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Community Relations

WFL/EB

Access to records of the Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services shall be consistent with the rules and regulations established by the State Committee on Open Government and shall comply with all the requirements of the New York State Public Officers Law Section 84 et seq.

A designated official shall be identified to serve as records access clerk and to coordinate such requests that are in keeping with these provisions. Any individual denied access to eligible records may appeal such denial in writing to the District Superintendent or his/her designee in accordance with established procedures and regulations.

Education Law Section 2116

Public Officers Law Section 84 et seq.

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Community Relations

WFL/EB

SUBJECT: CONFIDENTIALITY OF COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION

The development of centralized computer banks of educational data gives rise to the question of the maintenance of the confidentiality of such data while still conforming to the New York State Freedom of Information Law. The safeguarding of the data from inappropriate use is essential to the success of the Wayne Finger Lakes Regional Information Center's operation.

Therefore, it shall be the policy of the Regional Information Center to release confidential computerized data only to authorized personnel of the school district to which data belong or to such others as may be directed by such district. The Superintendent of each district and those whom he/she may designate, in writing, are the only individuals to whom data may be released. The District Superintendent or his/her designee may, at his/her discretion, provide written direction to release specific elements of data in specified formats to central agencies such as the New York State Department of Education, the Social Security Administration or the United States Internal Revenue Department, and only such data as has been specifically referred to shall be released. Furthermore, such information shall be treated as confidential data by all BOCES employees. It shall be a violation of Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES policy and procedures to release data to any unauthorized person or agency and any employee who releases or otherwise makes improper use of such data shall be subject to disciplinary action.

However, if the computerized information sought is available under the Freedom of Information Law and can be retrieved by means of existing computer programs, the District is required to disclose such information.

The Wayne Finger Lakes Regional Information Center staff will install and maintain the necessary management procedures and the appropriate technology to prevent the circumvention of this policy.

Confidential information stored in other databases within the organization shall be treated in a like manner.

Public Officers Law Sections 84 et seq.

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Community Relations

WFL/EB

The Board of Cooperative Educational Services shall approve and/or adopt the appropriate rules and regulations for maintenance of public order on school property and shall file with the Regents and the Commissioner of Education such rules and regulations, and any amendments thereto, to the extent required by the law. Administration shall include a copy of these rules and regulations in their Administrative Handbook.

Education Law Section 2801

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2000 2411

Community Relations

It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly possess any air-gun, spring-gun or other instrument or weapon in which the propelling force is a spring, air, piston or CO2 cartridge upon school grounds or in any BOCES building without the express written authorization of the District Superintendent or his/her designee.

Unlawful possession of a weapon upon school grounds may be a violation of the New York State Penal Law, and is a violation of BOCES policy, and the Student Discipline Code of Conduct.

Penal Law Sections 265.05 and 265.06

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2000 2412

Community Relations

The School District is committed to the prevention of violence against any individual or property in the schools or at school activities whether such acts and/or threats of violence are made by students, staff, or others. Threats of violence against students, school personnel and/or school property will not be tolerated whether or not such threats occur on school grounds or during the school day.

Any acts and/or threats of violence, including bomb threats, whether made orally, in writing, or by e-mail, shall be subject to appropriate discipline in accordance with applicable law, District policies and regulations, as well as the Student Discipline Code of Conduct and collective bargaining agreements, as may be necessary.

While acknowledging an individual's constitutional rights, including applicable due process rights, the District refuses to condone acts and/or threats of violence which threaten the safety and well being of staff, students and the school environment. Employees and students shall refrain from engaging threats or physical actions which create a safety hazard for others.

All staff who are made aware of physical acts and/or threats of violence directed to students or staff are to report such incidents to the building principal/designee, who shall report such occurrences to the Superintendent. Additionally, the building principal/designee will also report occurrences of violence, whether involving an actual confrontation or threat of potential violence, to the school psychologist and/or Director of Special Education if applicable. Local law enforcement agencies may be called as necessary upon the determination of the Superintendent/designee.

Students are to report all acts and/or threats of violence, including threats of suicide, of which they are aware by reporting such incidents to the school hotline, a faculty member, or the building principal.

The District reserves the right to seek restitution, in accordance with law, from the parent/guardian and/or student for any costs or damages which had been incurred by the District as a result of the threats or acts of violence in the schools.

This policy will be enforced in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, as well as collective bargaining agreements and the Student Discipline Code of Conduct as may be necessary. Additionally, this policy will be disseminated, as appropriate, to students, staff, and parents and will be available to the general public upon request.

Regulations will be developed to address safety concerns in the schools, and appropriate sanctions for violations of this policy by students will be addressed in the Student Discipline Code of Conduct.