Board of Education

To be in compliance with federal and state law, the school district is required to inform residents about various programs, policies, and procedures that are in place in the district.

AHERA MANAGEMENT

In compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act passed by Congress in 1986 the Plain Local School District has an AHERA Management Plan on file in the Principal’s office at each building and at the Board of Education Office, 901 44th St NW, Canton. Anyone interested in viewing the plan can stop by these locations and ask to see a copy. Asbestos inspections are completed in the school buildings every six months, and a major reevaluation is done every three years. A major re-evaluation was completed in 2023.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES - SECTION 504/ PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION BASED ON DISABILITY

Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations (“Section 504”), no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Board of Education does not discriminate in admission or access to, participation in, or treatment, or employment in, its programs or activities. As such, the Board’s policies and practices will not discriminate against employees and students with disabilities, will provide equal opportunity for employment, and will make accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities its facilities, programs, and activities.

A copy of the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be obtained from the district’s Compliance Officer, Assistant Superintendent, Brian Matthews at 330-492-3500.

CHILD FIND

The Plain Local School District ensures that all eligible students with disabilities in kindergarten through 21 years of age, residing within their attendance area, have available to them a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. The rights of children with disabilities and their parents will be protected in accordance with state and federal laws.

School districts must locate and identify individuals who have disabilities from birth to age 21. If you, or someone you know, may be in need of special education and related services, please contact Mark Parent at 330-491-3839.

CIVIL RIGHTS ACT, TITLE VI, DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT

Any member of the school community who believes that he/she has been the subject of discrimination (including racial harassment) will report any incident(s) to his/her teacher, school administrator, guidance counselor, or if employee, immediate supervisor. The superintendent may also be notified and serves as the district’s Grievance Officer, unless the superintendent delegates that assignment to another administrator.

COUNTY PLAN OF SERVICE

The Stark County Department of Education developed a “Plan of Service” during the 1988-89 school year for its member districts. The Plain Local School District is one of 13 local districts served by the plan. The purpose of the Service Plan is to promote excellence through cooperation while acknowledging the diversity and uniqueness of each member district. The plan is on file and available for review at the Plain Local Board of Education office at 901 44th St. NW.

IDEIA

The Plain Local School District provides educational services to disabled students from birth to age 21 utilizing federal assistance through IDEIA funds to enhance the basic program.

Disabilities including the areas of hearing, vision, learning, behavior, speech/language, health/physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury, autism, or any combination of these, are considered handicapping conditions.

An application is on file at the Administration Building and is available for examination and recommendations by district residents. If you, or someone you know, may be in need of special education and related services, please contact Mark Parent at 330-491-3839.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Plain Local School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability or age with respect to employment or educational programs and opportunities to students. This applies to all educational programs including vocational, community education, and special education. Civil Rights Compliance Officer, Assistant Superintendent, Brian Matthews at 330-492-3500.

STARK COUNTY INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL

The Plain Local School District is participating in a consolidated Pre-School Grant program with other Stark County Local Districts. Some of these pre-school disability classes and enrichment classes are located in Plain Local. The program provides services to identified pre-school children with disabilities. A portion of ECSE, IDEIA funds are used for this program. This application is on file and available for examination and recommendations by district residents. Contact Mark Parent at 330-491-3839. If you have further questions about a pre-school child with a suspected disability.

TITLE I / IDEA-B FLOW THROUGH NOTIFICATION

The Plain Local School District receives notification of their entitlement of federal funds allocated in accordance with the Title I/ Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Public Law 92-142.  Utilization of the funds is designated to provide services and programs for disabled students.  Persons who wish to comment on how to utilize these designated funds are welcome and encouraged to contact Mark Parent, in the Special Education Department located at GlenOak High School at 330-491-3839 or email at parentm@plainlocal.org.

TITLE I PARENTS' RIGHT TO KNOW

At the beginning of each school year, parents may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their students' teachers.   If you would like to request this information, please contact Jill Collet, in the Curriculum Department located at GlenOak High School at 330-491-3877 or email at colletj@plainlocal.org. 

