Safety

The School Board believes that the schools of this District are safe, secure, and caring places for children to learn.  It is further recognized that students and employees have the right to learn and work in a safe environment.

The Superintendent shall implement a District-wide comprehensive plan designed with the following goals:

1.Mitigation or reduction of the potential for suffering exposure to incidents such as accident, trauma, violence, fire, explosion, and other natural or man-made hazards.

2.Preparation of staff by providing training and resource materials before the event.

3.Response in an appropriate, timely, and safe manner during the event.

4.Recovery and a return to a state of normalcy as quickly as possible.

All members of the school community should be alert to conditions which have the potential for jeopardizing the health and/or safety of students, employees, or the public. 

(cf.3513.3– Tobacco-Free Schools/Smoking)
(cf.3514.1 – Hazardous Substances)
(cf.3543 – Transportation:  Emergency and Safety Procedures)
(cf.5142 – Student Safety)
(cf.3515.5 – Emergency Action Plan)
(cf.6153 – School-Sponsored Trips)

Legal Reference:

ALASKA STATUTES
18.31.010-18.31.050  Asbestos health hazard abatement program
18.70.080-18.70-300  Fire protection

Surveillance Systems

The use of surveillance systems is authorized to improve school safety and security.  The Superintendent shall identify appropriate locations for the placement of surveillance equipment, including cameras.  Cameras or other recording devices shall not be placed in private areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy (i.e., bathrooms, locker rooms).

The Superintendent shall ensure signs advising of the use of surveillance systems are posted at conspicuous locations at affected school buildings and grounds.  The Superintendent shall also provide written or electronic notice to students, staff and parents/guardians about the District's surveillance system, including locations where surveillance may occur, explaining that the recordings may be used in disciplinary proceedings, and that matters captured may be referred to local law enforcement, as appropriate.

Access to the surveillance system is limited to authorized users.  Authorized users are responsible for ensuring that unauthorized access or viewing does not occur at any terminal or site the user is controlling.  The disclosure of surveillance recordings is restricted to those who have a security or safety need, a legitimate educational interest, or where disclosure is required by law. 

All surveillance systems are the sole property of the District.   The Superintendent shall be responsible for security, control, storage, and maintenance of all recordings.  Recordings are not required to be maintained or stored beyond the storage capacity of the surveillance system unless a recording has been requested or is evidence in a proceeding.  

Requests for viewing a video recording must be made in writing to the Superintendent or designee.  If granted, viewing will occur in the presence of the District's designated custodian of the recording.   Surveillance recordings will not be duplicated and/or removed from District premises unless legally required or authorized.  This includes, but is not limited to, a law enforcement investigation, court order or subpoena.

Should a surveillance recording become a student or personnel record, the Superintendent shall ensure that the recording is retained and disclosed in accordance with law, Board policy, administrative regulation, and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

In the case of extenuating circumstances involving health or safety, the Superintendent has the ability to release the video.

Security

The School Board is fully committed to preventing violence and crime on school grounds.  The Superintendent and staff shall strictly enforce District policies and regulations related to crime, campus disturbances, campus intruders, student safety, student conduct and student discipline.

(cf. 3515.2 – Intruders on Campus)
(cf. 4158/4258/4358 – Employee Security)
(cf. 5131 – Student Conduct)
(cf. 5131.4 – Campus Disturbances)
(cf. 5131.5 – Vandalism, Theft, and Graffiti)
(cf. 5131.6 – Alcohol and Other Drugs)
(cf. 5131.7 – Weapons and Dangerous Instruments)
(cf. 5141.4 – Child Abuse and Neglect)
(cf. 5142 – Student Safety)
(cf. 5144 – Discipline)
(cf. 5144.1 – Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)
(cf. 3515.5 – Emergency Action Plan)

The Superintendent shall establish procedures for securing records and funds and for protecting buildings against vandalism and burglary during non-business hours.  The Superintendent also shall investigate ways that school grounds can be made more secure.

The Board encourages the involvement of staff, parents/guardians, students, local law enforcement agencies, and other interested parties in implementing comprehensive school safety plans that includes strategies for preventing crime and violence on school premises.