STUDENT CONDUCT CODE

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

(Board Policy JG)

Effective discipline, which requires respect for the rights of others, is necessary if all students are to attain a quality education.  The Board delegates to school officials the authority to enforce District policies, regulations and school rules governing student conduct.

A complete statement governing or describing all the relationships and processes involved in student discipline would be very extensive.  The most important part of such a statement would be the relationship of the teacher and the principal in matters of discipline.  Teachers must feel free to consult and work closely with the building principal in dealing with any problem with which the teacher might need guidance.  This working relationship is one key to desirable discipline and a quality instructional environment.

The Board also believes that the teacher-student relationship in the classroom, halls and on school property is important and should be one of mutual respect at all times.  The teacher is recognized as the person in authority at all times in the classroom, halls, buildings, school grounds and at school-related events.

Each case of unsatisfactory behavior by a student is handled individually.  The classroom teacher may take the steps that he/she believes are justified in each case.  If the student does not respond to these measures, the teacher then refers the student to the principal.

When an employee has actual knowledge that the behavior is sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator must be contacted. The Title IX sexual harassment grievance process will be followed, if applicable, prior to imposing any discipline that cannot be imposed without resolution of the Title IX process.

In terms of the relationship of the teacher and principal in discipline matters, the Board expects that whenever a discipline problem appears to extend beyond the classroom, the teacher discuss the problem with the principal.  The teacher(s) and the principal work together in attempting to control or correct the problem.

A student's failure to comply with the requirements for conduct outlined in the student handbooks may result in the student being disciplined.  A student cannot be suspended, expelled or removed from school solely because of unexcused absences.  The student may lose all rights to participate in school-related social events or extracurricular activities for a period of time determined by the principal.  Depending on the seriousness of the offense committed by the student, suspension or expulsion may also result.  Discipline is always administered in a reasonable manner.

If several methods of discipline have been used in an effort to solve a problem and it appears necessary, in the judgment of the principal and Superintendent, to discipline or withdraw privileges from a large group, this action may be taken.  Any punishment technique involving an entire class or large group is used only as a last resort.

The Superintendent may require a parent of a student who is suspended or expelled from school or who is truant or habitually absent from school to attend a parental education or training program.  Failure to attend the program may result in charges being filed on the behavior of the student.

(September 22, 2020)

DISCIPLINE – General Information

Lancaster City School District provides each child with the opportunity to acquire an education. No student has the right to interfere with this opportunity by his/her actions, poor manners, or lack of consideration. School rules are developed and enforced with this in mind. School rules and the Serious Misconduct Code apply to student conduct while on school property, using school transportation, and at school-related and extracurricular activities. School rules and the Serious Misconduct Code also apply to student misconduct, regardless of where it occurs, that is related to activities that have occurred on school property or that is directed at a school employee or the property of a school employee. Please become familiar with the school rules listed in this handbook.

Good discipline is expected and necessary for effective learning. Many positive methods are utilized to encourage good behavior. However, students must understand that undesirable behavior cannot, and will not, be tolerated. School personnel will administer the consequences associated with rule violations in a fair and consistent manner.

Discipline problems are handled at school using various consequences such as time out, loss of privileges, detention, suspension and expulsion, or other actions as determined by the staff. Parents are frequently notified at home or at work and asked for their help in correcting a particular problem. When a student displays a pattern of misbehavior over a period of time, the first step in helping the child will involve a team effort on the part of the parents and school staff.  

THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS FOR EACH STUDENT TO EXERCISE GOOD SELF-DISCIPLINE.

Students of the Lancaster City School District may be subject to discipline, including, but not limited to, suspension, expulsion, or emergency removal from school, for behavior in violation of the code of conduct that occurs either on school premises, during school transportation, or at any school sponsored activity.

Disciplinary action shall also apply to behavior that occurs off school property but is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on school property, or actions, regardless of where they occur, that are directed at a Lancaster City School District official or employee, or the property of such official or employee.

For student safety and welfare, video surveillance cameras are located throughout the building grounds and on buses.  Actions recorded on these cameras may be used as evidence in disciplinary actions. Any attempt to damage or interfere with the function of these devices will result in disciplinary actions by the school and possible referral to law enforcement agencies.  (See page 8 under “Surveillance Cameras.”)

