NEPN/NSBA Code:  KI

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS 

The School Committee encourages the active interest and involvement of parents and residents in public schools. In order to avoid interruption of the instructional program and to promote the safety of students and staff, building administrators shall institute administrative procedures concerning visitors to the schools. Such procedures shall be subject to the approval of the Superintendent. It is understood that procedures may vary from school to school due to differing considerations such as the age of the students and building layout and location. 

The following general guidelines shall be incorporated in all building-level administrative procedures concerning visitors. 

A.  The term “visitor” shall apply to any person on school grounds or in school buildings who is not an employee or student of the school district. 

B.  All visitors shall report to the main office upon arrival at the school. 

C.  All visitors who wish to visit classrooms, observe aspects of the instructional program, or meet with staff members are expected to schedule such visits in advance. Teachers and other staff may not use instructional time to discuss individual matters with visitors. 

D.  Individual School Committee members shall follow the same procedures as other visitors, and state whether they are visiting the schools on personal business or in connection with School Committee duties. 

E.  Visitors shall comply with all applicable School Committee policies and school rules. Visitors who violate these policies/rules and/or disrupt the safe and orderly operation of the school shall be asked to leave the premises.

F.  The building administrator/designee has the authority to refuse entry to school grounds or buildings to persons who do not have a legitimate, school-related business and/or who may disrupt the operations of the schools. This may include, but not be limited to, the news media, profit-making businesses, fundraisers, and other organizations seeking access to students and/or staff. 

G.  Students who have been suspended or expelled from Lewiston Public Schools are prohibited from entering school grounds and buildings unless specifically authorized by a school administrator

H.  School staff shall report unauthorized persons on school grounds or in school buildings to the building administrator/designee. Unauthorized persons shall be directed to leave the premises immediately. 

I.  The building administrator/designee may request the assistance of law enforcement as necessary to deal with unauthorized persons or violations of the law by visitors to the schools. 

Cross Reference: BCA – School Committee Member Code of Ethics 

EBCA –Comprehensive Health and Safety Emergency and Management Plan

ECA – Buildings and Grounds Security 

JLIB – Student Dismissal Precautions 

JLF – Reporting Student Abuse and Neglect 

 KLG – Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies 

Adopted: June 7, 2000 

Reviewed: July 23, 2013 

Reviewed: July 20, 2015

Revised: September 25, 2023