TITLE I EVALUATION

Each spring, parent and teachers evaluate the Title I program.  Comments and input from both are used as plans are made for services the following school year.  If your child is not receiving services or you would like to provide input on the Title I program please contact Jill Collet, in the Curriculum Department located at GlenOak High School at 330-491-3877 or email at colletj@plainlocal.org.

TITLE IX

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded in participation in, denied benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program provided by the Plain Local Board of Education. 

MCKINNEY - VENTO ACT 

It is the policy of the Plain Local School District to enroll, educate and not segregate or stigmatize children on the basis of their status as homeless.  Brian Matthews is the Plain Local Homeless Liaison and may be reached at 330-492-3500.  Any person suspecting a child is homeless should notify Mr. Matthews to ensure that homeless children enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed academically. 

* The Plain Local School District is in compliance with the H.R. 1, “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” that was enacted in January of 2002.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE
All Plain Local employees have been offered a Hepatitis B vaccine. If you previously declined the vaccine and now wish to receive the three part Hepatitis B vaccine, please reach out to the Human Resources Director. 

The Board of Education is committed to providing educational environments that support students fully engaging with classmates, teachers, and instruction. Use of personal communication devices ("PCD") (this term shall also include an "electronic communication device" as referenced in R.C. 3313.753) shall be prohibited during the instructional day and during school-related events and functions in accordance with this policy and the Student Code of Conduct.

The term Personal Communication Device ("PCD") is defined in Bylaw 0100 - Definitions.

Nothing in this policy prohibits a student from using a PCD in accordance with the student's individualized education plan ("IEP") or Section 504 plan. The Board shall also permit a student to use a PCD to monitor or address a health concern if the Board receives a written statement from the student's physician requiring such use. Additionally, students may use school phones to contact parents/guardians during the school day depending upon the exigencies of the situation, the location of the students, and the location of the PCD during an active threat or emergency in accordance with the protocol outlined in the Board-adopted emergency management plan.

Students are prohibited from using a PCD except:

• when the teacher authorizes a student to use a PCD for educational purposes during instructional time;

• when the Principal authorizes a student to use a PCD for educational purposes during instructional time;

• during the student's lunch period;

• between classes;

• while riding in school vehicles. (Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment, failure to follow instructions of a bus driver, or any other violation of the Student Code of Conduct related to PCD use shall not be tolerated and may result in the loss of use of the PCD while in a school vehicle as well as discipline when appropriate.)

Students are prohibited from using PCDs in a manner that infringes on a person's reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes using PCDs in locations and circumstances where a student may be changing clothes or in any stage of undress, such as gymnasiums, locker rooms, shower facilities, and restrooms/bathrooms. The Superintendent and building principals are authorized to determine other specific locations and situations where the use of a PCD is absolutely prohibited.

Except as authorized by a teacher, administrator, IEP team, or Section 504 plan, students are prohibited from using PCDs to capture, record, and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member, or other person during school hours on school property or during school-related events and functions. Using a PCD to capture, record, and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent during the instructional day, where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, or as outlined above, is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted.

Students are expressly prohibited from using covert means to listen-in or make a recording (audio or video) of any meeting or activity at school. This includes placing recording devices, or other devices with one- or two-way audio communication technology (i.e., technology that allows a person off-site to listen to live conversations and sounds taking place in the location where the device is located), within a student's book bag or on the student's person without express written consent of the Superintendent. Any requests to place a recording device or other device with one- or two-way audio communication technology within a student's book bag or on a student's person shall be submitted, in writing, to the Principal. The District representative shall notify the parent(s), in writing, whether such request is denied or granted within five (5) days.

Students may not use a PCD in any way that would constitute bullying or harassment or other violations of the Student Code of Conduct. See Policy Board 5517.01 - Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior. In particular, students are prohibited from using PCDs to:

1. transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry, or political beliefs; and

2. engage in "sexting" - i.e., sending, receiving, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, e-mails, or other materials of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form.

Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child services as required by law.

Students also are prohibited from using a PCD to capture, record, and/or transmit test information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty. Likewise, students are prohibited from using PCDs to receive such information.

