a)
Tishomingo County School District
“Bullying/Harassment”
Parent Notification Form
(evidence does not support bullying/harassment has occurred)
To the Parent / Guardian of _____________________________________________________, a
Student’s Name
student of ____________________________________________________________________.
Name of School
Your child has been accused of bullying/harassment.
When a school is notified of any bullying/harassment behavior, the school under Senate Bill
2015 must investigate the accusation promptly.
After the school’s investigation, at this time there is no evidence your child was guilty of the
accusation.
Under Senate Bill 2015, the school must notify you of any accusation and its finding.
If you have any questions, please call ____________________________________ at
Name of School
_______________________________.
School Phone Number
______________________________________________________________
School Principal
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z(65)
Tishomingo County School District
“Bullying/Harassment”
Victim Notification Form
Date: ______/______/______
To the Parent / Guardian of _____________________________________________________, a
Student’s Name
Student of ____________________________________________________________________.
Name of School
As a parent/guardian of the above named student who was the victim of bullying and or
harassment you are being notified of the results of the prior investigation and results as they
related to the handling of the incident and any and all disciplinary action that has been taken.
Result of the Investigation:
________ Grounds for Disciplinary Action were found and proven through the investigation.
Disciplinary Action Taken
1. _____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
________ Grounds for Disciplinary Action were NOT found or proven, therefore no
action will be taken.
further
If you are unsatisfied with the decision of the local school official you may submit a written
appeal to the TCSD superintendent at the address listed below. This appeal must be received no
later than ten (10) working days after receipt of this notification. The superintendent will
provide a written decision to the Victim’s appeal within ten(10) working days.
--------------------------------------FOR OFFICE USE ONLY BELOW THIS LINE---------------------------------Date delivered to the parent/guardian:
______/______/______
Method of Delivery: _____ Hand Delivery _____ Certified Mail
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z(66) Dual Enrollment/Credit/Tuition Program.
The goal of this proposal is to establish a means for qualified high school students to enter
Northeast as a dual-enrolled student while deferring tuition to a later date and possibly earning
subsequent tuition waivers. Qualified high school students may enter Northeast classified either as dual
enrollment or dual enrollment with dual credit. The student who enrolls as a dual enrollment
student
is seeking higher education credit in addition to his/her high school completion curriculum. These students
need only permission (letter of approval) from their high school principal or guidance counselor and
qualifying scores on the ACT. Traditionally these students assume responsibility for full payment of
tuition, fees and texts.
The student who enrolls as dual enrollment/dual credit student is seeking to use higher level credit
to replace some of the required high school coursework. In this case the student will receive credit for
courses on both the high school and college transcript. This process requires the college and the high school
become partners in the enterprise to the extent that the high school can use the credit generated by the
student as part of its State ADA credit reimbursement. In this case, payment made to the college for tuition,
fees and books may be made by the student, the high school district or a combination of the two. In either
case the tuition generated from dual enrollment/dual credit programs has historically created a barrier for
some students and/or schools.
This proposal, if approved, would allow the student to defer some or all of the dual enrollment
tuition to a means of payment that relieves this student from much of the financial obligation.
A student approved for a dual enrollment and/or dual credit program would have the option to pay
all tuition or to charge the tuition to a Dual Enrollment Deferment Account. The student would remain
responsible for registration fees and book costs. All tuition charges would be eligible for deferment until
the student graduates from high school. Students who subsequently enroll as fulltime students at Northeast
would have 25% of the total account retired for each semester that the student completes 12 or more credit
hours of regular enrollment. The total balance of the Tuition Deferment Account would be retired when the
student graduates with an Associate Degree from Northeast regardless of the number of semesters
completed. Students are eligible to use tuition deferment along with other forms of institutional financial
aid. The Tuition Deferment Account will be updated on a semester-by-semester basis as additional charges
or credits are made.
Students who wish to transfer to another institution while a balance exists may do so by simply
paying the balance and receiving an official transcript. No transcript of credit earned would be released by
the college as long as a positive balance exists in the student’s Tuition Deferment Account.
Students enrolled in Dual Credit programs may also request that the high school district provide
the required text for the classes taken as part of this program.
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z(67)
Abstinence-Only Sex Education
Belief
The Tishomingo County School Board believes that every student has the right to accurate
information concerning the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The
Tishomingo County School Board is committed to fostering community partnerships that
educate both students and parents about this important topic.
This School District seeks to affirm its commitment to creating healthy and responsible teens in
this School District by fully complying with the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated, Section
37-13-171, and by:
 Adopting educational programs designed to help students and parents take action reduce
rates of teen birth and sexually transmitted infections and integrating such programs into
already established classes, and
 Establishing principles, guidelines, and strategies for implementing effective sex education
programs, referred to in state law as “Abstinence-Only” education programs.
The district shall utilize an age-appropriate, evidenced based, medically accurate, AbstinenceOnly curriculum from the list of curricula approved and recommended by the Mississippi
Department of Education (MDE), including as one choice the curricula of Abstinence-Only
developed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services and the Mississippi Department of
Health, if such curricula are on the MDE’s approved curriculum list.
Abstinence-Only Education
The Tishomingo County School Board adopts a Mississippi Department of Education approved
“Abstinence-Only Education Curriculum” and
1. Requires the implementation of such program and curriculum in the Tishomingo County
School District effective at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year,
2. Requires boys and girls to be separated into different classes when sex-related education is
discussed or taught,
3. Prohibits any teaching that abortion can be used to prevent the birth of a baby, and
4. Prohibits instruction and demonstrations on the application and use of condoms.
Definition
Abstinence-Only education includes any type of instruction (on a grade and age appropriate
basis) that teaches some or all of the following:
• the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity,
and the likely negative psychological and physical effects of not abstaining;
• the harmful consequences to the child, the child's parents and society that bearing children
out of wedlock is likely to produce, including the health, educational, financial and other
difficulties the child and his or her parents are likely to face, as well as the
inappropriateness of the social and economic burden placed on others;
• that unwanted sexual advances are irresponsible and teaches how to reject sexual advances
and how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability to sexual advances;
• that abstinence from sexual activity before marriage, and fidelity within marriage, is the
only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases and
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related health problems;
• the current state law related to sexual conduct, including forcible rape, statutory rape,
paternity establishment, child support and homosexual activity; and
• that a mutually faithful, monogamous relationship in the context of marriage is the only
appropriate setting for sexual intercourse.
No program of instruction under this Abstinence-Only curriculum may include anything that
contradicts excluded components specified in state law. The instruction program may include a
discussion on condoms or contraceptives, but only if that discussion includes a factual
presentation of the risks and failure rates of those contraceptives.
Parent’s Rights
Each school providing instruction or any other presentation on human sexuality in the classroom,
assembly or other official setting shall be required to provide no less than one (1) week’s written
notice thereof to the parents of children in such programs of instruction. The written notice must
inform the parents of their right to request the inclusion of their child for such instruction or
presentation. The notice must also inform the parents of the right, and the appropriate process, to
review the curriculum and all materials to be used in the lesson or presentation. Upon the request
of any parent, the school shall excuse the parent’s child from such instruction or presentation,
without detriment to the student.
Procedures
The superintendent, or his/her designee, shall establish procedures to support this policy. The
Superintendent will provide the Tishomingo County School Board with an annual report on the
outcomes of the Abstinence-Only education program. If funding is available, this report shall
include quantitative as well as qualitative analysis of the program and shall include the
perspective of students, teachers, and parents/guardians.
Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed on an on-going basis in accordance with the Board’s policy review
process. This policy shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Mississippi Code of 1972,
Annotated, including but not limited to 37-13-171, 37-13-173, 37-13-175, as amended and with
all other applicable federal and state laws.
No Child Left Behind Requirement
No Child Left Behind prohibits the use of funds authorized under this Act to be used to:
1. Develop or distribute material, or operate programs or courses of instruction directed at
youth, that are designed to promote or encourage sexual activity, whether homosexual or
heterosexual,
2. Provide sex education or HIV-prevention education in schools unless that instruction is age
appropriate and includes the health benefits of abstinence, and
3. Operate a program of contraceptive distribution in schools. Legal Ref: MS Code 37-13-171,
37 13-173, 37-13-175
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I-1
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION. See also Section J-1, Subsection n
The Tishomingo County School District Alternative School Program is established to serve the following
categories of compulsory-school-aged-students:
a)
Any compulsory-school-age child referred to such alternative school program by the dispositive
order of a chancellor or youth court judge, with the consent of the superintendent of the child’s
school district.
b)
Any compulsory-school-age child, who has (1) been suspended for more than ten (10) days or
expelled from school, except where any students are expelled for possession of a weapon or other
felonious conduct, (2) committed disciplinary infractions, which could result in suspension or
expulsion from school.
c)
Any compulsory-school-age child referred to such alternative school based upon documented need
for placement.

The Guidance Counselor shall provide verification of each child described above in sections b and c
regarding the suitability of such child for attendance in the Alternative School Program.
Written policies and procedures regarding educational opportunities, placement of students, and movement
of students out of the program:
Students not identified as special needs can be assigned to the Alternative school by the youth court or
the superintendent, for behavior modification programs or alternative educational opportunities.
Students who follow established policies and procedures, complete work assignments, and attend for
the prescribed amount of time will be allowed to return to their home school. Failure to complete such
work or modify behavior may result in an extension of time or disciplinary action. The decision to
place or remove non-special needs students will be made by the discipline committee, which will be
made up of the assistant principals of the all district schools with the exception of kindergarten through
fourth grade students. The decision to place or remove kindergarten through fourth grade students will
be made by the lower elementary discipline committee, which will consist of the superintendent and
current school board members.
Students who are placed in the Alternative School shall not be able to avoid the assignment.
Program components of the alternative school will include the following:
1)
Behavior modification program to help students adjust to be able to return to the
traditional classroom setting.
2)
Special Education opportunities in a least restrictive environment. This instruction will be
under the direction of a certified special education teacher.
3)
Regular school curriculum that is directed by the student's home school teacher with the
work being supervised by a certified teacher.
4)
A GED preparation program designed to help prepare students to take the GED
examination if approval is obtained from the State Department.
5)
Behavior modification, drug education, and career orientation programs will be major
components of all Alternative School programs.

Each student will have an improvement plan developed and kept on file at the alternative
school. The alternative school teachers, home school guidance counselors and principal will
develop this plan, with input from parents and students. Written procedures that address the
operation of the alternative school program shall be developed by the administration as
needed and approved by the Board of Trustees.

The alternative education program, students targeted for educational progress (S.T.E.P.), will
serve students in the GED preparation program according to policies of the State Department
of Education. Specific policies and procedures for the S.T.E.P. (GED) program are contained
in a GED handbook approved by the Board of Trustees.
a)
Extracurricular Activities. All students assigned to the Tishomingo County School District
Alternative School are prohibited from participating in or attending any Tishomingo County
School District sponsored extracurricular activity or otherwise being present on a Tishomingo
County School District campus outside of regular school hours.
b)
The Tishomingo County Alternative Program will serve students in grades K-12 based on the
following policies and procedures and other board policies as outlined. The students in grades K-
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4 will be placed in alternative school only by the Lower Elementary Discipline Committee, which
consists of the superintendent and current school board members.

The following procedures shall be followed when assigning students to the alternative
education program.
1. Students who present a discipline problem shall have a behavior modification plan in
place and all previous actions will be documented before a referral may be made, with
the exception of any offense the principal deems as a safety threat to the other students
or employees.
2. If local school officials determine that a student should be referred to the alternative
program they may suspend the student from their regular academic schedule for up to
three days during which time the discipline committee will meet.
3. Principals shall refer the student to the discipline committee with a recommendation
for action including all required documentation as outlined in the alternative program
policies and procedures. The discipline committee shall be composed of the assistant
principal’s from the all Tishomingo County School District schools and the alternative
education director (Assistant Superintendent).
4. The discipline committee will then set a hearing date and inform the student’s parents /
guardians as well as the student’s school administration of the date and time of the
hearing. Parents will be allowed five minutes to speak to the committee on behalf of
the student if they so choose. Parent / Guardian attendance to the hearing is not
required for assignment.
5. The discipline committee will then make a final ruling on the placement of the student
including the length of the assignment to the alternative program.
6. Non-special needs student shall be assigned to alternative school for a period of no less
than (15) days.
a. Special Education Students may:
1. Only be assigned to alternative school a maximum of 7 days, WITHOUT
the approval of the IEP Committee
2. Be recommended for assignment for more than 7 days, WITH approval of
the IEP Committee.

Prior to making this assignment, the principal must notify the special
education director, who will setup an IEP Committee meeting within
the first 7 days of the student’s assignment to alternative school.

The IEP determination will be presented to the alternative school
director and the principal on or before the 7th day of assignment.

While awaiting the IEP determination, the student will begin serving
the approved 7-day assignment.
7. Once assigned to the alternative program students will be subject to the policies and
procedures of the alternative program as outlined in the handbook and the policies and
procedures of the Tishomingo County School District.
8. At the time of assignment local school officials shall provide the student and parents
with a copy of the alternative program handbook and obtain the signatures of the
student(s) and parent(s) regarding the understanding of the policies and procedures of
the alternative program.
9. At the time of assignment local school officials shall provide the alternative education
instructor with a completed Individualized Instruction Plan (IIP) for the student. Local
school officials shall also provide necessary textbooks, workbooks, and assignments
relative to the student’s normal academic plan to the alternative program.
10. After 15 days, if the alternative program instructor deems the student has performed
exemplary (attendance, behavior, performance), the instructor may request a meeting
with the student’s principal to discuss the alternative school assignment. The instructor
and principal may forward a recommendation to the alternative education director. If a
favorable recommendation is given and approved by the alternative education director,
preparations will be made to move the student back into the regular academic program.
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J-1
SPECIAL EDUCATION
a.
Free Appropriate Public Education. The District provides free appropriate public
educational programming for students with disabilities ages three through twenty
b.
Full Service Goal. The District is committed to serving students with disabilities
and hereby sets a goal of providing full educational opportunities to all students
with disabilities, age birth through twenty-one (21) in accordance with the
Mississippi Department of Education's policies and procedures. The opportunities
will be provided in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws and Court
decisions.
c.
Child Find. The Tishomingo County School District will continue its efforts to
search for unserved children, ages birth through twenty-one, who may be in need
of special education and related services as defined under IDEA, Part B. Children
with disabilities who reside within the district's jurisdiction, including children
attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disability are
identified, located and evaluated for services. The district will adhere to the
relevant policies and the procedures for implementation of the Child Find
requirements for local school districts under IDEA, Part B, as issued by the
Mississippi Department of Education.
d.
Vision and Hearing Screening. Any student who has not been successful in the
regular education program may be screened for vision or hearing as a means of
determining whether vision or hearing problems are the cause of the child's lack
of success in the regular program.
e.
Individualized Educational Program (IEP). The District will develop or revise,
whichever is appropriate, and implement an individualized educational program
for each student with disabilities. The program will be reviewed periodically, but
not less than annually.
f.
Due Process/Procedural Safeguards. The District will insure that students with
disabilities and their parents are guaranteed due process with respect to the
provision of a free appropriate public education.
g.
Least Restrictive Environment. The District will, to the maximum extent
appropriate, educate students with disabilities with non-disabled students in their
age group. The removal of students with disabilities from the regular educational
environment will occur only when the nature or severity of the disability is such
that education in regular classes with supplementary aids and services cannot be
achieved satisfactorily. A continuum of alternative placements based on
individual students' IEP will be provided to students with disabilities in the
District. Placement of the student will be determined at least on an annual basis
and will be as close to the student's home as possible. This does not mean that if
there is only one child in a school, and if he needs the services of a teacher in a
164
self-contained class, that this will be provided on a one-to-one basis when there
are several other students with the same need in a nearby school. These students
will be brought together to be provided appropriate services. In selecting the least
restrictive environment for each student, consideration is given to any potentially
harmful effect on the student or the quality of services needed. If a student with
disabilities can function socially, emotionally and mentally with non-disabled
students of a similar chronological age, he/she will be given that opportunity in
accord with his/her IEP.
h.
Protection in Evaluation. Evaluation materials and placement procedures used by
the District will be, to the maximum extent possible, selected and administered so
as not to be racially or culturally discriminatory such that no student will be
misclassified, misplaced, or unnecessarily labeled as being disabled because of
the inappropriate selection, administration, or interpretation of the materials or
procedures.
Tishomingo County School District will conduct a full and individual initial
evaluation in accordance with the policies and procedures of Mississippi
Department of Education prior to the initial provision of special education and
related services to a student with a disability. Following a referral for an initial
evaluation, the district will ensure a comprehensive assessment is conducted. A
reevaluation will be conducted of each student with a disability in accordance
with the regulations of the Mississippi Department of Education. All initial
evaluations and reevaluations conducted by the district will be provided at no cost
to the parent. The district's procedures for implementation of this policy are those
contained in the state regulations issued by he Mississippi Department of
Education.
i.
Confidentiality. The District will protect the confidentiality of all data in its
records relative to students with disabilities.
j.
Participation of Private School Children. To the extent consistent with the number
and location of students with disabilities enrolled in private schools which are in
compliance, an opportunity will be made available for their participation in
activities funded under IDEA, Part B.
k.
Placement in Private Schools. For any student placed in a private school by local
School District personnel as a means of providing a FAPE, that student will be
provided a FAPE in accord with State Regulations.
l.
Grading.
1.
.
Recommended Grading Procedures for Special Education Classes.
Each student with a disability in the Tishomingo County School District
will receive grades fairly reflecting the student's achievement on the
165
2.