STUDENT CONDUCT

 (Zero Tolerance)

(Board Policy JFC)

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that exhibits respect and consideration for the rights of others.  Students of the District must conform to school regulations and accept directions from authorized school personnel.  The Board has “zero tolerance” of violent, disruptive, harassing, intimidating, bullying or any other inappropriate behavior by its students. 

For a full version of policy JFC see Board Policy Manual: BoardDocs® LT

(May 23, 2017)

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY:  In order to maintain a safe environment for all, students are asked to report any and all threats of violence, including jokes and threats of violence, made to self, others, and/or property.

STUDENT CONDUCT ON DISTRICT MANAGED TRANSPORTATION

(Board Policy EEACC [Also JFCC])

The Board furnishes transportation in compliance with State law.  This fact does not relieve parents of students from the responsibility of supervision until such time as the student boards the vehicle and after the student leaves the vehicle at the end of the school day.

Policies and procedures for student conduct on District managed transportation are designed to ensure the safety and welfare of all passengers and are developed cooperatively with administrators and transportation personnel.

Students on a District managed transportation are under the authority of, and directly responsible to, the driver.  The driver has the authority to enforce the established regulations for rider conduct.  Disorderly conduct or refusal to submit to the authority of the driver is sufficient reason for refusing transportation services or suspending transportation services to any student once proper procedures are followed. 

For a full version of policy EEACC see Board Policy Manual: BoardDocs® LT

(March 22, 2022)

HAZING AND BULLYING

(Harassment, Intimidation and Dating Violence)

(Board Policy JFCF)

Hazing means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.

Throughout this policy the term bullying is used in place of harassment, intimidation and bullying. 

Bullying, harassment and intimidation are intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical acts that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once.  The intentional act also includes violence within a dating relationship.  The behavior causes mental or physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for the other student.  This behavior is prohibited on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored activity. Students found responsible for harassment, intimidation or bullying by an electronic act may be suspended. 

When the behavior is sexual harassment, the Title IX sexual harassment grievance process will be followed, if applicable, prior to imposing any discipline that cannot be imposed without resolution of the Title IX process.

For a full version of policy JFCF see Board Policy Manual: BoardDocs® LT

(September 22, 2020)

HAZING AND BULLYING

(Harassment, Intimidation and Dating Violence)

(Board Policy JFCF-R)

The prohibition against hazing, dating violence, harassment, intimidation or bullying is publicized in student handbooks and in the publications that set the standard of conduct for schools and students in the District.  In addition, information regarding the policy is incorporated into employee handbooks and training materials. When the behavior involves allegations of sexual harassment, the Title IX sexual harassment grievance process will be followed, as applicable. When the behavior is sexual harassment, the Title IX sexual harassment grievance process will be followed, if applicable, prior to imposing any discipline that cannot be imposed without resolution of the Title IX process.

For a full version of policy JFCF-R see Board Policy Manual: BoardDocs® LT 

(September 22, 2020)

Expected Behavior:

Students are expected to act in a respectful manner towards their fellow peers, staff members, school facilities and equipment, and the educational purpose underlying all school activities. It is the objective of Lancaster City Schools to promote a safe and constructive learning environment that encourages students to grow in self-discipline. Any act that is seen to obstruct this objective is cause for remedial action.

The district prohibits active and passive support for harassment, intimidations, and/or bullying. Students are encouraged to constructively attempt to stop such acts as well as to report these acts to the building principal or his/her designee.

A copy of the school district policy concerning student code of conduct and various school district rules will be administered annually to students and their parent(s) or legal guardian (s). These will become available at the beginning of each school year, or as a student enters the school district, via student handbooks and the school district website.

If an act or incident is considered to violate this policy, an appropriate consequence will be determined based on above criteria. Acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying are classified under Lancaster City School’s Serious Misconduct Code. Discipline under this code could result in meeting with appropriate administrative personnel, suspension, expulsion or removal from class or school premises, or any other disposition outlined in the administrative guidelines or permitted by law.

