2017-2018 Student Handbook

DUE PROCESS Due Process is a set of requirements, which seeks to achieve fundamental fairness. The principal or designee as the primary investigating officer must protect the rights of the student while at the same time performing the administrative duties of the school system. Due Process requirements include: 1. Informing the student, parent/guardian in writing no later than two (2) school days following the incident of the specific charges, which, if proven would justify the proposed punishment as stated in the Carroll County Student Handbook; 2. Specifying the evidence supporting the charges; 3. Providing the opportunity for the student to present his/her side of the story of the incident; 4. In the event the incident is not resolved, the student, parent/guardian has a right to an appeal which is to be submitted in writing within seven (7) days to the principal. 5. In the case a hearing is necessary, then state when, where and before whom it will be held. SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER School Resource Officers (SROs) are certified law enforcement officers employed by a local law enforcement agency who serve the schools as regular staff that become an integral part of the total school program. They have four major roles: to serve as law enforcement agents, as teachers, as community liaisons, and as role models. Their presence serves as a deterrent to criminal behaviors, and they work with administrators and staff to prevent violence and maintain a safe and secure environment. SEARCH AND SEIZURE/EVIDENCE/CONTRABAND (JFG) I. Definition A. The principal, or a member of the administrative staff designated in writing by the principal, to maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of students and school personnel, may search a student, student lockers or student automobile and its contents where the person conducting the search or the principal designating the person to search has reasonable cause for a search. Reasonable cause for a search means circumstances, which would cause a reasonable person to believe that a search of a particular person, place, or thing would lead to the discovery of: 1. evidence of a violation of the student conduct standards contained in the student handbook; 2. anything which because of its presence presents an immediate danger of physical harm or illness to any person. Property Rights All student desks, lockers and other storage areas provided for student use on school premises remain the property of the school board and are provided for the use of the students. The lockers and other storage areas are subject to inspection, access for maintenance, and search pursuant to this regulation. No student shall lock or otherwise impede access to any locker or storage area except with a lock provided by or approved by the principal of the school in which the locker or storage area is located. Unapproved locks shall be removed and destroyed. III. Procedures for Search When deemed necessary, a search of lockers, desks, storage areas, a student, book bag, gym bag, any sort of bag, or a motor vehicle may be conducted. The search, and if necessary, the seizure of items will be conducted in accordance with the school division's policies. Should illegal materials be found during a search, law enforcement officials shall be notified. A student's failure to permit searches and seizures as provided in this handbook will be considered grounds for disciplinary action. II.

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