3.
m.
instructional level on which he/she is functioning. A high grade does not
necessarily mean that a disability no longer exists. A high grade should
accurately reflect that, based on what is expected of a child with a given
ability, he/she is performing well. Actual grading will reflect the familiar
A, B, C, D, and F grading pattern based on the Tishomingo County
grading system. If a student with a disability attends a regular classroom,
the regular education classroom teacher will assign the letter grade for that
class. If the student attends a special education class, the special education
teacher will report the grades. Each nine weeks the parents/guardians of
all students with a disability will receive copies of the IEP Special
Education Service Goal pages that denote programs.
Any student with a disability in the Tishomingo County School District
who does not meet course requirements, even though the modifications
necessary to adjust for the student's disability have been made, may
receive a failing grade. If it is obvious, however, that the student with a
disability cannot function socially, emotionally, educationally in a regular
education classroom class with supplementary aids and services, the
student should be removed from that class and placed appropriately with a
revision of the IEP.
It may be necessary to provide extra help to a student with a disability or
make modifications in the regular education program if a student with a
disability is to be successful. The special and regular education teachers
must work together so that the special education teacher will know how to
reinforce/tutor the student with a disability when the student begins to
falter. The special education teacher should provide assistance to the
regular education teacher if there is a need for modification of the
educational program to insure the success of the student. Although
modifications may need to be made, the student should be judged to be
successful (graded) in that regular education class in the same manner as
other regular education students.
Graduation. Students who are disabled shall be issued diplomas or certificates as
follows:
1.
For every student receiving Special Education services, there will be
consideration, during the IEP Review/Revision session prior to the
student's entry into ninth grade, as to this student's possibilities for
achieving sufficient Carnegie units to earn a regular diploma.
2.
Students with a disability may enroll in an occupational course to study
aimed at obtaining an occupational diploma. The student must have an
approved portfolio containing a collection of evidence of the student's
knowledge skills and abilities related to the occupational core curriculum.
The primary postgraduate goal for students enrolled in the occupational
course of study is competitive employment. A total of 21 credits must be
earned.
3.
Students who have successfully completed 2G special education and/or
regular education credits may obtain a graduation certificate based on their
166
n.
o.
completion of IEP goals and benchmarks. The IEP will reflect this. The
instruction will be aimed toward individual and career & technical needs.
4.
Students may enroll in an academic course of study to pursue a
Mississippi High School Diploma. If the student is to pursue a regular
diploma, the IEP will reflect this and special education services will be
provided to assist the student in reaching this goal. Every student
receiving a regular diploma will pass the Subject Area Tests in Algebra,
English II, Biology, & History & will have met all requirements of the
state Accreditation Commission and the Tishomingo County School
District.
5.
At least annually, the student's IEP will be reviewed and revised as his/her
current achievement and needs dictate. The possibility for change from
regular diploma to occupational diploma or certificate or vice versa will
remain open. Special education credits earned in the occupational or
certificate program of study will not count toward an academic diploma if
they choose to switch.
6.
Every student who completes an approved course of study on or before
age twenty-one will receive a diploma or certificate and will be permitted
to participate in graduation exercises with no special mention.
7.
Every student receiving a diploma will have met requirements of the State
Accreditation Commission and his/her local School District.
Placement of Children with Disabilities in an Alternate Educational
Setting. Students with disabilities, as defined under IDEA, Part B are
responsible for adhering to the same rules of conduct as non-disabled
students. In accordance with the Federal requirements under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA),
the State statutes and the Mississippi Department of Education's policies
and procedures, when a student with a disability violates school rules, the
principal or designated school officials may order the removal of a student
with a disability from the student's current educational placement.
Students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education, even
those who have been suspended or expelled from school as specified under
IDEA, Part B, State statutes and the Mississippi Department of Education's
policies and procedures. Whenever a student with a disability is removed from
the student's current educational setting for disciplinary reasons and placed in an
interim alternative setting, the setting must be in accordance with the personnel
standards of the Mississippi Department of Education. The district provides for
ongoing personnel development activities, as necessary, to ensure the provision
of free appropriate public education for students with disabilities in accordance
regulations issued by the Mississippi Department of Education. In accordance
with state regulations and procedures, the district will determine local in-service
needs and provide for training on topics determined to be district priorities.
See also Section I-1, Alternative Education/School
Performance Goals. The Tishomingo County School District will utilize
the established performance goals and indicators established by the
167
Mississippi Department of Education to assess the district's progress
toward achieving those established goals.
p.
Participation in State and District-wide Assessments. The district will
ensure children with disabilities are included in general State and districtwide assessment programs, with appropriate accommodations and
modifications in the administration of such tests in accordance with the
policies and procedures established by Mississippi Department of
Education and the local school district. Children with disabilities who
cannot participate in general State and district-wide assessment programs
will be provided an alternative assessment in accordance with policies and
procedures established by the Mississippi Department of Education and
the local school district.
q.
Local Interagency Agreements. The district will establish local
interagency agreements, as appropriate, to ensure a free appropriate public
education is provided to children with disabilities residing within the
jurisdiction of the district as required by federal and state rules and
regulations.
r.
Extended School Year Service. The Tishomingo County School District
will ensure extended school year (ESY) services are available as necessary
to provide a free appropriate public education. ESY services are special
education and related services that are provided to a child with a disability
which meet the standards of the Mississippi Department of Education
criteria in State regulations. Services, as appropriate, will be provided
beyond the normal school year of the district, in accordance with the
student's IEP, and at no cost to the parents.
s.
Charter Schools. Students with disabilities who attend a charter school
and their parents retain all rights under IDEA, Part B, The Tishomingo
County School District will ensure the requirements under IDEA, Part B,
are implemented, including the provision of services to students with
disabilities attending charter schools and the provision of funds under
IDEA, Part B, to the school.
t.
Head Start Screening. Speech Pathologists will screen Head Start students for
speech therapy, retroactive to August 30, 2007. Early screenings will expedite the
referral process so Head Start students may be given needed therapy earlier.
(Approved October 29, 2007)
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K-1
a.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Citizen Participation in Decision-making. The school board encourages citizen
participation in the decision-making processes. Advisory committees of either of
the two following categories may be organized when appropriate:
1.
Board-appointed advisory and support committees, both district wide and
at the school level, shall function within the organizational frameworks
approved by the board. A staff member or members will be assigned to
each group to help it carry out its functions. The composition of advisory
committees shall be broadly represented and shall take into consideration
the specific tasks assigned to the committee. Only the board shall have the
authority to dissolve advisory committees it has created.
The board will instruct each committee as to:
a)
the length of time each member is being asked to serve;
b)
the service the board wishes the committee to render;
c)
the resources the board will provide;
d)
the approximate dates on which the board wishes to receive major
reports;
e)
board policies governing citizens' committees and the relationship
of these committees to the board as a whole, individual board
members, the superintendent, and other members of the
professional staff; and
f)
responsibilities for the release of information to the press.
2.
School and district level advisory committees that are required under
federal and state programs shall function in accordance with the
requirements pertaining to each specific federal or state program; the
board shall grant to those bodies the advisory responsibilities relevant to
the planning, implementation, and evaluation of such program or project.
Since the legal powers and prerogatives of the board cannot be delegated
or surrendered to others, all recommendations of an advisory committee
must be submitted to the board for actions.
The board encourages each school to establish and maintain active parentteacher organizations. These organizations should be dedicated to
improving the quality of education available for Tishomingo County
School District children.
Schools are encouraged to hold workshops for parents and community
leaders that will enable them to become more involved in their children’s
education. These workshops should provide information regarding school
programs, instructional strategies, and counseling opportunities.
169
b. Title I Parental Involvement Policy. It is our belief that parental interest and
guidance in the promotion and reinforcement of learning in the home are major
factors needed to ensure successful school experiences. The Tishomingo County
School District endorses the parental involvement goals of Title I and encourages
the regular participation of parents of Title I eligible children to join the districtwide effort of all parents at all schools, as well as community members to work
cooperatively to improve educational opportunities. In this policy, the word
“parent” includes guardians and family members involved in the supervision of
the child’s education.
The Title I policy is developed jointly with Title I parents and will be reviewed
and revised, as appropriate, at the annual meeting each year.
The District will:
1. Assist schools in planning and implementing effective parental
involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and
school performance.
2. Build schools’ and parents’ capacity for strong parental involvement
through district-wide activities that will include an annual district-wide
parental involvement meeting to inform parents of the results of state
assessments from a district perspective.
3. Parental involvement activities will be correlated with activities for
parental growth provided by our Families First Resource Center.
4. Use parent surveys and group discussions to evaluate the effectiveness of
the parental involvement policy in relation to improving student
achievement and school/district resources.
a. The evaluation will evaluate the level of participation by parents of
diverse background and
b. Be used to implement more effective strategies to improve and
increase parental involvement.
The activities provided through the Families First Resource Center will be
incorporated with District activities to:
1. Assist parents in understanding the state’s academic content standards
and academic assessments.
2. Provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to
improve academic achievement.
3. Educate school personnel, with the assistance of parents, on how to
reach, communicate, and work with parents effectively.
4. Partner with the Families First Resource Center and the Special
Education Coordinator to develop parental involvement activities
beneficial for Head Start parents.
5. Ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings
and other activities is sent to parents in a formal and language that
parents can understand.
170
6. Provide reasonable support for parental involvement activities as parents
may request.
c.
Health and Wellness.
Rationale: The link between nutrition, physical activity, and learning is well
documented. Healthy eating and activity patterns are essential for students to
achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and
lifelong health and well-being. Healthy eating and physical activity, essential for
a healthy weight, are also linked to reduce the risk for many chronic diseases, like
Type 2 diabetes. Schools have a responsibility to help students learn, establish,
and maintain lifelong, healthy eating and activity patterns. Well-planned and
effectively implemented school nutrition and fitness programs have been shown
to enhance students’ overall health, as well as their behavior and academic
achievement in school. Staff wellness also is an integral part of a healthy school
environment, since school staff can be daily role models for healthy behaviors.
Goal: All students in the Tishomingo County School District will possess the
knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious food choices and enjoyable
physical activity choices for a lifetime. All staff in the Tishomingo County
School District is encouraged to model healthful eating and physical activity as a
valuable part of a healthy lifestyle.
To meet this goal, the Tishomingo County School District adopts this school
wellness policy with the following commitments to nutrition, physical activity,
comprehensive health education, marketing, and implementation. This policy is
designed to effectively utilize school and community resources and to equitably
serve the needs and interests of all students and staff, taking into consideration
differences in culture.
Commitment to Nutrition
The Tishomingo County 2012/2013 Wellness Policy will initiate its commitment
to Helping Students Develop Healthier Lifestyles by committing to the following
guidelines:
o Offer a school lunch program with menus that meet the meal patterns and nutrition
standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Mississippi
Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition Programs.
o Offer school breakfast and snack programs (where approved and applicable) with
menus that meet meal patterns and nutrition standards established by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of
Child Nutrition Programs.
o Encourage students and school staff to participate in school meal programs.
o Encourage students and school staff to provide/bring healthy foods/snacks during
the school day.
o Operate all Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) with school foodservice staff who are
properly qualified according to current professional standards (Mississippi Board
of Education Policy, Code EE-2E).
171
o Establish food safety as a key component of all school food operations and ensure
that the food service permit is current for the Food Service school site.
o Follow State Board of Education policies on competitive foods and extra food
sales (Mississippi Board of Education Policy, Code EEH).
o Establish guidelines for all foods available on the school campus during the school
day with the objective of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity.
Commitment to Physical Activity
The Tishomingo County 2012/2013 Wellness Policy will initiate its commitment
to Helping Students Develop Healthier Life Styles by committing to the
following guidelines:
o Provide physical education for all students (In accordance with Section 37-13-134,
Mississippi Code of 1972, ann., reference 2004 Mississippi Public Schools
Accountability Standards 32, Appendix B and 33.)
o Offer a planned sequential program of physical education instruction incorporating
individual and group activities, which are student centered and taught in a positive
environment.
o Implement the 2006 Mississippi Physical Education Framework.
Commitment to Comprehensive Health Education
The Tishomingo County 2012/2013 Wellness Policy will initiate its commitment
to Helping Students Develop Healthier Life Styles by committing to the
following guidelines:
o Provide ½ Carnegie unit of comprehensive health education for graduation (2004
Mississippi Public School Accountability Standard 20, Appendix A).
o Implement the 2006 Mississippi Comprehensive Health Framework for grades 9-12
(2004 Mississippi Public School Accountability Standard 20, Appendix A).
Commitment to Marketing Healthy School Environment
The Tishomingo County 2012/2013 Wellness Policy will initiate its commitment
to Helping Students Develop Healthier Lifestyles by committing to the following
guidelines:
o Provide positive, motivating messages, both verbal and non-verbal, about healthy
lifestyle practices throughout the school setting. All school personnel will help
reinforce these positive messages.
o Involve students in planning for a healthy school environment. Students will be
asked for input and feedback through the use of student surveys, and attention will
be given to their comments.
o Promote healthful eating, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles to students,
parents, teachers, administrators, and the community at school events (e.g., school
172
registration, parent-teacher conferences, PTA meetings, open houses, health fairs,
teacher in-services, and other events).
o Discourage advertising and other materials on the school campus that promote
foods of minimal nutritional value.
o Work with local media, like newspaper, TV, and radio, to inform the community
about the health problems facing Mississippi children, as well as the need for the
benefits of healthy school environments.
Commitment to Implementation
The Tishomingo County 2012/2013 Wellness Policy will initiate its commitment
to Helping Students Develop Healthier Lifestyles by committing to the following
guidelines:
o Establish a plan for implementation of the school wellness policy. Designate one
or more persons to insure that the school wellness policy is implemented as
written.
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
policy, discrimination is prohibited on the base of race, color, national origin, sex,
age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDDD). USDA
is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Ways to implement the Wellness Policy in the schools
o All students in even grades (K-12) will receive height, weight, blood pressure,
hearing and vision screening annually
o Lice screening (K – 6) each semester
o Nurses, PE instructors and regular classroom teachers stress healthy eating habits.
Lesson plans are used to measure implementation.
o State health curriculum is taught. Lesson plans used to measure implantation.
o State adopted Abstinence Curriculum for grades 7 & 8
o Registered nurses on staff at all schools (K – 12)
o Nurses assess for illness or injury, administrate prescribed medication, provide
diabetic care and other various skill care as ordered by physician
o Nurses provide classroom instruction in wellness, hand washing, nutrition, tobacco
education and bullying
Wellness Policy Monitoring
Tishomingo County School District Wellness Policy will be monitored at
the district level by:
173
o Teresa Stanford, Director of Food Services
o Katie Crane, Federal Programs Director
Tishomingo County School District Wellness Policy will be monitored at the
school level by:
 Belmont, Van Roberts, Principal
 Burnsville, Danny Smith, Principal
 Iuka Elementary, Debbie Walker, Principal
 Iuka Middle, Roy Lawson, Principal
 Tishomingo, Cliff Nunley, Principal
 Tishomingo County High School, Jackie Beals, Principal
 Tishomingo County Career & Technical Center, John-Grady Taylor,
Director
d.
Concession Stand Policy. Any group/boosters who is/are allowed by the school to
operate a concession stand must spend all money received on the school. All
money must be deposited in the school's activity account, or the group/boosters
must turn in two financial reports to the Central Office, one by December 31st and
another by June 30th. The financial report must have a record of all income and
all expenditures. An income form must be filled out after each contest (each
football game, each basketball game, each baseball game, etc.). This applies if
the money is deposited in the school activity account or if deposited in the
group's/boosters' account. The income form must have two signatures stating the
form is correct. The expenditure form must be signed by the Teacher/Coach and
the Club President if the money is spent out of the group/boosters' account.
d-2
Student Clubs (sponsors). All clubs must have a sponsor who is a teacher.
e.
Senior Citizen/Disabled Veteran Athletic Pass. Tishomingo County School
District offers Senior Citizens 65 years of age or older and Disabled Veterans an
Athletic Pass for $25 each, which allows the holder entrance into all regular
season athletic events in Tishomingo County. Applicant must provide proof of
residence in Tishomingo County. Senior Citizens must provide proof of age at
time of purchase. Disabled Veteran must provide proof of disability from Office
of Veteran Affairs. Beginning with 2013/2014 School Year.
f.
Regular Season Athletic Pass. Tishomingo County School District offers season
athletic passes at each local high school that allows entry into all regular season
athletic events held at the high school in which the pass was purchased. Adult
tickets are $75 each and student tickets are $35 each.
174
f1.
Athletic Ticket Prices for 2013/2014.
HIGH SCHOOL
Sport
Category
Gate
Football
Adults
$6.00
Students
$4.00
Basketball
Adults
$6.00
Students
$4.00
Baseball
Adults
$5.00
Students
$3.00
Softball
Adults
$5.00
Students
$3.00
Soccer
Adults
$6.00
Students
$4.00
Volleyball
Adults
$5.00
Students
$3.00
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Football
Adults
Students
Basketball
Adults
Students
Baseball
Adults
Students
Softball
Adults
Students
$4.00
$3.00
$4.00
$3.00
$4.00
$3.00
$4.00
$3.00
* Any child who is less than school age, shall be admitted free
g.
h.
i.
Visitors to the Schools. Tishomingo County Schools welcome parents and others who are
interested in the school. Parents are encouraged to call the school if they have any suggestions or
any questions regarding their child or the operation of the school. Parents are especially
encouraged to visit their student’s teachers at school for conferences. All parents have the right to
request information about the qualifications of their children’s teacher and any paraprofessional
who instruct them. Please call the principal’s office for an appointment. Immediately upon
arrival, all visitors are to go to the principal’s office to be directed to the proper place. Students
are not allowed to bring a visitor to school. Classroom visits or observations are not allowed
during instructional time with the exception of prospective teachers observing as part of their
college requirement or service providers working under the direction of school district
administration.
Official References to Another School District.
a.
All official references/recommendations provided to another school district, for an
individual who is or has been employed with Tishomingo County School District, must be
provided solely by the Superintendent of Education.
b.