Retaliation Prohibited:

No one is permitted to retaliate against an employee or student because he/she files a grievance or assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing regarding the charge of hazing and/or bullying of an individual. Nor shall anyone retaliate against an employee or student because he/she files a grievance; assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing regarding the charge of discrimination of an individual; or because he/she has opposed language or conduct that violates this policy. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for such retaliation will be determined by the building principal or his/her designee after consideration of the nature of the circumstances of the act. 

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Prevention Programs:

Pamphlets can be found within the school offices and administrative building that briefly define harassment and give an overview of the appropriate action to take. The administration also provides training on the District’s hazing and bullying policy to District employees and volunteers who have direct contact with students. Additional training is provided to elementary employees in violence and substance abuse prevention and positive youth development.

TOBACCO USE BY STUDENTS

(Board Policy JFCG)

Health professionals have determined that the use of tobacco products can be detrimental to one's health.  The Board wishes to encourage good health practices among the students of this District, as well as compliance with Federal and State law.  Therefore, the Board prohibits the smoking, use or possession of tobacco in any form by any student in any area or vehicle under the control of the District or at any activity supervised by any school within the District. 

“Tobacco” is defined as any product made or derived from tobacco or containing any form of nicotine, if it is intended for human consumption or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled or ingested by any other means including but not limited to: any lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, alternative nicotine products, electronic smoking devices, vapor products, any other smoking product, and spit tobacco, also known as smokeless, dip, chew, and snuff, in any form.

For a full version of policy JFCG see Board Policy Manual: BoardDocs® LT 

(December 17, 2019)

STUDENT SUSPENSION

(Board Policy JGD)

The Superintendent, principals, assistant principals and other designated administrators may suspend a student from school for disciplinary reasons outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. A student cannot be suspended from school solely because of unexcused absences. When an employee has actual knowledge that the behavior is sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator must be contacted. The Title IX sexual harassment grievance process will be followed, if applicable, prior to imposing any discipline that cannot be imposed without resolution of the Title IX process.

No period of suspension is for more than 10 school days. If, at the time a suspension is imposed, fewer than 10 days remain in the school year, the Superintendent cannot apply any or all of the period of suspension to the following year.

The Superintendent may instead require a student to perform community service or another alternative consequence for the number of hours remaining in the student’s suspension. The Board directs the Superintendent to develop a list of alternative consequences that may be used.  If the student is required to perform community service or another alternative consequence during the summer, he/she will be required to begin serving the consequence during the first full weekday of summer break.  If a student fails to complete the community service or assigned alternative consequence, the Superintendent may determine the next course of action but still cannot require the student to serve the remaining time of the out of school suspension at the beginning of the following school year. 

Whenever possible, principals will consult with a mental health professional under contract with the District or school prior to suspending a student in grades Pre-K through three.  If needed, the principal or mental health professional will assist the student’s parent in locating additional mental health services.

The District permits students to complete any classroom assignments missed due to suspension. Students will receive at least partial credit upon completion of any assignment missed due to suspension. The Board directs the Superintendent to develop written procedures for completing and grading these assignments. Grade reductions are permitted, but students will not receive a failing grade on a completed assignment solely due to the student’s suspension. 

The guidelines listed below are followed for out of school suspensions:

1. The student is informed in writing of the potential suspension and the reasons for the proposed action.

2. The student is provided an opportunity for an informal hearing to challenge the reason for the intended suspension and explain his/her actions.

3. An attempt is made to notify the parent(s) by telephone if a suspension is issued.

4. Within one school day after the suspension, a letter is sent to the parent(s) stating the specific reasons for the suspension and including notice of the right to appeal such action. Notice of this suspension is sent to the:

   • • Superintendent and;

     • Student’s school record (not for inclusion in the permanent record).

5. Permanent Exclusion – If the offense is one for which the District may seek permanent exclusion, the notice contains that information.

Appeal Procedure

Should a student or a student’s parent(s) choose to appeal the suspension, he/she must do so within 10 days of the notice of suspension. The procedure for such is provided in regulations approved by the Board. All witnesses are sworn and a verbatim record is kept of the hearing which may be held in executive session at the request of the student or his/her parent(s). The student may be excluded from school during the appeal process.