Students may not use PCDs to access and/or view Internet websites that otherwise are blocked to students while in school, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity.

When the use of PCDs is prohibited, all PCDs must be placed in silent mode and stored out of sight.

When the use or possession of PCDs is permitted, all PCDs must be placed in silent mode unless otherwise required by an IEP or Section 504 plan to monitor/address a health concern, or as permitted by a principal or teacher for learning purposes. Students permitted to use a PCD for these limited reasons are expected to use the approved device only as authorized. PCDs must be stored out of sight when directed by the administrator, teacher, bus driver, adult supervising an extracurricular or school event, or sponsor.

Students shall have no expectation of confidentiality with respect to their use of PCDs while at school or on school property, including school buildings, other facilities, and school vehicles.

Possession of PCDs on Campus
Students are permitted to possess a PCD on their person as long as they remain stored out of sight and are not used except when permitted by this policy or the emergency management plan.

Possession of a PCD by a student during the instructional day, and during school-related events and functions, is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise abuses this privilege.

Violations of this policy may result in the following disciplinary measures:

• Issue a verbal warning and require the student to store the PCD in accordance with this policy.

• Confiscate the PCD and store it securely in a staff-controlled locker, bin, or drawer for the duration of the class or period.

• Confiscate the student's PCD and store it in the facility's central office for the remainder of the school-related event or instructional day.

• Confiscate the student's PCD in the facility's central office to be picked up by the student's parent or guardian.

• Schedule a conference with the student's parent or guardian to discuss the student's PCD use.

• Loss of privilege to bring a PCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis (unless required for medical reasons or in accordance with an IEP or Section 504 plan).

• In-school suspension.

• Out-of-school suspension.

• Expulsion.

• As assigned by Building Administrator.

If the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g. child pornography, sexting), the school official will also refer the matter to law enforcement or child services. The PCD will be confiscated and may be turned over to law enforcement if a violation involves potentially illegal activity.

School officials will not search or otherwise tamper with PCDs in District custody unless they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of the law or other school rules. Any search will be conducted in accordance with Board Policy 5771 - Search and Seizure.

A person who discovers a student using a PCD, recording device, or other device with one- or two-way audio communication technology in violation of this policy is required to report the violation to the Principal or Superintendent.

Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCDs. The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.

Parents/Guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.

This policy shall be posted prominently on the District's website and in a central location in each school building and made publicly available upon request.

 

The Board of Education recognizes that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of their children and promotes parental involvement in the District's public school system. In addition, parents have certain rights in the school system to know about their student's educational experience. Specific rights are listed in topic areas of these policies.

Sexuality Content/Mental, Emotional, or Physical Health or Well Being/Health Care Services Definitions:

For purposes of this policy:

"Age-appropriate" and "developmentally appropriate" content refers to activities or items that are generally accepted as suitable for children of the same chronological age or level of maturity or that are determined to be developmentally appropriate for a child, based on the development of cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral capacities that are typical for an age or age group.

"Student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being" includes, at a minimum, any of the following:

• A student's academic performance;

• Any significant sickness or physical injury, or any psychological trauma suffered by a student;

• Any harassment, intimidation, or bullying, as defined in section 3313.666 of the Revised Code, by or against a student in violation of School District policy;

• Any request by a student to identify as a gender that does not align with the student's biological sex;

• Exhibition of suicidal ideation or persistent symptoms of depression or severe anxiety, or other mental health issues.

"Sexuality content" means any oral or written instruction, presentation, image, or description of sexual concepts or gender ideology provided in a classroom setting. "Sexuality content" does not mean any of the following:

• Instruction or presentations in sexually transmitted infection education, child sexual abuse prevention, and sexual violence prevention education provided under division (A)(5) of section 3313.60 or section 3314.0310 or 3326.091 of the Revised Code;

• Instruction or presentations in sexually transmitted infection education emphasizing abstinence provided under section 3313.6011 of the Revised Code;

• Incidental references to sexual concepts or gender ideology occurring outside of formal instruction or presentations on such topics, including references made during class participation and in schoolwork.