All other references/recommendations provided to another school district, for an individual
who is or has been employed with Tishomingo County School District, is as a Personal
Reference.
Printed Materials Distributed on School Campuses. All Printed Materials Distributed from a
school campus must have the Principal’s Permission. This includes all non-instructional materials
from an employee, a student, and/or a member of the public.
175
L-1
a.
b.
b1.
c.
SCHOOL FACILITIES
Use of Facilities. The school facilities may be made available by the Board of
Trustees for the use of local parent-teacher organizations and similar civic,
cultural, or public groups for meetings and programs which are non-controversial
in nature. Formal application for the use of such school facilities shall be made at
the Superintendent’s office in writing, designating the particular facility to be
used, the purpose for which it will be used, the date and time of its use, and such
other information as may be required. Request for use of facility must be received
in Superintendent's office a minimum of five (5) working days prior to time of
use. Outside organizations shall have full responsibility for any and all damages
to school facilities. The Board of Trustees may require the execution of a contract
and shall impose a charge of $25 upon such organization for the use of the school
facilities.
Motor Vehicles on School Property. Motor Vehicles shall be permitted only on
streets, drives and designated parking areas of the properties owned by the
Tishomingo County School District. No motor vehicles (except authorized service
vehicles) shall be allowed on any other areas of the School District properties.
Application for Use of School Vehicle (Employee). The superintendent shall have
the authority to designate personnel to approve and sign the Application for Use
of School Vehicle for their respective school/department.
Weapons on School Premises. The Tishomingo County School District Board of
Education recognizes that the possession of pistols, firearms, or other weapons on
school premises or at school functions by persons other than duly authorized law
enforcement officials or duly authorized school officials creates an unreasonable
and unwarranted risk of injury or death to District employees, students, visitors,
and guests and further creates an unreasonable and unwarranted risk of damage to
properties of District employees, students, visitors, and guests. Because of such
dangers, the Board hereby prohibits the possession of pistols, firearms, or
weapons in any form by any person other than duly authorized law enforcement
officials or duly authorized school officials on school premises or at school
functions, regardless of whether any such person possesses a valid permit to carry
such pistols, firearms, or weapons. Authorized school officials include:
Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and
Transportation, Principals, Assistant Principals, and Director of Communications
and Safety. (Refer to Section H-1 Students, Subsection z(6) Weapons)
d.
Safety. In an effort to protect the safety and welfare of our personnel, all
employees of the Tishomingo County School District shall observe reasonable
principals of good safety. Periodic staff development will be provided to promote
safety. All employees, particularly directors, supervisors and administrators are
responsible for keeping buildings, grounds and equipment as safe as reasonably
possible. Periodic checks should be made to detect any safety hazards that may
exist in the School District.
e.
Facility Rentals.
176
1.
f.
Facilities of the Tishomingo County School District may be rented upon
written approval of the Board of Trustees. Requests must be made to the
Superintendent's office.
2.
A fee of $25 shall be charged and procedures established by the Board of
Trustees with citizens being provided a copy of procedures upon request.
3.
Any individual or organization requesting to use any facility within the
Tishomingo County School System is required to have and must provide
a copy of Proof of Liability Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 with
Tishomingo County School District named as an Additional Insurer
within the liability policy.
Athletes Use of Facilities:
During Season
a. Athletes can use school facilities or equipment when the coach is present OR
b. One of his/her players can pickup a Use of Facilities Signature Form from the
coach, principal, or athletic director, guardian must fill out the form in its
entirety, and must turn a copy of the form back into the coach, principal, or
athletic director for approval. The guardian who signs to be responsible for the
facility/equipment, etc., must be responsible for the safety and welfare of each
child under his/her supervision. Also, the form must contain the signature of
each student under his/her care and the signature of each student’s guardian.
Off Season
a. Athletes must follow the During Season policy specified above and MUST
adhere to all Mississippi High School Athletic Association requirements.
Non-guardian Oversight - If an individual proposes to take a student athlete who
is not the individual’s child to use the school facilities, the individual MUST:
a. Pickup a Use of Facilities Signature Form from the coach, principal, or
athletic director, must fill out the form in its entirety, and must turn a copy of
the form back into the coach, principal, or athletic director for approval.
b. Athletes MUST adhere to all Mississippi High School Athletic Association
requirements.
Documentation - The coach, principal, or athletic director must maintain a copy of
the completed Use of Facilities Signature Form at all times.
Access – Coach is responsible for arranging access to athletic facility in question.
The State Department of Education will be permitted to use any of the
Tishomingo County School District school buses to provide transportation for
students from the State School for Deaf and Blind at their request.
The Superintendent shall be authorized to make school facilities available
to the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, or
other recognized local, state, or Federal emergency relief agency as mass shelters
for victims of disasters and peacetime radiological emergencies/nuclear accidents.
The Superintendent has the authority to approve all Use of Facilities
Requests, Fund Raiser Requests, and Field Trip Requests without prior approval
of the Board of Trustees. The Superintendent shall immediately notify the Board
when this form of approval is needed and the item will be placed on the next
Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting Agenda for Retroactive approval.
177
ADULT USE OF FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
SIGNATURE FORM
(for use when adults want to use facilities and/or equipment)
Example: Old Timers Basketball
My signature below indicates that I will be responsible for the safety of all individuals who will
be utilizing the requested facility and/or equipment. I also understand that each individual is
solely liable for any personal injuries, or damage to school or personal property while utilizing
the facilities and/or equipment. In addition, I must obtain each participant’s signature prior to
permitting him or her to gain access to and use of the requested facility and/or equipment.
Beginning Date: __________________
Ending Date: __________________
Beginning Time: __________________
Ending Time: __________________
Facility/Equipment being requested: ___________________________________________
School Campus: ___________________________________________
Requestor’s Signature: ________________________________ Date: ___________________
Participant Signature:
Participant Signature:
1. ______________________________
11. ______________________________
2. ______________________________
12. ______________________________
3. ______________________________
13. ______________________________
4. ______________________________
14. ______________________________
5. ______________________________
15. ______________________________
6. ______________________________
16. ______________________________
7. ______________________________
17. ______________________________
8. ______________________________
18. ______________________________
9. ______________________________
19. ______________________________
10. _____________________________
20. ______________________________
This document must be completed in its entirety before any individual can use school facilities
and/or equipment. The requesting party must keep this form in their possession during
facility/equipment use and must have a copy placed on file in the principal’s office.
178
USE OF FACILITIES SIGNATURE FORM
(for use when legal guardian assumes liability & responsibility)
My signature below indicates that I will be responsible for the safety of all students in my
supervision, and I understand that I am solely liable for any student injuries or damage to any
school or personal property while utilizing the facilities and equipment. I also understand that I
must obtain each student’s signature and each student’s legal guardian signature that I will be
taking responsibility for while utilizing school facilities and equipment.
Adult Supervision Signature: ___________________________________________
Date: _______________________________
Student Signature:
Legal Guardian Signature:
1. ______________________________
______________________________
2. ______________________________
______________________________
3. ______________________________
______________________________
4. ______________________________
______________________________
5. ______________________________
______________________________
6. ______________________________
______________________________
7. ______________________________
______________________________
8. ______________________________
______________________________
9. ______________________________
______________________________
10. _____________________________
______________________________
This document must be in your possession before any student can use facilities or equipment.
The requesting party and coach must keep this dated and signed form on file. The athletic
director and principal may also allow access, which will require them to maintain a copy of this
form on file and will require them to ensure access.
179
M-1
FIXED ASSETS
The employees of the Tishomingo County School District shall make every
reasonable effort to properly inventory and account for the fixed assets of the
School District. The requirements of State laws and guidelines of the Mississippi
Department of Audit shall be followed in controlling fixed assets of the District.
The responsibility for accounting for fixed assets owned by the District and
assigned to a school shall become the responsibility of the principal of the school
to which it is assigned and inventoried. The Superintendent shall not be liable for
any fixed assets which are not under his/her direct control. The Superintendent
shall supervise through periodic checks of fixed asset inventories the proper
accounting of fixed assets of the Tishomingo County School District.
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N-1
DISASTER PLAN
1.
Drills:
The following emergency drills will be conducted:






Bus Evacuation Drills..........…………
Fire Drills..........……………………..
Tornado Drills....................………….
Lock Down Drills..............…………..
Bomb Search Drills………………….
Intruder/Violent Incident Drills……...
2 times per year.
1 time per month.
3 times per year.
1 time per year.
1 time per year.
1 time per year.
All drills must be documented and kept on file in the local schools filing area
and a copy should be sent to the local district superintendent of education’s
office for filing.
2.
School Evacuation: If deemed necessary, students from any campus will be
evacuated by buses and/or other vehicles or picked up by parents or guardians.
181
O-1
a.
ACCREDITATION
MSIS Policy. The Tishomingo County School District shall be in compliance
with the data collection requirements as specified in MS Code 37-37-7. The
superintendent of schools (or his/her designee) shall be responsible for developing
and implementing district procedures that follow the guidelines as set forth in the
booklet titled Data Collection Policy and Procedural Guidelines.
b.
The schools of the Tishomingo County School District shall not participate in
activities that require a student to be absent from any class more than five (5)
times or more than twenty (20) total classes in all courses in which grades are
given. This policy shall comply with that of the State Board of Education.
c.
The Board of Trustees authorizes and encourages the use of volunteers in the
implementation of local school programs.
d.
The Board shall provide a maintenance and custodial staff who shall use
procedures to keep the school facilities clean, sanitary, pleasant and conducive to
a good learning environment.
e.
In the event any are used, the School District will have written approval from the
local Health Department or other appropriate agency, for handling carcinogens,
radioactive materials, pathogenic organisms.
f.
Parents/Guardians, Civic and Social organizations, and community leaders will be
involved in the operation of the Tishomingo County Schools through operation of
the organization's projects and school support organizations such as PTO, Booster
Clubs, Auxiliaries, etc. Such participation shall be in compliance with School
District policies and procedures.
h.
The school calendar, approved by the Board shall contain at least 180 days which
shall consist of at least 330 minutes of instruction with the exception that two (2)
days in the year may be shortened to no less than 198 minutes of instruction to
offer staff development and student examinations.
182
P-1. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
The Tishomingo County School District will work cooperatively with the Mississippi
Health Department to prevent, control, and contain communicable disease in schools;
and in order to accomplish this purpose, the School District will enforce the following
policies with respect to communicable diseases:
a.
Students are expected to be in compliance with the required immunization
schedule. The building principal is required under Section 41-23-37 to exclude
children from school attendance who are out of compliance with the
immunizations required by this act. School personnel will cooperate with public
health personnel in completing and coordinating all immunization data, waivers
and exclusions, including the necessary Immunization Assessment Program
forms, to provide for preventable communicable disease control.
b.
The Superintendent has the authority and obligation under the Mississippi State
Board of Health Rules and Regulations Governing Reportable Diseases to exclude
a student or employee from school when reliable evidence or information from a
qualified source confirms his/her having a communicable disease or infection that
is known to be spread by any form of casual contact (The New England Journal of
Medicine Feb. 6, 1986, p. 346) and is considered a health threat to the school
population. Such a student or employee shall be excluded unless his physician
approves school attendance or the condition is no longer considered contagious.
c.
When reliable evidence or information from a qualified source confirms that a
student/employee is known to have communicable disease or infection that is
known not to be spread by casual contact (The New England Journal of Medicine.
Feb. 6 1986 p.346), i.e. HIV infection, Hepatitis B, and other like diseases, the
decision as to whether the affected person will remain in the school setting will be
addressed on a case by case basis by a review panel to ensure due process.
(Protocol and review panel membership outlined in Appendix A.)
d.
Mandatory screening for communicable diseases that are known not to be spread
by casual contact is not warranted as a condition for school entry or for
employment or continued employment.
e.
Irrespective of disease presence, routine procedures shall be used and adequate
sanitation facilities will be available for handling blood or other body fluids
within the school setting or on school buses. School personnel will be trained in
the proper procedures for handling blood and body fluids; and these procedures
will be strictly adhered to by all school personnel. (For additional information
refer to Appendix B. This additional information is not policy but routine
procedures.)
f.
Every reasonable effort shall be made to maintain the privacy and confidentiality
of any student or employee known to have a communicable disease or infection
that is known not to be spread by casual contact. The number and identity of
persons who are made aware of the infected person's condition shall be
determined by the School Board, in consultation with the Superintendent, and
shall be restricted to those needed to assure proper care of the infected person and
to detect and control situations where the potential for transmission may increase,
such as a bleeding injury.
183
g.
h.
i.
j.
Instructions on the principal modes by which communicable diseases, including,
but not limited to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are spread and the best
methods for the restriction and prevention of these diseases will be taught to
students when an appropriate curriculum is developed, with inservice education
provided to all staff members.
If it is determined that a student or employee does have a communicable disease
or infection that is known not to be spread by casual contact, the School Board
shall hold such public meeting or meetings as it deems appropriate to educate
school personnel, students, school patrons, and the general public about the
particular disease or infection involved, the decision the School Board has made,
the reasons for such decision, and all other relevant considerations.
This policy shall be interpreted and enforced in such a manner as to comply with
any and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations concerning privacy
of the individual and prohibiting discrimination against individuals with
disabilities.
Descriptions and Procedures. It is our goal to provide a healthy
environment for all students. To enable us to achieve this, the following
guidelines are presented. These guidelines are based on recommendation
from the Mississippi State Department of Health, Division of
Epidemiology and Community Health Services.
Fever: Parents will be asked to pick up any student with a temperature of
100 degrees (F) or greater. The student should remain at home as long as
he/she has a temperature of 100 degrees (F) or greater.
Vomiting/Diarrhea: Parent will be notified to pick the student up from
school.
Chicken Pox: Student may return to school when lesions have scabbed
over and he/she has been free of fever for two days. All sores should be
crusted and dry with no new ones forming.
Conjunctivitis “Pink Eye”: Students may return to school when their eyes
have stopped draining and proof of treatment can be provided.
Fifth Disease: Students with fifth disease may attend school, since by the
time the rash begins they are no longer contagious.
Scabies “Itch”: Students may return to class as soon as treatment as
prescribed by doctor has been done.
Ringworm on Body: Students may return to class after first treatment with
anti-fungal cream has begun. Students will be required to bring a note
stating name of medication and date medication started.
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Ringworm on Scalp: Scalp ringworm does not respond to over-thecounter medicines, therefore, students must see a doctor for prescribed
treatment. As soon as treatment is started, the child may return to school
with a note from the doctor stating what medicines are used in treatment,
how often, and a doctor’s release date to return to school. (Scalp ringworm
will require medication by mouth)
Head Lice: Parents will be notified to pick up students found to have evidence of
lice in the form of the louse or nit (unhatched louse). Students with lice will not
be permitted to remain in the classroom. Before returning to the classroom, the
following conditions must be met: (1) Proof of medically-approved treatment
must be provided and, (2) No nits or live lice should be visible on reexamination.
1997 Legislative House Bill #154 states that any student found to have head lice
on three (3) consecutive occasions in one school year must be referred to the
health department. The student will not be permitted to return to school until the
health department provides written permission. This policy encompasses the
Child Development Center Program through 12th grade.
Impetigo: The student may return to class 24 hours after treatment has
been started. Parent should send a note to state what the treatment is. Any
oozing lesions must be covered with a bandaid.
Other Infectious and Contagious Diseases: A student known to have
German or Red measles, mumps, meningitis, whooping cough, hepatitis or
tuberculosis (TB) may not attend school until he/she provides a statement
of return from a doctor or health official. (TB also requires permission to
return from the Mississippi State Department of Health.)
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APPENDIX A
Rationale - based upon the best available current medical findings.
In adults and adolescents, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
which may eventually cause AIDS is transmitted through sexual contact
and direct blood to blood exposure to infected blood or blood products.
Children who have acquired the HIV have become infected perinatally
from infected mothers, from receiving a transfusion of blood or blood
products that contained the virus, and, with respect to older children, from
sexual activity or from contaminated needles during intravenous drug
abuse.
None of the identified cases of HIV infection in the United States are
known to have been transmitted in the school, day-care, or foster-care
setting, or through other casual person-to-person contact. Based on current
evidence, casual person-to-person contact as would occur among school
children is not considered a risk. However, studies of the risk of
transmission between preschool-aged children and neurologically disabled
children who lack control of their body secretions are limited. Based on
experience with other communicable diseases, a theoretical risk for
transmission may exist among these children.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Mississippi Department of Health
and the Mississippi Department of Education make the following
recommendations:
a.
For most infected school aged children, the benefits of an unrestricted
setting would outweigh the risks of their acquiring potentially harmful
infections in the setting and the apparent nonexistent risk of transmission
of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). These children should be
allowed to attend school.
b.
Generally school employees, including personal service and food service
staff, do not need to be restricted from work if HIV infected unless there is
evidence that other infection or illness exists that may be spread by casual
contact in the school setting or the illness precludes them from performing
the functions for which they were employed.
Communicable diseases that are not spread by casual contact, e.g. HIV Infections,
Hepatitis B, and other like diseases, will be addressed on a case by case basis by a
review panel. The members of the review panel shall consist of:
a.
The physician treating the individual.
b.
A physician from the Mississippi Department of Health who is familiar
with the disease.
c.
A school representative familiar with the child's behavior in the school
setting or the employee's work situation (in most cases the building
186
d.
e.
principal). If a handicapped child is identified as having HIV the child's
special education teacher will serve as a consultant and attend meetings of
the panel. The school representative will have one vote.
Either the parent/guardian of the child, student if over 18, employee, or
his/her representative.
A qualified physician employed by the school district.
Minutes of the proceedings will be taken or electronically recorded.
The school representative will chair the panel. The chair is responsible for
assuring a due process hearing that is fair and just. The chair shall ensure an
impartial hearing for all interests concerned.