Appeal to the Court

Under State law, appeal of the Board’s or its designee’s decision may be made to the Court of Common Pleas. (September 22, 2020)

STUDENT EXPULSION

(Board Policy JGE)

At times, the behavior of a student can be considered so serious as to justify total removal from the educational program for a prolonged period of time. Actions meriting expulsion are outlined in the student code of conduct. A student cannot be expelled from school solely because of unexcused absences. When an employee has actual knowledge that the behavior is sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator must be contacted. The Title IX sexual harassment grievance process will be followed, if applicable, prior to imposing any discipline that cannot be imposed without resolution of the Title IX process.

Only the Superintendent may expel a student. Expulsion is the removal of a student for more than 10 school days, but not more than one year, unless otherwise permitted by law. An expulsion can extend beyond the end of the school year if there are fewer school days than expulsion days remaining. The Superintendent may apply any remaining part or all of the period of the expulsion to the following school year.

The Superintendent may require a student to perform community service in conjunction with or in place of an expulsion. The Board may adopt guidelines to permit the Superintendent to impose a community service requirement beyond the end of the school year in lieu of applying the expulsion into the following school year.

Whenever possible, principals will consult with a mental health professional under contract with the District or school prior to expelling a student in grades Pre-K through three.  If needed, the principal or mental health professional will assist the student’s parent in locating additional mental health services.

Expulsions for students in grades pre-K through three may only be issued for serious offenses in accordance with State law.

The Superintendent shall give the student and parent(s) written notice of the intended expulsion, including reasons for the intended expulsion. The student and parent(s) or representative have the opportunity to appear on request before the Superintendent/designee to challenge the action or to otherwise explain the student’s actions. This notice shall state the time and place to appear, which must not be fewer than three days nor more than five days after the notice is given

Within one school day of the expulsion, the Superintendent shall notify the parent(s) of the student and Treasurer. 

The notice shall include the reasons for the expulsion, the right of the student or parent(s) to appeal to the Board or its designee, the right to be represented at the appeal and the right to request that the hearing be held in executive session.

The Superintendent will initiate expulsion proceedings against a student who has committed an act that warrants expulsion even if the student withdraws from school before the Superintendent has held the hearings or made the decision to expel the student.

Permanent Exclusion

If the offense is one for which the District may seek permanent exclusion, the notice shall contain that information.

Appeal to the Board

A student or a student’s parent(s) may appeal the expulsion by the Superintendent to the Board or its designee. The expulsion appeal must be within 14 calendar days after the notice of intent to expel was

provided to the student, parent, guardian or custodian. The appeal request shall be in writing to the

Treasurer and at the request of the student or of the student's parent(s) or attorney, the meeting may be

held in executive session. The student may be represented in all such appeal proceedings and is granted a hearing before the Board or its designee. All witnesses are sworn and a verbatim record is kept of the hearing. The decision of the Board shall be acted upon at a public meeting. The student may be excluded from school during the appeal process.

Appeal to the Court

Under State law, the decision of the Board may be further appealed to the Court of Common Pleas.

Any student who is expelled from school for more than 20 days or into the following semester or school year

is referred to an agency that works towards improving the student's attitudes and behavior. The

Superintendent provides the student and his/her parent(s) with the names, addresses and telephone

numbers of the public and private agencies providing such services.

Expulsions for Imminent and Severe Endangerment

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to expel a student for an initial period of up to 180 school days for actions that the Superintendent determines pose imminent and severe endangerment to the health and safety of other students or school employees, even though the student's actions may not qualify for permanent exclusion. When issuing expulsions under these provisions, the Superintendent complies with all other applicable requirements of this expulsion policy and State law including, but not limited to, notices and hearings.