Sexuality Content and Parental Notification

The Board will ensure that any sexuality content is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate for the age of the student receiving the instruction, regardless of the age or grade level of the student. The Board will not permit instruction that includes sexuality content in grades kindergarten through grade three (3).

Prior to providing instruction that includes sexuality content or permitting a third party to provide such instruction on behalf of the District, the Board will provide parents the opportunity to review any instructional material that includes sexuality content. Upon request of the student's parent, a student shall be excused from instruction that includes sexuality content and shall be permitted to participate in an alternative assignment.

Student Services/Mental, Emotional, Physical Health or Well-Being/Safe and Supportive Learning Environment and Parental Notification

The Board will promptly notify a student's parent of any substantial change in the student's services, including counseling services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being or the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student. Such notification will be provided by the student's building administration through email and/or telephone conference. The Board will not inhibit parental access to the student's education and health records maintained by the school.

School District personnel will not directly or indirectly encourage a student to withhold from a parent information concerning the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, or a change in related services or monitoring.

School District personnel will not discourage or prohibit parental notification of and involvement in decisions affecting a student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being.

Procedure for Authorization From Parents for Health Care Services

Authorization of parents must be obtained by the Board prior to providing any type of health care service to students, including physical, mental, and behavioral health care services. Parents may choose whether to authorize the Board to provide a health care service to the parent's child.

To facilitate parental involvement and decision-making on such authorization, at the beginning of each school year, the Board will notify parents of each health care service offered at, or facilitated in cooperation with, their student's school of attendance and of the parent's option to withhold consent or decline any specified service. If granted, parental consent to health care services does not waive the parent's right to access their child/children's educational or health records or to be notified about a change in the student's services or monitoring as set forth herein.

Prior to providing a health care service to a student, the building administration of the student's school of attendance will notify a parent whether the service is required to be provided by the School District under State law and if other options for a student to access the service exist.

At the beginning of each school year, the Board will provide an annual notice to parents of known health care services required by the District under State law.

These notification requirements do not apply to emergency situations, first aid, other unanticipated minor health care services, or health care services provided pursuant to a student's IEP or the District's obligation under section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 794.

Process for Resolving Parental Concerns

Parents may file written concerns with the Principal or other building administrator of the student's school of attendance regarding any topics addressed in the above Parental Rights and Parental Involvement section of this policy. Parents will be notified at the beginning of each school year of their right to file a written concern. The Principal or other building administrator will take steps with parent(s) to resolve the concern within thirty (30) days of receipt of the written concern. If not satisfied with the outcome of the resolution by the Principal or building administrator, the parent(s) may appeal a decision at that level to the Superintendent.

If a parent appeals the Principal's or building administrator's decision, the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee will conduct a hearing on the decision. Based on the findings of that hearing, the Superintendent shall decide whether to affirm the Principal's or building administrator's decision. If the Superintendent determines not to affirm the decision, the Superintendent shall determine a resolution to the parent's concern and communicate the decision to the parent. A parent may appeal the Superintendent's decision to the Board of Education.

If the Superintendent's decision is appealed, the Board shall review the Superintendent's decision and, if the Board determines it necessary, hold a hearing on the decision and, based on that hearing, either affirm the Superintendent's decision or determine a new resolution to the parent's concern.

Nothing in this policy shall be read to prevent a parent from contacting a member of the Board regarding a concern with the operation of a school under the supervision of the Board of Education.

Parent Right to Inspect Instructional Materials

In addition, parents have the right to inspect any instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum for their student. Instructional materials means instructional content, regardless of format, that is provided to the student, including printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials available in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). Instructional material does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

The Superintendent shall, in consultation with parents, develop a procedure addressing the right of parents as described herein and procedures to assure timely response to parental requests to review instructional material. The procedure shall also address reasonable notification to parents and students of their rights to review these materials. See AG 9130A and Form 9130 F3.

Right to Inspect Technology Provider Contract

The District shall provide parents and students with an opportunity to inspect a complete copy of each technology provider contract.

This policy shall not supersede any rights under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.