The Superintendent will be present during the testimony process but will be
excused when the panel is deliberating towards the "Proposal for Decision."
Case Review Process. Upon learning of a student/employee within the
Tishomingo County School District who has been identified by a qualified
source as having a communicable disease or infection that is not spread by
casual contact, the Superintendent shall take the following steps:
a.
Immediately consult with the physician of the student/employee and a
health department physician to obtain information as to whether the
student/employee is generally well enough to remain in school during the
review panel process. The superintendent will confirm whether the
student/employee has evidence of a present or temporary condition that
could be transmitted by casual contact in the school building.
(1)
If the student/employee's physician or the health department
physician indicates the student/employee is well enough to remain
in the school setting and poses no immediate health threat through
casual contact to the school population because of his/her illness,
the student/employee shall be allowed to remain in the school
setting while the review panel meets. The superintendent shall
notify the appropriate school personnel (as determined by the
School Board) of the presence and identity of the infected person,
which information shall be kept in strict confidence by the school
personnel.
(2)
If the student/employee's physician or the health department
physician indicates the student/employee is currently not well
enough to remain in the school setting and/or that the infected
individual currently has evidence of an illness or infection that
poses a potential health threat through casual contact to the school
population because of his/her illness, the student/employee shall be
excluded from the school setting while the review panel meets. If
the health department physician recommends exclusion because a
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b.
c.
public health threat exists, the review panel will discuss the
conditions under which the individual may return to school.
Provide the parent/guardian of the infected child or the adult
infected person in writing a notice of his decision with respect to
whether the infected person shall be allowed to remain in the
school setting while the review panel meets, and a copy of the
Board's Communicable Disease Policy, including Appendices.
The Review Panel should attempt to meet within twenty-four to
forty-eight hours to review the case by considering the following
matters:
1.
The circumstances in which the disease is contagious to
others.
2.
Any additional infections or illnesses the student/employee
could have or be exposed to as a result of the disease that
would be contagious through casual contact in the school
situation.
3.
The age, behavior, and neurologic development of the
student.
4.
The expected type of interaction with others in the school
setting and the implications to the health and safety of those
involved.
5.
The psychological aspects for both the infected individual
and others concerning the infected individual's remaining in
the school setting.
6.
The existence of contagious diseases occurring within the
school population while the infected person is in
attendance.
7.
A potential request by the person with the disease to be
excused from attendance in school or on the job.
8.
The method of protecting the student/employee's right to
privacy, including maintaining confidential records, and
who in the school setting needs to know the identity of the
infected individual other than those previously notified by
the Superintendent.
9.
Recommendations as to whether the student/employee
should continue in the school setting; or if currently not
attending under what circumstances he/she may return.
10.
Recommendations as to whether a restrictive setting or
alternative delivery of school programs is advisable.
11.
Determination of whether an employee would be at risk of
infection through casual contact when delivering an
alternative educational program.
12.
Determination of when the case should be reviewed again
by the panel.
13.
Any other relevant information.
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d.
e.
f.
Within three (3) business days after convening the panel, the
superintendent shall be provided with a written record of the
proceedings and the Proposal For Decision. The Proposal serves as
a recommendation to the superintendent. It is based on the information
brought out in the review panel process and will
include the rationale
for the recommendation concerning school attendance for the student or
continuation of employment for the employee. If there is a minority
viewpoint by panel members following the review process, that should
also be included in the report.
If the Proposal For Decision is to exclude the infected person from the
school setting because of the existence of a temporary or present
condition that is known to be spread by casual contact and is considered a
health threat to the school community, the Proposal For Decision shall
include the conditions under which the exclusion will be reconsidered.
The parent/guardian of the infected child or the infected adult will be
given a copy of the Proposal For Decision. The review panel members
will be given the opportunity to review the content of the Proposal For
Decision.
Upon receipt of the Proposal For Decision, the superintendent shall take
the following steps:
a.
The superintendent shall either affirm, modify, or take exception to
the Proposal For Decision within three (3) business days after
receipt of the Proposal For Decision.
b.
In the event the superintendent modifies or takes exception to the
Proposal For Decision, he/she shall prepare a written statement that
sets forth the reasons for such modification or exceptions and the
basis for that decision.
c.
The parent/guardian of the infected child or the infected adult
person and the Health Department physician will be given a copy
of the superintendent's decision. The other review panel members
will be given the opportunity to review the content of the
superintendent's decision.
Appeal Process
Review by School Board:
a.
b.
c.
The parent/guardian of the infected child or the infected adult or his/her
representative may make a written appeal to the School Board within five
(5) business days after the superintendent's decision is rendered.
The School Board shall meet within three (3) business days after receipt
of such notice and hear the student/employee's appeal.
Within two (2) business days of the hearing, the School Board shall render
its decision in writing with copies sent to the superintendent, health
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d.
department physician, and parent/guardian of the infected child or the
infected adult.
The decision of the Board will be final, subject only to appropriate judicial
review.
Protocol For Students With Disabilities
The following procedure shall apply to any child with disabilities:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
If the decision is made by the Review Panel that a child with disabilities
having HIV should be excluded from school, and the parent voluntarily
decides to keep the child at home, the child may stay at home while the
Review Panel process occurs.
If the decision is made by the Review Panel that a child with
disabilities having HIV must be excluded from school, and the parent
does not voluntarily keep him/her at home, the child will be
suspended for three days.
Written prior notice for revision of the IEP will be given to the parent;
and an IEP meeting will be held immediately, but no later than the third
day of the child's suspension.
The IEP meeting will be used to discuss a change in placement to
homebound for the next nineteen days. If the parent agrees, the IEP
will be finalized; the homebound placement will begin, and the
Review Panel process will be completed in accordance with
Appendix A.
If the parent does not agree to homebound placement, the School Board
will consider requesting the Chancery Court to issue an injunction
restraining the student from attending school until the Review Panel
process has been completed. If the injunction is granted, the Review
Panel process will be implemented.
If the injunction request is denied, the district will initiate and/or
expedite the Review Panel process and take such further steps as appear
appropriate and legal.
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APPENDIX B
All staff shall use the following routine and standard procedure to clean up
after a student has an accident or injury at school:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Blood or body fluids emanating from ANY student including ones known
to have a chronic infectious disease, shall be treated cautiously.
Protective gloves shall be worn when cleaning up blood spills. These
spills shall be disinfected with a solution of bleach and water (1 part
bleach to 7 parts water) and persons coming in contact with them shall
wash their hands immediately.
Blood-soaked items shall be placed in leak-proof bags for washing or
further disposition.
The same procedures shall be used for dealing with the vomitus and bodily
waste of ANY student.
Handwashing immediately after contact with a student is routinely
recommended if physical contact has been made with the student's bodily
fluids, including saliva. The school district shall provide gloves and other
appropriate materials for use by the staff for compliance with this policy.
More detailed procedures are available in Teacher Handbooks and in
offices.
Principals'
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Q-1
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT
a.
Purchasing Agent. The Superintendent shall be the Purchasing Agent for the
school district and shall have the authority to purchase all commodities and/or
services necessary for the maintenance and operation of the schools, subject to the
limitations imposed by law and by the policies and regulations of this School
Board herein contained. This responsibility may be delegated to Principals,
Supervisors, and/or Directors.
b.
Without Competitive Bids. The following commodities and/or services may be
purchased without advertising or otherwise requesting competitive bids, but
subject to the specified conditions:
1.
Purchases which do not involve an expenditure of more than $4,999.99,
provided such purchases are made from concerns licensed to do business
in the State of Mississippi, and the prices paid do not exceed the lower of
the published or prevailing market prices of such concerns.
2.
Principals of the respective schools are authorized to approve purchase
orders for amounts up to $500 for purchases made from activity accounts,
including athletics and band. Any purchase order in the amount of $500 or
more shall require the signature of the Superintendent for approval.
3.
Purchases of commodities from a vendor at the price and in accordance
with the terms of the vendor's contract approved by the Commission of
Budget and Accounting for State Purchases.
4.
Purchases of commodities which have been approved for contract by the
Commission of Budget and Accounting may be made from any source,
regardless of the amount involved, provided the exact commodity item by
name brand, model number and/or series number can be secured at a price
not exceeding the state contract price.
5.
If the Purchasing Agent shall determine that a real emergency exists in
regard to the purchase of any commodities, so that the delay incident to
giving opportunity for competitive bidding would be detrimental to the
interest of the School District, then the Purchasing Agent may purchase
such commodities, and he shall approve the bill presented therefore and
shall certify in writing thereon from whom such purchase was made. At
the board meeting next following the emergency purchase, documentation
of the purchase, including a description of the commodity purchased, the
purchase price thereof, and the nature of the emergency shall be presented
to the Board, shall be placed in the minutes of the Board, and shall be
approved by the Board.
6.
Non-competitive items available from one source only, provided a
certification of the conditions and circumstances requiring the purchase
shall be filed by the Purchasing Agent with the Board, and upon receipt of
such certification, the Board may, in writing, authorize the purchase and
shall note such action in its minutes.
7.
Supplies that are perishable or foods purchased for use in connection with
the school lunch and homemaking programs, provided such purchases
shall be made at the lowest and best price available and, whenever
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c.
d.
possible, from persons or firms who have established businesses in this
School District.
8.
Repairs to equipment, provided invoices identifying the equipment, the
specific repairs made, the parts identified by number and name, the
supplies used in such repairs, and the number of hours of labor and cost
therefore shall be required for the payment of such repairs.
9.
No School District funds will be used to purchase turkeys, fruit baskets,
parties, to mail birthday cards, or purchase flowers at the death of
employees or immediate family of employees until appropriate law can be
passed authorizing same, or an interpretation from the State Audit
Department or Attorney General’s Office can be obtained authorizing such
purchases. Such purchases may be made from the District Agency Fund.
Competitive Bids.
1.
Purchases which involve an expenditure of more than $5,000 to $50,000
may be made without publishing or posting advertisement for bids,
provided at least two (2) written competitive quotes have been obtained
and are attached to the invoice or purchase order before the claim is
approved for payment by the School Board.
2.
Purchases which involve an expenditure of more than $50,000 may be
made after advertising for competitive sealed bids once each week for two
consecutive weeks in a regular newspaper of general circulation in
Tishomingo County, Mississippi, provided that the date as published for
the bid opening shall not be less than seven (7) working days after the last
published notice. In addition, known vendors of the equipment or
commodities being sought shall be mailed solicitations and specifications
by the Purchasing Agent, and a bid file will be established which shall
indicate those vendors to whom such solicitations and specifications are
mailed and shall also contain such other information as is pertinent to the
bid. Such bids may be for specific periods of time, not to exceed one year,
or for specific purchases.
3.
Purchases of motor vehicles having a gross vehicle weight of less than
26,000 pounds may be made from a motor vehicle dealer domiciled within
Tishomingo County, provided that the purchase price does not exceed a
sum equal to three percent (3%) greater than the price or cost which the
dealer paid the manufacturer, as evidenced by the factory invoice for the
motor vehicle. The purchase of a motor vehicle under the provisions of
this paragraph shall be made in accordance with the statutory bidding and
licensing requirements.
[References: Senate Bill 2923 (effective April 15, 2009) & Senate Bill 2600
(effective July 1, 2009)]
Purchase Orders. No purchase shall be made until and unless a Purchase Order
has been previously issued or approved by the Purchasing Agent; and the
purchase order number must appear on the invoice before the claim is approved
for payment by the School Board. No claim based upon the sale, delivery or
furnishing of commodities and/or services shall be approved without such
Purchase Order Number.
193
e.
Purchase Order Procedures.
1.
All purchases shall be made by pre-numbered purchase orders. No
purchases shall be made without an approved purchase order. This
includes any items for approval, which are discouraged.
2.
All Tishomingo County School District accounts shall be in the name of:
Tishomingo County School District
1620 Paul Edmondson Drive
Iuka, MS 38852
(And all invoices sent to same, or the respective school accounts.)
No personal accounts should include the Tishomingo County School
District or any Tishomingo County School in the styling of same. No
personal accounts should be addressed to any Tishomingo County School
District location.
3.
All payments from Tishomingo County School District will be made by
check.
All purchases should be made from the best competitive sources. Any
purchase between $5,000.00 and $24,999.99 shall require two (2) written
price quotes. Purchases of $25,000.00 or more require advertised bids.
f.
4.
Single source purchases must have Board approval prior to purchase.
5.
Emergency purchases must be authorized by the Superintendent and
approved by the Board.
6.
Purchase Orders may be assigned to hardware, parts, concessions, fuel,
janitorial, supplies and service vendors for cumulative purchases for that
month.
Invoice Payment Procedures. The Superintendent shall develop and issue invoice
payment procedures, which comply with generally accepted accounting
procedures and are in accordance with Sections 37-7-301 and 37-9-14 of the
Mississippi Code. The Superintendent has the authority to make payments for
utilities, debt service, construction projects, and insurance. Authority is also
given to the Superintendent to pay other items he deems necessary up to $10,000
such as athletic officials, student meal allowance and items that have a timeline
for payment. All claims will be presented for ratification at the regular Board
meeting.
194
g.
Equipment. Equipment shall be capitalized according to guidelines established by
the State Audit Department. Highly walk-able items (State Auditor classification)
shall be capitalized.
h.
Internal Control Procedures. The Superintendent shall develop and issue internal
control procedures, which comply with generally accepted accounting procedures,
subject to review by the Board of Trustees.
i.
Receipt and Deposit of Funds. The Administrators and their secretaries shall be
authorized to receipt and deposit funds received by the school district.
1.
If deemed necessary, a petty cash fund not to exceed $200.00 may be
established in schools of the district or central office upon submission of
proper request.
2.
No funds may be collected by school employees without approval of the
Administration and/or Board.
3.
Any and all funds collected by school employees must be turned in to the
school secretary or central office within a reasonable time period (not to
exceed 3 days) properly receipted and deposited no later than the next
banking day of receipt thereof.
4.
All funds shall be deposited prior to holidays. No funds should remain in
schools over a holiday period.
5.
School employees shall be responsible for all funds until properly turned
in to school secretary or bookkeeper or central office and receive a receipt
for same.
6.
In the event money is presented and a receipt cannot be written
immediately, the funds should be placed in a night depository bag, locked
and the employee given the key until a mutually convenient time to count
and receipt funds. The funds shall be locked in the vault or safe until
counted, receipted, and deposited.
7.
The school secretary or bookkeeper shall be responsible for funds once
properly received from staff and receipted. All such funds shall be kept in
locked vault or safe until deposited not later than the next banking day of
receipt thereof.
8.
Receipts and deposits shall be audited at least annually.
j.
Solicitation of Funds. Money may be collected in school to cover the cost of
materials for class use, such as paper, magazines, newspapers, laboratory fees and
the like, with the prior approval of the Principal; and money may be collected in
school from students and employees for various charitable and welfare purposes
with the prior approval of the Principal or Superintendent. Except as authorized
by the Board of Trustees, no person shall sell or offer for sale on school property
any articles or services to employees or pupils, and no person shall solicit
contributions of money from employees or pupils.
Activity Funds. Activity funds may be expended by Purchase Orders as
authorized by the Board in compliance with Section 37-7-301 of the Mississippi
Code.
k.
195
l.
Fund Raising. Any fund raising projects that involve solicitation in the
community must be submitted to and approved in advance by the Superintendent
and Board of Trustees. Any projects within the school must be submitted to and
approved in advance by the Superintendent. Written financial reports must be
maintained on each project. Application and Financial Report forms are available
from the Superintendent’s office. Booster clubs are also required to submit these
reports.
m.
Disposal of Financial Records. The school shall maintain all financial
records until the Board authorizes disposal.
n.
Purchasing Agent's Bond. Before entering upon his official duties, the designated
Purchasing Agent shall furnish a good and sufficient surety bond in the penal sum
of $50,000, payable to the Tishomingo County School District, and conditioned
upon the faithful performance of his duties as Purchasing Agent. The School
Board shall fix the amount of the bond and shall pay the premium thereon from
funds of the District. The bond shall be approved by the School Board, and shall
be filed and recorded in the office of the Chancery Clerk of Tishomingo County,
Mississippi.
Restrictions on Use of Federal Funds. No school board member, agent, servant or
employee of the Tishomingo County School District shall use any federal funds
for political purpose.
o.
p.
Donations and Contributions. The Tishomingo County School Board will
consider that all donations and contributions will be public funds and will be
accounted for as other public funds. The Tishomingo County School Board may
permit any local school principal to accept donations and contributions.
Donations and contributions that are greater than $500.00 shall be formally
submitted to the school board for acknowledgement and acceptance. The school
board must recognize in the official minutes the contributor, the amount and the
purpose for which the money was donated, it any. Deposit of donations should be
made in a timely manner. Receipts and accounting entries for donations shall be
coded with the proper accounting codes as prescribed by the Office of the State
Auditor.
The gift of any equipment or any personal property by any person, valued for
more than $500 for any person, firm or corporation to the Tishomingo County
School District shall be evidenced by a written instrument and shall be accepted
by the School Board in its minutes and any such donated equipment or personal
property shall thereafter be listed on the regular inventory of personal equipment
or property owned by the School District, and shall be used, maintained and
insured in the same manner as other such equipment and personal property owned
by the School District.
q.
State Contracts. Purchases of necessary supplies and equipment may be made in
accordance with the provisions of state-wide contracts entered into by the State
196
Commission of Budget and Accounting; and such purchases shall be exempt from
the competitive bid requirements otherwise applicable.
r.
Check Signing. The Superintendent shall be authorized to sign checks for the
School District. Other employees may be authorized by the Board of Trustees to
sign checks and /or purchase orders (under $500) via a signature stamp.
Principals may sign checks from the school activity account to transfer cash to the
accounts payable fund and to pay officials.