"Imminent and severe endangerment" means any of the following actions taken by a student:

1. bringing a firearm to a school operated by the Board or any other property owned or controlled by the Board;

2. bringing a firearm to an interscholastic competition, extracurricular event, or any other program or activity sponsored by the District or in which the District is a participant;

3. bringing a knife capable of causing serious bodily injury to a school operated by the Board, any other property owned or controlled by the Board, or to an interscholastic competition, extracurricular event, or any other program or activity sponsored by the District or in which the District is a participant;

4. committing an act that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult and that results in serious physical harm to persons or property while the student is at a school operated by the Board, any other property owned or controlled by the Board, or an interscholastic competition, extracurricular event, or any other program or activity sponsored by the school District or in which the District is a participant; 

5. making a bomb threat to a school building or to any premises at which a school activity is occurring at the time of the threat or

6. making an articulated or verbalized threat, including a hit list, threatening manifesto, or social media post, that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the pupil poses a serious threat. 

The Superintendent develops conditions for the expelled student to satisfy prior to the student's reinstatement and provides a written copy of these conditions to the Board, the student and the student's parent, guardian or custodian at the beginning of the expulsion period. The conditions must include an assessment to determine whether the student poses a danger to the student's self or to other students or school employees. The assessment must be completed by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or licensed school psychologist employed or contracted by the District and agreed upon by the student's parent and the Superintendent. Any applicable costs for the assessment are managed in accordance with law. The assessment must include a determination from the psychiatrist, psychologist, or school psychologist as to whether the student poses a danger to the student's self or to other students or school employees and may include recommendations for contingent conditions on the student's reinstatement. The conditions for reinstatement should be established in a manner so that satisfying the conditions demonstrates behavioral improvement compared to this initial assessment.

At the end of the expulsion period, the Superintendent assesses the student to determine whether the student has shown sufficient rehabilitation to be reinstated, meaning that the student has met all conditions for reinstatement set by the Superintendent and no longer pose a danger to the student's self or to other students or school employees. In making this determination, the Superintendent considers the required assessment made by the psychiatrist, psychologist, or school psychologist and whether the student has met the conditions developed by the Superintendent at the beginning of the expulsion period. For an expulsion period of 180 school days or an extended expulsion period of 90 school days, the Superintendent makes this

determination in consultation with a multidisciplinary team selected by the Superintendent.

If the Superintendent determines the student has shown sufficient rehabilitation, the Superintendent may reinstate the student.

If the Superintendent determines the student has not shown sufficient rehabilitation, the Superintendent may extend the expulsion of an additional period of up to 90 school days. If the Superintendent extends the expulsion, they must develop conditions for the student to satisfy prior to their reinstatement that may be the same as those developed for the original expulsion period. A written copy of these conditions is provided to the Board, the student and the student's parent, guardian or custodian at the beginning of the extended expulsion period. At the end of the extended expulsion period, the Superintendent reassesses the student in the same manner as was conducted at the end of the original expulsion period and may reinstate the student or extend the expulsion for an additional period of up to 90 school days. There is no limit on the number of times an expulsion can be extended in accordance with these procedures. 

Reduction of Expulsion

Prior to the end of the original expulsion or of an extended expulsion, the Superintendent may reduce the expulsion on a case-by-case basis if they determine the student has met all the conditions developed by the Superintendent at the beginning of the expulsion period, in compliance with District policy regarding the reduction of an expulsion period. Matters which might lead to a reduction of the expulsion period include the student's mental and/or physical characteristics or conditions, the age of the student and its relevance to the punishment, the prior disciplinary history of the student and/or the intent of the perpetrator.

Early Assessment

Prior to the end of the original expulsion or of an extended expulsion, the student or student's parent, guardian or custodian may request the Superintendent complete an early assessment of the student. If requested, the Superintendent must assess the student in the manner that would otherwise be conducted at the end of the expulsion period to determine whether the student has shown sufficient rehabilitation. A request for early assessment can be made once during the original expulsion period and once during every extended period.

Contingent Reinstatement

The Superintendent may develop contingent conditions for a student's reinstatement in the following circumstances:

1. when the assessment is made at the end of the original expulsion period and the Superintendent determines the student has shown sufficient rehabilitation to be reinstated;

2. when the Superintendent has determined during the expulsion period to reduce the expulsion or

3. when the parent has requested an early assessment and the Superintendent has determined that the student has shown sufficient rehabilitation to be reinstated.

