Board Policies & Rules
The policies and administrative rules of the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education, Kent County, Michigan, are the result of a combined effort of the professional staff of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), the Board of Education, and the District's staff.
The staff of MASB has written the policy and rule model and integrated into that model the valid policies and procedures selected by the District at the time of the first draft. After forwarding the first draft a MASB staff member and selected staff members of the District worked in consort to edit all of the proposed policies and rules resulting in preparation of a final draft to be presented to the Board of Education.
The Board has appointed a Policy Committee to review language, laws, and the current environment to update or create a new policy.
The Board and its staff will make every effort to provide a safe environment for scholars to study and play and for all employees to fulfill their employment duties and responsibilities. The Superintendent will develop safety rules and practices. Annually, these rules will be reviewed with all employees and scholars.
Emergency Closings
The Superintendent is authorized to close the schools in case of inclement weather or other emergency which makes it unsafe for scholars to attend school. The Superintendent may delay the opening of school in cases of fog or ice until such hour as it is anticipated conditions are safe for transportation. The Superintendent will develop a process to make appropriate information available on which to base the decision.
Emergency Drills
Each building housing scholars will comply fully with all laws regarding required fire drills, tornado drills, and lockdown drills. The Superintendent shall report to the Board concerning the nature of legally required "lockdown" drills consistent with MCL 29.19(5). There will be coordination with local emergency management, fire, and/or police officials in the conduct of "lockdown" drills.
Warning Systems
The Board seeks to cooperate with local government officials, emergency preparedness authorities, and other related state agencies to ensure that adequate warning systems in the event of disasters are available for use in the District.
Safety Inspections
The Superintendent will inspect each attendance center, playgrounds, and playground equipment, boilers, bleachers, and other such areas to determine whether said facilities or play areas are in adequate repair and free of harmful defects.
Toxic Hazards and Asbestos
The Superintendent will appoint a District employee to serve as the designated person who to carry out the requirements of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Michigan Right-To-Know Rules and Regulations.
The Superintendent's appointee may develop and implement the District's approved asbestos management plan and will develop a specific job description, which will ensure proper compliance with federal and state laws and the appropriate instruction and in-service of staff and scholars.
The Board will, through either a separate contract, a sub clause to an existing contract, or as a part of a negotiated master contract, defend, hold harmless, and indemnify current and former District employees who have been assigned the responsibilities related to the AHERA regulations from any and all demands, claims, suits, actions, and proceedings brought against those individuals as agents and/or employees of the Board, provided that any such incidents arose while those individuals were acting within the scope of their respective employment contracts and their actions were not intentional, negligent, or criminal acts.
The Board will attempt to maintain secure liability insurance to help serve as a means of implementing this policy.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
The Superintendent will ensure an IPM program is developed in compliance with the law, stating the goals regarding the management of pests and the use of pesticides. The IPM Program will incorporate all elements required by law.
Integrated Pest Management Coordinator
The Superintendent will designate an IPM Program Coordinator. The Coordinator will be responsible for implementing this policy. The Superintendent and Coordinator will develop and disseminate appropriate administrative rules, procedures, and forms to implement the IPM Program.
Education/Training
The school community will be educated about potential pest problems and IPM methods used to achieve the pest management objectives.
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