A check-signing machine may be used in the Tishomingo County School District
according to the following:
1.
The check-signing machine shall be equipped with two (2) keys
required for operation.
2.
The Superintendent and/or Director of Finance shall be responsible
for one (1) key.
3.
A second employee of the Central Office, bonded in a minimum amount
of $5,000, shall be responsible for the second key and the signing of the
check.
4.
The Superintendent and/or Director of Finance shall also check and sign
off on the control log.
5.
The signature plate shall be safeguarded in the Central Office vault
except when in use.
s.
Investments and Interest Income. The Tishomingo County School District will get
quotations for School District investments from the local banking institutions that
qualify by State Statute and that pledge required securities and the investment will
be made with the institution that submits the highest and best bid for the
investment; when available "interest bearing checking" accounts produce as much
or more revenue as certificates of deposit, the School District may choose this
option for investing.
Interest earned on investment shall be distributed as follows:
 All earnings from District funds other than Employment
Compensation Revolving Fund, Public School Building Funds, and
Debt Service Funds shall be deposited in the District Maintenance
Fund.
 The earnings from the proportionate share of Employment
Compensation Revolving Fund, Public School Building Funds, and
Debt Service Funds shall be deposited to the fund proportionate to the
share of the principal invested.
 All interest from Cafeteria and Activity Funds, other than Agency
Funds, shall be deposited to the fund proportionate to the share of the
principal invested. The interest earned on the principal of monies
belonging to Agency Funds shall be deposited to the related Activity
Fund, i.e., Tishomingo County High School Agency interest to
Tishomingo County High School Activity.
197
t.
u.
Interest earned on checking accounts shall be distributed as follows:
 Payroll, Accounts Payable and Tishomingo County Schools
Revolving Fund shall be credited to District Maintenance Fund.
 District, Cafeteria and Activity Funds shall be credited to the
account at year-end if the accrued interest exceeds $100.00.
Designated scholarship funds will receive all interest earned at
year-end.
Per Diem/Travel – Employee and Student. (Employee must stay at least one night
to be reimbursed for meal expense)
1.
Student meals/travel will be provided upon approval by school principal to
be paid from respective school activity account.
2.
In state meals will be reimbursed at the current reimbursement rate as
established by the Department of Finance and Administration Office of
Purchasing and Travel.
3.
Mileage will be reimbursed at the current reimbursement rate as
established by the Department of Finance and Administration Office of
Purchasing and Travel.
4.
Out of state and high cost areas will be reimbursed per the Federal
Registry.
5.
In order to travel to a school related function, personnel must fill out the
proper forms. Personnel must first submit the Request for Approval Form
to the Principal of the school in which they are employed. The Principal
will then submit the Request for Approval to the Superintendent. This
form must be submitted two (2) weeks prior to the travel date. Upon
returning from school related travel, personnel must submit the Travel
Expense Form to the Business Manager at the Central Office Building.
The Travel Expense Form must be submitted within five (5) days of the
date of return from the school-related travel. If forms are not submitted
through the proper channels, are incorrectly filled-out, or are not submitted
within the required time frame, personnel will not be reimbursed. This
rule will be strictly enforced.
6.
Rental fees for the use of school buses for student travel will be one dollar
& 50 cents ($1.50) per mile, to be reimbursed from the local school’s
activity or club funds.
Fund Balance Policy (Developed for GASB 54).
Purpose: The Board recognizes that the maintenance of a fund balance is essential to the
preservation of the financial integrity of the District and is fiscally advantageous for both the
District and the taxpayer. This policy establishes goals and provides guidance concerning the
desired level of fund balance maintained by the District to mitigate financial risk that can occur
from unforeseen revenue fluctuations, unanticipated expenditures, and similar circumstances.
Definitions: Fund balance is a measurement of available financial resources and is the difference
between total assets and total liabilities in each fund.
GASB Statement 54 distinguishes fund balance classified based on the relative strength of the
constraints that control the purposes for which specified amounts can be spent. Beginning with the
most restrictive constraints, fund balance amounts will be reported in the following categories:
1) Nonspendable fund balance – amounts that are not in a spendable form (e.g., inventory) or
are legally or contractually required to be maintained intact (e.g., permanent fund principal).
198
2) Restricted fund balance – amounts that can be spent only for the specific purposes
stipulated by external parties either constitutionally or through enabling legislation (e.g.,
grants or donations).
3) Committed fund balance – amounts that can be used only for the specific purposes
determined by a formal action of the Board of Education. Commitments may be changed or
lifted only by referring to the formal action that imposed the constraint originally (e.g., the
board’s commitment in connection with future construction projects).
4) Assigned fund balance – amounts intended to be used by the government for specific
purposes. Intent can be expressed by the Board of Education or by a designee to whom the
governing body delegates the authority. In governmental funds other than the general fund,
assigned fund balance represents the amount that is not restricted or committed. This
indicates that resources in other governmental funds are, at a minimum, intended to be used
for the purpose of that fund.
5) Unassigned fund balance – includes all amounts not contained in other classifications and
is the residual classification of the general fund only. Unassigned amounts are available for
any legal purpose.
Policy: The responsibility for designating funds to specific classifications shall be as follows:
a) Committed Fund Balance – The Board of Education is the District’s highest level of
decision-making authority, and the formal action that is required to be taken to establish,
modify, or rescind a fund balance commitment is a resolution approved by the Board.
b) Assigned Fund Balance – The Board of Education has authorized the Superintendent and
the Business Manager as officials authorized to assign fund balance to a specific purpose as
approved by this fund balance policy.
Minimum Unassigned Fund Balance: It is the goal of the District to achieve and maintain an
unassigned fund balance in the general fund at fiscal year end of not less than 20% of District
Maintenance revenues. If the unassigned fund balance at fiscal year end falls below the goal, the
District shall develop a restoration plan to achieve and maintain the minimum fund balance.
Order of Expenditure of Funds: When multiple categories of fund balance are available for
expenditure (e.g., a project is being funded partly by a grant, funds set aside by the Board, and
unassigned fund balance), the District will start with the most restricted category and spend those
funds first before moving down to the next category with available funds.
v.
Education Enhancement Funds.
Tishomingo County School district shall distribute the Educational Enhancement
Funds (EEF) in compliance with all state regulations and the State Board Policy.
199
R-1
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
The Board of Trustees of this District recognizes that the school plant serves as a vehicle
in the implementation of the total educational program, providing the necessary facilities
for delivering planned instructional programs and services within a safe, comfortable
physical environment.
Therefore, the administrative staff is charged with keeping each school plant clean,
attractive, and in good repair. Rooms and specialized areas are to be provided for
scheduled activities. Appropriate furniture and storage areas are to be made available for
the support of said instructional programs.
When adequate space, furniture, etc., is not available for implementation of the approved
instructional and/or ancillary programs of the district, it shall be the responsibility of the
Superintendent and his staff to report said deficiencies to the Board and to work
cooperatively with the Board in remediating said deficiencies.
S-1
MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
Charges for Requested Information: $.25 per page, plus $15.00 per hour secretarial time,
with said charge to be paid in advance. In the event the charge must be estimated, an
advance deposit shall be made and any excess deposit refunded
S-1b
Returned Checks: All bank fees incurred due to receipt and deposit of checks that are
returned by the bank shall be reimbursed to the district from the account holder along
with the amount of the check. The district will not accept checks from the account holder
until the returned check and fee has been paid. If more than one returned check is
received on an account holder, the district will no longer accept checks from that account
holder.
200
T-1
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS POLICY (FLSA)
a.
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Tishomingo County
Special Municipal Separate School District is in compliance with the
requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. '201 et seq.
b.
Exempt Employees
Certain employees are exempt from coverage of the FLSA and are not subject to
compensation for overtime work. Exempt employees include executive,
administrative and professional employees. Examples include, but are not limited
to, certified professional employees such as teachers, counselors, supervisors and
administrators. Certain non-certified administrators are also exempt and include
business managers, transportation directors, maintenance directors and other
similar administrative and supervisory positions. Supervisors should seek advice
from the school board attorney if there is a question whether a position is exempt.
c.
Covered Employees
Employees in the job classifications listed below are generally considered to be
non-exempt and are covered by the FLSA unless a specific exception exists. In
those instances the reasons for the exempt status will be specifically outlined.
Secretaries
Bookkeepers
Clerks
Mechanics
Janitors
Cafeteria Personnel
Assistant Teachers
Substitute Teachers
Bus Drivers
Maintenance Personnel
Security
Data Entry Operators
In some instances employees may perform dual jobs for the District, such as bus
driver/maintenance worker. If duties of the two jobs require the employee to
work overtime, the amount due will be calculated using the method described
below under OVERTIME PAY.
d.
Employment Relationships
No employment relationship is created between the District and individuals who
volunteer and donate their services to the District as a public service without
contemplation of pay.
No employment relationship is created between student teachers or students and
the District due to the circumstances surrounding their activities.
e.
The hiring of off-duty policemen or deputies on a part time basis by the District
for crowd control or for security purposes does not create a joint employment
relationship between the District and the city or county with which the policemen
or deputies are employed. The District is separate and distinct and acts entirely
independent of other governmental entities.
Hours Worked
The work week for the Tishomingo County Special Municipal Separate School
District begins on 12:01am on Monday and ends on 12:00 midnight on Sunday.
Each employee subject to the FLSA shall be paid for all hours worked.
Compensable time includes all time that an employee is required to be on duty.
201
Coffee breaks, waiting time and meal periods, which are frequently interrupted by
calls to duty, are hours worked and are compensable.
Hours worked shall be accurately recorded by each employee by clocking in and
out using the time clock system. A monthly time sheet will be used by
maintenance workers and bus drivers due to limited access to time clocks.
Employees using time sheets shall furnish all information requested and shall
record the exact time of arrival and departure from work. Employees are
expected to arrive and depart at the time specified by his/her supervisor unless
requested to work overtime by his/her immediate supervisor. All overtime shall
be recorded by each employee through the use of the time clock or time sheet.
f.
g.
h.
There will be a seven-minute rounding window before and after each quarter hour
for payroll calculation purposes. The time clock reports will round each
employee’s time to the quarter hour based on the following:
Clock in/out from :53 to :07
Rounds to :00
Clock in/out from :08 to :22
Rounds to :15
Clock in/out from :23 to :37
Rounds to :30
Clock in/out from :38 to :52
Rounds to :45
No overtime shall be worked without prior written permission by the employee's
immediate supervisor and the superintendent. In the event of emergencies
requiring work in excess of 40 hours in a work week, the employee shall inform
his/her supervisor as soon as practicable regarding the overtime worked.
Breaks and Meal Periods
Meal periods for some employees shall be counted as hours worked since they are
frequently interrupted by calls to duty and therefore are compensable. Those
employees with bona fide meal periods of 30 minutes or more shall be completely
relieved of duty for the purpose of eating a regular meal and shall not be required
to perform any work during that meal period. Those employees with bona fide
meal periods of 30 minutes or more shall clock in and out for lunch.
Minimum Wage
All employees subject to the FLSA shall be paid not less than the current
minimum wage.
Overtime Pay
Overtime is considered as any hours actually worked in excess of 40 hours in a
workweek. The employee shall be paid 1 ½ times his/her regular rate of pay for
all hours worked over 40 hours in a work week. Overtime pay due an employee
shall be computed on the basis of hours worked in each week.
For employees paid on an hourly rate, the overtime will be based on that hourly
rate. For employees paid on a salaried basis, the monthly salary will be reduced
to its weekly hourly rate, from which overtime compensation will be calculated.
Employees shall be paid for each and every hour worked. For those employees
working 2 or more jobs for the District, overtime pay shall be calculated on the
i.
j.
k.
l.
202
basis of a blended hourly rate on all jobs worked calculated by dividing the total
amount of remuneration received in a work week by the total hours worked in that
work week. The employee shall be paid ½ of the blended hourly rate times the
number of hours worked over 40.
Adjustment of Schedules
Supervisors may adjust schedules within a work week to prevent the necessity of
an employee working more than 40 hours in that work week. Employees may not
adjust their work schedule without the supervisor’s prior approval.
Record Keeping
The Superintendent shall require all records on wages, hours and other items to be
maintained in accordance with the FLSA. Wage and Hour posters shall be
displayed at each District work site.
Enforcement
District shall, at all times, cooperate with authorized representatives of the
Department of Labor who may visit a work site. If an employee believes he/she
has not been paid in accordance with the FLSA, the employee shall notify his/her
supervisor and the Superintendent. Employees who believe they have not been
paid in accordance with the FLSA may file a complaint with the United States
Department of Labor. The District shall not retaliate in any manner whatsoever
against an employee for the filing of such complaints.
District employees responsible for supervising employees subject to the FLSA
who willfully violate the terms of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action
by the District. Any disciplinary action taken by the District will be in addition to
any relief granted an employee by the U. S. Department of Labor or a court of
law. LEGAL REF: Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. '201 et seq.
Volunteering: Non-Exempt Employees. Non-exempt employees may only
volunteer to perform services on behalf of the school that do not involve the same
types of duties they regularly perform in their jobs. Further, in order to be a bona
fide volunteer, an employee must freely and voluntarily (i.e., without any direct or
implied coercion or requirement) agree to perform the volunteer duties without
compensation. Non-exempt employees who want to volunteer must execute a
Non-Exempt Employee Volunteer Agreement (See Section T-1, Subsection m.)
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m.
Agreement Form
Tishomingo County School District
Non-Exempt Employee Volunteer Agreement
______________________________ School Year
A non-exempt employee of the School District may not volunteer to perform a job that is the same
or a similar job for which he or she is employed.
I, ______________________________________, of my own free will, volunteer my time and
service to participate as ______________________________________ for
_______________________ School. My time and service in this volunteer capacity are given
without promise, expectation, or receipt of any form of compensation, benefits, or other
remuneration for this service.
I understand and agree that my volunteer participation is not being performed in the course and
scope of my regular employment at _______________________ School, and that my
participation in this activity is not in any way required by _______________________ School or
the Tishomingo County School Board.
I acknowledge and agree that my volunteer services do not involve the same or similar type of
services I perform as an employee at _______________________ School.
I further acknowledge and agree that my volunteer services are not closely related to my duties
and responsibilities as an employee.
I understand that my participation as a volunteer may be terminated at any time, without cause,
and that I may withdraw from participation at any time for any reason and that my withdrawal
will not affect my continued employment with the School District.
I realize there may be other non-exempt employees who are receiving compensation for extra
duties within the School District, but this does not affect my desire to volunteer, and I will not
expect compensation for my services outside my job description.
This agreement will continue in force until terminated.
_____________________________________________
Volunteer Signature
_______________________
Date
_____________________________________________
Principal Signature
_______________________
Date
_____________________________________________
Superintendent Signature
_______________________
Date
204
U-1
UNSAFE SCHOOL CHOICE OPTION
(This policy addresses Certification of Compliance with Unsafe School Choice Option
Requirements as required in the Consolidated Plan for No Child Left Behind)
1. The following definitions apply to this policy:
a. A "persistently dangerous school" is a public school other than a charter school
. in which the conditions during the past two school years continually exposed its
students to injury from violent criminal offenses and it is:
(i) an elementary, middle or secondary public school in which a total of 20 or
more violent criminal offenses were committed per 1000 students (2.0 or more
per 100 students) in two consecutive school years; or
(ii) an elementary, middle or secondary public alternative school in which a
total of 75 or more violent criminal offenses were committed per 1000 (7.5 or
more per 100 students) in two consecutive school years; and
b. "Violent criminal offenses" are the following crimes reported in the Mississippi
Student Information System:
Simple or Aggravated Assault as defined in Section 97-3-7 of the Mississippi Code Annotated
1972, as amended,
Homicide as defined in Sections 97-3-19, 97-3-27, 97-3-29, 97-3-31, 97-3-35, 97-3-37, and 97-347 of the Mississippi Code Annotated 1972, as amended,
Kidnapping as defined in Section 97-3-53 of the Mississippi Code Annotated 1972, as amended,
Rape as defined in Sections 97-3-65 and 97-3-71 of the Mississippi Code Annotated 1972, as
amended,
Robbery as defined in Sections 97-3-73, 97-3-77 and 97-3-79 of the Mississippi Code Annotated
1972, as amended,
Sexual Battery as defined in Section 97-3-95 of the Mississippi Code Annotated 1972, as
amended,
Mayhem as defined in Section 97-3-59 of the Mississippi Code Annotated 1972, as amended,
Poisoning as defined in Section 97-3-61 of the Mississippi Code Annotated 1972, as amended,
Extortion as defined in Section 97-3-82 of the Mississippi Code Annotated 1972, as amended,
Stalking as defined in Section 97-3-107 of the Mississippi Code Annotated 1972, as amended,
and
Seizure and Forfeiture of Firearms as defined in Section 97-3-110 of the Mississippi Code
Annotated 1972, as amended.
2. Whenever the State Board of Education has information that a school meets the criteria
described in paragraph 1.a (i) or 1.a (ii), the State Board of Education shall provide the local
board of education the opportunity to report on conditions in the school. After consideration of
that report and consultation with a representative sample of local educational agencies, the
State Board of Education shall determine whether the school is a persistently dangerous
school. Once a school has been designated a persistently dangerous school, it retains that
designation for at least one school year.
3. Students assigned to a school which the State Board of Education has determined to be
persistently dangerous shall be allowed to attend another school in the LEA which is not
designated a persistently dangerous school, provided there is such a school in the LEA which
offers instruction at the student's grade level.
4. Any student who is the victim of a violent criminal offense committed against him or her
while he or she was in or on the grounds of the public school that he or she attends shall be
205
allowed to choose to attend another school in the LEA which is not designated a persistently
dangerous school, provided there is such a school in the LEA which offers instruction at the
student's grade level and provided the student requests transfer within 30 days of the violent
criminal offense.