The conditions may include the conditions developed for the original expulsion period and recommendations made by the psychiatrist, psychologist or school psychologist in their required assessment. The Superintendent establishes a duration under which the student must meet the contingent conditions that may extend to the student's graduation date. A written copy of these conditions is provided to the Board, the student and the student's parent, guardian or custodian when the Superintendent makes the reinstatement decision. The conditions for reinstatement should be established in a manner so that satisfying the conditions demonstrates behavioral improvement compared to this initial assessment. If a student fails to meet the contingent conditions, the Superintendent may revoke the student's reinstatement and establish an extended expulsion period in the same manner as an extended expulsion would otherwise be issued.

Continued Educational Plan

The Superintendent develops a list of alternative educational options for students expelled under these provisions. A plan for the continued education of a student expelled under these provisions who does not have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed within 15 school days after the beginning of the original expulsion or of any extended expulsion and within 10 school days of the original expulsion or of any extended expulsion for a student with an IEP. The plan is developed by the Superintendent in consultation with the student and their parent, guardian or custodian and also includes the student's IEP team for a student with an IEP. The plan may include: education by the District in an alternative setting such as that which may be provided to a student who is otherwise expelled, including instruction at home; enrollment in another district or other type of public or nonpublic school; or any other form of instruction that complies with RC 3321.

Appeal

The student or the student's parent, guardian or custodian may appeal any expulsion determination made by the Superintendent under these provisions in the same manner as other expulsions are appealed as outlined in this policy.

Reporting

The Board directs the Superintendent to provide the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce with records of each expulsion made under these provisions and any changes to the student's expulsion status. The records must not include a student's name and must include the following:

1. the name of the student's school;

2.  the reason for the student's expulsion;

3. the duration of the expulsion and any extension of the expulsion;

4. the total number of students expelled by the District in the school year as of the date of the report and

5. the student's age, gender, race and other demographic information.

(May 20, 2025)

STUDENT SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

(And Removal)

(Board Policy JGD-R/JGE-R)

The Lancaster City Board of Education believes that public education is a right that includes responsibilities.  We further believe that our students should always strive for excellent behavior and good school citizenship in school, to and from school, and while attending extracurricular activities.  To ensure this proud reputation of exemplary behavior, the following procedures pertaining to the suspension and expulsion of students are established.

The Serious Misconduct Code and student rules of conduct described in this policy and in the student handbooks shall apply to student conduct while on school property, during school transportation, at school-related and extra-curricular activities and to student misconduct, regardless of where it occurs, that is related to activities that have occurred on school property or that is directed to a school employee or the property of a school employee.

Serious Misconduct Code

A violation of any rule listed below shall result in disciplinary action, including meeting with appropriate administrative personnel, suspension, expulsion, or removal from class or school premises, or any other appropriate disposition outlined in the administrative guidelines or permitted by law.

Included in the prohibition are those students who assist or in any way participate in the rule violation.

Truancy:  

A student shall not be absent from school or any portion thereof without proper parental permission and school authorization. 

Fighting/Violence:  

A student shall not act or behave in such a way as could cause physical injury to another person.

Note:  If an act of harm to a person is one that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult and results in serious physical harm as defined in Ohio Revised Code Section (RC) 2901.01 (A)(5), and occurs while the student is at school, on any other property owned or controlled by the Board, or at a school-related event, the Superintendent may expel the student for a period of up to one calendar year.

Vandalism (Damage to School or Personal Property):  

A student shall not cause or attempt damage to school or private property.

Note:  If an act of harm to property is one that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult and results in serious physical harm to property as defined in RC 2901.01 (A)(6) and occurs while the student is at school or on any other property owned or controlled by the Board, or at a school-related event, the Superintendent may expel the student for a period of up to one calendar year.

Theft (Stealing Personal or School Property): 

A student shall not take any public or private property that is not his/her own while under the jurisdiction of school personnel.  A student shall not purchase or sell stolen property, or purchase or sell items or substances by use of fraud or misrepresentation while under the authority of school personnel.  A student shall not, by force, threat, violence or coercion obtain or attempt to obtain the property of another person.