5. Local school systems shall establish a process for assuring any student who has the right to
transfer from a school under this policy is allowed to transfer to a school in the LEA, which is
not persistently dangerous. The process must be included in the system's Safe School Plan.
6. The LEA shall report each student transfer effected pursuant to this policy to the State
Board of Education in the Mississippi Student Information System.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND (NCLB) - TITLE IX, SEC. 9532. UNSAFE SCHOOL CHOICE
OPTION
a. UNSAFE SCHOOL CHOICE POLICY - Each State receiving funds under this Act shall
establish and implement a statewide policy requiring that a student attending a persistently
dangerous public elementary school or secondary school, as determined by the State in
consultation with a representative sample of local educational agencies, or who becomes a
victim of a violent criminal offense, as determined by State law while in or on the grounds of
a public elementary school or secondary school that the student attends, be allowed to attend a
safe public elementary or secondary school within the local educational agency, including a
public charter school.
b. CERTIFICATION - As a condition of receiving funds under this Act, a State shall certify
in writing to the Secretary that the State is in compliance with this section.
206
APPENDIX II
Referral:
INTELLECTUALLY GIFTED PROGRAM REGULATIONS
Date:________________
Satisfied at least 2 of the following:
_____1. Group IQ test (last 12 months)
_____2. Published characteristics of giftedness measure
_____3. Published measure of creativity
_____4. Published measure of leadership
_____5. Achievement test score(s)
_____6. Existing individual IQ test (last 12 months)
_____7. Other measure documented in the research on identification of intellectually gifted students
LSC meeting:
Date:___________________
_____1. Student moves forward to assessment
_____2. Additional data to be collected
_____3. Identification process terminated
Potentially Gifted Checklist: _____ Yes _____ No
Parental permission for testing:
Date:_________________
Phase I Assessment Criteria (Student satisfied any 3 of the following):
_____1. Full Scale score of 90th percentile or above on a group IQ test
_____2. Score at or above superior range on a normed characteristics of giftedness checklist
_____3. Score at or above superior range on normed measure of creativity
_____4. Score in the superior range on a normed measure of leadership
_____5. Score at or above the 90th percentile on a normed measure of cognitive abilities
_____6. Score at or above the 90th percentile on total language, total math, total reading, total science, total
social studies, or composite on a normed achievement test (May not use MCT scores)
_____7. Other with prior approved by the SBE
Phase II Assessment Criteria
_____ Score at or above the 90th percentile composite or full scale on an individual test of intelligence
Disadvantaged Criteria Applied
_____Yes _____No
_____1. Score of 90th percentile or above on a test of cognitive abilities
_____2. Score at or above the 90th percentile on a group IQ test
_____3. Matrix (Prior approved by the MDE)
Twice-Exceptional Criteria Applied:
Assessment Report:
_____Yes _____No
Date:_____________________
_____1. Student’s name
_____2. Name of at least 3 measures from Assessment Phase I
_____3. Results of each measure
_____4. Name of individual who administered or completed each measure and date
_____5. Test behaviors for any individually administered test(s)
_____6. Interpretation for each individually administered test(s)
_____7. Name of the person who administered the individual test of intelligence and date
_____8. Qualifications of individual who administered the individual test of intelligence
_____9. Results of the individual test of intelligence to include scores on all subtests and identified strengths and
weaknesses
_____10. Name of person responsible for writing the Assessment Report, his/her signature and position
_____11. Date of the report
Eligibility Determination by the LSC: Date:_______________________
If a student does not meet criteria for entrance into the gifted program, the following may occur:
The student may be retested one time, but not in the same school year as the initial testing occurred.
207
APPENDIX III
REPORT OF UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY OF VIOLENT ACT
(Form for reporting crimes on school property and during a school-related activity)
In accordance with the mandatory reporting provisions of Sections 37-9-14 (x) and 37-11-29 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated, and based on
reasonable belief, the following unlawful activity occurred on school property or during school-related activity:
School District: ______________________________________
County: ____________________________
School Name & Address: _______________________________________________________________________
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
Deadly Weapon
Controlled Substance
Aggravated Assault
Simply Assault
Rape
Date of Incident: _____________________________
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
Sexual Battery
Murder
Kidnapping
Fondling, Touching, Handling, Etc.
Other Crime
Time of Incident: _______________
Location of Incident: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Identity of Individual Committing Crime: _____________________________________
Address (if known):
Telephone (if known):
Status:
_____ Employee
_______________________________________________
_____ Student
_______________________________________________
_____ Parent
_______________________________________________
_____ Visitor
_____ Other
Description of Incident:
(Who, What, How, When, Where)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________
Signature of Superintendent or Designee
State of Mississippi
County of ______________
___________________
Date Filed
_____________
Time
PERSONALLY APPEARED BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority in and for the jurisdiction aforesaid,
the within named ____________________________________________ (superintendent or designee), who
having been by me first duly sworn, states on oath that the matters and requests contained in the foregoing
affidavit are true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge.
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES:
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME, this the ___________ day of _________________ 20 _____.
______________________
Date
Signature of Notary Public: _________________________________________________________________
Report immediately (without delay) to: City Police or Sheriff’s Office and Youth Court. See Mississippi AG Opinion, Preston
(April 11, 2003), and Section 37-11-29 (3,) Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended. Pursuant to IDEA 2004 Section 615 (k) (6), an
agency reporting a crime committed by a child with a disability shall ensure that copies of the special education and disciplinary
records of the child are transmitted for consideration by the appropriate authorities to whom the agency reports the crime.
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APPENDIX A-l
DISTRICT DIPLOMA
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS STANDARD 20
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2008-2009, 2009-2010 & 2010-2011 (Entering ninth graders in 2005-2006,
2006-2007, 2007-2008)
Each student graduating from a secondary school in an accredited school district will have earned the required
Carnegie units as specified in the following table. Contents of each required and elective course must include the core
objectives identified in the Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks. Course titles and identification numbers must appear
in the current edition of Approved Courses for Secondary Schools of Mississippi. (See SB Policies 2902 and 2903.)
Enrollment in on-line and correspondence courses listed in this book must have prior approval granted by the
principal. No more than one (1) of the minimum required number of units may be earned through completion of an
approved correspondence course.
Any student who completes the minimum graduation requirements as specified below and has achieved a passing
score on each of the required high school exit examinations is eligible to receive a high school diploma. The local
school district may establish additional local requirements approved by the local school board as authorized under
MS Code 37-16-7.
All students opting to complete the Appendix A-1 District Diploma Graduation Requirements must have on file in the
school office, a document signed by the parent or guardian requesting that his or her child be assigned the A-1
District Graduation Diploma.
ENGLISH
CARNEGIE
UNITS
41
MATHEMATICS
42
Algebra I
3
Biology I
CURRICULUM AREA
SCIENCE
3
SOCIAL STUDIES
4
HEALTH
1/26&7
BUSINESS &
TECHNOLOGY
l8
THE ARTS
1
ELECTIVES
4 1/29
TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED
22
REQUIRED SUBJECTS
English I
English II
1 World History4
1 U.S. History4
1/2 U.S. Government
1/2 Mississippi Studies5
1 Social Studies Elective
Comprehensive Health or Family and
Individual Health
1 Computer Discovery or
1/2 Keyboarding and 1/2 Computer
Applications
Any approved 500.000 course or completion of
the 2-course sequence for Computer Graphics
Technology I and II
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APPENDIX A-l (Continued)
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
STANDARD 20
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2008-2009, 2009-2010 & 2010-2011 (Entering ninth graders in 2005-2006,
2006-2007 & 2007-2008)
1
Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included in the four English courses required for
graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 4 1/2 general electives required for graduation. MYPEnglish I and MYP English II are accepted in lieu of the English I and English II requirements for students enrolled
in the IB program. College level Dual Credit Courses will meet graduation requirements. Beginning school year
2010-2011 for all entering ninth graders, English I is a required prerequisite course for English II. English I may not
be taken after a student completes English II
2
Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be included n the four mathematics
courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 41/2 general electives required for
graduation.
Beginning school year 2004-2005 for all entering eighth graders, at least one of the four required mathematics
courses must be higher than Algebra I. The allowable mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than
Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP
Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics, AP Statistics and Drafting, if the student completes the 2-course
sequence for Drafting I & II. Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and
Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. MYP Geometry, MYP Algebra II, IB-DP
Mathematics I, IB-DP Mathematics II, IB-DP Mathematical Studies I, IB-DP Mathematical Studies II are allowable
mathematics courses higher than Algebra I for IB students.
3
One unit may be in Introduction to Agriscience, Concepts of Agriscience, Science of Agricultural Plants, Science of
Agricultural Animals, or Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may be in the following courses if the
student completes the 2-course sequence: Agriscience I & II; Allied Health I & II; Aquaculture I & II; Forestry I & II;
Horticulture I & II; Plastics and Polymer Science I & II; and Technology Applications I & II. Two units may be
earned by completing the following AEST 3-course sequence: one unit in Concepts of Agriscience; one unit in
Science of Agricultural Animals or Science of Agricultural Plants, or Science of Agricultural Environment; and one
unit in Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship. IB-DP Physics I, IB-DP Physics II, MYP Chemistry, and IB-DP
Chemistry may be accepted as allowable lab-based physical science courses for students enrolled in the IB program.
MYP Biology and IB-DP Biology I may be accepted in lieu of the Biology I requirement for students enrolled in an
IB program.
4
Based on the 2004 Mississippi Social Studies framework, AP European History or AP World History can be
accepted in lieu of World History. Advanced placement U.S. History is accepted in lieu of the required U.S. History
from 1877 to present. AP Government and Politics: United States can be accepted in lieu of the required United
States Government course. A.P. Macroeconomics or A.P. Microeconomics can be taken in lieu of the required
Economics course. A.P. Human Geography can be accepted in lieu of the required Geography course. IB-DP History
of the Americas I is accepted in lieu of the required U.S. History Course for students enrolled in the IB program. IBDP History of the Americas II is accepted in lieu of the required Mississippi Studies, Economics, and/or U.S.
Government courses for students enrolled in the IB program. MYP U. S. Government is accepted in lieu of the
required Government course for students enrolled in the IB program.
Based on the 2011 Mississippi Social Studies framework, A.P. World History can be accepted in lieu of the
required World History from the Age of Enlightenment to Present course. A.P. United States History can be accepted
in lieu of the required U.S. History from Post-reconstruction to Present course. A.P. Government and Politics: United
Sates can be accepted in lieu of the required United States Government course, A.P. Macroeconomics or A.P.
Microeconomics can be taken in lieu of the required Economics course, A.P. Human Geography can be accepted in
lieu of the required Geography course. IB-DP History of the Americas I is accepted in lieu of the required U.S.
History course for students enrolled in the IB program. IB-DP History of the Americas II is accepted in lieu of the
required Mississippi Studies, Economics, and/or U.S. Government courses for students enrolled in the IB program.
MYP U.S. Government is accepted in lieu of the required Government course for students enrolled in the IB program.
5
The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who
enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government. If
the transfer student took a State/Local Government course in a grade level that did not award Carnegie unit credit,
then any other 1/2 unit social studies course may be accepted. An out-of-state student who transfers after the junior
year may substitute any other 1/2 unit social studies course.
6
Credit earned in Allied Health I/Health Science I may be accepted in lieu of Comprehensive Health or Family and
Individual Health to meet the graduation requirement for 1/2 Carnegie unit in Health.
210
7
Successful completion of JROTC I and JROTC II may be accepted in lieu of Comprehensive Health or Family and
Individual Health to meet the graduation requirement for 1/2 Carnegie unit in Health beginning in the 2010-2011
school year and thereafter, when instruction includes all health components in the JROTC curriculum.
8
Evidence of proficiency in Keyboarding and Computer Applications is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the
student earns one unit in any of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic and
vocational). ICT II may be accepted in lieu of Computer Discovery. MYP Computer Discovery may be accepted in
lieu of Computer Discovery for students enrolled in an IB program.
9
Elective units in physical education include participation in interscholastic athletic activities, band, performance
choral, dance and JROTC that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education
Framework
and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
211
APPENDIX A-2
TRADITIONAL DIPLOMA
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS STANDARD 20
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2011-2012 (Entering ninth graders in 2008-2009, and thereafter)
Each student graduating from a secondary school in an accredited school district will have earned the required
Carnegie units as specified in the following table. Contents of each required and elective course must include the core
objectives identified in the Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks. Course titles and identification numbers must appear
in the current edition of Approved Courses for Secondary Schools of Mississippi. (See SB Policies 2902 and 2903)
Enrollment in on-line and correspondence courses listed in this book must have prior approval granted by the
principal. No more than one (1) of the minimum required number of units may be earned through completion of an
approved correspondence course.
Any student who completes the minimum graduation requirements as specified below and has achieved a passing
score on each of the required high school exit examinations is eligible to receive a high school diploma. The local
school district may establish additional local requirements approved by the local school board as authorized under
MS Code 37-16-7.
Beginning school year 2008-2009 and thereafter, all entering ninth graders (seniors of school year 2011-2012 and
later) will be required to have a minimum of 24 Carnegie units as specified below, unless their parent/guardian
requests to opt the student out of Appendix A-2 requirements in accordance with local school board policy. Any
student who is taken out of these requirements of Appendix A-2 will be required to complete the graduation
requirements as specified in Appendix A-l. The local school district may establish additional local requirements
approved by the local school board as authorized under MS Code 37-16-7.
All students opting to complete the Appendix A-1 Graduation Requirements must have on file in the school office, a
document signed by the parent or guardian requesting that his or her child be assigned the A-1 District Diploma.
CURRICULUM AREA
ENGLISH
CARNEGIE
UNITS
41
REQUIRED SUBJECTS
English I
English II
MATHEMATICS
42
Algebra I
SCIENCE
43
Biology I
SOCIAL STUDIES
4
HEALTH and
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
17&8
1 World History4
1 U.S. History4
1/2 Geography4
1/2 U.S. Government
1/2 Economics5
1/2Mississippi Studies6
1/2 Comprehensive Health or
1/2 Family & Individual Health and
1/2 Physical Education9&11
BUSINESS &
TECHNOLO
GY
110
THE ARTS
1
ELECTIVES
511
TOTAL UNITS
REQUIRED
24
1 Computer Discovery or
1/2 Keyboarding and 1/2 Computer
Applications
Any approved 500.000 course or
completion of the 2-course sequence for
Computer Graphics Technology I and II
212
APPENDIX A-2 (Continued)
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
STANDARD 20
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2011-2012 (Entering ninth graders in 2008-2009, and thereafter)
1
Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included in the four English courses required for
graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 5 general electives required for graduation. Accelerated English
9 can be accepted in lieu of English I. Accelerated English 10 and AP English Language Composition can be accepted in
lieu of English II. Beginning school year 2010-2011 for all entering ninth graders, English I is a required prerequisite
course for English II. English I may not be taken after a student completes English II. College level Dual Credit Courses
will meet graduation requirements.
2
Compensatory Mathematics, Introduction to Engineering, and any developmental mathematics course may not be
included in the four mathematics courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 5 general
electives required for graduation. Effective with the eighth graders of 2008-2009, Pre-Algebra and Transition to Algebra
may not be taken after a student completes Algebra I. Beginning school year 2007-2008 for all entering eighth graders, at
least two of the four required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra I. Effective with ninth graders of 20102011, Survey of Mathematical Topics may not be included in the two math courses higher than Algebra I. The allowable
mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra,
Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics, AP Statistics,
and Drafting, if the student completes the 2-course sequence for Drafting I & II. MYP Geometry, MYP Algebra II, IB-DP
Mathematics I, IB-DP Mathematics II, IB-DP Mathematical Studies I, IB-DP Mathematical Studies II are allowable
mathematics courses higher than Algebra I for IB students. One of the four required mathematics units may be in Survey
of Mathematical Topics; however this course does not meet the mathematics requirement for admission to institutions of
higher learning. Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I, may be
taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. Effective with the eighth graders of 2008-2009, Geometry may be taken
in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. Effective with the seventh graders of 2012-13, Pre Algebra, Algebra I, Biology
I, ICT II (Information & Communication Technology), and First Year Foreign Language may be taken in the seventh
grade for Carnegie unit credit provided the course content is the same as the high school course. Effective with the eighth
graders of 2012-13, second year Foreign Language and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) may be
taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit provided the course content is the same as the high school course
3
One unit may be in Concepts of Agriscience, and a second unit may be in completing 2 of the following 3 courses:
Science of Agriculture Plants, Science of Agriculture Animals, and Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may
be in the following courses if the student completes the required course sequence ending with Agriscience II, Allied Health
II, Aquaculture II, Forestry II, Plastics and Polymer Science II, Technology Applications II, Polymer Science II or Careers
in Polymer Science, Horticulture II or Horticulture Landscape and Turfgrass, Engineering II or Applied Engineering
Concepts, Health Sciences II or Workplace and Employment Skills in Health Sciences.
Effective with 7th graders of 2012-13, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Biology I, ICT II (Information & Communication
Technology) and first year Foreign Language may be taken in the 7 grade for Carnegie unit credit provided the course
content is the same as the high school course. Effective with 8th graders of 2012-2013, STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering & Mathematics) and second year Foreign Language may be taken in the 8 th grade for Carnegie unit credit
provided the course content is the same as the high school course.
Beginning school year 2008-2009 for all entering eight graders, one unit must be a lab-based physical science. The
allowable lab-based physical science courses are Physical Science, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Physics, AP Physics B, AP
Physics C -Electricity and Magnetism, and AP Physics C - Mechanics. IB-DP Physics I, IB-DP Physics II, MYP
Chemistry, and IB-DP Chemistry may be accepted as allowable lab-based physical science courses for students enrolled in
the IB program. MYP Biology and IB-DP Biology I may be accepted in lieu of the Biology I requirement for students
enrolled in an IB program.
4
Based on the 2004 Mississippi Social Studies framework, Advanced Placement Human Geography is accepted in lieu of
the required Geography course. A.P. United States History can be accepted in lieu of the required U. S. History from 1877
to Present course. A.P. World History can be accepted in lieu of the required World History from 1795 to Present course.
A.P. Government and Politics: United States can be accepted in lieu of the required United States Government course. A.P.
Macroeconomics or A.P. Microeconomics can be taken in lieu of the required Economics course. MYP World Geography
is accepted in lieu of the required Geography course for students enrolled in the IB program. Advanced placement U.S.
History is accepted in lieu of the required U.S. History from 1877 to Present. IB-DP History of the Americas I is accepted
in lieu of the required U.S. History Course for students enrolled in the IB program. IB-DP History of the Americas II is
accepted in lieu of the required Mississippi Studies, Economics, and/or U.S. Government courses for students enrolled in
213
the IB program. MYP U. S. Government is accepted in lieu of the required Government course for students enrolled in the
IB program. AP European History or AP World History can be accepted in lieu of World History.
Based on the 2011 Mississippi Social Studies framework, A.P. World History can be accepted in lieu of the required
World History from the Age of Enlightenment to Present course. A.P. United States History can be accepted in lieu of the
required U.S. History from Post-reconstruction to Present course. A.P Government and Politics: United States can be
accepted in lieu of the required United States Government course. A.P. Macroeconomics or A.P. Microeconomics can be
taken in lieu of the required Economics course. A.P. Human Geography can be accepted in lieu of the required Geography
course. MYP World Geography is accepted in lieu of the required Geography course for students enrolled in the IB
program. IB-DP History of the Americas I is accepted in lieu of the required U.S. History course for students enrolled in
the IB program. IB-DP History of the Americas II is accepted in lieu of the required Mississippi Studies, Economics,
and/or U.S. Government courses for students enrolled in the IB program. MYP U.S. Government is accepted in lieu of the
required Government course for students enrolled in the IB program.
5
Credit earned for Business Fundamentals or Business Fundamentals II may be accepted in lieu of 1/2 unit in Economics.
6
The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who enters
after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government. If the
transfer student took a State/Local Government course in a grade level that did not award Carnegie unit credit, then any
other 1/2 unit social studies course may be accepted. An out-of-state student who transfers after the junior year may
substitute any other ½ unit social studies course.
7
Credit earned in Allied Health I, Health Sciences I, or Theory and Application of Health Sciences I, may be accepted in
lieu of Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health to meet the graduation requirement for 1/2 Carnegie unit in
Health.
8
Successful completion of JROTC I and JROTC II may be accepted in lieu of Comprehensive Health or Family and
Individual Health to meet the graduation requirement for 1/2 Carnegie unit in Health beginning in the 2010-2011 school
year and thereafter.
9
The graduation requirement for 1/2 unit in physical education may include participation in interscholastic athletic
activities, band, dance and JROTC that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical
Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
10
Evidence of proficiency in technology is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the student earns one unit in a
technology-rich academic or career technical course related to their program of study. Effective with school year 20122013, a Carnegie unit credit for ICT II (Information & Communication Technology) may be awarded to 7 th grade students.
Effective with school year 2012-2013, a Carnegie unit credit for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering &
Mathematics) may be awarded to 8th grade students. ICT II may be accepted in lieu of Computer Discovery. A Carnegie
unit earned for STEM in the 8th or 9th grade meets this graduation requirement. Technology Foundations replaces
Computer Discovery, Keyboarding and Computer Applications and meets this graduation requirement when taken in
grades 8-12. MYP Computer Discovery may be accepted in lieu of Computer Discovery for students enrolled in an IB
program.
11
Only one elective unit in physical education including participation in interscholastic athletic activities, band,
performance choral, dance or JROTC that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical
Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association may be applied each
year to the minimum 24 required state units. If a local district has graduation requirements above the state requirements
they may award additional credits as outlined in the local Board policy.
214
APPENDIX A-3
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS STANDARD 20
CAREER PATHWAY OPTION SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR
2011-2012
(Entering eleventh graders in 2010-2011)
In 2010, Mississippi state policymakers passed legislation to create multiple pathways to a standard diploma. The
2010 legislative actions created a career pathway to a standard diploma, with the goal of improving Mississippi
graduation rates and providing students with career and technical training that prepare students for postsecondary
credential or certification programs and employable workplace skills. This legislative change created Section 37-1617 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to provide for high school career option programs and career track curricula for
students not wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree.
CURICULUM AREA
ENGLISH
CARNEGIE
UNITS
41
REQUIRED SUBJECTS
MATHEMATICS
32
English I
English II
Algebra I
SCIENCE
33
Biology I
SOCIAL STUDIES
34,5
HEALTH and PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
1/26
1 U.S. History
1/2 U.S. Government
1/2Mississippi Studies
1 Social Studies Elective
1/2 Comprehensive Health, or
1/2 Family and Individual Health, or
1/2 Physical Education
CAREER and
TECHNICAL
47
(Selected from Student's Program of Study)
INTEGRATED
TECHNOLOGY
l8
Computer Discovery, ICT II, 9th STEM, or
Computer Applications and Keyboarding
ADDITIONAL
ELECTIVES
2 1/29
Courses selected from the student's approved
program of study
TOTAL UNITS
21
REQUIRED
NOTE: Mississippi's Institution of Higher Learning requirements differ from minimum graduation requirements for
this diploma pathway.
215
Appendix A-3
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Standard 20
CAREER PATHWAY DIPLOMA
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2011-2012 (Entering eleventh graders 2010-2011)
1
Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing shall not be included in the four
English courses required for graduation. The two additional English credits must be from
the student's program of study which includes Technical Writing, Creative Writing, English
III, English IV, or any college-level dual credit courses. Beginning school year 2010-2011
for all entering ninth graders, English I is a required prerequisite course for English II.
English I may not be taken after a student completes English II
2
Compensatory Mathematics may not be included in the three mathematics courses
required for graduation. Effective with eighth graders of 2008-2009, Pre-Algebra and
Transition to Algebra may not be taken after a student completes Algebra I. For students
pursuing the Career Pathway Graduation Option, at least one of the required mathematics
courses must be above Algebra I and selected from the student's program of study. The
allowable mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are:
Geometry, Algebra II, Survey of Mathematical Topics, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry,
Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics,
Statistics, and AP Statistics, or any college-level dual credit courses. Effective with the
eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra,Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I, may be
taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. Effective with the eighth graders of
2008-2009, Geometry may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit.
3
For students pursuing the Career Pathway Graduation Option, at least one of the required
science courses must be above Biology I and selected from the student's program of study.
If a student's program of study allows, one unit may be in Concepts of Agriscience
(AEST). A second science unit may be earned by completing a two course sequence
selected from the following three options: Science of Agricultural Animals, Science of
Agricultural Plants, or Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may be in the
following courses if the student completes the 2-course sequence: Agriscience I & II;
Allied Health I & II; Health Science I & II, Aquaculture I & II; Forestry I & II;
Horticulture I & II; Polymer Science I & II; Technology Applications I & II and
Engineering I & II.
4
Advanced placement U.S. History is accepted in lieu of the required U.S. History 1877 to
Present. The third social studies credit should be selected based on the student's program of
study.
5
The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-ofstate transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi
Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government. If the transfer student took a
State/Local Government course in a grade level that did not award Carnegie unit credit,
then any other 1/2 unit social studies course may be accepted. An out-of-state student who
transfers after the junior year may substitute any 1/2 unit social studies course. Credit
earned for the first year of Marketing and Economics (Vocational) may be accepted in lieu
of 1/2 unit in Economics.
6
Credit earned in Allied Health I, Health Science I may be accepted in lieu of
Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health to meet the graduation requirement
for 1/2 Carnegie unit in Health. Inter scholastic athletic activities, band, and ROTC if they
meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education
Framework may also be accepted.
7
Career and Technical (CTE) courses must be based on the student's program of study and
should include dual credit/dual enrollment options as found in Section 37-15-38 of the
Mississippi Code of 1972.
8
Evidence of proficiency in technology is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the
student earns one unit in a technology-rich academic or career technical course related to
their program of study.
216
9
Electives must be selected from courses related to the student's program of study. Credits
earned not approved for that student's program of study will not be counted toward
graduation requirements.
Appendix IV
Tishomingo County School District
Graduation Requirement Document For High Schools
Parent Sign-Off
This document must be signed by the parent/guardian of the student in the presence of the
guidance counselor or other designated school employee.
I, ______________________________, the parent/guardian of
________________________________understand that by signing this document, my
son/daughter will be required to complete the graduation requirements for the diploma
option marked below. These graduation requirements have been explained to me, and I
understand that in order to earn the diploma option marked, my student must complete all
requirements for that diploma.
* District Diploma ( )
**Career Pathway Diploma ( )
Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________
School Employee Signature _____________________________________________
*District Diploma: Must earn a minimum of 22 credits as specified in the Graduation
Requirements for A-1 District Diploma. Student must pass the subject area tests in Algebra
I, Biology I, English II, and U.S. History.
**Career Pathway Diploma: Must earn a minimum of 21 credits as specified in the
Graduation Requirements for this diploma AND must complete 2 years of Career and
Technical Education in the student’s program of study. Student must pass the subject area
tests in Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and U.S. History.
217
z(68)
Tishomingo County School District
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Student Policy
Purpose Statement
Technology plays a large role in our students' lives. Personal devices can enhance and enrich learning
opportunities both at home and at school. Tishomingo County Schools are committed to allowing
responsible, learning-centered use of personal devices at school so as to provide as many pathways to
understanding as possible for our students.
The purpose of the following policy is to authorize students to bring their own technology devices to school
for use in our classrooms under certain strict conditions. Tishomingo County Schools will now be
incorporating the use of such items as personal laptops, tablets, and smartphones with browsing capabilities
and/or educational apps and software. As with other personally owned items, the schools shall not be held
liable for the loss, damage, misuse, or theft of personally owned devices brought to school. Students
bring their own devices to use at Tishomingo County Schools do so at their own risk.
In addition to the BOYD Policy, TCSD Students are required to follow the Acceptable Use Policy with their
own personal devices at all times while under the school’s supervision.
Introduction
It is the policy of the Tishomingo County School District to: (a) prevent user access over its computer
network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct
electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent
unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d)
comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
This policy is not intended as a requirement that any student bring personal technology to school. All
students will continue to be able to utilize school equipment. No student will be left out of the instruction
process.
A personal device is defined as one with:
1. Academic applications and functions
2. Online capabilities
3. Digital, audio and/or video recording.
Examples of a personal device shall include but are not limited to: iPads, iPhone, iPods, Nooks, Kindle,
Kindle Fire, and other tablet PCs; laptop computers; camcorders; and digital cameras.
Students are granted the limited right to use their personally owned technology resources in the Tishomingo
County Schools upon return of this signed Tishomingo County Schools Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Policy.
Access to the District's wireless network, including the Internet, shall be made available to students, and
employees primarily for instructional and administrative purposes and in accordance with administrative
regulations. Limited personal use of the system shall be permitted if the use:
• Imposes no tangible cost to the District;
• Does not unduly burden the District's computer or network resources;
• Has no adverse effect on an employee's job performance or on a student's academic
performance
Access to the District's electronic communications system is a privilege, not a right. All users shall be
required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all administrative regulations governing use of the
system and shall agree in writing to comply with such regulations and guidelines. Noncompliance with
applicable regulations may result in suspension or termination of privileges and other disciplinary action
consistent with District policies.
Users are responsible for all activities conducted when using personal devices and accounts.
218
Users shall respect copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to materials entered into and obtained
via the Internet or other electronic sources.
Use of the Internet and/or other resources for personal gain, profit, commercial advertising, or political
lobbying is prohibited.
It is highly recommended that all students permanently and legibly label their personal device with their first
and last name. This should be placed on the device itself and the cover as well.
Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children's Internet Protection Act. (See also Tishomingo County School
District Internet Safety Policy and Appropriate Use Policy)
Campus Use (During School Hours)
School hours- for this policy, school hours begin when a student arrives on school campus till that student
leaves the school campus or until after 3:30 PM.
Teachers, administrators, or other supervising school employees may add any additional reasonable
restrictions or deny the use of personal devices while students are under their supervision.
Students are prohibited from making phone calls during school hours on their own personal devices without
the permission of a teacher or administrator.
Personal devices used on the school campus during school hours are not permitted to connect to the Internet
through a 3G, 4G or other content service providers. Personally owned devices must access the Internet via
the school's content filtered wireless network.
Personal devices are permitted primarily for educational use with limited personal use. Students may
not play games, sext, or access any social networks while at school during school hours. Students
may not bully, taunt, send vulgar images, or use inappropriate language towards another person.
Students may not download any copyrighted material such as movies, music, or software without
permission from a teacher, or administrator.
Students are responsible for and may be disciplined for any inappropriate disruptions caused by their
personal devices.
Personal devices are not allowed in alternative school or in-school detention, unless specifically permitted by
the teacher for instructional purposes.
219
Any attempt, including, but not limited to the use of Tishomingo County School’s technology
resources to purposefully access pornographic material, inappropriate text files, information
advocating violence or files harmful to the integrity of Tishomingo County Schools is prohibited.
Also restricted is access to information on, but not limited to, gambling, illegal drugs, alcohol use, online
merchandising, hate speeches, criminal skills, alternative journals, Fanfic, and chat rooms. Use must be
consistent with the Mission Statement of Tishomingo County Schools and reflect the accepted standards
expressed in that Mission Statement.
Users of the Internet will not give their real name, address, phone number, school name or any personal
information to anyone on the Internet unless under the supervision of a teacher, administrator or Computer
Teacher. For example, students may be asked to provide personal information when signing up for Web 2.0
tools or when registering to access online textbooks and resources.
Students making inappropriate references about the school and/or its students, faculty, staff or administrators
on any public Internet site, chat rooms, or other public electronic media will be subject to disciplinary action
that w i l l be determined by administrators and could include suspension or expulsion.
Students may not use any means to access restricted sites.
Students may not post images of students, teachers, staff or other personnel on the Internet without receiving
permission from the individual(s) involved.
Students may not use the cameras on their personal devices unless given permission by and under the direct
supervision of a teacher or administrator.
All accessories, cases, screen wallpaper and backgrounds must be school-appropriate.
Streaming videos from the Internet or YouTube is permitted only with the direct permission of the teacher.
Any recording device, including but not limited to Tablets, iPads, video and digital cameras and camera
phones to take videos or still pictures, may not be used to slander, bully or denigrate any student, visitor, staff
member, faculty member, and or administrator, on or off the campus at any time.
Campus Use (After School-Hours)
TCSD Students on our campuses or other school campuses during after-school hours beginning at 3:30PM for
sporting events, practices, and all other activities are still under the supervision of the Tishomingo County
School District and are required to follow all school board policies.
Teachers, administrators, or other supervising school employees may add any additional reasonable
restrictions or deny the use of personal devices while students are under their supervision.
220
Personal devices used on the school campus after school hours are permitted to connect to the Internet
through a 3G, 4G or other content service providers.
Students may not bully, taunt, send vulgar images, or use inappropriate language towards another
person. Students may not illegally download any copyrighted material such as movies, music, or
software.
Any attempt to access pornographic material, inappropriate text files, information advocating
violence or files harmful to the integrity of Tishomingo County Schools is prohibited.
Also restricted is access to information on, but not limited to, gambling, illegal drugs, alcohol use, online
merchandising, hate speeches, criminal skills, alternative journals, Fanfic, and chat rooms.
Students making inappropriate references about the school and/or its students, faculty, staff or administrators
on any public Internet site, chat rooms, or other public electronic media will be subject to disciplinary action
that w i l l be determined by administrators and could include suspension or expulsion.
Students may not use any means to access restricted sites.
Students may not post images of students, teachers, staff or other personnel on the Internet without receiving
permission from the individual(s) involved.
Students may not use the cameras on their personal devices for any inappropriate reasons or actions.
All accessories, cases, screen wallpaper and backgrounds must be school-appropriate.
Streaming videos from the Internet or YouTube may not contain inappropriate material of any kind, including
but not limited to inappropriate language, inappropriate images, inappropriate content, have an inappropriate
intent, or be used for an inappropriate reason.
Any recording device, including but not limited to Tablets, iPads, video and digital cameras and camera
phones to take videos or still pictures, may not be used to slander, bully or denigrate any student, visitor, staff
member, faculty member, and or administrator, on or off the campus at any time.
School Sponsored Trips, Field Trips, Athletic trips, Bus Transportation, and All Off Campus School
Supervised Activities
The school bus is school property and while on the school bus, students are considered at school. Personal
devices shall be allowed on school field trips/off campus school activities and events. When a student is
under the supervision of a school employee, the student is considered at school; therefore, these guidelines
apply.
221
Personal devices used on school buses, field trips, or any other off campus school supervised activities are
permitted to connect to the Internet through a 3G, 4G or other content service providers with the permission
of the supervising school employee.
Teachers, administrators, or other supervising school employees may add any additional reasonable
restrictions or deny the use of personal devices while students are under their supervision.
Students are prohibited from making phone calls on their own personal devices without the permission of a
teacher or administrator.
Students may not bully, taunt, send vulgar images, or use inappropriate language towards another
person. Students may not illegally download any copyrighted material such as movies, music, or
software.
Any attempt to access pornographic material, inappropriate text files, information advocating
violence or files harmful to the integrity of Tishomingo County Schools is prohibited.
Also restricted is access to information on, but not limited to, gambling, illegal drugs, alcohol use, online
merchandising, hate speeches, criminal skills, alternative journals, Fanfic, and chat rooms.