Use, possession, sale, or distribution of a firearm:  

A student shall not possess, use, or conceal any firearm/look-a-like gun on school property or while properly under the authority of school personnel while off school property.  (See Note 1 at the end of the policy)  A student who brings a firearm to school or possesses a firearm at school, on school property or to an interscholastic competition, extracurricular event or any other school program or activity, regardless of where it occurs, may be expelled for a period of one calendar year.

Use, possession, sale or distribution of a dangerous weapon other than a firearm or explosive, incendiary or poison gas:  

A student shall not possess, use, or conceal any weapon on school property or while properly under the authority of school personnel while off school property.  (See Note 1 at the end of the policy)  A student who brings a knife or possesses a knife at school, on school property, or to an interscholastic competition, extracurricular event or any other school program or activity, regardless of where it occurs, may be expelled for a period of one calendar year.

Use, possession, sale or distribution of any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas:  

A student shall not possess, use, or conceal any explosive, incendiary, poison gas, or chemical irritant on school property or while properly under the authority of school personnel while off school property.  (See Note 1 at the end of the policy)

Use, possession, sale or distribution of tobacco:  

A student shall not possess, use, transmit, sell or conceal any tobacco or tobacco products in any form including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, clove cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, alternative nicotine products, electronic cigarettes and vaping instruments in any building of the Lancaster City Schools or at any activity supervised by the Lancaster City Schools.

Use, possession, sale or distribution of alcohol:  

A student shall not possess, use, conceal, or be under the influence of alcohol on school property or while under the authority of school personnel while off school property.  (See Note 2 at the end of the policy)

Use, possession, sale or distribution of drugs other than tobacco or alcohol:  

A student shall not possess, use, conceal, or be under the influence of any drug, narcotic, controlled or mind-altering substance, unprescribed medication or look-alike (counterfeit substance) or drug paraphernalia on school property or while under the authority of school personnel while off school property.  (See Note 2 at the end of the policy)  Included in the prohibition is over the counter medication in possession of a student in violation of the medication policy.

False Alarms/Bomb Threat:  

A student shall not falsely report an emergency, including fire or bomb threats or tamper with any alarm or fire prevention device.

Note:  A student may be expelled for a period of one calendar year for making a bomb threat to a school building or to any premises at which a school activity is occurring at the time of the threat.

Repeated Violations:  

A student shall not repeatedly violate the code or fail to comply with the directions of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teaching assistants, principals or other authorized school personnel, during any period of time when the student is under the school's jurisdiction.

Disobedient/Disruptive Behavior: 

Defined as:  unwillingness to submit to authority, refusal to respond to a reasonable request, or any act that disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function; also, behavior which substantially disrupts the orderly learning environment (i.e., dress code violations, inappropriate language, cursing, inappropriate gestures).

1. Disruption of School:  A student shall not, by any action, cause any disruption to school or school related activity.

2. Disregard of Reasonable Directions or Commands by School Officials:  A student shall not disregard or disobey reasonable directions, rules or commands issued by school personnel. Students shall not act in a disrespectful manner toward school personnel.

3. Special Rules of Conduct for School Buses:  A student shall abide by the established rules of conduct for students riding school buses.

4. Establishment & Conduct of School Clubs and Organizations:  A student shall not establish or be a member of a school club or organization not authorized by the school.

5. Hazing:  Hazing means doing any act or coercing another to do any act of intimidation that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person or group.  Students shall not engage in unlawful discriminatory acts of harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran’s status, religion, disability, age, or gender.  Examples of prohibited harassment includes slurs, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual, harassing or discriminatory nature, unwelcome sexual advances or reference to sexual themes in a manner which the offender knows or should know is offensive to the listener or observer, or other discriminatory or harassing verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran’s status, religion, disability, age, or gender.  A student shall not engage in hazing, commit any act that injures, frightens, or degrades a fellow student or employee of the school on or off school grounds.

6. Obscene Language and Pornography:  A student shall not use, write, print or display profanity, obscene language, gestures or pornographic materials on the way to and from school, during school, or at any school related activity.

7. Falsification, Cheating or Plagiarism:  A student shall not knowingly give false written or spoken information to school personnel.  A student shall not submit work that is not his/her own without proper documentation and reference.