Students making inappropriate references about the school and/or its students, faculty, staff or administrators
on any public Internet site, chat rooms, or other public electronic media will be subject to disciplinary action
that w i l l be determined by administrators and could include suspension or expulsion.
Students may not use any means to access restricted sites.
Students may not post images of students, teachers, staff or other personnel on the Internet without receiving
permission from the individual(s) involved.
Students may not use the cameras on their personal devices for any inappropriate reasons or actions.
All accessories, cases, screen wallpaper and backgrounds must be school-appropriate.
Streaming videos from the Internet or YouTube may not contain inappropriate material of any kind, including
but not limited to inappropriate language, inappropriate images, inappropriate content, have an inappropriate
intent, or be used for an inappropriate reason.
222
Any recording device, including but not limited to Tablets, iPads, video and digital cameras and camera
phones to take videos or still pictures, may not be used to slander, bully or denigrate any student, visitor, staff
member, faculty member, and or administrator, on or off the campus at any time.
Vandalism
Vandalism will result in immediate disciplinary action by the Administration. Vandalism is
defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy any part of Tishomingo County
School's technology resources or personal technology items belonging to another student or
teacher. This includes, but is not limited to, uploading, creating, transmitting computer
viruses or "hacking" into any part of the Tishomingo County Schools network.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism will result in immediate, severe disciplinary action by the Administration.
Plagiarism is an act of literary theft, an act of academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is defined as
the act or instance of using or closely imitating the language, work product and/or thoughts
of another author without authorization obtained or credit given. It involves the passing off
or submission of another author's work as one's own. This includes, but is not limited to,
submitting assignments digitally or via hard copy.
All of the following are considered plagiarism:
 Turning in someone else's work as your own.
 Copying words or ideas from someone else without
giving credit.
 Failing to put a quotation in quotation marks.
 Giving incorrect information about the source of a
quotation.
 Changing words by copying the sentence structure of a
source without giving credit.
 Copying so many words or ideas from a source that it
makes up a majority or your work whether you give
credit or not.
(The above examples and further definitions can be found at Plagiarism.com)
Disclaimer
Tishomingo County Schools will not be responsible for any damages suffered including
loss of data resulting from delay, non-deliveries, service interruptions, or inaccurate
information. The person operating the device accepts personal responsibility for any
information obtained via the Internet or other electronic sources. The person operating the
device accepts personal responsibility for actions on the Internet.
Tishomingo County Schools is in no way responsible for:
• Personal devices that are broken while at school or during school-sponsored
activities
• Personal devices that are lost or stolen at school or during school-sponsored
activities
• Maintenance or upkeep of any device (keeping it charged, installing updates or
upgrades, fixing any software or hardware issues)
Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior
Any user who does not comply with these guidelines will lose the privilege of
bringing their device for a period of time, that period of time to be set at the sole
discretion of the school principal. Students and parents may also be required to
participate in a meeting with the principal to discuss the use of technology at
school. Students who have repeated or severe infractions of the policy will be
subject to disciplinary action. Violations of federal and state regulations, such as
sending threatening email and accessing or distributing obscene material, will be
reported to and dealt with by the governing law enforcement agency. Violations
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of law may result in criminal prosecution as well as disciplinary action by the
District.
Suggested Discipline Action for not following BYOD Policy
First Offense
warning, parental notification
Second Offense 10 days loss of BOYD use, parental contact
Third Offense
20 days loss of BYOD use, parental meeting
(Failure of parent involvement may result in
continued loss of use)
Fourth Offense
Suspension of BYOD use for up to the
remainder of the school year, parental contact
Additional disciplinary action may be taken to address inappropriate student
behavior that occurred in conjunction with a personal device (for example,
students who use a personal device to bully another student may receive
disciplinary action for bullying and for inappropriate use of a personal device.)
Parent and Student Agreement Form
(__) I have read and agreed with the policy above.
Parent Name/Signature ___________________________________Date _____________
(__) I have read and agreed with the policy above.
Student Name/Signature _________________________________
_____________
Date
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z(12)
Tishomingo County School District
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Employee Policy
Purpose Statement
Technology plays a large role in our students' lives. Personal devices can enhance and enrich learning
opportunities both at home and at school. Tishomingo County Schools are committed to allowing
responsible, learning-centered use of personal devices at school so as to provide as many pathways to
understanding as possible for our students.
The purpose of the following policy is to authorize teachers to bring their own personal devices to school for
use in our classrooms under certain strict conditions. Tishomingo County Schools will now be incorporating
the use of such items as personal laptops, tablets, and smartphones with browsing capabilities and/or
educational apps and software. As with other personally owned items, the schools shall not be held liable
for the loss, damage, misuse, or theft of personally owned devices brought to school. Teachers bring
their own devices to use at Tishomingo County Schools do so at their own risk.
Employee Use
Teachers and other employees are authorized to use their own personal devices during school hours. The use
of personal devices is permitted primarily for instructional purposes with limited personal use. Limited
personal use of the system shall be permitted if the use:
• Imposes no tangible cost to the District;
• Does not unduly burden the District's computer or network resources;
• Has no adverse effect on an employee's job performance or on a student's academic
performance
TCSD Employees are required to follow the Acceptable Use Policy with their own personal devices while at
work whether connected to TCSD networks or through their own service provider.
A personal device is defined as one with:
4. Academic applications and functions
5. Online capabilities
6. Digital, audio and/or video recording.
Examples of a personal device shall include but are not limited to: iPads, iPhone, iPods, Nooks, Kindle,
Kindle Fire, and other tablet PCs; laptop computers; camcorders; and digital cameras.
Teachers are not permitted to make phone calls, use Internet capabilities, other personal device functions,
or text for personal reasons during class, while supervising students, or at other times restricted by school
administrators.
Access to the District's electronic communications system is a privilege, not a right. All users shall be
required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all administrative regulations governing use of the
system and shall agree in writing to comply with such regulations and guidelines. Noncompliance with
applicable regulations may result in suspension or termination of privileges and other disciplinary action
consistent with District policies.
Employees are responsible for all activities conducted when using personal devices and accounts.
Employees shall respect copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to materials entered into and
obtained via the Internet or other electronic sources.
Use of the Internet and/or other resources for personal gain, profit, commercial advertising, or political
lobbying is prohibited.
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Employee Supervision of Student Use
Employees shall be responsible for monitoring student use of personal devices with students under their
supervision.
Teachers should highly recommend that all students permanently and legibly label their personal device with
their first and last name. This should be placed on the device itself and the cover as well.
Teachers have the right to deny the use of personal devices while students are under their supervision.
Personal devices should be considered and used as a learning tool and therefore teachers should not deny the
use of personal devices as a disciplinary action for behaviors not associated with the misuse of personal
devices.
If an employee believes that a student has violated the BYOD policy, the teacher can confiscate the personal
device and should deliver it to the principal for inspection. Teachers should not search student’s personal
devices themselves or instruct students to show them content on their personal device.
If a teacher or administrator confiscates a personal device, that teacher or administrator becomes responsible
for loss, theft, or damage of that device until it is returned to the student or student’s guardian.
Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior
Teachers are not required to give a warning before confiscating a personal device. All disciplinary
actions including warnings are to be administered by the principal.
Suggested Discipline Action for not following BYOD Policy
First Offense
warning, parental notification
Second Offense 10 days loss of BOYD use, parental contact
Third Offense
20 days loss of BYOD use, parental meeting
(Failure of parent involvement may result in continued loss of
use)
Fourth Offense
Suspension of BYOD use for up to the remainder of the school
year, parental contact
Additional disciplinary action may be taken to address inappropriate student behavior that occurred
in conjunction with a personal device (for example, students who use a personal device to bully
another student may receive disciplinary action for bullying and for inappropriate use of a personal
device.)
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Professional Development Policy.
The TSCD Board recognizes the need to provide continual professional
development for the school district’s employees. All district employees will
participate in professional development to meet job related needs and priorities of
the district. All professional staff will meet the mandated requirements set by the
Mississippi Department of Education. The district will allocate the human and
capital resources necessary to provide professional development for the school
district’s employees. Staff development will provide relevant training for specific
skills and behaviors to improve the employee’s job performance.
Professional Staff will average 80 hours of professional development per school
year. All additional staff will average 40 hours of professional development per
school year.
The superintendent shall be responsible for developing continuing education
guidelines for professional staff. The following shall be considered in developing
such guidelines:
1. Consideration of the Mississippi Professional Development Model, available
from the Mississippi Department of Education;
2. Emphasis on, and a definition of, appropriate continuing education;
3. Categories/qualifications of professional employees to whom the guidelines will
apply;
4. Availability of funds for reimbursement of tuition and/or other costs;
5. Factors to be used in determining if the continuing education
course/program/activity qualifies for reimbursement;
6. Application procedure for reimbursement of tuition and/or other expenses; and,
7. Other factors as deemed appropriate for this District.
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l. Tishomingo County School District Mississippi Student Religious Liberties Act of 2013 Policy
PROHIBITION AGAINST REQUIRING ANY PERSON TO PARTICIPATE IN PRAYER
OR VIOLATING THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF ANY PERSON
This policy shall not be construed to authorize this district to do either of the following:
1. Require any person to participate in prayer or in any other religious activity; or
2. Violate the constitutional rights of any person.
STUDENT EXPRESSION OF RELIGIOUS VIEWPOINTS
The school district shall treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any,
on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary
expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not
discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an
otherwise permissible subject.
STUDENT SPEAKERS AT NONGRADUATION EVENTS
The school district hereby creates a limited public forum for student speakers at all school
events at which a student is to publicly speak. For each speaker, the district shall set a
maximum time limit reasonable and appropriate to the occasion, unless specifically stated it
will be a maximum of two (2) minutes. Student speakers shall introduce:
1. Football games;
2. Any other athletic events designated by the district;
3. Any additional events designated by the district, which may include, without
limitation, assemblies and pep rallies.
The forum shall be limited in the manner provided by law.
Only those students in the highest two (2) grade levels of the school and who hold one (1) of
the following positions of honor based on neutral criteria are eligible to use the limited public
forum: student council officers, class officers of the highest grade level in the school,
captains of the football team, and other students holding positions of honor as the school
district may designate.
An eligible student shall be notified of the student's eligibility, and a student who wishes to
participate as an introducing speaker shall submit the student's name to the student council or
other designated body during an announced period of not less than three (3) days. The
announced period may be at the beginning of the school year, at the end of the preceding
school year so student speakers are in place for the new year, or, if the selection process will
be repeated each semester, at the beginning of each semester or at the end of the preceding
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semester so speakers are in place for the next semester.
The names of the volunteering student speakers shall be randomly drawn until all names have
been selected, and the names shall be listed in the order drawn. Each selected student will be
matched chronologically to the event for which the student will be giving the introduction.
Each student may speak for one (1) week at a time for all introductions of events that week, or
rotate after each speaking event, or otherwise as determined by the district. The list of student
speakers shall be chronologically repeated as needed, in the same order. The district may
repeat the selection process each semester rather than once a year.
The subject of the student introductions must be related to the purpose of the event and to the
purpose of marking the opening of the event, honoring the occasion, the participants, and
those in attendance, bringing the audience to order, and focusing the audience on the purpose
of the event.
The subject must be designated, a student must stay on the subject, and the student may not
engage in obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd or indecent speech.
The school district shall treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any,
on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary
expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not
discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an
otherwise permissible subject.
For as long as there is a need to dispel confusion over the non-sponsorship of the student's
speech at each event in which a student will deliver an introduction, a disclaimer shall be
stated in written or oral form, or both, such as, "The student giving the introduction for this
event is a volunteering student selected on neutral criteria to introduce the event. The content
of the introduction is the private expression of the student and does not reflect the
endorsement, sponsorship, position or expression of the school district."
Certain students who have attained special positions of honor in the school have traditionally
addressed school audiences from time to time as a tangential component of their achieved
positions of honor, such as the captains of various sports teams, student council officers, class
officers, homecoming kings and queens, prom kings and queens, and the like, and have
attained their positions based on neutral criteria. Nothing in this policy eliminates the
continuation of the practice of having these students, irrespective of grade level, address
school audiences in the normal course of their respective positions.
The school district shall create a limited public forum for the speakers and shall treat a
student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible
subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary expression of a secular or
other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not discriminate against the
student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible
subject.
STUDENT SPEAKERS AT GRADUATION CEREMONIES
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The school district hereby creates a limited public forum consisting of an opportunity for a
student to speak to begin graduation ceremonies and another student to speak to end
graduation ceremonies. For each speaker, the district shall set a maximum time limit
reasonable and appropriate to the occasion. The forum shall be limited in the manner provided
by law.
Only students who are graduating and who hold one of the following neutral criteria positions
of honor shall be eligible to use the limited public forum: senior students who have obtained
the honor of Hall of Fame, senior students who have received the honor of Honor Students
(for their student career( or a shorter or longer list of student leaders as the school district may
later designate. A student who will otherwise have a speaking role in the graduation
ceremonies shall be ineligible to give the opening and closing remarks.
The names of the eligible volunteering students will be randomly drawn. The first name
drawn will give the opening and the second name drawn will give the closing.
The topic of the opening and closing remarks must be related to the purpose of the graduation
ceremony and to the purpose of marking the opening and closing of the event, honoring the
occasion, the participants, and those in attendance, bringing the audience to order, and
focusing the audience on the purpose of the event.
In addition to the students giving the opening and closing remarks, certain other students who
have attained special positions of honor based on neutral criteria, including, without
limitation, the valedictorian, will have speaking roles at graduation ceremonies. For each
speaker, the school district shall set a maximum time limit reasonable and appropriate to the
occasion and to the position held by the speaker. For this purpose, the district creates a
limited public forum for these students to deliver the addresses. The subject of the addresses
must be related to the purpose of the graduation ceremony, marking and honoring the
occasion, honoring the participants and those in attendance, and the student's perspective on
purpose, achievement, life, school, graduation, and looking forward to the future.
The subject must be designated for each student speaker, the student must stay on the subject,
and the student may not engage in obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd or indecent speech. The
school district shall treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on
an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary
expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not
discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an
otherwise permissible subject.
A written disclaimer shall be printed in the graduation program that states, "The students who
will be speaking at the graduation ceremony were selected based on neutral criteria to
deliver messages of the students' own choices. The content of each student speaker's message
is the private expression of the individual student and does not reflect any position or
expression of the school district or the board of trustees, or the district's administration, or
employees of the district, or the views of any other graduate. The contents of these messages
were prepared by the student volunteers, and the district refrained from any interaction with
student speakers regarding the student speakers' viewpoints on permissible subjects."
RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION IN CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
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Students may express the students' beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other
written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of the
students' submission. Homework and classroom work shall be judged by ordinary academic
standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns
identified by the school. Students may not be penalized or rewarded on account of religious
content. If a teacher's assignment involves writing a poem, the work of a student who submits
a poem in the form of a prayer (for example, a psalm) should be judged on the basis of
academic standards, including literary quality, and not penalized or rewarded on account of its
religious content.
FREEDOM TO ORGANIZE RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES
Students may organize prayer groups, religious clubs, "see you at the pole" gatherings, and
other religious gatherings before, during and after school to the same extent that students are
permitted to organize other non-curricular student activities and groups. Religious groups
must be given the same access to school facilities for assembling as is given to other noncurricular groups, without discrimination based on the religious content of the group's
expression.
If student groups that meet for nonreligious activities are permitted to advertise or announce
the groups' meetings, for example, by advertising in a student newspaper, putting up posters,
making announcements on a student activities bulletin board or public address system, or
handing out leaflets, school authorities may not discriminate against groups that meet for
prayer or other religious speech. School authorities may disclaim sponsorship of noncurricular groups and events, provided they administer the disclaimer in a manner that does
not favor or disfavor groups that meet to engage in prayer or other religious speech.
LEGAL REF.: MS CODE – Mississippi Student Religious Liberties Act of 2013
CROSS REF.: Policy – IG Prayer in Schools
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l-1. Tishomingo County School District Mississippi Student Religious Liberties Act of 2013
Sample Permissible Student Expression Policy
SAMPLE PERMISSIBLE STUDENT EXPRESSION
(this is in no way required, but is only offered as an example for student speakers to speak at
certain School District events and fall within the guidelines as outlined in the recently passed
Student Religious Liberties Act)
1. Please note: you MAY NOT require any person to participate in prayer or in any
other religious activity. This means you cannot ask participants to “bow their
heads” or “join you in a word of prayer.”
2. However, we do not wish to violate your constitutional rights to express a
religious viewpoint in an otherwise permissible instance, if you so desire. You are
free to hold any religious viewpoint you desire – or none at all.
3. You must note that you cannot engage in obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd or
indecent speech.
4. Your introduction MUST be related to the purpose of the event and to the purpose
of marking the opening of the event, honoring the occasion, the participants, and
those in attendance, bringing the audience to order, and focusing the audience on
the purpose of the event. Any other topic is impermissible according to law.
5. As this may seem confusing, the Tishomingo County School District has prepared
a sample opening. Please understand you are NOT REQUIRED TO FOLLOW
THIS STATEMENT. It is not mandatory nor even suggested. It is simply a
statement that – to the best of the School District’s knowledge and belief at this
time – follows the law as passed by the Mississippi State Legislature. It is as
follows:
Let us pause for a moment of reflection. As we gather here at
Tishomingo County High School for this (football game or
other event as necessary), we acknowledge our blessings to be
able to participate and enjoy such an event in a free country.
We honor the (players on both teams, coaches, cheerleaders
and band members or others as event appropriate) and hope
they are blessed with health and sportsmanship today and
beyond. Further, we hope that we as fans we can behave in a
manner that will reflect positively on our schools and
communities. Our sincere hope is that this event may serve as
a reminder of our greater responsibilities as students, parents,
and members of the community to be better people today and
for all time. May our many blessing continue to be our focus
for the future. Amen.