8. Out of School Conduct:  Students shall not engage in misconduct off school property that is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on school property or misconduct, regardless of where it occurs, that is directed at a Lancaster City School official or employee, or the property of such official or employee.

9. Sexual Behavior:  Students shall not engage in inappropriate sexual behavior while under the jurisdiction of the school or representing the school.

10.  Interference with School Personnel:  A student shall not interfere with any school employee in the performance of their duties.

11. Gambling:  A student shall not take part in any gambling scheme or game of chance.

12. Traffic and Parking:  A student shall obey all traffic laws and parking regulations while operating a motor vehicle on school grounds, or authorized parking areas.  Student vehicles are subject to search if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the search will reveal evidence of prohibited conduct.

13. Tardiness:  A student shall not be late for school or class without properly being excused by school personnel.

14. Harassment/Intimidation: Repeatedly annoying or attacking using physical, verbal, written, or electronic action which creates fear of harm, an intimidating or hostile education or work environment, without displaying a weapon and without subjecting the victim to actual physical attack (i.e., bullying, hazing, threat of harm).

15. Firearm look-alikes: Any item that resembles a firearm but does not have the explosive characteristics of a firearm but may use a spring loaded device or air pressure by which to propel an object or substance. (i.e., toy guns, cap guns, bb guns, pellet guns.)

16. Unwelcome Sexual Conduct: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, other physical or verbal conduct or communication of a sexual nature, including gender-based harassment that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education or work environment. (i.e., pinching, grabbing, suggestive comments, gestures or jokes or pressure to engage in sexual activity).

17. Serious Bodily Injury:  An incident that results in serious bodily injury to oneself or others.  Serious Bodily Injury is defined as “A bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death; extreme physical pain; protracted and obvious disfigurement; or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ or faculty.

Note 1:  Whenever a student is suspended or expelled from school in accordance with RC 3316.66 for a violation involving a firearm, knife or other weapon, the Superintendent shall notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the juvenile judge of Fairfield County of the suspension or expulsion.  After receiving such notification, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles is required to suspend the temporary instruction permit or driver's license of the student who is the subject of the notice.  If a temporary permit or license has not been issued for that student, the Registrar is prohibited from issuing a temporary permit or license.  Driving privileges may be restored once the Superintendent notifies the Registrar that the student has satisfied any conditions established by the Superintendent.

Note 2:  Whenever a student is suspended or expelled from school in accordance with RC 3313.66 for the use or possession of alcohol or drugs the Superintendent may notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the juvenile judge of Fairfield County of the suspension or expulsion.  After receiving such notification, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles is required to suspend the temporary instruction permit or driver's license of the student who is the subject of the notice.  If a temporary permit or license has not been issued for that student, the Registrar is prohibited from issuing a temporary permit or license.  Driving privileges may be restored once the Superintendent notifies the Registrar that the student has satisfied any conditions established by the Superintendent. 

In accordance with State law, a student whose driving privileges have been denied can file a petition with the juvenile court in which he resides. 

(March 20, 2018)

EMERGENCY REMOVAL OF PUPILS

(Board Policy JGDA)

If a student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, the Superintendent, principal, associate principals, assistant principal or personnel employed to direct, supervise or coach a student activity program may remove the student from the premises. 

For a full version of policy JGDA see Board Policy Manual: BoardDocs® LT

(December 18, 2018)

DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

(Board Policy JGF)

The Board recognizes that effective and appropriate discipline for students with disabilities may, at times, differ from effective and appropriate discipline for students without disabilities.  The Board does not, however, believe in a double standard for misbehavior and holds the welfare and safety of all persons in the District in highest regard.  Disciplinary action of students with disabilities proceeds in a manner that protects the welfare and order of the community as well as recognizes the special needs of the student.

The Board delegates to school officials the authority to enforce District policies, regulations and rules governing the conduct of all students.  The District will comply with all State and Federal laws and regulations governing the discipline of students with disabilities.  All students, including those with disabilities, will be referred to law enforcement officials when required by law and may be referred to law enforcement officials when their conduct constitutes a crime. 

For a full version of policy JGF see Board Policy Manual: BoardDocs® LT

(December 17, 2007)